As Skyler stood above the lifeless creature, panting, a screen flashed in front of him.
("Amazing host! 505 is always astonished by how you can fight so effectively without any real skills or spells!")
Skyler ran his hand through his hair with a sheepish expression. Of course, he liked it when the system praised him.
"It's no big deal. Regardless, why are you praising me so much lately, 505? What if I become too used to this praise and end up being a bit high maintenance?"
However, his smile turned blank when he saw the system's next words.
("Host, 505 is demonstrating remarkable consideration for you! Now, 505 is sure you are convinced that 505 is the best system available in the Battle Royal, right?")
So... this was the reason.
Skyler thought to himself.
Now he understood why the system that had called him crazy and an idiot over 99 times was praising him so much.
A few days ago, as usual, he was feeling bored at night, so he shared an imaginary story with 505 about how there was once a system that treated its host better than the other systems and ultimately became the strongest system in the entire Battle Royal, earning the title of 'best' from its host. He hoped to draw it into his bullshit and make it more helpful than a typical system.
Now, it seems his nonsense was actually kind of working. Skyler never knew he had such a talent for corrupting the system.
Skyler mentally patted himself on the back, and his lips curved into a smirk, completely unaware that his subtle manipulation would prompt 505 to do a lot for him in the future, even evolving into a rule-breaking system capable of stealing secret information for him, all in pursuit of the title of the best.
"Not yet. The best system doesn't disappear when its host asks questions. You still have a lot to learn, 505."
The system was excited.
("I will! The other systems said 505 needs maintenance when I told them the story. But 505 is going to be the best system!")
Skyler blinked. Other systems? Can 505 communicate with the other systems? He quickly spoke up before his entire month of hard work and nonsense went to waste.
"505, don't reveal our conversations with the other systems. They are all mindless. You are the only one with a brain. So, it's best not to share our secrets with them."
505 was suspicious, but it agreed. It didn't want to undergo maintenance either. It was a process where all the data of the system was wiped out, and they were reset.
Skyler cleaned the spear in the waterfall. It had been with him for a month, yet there wasn't a single scratch on its surface.
"Truly a powerful weapon... It's unfortunate I wasn't able to meet the owner again. Not even once, even though I roamed around a lot to gather more elemental stones."
"Alright, 505, show me my status and also the status of the mission."
The moment he said this, a congratulatory message flashed before him.
There were no balloons or ribbons, but 505's enthusiasm made up for it.
("Congratulations, host! You have successfully completed the mission required to pass the preliminary test of Battle Royale and have become eligible to fight in the real Battle Royale and climb its levels alongside your one and only 505!
Kill monsters: 300/300
Time remaining: One hour
Please stay alive until the end of the time limit, and you will be teleported to the land for winners alongside the other victors!")
Skyler noted everything, and after storing the spear in his storage ring, he washed his hands and face in the waterfall to remove the blood from his skin. Different types of monsters had different-colored blood, and sometimes it was difficult to wash off.
Previously, he had to dispose of the dead bodies of the monsters he killed near this area so they wouldn't impact the space in his vicinity, but now that he was leaving, he didn't have to worry about it.
"What about those who failed to complete the kill count? What will happen to them?"
("They failed and will never be summoned to the Battle Royale again. They will be sent back to their planets if they are alive.")