Urban System in America-Chapter 24 - : Isolde

Golden sunlight poured through the glass, creating long, warm shadows — a beautiful, fleeting scene that no human could ever hope to capture on canvas.

"Huh! Sunset?" Rex blinked, stunned. When he had started reading, it was just around 12 PM.

And now, it was already golden hour, just before dusk. That meant he had been reading for 5 to 6 hours straight.

(⊙_⊙)?

"This also explains why my body feels so sore," he muttered, stretching his stiff limbs.

Honestly, it was the first time he had read for so long in either of his lifetimes.

He was amazed by his focus and reading speed, having finished a whole book in just a few hours — especially considering its intimidating thickness.

A book that size would have usually taken him days, if not weeks, to read.

And to be clear, read not understand. But now, not only had he read the book so quickly, but he also fully understood its content — even the deeper meanings hidden between the lines, something that would normally take months to grasp.

And the reason for this incredible feat? Of course, it was all thanks to the 'Aeon Glasses', the reward from the system.

Even though he expected the glasses to be somewhat magical, he didn't think they'd be this overpowered.

With these glasses, he could breeze through an average book in just 2-3 hours. At this rate, he could quickly make up for all his missing knowledge about this world and easily handle his studies.

Sure, university wasn't just about memorization, but it still played a significant role. With these glasses and his enhanced mental stats, acing his subjects wouldn't be much of a problem.

Honestly, these glasses alone were a cheat in themselves. If an average person got their hands on them, living an affluent life would be a breeze.

Just imagine memorizing and understanding a whole book in just 2-3 hours. In just a few days, one could easily go through years of study material. Getting full marks in exams would be child's play, and by further reading books about specific fields that focus more on understanding, one could easily make their name and even go further to become a great scientist or academic.

Of course, he could also do the same, but was there any need for it? He had a system, and he believed that in the future, he would receive even better rewards than this. And what's the goal of working so hard anyway? Isn't it all just to earn money and live a happy, carefree life?

He already had more wealth than he could ever spend, and after a lifetime of struggling, he was done with exhausting himself.

This time, he just wanted to enjoy life.

Why work so hard when you can simply live carefree?

And this was just 'one' reward from the system. He couldn't even imagine what else awaited him — what overpowered abilities he'd eventually gain.

Even though his goal was to live a laid-back life, who would say no to a little extra power and influence?

Just thinking about his future, he couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement, a quiet smile spreading across his face.

Meanwhile, across the table, the girl who had been quietly reading the entire time noticed his silly grin. Though her eyes stayed on her book, her attention lingered on Rex, slightly amused.

After indulging in his daydreams, Rex snapped back to reality. Seeing the girl still focused on her book, he felt a bit relieved — at least she hadn't caught him looking dazed.

He didn't know why after travelling though he had been zoning out more often.

This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.

"Could it be a side effect of traveling through?" he wondered, a trace of worry flickering in his mind.

"System? System?" he hurriedly called out mentally.

He waited for a while, but there was no response.

Thinking about something, he gritted his teeth and spoke again,

"System daddy, are you there?"

In a flash, the system interface appeared before him.

"[Hello host, did you call me?]"

Seeing this he gritted his teeth even more, he knew that this bastard system was playing tricks again, especially hearing that cool, nonchalant voice, he had the urge to punch it — if only it were possible.

Rex's eye twitched. This damn system! It had been so well-behaved during their last few encounters that he'd started to think it might have turned over a new leaf. Guess that was wishful thinking.

Sensing his frustration, the system's voice rang out again.

"[Ahem! What worries does the host have? The great and almighty system is always at service of its dear host.]"

Hearing the system's exaggerated flattery, he felt a bit better. At least it knew how to sweet-talk when necessary.

And no matter how mischievous the system could be, he was ultimately the one in control. Without his permission, the system's intelligence couldn't even appear or observe the real world.

Putting aside its antics, Rex explained his concern.

"Alright, system, quit the flattery. I've been feeling... off lately. Zoning out, getting distracted. Is this some kind of side effect from the transmigration?"

"[Host, no need to worry. There are no side effects of travelling through, and there never will be.]"

"Then what's causing this?" he asked, still a bit uneasy.

The system paused for a moment, as if considering its words, before answering.

"[Ahem! It's simply the result of the stark difference between the host's past and present lives — the drastic contrast in wealth and lifestyle. Your brain is struggling to process it and still half-believes it's a dream.

In simpler terms, having lived a difficult life as a 'poor single dog,' your brain is a little stunned by your sudden identity and fortune.]"

Before Rex could react, the system continued.

"[But don't worry. Over time, your mind will adjust to this new reality.]"

And just like that, the system disappeared without a trace — even when he called out a few more times, it didn't respond.

Though he understood the explanation, Rex felt a bit offended.

"What do you mean my brain can't process it? Mind you, my mind is almost comparable to greats like Einstein!"

'Humph! I'll settle this score with you next time,' he swore quietly.

But honestly, he sighed, a mix of relief and exasperation washing over him. So it wasn't a side effect of some cosmic error, just his brain catching up to the absurdity of his new life.

Returning to reality, Rex realized that despite all that mental chatter, only a few seconds had passed.

He closed his book with a quiet thud, his gaze stealing a last glance at the girl across from him. She had been there just as long, immersed in her reading, barely sparing him a glance. Cold, mysterious, and undeniably stunning — the kind of girl who probably had guys lined up just to be ignored.

"Well, it'd be a shame to leave without at least trying," Rex thought.

He gathered his things slowly, making a bit more noise than necessary, hoping for a reaction.

Nothing...

Taking a breath, he walked around the table and stopped just a step away from her seat.

As he slid his chair back, she finally looked up, their eyes meeting. Rex offered a relaxed smile.

"Hey, sorry if this is a bit random, but we've been study buddies by chance for hours. Figured it'd be a shame to leave without saying hi."

Her gaze shifted from her notes to him, guarded yet slightly curious.

"Study buddies? I don't remember us teaming up."

Rex chuckled softly, leaning just slightly against the back of his chair.

"True, more like silent neighbors. I'm Rex, by the way."

After a moment's hesitation, she replied.

"Isolde."

"Isolde! Ice queen, great name!" he teased lightly.

Her expression remained unchanged, but he thought he saw the smallest flicker of amusement.

"So, are you always this dedicated, or is today a special occasion?"

Her lips twitched slightly.

"Exams. The usual grind." she spoke in the same concise tone.

"Ah, the classic struggle. Well, good luck with that. If I see you around again, I'll try not to steal the best seat."

He flashed a friendly smile, not lingering long enough to push his luck. And walked away.

In this situation, the longer you linger, the worse it will get. It's better to leave a good impression and leave the rest to fate.

If we're fated, we'll eventually meet again.

If not, well... he'll just have to find her again.

(End of Chapter)