His bloodshot eyes suddenly opened as a ringing sound intruded upon his ears. Annoyed, he reached out blindly to locate the noise but failed. Peeking up, he saw the phone at the far end of the drawer. Groaning, he slumped his face back onto the pillow and gave up.


    But the ringing continued.


    Forcing himself up in agitation, he turned off the alarm. "Why did I set an alarm for five...?" Realizing something, he looked at the phone’s lit screen again, then at the window.


    He groaned, then massaged his temples to ease his headache. "That idiot really got us wasted..." Looking at the phone again, he frowned, making his head throb even more. "Whose phone is this—Ptensia’s...?"


    Sighing in frustration, he headed to the living room, where the TV illuminated the dark space.


    "—Yes, terrorists have been active month after month for two years now, causing uneasiness among citizens." As the news transitioned to another location, he turned off the TV with a frown.


    Now feeling fully awake, he took a bath, then hesitantly stepped outside. "I-It''s cold..."


    Careful in his steps, he made his way to a mini-mart to buy some instant noodles and coffee.


    He wasn''t sure if it was because of the news, but he felt like he was being watched. Shaking off the thought, he continued.


    After buying what he needed, he was on his way home when a faint glow caught his eye.


    Curious, he squatted down to see a smooth, coin-like object resting atop a blade of grass, emitting a soft glow.


    "The heck is this...?" He picked it up, but it slid off his fingers and attached itself to his wrist like a magnet.


    Startled, he tried to pull away, causing him to stumble and fall on his butt. He wanted to inspect it further, but an ominous feeling urged him to go home. His heart pounded wildly, his breathing grew ragged, and sweat dripped down his face as he rushed back.


    Upon returning, he calmed down and looked around to confirm that everything was fine. But then, an unbearable drowsiness took over. He staggered into his room and blacked out as he fell onto his bed.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ---


    Hours later, he lazily opened his eyes, wiped the drool off his face, and looked around the room.


    The warm glow from the window indicated it was afternoon. Stretching, he noticed the stench coming off him and decided to take another bath.


    After refreshing himself, he dressed and was about to cook what he had bought when—


    Host, please provide me with what you call electricity. A clear, mechanical voice echoed in his head.


    He froze in place, then looked around in confusion. "Who''s there!?"


    I am RAI 4.1-1, named Humiutas, please call me Rai, as my memory is incomplete.


    Hearing this, he clenched his fists, ready to fight. "Revolutionized—what? You''re trespassing in my house."


    That is incorrect. I am not trespassing in your house.


    "Show yourself!" He slowly walked around with his guard up.


    Please look at your wrist.


    "My wrist...? Oh!" Remembering the strange object from earlier, he looked at his wrist and saw the coin-like object now smoothly lodged into his skin. Tracing it with his fingers, he muttered, "The fuck...?"


    That is me, Host. I have now successfully assimilated into your body.


    "Assimilated...?" He stared at it in confusion. "W-Wait, slow down. W-What’s going on? Is this a dream?"


    Impatient, Rai cramped his hand so badly that his fingers curled involuntarily.


    "Nghh...!"


    No, this is real. I am now a part of your body. You can consider me an independent second brain.


    Regaining control of his hand, he relaxed. "You could’ve done something else..." Holding his hand, he complained.


    This method was the most effective way to wake you up, Host.


    "Yeah, really great... But what do you mean by ''second brain''?" He frowned. "Are you saying you''re connected to my nerves or something?"


    Yes. I am connected to you and am now one of your bodily components.


    "Y-You mean like... you fused with me?" He abruptly stood up as he realized something. "I didn’t sign up for this! This is like parasitism!"


    Please do not compare me to mindless creatures that live by killing their hosts. I am designed to devote myself entirely to my host—you. Rai''s tone clearly showed offense.


    "The hell’s that supposed to mean? And why me, of all people?" He frowned as he sat back down.


    It was a coincidence, Host. And please stop cursing.


    "Oh really? That doesn’t sound convincing at all."


    I am shutting down. Please provide me with electricity.


    He raised an eyebrow. "Why the rush...?"


    I have exhausted all my energy arriving in this world. Electricity alone isn’t sufficient to power me, so I need to be constantly recharged.


    "Oh... This world...?" He repeated blankly, curiosity creeping into his tone. "And how do I give you electricity?"


    Get yourself electrocuted, Host.


    "Are you busted!? I’m not a masochist who enjoys—"


    Rest assured, as I am part of you, your body will not feel any pain.


    "It still flows into me! How the hell would I not get electrocuted!?"


    Then, please directly supply electricity to me.