Days had passed since Wayne crossed into South Carolina, his footsteps echoing in the quietude of the woods. He had grown accustomed to solitude, a familiar companion from his days on the streets. He ventured out from the shadows only when necessity compelled him—hunger gnawing at his belly or the desperation for some means of sustenance. The forest offered sanctuary, shielding him from a world that often felt hostile.
On this day, a glimpse of nature's bounty presented itself. A deer, graceful and unaware, grazed in the distance. Hunger stirred within Wayne, his food supplies getting dangerously low now, and he knew this was an opportunity to secure a meal. Pulling the pistol from his makeshift holster, he fumbled with it, trying to recall how it worked. The cold metal felt foreign in his grip, and he struggled to figure out even the basics. The deer sensed his hesitation, its ears twitching in alertness. It raised its head, meeting Wayne's gaze before vanishing into the trees.
Cursing his lack of skill with the firearm, Wayne sighed and decided it was time for practice. Setting up a makeshift shooting range, he aimed at some cans he'd gathered. He closed his eyes as he squeezed the trigger, the cacophonous noise startling him. The pistol recoiled, slipping from his grip and clattering to the ground. “FUCKKKKKKKKKKKK” he screamed, grabbing his ears. “Okay, that was so much louder than I thought it would be. I’ve heard gunshots before in the city, but they were so far away I never realized how loud they were,” he muttered to himself.
His heart pounded as the echo of the gunshot faded, leaving the forest in eerie silence. Unknown to Wayne, the deafening sound had disrupted the delicate balance of the forest. A predator, lurking in the shadows, had heard the gunshot. It was fast, its primal instincts driving it towards the source of the noise. Silent as a phantom, the predator stalked Wayne, keen eyes fixed on his unsuspecting prey. It moved through the underbrush, every muscle poised for the strike. Suddenly, the air crackled with tension as it lunged forward, a blur of feral strength and savagery. With lightning speed, the predator collided with Wayne, the force sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain shot through him as his health plummeted, the attack taking him by surprise and leaving him disoriented. Before he could gather his wits, the predator circled, preparing for another attack
PROMPT: You have taken 73 points of slashing and piercing damage. You will lose one point of health for the next 3 seconds.
Fear surged through Wayne, but his survival instincts kicked in. He scrambled to retrieve the pistol, his fingers fumbling as he tried to grip it. The predator closed in, a growl emanating from its throat, ready to finish what it had started. In that heart-stopping moment, Wayne knew he had to fight back. The odds were against him, but he refused to surrender. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he finally managed to grip the pistol, desperation and determination fueling his next move. Summoning every ounce of courage and focus, Wayne aimed the pistol at the approaching predator. His hands were shaking, but he steadied his aim, trying to align the sights. The creature, poised to strike, hesitated for a fraction of a second, sensing the threat in the human's eyes. With a deep breath, Wayne pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the woods, startling birds into flight. The bullet found its mark, but the predator's speed couldn't be underestimated. It twisted and darted, narrowly evading the shot. The bullet grazed its shoulder, causing it to snarl in pain.
PROMPT: You hit Bobcat (Wild) for 2 points of damage
Fear surged through Wayne, but his survival instincts kicked in. He scrambled to retrieve the pistol, his fingers fumbling as he tried to grip it. The predator closed in, a growl emanating from its throat, ready to finish what it had started. In that heart-stopping moment, Wayne knew he had to fight back. The odds were against him, but he refused to surrender. Adrenaline surged through his veins as he finally managed to grip the pistol, desperation and determination fueling his next move. Summoning every ounce of courage and focus, Wayne aimed the pistol at the approaching predator. His hands were shaking, but he steadied his aim, trying to align the sights. The creature, poised to strike, hesitated for a fraction of a second, sensing the threat in the human's eyes.
With a deep breath, Wayne pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the woods, startling birds into flight. The bullet found its mark, but the predator's speed couldn't be underestimated. It twisted and darted, narrowly evading the shot. The bullet grazed its shoulder, causing it to snarl in pain. Not wasting a moment, Wayne fired again, but the predator was relentless. It lunged, teeth bared, claws extended, aiming to rip through flesh and bone. Wayne managed to dodge to the side just in time, avoiding a fatal blow. The predator's sharp claws tore through the air, leaving gashes in the earth where he had been standing. Regaining his footing, Wayne took aim once more, trying to steady his trembling hands. He fired, this time hitting the creature in the one of its legs. The animal let out a yowl of pain, stumbling but quickly recovering. Despite the injury, it retreated into the shadows, vanishing into the depths of the woods.
