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Chapter 18: The Eve of Uncertainty

Days slipped by, each one carrying a precious fragment of time that Lleyn chose to spend with his family. The sense of tranquility enveloping their home became a sanctuary of warmth and unity. But for Lleyn, this also meant that the moment they would part was coming closer.

One particular morning, as they gathered around the table, savoring the simple joy of a meal shared with loved ones, an unusual interruption occurred. A holographic message appeared before them, projecting a status update that left the family bewildered:

[Announcement: Tutorial for Mankind]

[Starting on December 31 at midnight, a tutorial for mankind will commence.]

[Participants will be selected randomly, from men and women alike, to take part.]

The words hung in the air, casting a palpable aura of confusion over the breakfast table. Eva was the first to voice her thoughts, her brow furrowed in perplexity. "Lleyn, have you ever heard of such a thing? A tutorial for mankind?"

Lleyn, feigning ignorance, shook his head. "No, Mom, this is the first I'm hearing about it."

Sera, with her youthful curiosity, was the first to voice her thoughts. "Mom, Dad, what do you think this 'tutorial' means? Will we have to go somewhere and learn something new?"

Eva, her mother, exchanged a worried glance with Leo, her father. Leo spoke, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "We don't know, sweetheart. It's all so sudden. We'll have to wait and see what happens."

As the day unfolded, Lleyn received calls from Chris and Lana, each one equally baffled by the system message and its implications. However, it was Emily's call that stood out.

Emily's voice trembled with confusion as she spoke, "Lleyn, have you seen the news? What's happening? Are we going to die?"

Lleyn maintained his façade of ignorance. "No, Emily. We are not going to die.I promise you, everything will be okay. We'll figure this out together."

The calls left him with a lingering sense of unease, knowing that he couldn't reveal the truth to his friends and loved ones. There were secrets that he bore, secrets of a past life, of skills and quests, and of the world of Eldoria, that he couldn't share.

With the call from Emily concluded, Lleyn felt a sense of relief mixed with anxiety. The world seemed to be on the brink of change, and he couldn't help but wonder how those he cared about would react when he disappeared.

Just as he was about to rejoin his family, his phone rang again, this time displaying "Robert" on the caller ID. Lleyn answered promptly, his conversation with his associate turning to the matter of their business.

"Robert, I'm aware of the situation," Lleyn began, his tone calm and assured. "We'll keep the business running as planned. I'll also assign a security team to help you in case things get chaotic. Just stay vigilant and keep everything going."

Robert's voice held a hint of worry. "Lleyn, with all this uncertainty, I'm concerned about the impact on our business. What should we do if things escalate?"

Lleyn replied with unwavering confidence, "You will need to adapt, Robert. We have a strong foundation, and you will be ready to face the coming challenges. Trust me, you'll get through this."

With their conversation concluded, Lleyn returned to the breakfast table, where his family awaited with questions and concerns of their own. The mysterious tutorial for mankind had cast a shadow of uncertainty over their lives, and they could only hope that the days ahead would bring clarity to the enigma that had emerged on the horizon.

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The following day, the world was in a state of upheaval. Media outlets, news channels, and social platforms buzzed with discussions about the enigmatic system messages and the impending tutorial. Experts from various fields offered their theories, attempting to decipher the cryptic announcements.

On a Television Panel Discussion:

As the news networks tried to make sense of the situation, a panel of experts was convened to share their insights with the world.

Moderator: "Ladies and gentlemen, today, we have gathered a group of experts to help shed some light on the recent messages that appeared to people all over the world and the upcoming tutorial. Let's start with Professor Amelia Greene, a renowned linguist. Professor Greene, what's your take on the messages?"

Prof. Greene: "Thank you, it's a pleasure to be here. Linguistically, the messages are fascinating. They seem to be perfectly represented in all languages, even some mostly unknown ones which could indicate a global initiative. It's as if someone is attempting to communicate with all of humanity at once."

Moderator: "Interesting. Dr. Samuel Richards, a psychologist, you've studied the human mind extensively. What can you tell us about the potential psychological impact?"

Dr. Richards: "Well, the suddenness of these messages can induce feelings of fear and anxiety in the population. We're witnessing a collective sense of unease. The uncertainty about the tutorial's nature is causing psychological distress. People are trying to prepare themselves for the unknown."

Moderator: "And now, joining us via video conference, we have Dr. Sarah Park, a leading expert in virtual reality. Dr. Park, do you think this could be a virtual reality experiment?"

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Dr. Park: "It's certainly a possibility. The term 'tutorial' suggests a learning experience, and virtual reality is an effective educational tool. However, the scale and nature of these messages are unlike anything we've seen before in VR experiments. It's a mystery."

Moderator: "Turning to Dr. Mark Turner, an anthropologist. Dr. Turner, any insights into the potential societal impact?"

Dr. Turner: "Absolutely. Humans tend to band together in times of uncertainty. We're seeing communities forming online, trying to decipher the messages and prepare for the tutorial. This could lead to a sense of unity or, conversely, mass hysteria, depending on the instructions given."

Moderator: "And finally, Mr. John Mitchell, a renowned science fiction author. Mr. Mitchell, what's your take on these theories?"

