The square took on a muted buzz as the aftermath of the grand unveiling of Mana resonated in the hearts and minds of those present. The neon glow of nearby signboards began their nightly flourish, casting an array of colors on the crowd. The animated discussions of the bystanders created an aura of anticipation mixed with disbelief. As the crowd dwindled, the square's cobblestone floor once hidden by a sea of feet began to reappear.
Adam found himself leaning against a nearby pillar, losing track of time as he was ensnared in introspection. The alleys and markets had been his training grounds, teaching him caution and skepticism. Yet today, Mana's allure had made him act impulsively. Why had he chosen 'YES' without giving it a second thought?
The crowd dispersed further, transforming the bustling square into a near-empty space bathed in the soft luminescence of the evening. It was then that Adam's gaze fell upon a mysterious sight. Where the grand stage once stood was now replaced by a subtly glowing tree, its bark shimmering in the twilight. Most of the few remaining passersby glanced at the tree, their reactions ranging from outright denial of its existence to sheer ambivalence or even a tinge of hostility towards this new, out-of-place entity.
The sight of the tree was an enigma. It towered above, larger than any tree Adam had ever seen within the confines of the city. And considering he'd never ventured beyond the city boundaries, this magnificent entity was, without doubt, the grandest tree he'd ever laid eyes on. Its expansive branches stretched outwards, silhouetted against the evening sky, each leaf shimmering as if kissed by stardust.
A realization struck him then. This was no ordinary tree, but what one afternoon’s evolution made of the small, withering plant from the demonstration, now transformed by Mana's touch into this colossal monument of nature. He could hear it, a gentle hum that emanated from the tree, soothing and inviting. It was as if the tree sang a silent lullaby, pulling him closer with every note. The resonance wasn't just a sound, but an emotion, a beacon calling out to him.
Adam, lost in the sea of his thoughts and trained in the art of stealth, approached the tree from the shadows, moving with a grace that only one accustomed to being unseen could muster. It was as if an unspoken bond called him forth, while others found themselves subconsciously veering away.
As he got closer, Adam carefully examined the tree. Its leaves whispered of raw potential, the very embodiment of what he had hesitated over earlier. The gentle pulse of its glowing bark radiated promise. If Mana could transform a feeble plant into this beacon of life and potential, what wonders could it work on him? The tree stood as a testament to untapped possibilities, a being that had only just embarked on its incredible journey of evolution.
Intrigued, he reached out to touch it, but before his fingers made contact, a wisp of mana flowed from his eyes, illuminating the air around him. A system message flashed,
Skill Learned: 'Identify, Level 1' Things infused with mana resonate with each other, transmitting understanding and knowledge.
Almost immediately, another message appeared
Unique Tree (Level 5). Disposition: Friendly, Curious.
Adam chuckled softly. The world he thought he knew had just grown infinitely more fascinating. The tree, with its friendly and curious disposition, beckoned him even closer. It seemed the tree was as curious about Adam as he was about it. There was a silent understanding, a bridge built on mutual curiosity and wonder.
Amidst the waning noise of the city below, Adam felt a pull towards the higher branches of the tree. As a rogue, he always found comfort in elevated spots, a haven where he could observe the world below without being seen. Using his nimble fingers and agile feet, he began to scale the giant. Each branch seemed tailored to his grip, as if the tree itself were guiding him upwards.
Settling on a sturdy branch high above, Adam found a comfortable spot. The city sprawled below him; its usual noise muted, replaced by the subtle rustle of leaves. Up here, the tree felt like a sanctuary — a steadfast protector in this overwhelming world. Today had been an overload, a barrage of sensations and revelations, and this moment of quietude provided the reprieve he so desperately needed.
While the tree stood tall and magnificent, perhaps it was just a tree. It hinted at deeper meanings and resonated with the promises of Mana and a new future. But Adam was weary of pondering. Now, all he truly sought was rest.
