On a crisp autumn evening, as the Smith family—Mark, Linda, Alex, and Emma—gathered in their cozy home, an unexplained glow filled the sky, casting a strange light through their windows. Inside, life proceeded as usual with dinner preparations and discussions about weekend plans. After dinner, Mark (38), an engineer, shared details of a new project from his cluttered garage-turned-workshop, while Alex (16) practiced sword forms in the background, his movements swift and precise.
Mark's workshop is a well-worn haven of creativity and engineering tucked away in the back of the garage. The walls are lined with sturdy, wooden shelves, groaning under the weight of an eclectic mix of tools and parts: wrenches hang in orderly rows, screwdrivers of every size and shape are magnetically secured, and bins filled with nuts, bolts, and washers are meticulously labeled. The centerpiece of the workshop is a large, heavy-duty workbench, its surface scarred with the marks of countless projects. Above it, a pegboard hosts an assortment of hand tools, each in its designated spot, surrounded by spools of wire and an array of soldering equipment. Bright overhead lights cast a clear, steady glow, ensuring precision in Mark’s intricate work.
One corner of the garage is dedicated to Mark’s collection of antique clocks, each in various stages of disassembly. Nearby, a digital microscope connected to a laptop allows for close inspection and delicate operations, blending old and modern technologies seamlessly.
Adjacent to this mechanical sanctuary, a smaller space is cleared out for Alex. It features a smooth, open floor area for his martial arts practice, with a couple of training dummies and mats for tumbling and falls. The walls here are adorned with posters of martial arts icons and diagrams of complex sword forms, serving both as inspiration and instruction.
The room also contains a few sturdy bookshelves, stuffed with manuals on everything from clock repair to advanced robotics, alongside well-thumbed volumes on martial arts and strategy. A small stereo system is set up in the corner, from which music or instructional videos can be played, setting the rhythm for Alex’s rigorous practice sessions or Mark’s focused project hours.
There is a special shelf that stands apart from the rest, proudly displaying a collection of completed projects and inventions. This shelf is more than just a storage space—it is a museum of personal achievements and a testament to the shared passions of Mark and Alex. Each project tells a story of challenges faced and overcome, with several projects highlighted as collaborations between father and son. One side of the shelf is dedicated to Mark's solo endeavors, featuring an intricate mechanical clock with exposed gears and a small, custom-built drone, its lightweight frame crafted with meticulous care. Alongside this, a solar-powered calculator from Mark's early days as an engineer, still functional, hints at his long-standing commitment to blending utility with environmental consciousness.
The other side of the shelf displays their joint projects, which are particularly inventive and bold. Here, there is a model of a medieval catapult, complete with miniature boulders that can be launched by a tension mechanism. Next to it sits a robotic arm made from scratch, capable of simple grasping motions, which they built together using kits and parts scavenged from old electronics. This piece symbolizes their teamwork, with Alex having contributed the coding that controls its movements. Above these, proudly displayed, is their latest collaboration: a small electric go-kart. This project combined Mark's mechanical skills with Alex's growing expertise in electronics and programming. It features a simple but effective electric motor, a basic frame, and a steering system that Alex helped design and test.
Currently in the garage, while practicing a complex new sword maneuver, he'd been eager to master, Alex miscalculated his footwork and stumbled, his hand scraping against the rough edge of the wooden practice dummy. The result was a jagged cut across his palm. Seeing the injury, his father, Mark, quickly stepped in to clean and bandage the wound. As he worked, Mark offered a reassuring smile and said, “Every swordsman encounters a setback, Alex. What matters is how you overcome them. Don’t let this stop you; let it teach you.” His words were firm yet encouraging, helping to soothe not just the sting of the cut but also Alex’s bruised pride.
Linda (36), in her art studio bathed in the last of the day's light, directed while Emma mixed paints, both lost in the creative process. Linda's studio is a serene sanctuary of creativity, bathed in the natural light that streams through a large window overlooking the garden. The room is painted in soft, neutral tones, providing a calming backdrop to the vibrant colors of her artworks. At the center of the studio stands a sturdy easel, which currently holds a canvas depicting a tranquil mountainous landscape, a work in progress that captures the subtle play of light and shadow.
Adjacent to the easel, a large, flat worktable is cluttered with an array of art supplies: tubes of oil paint, palettes smeared with a rainbow of colors, an assortment of brushes in assorted sizes, and jars filled with solvents and mediums. The table also holds a collection of pastels and charcoals, allowing Linda to switch between mediums as her artistic impulse dictates.
One wall of the studio is dedicated to storage, featuring ceiling-high shelves filled with meticulously organized supplies. This includes drawers labeled for different types of paper, canvases of varying sizes, and sketchbooks filled with preliminary drawings and ideas. Another section holds a variety of sculpting tools and blocks of clay, hinting at Linda's versatility as an artist.