Mr. Mitchell: "Well, as a writer, I can't help but speculate about the possibilities. It could be anything. Even lifeforms from other planets. We're in uncharted territory here. It's reminiscent of some of the most compelling sci-fi narratives, but in reality, it's a blank canvas. The true nature of the tutorial remains a thrilling enigma."

As the day progressed, Lleyn prepared for a meeting with James at the abandoned building where he had first tested his powers. Before leaving, he reassured his mother, who was now deeply concerned about the system messages and the possibility of her children being selected. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, gazing into her eyes with sincerity.

"Mom, I promise you, everything will be alright," Lleyn reassured her. "I've taken precautions to keep our family safe. You don't need to worry."

Eva nodded, her expression a mixture of concern and trust. "Just promise me you'll come back to your old, no matter what happens out there."

Lleyn smiled, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I promise, Mom. I'll always come back to you."

As he left the comforting embrace of his family, Lleyn's thoughts turned to the complex web of relationships he had built in this world. From the memories of his past life, he knew that his parents, Sera, Chris, and Emily had not been selected in the initial phases of the tutorial. Lana, Robert, and James had also been absent from those early trials, which was why he had entrusted them with important positions.

Yet, despite his preparations, he couldn't account for everything. The uncertainty of the tutorial's selection process weighed heavily on his mind, and he needed someone to oversee and protect those he cared about. That's why he was meeting with James.

Upon arriving at the abandoned building, Lleyn spotted James and the five other ex-soldiers who were now his employees, all standing in formation. They had been armed with handguns at his request, a precautionary measure in these uncertain times.

James, his brow furrowed with confusion, questioned Lleyn, "Sir, why have you assembled us here? Does it have something to do with that message about the tutorial?"

Lleyn's response was vague, his expression masked with an air of mystery. "James, the world is changing, and I need to be sure I can rely on you and your team. I want you to attack me. In any way you like."

James was dumbfounded by the request and hesitated for a moment. "Attack you, sir? But why?"

Lleyn's eyes gleamed with intensity as he replied, "If you don't attack, I will. Now, make your move."

In the blink of an eye, Lleyn moved with a speed that was almost imperceptible, grabbing one of the ex-soldiers and sending him hurtling into another with inhuman strength. The two men crashed to the ground, struggling to regain their composure.

The shock and confusion on their faces were palpable as they looked at their commanding officer with disbelief. Lleyn paid no heed to their questions and confusion. Instead, he issued a stern order, his voice unwavering, "Take aim and shoot. Don't make me repeat myself."

Stunned by shock and fear, James noticed that his team members were waiting for his signal. Lleyn observed that they had been trained well and were ready to follow their leader's orders. After a few seconds of internal struggle, James came back to his senses.

With a heavy sigh, he gave the command, "Fire."

Just as the members of the team took aim and pulled their triggers, Lleyn activated Lightning Infusion onto his body, the power now greater than before due to the boost from his Magic Circuit skill. The bullets were easily deflected by the electrified aura surrounding him.

The shocked ex-soldiers were left defenseless as Lleyn moved with lightning speed, incapacitating them with minimal effort. He made sure not to inflict any serious injuries, leaving only James standing amidst the chaos.

Lleyn approached James, his gaze steady and unwavering. With a swift motion, he grabbed James' gun and crushed it in his hand, the metal groaning and snapping under his supernatural strength.

"I know this is confusing," Lleyn began, his voice calm and resolute, "but I have been selected to take part in the tutorial."

James, struggling to process everything that had happened, fell to his knees, his mind a whirlwind of disbelief and astonishment. The world had changed in an instant, and Lleyn was at the center of a storm that would redefine the course of their lives.

James, disoriented and trembling, tried to make sense of the whirlwind of events. He had witnessed Lleyn's incredible display of power and had fallen to his knees in shock. Now, he found himself standing before Lleyn, who bore an enigmatic and imposing presence.

Lleyn, his eyes unwavering, leaned in closer, his voice carrying a subtle but unmistakable threat. "Listen carefully, James. I will be gone for some time, but I WILL come back. And during that absence, I expect you to follow the orders I've given you. Your first priority is the protection of my family and Chris. Ensure they are safe, no matter the cost."

James nodded, the gravity of the situation settling upon him.

Lleyn continued, "Secondly, my assets here on Earth are not to be tampered with. You will ensure their security and growth. Lana and Robert are important assets to our operation, but I need someone to keep an eye on them, to make sure they do not act against my interests."

James swallowed hard, realizing the weight of his new responsibilities. "I understand, Lleyn."

Lleyn's gaze bore into James, unwavering. "Good. Now, regarding Emily." He handed James a file, a dossier on the young woman who had been part of his life along with Chris for years. "She is also under your protection. I trust you to keep her safe."

James took the file, his expression a mix of confusion and determination. "I'll do my best."

Lleyn stepped back, his tone softening slightly. "James, our organization will have all the resources you need. Funds won't be an issue. Grow it, strengthen it, and ensure that when I return, we are even more formidable."

With those final words, Lleyn turned and walked away from the bewildered James, leaving him to grapple with the newfound responsibilities and the enigma of the tutorial. As he drove away from the abandoned building, his thoughts returned to the weight of the impending journey and the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The world was in chaos, and Lleyn's departure would only add to the confusion. But he had made preparations, entrusted his someone reliable with the task of safeguarding those he cared about, and left behind a web of protection and influence.