The town of Utopia and the Reservation was one of many areas in the modern world that constrained overt use of the most advanced technologies of the day; nanotechnology, genetics modifications, artificial intelligence, and such. While not technically illegal in the area, they were restricted to being out of sight and having a low impact. The residents of the area preferred low technology and simple living over the craziness of advanced technology. They would contend that in some cases rampant tech had warped traditional norms to extremes, and even the television content in the area was limited in its presentation to older content.
The social restrictions to these technologies made Utopia a great place for families to raise kids, ensuring some level of normalcy before throwing them into the world of abundance and the godlike capabilities available with augmentations. However, even the strictest fundamentalists still liked some of the modern conveniences of high technology, so the creeping intrusion of advanced technologies continued in private or subtle ways.
Max stopped at the Four Corners diner, for a quick lunch before deciding how to spend his afternoon. He pulled up his status screen.
[AI Assist +1, AI Assist reaches level 2]
[Name: Max E. Mitchell Level: Novice 1 (100/500 XP)]
[Body Design Model: Custom – Canis Familiarus Uplift Free Stats: 0]
[Strength: 3 Agility: 2 Endurance: 3 Vitality: 3]
[Perception: 1 Intelligence: 1 Will: 1 Energy: 8 Regen: 4/min]
[Mind Skill – AI Assist: 2]
[Novice quest – endurance focus, “Born to Run”, run fast and run long to train endurance. Adding additional difficulty may train other stats]
[Novice quest – will focus, “Meditation”, a quiet and open mind can allow you to listen to the world beyond your senses. Additional difficulty may train other stats]
[Novice quest – strength focus “Ready to Rumble”, spar with other questors to prove your skill. Challenging more advanced for additional difficulty may train other stats]
[Novice quest – perception focus, “Scavenger Hunt”, trainer assigned targets for local region must be successfully identified to train situational awareness]
It took all three of my tries, but The Novice obstacle course was achieved and provided some solid stat gains and experience. Completing the course is almost a given, as each round got easier as everyone was gaining stats. Max mused.
Now I have a day and a half of training on my own, Max thought. I need to make the most of it before sparring. If I can pick up more stats, maybe I won’t make a fool of myself.
“Query: locations allowed for augmentation training”
[Augmentation Novice Training in local area: Utopia Academy Building and Grounds, Tate’s Gym, Grand Oaks Gymnasium and Fitness, Epic Kung Fu, The Grand Oaks Park grounds, Wuxia Martial Arts, Champion Sportsplex, Utopia Library Makerspace, The Mystery Labyrinth (Adept level only).]
“Alright, I have just the place to start. I am an exceptional runner already so that first quest sounds fun, and I know just the place. If my AI cooperates, maybe I can get some hits on the Scavenger hunt as well.” Max said.
“Trainer, can you call an AutoPod for me again?” Max said under his breath.
[confirmed. AutoPod confirmed with an ETA in 2 minutes at this location.]
[Energy: 7/8]
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Max ran. He padded swiftly along the running trails of the lesser woods which abutted the Grand Oaks, the wind whipping through his mane. Running human style was still a novelty to Max and the urge to drop to all fours was still there. His humanoid body was certainly capable of either. Max inhaled deeply; his nose was still very much functionally canine. Pine, grass, dirt, dog, squirrel, and a least a couple of humans were in the area recently, judging by the freshness of their scents. The urge to stop and get a better read on all the scents was a temptation, but Max wanted to train and push his body to unlock the hidden capabilities.
Max kept his eyes sharp. Like his last time on the hiking trails with the family, he took an autopod here. On the ride, he got a detailed scavenger quest item list from his AI proctor. Already he had found 9 of 10 common plants and trees, oak, maple, and wood ferns in his sporadic running. Just now he was running past a large swamp maple tree, his last on the list.
[ding – identified Swamp Maple – Scavenger hunt I completed 10/10 - 100 XP awarded]
[ding – Perception stat +3]
[ding – Scavenger hunt II – Find and identify 10 forest animals 0/10]
[Scavenger hunt quest 2 – Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Chick Munk, Eastern Cottontail rabbit, Grey Squirrel, Northern Cardinal, Red Fox, Red Squirrel, Red Tailed Hawk, White Tailed Dear]
Not bad for only a half hour into solo training and I completed my second quest, he thought, and progressed in perception! No advancement yet on the running quest though.
The next list had some very common critters that he saw on occasion at home.
Damn squirrels! he cursed in his head. He knew it was animalistic, but Max had always been aggressive against squirrels. He felt from his dog years that they had taunted him relentlessly. They frequently invaded his yard and would also escape up the nearest tree before he could properly scare them. He breathed deeply, smelling the woods for nearby animals.
[ding – New Sense skill unlocked: Scent 8 – through augmentation or genetic manipulation your body has innate capability to detect and identify scents far beyond human.