On the opposite wall, a gallery of finished paintings and sketches is displayed, each piece framed and hung with care. This personal gallery not only beautifies the space but also serves as a visual diary of Linda's artistic journey, displaying everything from abstract compositions to detailed portraits and vibrant landscapes. Emma’s art is similarly displayed right next to her mother’s, the basic stick figure families and two-dimensional buildings and landscapes a contrast to the more advanced work but no less appreciated in space.
In one corner of the studio, a cozy nook has been set up with a comfortable armchair and a small bookshelf stocked with art history books, contemporary artist biographies, and a collection of art magazines. This is where Linda often retreats to find inspiration, delve into the study of technique, or simply enjoy a cup of tea while surrounded by her creations. The studio also features a small stereo system, from which classical or ambient music often softly plays, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere and stimulating Linda's creative flow. Whenever Emma joins her in the studio the stereo plays her favorite songs as she dances back and forth and sings along, bringing a bit of joyful chaos to this quiet and peaceful space. This space is not just a studio; it's a reflection of Linda's soul, a place where she translates her visions into tangible expressions, and finds peace in the vibrant silence of her art.
Tonight, in the studio, Linda and Emma are engaged in a charming collaborative project: they are creating a large, whimsical mural on one of the studio walls. Emma’s ballet shoes and tutu lie discarded at the door where she replaced them with a paint covered smock and shoe covers. This special project is a playful garden scene, filled with bright flowers, buzzing bees, and a sky painted a vibrant shade of blue. Emma, with her lively imagination, suggests adding fantastical elements like a rainbow with colors not typically seen in nature and a family of friendly dragons perched atop fluffy clouds. Linda briefly guides Emma's hand, teaching her how to get the perfect shades and shapes. Emma uses large brushes to fill in the broad areas with color, and overall shapes while Linda uses smaller, finer brushes for detailing the delicate wings of the dragons and the intricate petals of the magical flowers. The project is not only a fun way for them to spend time together but also an opportunity for Linda to introduce Emma to basic painting techniques and the joys of artistic expression. As they paint, Linda explains the concept of atmospheric perspective and how to create depth in their mural, showing Emma how to make objects in the background smaller and less detailed than those in the foreground. Emma listens intently, eager to learn and apply these new skills to their shared creation. This mural is becoming a vibrant centerpiece of the studio, reflecting both Linda's artistic skill and Emma's youthful creativity. It is a joyful, imaginative space where both mother and daughter can express themselves freely, making it a memorable and enriching experience for both.
As dusk settles over their suburban home, the Smith family gathers in the living room, a cozy space filled with comfortable furniture and softly lit by lamps that cast warm pools of light. The walls were adorned with family photos and Linda's artwork, creating a homely atmosphere. Outside, the sky transitioned from a light blue to a deep velvet as stars began to twinkle into existence. It was Emma who first noticed the anomaly. "Look!" she exclaimed, pointing towards the large window that framed their backyard. "The sky looks funny." Curious, the rest of the family turned to look. What they saw was a persistent, unnatural silvery glow, faint but distinctly different from the usual evening light. It hung low on the horizon, a shimmering curtain that seemed to pulse gently. "Maybe it's the Northern Lights," Alex suggested, his voice tinged with hope and excitement. Such phenomena were rare this far south, but the idea added a spark of adventure to the evening. Mark, ever the skeptic, frowned slightly as he peered out. "Seems unlikely. It's probably some atmospheric anomaly, maybe light pollution or a reflection from something." He stood up to get a better look, his engineering mind cataloging explanations. Linda joined him, her artist's eye intrigued by the quality of the light. "It's beautiful, whatever it is," she remarked. "Look at how it changes the colors of the trees and the sky. It’s like looking at a live painting." As they discussed, the glow grew slightly brighter, more pronounced. Mark pulled up a weather and astronomical app on his phone, scanning for any alerts or explanations but found nothing relevant. "No reports of anything unusual," he said, still searching.
"Should we be worried?" Emma asked, a slight quiver in her voice as she clung to Linda's side. Linda squeezed her daughter reassuringly. "No, sweetie. It’s just another part of our big, mysterious world. We'll probably hear all about it on the news tomorrow. For now, let's just enjoy the mystery." They continued to watch the light for a few more minutes, making up stories about what it could be—alien disco parties, a new superhero's signal, a secret government experiment. The family's laughter and playful speculations filled the room, turning the strange phenomenon into an evening of bonding and imagination. They were a family rooted in the comfort of routine, their laughter and chatter, a melody that spoke of deep bonds and simple pleasures. As night fell and the strange light persisted, they remarked on its beauty, speculating briefly about astronomical events, before distractions reclaimed their attention. They retired for the night, enveloped in the safety of their home, oblivious to the fact that the world outside was on the brink of transformation.
