Upon hearing my answer, instead of replying properly, Daniel gave me a scrutinizing look right in the eyes—again—while folding his hands in front of his chest. His face didn't show any expression.
Not yet.
Because afterward, the corners of his lips lifted, and he shook his head. "Controlling life, huh? Dang, Kid, I know what you mean, but... feels like I just gave a knife to a demon child. Geez. But me man of my words; wait here."
Oh? Daniel seemed to grasp the implications of my words that I could exploit in ways potentially troublesome—like a child discovering creative but mischievous ways to use new tools.
But Daniel was a man of principle, as he stated, so even though he knew I would be a problem, he still offered me help, as we had previously agreed. Ha! So eat that principle! I observed as Daniel began the modification with fingers dancing around the holographic screens. And it turned out the process was faster than I thought.
In less than a minute, Daniel had closed all the screens and looked back at me.
"Let's do a little testing in the back."
Nodding, I followed him to the back of the room, where there was an empty area with black floors and walls; that color probably came cause it was made of carbon, complete with green neon stripes on each interval for lighting.
Without warning, Daniel threw my Heart Core, which, fortunately, I could catch it quickly. He whistled in return. "Not bad."
Ding!
You have shown reflexes! Reflex Point +1 3/5 points to Grade F+ on Reflex
"Okay. Your hoverboard now has enhanced stability control. It will respond better to your movements, making it easier to control even at high speeds. Try summoning it out by dropping your Heart Core."
As I dropped the crystal orb, seconds before impact with the ground, it gave out digital particles. These fused to form an iron and metal mass that slowly intertwined to form a solid object. Object of an elegant board consisted of glossy black base, a shiny white middle layer, and a top of the same color. Two compact jet engines were installed on its rear.
I mounted the hoverboard, which hovered off the ground. When I leaned forward, expecting a smooth start, the board shot unexpectedly, speeding up much faster than anticipated—Ah!
I almost crashed into a wall!
Swoosh!
The sudden burst of speed caused me to swiftly adjust; I shifted my weight, leaned, and twisted to avoid the wall or other obstructions in the workshop. Despite the shock, it was thrilling—Ah! I almost crashed again, but to no avail! I managed to dodge nicely now. It took me a while to stop the board smoothly, yet suddenly, in front of Daniel, I caught my breath, attempting to appear unfazed.
"This... was good."
Daniel, who had watched the entire spectacle, chuckled. "Seems you hang on to it, eh? I intentionally made it a bit messy earlier. But amazingly you adapt quickly!"
'Hey! So that was him?!'
"You feel it? The board got a bit more kick, right? Hahaha! What with that face? I just wanted to see if you could handle it. You passed the test; take it. The setup is good to go."
Ding!
Congratulations!
Side Quest - Get your own Mount Completed!
EXP received: 50 Next to level 6: 58/560
Successfully activated the Mount feature!
Other notifications appeared, but my main menu took over all the screens. It instructed me to press [Inventory], which revealed a new slot titled [Mount]. There, the status of my hoverboard showed up, from the engine (which was still basic) to the full display and blueprint. It even had its own Grade level that could be upgraded.
Finished checking it, I closed the screen and lifted my Mount, which instantly dissolved into the crystal orb form in my hand.
Mount was acquired... but I knew we were far from done, as Daniel hadn't let me go yet. Letting go in the sense that he hadn't sent me to the next task. Usually, [Main Story] had a chain event, no? So I stood straight towards him, face-to-face, and the smile on his face returned. I knew I wasn't the only one making observations here.
'This NPC is also trying to learn about me.'
This wasn't the result of my wild thinking, as World: The Origin was designed to provide feedback and adapt based on the player's actions. The way Daniel approached was unusual, no? Unlike most NPCs, went straightforward when handling Quests? Therefore, I was optimistic that I was now in a [Hidden Event] triggered by my want to modify Mount while I couldn't. Because I managed to attract Daniel's attention.
This was a [Debate Session]—similar to a mini-game that needed logic, knowledge, or charisma to achieve specific objectives. Objective, namely, to deepen character relationships that also affect my reputation within the game. Get it wrong, and it could be troublesome.
Much like how players chose to only "look" at Noir even though they idolized her. Not even saying hello. Since this event happened randomly...
'...with penalties for wrong moves.'
After a long period of nothing happening, Daniel let out his usual giggle with his prosthetic hand clenched in front of his mouth. "What with that look? We done here. Go."
I raised an eyebrow. "Do you really want me to go?"
"Ha!" He stifled his laughter with head turned to the side. Based on his expression, he was looking for someone to joke around—probably about me. Before looking at me again. "Not bad. You have high awareness, eh? Here!"
Daniel suddenly threw his cell phone at me! But wait! Wasn't this an opportunity? With this device before me, I could peek at the system and find out about the strangeness that making me forget—
"Just kidding." He snatched it from my hand. "You really don't know when to stop, huh. What is in front of you isn't necessarily your business."
What? So he tossed his cell phone and quickly snatched it back, only to create a moment of surprise to test my curiosity? Then what? Remind me of boundaries? Oh, well, annoying! Who did he think I was?!
"How do you know what is before me none of my business? Are you a God or something? Or because 'I am older than you' bullshit? Fuck off."
