✵ AOIFE BELLE COSMO ✵
I stood up after drinking a bottle of health potion, feeling revitalized as the panda hovering in the air announced itself as my cheat system.
Ouh ghad, finally!
"Alright, you're all healed now. Thank your super cheat system! I know I'm the best," it boasted. "Those healing potions don't come free, so you owe me 10 crystals."
What the...!?
I rolled my eyes, feeling irritation mix with gratitude.
"Seriously? Ten crystals for a potion? I wouldn't have needed healing if you had showed up to warned me! Shouldn't you be responsible for me!?"
This panda just appears now and asks for money?
The nerve of this one!
The panda grinned. "What can I say? Quality service has a price! Plus, it was entertaining watching you nearly die from your lack of self awareness!"
Without a second thought, I smacked it on the head, exasperated. "A little humility wouldn't hurt! Just because you're cute doesn't mean you can charge me like a thief!"
"Thief? I prefer 'entrepreneurial spirit!' And let's face it, you need me to survive," it said, unabashed.
If this is one of those cheat systems I read about, this little scammer must have a way for me to survive indeed, but it's too arrogant for my liking.
"So you do have a way for me to pay off this debt, like a task or something? You won't scam me again, right?" I pressed.
It feels like it showed up when I was about to die on purpose to put me in debt, reversing our roles.
This system is far too cunning, forcing me to work for it.
I could easily burst into tears from sheer frustration right now.
Damn it, huhu...
"Ouh, honey, we're business partners now! No scamming here," the panda winked. "I give you tasks, you earn experience and money, and you'll pay me for my services!"
Right, business partners, my ass.
I do need this panda to survive here, but I'll definitely teach it a lesson for tricking me.
You cunning little pandabug!
"Mhm... After your little trick, how can I trust you?" I asked.
The panda floated in a circle, enjoying my disbelief. "That's the beauty! This is a transaction, not trust. Think of it as a mentorship, only more adorable."
Yeah, right! Who even finds this adorable? Not me!
"Cute doesn't pay the bills," I shot back, fighting a smile. "If I complete tasks, I can earn back those crystals. What's the catch?"
"No catch! I'll be automatically compensated for my services as soon as you complete a task. Once you start earning wealth, you'll be able to shop from the system. All it takes is hard work and a willing spirit. And believe me, I'm incredibly beneficial!" it proclaimed dramatically.
Phew! That's reassuring to know.
So, this is what it wants—if I purchase the items I need from the shop, it benefits them.
"Mhm... Alright," I sighed, crossing my arms. "Let's see what you've got. Just don't make the tasks ridiculous or dangerous."
"Where's the fun in that?" the panda teased with a grin. "I promise, every task will help you grow stronger. Together, we'll conquer this realm!"
I knew it; this panda is out to get me. What did I do to this guy to be so hostile?
My heart raced at this unlikely partnership. "Auh...Fine. Business partners it is. But I control my own life, panda. Don't forget that!"
"Absolutely! I'm here to help you shine!" it chirped, and despite my skepticism, excitement flickered within me.
This could lead to something great—or at least entertaining, I hope.