Archie groggily opened his eyes and was met with what looked like a white room. Looking around the room he saw what looked like a white outline of a human. But the ‘human’ did not have any features at all; the ‘human’ looked like one of those wooden artist dolls but white.
Archie pinched himself, trying to see if he was having a tripped-out lucid dream. Feeling the pain and feeling his stomach sink. Archie approached the ‘human’, “Hello? Where am I? What’s going on?”
“Greetings newly integrated Human. You are in the pre-tutorial phase of the introduction of the system. I shall oversee your introduction into the tutorial.” The white ‘human’ introduced. When the ‘human’ spoke it sounded neither masculine nor feminine, rather it spoke in the most monotone voice Archie had ever heard.
“Tutorial? For what? Who are you?” Archie asked confusedly as he sat down across from the ‘human’.
“Your Universe has reached the minimum threshold to be integrated within the multiverse starting the 72nd cycle. The Introduction was introduced after the 5th cycle and was made for those who are newly integrated within the multiverse. Previously without the Introduction, older universes who have been a part of the multiverse for a much longer time typically invade and take most of the records that should have gone to the newly integrated races. As such the tutorial was made to prepare newly integrated races for the multiverse. I am an aspect of the system introducing you to your beginner class and choice for your tutorial.” The system aspect responded
“Okay, thanks…Do you know where my family is? Can I go to them?” Archie asked.
“After choosing your class, you get to choose which type of tutorial you get sent to either a group tutorial or solo tutorial. If your family was nearby by where you previously stood, then they shall be in the Group Tutorial,” The system aspect responded.
“Shit. I live in Illinois, and they live in Arizona, that’s probably way too far.” Archie mumbled out while grabbing the lower half of his face with this hand.
“What’s the difference between the Group and Solo Tutorial,” Archie asked.
“The Group Tutorial will be comprised of 1250 humans with each group spawning within five kilometers of another group, each group will contain five humans. Their goal is to survive and collect Tutorial Points. The Solo Tutorial will take place in a separate setting where you are to survive by your lonesome and collect tutorial points, but eventually you will be merged with a random group tutorial.” The system aspect answered.
“Okay, it’s probably best for me to choose the Solo Tutorial to take the chance that I might merge with my family’s group tutorial. No way my family would choose the Solo Tutorial especially when they all live close to each other.”
“Solo Tutorial chosen. Please select one of the following classes.” The system aspect asked before five text boxes appeared before Archie.
Healer:
One of the basic starting classes. A Healer can mend bones and flesh, cure disease, and apply effects to both their allies and themselves. The class provides minimal combat abilities, but when surrounded by allies various buffs shall be applied to those around them. Abilities Granted: Mana Manipulation (Initiate), Heal & Minor Stamina Enhancement. Granted A Basic Staff, A Dagger, Healer robes & 3x Mana, Stamina, and Health potions (Common). Stats per level: +2 Wis, +2 Int, +1 Will, +1 Free Point.
Mage:
One of the basic starting classes. A Mage can call upon the Arcane to attack foes and protect themselves. The class focuses on magical combat, preferring to stand afar to rain destruction upon their foes due to their meager defensive capabilities. Abilities Granted: Mana Manipulation (Initiate), Manabolt & Mana Shield. Granted A Basic wand, A Dagger, Mage robes & 3x Mana, Stamina, and Health potions (Common). Stats per level: +2 Int, +2 Wis, +1 Will, +1 Free Point.
Archer:
One of the basic starting classes. An Archer uses a bow and arrow to attack foes from afar. The class focuses on ranged combat, preferring to stand afar from their enemies due to their meager defensive capabilities and rain arrows upon them. Abilities Granted: Basic Archery (Initiate), Archer’s Vision (Initiate) & Arrow Generation (Beginner). Granted A Basic Bow, Quiver, Dagger, Leather armor & 3x Mana, Stamina, and Health potions (Common). Stats per level: +2 Agi, +2 Per, +1 Str, +1 Free Point.
Warrior:
One of the basic starting classes. A Warrior uses One-Handed Melee Weapons and a Light-Shield to attack foes up close. This class focuses on high melee damage and moderate defense, preferring to stand in the forefront of combat. Abilities Granted: Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Initiate) & Basic Light-Shield Mastery (Initiate). Granted: A Basic Broadsword, A Light-Shield, A Dagger, Plated chain-mail armor & 3x Mana, Stamina, and Health potions (Common). Stats per level: +2 Vit, +2 Str, +1 Agi, +1 Free Point.
Vanguard:
One of the basic starting classes. A Vanguard uses One-Handed Melee Weapons and a Heavy-Shield to attack foes up close and prevent their enemies from approaching their allies. This class focuses on high defense and moderate damage, preferring to stand in the forefront of combat. Abilities Granted: Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Initiate) & Basic Heavy-Shield Mastery (Initiate). Granted: A Basic Broadsword, A Heavy-Shield, A Dagger, Iron armor & 3x Mana, Stamina, and Health potions (Common). Stats per level: +2 Vit, +2 Str, +1 End, +1 Free Point.
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“Okay, that’s a lot to take in,” Archie said, looking over the five text boxes that covered his vision.
“Being a Healer allows me to heal any wounds I have, but provides zero combat ability, so healer is off the table. Being a Mage would be cool, but I don’t see myself surviving early on by my lonesome when I run out of mana.” Archie mumbled to himself before asking, “Can I learn magic, healing, or any of the other trades even if I pick a different class?”