PROMPT: You hit Bobcat (Wild) for 15 points of piercing damage, causing a hindrance to its movement. The bobcat has fled, but it may return.
Wayne's heart pounded as he watched it disappear, his entire body trembling with a mix of fear and relief. He knew he had to make a move, to find safety before the injured predator regrouped or others came looking for the commotion. Finding a secluded spot deeper in the woods, he settled down to take stock of his situation. He carefully examined his health, the wound on his back and the tears in the shirt from where the claws had savaged him, and the bruises from the earlier scuffle with the dog. His health was low, dangerously so, and he needed to tend to his injuries.
“What kind of luck is this... a fucking bobcat really? I didn’t think they would even attack a person… or am I thinking of something else.” He began to feel woozy and a bit lightheaded. “I need to heal myself somehow.” Looking at his health bar he could see that it was close to the bottom.
‘That can’t be good, but the only way I know to recover my health over time, maybe if I had some medicine or something…` as he thought this he was looking though his bag for something, anything to help. Using a clean cloth and water from his supplies, he washed the wounds, wincing at the pain. The gash from the bobcat's claws was deep, and it needed proper attention. He applied what basic first aid he knew, doing his best to mitigate the bleeding and prevent infection. Rest was equally crucial. Wayne knew he needed to regain his strength and stamina. He rationed his food, eating just enough to keep him going for the next leg of his journey. As he lay against a tree, nursing his injuries, he reflected on the events of the day and what they meant for his mission to improve his survival odds.
Every encounter, every challenge he faced was a lesson. He knew he couldn't afford to be unprepared or reckless. The world was unforgiving, and each day brought forth new threats. Wayne had to grow, to adapt, to become more than he was. As the day gave way to night, Wayne's resolve hardened. He wouldn't let fear or setbacks deter him. He would rise stronger from this encounter, more prepared for the dangers that lay ahead. The bobcat had been a formidable opponent, a wake-up call to the perilous reality he faced. With a newfound determination, Wayne knew he had to keep moving forward, to chase the elusive 100% survival odds. He whispered to himself, "This is just the beginning. I'll learn. I'll grow. I'll survive." The woods whispered back, a symphony of rustling leaves and distant calls, urging him to keep going, to prove his mettle against the odds.
The morning sun cast a gentle glow through the forest canopy, its rays coaxing Wayne awake. He groaned as he stretched, feeling the stiffness in his back and the dull ache from the bobcat's attack. He checked his health, finding that he had recovered some overnight.
PROMPT: Your health has increased to 49/100. Your wounds are still healing; movement may be slightly impaired.
“Well, that’s a bit better,” Wayne muttered to himself, wincing as he got to his feet. He decided to set off at a slower pace today, mindful of his injuries. His journey had just become a bit more challenging, but he was determined to press on. The path ahead was dappled with sunlight, the rustling leaves providing a comforting background to his thoughts. Wayne often found solace in the quiet hum of nature. Today, however, the sounds of the forest were accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds and the distant rustling of critters.
“Slower progress today,” he mumbled to himself. “But hey, progress is progress, right?” He chuckled softly, his backpack was looped around his arms and instead of being on his back was now on his chest, the injuries on his back being too much to wear his bag the correct way.
As Wayne walked, he let his thoughts wander, reflecting on the close call with the bobcat and the trials he had faced so far. He had come a long way from his days on the streets. It was a rough journey that led him here, the memories still vivid.
“I guess sometimes you need a bobcat to wake you up,” he said with a half-smile, pushing aside a low-hanging branch. “I've faced worse.”
He continued on, the forest gradually giving way to the outskirts of a town. The sight of civilization stirred a mix of hope and caution within him. He was eager to find supplies but remained wary of potential dangers. It was a balance he had learned to maintain.
“Alright, Wayne,” he muttered, giving himself a small pep talk. “Easy does it. Stick to the shadows and watch your back.”
