The Boy Who Walks Beyond The End-Chapter 47: Zen and the System

Zen slowly stirred, feeling a dull ache in his head. His eyes fluttered open, and he found himself back in his secret training space, the familiar yet mysterious atmosphere surrounding him. The events of the previous night rushed back—an unknown person, a strange cave, and a sense of danger and power that still lingered in his mind.

[System] "Oh, so you've decided to wake up, huh? Did you have a nice nap in your little forest?"

Zen furrowed his brows, trying to recollect his thoughts. He scanned the surroundings but saw nothing familiar. The cave, the eerie atmosphere—it was all gone. A quiet emptiness replaced what had been there before.

Zen: "Where did the cave go? Did that person move it?"

[System] "I don't know. I didn't exactly have a good view of things when you were knocked out cold." [The system let out a mock sigh.] "I was just chilling in the fog, you know, doing nothing important."

Zen sat up, feeling his head throb slightly. "That person—how strong was he? He just vanished without a trace."

[System] "Oh, him? Don't worry, I bet he was just another guy trying to mess with your head. But let me tell you something, I could probably take him on if I wanted to. No sweat!" [The system snickered with a sense of pride.]

Zen sighed, pushing himself up. The thoughts of the unknown person and the disappearing cave weighed on him, but he decided to move forward. He got to his room, and as expected, the system followed him.

Zen: "Why are you following me? Didn't you just get out of that fog? You should be thankful, not following me around."

[System] "Oh, come on. I'm just trying to make sure you don't get yourself into more trouble. After all, you did free me, so I'm your responsibility now." [The system's voice was playful but firm.]

Zen shot a glance at the system, raising an eyebrow. "So, what, you want me to be your... master now?"

[System] "Exactly! You freed me, so technically, you're my master. Isn't that cool?" [The system said with a hint of excitement, though it sounded more like it was expecting Zen to be impressed.]

Zen groaned. "Fine, whatever. Just don't talk too much, okay?"

The system didn't seem to mind Zen's tone and happily bounced around, saying nothing for a few moments. Then it perked up.

[System] "By the way, I don't really have an owner. You're the first one. Isn't that exciting?" [It paused, waiting for Zen's response.]

Zen: "Wait, so you've never had another owner before?"

[System] "Nope. You're the first. Lucky you!" [It was almost as if the system was showing off.]

Zen thought for a moment. "Alright, but if I'm going to be your... master, what exactly do I need to do?"

[System] "Well, for starters, I need a little blood from you. You know, for the bond. It's a system thing." [The system said casually.]

Zen looked at the system with a frown but complied, cutting his finger lightly. He winced as a drop of blood fell onto the system.

[System] "Ooh, that's it! Now we're officially bound. I'm your system, and you're my master! Maybe it's time you gave me a name. I can't just be called 'system' forever, right?"" [The system's voice was filled with enthusiasm.]

"A name, huh?" he murmured. "You... don't really sound like a machine anymore."

[System]: "That's because I'm not. I'm bound to your soul now. We're connected."

Zen thought for a moment. Then, a name came to him like a whisper from somewhere far away—simple, short, but fitting.

"...Nex."

[System]: "Nex? Hmm... It's short. Has a nice ring to it. I like it."

Alright, I guess that's done. Now, what else?"

[System] "Now that we're officially together, I've got some cool stuff to show you!" [It paused dramatically.] "Like your stats, for example!"

Zen's curiosity peaked. He focused on the system, which quickly displayed his stats.

System Analysis:

Name: Zen

Title: N/A

Race: Human

Origin: Eldoria

Role: Unclassified Entity

Class:

Primary: Swordsman

Secondary: Mage

Fusion Path: Swordmage (Locked)

---

Personality:

Type: Calm, Quiet, Slightly Reserved

Strengths: Loyal, Ambitious, Can be easily discouraged

Weaknesses: Insecure, Easily frustrated, Lacks experience

---

Attributes:

Strength: 3/10

Agility: 4/10

Endurance: 3/10

Intelligence: 6/10

Charisma: 4/10

---

Mana : Infinite Mana (your body creates mana)

Blessing: N/A

Combat Abilities:

Sword Slash: Basic sword attack

Ice Bloom: Weak ice magic

Froze Time (Locked): Potential ability to freeze time for 1 second

Special Traits:

Dark Mana (Undeveloped)

Beginner's Luck

Zen stared at his stats . Zen blinked, utterly stunned. "Wait, what? Infinite mana? And a locked skill—'Froze Time'? What is this?"

[System] "I told you. Your body creates its own mana. No need to steal it from nature. Pretty awesome, right? As for the 'Froze Time' skill, well, it's a gift from me. But it's locked for now. You'll figure it out later." [The system was almost smug.]

Zen's eyes widened. "Infinite mana... and the ability to freeze time? This is insane! How do I even use it?"

[System] "Don't worry. When the time comes, you'll understand how it works. Gifts are gifts."

Zen shook his head in disbelief. "Alright, alright. I need to eat something. I'm starving."

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[System] "You eat. I don't. I don't even have a stomach!" [The system said flatly.]

Zen chuckled. "Alright, I guess you're useless in that department." He stood up, ready to leave for breakfast. "By the way, no one can see you, right? Just making sure."

[System] "Yup. Only you can see me, buddy. You're stuck with me now!" [The system said proudly, almost like it was trying to show off.]

Zen smiled, shaking his head as he walked out of the room, the system trailing behind him like an overenthusiastic pet.

At breakfast, Zen sat down with Lyra, Arisella, and Elvren. As usual, their presence drew some attention, but it was different today. Elvren leaned forward, looking excited.

Elvren: "So, Zen, let's have a duel next time. I want to see what you can do for real. I'm still regretting not seeing that fight with Delan."

Zen: "Sure, why not. But don't cry when I win again."

[System] "Ha! Like anyone would cry after watching Zen in action. He's a beast." [The system quipped smugly.]

Lyra chuckled, leaning over to tease Zen. "Looks like Elvren wants a piece of your action. I guess you've got him hooked now."

Arisella: "I'm starting to think Zen's becoming some kind of celebrity. You've certainly got a lot of people interested in your skills."

[System] "Oh, please. They're all just jealous of the 'Zen Effect.' Everyone wants to see the greatness in action."

Zen smirked at his friends, feeling a little awkward but mostly amused. Then, Lyra, always the teasing one, couldn't resist.

Lyra: "Careful, Elvren. You might be biting off more than you can chew. Zen doesn't play around."

Elvren raised his hands in mock surrender. "I know, I know. I'm just curious."

As the meal progressed, the tension in the room only grew stronger. The students were whispering, giving sidelong glances toward Zen and Elvren, clearly jealous of their growing reputation. The combination of Zen's unexpected victory and Elvren's curiosity only added to the fire.

But Zen wasn't fazed. He just smiled, enjoying his meal, and let the rumors swirl around him, knowing that in the end, he was only getting stronger.