5:30 a.m.
Elijah rolled over in his pitch black room and grabbed his phone, silencing his alarm and letting his head sink back into the pillow for a moment before forcing himself out of bed. He got straight to his morning routine, dancing naked in the cold air of the bathroom while he waited for his morning shower to warm up, missing the warm cocoon that is his fleece blanket.
After finishing up in the shower, he toweled himself dry and got dressed in jogging pants, a windbreaker, and a stocking cap. Went downstairs and grabbed his breakfast shake from the fridge with a note on it from his mom
"Blueberry+Banana+Peanut Butter+Oats
Take the trash out to the road when you leave for your morning run. Please love you. "
_Ugghh, why doesn't she just have me do this last night. Her insistence on leaving notes for me instead drives me bonkers._
He rounded up the trash in the house and took it to the big blue plastic bin outside and hauled it down the long drive, leaving it next to the mailbox. He tucked his shake into his backpack and clipped it onto his back, and started his long jog to school down country roads.
He'd been going for about half an hour when the country bus went past him on its way out to pick kids up. It already had a couple of kids on it.
One of them slid one of the windows down and threw a water bottle and proceeded to let out an audible groan as Elijah sidestepped the poorly thrown bottle that might have hit one of his legs. Had the guy not had his arm hanging all the way out his window telegraphic exactly what he was gonna do for a liberal quarter-mile he might have hit him.
Shaking his head, he continued his jog through the brisk November air. His eyes stung as the wind ripped at his clothes and felt like needles stabbing him anywhere his skin was exposed. He glanced down at his smart watch as it chimed with the sunrise jingle it did every day.
6:28 a.m.
He set his book bag down in the Frost coated grass on the side of the road, grabbing his drink out and then sitting on the bag. He peered out to the east where he could see the sun starting to peer over the horizon.
He drank down his shake, wishing his mom was less fond of oats. He sat there on the side of the road and as the sun Crest over the hill spilling rays of golden light through the trees separating the ground from the sky on the other side of the already torn down corn field.
"Morning Dad," he spoke to no one in particular while watching the sunrise. "Marcus and I got into another fight yesterday. They never happen often, but it always su-"
An alert started ringing through on his phone, sounding like a buzzer. When a pop-up flashed across the screen.
[EMERGENCY BROADCAST FROM U.N. HEADQUARTERS]
It opened to a shaky cam that showed all of the world leaders together with some people in costumes. Each world leader was paired off with another being who looked to be cosplaying some very specific theme. All of them had mocha complexions with golden tattoos that seemed to thrum with pulses of light.
The camera zoomed in on the United States president. He looked pale and clammy, nervous to his core.
"My fellow Americans,
Tonight, I address you with unprecedented news that will reshape our understanding of the universe. We have made contact with extraterrestrial beings who not only exist but extend a hand of friendship to humanity.
These benevolent beings have offered us knowledge and technology that can propel our civilization forward. Their intention is to assist us in advancing our scientific capabilities, paving the way for a brighter future for all of humanity.
In addition to their guidance, they propose a unique opportunity – the creation of enhanced individuals, superhumans, who will serve as ambassadors between our species. This collaboration aims to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
Furthermore, the Alaxid have extended an invitation for select individuals to explore habitable worlds beyond our own. This marks an unprecedented chance for human pioneers to embark on interstellar journeys and potentially contribute to the creation of new civilizations.
I understand the enormity of this revelation, and we will work together to navigate these uncharted waters. The coming days will require unity, understanding, and careful consideration as we embark on a new chapter in human history.
Thank you, and may the spirit of cooperation guide us in the days ahead."
President Thomas stepped away from the podium, and the "Alien" woman stepped up to the podium. Her white hair, another feature shared by all of the Alaxid, hung around her face in a pixie cut, and a forced smile crossed her face like she was unused to use the gesture. Her teeth were almost normal, but there was a second canine tooth behind the normal one.
"People of earth." The soft lilting language was translated through his phone automatically adding subtitles. "We are the Alaxid, and we extend our greetings with profound admiration for the diversity and resilience inherent in your species. We are emissaries from distant realms, benevolent beings with a sincere desire to collaborate for the greater good.
In our exploration of the cosmos, we have witnessed the potential within each of you to contribute to a harmonious interstellar community. Our purpose is not to dominate but to share knowledge, fostering an exchange that enriches both our civilizations.
We bring gifts of wisdom and technology and tools to propel your society into a new era of enlightenment. Together, we can transcend boundaries and unlock the vast potential that lies within the collective consciousness of the universe.