As Wayne stepped into the town, he noticed that the streets weren't completely empty. A few people hurriedly made their way to shelter, casting furtive glances at the unfamiliar face passing through. The sense of emptiness was palpable, though, and Wayne couldn't shake off the eerie feeling.
PROMPT: You have found a small town, people can seem friendly but always proceed with caution.
‘What? I’ve never seen a prompt like this before, is the system actually helping me now or what?’ as the thought left his mind so too did the prompt. ‘Okay… or not.’ He chuckled to himself.
“This town’s not exactly bustling with life, is it?” Wayne observed, his eyes scanning the surroundings. “Either something's off, or I've stumbled into a ghost town. Great.”
Deciding he needed medical attention he searched for anything resembling a hospital, after about 10 minutes of walking he found what he was looking for.
“Alright hopefully they have someone in there that can help me…” before heading in however he stowed the pistol in his backpack and removed the machete from his belt loop and strapping it to the side of his bag.
Wayne pushed open the creaky door, the hinges protesting the movement. He stepped into the dimly lit building, the musty smell of old furniture and antiseptic assaulting his senses. Inside, it was not abandoned as he had expected. Instead, he found a nurse talking to a person seated on an old bench, their faces reflecting a sense of urgency and discomfort. The nurse glanced up as Wayne entered, her expression one of confusion before she returned to the person in front of her. Wayne could hear snippets of their conversation.
Person: "I really need something... for the pain. It's just unbearable."
Nurse: "I understand, but we need to be careful with what we administer. It's essential to find the right treatment for your condition."
Person: "I've been in pain for days. You don't understand what it's like."
The person's voice was tinged with frustration and desperation. Their agitation was palpable, and Wayne could see the telltale signs of withdrawal.
Nurse: "I hear you, and we'll try to help manage your pain. Let me see what we have available."
She got up and moved toward the shelves, searching for suitable options. Wayne, meanwhile, continued to wait patiently, understanding the nurse's predicament. He had seen firsthand the destructive power of addiction and knew the delicate line the nurse had to tread.
Nurse: “Here is some Ibuprofen, it’s all we can give you right now, as you know supplies are low and we need to save what we can.”
Person: "I don't know if this will be enough. The pain is excruciating."
Nurse: "I understand, and I wish we had more to offer. But these are tough times, and supplies are limited."
Person: "Can't you find something stronger? Please, I'm begging you."
The person's desperation was evident, and they clutched the bottle of ibuprofen tightly, as if hoping it might magically transform into something stronger.
Nurse: "I'm truly sorry, but our priority is to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. We can't risk using up our limited supplies on painkillers right now."
Person: "You don't know what it's like... the agony. I can't sleep, can't eat. I need something stronger."
The nurse sighed, torn between her duty to provide care and the need to manage their resources wisely.
Nurse: "I wish there was more I could do. We're all facing hardships these days, and we have to make do with what we have."
Person: "Fine, whatever. Thanks for nothing."
With that, the person got up, clearly frustrated and dejected. They left the clinic, as they pass you it looks like they are about to shoulder check you but seeing the machete their eyes widen and they walk around you, leaving the nurse with a heavy heart. Wayne, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward.
Wayne: "I appreciate your help, nurse. I know you're doing your best."
Nurse: "Thank you for understanding. It's just so hard when we can't provide the care people need."
Wayne: "I've seen how addiction can tear lives apart. Maybe one day, that person will find the help they need to break free from it."
Nurse: "I hope so. Now, what can I do for you?”
Wayne: "I had a run-in with a bobcat. It got me pretty good. Mind taking a look?"
The nurse nodded and gestured for Wayne to follow her to an examination area. As she began to assess his injuries, Wayne couldn't help but reflect on the challenges of survival in this unforgiving world.
Nurse: "Alright, let's have a look at those injuries. Can you describe what happened with the bobcat?"
Wayne: "Yeah, I was just walking through the woods, minding my own business, when it pounced on me out of nowhere. Managed to fend it off, but not without a few battle scars."
Nurse: "You did well to handle a bobcat on your own. Let's see how we can help with those wounds."
As the nurse cleaned and bandaged Wayne's injuries, they engaged in casual conversation about the challenges of surviving in the current world.
Wayne: "I've been on the road for a while now, and it's been tough. The prompts and this system we have to navigate... they add another layer of complexity."
