Eric didn't actually dislike the system. It was just that this so-called "cheat" had arrived far too late. Even the laziest Tauros on the farm would have shaken its head in disappointment.

As Eric quietly griped in his heart, the Special Prompt System seemed to experience an unexpected hiccup. After a brief pause, a message slowly appeared:

[Based on an analysis, while the host is indeed the weakest among Champions, you are indeed a bona fide Champion-level Trainer. Has this system arrived too late?]

"What do you mean by 'weakest'? I am strong enough to face anyone" Eric retorted, his voice sharp and sarcastic. He wasn't blind to the fact that Geeta hadn't gone all out in their battle, but hearing the system mock him still left him feeling a little sour.

As if ignoring his protest, the system entered another crash state while Eric walked his newly acquired land. Occasionally, phrases like [Performing self-diagnostics] would flash briefly.

Eric didn't pay it much mind. His years of experience surfing the web told him he likely couldn't get rid of the system. He might as well focus on something productive instead.

After touring the undeveloped property and pondering where to build various facilities, the system suddenly chimed in again:

[Binding complete. Although the host has achieved the title of Champion, there is still ample room for improvement. Why not embark on a journey to other regions?]

"You make a good point, but I'll have to decline," Eric said firmly, waving off the playful text dancing in front of him.

[…]

The system went silent again. Observing its behaviour, Eric realized this wasn't some rigid, mechanical system like the ones he'd read about in novels. It felt more like a mischievous conversational partner with its own personality.

Still, from its exaggerated attempts to get his attention, Eric could tell it had no authority or ability to force him into anything. Besides its occasional advice, the system's main function seemed to be... comic relief.

Eric found this arrangement ideal. If it had forced missions on him, he would've flat-out refused even if it meant abandoning his newfound freedom.

After all, he'd worked hard to escape the grind of 9-to-5 jobs, constant overtime, and even working on holidays like New Year's Eve.

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All he wanted now was to live a peaceful, relaxing life as a simple farm owner.

---

Humming a familiar tune, Eric strolled through the property like a retired man enjoying his golden years. His destination was a quaint, three-story house the only building standing on the vast land he had purchased.

The house, though weathered by time, had a certain charm. According to the mayor, it had once belonged to an elderly couple who had no children. They lived here peacefully until they both passed away a few years ago.

In their will, the couple had stipulated that their land and house be donated to the town. If the town decided to sell the property, the proceeds were to be used for the community's development.

Eric had managed to purchase this underutilized yet highly promising property because of this unusual arrangement.

After touring the house, Eric quickly grew fond of it. The building, covering roughly 200 square meters, included all the essentials: bedrooms, a kitchen, and even a rooftop terrace where he could grow flowers or enjoy the sun. Though old, it was his dream home.

With a deep breath, Eric decided to clean up the place. Once the dust was cleared and the furniture refurbished, it would be ready to live in.

Some items, however, were beyond repair and would need to be discarded. He planned to visit the town later to buy new bedding and supplies so he could move in that very night.

Realizing that some of the heavier items might be too much for him alone, Eric retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he pressed the button.

With a flash of red light, a robust Swampert appeared. Its fierce expression suggested it could topple mountains or make any challenger tremble, but the moment it met Eric's warm gaze, its demeanour softened visibly.

"Swampert, could you help me move these things outside to air out in the sun?" Eric gestured to a pile of furniture coated in dust and emanating a musty odour tables, chairs, a sofa, and a few sealed cardboard boxes.

Swampert nodded, lifting the heavy sofa with its powerful arms as though it weighed nothing, and carried it outside.

"Alright, let's get to work!" Eric rolled up his sleeves and approached the boxes, intending to inspect their contents under the sunlight.

If they contained items of sentimental value related to the elderly couple, he'd bring them to their gravesite. If not, he'd sort them for practical use on the farm.

After all, having spent nearly all his savings on this land, Eric needed to budget carefully for the future.

As he reached for one box, the system interrupted:

[In the third box from the left in front of your right hand, there is a mysterious crystal that can significantly enhance your strength.]

Eric paused, raising an eyebrow. Curious, he crouched in front of the indicated box.

A tool knife in hand, he sliced through the tape and began sifting through the contents. Before long, he found the so-called "mysterious crystal."

Encased in a bright blue crystalline shell, the inner material was a dull grey-black ore. Despite the dust covering it, the crystal gleamed faintly under the sunlight.

"This... is it?" Eric murmured, recognition dawning on his face. Of all the items the system might have mentioned, he hadn't expected this: a Terastal Orb Raw Core, a crucial material unique to the Paldea region and essential for Terastallization.

---

Thank you for reading!