When the protagonist changes his fate, and so as the world.

As System 777 cast a dismissive glance towards the melodramatic mob character, who was shedding insincere tears, it calmly focused its attention on the task at hand. The system paid no heed to whether Jin Wei was content with the arrangement, as it knew he had no say in the matter from the very beginning. With a sudden burst of light, the silver sphere projected a vibrant display before their eyes.

Jin Wei ceased his feigned display of grief and shifted his attention towards the display. The projection revealed a mesmerizing blue translucent screen, boasting a sleek and contemporary design with smooth, rounded edges. The edges were accentuated by a subtle shadow effect, creating a striking floating effect. Within the window interface, two elongated, smooth-edged rectangles were displayed horizontally parallel from one another.

The top rectangle was filled to the brim with its content, radiating a warm orange glow that stretched from end to end. The unmistakable sign of 「100% complete」confirmed what Jin Wei had suspected. Meanwhile, the rectangle beneath it remained a dull shade of grey, giving off the impression that it had not yet been activated. The unmistakable 「0% complete」 label further complimented its inactive status.

Although Jin Wei was no stranger to the concept of a progress bar, seeing it in this setting was a novel experience for him. In his previous tasks, the system would typically report completion as a percentage, rather than through the use of a progress bar. This deviation from the norm piqued his curiosity and led him to wonder whether this new interface was a feature exclusive to the current level he had reached.

"This is...?"

As Jin Wei clicked on the completed progress bar, a notification promptly appeared on the screen, activating an unseen program that initiated a loading sequence. Suddenly, the words 「Completed the first checkpoint. Loading the first part of the plot...」 materialized on the screen, lingered for a few moments, and then vanished as the display flickered and transitioned to a new interface. Evidently, clicking on a completed progress bar led to a new section of the program.

The one he opened looked like a document. Inside the document is a string of words and information he is somewhat familiar with.

This is... Isn't this the plot of this world?

As if reading the thoughts of the host, the system confirmed. 「This document is the plot of this world.」

Jin Wei looked at the silver ball in confusion. "I'm allowed to know the plot of the world? I thought it wasn't necessary."

「That is true. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Ninth Heavens, mob characters are not allowed to know the plot of the world.」

As a mob character, Jin Wei felt no obligation to be privy to the plot. After all, what difference would it make to him? He was simply a small player in a larger story, not an essential component. Even if he had tasks that required interaction with major characters, he saw it as a mere diversion, created by the gods to fill insignificant gaps.

So, he asked, "Then, what is up with this?"

「A necessity to be given. The Ninth Heavens thinks that the host still has the right to know the plot.」

Jin Wei could understand the perspective, though he himself was indifferent to it. Regardless of his role, he was still a character in the story. Even though mob characters may not have significant parts, they should still be respected as integral players who work behind the scenes. After all, they too have a role to play in the grand scheme of things.

"But it is still useless," Jin Wei commented. "What is the use of knowing it now that it is done?"

The silver ball hovered close, circled around Jin Wei's head before perching on Jin Wei's left shoulder.

「This checkpoint serves to uncover the plot of the world. Since it's the trial world, the host is granted a glimpse of the plot, with only two checkpoints to pass. Typically, such information would be given only after filling up a progress bar or completing a certain number of tasks.」

Jin Wei took a moment to process the new information. "So, you're saying that in the next world, I won't have any clues or hints? I'll just be carrying out the tasks blindly without any knowledge of the plot?"

「Yes, Host. Although the initial information about the world will still be provided, such as whether it is set in an interstellar or historical cultivation context. However, the more specific details can only be obtained after making progress or if the plot requires it under certain circumstances.」

Jin Wei nodded, accepting the explanation. It made sense that withholding the plot until necessary would keep things fair and balanced. After all, if everyone knew what was going to happen ahead of time, it would be too easy to manipulate the outcomes. The Ninth Heavens seemed to have everything under control, providing them with the necessary tools and information to complete their tasks effectively.

It was a fair exchange.

Regardless, it didn't alter much for Jin Wei. He's accustomed to following tasks with a singular focus. Besides, if he uses the checkpoints and wisely grasps the given plot, he could foresee the future. He's been in numerous worlds, and some of them have similarities. Even without the plot, Jin Wei could anticipate the outcome of the protagonist's journey in this story.

"In that case, what will happen if the plot suddenly deviated? Will the checkpoints still be given?"

Occasionally, plot deviations can occur due to unexpected actions taken by major characters. While supporting characters and secondary leads may have a slight influence, it is the protagonist who leads the story. The current world they find themselves in is a prime example of this.

「The checkpoints will continue to be provided as they are independent materials that rely on the progress of world completion rather than the unfolding events. Deviation from the plot will not result in any losses. However, it should be noted that the information revealed by the checkpoint will pertain to past events and not future ones, and it will still adhere to the original storyline.」

"Then will I be given which parts have deviated from the original storyline?"

「Yes, Host. You will be granted the liberty to peruse the events that have already transpired. However, future events cannot be disclosed until they have occurred, and only after completing certain tasks or reaching progress milestones will you be allowed to uncover more information.」

Jin Wei nodded. He commented, "Then again, this feature is still useless. Aside from tracking the progress of the world's completion, it does nothing at all."

The system stayed silent, silently acquiescing to its host's thoughts. It was also curious as to why the Ninth Heaven had included such a program in its database. However, it didn't take up much space and was far lighter compared to the data given in their past worlds. Ultimately, it was up to Jin Wei to decide how he wished to utilize this feature.

Jin Wei decided to peruse the original storyline, which had been condensed into key plot points for the convenience of transmigrators. However, if he had any questions, he could always ask for more information. After scanning through the document, he shifted his attention to the one that contained the altered plot. He wanted to know exactly which parts had deviated from the original story.

He gleaned from the prompts that Laurem's destiny entailed becoming a wandering magician upon graduating with flying colors at eighteen. He would embark on the archetypical journey of a male protagonist, amassing heaven-defying artifacts and charming maidens along the way. Adhering to the original plot, Laurem was destined to become a nobleman and seek retribution for his past grievances.

Little did anyone expect that the protagonist would complete his studies at such a young age. This unexpected turn of events altered the original plot, leaving Laurem too young to leave the school's confines. Although he did apply for a research trip it was just for a short while.

It seemed that his journey was now constrained to the campus grounds.

Though, despite the change of track, the protagonist still obtained the best rewards meant for the most favorable character. He did not waste any time accumulating all the gold medals and awards daily every year.

The world is really very accommodating, ah!

「Tasks - Note: A hundred percent completion is needed for the host to gain transfer to the next world. Unable to meet the minimum completion of a hundred percent will cause complete annihilation. The system will also undergo reformatting.」

「Host completed fifty percent of this world's setting.」

「Tasks to be done:]

「1. Greet the protagonist 'Good Morning' a day a hundred times = 100x」

「2. Greet the protagonist 'Hi' a hundred times = 100x」

「3. Save the protagonist one time = 1x」

「Note: This is the final requirement the host has to complete to gain access to the next world.」

Jin Wei had already read through the tasks countless times, yet each time he finished reading them, a sense of genuine madness overtook him. He felt a sudden urge to rebel against the system's rules and throw caution to the wind, consequences be damned.

「Well, the host would have become a protagonist if only the host did not plan to get a demotion instead...」

"Enough," Jin Wei muttered irritatingly. The system took the projection away and made a support sign for Jin Wei.

「Host is good, host will surely finish this task accordingly. Well, aside from a potential revenge from the protagonist, everything can be easily done. Good luck, host!」

Easy? You are easy, your whole family is easy!