“Is anyone hurt?” Professor Evelyn, the main organizer of the trip, stood up, her voice piercing the eerie silence that followed the cryptic announcement. “Did you all hear that voice too?” She reached out to the horrified students within her reach, assisting them to their feet. The skies remained black, but relentless lightning flashes illuminated the silent forest.
“Can you all move?” Professor Wilson asked, recovering from his momentary daze.
One by one, the students gingerly removed themselves from the ground. They spoke little, haunted by the strange words from the ominous voice that kept echoing in their minds.
“Scott, are you good?” Omar asked, tapping the shoulder of his dazed friend.
“Y-Yeah, what about you?” Scott turned his attention toward Omar and noticed something amiss. “Holy shit.” Blood covered half of Omar’s face, originating from a gash on his forehead. “I’ve got some band-aids in my backpack. Don’t move.” Wasting no time, he rummaged through the small bag before retrieving a bottle of water, a band-aid, and a small container with wet cotton balls.
“Sit down for a second,” Scott instructed as he uncorked the bottle. He proceeded to wash the injury before cleaning the surface with the wet cotton.
Omar winced as the iodine-doused cotton touched the wound, his head jerking back in response to the stinging pain. Scott, however, maintained a firm grip to prevent any further movement. “I know it hurts, but this is for your own good.” Scott applied more pressure on the wound, using several wet wipes to clean the injury. Omar could only wince and groan as the pain intensified.
“Did you cut yourself anywhere else?” Scott asked, assisting Omar to his feet. The tall ginger shook his head, trying to reach for the band-aid covering the injury, but Scott’s agile arm smacked his fingers away.
“Don’t be a wimp. Leave it alone. Do you want it to get infected?” Scott chided him. He knew Omar hated the slight tightness the adhesive caused, but he wouldn’t let him remove it.
Scott’s gaze shifted to the rest of the group. Several others had varying minor injuries, but nothing serious. It was a miracle, considering the suppressive force had sent them face-first to the ground.
What was that voice earlier? Scott pondered, staring at the darkened skies. Is this the apocalypse? He shook his head; he didn’t want to think of such depressing matters.
What about Jessica? Is she okay? His brown eyes scanned the crowd, searching for her. There, through a maze of bodies, Jessica crouched on the ground, assisting Ethan in cleaning a small cut on his nose.
Scott exhaled, dropping his shoulders as a modicum of ease relaxed his tensed visage. Thank God she’s okay.
He then turned his attention to the surrounding students. Alex, who had been lying a few feet away earlier, was now attending to his girlfriend, Heather, an average-height brunette. She had a minor bruise above her forehead.
It doesn’t look like anyone is in serious need of medical attention. We need to get out of this place as soon as possible. Something messed up is happening, and I don’t want to stick around to find out, Scott thought to himself.
Lost in his thoughts, someone tugged at the back of his shirt, forcing him to turn. However, Omar’s outstretched arm and panicked face greeted his eyes.
Scott turned instinctively, wondering what had come over him.
His thoughts trailed off, his eyes wide, and his mouth opened. His dilated pupils mirrored the reflection of a massive, spiraling airplane engulfed in flames. The duo watched as the aircraft crashed into the distance, yet neither heard an explosion nor could they sense the shockwave from the crash. Both men faced each other, a jumble of fear and a myriad of other emotions evident in their trembling eyes.
“Everyone!” Professor Wilson called out, drawing the attention of the students. “Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. I don’t know what we heard earlier, but we can’t stick around here anymore. We must return to the jeeps now!”
No one had a contrary opinion. If anything, they wished they could leave faster. The forest had become even more dangerous after the previous declaration. Who could predict when the suppressive force would return?
The group slowly reorganized themselves while reconfirming their numbers. Then, they set off again, moving at an even greater speed with Joao leading the way. Even the usually jovial man wore a frown.
The group arrived at the swampy region again. Beyond the swamps was the grassy field where the jeeps were parked.
Joao halted, facing the group. “Please be careful while crossing the swamps.”