The first of these gift is what we call the framework, although some of the Terrans we have given it to have used the words: System, Nexus, and one guy with sunglasses called it the matrix." The president looked baffled at the inclusion of the Matrix in a U.N. address.
"If you receive the framework, it marks you as one of our chosen. It will allow you to channel the discordant force.... that translation is wrong. Let me check." Her eyes started flicking rapidly before coming back to a rest and focusing in on the camera. "Apologies, it will allow you to channel **chaos energies** into shapable abilities.
To be chosen for a framework, you must meet the following criteria.
1. You must be between the ages of 14 and 21. This is what we have judged to be when Terrans have the highest ability to learn new concepts.
2. You must be willing to act in service to the Alliance of United Worlds.
Thank you all, and we hope for a harmonious relationship with all future Terrans and Framework Custodians... that's not right, either." She flicked her eyes for just a second and corrected herself "..Champions. Thank you for your time."
The feed cut off, and his phone was trembling in his palm as he stared down at the black rectangle that just played the feed.
[Framework initializing]
A black opaque box with white popped into his vision, so suddenly he fell back into the ditch behind him, splashing down in a couple inches of ice-cold water. Jumping back up out of the ditch, he grabbed his backpack and ran straight home as a bar slowly creeped across his screen, going up 1 or 2% every minute.
As he crossed through the threshold of the door, his cell phone started ringing. He picked it up as he started stripping off his cold, wet clothes.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
As soon as he clicked the green button, he heard yelling from the other side
"-TO ALL CALM DOWN AND TAKE A BREATH. THEY SAID THEY WERE FRIENDLY. OH GOD, ELI YOU ANSWERED THANK GOD!" His mom roared through the phone at him.
"Mom. MOM! Calm down, talk slower. I can't understand you over the sound around you."
"I'm coming home, I need you to meet me there, don't come into town. People are panicking, and it's getting crazy here."
"I'm already home, mom. I turned around and ran back after the Alien stopped the live stream." He said as he dropped his wet pants to the floor. Not feeling the need to make his mother worry about him getting pneumonia as well , he conviently left out the part about falling in a ditch.
"I love you, Eli. I'll see you soon. Please stay safe. Lock all the doors."
"Love you too, mom." Click. The call ended, and the bar was sitting at 82%. So 10 to 20 minutes, he guessed.
He briskly walked over to the family computer and opened up reddit. Everyone on every subreddit was talking about it, some where already sharing fanart and NSFW images of the aliens with various tentacles making appearances. One guy on the litrpg subreddit was claiming to be some alien prophet saying he predicted everything and that they all needed to hide because it was a false peace and they were getting ready to nuke us with magic that will start a zombie apocalypse.
He closed the computer as the bar neared 100%. He sat there with his heart pounding so hard he could hear his heartbeat in his ears. His vision swam, and he felt light-headed. And then it happened the little bar in his vision expanded into a full hologram in his vision.
Attention, Terran,
Congratulations! You've emerged as one of the elite. This distinction grants you the opportunity to join the esteemed ranks of the Champions of Terra.
By accepting our invitation, you pledge to deploy your extraordinary abilities in service of the Alliance of worlds when called upon. Fear not, for valor begets reward – you shall be generously compensated, and in the event of the unthinkable, your kin shall be cared for.
This is a choice, not an imposition. Declining carries no repercussions. The contract awaits your decision.
Do you accept?
Yes/No
He sat there staring at the opaque black screen for a moment before jumping up and down "Yes absolutely yes, give me superpowers!"
Everything went black for just a moment like the lights flickered. The screen changed.
[Heartfelt congratulations on attaining the prestigious rank of A Rank Agility type Champion! Your selection by the system marks a momentous achievement, as it signifies not just personal triumph but also a call to serve a higher purpose.
You are now poised to be summoned for duty by the Alaxid, entrusted with the crucial task of combating the enemies of the Galactic Alliance. Your skills have earned you a place among the elite, and your journey as a champion takes on a cosmic significance.
As you embark on this noble quest, remember that your abilities are not set in stone. The system has provided a foundation based on your existing skills, but it is your responsibility to shape and grow them. Your unique talents have set the stage for an extraordinary path ahead, filled with opportunities to make your mark on the galaxy.
May your endeavors be guided by courage, determination, and the unwavering spirit of a true champion. I wish you boundless success and fulfillment in this cosmic journey.]
