I Hate Systems

Chapter 145: Phantom

“Forming a bridge to an alternate universe isn’t something a Level 99 Grade 1 System like me can do. But,” The octagonal cylinder laughed, “That’s why I stole the authorities of thousands of Grade 1 Systems to create this bridge that can last for at most a couple of minutes. But still, that’ll be enough for me to find a suitable host in that world.”

“And with that, I’ll slowly gain the authority of the Mother Parasite living there.” It laughed, beginning to generate power as countless streams of lights exited its injuries. The more the streaks of light exited it, the faster its injuries waned.

It was apparent that its injuries stemmed forth from inserting unsuitable authorities of other Systems into its body forcefully.

“Once I obtain the power of the Mother Parasite, I’ll obtain a method to become a Grade 2 System and even beyond. I won’t face any limitations to become stronger.” It laughed, noticing a small portal form before it, “In the future, I’ll even become one of the legendary Grade 4 Systems.”

Soon, all the streaks of light exited its body, causing all its injuries to vanish. And, right as the portal finished forming, it regained all its power, surprised when it noticed the figure of Compass Carburettor, shouting in anger, “What is a weed like you doing in my home?”

But, it was unable to divert its attention onto him. After all, what it was attempting was incomparably more important than getting rid of a fragile weed. But, even though it was unable to divert any strength to kill the weed, just its words froze Compass Carburettor in place, overwhelming him.

‘Dammit!’ He was unable to move, rooted to the spot as he stared at the octagonal cylinder-shaped System and the portal it had formed.

Outlined in the portal was a massive metropolis, completely magenta in colour, glittering like a gem in the darkness.

‘Now, I have to find the individual that would allow me the greatest chance to obtain the authority of the Mother Parasite.’ The octagonal cylinder-shaped System thought, uses the abilities lodged in the portal to change the scenes, soon focusing at the centre of the city, observing the building situated atop an artificial mountain.

It focused on the figure of a gentle youth seated within, one that was oozing with kindness, ‘Damn, to think such a kind individual could actually exist. And, it seems he’s pretty strong.’

But, right as it was observing him, the eyes of the individual swerved in its direction, causing it to flinch for a moment before muttering, ‘No, it’s impossible for anyone to see here from a world. All such bridges are one-way only. He must have been observing someone in this direction in his world.’

Suddenly, the youth’s mouth moved as a gentle voice resounded around the octagonal cylinder-shaped System, “Permanence System, was it?”

“What?” The octagonal cylinder-shaped System, i.e. the Permanence System was flabbergasted, “H-How did you know about me?”

“You Systems are pretty interesting. You are similar to our Wisdom and Frenzy Parasites but without any Souls of your own.” The youth muttered, smiling as he pointed at his head, slowly causing something to gradually materialise.

It was an ethereal tentacle, condensed from energy, one that trailed from the youth’s head and had exited the portal, being wrapped around the Permanence System. And worst of all, it had happened right from the start. Only when he voluntarily displayed it did the System manage to notice the tentacle coiled around it.

In fluster, the Permanence System noticed mysterious symbols flashing out of its body and flowing through the ethereal tentacle before spilling into the youth’s head.

And to its despair, it was unable to understand just what was happening, not to mention being able to stop it. But suddenly, it was unable to generate any resistance, its notion of trying to activate its Core Skill failing. Rather, it itself, for some reason, stopped the activation.

It was a baffling feeling. And worst of all, it felt as if this sensation was normal, natural for it to feel this way.

“I was afraid that this new enemy would be troublesome. But, since you have a mind of your own, it makes things grandly simple.” The youth laughed casually.

“So, Compass Carburettor, was it? Man, your name sucks.” Suddenly, the youth’s voice resounded in Compass Carburettor’s mind, shocking him.

“H-How?” As he was unable to speak, all he could do was think to relay his shock.

But, it seemed the other party was capable of reading minds as the youth’s jovial voice resounded, “I just comprehended the memories of both you and that Permanence System. I have a general understanding of things now.”

“Unfortunately, even though I wish to use the power of the Permanence System for myself, the moment I bring it to my world, a connection would be firmly established between both our universes.” The youth said, “And, I don’t want such a situation to happen. It would be troubling to face the countless Systems on my own, since I already have to face a rather troublesome enemy here. So, let’s do it this way.”

Right as he spoke, the ethereal arm—that was wrapped around the Permanence System—suddenly turned jet-black, rapidly corroding its body. And the strangest of all, the Permanence System didn’t even react, calmly watching its body turn into a puddle in a matter of seconds.

Immediately, the ethereal arm turned green, condensing the puddle into a tiny marble when the youth’s voice resounded in Compass Carburettor’s mind, “Amazing, to think my Trait of Wonder can affect even Systems.”

After placing the tiny marble on Compass Carburettor’s hands using the energy tentacle, the voice said, “This is the Core Skill of the Permanence System. As a System Slayer, once you refine this, it would prevent it from reviving in the future. It seems only it knows of the method to forge a bridge between alternate universes. So, with its death being permanent, I won’t have to worry anymore.”

But, it seemed the youth wasn’t actually requesting as Compass Carburettor watched his hand move on its own before condensing Anthozoa. It then sucked the marble into it. His Mental Energy reacted immediately, beginning to refine it.

In his mind, the Permanence System appeared, barely visible, seemingly having lost all its power. The two worlds behind him took action, rending it apart within a couple of seconds as the Core Skill of the Permanence System became his. Everything happened beyond his will.

And once it concluded, Compass Carburettor noticed that he was able to move once again, observing that the place where the Permanence System had stood upon before now lay vacant. As for the portal, five jet black arms seemed to be corroding through it when the youth’s voice resounded in his mind once again.

“Tell that idiot behind you to write my story faster. My patience is waning thin.”

“Your story? What does that mean?” Compass Carburettor was utterly confused now.

“Well, it seems he already obtained my message. Anyways, I’ll be destroying this bridge now. Work hard to rescue Stencil, Domino Plottopia…bah, can’t you find a better name? Just because you wished to troll the book bugs doesn’t mean you can slap two items and call it a name.” The youth groaned.

“Wait, who are you?” The more he listened, the more confused he became. But upon noticing that the portal was about to close up, he asked in a hurry, at least wishing to know something about this terrifying entity.

“Haha, alright.” The youth’s voice resounded in his mind once the portal finished closing, slowly vanishing, “I’m the second Psychic Parasite, Jyorta Bone. Currently, the world addresses me as…”

“Psychic Ancestor Phantom.”