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Everything was a blur. Nothing made sense. Instead of the usual popcorn white ceiling I was used to, I now found gunmetal grey tiles overhead, along with a single stretch of blisteringly bright fluorescent lights. My eyes watered as the constant hum buzzed in my ears.

When I sat up, a throbbing pain in my head seared and burned, and it was all I could do to fall back down and use my arm as a shield against the light. I had obviously been playing too much Carbine Footprint, because my status bar was burned into my vision as if I still had my Nova 9000s on, and menu options were popping up. But instead of the usual first-person-shooter interface though it was more RPG, and just to confirm that a notification popped into my vision.

You are [Human].

You have gained a [+2] racial bonus to an attribute of your choice.

It was like the world was confirming my thoughts. There were the typical choices associated with RPGs available: strength, dexterity, agility, vitality, perception, and charisma. It’s uncommon for people to notice the absence of a thing, but I noticed—I noticed the absence of intelligence and wisdom or mind. What were the implications to that? No mage classes, there could be more to it but that’s for later, now I have to figure out where the bonus will go.

The physical attributes appear like a good choice at first but I am not in any immediate danger.

Please make a selection

30 seconds remaining

Forcing my hand, hmm? It’s really down to perception or charisma. Further detail of the attributes display after pressing the question mark. Charisma was akin to force of presence or soul. Perception was self-explanatory, increasing that, increases one’s sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch.

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The ability to gather more information than the average person is the most important thing

You have selected [Perception].

You have gained a [+2] to [Perception].

You do not meet any of the requirements for [Adventurer] job classes.

You start with the job class [Commoner].

That is certainly going to make things interesting.

There were some footsteps coming from the hallway, my heart raced, and I swatted at the interface until it finally disappeared.

My eyes strained on a shadow from beneath the door. As it neared I could astonishingly make out what was being said.

a woman said before I heard the line end from outside the room. She sounded like she was in her late twenties.

The shadow passed and I could hear the lady enter the adjoining room, slowly I crept out of bed and leant against the wall, the cold plasterboard greeting my ear.

“Ahh, you’re awake,” she said, and then I could hear her redial her phone. “Yes. Yes. He’s regained consciousness. Yes. Okay. Absolutely.” And then hung up.

I could feel my heartbeat rising to my ears. It was all too weird, too much to deal with. Like I was in a waking dream. Perhaps this is what sleepwalkers feel like? They’re not asleep, but they’re not awake, but their dreams still feel real to them, until they wake up. The somatic action for hiding the interface still worked, and I sighed in relief.

“Sorry about that. You probably feel a bit disoriented and confused. You fainted during the demonstration, and we brought you to the first aid room to rest. My name is Clare Watson. Can you tell me your name?”

“Is that really your name?” a familiar kid’s voice replied.

Mark?

There was a pause. “Why, yes, of course. I understand you might feel confused and disoriented right now. Try taking a few deep breaths.”

“Wait, what? Why do you need my name?” Mark asked, he sounded just as disoriented as I felt.

“I have your name here,” she said, tapping something. “This is standard procedure for anyone that’s suffered a head injury or fainted in your case.” Then said, “Why don’t you pop back onto the bed.”

“Err, my name’s Mark. Mark Thornwell.” He said, reluctantly complying.

“Good,” she said, pausing again. “Do you know what day and month of the year it is?”

“It’s November 5th. Could I, umm, have some water please?”

Again, a long pause, like the lady was considering her actions carefully. “Yes, yes, absolutely, just after we answer a few more questions. It’s really important for your safety that we do this now before anything else.”

“Umm. Okay.”

“Do you know where we are?” It seemed like she was more interested in filling out her clipboard than his wellbeing.

“We’re, umm, in Astor Corp.”  

This is a bit weird. Where is the teacher? The other students? And how come the two of us fainted? Did anyone else faint? Why?

“Excellent… I can see you look concerned, but don’t worry. Mr Harding informed your parents, and they agreed to let us do a few tests before you return with class.”

“Umm, okay, what else do you need?” He asked.

“Can you tell me what you remember of today? There is no need to worry, you are not in trouble, we just need to ascertain your current condition, so, please do not leave any details out…”

Mark seemed to be thinking as he took his time before delving in.