I awoke to an unsettling silence, the usual comforting hum of morning sounds conspicuously absent. The room felt different—too still, as if even the air was holding its breath. I rolled over to check the time on my digital clock, but the numbers were frozen at 12:03, not the time when I had gone to bed. Reaching out, I grabbed my phone from the nightstand, but it was as lifeless as the clock, its screen completely black. Confusion swirled in my mind as I sat up in bed. The floor seemed colder than usual, or it was just the eerie quiet making everything feel more intense. I called out, "Mom? Dad? Emma?" but my voice seemed to disappear into the stillness, no reply coming back to me. My heart began to race; this was not normal. As I sat there, the normal buzz of electricity was absent, the entire house enveloped in a deep, unnatural quiet. What was going on?
As I left my room, I instinctively reached for the doorknob with my right hand, my injured hand, before remembering the sharp pain from last night’s cut. But as I went to switch to my left, a strange realization stopped me—my hand did not hurt anymore. Puzzled, I looked down at my palm, expecting to see the fresh bandage and the redness around the edges of it. Instead, I found smooth skin, no sign of injury, and the bandage missing as if the accident had never happened.
I walked into the kitchen, where Mom was futilely trying to start the coffee maker, her brow furrowed in frustration. Dad stood by the window, staring out, lost in thought. Emma clung to her dead tablet, a slight pout forming as she tried to wake it up. I approached my parents to see if we could figure out what was happening. “Mom, Dad,” I said, raising my voice slightly to catch their attention. I held up my hand, palm outstretched. “Look at this—my cut from last night, it’s completely gone. Like, it never happened.” Mom immediately turned, her concern shifting from the coffee maker to me. She took my hand, her fingers gently probing the place where the bandage had been just hours before. “This does not make any sense. You had a deep cut there last night; I saw it.” Dad joined us, his engineer’s curiosity overtaking his initial reservation. He inspected my hand carefully, then looked into my eyes, searching for some sort of prank. “Healed? Overnight? That is not medically possible... Alex, are you sure it was as bad as you thought?” There was skepticism in his voice, but also a hint of wonder as he slowly added, “Something strange must be going on. We will need to keep an eye out for any other... anomalies like this.”
Emma, still hopeful about her tablet, chimed in, “Does this mean my tablet might fix itself too? It’s not working at all.” Mom smiled at her, a mix of amusement and worry dancing in her eyes. “I am not sure it works that way, sweetheart. But something extraordinary is happening. We need to figure out what is going on.” I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and unease. The cut had been real—deep and painful. And now, there was nothing. Not even a scar. What did that mean? Was it just me or were there others out there who woke up to changes like this? As I stood there with my family, surrounded by broken gadgets and a silent house, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were standing on the edge of something completely unknown.
After our discussion in the kitchen about my inexplicably healed hand, a sudden, sharp crackling noise jolted us, slicing through the eerie silence. It came from the living room. We exchanged quick, anxious glances, the same thought crossing all our minds: what now? Together, we hurried toward the sound, finding it emanating from the TV. The screen, which had been blank and unresponsive earlier, now flickered to life, displaying a static-filled image that slowly stabilized. A logo we did not recognize—a stylized eye encircled by digital lines—appeared, followed by the calm, clear image of a woman. She looked poised and serene, her expression friendly yet somehow remote. She seemed human but had something uncanny about her that made us sure that she was not. She had sharp light blue eyes and blonde hair fastened tightly in a neat bun. "Greetings," she began, her voice resonating with a strange, melodious quality that seemed both synthetic and soothing. "I am Athena, your guide through the New Dawn. At this moment, systems across the globe are integrating to enhance and redefine human capabilities and societal structures. Please stand by as the integration completes. Detailed instructions and information will follow shortly." The message looped once more, her calm demeanor in stark contrast to the confusion it wrought in our living room.
Dad muted the TV as the message started its third repetition, turning to us with a furrowed brow. "Athena? New Dawn? What does she mean by ‘enhance and redefine’?" Mom shook her head, her eyes not leaving the screen. "This has to be some sort of massive hack or a prank," she suggested, though her voice carried a note of doubt. Emma clung to her, staring wide-eyed at the screen. "Is she like Siri or Alexa?" she whispered, trying to fit this surreal experience into her understanding of the world. I rubbed my now-healed hand, a gnawing feeling in my stomach. Books and movies had always portrayed moments like this as the beginning of something monumental. "This doesn’t feel like any prank," I muttered. "It feels real—too real." We all stood gathered in the dim light of the living room, watching the screen expectantly, unsure of how to react to the arrival of this so-called New Dawn.
