Apocalypse: I Have A Multiplier System - Chapter 272

Chapter 272: Chapter 272: Defective

[That’s not—] The system hesitated, then repeated,

[I am not defective!]

Su Jiyai’s eyes gleamed with amusement.

“Mhm, sure. The way you’re freaking out makes me think I might be right. So why don’t you just admit it? I got a faulty system, didn’t I?”

The system remained silent for a few more moments before speaking again.

[Host… this system is not defective. But… there were some unexpected issues during the installation process.]

Su Jiyai raised an eyebrow. “Unexpected issues? Go on.”

[This system was meant to be a multiplier system, as you were told. I was designed to multiply resources, powers, and even time under certain conditions. However, during the activation process, there was… a malfunction.]

Su Jiyai crossed her arms, intrigued now.

“A malfunction? So what, the system I got ended up being part multiplier and part rental building system?”

[…Yes.] The system sounded defeated.

[The core functionality of multiplying was damaged during the installation process. Instead, the rental building functions were accidentally added. But! But! That does not mean this system is useless!]

Su Jiyai couldn’t help but smirk. “So, I really did get a defective piece.”

[No! It’s… It’s just… different,] the system stammered, still trying to save face.

[The rental building functions have their own benefits! You can still expand your base, create more housing, and help people. That’s just as important!]

“True,” Su Jiyai nodded, her amusement growing.

“But you still haven’t explained why you can’t multiply some things especially fresh or something that has life.”

The system hesitated again, almost like it was thinking hard.

[Host… it’s not that I can’t multiply living things. It’s just… well, living things are complicated.]

Su Jiyai raised an eyebrow, waiting for a better explanation.

[You see, when something is alive, it has more… variables. Like its growth, development, and even emotions. Multiplying those factors can cause unpredictable results.]

Su Jiyai tapped her fingers on the desk, thinking for a moment.

“Okay, so you’re saying living things are complicated. But then why can you multiply canned food? It was fresh once too, right?”

The system paused before responding.

[Host… canned food is no longer considered alive. Once food is processed and sealed in cans, it loses the living properties that make multiplying it difficult. It becomes a stable item, like any other resource—no growth, no change, just preserved matter. That’s why I can multiply it without any issues.]

Su Jiyai leaned back in her chair, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully.

“So, basically, you can handle anything that’s been processed or preserved, but not something like fresh vegetables because they’re still too… unpredictable?”

[Exactly, Host!] the system replied, sounding a bit too relieved.

[Fresh produce still has a life force, even if it’s been picked. It’s part of nature, growing and changing. That’s why multiplying it could lead to unstable results. Canned food, on the other hand, is already processed, so it’s easier to control.]

Su Jiyai sighed.

“I guess that makes sense. It’s just… strange. You’d think multiplying something like fresh food would be more useful.”

[It’s not impossible, Host,] the system added quickly.

[There are some advanced systems that can handle living things, but they require much higher-level technology and energy. For now, you’ll have to rely on preserving your food if you want to multiply it.]

Su Jiyai nodded slowly, understanding but still feeling a bit disappointed.

“I suppose that’s fair. At least I’ve got these vegetables for now. I’ll just have to make the most of them.”

She glanced at the fresh vegetables on her desk again, realizing just how valuable they really were.

In a world where most people hadn’t seen fresh produce in years, these were a rare treasure.

Wanting to tease the system, Su Jiyai said with a disappointed look, “Still the conclusion is I got a defective piece.”

[That’s why the rental building system was added! To make up for the loss of multiplying living things! It’s a really good feature, I promise!]

Su Jiyai shook her head, still finding it funny how the system was trying so hard to defend itself.

“I guess I can’t complain too much. The rental building system has been useful.”

[Yes! That’s the spirit, Host! See, this system may not be exactly what you expected, but it’s still powerful!]

Su Jiyai smiled a little. The system was right about that. Even if it wasn’t perfect, it had helped her a lot.

Su Jiyai chuckled again and glanced at the vegetables still sitting on her desk.

“Now, let’s get back to the real problem. How am I supposed to cook these without turning them into charcoal?”

[Host, I can assist you with cooking tutorials if needed!] The system piped up, eager to be helpful.

With the system’s help, Su Jiyai carefully chopped up the vegetables, preparing them for a simple but flavorful stir-fry.

The system provided tips along the way, advising her on the right heat and how long to cook each ingredient. Surprisingly, things were going well.

Soon, the smell of garlic and ginger sizzling in the pan filled the air.

The fresh vegetables, once dull and lifeless on her desk, were now vibrant and glistening with oil and spices.

Su Jiyai added a dash of soy sauce and some herbs, and before long, the food was ready. It looked delicious.

“Not bad,” Su Jiyai said with a small smile.

She quickly plated the food, dividing it into four portions.

Two of the plates were carefully placed into her storage ring for herself and Qin Feng.

The other two, she sat on the conference table in the middle of the room.

She calls Yuan Xin and asks him to bring Huo Ning along with him.

Once in the conference room, they glance at the food on table.

“What… is that?” Yuan Xin asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Smells amazing!” Huo Ning added, practically floating over to the table, his stomach already rumbling.

Su Jiyai grinned, feeling a little proud.

“I made some stir-fry with the fresh vegetables Huo Ning gave me. Sit down and try it.”