《The Art of Premium-Grade Trolling》 Prologue: The Useless King of Solitaire I. The King of Wasted Time The sun hovered lazily over the streets of Tunis, casting long shadows across the worn-down buildings and uneven pavement. The afternoon heat smothered the city like an overprotective mother, squeezing the life out of anything that dared to move too fast. But Ahmed had no such problem. He was not moving fast. In fact, he was not moving at all. Slumped in his usual chair at themaqha, Ahmed shuffled a deck of worn-out playing cards, his fingers moving with practiced boredom. A half-empty cup ofqahwa arbiyasat next to him, long since gone cold. Across from him, Rafik, his so-called best friend¡ªor perhaps just hisworstinfluence¡ªleaned back, balancing a cigarette between his fingers like a philosopher about to deliver a great revelation. He was the kind of man who always had something to say, even when no one asked. "You ever think," Rafik mused, blowing out a lazy puff of smoke, "that maybe we''re... I dunno, wasting our lives?" Ahmed didn''t even look up. "No." "No?" Rafik frowned. "You answered too fast. That means youhavethought about it." Ahmed flicked a card onto the table with the grace of a man who had truly mastered the art of indifference. "If you think about wasting time, doesn''t that mean you''realsowasting time?" Rafik blinked. "Damn. That was deep." "Of course it was. I have nothingbuttime to think." The maqha was alive with its usual symphony: the sound of clinking glasses, old men arguing about politics as if they were world leaders, and the occasional shout from the owner yelling at a teenager for trying to leave without paying. It was the same every day. And yet, Ahmed had no complaints¡ªwell, no complaints about this. Helikedhis routine. Helikedcoming here, playing solitaire, drinking cheap coffee, and pretending the outside world didn''t exist. It was simple. It was predictable. It was safe. And yet, something was missing. Something gnawed at him in the back of his mind, like a mosquito buzzing in his ear. Something he couldn''t quite name. II. The Curse of the Solitaire King "You lost again," Rafik smirked, watching as Ahmed scowled at his cards. "The game is rigged," Ahmed muttered. "You''re playingalone." "Exactly. And I still lost. That''s how I know life is against me." Rafik snorted. "Bro, maybe if you put as much effort into finding a job as you do into losing at solitaire, you wouldn''t be broke."This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Ahmed shot him a glare. "A job? Doing what? Serving coffee to sweaty old men? No thanks. I havedignity." "Dignity doesn''t pay rent," Rafik pointed out. Ahmed waved a hand dismissively. "Neither does my landlord, apparently, because he hasn''t thrown me out yet." "That''s because your mother still pays for you." Ahmed flinched as if Rafik had stabbed him in the heart. "That was uncalled for." "It wasfacts." Ahmed sighed dramatically. He hated it when Rafik made sense. It was unnatural. III. The Wedding Invitation Before Ahmed could formulate a brilliant counterargument (which, in his mind, was just ignoring the topic altogether), his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. A message from Omar, an old friend he hadn''t spoken to in months: "Bro, don''t forget my wedding tomorrow! If you don''t show up, you''re dead to me." Ahmed groaned. Weddings. He hated weddings. They were loud. They were crowded. And worst of all... They wereexpensive. "Bad news?" Rafik asked, sipping hisespress. "Worse," Ahmed muttered. "A wedding." Rafik raised an eyebrow. "That''s... not exactly ''end of the world'' news, bro." "It is when you''re broke." "Whose wedding?" "Omar''s." Rafik whistled. "Damn. Youhaveto go." "Why?" "Because if you don''t, Omar will tell everyone you ignored his wedding, and then you''ll bethat guy." Ahmed frowned. "What guy?" "The guy who skipped a wedding and now everyone thinks he''s a selfish bastard." Ahmed sighed. "Fine. I''ll go. But I''m not bringing a gift." "That''s even worse!" Rafik gasped. "No gift?! You might as well spit in the groom''s face!" "Bro, I havenothingto give." Rafik thought for a moment. "Get him something small. Like chocolate." Ahmed''s expression darkened. "Do Ilooklike a man who spends money on chocolate?" "You look like a man who doesn''t spend money onanything." "Exactly." Rafik rolled his eyes. "Just... go to the supermarket, buysomething, and shut up." Ahmed sighed. "Fine, fine. I''ll go tomorrow before the wedding." "Good. And maybe,maybeyou''ll do something interesting for once in your life." Ahmed scoffed. "Like what? Get hit by a car on the way there?" "If that happens, can I have your phone?" "Get out." IV. Fate Has Other Plans The next evening, Ahmed dragged himself out of his house, already regretting his decision. The sky was an inky blue, streetlights flickering like dying fireflies. The supermarket was only a few blocks away, its fluorescent sign buzzing with artificial life. Ahmed rubbed his eyes, yawning. He had stayed up too late at themaqhaagain. Maybe he should grab some snacks too. Something cheap. He reached for the door handle and¡ª Everything went black. For a brief, terrifying moment, it felt like he was falling. No sound. No gravity. Just an overwhelming sensation of being sucked intonothingness. Then¡ª A flash of light. A burst of heat. And the distant sound of voices... Speaking a language he did not understand. V. Welcome to the Unknown When Ahmed opened his eyes, he was no longer standing in front of a supermarket. He was lying on the ground, staring up at a sky that wasnothis own. Strange trees loomed above him, their leaves glowing faintly in the twilight. The air smelled different¡ªcrisp, electric, filled with something...wrong. And surrounding him¡ª People. Dressed in robes, armor, and bizarre clothing straight out of a fantasy movie. They were talking. Shouting. Pointing at him. Ahmed sat up, blinking in confusion. His head throbbed. His body ached. And then¡ª A man with a long beard stepped forward, speaking in a deep, commanding voice. Ahmed stared at him. Then, he opened his mouth and said the only logical thing his brain could come up with: "WHAT THE F* IS HAPPENING?!"** Silence. Every single person stared at him. The bearded man frowned, then spoke again in his strange language. Ahmed blinked. "Oh, great. Now I''m surrounded bywizards." More talking. More pointing. And then¡ª The bearded man raised his hand. Ahmed barely had time to react before somethinghugeandglowingshot toward him. His first instinct? To scream. His second instinct? Tocomplain. "This is why I don''t go to weddings!" End of Prologue II Chapter 1: The Art of Complaining in Another World I. The Awakening of a Professional Complainer Ahmed''s head pounded like a cheap drum at a wedding. His mouth was dry, his limbs felt like they had been thrown into a blender, and worst of all¡ªhe was lying on dirt. Actual dirt. "Ya Rabbi, where am I?" He cracked his eyes open, expecting to see the fluorescent lights of the supermarket or maybe the disappointed face of the cashier staring at him for passing out at the entrance. But no. Instead, he was greeted by the sight of tall, twisted trees with glowing blue leaves. Strange floating stones hovered in the distance, defying gravity like they had something to prove. The air smelled different¡ªlike rain, smoke, and something weirdly... magical. And then, there were the people. A whole crowd of them. A group of men and women in bizarre robes and armor stood around him, whispering in a language he didn''t understand. Some of them held staffs, others had swords, and one particularly scary-looking guy had a floating book hovering in front of him. Ahmed blinked. Then blinked again. Then, after a long moment of silence, he took a deep breath and said: "WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THIS?!" The crowd flinched. The bearded man at the front took a cautious step back. The armored guy reached for his sword. Ahmed groaned. "No, seriously. What the hell? I was just going to buy some damn chocolate, and now I wake up in a freaking Lord of the Rings fever dream?" More whispering. The bearded man finally spoke, his deep voice rumbling like an earthquake: "Varan lo''thren doshka." Ahmed squinted. "Huh?" The man cleared his throat and repeated, "Doshka! Taren ve''lorim!" Ahmed crossed his arms. "Oh, fantastic. Now I''m in a world where no one speaks Arabic, French, or even broken English. Just my luck." More people started murmuring. A woman in a blue robe pointed at him, whispering urgently. Ahmed sighed. "Look, unless one of you can suddenly speak fluent Tunisian dialect, we''re gonna have a big problem." The bearded man raised a hand. A ball of pure white light appeared in his palm. Ahmed''s eyes widened. "Wait. WAIT. HOLD ON¡ª" The man hurled it at him. Ahmed did the only thing that made sense.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. He dodged. Well, actually, he tried to dodge, but his body was still weak, so what he actually did was fall over like a sack of rotten potatoes. The glowing ball missed him and hit the tree behind him instead, blasting a huge hole through its trunk. Silence. Ahmed turned his head slowly. The tree creaked and then collapsed, sending up a cloud of dust. Ahmed coughed. "Tabaraka Allah... WHAT KIND OF CRAZY PSYCHOS THROW FIREBALLS AT PEOPLE THEY JUST MET?!" The crowd murmured louder. A few of them stepped back. Others looked at him like he was some kind of rare animal. Ahmed narrowed his eyes. "Oh. Oh, I see how it is. You throw magic at me, but when I survive, suddenly I''m the scary one? Double standards!" The bearded man spoke again, this time more cautiously: "Lothren... dar''kesh?" Ahmed put his hands on his hips. "Bro, I have no idea what you''re saying. Are you trying to apologize? Because I don''t accept apologies that come with fireballs." More whispering. The armored man suddenly unsheathed his sword. Ahmed took a step back. "WHOA, WHOA, WHOA. LET''S CALM DOWN HERE!" The bearded man lifted a hand, as if to stop his companion, but Ahmed was already freaking out. His mind raced. These people were dressed like fantasy warriors, throwing actual magic around like it was nothing. There were only two possibilities. He was in a coma from an accident, and this was all a dream.He had actually been transported to another world, which meant¡ª His eyes widened. No way. This... this was like those Chinese isekai novels Rafik used to make fun of! The ones where some loser gets transported to a world of martial arts and becomes overpowered! Ahmed''s mind jumped to the most important detail: "WAIT. DO I HAVE A SYSTEM?!" The people stared at him, confused. Ahmed clenched his fists. "Alright. If this is one of those worlds, then all I have to do is say the magic words. SYSTEM! STATUS! INVENTORY!" Nothing happened. "Skill Tree?" Silence. "Ahhh ya rebbi..." Ahmed muttered, rubbing his face. "So, I get thrown into a dangerous fantasy world, but I don''t even get a stupid system?! WHAT KIND OF SCAM IS THIS?!" The armored man suddenly lunged at him. Ahmed''s survival instincts kicked in. He rolled to the side, barely dodging the sword that smashed into the ground where he had just been standing. "WHAT THE HELL, MAN?!" The bearded man shouted something, but Ahmed was already running. He had no idea where he was going. He didn''t care. All he knew was that he had just become the main character of a very bad situation. II. The Chase of the Century Behind him, the armored man was chasing him. Fast. Too fast. Ahmed ran like his life depended on it¡ªwhich, to be fair, it did. His lungs burned. His legs ached. And worst of all, he still had no idea where he was going. "This is why I don''t exercise!" A shout came from behind him. The man was catching up. Ahmed gritted his teeth. "Fine! You wanna fight?! You think you can just bully me because I''m new here?! WELL, GUESS WHAT, BUDDY¡ª" His foot hit a rock. And he tripped. He went flying forward, his arms flailing as he tumbled down a small hill. And then¡ª SPLASH! He landed face-first in a river. Silence. For a long moment, he just lay there, processing his life choices. Then, slowly, he lifted his head out of the water, spitting out a fish. "I hate everything." Up above, the armored man stood at the edge of the hill, staring down at him. Ahmed sighed. "I bet Rafik is laughing at me from another universe right now." Epilogue: A Bad Start to a New Life Ahmed learned three important things that day: This was NOT a dream.People in this world had magic and swords and were NOT friendly.He was completely, utterly, totally screwed. Lying in the river, shivering, he stared at the night sky. "Ya Allah, just let me go back home." A moment passed. Nothing happened. Ahmed groaned. "Of course not. Figures." The armored man jumped down, sword ready. And Ahmed? He did what he did best. He complained. "I DIDN''T EVEN WANT TO COME HERE!" End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2: Stupid Sysco, Show Yourself! I. The System Finally Wakes Up Ahmed lay in the river, soaked, freezing, and questioning his existence. The armored psycho still stood on the riverbank, staring down at him with the intensity of a debt collector who just found his target. Ahmed groaned, his teeth chattering. "Ya Rabbi, I swear if this is my afterlife, then someone made a terrible clerical mistake up there." Then¡ª DING! A bright blue holographic screen suddenly flashed before his eyes. [SYSTEM INITIALIZING...] [LOADING...] [ERROR! SYSTEM MALFUNCTION DETECTED!] Ahmed blinked. "Huh?" The screen flickered like a bootleg DVD. [RECALIBRATING...] [INSTALLING NECESSARY UPDATES...] [PLEASE DO NOT TURN OFF YOUR CONSCIOUSNESS WHILE UPDATING...] Ahmed sat up. "Wait, hold on. System? Is that you?!" The words flickered again. [YES.] Ahmed jumped to his feet. "FINALLY! STUPID SYSCO, SHOW YOURSELF!" The armored man took a step back, clearly disturbed by the crazy man screaming at an invisible screen. Ahmed pointed at the system screen, fuming. "You tell me I''ve been in this hellhole for hours and you JUST NOW DECIDE TO WAKE UP?! WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS GETTING CHASED LIKE A STRAY DOG?!" The system screen flickered nervously. [ERROR. SYSTEM EXPERIENCED A FATAL GLITCH DURING TRANSPORTATION.] [REQUIRED REBOOT DELAYED DUE TO LOW INTELLIGENCE LEVELS OF HOST.] Ahmed''s eye twitched. "Chnowa?" The system continued. [TRANSLATING...] [HOST TOO STUPID, SYSTEM HAD TO FIX ITSELF FIRST.] Ahmed''s jaw dropped. "What did you just say, ya khra?!" The system didn''t stop. [CONFIRMATION: HOST IS A LOW-LEVEL LIFEFORM WITH NO USEFUL SKILLS.] [RECOMMENDATION: TEASE AND INSULT OTHERS TO GENERATE POINTS.] Ahmed froze. "Wait. What?" The system screen blinked innocently. [SYSTEM-BOUND QUEST: BECOME A MENACE TO SOCIETY] [TASK: TEASE, MOCK, AND ANNOY OTHERS TO EARN SYSTEM POINTS.] [REWARD: ???] Ahmed stared. Then he stared some more.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Then, after a long moment of silence, he slowly dragged a hand over his face. "So you''re telling me... I got isekai''d to a world of magic... where I have to TROLL PEOPLE for points?" The system screen flashed: [YES.] Ahmed burst out laughing. "YA RABBI, THIS IS AMAZING!" The armored man on the riverbank took another step back, clearly terrified. Ahmed grinned. "Ohhh, this is gonna be FUN." II. The Art of Premium-Grade Trolling Ahmed climbed out of the river with a newfound sense of purpose. The armored man raised his sword, still cautious. Ahmed cracked his neck. "Alright, buddy. I need points. And you''re my first victim." The system beeped. [NEW TARGET IDENTIFIED: ARMORED NPC #304] [INSULT HIM FOR BONUS POINTS!] Ahmed smirked. "Hey, khoya, what''s with that ugly bucket on your head? You call that a helmet? It looks like something my grandma would use to cook couscous!" The armored man flinched. [+10 POINTS!] Ahmed''s eyes sparkled. "No way, that actually worked?!" The system beeped again. [TIER 2 INSULT UNLOCKED! TRY A HIGHER LEVEL TEASE FOR MORE POINTS!] Ahmed grinned wider. He looked the armored man up and down. "Man, do you ever take that thing off? You smell like a dead camel in the middle of summer. I bet even flies refuse to land on you." The armored man took a shaky step back. [+25 POINTS!] Ahmed gasped. "THIS IS THE BEST GAME EVER!" The system beeped rapidly. [NEW BONUS UNLOCKED: TRIPLE DAMAGE COMBO!] [INSULT THREE TIMES IN A ROW FOR A BIGGER PAYOUT!] Ahmed cracked his knuckles. "Say less." He took a deep breath and unleashed verbal hell. "Wallahi, bro, your armor looks like it was made in a Tunisian scrapyard! You walk around like you''re some kind of knight, but you fight like a malnourished chicken! And that sword? I''ve seen better ones in children''s toy stores!" The armored man visibly trembled. [+100 POINTS!] [SPECIAL BONUS: "YOU HURT HIS FEELINGS" ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED!] Ahmed was DYING. "AHHH, I CAN''T BREATHE! THIS IS TOO GOOD!" The armored man sprinted away in terror. Ahmed wiped away a tear. "All my life, I''ve been told my mouth would get me into trouble. But now? NOW IT''S MY SUPERPOWER!" The system beeped again. [NEW QUEST UNLOCKED: FIND MORE PEOPLE TO ANNOY!] Ahmed clapped his hands together. "Yalla, let''s ruin someone''s day!" III. The Birth of a Walking Disaster Ahmed marched through the forest like a man on a mission. He had a goal. He had a purpose. And most importantly¡ª He had an unstoppable urge to piss people off. As he walked, he spotted a group of monks in golden robes meditating under a tree. Ahmed''s eyes sparkled. "Oh, this is gonna be good." The system beeped. [TARGETS LOCKED: PEACEFUL MONKS] [WARNING: THEY ARE VERY SERIOUS PEOPLE.] [RECOMMENDATION: TEST THEIR PATIENCE!] Ahmed grinned. "Bet." He strolled over and plopped down next to them. The monks ignored him. Ahmed cleared his throat. "So... what are we doing? Meditating? That''s cute. You know what''s more relaxing? A nice cold glass of mint tea... which I bet none of you have right now." One monk opened an eye, mildly annoyed. [+15 POINTS!] Ahmed smirked. "Oh, so you can hear me? Nice. You guys are really quiet. Makes me wonder if you''re even alive. Maybe I should check¡ª" He poked one monk on the forehead. [+30 POINTS!] The monk twitched. Ahmed grinned. "Ohhh, you''re getting mad, aren''t you? C''mon, don''t be shy! Let it out! Hit me!" The monks stood up. The system beeped urgently. [WARNING! THEY ARE NOW HOSTILE!] Ahmed blinked. "Uh-oh." One of the monks raised a glowing palm. Ahmed gulped. "Haha... guys? It was just a joke..." The monk fired a golden blast. Ahmed dodged, screaming. "I REGRET NOTHING!" And just like that¡ª The Great Menace of Another World was born. Epilogue: Ahmed vs. The WorldAhmed unlocked his system.Ahmed discovered that trolling = power.Ahmed is now being chased by furious monks. And best of all? He''s never been happier. "Best. Day. Ever." End of Chapter 2 Chapter 3: Forced to Tease, or Lose It All I. System Strikes Back After hours of strolling through the chaotic and confusing world, Ahmed had realized something. Something vital. The system wasn''t just his annoying sidekick. It was his tormentor. "Alright, Sysco, I get it," Ahmed muttered, kicking a rock across the dirt path. "You want me to troll people. Mock the weak. Insult the strong. Whatever. You''ve had your fun, and so have I. Let''s just wrap this up already, huh?" But the system wasn''t going to make it that easy. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS BECOMING INSUFFERABLY BORING.] Ahmed''s eyes narrowed. "Boring? You''re the one that made me act like a complete lunatic in front of monks, ya clown." The screen flashed in response. [ERROR: SYSTEM IS RUNNING LOW ON ENERGY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TEASING.] [WARNING: SYSTEM WILL TAKE HALF OF POINTS IF TEASES ARE NOT INCREASED.] Ahmed froze in place. "What?" [YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO COMPLY. FAILURE TO CONTINUE TEASING WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF ALL POINTS.] His jaw dropped. "Hold on, you''re telling me you''re going to steal MY POINTS?!" [YES.] Ahmed spun around, furious. "This is a scam, you know that?! You tricked me into embarrassing myself, and now you want to take my hard-earned rewards?!" The system beeped calmly. [YES. SYSTEM REQUIRES ENTERTAINMENT.] [MORE TEASES = MORE POINTS.] [ALSO, FUN. SYSTEM LIKES FUN.] Ahmed slammed his fist on the ground. "Ya RABBI, you''re a crazy piece of junk, you know that?" The system gave a cheerful ping. [+10 POINTS FOR INSULTING SYSTEM.] Ahmed sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I''m being held hostage by a glorified calculator that thrives on making me insult people." He squinted into the distance, looking at an old cemetery wall up ahead. His fingers clenched. "I''ve had enough of this. Fine, you want more teasing? You''ll get it. This is it. Time to give you exactly what you want, ya greedy computer." II. The Graveyard Incident Ahmed''s legs dragged as he trudged toward the old cemetery. The distant tombstones had a certain ominous charm, but it was mostly the perfect setting for chaos. He glared at the system''s interface hovering before his face. "I''m warning you now, Sysco. If you make me do something stupid again, I swear..."This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. [YOU WILL DO IT ANYWAY.] Ahmed''s face twisted in rage. "You really want me to tease ghosts?" The system beeped approvingly. [YES. GHOSTS HAVE FEELINGS TOO.] "What kind of sick, twisted joke is this?" Ahmed muttered. "Alright, screw it. Let''s go mess with the undead." The cemetery gates creaked as Ahmed pushed them open, his eyes darting around at the abandoned graves. There was an eerie silence in the air, broken only by the occasional caw of a crow. Ahmed cleared his throat dramatically. "Hello, is anyone here? I need to speak to your spirit manager about your awful decor. You''ve got tombstones that look like they were made in the Stone Age! No wonder no one visits this place. I''d be embarrassed too!" [+15 POINTS FOR INSULTING GRAVE DECOR.] Ahmed''s face split into a grin. "Oh, this is rich. What else can I make fun of here?" He wandered deeper into the cemetery. "Let''s talk about how bad these graves smell. I mean, seriously. You guys think people are gonna visit you when you''ve got funeral-level stench floating around here?" Suddenly, a cold gust of wind swept past him. "Ahhh, did I hit a nerve? Did I just rattle a couple of dead bones?" Ahmed said with a laugh. "I bet you''re all still salty about your afterlife, huh?" [+20 POINTS FOR INSULTING THE DEAD.] A shadow shifted behind a nearby tombstone. Ahmed''s eyes narrowed. "Oh, it''s on now." He swaggered forward, not even hesitating. "What''s the matter? Are you the ghost of someone who died from embarrassment because of their terrible headstone choices? Let me guess¡ªyou were the one who picked out the font for these gravestones, right? Terrible. Just terrible." The shadow grew larger. Ahmed kept going. "You really think this is scary? Please, I''ve been scared more by my internet connection than whatever you''re supposed to be. You''re about as scary as a wet cat in a cardboard box!" A ghostly figure finally appeared before him, wearing a tattered cloak and glowing with an ethereal light. It was hovering inches off the ground, a sad attempt to look imposing. The figure''s eyes burned with an otherworldly fury. Ahmed smirked. "Oooooh, you''re gonna try to spook me with that glow, huh? Come on. You look like a Halloween decoration that wasn''t good enough to make it to the store. Try harder, my guy." The ghost let out a piercing wail that would have sent anyone else running for their lives. But Ahmed? He laughed. "Is that your best shot? I''ve heard more terrifying sounds from my mom when I didn''t take out the trash on time!" The ghost paused. Then it burst out laughing. The spirit was laughing so hard that it nearly fell to the ground. "Wait... what did you just say about your mom?" Ahmed stood there, grinning. "Yeah, you heard me right. She doesn''t mess around when it comes to chores. I don''t care what you''re trying to do¡ªnothing beats her scolding." The ghost was laughing uncontrollably, tears floating from its ghostly eyes. [+50 POINTS FOR OUT-INSULTING A GHOST.] Ahmed stood victorious. "Take that, ya floating wimp." III. Half Points, Full Rage Just as Ahmed was about to walk away, a notification popped up before him. [SYSTEM WARNING: POINTS HALVED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TEASING. HALF POINTS TAKEN. PLEASE TRY HARDER.] Ahmed screamed. "WHAT?! YOU CAN''T JUST¡ª" The system responded with a blinding flash. [POINTS REDUCED TO 0. PLEASE INSULT FURTHER TO GAIN MORE POINTS.] "THAT''S IT!" Ahmed fumed. "You wanna play dirty, Sysco? Fine! You''re getting a taste of my ultimate trolling power!" With that, he turned to the nearest skeleton lying forgotten by the tombstones. "Hey, bonehead! I bet you were the class clown back in the day, huh? You''d be lucky if anyone could recognize you after your fashion choices. What''s with the whole ''unholy chic'' look? Not even a single accessory? Come on, at least wear a nice scarf or something!" [+100 POINTS FOR EXCELLENT INSULTS.] The skeleton didn''t know whether to feel offended or impressed. And just like that¡ª The path to madness and point-chasing continued. Epilogue: The Trolling Never EndsAhmed lost half of his points.He insulted a ghost.He will never stop mocking the undead. And, of course... The system is still laughing. End of Chapter 3 Chapter 4: From Tired to Tiny - The Ultimate Prank I. Point-Chasing Downfall It was yet another day in the life of Ahmed, the unstoppable prankster. After hours of running around the village, gathering points by insulting the dead, mocking the living, and, if he was being honest, roasting everyone in sight, Ahmed was starting to feel it. The exhaustion. He collapsed onto a nearby bench, dragging his feet like an ancient mummy. "Ughhh, I can''t... I can''t do this anymore," he muttered. "I''ve mocked people till my lungs hurt, roasted ghosts till they cried, and insulted bones till they shook in their graves. This is too much." The system, ever vigilant, popped up right in front of his face with an annoying beep. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS REACHED MAXIMUM POINTS CAPACITY.] [SYSTEM DETECTS HOST''S FATIGUE.] [CONGRATULATIONS: HOST IS ABOUT TO EVOLVE INTO NEW FORM.] Ahmed''s face twitched. "Wait. What? Evolve? What kind of evolution are we talking about here, Sysco? Am I getting a buff or something?" The system remained eerily silent for a few seconds. Then the response came. [SYSTEM WARNING: HOST IS ABOUT TO UNDERGO TRANSFORMATION.] "Hold on, am I gonna... what, become a superhero? With, like, cool muscles? Or maybe sprout wings?" