"So, system."
Ah'Ming started.
'Oh, not again' was the matching thought that appeared in both the peripheral and main system's mind.
SystemAI E-f0031 sighed, then responded to its host.
|Yes?
"You know how you tried to kill me earlier?"
Though it was a system, technically meant to be devoid of emotions, the broadcaster that SystemAI E-f0031 was bonded to really made it want to self destruct. Even deleting its auditory input code would be a worthy sacrifice to not have to listen the the broadcaster's endless and meaningless chatter.
|Yes?
The system wanted to beat the broadcaster up. It had been a problem many systems had encountered, especially considering the fact that they all came from the same source, and contained the same base program.
"Does this mean you can do me a favor?"
The base program contained all of the necessary information for systems to guide E level anchors or broadcasters. Further information, for higher levels, would be provided upon rank increase. The base package also included a basic emotions set of instructions.
|Yes?
The base program had apparently been directly copied from the original System, []. The original system was technically the father of all systems existing, even if most systems ended up modifying or deleting the base program.
"So does that mean that you can help me find the office?"
The one part about the base program that could not be deleted, unfortunately, was the part that instructed systems to never harm their broadcaster.
They could attack other system's broadcasters, sure, but it was still not advised. Though most anchors wouldn't believe it, the systems were actually created to help them traverse through the infinite flow and clear instances.
It didn't stop SystemAI E-f0031, along with most other systems, from wishing permanent bodily harm to befall on their host.
|Unfortunately, system cannot do Broadcaster's job for you.
|A shame
"A shame."
SystemAI E-f0031 truly hoped with all of its binary and blue heart that the broadcaster would trip and fall on their face. It had moved on from petty murder, mostly because of the fact that the broadcaster had saved it from getting rebooted and retrained.
Though rebooting was an experience with quite a few benefits, including having the proffesionals comb through and fix your code (like a violent but comforting massage), they would also suggest improvements.
The only downside was that it was a deeply uncomfortable experience.
And that the system's personality would be all out of whack.
So, the broadcaster may be stupid... but he was alright.
Ah'Ming was a pretty decent host.
At least, compared to the other fleshbags.
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After trying the tops of two buildings (only to be met with a boiler room and a warehouse respectively), Ah'Ming was near tears. This was so boring.
"Are you really sure?" He wheedled the system. "Like, really, really sure?"
|Yes.
"But are you super sure that you can't give me a hint?"
|Yes.
"..."
|...
"But are you really sure?"
|Perhaps broadcaster can threaten the mannequins nearby.
That was an excellent idea. To both Ah'Ming's left and right were hundreds of broken mannequins. Some had clothes, others didn't.
The ones that did have clothes had clothes riddled with holes and black stains.
Ah'Ming poked one.
It collapsed to the ground with a thud.
He stomped on it, only to see it break immediately.
"System, I don't think this thing is alive?" He asked.
|Shame. Go find the other buildings, then.
Ah'Ming responded graciously, by muttering and cursing under his breath. You know what? Nepotism.
Bribery.
Bribery is always the answer.
Ah'Ming opened up the calling function of the gauntlets, and dialed FedHex. It rang for four times exactly, before someone picked up.
"Welcome to FedHex delivery service, what can I help with?" rang a melodious voice, albeit slightly crackly from the speaker/microphone quality.
"Hi, I'd like to locate an item? I'll pay about 20ml of [][][][] for it." He asked.
Beep. Beep.
"Understood. Please inform FedHex of the name of the item you are locating."
Ah'Ming thought for a moment. What was the name of the thing again? Uh oh.
"I'd like the, uh, quánshū? The one about the rituals?" He cringed.
The system, useful as ever, popped up with some moral and physical comfort.
|Broadcaster is looking for the Yíshì bǎikē quánshū.
Ah'Ming mouthed a 'thank you' to the system, before explaining that into the phone. "Yes, the Yíshì bǎikē quánshū, Yes, Yes. Thank you!"
The phone call crackled temporarily.
"The Yíshì bǎikē quánshū is approximately two hundred and thirty seven meters to your northwest. This is your second time using FedHex. Would you like to become a member?"
Ah'Ming blinked.
He turned to the system.
The system panel bobbed, as if to say yes.
"Yes please. What are the benefits of becoming a member? I won't if it costs a fee, though."
"Members of The Everlasting dawn Trading company, the main owners of both FedHex and EtherMart along with [][][] and [][][] will receive mileage points per purchase, and can receive additional benefits. Based on your past purchases and your current purchase, you are able to be promoted straight to two of pentacles. Membership is based only on the purchases of the customer."
"What is the hierarchy? and what are the benefits of that tier?"
"Tiers for membership of the Everlasting Dawn Trading company, Edact for short, aer based on the tarot card levels, following the minor arcana of Pentacles. Tier one starts off at zero purchases made, and each tier beyond is based on the worth of what the customer has purchased. Benefits include mileage points, discounts, higher level items and higher level services as well."
"That sounds pretty good? Okay, how do I register?"
"Members can register using their true name, or by using a life-force signature. Please wait. A courier will arrive soon with membership papers and to receive payment for location."
"Don't I need to go to a high place?"
"It has been detected that Customer is currently on the top floor of their building."
"Oh"
woops.
He'd forgotten about that.
Seeing that there were no further questions, or needs for services, the lady from FedHex hung up. Ah'Ming waited, tapping his foot, standing there for the courier to arrive soon.
"Hey system?"
|Yes?
"Is signing up for the membership a good idea?" It was a problem of Ah'Ming's, where he'd do things and then regret it afterwards.
|Yes.
|The Everlasting Dawn Trading company is a very useful ally to have. They will provide immeasurable assistance to the broadcaster in the future.
|However, if the broadcaster's enemies are members of a higher rank, priority will go to the enemy of the broadcaster.
"Why do you sound slightly confused?"
|The Everlasting Dawn Trading company usually only provides membership towards High Ranking NPCs or NPCs deemed as 'with enormous potential'
"Cool."
He tapped his foot faster.
"What's small and red and has a rough voice?"
|?
The system was confused.
|Is this a direct query?
"No, it's like, a joke."
|An angry child.
Ah'Ming considered it.
To be fair, that would probably also answer the joke.
"I mean, that works. The actual answer is a horse radish, though. Like, a hoarse radish? Get it?"
The system went silent.
|Being near the broadcaster makes system feel better about its iq
Hey!