Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 149: A Sunset for a New Future (2)

’System!’ Riku called out. ’What... what happened to me?’

[The Host’s body was compromised,] the System began, its tone as clinical as ever.

[Upon deactivation of the ’Berserker’s Rage’ skill, foreign energy corruption was at 48%. The Host’s mana circuits, now no longer active, were unable to purge the aggressive entity.] fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

’You mean the Creep...’ Riku remembered the red tendrils snaking up his arm.

[Correct. When the Host initiated a final physical attack on the ’Source’, the resulting explosion of raw Creep energy raised corruption levels to 100%. At this point, the Host’s consciousness was overwhelmed.]

’So I was... taken over?’

[Affirmative. At 100% corruption, both the host and the system had lost control over the body. The Dormant Primary Persona, ’Grand Maximus’, broke free and successfully expelled the ’Heart’ of the Creep, but then attempted to assume permanent control of the vessel.]

"So," Riku asked with a slight smile on his face, "We have to thank him for saving us, right? Otherwise, we were toast."

[System integrity was threatened,] the message continued, refusing to acknowledge Riku’s question.

[Emergency suppression protocol was engaged. All available Goodwill Points were consumed to forcibly restore the Host’s primary consciousness and re-contain the ’Grand Maximus’ persona.]

"You used all my points? Now I am at 0???"

[Affirmative. It was a necessary expenditure to ensure the Host’s survival and continued control.]

Riku let out a long, shuddering breath. "So... is it safe now? Is he sealed in for good?"

[Negative] The System replied.

[The Primary Persona remains active but dormant. Future emotional instability may trigger re-emergence. Strengthening the Host’s ’Humanity’ via continued Goodwill Point accumulation is the only known countermeasure.]

"Haha, so it is back to square one? You do know that it is boring to see me grind for goodwill points again, and not have me be able to use spells, right?" Riku said with a chuckle.

The System was silent for a moment. Then, a new notification flashed..

Ding!

[Host has successfully defeated and rid the kingdom of the Crimson Creep. Major contribution acknowledged.]

[Goodwill Points accrued: 50,000]

"Only 50,000? I got more goodwill points just distributing talismans." Riku countered petulantly.

[Event not directly linked to the host. Most of the goodwill is directed towards the Maiden Seraphina. The host will have to clear the misunderstanding and stand up as the hero of Luxia to earn more points.

"Naa, forget it. I won’t do that. I just want to return to Elowen in peace. Seraphina can be the goddess or whatever. that suits her better."

"But I also completed my quest, right? Where are my rewards?"

Ding!

[Quest Completed: Ending It]

[Objective: Destroy the source to end the creep once and for all. - COMPLETE]

[Rewards: System Upgrade Level 3, +10,000 Goodwill Points, Mystery Reward Box]

"Nice, I like Mystery gifts..."

But before he could even inspect the mystery reward, a frantic voice echoed from the charm in his pocket.

"Riku! Riku, are you there?! What happened?! That power..."

"I’m here, Clara," Riku said, his voice hoarse. He looked at the charm attached to his wrists. "I’m okay. It’s over."

His voice drew the attention of the other person in the room. Huddled in the corner, still inside his protective bubble, was Lord Arnold. The old statesman was staring at him, his face a mask of pure, undiluted terror.

Seeing his fear, Riku realized he had one more task. He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the bubble, casting a gentle healing spell.

Advanced Heal. [-10 Goodwill Points]

A soft, warm light enveloped Arnold, soothing his frayed nerves. The old man flinched, expecting an attack, but then relaxed as the warmth spread through him.

"Are... are you Riku?’

"It’s me, my friend," Riku said softly. "It’s Riku. I’m back"

"That... that person from before..." Arnold stammered. "Wasn’t that..."

Riku gave a weary sigh. Of course, old Arnold would know him. he had dealt with him as an NPC before.

"Yeah, It’s... a bit complicated. Somehow, I am the grand Maximus, and the grand Maximus is me. I apologize for what you had to witness." He looked Arnold in the eye. "I must ask you to keep what you saw here a secret. For the safety of the kingdom."

Arnold, looking at the kind, tired eyes of the young man, slowly nodded. He had many things with age, and understood better than anyone, the burden Riku now carried.

"Your secret is safe with me, Master Riku. No one will know a thing, not even from my corpse."

"Now, now, you don’t have to be this serious," Riku said as he gave him a grateful nod. "Let’s get out of this place."

Together, they ascended from the sump, emerging from the grate into the first light of a new dawn. The air was clean, the metallic tang of the Creep completely gone. In the distance, the city was quiet. The sounds of battle had ceased.

As they walked towards the city, they saw the Royal Guard securing the area, with a huge crowd in the center.

At the center of it all, standing tall amidst her weary but triumphant soldiers, was High Archon Seraphina. She was caked in dust and grime, but she had never looked more like a true leader.

She saw them emerge, and her eyes met Riku’s across the distance. No words were exchanged. None were needed, and a victorious smile was enough.

She was the celebrated "Saviour of Luxia," the hero who had slain the giant. He was the nameless shadow who had cut out the source from the darkness. Each had their own roles.

They and Arnold were the only three people in the world who knew the full truth of what had truly happened that day, and nothing needed to change.

Riku gazed into the evening sky. Though the sun was setting, a new spark burned within him.

Though there were some issues that were still unsolved and mysteries still waiting to be revealed, just for a moment, Riku felt a triumphant happiness.

He knew that tomorrow would be another day, a much bigger, brighter day as compared to the days gone by.

A day filled with laughter, enthusiasm, and most importantly, peaceful.

"What else could you ask for?"

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