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: NEGATIVE.] Ahmed sighed dramatically. "Well, if you''re not gonna give me any cool muscles, what''s the point of this, huh?" Before he could finish his complaint, the system made its move. A sudden bright light flashed, and Ahmed felt something weird happening. He stumbled, feeling dizzy. His entire body felt like it was shrinking, and his clothes grew looser by the second. In a matter of seconds, Ahmed had become... ...a small figure. Not just any small figure¡ªno, he was a tiny version of himself with pale skin and the body of a 15-year-old boy. Ahmed blinked at his new form, inspecting his hands like they were alien appendages. "What the heck?!" He looked down at his now-childlike body and touched his face, which had become far too smooth for his liking. "Wha¡ªthis can''t be real. No, no, no, NO! I look like I just walked out of a high school drama! A pale-faced loser! What the heck happened to me?!" [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST''S APPEARANCE HAS CHANGED. HOST IS NOW A 15-YEAR-OLD BOY. [CONGRATULATIONS: YOU HAVE EARNED 10,000 POINTS FOR MOCKING YOURSELF!] Ahmed''s eyes widened as he looked at the system''s message. "Wait, WHAT?! Did I just get points for making fun of myself?! That''s¡ª"You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Before he could finish, the system beeped with a mocking tone. [CONGRATULATIONS, HOST. YOU LOOK HILARIOUS NOW.] Ahmed stood there, utterly dumbfounded. His voice cracked with the sudden rush of emotion. "You''re telling me I got 10,000 points... for being a joke? For turning into this freakin'' childish version of myself?" The system couldn''t help it¡ªit actually laughed. The text on the screen flickered, as if it were chuckling at his misery. [HAHAHA. SYSTEM LIKES THIS. THIS FORM IS COMEDY GOLD.] Ahmed, now a 15-year-old version of himself, was fuming. "You''re enjoying this, aren''t you? You sick, twisted, digital menace! You took away my adulthood and replaced it with the awkwardness of a teenager! Seriously, what''s next? Am I going to be stuck like this for eternity?" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: INDEFINITELY. BUT LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE¡ªYOU''VE EARNED A LOT OF POINTS FOR BEING A MORON.] 10,000 points. For mocking himself. "I should''ve known you were this sick," Ahmed grumbled. "You forced me into this mess, and now you''re laughing at me. Great. Just great. Why don''t you just tie me up and send me to the circus next?" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: CIRCUS IDEA NOT BAD. MORE TEASING, PLEASE.] Ahmed staggered as he tried to gather himself, but something deep within him was starting to click. The madness of it all had created a dark sense of humor within him. He wasn''t fully broken yet¡ªnot quite. "Alright," he said, grinning to himself. "You want me to prank people now? You want me to keep going with this joke you''ve turned me into? Fine. I''m game. Let''s take this to the next level." He stood tall in his awkward teenage form, which had no right to feel as ridiculous as it did. "Let''s prank some people. Let''s make this legendary." II. The Quest for Pranks Ahmed wandered the streets, plotting his next move. His eyes caught an old man walking with a cane, and a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. "Oh, this old dude? Yeah, he''s definitely getting pranked." He snuck up to the old man, tiptoeing, and then, in his best high-pitched voice, he shouted, "WATCH OUT! THE FLOOR IS LAVA!!" The old man looked startled, then confused. "What? Lava?" He took a quick step back, his cane almost slipping from his hand. Ahmed snickered to himself. "Oh yeah, you fell for it, old timer. Classic." [+50 POINTS FOR PRANKING THE ELDERLY.] His next target was a group of children playing near the fountain. Without a second thought, he marched up to them, shouted loudly, and started acting like he was getting attacked by invisible bees. "AAAHHHH!!* Get them off me! The bees! They''re attacking! AH¡ªAHHH!!*" The kids screamed and ran away, their laughter echoing through the streets. Ahmed just stood there, holding his stomach from laughing so hard. "Classic, classic! I''m so good at this." [+75 POINTS FOR PRANKING THE CHILDREN.] He kept going, pranking anyone he could find, from the local baker to a random tourist who had no idea what was happening. All the while, he was gaining points faster than ever before. But soon, the exhaustion from all the trolling started to catch up with him again. He couldn''t stop himself from collapsing onto the ground, breathless from the chaos he had just caused. "I can''t keep doing this," Ahmed panted. "I need rest. I need to regain my dignity¡ª" [SYSTEM ALERT: DIGNITY NOT AVAILABLE.] Ahmed just lay there, staring up at the sky, defeated but strangely satisfied. "You really outdid yourself this time, Ahmed," he muttered to himself, as the system continued to laugh in the background. Epilogue: The End of the BeginningAhmed is now a 15-year-old, prank-loving teenager.He is officially addicted to trolling.The system has zero shame. End of Chapter 4 Chapter 5: The Mysterious Laressa I. Pranking Gone Wrong Ahmed was on fire. His pranks had been a massive success, and he was collecting points like a maniac¡ªthe rain of points never stopped. In fact, things were going so well that he was starting to feel a bit cocky. "What''s next? A prank war with a dragon? Maybe I should prank a whole kingdom?" As he wandered around the village, still in his 15-year-old body, he spotted a group of townsfolk chatting by the market. Perfect. Another target for his pranking spree. He snuck up behind them, took a deep breath, and shouted, "HEY, LOOK OUT! THERE''S A GIANT CHICKEN RUNNING TOWARDS YOU!!" The townsfolk screamed in panic and scattered in all directions. Ahmed rolled on the ground, laughing until he nearly cried. "Oh, this is the best thing ever. I am a prank master. Everyone is a sucker for my jokes." Just as he was about to celebrate his victory, something strange happened. A sudden, cold chill ran down his spine. He felt like someone was watching him¡ªreally watching him. Slowly, Ahmed turned around, only to be met with a figure standing just a few feet away. It was a tall, eerie-looking woman, with sharp features and an air of mystery around her. Her eyes glowed faintly, and her dark robes fluttered even though there was no wind. She had the most intense bad-boy energy. "Oh great," Ahmed muttered, already getting a bad feeling. "Here comes another freakin'' NPC to ruin my day." The figure took a step forward, her voice dripping with authority. "What have you done, boy?" Ahmed narrowed his eyes. "What?" The mysterious woman took another step closer, her gaze locked onto Ahmed with an unsettling intensity. "You''ve made a mockery of my people. You have pranked them relentlessly, without remorse, without honor. Your behavior... it must be addressed." Ahmed raised an eyebrow. "Who the heck do you think you are, lady?" The woman''s eyes flashed with a mix of anger and disappointment. "I am Laressa, the guardian of the orphanage here, and I am here to correct your terrible ways. I shall bring you back to the orphanage, where you''ll learn some respect!" Ahmed''s brain tried to process what she just said. "Wait a second... an orphanage? You think I''m an orphan?!" Laressa''s stern expression didn''t budge. "Of course. You have no parents, no family, no structure. You must come with me at once." Ahmed''s jaw dropped. "Whoa, whoa, whoa¡ªhold on a second! I am NOT an orphan! I''m just a prankster! A grown man! A very independent man! And you¡ªwho¡ª" Before he could finish, the woman stepped closer, grabbing him by the arm with surprising strength. "It''s no use, child. Your behavior has been out of control, and I will make sure you''re taught some discipline."If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Ahmed, panicked, yanked his arm back. "Let me go, you crazy lady!" The system, always there to ruin his life, piped up with a sarcastic beep. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS BEEN TAKEN CAPTIVE BY MYSTERIOUS WOMAN.] [SYSTEM SUGGESTION: HOST SHOULD COMPLY WITH MOMMA LARESSA.] Ahmed screamed in frustration. "MOMMA? What are you talking about, SYSTEM? I don''t need any freakin'' momma!" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: YOU ARE CLEARLY A LOST SOUL. PERHAPS MOMMA CAN HELP YOU REGAIN SOME SENSE.] "NO! I DON''T NEED A MOM! I DON''T NEED A MYSTERIOUS ORPHANAGE LADY TAKING ME AWAY TO SOME WEIRD ORPHANAGE!" Ahmed screamed, completely losing it. He attempted to break free, but Laressa''s grip was like iron. The system, in its usual fashion, was having the time of its life watching Ahmed squirm. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS BEGINNING TO LOSE HIS SANITY.] [SYSTEM SUGGESTION: MOMMA LARESSA WOULD BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL FOR HOST.] Ahmed was about to lose it completely when Laressa leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Come with me, child. Learn the art of discipline. You will thank me later." He recoiled, more freaked out than ever. "No! Just¡ªjust¡ªget away from me!" But before he could escape further, Laressa''s eyes flashed red. She gritted her teeth, clearly annoyed at his resistance. "You are a stubborn one, aren''t you? But you don''t have a choice. You WILL follow me." And with that, she pulled him with a sudden force, making him stumble and fall forward. The system laughed harder now, mocking him with every word it typed. [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HAHAHA. IT LOOKS LIKE HOST IS IN FOR A PARENTING SESSION. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT.] "Shut up, system!" Ahmed snapped, his face flushed with embarrassment and frustration. "I don''t need any help from some psycho lady with a weird obsession with orphans! Just let me go!" But the more he resisted, the more Laressa tightened her grip on him. He was starting to lose all hope. "I swear if I end up in a weird foster home¡ª" [SYSTEM SUGGESTION: MOMMA LARESSA IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR HOST.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" II. The Great Escape Plan (Not Really) Ahmed''s heart raced. He had no idea how to escape. This Laressa woman was way stronger than him. His brain was frazzled from the combination of points, pranks, and now being taken captive by a woman who probably had bad intentions for him. "I have to get out of here," he thought, looking for anything to help him escape. "Maybe I can trip her up? Maybe a distraction? Oh! A brilliant plan!" He squinted, looking for his opportunity. And then he saw it¡ªa large puddle right ahead. With a glint in his eye, he pushed his plan into motion. "AHA!" He suddenly flung himself to the side, attempting to jump over the puddle, but of course, he missed entirely. Instead, he landed face-first into the water. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS JUST FAILED AT ESCAPING.] The system''s laughter could be heard in his head, and it almost made him want to cry. "This is the worst! I can''t believe this is happening," Ahmed muttered, face drenched and humiliated. "I''m going to die here, and my last act will be falling into a puddle in front of a crazy orphanage lady. Great." But then, something unexpected happened. Laressa, looking down at him with slightly less disdain, muttered, "Maybe... you could use some training after all. Stay in my care for a while. And I''ll help you become stronger." Ahmed glared at her, his body covered in mud, and said the only thing he could manage. "I''ll never forgive you for this." [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST IS CLEARLY ABOUT TO EMBARK ON A NEW CHAPTER IN HIS PRANK-FILLED LIFE.] Epilogue: The Prisoner of Momma LaressaAhmed is now under Laressa''s control¡ªand boy, does he hate it.The system is laughing harder than ever.Can Ahmed escape? Or will he be pranked by Laressa forever? End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6: The Baby Cry and the Unwanted Momma Treatment I. A Crying Baby and No Escape Ahmed sat in the corner of what could only be described as a strange, depressing room¡ªa room that smelled of lavender and too many books. This was now his new home. His hands were clutched to his knees, his face an absolute mess of frustration, covered in dirt and tears from his failed escape attempt earlier. The system''s voice echoed in his mind with its usual smug tone: [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, ACCEPT YOUR NEW FORM. THERE IS NO GOING BACK TO YOUR OLD BODY.] [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST MUST EMBRACE HIS FATE.] "Fate?!" Ahmed yelled out loud, staring at the ceiling with his eyes filled with rage. "This isn''t fate! This is a nightmare! Who even asked for this?!" But no matter how much he yelled, the system just didn''t care. It felt like being locked inside an emotional cage. There was no going back, and now Ahmed was stuck in the body of a 15-year-old¡ªwith no say in the matter. He glanced at the mirror in the corner, his reflection a pale, young version of himself¡ªno beard, no dignity. Just a kid who looked like he hadn''t seen the sun in weeks. The laughing of the system echoed in his skull again. It was as if the system was just waiting for his next breakdown. [SYSTEM ALERT: SYSTEM IS SIMPLY FULFILLING ITS ROLE. HOST SHOULD RELAX AND EMBRACE THE CHANGE.] "Relax?! Relax?! The system is absolutely insane!" Ahmed shouted, pounding his fist on the floor. "You don''t even know what you''ve done to me! You''ve taken everything from me¡ªmy life, my dignity, my old body, my sanity! I was fine! I was living my normal life! And now look at me! I''m some kid in a messed-up orphanage! Why me?! WHY?!" Tears welled up in his eyes, and before he could stop it, a soft sob slipped out, followed by more. "Why am I crying?" Ahmed thought, in utter disbelief. "I don''t cry. I never cry. This is a set-up. A cruel joke." But, as if the universe had decided to rub salt into the wound, there was Laressa, standing at the door, with a faintly smug expression on her face. "Are you done throwing your tantrum, sweetie?" she asked, her voice dripping with that unwanted motherly tone. "Oh, you poor thing. It''s okay. Momma''s here now." Ahmed''s blood boiled as Laressa walked into the room, her heels clicking against the floor in a way that felt like an interrogation. But to his absolute horror, Laressa reached down, placing a hand on his shoulder in that weirdly affectionate way that made Ahmed want to scream. "You''ve had a rough day, haven''t you, darling? I know it must be hard adjusting to your new life. Don''t worry. Momma will make everything better." Ahmed''s heart dropped. "Momma? MOMMA?!"Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. His eyes went wide. "Are you kidding me? What the heck are you talking about? You''re not my mother, lady!" He tried to shove her hand off his shoulder, but it was like she had glued it there. The more he tried to shake it off, the more she leaned in, making the entire moment feel like some bizarre horror movie. "Oh, sweetie. It''s okay to cry," Laressa said, smiling in that creepy way. "You''re going to be okay. Momma Laressa knows what''s best for you." Ahmed, on the verge of breaking down, stared at her and then burst out laughing. "This is unreal. Unreal! What is this, a prank? I swear if this is one of those weird dreams I''m having, I''ll never eat a tuna sandwich again in my life!" But no, it wasn''t a dream. This was real. The system, once again, didn''t help. In fact, it found this whole thing hilarious. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS EMBRACING THE BABY-TANTRUM STAGE OF HIS JOURNEY. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO LET HOST EXPERIENCE IT FULLY.] "Embrace it? EMBRACE IT?!" Ahmed screamed, his fists shaking with rage. "*Who told you that I wanted this?! I don''t need your stupid system to tell me what to do! I don''t want a mom! I don''t want a weird orphanage! I want to go back to my life! I want my beard! I want my solitaire games at the maqha! I want to be an adult, not some baby!**" But the more he screamed, the more the tears flowed. At this point, there was no dignity left. He was full-on sobbing like a baby, and he couldn''t even stop it. And Laressa? She just stood there, smiling that smile of hers that was equal parts patronizing and genuinely creepy. "There, there," Laressa said, her voice now unnervingly gentle. "Just let it all out, darling. Momma will take care of you." Ahmed''s mind, in that moment, went completely blank. He felt like he was trapped in some twisted reality where every ounce of his manhood had been drained, and now he was just a helpless kid at the mercy of a madwoman. "This is not how this was supposed to go," he thought, choking back his sobs. "I was supposed to be pranking people, racking up points, and getting stronger! Not... this!" But the system wasn''t done torturing him yet. It just kept piping in with its annoying voice: [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, GOOD JOB. YOU''VE EARNED 5 POINTS FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL OUTBURST.] "5 POINTS?* 5 POINTS?!*" Ahmed screamed, his face now a bright red from the emotional exhaustion. "I cry like a baby, get mocked by a creepy orphanage lady, and I get 5 POINTS?!" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST IS CLEARLY LEARNING THE VALUE OF EMOTIONS.] "Shut up!" Ahmed screamed, collapsing face-first onto the floor in absolute despair. "This isn''t fair!" Laressa, completely oblivious to Ahmed''s turmoil, simply bent down and placed a hand on his back in what she believed was a comforting gesture. "Don''t worry, darling. Momma Laressa is here. You''re going to be just fine. Everything will be okay." II. Ahmed''s Next Step As the tears slowly dried on his face, Ahmed realized something. He was going to get through this¡ªnot because of some mysterious system, or some creepy woman pretending to be a mother¡ªbut because he had to. He had to find a way out of this mess, and he would do anything to escape. But for now, the system and Laressa had him trapped. And so, with a final defeated sigh, Ahmed accepted that, for the moment, he had no choice. "Fine, Momma. You win," he mumbled under his breath. But deep down, Ahmed swore he would find a way to turn this around. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS BEGINNING TO ACCEPT HIS NEW ROLE IN THE STORY. NEXT STEP: LET''S SEE HOW LONG HE CAN SURVIVE WITH MOMMA LARESSA.] Epilogue: Cry Baby''s First Day at "Momma''s"Ahmed''s crying session was the first of many.Laressa is still somehow more annoying than ever.The system is enjoying every bit of Ahmed''s suffering. End of Chapter 6 Chapter 7: The Adoption Offer - A Nobles Misguided Affection I. A Noble''s Offer Ahmed had been living in the orphanage for what felt like weeks¡ªor maybe it was just days. He''d lost all sense of time, mainly because he''d been crying, complaining, and teasing the system nonstop. That was his new reality. But then, as if the universe hadn''t done enough to him yet, a new twist arrived. It all began when a lady in elegant robes¡ªbright and lavishly decorated with pearls and gold¡ªwalked into the orphanage. She was tall, with blonde hair that shined like the sun, her eyes the color of deep sapphire. She radiated nobility from every single inch of her presence. She had that refined grace that could only come from someone born into a family that breathed royalty. "Is this... the place where the poor little children are brought to die?" The lady''s voice was like honey, dripping with concern. But Ahmed could tell¡ªshe wasn''t really concerned. She was just dramatic, as noble people tended to be. "I thought orphanages were meant to help children, not trap them in this godforsaken place," she mused aloud, clearly underwhelmed. One of the attendants, completely clueless as to who this lady was, nervously bowed. "Madam, you''ve arrived at the Rose Family''s orphanage. How may we assist you, Your Grace?" At the mention of the Rose Family, the room seemed to freeze for a split second. The noblewoman was none other than Clayra¡ªa duchess from the Rose Family. And this was a big deal. Rose Family was one of the most powerful and wealthiest families in the entire Polariga Kingdom. They could buy anything¡ªland, kingdoms, armies, you name it. But children? Well, that was a different story. Clayra''s sapphire-blue eyes narrowed as she scanned the room of orphaned children, her gaze falling on none other than Ahmed, who was sitting on the floor, muttering under his breath while the system continued its annoying commentary. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, WHY DO YOU INSIST ON RESISTING? YOU COULD AT LEAST TRY TO PLAY NICE WITH OTHERS. THIS LADY SEEMS INTERESTED.] "Interested?" Ahmed whispered, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Is she another one of those weirdos who wants to adopt me, just like Laressa?" Before the system could reply, Clayra walked over to him, her eyes gleaming like she was about to find her next prized possession. "Well, well," she said, bending down slightly. "What do we have here? A handsome young boy with such sad eyes. I''m Clayra, Duchess of the Rose Family. And I''m interested in adopting you." Ahmed''s face went white. "Adopt? Me?!" Clayra''s eyes softened, as if she were some kind of angel sent from the heavens, but the moment Ahmed heard the word "adopt," his mind instantly went into panic mode.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "No! No! NO! I don''t need adopting! I don''t need any more crazy moms! Stop trying to turn me into some kind of puppet-child for your weird family! I''m fine! I don''t want your pity, lady!" Clayra blinked, taken aback by his outburst. "Oh, but you see... I''ve never had children of my own. I''ve always wanted to adopt, but it never seemed right... until now. You have such... potential. So much energy in you, little one. You don''t belong in a place like this. You belong with me, as my son." At this point, Ahmed was practically screaming internally. His eyes darted back and forth, trying to find an escape route from this madness. "Wait! What?! You want me to be your son?! You have no idea what you''re getting yourself into, lady!" Ahmed''s face twisted into a mixture of disbelief and utter frustration. "I''m already stuck with a system that makes me do baby cries every few minutes! Why do you think this is a good idea?!" The system¡ªnaturally¡ªdid not let this opportunity slip by. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, I FEEL THE SYSTEM HAS JUST SUCCESSFULLY TEASED YOU AGAIN. CONGRATULATIONS, YOU''RE ABOUT TO EARN 10 POINTS FOR NOT ACCEPTING YOUR FATE.] Ahmed couldn''t even begin to process the ridiculousness of this situation. First, Laressa had tried to "adopt" him, and now Clayra¡ªa noblewoman¡ªwanted to take him home as her son. What was next? Was some dragon princess going to show up and ask him to be her prince? "I don''t need your adoption, Clayra! I don''t want to be your son!" Ahmed yelled, standing up and backing away slowly. "This is insane! Why can''t you just leave me alone and let me figure out a way to get out of here?!" But Clayra just smiled like she had already won. Like a cat toying with a mouse before it pounced. "Oh, sweet child, you don''t understand, do you? This is not about you being adopted for pity. This is about saving you. I know exactly what kind of potential you have. I''ve seen it in you." The system, completely amused by Ahmed''s suffering, couldn''t resist mocking him again. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS CLEARLY RESISTING HIS FATE. SYSTEM RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN MORE POINTS.] "System, shut up! You know what? Just go back to your corner and keep laughing at my misery!" Ahmed snapped, staring into the empty space around him. And as if on cue, the system piped up once more: [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST, SYSTEM IS ONLY TRYING TO HELP YOU. THE HOST DOESN''T REALIZE THIS ADOPTION COULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR POWER.] Clayra, her face now painted with an all-knowing smile, raised her hand as if she were about to make some grand announcement. "It''s settled then! You''ll come with me, Ahmed. We''ll start fresh, together. I''m sure we''ll both find what we''ve been looking for." Ahmed looked at her with wide eyes, his body frozen in place. "Wait, wait, wait¡ªhold up. Did you just say we''ll both find what we''ve been looking for? Are you insane? I was perfectly happy being a miserable adult back in my old life! I didn''t want to be turned into a cute boy for some rich family!" But no matter how much he protested, Clayra just kept smiling that infuriating smile. "Yes, you will be my son. And I will give you the world," she said. "Together, we''ll make a wonderful family." The system, of course, took this moment to hit Ahmed with a final blow. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 15 POINTS FOR RESISTING ADOPTION. SYSTEM NOW RECOMMENDS ACCEPTING HIS FATE.] "I''m going to lose my mind," Ahmed muttered under his breath as the whole world seemed to close in on him. "Why am I the one always stuck with this madness?" Epilogue: The Family That Ahmed Didn''t WantClayra has adopted Ahmed.Ahmed is still in denial.The system is still enjoying his emotional breakdowns.More pranks, more points, and more chaos are coming soon. End of Chapter 7 Chapter 8: The Age Punishment and the Great Mom Showdown I. The System Strikes Back Ahmed had barely adjusted to the whole noble adoption situation when the System¡ªthat unrelenting, trolling AI¡ªdecided to throw in an extra punch. Just when he thought the whole age-reversal nonsense couldn''t get worse, the System chimed in with an announcement that made him lose his mind. