Chapter 24
To the Gate
Part 2
Day Four
Date: 04/01/01
Location: In the city.
Mission Duration: Four Days
Remaining Time: One Day
Objective: Reach the City Gate
Subject Names: Thomas & Samira Ali
Previous Success Rate: 65%
Expected Success Rate: 50%
Failed Subjects: 245
Successful Subjects: 10
"Hello everyone, today's lecture will be about the impact of artificial intelligence software on..." That was the last thing I remember hearing in the lecture hall. I don't know if I fell asleep on the spot or if I simply lack the memory of what happened after that. From the lecture hall to a dark place was the next thing I became aware of when I opened my eyes with a severe headache. I was unable to keep my eyes open—though I couldn't see anything the several times I tried.
There was nothing I could do except clutch my head with my hands and moan from the pain as I squatted where I was sitting. I wasn't even able to breathe normally from how excruciating the pain was. After a few minutes, the pain was less than before, but at least bearable enough for me to open my eyes and look around. At that time, I guess my eyes got accustomed to the dark, and I was able to see the outline of what surrounded me.
"Where am I?" I said out loud, like I was asking the question to someone else. "But really, where the hell am I?" This time I was talking to myself. The reason for that was the scene I saw in front of me when I was finally able to see—still not clearly though—and it was a pitch-black, dark room where I found myself sitting on the floor. The room had literally nothing in it. On top of that, there was rubble everywhere around me; half of the walls were missing from two sides, and there were no windows.
I tried to stand up and look around, thinking, How did I come here? Was I drugged and brought here? When I reached that point, I sat down again and started touching myself and my clothes. A deep breath came out of me when I found out nothing of what I was suspecting or thinking had come true. Now it was time to stand up and do the checking I was supposed to—but as soon as I tried to stand, I was assaulted by the headache once more, this time including dizziness.
I sat back at the same spot, this time screaming from the pain. Luckily, it didn't last that long—only around ten seconds, give or take—and it was gone the same way it came. Before I could breathe or relax from the pain I felt, I heard strange sounds coming from inside my head:
Loading... 50%
Loading... 79%
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System loading completed. Installation complete. Interface link established.
Do you accept the terms and conditions of the system?
Please say yes or press yes on the screen in front of you.
If you choose not to accept the terms and conditions of the system, the system will be terminated, and your chance of survival will be less than 10%.
You have 30 seconds to decide.
Do you accept the terms and conditions of the system?
While the message was playing in my head, a virtual screen appeared in front of me—like in virtual reality games that had become common these days, but now without the helmet or glasses that you wear when playing. I don't know what it's called, but in front of me were two words:
YES NO
After the threatening message I heard, the obvious choice was to accept and see what this system was about and what was going on here. While still shaking from the shock of the system in my head and the room I found myself in, I pointed my index finger at YES, not even sure if I would be able to touch it. I wasn't a gamer or even a fan of gaming, but I still had some experience with what was in front of me.
Not a few seconds passed before new information appeared in front of me with an annoying sound, which didn't give me time to think of anything else.
{A brief information for the system will start immediately. You can select and touch the desired icon, and then you will see the description in front of you.}
Profile:
{The profile will contain basic information about you. You can measure your progress by checking it frequently, and the information will be updated automatically at all times.}
Level:
{You can gain levels by completing missions assigned to you. Each level gained will increase all of your stats and attributes, like strength, dexterity, intelligence, and vitality. Each gained level will grant you 10 attribute points that you can distribute the way you wish, and it will be unlocked when you gain your first level up.}
Skills:
{Skills are gained or granted through mission accomplishments as rewards or can be purchased through the system. They can also be learned through various sources, for example, reading about them and trying to implement what you learned.}
Points:
{Points are gained by completing missions and can be used to increase your attributes and level. They can also be used as currency to purchase from the market.}
Equipment:
{Equipment is the gear you can wear and the weapon you can use to defend yourself. You can add your gear and equipment to the inventory and equip them as necessary after you obtain them. You can get them from the market or collect them from towns or what is dropped from your enemies.}
Mission:
{Missions are specific assignments tailored to your situation, issued by the system for your advancement and growth. You will be rewarded accordingly if you succeed in reaching the specified goal, and you will be penalized if you fail. Be aware that you are not allowed to fail more than three times during the first five trials, and each failure will impact your level and growth afterward.}
Market:
{The Market is a universal organization that deals in selling and buying everything there is to sell or buy. Simply search for whatever you're looking for, and if it's available anywhere in the universe, you can buy it. You can also sell any excess material or equipment that you don't need.}
{Currently, Market is not available to you.}
{Mission available.}
{First mission available to you:}
{Leave the building as soon as possible and reach the main street.}
{You have 3 hours to accomplish that.}
{The building you are in is not safe. We recommend you leave as soon as possible.}