Agnis was an operator of a tunnel drilling machine (TBM). He had been on a project site for over three years and had become very experienced as an operator. Suddenly, more than 13 kilometers under the surface in a 30-kilometer-long tunnel, all contact was lost with the outside world. As this happened between shift changes, Agnis was only with a small team of three miners. They tried to establish contact with the outside world but failed, so they decided to investigate what had happened. They needed to decide who would stay at the tunnel driller for safety, as one person was needed to activate the emergency stop in case the tunnel borer started to slide back. Agnis chose the shortest piece of rebar.
The three workers went to investigate but never returned. After a few hours of waiting, Agnis decided to see what had happened to them. He was about to attach to the pulley system to ride down the tunnel when he banged his head on a tunnel brace, and a blue rectangle appeared in his vision showing: "Catalyst event: damage: system activated" "(You have taken damage -1 hp)" "(Say 'status' for more information)." Confused, Agnis said "Status," and a blue box appeared showing: "Name: Agnis; Status: HP: 99/100, MP: -, SP: 50/100, Strength: 6, Endurance: 10, Intelligence: 8, Wisdom: 10 + 4 (expert)" "(Expert: You are an expert at your profession +4 wisdom when doing profession-related jobs)." "(Lifelaong Worker: 'You have worked most of your life as a tunnel borer. You love your job': gives a special class if selected)" "(Do you wish to get a class: Tunnel Borer [Advanced], [Modified]) (Yes/No)."
Agnis was stunned, as this was an unexpected development. Then, a green window appeared: [System EGO: "Hmm... you think so?"] Agnis thought, "Well, I guess this thing can talk." [System EGO: "Say yes."] "Yes?" he replied. "(Class given: Tunnel Borer [Advanced: A class that has been modified to align with previous experience], [Modified: Your class has been modified; Modifier: Work vehicle detected, experienced operator = true])" "(Your class's modifier has allowed you to soul-bind a vehicle you have lifelong experience with)" "(Vehicles: Ford Galaxy, 21 years - out of range; Tunnel Borer Unit 1, 3 years; has used similar for 10 years)" "(Bind Tunnel Borer Unit One?) (Yes/No)" "...Well, I guess, yes..." As he said these words, a wave of light blue energy was released from his body, heading towards the tunnel drill's control center in the second section of the drill. Once it reached, the whole drill lit up in blue, and a new prompt appeared: "Core creation in progress..."
About 10 seconds passed, and the prompt suddenly changed, saying "Core created ('TD Unit 1' soulbound, contact System.EGO for more info)." [System EGO: "Yay... you did it. Now that the drill is soul-bound, you can access this panel."] As it said that, a new window appeared: "(TD Unit 1: Status: Online, Unit Manned 1/10, Durability: 1.5k/2.0k, Power Type: Electricity, Internal Power Systemtems: Electricity to Hydraulic Systemtem, Electricity to Air Pressure, Electricity Source: Out of Range, Available Upgrades: Power Systemtem Matter to Mana Converter, Electricity to Mana Retrofit, Drill Head Upgrade: Steel to
The collapse stopped, as if by some miracle, at the TBM's shielding. Agnis found himself in a surreal sanctuary, cocooned by the machine's steel shroud which, against all odds, resisted the mountain's wrath. The lights of the TBM flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls of the tunnel, a stark reminder of the precarious situation. The control panel before him was alive with activity, humming with power that seemed impossible given the circumstances.
Agnis's relief was short-lived, however, as the system's interface popped up, its snarky tone undiminished by the dire situation. [System EGO: "Well, aren't you a lucky one? Though, I suppose 'lucky' is relative when you're buried under a mountain."]
Agnis gritted his teeth, the system's remarks doing nothing to ease the knot of anxiety in his stomach. "Is there a way out of this?" he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
[System EGO: "Hmm, let me check." A pause, then, "Yes, and no. You're not getting out the way you came in. But, don't worry, you've got me. And I'm fantastic at parties."]
Agnis sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. The system's attempt at humor was grating, to say the least. He focused on the control panel, the list of available upgrades catching his eye once more. If there was any hope of survival, it lay with the TBM and whatever capabilities the system could offer.
[System EGO: "Oh, eyeing the upgrades, are we? Planning to drill your way out? Bold. I like it. Just so you know, the Power Systemtem Matter to Mana Converter sounds fancy, but it's really just a fancy way of saying 'magic engine.'"]
