Chapter 13: Xiao Lingo and System Sauce

115.

A few days later, on my twelfth birthday, Bruce gave a huge party downtown.

In order to consolidate his image, he has been acting stupid for charity, playing extreme sports and injuring himself, and hanging around women for six months... Finally, everyone thinks he is a fool - except that he occasionally makes countless money in business for some extremely stupid reasons, and many people envy his good luck - but he stubbornly engraved his image into the minds of the general public in Gotham, causing Gotham Entertainment News to fight for him.

Oh, and some even call him the Prince of Gotham…

Well, it’s actually quite appropriate.

116.

I experienced the baptism of inhumanity from the upper class, my smile was stiffened, and I had to endure the teasing of Barbara and Dick...

This is simply outrageous, you damn little brats. I want you to know that you will pay a heavy price for treating your sister like this!

I angrily ate four servings of cookies, angrily turned the gravity in Dick's training room to double, and angrily replaced Barbara's Batcomputer drama with a three-hour pure version of "Lost Rivers"...

Phew, I feel much better.

117.

I returned to the bedroom calmly, washed up, lay down on the bed peacefully, and closed my eyes.

In this moment of complete silence, I began to hesitate whether to pick up my phone and play with it for a while.

"——Ding Dong." A crackling sound of electricity sounded in my head.

I shuddered and immediately became 100% alert.

You know, my mom and I have encountered mind-control magic and remote-control brainwave technology many times when traveling in the universe.

In order to avoid being controlled, we made a lot of preparations.

Hmm... So, my brain barrier is clearly reinforced with both magic and technology. What could possibly have gotten past all those barriers, communicated directly with me without provoking a single protest from my brain? This person must be at least the most wanted criminal in the universe...

"Please rest assured, host." A voice that could adapt to any artificial intelligence sounded in my ear, "This system is the companion system that came with your reincarnation. It has absolutely no ill will towards you."

118.

"System?" I turned over and tried to look calm.

"Yes," the voice continued, sounding so calm that it made you want to throw something at it. "I am your companion system. I have existed deep within your consciousness since the moment you were born. It was only until you turned twelve today that I was activated."

I frowned, quickly going over the logic of this statement in my mind. "Wait a minute, you mean, you hid me for 12 years?"

"To be precise, I don't have the authority to activate it before you turn 12," it explained solemnly. "According to the design, you need to reach a certain age and psychological maturity before I will activate, so that I can better assist your growth."

"Oh, growth?" I sneered. "Sorry, I don't remember ordering a growth coaching robot."

The system was silent for a few seconds, as if trying to decide how to speak next without angering me. "Host, you can understand that I am your most loyal partner. Whether it's combat, exploration, study, or simple daily life, I can support you."

"Really?" I snorted coldly. "You sound like an all-powerful servant, but I'm more curious: why should I trust you?"

"Host, trust is a two-way street," the system replied flawlessly. "To show my sincerity, you can try out my features and see if they meet your needs."

"Trial?" I raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Don't tell me there's a seven-day no-questions-asked refund."

"Of course not." The system's tone carried a hint of helplessness. "If you need, I can show you some functions right away."

"Oh, then tell me, what can you do?"

"First, I can scan and optimize your physical condition, providing real-time health advice," the system explained, remarkably detailed. "Second, I can build a combat analysis system for you, providing precise combat strategies. Furthermore, the system comes with a built-in virtual space, which you can use for item storage, simulated training, and even entertainment."

"That sounds impressive," I said, but I remained cautious. "Then can you prove that you can really help me, and not just talk?"

"Okay, host. I've detected that your physical fatigue index is high today. I suggest you lie down and close your eyes for three minutes, take five deep breaths, and the system will initiate a body repair for you."

"Repair?" I was stunned for a moment, and with a half-believing and half-doubting attitude, I decided to give it a try.

119.

After three minutes, I clearly felt that the soreness in all my muscles was relieved a lot, and I felt as relaxed as if I had just taken a hot bath.

"Hmm, this feels pretty good," I muttered, feeling a little less skeptical of the system.

"Host, I exist to help you grow better." The system's voice was as calm as ever. "Please believe me, our cooperation will be very pleasant."

