Gershion woke the next morning to the sound of a chime echoing softly in his ears.
Ding!
A small, translucent panel hovered in his vision. He blinked groggily, rubbing his eyes as the words materialized.
Message Alert: Complete daily activity and get a bonus stats upgrade.
Activity 1: Meditate for 10 minutes.
Activity 2: Drink 1000ml of water.
Activity 3: Run 10 kilometers.
Rewards: Stats upgrade +5.
Failure will result in a penalty.
He stared at the list for a moment, the words still hazy from sleep. “Daily tasks…? That’s new.”
He shook his head, trying to clear the fog. The mysterious system had been a part of his life ever since he had heard that voice offering him power, but it was still something he didn’t fully understand. It was like having a constant guide, pushing him to become stronger, more efficient. But why? And who was behind it?
Pushing those thoughts aside, Gershion sat up, crossing his legs on the bed. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. In through the nose. Out through the mouth. He knew meditation was important for warriors, especially for those who hadn’t yet fully grasped their celestial essence. Miss Fiona had often encouraged him to practice.
The minutes ticked by slowly, the quiet hum of the early morning filling his room. After what felt like an eternity, the system chimed again.
Meditation Complete
Gershion opened his eyes and stood up. The next task was easy enough. He grabbed a large bottle of water from his desk and began drinking. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat, and before long, he had emptied the bottle.
Hydration Complete
Finally, it was time to run. Gershion grabbed his shoes and stepped outside. The cool morning air greeted him as he began jogging around the small neighborhood. His legs felt heavy at first, but the more he pushed, the easier it became. He could feel the burn in his muscles, but he welcomed it.
He wasn’t just running for the sake of completing the task—he was running to prove something to himself.
After the final stretch, Gershion slowed to a stop, panting as the system notification popped up again.
Run Complete
Alert : +5 Stats Upgrade Received
"I'll take it," he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. He mentally pulled up his stats and added the points to his Agility and strength. Every little bit mattered.
Message Alert: +5 Stats Upgrade
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Title: Angel Sub-Category: Non-Combatant
HP: 100/100 Strength: 3/5 Agility: 4/5 Sense: 0/5 Intelligence: 5/5
Skill: None Equipment: None Potions: None Store: Locked
By the time he returned to the house, the smell of breakfast wafted through the air. Miss Fiona was already in the kitchen, her familiar humming greeting him as he walked in.
“Morning, Gershion,” she called out without looking back. “I made your favorite—pancakes and eggs. Come eat.”
“Thanks,” he said, sitting down at the table. The food was warm and comforting, and Gershion ate quickly, savoring the home-cooked meal. There was something calming about these mornings with Miss Fiona, something he’d miss when he was off adventuring in dangerous realms.
Miss Fiona eventually joined him at the table, sipping on her tea. “So today’s the big day?” she asked softly.
Gershion paused mid-bite, nodding. “Yeah. I’m heading to the Genesis portal.”
She sighed, her eyes filled with worry, though she tried to hide it with a smile. “I wish you didn’t have to go alone.”
“I don’t have a choice,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “I have to prove myself. No one else is going to do it for me.”
She studied his face, her expression softening. “Just be careful, Gershion. I’ve seen too many young awakeners get overconfident and… not come back.”
“I will,” he promised, though the weight of her words sat heavy on his chest.
She reached across the table, placing her hand on his. “You’re stronger than you think, Gershion. Even without a high essence, you have something that others don’t. Don’t lose sight of that.”
He smiled faintly, appreciating her support more than he could express. “Thanks, Miss Fiona.”
After finishing breakfast, Gershion stood up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Be safe,” she called after him, her voice thick with concern.
The journey to the Genesis Portal was surprisingly uneventful. Gershion sat quietly on the subway, watching the city blur past as his thoughts drifted to the day ahead. When he finally arrived at the teleportation center, he hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.
The room was smaller than he had expected, a simple space with a glowing circle etched into the floor. The runes pulsed faintly, casting the room in an eerie light. At the front desk sat a clerk, who barely glanced up from his magazine when Gershion entered.
“I’m here for a portal teleportation,” Gershion said, his voice uncertain but steady.
The clerk raised an eyebrow. “First time?”
Gershion nodded, feeling the nerves rise in his chest.
The clerk sighed, setting his magazine aside. “Alright, Genesis is a beginner portal. Pretty standard stuff. Step into the circle, and you’ll be teleported directly to the human community. It’s 50 credits for a round trip.”
Gershion handed over the money Miss Fiona had given him, watching as the clerk lazily keyed in the transaction. He pointed toward the glowing circle on the floor. “Just stand there. You’ll feel a little tingle, then you’re off.”
“Thanks,” Gershion said, stepping into the circle. The moment he did, the runes flared beneath his feet, energy swirling around him in an overwhelming surge. His heart pounded as the world around him dissolved into a bright flash of light.
When the light faded, Gershion blinked, adjusting to the new surroundings. He found himself standing in the middle of a bustling marketplace. Tents and stalls lined the cobblestone streets, filled with merchants calling out to potential customers. The air buzzed with the sound of chatter, and the scent of various cooked foods wafted in the breeze.
The *Genesis Human Community* was larger than Gershion had expected, far more alive than he had imagined. This wasn’t just a base—it was a small town built by those who had carved out a foothold in the realm.
He felt small and out of place among the more experienced adventurers walking through the streets, their gleaming armor and weapons a stark contrast to his simple gear. But he squared his shoulders and forced himself to move forward. This was where it all began.
As he wandered through the market, a grizzled man behind one of the stalls called out to him.
“You there, boy! First time in the Genesis portal?”
Gershion turned, hesitating. “Uh, yeah. I’m looking for some supplies.”
The man grunted, pulling a few items off the shelves. “You’ll need these. Basic rations, a canteen, and this.” He handed Gershion a small dagger. “Don’t go thinking you can handle anything bigger just yet.”
Gershion’s brow furrowed at the remark but took the dagger anyway, nodding. “Thanks.”
After paying for the supplies, he strapped the dagger to his waist and slung his pack over his shoulder. He stood there for a moment, staring at the massive gates at the far end of the marketplace. Beyond those gates lay the dungeon—the unknown.
“I’ve come this far,” he muttered to himself, tightening his grip on the pack. “No turning back now.”
With a deep breath, he set off toward the gates.