"Oh? Even naming a bonded subordinate can earn a reward. How generous," Arthur chuckled excitedly.
His gloomy life was slowly beginning to brighten.
"By the way, system," Arthur called out curiously, "when can I start the mission? I can't wait."
"[You can start in ten minutes, Master.]"
As soon as the system said that, a blue panel appeared before Arthur.
[Do you want to use this opportunity to enter the world of a low-level novel? Yes/No.]
Without hesitation, Arthur pressed "Yes," and in an instant, the panel transformed into a spinning ball of light for a few seconds.
[Congratulations, Master. You have been granted permission to enter the low-level novel world titled "Living My Normal Day as a Non-Prominent Character." It is a romance- and slice-of-life-themed world. Do you accept? Yes/No.]
Arthur was surprised by the title. "A romance novel? What an unexpected start."
At first, he had expected something more thrilling, like action or adventure.
Instead, the world he was about to enter was a light novel of romance and slice-of-life, with very little conflict.
To be honest, he felt a bit relieved. Not having fully grasped the rules of the game yet, a light novel like this wouldn't demand too much effort.
Swiftly, he pressed "Yes," and the panel vanished instantly, replaced by another one.
[Entering the book world: 09:59.]
Seeing the countdown, Arthur quickly realized he couldn't enter immediately; he had to wait for the cooldown period—and he didn't mind.
While waiting, he continued communicating with the system in his mind to pass the time.
Suddenly, footsteps came from outside, startling him. He hurriedly removed Ruberd, and soon the door opened, revealing his sister in an exquisite academy uniform.
"Selena?" Arthur was stunned. "What's going on? Why are you here? Shouldn't you still be sleeping?"
He glanced at the clock—it was still seven in the morning. As he recalled, Selena had said she would leave for the academy at ten.
Selena smiled and stepped forward, carrying a shoulder bag on her right side.
"I didn't sleep well last night thinking about you," she said with a giggle. "Anyway..."
She opened her bag, took out the same lunchbox as before, and handed it to him.
"I prepared breakfast for you. It has stir-fried pork and some fresh vegetables I just bought this morning. I'm sure you'll like it."
Arthur was momentarily dazed before accepting it. "Thank you, Selena. Sorry for troubling you."
"It's okay, brother. I just want you to be happy and get well soon," she said with a sweet smile.
Seeing that, Arthur gritted his teeth, vowing to protect that smile at any cost.
"Alright, brother, I have to go first," Selena said, glancing at her watch. "I have an appointment with my friends."
"I understand. Take care."
"Um! Thank you."
She then handed him a bottle of water and an herbal drink before stepping out of the room.
"[Is she your sister? You're really lucky to have someone like her by your side. She's caring and also… talented.]"
Arthur felt proud that the system praised his sister, but he was immediately taken aback by that last word.
"Talented, you say?" His gaze turned serious. "How talented is she? Could she rise as a C-rank Eclipse, or even… B?"
Most Eclipses awakened at F-rank and gradually improved over time, though there was a limit to their growth.
Usually, they were capped at D, or at most C. Eclipses awakened at E or D could reach B, while those who started at B could reach A with great effort.
However, for those who reach A-rank, ascending to S-rank is impossible. The gap between S and the six lower ranks is like two worlds separated by an unbreakable dimensional wall.
S-rankers are extraordinary individuals who rarely appear in public, except under exceptional circumstances.
SS-ranked Eclipses, meanwhile, are even more exceptional than S-ranked ones. This rank is reserved for the first twelve people who successfully destroyed the gates that nearly annihilated the world.
They are also known by another title: the Great Sages.
No one knows their whereabouts, as the four countries keep them hidden. Yet they are undoubtedly the true powers of this world.
The system paused for a moment after hearing Arthur's question, then replied in a nonchalant tone: "[I can't say for certain, but supposedly she will awaken at least at A-rank.]"
Badump!
Arthur's heart raced. If a stranger had said this, he would have dismissed it as nonsense.
But the source was the system—and its words were always one hundred percent reliable.
'If the system is right, then Selena's future is limitless!' Arthur muttered inwardly, excitement bubbling inside him.
One of his greatest fears had been that his sister would become an ordinary person like him. But apparently, fate—or God—was on his side.
Suppressing his happiness, he opened the lunchbox lid, and instantly a wonderful aroma filled the room.
"How delicious!" Arthur exclaimed, amazed. Without a second thought, he devoured it with gusto.
Ten minutes later, he finished his breakfast and placed the empty lunchbox on the nightstand.
After drinking the water and herbal drink Selena had prepared, Arthur leaned back and asked, "System, I have a question. If I spend days in the novel world, will it affect the original world?"
This had always puzzled him. If the time dilation wasn't significant, wouldn't it be dangerous?
His soul would be in the novel world, and his body would naturally fall into a deep sleep. If a nurse or doctor came by, they might even think he had died.
"[Don't worry, Master. The time dilation is immense—one day in the novel world equals roughly one second in the original world. You can relax.]"
Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good, then. So..."
He stared at the panel before him and, without hesitation, pressed "Enter."
"Now, let's get started!"