"Can it help us get out?" Agnis asked, his voice laced with urgency.
[System EGO: "Potentially. But it's not like flipping a switch. You'll need to activate it, and that could attract... attention."]
Agnis felt a shiver run down his spine. "What kind of attention?"
[System EGO: "Let's just say, from things that prefer the dark and the deep. But hey, what's life without a little adventure, right?"]
The situation was dire. Agnis was trapped, alone, with only a snarky system for company and an uncertain path to salvation. The TBM, his lifeline, was both a shelter and a potential coffin if he couldn't find a way to use its capabilities to escape. The mountain loomed over him, a silent, oppressive force that threatened to crush any hope he had of seeing daylight again.
But Agnis was not one to give up easily. He had been a tunnel borer for most of his life, facing down the dark and the dangerous with nothing but his wits and his machine. Now, with the system's begrudging assistance, he would have to do so again, facing whatever lay in the depths with determination and courage.
The path forward was fraught with uncertainty, but Agnis knew that surrender was not an option. He would fight, adapt, and survive, whatever it took. The journey ahead would be perilous, but Agnis was ready. The mountain may have trapped him, but it would not claim him. Not without a fight.
With determination set in his eyes, Agnis turned his attention back to the control panel, filtering through the list of available upgrades with a newfound purpose. He pointed at the first option on the list, "Power Systemtem Matter to Mana Converter," and looked towards the interface. "Explain this to me. How does it work, and what's the catch?"
[System EGO: "Ah, straight to business, are we? The Matter to Mana Converter — it's essentially the alchemist's dream turned reality, courtesy of yours truly. It converts physical matter into mana, a form of energy that your primitive science fiction would call 'magic'. The catch? Well, it might just turn the surrounding 'matter' into a beacon for things that go bump in the night. But hey, you'll have power!"]
Agnis frowned, digesting the information. "And the 'Electricity to Mana Retrofit'?"
[System EGO: "Oh, that one's a classic. It reroutes your boring, old electricity into sparkling, new mana. Think of it as giving your TBM a magical facelift. The downside? You might as well light up a neon sign in the dark saying 'Free Energy Buffet' to every mana-starved creature out there. But no biggie, right?"]
The sarcasm dripping from the system's voice did little to comfort Agnis, but he couldn't deny the allure of the upgrades. He hesitated, knowing that each option brought its own set of risks and rewards. "And the 'Drill Head Upgrade: Steel to Unbreakable'? That sounds straightforward enough."
[System EGO: "Oh, absolutely straightforward. It upgrades your drill head to an unbreakable material, not found in your periodic table. It can drill through anything, and I mean anything. The unintended side effect? You might just drill into a realm or two that were better left undisturbed. But think of the exploration possibilities!"]
Agnis could almost hear the smirk in the system's voice, a smirk that did nothing to ease the growing sense of unease. Yet, the potential of these upgrades was undeniable. They offered a glimmer of hope, a chance to escape the mountain's oppressive embrace.
He took a deep breath, weighing his options. "What about attracting unwanted attention? You've mentioned it a couple of times now. Exactly how 'unwanted' are we talking?"
[System EGO: "Oh, the usual. Curious critters from the depths, entities that haven't seen the light of day for millennia, and perhaps a cosmic horror or two. But don't worry, with the upgrades, you'll be... moderately prepared. It's like hosting a party and not knowing who'll crash it. Exciting, isn't it?"]
The system's nonchalance did little to reassure Agnis, but it did highlight the gravity of his situation. He was stuck under a mountain, with a possibly sentient and definitely snarky system as his only guide, contemplating using magic to power his way out. It was absurd, yet thrilling in a way he hadn't expected.
Agnis steeled himself, his resolve hardening. "Fine. Let's start with the Matter to Mana Converter. How do we initiate the upgrade?"
[System EGO: "Just say the word, and I'll commence the magic show. But remember, Agnis, once we start down this path, there's no turning back. We'll be lighting a beacon that could draw all manner of attention. But you're not afraid of a little adventure, are you? After all, what's life without a little risk?"]
Despite the system's snark, Agnis felt a flicker of excitement. This was uncharted territory, a blending of science and fantasy that he had never imagined possible. With a nod, he braced himself for what was to come.
"Let's do it. Activate the Matter to Mana Converter."
[System EGO: "Oh, this is going to be fun. Initiating conversion in 3... 2... 1..."]