He read it all thoroughly, digesting all the new information at once. "Aliens are real... and I have super powers... I wonder if I have a character sheet." As soon as he said it, one popped up
Name: Elijah James
Race: Human
Subrace: Champion
Champion Rank: A
Agility type
Current Class sub-type: Shifty Sniper
Stats:
[Note - The human average in each stat has been adjusted to 10. Any stat above 10 is above average any below is below average. Peak human ability is represented at 20]
Strength - 21
Endurance - 18
Agility - 24
Intelligence - 14
Wisdom - 10
Appeal - 13
Skill number 1: Feeling springy
Rank 2 - Stage 1 [reworking to adjust to user preferences]
A Rank - Level 1
Passive ability - When your foot leaves the ground, you are given extra momentum in the direction you are heading [Togglable]
Skill number 2: Longstrider
C Rank - Level 1
Passive ability - When executing a jump, you triple the distance.
Skill number 3: Point precision
B Rank - Level 1
Active ability - When activated, anything you throw of [calculating size comparison] softball size or smaller hits its intended target with absolute precision.
_Holyshitholyshitholyshit_
I'M A SUPERHERO. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, his mother came barreling down the driveway, skidding to a stop. Jumping out of the car, she ran inside, flinging the door open and running over to him and hugging him. "Oh, thank God you're safe. It's pandemonium in town. Most people are going crazy screaming about how 'God is Dead' or creating new racial slurs for the Alien overlords."
She stepped back and looked at him after a moment of hugging him. The confusion on her face was visible as she looked over his body and looked up at him. He didn't even notice he was so preoccupied by the screen in front of him to pay attention to himself. It seems like when he accepted, he'd grown a few inches, and he definitely felt more muscular.
"What in the fuu-" His mom was now agape and taking a step back from him.
"Mom, don't freak out, I have something to tell you." He held his hands out facing upward, "You seen the broadcast, right? You seen the broadcast, you seen the requ-" he took a step forward to comfort his mother as she was backing away from him looking more freaked out by the moment. Which incidentally wasn't helped when he tried lifting his foot from the step he'd taken and launched himself into the ceiling, cracking the plaster with his head and crumbling back down to the ground cursing himself. Fuck forgot about that one, evidently it started in the on position.
His mother rushed over to him, snapped out of her fear of him by her motherly instinct. "What is going on, Eli? I need answers **Right Now**."
Picking back up where he left off, while rubbing the top of his head and sittin on the ground. "You seen the requirements they had for giving the powers, right? Well, I guess they decided I fit that profile.
"So you're.. you've been selected by the aliens?"
"Mom, I'm pretty sure we should call them the Alaxid. If there is one Alien species, surely there will be more."
"I'm not worried about being _PC_ about the fucking aliens that are going to abduct you to fight in their wars!" His mom shouted at him. "What did you get in return that was worth risking your life?!"
He stopped for a moment and started weighing it out for him and his mom. He hadn't even thought about the negatives he just seen superpowers and said yes, please. "Well, for starters, I get to explore other worlds, I got 3 different superpowers, and my baseline stats got increased to the point of peak human or superhuman. Like the screen said, 20 is peak human ability, and I have a strength score of 21, so that should qualify as super human."
"I can't believe you did this. I know you were already training to be a Marine after graduation, but you were just going to be logistics. This is too much.... what if you die." She sat down on the floor next to him and started crying. "I can't lose you like I lost your dad, Eli. I can't do it again."
He thought back to the night the entire fire department came to his house after a call had roused his dad at 1 a.m. it was just before dawn. They told his mom and him how valiant he was saving kid after kid from a burning apartment that was over occupancy and had 3 families living in it.
He remembers sitting on the porch that cool summer morning when he was 10 and watching the sun rise through tears and wishing his dad had slept through the pager that night. Now he watched the sun rise every day and talked to his dad in those few moments every day. Some days there was nothing to talk about, sometimes I just told him about what we had going on. I never told him when mom went on dates, though. I imagine it'd make him happy mom was trying to move on.
He pulled his mom into his arms from his knees, ignoring the ache on the top of his head. "I promise I will always come home to you, mom. I will do everything I can to be safe. My powers will help keep me out of danger. Do you want to see them and see for yourself? I haven't tried them out yet other than accidentally putting a hole in the ceiling. I'm sorry about that, by the way, I'll fix that."
"Dont..." She pulled way, wiping her eyes and composing herself."Don't worry about it, Eli. Let's just go see these powers of yours." She stood and walked to the front door, and he sat kneeling on the floor.
