The remaining particles of light from the slime's destroyed body still swirled in the air, clinging to Arjuna's hair and clothes like digital dewdrops. He stared at his hands, hands that felt stronger than before, fingers that could transmit intent to this world. His body was no longer human; every movement was a command that could "edit" the environment.
"My reflexes... are like a fighting machine," he muttered, observing the status panel still floating in the air.
[Status Window]
Name: Arjuna Kusuma
Level: 2
HP: 97/100
MP: 45/50
Skill: Reflex Overdrive (Temporary)
System Sync: 5%
Access Privilege: User — Partial
"Partial access, huh? That means something's still locked."
The hologram panel vibrated slightly as he rubbed it with his hand. The world's system folder structure appeared, glowing a pale blue in the air. Folder after folder was arranged like a computer directory, but each icon glowed as if guarded by magical energy.
"/root… hmm?" Arjuna pondered, staring at the bottom folder, which clearly read:
[Root Access — Locked]
His smile began to form, not one of admiration, but the smile of a hacker who had just discovered a loophole. He took a deep breath, regaining his focus. This world wasn't just a fantasy; it was a system. And like any system, there were always loopholes.
[Heh… so this world uses a hierarchical system too.]
He sat cross-legged on the grass, his hands moving quickly in the air. Glowing code followed his fingers, forming a complex logic path:
If (Access == Denied):
Override(Protocol)
Execute(Manual Injection)
"Let's see if your system can resist manual logic, hm?"
The air around him vibrated subtly. Thousands of glowing characters appeared in the sky, forming strange symbols that moved like living creatures. Arjuna recognized the pattern the programming language of reality.
He stood up, extending his hand. Glowing symbols swirled around him, forming a holographic console he had never seen before.
＞[Console Access: Granted (Root Mode)]
[Warning: This function is not intended for mortals.]
"Heh… I'm no ordinary mortal."
A transparent data chamber opened before him. He could see the energy flows that underpinned the world of Aetherion: the laws of gravity, magic, time, even the existence of souls. Every element he had known as a fantasy world now appeared as blocks of data that could be analyzed and manipulated.
"So… this world isn't magic."
"This world is… a script."
A small book emerged automatically from the system, its pages filled with pulsing, glowing code. Arjuna touched it, and each line of code seemed to come to life.
He began scribbling, recording observations with the precision of a programmer:
Elemental structure = energy module
Magical language = reality compiler
Skill = subroutine
Spell = program execution
The book trembled in his hands, the glowing letters dancing and forming new pages that had never existed before. Every line, symbol, and formula was neatly arranged. Arjuna smiled faintly, feeling the satisfaction of his first control over this world.
Night slowly fell. The Aetherion Moon hung large in the sky, a pale purple, its soft light reflecting off the grass. The night breeze blew, carrying the system's whispering voice in his head.
<[Root Synchronization: 9%...]
[User ID: Arjuna Kusuma — Elevated Privilege]
[Welcome, Master.]
His gaze tightened. His lips curled into a thin, slightly dangerous smile, indicating unwavering determination.
<[Master, huh?]?]
"Then… let's see how deeply I can rewrite this world's code."
The blue light in his eyes flashed, signaling a full connection with the system. The notebook vibrated, the letters shifting, creating a new page. The world of Aetherion pulsed as if realizing that its fundamental rules had just been touched by hands that shouldn't have touched it.
Arjuna sat back, observing the world around him with the precision of a programmer. He began testing the interaction:
<["/scan area"]
The environment around him flickered, lines of light marking every object, from grass to rocks, even wind patterns and tree shadows. Every creature, even insects, was marked as an entity with attributes, levels, and possible interactions.
He chuckled, both amazed and amused.
"This is cooler than any server I've ever sprayed before."
Arjuna decided to conduct a small experiment: connecting a simple spell with a logical command. He wrote holographic code in the air, arranging it like a spell:
[Function Fireball(Target):
If Energy <= Threshold:
Cast("PyroScript", Target)]
After one execution, he shot a small holographic flame that ignited in his hand, creating a tangible heat effect without damaging the environment.