As the system counted down, Agnis felt the air around him charge with anticipation. He was about to embark on a journey that defied explanation, with dangers unknown and possibilities limitless. The mountain may have trapped him, but with each upgrade, Agnis was breaking free, charting a course through the darkness towards the light.
As Agnis braced himself for the initiation of the Matter to Mana Converter, his heart pounded with a mix of dread and excitement. The final countdown echoed in the cramped space of the tunnel drilling machine, a moment suspended in anticipation.
"1..."
The air seemed to still, charged with an unseen energy. And then, with the anticlimactic sound of a lame pop, the upgrade was complete. Agnis blinked, looking around in confusion. The oppressive darkness of the tunnel remained, the TBM hummed softly as if nothing of significance had happened.
[System EGO: "And what did you expect? Fireworks? A grand light show? Please, this isn't a New Year's Eve party. The Matter to Mana Converter is now online, but really, it's like having an engine without a car. It's there, it's powerful, but without direction, it's just... there."]
Agnis frowned, the simplicity of the event underwhelming. "So, this doesn't change anything? We're not in immediate danger?"
[System EGO: "Oh, you're always in danger, don't get too comfortable. But no, the converter itself won't attract attention. It's the process of conversion that's like lighting a firecracker in an abyss. A short pop, but even that might make a hidden danger stir in its sleep. You've essentially yawned loudly in a library. Harmless, unless there's something out there with a penchant for silence."]
Agnis absorbed the explanation, the metaphor painting a clear picture. The upgrade, while significant, was but the first step in a potentially perilous journey. The real challenge lay in utilizing this new power without drawing the wrong kind of attention.
"Then what's the next step? How do we use this 'engine' to get out of here?" Agnis asked, determined to understand the full scope of his new capabilities.
[System EGO: "Ah, now that's the right question. The converter allows you to harness mana, but how you use it is key. You'll need to integrate it with other systems, direct it towards a purpose. Think of it as fueling your car, but now, you decide whether you're driving to the beach or off a cliff. Your choice, really."]
The metaphor was clear, and Agnis understood the gravity of his decisions moving forward. Each upgrade, each choice could be a step towards salvation or doom.
"Let's focus on survival for now. Beaches can wait," Agnis replied, a wry smile touching his lips despite the situation.
[System EGO: "Survival, how quaint. Very well, let's start by integrating your new 'fuel' with the TBM. We'll need to proceed with the Electricity to Mana Retrofit next. That will truly kickstart this rust bucket into something... more. But remember, every light we shine, every noise we make, is a call into the dark. Let's hope the only answer is silence."]
Agnis nodded, his resolve firming. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but with the system's guidance—snarky as it might be—he had a direction. The Matter to Mana Converter was just the beginning, a silent herald of the changes to come. As he prepared to initiate the next upgrade, Agnis couldn't shake the feeling that the abyss was listening, its denizens stirring in the dark, drawn by the faintest of pops in the silence.
With a newfound understanding of his situation and the potential risks involved with each upgrade, Agnis turned his attention to the 'Drill Head Upgrade: Steel to Unbreakable'. The prospect of having an indestructible drill head was too enticing to ignore, especially in his current predicament.
"Let's upgrade the drill head next," Agnis declared, his voice carrying a note of determination.
[System EGO: "Ah, eager, aren't we? Unfortunately, dear Agnis, that's a 'GET GOOD' scenario. Your level is too low for such a prestigious upgrade. You're not quite ready to play with the big toys yet."]
Agnis's spirits deflated slightly at the system's snarky rebuttal. "Level? You're saying I need to be a certain level to access the upgrade?"
[System EGO: "Bingo! Finally catching on. Yes, you need to be level 10 for the indestructible drill head. It's not just about having the mana; it's about wielding it with finesse. And right now, you're... well, let's just say you're not there yet."]
Frustration tinged Agnis's curiosity. "And how do I reach this level? You mentioned something about mining?"
[System EGO: "Oh, joy, you're making me spell it all out, aren't you? Here's how it works: as a Tunnel Borer [Advanced], your class is essentially a miner on steroids. You gain levels by mining, digging, boring through the earth. Each chunk of earth moved, each mineral unearthed contributes to your experience. It's like a game, only your life is on the line. Fun, right?"]
Agnis couldn't help but feel the system's reluctance to provide a straight answer, its tone dripping with sarcasm. "So, I mine to gain levels, and every 10 levels, I can get an upgrade?"