Daniel's grin vanished when our eyes met, his gaze sharpening as though reevaluating his initial thoughts. He then leaned back, adopting a thoughtful look, though a hint of playfulness remained.
"Touche! Most would have taken their prize and left, but not you. You challenge, you push back. What caused it... what..." Now, he seemed to be reassessing me as if pondering what motivations had prompted me to behave differently from what he expected.
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Again, what did he think I was, a child with a leash?!
Tsk. Don't equate me with other players who passively accept situations! I glared at Daniel. And he replied with his head swaying left-right as if thinking something before slouching and giving me his initial cold stare. "What are you planning from this early on?"
With a scoff, I replied, "Why don't you find it out yourself?"
And he let out a smirk.
Ding!
Achievement Unlocked! Quick-Witted Challenger Finished Debate Session for the first time Hidden Event Probability Increased by 20%
Ding!
Congratulations!
Becoming friends with Daniel!
Notice! Interaction with AI gives friendship points Reach friendship level 10 to gain AI's special privileges
Oh, we became friends?
I thought my level was still too low to establish friendships, like when I tried to make an effort with Noir? But it seemed friendships with AIs depended on the status they held. For example, befriending the "Leaders" required our status to be equivalent to theirs. As for regular AIs, the requirements were even lower (besides if the said NPC was willing to be a friend).
"Go to Chris and try to get some counseling; you need it." Daniel made a shooing hand gesture. "And remember, don't burn the academy!"
Ding!
Main Story updated!
New Quest!
Consultancy report
Task Visit the Consultation Department and talk to "Chris" Location 420m Time limit - Prize Access to Quests in Vaughan; EXP +100
You have been tasked with creating a consultancy report, but first, you need to gather insights from the experts. Head over to the Consultation Department and find Chris. Be friendly and curious when you talk to him; Chris might be willing to share some tips if you ask the right questions!
Sigh, I gave him one glance before leaving the Gear Department's main building. Taking out my hoverboard, I rode through Vaughan's streets to Chris's location.
While on the road, I reviewed what had happened... something I acted up.
Although Daniel's words (plus his annoying behavior) were like a slap in the face as I was here to solve a problem thrust before me, I didn't need to mind it. I could, at least, conclude that Daniel respected boundaries once they were clearly established, as shown when he took back his phone. Even so, he was still willing to engage, even after a confrontation, though it was based on his caution towards me as a trouble to keep an eye on.
It was the traditional approach; an enemy might be easily observed if they were near you... as a friend, right?
Welcome to the Consultation Department Main Building!
When that screen banner disappeared three seconds from my view, I noticed this building looked like an office. Sharp, clean lines of the architecture, the furniture, the soft lighting, and walls decorated with digital screens displaying schedules further emphasized the business atmosphere.
The Quest clue said I should go to the topmost floor. So, I waited in front of the lift, letting a few people rush out, before entering and waiting for my floor to arrive. When I reached the top, my [Map] pointed at one of the doors. Once I opened it, it turned out that finding Chris wasn't that difficult.
Since there was only one person in this room.
A man with long, flowing purple hair. His clothes were simple yet elegant—a pure black suit. He looked up when he heard the door creaking open, revealing his purple irises.
"You must be one Daniel mentioned. Please, have a seat."
Comply, I took a seat across from him.
Chris's room was spacious and well-lit, with a large window right behind him that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. There was a sense of tranquility here.
'I kinda like it.'
"Let's see..." He took a piece of paper. "First test was good. [Stability], [Tactics], [Focus], and [Reflex] are quite notable. But then you picked on one of the Senior Staff, hm?"
Daniel must be the Senior Staff he referred to, as I have only encountered two NPCs so far.
Remembering how Daniel had ordered me to meet Chris meant the man before me wasn't a regular staff. Another proof was how other players continued their Quests after meeting Daniel were guided by different names—ordinary NPCs who were available during their free time. Not a specific mention like Chris.
This confirmed what I thought: my [Main Story] had shifted.
'Just a bit... maybe?'
Well, a bit because I could still readjust it and started to prepare for the stage ahead. So it would be better if I replied honestly since these types of people who seem gentle—not to mention always smiling—like Chris usually have their own dark side. And people like him were the hardest to deal with; they were manipulative themselves.
Even though I knew that not all people in power were essentially evil or had bad intentions—like me, for example (or maybe not)—but...
'...I didn't want to be confronted by troubles beyond my control.'
Thus replied, "Daniel is approachable that way."
"Hmmm." Tossing the paper in his hand onto the table before him, Chris interlaced his fingers and rested his chin on them. "Where do you know that?"
"Intuition."
Hearing it, he nodded and leaned against the chair with a smile, though still thin, as if to show he was interested. "Daniel only 'saw' those above him. You, as a new student, must have found it difficult to gain his attention. Hmm, good enough."
"So, are you going to counsel me?"
"Why should I?" His eyes went to me. "Not a 'counsel' that you need, anyway."
Oh...?
I opened my mouth to ask—
"Did Daniel explain about [Equipment]?"
—yet I wasn't going to because Chris interrupted me first. I merely answered his question with a short shake of my head.
As it turned out, he explained IN DETAIL about [Equipment] and all the ins and outs of the [Inventory] that I already knew about. Then, he went on to explain [Daily and Weekly Quests] as well!
'Ah, what a waste of time!'