"I can't figure out if I turned off the ability, and I don't want to put more holes in the ceiling." He decided to just crawl across the floor to his shoes. The speed that he could crawl was insane, just trying to casually crawl he reached a jogging pace, having to intentionally slow his movements to not crash into anything. He stopped and whirled around, slipping on his school shoes since his running shoes were wet and sitting over a vent in the corner right now.
His mom stared at him with a surprise expression. "Okay, so you have some variant of super speed, I assume by how fast you just crawled at me."
"Something like that, I think that was because I got extra points in agility on top of already being in the top 3% of all sprinters in the world. So I think the extra speed is just a byproduct of that. But I do have powers that make me even faster, and I can jump far and throw things really straight. It called my class a Shifty Sniper. So if it makes you feel better, I attack from a distance and run away really well." He had crawled out to the front porch stepped onto the ground and now was to see if his power activated. He lifted his foot and.... he clenched his jaw, ready to leap up. "Okay, so I did turn it off."
He started running down the driveway, testing out his speed. He was so much faster than he'd ever been before, or any human had ever been. He probably reached 50 miles per hour before sliding to a stop and accidentally hopped and an alert popped up at the bottom of his vision that looked like a little flash of light as his second skill activated and launched him from the spot near the end of his driveway across the road and about 30 feet into the field on the other side. He somehow was able to right himself from his sudden propulsion forward and land on his feet.
_Ohmygod_
"That was exhilarating, I could get used to that!"
"OHMYGOD." His mother mirrored his thoughts perfectly. "Your powers do make you super fast!"
"Oh, I didn't even turn on my movement ability, I was just trying to test how fast I could get, but I chickened out because I was reaching the end of the driveway too fast." He said evenly as he was jogging back up the driveway covering entirely too much ground with each stride.
His mom looked at him, the now seemingly permanent look of shock, finally wearing off her face as it turned to thoughtfulness for a second. "Wanna race Eli?"
He laughed out loud at that. "I hardly think that would be fair."
"No, I'll drive the car, and you run. That should be fair, and that way, we can test out your top speed. I know a 5 mile stretch of country road with no stop signs or turns. It has a few gentle curves, but it's where kids used to race in the early 90s, Uncle Tommy would always bring me out when he had a race."
It took no more convincing him than that, he ran into the house grabbing his snowboarding goggles and came back to to get in the car, forgetting the current panic that the rest of the world was feeling because who can help but be excited when you're looking at _real superpowers_ in action.
It took a grueling 15-minute car ride to get to the spot his mom was talking about. The whole time going the speed limit and the world felt like it was passing in slow motion. His leg wouldn't stop bouncing no matter how much he tried or his mom complained about it. He was itching to run and really try it out.
Finally, his mom let him out of the car, and he lined up with the drivers window. "Just punch it, and I'll keep up as long as I can."
"You're sure about that? I can just keep up with you."
He nodded.
"Okay." She kept her window down and punched the gas taking off, and he was off too, passing her up quickly until she reached about 60 miles per hour she pulled up next to him.
"HOW FAST?" He shouted over the wind, whipping him in the face. "THIS IS AS FAST AS I CAN GO WITHOUT POWERS." The feeling of the wind was already intense. The faster he ran, the more wind resistance felt like trying to run through a swimming pool rather than over open ground.
"60." She shouted back to him.
He gave her a nod and turned back, looking forward and turning on his powers.
Flipping the switch back on, he saw the same little blue glow at the bottom of the screen, but it stayed on this time. _Oh, thank god an indicator to tell me it's on._
He shot forward an instant later, lowering his center of gravity by leaning forward so the wind resistance wouldn't send him tumbling off his feet. Every step covered dozens of feet. The world fell away from him as he drifted into what he could only assume is tunnel vision. Once his power was on, it was like Moses parted the water in front of him as he ran. Wind resistance was a faint memory. He felt lighter than he'd ever felt. The pain in his knee was gone, too. As he ran, he felt himself getting tired _fast._
He started to get a cramp in his ribs and was starting to slow down when he noticed a pothole in the road ahead of him. He stepped just short of the pothole awkwardly and jumped up to avoid cartwheeling the rest of the way to his stop. A second light flashed on the bottom of his screen as he jumped, and then it was done. He was airborne. All he could do was try and aim his descent and brace for impact. Just at that moment, another pop-up flashed across his vision.
[You have been summoned for induction into the Champions education courses at Peak Empowerment Academy]