John blinked against the violet-gold light of the new world, the dragon's roar still echoing faintly in the distance. His hands tingled from yesterday's system activation, the adrenaline from fighting the wolf-like creatures not fully faded. And now… a quest.
[Quest Added: Investigate the Shadow Over the City]
[Timer: 48 hours]
John scratched the back of his head. "Okay… 48 hours to investigate a dragon threat? No pressure, right?" He flexed a little, smirking. "Let's see what this Omni-System can really do."
---
Learning the Omni-System
He opened the system menu, a cascade of holographic icons spinning in midair. There were hundreds of tabs: skills, inventory, stats, quests, crafting, side missions, harem affinity… and more.
John grinned. "All systems merged, huh? Looks like my gaming obsession just became real life. Time to explore."
First, he checked skills:
Combat Skills: Slash, Power Strike, System Fusion Kick
Magic Skills: Firebolt, Barrier, Healing Light
Crafting Skills: Weapon Upgrade, Potion Brewing, Trap Setting
Special Skills: Perception Boost, Relationship Influence, Quick Strategy
"Perception Boost, huh… let's test this." He waved his hand over a bush, and a faint outline of a hidden path appeared. Nice.
Next, inventory:
Iron Sword +1
Healing Potion x3
Not bad for a first day.
---
Team-Up With Susan
John turned to Susan, who was leaning casually against a mossy tree, bow slung over her shoulder. "Alright… so… teaming up for this quest? Or are you gonna leave me to die again?"
Susan smirked. "I told you, newbie. Don't get used to my help. But yeah… I'll go. Someone's gotta make sure you don't blow yourself up."
John laughed. "Fair enough. Lead the way, guide girl."
She rolled her eyes, muttering something about overconfident idiots, but gestured toward a faint trail winding through the forest.
As they walked, the system pinged.
[Quest Hint: City outskirts – 10km ahead]
"Ten kilometers? Easy. At least we're not sprinting across floating islands yet." John flexed dramatically. "Watch and learn, Susan."
Susan raised an eyebrow. Lesson one: never underestimate overconfident idiots.
---
First Mini-Boss Encounter
A sudden rustle made John freeze. The forest's shimmering circuitry glowed faintly—an enemy was near.
[Enemy Detected: Metalfang Wolves – 3 units]
[Level: 3]
John smirked. "Alright, wolves… let's see if you can handle Omni-System style."
He flicked his sword, practicing the combos the system suggested: Slash → Power Strike → System Fusion Kick. Sparks flew, and the wolves staggered back. Susan fired arrows, tagging one with precision.
John's system pinged:
[XP Gained: 300]
[Level Up: 2]
The fight was short, effective, and fun. John grinned. "See, this is why I always play games. Reflexes, strategy, combos—boom. Done."
Susan laughed, shaking her head. "You really think this is a game?"
John winked. "Everything's a game if you play it right."
---
Hidden Dungeon Discovery
After the wolves scattered, John noticed a faint glowing entrance beneath an overhang of moss-covered stone.
"Uh… system, scan that," he muttered.
[Hidden Dungeon Detected: Entry Level – Beginner Friendly]
[Quest Added: Optional Dungeon Exploration]
[Reward: Rare Item + XP]
Susan's eyes lit up. "Optional dungeon? You're going in, aren't you?"
John flexed. "Of course. Optional means loot. And I like loot."
They approached cautiously, and the entrance glowed brighter as they stepped inside. The air smelled faintly of ozone and something metallic. A soft hum pulsed through the walls, syncing with John's heartbeat.
[System Notice: Environmental Analysis Complete – Traps Detected: 3]
John grinned. "Traps, puzzles, monsters… now it feels like home."
---
First Crafting / System Mechanics Test
Inside, they found a chest glowing with golden light. John opened it with a flourish, and the system displayed:
Item Acquired: Steel Dagger +2
Item Acquired: Mana Potion x2
Skill Unlock: Minor Trap Setting
XP Gained: 200
John twirled the dagger. "Not bad… okay, Omni-System, teach me how to craft something cooler."
[Crafting Menu Opened: Steel Dagger → Reinforced Dagger]
[Materials Required: 2 Iron, 1 Crystal Shard]
John checked inventory: had all materials. With a few swift motions, he combined the items.
[Reinforced Dagger +1 Created]
[Skill Upgrade: Minor Trap Setting → Advanced Trap Setting]
Susan raised an eyebrow. "Impressive… and you're actually keeping count of materials?"
John flexed. "Of course. A gamer's gotta track loot."
---
First Appearance of Eve (Hint)
As they exited the dungeon, a shadow flickered across the forest. A girl with silvery hair and piercing blue eyes stood on a cliff, observing.
[Character Detected: Eve, Level 4 – Stealth Combat Expert]
[Affinity: Neutral]
John noticed her for a split second. "Uh… Susan… did you see that?"
Susan squinted. "I saw it. Keep moving. Could be a scout… or worse."
John grinned. "Or… someone interesting."
System pinged:
[Hint: New Ally or Rival Approaching – Unknown]
He flexed his arms. "Bring it on. This world just got fun."
As they approached the city outskirts, a tremor shook the ground. The distant silhouette of the massive dragon loomed larger, shadowing the city. Smoke curled from several buildings as alarms blared.
[System Warning: Global Threat Detected – Dragon Activity Increasing]
[Quest Update: Investigate Dragon Threat – Timer: 42 hours]
John's grin widened. "Alright… city's in trouble. Let's save it… and maybe level up a little while we're at it."
Susan muttered, "You're insane, you know that?"
John laughed. "And proud of it."
The wind shifted, carrying the dragon's roar closer. And somewhere above the floating city, glowing eyes watched… waiting.
[System Message: Omni-System Ready – User: John]