23 User Interface Upgrade (1/2)

[User Integrating in 5…]

”Say what?”

You are startled. You recall vividly what would happen when the System announces that.

Luckily, this time you weren't so unprepared. However, there is no glass door to break your fall.

[4…3…2…]

You immediately drop to the floor, protecting your head with both of your arms. You await the painful shock to your brain that would surely come.

[1…]

When the System announces zero, your eyes immediately widen in shock. A massive jolt smashes your defenceless brain, forcing an anguish scream out of you. It is far more painful the first time you have felt it.

Your mind is forced to retreat into unconsciousness.

Silence returns to the hallway, with you lying there, unmoving.

Just like the first time, someone rushes to your aid. She becomes very emotional as she embraces you in her arms. You feel her warmness as your breathing slows. The pain melts away as your brain slowly recovers.

You eventually open your eyes. Your ears are ringing like before. Your vision is also blurred.

From what you can gather, you are now in your room, on your bed. You didn't recall how you get there or who brought you there.

”Ugh… fuck…”

You groan and palm your head as you sit up. It seems that whenever there is a new Quest, the System will trigger a new update, and you will suffer a painful feedback.

”You're awake. Thank God.”

Your mother calls out from the doorway. She hurriedly goes to your side and touches your forehead, checking your temperature. She checks your head, neck, shoulder and arms as well.

Your hearing recovers first just like before. Your vision, however, remains blurry.

”I'm fine, mum.”

You tell your mother to stop her from examining every inch of your body.

You mother calms down. Her eyes are still reddened. ”I had heard you screamed. When I rush out of my office, I saw you just lying there, in the corridor, unconscious on the floor. I thought you have hit your head somewhere, sweetheart.”

”I didn't hit my head, mum. It's… nothing. I'm just very tired that all.”

You tell your mother while rubbing your eyes. You want your vision to return, and you are prepared for whatever strangeness comes your way.

As the room becomes more focus, you look at your mother.

You immediately avert your eyes. She isn't naked – thank God. She is towering over you from the edge of the bed, and her assets are literally spilling out of her dress.

”Can you, umm… not leaning over me like that. I can see… you know.”

Your mother smiles and straightens herself. She sits on the bed, besides you. ”I love you, honey. You do know that, right?”

”I love you too.”