Amidst the murmuring in the expansive auditorium, a man in a pristine lab coat commands attention as he stands before the assembled crowd.
"I have gathered you here on behalf of the city of Schwanstein," he announces his voice firm and commanding. "I am Vörher, representing what was once Germany. Each functioning city has been summoned for a reason of paramount importance—a scientific discovery critical to humanity's survival and progression."
From his left, a voice interjects, challenging his authority.
"This must be incredibly significant if you've mustered the authority to convene us all," Alexander Summit from Washington City asserts skeptically. "Your reputation as a renowned scientist doesn't justify arbitrary summons."
Vörher acknowledges the skepticism with a nod before responding confidently, "You're right. I'm merely a scientist, but what I've unearthed transcends mere fame. It will redefine humanity's trajectory entirely."
With a subtle gesture, Vörher conjures a glowing crimson rectangle above his palm, displaying a single word: TENACITY. Silence falls over the room, then erupts into a cacophony of voices, each person grappling with the weight of what lies before them.
"Calm down, everyone. I will explain what you are seeing," Vörher interjects, his tone firm yet reassuring.
Alexander Summit scoffs incredulously. "You expect us to believe you just magically conjured something before us? This is insane."
Marcel Dubois intervenes diplomatically, attempting to ease the tension. "Perhaps if we withhold judgment for a moment, we can gain some clarity."
Nikolai Volkov offers his interpretation, his voice laced with curiosity. "Given the name written on it, 'тенсити,' it must pertain to some aspect of emotion or personality."
Vörher appears momentarily taken aback, his gaze shifting between the button and Nikolai. The sudden appearance of the text in a different language prompts a flurry of questions in his mind.
"Alright, gentlemen," Vörher begins, regaining his composure. "This is the manifestation of Tenacity—a trait my brother and I discovered. Initially, we could only replicate basic status effects like health, strength, and stamina. The vials we developed could harness these effects into liquid form. Ingesting or applying this liquid to the body allowed for absorption and enhancement of the specified status."
Nikolai Volkov's inquiry cuts through the tension lingering in the room. "So, what exactly does Tenacity do?"
"I'm glad you asked," Vörher responds, his expression earnest. "Tenacity embodies pure strength. While strength was an initial trial version, albeit potent, it lacked purity. Tenacity enhances one's physical strength, but I've noticed a subtle undercurrent of fear whenever I've employed it. Although this ability is in its infancy, there's vast potential for experimentation and utilization."
Marcel Dubois seeks clarification. "And traits are...?"
"Traits encompass emotions, personalities, and even the fundamental stats of all living beings," Vörher explains. "Our mission was to unlock and empower individuals to harness their innate traits."
Alexander Summit interjects with skepticism. "You can't seriously be considering bestowing magical powers upon everyone. The world's technological landscape is already wildly divergent—some cities have regressed centuries, while others, like ours, remain advanced."
Nikolai Volkov offers a counterpoint. "While warfare may undergo drastic changes with the introduction of magical traits, technological progress could persist and propel humanity forward."
Vörher acknowledges both perspectives before steering the discussion toward a more urgent matter.
"However," he continues, capturing the room's attention once more, "we face a more pressing concern. We've encountered beings capable not only of wielding these traits for destruction but also of possessing formidable power. The city of Schwanstein narrowly escaped annihilation at the hands of skeletons and corruption. Our understanding of the universe is fragmentary at best—I'm even proposing the existence of alternate realities."
As Vörher's assertion stirs the room into a chaotic frenzy of discussion and argument, Marcel Dubois demands evidence.
"Do you have any proof of these alternate universes and these supposed skeletons?" he challenges.
"I do," Vörher replies calmly, his confidence unwavering.
Approaching a nearby console, Vörher activates a holographic projection, revealing images of six distinct skeletons.
"These are six iterations of the same individual," Vörher announces, gesturing towards the spectral figures. "Furthermore, we have a key witness who not only encountered these skeletal beings but also journeyed beyond our realm."
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From Vörher's right, Rück Müller strides forward, standing beside him to corroborate his account.
"From the firsthand information I gathered while pursuing that skeleton," Rück begins, pausing briefly for emphasis, "each of these skeletons represents an alternate version of Hegemon, my deceased brother. Hegemon was corrupted by a catalyst we've termed 'Corruption.' While the realm we accessed defies conventional means of entry, it undeniably exists. There's irrefutable evidence of creatures inhabiting this realm, possessing abilities far beyond our own."
Amidst the fervent debate, Alexander Summit interjects with a practical concern.
"Even with evidence, can't the military, which we all rely on for protection, handle these monsters and creatures?" he queries.