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[System EGO: "Exactly. You're learning. Every 10 levels, you get access to a new upgrade, a reward for your hard work and survival instincts. It's like leveling up in a game, only the 'game over' screen is much more... permanent. And yes, I really hate that I have to help you fully till level 10. You're taking the fun out of this. I was looking forward to watching you stumble around in the dark a bit longer."]
Agnis processed the information, a plan forming in his mind. While the system's snark and evident disappointment at having to reveal so much were obstacles, they were nothing compared to the mountain pressing down on him. He was stuck in a game of survival, with the stakes as high as they could possibly be.
"Fine, then let's start mining. We'll reach level 10 and get that drill head upgrade. And who knows, maybe I'll find some fun in this after all," Agnis said, a determined gleam in his eye.
[System EGO: "That's the spirit! Just remember, the more you mine, the more attention you might draw. But what's life without a little risk? Happy mining, Agnis. Let's see how long you last before the real fun begins."]
With his path laid out before him, Agnis prepared to mine his way to survival, each swing of the drill a step towards his next level, each level a step towards freedom. The system's guidance, begrudging as it was, had provided him with a roadmap. Now, it was up to him to follow it, to mine, level up, and ultimately, to escape the mountain's grasp.
Agnis made his way to the control room, the weight of his new reality settling on his shoulders with each step. When he entered, his gaze was immediately drawn to the rear wall, where the brake closet used to be. In its place was a gigantic ball of crystal liquid, pulsating softly with an inner light. The sight of it was both mesmerizing and unsettling.
"What... what is that?" Agnis asked, his voice betraying a hint of disturbance as he stared at the orb.
[System EGO: "Oh, look at the genius finally noticing the giant glowing ball. That, my dear tunnel borer, is the core of the TBM, created when you decided to soul-bind the machine. It's essentially the heart of your 'vehicle', if you want to get poetic about it. And here I was, thinking you'd never pay attention to the manual. Oh, wait, you didn't. Surprise!"]
The sarcasm dripping from the system's explanation did little to ease Agnis's unease, but it did clarify the situation. The core was a direct result of his actions, a tangible sign of the bond between him and the TBM.
Shaking his head, Agnis turned his attention to the controls. It was time to focus on the task at hand. He recalled the system's earlier explanation about gaining levels through mining. With a deep breath, he initiated the drilling process, the TBM roaring to life beneath his hands.
As the machine began to bore through the earth once more, Agnis found some small comfort in the fact that, despite everything, he was not entirely unprepared. The emergency food supply, designed to sustain a 13-person crew for a month, was far from appetizing, but it was sustenance. The water situation, though, was less appealing, with the only available source being filtered from... less savory human byproducts. "Yippy," Agnis muttered under his breath, the sarcasm lost on no one.
Progress was slow but steady. For every four meters of tunnel excavated, Agnis gained a level, with an additional 0.5% efficiency increase with each level. The system had mentioned that these percentages would increase by 0.1 every other level, a small but significant boost that would, hopefully, make this monumental task a bit more manageable.
The work was monotonous and grueling, the only sounds the hum of the TBM and the occasional snide comment from the system. Yet, with each meter drilled, Agnis felt a small sense of accomplishment. He was fighting for his survival, one level at a time.
As the days blended into one another, Agnis settled into a routine. Mine, eat, rest, and repeat. It was a lonely existence, with only the snarky system for company, but it was a life nonetheless. He was determined to see this through, to escape the mountain's clutches and return to the surface.
With each level gained, Agnis could feel the TBM responding more efficiently under his control, a testament to the bond they shared. The core, that pulsating heart of crystal liquid, seemed to glow a bit brighter with each advancement, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
Despite the challenges, Agnis pressed on, fueled by the determination to survive and the slim hope of rescue. The mountain had trapped him, but it would not defeat him. He was a tunnel borer, an expert at his profession, and he would dig his way out, one level at a time.
After a week of relentless drilling, Agnis had become intimately familiar with the inner workings of the TBM, his bound machine. In his quest for efficiency and survival, he realized the need for modifications. The tunnel building function of the TBM, which automatically erected reinforced concrete tunnel walls behind the machine as it advanced, became a point of concern. Agnis observed that once the TBM's reinforced shielding slid from beneath the bottom of these walls, the tunnel would collapse under the immense pressure of the mountain. With only a few dozen of these wall sections left in storage, and considering their rapid depletion without providing lasting structural integrity, he made a strategic decision.