Nurse: "Tell me about it. It's like we're living in a game, but the stakes are as real as they get."
Wayne: "Exactly. Have you had any encounters with the system? Like prompts or changes to your stats?"
Nurse: "Yeah, I've had a few prompts. They can be helpful at times, but they can also be... strange."
Wayne: "I get that. I sometimes wonder if we're all just characters in some grand narrative."
Nurse: "It does feel like that sometimes, doesn't it? And who knows who's pulling the strings."
Wayne: "Speaking of stats... do you mind me asking about your level and stats? It might give me an idea of how to better prepare for what's out there."
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Nurse: "Well… I guess there is no harm I’m currently Unleveled but I do have 25 experience points so I’m slowly getting there. My stats... they're decent, though. Wisdom is my strongest suit, and luck, well, not so much."
Wayne: “How are you gaining experience? If you don’t’ mind me asking.”
Nurse: “Well after I got the first prompt telling me the Earth is being integrated, which appeared right as I was tending to a patient, I was thinking how it was blocking my view then it just Disappeared. I finished treating the patient then I was rewarded with 2 experience points. So now every time I take care of someone I get a few experience points.”
Wayne: “Ah that’s great that you get to do what you enjoy and can still progress with it.”
She nods and finishes treating his wounds, just as she applies the last wrap a prompt appears in her vision telling her she just received 20 experience points. She gasp loudly then looks down at Wayne just as a prompt appears in his vision
PROMPT:
Congratulations your survival odds have improved, now 0.025%. You now realize the benefits of being a member of a society, keep this up and you just might make it another day!
Health is now 80/100.
With a chuckle Wayne sits up. And looks at the nurse, as he’s about to talk she cuts him off, not rudely just absorbed in her prompt.
Wayne: “Tha….”
Nures: “I just got 20 experience points for treating your wounds!” she almost yelled it, then claps her hands over her mouth.
Wayne: “Oh uh that’s odd I wonder why?”
Nurse: "That is indeed odd. I wonder if it has to do with the severity of the injuries, or perhaps the prompt recognized it as a significant event. The system can be unpredictable."
Wayne: "Yeah, who knows how this thing works."
He shifted uncomfortably, hoping to steer the conversation away from his own situation.
Nurse: "Speaking of which, if you don't mind me asking, what is your level and stats?”
Wayne hesitated, then decided to be honest, but remained vague about the details of his past.
Wayne: "I was a beggar before the system. I faced many challenges on the streets, when the system first appeared I was giving a 0.001% survival odds. Now, I've just reached level 1, and my odds are now 0.025%, so there's a long way to go."
Nures: “Level 1?! How… how have you gotten so much experience points?” she is clearly aghast as you are the first person she’s met that has leveled up.
Wayne hesitated, unsure if he should share the full truth. But honesty seemed the best policy, at least to an extent.
Wayne: "Well, the system awarded me with some experience points after I defended myself from a rat that attacked me on the first day. I continued to face aggressive pests and small threats, which helped me accumulate more experience until I reached level 1."
The nurse's face registered a mix of surprise and disapproval at first, but then it softened into understanding.
Nurse: "While it's unfortunate that you had to resort to such means, survival in this new world is paramount. Sometimes we have to do things we wouldn't normally do."
She sighed and gathered some medical supplies, placing them into a small pouch.
Nurse: "I can't condone unnecessary harm, but I understand that we all must adapt. Here, take these supplies. They might help you on your journey."
Wayne accepted the pouch gratefully, appreciating her understanding despite her initial reservations.
Wayne: "Thank you. I want to survive, but not at the cost of others."
Nurse: "It's good to hear that. Remember, you're always welcome here if you need medical attention or just someone to talk to. Stay safe out there, Wayne."
With those words of encouragement, Wayne left the clinic, grateful for the supplies and the nurse's understanding. He knew he had to navigate this new world with a moral compass, even if it meant facing more challenges and taking longer to increase his survival odds. The journey was long, but he was determined to make it through.
As Wayne ventured further into the town, he noticed a man who seemed to be sorting through a pile of salvaged materials.
Wayne: "Hey there, mind if I ask you a few questions about this new system?"
Man: "Oh, sure. I don't mind. It's a strange thing, isn't it?"
