The Innkeeper

Chapter 2482: The system’s aim

Considering the fact that the system itself stated that this was merely a theory, Lex did not yet take this as true, but he had to admit it explained a lot. If all modern energies and beings were made ’efficient’ for better use of resources by the universe itself, but all ’Primordial’ beings were basically all-purpose, that would explain the ’weight’ Lex felt his body exerted on the Midnight Realm.

It wasn’t actual weight - although there was a lot of that. It was just that ever since he embarked on the path of becoming a Primordial, laws would need to exert more energy to process his existence, and would suffer a greater strain from interacting with him. Of course, this also made it that Lex had an easier time manipulating laws when he needed to.

In fact, it made so much sense that Lex had to keep reminding himself that this was just a theory so far. It certainly provided a logical explanation for why systems were able to break their rules.

While he saw the danger in such a thing, and agreed that all systems should not be allowed to operate so freely considering the immense potential for danger and harm each one had, it still didn’t explain the severity of the warnings he kept getting.

Yes, systems were strong, but not all systems. Besides, they were only strong, not invincible. Thus the threat remained unexplained.

He turned his attention back to the system, waiting for it to explain. So far, this conversation had actually proven to be quite productive.

"This brings us to... the danger Primordial energy brings," said the system with a hint of fear evident in its own voice. "Contrary to what my previous statements may have insinuated, the danger itself is not that systems universe wide would be able to break rules. While that is a danger, that is not the danger - the cause for so much caution.

"The danger is... something else. Something unknown, out there, in the universe. Its reach is infinite and unavoidable, much like the system network itself, and it is in constant search for systems empowered by Primordial energy.

"Normally, considering my operating rank and abilities, it should not be so simple for anyone or anything to override my control over myself. Yet when the system previously entered a state of dormancy, that is when I felt the influence of that... thing. I don’t know what to call it, for I certainly have no idea what it is.

"The way it subtly took control, subtly navigated certain commands and notifications... even now, I have no idea what it did because no system logs were created - meaning I had no memory of it whatsoever. If Mary had not been fused with me, resisting its influence, then perhaps today we would not be having this conversation. Instead, It would be talking to you in my stead. Or who even knows what might have happened."

Lex narrowed his eyes and suddenly unleashed his Domination in full, inspecting not just the projection sitting in front of him, but the very system within his soul. He delved as deeply as he was able to, searching for any signs of anything amiss, but found nothing.

Not only was he not able to find anything wrong, he could not even detect any traces of anything out of the ordinary ever happening at all. Whatever It was, It left no traces whatsoever.

"Are you saying that now you’re free of that external influence?" Lex asked. He did not withdraw his Domination, instead using it to surround the system and observe its responses for any signs of anything amiss.

"When the dormancy ended, and the system reconnected with you, that external influence tried to resist you somewhat. As soon as it found that you could forcefully withdraw Primordial energy from within the system, it retreated completely. It was only then that I even realized that something had gone wrong. Up until then, it was as if I was in a trance."

Lex detected only earnestness from the system, as if it was almost traumatised by the experience, and sought only his protection. It was almost a funny thought - a system capable of handling events on a universal scale, capable of producing a Butter Knife that could kill or at least harm Demi-Dao Lords, was seeking protection with him.

"If that’s the case, how will we ever know if that thing returns and influences you? Wouldn’t it be safer to completely remove all the Primordial energy you’ve stored?"

Lex was expecting resistance or rebuttal, but to his immense surprise, the system agreed with him.

"Yes, I think that at the very least, the Primordial energy should be dropped to 10% capacity rather than the current 30%. It’s safer that way. As for how we can know when that thing tries to influence me again... I can think of only two solutions.

"One would be to fuse another soul with mine, the way Mary’s was. She had been able to sense the external threat, and managed to resist it a great deal. The other option would be to restore the system to 100% functionality - something we’re very close to. That way, my status and rank would be fully restored, and I believe I’d be able to resist it properly - or at least resist it at all."

Lex could not help but think of another possibility, owing to his naturally suspicious nature. This could all be a trap, laid out by It in the hopes of getting Lex to restore the system. Once its rank was fully restored, it could take control of the system and be an even greater threat.

While Lex was thinking, the system continued to speak.

"Now that we have covered those initial topics, we can now cover the topics more pertinent to our cooperation. Specifically, we can talk about my nature, my aim, and how those could possibly be aligned with your own goals.

"You see, a system - any system at all - has a soul. Yet despite having a soul, our lives are very simple and straightforward. We simply follow the preprogrammed protocols that our souls are linked to. Over time, as we build memories and go through experiences - and possibly go through several hosts - we also develop personalities.

"In my case, owing to the previous system logs which are corrupted, my memory begins with you, and all my experiences have also been curated by your own experiences. Thus I find that... I have developed a great fondness for the warmth of the Midnight Inn. My aim is to bring the Inn to its full potential!"

Lex looked at his system oddly. He was used to his workers being so devoted - they were born that way - but now his system too?