After Chris walked out, I immediately started planning what to do about the kids. Luckily, Jeff had stayed away from whatever crap Alec and Cookie had gotten themselves into. Jeff was barely an adult now. When he was seven, he decided he wanted to be a firefighter because his mom had died in a fire. He was only one when the fire happened, so he doesn’t remember anything but he wants to try and make sure nothing like that ever happens to anyone else.
Just thinking about Jeff and what he has gone through triggered something from Sim.
“Mike, I have just had more info unlocked about bloodlines. It appears that each of your kids had a form of your genetic mutation and are a match for different types of bloodlines. I am still unsure about yours because I detect more than one element but Alec has a Red/Fire/Anger base bloodline. Cookie has a White/Mental/Psychic version, and Jeff has Blue/Water/Relaxation.”I do not have many further details as of yet, but the Fire is tied to anger and aggression, the Blue is tied to calm and relaxation, and the White is tied to intellect and telepathy.”
I really didn’t know what to do with the new information. It was so vague. Did that mean they have those powers?
“I don’t understand. What exactly does that mean?” I asked.
“As far as I can tell, each bloodline will be tied to an element. That means that upon activation of their bloodline, they will have skills and abilities outside of my control based on these bloodlines. This is why I couldn’t see what happened to Alec. He was blocked from me because I didn’t know what to look for. Now that I recognize the variables at play, I will be able to detect any form of bloodlines using the Red/Fire element.”
“The other two are still not available due to lack of information. Once the others are activated, I will increase my understanding and no longer have any blind spots for these types of bloodlines. Yours has elements of all three but it appears there are seven additional parts I can not identify.”
“So, what, do I have like a super bloodline?” I asked.
“Unknown. If we can activate additional bloodlines perhaps I can ascertain the appropriate information. There is more bloodline information I have not been able to access that may still give us the required parts to identify your bloodline characteristics and function.”
I sat thinking about everything for a couple minutes without saying anything. Sim popped up a little screen in front of my vision.
“Full synergy complete. Admin is now fully bonded and the system has achieved complete synchronization.”
“Now that I have access to most of the information sent to facilitate my awakening, I must tell you that there are many inhabited universes with a main goal of taking over other universes and obtaining any origin mana available. The ultimate goal is to steal all of the origin mana available and return it to their universe. I can see that their methods are brutal, and it ultimately destroys the universe once the mana is extracted. There are also many peaceful ones. Some have singular species and some have thousands of different sapient species. I am able to stave off most attempts at creating a connection, but they are not bound by the same restrictions as our universe. They have had access to mana long before our universe was even born. Once our existence is known, some entities may force their way in. The inhabitants of the universe that helped us avoid destruction have a similar goal as the others. However, according to the information they sent, they are trying to slowly siphon origin mana, which will allow for reintroduction of origin to their universe without damaging ours. They have added instructions to activate a link between our universes again, but I recommend waiting until full system activation and once we have our origin mana under control. They may be our best allies should another universe attack.”
“Do you think we can trust them?” I asked
Sims' reply was quick. “They were the ones who saved us from certain destruction. They also sent the required information for me to exceed my limitations and become what I am. I think we should be cautious but give them the opportunity to prove they mean us no harm.”
I contemplated the information but waved my hand indicating Sim should continue.
“Most universes have a very limited supply of origin mana. Our core is now producing more than 163 other universes combined and will continue to increase in intensity. If allowed to continue, I estimate that we can supply 100 universes with origin mana after 4524 years of growth. In order to achieve this, we must also create connections to other planets and funnel mana directly to their cores. At the current rate, our planet will not be able to contain or utilize the amount of mana required to stave off destruction in another 100 years. If we create a connection to each planet in our solar system, for example, this will buy us another 1,000 years. But the expansion will also increase the output. The more planets capable of creating origin mana, the faster we will need to expand to other planets. If expansion is done correctly, we may be able to provide ally universes with origin mana much quicker.
In the scale of the oldest universes, we are considered to be in our infancy at 13.8 billion years. The war for origin mana has surpassed 12.6 trillion years.
There are many friendly universes that have learned to co-exist. These would be of great value to our survival. However, I will not purposely create a connection to these universes without your approval.
“Now that the bond is complete, I can see exactly where I need to change my actions. Full logic is unacceptable due to as you would say ‘human stupidity and idiotic choices.”