Silent approval greeted his warning. Then, he continued forward. On his tenth step, however, the Amazon native froze, and so did the foreigners. They couldn’t move or speak, and the world surrounding them had gone dark. A buzzing echo, gradually intensifying by the second, filled their ears, but they remained blind.
Is this really the apocalypse? Scott thought, his thumping heart threatening to escape its bony cage.
[Analyzing…]
Scott's mind raced as the voice echoed in his thoughts. Panic surged within him.
[New Champion Detected!]
“Who's there?” Scott's mental inquiry was met with silence as the cryptic, somewhat robotic voice appeared to have its own agenda.
[Analysis Completed!]
[Beginning stats distribution based on champion’s data…]
[Stats distribution completed!]
[Generating Champion Interface…]
A crisp crack resonated in Scott's ears, like the lifting of a heavy curtain, and the shroud of darkness that had veiled his vision dissolved. The students, professors, and even Joao, the guide, had the same wide-eyed primal fear. Their silent exchanges served as confirmation that they had collectively witnessed the same inexplicable event. No words were needed; their shared trepidation spoke volumes.
As the initial confusion and fear settled in, another echoing gong reverberated in their minds, catching them off guard. Before they could react, a holographic panel materialized before their eyes, its blue lights flashing in sharp contrast to the partial darkness shrouding the Amazonian surroundings.
Scott couldn't trust his own eyes, and he turned to Alex and Omar, whose expressions mirrored his own disbelief and recognition. It was as if they had been transported into the worlds of anime and video games.
“Golly,” gasped Professor Evelyn, her futile attempts to shoo away the hovering panel only provoked a cascade of numbers and letters on the display.
Scott, Alex, and Omar shared a silent, mutual agreement. Their curiosity overwhelmed any fear, and they reached out to touch the holographic status menu, eager to unravel the mysteries of this unknown interface.
Champion Interface Basic Stats
Name: Scott Dorsey. Level: 1 Experience Points: 0/100 Mana Points: 60/60—Locked Race: Human Class: None! [Level 2 in two Skills is the minimum threshold for class advancement!]
Physical Stats Strength: 10 Agility: 8 Endurance: 12 Dexterity: 6 Toughness: 5
Abnormal Stats
Envy: 20 Loyalty: 80
Skills Carpentry (Level 1) Running (Level 2) Survival (Level 1) Fishing (Level 1)
Abilities Hammer Strike (New): Deals 25% damage to a single target when using a hammer. Mana Points decrease by 20 when Hammer Strike is activated. Deals 5% damage to a single target when using any other weapon. Quick Step (New): Increase movement speed by 10% for five seconds. Nature’s Bounty (New): Increases the odds of finding food and resources by 5%. Build (New): Construct a structure or item using wood materials. Repair (New): Restore damaged structures or items.
Inventory Empty! Quests Main Quest: Survive the first baptism — Not started.
Scott's wide-eyed gaze darted back and forth across the digital interface. A whirlwind of emotions engulfed his mind. He looked at Omar and then at Alex, finding them in the same state of bewildered contemplation as most of the other students.
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“I can’t believe this is real,” Scott muttered to himself, his trembling fingers skimming the virtual screen.
As he reached the section labeled Abnormal Stats, a furrow formed on his brow. I'm certain these stats are influenced by how we've lived our lives. But for me to have 20 points in Envy, though... Am I that bitter? A definitive answer remained elusive. After all, humans were notoriously poor at evaluating their own character flaws, especially when it concerned themselves. On the other hand, the high loyalty stat didn't catch him off guard. He'd been best friends with Omar since childhood.
Grumbling, he navigated to the Skills tab.
It's been ages since I went fishing with Dad or visited the workshop, yet the system recognizes my skills. Scott's lips curved into a smile as he contemplated his only skill that had crossed Level 1. I guess being a national finalist has its merits. His fingers absentmindedly brushed against his left knee. “Too bad I blew my ACL, though,” he muttered.
