Charles was now regretting his decision. The normally placid Athens was punishing him for his earlier behavior of not listening to her story. "So, you're a system, like the ones I've read about in fantasy stories?" Charles said, trying to appease her. "That's cool!"
Athens corrected him, her digital voice firm but measured. "Your imagination is wild, but I'm not a fantasy system as you think. I'm just a guardian of this secret realm, assigned by my maker to groom the chosen one until they arrive."
Charles' eyes widened as he realized the scope of Athens' role. "The rewards and punishments that would be given to you had already been predetermined by my maker," Athens continued. "My job is simply to dispense them to you, as deemed fitting."
“Who is your maker? Why should I be punished for