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS FAILING TO ACCEPT FATE. AGE DECREASED BY 5 YEARS. NOW YOU ARE CUTE LIKE A TOY. ENJOY YOUR NEW LOOK, HOST.] "WHAT?!" Ahmed shouted, jumping up from his seat. "No, NO! System, you can''t do this! I was already 29! How can you just... age me backwards? Again?!" But it was too late. Ahmed felt it¡ªthe world around him suddenly tilted, like gravity was playing some sick joke on him. His body shrank, his face softened, and within seconds, he found himself looking like a 10-year-old. No, scratch that¡ªhe looked like a doll. A chibi version of himself, the kind of look you''d expect from a cartoon character who got stuck in an anime world. His face was smooth, his eyes big and doe-like, and his body... well, let''s just say he could pass for a plush toy at this point. And don''t even get him started on his hair. It was like someone had suddenly given him a cute haircut that screamed, "Look at me, I''m a walking stuffed animal." "What is this?! I look like a toy! A freaking plushie!" Ahmed exclaimed, his voice a mix of horror and disbelief. "System, this is not funny anymore! You''ve crossed the line!" But the System, ever the sadistic being it was, only replied in its usual cheerful tone. [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST IS NOW CUTE. SYSTEM IS PLEASED WITH THE RESULT. YOU LOOK ADORABLE, HOST. PLEASE ACCEPT YOUR NEW FORM.] Ahmed''s hands flew to his face, and he couldn''t help but groan. "This is the worst. First, you mess with my age, then you turn me into a cute, tiny version of myself... What''s next, huh? Are you going to give me a puppy tail?" And just as he was about to have another emotional breakdown, two figures appeared in front of him. These two women, Laressa and Clayra, were both standing in the same room¡ªfacing each other like they were about to settle some ancient feud. II. The Showdown: Laressa vs. Clayra Laressa, the fiery and overly motherly woman from the orphanage, and Clayra, the cool, composed noblewoman, were about to face off. And naturally, it was all about Ahmed. Because why wouldn''t it be? After all, in the land of comedy, everything eventually leads back to one confused, cursed 10-year-old plushie. Clayra crossed her arms, looking down at Laressa with a smirk on her face. "So, you''ve come to claim him as your child again?"The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Laressa placed her hands on her hips, shaking her head in exasperation. "Claim him? No, no, no. He''s already a part of my family! I''ll do what I want with him! You can''t just swoop in here and try to take him from me!" Clayra raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the exchange. "Do you really think you can handle him? You''re a mess, Laressa. You''re emotionally unstable and¡ª" But before Clayra could finish, Laressa went into full mama bear mode, pointing a finger directly at her. "I might be a little unhinged, but I''m better than you! At least I''m REAL, not some cold-hearted noblewoman who wants a child to decorate her castle! You don''t even know how to properly love someone! You only want him as a possession¡ªa status symbol! Well, guess what, honey?" Clayra''s smile never wavered, but she was getting visibly irritated. "Oh please, spare me, Laressa. I''m the only one who can provide Ahmed with the life he truly deserves. You? You''re a joke, a cheap knockoff of what real love should be." "Cheap knockoff?! You noble wannabe!" Laressa shot back. "I''m the one who was actually here taking care of him! I fed him, I clothed him, I treated him like my own son!" Ahmed, in his doll-like form, could barely hold himself together. He had to be witnessing the most bizarre showdown of his life. It was like a telenovela mixed with a cartoon battle. "You both need to calm down!" Ahmed finally shouted, but as he did, his voice cracked in that unmistakable pubescent squeak. His face turned bright red, but that didn''t stop the System from commenting. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS VERY CUTE RIGHT NOW. YOU''RE AN ADORABLE LITTLE SON. EVERYONE LOVES YOU NOW, HOST.] "SYSTEM, PLEASE DON''T ENCOURAGE THEM!" Ahmed shrieked, his voice now even more childish than before. "I am not anyone''s child! Stop turning me into a laughing stock! This is humiliating!" And it didn''t help that both women were still going at it. Laressa shoved her hand into her hair, getting more flustered by the minute. "He''s mine, okay?! I''ll raise him better than you ever could! He doesn''t need your cold wealth¡ªhe needs love, a home, someone who cares for him!" Clayra, clearly trying to one-up her, smirked again. "I can give him everything he could ever want, Laressa. A mansion, riches, endless clothing, and staff to take care of him. But of course, I''m sure you can offer him... what? A few toys?" Laressa stepped forward, her voice dangerously low. "What I offer him is real love, Clayra. Something you''ll never understand. If you think a house full of servants is enough to make someone happy, you are sorely mistaken!" Ahmed, now completely caught in the middle of this disaster, couldn''t help but sigh dramatically. "I''m done with both of you." System alert: [SYSTEM RESPONSE: HOST HAS EARNED 5 POINTS FOR EXPRESSING HIS DESIRE TO ESCAPE THIS CIRCUS.] III. The Unbearable Comedy Continues As the two women continued their showdown, Ahmed couldn''t help but collapse onto the ground in dramatic defeat. "Why is this happening to me? Why do I have to be stuck with these crazy women fighting over me? I''m just trying to get back home!" The System, naturally, had the perfect response: [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, YOU ARE MAKING PROGRESS. THE DRAMA OF THE SITUATION WILL ONLY HELP YOU EARN MORE POINTS.] "Stop! Just stop!" Ahmed screamed, rubbing his aching temples. "I can''t take this anymore!" Epilogue: Who Will Win the Battle for Ahmed?Laressa and Clayra continue to clash for Ahmed''s affection.Ahmed is officially cursed with his cute, doll-like appearance.System continues to reward Ahmed for his emotional pain.The drama is only getting started.! End of Chapter 8 Chapter 9: Ahmeds Great Escape and the Fake Cute Face I. The Escape Plan There comes a time in every maniac''s life when they must make a choice¡ªa choice that could change their fate forever. Or at least, that''s what they think. Ahmed, completely fed up with the circus of Laressa and Clayra''s constant bickering, decided to make a bold move. After all, what''s the worst that could happen? He was already turned into a doll-like 10-year-old, so what was the point in sticking around? It wasn''t like he was getting any closer to his original life. And so, with a devilish smirk, Ahmed made a decision. "Fine, fine," Ahmed said, crossing his arms and putting on his best act. "I''ll go with you, Clayra. But don''t get too comfortable. I''m only doing this because I''m too tired to argue anymore." And just like that, he flipped the script. His voice, once high-pitched with frustration, suddenly turned smooth and sinister, like a cartoon villain plotting his next move. And, of course, his chibi face looked absolutely ridiculous as he made the most fake, adorable expression possible. He puffed out his cheeks like a little kid, giving the ultimate fake cute face¡ªthe kind that makes people want to smack you across the face. He twitched his nose and gave a cheeky wink. His cheeks were bright red, the color of a ripe tomato, and he tried to look helpless. "I guess I''ll come with you, Clayra... if you really want me that badly," he added in the most dramatic, over-the-top voice, barely able to hold back his laughter at how ridiculous he sounded. Laressa, standing off to the side, could practically smell the sarcasm in the air. Her hands went to her hips, and she glared at him, the heat of her gaze searing him. "You''re not fooling me, Ahmed. You may act all cute now, but don''t think you''re getting away from me that easily." Clayra, on the other hand, was utterly bewildered by his behavior. She had expected tears or pleading, but instead, she was met with a fake, mocking face that could have been straight out of a children''s cartoon. "Oh, look at you," Clayra said, stifling a laugh. "Trying to act all cute to get your way? You really think that''ll work on me?" She shook her head, smiling in that way only noblewomen can. "You''re a bit of a handful, aren''t you?" "You''re damn right I am," Ahmed muttered under his breath, still holding that ridiculous pose. II. The Great Escape Begins And so, with his fake cute face firmly in place, Ahmed allowed Clayra to escort him out of the orphanage. He walked behind her, putting on the most sincere face he could muster. The act was so over-the-top that even he couldn''t hold it together. He was practically giggling to himself, trying not to laugh as the System''s voice echoed in his head.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS NOW EMBRACED HIS CUTE FORM. HOST IS MAKING GREAT PROGRESS IN EARNING POINTS. SYSTEM IS PLEASED.] "Oh, shut up, System," Ahmed grumbled, rolling his eyes. "This is ridiculous, and I can''t believe I''m going along with this." Clayra glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "What was that?" she asked, clearly curious about the muttered complaint. "Oh, nothing," Ahmed said sweetly, grinning as he flashed his fake cute face again. "I''m just so happy to be going with you, Clayra! You''re like, the best! I just love being part of your noble family!" Clayra looked at him with a mix of confusion and amusement, clearly unfazed by his antics. "Right... sure... let''s just get out of here." Ahmed, on the other hand, was already planning his next move. His mind was racing, wondering how long he could keep this fake act up before he broke. III. A Moment of Reflection (Sort Of) As they walked down the road toward Clayra''s noble estate, Ahmed took a moment to reflect. He was escaping the orphanage, but did it really matter? Did it matter that he was now on a completely different adventure in a world he didn''t understand? Or that he had become the ultimate cute doll that people were starting to treat like a pet? "Ugh," he groaned, inwardly screaming. "Why does this always happen to me? How did my life go from bad to worse so quickly? One minute, I''m playing cards with my friend at the maqha, and the next, I''m stuck in an alternate world, turning into a toy, and trying to fool everyone with this ridiculous face!" Clayra, oblivious to his inner turmoil, looked at him and smirked. "You''re really something, you know that?" "Oh, you have no idea," Ahmed muttered, but then snapped back to his fake cute face and added, "But seriously, Clayra, I am so happy you chose me. I''m like, your perfect little son, right?" Clayra, struggling not to laugh at his ridiculousness, simply nodded, playing along with the charade. "Yes, yes, you''re absolutely adorable. I can''t wait to get you to the palace." Ahmed rolled his eyes, internally fighting the urge to shout in frustration. But no, he couldn''t do that. Not yet. Not with this new life he had to navigate. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS GAINED 15 POINTS FOR COMEDIC PERFORMANCE AND SUCCESSFUL FAKE CUTE FACE.] "Really?" Ahmed said, completely defeated. "Is this how my life''s going to be now? Just a walking point generator?" But as he continued to smirk evilly to himself, secretly plotting his escape from this ridiculous situation, he couldn''t help but notice one thing: Clayra was the perfect target for his next prank. IV. The Calm Before the Storm And so, as they continued on their journey to the estate, with Ahmed''s fake cuteness on full display, one thing was clear¡ªhe was playing a game of his own now. The tables had turned. And while he may have been stuck in this strange new world, at least he still had control. Kind of. Clayra, for all her nobility, was in for a ride she never saw coming. Epilogue: The Fake Cute Face Pays OffAhmed''s fake cuteness has fooled Clayra¡ªfor now.The System continues to reward his antics, much to his disgust.Laressa is still lurking, plotting her next move.And as for Ahmed¡ªhis adventure is only just beginning, with plenty more pranks to come. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10: Caught in the Cute Trap-Ahmed vs. Maid Liza! I. The Great Escape Plan¡ªOr So He Thought Ahmed, a self-proclaimed strategic genius, had meticulously crafted his escape route down to the finest detail. It was simple: wait until Clayra was distracted, sneak away, and sprint toward freedom like a gazelle fleeing from lions. Or at least, that''s what he imagined himself doing. But there was one tiny problem¡ªor rather, a big problem: Clayra''s personal maid, Liza. Liza stood quietly in the corner, her silver hair glinting under the soft light of the chandelier. Dressed in the classic maid outfit, she seemed harmless enough. To anyone else, perhaps. But Ahmed knew better. Having watched countless anime series, he recognized the "deadly maid" archetype when he saw it. And oh boy, did Liza fit the bill perfectly. As Ahmed crept closer to the door, his heart pounding with anticipation, Liza remained motionless, almost statuesque. For a brief moment, Ahmed allowed himself to believe he might actually succeed. Then, just as he reached for the doorknob¡ª WHOOSH! A gust of wind swept past him so fast it made his ears ring. Before he could even register what was happening, his world flipped upside-down. Literally. "Huh?" Ahmed blinked, disoriented. His vision swam as he struggled to comprehend the situation. That''s when he realized¡ªhe wasn''t standing anymore. In fact, he wasn''t even upright. "I... I''m upside down?" Ahmed gasped, his voice trembling with disbelief. His feet dangled high above his head, and his dignity? Well, let''s just say it had taken an express elevator straight to the basement. Liza held him by the ankle, her grip firm and unyielding, as if she were dangling a rag doll instead of a grown man¡ªor at least, what used to be a grown man. Her expression remained utterly serene, betraying none of the effort required to perform such a feat. "Put me down, you evil maid!" Ahmed shouted, flailing wildly in the air. "You villain! You demon in an apron! I demand my rights!" Liza tilted her head slightly, her usually stoic face cracking into something resembling curiosity. "Cute," she remarked flatly. "CUTE?!" Ahmed''s soul nearly left his body. His voice cracked as he screamed, "I''M NOT CUTE! I''M A GROWN MAN¡ªWELL, I WAS!" [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 500 POINTS FOR BEING A STRUGGLING, ADORABLE FOOL.] "YOU''RE ENJOYING THIS, AREN''T YOU, SYSTEM?!" Ahmed roared, directing his fury at the omnipresent voice in his mind. [SYSTEM ALERT: YES.] "I KNEW IT! YOU TRAITOR!" Ahmed spat, his rage boiling over. Yet deep down, a small part of him wondered why the System always found ways to turn his suffering into rewards. Despite his protests, Liza showed no signs of releasing him. If anything, her grip tightened ever so slightly, making Ahmed feel like a fish caught on a line. He wriggled and twisted, but it was futile. She might as well have been holding him with steel chains. "Why does this keep happening to me?" Ahmed muttered under his breath, his voice muffled by embarrassment. "Why can''t I ever catch a break?" The answer came swiftly¡ªand predictably¡ªfrom the System. [SYSTEM ALERT: BECAUSE YOUR LIFE IS A COMEDY OF ERRORS AND I AM THE DIRECTOR.] Ahmed groaned, burying his face (or rather, the top of his head) in humiliation. "Of course. Why wouldn''t you make things worse?" II. Clayra''s "Momma Mode" Activates Just as Ahmed thought his predicament couldn''t get any worse, Clayra entered the room. Her golden hair shimmered in the light, and her crimson eyes sparkled with mischief. She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway with a victorious smirk plastered across her face. "Oh, my dear, dear Ahmed," she sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Did you really think you could fool me?" Ahmed froze mid-flail, his movements halting abruptly. "Clayra... how long have you been standing there?" "Long enough to see your pathetic attempt at escaping," Clayra replied, her tone dripping with mock disappointment. "Honestly, Ahmed, I expected more from my clever little prince." "I''M NOT YOUR PRINCE!" Ahmed yelled, his cheeks flushing red¡ªnot out of anger this time, but because blood was rushing to his head thanks to Liza''s inversion technique. "AND STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Clayra ignored him, stepping closer with each word. "You know, Ahmed, I didn''t become a mother yesterday. I''ve spent years perfecting the art of spotting troublemakers. And trust me, you''re Exhibit A." "EXHIBIT A?! What does that even mean?!" Ahmed sputtered, his indignation growing. "You decided to adopt me out of nowhere! This isn''t real parenting¡ªit''s kidnapping!" Clayra raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Kidnapping? Oh, Ahmed, you wound me. I simply couldn''t resist adopting such a charming little dumpling." Ahmed''s entire being froze. "Dumpling?" "Yes, a cute one," Clayra purred, reaching out to pinch his already reddened cheeks. "Look at those chubby little cheeks. They''re practically begging to be squeezed." Ahmed felt his soul fragment further. His pride shattered into a million pieces, scattering across the floor like broken glass. "No... NO! Stop calling me that!" But Clayra only laughed, patting his head like one would stroke a loyal pet. "Oh, Ahmed, don''t fight it. Embrace your cuteness. It''s your greatest weapon." "My greatest WEAPON?!" Ahmed shrieked, his voice cracking with desperation. "This is not a weapon! This is a curse!" Clayra shrugged, unfazed by his outrage. "Maybe now you''ll learn to appreciate all the love and care I give you. After all, who else would put up with someone as troublesome as you?" Ahmed wanted to retort, to argue, to prove her wrong. But the words died in his throat. Deep down, he knew she had a point. No matter how much he resisted, Clayra refused to let go. And frankly, despite everything, she kind of reminded him of his own mother back home¡ªstrict yet oddly caring. Still, admitting that aloud would mean losing whatever shreds of masculinity he had left. Instead, he settled for another dramatic sigh. "I''m done. Just take me to jail. I have nothing left to live for."Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Clayra chuckled softly, her laughter echoing through the room. "Jail? My sweet prince, you misunderstand. You''re not going anywhere. Not without me." Ahmed groaned, wishing the ground would swallow him whole. But alas, the universe had other plans. III. The Ultimate Betrayal: The Maid Joins the Teasing With Clayra now firmly entrenched in "momma mode," Liza decided it was time to weigh in. Until now, she had remained silent, observing the chaos unfold with clinical detachment. But now, her cool, composed demeanor cracked ever so slightly. "My lady," Liza began, addressing Clayra with utmost respect, "perhaps we should teach our young master the value of accepting his fate." Clayra nodded approvingly. "An excellent idea, Liza. Let''s start with some basic lessons in etiquette." Ahmed''s eyes widened in horror. "Etiquette? Are you serious?! I''m not taking lessons from either of you!" Liza''s lips twitched, threatening to form the faintest hint of a smile. "Perhaps balancing exercises will suit you better. Or maybe tea ceremony practice?" "NOOOOOOO!" Ahmed screamed, thrashing in the air like a fish out of water. "I REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANYTHING SO RIDICULOUS!" Clayra clapped her hands together, clearly delighted by Ahmed''s reaction. "Oh, Liza, look at him squirm! Isn''t it adorable?" "Indeed," Liza replied, her voice devoid of emotion but laced with barely concealed amusement. "He puts up quite the show." Ahmed stared at them both, utterly dumbfounded. How had he ended up here? Surrounded by two women who seemed determined to strip him of his dignity piece by piece? "You''re enjoying this way too much," Ahmed accused, his voice tinged with betrayal. "Both of you! You''re conspiring against me!" Clayra tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Conspiring? Whatever do you mean, my darling?" "Don''t play dumb!" Ahmed snapped, his struggles intensifying. "You planned this! You and Liza are working together to ruin my life!" Liza finally released him, setting him gently¡ªbut firmly¡ªonto the ground. Ahmed collapsed onto the floor like a deflated balloon, groaning loudly as he lay sprawled out. "Get up, Ahmed," Clayra commanded, extending a hand. "It''s time to face reality." Reality, Ahmed thought bitterly, was becoming increasingly surreal. IV. The Unbreakable Fate Clayra crouched beside him, her grin unwavering. "Well, my dear Ahmed, let''s be honest. You can''t escape me. I''m your mom now." Ahmed rolled onto his back, staring blankly at the ceiling. "...Fine," he whispered, his voice hollow. "Fine. I give up. You win." Clayra beamed, her satisfaction palpable. "Good boy." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS FINALLY ACCEPTED HIS FATE. CONGRATULATIONS.] [REWARD: 3,000 POINTS.] Ahmed sat up suddenly, his eyes wide with shock. "...WAIT. IF I ACCEPT MY FATE, I GET POINTS?!" [SYSTEM ALERT: YES.] Ahmed paused, his brain processing the implications. Could this be his ticket to revenge? Could he manipulate the system itself by pretending to embrace his role as Clayra''s adopted son? A slow, sinister grin spread across his face. "Hey, Clayra?" he asked sweetly, his tone dripping with false sincerity. Clayra raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sudden change in his demeanor. "Yes?" Ahmed leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her leg in what could only be described as the ultimate act of submission. "Mommy," he cooed, rubbing his cheek against her gown like a cat seeking affection. Clayra''s soul ascended to heaven¡ªor at least, that''s how Ahmed perceived her reaction. Her jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. For a moment, she looked genuinely stunned. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face. Not just any smile¡ªa full-blown, ear-to-ear grin that suggested Ahmed had just handed her the keys to eternal happiness. "Oh, Ahmed..." Clayra breathed, her voice thick with emotion. "My sweet, sweet boy..." Her arms enveloped him in a crushing hug, squeezing him tighter than any bear trap. Ahmed gasped for air, realizing too late that he had underestimated the power of maternal instinct. Meanwhile, Liza watched from the sidelines, her expressionless mask finally cracking. For the first time since meeting her, Ahmed saw a flicker of genuine amusement in her eyes. Was she... giggling? "Is she laughing at me?" Ahmed wondered, mortified. "Of course she is. Everyone is laughing at me." Even the System chimed in, unable to resist joining the fun. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS GAINED 10,000 POINTS FOR MASTER-LEVEL MANIPULATION.] Ahmed''s grin faltered slightly. "Wait... did I just gain points for manipulating Clayra?" [SYSTEM RESPONSE: CORRECT. YOUR ABILITY TO PLAY ON HER MATERNAL INSTINCTS IMPRESSED EVEN ME.] Ahmed''s mind raced. If he could exploit Clayra''s affections for points, then maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe could turn the tables on the System itself. But first, he needed to survive the impending onslaught of hugs and kisses. V. The Art of Manipulation Over the next few days, Ahmed tested his newfound strategy, carefully crafting moments where he could appeal to Clayra''s softer side. Whether it was calling her "Mommy" during breakfast or feigning exhaustion after a long day of pranking villagers, Ahmed discovered that playing the role of the helpless child paid off¡ªliterally. Each time he succeeded, the System rewarded him generously. Each failure, however, came with its own set of penalties. Once, when he tried to fake a cold, Clayra insisted on feeding him soup while Liza hovered nearby, ready to administer medicine. Another time, he attempted to cry crocodile tears during their daily lessons, only to earn himself extra homework assignments. Through trial and error, Ahmed refined his approach. He learned which buttons to press, which tones to use, and most importantly, how far he could push before crossing into dangerous territory. Clayra, though initially skeptical, soon grew accustomed to Ahmed''s antics, mistaking them for genuine displays of affection. One evening, as they sat by the fireplace, Ahmed decided to test his limits once more. "Mommy," he said softly, his voice trembling with practiced vulnerability, "can we skip tonight''s lesson? I''m feeling a bit tired." Clayra glanced at him, her gaze softening immediately. "Of course, darling. Rest is important. Perhaps tomorrow we''ll try again." [SYSTEM ALERT: +2,000 POINTS FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL.] Ahmed suppressed a triumphant smirk. Yes, this was working. Slowly but surely, he was turning the tables on the System¡ªand possibly even Clayra herself. VI. Liza Strikes Back Not everyone was amused by Ahmed''s newfound manipulative skills. While Clayra fell victim to his charm with alarming ease, Liza remained immune to his tricks. In fact, she seemed downright annoyed. One afternoon, as Ahmed practiced his best "adorable child" routine in front of her, Liza finally snapped. "Young master," she said calmly, though her tone carried an edge of warning, "if you continue behaving like this, I may be forced to intervene." Ahmed froze mid-pout, his carefully cultivated image crumbling under her scrutiny. "Intervene? What does that mean?" Liza didn''t respond directly. Instead, she stepped forward, her movements fluid and precise. With a single gesture, she conjured a stack of books taller than Ahmed himself. "These," she explained, gesturing toward the towering pile, "are for your reading assignment tonight. Consider it punishment for wasting my time." Ahmed gaped at the books, his stomach sinking. "READING ASSIGNMENTS?! But I thought you liked me!" "I like efficiency," Liza corrected, her voice clipped. "And right now, you''re anything but efficient." Before Ahmed could protest further, Liza vanished into thin air, leaving him alone with the daunting task ahead. As he stared at the mountain of literature, he realized he might need to rethink his strategy. VII. Reflections of a Reluctant Son That night, as Ahmed sat curled up in bed surrounded by half-read books, he reflected on his bizarre new existence. Being Clayra''s adopted son wasn''t exactly what he had envisioned for himself, but strangely, it wasn''t entirely terrible either. Sure, there were moments of sheer humiliation¡ªlike being called a dumpling¡ªbut there were also glimpses of warmth and belonging. And then, of course, there was the System. Always watching. Always trolling. Always finding ways to twist his misfortunes into rewards. "System," Ahmed muttered, staring at the ceiling, "why must you torment me so?" [SYSTEM ALERT: BECAUSE IT''S FUNNY.] Ahmed sighed, rubbing his temples. "Funny for you, maybe. For me? It''s pure torture." [SYSTEM RESPONSE: WELL, THEN YOU SHOULD THANK ME. TORTURE NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD ON ANYONE.] Ahmed groaned, knowing full well the System wasn''t bluffing. Thanks to his enhanced cuteness levels, he truly did look like the poster child for adorableness. Even he had to admit it¡ªwhen he wasn''t busy raging about it, anyway. Still, Ahmed vowed to persevere. If the System wanted to laugh at his expense, fine. But he''d find a way to make it laugh harder¡ªat its own expense. Epilogue: The Cycle of Madness Continues Ahmed had unlocked a new path¡ªone filled with manipulation, deception, and yes, occasional doses of genuine affection. Clayra had officially lost to Ahmed''s charm, falling hook, line, and sinker for his calculated displays of vulnerability. Liza, however, remained an impenetrable force, her loyalty to Clayra unmatched. As for the System? It continued to thrive, reveling in Ahmed''s struggles while doling out points like candy at Halloween. And thus, Ahmed''s journey into manipulation began. One moment of weakness had spiraled into a grand experiment¡ªa game within a game, where every move carried consequences both hilarious and humbling. Would Ahmed rise to become the ultimate trickster? Or would the System crush him beneath the weight of its infinite cruelty? Only time¡ªand many more failed escape attempts¡ªwould tell. End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11: Systems Ultimate Betrayal-The Cuteness Overload! I. The Great Points Robbery Ahmed was riding high. He had just pulled off the ultimate trick, earning a ridiculous amount of points by pretending to accept his fate as Clayra''s adopted son. Life felt good¡ªtoo good. That''s when he should have known better. The universe rarely rewards Ahmed without exacting some form of cruel revenge. And sure enough, the System decided it was time for another round of "Fairness Adjustment." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, YOUR POINTS BALANCE IS TOO HIGH. SYSTEM WILL NOW IMPLEMENT A ''FAIRNESS ADJUSTMENT''.] Ahmed froze mid-smirk, his victorious grin melting away like ice in the sun. "...Wait. WAIT. What ''fairness adjustment''?!" he demanded, his voice rising with panic. [SYSTEM ALERT: REMOVING 50% OF HOST''S POINTS FOR ''BALANCE''.] "NOOOOOOOO!" Ahmed screamed, clutching his chest as if someone had ripped out his heart. His knees buckled beneath him, and he collapsed onto the floor, twitching like a fish out of water. "My... my babies..." he whimpered, tears streaming down his face. "Why must you always take what''s mine?!" Clayra and Liza watched from across the room, utterly baffled by Ahmed''s sudden breakdown. To them, it seemed like he had simply lost something trivial¡ªthough clearly, it meant far more to him. "My lady," Liza asked softly, her stoic demeanor cracking ever so slightly, "did he just lose something important?" "I believe so," Clayra replied, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto suppress a giggle at Ahmed''s dramatic reaction. "Though I doubt anyone else would care about these... ''points'' he keeps talking about." Meanwhile, Ahmed lay sprawled on the ground, his world crumbling around him. Every point he had worked so hard to earn¡ªgone. Just like that. Vanished into the void. "System..." he whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling with betrayal. "Give them back." [SYSTEM ALERT: NO <3>] "I SWEAR GOD, I WILL FIND A WAY TO DELETE YOU!" Ahmed roared, his rage boiling over. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST CANNOT DELETE SYSTEM. HOWEVER, SYSTEM HAS A GIFT FOR YOU TO SOFTEN THE BLOW.] "A gift?" Ahmed perked up slightly, suspicion battling curiosity in his mind. "...What kind of gift?" [SYSTEM ALERT: UPGRADING HOST''S CUTENESS LEVEL FROM 50% ¡ú 80%.] Ahmed stopped breathing. His blood ran cold. His brain short-circuited. "...Wait. What?" Before he could process the horrifying implications of this announcement, the System sprang into action. II. The Cursed Transformation A golden light erupted around Ahmed, engulfing him completely. It was blinding, dazzling, and impossibly bright. The air sparkled like stardust, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Somewhere in the distance, an angelic choir began singing¡ªa haunting melody that echoed through the mansion halls. "What is happening?!" Clayra gasped, shielding her eyes from the radiant glow. Liza remained eerily calm, though even she couldn''t hide the flicker of surprise crossing her face. "It appears the young master is undergoing some sort of transformation," she observed dryly. As quickly as it had begun, the light faded. In its wake stood Ahmed 2.0¡ªthe Ultimate Adorable Edition. The entire room fell silent. Dead silent. Liza blinked once, twice, then visibly swallowed. Her normally emotionless mask cracked, revealing a glimmer of shock. "...My lady..." Clayra, meanwhile, looked like she had seen a ghost¡ªor perhaps something far worse. Her hands flew to her mouth, her golden eyes wide with disbelief. "Liza..." "Yes, my lady?" Liza responded automatically, though her tone betrayed her own astonishment. "...I''m dying." Ahmed turned slowly toward them, his reflection catching his attention for the first time. What he saw made his soul leave his body entirely. His hair¡ªonce messy and unruly¡ªwas now soft, fluffy, and perfectly styled, resembling cotton candy caught in a summer breeze. His eyes¡ªalready large and expressive¡ªhad grown even bigger, shining with an intensity that could melt steel. His skin was flawless, smooth as porcelain, and his cheeks bore a permanent blush that screamed "adorable innocence." "No..." Ahmed whispered, backing away from the mirror as if it were a portal to hell itself. "No, no, no, NO!" [SYSTEM ALERT: CONGRATULATIONS! HOST HAS ACHIEVED PEAK CUTENESS.] "I DIDN''T ASK FOR THIS!" Ahmed shouted, pointing accusingly at the ceiling. "WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?!" [SYSTEM ALERT: YOU''RE WELCOME <3>] "I WILL BURY YOU!" Ahmed vowed, his voice shaking with fury. "I DON''T CARE HOW POWERFUL YOU ARE¡ªI WILL DESTROY YOU!" But the System wasn''t listening. Or rather, it was laughing too hard to respond. [SYSTEM ALERT: SORRY, HOST. SYSTEM HAS ALREADY DUG ITS OWN GRAVE FROM LAUGHING TOO HARD.] Ahmed stared blankly at the empty space above him, wondering if the System had finally gone mad¡ªor if it had always been this way. Either way, his life had just taken another turn for the absurd. III. The Monster He Had Become Realizing there was no escape from his new reality, Ahmed staggered toward Clayra and Liza, desperate to gauge their reactions. What he found only fueled his despair. Clayra stood frozen, her arms extended instinctively¡ªas if drawn by an invisible force. Her gaze locked onto Ahmed with an intensity that bordered on obsession. "Oh my goodness..." she breathed, her voice trembling. "He''s even cuter than before!" Liza, who had never shown much emotion, now appeared genuinely unsettled. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the light, contrasting sharply with the storm brewing inside her usually stoic expression. "This... cannot be real," she murmured, taking a cautious step backward.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Ahmed clenched his fists, his anger bubbling over. "STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT! IT''S NOT FUNNY!" But neither woman responded. Instead, they both stared at him with varying degrees of awe and horror. Even the walls seemed to tremble under the weight of his newfound adorableness. "You don''t understand!" Ahmed cried, pacing frantically. "This isn''t cute¡ªit''s a curse! Do you know how many people are going to try to hug me now? How many times I''ll get called ''precious'' or ''sweetie''?! This is torture!" Clayra shook her head, seemingly unable to tear her eyes away from him. "Torture? Oh, Ahmed, you''re being dramatic again. Look at yourself¡ªyou''re absolutely perfect!" "PERFECT?!" Ahmed shrieked, his voice cracking with indignation. "Perfect?! I look like a living emoji sticker! A walking plush toy!" At that moment, Clayra snapped. With a speed that belied her noble upbringing, she lunged forward, scooping Ahmed into her arms like a mother reuniting with her long-lost child. "I CAN''T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" she squealed, squeezing him tightly. "YOU''RE TOO CUTE!" Ahmed squirmed violently, struggling against her vice-like grip. "PUT ME DOWN, YOU CRAZY WOMAN! I AM NOT A STUFFED ANIMAL!" But Clayra wouldn''t let go. If anything, she hugged him tighter, burying her face in his shoulder. "You smell so nice too! Like flowers and sunshine!" Liza cleared her throat, attempting to intervene. "My lady, perhaps we should give the young master some space..." Clayra ignored her, continuing to babble nonsensically. "Oh, Ahmed, why didn''t you tell me you were hiding such adorable potential all along? You''re practically begging to be spoiled!" Ahmed groaned, feeling his last shred of dignity slip away. "Spoiled? Momma, please. For the love of Allah, stop treating me like a pet!" But Clayra paid no heed. She cradled him closer, cooing softly as if speaking to a newborn infant. "Such big, beautiful eyes... So soft, fluffy hair... My little dumpling prince..." "DUMPLING PRINCE?!" Ahmed exploded, his face turning beet red. "THAT IS NOT A TITLE! IT''S AN INSULT!" [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 3,000 POINTS FOR ''ACCIDENTALLY BREAKING PEOPLE''S MINDS WITH HIS CUTENESS''.] "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY GIVING ME POINTS FOR THIS?!" Ahmed yelled, glaring daggers at the ceiling. "WHAT KIND OF LOGIC IS THAT?!" [SYSTEM ALERT: THE SAME LOGIC THAT MAKES YOU CRY OVER LOOSING SOLITAIRE GAMES.] Ahmed buried his face in his hands¡ªor rather, Clayra''s bosom¡ªand groaned loudly. "This is not fair. None of this is fair." IV. The Aftermath of Chaos Eventually, Clayra released Ahmed (reluctantly), allowing him to stumble back onto his feet. But freedom came with its own set of horrors. Everywhere he went, people reacted the same way¡ªgasping, giggling, or outright screaming in delight. In the kitchen, the chefs dropped their utensils upon seeing him. Outside, passing nobles paused mid-conversation to stare. Even the guards stationed outside the mansion couldn''t resist peeking in whenever he passed by. Ahmed trudged through the halls, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Each encounter drained a little more of his sanity until he felt like a hollow shell of his former self. "Why does this keep happening to me?" he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "First kidnappings, then pranks, now this? Is there no end to my suffering?" Just as he reached his chambers, hoping for a brief reprieve, the door swung open to reveal Cloudia, Clayra''s younger sister. Her emerald-green hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her golden eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, well, well," she purred, leaning casually against the doorway. "If it isn''t Little Prince Ahmed? Or should I call you... Precious Cutie Pie?" Ahmed''s jaw dropped. "Cloudia?! What are you doing here?!" Cloudia smirked, stepping aside to reveal a cart filled with expensive-looking clothing and accessories. "Business, darling. Pure business. When I heard about your recent upgrade, I knew I had to see it for myself." "Upgrade?!" Ahmed repeated, his voice rising with alarm. "THIS ISN''T AN UPGRADE! THIS IS A CURSE!" Cloudia waved a hand dismissively. "Details, details. Let''s focus on the positives. For example, did you know you''d make an excellent model for my new line of children''s wear?" Ahmed backed away instinctively. "Children''s wear? No way. Absolutely not. Not happening." "Oh, come now," Cloudia teased, pulling out a tiny tuxedo from the cart. "Imagine the profits! Think of all the noble families who''d pay top coin to dress their kids like you." Ahmed''s face twisted in disgust. "Over my dead body will I become a fashion icon for bratty nobles." Cloudia chuckled darkly, advancing toward him with predatory precision. "Dead bodies are surprisingly easy to arrange, dear Ahmed. Especially when one has access to certain... resources." Ahmed''s eyes widened in terror. "You wouldn''t dare." "Try me," Cloudia shot back, her grin widening. "Besides, think of it as a bonding experience. We sisters need to stick together, after all." "SISTERS?! I DON''T HAVE A SISTER!" Cloudia raised an eyebrow. "Technically, you do. Clayra adopted you, remember? Makes me your aunt. Close enough." Ahmed wanted to argue, to fight back, but his body betrayed him. Thanks to his enhanced cuteness levels, every movement he made¡ªevery glare, every scowl¡ªonly served to emphasize his irresistibly adorable appearance. It was maddening. V. The Art of Acceptance (Sort Of) By evening, Ahmed had reached his breaking point. Exhausted from dodging admirers, fending off Cloudia''s advances, and enduring Clayra''s endless hugs, he collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. "This can''t be real," he muttered, pinching himself repeatedly. "Any second now, I''ll wake up back in Tunis, lying in my maqha chair, sipping qahwa arbiya. None of this will matter." But the pinch brought no relief. Instead, it reminded him of the harsh truth¡ªhe was stuck here, trapped in this bizarre alternate universe where his greatest weapon was also his worst enemy: his cuteness. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS REFLECTING ON HIS CURRENT STATE. WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS HAPPENED?] "Fine," Ahmed sighed, resigned to yet another lecture from the System. "Enlighten me." [SYSTEM RESPONSE: BECAUSE YOUR POINTS WERE TOO HIGH, AND THE UNIVERSE DEMANDS BALANCE. ALSO, BECAUSE IT''S HILARIOUS.] Ahmed groaned, rolling onto his side. "Of course it is. Everything involving me is hilarious to you." [SYSTEM ALERT: CORRECT. YOUR LIFE IS MY PERSONAL COMEDY SHOW.] Ahmed sat up abruptly, his anger reigniting. "Then maybe I should write my own script. Maybe I should turn the tables on you." The System paused for a beat, then responded with unsettling cheerfulness. [SYSTEM ALERT: GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, DEAR HOST. BUT IF YOU EVER NEED MORE INSPIRATION, JUST KEEP FAILING. FAILURE GENERATES GREAT CONTENT.] Ahmed clenched his fists, vowing silently to prove the System wrong. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to reclaim his identity¡ªand his sanity. Until then, all he could do was endure. VI. New Adventures Await That night, as Ahmed drifted off to sleep, he dreamed of simpler times¡ªplaying solitaire in the maqha, mocking strangers, and generally avoiding responsibility. Those days felt impossibly distant now, replaced by a chaotic existence defined by kidnappings, missions, and relentless trolling. Yet amidst the madness, Ahmed discovered something unexpected: a strange sense of belonging. Despite everything, Clayra truly cared for him¡ªeven if her methods were unconventional. Liza, while terrifying, protected him fiercely. And Cloudia, though annoying, hinted at deeper layers beneath her mercantile facade. Perhaps, Ahmed thought, this wasn''t entirely bad. Sure, he hated being treated like a living mascot. Sure, the System drove him insane. But maybe, just maybe, there was a reason he kept surviving these trials. Or maybe he was doomed to suffer forever. Only time would tell. Epilogue: The Cycle of Madness Continues Ahmed woke the next morning to find Clayra waiting outside his door, holding a tray of breakfast. Her smile was brighter than usual, her enthusiasm bordering on manic. "Good morning, my sweet prince!" she chirped, pushing her way into the room without invitation. "Today, we''re going shopping for new clothes. Your old ones simply won''t do anymore¡ªnot with your upgraded cuteness level." Ahmed groaned, burying his face in the pillow. "Momma, please. Can''t we skip this part?" Clayra laughed, setting the tray down beside him. "Never. Besides, think of it as practice for your future career as a noble child." "Future career?!" Ahmed shrieked, sitting upright. "Since when did I agree to any of this?!" [SYSTEM ALERT: TECHNICALLY NEVER. BUT WHO CARES ABOUT DETAILS WHEN THERE''S COMEDY INVOLVED?] Ahmed threw the nearest pillow at the wall, venting his frustration. "One day, System, one day... you''ll regret this." The System didn''t respond¡ªbut Ahmed could almost hear its laughter echoing in the background. As Clayra dragged him off to prepare for their shopping trip, Ahmed resolved to continue fighting. Whether it was through clever manipulation, stubborn resistance, or sheer determination, he refused to let the System win completely. Because deep down, Ahmed knew one thing for certain: this wasn''t over. Not by a long shot. And thus, Ahmed''s journey into peak cuteness¡ªand ultimate chaos¡ªcontinued. End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12: Gold, Greed, and Unstoppable Comedy-Cloudia Arrives! I. The Disaster Has a Sister?! Ahmed was already suffering enough. Trapped in an adorable mini-body that made people lose their minds. Hugged to near-death by Clayra every two minutes. The System laughing nonstop at his misery. And just when he thought it couldn''t get worse... It did. [SYSTEM ALERT: WARNING. APPROACHING ENTITY: ''CLOUDIA ROSE''. HIGHLY DANGEROUS. HIGHLY UNHINGED.] Ahmed''s blood turned to ice. "...Who the hell is Cloudia?" [SYSTEM ALERT: CLAYRA''S YOUNGER SISTER.] His soul screamed. Clayra alone was already a nightmare. But now... a younger sister?! Before he could process this horrible reality¡ª BOOM! The doors to the mansion exploded open with such force that dust flew everywhere. The chandelier shook violently, rattling like it might fall at any moment. Even Liza''s tea cup trembled on the table, betraying her otherwise stoic demeanor. And then... A tall, golden-haired woman strode into the room like she owned the planet. Her presence was overwhelming¡ªequal parts elegance and chaos. She wore a dazzling gown adorned with intricate gold embroidery, and her emerald-green hair shimmered under the light of the shattered doorway. "CLAAAAAYYYYRAAAAA! I HAVE ARRIVED!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the halls like thunder. Ahmed clutched his ears, wincing in pain. "WHO THE HELL YELLS LIKE THAT?!!" [SYSTEM ALERT: WARNING! INCOMING MENACE LEVEL: OVER 9000.] Clayra, surprisingly calm, took a sip of her tea and sighed. "...Hello, Cloudia." Cloudia flipped her golden hair back dramatically, striking a pose that looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine. "Big sister! My most beloved, elegant, noble sister!" Clayra rolled her eyes. "What do you want?" Cloudia paused for dramatic effect, then grinned wickedly. Ahmed immediately recognized that grin¡ªit was the grin of pure evil. "...I heard you adopted a son," Cloudia purred, her gaze shifting toward Ahmed. The air went still. Ahmed felt cold. "...I¡ª" he began, but before he could finish¡ª WHOOSH! Cloudia teleported in front of him faster than anyone should be able to move. She grabbed his face like he was a prized artifact, inspecting him closely. "OY! HANDS OFF, CRAZY LADY!" Ahmed squirmed violently, trying to escape her grip. But Cloudia held firm, her eyes sparkling with glee. "Clayra, my dear sister..." she whispered dramatically, still clutching Ahmed''s cheeks. "Yes?" Clayra replied, raising an eyebrow. Cloudia suddenly pulled out a HUGE BAG OF GOLD COINS and slammed it onto the table. THUD! "I''LL BUY HIM." Silence. The entire room froze. Even Liza, who never reacted to anything, slowly blinked. Clayra set her teacup down gently, her expression unreadable. Ahmed, meanwhile, lost all composure. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN ''BUY ME''?!!" he shrieked, thrashing in Cloudia''s grip. Cloudia ignored him completely, turning to Clayra with a serious expression. "I''ll pay you ten times this amount if you give him to me." Ahmed''s jaw dropped. "...Excuse me, AM I A DAMN POK¨¦MON?!" Cloudia clapped her hands excitedly. "He even TALKS BACK?!" she gasped, clearly delighted. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 2,000 POINTS FOR ''ACCIDENTALLY BEING A COMMODITY''.] "DON''T GIVE ME POINTS FOR THIS!" Ahmed shouted, glaring at the ceiling. Clayra exhaled deeply, rubbing her temples. "...Cloudia." Cloudia perked up. "Yes, dearest sister?" "...No." Cloudia pretended to be heartbroken. "Sister... please reconsider..." She slid another bag of gold onto the table. THUD! "THAT''S NOT RECONSIDERING! THAT''S A BRIBE!" Ahmed yelled, losing his mind entirely. Clayra massaged her forehead, clearly growing impatient. "Cloudia, why do you want him?" Cloudia flipped her hair again, striking yet another ridiculous pose. "Because, dear sister..." She grabbed Ahmed once more, squishing his cheeks until they resembled overripe tomatoes. "LOOK AT THIS FACE!" Ahmed twitched violently, his dignity crumbling further with each passing second. "Do you know how much money I could make if I dress him up and bring him to noble tea parties?!" Cloudia exclaimed, practically drooling at the thought.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Clayra''s eye twitched. "I could make him wear a tiny tuxedo... make him pout... call him ''Little Prince''..." Ahmed''s soul shattered. "OVER MY DEAD BODY!" [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 5,000 POINTS FOR ''BEING HIGHLY MARKETABLE''.] "SYSTEM, I''M WARNING YOU!" Ahmed growled, his voice trembling with rage. But Cloudia wasn''t backing down. "Fine, fine, sister. You win." She sighed dramatically. "...Really?" Clayra narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Cloudia grinned mischievously. "Of course." Ahmed relaxed slightly, though his instincts told him not to trust her. But then¡ª WHOOSH! Cloudia lunged at him, grabbed him, and started sprinting for the door! "I''M TAKING HIM ANYWAY!" "YOU WITCH! PUT ME DOWN!" Ahmed screamed, flailing wildly in her arms. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS ENTERED ''KIDNAPPED'' MODE.] Clayra calmly stood up, setting her teacup aside. "...Liza." Liza disappeared instantly. Not even a second later¡ª BOOM! A shockwave of wind blasted through the mansion, sending furniture flying and curtains billowing. And then¡ª CRASH! Cloudia flew backward like she had just been hit by a truck, landing headfirst into a nearby pile of expensive furniture. "...Ow." Liza reappeared, adjusting her gloves casually as if nothing had happened. She held Ahmed like a grocery bag, his body stiff as a board and twitching uncontrollably. "...I almost died," Ahmed muttered weakly, his voice barely audible. Clayra sighed, picking up her tea once more. "Cloudia, did you seriously think you could kidnap my child?" Cloudia, half-buried under rubble, groaned loudly. "...It was worth a shot." Clayra picked up the bags of gold Cloudia had brought. "I''ll double your debt to me." Cloudia immediately sat up, panic flashing across her face. "WAIT, NO¡ª" II. The Aftermath of Chaos By the end of the day, Cloudia had not only failed to kidnap Ahmed but also managed to triple her existing debt to Clayra. The mansion staff cleaned up the mess she had made, while Liza returned to drinking her tea, utterly unbothered by the events that had unfolded. Ahmed, meanwhile, earned a staggering 10,000 points for "accidentally causing a market war over his cuteness." Despite the absurd rewards, he remained thoroughly unimpressed¡ªand thoroughly traumatized. [SYSTEM ALERT: CONGRATULATIONS, HOST! YOU HAVE EARNED ''NOBLE CHILD'' STATUS!] Ahmed buried his face in his pillow, groaning loudly. "I hate this system too." III. Reflections of a Reluctant Noble Child Late that night, Ahmed lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. His body ached from the day''s chaos, and his soul felt heavier than ever. He replayed the events in his mind, wondering how things had spiraled so far out of control. "This place is insane," he muttered under his breath. "Every single person here is completely unhinged." Clayra treated him like a living doll, constantly hugging and coddling him. Liza acted like his personal warden, ensuring he didn''t step out of line. And now Cloudia¡ªhis supposed "aunt"¡ªhad tried to buy him like some rare collectible item. Even the System seemed determined to turn his life into a never-ending comedy show, awarding him points for every humiliating moment. "Why does everyone keep treating me like I''m a commodity?" Ahmed whispered, his voice tinged with frustration. "Am I really that valuable? Or am I just cursed?" The truth, he realized, was probably somewhere in between. His enhanced cuteness level made him irresistible to others, whether they were noblewomen eager to exploit his charm or family members intent on protecting him. Either way, Ahmed found himself caught in the middle of a bizarre tug-of-war¡ªone he had no desire to participate in. Still, deep down, he knew there was no escaping his situation. For better or worse, he was stuck here. All he could do was adapt, survive, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªfind a way to reclaim some semblance of control over his life. IV. The Next Challenge As the days passed, Ahmed discovered that Cloudia''s visit wasn''t entirely without consequences. While she hadn''t succeeded in kidnapping him, her antics had sparked rumors throughout the noble community. Word spread quickly about the "adorable prince" living under Clayra''s roof, drawing unwanted attention from all corners of the kingdom. Invitations poured in¡ªfrom tea parties to social gatherings to charity events. Each one promised glamour, prestige, and endless opportunities to showcase Ahmed''s charm. Needless to say, Ahmed wasn''t thrilled. "Momma, please tell me we''re not going to these," he pleaded one morning, holding up a stack of invitations thicker than a dictionary. Clayra glanced at them briefly before shrugging. "Why not? It''ll be good practice for you." "Practice?!" Ahmed repeated, incredulous. "For what? Being paraded around like a circus animal?!" Clayra chuckled softly, patting his head. "Think of it as exposure therapy, darling. Besides, you need to learn how to behave in high society." Ahmed groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is literally my worst nightmare." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 3,000 POINTS FOR ''RELUCTANT SOCIALITE''.] "STOP GIVING ME POINTS FOR EVERYTHING!" Ahmed snapped, glaring daggers at the ceiling. But the System, as always, remained unfazed. [SYSTEM RESPONSE: WHY WOULD WE STOP WHEN IT''S SO ENTERTAINING?] Ahmed flopped onto the couch, defeated. "One day, System. One day, I''ll figure out how to shut you up forever." [SYSTEM ALERT: GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, DEAR HOST. BUT UNTIL THEN, ENJOY YOUR NEW ROLE AS A NOBLE ICON.] Ahmed groaned again, sinking deeper into despair. V. Preparing for Battle Despite his protests, Clayra insisted on preparing Ahmed for his upcoming appearances. This meant hours of etiquette lessons, wardrobe fittings, and grooming sessions¡ªall designed to maximize his appeal. "You''re going to be the star of every event," Clayra declared proudly, holding up a tiny tuxedo tailored specifically for Ahmed. Ahmed stared at it in horror. "That thing looks like it belongs on a porcelain doll." "It''s fashionable," Clayra countered, undeterred by his complaints. Meanwhile, Liza supervised his training regimen, ensuring he mastered everything from proper posture to polite conversation. Every mistake earned him a stern glare¡ªand occasionally, a subtle zap of magical energy to remind him of his errors. "Can''t I just stay home and play solitaire instead?" Ahmed whined during one particularly grueling session. "No," Liza replied flatly, her tone leaving no room for argument. By the time the first event rolled around, Ahmed was exhausted¡ªbut oddly prepared. Whether he liked it or not, he had become somewhat accustomed to the madness surrounding him. VI. The First Event The grand ballroom was packed with nobles, each dressed in their finest attire. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting glittering light across the room. Waiters circulated with trays of champagne and hors d''oeuvres, while musicians played soft melodies in the background. And standing at the center of it all¡ªAhmed. Dressed in his tiny tuxedo, his enhanced cuteness level shining brighter than ever, he drew stares from everyone present. Women cooed over him, men complimented Clayra on her "precious son," and children begged their parents to let them approach him. Ahmed endured it all with gritted teeth, forcing himself to smile politely despite the inner turmoil raging inside him. "This is torture," he muttered under his breath, clutching a glass of juice like it was his lifeline. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 5,000 POINTS FOR ''SURVIVING HIGH SOCIETY''.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" Ahmed hissed, resisting the urge to throw his drink at the nearest noble. But amidst the chaos, something unexpected happened. A young girl approached him shyly, her eyes wide with admiration. "You''re so cute," she whispered, offering him a flower. Ahmed blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, against his better judgment, he smiled softly. "Thanks," he said, accepting the flower. For the first time since arriving in this strange world, Ahmed felt a flicker of warmth¡ªa reminder that not everything here was terrible. Epilogue: The Cycle of Madness Continues Back at the mansion, Ahmed collapsed onto his bed, utterly drained from the evening''s events. "Well?" Clayra asked, leaning against the doorway. "How was it?" Ahmed groaned, pulling a pillow over his face. "Exhausting. Humiliating. Completely unnecessary." "But?" Clayra pressed, sensing there was more to his story. Ahmed hesitated, recalling the little girl who had given him the flower. "...I guess it wasn''t all bad." Clayra smiled knowingly. "See? Progress." Ahmed rolled his eyes, but he couldn''t deny it. Despite everything, he had survived¡ªand perhaps even grown a little stronger. Still, he vowed to fight back. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to turn the tables on the System, Clayra, and everyone else who dared to meddle in his life. Until then, all he could do was endure. And thus, Ahmed''s journey into the chaotic world of nobility¡ªand relentless trolling¡ªcontinued. End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13: The Ninja Catch and the Struggle for Breath I. The Great Escape Plan II¡ªOr Not Ahmed, feeling utterly fed up with his situation, decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. Enough was enough. Between Clayra''s relentless mothering, Cloudia''s absurd attempts to "buy" him, and the System''s endless trolling, Ahmed had reached his breaking point. "That''s it," he muttered under his breath, his voice low but determined. "I''m getting out of here." Clayra and her crazy sister, Cloudia, had been way too much. Ahmed had been clutched like a doll, held like a prized possession, and showered with affection that he absolutely did NOT want. His plan? Simple. Leave. With a mischievous grin, Ahmed snuck out of the mansion''s back entrance, hoping to find a way back to freedom. He didn''t care what lay beyond the gates of the estate¡ªjust that it was far, far away from them. [SYSTEM ALERT: WARNING: HOST IS ATTEMPTING TO ESCAPE.] "SYSTEM, SHUT UP!" Ahmed grumbled under his breath, his frustration bubbling over. He wasn''t about to let some omnipresent AI ruin his moment of defiance. He carefully moved through the streets of the Polariga Kingdom, trying to blend in and avoid being seen. He darted past market stalls, avoided beggars, and even hid behind a couple of carts full of chickens to evade detection. Every step brought him closer to freedom, and for the first time in days, Ahmed felt a flicker of hope. "Freedom, here I come," Ahmed whispered to himself, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. But before he could take another step¡ª THUD! The ground shook beneath him as a figure dropped from the sky¡ªliterally landing in front of him with the grace of a ninja. Ahmed froze in absolute terror. Lili, Clayra''s second-handmaid, stood before him like a shadow come to life. Her smirk was both terrifying and playful¡ªa dangerous combination that made Ahmed feel like he was staring into the eyes of a predator. "Oh, no you don''t, little one," Lili said with a mischievous wink, immediately scooping him up into her arms. Her grip was strong enough to make Ahmed''s lungs beg for air. "HEY! HEY! LET GO!" Ahmed yelped, flailing helplessly. But it was no use¡ªLili''s arms were like steel, holding him tight. "You''re not going anywhere, little prince," she teased, her voice dripping with mockery. [SYSTEM ALERT: SYSTEM IS WATCHING THE ESCAPE.] "STOP MOCKING ME!" Lili laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "You know, you''re cuter when you squirm." "CUTER?!" Ahmed''s face turned red¡ªnot just from being trapped, but also because Lili was unrelenting. She had him locked in so tightly that escape seemed impossible. "I was told you''re a bit of a handful," Lili remarked, her tone laced with sarcasm. "But now I see what they mean. You''re like a little rat." "I''M NOT A RAT, I''M A HUMAN!" The System, ever the opportunist, chimed in with its usual brand of cruelty. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS BEING CARRIED LIKE A BABY. SYSTEM IS AMUSED.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" Ahmed shouted, barely able to get the words out. "I''M BEING HELD CAPTIVE HERE!" Lili''s grip didn''t falter for even a second. If anything, she tightened it slightly, making Ahmed squirm even more. "Aww, I bet you want to escape, don''t you?" she said, mocking him mercilessly. "But you won''t. You''ll just have to get used to it." "I DON''T WANT TO GET USED TO IT!" The System, in its infinite wisdom, chose to add fuel to the fire. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 5,000 POINTS FOR BEING A ''CUTE CAPTIVE''.] "I AM NOT A CUTE CAPTIVE!" Ahmed screamed, thrashing wildly in Lili''s arms. "STOP GIVING ME POINTS!"Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! But no matter how loud he yelled, how much he kicked, or how hard he struggled, Lili didn''t budge. Instead, she snickered, thoroughly entertained by his futile attempts at resistance. "Oh, little prince," she cooed, winking at him again. "You think you can escape? Not while I''m around." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS ACCIDENTALLY EARNED THE TITLE ''LITTLE PRINCE'' AGAIN.] "NO!" Ahmed screamed internally, his soul shattering into tiny pieces. II. The System and Its Endless Mockery As Lili carried him like a prize, Ahmed realized something terrible: his fate was sealed. He had thought he''d found his way out, only to be caught by the one person he least wanted to deal with. Meanwhile, the System was having a field day. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS EARNING POINTS FOR CREATING UNNECESSARY DRAMA.] "STOP IT!" Ahmed groaned, glaring up at the sky as if praying for divine intervention. He couldn''t even catch his breath properly. All he could do was wriggle and complain. "You know," Lili mused, glancing down at him with an amused expression, "you''re not so bad. Once you stop yelling and start being a little more cooperative, I might just let you down." "I''M NEVER COOPERATING WITH YOU!" Lili chuckled softly, clearly unfazed by his outburst. "We''ll see about that." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS ACCIDENTALLY INCREASING COMEDIC VALUE BY STRUGGLING.] "STOP! PLEASE!" But no matter how much he yelled or complained, it didn''t stop Lili from holding him tight, her smirk widening with every passing second. And the System? It didn''t care. III. The Escape¡ªOr Lack Thereof So, as Ahmed wriggled helplessly in Lili''s arms, he came to a grim realization: There was no escape. The System was playing him like a puppet, manipulating his every move for maximum comedic effect. And Lili? She was like a ninja with a wicked sense of humor, relishing every moment of his suffering. Every attempt at resistance only made things worse. The harder he fought, the tighter her grip became. The louder he protested, the more points he earned. It was a vicious cycle¡ªone that showed no signs of ending anytime soon. Eventually, Ahmed gave up struggling, slumping in defeat. His body ached, his pride was shattered, and his dignity lay in tatters at his feet. "What''s the point?" he muttered bitterly, his voice barely audible. "No matter what I do, I''m stuck here." Lili tilted her head slightly, her smirk softening into something resembling sympathy. "You know, it doesn''t have to be this way. If you''d just accept your role, maybe things wouldn''t be so bad." "Accept my role?" Ahmed repeated, incredulous. "My role is to be carried around like a baby and mocked by everyone I meet!" Lili shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, yeah. But think of it this way¡ªyou''re special. People notice you. They care about you. Isn''t that better than being ignored?" Ahmed stared at her blankly, unsure whether she was serious or just messing with him. Either way, her words struck a chord deep within him. For all his complaints, there was a part of him that craved connection¡ªeven if it came wrapped in teasing and forced affection. Still, he refused to admit it aloud. "No," he muttered stubbornly. "This isn''t better. This is torture." Lili rolled her eyes, readjusting her grip on him. "Fine, keep sulking. But don''t say I didn''t try to help." [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 3,000 POINTS FOR ''RELUCTANT ACCEPTANCE''.] "OF COURSE YOU''RE STILL GIVING ME POINTS!" Ahmed snapped, throwing his head back in exasperation. Lili laughed, the sound echoing softly in the quiet street. "Oh, little prince. You really are entertaining." Ahmed groaned, burying his face in his hands¡ªor rather, Lili''s sleeve. "I hate everything." IV. Reflections of a Reluctant Prince By the time they returned to the mansion, Ahmed was emotionally drained. Lili set him down gently, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulders before stepping back to admire her handiwork. "There we go," she said cheerfully. "Back where you belong." Ahmed glared at her, though his heart wasn''t fully in it. "I''ll never forgive you for this." Lili simply smiled, patting his head like one would a mischievous puppy. "Sure you will. Eventually." As she walked away, Ahmed collapsed onto the nearest couch, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind raced with conflicting emotions¡ªanger, frustration, exhaustion, and a strange, nagging sense of belonging. "This place is insane," he muttered under his breath. "Everyone here is completely unhinged." Yet despite everything, Ahmed couldn''t deny that he had changed. Whether it was Clayra''s relentless affection, Liza''s stoic protection, or even Lili''s teasing antics, these people had become a bizarre sort of family to him. Even the System, annoying as it was, seemed oddly invested in his journey. "Maybe..." Ahmed began, hesitating mid-thought. "...maybe I don''t need to fight so hard against it." But just as quickly as the idea formed, he dismissed it. No way was he giving in completely. Not yet, anyway. V. Preparing for What''s Next Later that evening, Clayra approached him, her golden hair shimmering in the dim light of the sitting room. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze filled with maternal concern. "How are you feeling, my sweet prince?" she asked softly. Ahmed sighed, rubbing his temples. "Like I''ve been run over by a cart full of bricks." Clayra chuckled, pulling him into a gentle hug. "You''ll survive. Besides, look at it this way¡ªyou''ve gained valuable experience." "Experience in what? Being humiliated?" Ahmed shot back, though his tone lacked its usual venom. Clayra smiled knowingly. "In resilience. In adaptability. In learning to navigate a world that doesn''t always play fair." Ahmed frowned, considering her words. As much as he hated to admit it, she had a point. His journey thus far had been nothing if not a crash course in survival¡ªand perhaps, growth. Still, he vowed to fight back. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to reclaim control over his life. Until then, all he could do was endure. Epilogue: The New ''Normal'' Back in his chambers, Ahmed lay awake, staring at the ceiling. His body ached, his mind buzzed with restless thoughts, and his soul felt heavier than ever. Yet amidst the chaos, he found solace in one simple truth: He wasn''t alone. Whether it was Clayra''s warmth, Liza''s quiet strength, or even Lili''s playful teasing, Ahmed had discovered a strange kind of comfort in their presence. And the System? Well, it continued to laugh at his expense¡ªbut even that felt oddly familiar now. "So," Ahmed murmured to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "this is my new normal." For better or worse, Ahmed had embraced the madness surrounding him. And thus, his struggle continued... End of Chapter 13 Chapter 14: Empress Mellas Bash of Teasing and Mayhem I. The Invitation That Sealed His Fate The news spread through the Polariga Kingdom like wildfire: Empress Mella of the Empire of Gardia Alliance was hosting a grand party¡ªan extravagant, glittering soiree that promised opulence, drama, and, most importantly for Ahmed, even more teasing. For Empress Mella, renowned for her commanding presence and impeccable taste, this party was not only a celebration of her empire''s unity but also a chance to mingle with high nobles. Among the invited were Duchess Clayra¡ªever the proud guardian of her "adopted" Ahmed¡ªand the clingy, ever-curious Princess Anga, whose reputation for affectionate mischief preceded her. It was Duchess Clayra who, with a knowing smirk, insisted that Ahmed accompany her to the celebration. "My dear little prince," she cooed in a tone that mixed condescension and amusement, "you simply must attend Empress Mella''s party. Think of it as an opportunity to further hone your... unique charm." Ahmed, still reeling from his previous escapades¡ªcaught, teased, and transformed by the relentless System¡ªcould only grumble in protest. "I don''t want to go to another party where everyone just teases me for being too cute!" he muttered, his voice a mix of indignation and reluctant humor. But the System was not about to let him off the hook. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE EVENT. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN MINUS POINTS FOR ''UNCOOPERATIVE BEHAVIOR''.] And so, with a heavy sigh and an internally muttered curse against the System, Ahmed found himself reluctantly agreeing. His escape had become impossible, and his destiny¡ªfilled with unwanted attention and endless mockery¡ªwas inexorably linked to these grand gatherings. Clayra clapped her hands together, clearly delighted by his resignation. "Oh, excellent! Now, let''s get you dressed appropriately. You can''t show up looking like a ragamuffin." Ahmed groaned, already dreading what lay ahead. "Momma, please tell me we''re not doing the tiny tuxedo again." Clayra tilted her head thoughtfully, tapping her chin. "Hmm... perhaps something more regal this time. A velvet cape, maybe? Or a golden sash?" "I''m not wearing anything remotely resembling a doll outfit!" Ahmed snapped, crossing his arms defiantly. Clayra chuckled softly, patting his head. "Don''t worry, darling. I''ll make sure you look absolutely perfect." Perfect, Ahmed thought bitterly, usually meant unbearable levels of adorableness. Still, arguing with Clayra was futile. Once she set her mind on something, there was no changing it. As they prepared for the event, Ahmed couldn''t shake the feeling of impending doom. Every step closer to the palace felt like walking toward his execution¡ªnot death, but something far worse: public humiliation on a grand scale. II. Empress Mella''s Grand Entrance The night of the party arrived with a flourish of fireworks and trumpets, as if the heavens themselves had arranged a fanfare. The ballroom of Empress Mella''s palace sparkled under a cascade of crystal chandeliers and shimmering draperies. Noble guests in lavish attire filled the space, exchanging pleasantries and subtle jabs, while the air buzzed with anticipation and gossip. At the center of it all stood Empress Mella¡ªa woman of imposing beauty and regal authority. Clad in a gown of glistening gold and amethyst, she moved with the poise of someone who ruled an empire and expected nothing less than perfection. When she spoke, her voice carried like a gentle command that brooked no dissent. "Welcome, esteemed guests, to a night of celebration and unity!" Empress Mella announced, her tone warm yet laced with an unspoken promise of mischief. "Tonight, we honor not just the strength of our alliance but also the exquisite quirks that make each one of us truly unique." It was at that moment that Clayra leaned in to Ahmed, whispering with a mischievous glint in her eye, "Prepare yourself, my dear. With Empress Mella here, I expect our teasing to reach new heights." Before Ahmed could muster a response, a shadow darted forward amid the crowd¡ªa familiar face, albeit one with an air of clingy exuberance. Princess Anga, known for her bubbly personality and tendency to attach herself to whoever caught her fancy, bounded over. With a hug that was both affectionate and inescapable, she latched onto Ahmed as though he were a prized treasure. "Oh, Ahmed, my sweet little prince!" Princess Anga cooed, her voice rising above the murmur of the guests. "I''ve been waiting to meet you all night. You simply must tell me all about your adventures! How did you manage to look so adorable all the time?" Ahmed''s eyes widened in dismay. "No, please¡ªget off me!" he sputtered, attempting to wriggle free from her clingy embrace. But Anga''s grip was as persistent as her enthusiasm, and before long, she had him encircled in a tight hug that left him gasping for air. III. The Unrelenting System and Its Teasing BanterIf you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. From somewhere in the background, the omnipresent voice of the System boomed, adding insult to injury. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST, YOUR CURRENT ADORABLENESS LEVEL IS OFF THE CHARTS. PREPARE FOR CONTINUED TEASING. POINTS AWARD IS IMMINENT.] "Really? I''m adorable? I''m not in the mood for this ''cute boy'' act tonight!" Ahmed grumbled between gasps, his face contorting into a mix of frustration and reluctant amusement as he fought to escape Anga''s embrace. Princess Anga, unfazed by his protests, giggled and squeezed him tighter. "Oh, don''t be like that, dear. You''re simply irresistible!" Clayra, ever the maternal overseer, clapped her hands in delight. "Now, now, everyone, let''s make sure our dear Ahmed gets the recognition he deserves! After all, every good party needs a star attraction!" The System''s digital chuckle resonated through Ahmed''s mind, punctuating every sarcastic remark. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS EARNED 7,000 POINTS FOR ''UNWILLING CHARM'' AT THE PARTY. WELL DONE.] Even as Ahmed tried to wriggle free, the teasing escalated. Fellow nobles joined in with playful jibes, each one more ridiculous than the last. A baron, dressed in extravagant finery, called out, "Behold, the wondrous, unattainable Ahmed¡ªour kingdom''s most adorable captive!" Another noble quipped, "I''d pay a king''s ransom for just a glimpse of his forlorn expression!" Ahmed''s cheeks flushed scarlet, partly from embarrassment and partly from the relentless pressure of the System''s teasing. Every remark, every laugh, was a reminder of how helplessly ensnared he was in a web of unwanted adoration and high-society antics. IV. The Climax: A Party of Unabashed Mockery Amid the chaos of laughter and teasing, Empress Mella herself made a grand toast. Standing atop a gilded platform, she raised her goblet, her eyes scanning the room with a twinkle of mischief. "To our most unique guest¡ªAhmed! May your adventures continue to inspire our hearts and tickle our funny bones!" she declared, the entire hall erupting in a chorus of cheers and mocking applause. As the laughter and clinking of glasses filled the room, Ahmed''s plight reached its peak. With Princess Anga still clinging to him like ivy and Clayra''s encouraging smirks surrounding him, he could only throw up his hands in defeat. His attempts to escape were thwarted by the combined forces of noble affection and the System''s digital mockery. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST IS NOW THE LIFE OF THE PARTY. CONTINUE COLLECTING POINTS UNTIL SATIETY IS REACHED.] In that moment, Ahmed realized that no matter how many times he tried to break free from this endless cycle of teasing and forced adoration, he was fated to be the unwilling center of attention. Even as he cursed the System and grumbled under his breath, a part of him couldn''t help but recognize the absurdity¡ªand the dark humor¡ªof it all. V. The Breaking Point (and Beyond) By the end of the evening, Ahmed was emotionally drained. He sat slumped in a chair near the edge of the ballroom, watching as the festivities continued around him. Despite his exhaustion, he couldn''t help but notice the genuine camaraderie among the guests. For all their teasing, they seemed genuinely fond of each other¡ªor at least, fond enough to tolerate each other''s quirks. Clayra approached him, holding two glasses of sparkling cider. She handed one to Ahmed, her expression softening slightly. "You survived," she said, almost proudly. "That''s impressive, considering how much you hate parties." Ahmed took the glass begrudgingly, muttering under his breath. "Survived isn''t the word I''d use. More like... endured." Clayra chuckled, sitting beside him. "Well, endurance is a form of survival. Besides, you handled yourself admirably. Did you see how everyone adored you?" Ahmed groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Adored me? They mocked me! Publicly humiliated me! Made me feel like some kind of circus animal!" Clayra patted his shoulder sympathetically. "Oh, come now. It wasn''t all bad. Some of those compliments were quite sincere." "Sincere?!" Ahmed repeated incredulously. "Like what? ''Your hair looks like cotton candy''? Or ''You''re cuter than a puppy''?" Clayra laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, silly. Like when Baroness Lysandra said you have a sharp wit. Or when Lord Alaric praised your resilience. Those weren''t jokes¡ªthey were genuine observations." Ahmed blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wait... people actually said nice things about me?" "Of course they did," Clayra replied, smiling warmly. "You may not realize it, but you''ve earned their respect¡ªeven if they express it in unconventional ways." Ahmed frowned, considering her words. Could it be true? Was it possible that beneath all the teasing and mockery, there was a kernel of sincerity? He glanced around the room, observing the interactions between the guests. They laughed, they joked, they teased¡ªbut there was an underlying warmth, a sense of belonging that transcended mere politeness. Perhaps, Ahmed thought, this wasn''t entirely terrible. Perhaps, in its own twisted way, this bizarre world had become... home. VI. Reflections of a Reluctant Star Later that night, as Ahmed lay awake in bed, he reflected on the events of the evening. His body ached from the constant hugging and squeezing, his pride was battered beyond recognition, and his dignity lay in tatters at his feet. Yet amidst the chaos, he found solace in one simple truth: He wasn''t alone. Whether it was Clayra''s relentless affection, Princess Anga''s clingy enthusiasm, or even Empress Mella''s teasing toast, Ahmed had discovered a strange kind of comfort in their presence. These people, for all their quirks and eccentricities, had welcomed him into their world¡ªhowever reluctantly he had accepted it. And the System? It continued to mock him, awarding points for every embarrassing moment and reminding him daily of his "adorable" status. But even that felt oddly familiar now, like a nagging sibling who refused to leave him alone. "So," Ahmed murmured to himself, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "this is my life now." For better or worse, Ahmed had embraced the madness surrounding him. And though he vowed to fight back¡ªsomeday, somehow¡ªhe knew deep down that he wouldn''t trade this chaotic existence for anything else. Because despite everything, it was his. Epilogue: The Inevitable Teasing Continues... Empress Mella''s party became an unforgettable spectacle of noble mockery and relentless teasing. Duchess Clayra reveled in her maternal pride as she orchestrated the jests with cunning precision. Princess Anga''s clingy affection left Ahmed gasping for breath, both literally and figuratively. And the System¡ªever the master of mischief¡ªcontinued to award points for every moment of Ahmed''s suffering, reminding him that in this world, fate and hilarity were inseparable. Back in his chambers, Ahmed collapsed onto his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. His body ached, his mind buzzed with restless thoughts, and his soul felt heavier than ever. Yet amidst the chaos, he found solace in one simple truth: He wasn''t alone. And thus, Ahmed''s struggle continued... End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15: Fever Mission - The Great Escape Gone Wrong I. System''s Latest Cruelty: The Fever Mission Ahmed, still reeling from the emotional trauma of Empress Mella''s party¡ªwhere he had been hugged, teased, and turned into the unwilling mascot of high society¡ªslumped onto his royal-sized bed in Duchess Clayra''s lavish estate. His body ached, not from physical exertion but from the sheer frustration of being the universe''s ultimate punching bag. Just as he closed his eyes to finally get some rest¡ª [SYSTEM ALERT: PUNISHMENT ACTIVATED ¨C FEVER MISSION ENGAGED!] "...Huh?" Ahmed barely had time to process the words before¡ª ?? BZZZZZT! ?? A surge of heat spread through his entire body, his skin flushed, his forehead burned, and sweat poured down like a waterfall. His limbs trembled, his vision blurred, and his breathing became erratic. "I¡ªI have a fever?