"Alright," I yawned and said lazily, "Just consider it a birthday present. But, System, you'd better not make me angry, otherwise... you know, I'm a very vengeful person."

The system's answer was brief but powerful: "Understood, host."

120.

Even so, I believe no one can bear to put an unknown thing in their head. After convincing myself in this way, I quickly called out the system with peace of mind and began to continue researching.

"You hid it pretty well." I looked at the player status panel that appeared on the virtual screen in front of me, trying to digest this sudden flood of information.

My name is clearly written at the top of the screen - Ringo (Leona Wayne).

Health status shows: good (I ate an extra piece of cake last night, so my blood sugar is slightly high).

The emotional state is: complicated.

"What the hell is complicated..." I couldn't help but mutter, "You made it complicated for me."

The system was silent for a moment before it spoke in its emotionless voice, "Host, data doesn't lie."

"Okay, since you are so honest," I sighed, and glanced at the attribute bar in the panel, and found that my strength, agility and physical strength were many times higher than those of ordinary people, which made me a little inflated.

However, there are a bunch of gray, unlocked skills in the skill bar, with notes next to them saying "need to complete specific tasks" or "need to accumulate specific experience points to unlock."

I was a little unconvinced: "I've been traveling around the universe with my mom and flying around Gotham with Batman every day. Why do I have to unlock even a flying kick skill?"

The system replied confidently: "This is to allow you to progress step by step and experience the joy of growth."

"Growth, you." I rolled my eyes and clicked on the task system interface.

121.

Sure enough, the task list is already filled with various items:

[Main mission: Assist Batman in maintaining order in Gotham (in progress).

Mission Introduction: Gotham, a city filled with madness and despair, is one of the most chaotic cities in the United States. It is filled with gang warfare, criminal conspiracy, corrupt elites, and endless psychopathic villains. Batman is the ruthless man who says "NO!" to all the darkness in this city.

Mission Objective: This is a phased mission. Every time Gotham's safety level increases by 10 and its crime rate decreases by 10, you will receive a reward.

Rewards: Cosmic Fragments x 1000, Star Track Pass x 2. 】

[Side quest: Help Dick adapt to training life (to be triggered).

Mission Description: Dick, your beloved little brother, is currently undergoing a rigorous training program set by Batman, and he needs your help and support. Of course, you know this doesn't mean turning the gravity in his training room up to double, right?

Rewards: Cosmic Fragments x10, Dick's Gratitude x1. 】

[Bond Mission: Complete a secret operation with Barbara to increase your tacit understanding (available for acceptance).

Mission Description: Honestly, I think your chemistry with Barbara is incredibly strong, having become a Gotham legend. But we can't favor one over the other, and since your acquaintance began during a covert operation, let's complete another covert operation together. (Note: Cracking Batman's firewall doesn't count.)

Reward: Cosmic Fragments x5, Tacit Understanding +5. 】

[Special Mission: Search for blessings and rare items scattered across Gotham (randomly triggered).

Mission Description: This is a repeatable mission that can earn rewards.

Reward: Cosmic Fragments x10. 】

I casually clicked on the main quest and found a detailed record of my performance in the past few night patrols, along with some data analysis.

for example:

[Night patrol success rate: 90%.]

Critical incident resolution efficiency: high.

Cooperation with Batman: Good, but there are disputes.

"A dispute?" I immediately exploded. "System, which eye of yours saw Bruce and I arguing? That's called a reasonable discussion!"

"Recorded." The system remained unmoved.

122.

Then, I opened the game store.

The store page looks surprisingly modern and even has a "Newbie Offer" tab.

[One-star material integration package:

Rusty gears, broken dreams, comfort, one-person Jiahe, discarded mechanical parts, gaseous fluids, phlogiston, metals, seeds, basic ingredients, solid water purification, noble moral gift pack, flying sword model, newspaper, black bread soda iceberg, star taro Bobo, rock-roasted mountain delicacies skewers, Doujianfu brand, big elixir, small elixir, Qiongshi bird skewers, tapir bun rolls, Kit Kat snacks, punishment food, simple rescue device, food for filling the stomach, garbage, etc. each × 50

Comment: It is worth buying this series, after all, multifunctional materials always have their uses.

