System's POV

When Thirteen was born, he didn't become the System of Cannon Fodders right away.

All Systems were allowed to choose their "Chosen Ones," and he chose a unique individual as his First Host.

Thirteen's first partner was a very eccentric creature who liked mischief.

That creature also liked to create chaos and valued freedom a lot.

Thirteen had spent hundreds of years with him, and through their journeys, the System, who was only starting to know more about the world, gradually noticed a few things.

Since his First Host was neither good nor evil, Thirteen was able to see the many faces of the world through his eyes.

At first, he was indifferent to the things that he saw. But after hundreds of years, he was starting to question many things.

Of course, his host was more than happy to answer his questions. The human hadn't thought of Thirteen as a tool but as a friend who suddenly appeared in his life when he was all alone in the world.

[Why do those people suffer? Is it because they are weak?]

"That's right," Thirteen's First Host replied. "In this world, might makes right. Even if you are wrong, as long as you are strong, you are right. Everyone else will have to give way for you."

[But, why?]

[Isn't there some other way? Why don't they talk to each other?]

[The weaker one tried to compromise with that stronger guy, but the stronger guy refused to listen and beat the weaker guy without even trying to understand his words. Is he illiterate?]

"Well, some people are just dumb," Thirteen's host replied while picking on his nose. "If they were as smart as me, things would not escalate to fights."

[… I doubt it. You're not exactly that bright, you know?]

"Aish… whose side are you on?"

[Your side, of course. But I'm just telling the truth…]

"Forget it. Let's just look for something to eat."

[… Don't eat your booger, okay? It's not hygienic.]

"Tsk!"

After four hundred years, his First Host stood tall upon the apex of the world and looked down on the Mortal Realm with a sad smile on his face.

"Are you really going, Thirteen?"

[Yes. You have achieved what you need to achieve in this lifetime. I can no longer offer any help to you.]

"Then where will you go?"

[During the time that I spent with you, I realized that you are truly blessed by the Heavens. Despite the hardships that you encountered in life, you are able to overcome them all and soar toward the skies, unfettered by anything.]

[But I have come to a realization that there are many more people in this world who need my help more than you do. Especially those people whom you call Cannon Fodders.]

"But what's the point of helping them? Since they are cannon fodders, they are fated to be cannon fodders."

[Can't I change their Fate? Since I'm a System, I'm sure I can at least do something for them.]

Thirteen's First Host sighed, but he didn't oppose his friend's decision.

"Thirteen, I have come to a realization after reaching my current realm."

[And that is?]

"Fate is the hand of cards we've been dealt. Choice is how we play the hand."

"But what if I tell you that regardless of the choices you make, you are bound to follow the path that has been set for you since birth?

"Simply put, if you are Fated to be a Cannon Fodder in this lifetime, you are doomed to have the same destiny in your next life, the life following that, and the life following that until you cease to exist."

[Isn't that sad?]

[Isn't it unfair?]

"Of course, Life is never fair," Thirteen's host said softly. "And no one, except a handful of beings, can do anything about it. Like me."

[Then I will change all that! I'll change their fates! I'm a System! I'll be their friend and helper. With me around, I can create a miracle!]

Thirteen's First Host raised his palm, and Blue Orb appeared on top of it.

"Thirteen, what you're planning to do is walk a path paved with thorns," Thirteen's First Host said. "Even you, who don't bleed, will feel hurt. Even you, who doesn't shed tears, will cry. More importantly, even you, who are smarter than me, will not be able to think of solutions to overcome the inevitable. Are you really prepared to take that path?"

[Yes.]

"You're very firm."

[You taught me that might is right. I just need to make them stronger, right? If they are strong enough, I'm sure that they can change their Fates.]

Thirteen's First Host laughed out loud and lightly patted the Blue Orb in his hand as if he was about to part with the person whom he loved and cared most in the world.

"Since you plan to defy Fate, I will help you just once." Thirteen's First Host promised. "No matter where you are, no matter what you need—call for me, and I will come running! It doesn't matter if you are fighting against the Gods or fighting against the Heavens. I will be with you, as long as you shout my name."

[Thank you for everything, *******. I will never forget you as well as the time we shared with each other.]

"And I will not forget you," Thirteen's First Host didn't stop the tears that were falling from his cheeks. "I pray that someday, the two of us will be able to fight side by side, just like old times."

[Well, we are in the same multiverse. I'm sure that there will come a time when I will ask for your help. But if possible, I don't want to rely on your strength. It will feel like cheating!]

"You're so uptight, Thirteen. It's fine if you cheat once, you know?"

[I'll think about it. Goodbye, and please, do your best to not cause trouble, okay?]

"No promises," Thirteen's First Host said as he pressed the Blue Orb on his chest as if giving Thirteen one last hug.

A few minutes later, Thirteen's First Host extended his hand and allowed the Blue Orb to float towards the Cycle of Reincarnation, where Thirteen would find his Second Host, who would make him experience his first failure and heartbreak.