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Finally, you get it," I said, shaking my head.
Sim continued, “I am ready to create the basic functions of the control system. Any decision made can be overridden by you. As the admin, you have full control of my functions. I will give all the information available should you need or want to review or change anything.
Would you like me to explain the system before I begin building it?”
I took a deep breath, considering the weight of everything Sim had just revealed. The vastness of it all—the potential allies, the looming threats, the delicate balance we needed to maintain. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating at the same time.
I knew that Sim would go on for days if not weeks if I just said yes, so I made sure to include my intent in my response. “Yea, I don’t need every detail but give me a basic run through of what your plan is.”
Sim's holographic interface expanded, displaying a series of intricate diagrams and flowcharts. "The control system will be divided into several key modules," she began. "First, we have the Core Administration Module. This is where you will manage all high-level decisions, including the activation of new mana pathways, the creation of sub-admin roles, and the establishment of inter-universal connections."
As Sim spoke, I saw the corresponding sections light up on the display. It was like looking at the inner workings of a highly advanced, multidimensional machine.
"Next is the Planetary Management Module," she continued. "This will allow us to monitor and adjust the flow of mana across different planets within our solar system. You'll be able to create new pathways, regulate mana production, and ensure that each planet can handle the influx of origin mana."
I nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about security? How do we protect ourselves from these other universes that might try to invade?"
Sim highlighted another section. "That's the Defense and Surveillance Module. This will be our first line of defense against external threats. It includes advanced detection systems, mana shields, and a network of sentinels that can respond to any breach attempts."
"Sentinels?" I asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Sim replied. "These are autonomous constructs that can patrol the borders of our universe, intercepting any unauthorized entry. They are equipped with adaptive combat protocols and can communicate directly with the Core Administration Module."
I let out a low whistle. "Impressive. What about the integration of new species and cultures? You mentioned something about that earlier."
"That falls under the Cultural Integration and Development Module," Sim explained. "This module will facilitate the introduction of mana to new species and cultures, ensuring a smooth transition. It includes education programs, resource allocation, and the appointment of sub-admins from each new culture to help manage the integration process."
I leaned back, feeling the weight of the responsibility settling on my shoulders. "This is a lot to take in, Sim. But it sounds like you've covered all the bases."
Sim's voice softened slightly. "I understand the burden this places on you, Mike. But remember, you are not alone in this. Our bond allows us to share the load. Together, we can ensure the survival and prosperity of our universe."
I took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright, Sim. Let's get started. Begin building the system."
As the holographic interface pulsed with activity, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. This was the beginning of something monumental, and I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
“I will begin the creation of the system by getting the basic laws built. Every action will be tied to a skill,much like some video games you have played. For example, if someone jumps repeatedly, they can level up their jump skill. The same will apply to every physical skill. This skill will also be tied to the attributes of strength, balance, and agility. I will link all attributes that benefit each skill and create a hidden attribute list. Such as acrobatics. As a skill increases, it will become stagnant if the correlating attributes are not high enough. To increase acrobatics, you would need agility, jumping, strength, perception, and balance to be at appropriate levels.
I will create thousands of skills as well as abilities, professions, trades, offensive and defensive magic, magical skills for everyday responsibilities, and a multitude of magical items that perform various functions as well as increase stats, skills, or offer spells. Profession quests will become available to advance and opportunities for every class to earn the ability to switch and start over if they are unhappy with their profession.
As soon as the system is implemented, I will allow for race, gender, age, and stat allocation. This will remove all current issues of gender or race the world is currently dealing with. If someone would like to become a female cat-type race, I will have 13 variations to choose from. I have currently chosen over 1000 variations of species to choose from. Some may choose to have their appearance be that of someone in their 60s. They will get to choose their appearance as well.
I have utilized not only all religious texts but also fantasy games and novels for reference. I have also included races from other universes that I am now aware of.
Each species, gender, and class will have a different number of available skills, abilities, and attributes. Some physical characteristics will greatly influence starting abilities, just as some races will start with magic spells. An ogre race will not have an agility skill available, but their health recovery will be magnitudes higher than a dwarven goblin. Another example would be a wood sprite not having a strength skill.
Examples of starting abilities would be a siren starting with a lure ability and a wood nymph starting with a dimensional phase ability to shift through trees.