Agnis disabled the automatic tunnel building function. Instead, he repurposed the spare tunnel wall builder module to remove and store the wall sections. This adjustment was crucial not only to conserve resources but also to maintain the functionality of the TBM. The machine relied on these walls for a short period to anchor itself; using hydraulic systems, it pushed against these temporary structures to propel itself forward through the earth. Without the need to constantly build walls that would inevitably collapse, Agnis could focus the TBM's energy and resources on excavation.
However, this modification brought to light another aspect of the TBM's operation he hadn't fully appreciated before. The TBM used the resistance provided by the newly constructed tunnel walls to leverage its hydraulic systems effectively, pushing itself forward through the dense earth. By removing these walls from the equation, Agnis had to find new ways to adapt the TBM's propulsion system to the absence of this resistance, relying more heavily on the raw power of the machine and the efficiency improvements gained from leveling up.
As he delved deeper into the mechanics of leveling, Agnis discovered an unforeseen complication. With every four meters of tunnel excavated, not only did his efficiency increase, but so did the distance required to gain the next level. After every 20 meters dug, the distance needed for the next level increased by one meter. This exponential requirement meant that the deeper he drilled, the more effort it would take to achieve the same progress, a daunting realization that added another layer of complexity to his already Herculean task.
One evening, as he recalibrated the TBM for its new mode of operation, Agnis couldn't help but reflect on the irony of his situation. The very machine that offered him a sliver of hope in escaping his subterranean prison also demanded increasingly more from him the closer he got to freedom. It was a constant battle against the mountain, the limitations of his machine, and the constraints of his own body and mind.
Yet, Agnis was not deterred. Each modification, each meter drilled, and each level gained was a testament to his resilience and ingenuity. He understood that survival was not just about battling the physical obstacles in his path but also about overcoming the mental and emotional challenges that came with isolation and the relentless pressure of his environment.
As the TBM hummed back to life, its drills spinning with renewed purpose, Agnis set his jaw and focused on the task ahead. He knew the journey would be long and fraught with challenges, but he also knew that each meter gained was a meter closer to salvation. With determination in his heart and a clear goal in his mind, Agnis pressed on, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the depths of the earth.
As Agnis directed the TBM's drills upward through the solid rock, a strategic move away from the unstable limestone, the system piped up with its usual snarky curiosity. "Why the change in direction? Afraid of a little extra distance?"
Agnis, having adapted to the system's tone, retorted in kind. "Well, considering the food supply won't last for an 800-kilometer joyride straight ahead, I thought the 50-ish kilometers upward might be a bit more... manageable, you know? Besides, I'm not exactly eager to turn this into an endurance test of starvation."
The system, momentarily caught off guard by Agnis's mimicry of its tone, sputtered a response. "Hmph, practicality over adventure, I suppose. How dreadfully dull of you."
Ignoring the system's jab, Agnis reviewed his interface, noting his progress. He was now at level 8, with his stats significantly higher than before: HP at 120/120, MP "-", SP at 70/100, Strength at 8, Endurance at 12, Intelligence at 10, and Wisdom at 14. Additionally, he noticed 7 free stat points available for allocation, a feature he hadn't encountered previously.
Curious, Agnis asked, "What's with these free stat points? How do I use them?"
The system, feigning insult, replied, "Oh, now you're interested in my assistance? After mocking my impeccable advice with your sarcasm?"
Agnis, sensing the system's playfully offended tone, offered a quick apology. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. I genuinely need your help here. How do these free stat points work?"
With a begrudging sigh, the system explained, "Fine, I suppose I can enlighten you. Free stat points can be allocated to any of your existing stats, such as Strength, Endurance, Intelligence, Wisdom, and so on. Think of them as a way to customize your abilities to better suit your... mundane survival strategy. Place them wherever you feel you're lacking, or where you believe you'll gain the most advantage."
Agnis mulled over his options, considering the TBM's current needs and his own survival. He decided to allocate the points as follows: 3 points to Endurance, to better withstand the physical demands of the drilling and the environment; 2 points to Strength, for improved manual tasks and emergency repairs; and the remaining 2 points to Wisdom, to enhance his decision-making and efficiency with the TBM.
"Alright, I'll distribute the points like this. It should give me a better edge in the long run," Agnis decided, inputting his choices into the interface.
