Chapter Seven

“In the initial phases of the game, champions must quickly grasp how to navigate and integrate with the user interface. Unfortunately, sluggish adoption correlates with the highest termination rates in these games.” – Games Division Data Scientist.

Emy

“Before we venture further into the depths of your training in this tutorial,” Coach Williams initiated, his voice soft, “I think it’s crucial to shed light on the transformations that have transpired throughout your Galaxy.”

“Your world and many others, much like Earth—forgive the lack of a better term—' Popped.’ Before this integration, new worlds such as Earth undergo gradual development and settlement. Organisms evolve, and life flourishes. The Cosmos maintains checks and balances to nurture these unique and intelligent life forms. This growth also fosters diversity and varying cultural norms, igniting inherent passion and loyalty across your world.”

Professor Williams continued, taking Emy’s blank stare and silence as a sign to continue. “This ‘bubble’ around your world, close to what you might call the Ozone layer, once held your reality in a locked state of atomic-level change and manipulation. But once it ‘popped,’ Earth joined the ranks of every other world beyond your Galaxy—a malleable mass of quantum transformation. Earth remains stable. Yet now, you’ll react to it in new and profound ways.”

The connection to her previous life events triggered newfound courage in Emy, prompting her to form words. She hesitantly asked, “Could some people feel these effects earlier?”

Digital Williams responded with conviction, “Yes, Emy. I’ve always known that you possess immense potential in this new world. Let’s call it a talent of mine, and it’s one of the many reasons I recruited you for the team. Everyone has the opportunity to shift, mold, and build within this environment, but not all can do so effectively. We call this process ‘building,’ akin to strengthening a muscle. As you grow, your abilities will expand.”

“In developed worlds, those under the age of 13 typically struggle to grasp the subtle intricacies of the world that allow for ‘building.’ Even after that point, growth and development are necessary to achieve true talent. These critical growth periods shape future champions, which is why older individuals often lack the foundational skillsets required to participate in the games. Those aged 18 to 30 fit the archetype of typical champions, which is precisely why I’ve chosen to reside near a local college teeming with talent.”

Emy questioned, “But if we need time to develop these abilities, why would we be selected as potential participants?”

Coach Williams smiled as he answered, “While you may not have actively trained, your subconscious mind has been at work. The protective bubble that once enveloped your world was never infallible; it harbored gaps that gradually widened over time. Perhaps you’ve even noticed your symptoms worsening over the years. When the System chose you, it recognized your latent potential within the vast expanse of the Cosmos.”

Nex’s voice then beamed positively, “I think now is an opportune moment to show you that potential within our new interface! You just need to focus on the mental command of ‘Status’ to pull it up!”

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Emy followed the instructions, and pockets of text scattered around her vision. Her excitement bubbled: “Holy VR, it feels like I’m playing a game!” She abruptly realized that her assessment wasn’t far off. To her, it was akin to augmented reality—details subtly revealed at the periphery, with text coming into focus when directly observed—everything seems to show up based on intent.

At the top of the screen, the following information was displayed:

Location: Milky Way > Earth > United States > Quill Creek

Precise Location: Tutorial

On the left side:

Emy: Generalist, Level 3, 100% Health, 20% Shield

On the right side:

Weapons: None

Gear: Earth Base Clothing - No Modifications

At the bottom:

Augments: None

Emy also noticed two additional items in the top right corner of her view:

Total Points: 0

Active Views: 0

Nex added, “Nifty, huh? All the essential information is conveniently accessible in one central viewing console. Remember that you’ll see a slightly modified team-style format during battles or team formations.”

Nex continued, “If you want to adjust or remove any features from your field of view, simply give a mental command, and I’ll make the adjustments for you.” Emy nodded, glancing over at the silent Coach Williams. “Oh yes, he can hear me too via his communication AI. TLDR - Too Long Didn’t Read: I can interpret conversations and questions meant for the larger group or private ones with extreme precision—no need to ever worry about that!”

Suddenly confused, Emy asked, "Nex… How am I a level 3 already?"

Coach Williams elaborated, “Your level corresponds with your comprehension of the world and your abilities. In our interconnected society, beginners usually fall within levels 1 to 3. As you sharpen your ‘builder’ skills, your level will rise. Picture yourself wrapped in a protective energy sphere known in the System as the ‘Shield.’ This energy sphere is your main line of defense, strengthened by your tactical gear and equipment. When your shield drains to zero or is hit by an overpowering force, your physical body becomes exposed to harm. It’s similar to a boxer wearing headgear. Sufficient blows and the headgear may come off, but even the most forceful blow to the head with the headgear on can still cause damage.”

"Right… so how do I obtain new Augments or Gear?”

Nex answered this question: “During battles, gear, weapons, and certain augments frequently drop. If fortune favors you, you might acquire something that will serve you for a lifetime! There are alternative methods to acquire new equipment through your team, although these will unfold gradually. Remember that all your status sections allow you to delve deeper for more detailed information.”

Emy interpreted this as a request and zeroed in on the word “Gear.” Suddenly, new text materialized before her eyes.

Gear: Earth Base Clothing - No Modifications

Full Body: None

Head: None

Upper Body: College Letterman’s Jacket - No Modifications

Lower Body: Jeans - No Modifications

Feet: Sneakers - No Modifications

Accessories: None

Emy nodded, absorbing the information. “That makes sense, but what about points and views? Those don’t sound like typical mechanics.”

Nex, eager to chime in, exclaimed, “Ah, my favorite topic! In the games, every action you take earns you points. The more impressive the action, the higher the points! And here’s the fun part: captivating your audience leads to growing views. Active and total views contribute to your popularity and can even generate special rewards.”

Emy raised an eyebrow. “Fans? Why would I want to build a fan base?”

Nex grinned. “Think big! Fans across the entire Cosmos! And accumulating points not only boosts your status but also reduces the chances of being dropped by—”

Coach Williams interrupted, “Let’s focus on survival, Nex. Just know that views and points matter, so pay attention to what people and the System appreciate.”

“Now, I think it’s time to teach you how to build.”