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Chapter 15 - system operation

System operation

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And then, I opened my eyes.

"My lady, you're awake!" Sasha's voice was the first thing I heard, warm and full of relief. Just hearing her made my heart settle. I was back.

Sasha rushed to my side and gently helped me sit up in bed, fluffing the pillows behind me like the ever-attentive maid she was. Her hands trembled slightly, and I could see the exhaustion in her eyes, likely from watching over me all this time.

"You've been unconscious for ten days, my lady," she said softly.

I blinked in surprise. Ten days? It had only felt like two to me. So the time flows differently in the system. If I was right, one day inside the pendant equaled five days out here. That was... both useful and fascinating.

Sasha continued, "The physicians said you fainted because there were no nutrients left in your blood. We were all baffled. You've always eaten well."

That caught my attention. I always made sure to eat properly—there's no way I'd collapse from malnutrition. So... it must've been the pendant. Maybe it drew energy from me to activate or to form a bond Or something I didn't know. That would explain the intense drain and pain I'd felt just before passing out.

My eyes darted around, searching for it—and sure enough, the pendant was still tightly clasped in my hand.

"My lady," Sasha said, noticing my gaze, "I tried to take it out of your hand many times, but it wouldn't budge. You were holding it so tightly, it was as if your life depended on it."

I nodded slowly and, with some effort, uncurled my fingers to release it. The pendant shimmered faintly, its cool metal strangely comforting against my skin. I slipped the chain around my neck, feeling more grounded now that it was where it belonged.

Just then, the door creaked open and Father stepped into the room, followed by Edward. I frowned slightly. Why is Edward here?

Father's expression was unreadable as always, but I noticed a rare flicker of emotion in his eyes.

"Isla, are you feeling well now?" he asked, sitting on the bed beside me. His voice was softer than usual, without its usual sternness. It would take some time for me to adjust to this version of him—so openly concerned.

"I'm fine, Father. You don't have to worry," I said, offering a gentle smile.

He nodded, a breath of relief escaping him. "You should take more rest." As he stood to leave, his eyes flicked to the pendant around my neck for the briefest second—an expression I couldn't quite decipher.

Then he was gone.

Edward lingered, and I turned to him with a teasing smile to break the awkward silence. "Are you here to check up on me? Don't worry—nothing can beat Isla."

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I know you're strong. But when someone doesn't wake up for ten days, people get worried. That includes me."

I gave a mock pout. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I don't feel any worse for wear. In fact, I feel... oddly energetic. I could probably take you down right now if we sparred."

He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm glad to see your spirit hasn't dulled. But still, get some rest. I have a few things to discuss with your father." And with that, he turned and left the room.

Now it was just Sasha and me.

A nagging thought tugged at my mind. The pendant responded to voice commands—but what if it responded to anyone's voice? That could be dangerous.

"Sasha," I said, suddenly curious, "can you try saying something for me?"

I scribbled the words on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

"I want to go inside the system," she read aloud.

We both waited... but nothing happened.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief. So it only responds to me. That's good. That meant its secrets were mine alone.

"Sasha," I said, "could you get me something light to eat?"

"Yes, my lady," she said at once. "I'll bring some warm porridge. Nothing heavy for now." She curtsied slightly and hurried off.

The moment she was gone, I jumped out of bed, still a bit wobbly but steady enough. I took the pendant into my hands and stared at it with determination.

"Give me all the details on how to operate this," I said clearly.

{Accessing core functions. Initializing user guide for Host: Isla. Welcome to the Pendant Core System. }

How to Operate the Pendant System:

1. Voice Commands (Main Interface)

The system responds only to host's/your voice and requires specific commands. Example trigger phrases:

"Open main menu" – lists all system features.

"Enter system space" / "Exit system space" – transports Isla in and out.

"Activate training mode" – opens a virtual space for skill-building.

"Request nourishment" – creates food suited to her needs.

"Analyze surroundings" – gives magical/environmental scans.

2. Mental Link (Advanced Use)

Once bonded, you can use her thoughts to activate certain functions silently. This would need practice and system training.

Benefit: you can use the pendant subtly in public.

Core Features:

A. Personal Realm

A self-contained dimension you can visit at will.

Time dilation: 1 day inside = 5 days outside.

Customizable: you can gradually build it, adding rooms, libraries, gardens, etc.

Sanctuary: No one can follow you inside, unless you want them to.

C. Healing Fountain

A mystical pool with strong regenerative magic.

Can heal wounds, clear toxins, restore energy.

May be used on others if brought into the system realm (future potential).

D. Inventory System

You can store items in a sub-space.

Can summon or store objects (books, tools, potions).

May require keywords like "Store [item name]" or "Retrieve [item name]".

E. Guardian Spirit (Optional Future Unlock)

A dormant magical consciousness tied to the pendant (like a spiritual familiar).

Can assist Isla emotionally, give advice, protect her in dire situations.

Could take the form of a glowing wisp, animal, or even a holographic form of anyone you want.

F. Training Mode

Simulates real combat scenarios.

Allows you to test magic, train swordsmanship, or build skills without real-world danger.

May include challenges or "levels" she must complete.

Upgrade Paths & Limits

The pendant evolves with the host /you. Certain features will only unlock based on:

Emotional growth

Magical capacity

Completing real life challenges.

Physical growth

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I listened carefully to all the details making sure I remember all of them.

So I have so many features with this tiny thing on my neck? Great!

And i can unlock many more? And what about magical capacity? Am I going to get some magical capacities!?

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