Cough cough cough...
"In a world with such advanced medicine, why is there no effective cure for the common cold..."
Xiao Yi vigorously massaged his aching head, a coughing fit erupting early in the morning. Clinging to a handful of common cold and anti-inflammatory pills, he couldn't help but heave a sigh.
Yet, the very moment he voiced his thoughts, the pile of cold medicine in his grasp vanished before his very eyes.
Simultaneously, a mechanical voice echoed within his muddled mind.
[Detecting owner's desire, the Decomposition Reconstruction System has been activated.]
[The system has recycled a handful of the owner's regular anti-inflammatory and cold medicine, decomposed and reconstructed it for the owner. The owner has obtained two pills of effective cold medicine.]
All of this transpired so abruptly that Xiao Yi found himself frozen in place, utterly stunned.
After a considerable pause, he finally managed to react, murmuring to himself:
"Damn, did I just imagine that?"
But when his gaze landed on the two unmarked capsule pills now in his hand, his jaw dropped. The cold medicine he had intended to take was clearly in tablet form; how had it transformed into capsules?
Picking up the blister pack from which he had taken the pills, Xiao Yi felt his head begin to spin.
What was happening? Was this all real???
Having spent countless hours engrossed in online novels, he was certainly no stranger to the concept of "systems." However, he had never once imagined that a legendary system would actually appear before him!
"Xiao Yi, why are you dawdling? Today is the final practice exam before the college entrance examinations. Hurry up, take your medicine, and get to school! I'm not expecting you to get into a top university, but can't you at least get into *any* university for us?"
His mother's nagging voice swiftly pulled Xiao Yi back to reality, compelling him to set aside his thoughts about the system. If he delayed any longer, his mother's shoe might soon make a rather forceful connection.
However, erring on the side of caution, Xiao Yi did not take both of the cold medicine capsules. While replying to his mother, he popped one into his mouth.
Then, hastily throwing on his jacket and grabbing his backpack, he bolted out of the house, tossing the remaining cold medicine capsule into his bag.
"Phew~ Thank goodness I was quick! Huh? Wait, why do I feel like I have boundless energy? Damn! Did my cold just vanish like that?"
Perched on his bicycle, Xiao Yi sensed something was amiss. He had been battling a cold for days; how could he suddenly feel perfectly fine?
His immediate thought went to that cold medicine capsule!
"Oh my goodness, this is utterly unbelievable! Wahaha! I'm truly something special this time!"
His mind racing with thoughts of the system, he couldn't contain his elation and mentally called out.
"System! System! Introduce yourself to me quickly!"
Responding to Xiao Yi's mental summons, the mechanical voice resonated in his mind once more.
[Responding to owner's query:
System Name: Decomposition Reconstruction System.
System Function: Operates without category restrictions, capable of decomposing any object and randomly reconstructing it. Note: The owner may also specify the desired reconstructed item. If the discrepancy between the decomposed and reconstructed item is not substantial, the system can provide the owner with a small supplement of missing molecules.]
System Level: Level 1, capable of reconstructing one item per day.]
"Whoa! That’s incredible! So, if I were to purchase a wrecked luxury car, could I decompose it and then reconstruct a brand-new one?!"
Upon hearing the system's explanation, such a notion immediately sprang into Xiao Yi's mind.
Moreover, it seemed highly feasible.
The college entrance examinations were fast approaching, and once they were concluded, he would acquire a car!
Then, en route to university, imagine driving a luxury vehicle worth millions...
Hehe!
Astride his bicycle, Xiao Yi could already envision the college girls eagerly waving at him!
"Xiao Yi! If you don't hurry to school, what are you lingering downstairs for? Do you want a spanking?"
However, an abrupt shout from upstairs jolted Xiao Yi, who was lost in his daydreams, back to the harsh reality.
Without daring to look back, he rapidly pedaled his bicycle towards the school.
Once his figure vanished at the entrance of the neighborhood, a silhouette observing from a third-floor window finally retreated indoors. Glancing at Father Lin, who was leisurely enjoying his porridge at the dining table, a surge of irritation coursed through them:
"Lao Lin, take a look at your 'good' son! He's always around, yet when it comes to exams, he's utterly useless! Don't you ever maintain control; you're always fiddling with your broken porcelain pieces, and he's just like father, like son!"
...
As per usual, he arrived at the classroom right as the lessons were commencing, making his way to his 'exclusive' seat in the back corner.
"Huh? Big bro, weren’t you feeling under the weather these past few days? How come you appear more invigorated than me now?"
His close companion beside him murmured in bewilderment upon observing Xiao Yi, but before he could offer a response, the homeroom teacher, known as ’Extinctive Master,’ entered, carrying a substantial pile of examination papers.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves; the test commences now. This is your final high school examination, so demonstrate your full potential! I wish to witness every one of your capabilities."
It was the usual lecture, or rather, ‘words of encouragement,’ a series of motivational speeches ensued, and then the papers finally began their distribution.
At this precise moment, a persistent coughing sound emanated from the front row.
Nevertheless, nobody paid it much heed; considering the recent unpredictable weather, falling ill was commonplace. But just as the papers were handed out and the examination was on the verge of starting, with everyone diligently writing their names, the coughing erupted once more. It was remarkably severe and sudden, strikingly noticeable in the hushed classroom.
Given that it was an examination, especially the final mock test, the coughing irked the studious pupils, causing them to knit their brows.
Yet, upon realizing it was Xiao Zihan in the front-row corner, every student simply shook their heads, unable to suppress their whispered complaints.
Perceiving her classmates’ hushed grievances, Xiao Zihan in the front row lowered her already stooped head further, placing her hand over her mouth to muffle the coughing as discreetly as possible.
Speaking of the young lady, she possessed a rather fine physique, standing at an impressive 1.72 meters. However, she consistently donned loose-fitting school uniforms throughout her high school years, complemented by a pair of large, antiquated glasses that seemed suited only for reading, completely devoid of any fashion sense.
Primarily, her head was rarely raised; even when it was, her lengthy hair would obscure a significant portion of her face. This tendency might be linked to the unfortunate reality of losing her parents at a tender age, contributing to her inherent self-consciousness.
Consequently, her classmates had bestowed upon her the moniker of the ’ugly girl.’
"Xiao Xiao, this situation is untenable. The actual examinations are mere days away. If you are genuinely feeling unwell, you should permit the teacher to escort you to the infirmary. A cold must not impede your academic performance."
At this juncture, the homeroom teacher’s voice resonated. Considering Xiao Zihan’s consistent position as the top-ranking student in their grade, the teacher harbored a blend of fondness and sympathy for her, acutely aware that this diligent student would likely hesitate to purchase even basic cold medication for herself.
"Homeroom teacher, I happen to have some cough-suppressing cold medicine. Perhaps she should consider taking it."
Abruptly, a clear and spirited male voice emerged from the back corner of the classroom, drawing the immediate attention of all the students towards Xiao Yi.
[To be continued...]