Wayne: "Definitely. Have you leveled up or gained any experience points yet?"
Man: "Not quite. I'm still at 10 experience points. Haven't figured out how to earn more yet."
Wayne: "Oh what did the prompt say when you gained the experience?"
Man: “Um well it just said ‘You have gained 3 experience for finding a lost item.’ That kind of makes sense a bit to me as before the system arrived, I would search through discarded items and then use them to make new things, I got another 2 experience points for making something with what I found but after that I only got 1 experience point for finding or making stuff.”
The man seemed genuinely puzzled, mirroring Wayne's own confusion about the intricate workings of the system.
Wayne: "Thanks for sharing. Stay safe out here."
Man: "Oh wait, what about yourself?”
Wayne: “Well I’ve gained a bit of experience when I was forced to defend myself from a rat, while I was in a bigger city, it was odd because they use to ignore people and run away but this one charged at me and tried to bite me…”
Man: “Hmm I don’t like the sounds of that, hopefully it was a one-off thing because if the animals start getting aggressive, I don’t know how we will survive.”
Wayne: “We will all have to do our part and help each other out, I’m sorry I have been extremely rude my name is Fi.. Wayne, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The man looks at you confused for a moment before shaking his head slightly.
Man: “My name is William nice to meet you Wayne.”
With that Wayne bid William Farewell and continued on exploring the town. As Wayne continued exploring, he stumbled upon a small group of people gathered around a makeshift campfire, engaging in animated conversation.
Wayne: "Hey, mind if I join you for a moment?"
Woman: "Of course, pull up a crate. We're just trying to figure out this whole system craziness."
Wayne: “I understand that, I’m Wayne by the way, nice to meet ya’ll.”
The woman who had initially welcomed him spoke up, introducing herself.
Woman: "I'm Sarah. These are my friends, John, Michael, and Emma."
Sarah looked around at the group with a bit of pride and hope on her face, then John spoke up.
John: "This town has always been close-knit. We knew each other well and looked out for one another. But with the system, things have changed. We've had to adapt quickly. The morning after the system came to Earth all the news channels were calling for a state of emergency, schools where closed, business didn’t open. No one knew what to expect and things haven’t gone back to normal since then. At first some of us tried to ignore it or just continue like nothing had changed, but every time a prompt appeared we would just stop and stare at it… losing hope and fearing for what it all meant… then the four of us decide it was time to change that, so we started tasking people with things to do, trying to give purpose to our knew lives."
John looked down at the ground as he finished talking, you could see the stress and weight of everything weighing him down, next Michael spoke up.
Michael: "Absolutely. The system brought about challenges we never anticipated. But we're doing our best to navigate through it together. We’ve got food, water, and power for now but if we can’t get supplies, we’ll have to turn to hunting and gathering or farming to keep food on our plates."
Emma spoke up at this point.
Emma: "We're lucky that the power and water are still working for now, but we're aware it might not last. We need to be prepared."
Wayne: "Indeed. It's crucial to have a plan. I've seen the dangers outside in the forest. The animals have changed. They're more aggressive, and it's not safe out there. If you do start hunting don’t go alone and be sure someone has some capabilities with a gun."
As he said that last part, he couldn’t help but remember the bobcat and an involuntary shudder moved through his body.
Sarah: "Thank you for the heads up. We've been hesitant to venture too far. Safety has to be our priority."
John: "We've been rationing our food supplies, trying to make them last as long as possible. But we can share a meal with you. It's not much, but we're all in this together."
Michael: "Absolutely. Here, have a bit of what we have."
The group extended their hospitality, offering a modest but heartfelt meal. They exchanged stories about their experiences, discussing the system's impact on their lives and the challenges they faced. The warmth of the fire and the shared meal brought a sense of comfort and unity amidst the uncertainties of the world around them.
Wayne: "Thank you all. It's heartening to see people come together during these times. We have to support each other to survive."
Emma: "Exactly. We need to stick together and help one another. Who knows what tomorrow might bring. With that being said…” Emma looked at the other members and they all nodded “If you want you are welcome to stay, as long as you pull your own weight and don’t become a burden to anyone.”
Wayne couldn’t help but smile, it was a sad smile because he knew he couldn’t stay. He wasn’t sure what it was, but something was pulling him ever north.
