Chapter 2: A New Beginning

The holographic screen flickered before Liam's eyes, the message still echoing in his mind. "Welcome, Liam, to the Tutorial Zone. Complete the tasks and learn the rules of the System. Only then will you be allowed to return to Earth."

As Liam tried to process the situation, the screen changed to display a new set of information. Before him lay a table of stats, with categories such as level, class, profession, skills, traits, and race. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of choosing his own abilities and shaping his destiny within this strange new world.

Level: 0

Race: Human

Class: N/A

Profession: N/A

Skills: N/A

Traits: N/A

The screen then displayed three categories: Class Selection, Skill Selection, and Trait Selection. Liam's heart raced as he considered the possibilities that lay before him.

First, he focused on the Class Selection. Five options appeared, each offering unique abilities and strengths tailored to Liam's adventurous nature and desire for freedom.

[System Message: Class Descriptions]

1. Daredevil - For those who live on the edge and find excitement in the face of danger, the Daredevil class specializes in pushing boundaries and defying limits. This class thrives in high-risk situations, focusing on agility, speed, and improvisation to turn the tide in their favor. Daredevils possess an innate ability to calculate and execute daring maneuvers with ease, making them adept at escaping even the most perilous situations. However, their focus on risk-taking may also expose them to greater dangers.

Liam pondered the Daredevil class. The thrill of high-risk situations and the focus on agility and speed were definitely appealing to him. However, the possible exposure to greater danger due to their risk-taking nature gave him pause. He continued reading the other class descriptions.

2. Survivalist - Adept at enduring and thriving in harsh environments, the Survivalist class focuses on resourcefulness and adaptability. This class excels at hunting, tracking, and utilizing their surroundings to their advantage. Their knowledge of nature and their ability to survive in extreme conditions make them invaluable in any situation. While their combat abilities may not be as flashy as other classes, their resilience and versatility make them a formidable opponent.

As Liam read about the Survivalist class, he couldn't help but feel a connection to it. Having grown up in Alaska, he was no stranger to harsh environments and had always been resourceful. The class's focus on adaptability and resilience could be a great fit for his desire for longevity in this new world. He continued reading.

3. Pathfinder - Pioneers in exploration and navigation, Pathfinders have a natural affinity for discovering hidden paths and treasures. Their keen senses and in-depth knowledge of geography make them excellent scouts and guides. While not primarily focused on combat, their ability to locate and exploit weaknesses in their enemies makes them a force to be reckoned with.

The Pathfinder class caught Liam's attention. He had always been drawn to exploration and discovery, and the idea of uncovering hidden paths and treasures was exhilarating. However, the class's limited focus on combat made him uncertain if it was the right choice for him.

4. Aeronaut - A class that takes to the skies, Aeronauts are masters of aerial combat and exploration. With a unique affinity for flight, they can expertly maneuver through the air and exploit their vantage point to outmaneuver opponents. Aeronauts excel in speed and precision, but their reliance on aerial superiority may leave them vulnerable in situations where they are grounded or confined.

Liam considered the Aeronaut class. The prospect of mastering aerial combat and exploration was undeniably enticing. However, he realized that the vulnerability in grounded situations could be a significant drawback, especially in a world filled with unknown dangers.

5. Elementalist - Wielders of the fundamental forces of nature, Elementalists command the raw power of the elements. Their mastery of fire, water, earth, and air allows them to unleash devastating attacks and create powerful defenses. While their elemental abilities grant them immense power, they must also carefully manage their energy reserves to avoid overexertion and depletion.

The Elementalist class intrigued Liam. The idea of commanding the raw power of the elements seemed almost intoxicating. Yet, he couldn't ignore the potential complications of managing energy reserves and the risk of overexertion.

[System Message: Please select your class.]

The Daredevil class caught his attention. As a class tailored for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, it focused on enhancing agility, speed, and reflexes, making it easier for the user to perform daring stunts and feats. Liam was instantly drawn to the class, as it seemed to perfectly align with his adventurous spirit and love for extreme sports.

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However, as he weighed the benefits of the Daredevil class against those of the Survivalist, he couldn't help but feel torn. The Daredevil class would undoubtedly cater to his desire for adrenaline-pumping experiences, but it lacked the adaptability and versatility that the Survivalist offered.

Liam thought about the countless times he had found himself in dangerous situations while pursuing his thrill-seeking activities. He knew that his desire for ultimate freedom and adventure would only push him into more extreme situations in this new world, where the stakes would be even higher.

After much deliberation, Liam decided that the Survivalist class was the best choice for him. Its focus on adaptability and self-sufficiency would provide him with the skills and knowledge necessary to survive the challenges he was bound to face while seeking out thrilling experiences. While the Daredevil class appealed to his adrenaline-seeking side, the Survivalist class would ensure that he could not only pursue his passions but also survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

With a decisive nod, Liam selected the Survivalist class. As he did so, the screen updated to reflect his choice:

Upon confirming his class, the starting gear for the Survivalist appeared before him: an all-purpose knife, a basic tool kit, and sturdy clothing. Liam picked up the items, feeling their weight and texture, and the realization that this was all real began to sink in.

