CHAPTER 239: THE SEVENTEENTH YEAR

Two years.

That was how long Zane had kept himself in that room.

At first, he thought he could starve himself, but hunger always won. The food left by servants became his lifeline. He’d eat in silence, then shove the trays back out into the hallway without a word. The curtains never opened. The dust grew thicker. He didn’t care.

On the day of his seventeenth birthday, he sat at the edge of his bed, staring at the floor. No cheers. No feast. Not even a knock at his door.

"...Happy birthday, me," he muttered bitterly, forcing a smile that broke almost instantly. His shadow stretched against the wall, faithful but mute, the only companion left.

Then it happened.

A sharp ding echoed inside his head. His eyes widened as glowing words appeared before him, suspended in the air.

[System Unlocked – Conditions Met]

[Congratulations, host. You have received: The Void’s System.]

Zane shot up to his feet. "What the hell—?!" His voice cracked. He stumbled back, nearly tripping over the bed as the words pulsed with an eerie light only he seemed to see.

"The... Void’s System? What is this supposed to mean?!"

His heart hammered in his chest. For the first time in years, his room felt alive—no, different.

And his shadow, rippled faintly against the wall, almost like it was watching him.