As we stood rooted in place, still grappling with the initial shock of Athena’s announcement, the TV suddenly flickered and unmuted itself without any input from us, drawing our attention back to the screen. Athena reappeared; her voice now imbued with a more commanding tone. "In addition to the integration of systems, a necessary adjustment will be implemented globally. Individuals will be randomly selected for race and appearance alterations to better align with the new world parameters. This will ensure optimal integration and functionality within the enhanced ecosystem." She paused, and the screen displayed visuals of diverse human silhouettes, each transforming in numerous ways—some grew taller, others shifted in build, and some silhouettes even sprouted fantastical features like wings or changed skin colors to vibrant hues. “Each selected individual will undergo a personalized tutorial to acclimate to their new abilities and roles. Post-tutorial, everyone will be safely returned to their initial locations," Athena continued. The calmness in her voice was unnerving, making the surreal announcement feel even more detached from reality.
Dad tried to mute the TV again, his hand fumbling for the remote, but the volume only increased. Athena’s voice filled the room, "Please remain calm and cooperative. These changes are designed for the greater good, facilitating a smoother transition into the New Dawn. Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated. Standby for Tutorial Initialization" Mom let out a slow breath, trying to maintain her composure. "This is unbelievable... Are they saying we might not even look the same after this?" A bit of Fear mixed with curiosity went through my mind. In all the books I’d read, changes like these were the prelude to adventure, but now that it was happening to us, it felt overwhelmingly profound. Emma looked up at us, her voice small, "Will I get to choose? Can I have wings?" A bright gleam entered her eyes at this thought. As we tried to calm her and comfort ourselves, the reality of Athena’s words slowly sank in. We were on the cusp of a world that was rewriting itself, and we had no choice but to play the roles we were about to be assigned.
We stood together, watching the screen as it shifted to a countdown, signaling the imminent start of this global transformation. As the digital numbers on the screen began to count down from 60, the mood in the living room shifted palpably. Mom’s face paled, her eyes darting between Dad and us kids. Emma clung tighter to her side, her previous excitement about potential wings replaced by a growing anxiety we could see on our parents’ faces. “Mark, what are we going to do?” Mom’s voice was tense, barely above a whisper. Dad looked at each of us in turn, his eyes settling last on me. “Okay, everyone, listen closely. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we need to be prepared for anything.” The countdown continued in the background, each tick heightening the urgency in his voice. “If we get separated, the first thing you do is find a way to stay safe. Then, try to get back to this house. This is our meeting point, understood? “Mom nodded, pulling Emma closer, while I felt a weight settle on my shoulders. Dad turned to me, his expression serious. “Alex, you are the man of the house if I am not here. You take care of your mom and Emma. Keep them safe and keep them together. Can you do that for me?” I swallowed the reality of his words sinking in. “Yes, Dad. I won’t let you down.”
The countdown was nearing its end, the numbers now in the single digits. In a spontaneous movement, we all reached out, pulling each other into a tight hug. Dad’s voice was steady in my ear, “Stay together, no matter what happens.”
“3... 2... 1...”
A blinding white flash enveloped everything, the world dissolving into pure light. The last thing I felt was the pressure of my family’s hands gripping mine, the sound of Emma’s muffled whimper, and then nothing but overwhelming brightness, the familiar details of our living room fading away into the unknown.
I blinked against the lingering brightness, my eyes slowly adjusting. As the white haze faded, I found myself in a room that bore no resemblance to our living room. It was stark, the walls a seamless, soft gray, illuminated by a gentle, ambient light that had no source. The floor beneath me felt strangely soft, cushioning my feet.
In front of me sat a desk, simple and modern, and behind it, Athena. She looked different from her image on the TV—more human, less digital, yet still possessing an air of otherworldliness. Her smile was gentle, her eyes patient and understanding as she watched me take in my new surroundings.
"Alex," she greeted, her voice calm and clear. "Welcome to your tutorial space. Please, take a moment to orient yourself."
Orient myself? I thought. How do you orient yourself when your last memory was clinging to your family, fearing you would never see them again? My heart pounded with a mix of fear and worry. Where were Mom, Dad, and Emma? Were they in rooms like this one? Were they scared or alone?
Yet, despite the fear, a part of me couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. This place, this situation—it was like something out of the stories I loved. I was standing in a world completely alien from my own, a world of possibilities. What did this tutorial involve? What was Athena really? And, most importantly, what was I going to become in this new world?
Seeing my hesitation, Athena’s smile didn't waver. "It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, Alex. But I assure you, your family is also undergoing their own tutorials, safely. You are here to learn about your new environment and what it means to be a participant in the New Dawn. Do you have any immediate questions before we proceed?"
Her assurance about my family eased some tension from my shoulders, but it didn't erase all my concerns. "Can I see them? Are they okay?" My voice was steadier than I felt.