Max had always loved to run but usually got too distracted to go any distance. Setting his jaw, he continued up the trail, vowing not to stop until he advanced his run quest. He was a little irked that there didn’t seem to be a metric tracker to hit in terms of distance or speed, so he would have a better idea of what he needed to complete the quest.
Max loped on until he saw a clearing coming. Soon he was treated to a wide expanse of the Grand Oaks reservoir, with the hiking trail winding in a meandering path encircling it. Off in the distance, he got a glimpse of the Grand Oaks themselves towering over the lesser forest in the distance, reaching heights of 1000 feet or more.
This reserve was named the Northeast Grove, a region of the old Reunified States stretching in a band from upstate New York into the reaches of Maine. The naming of the grove was due to the reclamation of huge tracts of land where the multitudes of Grand Oaks were planted. Max recalled that a Grand Oak tree was not natural, but rather a bio-machine designed to mimic a massive tree that absorbed titanic amounts of carbon. Once genetics, nanotech, and AI combined into the synergy of abundance, the Reunified States began taking aggressive actions to reverse the environmental damage that it had created in the past.
Once fully grown, the Oaks could reach a thousand feet high. Even after a “tree” reached full growth, it continued to harvest carbon from the air with a voracious appetite and used the carbon and solar energy to make a variety of saps. Depending on the tree’s model, a variety of byproducts were produced; alcohol, all manner of petroleum products including plastics, graphene nanotube slurry, etc. The oaks were also fed by a huge reservoir that had a sizable waterfall. While the new world of nanotechnological abundance had freed society from farming, manufacturing, and finished goods transport; nano-assemblers and smart matter devices consumed massive amounts of energy.
The power grids, despite massive expansions with solar and fusion power, still didn’t satisfy the energy-addicted population. The Grove was replete with discrete augmented plants that captured solar energy and routed it into a large electrical root grid. The Grove also had hydro-energy capture features within and under the rivers and falls to feed the power grids. For all the appearance of a natural wilderness, a lot of high technology hid within it to ensure every ounce of energy capture opportunity was taken.
[ding – Blue Jay identified]
[ding – Grey Squirrel identified]
[Scavenger Hunt 2 – 2/10]
Nice! This Scavenger quest is easy pickings with the expanded line of sight here at the reservoir. At least the AI gave him a scavenger list appropriate for the area, he thought. If I get the hunt quest level 2 done before getting a single point in running, I’ll eat my tail!
“On your left” a strong voice called, startling Max. An ancient-looking man shot past at a pace double to Max’s own. Max was so startled he broke stride and almost tripped. Max cursed quietly, after congratulating himself on his advanced perception, he didn’t see or scent the man overtaking him from downwind. Already the old man had reached the bend in the trail and had disappeared, so fast was his speed. Max recognized the man as the oldest student in his class.
[ding –combatant
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Max inhaled to shout out but quickly realized Charlie was already out of earshot. Saving his breath, he took off trying to match Charlie’s pace so he could catch him. Rounding the corner, the runner was still not in sight as the next switchback bend folded not too far beyond. Not willing to let go of the unexpected opportunity of his first bout, Max leaned forward into a full-out run. He lengthened his stride, digging deep for the flagging energy to keep going and to go even faster.
[ding – Born to Run I complete – push boundaries for progress – 100 XP awarded]
[ding – Strength stat +1, Endurance stat +1]
[ding – Stamina skill unlocked. Stamina: Using augmentation to maximize and exceed human standards, enhancing energy flow and body system replenishment.]
[ding – Born to Run II unlocked – feel the need for speed]
Strength and energy flooded back into Max. With a grin and howl of joy, he increased his speed yet again and tore down the path startling a rabbit as he ripped around the next bend…
[ding – Eastern Cottontail Rabbit identified]
[Scavenger hunt 2 – 3/10]
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After almost an hour of running and stat point awards for both endurance and vitality, Max stopped at a crossroads. The path was split. At times during his chase, Max had picked the other runner’s scent, but the crossroads was in a clearing and the winds coming through the area had swept it clean. Max knew from his family’s previous visits to the park that the left-hand path would loop around and back to the lesser woods entrance while the right continued up into the higher woods and up to the top of the falls where the periphery of the Grand Oaks began.
Max was nose down and, on all fours, looking for any sign or scuff to indicate which way the illusive man went when he heard a chittering off the path to the right.
[ding – Red Squirrel identified]
[Scavenger hunt 2 – 4/10]
In the middle of the path, a very bold red squirrel chittered at Max. Frustrated with his stoppage, Max vented his angst with a yell and kicked a pinecone at the squirrel. The cone went wide, and the squirrel didn’t budge.
“Dammit, you squirrels feared me when I was a dog. Run, damn you!”
The squirrel remained and chittered again.