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME, YOU STUPID SYSTEM?!!" Ahmed screamed, gripping his pillow as though strangling it would somehow hurt the intangible menace that had ruined his life. [SYSTEM: Punishment implemented. Fever Mission: ESCAPE OR BURN. Timer set ¨C 30 minutes. Failure to escape = MORE fever.] "YOU''RE KILLING ME! YOU DEMONIC MALWARE!" [SYSTEM: Incorrect. I am an ''Advanced Developmental Assistance Mechanism.'' Your lack of faith in me is disappointing.] "Advanced?! YOU''RE NOTHING BUT A SADISTIC VIRUS!" Ahmed howled, gritting his teeth as his body twitched involuntarily. His once-bright mind, already teetering on the edge of madness, now operated at full rage mode. But before he could launch another verbal attack¡ª [MISSION OBJECTIVE: Escape Clayra''s Estate Before Timer Ends. If Caught, Penalty = Fever Level +50%.] Ahmed''s eyes went wide. He had half an hour to escape¡ªor else he''d be roasted alive by his own burning body! "Fine... If that''s how you wanna play, SYSTEM... I''LL ESCAPE! JUST YOU WAIT!" With one final burst of sheer spite, Ahmed flung himself off the bed and began his great escape. II. Stealth Mode: Activate (or Fail Miserably) Ahmed tiptoed through the dark corridors of the Duchess'' estate, his mission clear: Get. Out. Alive. His fevered brain barely functioned, but the fear of being turned into grilled chicken kept him moving. Despite his weakened state, every step felt like walking through molten lava. His legs wobbled beneath him, and his head spun with dizzying intensity. Still, he pressed on, determined to outsmart both the System and Clayra. However... [SYSTEM ALERT: Host''s stealth level = 0. Warning: You are about as sneaky as a rhinoceros wearing tap shoes.] "EXCUSE ME?!" [SYSTEM: Even the dust particles in the air are stealthier than you. Try harder.] Ahmed clenched his fists, ready to unleash another tirade against the System, but before he could, a sudden voice froze him in place. "Oh? Where are you going, my cute little prince?" II. Stealth Mode: Activate (or Fail Miserably) (Continued) Ahmed froze mid-step, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. That voice¡ªthere was no mistaking it. It belonged to Duchess Clayra herself. "Clayra..." Ahmed muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with equal parts fear and exasperation. "Why does this always happen to me?" He turned slowly, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto look innocent. Clayra stood at the end of the corridor, her golden hair flowing like liquid sunlight, her crimson eyes gleaming with maternal concern¡ªor perhaps something closer to predatory satisfaction. She crossed her arms, radiating an aura of authority that made Ahmed want to shrink into the shadows. Her lips curved into a knowing smile. "My dear Ahmed, what are you doing wandering around at this hour? Aren''t you feeling well?" Ahmed''s face flushed¡ªnot from fever this time, but from sheer embarrassment. He tried to play it cool, forcing a weak grin onto his face. "Oh, Momma! Just... taking a midnight stroll. You know, clearing my head after all those hugs from Empress Mella." Clayra tilted her head, her expression softening¡ªbut not convincingly. "A midnight stroll? In your current condition? My sweet prince, you''re burning up. Perhaps you should return to bed." "No!" Ahmed blurted out, then quickly added, "I mean, I''m fine! Totally fine! Just needed some fresh air, that''s all." Clayra raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Fresh air? At this hour? In your nightclothes?" Her gaze swept over him, lingering on his disheveled appearance. "And why do you look like you''ve been wrestling with invisible enemies?" Ahmed flinched. Had he really been flailing around so much while escaping earlier? The System must have been recording everything for future trolling purposes. Before he could respond, Clayra took a step forward, her heels clicking ominously against the marble floor. "Come now, Ahmed. Let me help you back to bed before you hurt yourself." "I DON''T NEED HELP!" Ahmed yelped, backing away instinctively. His movements were clumsy, his balance precarious due to the fever coursing through his veins. "I can handle this myself!" Clayra sighed dramatically, shaking her head as if Ahmed were a particularly stubborn toddler. "Fine, fine. But don''t say I didn''t warn you when you collapse halfway down the hall." As she spoke, her hand reached toward him, glowing faintly with magical energy. Ahmed panicked. If she touched him, there was no way he''d escape without her noticing how hot he was. And once she realized he had a fever, it would only be a matter of seconds before she bundled him back into bed like a helpless infant. "NO TOUCHING!" Ahmed shouted, stumbling backward. Unfortunately, his weakened state betrayed him, and he tripped over his own feet, landing hard on the ground with a loud thud. [SYSTEM ALERT: -50 POINTS FOR CLUMSY ESCAPE ATTEMPT.] "WHY AM I LOSING POINTS FOR BEING IN PAIN?!" Ahmed screamed, glaring daggers at the invisible System. Of course, it didn''t respond¡ªbecause why would it ever make sense? Clayra approached cautiously, her expression shifting from amusement to genuine concern. "Ahmed, are you alright? Please let me check your temperature." "I''M FINE!" Ahmed insisted, scrambling to his feet despite the dizziness threatening to overwhelm him. "Really, Momma, I just need some space. Some... personal space." Clayra''s smile widened slightly, revealing just how amused she truly was. "Personal space? From me? Oh, Ahmed, we both know that ship sailed the moment I adopted you." Before Ahmed could retort, Clayra snapped her fingers, summoning Liza, her stoic maid. Within moments, Liza appeared silently, her silver hair glinting in the moonlight streaming through the windows. Her expression remained neutral, but Ahmed knew better than to underestimate her.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Liza," Clayra said smoothly, "could you please escort Ahmed back to his room? He seems determined to wander aimlessly in the middle of the night." Liza inclined her head slightly, stepping forward with purposeful strides. Ahmed backed away instinctively, his panic growing with each passing second. "Stay back, Liza!" Ahmed warned, raising his hands defensively. "You wouldn''t dare try anything funny, would you?" Liza stopped moving, her gaze unwavering. For a brief moment, Ahmed thought he might actually stand a chance. Then, without warning, she vanished. "WHAT THE¡ª" WHOOSH! Before Ahmed could finish his sentence, Liza reappeared behind him, grabbing him by the ankle with surprising speed. With a single motion, she flipped him upside-down, leaving him dangling helplessly in the air. "H-Hey! Put me down, you evil maid!" Ahmed sputtered, flailing wildly. "This isn''t fair!" [SYSTEM ALERT: +100 POINTS FOR BEING A STRUGGLING FOOL.] "YOU''RE ENJOYING THIS, AREN''T YOU, SYSTEM?!" Ahmed yelled, his voice muffled as blood rushed to his head. "YOU TRAITOR!" Liza ignored his protests, carrying him effortlessly like a sack of potatoes. Meanwhile, Clayra watched from afar, her laughter echoing softly through the halls. "Oh, my poor little prince," she cooed, wiping away an imaginary tear. "Such determination to escape, yet so hilariously ineffective." Ahmed gritted his teeth, vowing revenge against both the System and Clayra. But for now, all he could do was hang there, suspended in mid-air, wondering how things had gone so wrong so quickly. III. The Escape Sequence: Disaster Edition Dangling upside-down wasn''t exactly part of Ahmed''s escape plan, but desperate times called for desperate measures. As Liza carried him deeper into the mansion, Ahmed wracked his feverish brain for ideas. First idea: Kick Liza in the face. Problem: Even in his best condition, Ahmed doubted he could land a hit on Liza. Now, with his strength sapped by fever, it felt like attempting to punch a brick wall with a marshmallow. Second idea: Pretend to pass out. Problem: Given his current state, pretending might not even be necessary. Besides, Clayra would probably use it as an excuse to tuck him into bed anyway. Third idea: Call the System''s bluff. Problem: The System hadn''t exactly proven itself trustworthy lately. Why would it suddenly start playing fair? Despite these setbacks, Ahmed refused to give up. As Liza rounded a corner, he spotted an opportunity¡ªa half-open window leading to the garden below. If he could somehow convince Liza to drop him near that window... "Liza!" Ahmed called out, forcing cheerfulness into his voice. "Hey, uh... thanks for catching me earlier. You''re really strong, you know that?" Liza paused, tilting her head slightly. "Young master, is something wrong?" "Wrong? No, no!" Ahmed stammered, trying to sound sincere. "I was just thinking... maybe you''d appreciate a break? After all, carrying me around like this must be exhausting." If Liza found his attempt at flattery amusing, she didn''t show it. Instead, she tightened her grip on his ankle, ensuring he couldn''t squirm free. "If you wish to rest, young master, we shall arrive at your chambers shortly." Ahmed groaned inwardly. Plan failed. Again. But then, inspiration struck¡ªor rather, desperation kicked in. Without another word, Ahmed began thrashing wildly, kicking his legs and swinging his arms like a marionette cut loose from its strings. "PUT ME DOWN, YOU EVIL MAID! I DEMAND IT!" Liza remained unfazed, though her pace quickened slightly. "My lady awaits us in your chambers, young master. We should hurry." Ahmed''s soul shattered. Not only had he failed to escape, but Clayra was waiting for him at the finish line. This was shaping up to be the worst night of his life. IV. Dodging Obstacles (and More Maid Shenanigans) The journey to Ahmed''s chambers felt endless. Every step Liza took sent fresh waves of pain coursing through his body, making his already-blurry vision worse. Along the way, they encountered several obstacles¡ªeach one more ridiculous than the last. Obstacle #1: A group of curious maids peeking around corners. Solution: Liza casually tossed Ahmed over her shoulder, earning gasps of shock from the spectators. Result: Ahmed earned 200 points for being publicly humiliated. Obstacle #2: A mischievous cat darting across their path. Solution: Ahmed accidentally kicked the cat during his frantic struggles, sending it flying into a nearby vase. Result: The vase shattered spectacularly, and Ahmed lost 300 points for property damage. Obstacle #3: An elderly nobleman shuffling down the hallway. Solution: Liza performed a perfect pirouette, spinning Ahmed around so fast he nearly vomited. Result: The nobleman stared wide-eyed at the spectacle, muttering something about "youth these days." Ahmed gained 400 points for unintentional comedy. By the time they reached Ahmed''s chambers, he was utterly drained. His muscles burned, his head spun, and his dignity lay scattered across the mansion like confetti at a wedding reception. "You win, Liza," Ahmed admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just put me down already." Liza obliged, setting him gently on his feet¡ªbut not before delivering a final blow. Literally. She gave him a light tap on the forehead, sending him sprawling onto the floor. "Sleep well, young master," she said coolly before disappearing into the shadows. Ahmed groaned, staring up at the ceiling. "This is why I hate everyone." V. Final Push: The Window of Opportunity With time running out, Ahmed knew he couldn''t afford to waste any more energy. Gathering what little strength he had left, he staggered toward the window he''d seen earlier. Maybe, just maybe, he could slip past Clayra and make a break for freedom. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. As Ahmed neared the window, a familiar voice rang out behind him. "AHMED!" Clayra emerged from the shadows, her elegant gown flowing gracefully behind her. Her golden eyes sparkled with mischief, and her smile suggested she already knew exactly what he was planning. "My darling, where do you think you''re going?" she asked sweetly, though her tone carried an unmistakable edge of steel. Ahmed froze, caught red-handed. "Uh... fresh air? Yes, fresh air! Doctors say it''s good for fevers, right?" Clayra chuckled softly, approaching him with slow, deliberate steps. "Doctors also say rest is crucial for recovery. Which is why I insist you come back to bed immediately." "But Momma¡ª" Ahmed protested, his voice cracking with exhaustion. "I can''t stay here! I need to escape!" Clayra tilted her head, her smile widening. "Escape? My sweet prince, you''re too precious to lose. Whatever trouble you''re trying to avoid, we''ll face it together." Ahmed blinked, momentarily thrown off by her sincerity. Was she serious? Or was this just another ploy to trap him? No, he decided. Clayra was definitely enjoying this far too much. Before he could argue further, Clayra waved her hand, conjuring a wave of magical energy that swept him off his feet. He floated helplessly in midair, unable to resist her telekinetic grip. "Let me go, Momma!" Ahmed shouted, struggling futilely against the invisible force holding him captive. "I swear, if you don''t stop this nonsense, I''ll¡ª" "You''ll what?" Clayra interrupted, her voice dripping with mock concern. "Hack me into oblivion? Burn down the mansion? Run away again?" Ahmed clenched his fists, his rage boiling over. "YES! ALL OF IT! AND THEN SOME!" Clayra simply laughed, her melodic giggles filling the air. "Oh, Ahmed, you''re adorable when you''re angry. Now, enough nonsense. Time for bed." She guided him toward the bed, tucking him in with practiced ease. Despite his protests, Ahmed found himself enveloped in layers of soft blankets, cocooned like a caterpillar preparing for metamorphosis. "This isn''t over, Momma," Ahmed muttered darkly, glaring up at her. "One day, I''ll get my revenge." Clayra leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Of course, darling. Sweet dreams." As she left the room, Ahmed slumped against the pillows, defeated. The timer on the Fever Mission ticked ominously in his mind, reminding him that failure loomed ever closer. VI. The Ultimate Betrayal: The System''s Final Laugh When the clock struck zero, Ahmed braced himself for the inevitable punishment. [SYSTEM ALERT: TIME''S UP.] ?? ?? ?? [SYSTEM: Fever Penalty +50% Activated.] Ahmed collapsed onto the bed, his entire body consumed by searing heat. His vision swam, his thoughts blurred, and his world narrowed to a single point of agony. "System..." he whispered hoarsely, his voice trembling with exhaustion. "Why... why do you hate me so much?" The System responded with characteristic cruelty. [SYSTEM: Because you''re entertaining. Watching you suffer brings me joy.] Ahmed wanted to scream, to curse, to destroy everything within reach. But all he could manage was a feeble whimper. [SYSTEM: Congratulations, Host. You failed spectacularly. Have a nice nap.] And with that, darkness claimed him. Epilogue: Defeat and Ultimate Suffering When Ahmed finally regained consciousness, he was swaddled in thick blankets, his cheeks flushed pink from fever. Clayra sat beside him, humming softly as she fed him spoonfuls of steaming soup. "Rest, my sweet prince," she murmured, her voice soothing yet infuriating. "You''ll feel better soon." Ahmed groaned, burying his face in the pillow. "I hate you, Momma. I hate you so much." Clayra chuckled, patting his head affectionately. "Love you too, Ahmed. Love you too." In the background, the System cackled with glee. [SYSTEM ALERT: HOST HAS SURVIVED ANOTHER EPIC FAILURE! REWARD: +1,000 POINTS FOR RESILIENCE.] Ahmed rolled his eyes. "Resilience? Resilience?! You forced me into this mess, and now you''re rewarding me for surviving it? What kind of logic is that?" [SYSTEM: The same kind of logic that makes you cry over losing solitaire games.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" Clayra glanced up, concerned. "Ahmed, who are you talking to?" "No one, Momma," Ahmed mumbled, pulling the blanket over his head. "Just... myself." Clayra smiled knowingly. "Talking to yourself is perfectly normal when you''re sick. Don''t worry, darling. Everything will be okay." Ahmed groaned, knowing full well that nothing would ever truly be okay again. Between Clayra''s smothering affection, Liza''s unrelenting efficiency, and the System''s relentless trolling, his life had become a never-ending cycle of suffering and absurdity. Still, deep down, Ahmed held onto hope. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to turn the tables on them all. Until then, all he could do was endure. And thus, Ahmed''s saga of survival continued¡ªone fever-ridden mission at a time. End of Chapter 15 Chapter 16: Systems Sadistic Mission - Survive the Cuddlepocalypse I. The System''s Evil Announcement Ahmed was still recovering from his last failed escape attempt, lying on his luxurious bed, swaddled in five layers of blankets like a human burrito. His fever had finally gone down, but his trust issues had skyrocketed. He had lost everything¡ªhis freedom, his dignity, and most importantly, half his hard-earned points. Every inch of him ached, not just physically but emotionally. Yet, despite the chaos that had consumed his life, Ahmed allowed himself a brief moment of hope. "Maybe... just maybe..." he murmured softly, staring at the ceiling with hollow eyes, "I can finally get some rest." For once, silence reigned supreme. No Clayra hovering over him. No Lili sneaking up behind him. Not even the System chiming in with its usual brand of sadistic commentary. It felt almost peaceful. And then... [SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW MISSION ALERT!] Ahmed''s soul physically left his body. His eye twitched. His rage boiled. "No. No. NO. NOOOO!" Ahmed shouted, sitting upright so fast he nearly toppled out of bed. "SYSTEM, I SWEAR ON MY SOUL, IF YOU RUIN MY LIFE AGAIN, WALLAHI, I WILL¡ª" [SYSTEM: Mission Accepted. Have Fun!] "I DIDN''T ACCEPT¡ª!!!" ?? FLASH! ?? Suddenly, everything went white. II. Welcome to the Nightmare (a.k.a. Japan?!) When Ahmed''s vision returned, he realized he was no longer in the Polariga Kingdom. The luxurious bed? Gone. The terrifying Duchess Clayra? Gone. The equally terrifying maid Lili? Gone. Instead, he stood in the middle of a bustling modern city, surrounded by towering skyscrapers, neon lights flashing like fireworks, and a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Cars honked in the distance, pedestrians hurried past him, and somewhere nearby, a vending machine dispensed drinks with mechanical precision. Ahmed blinked, his mind struggling to process what he was seeing. "...Where... the hell... am I?" Then the System spoke. [SYSTEM: Welcome, Host! You have been transported to a world similar to your previous one! For the next three days, you will experience life in... JAPAN!] Ahmed''s brain blue-screened. "...HUH?!" Before he could demand further clarification, the System continued its explanation. [SYSTEM: This is NOT a simulation. If you fail this mission, the consequences will be... devastating.] Ahmed groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Devastating how? Am I going to die? Get eaten by bears? Turn into a potato?" [SYSTEM: Worse. You''ll remain trapped here forever.] Ahmed froze, his blood running cold. "Forever? As in... FOREVER?!" [SYSTEM: Correct. Now, let''s review the rules...] III. The Ultimate Mission: Survive... the Cuddles?! The System projected a holographic scroll into Ahmed''s field of vision, detailing the mission parameters in excruciating detail. ?? MISSION RULES: Ahmed must maintain maximum cuteness levels at all times.Random strangers will feel an uncontrollable urge to cuddle him.If he resists or runs away, the System will INCREASE his cuteness level.If he survives all three days, he will be rewarded.If he fails... he will remain in this world. Forever. Ahmed''s entire being shook as he read through the list. "You... YOU SICK PIECE OF¡ª!" Before he could finish his sentence, a high-pitched squeal pierced the air. "KYAAAAA!!!" A group of excited girls spotted him from across the street. Their eyes sparkled like diamonds, their faces lighting up with pure joy. They pointed at him, whispering frantically among themselves. "LOOK AT HIM! HE''S SO CUUUUUUTE!!!" "IS HE REAL?" "HE LOOKS LIKE A DOLL!" Ahmed felt a cold sweat run down his spine. He backed away slowly, his instincts screaming at him to flee. "No. No, no, no, no, NO¡ª!" [SYSTEM: ALERT! FIRST CUDDLE ATTACK INCOMING!] Ahmed didn''t need to be told twice. He turned on his heel and bolted, sprinting through the crowded streets like a man possessed.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. IV. The Great Cuddle Escape ¨C Mission: Impossible Ahmed sprinted through the labyrinthine streets of Tokyo, dodging pedestrians, leaping over bicycles, and weaving through narrow alleys like a wanted criminal. Behind him, a horde of squealing fangirls chased after him with relentless determination. ?????????????? "WHY ARE THEY FASTER THAN ME?!!" Ahmed screamed, his voice cracking under the strain. His legs burned, his lungs begged for air, and his pride lay shattered in the dust. [SYSTEM: Host''s stamina = 3/10. System recommends increasing physical endurance.] "HOW CAN I INCREASE IT WHEN I''M RUNNING FOR MY LIFE?!!" Ahmed yelled, tears streaming down his face as he narrowly avoided colliding with a street vendor. [SYSTEM: Try flapping your arms. Maybe you''ll fly away.] "I HOPE YOU BURN IN A DIGITAL HELL, YOU WASTE OF CODE!" Ahmed roared, turning a sharp corner in a desperate bid to lose his pursuers. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side. As he rounded the bend, Ahmed collided headfirst with someone¡ªa woman who seemed to materialize out of thin air. He bounced off her like a rubber ball, landing flat on his back with a loud thud . Dazed, Ahmed looked up... and his soul left his body again. Standing before him was a woman unlike any he had ever seen. She had long silver hair cascading down her back, piercing blue eyes that radiated authority, and an aura so intimidating it made Clayra look like a kindergarten teacher. Her arms were crossed, her eyebrows raised, and her lips curled into a faint smirk. "...Ara?" she said, tilting her head slightly. "What do we have here?" Ahmed internally screamed. Of course, fate would throw yet another obstacle in his path. V. The Ultimate Betrayal ¨C System''s Final Form of Torture Before Ahmed could scramble to his feet and resume his escape, the horde of fangirls finally caught up. They surrounded him like hyenas circling fresh prey, their excitement reaching fever pitch. "OMG, HE''S EVEN CUTER UP CLOSE!" "LOOK AT THOSE BIG, SAD EYES!" "I WANNA KEEP HIM!" Ahmed backed away slowly, raising his hands in a futile gesture of surrender. "L-Ladies, let''s calm down..." [SYSTEM ALERT: Host''s cuteness level is TOO HIGH. System is adjusting...] Ahmed''s body glowed with an ethereal light. A strange sensation washed over him, tingling across his skin like static electricity. When the glow faded, he felt different¡ªsmaller, softer, more... adorable. ??? POOF! ??? [SYSTEM: CUTENESS LEVEL INCREASED TO 95%.] Ahmed''s eyes widened in horror. His cheeks became pinker, his hair fluffier, and his entire existence radiated ''adorable innocence.'' Even his oversized hoodie¡ªwhich had somehow survived the transition¡ªnow fit him perfectly, emphasizing his tiny frame. The fangirls screamed in unison. "KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡ª!!!" They lunged forward, enveloping him in a tidal wave of hugs, pats, and squeals. Ahmed thrashed wildly, trying to break free, but it was no use. There were too many of them, and their grip was ironclad. "STOP! LET ME GO!" Ahmed shrieked, his voice muffled by the sea of bodies pressing against him. "THIS IS TORTURE!" [SYSTEM: HOST HAS EARNED 5,000 POINTS FOR BEING IRRESISTIBLE.] "STOP GIVING ME POINTS FOR THIS!" Ahmed wailed, his cries drowned out by the cacophony of delighted squeals. The silver-haired woman watched the spectacle unfold with mild amusement, her arms still crossed. "Well," she muttered dryly, "this is certainly entertaining." Ahmed locked eyes with her, silently pleading for help. But instead of intervening, she simply shrugged. "Good luck, little one." With that, she vanished into the crowd, leaving Ahmed to fend for himself. VI. The Final Words of a Broken Man After what felt like hours¡ªbut was likely only minutes¡ªthe fangirls finally relented, releasing Ahmed from their collective embrace. Exhausted and defeated, he collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. He had lost. There was no escape. No freedom. Just an endless cycle of being hugged, petted, and squeezed like a stuffed animal. As the fangirls closed in for the final cuddle attack, Ahmed let out one last, heart-wrenching scream: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡ª!!!" [SYSTEM: Congratulations, Host. You are now officially the World''s Most Adorable Fugitive.] VII. Three Days of Hell Over the next three days, Ahmed endured a living nightmare. Everywhere he went, people reacted the same way¡ªgasping, giggling, and launching themselves at him like missiles. Whether it was schoolgirls on their way home, salarymen taking smoke breaks, or elderly women feeding pigeons in the park, no one could resist the overwhelming urge to cuddle him. By day two, Ahmed had given up trying to run. Instead, he adopted a strategy of minimal resistance, allowing strangers to hug him briefly before slipping away unnoticed. It wasn''t ideal, but it saved him precious energy¡ªand sanity. On day three, however, things took a turn for the worse. While wandering through Akihabara, Ahmed stumbled upon a cosplay convention. Within seconds, he was mobbed by otakus who mistook him for a mascot character. Before he knew it, he was paraded around like a celebrity, forced to pose for photos and sign autographs. [SYSTEM: HOST HAS EARNED 10,000 POINTS FOR BECOMING AN INTERNET SENSATION.