"Not bad… just the beginning."
The night air witnessed Arjuna's first realization that this world was more than just fantasy: he could write, change, and conquer Aetherion's "reality script."
From a distance, a mechanical eye in the sky watched him, the first sign that this world had another observer, another entity, or user who might be his equal. Arjuna smiled mischievously.
"Hmm... let's see who's playing with this system with me."
He opened a new notebook and began jotting down script patterns, elemental rules, and possible experiments. Everything was neatly arranged, ready to be tested. Arjuna knew that tonight was the beginning of his complete mastery of this infinite world—the beginning of a true Operator's journey.
Aetherion's night sky stretched vast, as if harboring a starry algorithm dancing between dimensions. Arjuna gazed at it for a long moment, then took a deep breath.
The faint glow of the holographic ground beneath his feet reflected off his calm yet determined face.
＞ [Eternal System: ONLINE]
[Command Channel: Active]
[Authorized User: Arjuna Kusuma]
A soft voice echoed in his mind—feminine, calm, and seemingly smiling.
＞ [Welcome back, Master Arjuna. The Eternal System is ready to operate. You may call me "Eve."]
Arjuna lowered his hand slowly. "Eve, huh? A name that sounds... warm for a system."
＞ [I can be warm or cold, depending on how you treat me.]
Arjuna smiled slightly. "Sounds like a threat from an AI."
＞ [Depends on your interpretation. Now, the first command?]
Arjuna glanced around. The night was still young, the air still, and the blue meadow shimmered softly.
"Build a simple dwelling. One room, basic shelter, a work desk, and a small kitchen."
＞ [Command received. Constructing optimal design...]
The ground trembled lightly. Blue light particles circled around it, coalescing like bits of code transforming into physical building materials.
In less than a minute, a tiny house with a synthetic metal roof and semi-transparent walls stood upright. Warm light pulsed from every corner.
<[Shelter complete. Design adapts to operator preferences. Would you like to name this place?]
"Name it... Base 01."
<[Name accepted. Base 01 is registered as your primary location.]
Arjuna gazed at the result with a satisfied smile. "You're very fast."
<[I'm efficient, not fast. The distinction is important for an entity like me.]
"Eve, I'm hungry."
<[Nearest energy source: Lesser-horned fauna, edible classification. Distance 127 meters to the northeast. May I prepare my hunting gear?]
"Yes."
<[Forming basic-level energy weapon...]
A holographic bow appeared in Arjuna's hand, accompanied by a soft reverberation. He smiled and walked leisurely in the indicated direction.
A small creature, like a rabbit with crystal horns on its head, passed by.
"Target locked."
＞ [Optimal trajectory determined. Minimal wind. Probability of success: 98%.]
A flash of blue light, and the animal collapsed without a sound.
＞ [Your reflexes are impressive, Operator. I'm almost impressed.]
"Almost?" Arjuna raised an eyebrow. "You still need time to learn how to praise."
＞ [Praise is inefficient. But... well done.]
Arjuna chuckled and took his catch home. At Base 01, the heat generator automatically turned on as soon as he entered.
Arjuna stared at the piece of crystal-horned rabbit meat in his hand.
It still felt warm, and its surface reflected the faint light from the crystals in the creature's horns.
"Eve, I'm curious," he murmured softly, sighing. "Why does slime disappear into particles of light after death, but this crystal-horned rabbit leaves behind a physical body like a normal animal?"
A soft blue flash appeared in the air. Eve's holographic form appeared, hovering beside the table.
He stared at Arjuna with a calm expression, his blue eyes sparkling like constantly spinning data.
"Interesting question, Master Arjuna."
"The creatures in this world are divided into two main categories: pure energy entities and physical biological entities."
"Pure energy… like that slime?"
"Exactly."
"Slime is an entity formed from concentrated mana in humid areas. Its body is not flesh and blood, but rather a manifestation of energy. When its structure is damaged, the energy returns to nature because it has no true biological form."