Wayne: “Thank you, I might take you up on that offer for a few days while I recover from an animal attack I suffered earlier today but I sadly won’t be able to stay longer then that, I will happily help out while I am here though.”
Sarah: "That's completely understandable, Wayne. We appreciate any help you can offer during your time here."
John added, "Yes, we're all in this together. We have to rely on each other for survival."
Michael chimed in, "We'll set you up with a place to rest and recover. Meanwhile, we can discuss a plan for tomorrow. We need to go over our supplies and perhaps figure out some defenses for our small town."
As Wayne settled in, he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to the system and its integration with Earth. He pondered the mysterious prompt that appeared, nudging his curiosity.
Later, by the flickering firelight, the group shared stories of how they'd managed since the system's arrival. Each person had their own unique experiences, yet the common thread was the desire to adapt and find stability amidst the chaos.
The next morning when Wayne awoke his health had only gone up 4 points.
‘Hm seems like I’m healing slower, that bobcat really did a number on me… If only the system brought us magic also.’ He was chuckling to himself when a prompt appeared.
PROMPT:
You do not meet the requirements to obtain magic, perhaps one day you will unlock this knowledge bur for you, today is not that day.
‘You mother…. Ok so magic is a thing, this feels like something I should keep to myself for now. I will see if anyone else has figure this out, but I must do it in a way that it appears I’m just speculating.”
As Wayne rolled out of his makeshift bed, the group had set him up in a older building, it still had power and water so he was able to shower and sleep outside of the elements for the first time in years.
`It’s going to be hard to give this up.` Wayne though.
As he was leaving the building Sarah walked up to him.
Sarah: “Hey Wayne we were about to do a walk around the town and look at possible defense we could try and implement, but none of us have any experience with that kind of thing. You wouldn’t happen to have any would you?” – she asked hopefully
Wayne: “No I’m sorry I don’t before the system I mostly lived on the streets or under a bridge, I can walk with ya’ll and try and help thought if you would like.”
Sarah considers it for a moment then nods. “Yeah that would be fine.”
The morning sun cast a gentle glow on the town as Wayne and the group set out on their walk. The town, although small, had a certain charm to it. The buildings, a mix of old and new, bore witness to the town's history and its evolution into the present.
Sarah: "This is the heart of our community. It may not be big, but it's home to us."
Wayne: "It has a unique character. I can see the effort you all have put into preserving and fortifying it."
Michael: "We've been discussing creating a perimeter defense, something to keep unwanted guests at bay. Any ideas?"
As they strolled through the streets, Wayne examined the layout of the town. He considered various options, looking at all the resources available to them currently.
Wayne: "Given the size, a simple perimeter of reinforced barricades could work. Make use of the existing structures as a first line of defense."
Emma: "That's a good point. We could use cars and other heavy objects to block off certain paths."
John: "We should also designate safe zones within the town, areas where we can retreat and regroup if needed."
Sarah: "Sounds like a plan. Wayne, your insights are really helpful. It's like you have a knack for this."
Wayne: "Survival often involves making the most of what you have. Resourcefulness is key."
PROMPT:
you have given the unintended leaders of this community a better understanding of how to defend their town, reputation with town +500.
‘Okay now what the fuck is reputation? Ugh this stupid system should come with a tutorial or something.’ Wayne face scrunched up with anger and frustration for only a moment before he just let it roll off his back, like water off a duck. ‘Nothing to be done about it I guess.’
PROMPT:
Tutorial was disabled for Earth integration.
“What the fuck!” – Wayne shouted out loud, causing the other members to stop and look at him confused, but they all noticed the look, one of someone looking past everything and seeing something new, the look of someone reading a prompt. They waited for him to gather himself and let him speak when he was ready.
Wayne: “Did any of you get a prompt about a Tutorial?” he asked, still a bit angry.
The group looked at him confused but then he saw them all looking past him, reading some prompt. A few seconds later they all exclaimed “What the fuck!”
Wayne couldn’t help himself he just started laughing, it started small then turned into a big, slightly manic laugh, it was a few minutes before he was able to gather himself and stop laughing.