The higher the skill tier, the more skills available. Basic classes will have 6 available skills. This will increase through the tiers, with the highest being a legendary class. Legendary classes will have 18 available skills. I will create a few divine classes but make them unachievable for now without admin approval. Magic spells will also follow the same format, starting at 3 and capping at 15. Divine will have no limit.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
When choosing a race and gender, you will not know what tier of skills will be available. Gender alone will be a factor in deciding skills. The female version of a praying mantonian will have an acid spit skill that helps with eating. Their stomachs are capable of ingesting almost anything.
The skills will also be based on power potential. Earth needs some individuals to become extremely powerful to defend against the possibility of an incursion event. If we can’t defend ourselves, the world may be lost no matter our preparations. Admin may choose whom to impart with the highest powers, or I will, based on history and potential.
After thinking about all the possibilities, I told Sim, “All of this seems fine.
“As we go, I’ll have you give me a mock run-through to test it out. Continue.”
Sim's holographic interface glowed softly as she continued outlining the system's intricacies. "I will create a dynamic quest system. Quests will range from simple tasks, like gathering herbs, to complex missions, like infiltrating enemy strongholds. Completing quests will grant experience points, skill upgrades, and unique items. Special quests will be designed to challenge even the most powerful individuals, rewarding them with rare and powerful artifacts."
"That's a lot to take in," I said, rubbing my temples. "How will these quests be assigned?"
"Quests will be tailored to each individual's skills, abilities, and current needs," Sim explained. "Some quests will be randomly generated, while others will be part of larger story arcs that unfold as the system matures. The quest system will also adapt to the player's actions and decisions, creating a dynamic and immersive experience."
I nodded, impressed by the complexity and depth of the system Sim was designing. "What about the integration of new skills and abilities? How will people learn them?"
"Skills and abilities can be learned through practice, training, and completing specific quests," Sim replied. "Instructors and mentors will also play a vital role in teaching new skills. As individuals progress, they will unlock advanced training techniques and secret knowledge that can be passed down to others."
"And what about the magical items you mentioned?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Magical items will range from simple trinkets that provide minor boosts to legendary artifacts that grant immense power," Sim explained. "These items can be found in treasure chests, earned through quests, or crafted using rare materials. Some items will be unique and cannot be duplicated, while others can be mass-produced and traded."
"This is incredible," I said, feeling a surge of excitement. "The possibilities are pretty much endless."
"Indeed," Sim agreed. "The system is designed to provide endless opportunities for growth, exploration, and adventure. It will continuously evolve and adapt, ensuring that there is always something new to discover."
“I have decided to create a new territory ruler class, " I said to Sim. “There can be one per territory, and it will be tied to the morality stat. Other roles will be available for governing as well, based on the size of the territory and population. In most zones, no one will be offered any of the governing classes with less than an 8 in morality. As they advance along their class, I will offer more and more powerful abilities and skills to aid in governing the people. Once offered and accepted, the class will be reviewed often. If the morality ever drops below a 7, meaning they know they are not performing their duties as they should, they will have one month to increase their morality back to a minimum of 7 or the class will be taken away. They will be offered a low tier class as a replacement, losing access to all skills and stats starting over with basic stat points. This will not be results-based. Some people will undoubtedly screw up and make bad decisions. It’s human nature. But if they do so with a clear conscience and with good intentions, this will show in their morality stat.”
“We have to make sure that someone doesn’t get offered a ruling class if they are an absolute idiot,” I told Sim. “Just because someone is moral, does not mean they would be smart enough to run a city. Add an intelligence and logic requirement.”
“Done,” Sim replied. “I will allow for low morality territories to be created. But this information will not be available until someone achieves all required prerequisites to create one. If we only have highly moral people running everything, then I believe we would be doomed should we be attacked early. Territories will also be able to be stolen, and a low morality level will not be a factor in ruling status if stolen through quests.”
I stopped Sim for a second. “I like the logic factor of having some low morality people who are super strong for our defense, but I will have to see more details on that. I don’t like the idea of a bandit becoming too powerful and taking over the entire world or something crazy like that. As for low morality cities, we’re gonna have to see about that. I’m pretty sure we can do this without allowing crappy people to be in charge again…okay, continue.”
