In the world of a Type 1 civilization, NeuraAlign, founded by Velon Must in 2016, played a crucial role in shaping the new era. Humanity had a groundbreaking idea: to integrate NeuraAlign technology directly into the genetic code of individuals.

Every individual born into this new era had their genes modified from birth, customized to enhance health, intelligence, and longevity. Alongside these genetic enhancements, everyone was equipped with a built-in NeuraEye interface, seamlessly integrated into their neural circuitry.

The result was a revolutionary hybrid of biology and technology: the "NeuraEye" system. This specialized gene was designed to incorporate the NeuraAlign interface into one eye, allowing individuals to access the HUD (Heads-Up Display) directly through their vision.

The NeuraEye system acted like a real-time video game HUD, displaying vital information about an individual's health and abilities. It also served as an "extra brain," capable of storing vast amounts of information for easy access. It could also respond with human-like intuition and adaptively interact with its user.

More than just a status monitor, the NeuraEye was a tool for personal growth and evolution. Prioritizing the user above all else, the NeuraEye served as a system immunity, adapting to each individual's unique needs and aspirations.

As society embraced these advancements, people grew and changed alongside the NeuraEye system, which adapted to each individual's unique needs and aspirations. It became a symbiotic partner in human development, helping navigate the complexities of life in a Type 1 civilization.

⊶☽☬☾⊷

[System Status]

Name: Astra Vieux

Age: 18 years old

Race: Advanced Human

Level: 1

Experience: 0 / 200

Title: N.A

Health: 100 / 100

Stamina: 90 / 90

Stats:

- Strength: F -

- Dexterity: F -

- Agility: F +

- Endurance: F +

- Intelligence: D +

- Charm: D

Skills: None

Abilities:

- Environmental Adaptability (Passive): Level 1

- Biological Regeneration (Passive): Level 1

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NeuraEye Skills:

- VoiceSynth Mastery: Level 1

- ReadMaster: Level 1

- EyeRecorder: Level 1(Max)

——

As Astra observed his status displayed on the NeuraEye system, an initial sense of excitement washed over him. Suddenly, as if triggered by the display, he regained his memory of the NeuraEye system functions and the distinctions between Skills, Abilities, and NeuraEye Skills.

As he delved deeper into the data, his excitement began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of disappointment and confusion. Furrowing his brow, Astra couldn't help but wonder about the sudden decline in his status.

"My age regressed to 18. My level dropped, all my stats went down, and all my skills just vanished. Because of that, my race got downgraded... That four-eyed freak definitely messed with my body!" he muttered to himself, frustration clear in his voice. Then he looked down and realized.

And all my hard work to boost my charm to a C+—poof! Gone in an instant. Great, just great. At least being downgraded to a D isn’t the worst compared to my other stats, but seriously?

"I can't believe this is happening," he sighed.

If I want to find my crew members and stand a chance against the enemy, I’ve got to level up and learn all my skills again. There are three core concepts I need to focus on to get my strength back and find my crew: Skills, Abilities, and NeuraEye Skills.

Skills come from experience and practice. Losing my skills means I’ll have to start all over again. As for Abilities, those are part of my genetics—they're things I'm born with, all embedded in my DNA.

Suddenly, an interface appeared, displaying a message:

[Toxic environment detected!]

!?

Shortly after, a new interface popped up, stating:

[Because of Environmental Adaptability, the effect has been neutralized!]

Environmental Adaptability: Quickly adapts to different planetary conditions, showing early signs of mastering hostile environments

Astra felt a wave of relief wash over him and delved deeper.

Then there are the NeuraEye Skills. These are unique to our time, thanks to the integration of NeuraAlign tech into our biology. The NeuraEye system grants these skills, like VoiceSynth Mastery, ReadMaster, and EyeRecorder.

Wait, if my level decreases to level 1, that means my NeuraEye system is only at the first version. I don't really remember the first version; it's been almost a decade. sigh. I just hope it's not completely useless.

As he finished contemplating, Astra's fatigue caught up with him, and a wave of hunger washed over him. He could feel the weariness in his bones and the emptiness in his stomach.

Ugh, damn it! I feel so hungry right now.

Astra lay on the cold floor of his cell, trying to keep his breathing steady. But as his hunger sharpened, the suffocating reality of the cramped space closed in on him. His chest tightened, and his eyes darted around the small enclosure, the walls appearing closer than before. His fingers curled against the floor as his mind screamed for escape.

He forced his hands to his sides, pressing them flat against the cold surface. The chill grounded him for a moment, just enough to focus. He began to tap his fingers in a rhythmic pattern, silently counting to himself. The movement distracted him, giving him a delicate connection to the present.

One, two, three, four…

Minutes dragged by, and the tapping slowed. The overwhelming sensation eased slightly, though his heart still pounded in his chest. Astra opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling as he took shallow breaths, careful not to let them spiral into hyperventilation again.

Then, suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway. The heavy, slow steps made him feel uneasy and a little curious. He listened hard, his heart racing. The footsteps stopped outside his cell, and he heard a small flap door slide open. Something fell onto the floor with a wet splat.

“There is a flap door? And Ugh. What kind of meat is this? Is it even edible?” he muttered, irritation rising in his voice.

Astra looked at the meat and felt his stomach turn. He was both hungry and disgusted by the strange texture and smell. But he knew he had to eat if he wanted to live.

Sigh. Beggars can’t be choosers.

He picked up the meat, being careful not to touch it too much, and took a small bite. Astra gagged, fighting the urge to spit it out. He forced himself to swallow, feeling the lump slide down his throat like a hard rock.

Astra was determined to keep track of time, so he made a conscious effort to stay awake as long as he could. He willed himself to stay alert.

After what felt like forever, Astra looked at the bone and thought of using it to keep track of the days. He walked over to the wall and scratched a single mark into it and eventually, his exhaustion got the better of him and he fell…

𓆩✧𓆪