“I’m sorry.” He said, still chuckling slightly and wiping some tears from his eyes. “Ain’t this a kick in the nuts though. Who or what asshat chose to disable our Tutorial?” Wayne waited expecting a prompt but nothing appeared.
Sarah: “Honestly it doesn’t surprise me at this point, someone or something brought this system to us and for some reason chose for us to learn by doing, so I say let’s get to doing.”
They spent the rest of the morning strategizing, each person contributing ideas and perspectives. The sense of community and collaboration was palpable. In all the excitement and frustration of the morning and learning about a missed tutorial Wayne completely forgot about Reputation and what it could mean for him. After everyone had lunch Wayne decided he was feeling well enough to explorer the woods a bit, not far just a few hundred feet or so, enough where he could quickly get back to the town if he had to. As he was getting his stuff packed and his bag on Sarah walked up to him.
Sarah: “Leaving us already are you?” – she smiled at him, when he saw this smile he took a long look at Sarah finally seeing her, she stood before him with a warm, welcoming smile. She appeared to be in her early thirties, radiating an air of competence and kindness. Sarah had a natural, sun-kissed complexion, her skin bearing the gentle signs of time and experience. Her hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity and determination, reflecting the strength she held within. Her eyes seemed to hold a certain wisdom, telling tales of challenges faced and overcome. Her hair, a chestnut brown, was pulled back in a loose ponytail, a few strands framing her face. It seemed practical, yet there was a grace to the way it flowed when she moved. She had a toned physique, a testament to her active lifestyle. Despite the rigors of their reality, she maintained an air of elegance in her posture and movements. Sarah was dressed in functional yet well-maintained clothing, a blend of earthy tones that blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment. A faded green jacket hugged her frame, complementing the rugged jeans and sturdy hiking boots she wore. Wayne found himself momentarily captivated by her presence, a mix of admiration for her resilience and a budding sense of friendship. He couldn't help but appreciate the grace and strength she exuded, a fitting representation of the community she helped lead. Wayne shook his head then spoke up, as Sarah cracked a slight smile.
Wayne: “I was just going to go explore the woods a bit, I just feel like I need to do something my body is still healing, but my health has finally reached 100% again.”
Sarah looks Wayne over before asking. “Would you like some company then?”
Wayne taken aback slightly just opened his mouth to speak then closed it, before taking a deep breath and saying – “I would really enjoy that, thank you.”
As Wayne and Sarah ventured into the woods, the forest enveloped them in a symphony of rustling leaves and bird songs. The dappled sunlight played on the forest floor, creating a tranquil ambiance.
Sarah: “It's peaceful out here. A stark contrast to the challenges we face daily.”
Wayne: “Indeed. Nature has this calming effect, a reminder that there's still beauty and harmony in the world.”
They walked along a narrow path, the occasional crackle of twigs under their boots breaking the silence. Sarah’s curiosity and Wayne’s yearning for discovery seemed to align in this shared venture.
Sarah: “You've seen quite a lot, Wayne. Streets, cities, and now the woods. It's like a journey through the stages of our old world.”
Wayne: “It's a journey of adaptation. A forced one, but still a journey. I never expected to experience life like this.”
As they continued, Wayne noticed Sarah's gaze fixed on a patch of wildflowers. The colors seemed to captivate her, a reminder of the simple joys amidst the chaos.
Sarah: “I used to have a garden back home. Flowers have always been a source of solace for me.”
Wayne: “It's amazing how even in this world, we can find reminders of the life we once knew.”
They sat on a fallen log, the cool breeze brushing against their skin. The conversation flowed easily, a blend of their experiences, dreams, and the uncertainties of this new reality. Wayne felt the need to share something from his past, and he chose to share a story that had brought him immense joy amidst the struggles.
Wayne: “Back in my city days, there was this little café near where I slept sometimes. They served the most amazing apple pie. One day, after finding a job, I treated myself to a slice. It was a simple act, but that pie made me feel like I was on top of the world, if only for a moment.”
Sarah listened attentively, a smile playing on her lips.
Sarah: “It's beautiful how the simplest things can bring us such happiness. Moments like those are what we hold onto in times of hardship.”
PROMPT:
You have gained +250 reputation with Sarah.
‘Hm reputation again, I will need to see if I can figure out more about this when we get back to town.’ He thought to himself as they continued to chat.