Original price: 500 cosmic fragments, discounted price: 50 cosmic fragments]

[Boundary Anchor × 2:

The stored energy can restore the vitality of the pioneers and allow them to travel quickly between worlds.

Comment: A must-have for multiverse travel enthusiasts!

Original price: 5000 cosmic fragments, discounted price: 500 cosmic fragments]

[A light cone waiting to be made:

It can encapsulate solidified phenomena.

Its power can also be sealed in slices of light.

Comment: At first glance, it looks like a big waste of items, but it is actually a favorite of high-end combat players.

Original price: 2000 cosmic fragments, discounted price: 200 cosmic fragments]

[Life Baking Oven:

The genius Ruan Mei's equipment can cultivate artificial life named Maogao.

It seems that more different cat cakes can be obtained through special mutations.

Comment: It sounds cute, but there may be a hidden secret behind it...

Original price: 3000 cosmic fragments, discounted price: 300 cosmic fragments]

[Universal synthesis machine:

Designed by the genius Black Tower and manufactured and sold by Interstellar Peace, this high-tech synthesis equipment is perfect for anything you need, as long as you have the recipe.

Evaluation: It is equivalent to the "alchemy table + creation table" in the game, which is very suitable for Tuntunshu.

Original price: 10,000 cosmic fragments, discounted price: 1,000 cosmic fragments]

Note: The newbie discount has no expiration date and will last until the host buys out.

There is also a wide variety of other products:

Standard Darts:

Standardized design darts, suitable for beginners or everyday use.

Evaluation: It is nothing special except for its durability and automatic retrieval, but it is enough for newcomers who don’t have any weapons yet.

Price: 5 Cosmic Fragments.]

[Advanced First Aid Spray:

It can quickly stop bleeding and repair skin damage and is suitable for use in emergency situations.

Comment: It is much faster to use than bandages and alcohol cotton balls, and is definitely a must-have product.

Price: 10 Cosmic Fragments.]

Mini Black Hole Generator:

Releases a small, short-lived black hole for use in combat or to clear obstacles.

Evaluation: It feels cool just thinking about it. Although it is a bit expensive, isn’t it worth a try?

Price: 50 Cosmic Fragments.]

"Mini black hole?" I suspected I had seen it wrong. "System, are you sure this thing can be sold?"

The system calmly replied: "With only 100 points, the host can unlock the black hole level combat gameplay, suitable for high-difficulty missions."

"Do you think I'm Batman, or the Lord of the Universe?"

I glanced at the currency balance again, and sure enough, it was "Current Balance: 0 Cosmic Fragments".

I have no money, so what right do I have to complain?

I can only drool over the goods in the mall.

---

[Tactical goggles]

It has night vision, thermal sensing and real-time scanning functions to assist in aiming.

Evaluation: The best companion for Gotham at night, helping you see the truth hidden in the darkness.

Price: 25 Cosmic Fragments.

[Composite combat gloves]

Made of high-strength composite materials, it has a built-in shock module that can enhance melee attack power.

Comment: Wherever the fist goes, the trouble will be solved.

Price: 30 cosmic fragments.

[Invisibility Cloak]

Using nanophotonic technology, it can hide its body for a short period of time, making it suitable for stealth missions.

Review: Who would refuse a cape that turns them into the "Ghost of Gotham"?

Price: 100 Cosmic Fragments.

Micro Air Vehicles

It can be used for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and even carry a small amount of weapons, and supports remote control.

Review: Smaller than Batman's Bat-Drone, more powerful than you think!

Price: 50 cosmic fragments.

[Energy Shield Wristband]

Activate to create a temporary energy barrier capable of blocking one lethal attack.

Evaluation: At the critical moment, it may be the barrier between you and death.

Price: 80 cosmic fragments.

[Multi-function belt]

Provides up to 20 tool slots with built-in rope launchers, smoke grenades, and portable tool kits.

You can never have too many grids.

Price: 50 cosmic fragments.

