"Okay, I think that's enough for now. I need to talk to Sara. But I have no idea how to explain this, let alone prove it."

You can share these screens with anyone. All you have to do is think about it.

"Okay, that helps." Walking out of his home office "Honey, we need to talk," he called out, his voice barely a whisper.

Sara emerged from the kitchen, a curious expression on her face. "Another work emergency?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

“Not even close. I just received what I’m told is a great honor, though the person who said it is a total jerk, so take that for what it’s worth.”

“A jerk, huh? Who’s bestowing this ‘honor’?” Sara asked, raising an eyebrow.

Robert pulled up the system logs, displaying the first few screens.

"Wow you have some new tech, those look real."

"Just read them, Sara, because they are real."

Her smile faded as she crossed her arms, her brow furrowing. “What the hell is this? It’s insane! Who thought this was a good idea?”

Robert sighed, feeling the weight of the moment. “I didn’t choose this, Sara. It just... happened. Apparently, I’m part of some exclusive program now.”

“Well, you can tell this system to shove it.”

“I wish I could. I’ve tried, but I was told to just ‘man up’ and accept it.”

“There’s no way you’re leaving in six months and never coming back.”

“If everything goes as planned, I might return when the system goes live.”

“In 400 freaking years? That doesn’t sound reassuring. What do we do? You can’t just leave us!”

“I’ll make sure you and the kids are taken care of, but I’m still figuring that out.”

"Can we go with you?"

"Good question, let me ask."

No, non-users are not able to transfer with you. I'm sorry but that's just how it is.

"I'm told no."

"You’re ‘told’?” Sara scoffed, her voice rising. “Are you some kind of puppet, controlled by this insane system?”

Stolen novel; please report.

Robert sighed, rubbing his temples. “It’s not that simple. It’s… complex. And I don’t fully understand it myself.”

“Well, you better figure it out fast."

“It’s not the system. I have a personal AI to help me navigate all this.”

"Can I talk to it?"

That is not possible. I'm talking to you through your personal core. I'm basically just transmitting the information into your brain. I do not have a way to interact with anyone outside your mind.

"I'm told that's not possible, this AI is in my brain and cannot really talk."

Sara's eyes narrowed. "A digital guide, huh? So, you're talking to a computer in your head?"

"Essentially, yes. It provides a sort of direct link to the system."

"Well, you better figure out something because this isn’t just about you anymore. It’s about us. About our family. Tell this System I'd like to have a word.”

A wave of guilt washed over Robert. He’d been so focused on his own predicament that he’d neglected to consider the impact on Sara and the kids. “I know, and I’m trying. But they won’t let me take you with me.”

A tense silence filled the room. Sara was the first to break it. “Fine. If you’re going to do this, then do it right. Make sure we’re protected, financially and emotionally. What do you need to do to get ready?"

"From what I'm told, the system will force me to get ready. It has a training program of sorts."

"What do you mean of sorts?"

"From what I understand, the system has a training program for me. A kind of dungeon where I'll level up and learn new skills."

Sara's eyebrows shot up. "A dungeon? Like in those video games, you're always playing?"

A dungeon is a self-contained zone, normally underground but that is not always required where mana gathers and powers a keeper, normally an AI contained within a dungeon core. That keeper uses that power to create challenges for users but offers rewards for completing those challenges. You will find monsters to fight, puzzles to solve, and quests to complete.

"It's not a game, Sara. It's real. I'll be facing real dangers, fighting actual monsters, and solving mind-bending puzzles."

Sara's eyes widened in disbelief. "Monsters? Like, trolls and dragons?"

"Exactly. The AI says I'll have to complete a 50-level dungeon in the next six months to prepare me. It's supposed to get progressively harder, but I'll be forced to take breaks to rest."

"That doesn't sound safe at all," Sara worried.

“Probably not, but I guess it starts easy and gets harder as I progress.”

“And what about the kids? Our family? Your parents? Hell, even the government? They’re going to notice you disappearing in six months.”

Robert chuckled nervously. “I’m not too worried about the government. They’ve got bigger fish to fry.”

“Well, I am. People are going to ask questions. This isn’t a joke, Robert.”

“I know, I know. We’ll sit the kids down after school and explain it to them. Just hope they can keep it a secret.”

Sara's voice trembled. "I'm scared, Robert. This wasn't the plan. We only had a few more years until the kids were off to college, and we could finally focus on us."

Robert's eyes welled up with tears. "I know, honey. Our best years were just about to start."

Sara's voice broke. "I'm going to be alone."

Robert reached out and took her hand. "You won't be alone. You'll have the kids, and someday, lots of grandkids. But I know this isn't what we wanted."

"What about your parents, your brothers and sisters? What do we tell them?"

"I'm not sure yet," Robert admitted, his voice heavy. "We have a little time. I'm going to go back into my office and talk to the AI. Scott's going to have a lot of questions. He's smart for a sixteen-year-old."

Sara nodded, her eyes filled with worry. "I know. And you better have the answers."