Their conversation meandered through various topics, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and aspirations. Wayne found a sense of camaraderie in Sarah, and he cherished the genuine connection they were forming. As the day unfolded, they explored further, the forest revealing its secrets and wonders. The sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
Sarah: “We should head back. It'll be dark soon, and safety in these times is paramount.”
Wayne agreed, a feeling of gratitude and contentment settling in his heart.
Wayne: “Thank you, Sarah. This day has been a rare gift in this changed world.”
Sarah: “The feeling is mutual. We'll have many more of these, I'm sure. We need to find joy amidst the challenges.”
With a newfound sense of companionship and understanding, they made their way back to the town. The fading light illuminated their path, casting a hopeful glow on the beginning of a friendship that would become a pillar of strength in the days to come.
As they made their way back to the town, the forest seemed to hold a different aura, imbued with the warmth of their shared experience. Wayne was acutely aware of the newfound connection he had forged with Sarah. It was a rare and precious thing in a world altered by an enigmatic system.
The fading light cast long shadows, and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, carrying with it the promise of another day. They reached the edge of the woods just as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a canvas of twilight hues.
As they stepped back into the town, Sarah turned to Wayne with a genuine smile.
Sarah: “It's been a pleasure, Wayne. If you ever want to explore more or just talk, I'm here.”
Wayne: “Thank you, Sarah. I appreciate that. And I'm here for you too. We'll navigate this world together.”
Sarah bid him goodnight, her footsteps echoing down the quiet street. Wayne stood for a moment, the day's events replaying in his mind. He felt a mix of emotions—hope, camaraderie, and a newfound sense of purpose.
PROMPT:
Your relationship with Sarah has changed. Unforeseen circumstances may arise from this new change.
The prompt caught Wayne by surprise, was this a good omen or bad? He ponders this and made his way to where he would rest for the night. The sense of community, the budding friendships—it was a glimmer of light in a world that had grown darker. Wayne felt a renewed determination to face the challenges of this new reality, fortified by the human connections he was building. But he knew if not tomorrow the day after he would have to leave, the feeling to keep moving was growing stronger every minute and even though he wanted to he could not stay her any longer.
The night was restless for Wayne. He tossed and turned, the events of the day mingling with his thoughts about the future. The sense of restlessness had grown like an insistent itch, and as dawn approached, Wayne knew what he needed to do.
PROMPT:
Your instincts are telling you to move. Sometimes, inaction can be costlier then action.
With the morning light peeking through the window, Wayne made up his mind. He packed his few belongings and headed outside to where the town was beginning to stir with the day. As he moved through the streets, he felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for the friendships made, a tinge of sadness for leaving so soon, and the pulsating excitement of the unknown. He found Sarah amidst the morning chores.
Wayne: “Sarah, I’ve made up my mind. I need to keep moving. This world, it's vast and unpredictable. I can't stay in one place for long.”
Sarah looked at Wayne with a thoughtful expression, then spoke.
Sarah: “Wayne, I understand your need to keep moving. In fact, I've been feeling the same way. I believe it's crucial for us to establish connections with other towns, share information, resources, and, most importantly, support one another.”
Wayne listened, intrigued by what she was suggesting.
Sarah: “I'd like to travel with you, at least for a while. I want to check on the neighboring towns, see how they're faring, and attempt to establish some sort of communication network. We can be the bridge between these communities.”
PROMPT:
Sarah is offering to join you on your journey. Accepting or declining will have consequences.
Wayne considered her offer, weighing the pros and cons. He knew having a travel mate could be both a boon and a burden in this unpredictable world.
Wayne: “Sarah, I understand your desire to get in contact with the surrounding towns. I appreciate your willingness to come with me. Together, we can make a difference in these challenging times.”
PROMPT:
For choosing to allow Sarah to join you, you gain +250 reputation with her. Allowing Sarah to join you helps the town, you gain +500 reputation with this town.
Sarah: “Thank you, Wayne. I believe this journey will test us, but it's a test we need to undertake. We can make a positive impact on this world.”
With their decision made, Wayne and Sarah set off, their path unknown but their determination strong. As they stepped into the wide expanse of the world before them, Wayne felt a renewed sense of purpose, knowing they were not just journeying for themselves, but for the hope and survival of many.