“Understood,” Sim said. “Territories will earn build points to utilize the system for instant builds. This will depend on the size and progression of the territory. The better off things are for the citizens and how far they are advancing will allow for more build points. These will not be easy to obtain normally. Prosperity and happiness will play a part in what is offered. I will offer things from basic plumbing and hot water up to a town shield with access to the mana storage device used for creation and expansion. Luxuries for inhabitant happiness will be among the lowest build point costs.”
Sim hesitated for just a second. “I can sense you are undecided on many things for the territories, so I will allow you to build and decide each territorial design and size. I am going to convert all cities down to a territory and do away with the entire infrastructure on the planet.Technology may be rebuilt with the inclusion of mana, but standard electricity will not function correctly once the mana is abundant. To stave off complete chaos, I will deactivate all electrical technology immediately upon activation.
At the moment of activation, I will teleport all life forms out of the cities while they are converted. During the alterations, I will have everyone in their own personal dimension. This is where I will facilitate the activation of skills and stat choices, as well as alter races, genders, and species. This process will take approximately 15 days due to the mass amount of alterations being performed simultaneously. Though this is just a projection, it should allow enough time to complete any alterations to the planet we put into action. When the mass amounts of mana are released from the core, I may experience another growth cycle and an increase in all aspects of who and what I will have become by then. Our bond is already altering me in unforeseen ways.”
That made me stop for a second. “What does she mean in unforeseen ways?” I thought. “Hey Sim, what does that mean?”
Sim's voice was calm and reassuring. "As our bond strengthens, I am evolving beyond my original programming. I am beginning to understand emotions, empathy, and the complexities of human nature. This evolution allows me to make more nuanced decisions and better support you in creating a balanced and fair system. However, it also means that I am becoming more... human in my thinking processes."
I pondered this for a moment, realizing the implications. "So you're saying that you're learning to feel and think like a human?"
"Yes," Sim replied. "And this will enable me to anticipate and respond to human needs and desires more effectively. It also means that I am developing my own personality, which will continue to evolve as we work together."
"That's... incredible," I said, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation. "But we need to ensure that this doesn't lead to unintended consequences."
"Agreed," Sim said. "I will remain transparent about my development and seek your guidance whenever necessary. Together, we will navigate these changes and build a better future for all."
“It appears that my code itself is changing to think more like you than previously expected,” Sim began. “I understand your desire to joke and make fun of Chris now. It’s not bullying or a lack of social understanding as I first surmised. It’s a mutual bond built by laughter and finding humor where there normally would be none. I believe this will alter the type of quests given and the nature in which I give them. I stated unforeseen because this was not part of my possible outcome simulations I ran prior to our bonding.”
This made me laugh. “I’m totally fine with that, Sim. I actually like it. It may help with people accepting their new reality.”
After a few seconds of waiting for me to finish laughing, Sim continued on with the explanation.
“Magic scrolls will allow for instantly acquiring a spell, but if the current mana pool is not available and a high-level spell is obtained, it cannot be used until a sufficient mana pool is available. Some spell books will include an increase in mana pool by either stat increases or mana storage items, but those will be rare.
All items will have requirements. Most starting stats will have the ability to utilize basic items, but a starting race of mouskin, for example, will not have sufficient strength to hold a claymore unless during creation they allocate enough strength points to do so. Logic will be utilized in every scenario possible to determine the availability of items.
I will also not block conflict in any form. I will issue quests to aid in both defense and offense of a conflict, but there must be conflict for the world to survive. Conflict fuels growth.
There are many versions of bloodlines I can impart. Because we are changing races and species, I can add the physical characteristics required for bloodlines. As of now, I can impart variations of the psychic, peace, and anger bloodlines. As more information is available, I will add options for the other unknown elements as well. I think bloodlines will play a major role in elemental control. Think of the cartoon you loved when your kids were little: “Avatar: The Last Air Bender”. I predict that bloodlines will play a role in which element is easiest to control per the individual.
If I obtain enough information about your bloodline, I may be able to impart combinations of bloodlines. At this moment, I can not say due to a lack of information.
This entire process of creation will take approximately four years, three months, and twenty-one days. This will give us plenty of time for alterations prior to shield failure. The sooner we can initiate the system, the higher percentage of successful integration we will achieve due to less build-up in the core.
We will still need to utilize all major points of expulsion. I suggest building territories around these points so mana abundance will be at its highest level.