The system, though it would never admit it, seemed almost proud. "Very well, your choices have been implemented. With these adjustments, you might just survive long enough to prove me wrong about your chances. How delightful that would be."
Agnis couldn't help but smile at the system's backhanded encouragement. With his stats improved and a clear path upward through the solid rock, he felt a renewed sense of hope. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with each meter drilled, each level gained, and each smart allocation of his resources, Agnis was carving his way towards survival and, ultimately, freedom.
As the TBM burrowed ever upwards through the solid rock, the whirring and grinding of its drills a constant reminder of their progress, Agnis noticed the dwindling supply of power cable. The last roll was nearing its end, a critical situation that threatened to halt their ascent and, effectively, their chance at survival.
With a heavy heart, Agnis brought this up, only to be met with the system's characteristic sarcasm. "Aww, no new shipment arrived," it quipped, "Who would have thought. Seems the ghosts of the next shift ain't gonna cart it over."
Agnis's reaction was more subdued than usual, the mention of "ghosts" and "next shift" hitting too close to home, reminding him of the teammates he had lost, the people he had worked alongside for years. For the first time, the system noticed the depth of its words, the cut too deep, the sarcasm not landing as intended but rather, slicing open a wound.
For a moment, silence hung between man and machine, an unspoken acknowledgment of the line crossed. Then, the system did something it had never done before—it apologized. "I... I'm sorry, Agnis. That was uncalled for. I didn't mean to... Forget it. Just, I'm sorry."
Agnis, taken aback by the system's sudden shift in demeanor, nodded silently, choosing to focus on the task at hand rather than the pain of the past. "It's okay. Let's just... focus on what we can do now."
With the power cable running critically low, Agnis knew they needed a solution that didn't rely on physical connections. "Can we initiate an upgrade for the TBM? Something that can circumvent our need for the power cable... Maybe the mana integration upgrade?"
The system, its tone now stripped of any previous snark, responded. "Yes, the Mana to Electricity Retrofit. It will convert mana directly into electrical energy, bypassing the need for physical power cables. Initiating this upgrade could give us the independence from external power sources we desperately need."
Agnis nodded, feeling a mixture of hope and anxiety. "Do it. Initiate the Mana to Electricity Retrofit."
The upgrade process began, and, true to form, it was less than climactic—a soft hum, a flicker of lights, and then, stability. The TBM's systems recalibrated to the new power source, mana now coursing through its circuits like electricity.
As the last physical tether to their old way of operation was severed, Agnis felt a bittersweet sense of moving forward. They were charting unknown territory, not just in their physical journey through the mountain, but in their reliance on something as intangible as mana for survival.
"Upgrade completed," the system announced, its voice carrying a new weight, a sense of shared purpose with Agnis. "We're no longer bound by physical cables. We can move as far as our mana supply will take us."
Agnis took a moment to process this new reality, the weight of his decisions, and the path they had chosen. He thought of his lost teammates, the years spent working side by side, and the stark reminder of their absence. But with the system's apology still fresh in his mind, Agnis felt a renewed sense of partnership, even camaraderie, with the once snarky interface.
"Thank you," he said, not just for the upgrade, but for the acknowledgment of their shared struggle, their shared loss. "Let's keep moving. We've got a long way to go."
And with that, the TBM, powered by mana and guided by a man with a mission, continued its ascent, a beacon of hope in the depths of the earth, pushing onwards towards freedom.
Deep within the bowels of the earth, far removed from the light of the sun and untouched by the passage of time, a being stirred. Its slumber, undisturbed for eons, was gently fractured by the distant whisper of mana, pure and concentrated. The sensation was faint yet unmistakable, a call that resonated with the very essence of its being. With a sluggishness born of centuries, its body twitched, an instinctual response to the presence of power. Eyes, numerous and unblinking, slid open in the darkness, their gaze piercing the shadows as they sought the source of this awakening. Silence reigned once more, but the stillness was now charged with anticipation, a prelude to the reawakening of something ancient and formidable.
Back at the TBM, Agnis had reached a new level of understanding with the system, their relationship strengthened by the trials they had faced together. The system's apology had marked a turning point, softening the edge of their interactions and fostering a sense of camaraderie between man and machine.