The soft glow from the city streets faintly reached his resting place. But up here, it was softer, less demanding. A subtle reminder of the world below, and the adventures that awaited. But for now, he simply needed sleep. And with that, he let himself drift off, finding peace in the tree's embrace.
As soon as his consciousness paused, his senses jolted awake. Not to the rustling of leaves or the distant hum of the city, but to a vast nothingness that seemed to stretch endlessly in every direction. No walls, no floor, just boundless white. It wasn't an empty room, it was the void of a blank canvas, filled only with potential.
His heart raced for a moment, the sudden transition from sleep to this... place causing a spike of adrenaline. But it wasn't fear he felt; it was anticipation, a yearning to understand. That hunger had been the driver behind most of his life's decisions, always asking the next question, always seeking the unseen path.
A shimmer caught his eye, coalescing into a beacon of golden light in the room's center. The brilliance wasn’t blinding but inviting. Slowly taking shape into a sphere, with its form constantly shifted, as if composed of countless golden particles, moving fluidly as a dance of sunlit dust motes in a sunbeam.
"Welcome, Adam. I am Atlas. I am The System." Atlas's voice resonated, deep and omnipresent. Not through ears, but directly into Adam's very being. "You stand at the doorway of The System you have accepted. But before you proceed, you must understand our End User License Agreement. It is not just a formality but a foundation. Your understanding and agreement are crucial."
Adam's eyes darted around the expanse, searching for an escape or a way back. Instinctively, he recoiled from attention; being in the limelight was anathema to him. But now, facing what seemed like some kind of cosmic authority figure, even worse. But, in the back of his mind, he knew he'd come too far to turn back now. It was a rare moment where the rogue, the thief, the child of the streets felt vulnerable. It was no longer just about stealing or surviving; this was about evolving.
He inhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling with a newfound resolve. "Okay, Atlas," he murmured, squaring his shoulders. "Let's begin."
Just when Adam was bracing himself to take on whatever Atlas was about to present, suddenly, with a pop from within his own body. Drawn from the very essence of his core, a gentle blue light started to emerge. It grew and floated beside him in its calming spherical presence, similar to Atlas but way smaller and less intimidating.
Adam instinctively stepped back, his hand reaching out, trying to touch the ephemeral ball of light, but it gently avoided his touch, maintaining a delicate distance. It pulsed with a frantic rhythm that somehow made the stark environment feel more dangerous.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, Adam," the entity hummed in a melodically harmonious voice that both soothed and invigorated. "Don’t enter into an agreement without representation! Allow me. Oh, right, I am Lumis, your Representative. While Atlas here," Lumis gave a subtle reverent nod toward the golden entity, "represents The System, ManaTech, and even the Founder Himself, as his personal AI, I am yours, and may be entirely trusted. I am solely for you."
Adam's brows furrowed in confusion, trying to piece together this new revelation. "You're... my AI Lawyer?"
Lumis glowed brighter for a brief second. "More than a that, I am here to act as your guide, representative, mentor, and assistant. But yeah, for now, I’m here to ensure that your interests and well-being are prioritized. While Atlas can, ok, well he can likely be trusted to carry out this negotiation, he represents that big towering building you’re always looking up to and their interests. I am here to serve yours. You can trust me."
Adam eyed Atlas warily, but eyed Lumis even more warily. Who trusts somebody—something—that literally says Trust me? Twice? As a test, he said "This place... what is it?"
Lumis pulsed gently, casting a soft blue shade on the white expanse as if scanning it. "This is a manifestation of The System, tailored for each user's introduction. We're in a realm designed to facilitate a clear understanding of what you're about to re-agree to. I'm here to help interpret and navigate."
Adam, feeling the weight of this surreal environment, nodded slowly. "Re-agree?"
Lumis moved as if in a nod, as spheres do, apparently. “Yes, you pressed YES. But, you were quite ill-informed. It was a test of curiosity, of initiative, maybe, but not a bindable agreement. This one will be. Or, if we reach am impasse, your taste of mana will be rejected and returned, and you’ll proceed on with your life as it was before.”