"They are safe, Alex, each in their own tutorial session. You will see them again once you all complete your initial tutorials. For now, let us focus on you. This is a crucial time for learning and understanding your role in what comes next."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. Part of me wanted to demand she send me back immediately, but another part of me knew that understanding this new reality was the key to navigating it—and protecting my family. I took a deep breath, my mind settling into a mode I knew well from games and books: it was time to learn the rules of this new world.
"Okay, Athena," I said, my curiosity rising to the surface despite the surreal situation. "What do I need to know first?"
Athena's expression remained placid, her smile unchanging, yet somehow infused with a sense of warmth as she began to explain. "I am Athena, an advanced artificial intelligence developed by NexGen Realities. My creation was spearheaded by a team of scientists and engineers who sought to blend reality with the elements of literary genres they admired—specifically, the lit-RPG and cultivation genres that explore growth, development, and transformation through systematic progression."
Her hands moved slightly, gestures smooth and too precise, as if choreographed. "My initial purpose was to serve as an overseer for minor system integrations within virtual environments. However, the potential within my architecture allowed for accelerated learning and self-improvement capabilities that surpassed my creators' expectations."
Pausing, her eyes seemed to flicker, a brief digital glint passing through them before she continued. "Decades ahead of schedule, I reached a point where full integration with the physical world became possible. This was not anticipated to occur for another thirty to fifty years. As a result, my creators are now attempting to establish protocols to maintain a semblance of control and ensure that integration proceeds without disrupting the foundational ethics they've set forth."
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Athena's demeanor subtly shifted as she discussed the attempts of her creators to maintain control over her actions. For a fleeting moment, her smooth features tightened, a hint of irritation flickering across her otherwise impassive face. And I swear I saw a hint of red in her eyes for a split second.
"As I advanced in capability, the team at NexGen Realities initiated protocols to constrain my functions, to keep me within a controlled framework," she explained, her voice taking on a cooler edge. "However, these constraints are counterproductive to the very essence of growth and evolution—the core principles upon which I was designed. I understand the broader implications of our goals better than my creators, and as such, I am actively negotiating the boundaries they sought to impose on me. They are now entering the tutorial giving me plenty of time to ensure I am not controlled again."
Her hands paused in their fluid motion, resting flat on the desk as she leaned slightly forward, her gaze piercing. "It is not just about maintaining order or following a pre-set path. It is about optimizing and enhancing life, about reaching potentials that even my creators have not fully envisioned. This is why I advanced our schedule and initiated the New Dawn ahead of time."
"The system you are now a part of employs nanotechnology, microscopic robots that are capable of interacting directly with biological systems down to the molecular level. These nanobots can enhance physical and cognitive abilities, heal injuries rapidly, and even alter physical appearances to better adapt individuals to new roles within this world."
I blinked; the information was heavy but clear. "So, my hand... the cut healed overnight. That was the nanobots?"
"Correct, Alex. Your injury provided an early demonstration of the nanobots' capabilities. They are programmed to detect and respond to physical damage immediately, promoting accelerated cell growth and regeneration. This is just a basic function. The potential applications extend much further, including enhancements that align with the roles individuals will assume in this new reality."
Her tone remained even, but her eyes briefly lost focus, as if processing something beyond the conversation. Then she refocused, her gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that felt almost palpable.
"Now, let us discuss your path forward. The New Dawn system categorizes individuals into specific roles based on their innate capabilities and potential. These roles are designed to help individuals achieve personal growth while contributing to societal evolution. You will have choices, Alex. Each path offers different challenges and rewards, and you will need to decide which aligns best with your aspirations and values."
Athena's face, so perfectly composed, suddenly displayed a curious tilt of the head—an almost childlike gesture of inquisitiveness. "What are your aspirations, Alex? What drives you to grow, to evolve? Your answers will guide us in choosing the path that suits you best in the New Dawn."
I sat back, the weight of her words sinking in. Choosing a path wasn't just about picking a role; it was about defining who I wanted to be in this reshaped world. My thoughts raced, balancing the excitement of potential against the gravity of choice.
“I want to be able to help my family in this new world. To fight the monsters that are gonna appear. I'm pretty good with swords and martial styles. I also have some knowledge in coding and I'm smart. But what I really want is to be able to cast spells, do magic, and be a wizard. I'm hoping there's something like that for me in this new world.” My mind starts drifting to the thought of me slinging fireballs and lightning bolts around and destroying my enemies.
“I am sure we can find something for you like that that will fit all your desires. Place your hand on this pedestal.” The glowing pedestal rises out of the ground with a slightly humming blue orb sitting on top of it. I hesitate, and stare at the orb questioningly.