With a cry of rage, Max bolted after the squirrel on all fours. Despite his impressive speed, the squirrel shot off the trail ahead of him and up a nearby Beech tree. Unwilling to lose another target of his chase, Max didn’t break speed but bounded up and leaped upward towards the tree.
Unexpectedly, his leap contained far more power than usual, and Max’s cry of surprise was silenced as an unfortunate branch intersected with his forehead, filling his vision before it went very dark very fast.
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Max woke to birdsong with a canopy of leaves above him. Sprawled flat on his back, he remembered impacting the branch, the sky overhead was bright, and it was hard to focus.
Oh, I don’t feel too bad for leaping 10 feet into the air and headbutting a branch, Max thought, and then with a rising sense of panic, but I can’t move!
With his awakening, a series of notices came to his attention.
[Leap skill unlocked. Leap – embedded nanoscale enhancements allow for superior fast twitch muscle speed and magnitude. Advance this skill to reach lofty heights.]
[Leaping: 1]
[strength +1, agility +1, endurance +2, vitality +2]
[Healing skill unlocked. Healing – modern body designs are durable and self-repairing superior to unenhanced biological tissues. Advance this skill for quicker recovery from damage.]
[Healing skill: 3]
[Energy: 1/13]
“It doesn’t smell or look like early afternoon anymore. Trainer, how long was I out and why can’t I move?” Max asked.
[Trainer – You were unconscious for 2.5 hours, impact and fall damage resulted in severe concussion and breakage of the C-2 vertebra. Your augmentations unlocked its internal repair capabilities. I took the liberty of isolating your spinal nerve to avoid any motion on your part if you awoke before the damage was repaired. I did not report the incident to Utopia Emergency Services as your system could remediate the damage without danger. Repairs will be completed in 28:34 minutes and counting.]
“I kind of understand now why this slow-build approach is desired. The augmentations are awesome but will take some getting used to avoid crashing into everything.” Max considered his compromised status,
“On the positive side, this little accident unlocked two new skills and upgraded a bunch of stats. I guess this is what Dad meant when he would say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Max said to himself.
Overhead, conveniently directly in Max’s frozen line of sight, the red squirrel sat on a branch and began chittering at him when it saw him looking back.
“Ugh, damn squirrel! Trainer, in class this morning, the coach mentioned that my augmentations have all the built-in functions of my phone. Since I’m not going anywhere soon, can you help me set them up?”, Max asked.
[Trainer – Certainly]
[ding – AI Assist +1, AI Assist reaches 3]
[ding – Augmented Visual Overlay, Location and Mapping, Health Monitor, Telephony, Language translator, Music access, Sight recorder, Sound recorder skills unlocked]
Max worked with the Trainer AI to understand each function. He found that he preferred to have icons floating in his peripheral vision for the most common items. He could focus on them to bring them forward without verbal or mental speech to activate. He found and called up a map of the park and his location in it. With a little back and forth with his AI, Max configured his heads-up display to have the phone’s functions on deck with a mini-map showing his running trails. Max found his HUD more comfortable to deal with, rather than the verbal announcements and popup screens. He could much more quickly review his augmentation stats, skills, and quests now.
Ok, let’s see how easy it is to use. Max thought as he focused on the telephony icon and mentally thought: Call Casa.
Max felt a subtle shift in his head, almost like his sinuses clearing when yawning.
[Connection request with Casa de Mitchell…Connection completed]
[Energy: 2/13]
[Hey there, Max boy! Did you just get out of your first class? How did it go?]
[Hey Casa. It went great! My augmentations are unlocked but still restricted. I’ve already completed the first quest, get this… it was a replica of the American Ninja obstacle course. Family binge TV for the win. Watching that show def gave me a solid approach to getting past some of the obstacles.], Max said.
[Sounds like you are excited. Did you meet any friends?], Casa inquired.
[Ah, not so much. After class, I went to the park to get some training in. One of my classmates must have had a similar thought. I was just in the process of trying to catch up to him.]
[That’s fabulous!], Casa said, [well I had best let you get to it then. Run, Max! Run!], she sang. Pulling the line from one of the family’s binge-night movies Forest Gump.
Max laughed, and said, [You got it.], then ended the call, just as his HUD timer counting down his healing progress reached zero.
[Healing is complete. Healing +1. Healing reaches level 4. Movement is restored.]
Max tentatively got up and focused on the trees and foliage around him, the smells of the forest and earth, and the sounds of the nearby stream. He felt refreshed, re-energized, and ready for the next challenge.
He took a few shaky steps to make sure he had full mobility and found that he had. With his confidence returned, he made his choice and headed down the path to the falls. He had been to the giant waterfall before with his family and guessed it was his only shot at finding his classmate. If Charles had gone left and circled back to the entrance, then he would be long gone. If he went right and up to the fall, there was a chance that he would still be there.