Scott continued to scrutinize the status sheet, his gaze landing on his abilities. Most of my abilities are based on carpentry and running, but this Hammer Strike looks ridiculous, though.
He shook his head, chuckling. “But where in the hell am I supposed to find a hammer in the forest?”
He skipped the inventory tab; it wasn't surprising that it was empty, after all.
“Everyone, please remain calm,” Professor Wilson's voice echoed, but this time, it held a unique authority that compelled the group to listen closely. Scott exchanged a knowing look with Omar, recognizing a shared sense of something extraordinary.
“Do you think he’s already using his abilities?” Omar whispered.
“I think it’s a skill, rather. Our MP is still locked, remember?” Scott replied, glancing at Alex. The bearded student nodded in agreement, acknowledging their theory.
“Does anyone know what’s going on?” Professor Wilson inquired, his anxious eyes scanning the students for answers.
Alex raised his hand almost instinctively. As he lowered it, he couldn't help but wonder why he had raised it in the first place. But it was too late; everyone's attention had already shifted to him. The sight of the entire group now focused on him caused beads of cold sweat to form on his forehead. Scott and Omar weren’t left out even though they stood a few feet away from Alex. It was as if some unseen force seduced them to raise their hands as well.
“Alex, thank heavens. Come on now, please tell us all you know,” Professor Wilson urged with a hopeful smile.
Taking a deep breath and holding onto Heather's arm, Alex began, “I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a lunatic.” He wore a wry smile as he met the anxious eyes of the group. “For anyone who's ever played RPG games, be it Dungeons & Dragons, or video games, you should understand what those stats mean. For the uninformed, a very powerful being has condensed all our life experiences into stats and granted us skills and abilities based on those experiences.”
A tense silence engulfed the group. As much as they wished to dismiss Alex’s words, the status window before their eyes and the ominous declaration from earlier all but confirmed his theory.
“B-But, what could this mean? What do they want with us?” Professor Evelyn asked, her voice trembling, visibly shaken by the sudden turn of events.
“I honestly don’t know, Professor.” Alex paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. “However, assuming we all have the same quest, which is surviving the first baptism, that should give us an inkling of what this is all about.”
“Um, didn’t the voice from earlier say something about a tower?”
Everyone turned toward the new speaker, especially Scott. Jessica, who was assisting Ethan, walked toward the back of the group where the professors stood.
“That’s right, it definitely mentioned something along those lines,” Professor Wilson said, lowering his voice to a whisper. “If I remember correctly, it mentioned something about a tower of champions.”
“I have a suggestion, Professor,” Ethan spoke up, his voice carrying a touch of optimism.
“Oh, what is it, Ethan?” Professor Wilson asked, hopeful that the young man might have a solution. Several others turned toward the tall student who overshadowed his male counterparts in looks, charm, demeanor, and outright calm.
“Like Alex said, we’re probably in a game-like scenario, and it’s likely humanity as a whole is experiencing something similar.”
The countenance of several students darkened. The voice had indeed mentioned that the inhabitants of Earth had been chosen, not just them, and this revelation cast a somber atmosphere over the already dejected group.
“I didn’t mention that to make you all depressed,” Ethan clarified before beckoning to his friends. “We discussed it and concluded that the best way to survive this mess is by working together.”
Scott listened attentively as Ethan spoke.
“You’re right. Cooperation is always the key to survival during times of unrest,” Professor Evelyn said, nodding her approval. “We should give his suggestion a go.”
Professor Wilson wordlessly nodded. “So, what’s your plan, Ethan?”
The blonde man didn’t waste any time. “Thank you, professors. I believe it’s best if we share our stats with each other. Only then—”
Scott interjected from afar, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. If anything, it’s a terrible one.”
“Oh?” Ethan’s eyebrows shot up, a furtive frown gracing his lips. “Scott, right? Care to tell us why you think it’s a bad idea?”
All eyes focused on Scott. He wasn’t the best public speaker, but it didn’t mean he would cower in silence. He took a step forward. “Sharing our stats in the name of cooperation is the same as revealing our weaknesses. Who’s to say our supposed cooperation wouldn’t fall apart once the main quest begins?”