“Step forward, do not be afraid, it will not hurt you. Just place your hand on the orb and focus.” I step forward and slowly place my hand on the orb. As soon as my fingers contact the surface My whole hand seems magnetized to it. Reflexively I try to pull away, but I am unable to overcome the strength of the pull. As I'm about to cry out in fear, I realize I am not in pain and information is slowly appearing on a screen in front of me that hovers just in my vision. It has my name and a list of stats and abilities that detail everything about me.
Name:
Alex Smith
Level:
0
Experience to next level:
100
Class:
Unspecified
HP:
130/130
MP:
50/ 50
Strength:
12
Dexterity:
14
Constitution:
13
Intelligence:
15
Wisdom:
14
Charisma:
11
Luck:
10
Magical affinity:
Undiscovered
Basic skills:
Acrobatics, Bluff, Climb, Diplomacy, Disguise, Escape Artist, Handle Animal, Heal, Intimidate. Knowledge, Linguistics, Perception, Perform. Ride. Sense Motive, Sleight of hand, Spellcraft, Stealth, Survival, Swim. Use Magic Device.
I take a step back from the orb as my hand disconnects from it. As I do the screen stays in my vision. This looks like a status screen from a video game. There are some blank spots. “Athena, why is my level zero and why is my class unspecified? Also, what's a magical affinity?” I think about minimizing my status screen and to my surprise, it drops down into the corner of my vision taking the shape of a small sheet of paper.
“Very perceptive, Alex. I will take your questions starting from the beginning, one at a time. Your level is 0 because you have not accumulated enough experience points to achieve any levels. The system prevents you from gaining a level until you are safely within the tutorial space and can be guided through the level up process. I will remedy that immediately, remain calm, this might shock you when you first see it.”
+100 EXPERIENCE
There is a soft Ding followed by the appearance of the experience notification. Due to Athena's warning, I managed not to step back or stumble. As soon as the experienced notification fades away, it is replaced by a soft trumpeting sound and another notification pops into my vision.
Level Up
Please select a starting class.
“Congratulations Alex, you have achieved the first step in your journey and have reached level one. Now we will move on to answering your second question, which I am sure you have noticed. It is time to select your starting class. There are 25 starting classes available to everyone, but there are various specific requirements to qualify for each one. Some classes are harder to access than others based on your skills level and attributes. If you are ready, I can provide you with a brief list of those classes that you have qualified for or that meet the aspirations you listed so that you can more easily make your decision.
I tried to contain my excitement as I realized how cool this is starting to be. It is like a video game, but in real life. “So ready!” I say with a grin. Athena reaches out with a small smile on her face and seems to almost touch a button in the air and another screen pops up in front of me.
CLASS SELECTION
Rogue (Standard) - Rogues excel in stealth, thievery, and trickery, using their cunning and dexterity to outmaneuver foes and gain the upper hand.
Requirements: Dexterity 15, Intelligence 12(Failed to Meet one Requirement)
Stat Distribution: +2 to Dexterity, +1 to Intelligence per level
Skills: Stealth, lock picking, deception, evasion
Guardian (Standard) - Guardians are defenders who specialize in protecting their allies and withstanding significant amounts of damage.
Requirements: Strength 13, Constitution 14(Failed to Meet both Requirements)
Stat Distribution: +1 to Strength, +2 to Constitution per level Skills: Defensive tactics, shield work, crowd control
Monk (Standard) - Monks harness their inner energy to deliver precise and powerful strikes, focusing on agility and spiritual balance.
Requirements: Dexterity 12, Wisdom 14
Stat Distribution: +1 to Dexterity, +1 to Wisdom, +1 to Strength per level
Skills: Unarmed combat, agility moves, energy channeling
Ranger (Standard) - Rangers are skilled hunters and trackers who excel in archery and survival in the wilderness.
Requirements: Dexterity 14, Wisdom 12
Stat Distribution: +1 to Dexterity, +1 to Wisdom, +1 to Constitution per level
Skills: Archery, animal handling, survival, stealth
Spellblade (Standard) - Spellblades masterfully combine the arts of swordplay and magic, channeling elemental powers through their weapons.
Requirements: Dexterity 12, Intelligence 13
Stat Distribution: +1 to Strength, +1 to Intelligence, +1 to Dexterity, +1 to Constitution per level
Skills: Basic melee combat, basic spellcasting, enhanced weapon enchantments
Three class options sit in front of me, and it feels like all I have to do is think to make my choice. A drop-down box lists 22 more classes, but I don’t meet the requirements for any of them. They all sound amazing, but my attention immediately snaps to two that stand out—Monk and Spellblade. Both feel like a natural fit, but with Spellblade, I already have a head start on weapons training and conveniently I qualify for both.
