Kai learned everything he could about being a Ripper Doc in the following days. He studied human and machine anatomy, learned how to diagnose cybernetic malfunctions, and how to perform the necessary surgeries to fix them.
In a world where man and machine were often the same, a Ripper Doc had to be both a skilled surgeon and an adept mechanic. It was a tall order for someone who had woken up in a new body just a few days ago, but Kai was determined.
As he went about his studies, Kai noticed something unusual. Every time he learned something new, a numerical value in his mind would increase, accompanied by a pleasant chime that seemed to resonate within his mind.
At first, he thought it was a figment of his imagination, a side effect of the neural shock he had suffered. But the more it happened, the more he realized there was a pattern.
He decided to experiment and focus on a medical text about neural interfaces. As he absorbed the information, he felt the familiar chime and saw the number associated with the ‘Technical Ability’ skill in his mind increase. A sense of satisfaction washed over him like he'd accomplished something important.
Curious, Kai visited the woman who had become his reluctant mentor. She appeared more intrigued than surprised when he explained what he'd been experiencing.
"What you're describing," she said, her gaze thoughtful, "Sounds like an integrated RPG system. It's rare but not unheard of. Some people have their brains wired to gain levels and skills like a character in a video game."
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As bizarre as it sounded, it made sense. The numbers, the chime, the importance of accomplishment—he was leveling up in real life, improving his skills through an RPG system.
"But why would anyone want to do that?" Kai asked, bewildered.
The woman shrugged. "Some people find it motivating to see a quantifiable representation of their progress. For others, it's just a game, a way to make life more interesting."
Kai considered her words, staring blankly at the medical instruments lined up neatly on a table. A game. He was a character in a real-life game with real consequences.
It was a strange realization, but it also gave him hope. With this system, he could track his progress and know if he was improving. He could become better, stronger, wiser. He could become a better Ripper Doc.
He left the clinic that day with a newfound sense of purpose. A system was integrated into his existence, a unique tool to aid him in his quest to become the best Ripper Doc. All he had to do was unlock its full potential.
And thus, Kai plunged deeper into the world of cybernetics and medicine, his days filled with learning, training, and upgrading. As he immersed himself in this new reality, he felt more and more like Kai—the new Kai, a man on a mission with a system to unlock a city to save.
And though he knew there were battles yet to fight, debts to repay, and dangers lurking in the neon-lit shadows, he felt ready. After all, he was not just Kai anymore. He was a player in the most dangerous game of his life, armed with an RPG system, a determined spirit, and a will to survive.