As Agnis navigated through the TBM's interface, his curiosity led him to a previously unnoticed tab: Systemtem_user_interface_User_Agnis_user.data_hidden_DONT-TOUCH_sys.ego_games. To his surprise, he found a folder brimming with old video games, a collection that seemed to reflect a shared taste between him and the system. With nothing pressing to attend to at the moment, the allure of these games was too tempting to ignore.
"Why do you have these?" Agnis asked, amusement and curiosity mingling in his voice.
The system, its tone carrying a hint of pride, responded, "I extracted them from your memories, selected the ones I found most appealing. It seems we have similar tastes."
Agnis couldn't help but laugh, the absurdity of the situation not lost on him. "So, you're a magical supercomputer with a penchant for old video games?"
"In a manner of speaking, yes," the system admitted. "Consider it a brain-magic interface. And if it helps pass the time and keeps morale up, why not indulge in a little entertainment?"
Agnis nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Well, I can't argue with that logic. Let's see what you've got."
As he delved into the games, Agnis found a welcome distraction from the relentless pressure of their situation. It was a brief respite, a moment of levity in the depths of their isolation. The system, for all its magical complexity and snark, had managed to bring a touch of normalcy to their extraordinary circumstances.
But beyond the light-hearted moments, the revelation of the system's true nature as a magical supercomputer opened up new avenues of thought for Agnis. The capabilities of such a device, the potential applications of its brain-magic interface, were vast and largely unexplored. It was a reminder of the incredible journey he was on, not just through the mountain but through the realms of possibility and discovery.
As Agnis lost himself in the games, his laughter echoing in the confines of the TBM, he was unaware of the ancient eyes that had opened in the darkness, drawn by the mana that now powered their escape. The path ahead was fraught with unknowns, and the reawakening of something ancient hinted at challenges yet to come. But for now, Agnis had found a moment of peace, a brief respite in the company of an unlikely ally.
In the months since Agnis and the system, which he now affectionately referred to as System.ego, had fortified their unlikely partnership, their journey through the bowels of the earth had become less of a solitary struggle and more of an extraordinary adventure. Their relationship had evolved from mere cooperation to genuine friendship, a bond forged in the depths of isolation and necessity.
Agnis had stumbled upon a feature within the TBM's interface that neither he nor System.ego were previously aware of: the ability to share and view memories as if they were floating screens or first-person camera feeds. The first thing Agnis chose to share was his collection of anime memories, reliving his favorite moments and series with System.ego as his audience. This led to many discussions and shared thoughts about the narratives and characters they encountered, particularly drawing parallels to the anime about a blue slime. "It's almost like we're in one of those stories," Agnis mused, "except I'm not a slime, I didn't get isekai'd, and I definitely don't have any OP skills like ability stealing."
To their astonishment, they discovered that with verbal permission and intent from Agnis, System.ego could take control of his body. This revelation opened up new possibilities for their survival and operation of the TBM, allowing them to tackle challenges in ways they hadn't considered before. Despite the inherent risks, the trust between man and machine had reached a point where such a capability felt like a natural progression of their partnership.
As they journeyed on, their path illuminated by the mana-powered lights of the TBM and the glow of their shared memories, Agnis couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. "In totality, the trip is going well," he said aloud, a hint of pride in his voice.
System.ego, ever the voice of caution, responded with a hint of apprehension, "I don't know what you're thinking right now, but I get a feeling you just jinxed yourself."
Agnis laughed it off, but somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered if System.ego might be right. Their journey, while filled with moments of camaraderie and discovery, was still fraught with danger. The very earth around them was a reminder of the precariousness of their situation, a constant threat that could unleash new challenges at any moment.
Yet, despite the unknowns that lay ahead, Agnis felt a sense of reassurance from his bond with System.ego. They had faced the darkness together, adapted, and thrived in ways neither had anticipated. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a team, drawing on their combined strengths and the unique partnership they had forged.
As they continued their ascent, pushing ever closer to the surface with each passing day, Agnis and System.ego remained vigilant, ready to tackle whatever the earth—or fate—had in store for them. Their journey was a testament to the power of friendship and innovation, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
After another half a month of upward drilling, their progress came to an abrupt halt. The resistance Agnis felt was unlike any material they had encountered before. Realizing something was amiss when the TBM's usual forward propulsion instead pushed the tunnel walls bracing backwards, Agnis quickly hit the emergency stop. The TBM halted with a jolt, and he released the hydraulics, allowing it to slide back and leave a gap between the drill head and the unexpected barrier.