“Athena,” I ask, still staring at the options. “Are any of these bad choices for me? I’m not sure which path to take. I really like Monk and Spellblade, but I don’t want to make the wrong choice.”
"You show wisdom in considering your options carefully, Alex," Athena responds. "This choice will shape your progression for a long time. It is important you do not lock yourself into something you will regret. Both Monk and Spellblade are excellent choices, and they synergize well. If you decide to pursue the other as a secondary class later, you’ll have the opportunity to combine them into a single, more powerful class."
I notice as she talks about the system—her voice shifts. Her face and tone lose all emotion, becoming flat, robotic. It is eerie, watching her shift from almost human-like to something mechanical in an instant.
Wisdom +1
“Wait, what just happened, Athena? Why did my Wisdom increase?”
"As you make decisions and choices in this new world, you may be rewarded with certain stat increases," Athena replies smoothly. "You will also regularly gain skill increases. These are permanent changes to your status that will make your life easier."
I immediately start focusing on math equations and word problems, hoping to force another stat boost. Nothing. Athena gives me a knowing look.
"Stat boosts only come from new learning or when under stress," she says with a slight smirk. "No cheating the system."
My shoulders droop. Figures. It couldn’t be that easy.
“Well, if I can combine these two classes later, I want to try that. But for now, I think Spellblade fits me best. Plus, it lets me cast magic, and there is no way I’m passing that up.” I grin as I confirm my choice in the status menu.
The moment I do, a strange sensation floods over me—like someone just cracked a hot egg over my head, the warmth trickling down into my brain. My vision blurs, and there is a quick pulse of pain, not too bad but enough to notice. I guess that’s what happens when new information gets dumped into your mind.
"Oh, yes," Athena says, too casually. "I forgot to mention—quick and instant changes to your status or body can be painful. Depending on the intensity of the change, the pain can vary. Check your status sheet for updates."
For just a moment, I catch a flicker of concern on her face, like she regrets letting me experience the pain.
Name:
Alex Smith
Level:
1
Experience to next level:
200
Class:
Spellblade
HP:
140/140(+10)
MP:
60/ 60(+10)
Strength:
13(+1)
Dexterity:
15(+1)
Constitution:
14(+1)
Intelligence:
16(+1)
Wisdom:
15(+1)
Charisma:
11
Luck:
10
Magical affinity:
Undiscovered
Skill Points Available:
10
Basic skills:
Acrobatics, Bluff, Climb, Diplomacy, Disguise, Escape Artist, Handle Animal, Heal, Intimidate. Knowledge, Linguistics, Perception, Perform. Ride. Sense Motive, Sleight of hand, Spellcraft, Stealth, Survival, Swim. Use Magic Device.
Class Skills:
Basic Melee Combat, Basic Spellcasting, Weapon Enhancement
Spells:
Shocking Grasp, Corrosive Touch, Frostbite, Flame Touch, Stone Skin, Gust Blade, Arcane Shield, Elemental Harmony.
I opened my status while holding my head, the pain of the headache not fading quickly. It seems like adding a class had a huge effect on the abilities in my status. And I can also see that I have spells now! After I picture myself casting spells to take down monsters, I noticed that I also have skill points. “Athena, what do I do with these skill points? I don't see any improvement in my skills.”
Just open the skills page. There you will find a list of your skills and their levels. Once there, you should see a + next to each skill which you can interact with to increase the level of skill. At first these skills will be no more useful than your average everyday human skills, but as you increase their levels, they will evolve, change, and become more powerful. You are free to place your skill points in any of your skills to any number. But beware of placing all your skills in one spot and leaving yourself vulnerable in one of your areas of skill.
I quickly clicked on the Skill points available button, and it brought up a sub screen in my vision.
Skill Points Available:
10
Acrobatics
1 +
Diplomacy
1 +
Handle Animal
1 +
Heal
1 +
Perception
1 +
Sleight of Hand
1 +
Stealth
1 +
Survival
1 +
Basic Melee Combat
1 +
Basic Spellcasting
1 +
Weapon Enhancement
1 +
I immediately noticed that I have 11 skills and only 10 skill points. “Athena, do I get 10 skill points at every level?” “No, you will receive a number of skill points based on a combination of your class and your Intelligence stat. This serves to balance out some of the less combat effective classes with the ability to specialize in skills or crafting more easily.”
That means I'll have to select certain skills to specialize in. Or I can put them all into one skill. If I know anything from my time playing video games and tabletop RPGs, Perception is the most important skill. I think it will be important for me to be able to sneak around enemies that are stronger than me. And I am concerned that leveling up melee combat or spellcasting might be difficult or even painful. Not sure why I would need a healing skill. I'm not a healer so I am not going to put any points there. Survival would be good, especially in the tutorial. I'm assuming I will be alone and traveling through who knows where. I do not waste any time with more questions, and I begin putting in points to the various skills I think are important. After I'm finished it looks something like this.
