The rain pelted Kael Aranth relentlessly, soaking through his tattered cloak. The streets of Eryndor were empty, silent but for the water dripping from broken rooftops reminding him of everything he had lost—everything he feared he had failed to protect. He pulled his hood tighter over his head, teeth grinding. Why am I here? Why am I alive? Why does life demand I endure pain without reason? The questions had been haunting him for weeks, gnawing at his heart.
Then, suddenly, the world shifted—or maybe it wasn't the world, but him.
A translucent panel appeared before his eyes, hovering midair. It was crisp, rectangular, edged with golden runes that shimmered faintly. A calm, neutral voice spoke—not in words he could hear, but directly inside his mind:
[System Detected: Mortal]
[Host: Kael Aranth]
[Status: Despairing]
[Objective: Seek Purpose. Learn. Endure.]
Kael froze. What… what is this? Am I hallucinating?
The panel flickered, then expanded, revealing stats and options:
---
[STATUS]
Level: 1
Health: 72/72
Mana: 15/15
Mental Clarity: Low
Willpower: Shaky
[OPTIONS]
1. Observe Environment
2. Learn Magic (New Ability Available)
3. Review System Tutorial
4. Do Nothing
Kael blinked, unsure. The rain dripped from his hair, soaking his sleeves, but his eyes were glued to the panel. A tiny notification flashed in the corner:
[New Skill Available: Mental Thread]
Unlock Condition: Awareness of cause and effect. Observe the world carefully.
He hesitated… then, almost instinctively, he chose: "Learn Magic."
The panel shimmered and an aura of warmth spread through him. His vision sharpened. He could see the subtle ripples in the puddles, the way the wind twisted the broken leaves across the street, and faint lines of connection between objects—threads of potential he could not yet control, but could feel.
[Skill Acquired: Mental Thread]
Can detect patterns and intentions in short bursts
Cooldown: 2 min
The panel blinked again, smaller this time:
[Observation is the first step. Knowledge is power. Endure, and you may rise.]
Kael's heart raced. His despair was still there, but beneath it… a spark of hope. Something tangible. Something he could learn, train, and grow into.
He took a deep breath, stepping forward into the empty, rain-slicked street. The panel hovered silently, ready to guide him. For the first time in months, Kael felt… like he had a purpose.
The System has chosen me. My journey begins here.