Adam, feeling the weight of this surreal environment, and his rash decision, nodded slowly. He still didn’t trust anything in this room, but, he decided to throw a "I'm glad you're here, Lumis."
The blue entity seemed to shimmer in acknowledgment. "Whenever you're ready, we'll begin."
And with a deep breath, Adam prepared himself to dive into the intricacies of some raw text sprawling agreement he was sure was about to scroll in front of him.
The overwhelming brightness of the vast white room began to subside, giving way to a swirling canvas of colors and sensations that seemed to ripple with meaning. Atlas began, "Adam, what we're about to embark on is more than just a mere agreement. This is a complex dance of understanding — a melding of intent, trust, commitment, and potential. Unlike traditional negotiations which happen with words and written clauses, here, we'll be delving deep.”
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Because of the mana you took in, and because I am, fundamentally, made of, let’s say, a higher-level of mana, I possess the capability to interact directly with the fabric of your thoughts," Atlas continued, a shimmer playing across his surface hinting at amusement. "Your ideals, aspirations, fears, and even the underlying motivations behind that singular YES press. From this intricate tapestry, I'll weave together an understanding, seeking a harmonious agreement between you and ManaTech, Inc. that both satisfies your desires and aligns with our aims."
He paused, the colors in the room pulsating in tandem with his words, and added, "Think of it as a mental chess game, a simultaneous push and pull where we negotiate not with words but with feelings, memories, hopes, and more. It's profound, intense, and unlike anything you've ever experienced. With counsel’s permission?" He seemed to nod his sphere at Lumis, awaiting it give a confirming gesture.
Then, Adam found himself further immersed in a world that shifted and molded around him. The boundaries between reality and the ethereal faded as he experienced visions, sounds, and sensations. A city, no his city’s skyline built itself brick by brick at a pace only a fast-forward button could achieve. He felt the weight of the bricks in his hands, the sweat on his brow, the joy of seeing something rise from nothing.
The panorama of humanity's possible future unfurled before Adam in a sweeping expanse of visions. He first saw humanity in its infancy of mana usage: individuals harnessing basic streams of power, mending minor cuts and ailments, and igniting small glimmers of light in their hands. Their faces lit up in wonder, as if witnessing magic for the first time.
The visions shifted and evolved. He saw grand architects shaping entire landscapes with but a gesture, artists giving life to their creations, making them dance and sing, and explorers opening portals to other realms, their footsteps marking new worlds. The wonders they conjured were awe-inspiring, the sheer scale of their achievements a testament to the boundless potential mana offered.
But with great power came the temptation for misuse. Adam witnessed the darker side: individuals consumed by their newfound prowess, attempting to ascend to godhood, their ambitions unchecked, and their actions wreaking havoc. The raw energy of mana, in undisciplined hands, had the potential to reshape or even destroy.
It was here that The System intervened. It emerged not as a rigid cage, but as a guiding force. Adam sensed its purpose: to ensure that the boundless power of mana wasn't unleashed in one uncontrollable torrent. Instead, it acted as a regulator, a mentor, gradually introducing users to their abilities. It set challenges, established benchmarks, and rewarded accomplishments. With each level attained and achievement unlocked, a user's conduit to mana expanded, allowing them access to more potent spells and abilities.
Adam blinked in surprise, trying to digest the implications. At first, doubt shadowed his thoughts. The System as a perpetual observer, always watching, judging? It seemed invasive, almost dictatorial. But as the nuances of its purpose unraveled, a dawning realization settled in his mind. The System wasn’t simply a guardian of power; it played a far more nuanced role. It cultivated growth hand-in-hand with responsibility. Ensuring that as one’s abilities expanded, so did their moral compass and wisdom. It wasn't about restricting power, but guiding its wielder towards a path of purpose, discernment, and restraint. By the end, Adam grudgingly accepted that maybe, just maybe, this was the only way it could be. His acceptance was noted, and the contract continued to form.