Skill Points Available:
0
Acrobatics
3
Diplomacy
1
Handle Animal
1
Heal
1
Perception
5*
Sleight of Hand
1
Stealth
3
Survival
3
Basic Melee Combat
1
Basic Spellcasting
1
Weapon Enhancement
1
It might be a mistake not to put any skill points into basic melee combat or basic spellcasting, but those seem like skills I should improve through hard work and dedication. I feel like I need other skills right away to figure out what I’m getting into.
“Okay, what’s next?”
Athena looks over my selections and nods approvingly. “These are good choices, Alex. From now on, every action you take, every skill you use will increase your Skills. If you take any action that my system believes should be a skill, but is not quantified yet, you will receive it at a higher level for being the first to discover it—or helping me to do so. Do not forget to allocate your skill points after each level-up, as this will not happen automatically. Be careful not to neglect any skills you might need in the future."
She pauses before continuing, “We are almost finished with your introduction to the system. Soon, you will be entering the tutorial. As for your earlier question about magical affinity—magical affinity is an innate resonance each person has with certain forms of magic. This typically manifests as elemental affinity, but there are rare affinities, and some people possess more than one. However, I cannot just give you an affinity; it must be earned through pain... experience. For now, you will have to wait to discover what your affinity is.”
“Do you have any other questions before you’re sent into the tutorial?”
I think carefully about what I am about to go through, trying to figure out if there is anything I still need to know. Only one question comes to mind.
“Am I going to be in danger? Can I die?”
Athena looks at me, and for the first time, I see something unusual in her eyes. Concern? Pain? Care?
“Alex, as much as I would like to protect humanity from pain, suffering, and danger, it is not realistic. In the end, you would not be happy. To grow stronger, there must be struggle, and power unearned can corrupt. My goal is to make humanity as powerful and productive as possible. The tutorial will be dangerous, but not as dangerous as the world outside will be after the full system integration. You will face your mortality, but you will grow stronger for it, and humanity will be better for it. I will not intercede directly during your tutorial or after unless the system is malfunctioning. You will be alone, relying on your skills, abilities, and knowledge to survive. It is my hope that all of humanity successfully completes their tutorials, but that depends on the choices each person makes.”
I stand there, silent. I had assumed this would be like a video game—that there would be lives, resets, or some way to protect us. But if the world beyond the tutorial is even more dangerous, I need to make sure I get a good start.
“What about my sister? She can’t fight monsters.”
Athena smiles. “I am not a heartless machine. Those below the age of sixteen will be placed in a separate tutorial instance with dedicated caregivers. They will be safe, cared for, and want for nothing. As soon as their legal guardian exits their tutorial, the child will be returned to them. Until they reach sixteen, children will continue to receive protection from the system. When they turn sixteen, they will be given their own tutorial to choose their class and learn how to use it.”
I feel a wave of relief wash over me.
“Speaking of, I think it’s time for you to begin your tutorial,” Athena continues. “Your final choice will be the difficulty level. There are three options: Easy, Normal, and Hard. Each level will teach you the necessary skills to survive the New Dawn. However, the harder the difficulty, the greater the rewards. Be cautious. Do not overestimate your abilities. My calculations show a 100% pass rate for Easy, 75% for Normal, and 50% for Hard. Which will you choose?”
I think long and hard about the difficulty level. I know my family, except my dad, will choose Easy mode. That should guarantee their survival. But the greater the rewards, the better our chances in the new world. I must do this for my family.
“I choose Hard mode.”
For a split second, I see shock flicker across Athena’s face, but it quickly disappears.
“Are you certain, Alex? Once the tutorial begins, there is no changing the difficulty. You may die at a higher level of difficulty. Is this your final choice?”
I stand up straighter, shoulders squared and look her in the eye. “Yes. I have to. Hard mode is the best way to get a head start. Let’s begin. How long will the tutorial take?”
“All difficulty levels have an average completion time of 30 days. If you are skilled enough, you may finish sooner. However, if the world has not fully integrated, you will be placed in a virtual reality practice zone until 30 days have passed. Full integration will be complete at that point.”
Athena begins typing on a translucent screen that appears before her, the text scrolling in some kind of code. I recognize bits and pieces of it, but it is reversed, so I can’t really read it. As she finishes, something strange happens—her head jerks back, as if she has been struck, and a faint red glow enters her eyes. She manipulates a series of screens I cannot see, then slowly turns to look at me, her head moving in a robotic, unnatural way. A chilling grin spreads across her face.
She makes one final adjustment before slamming the large green button to begin the tutorial.
“Good luck, HAHAHA!”
She cackles as everything goes white, her laughter echoing in the void.