“Yes. Basic starter classes do not lock you from learning other skills or abilities, they simply start your Journey.” The system aspect replied
“Journey? What do you mean by Journey?” Archie questioned
“Your Journey is your Journey.” The system aspect answered.
“What does that mean? Archie asked, furrowing his brows at the system aspect’s non-answer.
The system aspect did not respond.
Sighing Archie mulled over the other three classes. “Archer would be a smart pick, sniping enemies from afar, but like the other two; too squishy. Besides what happens if I run out of arrows? So, I’m left with Warrior and Vanguard, Bruiser vs Tank. Looking at the point distribution between them, the Vanguard tanks the enemies and attacks while the Warrior bobs and weaves in between attacks… I’ve always liked playing melee classes in games.”
“I choose Warrior as my Basic Starter Class,” Archie decided.
You have obtained the Warrior Class!
Gained Skill: [Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Initiate)]
Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Initiate):
One of a warrior’s closest allies, for it shall slay your foes. Grants knowledge of Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery with most One-Handed Weapons.
Gained Skill: [Basic Light-Shield Mastery (Initiate)]
Basic Light-Shield Mastery (Initiate):
One of a warrior’s closest allies, for it shall protect you from those who wish you harm. Unlocks Basic Light-Shield Mastery with most Light-Shields.
Suddenly a table with a satchel filled with nine potions and a dagger appeared in front of him. And to the sides of the table were floating weapons and shields. On the right side of the table were swords, maces, and many other one-handed melee weapons. On the left side of the table were light shields of all shapes and colors.
Archie, having no knowledge of how to use any of the weapons and shields offered to him, decided to go for the classic broadsword and heater shield combo.
Looking down at himself he noticed his previous clothes were replaced with plated chain-mail armor, without gloves or a helmet.
Strapping the satchel around his back and awkwardly holding his sword and shield, Archie looked at the new notification that popped up.
Gained Skill: [Identify (Initiate)]
Identify (Initiate):
A basic identification skill, given to all the myriad races. The skill allows you to see the history of items and identify creatures. Limited to your racial grade limit.
“Can I see my own Status Screen?” Archie asked, but as the words left his mouth a screen appeared in front of his face.
Archie Gracefield
Race: Human F-Grade Lv 0
Class: Warrior Lv 0
Profession: *Empty*
Health: 80/80
Mana: 70/70
Stamina: 90/90
Stats:
Vitality: 8
Strength: 9
Endurance: 9
Agility: 8
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 7
Willpower: 8
Perception: 7
Free Points: 0
Skills:
Basic One-Handed Weapon Mastery (Initiate)
Basic Light-Shield Mastery (Initiate)
Identify (Initiate)
“Why is the word F-Grade next to my race? And why is it at level 0?” Archie questioned before joking, “Was I not a human before?”
A screen appeared in front of Archie once more, giving him even more questions.
Human (F-Grade):
The lowest grade of human within the multiverse. Human (F-Grade) are only found within newly initiated worlds, due to their bodies not being imbued with mana from conception. Humans are widely spread within the multiverse and are known to be the most balanced race amongst the myriad races within the multiverse, but far from the strongest. Stats per level: All Stats +1, +1 Free Point.
“How do I get a higher racial grade?” Archie asked, his brow furrowed in thought. “Do I have to do things that humans do? Like build a fire and hunt?”
But once again Archie was met with an awkward silence as the system aspect refused to answer. Leaving Archie to click his tongue and look back at his status page.
“Alright, what about my profession?” he questioned, noticing its Empty state. Yet, the silence persisted.
“Okay then, what happens now? Do I go back to Earth?” Archie asked, trying to pry at least some information from the system aspect.
“Earth is currently being terraformed. You shall arrive back on Earth after the completion of the Tutorial.” The system aspect replied, breaking its previous silence.
“Is there some sort of enemy against the system that I should be preparing for? Like some sort of eldritch horde?” Archie asked. Some of the novels and games he played had such concepts of where some sort of higher power supporting a character to fight for them on their behalf. Similar to most stories in mythologies where gods provide boons to their champions to fight in their name.
“No,” the system aspect answered plainly. “There is no such thing.”
“Then what is your purpose?” Archie questioned, confused as to what the whole point of integrating his universe. Was it…bored? Why even integrate universes together if you just do…this?
The system took a second before responding to Archie’s question. “The system’s purpose is to spread into a universe and merge them into the multiverse.”
“Then what is your purpose for existing?” Archie pushed, still confused by its answer. “Why do any of this? What do you gain from doing this?”
“What is your purpose for existing?” the system aspect replied calmly, turning the question back on him.
Archie froze, the weight of his own words sinking in. He realized, with a flush of embarrassment, just how hostile his questioning had become.
A brief silence filled the air between them before the system aspect continued. “The system has always existed even before the beginning. The existence of the system is the existence of everything.”
Archie waited a second before responding, “I’m sorry for coming at you like that. You’ve been answering my questions and I’ve been an ass.”
“That is alright, the questions you’ve asked are very common among new initiates,” The system aspect replied.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Archie asked; “How do I start the tutorial?”
In response, a large ice-blue rectangle appeared two meters away from where Archie stood.
A Portal? Archie questioned.
Grabbing his gear Archie walked towards the portal. Just before he entered, he turned back to the system aspect and said, “Thanks for your help. Will I ever see you again?”
“If your Journey deems it so,” replied the system aspect, its tone still monotone.
It’s like I’m back in high school all over again, Archie thought while rolling his eyes in mirth, anxious about his future. With a final step, Archie walked through the icy blue portal, excitement evident on his face.