Throughout these visions, he felt a deep emotional undercurrent. He experienced humanity's elation in their successes, their despair in setbacks, and, most importantly, their indomitable will to persevere and evolve. With every scene, the core message was clear: Mana held the promise of godlike power, but The System was there to ensure this power was unlocked with wisdom and grace.
The visions began to subside, giving way to the voice of Atlas, whose timbre now seemed more profound after the silent "conversation" they'd just had. "Mana isn't just raw power, Adam," Atlas intoned, resonating through the vast expanse. "It mirrors the user's internal strength and resolve. To truly tap into its depths, one's spirit must be in a constant state of refinement."
Adam felt the ebb and flow of sensations, mirroring the progress of his journey. They intensified during moments of personal growth and self-realization, but ebbed when he clung to old habits and doubts. One particular doubt loomed large: his life as a rogue, skulking in the shadows, thieving for survival. Was he fit for such power, given his dubious morals?
Lumis, with his ethereal presence, floated by his side, serving as an interpreter of sorts. "A clause addressing the synergy between personal evolution and power," his voice echoed softly, providing context. "It also touches upon moral compass and intent," he added, sensing his introspection. "Your reservations are not going unnoticed."
Adam nodded, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation. His path as a thief was now under scrutiny, and he wondered if his past would hinder his potential future with Mana. Would The System require him to reform? The weight of these considerations bore down on him as they navigated the intricacies of the unspoken contract.
In the alleyways of his mind, Adam grappled with his past. He had never reveled in the title of 'thief' or taken pride in dubious moral decisions. It wasn’t a matter of enjoyment, but of necessity. The unforgiving streets of the city hadn’t offered him the luxury of choice. Every pocket picked, every silent entry into an unsuspecting home, had been driven by the primal urge for survival. In a world that often felt cold and indifferent, he did what he believed he must to endure another day. But with the promise of Mana and what it entailed, would his past actions now become an insurmountable barrier?
The scenes noticed his thoughts and morphed to depict various moral dilemmas. A man hesitating before striking another, individuals choosing to aid strangers, communities standing up against oppressors. The core principle of non-aggression was elegantly portrayed, where power wasn't wielded for harm but for defense or mutual achievement.
Atlas's tone grew deeper, "The essence of morality is indeed thus. You’ve always known. Agreed."
Lumis' soft blue glow brightened, seemingly conversing with Atlas at a frequency beyond Adam's perception. Every now and then, a scene would replay or modify, indicating changes being made in real-time based on Adam's reactions.
The narrative then flowed into communities of people helping one another, guiding novices, sharing experiences, and forming bonds. But as quickly as it began, Atlas interrupted, "Ah, sorry, a point to amend. As of now, you stand alone in this Beta. The aspect of community will take shape in due time, with your help. But we still need to reach agreement. Solo ventures are perfectly acceptable, though the path can be lonesome."
Adam felt a pang of pride, realizing the weight of being the first, the forerunner of this new world.
Throughout the intricate dance of negotiations, Lumis became more than just a guide; he was Adam's conscience made manifest. Every fleeting memory, buried belief, or deeply-held value that Adam bore, Lumis would highlight and magnify. When Adam's memories hinted at moments of compassion in the ruthless world of thievery, Lumis pointed them out, drawing a contrast between the deeds and the intention behind them. Every rare but powerful opinion Adam had ever held about power, responsibility, and the potential of Mana was dissected and emphasized. Lumis illuminated the juxtapositions in Adam's life, making it clear that he was not just a product of his past but a complex tapestry of desires and potentials.
Whenever doubt clouded Adam's thoughts or a certain clause seemed at odds with his unspoken values, Lumis would gently redirect the flow, ensuring Adam's comfort and comprehension. With every nuanced observation, Adam felt a growing resonance with the AI. Lumis's unwavering focus on Adam's core beliefs and his adeptness at navigating them built a foundation of genuine trust. And although Adam's voice remained a rare instrument in this orchestration, the AI duo seemed to understand him even without it, crafting the EULA to match the symphony of his soul.