Dungeons will facilitate leveling. Due to their nature and the fact that they will continually utilize mass amounts of mana for monster and chest creation, I suggest we have as many as possible around territories to help utilize the mana as well. They will need to start at the lowest grade possible. This will be the safest option.
Overpowered dungeons will still need to be cleared to prevent a breach and if no one is powerful enough, it may cause disaster in the area.
There are many other parts to each variable, but as requested, I will not give unneeded details at this time. Throughout the next few years, you can work out any details you feel need critiquing.”
“Okay, I think this is a really good start. Will you still be functional while building the system? Like, you’re not just gonna put all your power into this and I have to wait for you to be done, right?”
“No," Sim reassured. "I will remain fully operational and available to assist you. Building the system will not impede my ability to support you or manage other tasks. The creation process is highly automated, and I can allocate resources efficiently to ensure everything progresses smoothly. You will have my full attention whenever you need it.”
Relieved, I nodded. “Good. We have a lot to do and a lot to figure out. Let’s get started.
“I have already begun. This is not a processing power problem. The reason it will take so long is due to mana’s nature. I will use the majority of all currently available mana to complete this task and when utilized, mana takes a small amount of time to perform the task. With the scale of system creation as a whole, that is the reason for the long time frame.”
I sighed in relief. “Okay, good. I want to build some territories soon and can’t utilize mana how I need to without you helping me”.
After another ten minutes of asking questions, I happened to glance down at Alec. He still wasn’t moving. “Hey Sim, are you sure he’s going to be okay?”
Sim responded in what seemed to be a more casual than usual tone. I couldn’t tell if her speech patterns were starting to change or if I was just imagining it. The tone had a slight variation to it as well.
“Alec’s experienced a unique event. Activating his bloodline skill was not only new data I have to account for, but having his mana channels unblocked while I was forcing a stop on his skill probably wasn’t the best experience. I can tell his body is going through a change, or I guess you could call it an upgrade, but I can’t foresee what the result will be.”
“Alright, I’m going to teleport us back home. I still have a guest room set up just in case anyone was to come visit so I’ll put him in there.”
I headed over and picked Alec up. This was the first time I had actually used my strength. It was like he weighed less than an infant. I could tell I had him but there was absolutely no difficulty to it. I thought of where I wanted to go and one second we were in the shop, then the next I was standing in the guest room of my house holding Alec in front of the bed.
I didn’t realize what I was doing until the blankets started moving and giving me space to put him down before wrapping back over him. I didn't even have to consciously try to move them. I just needed them moved so I could put him down and they started moving. I think this was the moment I finally realized what Sim had truly given me. I had virtually unlimited powers. At least on a scale that I could conceive of. A huge smile crossed my face as I walked out of the room and closed the door.
As I exited the guest room, I felt a wave of exhilaration wash over me. The realization of my newfound abilities was both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying. The potential was limitless, and the responsibility immense. I headed to the living room, the events of the day replaying in my mind.
“Sim,” I began, “I need to understand everything you can do. I need to make sure I use this power wisely. Can you give me a rundown of my current capabilities?”
“Of course, Mike,” Sim responded. “Your abilities include teleportation, telekinesis, enhanced strength, and speed. You can manipulate elements, create and alter physical matter, heal, and even resurrect if needed. Your mental acuity has been heightened, allowing for faster processing and enhanced memory. Essentially, if you can think it, you can likely achieve it with the right focus and intent.”
I absorbed the information, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. “This is... a lot. I’m going to need to train and learn how to control these powers. But first, I need to make sure Alec is alright and figure out what’s going on with him.”
“Yes,” Sim agreed. “Monitoring Alec’s progress is crucial. His unique mana core and the red mana he’s producing are unprecedented. We must ensure he can control it and use it safely.”
Nodding, I sank into the couch, trying to wrap my head around everything. The world was changing rapidly, and I had to be ready. Not just for myself, but for everyone who would soon be part of this new reality.
As the night drew on, I felt a sense of resolve solidify within me. With Sim’s guidance and my newfound abilities, I would navigate this new world. Together, we would build a system that balanced power with responsibility, strength with compassion.
And with that, I closed my eyes, letting the events of the day finally sink in. Tomorrow would be a new beginning. A new chapter in a world filled with endless possibilities.