[Shock Bow]

Just pull the bowstring to launch shockwave arrows to attack enemies or destroy obstacles with a range of up to 200 meters.

Comment: It’s so cool to watch the enemy being blown away.

Price: 70 cosmic fragments.

Obsidian Armor

An extremely light yet highly defensive set of armor with excellent resistance to physical and energy attacks.

Comment: It allows you to be invincible on the battlefield.

Price: 200 Cosmic Fragments.

[Exploding Dart Set]

Contains ten self-destructing darts that can cause precise strikes and area damage.

Evaluation: One dart has multiple uses, and the cost performance is very high!

Price: 40 cosmic fragments.

[Magnetic boots]

Allows the wearer to walk freely on any metal surface and is suitable for high-altitude environments.

Comment: Perfect for playing Spider-Man's dream (although it is a metal limited edition).

Price: 30 cosmic fragments.

Special Recommendation:

[Black Hole Belt]

A high-tech device that integrates storage, transmission, and equipment management, with a built-in space array that can store a large number of items.

Comment: Say goodbye to heavy backpacks, you deserve a belt that can hold the whole of Gotham!

Price: 500 cosmic fragments.

[Starlight Spear]

A light spear with energy pulses, suitable for medium and short-range combat, with 3 built-in attack modes.

Evaluation: Holding it in your hand is a deterrent, throwing it out makes you the absolute master on the battlefield!

Price: 300 cosmic fragments.

---

Note: Mall products are constantly being updated, please check back at any time!

Although I already have many of these things, how could anyone complain that they are not enough when they are in unlimited supply?

123.

Finally, I opened the card drawing system which amazed me.

The three options of "Novice Card Pool", "Regular Card Pool" and "Limited Card Pool" are neatly arranged on the screen, with detailed descriptions under each card pool.

Novice card pool: Closed after 30 draws, a one to three-star equation will be obtained, mainly some basic supplies and low-level equipment.

Regular card pool: Contains alien high-tech weapons and armor, as well as materials and consumables.

Limited card pool: requires special conditions to unlock, and the rewards are rarer and more powerful, including one to four-star equations, extraterrestrial technology items, etc.

"There are not enough cosmic fragments to extract." The system reminded me coldly.

I sighed heavily: "Well, it seems that I am not even given the chance to be a non-chief."

"But the novice card pool has one free trial draw."

"Okay, who doesn't like getting something for free?" I clicked the button happily.

The screen flickered, and a beam of green light appeared with a cool animation effect. Finally, the light condensed into a card:

[Angry Fist

Rarity: 2 stars

Type: Consumable

These gloves are powered by rage. Actual fire will do.

Scott Business Alliance, born only for champions! ]

"Well, it's okay." I shrugged. Maybe this thing could be renamed Flame Fist.

"System, what are the guaranteed rules for drawing cards?" I asked while looking through the item description.

The system mechanically replied, "Every 10 draws from the regular pool guarantee a two-star item; every 10 draws from the limited pool guarantee a one-star or two-star formula. If you haven't obtained the highest-level item after 60 draws, the guarantee will be triggered."

"That means you won't lose too much." I nodded.

124.

However, what interests me most is the so-called simulated universe gameplay.

The system's explanation made me understand that the blessings and wonders of the simulated universe are not just game props. For various reasons, they really exist in every corner of this world.

"The host can collect scattered blessings and artifacts by exploring the world, completing specific events or containment operations."

I opened the map function and found that there were only a few small spots of light on the entire earth.

"This is the possible location of a blessing or a rare item. In fact, after your mother came to this world, these items from other universes also came with her. However, they were rare in other universes, so it's likely that not many of them have fallen to Earth." The system prompted, "Host, you can explore. Collecting them will bring you unexpected benefits."

"That sounds pretty good." I touched my chin and started planning whether to go out for a walk.

125.

Closing the virtual screen, I sighed, "Alright, system, since you're somewhat useful, I won't throw you out for now."

"Thank you for your magnanimity, host." The system responded neither humbly nor arrogantly, even with a hint of ridicule in its tone.

I turned over and lay down, and a smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of my mouth.

This system... is quite interesting.