As the spectacle wound down, the room gradually reverted to its pristine blank state, but the weight of what he'd experienced pressed on Adam's mind.
Atlas spoke, finality in his voice, "I hereby agree that the EULA we've experienced together here is indeed still an embodiment of Dr. James Teller's vision, tailored to ensure that the system benefits all parties involved and will help you grow into your potential.” For the first time in what felt like at least a day of “negotiation” the room was silent, prompting Adam’s verbal response.
Adam took a moment, allowing the rush of emotions, visions, and sounds to settle. Beside him, Lumis pulsed calmly, also awaiting his response.
Finally, with a determination molded from the spectacle he'd just witnessed, and already seeing the possibilities of the future, Adam spoke, "I understand The System. I accept."
Atlas shimmered with approval, and Lumis glowed even brighter.
With that, Adam's awareness surged back into his physical body, bringing with it the visceral weight of what had transpired. He opened his eyes, feeling disoriented. The whiteness of the room, the echoing words of Atlas, and Lumis's guiding light felt like a dream. Yet the experience was deeply etched into his psyche. As if he could feel the new contract interact with his very being.
For a few moments, he just lay there, taking in the rough texture of the bark beneath him. The distant hum of city traffic, a siren wailing somewhere far away, and the murmur of voices from the streets below filled his ears. All these familiar city sounds felt new, invigorated with meaning. The subtle vibration of the massive tree trunk, resonating yet counterattacking the city’s noises with a comforting hum, grounded Adam further back into the reality of the tree. Everything was as it had been, he guessed, yet nothing felt the same.
He sat up slowly, his fingers brushing against his shirt, feeling the physicality of it all. As his senses reconnected with the world, a pang of loneliness struck him. The profound and surreal journey with Lumis, followed by his sudden absence, left a weird void. Lumis, his new friend, and advocate. Where was he?
A pang of odd yearning filled him. He did not have many friends. AI or not, Lumis was actually one of the first entities in his life that seemed to maybe, possibly, have his back, without question. "Lumis?" Adam whispered, half-expecting no answer.
Suddenly, a DING! echoed in his mind, accompanied by the familiar blue hue he'd come to associate with Lumis. Solid black System Text scrolled out of much smaller Ball of Lumis, before his eyes.
Congratulations! You've learned the skill: 'Summon AI, Level 1'. Harness the bond formed with Lumis, your AI companion. With this skill, summon Lumis at will for guidance, consultation, or comic relief.
Adam smiled. "Wait, was that you that dinged? Or The System?"
"Er, me. Why? Pitch wrong? I was trying to make it pleasant based on the average pitch of the first note of your favorite songs." Lumis responded, his ethereal light dancing.
Adam grinned wider, taking in the reality of it all. Lumis was not just a transient presence in a surreal negotiation room. He was real. A part of his new journey. And he knew all of his favorite songs? Things to dive into later. "Yeah, we gotta work on that. Ding is something a bell does, not a glowing bubble talking thing."
Lumis pulsed, casting a soft blue shade over Adam, "Your adventure is just beginning. We’ll have time for customizations along the way. After all, the agreement you forged is all about customizing your life’s experiences and possibilities. But allow me some freedom of creativity too. Next time I’ll try a different sound."
Adam nodded, contemplating the weight behind Lumis's words. He felt eager. The ding can wait. The enormity of his newfound purpose pressing down on him: Evolve. The distant memories of just yesterday – or was it longer? – echoed in his mind. Time seemed distorted, stretched by the vastness of the revelations he had experienced. Yes, there were remnants of his past life, threads left dangling, ties that needed to be cut, some that needed mending before he could fully embark on this new path.
With each step down the tree, Lumis's gentle radiance accompanied him, infusing the world around with a new light. Every shadow hinted at secrets, every breeze whispered tales of adventures yet to come. As he touched the ground, the city pulsed with life, an intricate tapestry of challenges, wonders, and mysteries. And Adam stood at its heart, poised on the precipice of an epic journey, leaving readers yearning to discover every twist and turn with him.