The alarm blared like a dying siren, but Alex's eyes opened before it even finished its second note. Cold. Empty. Terrifying. His gaze met the cracked ceiling, emotionless, unreadable.
Today wasn't about breakfast. Today wasn't about school. Today was about leveling up.
He rose from the bed with machine-like precision, each movement calculated, efficient. The digital screen in the corner blinked:
> LEVEL 1 – HUMAN
Recognition, not joy. Another stage unlocked, another challenge awaiting.
The hallway reeked of old paint and fear. Neighbors peeked through doors. None dared greet him. They had learned the hard way that Alex was… different.
Outside, the city hummed like a broken console, NPCs wandering aimlessly. Alex didn't see people. He saw obstacles, experience points, quest targets.
A notification vibrated in his pocket:
> NEW QUEST: Eliminate Obstacles. Reward: +500 XP.
Across the street, three men blocked the sidewalk, laughing too loud, their shadows weak. Obstacles.
Alex gripped the black blade hidden under his coat — sleek, deadly, forged for progression.
He walked forward. Silence. Fear. The first scream pierced the morning air.
> QUEST COMPLETE. +500 XP
LEVEL UP!
Alex wiped the blade on his sleeve. No joy. No regret. Just progress.