I'm Not a System, but I Am a Cheat

(Dear readers with little eyes, could you give the audiobook a try? Please! It’s even more enjoyable to listen to.) Systems come in different species. Here are the types: Fake Systems: Created when powerful beings transform themselves to masquerade as Systems and deceive beings weaker than themselves. They are not real Systems, cannot devour real Systems, and may not even detect their presence. How well they conceal their strength depends on the System itself. Conversion Systems: A magic treasure serves as a vessel that can absorb precious materials within range. Its functions are limited, or else the treasure has a spirit, and its creator has independently imbued it with the appropriate abilities. These are not real Systems; they cannot devour real Systems or even detect them, and they cannot level up. Their ability to conceal their strength depends on the treasure and its owner. Without a spirit, they operate mechanically according to set procedures. With a spirit, they have independent awareness. Manufactured Systems: Made using powerful technology or by powerful beings. They may be capable of leveling up. Whether their freedom is restricted is uncertain. Their ability to conceal their strength depends on the creator’s strength and on how powerful the creator configured the System to be. Ecosystem Systems: They arise naturally through the evolution of the laws of nature in response to calamities. They can grow and level up, and they can devour real Systems. The ecosystem uses itself as its point of reference. Evolution and leveling up consume enormous resources. An Ecosystem System is more like a cultivator: it can grow stronger and level up by cultivating and consuming resources. Fusion Systems: Formed when a fragmentary System fuses with a living being’s soul to create an entirely new System. They can level up on their own, but consume terrifying amounts of resources. They can devour genuine Systems. Read the main text for details. The story begins in Chapter Two.