With his class selected, Liam moved on to Skill Selection. The screen presented him with five skills that could be developed and changed through use. Each skill had a brief description of its potential benefits and drawbacks. Liam considered how each skill would complement his choice of the Survivalist class and his desire for thrilling experiences.

1. Endurance - Increases stamina and resilience, allowing for longer periods of physical activity without tiring, enhanced ability to escape life-threatening situations, and survival in harsh environments. However, it does not directly enhance combat abilities.

2. Quick Reflexes - Enhances reaction time and agility, allowing for better evasion and faster movement. However, it does not improve physical strength.

3. Parkour Mastery - Allows for efficient and creative movement through any environment, granting the ability to overcome obstacles with ease. However, it does not provide any direct combat advantages.

4. Stealth - Improves the ability to move silently and remain hidden, making it easier to avoid detection. However, it does not increase combat effectiveness.

5. Tinkering - Grants an aptitude for creating and modifying tools and devices, allowing for the creation of useful gadgets. However, it does not provide any direct combat benefits.

Liam contemplated each skill. Quick Reflexes and Parkour Mastery both appealed to him, as they would enhance his ability to perform daring stunts and feats. Stealth could come in handy during his adventures, helping him avoid danger when necessary. Tinkering also seemed interesting, allowing him to create gadgets that could aid him in various situations.

After careful consideration, Liam chose the "Endurance" skill. He realized that the ability to survive and endure harsh conditions would be crucial in the new world, and it would provide a solid foundation for his other skills and abilities.

Finally, it was time for Trait Selection. Traits were intrinsic abilities that granted certain privileges to the individual. The screen displayed five options tailored to Liam, each with its own unique properties. Liam thought about how each trait would further support his chosen class and adventurous lifestyle.

1. Fearless - Immunity to fear-based effects, allowing the individual to face even the most daunting challenges with unwavering courage.

2. Iron Will - Grants increased mental fortitude and resistance to mental manipulation, but does not affect physical abilities.

3. Adaptability - The ability to quickly adjust to new situations and environments, allowing for faster learning and problem-solving. However, it does not provide any direct combat advantages.

4. Intuition - Possesses a keen sense of intuition, which can help anticipate danger or find hidden opportunities. However, it does not improve combat abilities.

5. Lucky - An innate sense of luck that occasionally helps avoid misfortune or stumble upon fortunate occurrences. However, it is not a guaranteed effect and does not directly improve abilities.

Liam pondered the traits. Iron Will and Adaptability both seemed like strong contenders, as they would provide him with the mental fortitude and flexibility necessary to overcome challenges. Intuition could potentially help him sense danger, while Lucky might occasionally provide a stroke of good fortune.

After much deliberation, Liam decided on the "Fearless" trait. He believed that being able to face even the most daunting challenges without fear would be essential in his quest for ultimate freedom and thrilling experiences.

With his selections complete, Liam's stat table updated once more:

Level: 1

Race: Human

Class: Survivalist

Profession: N/A

Skills: Endurance

Traits: Fearless

He noticed his level had suddenly jumped to one upon the completion of his selection.

As the screen disappeared, Liam looked around and noticed that others had finished their selections as well. The atmosphere in the Tutorial Zone was tense and apprehensive, as everyone silently contemplated the unknown challenges that lay ahead. Liam, however, felt more ready than ever to face the trials ahead and uncover the secrets of the System, all while pursuing the ultimate freedom and thrilling experiences he craved.

Suddenly, a system message appeared before Liam and the others:

[Objective: Survive for the next 30 days. Good luck!]

Before anyone could react, the world around them shifted. Liam found himself standing in the middle of a vast, snow-covered landscape, devoid of any sign of human habitation. The biting cold immediately seeped through his clothes, and the harsh wind whipped against his face, stinging his skin. The sky above was a dull gray, heavy with the promise of more snowfall.

Liam's excitement grew as he took in his surroundings. This was exactly the type of adventure he had been longing for. He glanced around, noticing that he was not alone. Three other people stood nearby, all seemingly disoriented and terrified by their new environment. In the distance, he could make out faint tracks in the snow, indicating that even more people had been scattered throughout the area.

As the others huddled together, shivering and sharing fearful glances, Liam couldn't help but smile. He was eager to put his Survivalist skills to the test and face the challenges that this harsh landscape had to offer. He knew that he had chosen the right path, and his Fearless trait allowed him to embrace the adventure without hesitation.

Liam took a deep breath, feeling the cold air fill his lungs, and set off into the frozen wilderness. Each step he took sent a spray of snow into the air, and the crunch of his boots on the icy ground filled the silence. The wind howled like a feral beast, and the snow swirled around him in a chaotic dance, but Liam remained undaunted.

His journey had begun, and he was ready to face whatever the System had in store for him.