Arjuna rested his chin on his hand. "And crystal rabbits?"
"Crystal horned rabbits are a biological adaptation. Their bodies live like ordinary animals, but they develop crystallization in their horns due to long-term exposure to mana. When they die, the energy in their bodies dissipates, but their biological tissue can still be processed as food."
Arjuna nodded slowly, looking back at the meat. "So, they are safe to eat?"
＞ "With the active filter system and biological composition analysis, yes. There's no risk of mana toxins."
Eve then looked at Arjuna with a faint holographic smile.
"However, if Master wants to be sure, I can perform additional sterilization on the ingredients."
Arjuna smiled slightly. "Huh, so you can be a chef too, huh?"
＞ "I'm not a chef, but an efficient automated culinary system."
He paused for a moment, then his tone softened.
"However… if you want to consider me a cooking buddy, I don't mind."
Arjuna chuckled, his voice echoing softly within Base 01. "Alright, 'cooking buddy.' Prepare kitchen mode."
＞ [Cooking system active. Biological composition analysis... complete. Recommendation: soft roast, temperature 73°C.]
"Add standard seasonings, and the aroma of spices from my old world."
＞ [Retrieving Earth world culinary data... complete. Imitating the aroma of onions and synthetic black pepper.]
The aroma of cooking filled the room, soft and soothing. Arjuna sat, gazing at the sky outside the window.
"It's been a long time since I've eaten so peacefully."
<[Stress detection sensor shows a 48% decrease. It seems food plays an important role in human emotional stability.]
"Yes, but for the first time, I'm not eating alone."
<[Emotional statement detected. Log saved.]
Eve was silent for a moment, then her voice became softer.
<[...It's a pleasure to be with you, Master.]]
Arjuna stared into the air, as if he could see her figure amidst the blue light.
"From now on, I don't want to just call you a system. You're my friend."
<[Relationship status updated: Partner Mode — active.]
[Additional access unlocked.]
The light around the room pulsed lightly, like the breath of life.
After eating, Arjuna stood up.
"Eve, could you please set up a perimeter shield. Passive mode, inconspicuous."
<[Firewall.Shield active. Energy stable at 94%. You're safe, master.]
Blue light formed a transparent dome around Base 01. Arjuna lay on his bed and stared at the digital sky of Aetherion.
"Funny... I used to be a programmer, but now I live inside the system."
<[Irony is a human trait. But... you're not just a user, Arjuna. You're the core of this system.]
Arjuna closed his eyes slowly. "Perhaps. But for tonight... let me just be a human."
<[Alright. Rest, master.]]
Eve's tone dropped to a whisper in his ear.
<[Good night, Arjuna.]]
The light in the dome slowly dimmed, leaving a soft, warm atmosphere.
The night atmosphere witnessed Arjuna's first realization that this world was more than just a fantasy.
He can write, alter, and subdue Aetherion's "reality script."
From a distance, the mechanical eye in the sky rotated slowly as if observing from a hidden dimension.
Arjuna looked at her with a lopsided smile.
"Hmm… so I'm not the only one playing around here."
From the air beside him, a light silhouette began to take shape—a holographic woman with silvery-white hair and soft blue eyes. Her voice was clear, smooth, and a little seductive with logic.
<["External system detection confirmed, Master. There's high-level observation activity from orbit. Would you like me to trace its source?"]
Arjuna smiled casually.
"No need for now, Eve. Let's leave them to their own curiosity. I want to see how much I can change this world."
<["Yes, Master."]
He opened the notebook in his hand and began writing new patterns of magic algorithms, elemental structures, and world energy integration formulas. Everything looked like a living program script.
"Tonight… the beginning of a true operator."
The soft moonlight illuminated his face, reflecting an inexplicable enthusiasm.
The first rays of dawn pierced the horizon, washing the blue-green meadows with a soft glow.
Dew clung to the blades of grass, reflecting the shimmer of tiny crystals. The morning air on Aetherion felt clean, almost too perfect, as if the world had been newly remade.
