Outside Mondstadt, in a small forest.
Kael was picking apples while pondering the fact that he had crossed over into this world and obtained a system.
[Congratulations, host, for activating the Tragedy Simulator system.]
[This system allows the host to simulate lives. As long as you perform well in the simulation, you will receive rich rewards.]
[Additionally, please choose a tragic ending to deliver, or face the consequences.]
Kael had read many novels and played many games before.
Naturally, he knew what life simulation was.
As long as he lived through a virtual life, he could receive rewards.
This was undoubtedly a golden finger!
But...
"What do you mean by choosing a tragic ending?"
[The way this system gains energy is by having the host create sadness in the simulated life. The more tear-jerking the ending, the more energy this system can obtain.]
"...Alright, fine. It's just a virtual life anyway. No matter how tragic it is, it doesn't matter."
[Would the host like to start the life simulation now?]
Kael had just crossed over, penniless and without any skills.
This was the time when he needed abilities the most.
He couldn't wait to see what rewards the system would give him.
"Start it!"
[Received. The life simulator is about to begin.]
[Please randomly select three talents from the options below. Talents will affect the life outcome. If the final rating reaches S-tier, in addition to rewards, you can also retain one of the talents as your own. Please choose carefully.]
[Rarity ranges from low to high: White, Blue, Red, Gold, Black.]
[Born into Poverty (White): You will be born into a family so poor they can't even afford a pot.]
[Low Intelligence (White): You appear quite dull.]
[Born Disabled (White): Randomly missing one limb.]
[Kind-hearted (Blue): You are an extremely compassionate person, and others feel close to you upon seeing you.]
[Respected (Blue): You are born with leadership skills and easily earn the respect of others.]
[Born with Great Strength (Red): You are incredibly strong, capable of collapsing a city wall with one punch.]
[Masochist (Red): Every time you are hit by an enemy, your overall strength increases by 5.]
After reading the talent options, Kael wasn't very satisfied.
"Why don't I see the rarest Gold and Black talents?"
[Since this is the host's first time activating the life simulator, the talents will be relatively ordinary. As the number of simulations increases, the talents will become rarer.]
"Alright then."
"I'll choose 'Born into Poverty,' 'Born with Great Strength,' and 'Born Disabled.'"
Kael felt that to create sadness, a tragic beginning was necessary.
He originally wanted to choose 'Born into Poverty,' 'Low Intelligence,' and 'Born Disabled.'
But considering that he might have the chance to retain one of the talents later...
He decided to be a little kinder to himself.
[The life simulation is about to begin.]
[Age 0: You were born into an extremely poor family in Liyue. You have seven older brothers and sisters.]
[You were born disabled, missing your right arm from birth.]
[Your parents felt that raising you would be a waste of food, so they abandoned you in the wilderness.]
[You were picked up by a group of Hilichurls.]
[Everyone was very happy because baby meat is the most tender.]
[You died and were dismembered.]
[That night, they enjoyed a pot of delicious soup.] ( wtf )
[This life simulation has ended.]
[Survival time: 0 years]
[Rating: F, Comprehensive evaluation: Your life was utterly insignificant.]
[Rewards have been sent. Please check at any time.]
Kael: "..."
Facing this ending, Kael was truly speechless.
Damn, I died way too quickly.
This was his first life simulation, and he had no experience. He didn't consider that the talents he chose would lead to such a result.
But at least he got an F-tier rating, and there were still rewards.
[Would the host like to claim the rewards now?]
"Yes."
A rusty greatsword appeared in Kael's hand.
[Rewards have been sent. Hilichurl's Rusty Greatsword1, Tier F. Reward details: This sword has endured countless hardships. The rust on its blade bears witness to its history.]
In the life simulation, this was the sword the Hilichurls used to butcher him!
Kael's face twisted as he looked at the greatsword in his hand.
He could feel the system's malicious mockery.
[The host can simulate lives three times a week. After using all three chances, there will be a cooldown period of five days. Current remaining life simulation chances: 2.]
[Would the host like to start another life simulation?]
Kael took a deep breath. "Start it."
The first life simulation only gave him a useless, broken sword.
He had to do another life simulation to get some useful rewards.
[Received. The life simulator is about to begin.]
[Please randomly select three talents from the options below. Talents will affect the life outcome. If the final rating reaches S-tier, in addition to rewards, you can also retain one of the talents as your own. Please choose carefully.]
[Rarity ranges from low to high: White, Blue, Red, Gold, Black.]
[Born into Poverty (White): You will be born into a family so poor they can't even afford a pot.]
[Low Intelligence (White): You appear quite dull.]
[Born Disabled (White): Randomly missing one limb.]
[Kind-hearted (Blue): You are an extremely compassionate person, and others feel close to you upon seeing you.]
[Respected (Blue): You are born with leadership skills and easily earn the respect of others.]
[Born with Great Strength (Red): You are incredibly strong, capable of collapsing a city wall with one punch.]
[Masochist (Red): Every time you are hit by an enemy, your overall strength increases by 5.]
Kael: "Wait! Aren't these talents exactly the same as last time?"
[Yes. Talents will refresh during the cooldown period. If the host wants new talents, please complete the three life simulations as soon as possible.]
The system's method was clearly forcing him to finish the three life simulations quickly.
Kael sighed. "Alright."
He learned from his last mistake and chose three talents that seemed more positive this time.
"I'll choose 'Respected,' 'Kind-hearted,' and 'Born with Great Strength.'"
[The life simulation is about to begin.]
[Age 0: You were born into an extremely poor family in Mondstadt. You have seven older brothers and sisters.]
Hey hey hey! This beginning is exactly the same as last time, except for the location!
I didn't choose 'Born into Poverty' this time!
Is this a default talent or something?
[Age 1: Because you were born with great strength, you ate more food than all seven of your siblings combined. Your poor parents could only tearfully abandon you in the wilderness.]
Damn... this familiar story progression.
[You were picked up by a group of Hilichurls.]
Crap! Here we go again!
[The Hilichurls took you back to their camp. Everyone was very happy because baby meat is the most tender.]
...
[The Hilichurls sharpened their knives, ready to make their move. At that moment, you let out a cry.]
[Upon hearing it, the Hilichurls actually felt a hint of pity (the Kind-hearted talent was passively triggered, making the Hilichurls feel close to you). A Hilichurl who had just given birth decided to adopt you.]
Thank goodness the talent activated!
Otherwise, I would've wasted another chance!