Rück Müller steps forward, offering insight gained from personal experience.
"I've honed my abilities through rigorous training and combat with the skeletal Hegemon from our universe," he explains. "The abilities I possess are Resentment and Code."
Nikolai Volkov's curiosity is piqued. "Code?"
Rück elaborates, detailing the attributes of his acquired abilities.
"Resentment stems from feelings of abandonment by Vörher, whom I believed to be deceased," Rück clarifies. "And Code is a residual effect from the experimental Strength I underwent. With these abilities, I was able to move at the speed of light and deliver a powerful blow. Yet, astonishingly, my adversary barely flinched."
Marcel Dubois presses for clarification. "So, you're claiming you can move faster than light, and it still didn't incapacitate him?"
Rück nods, acknowledging the incredulity of his claim. "Traits possess boundless potential. With sufficient practice, one can achieve remarkable feats within their respective trait."
Alexander Summit voices skepticism. "And you propose to dictate which traits each individual receives?"
Vörher intervenes, seeking to clarify the process.
"It's not a matter of selection; individuals already possess their inherent trait," he explains. "Our role is merely to facilitate access to these innate abilities. While most people may share common traits, some may exhibit multiple—albeit weaker than singular ones. This concept is still theoretical."
Marcel Dubois presses further, concerned about potential chaos.
"How do you intend to prevent individuals from turning on each other, leading to anarchy?" he inquires.
Vörher emphasizes the importance of governance and accountability.
"Although it's not within our purview to dictate, we advocate for governmental regulation," he asserts. "Authorities should oversee the responsible use of abilities, akin to the management of conventional weaponry. Misuse will be met with appropriate consequences, ensuring order and stability."
The room falls into a moment of contemplative silence as Vörher's words sink in, prompting introspection among the gathered individuals.
"Regardless," Vörher continues, breaking the silence, "we must strive to enhance humanity. We've been fortunate that events of this magnitude haven't occurred sooner."
With a decisive gesture, Vörher deactivates the holographic projection, returning the room to its original state.
"If anyone has questions, comments, or concerns, now is the time to voice them," he invites.
Nikolai Volkov raises a pertinent query. "How many traits can a person possess?"
"At present, I hold the record with seven distinct abilities," Vörher reveals. "I've utilized them in combat with success, demonstrating their versatility."
Marcel Dubois seeks clarification regarding the nature of these abilities. "Could you elaborate on the differences between the abilities you've discovered?"
"Certainly," Vörher responds, ready to elucidate. "Consider Strength and Heal, for instance. Both can manifest as blades, but their effects differ. A blade imbued with Strength will inflict significant physical damage, whereas one infused with Heal may drain the enemy's life force, albeit with less immediate impact."
Vörher's command summons forth his seven abilities, each shimmering with distinct energy as they orbit around him: Tenacity, Audacity, Legality, Love, Idleness, Devotion, and Persistence.
"With that, can we put it to a vote on what the world will do next?" Vörher proposes, his tone resolute.
Initially hesitant, the attendees exchange uncertain glances. Slowly, hands begin to rise, some individuals even rising from their seats in anticipation of the vote.
Marcel Dubois stands, his voice carrying a note of determination. "For the expansion and protection of our world."
As his words echo through the room, a palpable shift occurs. What was once a chamber filled with trepidation and uncertainty now resonates with an electric energy. Cheers erupt, jubilant voices mingling in a chorus of unity as the vote is cast unanimously. Hope fills the air, propelling them forward on a path of collective action and purpose.
With the vote cast and unanimous agreement reached, a newfound sense of purpose envelops the room. Vörher, his abilities still swirling around him, nods with satisfaction at the unity displayed before him.
"We stand on the brink of a new era," he declares, his voice resonating with conviction. "Together, we will harness the power of our traits to propel humanity toward a brighter future."
The assembled group, once divided by doubt and uncertainty, now stands united in their resolve. Plans are set in motion to implement Vörher's vision, with each city contributing its expertise and resources to the cause.
In the days and weeks that follow, strides are made in understanding and harnessing the potential of traits. Research facilities hum with activity as scientists collaborate on groundbreaking discoveries. Governments work together to establish protocols for the responsible use of abilities, ensuring safety and stability.
As humanity embraces its newfound abilities, they face challenges and obstacles along the way. Yet, with perseverance and determination, they overcome each hurdle, guided by the shared goal of progress and prosperity.
Years pass, and the world transforms in ways once thought unimaginable. With traits integrated into daily life, society flourishes, and humanity reaches new heights of innovation and enlightenment.