Mentally focusing on the path, he ran and leaped past the trees and underbrush. He was amazed at the speed he was able to build up, the agility with which he moved, and the level of balance he had found. Sprinting the last 100 yards, the falls suddenly coming into view, Max noticed the silhouette of his classmate sitting cross-legged on the edge of the cliff upon a sizable boulder. He had his eyes closed and sat very still in a meditative posture.
Max paused and admired the beauty of the falls and the misting spray that filled the air. He walked slowly, not wanting to startle his classmate and appreciating the peacefulness of the moment.
He was getting close when his classmate beat him to it. In a blur of motion, the older man sprang forward and whipped up a sword that Max had not realized was there. With the blade at his throat, Max froze with his hands out.
“Apologies.”, Charlie said slowly and brought down his sword. “We are just outside of the city limits and in the Grand Oaks Conservatory. Many visitors frequent the area and are not beholden to Utopia rules.”
Max was confused. Not having any experience beyond the town, he asked “Would a stranger be dangerous?”
Charlie smiled and said, “Most likely not, but it’s always best to be prepared. There are many so-called “gamers” who will bring their game….and weapons into the real world. Especially now that augmentations are common, and people are so durable. I find it best to provide a show of strength. It usually dissuades those looking for easy targets.”
“I see you’ve been independently training as well,” Max observed. “As you passed me on the running trail, the combat quest alerted me to the potential to have a sparring match. Would you care to spar?”
Charlie laughed, “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but the coach has asked us to refrain. I would add a note of caution as well. As you see at my age, I have lived a full life. Although the system marks me as an equivalent opponent, I assure you I am anything but. I am a 7th Dan in the martial art of aikido.”
At Max’s downfallen look, Charlie laughed and slapped his sword twice. The sword must have been constructed of poly matter as it lost its grip and edge and quickly reshaped itself into a plain-looking walking stick.
“Maybe a compromise then to allow for training but to keep our honor” Charlie began, “I challenge you to try and hit me. I shall not counter but will try to avoid or block your attacks.”
Accepting the challenge, Max walked to the center of the area and bowed as they did in his family movies. Taking a deep breath, he drew himself up and moved quickly and attacked, with a flurry of kicks, punches, and sweeps. Charlie easily dodged, blocked, or redirected each attack, with subtle and effortless moves. Not once did he need to use his walking stick in his defense.
“This is your natural ability, isn't it?”, Max asked out of breath.
Charlie nodded, “A lifetime of training for the unexpected. I have yet to unlock any fighting skills, but I expect they won’t be long in coming.”
Max recognized he was outclassed but he was once a very stubborn dog. This was a characteristic he had brought with him in his evolution. His stamina skill was already helping him keep up his attacks. Healing was useless as Charles would not counterattack. Maybe his leap skill could help.
Max gave ground as he feinted with some punches and kicks. As he circled, he lined Charles up so that his meditation boulder was directly behind him. With a yell, Max charged and attempted a flying side-heel kick. As expected, Charlie side-stepped with the least amount of effort, but Max rebounded off the boulder and activated his leap skill. The look on Charlie’s face was true astonishment. Max flew over his head with a skill-powered flip and landed his first and only strike, a kick between the old man’s shoulder blades.
[Energy 3/13]
[Leap +1, Leap reaches level 2]
[Stamina +1, Stamina reaches level 2]
[Strike skill unlocked. Strike 1: utilize augmented muscles and nerves to enhance the speed and power of striking.]
[Quest: Ready to Rumble – 1/5 complete, Defeat 5 Novice opponents. 100 XP awarded]
[Max Mitchell achieves Novice level 2, 550/1500 XP, +10 free stat points]
Wow, thought Max, that leap drained almost all my energy. I’ll guess I’ll have to be careful when and how I use that skill.
Charlie turned his stumble into a pace and turned around. He smiled, nodding his head in appreciation. He gave Max a hearty handshake and a pat on the shoulder. “Well done. I think you are quite ready for our next class!”
Max grinned as he wiped the sweat from his face, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated from his first real battle. He nodded and said, “I hope I’m not paired up with you to start, I expect that trick won’t work a second time.”
The old warrior laughed and replied, “As long as it took me off guard for a bit, that’s all that matters.”
“Can I ask you what you were doing before I got here? I’m guessing that you got the running quest like me, but did you get the Meditation quest as well?” Max asked.
“I did indeed. I thought this would be a great place to practice and I was pleasantly surprised. The quests are personalized to us and are well-designed to unlock our restricted skills. I won’t ruin the surprise for you, but the skill I got is both very useful and interesting. Now, we should probably get out of here! The sun is getting low.”
With a grin, Max replied, “Let’s make it a race. My running quest isn’t going to complete itself!”
Before Charles could agree, Max tore off down the trail. With a whoop, Charlie shot after him leaving a dust cloud in his wake.