As Alaric strolled through the bustling streets of the town, the pouch of gold coins jingling at his side, he couldn't help but think of the voice in his head. The system had been a constant presence since his reincarnation, but this was the first time it had spoken directly to him.
If I'm going to keep talking to it—or her—I might as well give her a name, Alaric thought.
He stopped for a moment, leaning against a wooden post near a merchant's stall. System, are you there?
"I am always here, Master Alaric," the voice replied, calm and soothing.
"I've been thinking… calling you 'System' all the time feels a bit impersonal. Would you like a name?"
There was a brief pause before the system replied. "A name? That would be… lovely. What do you have in mind?"
Alaric smiled. "Freya. After the goddess of love and fertility. It seems fitting for someone who's now such an important part of my life."
The system's voice warmed with appreciation. "Freya. I like it. Thank you, Master Alaric. From now on, I am Freya, your system and companion."
A Question of Origins
As Alaric resumed walking, curiosity gnawed at him. Freya, where do you come from? Who created you?
Freya hesitated before answering, her voice tinged with an almost apologetic tone. "I'm sorry, Master Alaric, but I cannot answer that question. My origins are beyond what I am allowed to reveal at this time."
Alaric frowned. "Not even a hint?"
"Unfortunately, no. But I promise to serve you to the best of my ability, regardless of where I come from."
Though unsatisfied, Alaric decided to let the matter rest. For now.
Freya's Capabilities
"Then tell me," Alaric continued, "what can you do? What are your abilities?"
Freya's tone shifted, becoming more formal as she explained. "I have several functions designed to aid you on your journey, Master Alaric. First, I can analyze anything—plants, monsters, humans, and more. For example, I can identify their species, attributes, and even their level and elemental affinities."
"Anything?" Alaric asked.
"Almost anything," Freya clarified. "I cannot fully analyze beings whose level significantly exceeds yours. Their information would be partially obscured."
"That makes sense," Alaric replied, nodding thoughtfully. "What else can you do?"
"I can detect poisons or toxins in anything you consume, whether food or drink. Additionally, I can provide you with rapid analyses of books or documents you read, summarizing their contents for quick comprehension."
Alaric's eyes widened. "You mean you can read books for me?"
"Not quite. I cannot replace the act of reading, but I can enhance your understanding of the material significantly. It is like having a teacher by your side as you study."
Alaric chuckled. "Freya, you're full of surprises."
A New Bond
As Alaric continued his journey back to the guild, he couldn't help but feel a new sense of companionship. Freya's abilities were incredible, but more than that, she felt like a friend—someone who genuinely wanted to see him succeed.
"Freya," he said softly, "thank you. For everything."
"You're welcome, Master Alaric," Freya replied. "And thank you for giving me a name. It means more than you know."
With a smile, Alaric stepped into the bustling streets of the town, feeling more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead.