Nero blinked against the blinding light that had consumed him, his mind a battlefield of confusion and apprehension. The spots dancing in his vision triggered an instant headache, but with time and patience, they slowly dissipated to reveal where he stood.
A vast expanse of trees reaching for the skies surrounded him, while the sounds of wildlife completed the image of the dense forest he was standing in. Blinking a few more times, he scratched his head and turned, the soft grass underneath his bare feet grounding him.
"What?" he whispered, his tone a mix of confusion and rising fear. "I swear I was just at home playing The Sims 4."
His last clear memory was of himself sitting at his gaming PC, a warm pizza to his side as he played the latest DLC for his favourite guilty pleasure. The timing had been perfect; the thunderstorm rolling through his town had set the ideal atmosphere for a night of gaming.
Thinking hard, Nero slowly pieced together the fragmented memories following the moment he'd booted up the game. Nothing had happened for a couple of hours, but then the storm had turned cataclysmic, shaking the very windows of his home.
The memories sharpened the longer he pondered, and after another minute, he gasped, stepping back as his eyes widened in understanding.
The thunderstorm hadn't subsided. Instead, it had progressively worsened until an earsplitting crack of lightning sounded out, smashing into his home and short-circuiting the power. Unfortunately for Nero, that electrical surge had traveled through his PC and straight into his body.
He recalled the searing pain of being cooked internally, the smell of his flesh going from raw to rare in a split second.
That was the last memory he had before awakening in this forest.
Taking a few deep breaths to calm his raging heart, Nero took another tentative look around. He wasn't sure if this was the afterlife or perhaps a medically induced coma, but he definitely wasn't 'home' anymore.
Shit. What do I do now? he thought, taking a cautious step forward. Though he was thankful that whatever had led him here had allowed him to keep his consciousness, it didn't mean he wasn't terrified.
What I wouldn't give to know what the heck is going on right now, he thought idly.
At that stray thought, Nero felt something shift inside of himself, as if a lock had clicked open. Warmth flowed through his chest as a screen flickered into existence before his eyes.
Wait, that's something I've seen before, he realized. Fuck, is that the Sims 4 interface?
Taking a step back, Nero reached out to poke the panel. His hand merely passed through it as if it were an illusion. Grasping at the empty air surrounding the panel, he scratched his hair in confusion.
Before he could get lost in thought regarding why a game UI had appeared, Nero watched as words slowly materialized, the font and layout an exact replication of the game he'd played moments before dying.
[Welcome to the Sims System (Multiversal Released Version)]
[Would you like an introduction to the Systems Interface?][Y/N]
"Y-You're kidding?" Nero stammered, shock making his voice tremble. He was contemplating every possibility, from psychosis to severe head trauma. But this? This was something he wouldn't have envisioned in any possible lifetime.
Taking a moment to calm himself, Nero looked around once again to ensure he was alone before continuing. Understanding that physical touch wouldn't allow interaction, he utilized his knowledge of all those Gamer-type novels he'd once read.
With a mental command, he selected the 'Yes' option. The panel disappeared momentarily before a UI—almost an exact replica of The Sims—appeared in its place. He could see a 3D representation of himself: sweatpants, no shirt, and no shoes. Looking down at his own body, Nero realized it was a perfect mirror of his current self, wearing the same clothes he'd worn before 'dying'.
[The Sims System will run through an automatic explanation of its features, highlighting each available function with a brief introduction.]
Nero nodded dumbly as he watched the panel begin to illuminate specific sections of the System UI, running through their functionality.
[Ⅰ. SIMOLOGY]Function: A background synchronization and diagnostic tool that establishes your legal presence and monitors your physical rendering.
Status Portrait: A live 3D rendering of your avatar located in your peripheral vision. It utilizes a color-coded feedback loop: Green (Optimal), Yellow (Stressed/Minor Damage), and Red (Critical). Any physical trauma causes the corresponding area on the portrait to pulse, identifying the exact site of injury.
The Scanner: A focus-triggered data sheet. By maintaining a steady gaze on a target for two seconds, the System displays an itemized Tooltip detailing material composition, total weight, and current §-value.
Identity Integration: The System inserts a flawless set of legal documents (ID, birth certificate, records) into all relevant official databases. Locals recognize you as a legitimate newcomer whose paperwork is verifiable and valid.
[Ⅱ. FUNDS]Function: The management of your universal resource for all System-based purchases, construction, and item manifestations.
Bi-Directional Converting: Local currency or precious metals can be "dragged" into the UI for instant conversion into §. Conversely, § can be withdrawn as untraceable, legal tender (cash or bank cards) perfectly calibrated to the current world's economy and your specific needs.
[Ⅲ. INVENTORY]Function: A weightless, extra-dimensional grid that serves as your primary storage for all physical items.
Temporal Stasis: All items stored within the grid are held in a state of stasis; food never spoils, and biological materials never decay or lose their properties while tucked away.
The Sell Protocol: A deconstruction tool within the inventory that allows you to "Sell" objects. The item is instantly broken down into § and added to your balance. This protocol is restricted to unowned or gifted items.
[Ⅳ. BUILD MODE]Function: A construction interface used for the selection, placement, and manifestation of residential structures and environmental modifications.
House Catalog: Provides access to a library of pre-designed homes and architectural blueprints that can be manifested instantly upon selection.
Physical Manifestation: When a home is placed, the System executes a physical terrain shift to perfectly integrate the structure. The world adjusts its topography to accommodate the new build seamlessly.
Legal Mirroring: The moment a lot is modified or a house is placed, the System automatically generates the corresponding legal deeds and tax records. You are registered as the rightful owner within all local frameworks.
[Ⅴ. PURCHASE MODE]Function: A mental storefront for goods, food, and equipment that scales its catalog based on your current location and power level.
Instant Manifestation: Purchased items appear immediately in your inventory or inside Linked Appliances (fridges, pantries, etc.), which use stasis fields to prevent spoilage.
Progression Scaling: The catalog updates based on your dimension (Modern/Magical) and unlocks specialized gear—such as indestructible training equipment—as your skill levels increase.
[Ⅵ. ASPIRATIONS]Function: A non-coercive goal system that provides a path for biological upgrades and financial growth through specific objectives.
Whims: Short-term, context-sensitive tasks that appear in your UI. Completing Whims rewards you with Satisfaction Points and direct § payouts. These are strictly optional; ignoring them carries no penalties.
The Rewards Store: Satisfaction Points are exchanged for permanent biological "Patches" (Reward Traits) that alter your core code, such as Steel Bladder (removes the bathroom need) or Never Weary (removes the sleep requirement).
[Ⅶ. SKILLS]Function: A tracking system for knowledge and physical development, indicated by a green progress bar that appears during active learning.
Tier Logic:
Level 10: Peak Human Mastery.
Level 15: The Human Limit (absolute natural maximum).
Level 16+: Supernatural (unlocking feats that defy the standard laws of physics).
[Ⅷ. NEEDS]Function: A monitoring panel for six core biological drives: Hunger, Energy, Bladder, Hygiene, Social, and Fun.
Drive Decay: These bars deplete over time based on your activity and world environment, requiring regular maintenance to prevent negative status effects.
[Ⅸ. TRAITS]
ACTIVE: Grants a 4x Multiplier to physical skills.
GENIUS: Grants a 4x Multiplier to mental skills and enables Total Recall.
OVERACHIEVER: Grants a global 2x Multiplier to all progression.
Kinetic Battery: A passive trait where your Energy decay is reduced by 90%. Active physical movement functions as a "charge," refilling the Energy bar as you move.
The Zone: A state of peak focus triggered by training, building, or working. While in The Zone, the decay for Hunger, Bladder, and Hygiene is completely frozen.
Growth Synergy: A massive XP multiplier derived from your core trait stack:
Final Calculation: 4x (Base) × 2x (Global) = 8x Speed Increase for all development.
[Ⅹ. WORLD MAP]
Move Lot: An advanced travel function used to transition between worlds or maintain multiple residences in different locations. [STATUS: LOCKED]
To say that Nero was overwhelmed would be an understatement. One moment he was having a lazy Friday night after work playing his favourite game, and the next he was being told that a System reminiscent of said game has merged with his soul, turning him into some 'Gamified' entity.
Falling onto his rear, Nero lay back completely and stared up at the canopy of the towering trees. He wasn't sure how to feel about everything that had happened, and the pressure to be logical in a moment that was purely emotional weighed heavily on his consciousness.
Maybe I should focus on the here and now, he thought after a couple of minutes of internal breakdown. I'm literally only wearing a pair of sweats, in an unknown forest, possibly in an unknown world given the System called this a 'Multiversal Release Version'.
He was pleasantly surprised to see that he already had an identity in this new world thanks to the System. It functioned exactly like the game; making a character from scratch and placing them into the world simply generated their background information, effectively making them a native.
Surprisingly, Nero was already formulating subtle plans for his next steps, mostly thanks to his thousands of hours playing the game giving him a probable path forward. Looking at the Funds section, which was simply a counter displaying how many Simoleons he held, Nero was happy to see the standard §20,000 start-up fund.
I'll need to use Build Mode and the House Catalogue to get myself sheltered. Pushing himself off the ground, Nero brushed the dirt and grass from his body. I'm hoping this will be enough to keep me safe for the meantime.
Following his previous actions, Nero mentally moved through the interface and selected 'Build Mode'. Instead of seeing the system panel shift, he was surprised to see the grid mode appear in the real world, overlaying a large section of the forested area surrounding him.
He also noted that time seemed to have come to an almost complete standstill, mirroring the pause function when building in the game. With a flickering thought of how this 'bullet time' could be utilised in the future, Nero selected the Bulldoze option. His eyes widened as the trees surrounding him in a 20x30 area seemingly broke apart into motes of light.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: BULLDOZE COMPLETE]
Objects Deconstructed: 12 Trees, 28 Shrubs, 6 Large Rocks, 15 Surface Stones.
Yield Processed: +§6,075
Terrain Status: Leveling Complete | Texture: Lush Green
Huh, Nero thought in wonder. That was oddly profitable, but I guess trees of this size are decent for that value. He didn't question the exact exchange rate; he had more pressing matters to focus on.
The leveled surroundings painted an odd picture in the middle of such an expansive forest, but Nero had no reservations about terraforming for his safety. Accessing the House Catalogue brought on a mental headache, however, as it presented millions of different home designs.
Luckily there was a filter option. Nero easily navigated it, ensuring the selection of homes ranged between the 10k–25k price range. He could have simply found a tent, but as a modern person, he craved the comforts of a real home. If it turned out he needed to evacuate his location, he could merely bulldoze the lot once again and recoup most of the original value.
Scrolling through the still-massive list of homes, Nero clicked his tongue at the options.
Too many different kinds. Some look like futuristic home pods, while others are literal container homes.
It took another ten minutes before he narrowed it down to the final winner.
[BUILD MODE: UPDATED SELECTION — THE ZENITH 20x20]
Style: Modern Slant-Roof Square. This version expands the original design into a balanced 20x20 footprint, offering a significantly larger open-plan living area while retaining the sleek, asymmetrical roofline for optimal solar collection.
Utility:
Solar Slant-Array: High-efficiency panels integrated into the roof slant for 100% autonomous power.
Natural Spring-Fed Well: The System has identified a high-pressure aquifer directly beneath the lot.
Lot Traits:
Bracing Breezes: Increases the efficiency of all physical training performed on the lot (Synergizes with ACTIVE).
Private Dwelling: Discourages uninvited NPCs (Anyone) from visiting or wandering onto the lot, ensuring your privacy and focus.
Financial Breakdown:
Furnished Manifestation: §21,500 (Includes all Linked Appliances, lofted sleeping quarters, and modern minimalist furniture).
It was a beautiful home, one that would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to create with a construction company. But with the System using Simoleons as the material to manifest the home into reality, Nero knew he had already won the lottery in life.
Makes me realize how busted the Sims Universe is. Some things are stupidly cheap, like building a home, but a piano or a PC could cost more than a fully furnished mansion.
With his decision settled, Nero confirmed his selection and stepped back. It was like magic—the process of simply selecting a design and watching reality shift and alter on a fundamental level right before his eyes. He was still grasping for sanity regarding the situation he'd found himself in, but seeing the home materialize in real-time was a welcome distraction.
It took less than five seconds for the blank space to be filled. Depending on the world he'd found himself in, it could be seen as modern, futuristic, or completely alien.
The Zenith appeared as a home built from stone and glass, defined by a sharp, high-slanted roof covered in dark solar tiles to capture the sun's energy. Its exterior featured a heavy wall of dark-gray stone masonry with a built-in double-sided fireplace, while the rest of the structure was a lattice of black metal and huge, clear glass walls that revealed a warm, wooden interior.
A dark wooden deck extended from the base, floating just above the mossy grass. Because the home had a natural spring-fed well and integrated solar power, it stood with no visible power lines or utility pipes, functioning as a completely self-sustained residence.
"Fuck," Nero breathed as he tentatively took a step towards the structure.
It was beautiful, and a far better replacement for his somewhat untidy apartment back home. The house reminded Nero of those magazines he'd read at the doctor's office, where celebrities invited them to see how the upper crust lived.
Stepping onto the deck, Nero slid open the glass door that doubled as the entrance and was welcomed by a roaring fire to the right-hand side. He noticed that the furniture inside was a blend of dark wood and metal; a decently sized dining table sat in the center of the first floor, while to the left, a beautiful kitchen with pristine appliances waited for him.
Moving past the bottom floor, he journeyed up the stairs located in the back and reached his 'personal' floor. A queen-sized bed was pushed against the stone wall, while on the opposite end lay his living room, with a couch pushed against the giant windows facing an equally large TV screen.
Nero laughed lightly as he touched each piece of furniture, marveling at the quality of materials used. Deciding he needed a moment to recalibrate his brain, he sank into the couch and closed his eyes.
So, this has to be real, he decided. Everything feels too tangible, even if my mind is saying it's all some trick of the senses. If this is real, then I need to figure out where I am.
Pausing his internal query, Nero slapped his forehead and looked back at the System. Pulling up the 'Map' function, he saw the representation of the world and the land he was currently residing in.
Reading the name above, he couldn't help but choke on his own saliva before rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
How did I end up here of all places?
(AUTHORS NOTE HERE)