Life After Death by Ice Cream

But thanks to the System, that wouldn't happen. I would never be caught in Eirik's web. My mission was to protect Elara from him, to keep her from falling in love with him, and to guide her away from the path of ruin that the original story had laid out for her.

But honestly, this whole situation didn't sit well with me at all. The only reason I was listening to the System was that I had no other choice I definitely didn't want to disappear. I had to find a way to secure my safety first; until then, I'd have to play along.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the voice of the System, booming in my mind with its usual, annoyingly cheerful tone.

[Well, now that you understand the plot, I'll inject you with the memories of the owner of this body!] it said with almost unsettling enthusiasm.

"Wait—!" I barely managed to get a word out before a searing pain crashed into my skull like a freight train, much worse than the first time.

It felt like my brain was being torn apart by a thousand tiny, fiery needles, each stabbing deeper than the last. It was as if the System had it out for me, determined to test the limits of my sanity.

In my mind, I cursed every deity, every force of nature, and especially the stupid System. I couldn't even scream; the pain robbed me of sound, leaving me to silently writhe in agony. It felt like this torture dragged on for an eternity, but finally, the agony ebbed away, leaving me panting and drenched in cold sweat.

I flipped a middle finger in the general direction of the System, half-wishing it had a physical form so I could punch it in the face. All I got in response was a laugh that sent shivers down my spine. If the System were a person, I'd throttle it for sure.

Now, however, I had the memories of the original Amara Lyselle this world's version of me. She had grown up in a wealthy family, spoiled rotten from birth. She could have anything she wanted, which had shaped her into the stereotypical rich brat, arrogant and entitled. The perfect villainess, through and through.

Honestly, if I'd had that kind of luxury from the start, I wouldn't have ended up as a history teacher, slaving away for a mediocre paycheck. I'd have lived it up, no regrets. But Amara's life took a turn when she met Eirik Langford. She had fallen head over heels in love with him, helping him build his company, Zenith Entertainment, into the powerhouse it was today.

Despite Eirik ignoring her most of the time, Amara was hopelessly in love, throwing money left and right on lavish gifts for him, only to receive nothing in return.

She'd gone as far as sabotaging any woman who got too close to him. I couldn't help but think she must've been missing half her brain to do something so idiotic. Good lord, she was a first-class fool.

And as the only child, she was the sole heir to her parents' entertainment empire, Lyselle Media. If she'd taken over the company, it would've either gone bankrupt or she would've handed it over to Eirik on a silver platter, all for some scraps of affection.

After piecing together her memories, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for her. Love really does make you blind and stupid, apparently. But now that I was in control, there was no way I'd make the same mistakes.

Just as I was mulling over my plan of action, the System's voice chimed in again, sounding way too excited for my liking.

[Now that you know Amara's history, the real fun begins!] it declared with a glee that made my stomach churn.

[You need to recruit Elara Whitfield into your company because the plot is about to start. Do that, and you'll receive a random reward. You have one week.]

"Right… but you do realize Amara doesn't have much influence in the company, right? Her parents won't just let her waltz back in after she threw it all away to chase Eirik," I said, raising an eyebrow.

[Don't worry about that. Just tell them you've made mistakes, you're no longer in love with Eirik, and you're ready to work hard in the company,] the System instructed, sounding way too confident for something that would be easier said than done.

"Sure, and how exactly am I supposed to run a company? I was a history teacher, not some business mogul!" I snapped, feeling my patience wearing thin.

[That's where I come in! For the modest sum of 20 System Points, you can unlock the Strategic Planning Skill (Level 1). It allows you to create a solid plan for the company's future. Reward: Clear vision of short- and long-term goals.]

I thought about my miserable situation for a moment, knowing my life had completely derailed. But what choice did I have? "Fine. How do I earn these System Points?"

[You earn points by completing missions I give you. The amount depends on how well you accomplish each quest, but you won't know how many points you get until after it's completed,] the System explained, its tone suddenly serious, making me sigh again.

[But if you like, I can loan you the 20 points now. I'll just deduct them from your future earnings,] it added, as if offering some great act of generosity.

Before I could respond, another screen popped up.

[You have obtained the Strategic Planning Skill (Level 1).]

This time, instead of pain, a wave of knowledge flooded my mind. It was like a gentle upload of information, manageable and oddly satisfying. Well, at least it wasn't torture this time.

[For now, rest up. Your new parents won't be back until tomorrow, so enjoy the luxury while you can,] the System said, signing off abruptly.

"Wait, what about breakfast?" I huffed, still reeling from the whole experience. But almost instantly, the breakfast tray reappeared on the bed, and I found myself torn between enjoying the decadent life of Amara Lyselle and the dumpster fire that was now my existence.

I guess I'd better get used to this messed-up luxury.

System's POV:

[Damn, I hope this one makes it. If she fails, I'm getting kicked out for sure,] the System thought, chuckling to itself.

[Though it's always hilarious how she thinks I can make her disappear. I can't harm my host, but it's funny to mess with her. Getting her run over by an ice cream truck was comedic gold.]