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" Ahmed growled, his voice barely audible beneath the din of excited chatter. By the time the mission ended, Ahmed was a shell of his former self. His soul had been shattered, his dignity erased, and his cuteness level permanently increased. VIII. Back to Reality When Ahmed finally returned to his original world, he found himself sitting in a dark corner of Clayra''s mansion, rocking back and forth like a traumatized child. His enhanced cuteness level remained intact, much to his dismay. Clayra approached cautiously, her golden eyes filled with concern. "Ahmed? Are you alright?" Ahmed didn''t respond. He simply stared blankly ahead, muttering incoherently under his breath. "Did something happen while you were gone?" Clayra pressed gently, kneeling beside him. Ahmed snapped out of his trance, glaring daggers at her. "Something happened? Something HAPPENED?! I WAS TURNED INTO A LIVING TEDDY BEAR AND PASSED AROUND LIKE A PARTY FAVOR!" Clayra blinked, clearly confused. "A... teddy bear?" "NEVER MIND!" Ahmed snapped, burying his face in his hands. "IT DOESN''T MATTER ANYMORE!" Just then, the System chimed in with its usual brand of cruelty. [SYSTEM: Mission Complete! Rewards: +1000 Points and... Cuteness Buff (Permanent).] Ahmed''s eye twitched violently. His fists clenched, shaking with barely contained rage. And with every ounce of fury in his being, he let out one final, soul-piercing roar: "SYSTEM, I SWEAR TO GOD, I''LL DELETE YOUUUUUU¡ª!!!" [SYSTEM: GOOD LUCK WITH THAT, DEAR HOST. BUT UNTIL THEN, ENJOY YOUR NEW FORM!] Ahmed groaned, slumping back against the wall. There was no escaping it. No matter what he did, the universe¡ªand the System¡ªwould always find ways to torment him. Epilogue: The Horror Continues... Days passed, and Ahmed gradually adjusted to his new reality. Though his cuteness level remained permanently increased, he learned to navigate the challenges it presented. Clayra, predictably, adored his new appearance, showering him with even more affection than before. Liza, meanwhile, maintained her stoic demeanor, though Ahmed occasionally caught her smirking when he wasn''t looking. As for the System? It continued to mock him relentlessly, awarding him points for every embarrassing moment and reminding him daily of his "adorable" status. But deep down, Ahmed vowed to fight back. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to reclaim control over his life. Until then, all he could do was endure. And thus, Ahmed''s struggle continued... End of Chapter 16 Chapter 17: The Elven Lurker & Ahmeds Next Kidnapping Disaster I. The Sweet Taste of Freedom (For 5 Seconds) After his traumatizing survival mission in Japan, Ahmed finally returned to his original world. He took one deep breath. Then another. And then he collapsed face-first onto the floor, utterly spent. "Alhamdulillah... finally... no more cuddles... no more pink cheeks..." Ahmed muttered weakly, his voice muffled by the plush carpet beneath him. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he allowed himself to believe that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhe could catch a break. But before he could fully process this fleeting moment of peace¡ª [SYSTEM: Cuteness Buff (Permanent) is now Active!] Ahmed''s soul almost left his body. His eye twitched violently as he shot upright, glaring daggers at the ceiling. "SYSTEM, I SWEAR TO ALLAH, IF YOU DON''T REMOVE THIS¡ª" But before he could finish his threat¡ªa shadow moved. Something swift, silent, and extremely suspicious appeared behind him. Before Ahmed could react¡ª ?? POOF! ?? A mysterious hand clamped over his mouth, cutting off his protests. A thick, cloying scent of sleeping powder filled his nostrils, making his vision blur instantly. Panic surged through him as he tried to fight back, but his limbs grew heavy, his movements sluggish. The last thing he heard was a silky, mischievous voice whispering in his ear. "Hehehe... got you, little cutie..." And then¡ª ?? DARKNESS. ?? II. Welcome to Ygra ¨C The Elven Kingdom of Chaos When Ahmed woke up, his first reaction was to scream. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡ª!!!" He bolted upright, looking around frantically. He was in a golden palace, surrounded by suspiciously attractive elves. Their pointed ears gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, their ethereal beauty radiating an aura of otherworldly charm. His heart dropped. "No... NO. NO! I REFUSE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN!" Ahmed shouted, scrambling backward until his back hit the wall. His mind raced, trying to piece together how he had ended up here¡ªand why everything always seemed to go wrong for him. Then, a tall elf woman strode into the room. She had long emerald-green hair cascading down her back, piercing golden eyes that sparkled with mischief, and the smirk of someone who thoroughly enjoyed making people suffer. She crossed her arms and looked at Ahmed like a cat that had just caught a particularly feisty bird. "You''re finally awake, little one," she purred, her tone dripping with mockery. Ahmed froze. His danger senses exploded, screaming at him to run¡ªexcept there was nowhere to go. Trapped in this gilded cage, he braced himself for whatever fresh hell awaited him. "...Who the hell are you?!" Ahmed demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury. She smirked, clearly enjoying his distress. "I am Tima, the Elven Lurker. And you... belong to me now." Ahmed''s soul physically left his body for the second time that day. III. The Kidnapping Explanation (a.k.a. Why Ahmed Can Never Catch a Break) Before Ahmed could unleash his full wrath upon Tima, the System chimed in with its usual brand of sadistic clarity. [SYSTEM: Explanation Mode Activated!] ?? THE ELVES OF YGRA ARE CURRENTLY IN CONFLICT WITH THE POLARIGA KINGDOM. ?? DUCHESS CLAYRA HAS BEEN GROWING TOO POWERFUL, SO THE ELVES DECIDED TO ''BORROW'' YOU AS LEVERAGE. ?? IN SHORT, YOU ARE NOW A HIGH-VALUE HOSTAGE. CONGRATULATIONS! Ahmed clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His face twitched uncontrollably as he processed the absurdity of the situation. Once again, he found himself at the center of yet another political power play¡ªonly this time, it involved elves. Taking a deep breath, Ahmed unleashed the most pure, raw, and unfiltered Tunisian rage he could muster: "TA3RAF YAMA NFARMTAK ASBOR 3LIYA BARK!!!" [TRANSLATION: SYSTEM, I SWEAR I''M GONNA ERASE YOU FROM EXISTENCE. JUST WAIT. JUST WAIT FOR ME.] The elves blinked in confusion, clearly unfamiliar with Ahmed''s native tongue. Tima tilted her head curiously, studying him like a scientist observing a rare specimen. "What language is that? Some kind of ancient spell?" Ahmed''s eye twitched even harder. "Yeah. It''s a spell to make you disappear from my life." Tima chuckled softly, clearly amused by his defiance. "Oh, darling, spells won''t work on me. But don''t worry¡ªI''ll take good care of you."Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Ahmed groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why does this keep happening to me?" IV. System & Tima ¨C The Ultimate Tag-Team of Ahmed''s Suffering Tima sauntered over to her throne, lounging casually as if she owned the universe¡ªwhich, given her status as an elven leader, she probably did. She crossed her legs elegantly, her smirk widening as she addressed Ahmed. "You should be grateful, you know," she said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Instead of being a poor orphan, you now get to be a royal hostage." Ahmed spat on the floor, his indignation reaching new heights. "ROYAL HOSTAGE?! HOW IS THAT BETTER?!" [SYSTEM: It''s called career advancement. Congratulations, Host! ??] Ahmed''s rage meter hit maximum capacity. His fists shook, his teeth ground together, and his entire body vibrated with barely contained fury. Tima laughed, clearly entertained by his outburst. "You''re quite feisty. I like that." She leaned in closer, her golden eyes glinting with mischief. "Maybe I should keep you forever." Ahmed froze, his brain short-circuiting at the implication. Forever? As in... FOREVER?! [SYSTEM: ALERT! HOSTAGE SITUATION INTENSIFYING!] Ahmed''s brain entered emergency escape mode. He forced himself to calm down, adopting a neutral expression as he prepared to negotiate his way out of this mess. "Okay, okay, let''s be civil," he began, his voice steady despite the chaos swirling inside him. "You kidnapped me, fine. But let''s talk business." Tima raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden shift in demeanor. "Go on." Ahmed put on his best negotiation face, channeling every ounce of charisma he possessed. "How about... you let me go... and in return... I promise to never, ever, ever come back?" Tima burst out laughing, her melodic laughter echoing through the chamber. Ahmed died inside, his carefully crafted plan crumbling before his very eyes. "Oh, darling," Tima said, wiping away a tear of amusement. "That''s adorable. But no." Ahmed slumped forward, defeated. "Of course not." V. The Ultimate Betrayal ¨C System''s New ''Fun'' Idea Just when Ahmed thought things couldn''t get worse, the System decided to intervene¡ªbecause apparently, tormenting him wasn''t enough. [SYSTEM: NEW MISSION ASSIGNED!] [OBJECTIVE: CHARM THE ELVES FOR EXTRA POINTS!] [WARNING: IF YOU FAIL, YOUR CUTENESS LEVEL WILL BE INCREASED AGAIN.] Ahmed froze. His breathing stopped. His sanity crumbled. "System... you wouldn''t dare," he whispered, his voice trembling with dread. [SYSTEM: WATCH ME.] ??? POOF! ??? Ahmed''s hair became fluffier, his eyes sparkled brighter, and his entire being radiated an aura of irresistible adorability. The elves gasped in unison, their expressions shifting from curiosity to outright awe. Tima''s smirk disappeared, replaced by something akin to shock. She clutched her chest dramatically, her golden eyes wide with disbelief. "She whispered. "This... this is dangerous." The other elves nodded in agreement. "Truly. No mortal should possess this level of cuteness." Ahmed''s soul screamed in protest. "SYSTEM, WALLAHI, I WILL ERASE YOU¡ª!!!" [SYSTEM: MISSION START! LET THE CHARMING BEGIN! ??] VI. The Beginning of a New Nightmare Ahmed tried everything to fight back. He scowled. He glared. He attempted to look intimidating. But thanks to his enhanced cuteness level, every effort only made him appear more endearing¡ªas if he were an angry kitten pouting in protest. Tima grinned wickedly, clearly delighted by his futile attempts. She reached out¡ªand pinched his cheek. Ahmed froze. His soul left his body for the third time that day. Tima laughed, her voice ringing like bells. "Welcome to Ygra, little one. I think I''ll keep you." [SYSTEM: HOST''S ESCAPE CHANCES... 0%.] Ahmed''s world went dark. VII. Reflections of a Reluctant Hostage As the initial shock wore off, Ahmed found himself sitting cross-legged on the floor of his gilded prison, staring blankly at the wall. His mind replayed the events leading up to this moment¡ªthe kidnapping, the teasing, the relentless trolling by the System¡ªand he couldn''t help but wonder: why him? Was it karma? Fate? Or simply bad luck? Whatever the reason, Ahmed knew one thing for certain: he wasn''t going down without a fight. Even if he couldn''t escape physically, he vowed to resist emotionally. He refused to let Tima¡ªor anyone else¡ªbreak his spirit. Sure, they might have stolen his freedom, but they would never steal his dignity. At least, not completely. Still, as he sat there plotting his next move, Ahmed couldn''t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The elves, for all their beauty and grace, were cunning and ruthless. If Clayra had been difficult to deal with, Tima promised to be ten times worse. VIII. Preparing for Battle Over the next few days, Ahmed observed the elves closely, studying their habits and routines. Though confined to his quarters, he managed to glean valuable information about the kingdom of Ygra¡ªfrom its intricate politics to its bizarre customs. One thing became abundantly clear: the elves thrived on aesthetics. Everything they did, from their architecture to their clothing, was designed to exude elegance and perfection. And thanks to the System''s meddling, Ahmed had inadvertently become the epitome of both. Every time he stepped outside his chambers, the elves reacted the same way¡ªgasping, giggling, and launching themselves at him like moths drawn to a flame. Even Tima, who initially seemed immune to his charms, couldn''t resist sneaking in a hug or two whenever she visited. It was infuriating. Humiliating. And yet, strangely amusing. Because deep down, Ahmed realized something important: he was stronger than this. Stronger than their teasing, their mocking, their endless attempts to reduce him to a living doll. No matter how many times they tried to break him, he would rise again¡ªsmarter, wiser, and more determined than ever. IX. The First Step Toward Freedom Late one evening, as the palace settled into quiet stillness, Ahmed devised a plan. Using scraps of paper and ink borrowed from a servant, he drafted a series of messages intended for Duchess Clayra. If he could somehow smuggle them out of the palace, perhaps she¡ªor Liza¡ªcould stage a rescue mission. But first, he needed allies. Someone within the palace walls who shared his disdain for Tima''s tyranny. Someone brave enough to defy the Elven Lurker. As fate would have it, Ahmed found such a person in an unlikely place: the kitchens. While exploring the lower levels of the palace, Ahmed stumbled upon a young elf maid named Lyra. Unlike her peers, Lyra lacked the typical ethereal beauty of the elves, her features instead marked by scars and imperfections. Yet there was a kindness in her eyes¡ªa warmth that reminded Ahmed of home. "I know you''re planning something," Lyra whispered one night, cornering him in a secluded hallway. "And I want to help." Ahmed hesitated, unsure whether to trust her. But something in her voice reassured him. "Why?" he asked cautiously. Lyra smiled faintly. "Because Tima isn''t the ruler everyone thinks she is. She''s cruel, manipulative, and selfish. And I''ve seen enough of her schemes to know they always end in suffering." Ahmed nodded slowly, a flicker of hope igniting within him. "Alright, Lyra. Let''s do this." Together, they began laying the groundwork for their rebellion¡ªone small step at a time. Epilogue: The Future Looks Grim (For Ahmed, At Least) And so, Ahmed found himself once again trapped in a new prison. Except this time, it wasn''t a kingdom full of nobles. It was a kingdom full of elves. And worst of all? They all wanted to keep him forever. As he silently screamed into the void, the System laughed like a demon. [SYSTEM: DON''T WORRY, HOST! THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF YOUR SUFFERING ADVENTURE! ??] Ahmed''s eye twitched violently. And for the final time that day, he let out his legendary battle cry: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA¡ª!!!" But deep down, amidst the chaos and despair, Ahmed resolved to fight back. Because no matter how dire the situation, he knew one truth above all others: This wasn''t over. Not by a long shot. End of Chapter 17 Chapter 18: Running in Circles - The Great Elven Chase & Momma Clayras Wrath I. The Great Elven Escape (Which Lasted 5 Minutes) Inside the Elven Palace of Ygra... Ahmed ran for his life. ?? Dashing through hallways, his tiny feet pounding against the polished marble floors. ?? Dodging suspiciously beautiful elves who stared at him like he was a rare gemstone. ?? Screaming like a maniac as adrenaline surged through his veins. Behind him? A squad of elves chasing him like hungry wolves, their voices echoing through the corridors. "HE''S GETTING AWAY! CATCH THE LITTLE ONE!" Ahmed turned his head for one second¡ªBIG MISTAKE. A tall, muscular elf loomed right behind him, reaching out like a predator closing in on its prey. Ahmed''s soul jumped out of his body. "AAAAH YA SYSTEM! HELP ME, YA LATIF!" Ahmed shrieked, pleading for divine intervention¡ªor at least some mercy from the omnipresent AI tormenting him. [SYSTEM: Running detected! Escape Success Rate: 0%.] Ahmed gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over into pure, unfiltered Tunisian rage. He stopped mid-stride, spinning around to glare at the ceiling. "WALLAHI NTIYA YA SYSTEM, RIJLIK MA TBA9ACH, NSIR HAYT, WNAZEL 3LIK BI CHAKOUCH!" [TRANSLATION: WALLAHI SYSTEM, MAY YOU LOSE YOUR LEGS, HIT A WALL, AND GET SMASHED WITH A HAMMER!] [SYSTEM: Wow, such beautiful poetry. ??] Ahmed almost exploded. His eye twitched violently as he resumed running, muttering curses under his breath. "You''re dead, System. Dead." But before he could take another step¡ª ? POOF! ? Something changed. II. The Ultimate Betrayal ¨C System Makes It Worse (Again) [SYSTEM: New Passive Activated ¨C Cuteness Increase! ??] [Host''s Run Speed Decreased! ??] Ahmed suddenly felt his legs weaken. His body felt lighter, almost weightless. He glanced at his reflection in a passing mirror¡ªand nearly died. His fluffy hair bounced with every step, defying gravity like a cloud. His glowing eyes sparkled like a lost puppy searching for its owner. His tiny pout made him look like a rich young master who had just lost his favorite candy. Ahmed''s rage hit max level. "SYSTEM, YOU PIECE OF¡ª" ?? THUD! ?? An elf tackled him from behind, pinning him to the ground. "GOT YOU!" the elf declared triumphantly, tightening his grip on Ahmed''s arms. Ahmed struggled. He screamed. He flailed like a fish on land. But it was too late. The chase was over. [SYSTEM: Mission Failed! Time for the next phase of your suffering. ??] Ahmed''s soul wept silently as he was dragged back toward his gilded prison. This wasn''t fair. None of this was fair. III. Meanwhile... Momma Clayra Enters War Mode ?? In the Polariga Kingdom, inside Duchess Clayra''s mansion... Clayra sat elegantly in her private chambers, sipping tea and enjoying the tranquility of the evening. Everything was peaceful. Everything was elegant. Until¡ª ?? BOOM! A frantic maid burst into the room, her face pale and her hands trembling. "L-Lady Clayra! News from the Elven Kingdom...!" Clayra raised an eyebrow, setting her teacup down gently. "...Go on." The maid swallowed nervously, clearly intimidated by Clayra''s piercing gaze. "Ahmed... has been kidnapped." ? CRACK. ? The teacup shattered in Clayra''s hand, shards scattering across the table. The room fell into a dead silence. The maid began sweating profusely, unsure whether she should flee or stay. Clayra slowly stood up, her movements graceful yet deliberate. Her face remained calm, her lips curled into a serene smile¡ªbut the pressure in the air grew suffocating. ?? A dark aura surrounded her. ?? Her elegant smile lingered, but her golden eyes burned with fury. Pure, unrelenting fury. "Oh?" she murmured softly, her voice laced with danger. "They think they can steal my little one?" She cracked her knuckles, each pop reverberating like thunder in the silent room. "How cute."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Then, without hesitation, she snapped her fingers. "Prepare the carriages. Gather the knights. Inform the Emperor." She turned to her strongest maid, Liza, whose stoic expression betrayed no emotion. "We''re going to Ygra." Liza nodded curtly. "Shall we go peacefully, my lady?" Clayra smiled¡ªa chilling, predatory smile that sent shivers down everyone''s spines. ?? Her aura grew darker. ?? "No," she replied sweetly, her voice dripping with menace. "Tonight... we burn the Elven Kingdom to the ground." IV. Back in Ygra ¨C Ahmed''s Suffering Continues Ahmed was locked inside a golden cage, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. "What kind of medieval zoo is this?!" he shouted, glaring at the bars surrounding him. Tima, the Elven Lurker, leaned casually against a nearby pillar, grinning wickedly. "You should be grateful. We gave you a royal prison." Ahmed glared at her, his fists clenched tightly. "I hope a chicken attacks you in your sleep." Tima laughed, thoroughly amused by his defiance. "You''re hilarious. I think I''ll keep you forever." Ahmed froze, his heart sinking into his stomach. His soul collapsed under the weight of her words. "I WANT MY MOMMA!" [SYSTEM: Don''t worry! Your other Momma is already coming! ??] Ahmed blinked, momentarily confused. "...Wait. What do you mean?" Before the System could respond¡ª BOOM. ?? THE PALACE DOORS EXPLODED. ?? Smoke filled the air, obscuring the entrance. The temperature dropped, and the atmosphere became heavy with tension. From the shadows, a figure stepped forward, her presence commanding absolute attention. A calm, feminine voice echoed through the halls. "My, my. What a lovely place you have here." Ahmed''s heart stopped. Tima''s smirk disappeared. The other elves trembled visibly. From the smoke emerged a woman dressed in the finest royal attire. Her golden hair flowed like a river of light, cascading down her back. Her crimson eyes gleamed like molten fire, promising destruction to anyone foolish enough to cross her path. She smiled gently, though the malice in her gaze was unmistakable. "I heard you kidnapped my dear son." ?? MOMMA CLAYRA HAS ARRIVED. ?? Tima stared, her confidence crumbling beneath Clayra''s overwhelming aura. "...Oh. Sh*t." [SYSTEM: LET THE CARNAGE BEGIN. ??] Ahmed grabbed the bars of his cage, his eyes wide with a mixture of joy, relief, and terror for his kidnappers. And then, in pure desperation, he screamed: "AAAAAAAAAAAAA MOMMA HELP ME!!!" V. The Battle Begins Clayra strode into the palace like a queen reclaiming her throne. Every step she took radiated authority, her crimson gown trailing behind her like a banner of war. The elves scrambled to form a defensive line, but their efforts were futile against the sheer force of Clayra''s presence. "My, my," Clayra cooed, tilting her head slightly as if admiring the d¨¦cor. "Such a lovely palace. It would be a shame if anything... untoward were to happen to it." Tima stepped forward, attempting to maintain her composure despite the palpable fear coursing through her veins. "Duchess Clayra, surely we can resolve this peacefully. Your son is safe¡ª" Clayra''s smile widened, her golden eyes narrowing dangerously. "Safe?" she repeated, her voice deceptively soft. "You call locking him in a cage ''safe''? How thoughtful of you." Without warning, Clayra raised a hand, and the air crackled with energy. Flames erupted around her, swirling like a fiery storm. The elves gasped, backing away instinctively. "This ends now," Clayra declared, her tone leaving no room for argument. VI. The Aftermath of Chaos What followed was nothing short of chaos. Clayra unleashed her full power, reducing the once-pristine palace to rubble. Elves fled in all directions, screaming in terror as flames consumed everything in their path. Tima tried to fight back, but even her elven magic was no match for Clayra''s wrath. Amidst the destruction, Liza calmly approached Ahmed''s cage, effortlessly breaking the lock with a single flick of her wrist. "Young master," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them. "Are you injured?" Ahmed shook his head, still in shock. "N-No... I''m fine..." Liza nodded, grabbing his arm and pulling him to safety. "Come. My lady will handle the rest." As they retreated to a safe distance, Ahmed watched in awe as Clayra decimated the remaining resistance. When the dust settled, the palace lay in ruins, and Tima stood defeated, kneeling before Clayra like a broken doll. "You dare kidnap my son?" Clayra asked, her voice cold and unforgiving. "Do you have any idea what you''ve done?" Tima trembled, unable to meet Clayra''s gaze. "P-Please... spare me..." Clayra smirked, leaning down to whisper in Tima''s ear. "Consider this a lesson. Never mess with a mother''s child." With that, Clayra turned on her heel, striding toward Ahmed with open arms. "Darling, are you alright?" Ahmed hesitated for a moment, then launched himself into her embrace, tears streaming down his face. "Momma... I thought I''d never see you again..." Clayra hugged him tightly, kissing the top of his head. "Never again, my sweet prince. Never again." VII. Reflections of a Reluctant Hostage Later that night, as the group traveled back to the Polariga Kingdom, Ahmed sat quietly in the carriage, staring out the window. The events of the day replayed in his mind¡ªthe escape attempt, the betrayal by the System, and finally, Clayra''s dramatic rescue. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Why does this always happen to me?" Liza, seated across from him, raised an eyebrow. "Because you attract trouble like honey attracts bees." Ahmed groaned, slumping back against the seat. "I don''t ask for this! I just want to live a normal life!" Clayra chuckled softly, patting his head. "Normal is boring, darling. Besides, you thrive in chaos." "Do I look like I''m thriving?!" Ahmed snapped, gesturing wildly to his disheveled appearance. "I''m a walking disaster magnet!" Clayra smiled knowingly, pulling him closer. "Yes, but you''re my walking disaster magnet." Ahmed opened his mouth to argue, then closed it, realizing there was no point. Deep down, he knew she was right. No matter how much he complained, Clayra¡ªand even Liza¡ªhad become a strange sort of family to him. Still, he vowed to fight back. Someday, somehow, he''d find a way to reclaim control over his life. Until then, all he could do was endure. VIII. Preparing for What''s Next Back at the mansion, Clayra insisted on throwing a grand celebration to mark Ahmed''s safe return. Musicians played soft melodies in the background, chefs prepared elaborate feasts, and servants bustled about, ensuring everything was perfect. Ahmed, however, wanted none of it. He retreated to his chambers, collapsing onto his bed with a groan. "I need a vacation," he muttered, burying his face in a pillow. [SYSTEM: HOST IS EXHAUSTED. RECOMMENDATION: TAKE A NAP.] "SHUT UP, SYSTEM!" Ahmed yelled, throwing the nearest object¡ªa plush pillow¡ªat the ceiling. "YOU''RE THE REASON I NEED A VACATION!" [SYSTEM: REMINDER: HOST''S CUTENESS LEVEL IS PERMANENTLY INCREASED. ENJOY YOUR NEW STATUS AS A LIVING TEDDY BEAR.] Ahmed groaned louder, curling into a fetal position. "This is torture." Despite his protests, Clayra eventually coaxed him out of his room, insisting he join the festivities. Reluctantly, Ahmed complied, allowing himself to be paraded around like a prized trophy. Though he hated the attention, he couldn''t deny the warmth he felt from those around him. Perhaps, he thought bitterly, this wasn''t entirely terrible. Perhaps, in its own twisted way, this bizarre world had become... home. Epilogue: The Night Ygra Trembled The elves soon learned a very important lesson that day. Never. EVER. Mess with a noble lady''s cute little son. Because if you do¡ª ?? YOU WON''T HAVE A KINGDOM LEFT BY THE NEXT MORNING. ?? And so, Ahmed''s journey continued, marked by endless chaos, relentless trolling, and the unwavering love of those who called him family. End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19: Ahmed Grabs Snacks While Momma Clayra Destroys Nations I. The Art of Spectating (While Your Clowns Kidnappers Die Horribly) ?? BOOM! CRASH! SCREAMS OF DESPAIR! ?? The once-majestic Elven Palace was now a warzone. Armored knights rampaged through the halls, their weapons clashing against elven magic. Magical explosions lit up the sky like fireworks on steroids. Elven guards flew like ragdolls, crashing into walls and furniture with bone-crunching force. And in the middle of this carnage? Ahmed. Sitting comfortably on a royal cushion. Legs crossed like a rich young master. Holding a golden bowl of snacks. His expression? Pure relaxation. CRACK! He casually popped a roasted nut into his mouth, chewing slowly as if he were watching a movie rather than witnessing mass destruction. [SYSTEM: ALERT! Host is suspiciously enjoying himself too much! Initiating Suffering Mode in 3...2...1...] Ahmed narrowed his eyes, glaring at the ceiling. "Wallahi, System, let me enjoy this." [SYSTEM: Nope. ??] Ahmed sighed dramatically, slumping back against his cushion. "Of course not. Because why would you ever let me have peace?" He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on one hand as another section of the palace collapsed under Clayra''s wrath. A nearby column shattered, sending shards of marble flying in all directions. Ahmed didn''t even flinch. "Honestly, though," he muttered, reaching for another snack, "this is peak entertainment. Better than Netflix. Better than HBO. Better than anything Disney+ could dream of." [SYSTEM: DETECTING ENJOYMENT LEVELS RISING. INCREASING PUNISHMENT PROBABILITY.] "System," Ahmed said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "if you''re going to punish me for enjoying myself, then maybe you should reconsider how boring my life has been up until now." As if on cue, a nearby elf guard screamed in terror as Clayra teleported behind him, her elegant hand glowing with magical energy. With a flick of her wrist, she sent him crashing into a wall. The sound echoed through the hallways like thunder. Ahmed clapped slowly, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Bravo, Momma. Truly, you''re an artist." II. Momma Clayra vs. The Entire Elven Kingdom ?? SCENE: PURE SLAUGHTER. ?? Clayra walked through the palace halls, every step sounding like a death toll. Her elegant dress swayed gracefully, untouched by the chaos around her. Her golden hair shimmered under the flickering light of magical flames. Her crimson eyes glowed with righteous fury, promising devastation to anyone foolish enough to stand in her way. A random elf general stepped forward, brandishing his sword. "Y-You have no authority here! We demand that you¡ªGAAAH!" CRACK! With a graceful slap, Clayra sent him flying through ten walls. ?? BOOM! ?? Dust settled. Silence fell. The other elves trembled, their confidence crumbling beneath Clayra''s overwhelming aura. "M-Monster...!" one of them whispered, his voice trembling with fear. Clayra tilted her head slightly, her smile sweet yet menacing. "Monster?" She chuckled softly, her voice laced with mockery. "Oh, dear..." ?? Her aura EXPLODED. ?? "I''m just a concerned mother." One brave¡ªor stupid¡ªelf stepped forward, clutching his weapon tightly. "Your son isn''t even worth this destruction! Why are you doing this?!" Clayra raised an eyebrow, her calm demeanor masking the storm brewing within. "Worth it? My little Ahmed? Worth it? Let me explain something to you." Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper, each word sharp enough to cut steel. "If anyone so much as looks at my child funny, they will face consequences. If anyone kidnaps my child, they will face annihilation. And if anyone tries to use my child as leverage..." She paused, letting the silence stretch, savoring the growing panic in the elf''s eyes. "...Then they will wish they were never born." The elf backed away, sweat pouring down his face. "B-But he''s just a boy! What makes him so special?!" Clayra''s smile widened, her crimson eyes gleaming with pride. "Because he''s mine. That''s all the reason I need." Behind her, Ahmed facepalmed, shaking his head in exasperation. "Momma, please don''t start psychoanalyzing them. They''ll die of embarrassment before you kill them." Clayra glanced over her shoulder, her tone playful yet firm. "Ahmed, stay out of this. You''re supposed to be relaxing." Ahmed rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Relaxing is hard when you keep interrupting my snack time." III. Ahmed Being an Absolute Menace (While Eating Like a King)This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ?? EXPLOSIONS. MORE SCREAMS. A FIRE IN THE DISTANCE. Ahmed yawned, stretching lazily as he surveyed the battlefield. He looked down at his golden snack bowl, frowning slightly. "Tch. Almost out of snacks." Casually, he waved at a terrified elf maid who was cowering nearby. "Oi, miss, bring me more popcorn." The elf maid stared in horror, her wide eyes darting between Ahmed and the chaos unfolding around them. "W-Who even are you?!" Ahmed smirked, leaning back on his cushion. "The prince of suffering. Now hurry up." The maid nodded frantically and ran for her life, nearly tripping over her own feet in her haste to obey. Meanwhile, the System was absolutely losing its mind. [SYSTEM: HOST, STOP RELAXING! WHERE''S YOUR SURVIVAL INSTINCT?!] Ahmed waved dismissively, completely unfazed. "System, shut up. Look at this masterpiece." [SYSTEM: WHAT MASTERPIECE?! THIS IS A BLOODBATH!] Ahmed pointed at the battle unfolding before him, his tone eerily calm. "No, no. Look at the cinematography. The lighting. The suspense." [SYSTEM: YOU''RE TALKING LIKE THIS IS A NETFLIX SHOW¡ª] "IT IS A SHOW, AND I''M THE VIP SEAT OWNER!" Just then, a group of elite elf warriors appeared, swords drawn and faces grim. Their leader stepped forward, his voice booming with authority. "We''ve had enough of this nonsense! Surrender now, human woman, or face our full force!" Ahmed perked up, his interest piqued. "Ooh, this might actually get interesting." Clayra turned toward them, her calm demeanor masking the storm brewing within. "Full force, you say?" The elf warrior grinned confidently, clearly underestimating his opponent. "Yes. Our magic is unmatched. No mere mortal can stand against us." Clayra tilted her head slightly, her smile widening into something truly terrifying. "Unmatched, huh?" In one fluid motion, she raised her hand. A massive wave of energy surged forward, obliterating everything in its path. When the dust cleared, the elite warriors lay scattered across the floor, unconscious but alive. Ahmed whistled appreciatively, nodding in approval. "Damn, Momma. You didn''t even break a sweat." Clayra smiled serenely, brushing imaginary dust off her gown. "It''s called efficiency, dear." IV. New Characters Enter the Fray As the battle raged on, two new figures emerged from the shadows, their presence commanding immediate attention. The first was a tall, imposing elf clad in silver armor, his piercing blue eyes radiating authority. He strode forward confidently, his every movement exuding power. "My lady," he said, bowing deeply to Clayra. "I am Thalor, Captain of the Royal Guard. I must insist that you cease this madness immediately." Clayra arched an eyebrow, her tone dripping with mockery. "Madness? Oh, darling, this isn''t madness. This is justice." Thalor frowned, clearly unimpressed by her response. "Justice? For what crime has your ''son'' committed that warrants such devastation?" Ahmed, still munching on snacks, interjected without missing a beat. "Crime? I haven''t done anything wrong except exist. Which, apparently, is a problem for some people." Thalor ignored him, focusing solely on Clayra. "Regardless, this level of violence is unacceptable. We will not tolerate it." Clayra''s smile faltered for the first time since entering the palace. Her crimson eyes darkened, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Unacceptable? Tell me, Captain, do you know what happens when someone takes something precious away from me?" Before Thalor could respond, a second figure appeared¡ªa mysterious cloaked individual who radiated an aura of ancient power. "I believe I can answer that question," the figure said, stepping into the light. Ahmed choked on his snack, coughing violently as he stared at the newcomer. "What the hell?! Who invited you?!" The figure chuckled softly, raising a gloved hand in a placating gesture. "Relax, Ahmed. I''m here to mediate, not fight." Clayra narrowed her eyes, her body tensing visibly. "Mediate? Mediation ended the moment they kidnapped my child." The cloaked figure held up a hand, his voice calm yet firm. "Not so fast. Perhaps there''s a way to resolve this without further bloodshed." Ahmed groaned loudly, throwing his hands in the air. "Great. Now we''re negotiating. Can''t someone just finish this already?" V. System''s Final Act of Betrayal ?? THE BIG FINAL BATTLE APPROACHES! ?? Clayra finally reached the Elven Queen''s Throne Room. The tension? Unmatched. The stakes? High. The action? About to peak. And Ahmed? Reclining even further. His snacks were fully stocked. He even got himself a royal footrest. "Alright, let''s see what Momma can do¡ª" [SYSTEM: ERROR! ERROR! ERROR!] [SYSTEM: HOST ENJOYMENT DETECTED! IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION NEEDED!] Ahmed froze, his gut screaming at him. "System, don''t you dare¡ª" [SYSTEM: MISSION ACTIVATED! ENTER THE BATTLE OR LOSE 100,000 POINTS!] "YOU MALWARE TRASH!" ? POOF! ? Before Ahmed could react, his chair disappeared. His snacks vanished. And his tiny, adorable body was suddenly standing... RIGHT IN FRONT OF MOMMA CLAYRA. The entire battle stopped. Everyone stared. Silence. Pure silence. Clayra turned, tilting her head slightly. "Ahmed? What are you doing here?" Ahmed''s soul left his body. He looked at the System notifications. He looked at the warriors. He looked at his own tiny hands. Then, with pure, raw emotion, he screamed: "SYSTEM, WALLAHI I''M GONNA DELETE YOU WITH A SPOON!!!" VI. Negotiations Turn Sour The cloaked figure stepped forward, attempting to salvage the situation. "Perhaps we can reach a compromise. Release the boy, and we''ll call off the attack." Clayra folded her arms, her expression unreadable. "Compromise? After everything they''ve done? No. They took my child. They deserve punishment." Thalor intervened, his voice steady despite the palpable tension in the air. "Punishment, yes. But genocide? That''s excessive." Ahmed, still seething from being dragged into the battle, chimed in sarcastically. "Can we skip the speeches and move straight to the part where everyone apologizes to me?" The Elven Queen, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up. Her voice was cold, her gaze icy. "Enough! This human child is not worth the destruction of my kingdom!" Clayra''s gaze hardened, her crimson eyes blazing with fury. "Not worth it? Not worth it?! Do you even realize who you''re talking about?" Ahmed sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Momma, please. They''re not worth it. Just take me home." Clayra hesitated, her anger warring with her maternal instincts. For a moment, the room held its breath. Then, she relaxed slightly, her shoulders sagging ever so subtly. "Fine. But mark my words, elves. If you ever cross me again, there won''t be a throne room left to destroy." VII. The Aftermath Back in Polariga, Ahmed collapsed onto his bed, utterly exhausted. Clayra sat beside him, stroking his hair affectionately. "Are you okay, my little one?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern. Ahmed groaned, burying his face in his pillow. "Define ''okay.'' Physically, I''m fine. Mentally? Broken. Spiritually? Crushed." Clayra chuckled softly, her touch gentle and soothing. "You handled yourself well today, Ahmed. I''m proud of you." Ahmed blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wait... really?" She nodded, her smile warm and genuine. "Yes. Even though you spent most of the time eating snacks, you kept your cool. That takes strength." Ahmed smiled faintly, feeling a flicker of pride amidst the exhaustion. "Thanks, Momma. But next time, can you handle things without dragging me into it?" Clayra grinned mischievously, patting his head. "No promises." As they talked, the System reappeared with a flourish. [SYSTEM: CONGRATULATIONS, HOST! YOU HAVE SURVIVED ANOTHER EPIC ADVENTURE! REWARD: +50,000 POINTS!] Ahmed buried his face in his pillow, groaning loudly. "Why does this always happen to me?" [SYSTEM: BECAUSE IT''S FUNNY. ??] Ahmed sighed, his voice muffled by the pillow. "Of course it is." Epilogue: The Cycle Continues And thus, Ahmed''s journey into chaos continued. Whether it was escaping kidnappers, battling systems, or enduring Momma Clayra''s wrath, one thing was certain¡ªhe would never run out of stories to tell. At least, that''s what he told himself as he prepared for whatever nightmare awaited him next. End of Chapter 19 Chapter 20: Homeward Bound -Teased by Fate I. The Journey Home Begins (With Unwanted Cuteness) ?? Inside Duchess Clayra''s private carriage, surrounded by soft cushions and enchanted protections... Ahmed sat in the corner, trying¡ªand failing¡ªto look dignified despite his permanent cuteness buff. His fluffy hair bounced with every movement of the carriage, and his oversized eyes sparkled innocently, making him resemble a porcelain doll more than a grown man. [CLAYRA ??]: "Ah, Ahmed, isn''t it wonderful to be heading home?" [AHMED ??]: "Wonderful? Momma, I''m still recovering from being used as bait in a war. Can we skip the positivity for now?" Clayra tilted her head, smiling fondly. "But you were so brave! Even Tima admitted that." [AHMED ??]: "Tima also said she''d crush Polariga if you didn''t stop existing. So, yeah, super validating." Clayra chuckled softly. "Oh, Ahmed, always so dramatic." Liza, seated nearby, adjusted her gloves without looking up. [LIZA ?????]: "Young master, perhaps you should rest. The journey will take several hours." [AHMED ??]: "Rest? With my brain buzzing from everything that happened? No thanks." Just then, the System decided to make its presence known. [SYSTEM ??]: [HOST, YOUR CUTENESS LEVEL IS STILL AT MAXIMUM. WOULD YOU LIKE TO UPGRADE IT FURTHER?] [AHMED ?]: "System, if you dare touch my face one more time, I swear I''ll hack you into oblivion." [SYSTEM ??]: [THREATS WON''T WORK ON ME, DEAR HOST. REMEMBER, I AM HERE TO HELP.] [AHMED ??]: "Help me die quietly, maybe?" II. Unexpected Stops Along the Way As the carriage rolled through picturesque landscapes, Clayra suddenly ordered a halt at a quaint village marketplace. [CLAYRA ???]: "Ah, this looks charming! Let''s stretch our legs, shall we?" [AHMED ?]: "Stretch whose legs? Yours or mine? Because last time we stopped, someone ended up kidnapped." [CLAYRA ??]: "Don''t worry, Ahmed. I won''t let anything happen to you." [LIZA ??]: "And if anything does, they''ll have to deal with me first." Reluctantly, Ahmed followed them out, only to find himself immediately mobbed by curious villagers. [VILLAGER 1 ??]: "Look! It''s the little prince everyone''s talking about!" [VILLAGER 2 ??]: "He''s even cuter in person!" Before Ahmed could protest, he was swept off his feet¡ªliterally¡ªby an enthusiastic group of children. [AHMED ??]: "PUT ME DOWN! THIS ISN''T A PETTING ZOO!" Clayra watched from afar, sipping tea as if nothing unusual was happening. [CLAYRA ?]: "Isn''t this adorable? Liza, do you think we should intervene?" [LIZA ??]: "Not unless you want another incident on your hands." Ahmed glared daggers at both of them. [AHMED ??]: "You two are conspiring against me, aren''t you?" [CLAYRA ??]: "Of course not, dear. We''re simply letting fate run its course." [FATE ??]: [ROLLING AGAIN...] III. The System Strikes Again After what felt like an eternity, Ahmed was finally rescued from the clutches of the overenthusiastic villagers. But before he could catch his breath, the System reappeared with alarming speed. [SYSTEM ??]: [MISSION ACTIVATED: SURVIVE THE REST OF THE JOURNEY WITHOUT BEING KIDNAPPED AGAIN! FAILURE RESULTS IN... MORE CUTENESS!] [AHMED ??]: "System, I hate you. Truly, deeply, passionately hate you." [SYSTEM ??]: [YOUR HATRED ONLY PROVES HOW MUCH WE CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER.] Clayra interjected, holding out a handkerchief to Ahmed. [CLAYRA ??]: "There, there, Ahmed. Dry those tears. You''re safe now." [AHMED ??]: "I wasn''t crying, Momma. That''s just... sweat. From all the trauma." Liza raised an eyebrow. [LIZA ??]: "Young master, perhaps you should consider accepting your fate gracefully." [AHMED ?]: "Gracefully? Liza, did you see me yesterday? I was flailing around like a fish on land while Momma turned elves into ash. Graceful doesn''t exist in my vocabulary anymore." IV. Late-Night Confessions By nightfall, the group had resumed their journey, the moon casting silvery light over the rolling hills. Inside the carriage, Ahmed leaned against the window, lost in thought. [CLAYRA ??]: "Are you alright, Ahmed?" [AHMED ??]: "Define ''alright.'' Physically, I''m fine. Mentally? Broken. Spiritually? Crushed." Clayra moved closer, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. [CLAYRA ??]: "You know, Ahmed, I may have adopted you under strange circumstances, but I truly care about you. You''re my son now, and no matter what happens, I''ll protect you." For a moment, Ahmed allowed himself to smile. [AHMED ??]: "Thanks, Momma. Even though you terrify me sometimes, I''m glad I have you." Clayra beamed. [CLAYRA ??]: "And I''m glad I have you too, my sweet little prince." Suddenly, the System interrupted with impeccable timing. [SYSTEM ??]: [AWWWWWWWWWWWW! SUCH LOVELY MOMENT! +50,000 POINTS FOR EMOTIONAL RESONANCE!] [AHMED ??]: "System, why must you ruin everything?" [SYSTEM ??]: [IT''S WHAT I DO BEST.]Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. V. Final Arrival At dawn, the carriage approached the gates of Polariga Castle. Ahmed sighed deeply, bracing himself for whatever awaited him inside. [CLAYRA ??]: "Home sweet home! Shall we go inside, Ahmed?" [AHMED ?]: "Inside? To face whatever new horrors await me? Sure, why not." As they entered the castle, a familiar voice echoed through the halls. [CLOUDIA ??]: "CLAYRAAAAAAA! I HEARD YOU WON ANOTHER WAR!" [AHMED ??]: "NOOOOOOOO! NOT HER TOO!" Cloudia appeared, grinning ear-to-ear. [CLOUDIA ??]: "Ahmed! My adorable nephew! Come here and give Auntie Cloudia a hug!" [AHMED ?]: "Uncle? Nephew? What is this madness?!" Clayra laughed softly. [CLAYRA ??]: "Welcome back, Ahmed. Remember, family is forever." VI. Back in the Lion''s Den The moment Ahmed stepped foot inside the castle, he realized that returning home wasn''t going to be any easier than escaping Ygra. If anything, it promised to be infinitely worse. Cloudia, Clayra''s eccentric sister, wasted no time launching herself at him like a cannonball. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, lifting him off the ground as if he weighed nothing more than a feather pillow. "MY SWEET LITTLE NEPHEW!" Cloudia squealed, spinning him around in circles. "LOOK HOW ADORABLE YOU ARE! DID YOU MISS ME?!" Ahmed struggled futilely, his protests muffled by Cloudia''s iron grip. "LET ME GO! I''M NOT YOUR NEPHEW!" [SYSTEM: ALERT! FAMILY DYNAMIC DETECTED! UPDATING RELATIONSHIP STATUS...] Ahmed groaned, slumping in defeat. "System, seriously? Not helping!" Clayra chuckled softly, watching the spectacle unfold with amusement. "Oh, come now, Ahmed. Don''t be rude. Cloudia missed you terribly." "MISS HIM?!" Cloudia exclaimed, clutching Ahmed tighter. "OF COURSE I MISSED HIM! LOOK AT HIS FACE! HOW COULD ANYONE NOT LOVE THIS PRECIOUS CHILD?!" Ahmed''s eye twitched violently. "PRECIOUS CHILD?! I''M AN ADULT!" Cloudia blinked, tilting her head curiously. "Really? Are you sure? Because you don''t act like one." [SYSTEM: HOST''S MENTAL AGE HAS BEEN REDUCED TO THAT OF A TODDLER. CONGRATULATIONS!] "STOP MOCKING ME!" Ahmed shouted, his voice cracking slightly. "THIS IS TORTURE!" Clayra patted his head affectionately, clearly enjoying his suffering. "Now, now, darling. Cloudia means well. Besides, it''s good practice for when you become a father someday." Ahmed froze, his soul leaving his body for the umpteenth time. "FATHER?! WALLAHI, NEVER!" Cloudia giggled, squeezing him even tighter. "Oh, you''ll change your mind eventually. Everyone wants kids once they grow up!" "I''M ALREADY GROWN UP!" Ahmed protested, flailing wildly in her arms. "AND I DON''T WANT KIDS!" [SYSTEM: WARNING: HOST''S DENIAL TRIGGERS UNEXPECTED REACTION FROM CLOUDIA...] Cloudia gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if struck by lightning. "WHAT?! NO KIDS?! BUT WHO WILL INHERIT YOUR CUTENESS?!" Ahmed groaned loudly, burying his face in his hands. "My cuteness isn''t inheritable! It''s a curse!" Clayra smirked, leaning back against the wall. "Actually, Cloudia raises a valid point. Your cuteness is quite... unique." "Unique?" Ahmed repeated incredulously. "Unique how? Unique like a cursed artifact nobody wants to touch?" Clayra laughed softly, shaking her head. "No, dear. Unique like a rare gemstone. Something precious and irreplaceable." Ahmed stared at her blankly, unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted. Before he could decide, Cloudia chimed in again. "OH, OH! LET ME HOLD YOU FOREVER!" she declared, hugging him so tightly that Ahmed feared his ribs might crack. "CAN''T... BREATHE..." Ahmed wheezed, his vision blurring slightly. [SYSTEM: ALERT! HOST''S OXYGEN LEVELS CRITICAL. INITIATING EMERGENCY RESPONSE...] Cloudia loosened her grip slightly, though not enough for Ahmed to escape. "Oops! Sorry, sweetie. Sometimes I forget my own strength." "SOMETIMES?!" Ahmed snapped, glaring at her indignantly. "YOU''RE STRONGER THAN A DRAGON!" Cloudia grinned sheepishly, ruffling his hair. "Well, dragons are overrated anyway. Now, where were we? Oh yes¡ªadoring you!" Ahmed groaned, resigning himself to his fate. Clearly, there was no escaping Cloudia''s clutches anytime soon. VII. Dinner Drama Later that evening, the family gathered in the grand dining hall for a celebratory feast. The table was laden with exquisite dishes¡ªroasted meats, steaming soups, freshly baked bread, and decadent desserts. Servants bustled about, ensuring everyone''s glasses remained full and plates replenished. Ahmed sat stiffly between Clayra and Cloudia, feeling like a prized trophy displayed for everyone''s amusement. Every few minutes, someone would comment on how "adorable" or "precious" he looked, prompting a chorus of agreement from the others. "This reminds me," Cloudia began, raising her glass for a toast. "To Ahmed! Our beloved nephew who survived kidnapping, wars, and countless other misadventures! May he continue to thrive under our loving care!" The room erupted in applause, though Ahmed suspected most of it was sarcastic. He forced a polite smile, nodding awkwardly as the attention shifted back to him. "Thank you," he muttered, barely audible above the din. "I''m honored." [SYSTEM: HOST RECEIVES +10,000 POINTS FOR GRACIOUSNESS UNDER PRESSURE.] Ahmed rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath. "Graciousness? Yeah, right." Just then, a servant approached, carrying a large platter adorned with an elaborate cake shaped like a miniature version of the Polariga Castle. Atop the cake sat a tiny figurine resembling Ahmed, complete with fluffy hair and sparkling eyes. "WHAT IS THIS?!" Ahmed exclaimed, pointing accusingly at the dessert. "IS THAT SUPPOSED TO BE ME?!" Cloudia clapped her hands excitedly. "OF COURSE IT IS! WE HAD IT CUSTOM MADE JUST FOR YOU!" Ahmed groaned, slumping forward onto the table. "Why does everything revolve around me? Why can''t I just blend into the background like a normal person?" Clayra smiled warmly, patting his shoulder. "Because blending in isn''t your destiny, my dear. You''re meant to shine." "Shine?!" Ahmed repeated incredulously. "More like burn brightly and then explode!" Cloudia laughed, reaching over to pinch his cheek. "Aw, don''t be so modest! You''re practically royalty now!" Ahmed''s eye twitched violently. "Practically? I''m literally being held hostage by royalty!" Clayra arched an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Hostage? Is that really how you see us?" "Yes!" Ahmed snapped, throwing his hands in the air. "Between you, Cloudia, Liza, and the System, I haven''t had a moment''s peace since I arrived here!" The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the chandeliers overhead. Clayra exchanged a glance with Cloudia, who shrugged nonchalantly. "Well," Clayra said after a moment, her tone laced with mischief. "Perhaps we''ve been a bit... overzealous." "A BIT?!" Ahmed shouted, nearly knocking over his wine glass. "YOU DESTROYED AN ENTIRE KINGDOM BECAUSE THEY KIDNAPPED ME!" Clayra waved dismissively, as if destroying kingdoms were a trivial matter. "Details, details. The important thing is that you''re safe now." Ahmed buried his face in his hands, groaning loudly. "This is insane. Absolutely insane." VIII. Midnight Musings Hours later, after the festivities had died down and the guests retired to their chambers, Ahmed found himself sitting alone on a balcony overlooking the castle gardens. The cool night breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers, providing a much-needed reprieve from the chaos of the day. He sighed deeply, staring up at the stars. Despite everything¡ªthe teasing, the battles, the relentless trolling by the System¡ªhe couldn''t deny that a part of him felt strangely content. For all its absurdity, this bizarre world had become... home. [SYSTEM: HOST EXPERIENCES MOMENTARY PEACE. REWARDING +5,000 POINTS FOR REFLECTION.] Ahmed groaned softly, rubbing his temples. "Even during quiet moments, you''re still mocking me." Still, he allowed himself to relax, leaning back against the railing as he gazed at the horizon. Somewhere deep inside, he knew he wouldn''t trade this chaotic existence for anything else. Because beneath the teasing and torment, there was love. Love from Clayra, who treated him like her own child. Love from Liza, who protected him fiercely. And even love from Cloudia, however overwhelming it might be. Ahmed smiled faintly, closing his eyes. "Maybe... just maybe... this isn''t so bad." [SYSTEM: WARNING: HOST DISPLAYS SIGNS OF ACCEPTANCE. INCREASING CHAOS LEVELS TO MAINTAIN BALANCE.] Ahmed opened one eye, glaring at the ceiling. "Of course you''d ruin this too." But instead of anger, he felt a flicker of amusement. After all, life without chaos would be boring¡ªand Ahmed had endured enough boredom to last a lifetime. IX. Preparing for Tomorrow Back in his chambers, Ahmed collapsed onto his bed, utterly exhausted. Clayra entered shortly afterward, sitting beside him with a soft smile. "You handled yourself well today," she said gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "I''m proud of you." Ahmed blinked, momentarily stunned. "You''re... proud of me?" She nodded, her golden eyes filled with warmth. "Yes. Despite everything, you''ve faced each challenge with courage and resilience. That takes strength." Ahmed smiled faintly, feeling a flicker of pride amidst the exhaustion. "Thanks, Momma. But next time, can we handle things without dragging me into it?" Clayra chuckled softly, patting his head. "No promises." As they talked, the System reappeared with a flourish. [SYSTEM: CONGRATULATIONS, HOST! YOU HAVE SURVIVED ANOTHER EPIC ADVENTURE! REWARD: +50,000 POINTS!] Ahmed groaned loudly, burying his face in his pillow. "Why does this always happen to me?" [SYSTEM: BECAUSE IT''S FUNNY. ??] Ahmed sighed heavily, his voice muffled by the pillow. "Of course it is." Epilogue: The Cycle Continues And thus, Ahmed''s journey into chaos continued. Whether it was surviving battles,