The muscular man next to Ethan scoffed, even chuckled. “Is that all you’re worried about?” Coady stepped forward, towering over both professors and nearby students. “Since we’re speculating, what if we’re grouped into pairs in the quest? Would you still hide your skills from your partners?”
“Hey man, lay off. You know that’s not what he meant,” Omar said, stepping forward.
“It doesn’t matter what he meant. It doesn’t make his views any less selfish,” Coady responded, snickering, his blue eyes locking onto Omar’s.
“Now, now, settle down, kids,” Professor Evelyn mediated. “It’s normal for us to have dissenting opinions. All that matters is we make the decision that will do right by everyone. How about this, those interested in revealing their stats, or was it status, shouldn’t be discouraged from doing so. Likewise, those who don’t want to, they shouldn't be discouraged either. How’s that?” The bubbly woman suggested, hoping to find a compromise.
“Professor, I’m afraid I must disagree with you,” Nicole spoke up, folding her arms across her chest. The shortest among Ethan’s group, she adjusted her tank top while disposing of her gum. “Normally, your suggestion would be apt, but this isn’t something we should be debating. Since our stats are based on our life experiences, what if someone here has an ability that could endanger us all?” The petite woman with multiple piercings made her stance clear, swatting away mosquitoes that sort refuge on her face.
Professor Evelyn’s brows creased. She couldn’t ignore the validity of Nicole’s point, but she also couldn't force anyone to reveal something so personal.
Her gaze shifted between the two groups with dissenting opinions. Although they only glared at each other, she could tell neither had any intention of backing down.
“How about this?” Ethan offered a solution while straightening his hair. All eyes focused on the former quarterback. “Since we can’t come to an agreement, why don’t we put it to a vote?” He smiled, his limpid eyes shifting from one person to the other. “Obviously, no one, not even me, wants to reveal their personal information. However, should we continue to cooperate as a group, it’s imperative that we’re able to trust each other. No offense, but we don’t know each other well enough to blindly trust each other—”
Scott interjected, his voice clear and unwavering, “All the more reason we shouldn’t reveal something so personal. Who’s to say that information wouldn’t cause harm in the future?” Like Ethan's group, Scott had no intentions of backing down. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I have zero intentions of doing something asinine.”
Although it had been only a few minutes since the status menus revealed themselves, a clear divide had already formed within the group. Instinctively, those who shared a similar opinion drifted toward opposing ends, leaving the undecided in the middle. However, those who readily agreed with Ethan outnumbered the undecided and the other group.
“Everyone, I know you’re all nervous and scared. Can we not do this now?” Professor Wilson, who stood among the undecided, appealed to both sides. “Our goal should be getting out of here and returning to civilization. The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it becomes.”
“You’re not wrong, Professor,” Ethan conceded, nodding slowly. “However, can you say with certainty things will be better, let’s say at the hotel?”
The middle-aged Englishman opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn’t guarantee the situation would be better outside the Amazon.
“It’s better to be optimistic in times like this,” Professor Evelyn chimed in. She believed they had wasted too much time arguing and would have preferred if they used that same energy to leave the swamps. “How about we discuss this later? Let’s get out of here first, okay?” She turned to the leaders of both groups, waiting for their opinions.
Scott nodded, determined not to compromise on his position of not revealing his stats, especially when he had a shockingly high envy stat.
“Well, I tried my best. Let’s do as you say, Professor,” Ethan said with a hint of resignation.
“Thank you, everyone.” Professor Evelyn turned to Joao, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. “Thank you for your patience. Please, can you continue leading the way?”
The tanned native nodded and gestured for the group to follow him. But just as they began to move, gunshots echoed in the air, and several dozen soldiers surrounded the frightened group.
This is bad. Why did they come after us? Scott thought, his arms raised in surrender, mirroring the actions of everyone else. Neither the professors nor the students had any intention of fleeing. The militia was heavily armed, and they didn’t appear to be the type that would show mercy a second time.