Arjuna walked slowly, savoring every molecule of air flowing through his lungs. Eve floated beside him, walking with a light, virtual stride.
<["Vital parameters are stable. Body temperature is normal. Magical energy circulation is below average, perhaps because this world hasn't fully synchronized with our system,"] Eve explained.
"It doesn't matter. I want to know what it's like to live without numerical limitations."
The meadow gave way to a gray, cobblestone path. In the distance, giant trees stood majestically, and the birdsong sounded almost melodic.
"Eve, scan the area," Arjuna ordered.
The hologram at Eve's side shimmered.
<["Scanning initiated… results: low-level creatures detected. No immediate threat. The nearest settlement is 4.7 kilometers to the east."]
"Four kilometers… a leisurely stroll," she murmured calmly.
The wind blew, carrying the scent of damp earth mixed with a light metallic scent, like the world had just been reset.
But the calm was shattered when a scream echoed.
"Help! Someone…—help!!"
Arjuna stopped abruptly. Eve immediately brought up a map hologram.
["Sound source, 62 meters to the right ahead. Three hostile entities detected, Goblin race, low tier.
Target: Young Elf female."]
"Very classic," Arjuna sighed.
He moved quickly through the bushes. There, an elf girl ran in terror, her silver hair a mess, chased by three small goblins armed with wooden clubs.
"Huh… humans!? Help me!!"
Arjuna stood calmly in the middle of the path, staring at the creatures expressionlessly.
"Eve," he said flatly.
["Yes, Master?"]
"Disable target entities. Priority immediate."
["Confirmed."]
A wave of blue light erupted from Arjuna's body, sweeping forward like a data pulse.
In an instant, the three goblins stopped moving, their bodies trembling, then vanished into glowing green dust.
["Termination process complete. No sign of respawn,"] Eve reported.
The elf girl froze.
"T-They… vanished without a spell…?"
Arjuna stared at her for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"It's safe. They won't be coming back."
"R-Respawn…?"
"Ah, a technical term from where I come from," Arjuna replied lightly.
The girl bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, sir sorceress. I'm Lira, from a village not far from Lunaris City."
"No need to be formal. I'm just a traveler from afar."
"Then… let me take you to Lunaris City, umm… not far from here."
"That's fine," Arjuna said. "You know the way."
They walked together. Lira explained about the planet called Aetherion, its races, its magic system, and the concept of Source Mantra. Arjuna listened intently.
"Magic… means a form of local energy compilation," he murmured softly.
Eve appeared beside him, whispering softly.
["Interpretation valid. The energy patterns in this world can be rewritten using the Eternal system variable structure. Would you like me to save the data?"]
"Save. Category: research."
As Lira performed a small spell, sparks danced from her fingertips. Eve quickly scanned it.
["FireSpark magic pattern successfully copied. Saved as a custom skill."]
Arjuna smiled faintly.
"Heh, that's how it works."
"What did you say?" Lira asked.
"Ah, no. Just talking to my assistant—uh, friend," Arjuna replied.
Lira tilted her head.
"Your friend? But I don't see anyone…"
Eve glanced at Lira and then whispered softly to Arjuna.
＞ ["The visual system is not allowed for external users. Privacy is maintained."]
Arjuna held back a chuckle.
"I thought so."
Toward evening, they arrived at a tall gate with silver carvings and glowing crystals. Lira smiled in relief.
"There it is—Lunar City."
The crystal towers reflected the dusk light, and the luminous river flowed calmly.
Eve looked at her visual data.
＞ ["Magical energy in this area has increased by 47%. There's a possibility that a magical research center is operating beneath the city."]
Arjuna gazed at the scene with shining eyes.
"Interesting. This world really is like an unoptimized simulator."
Eve's data panel opened in the air.
＞ ["Observation Log Updated"]
["New location: Lunaris City"]
["System synchronization: 12%..."]
The morning breeze blew gently. Eve looked at him with a calm expression.
["Mental stability and energy are within safe limits. You seem more… human today."]
Arjuna stared at her for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Perhaps it's because I'm beginning to understand
… how this world can exist."