The city was changing.
Not slowly. Not subtly. It was transforming at breakneck speed.
Malric Thorn walked down the main avenue with his hands tucked in his pockets, observing everything around him with a mixture of awe and quiet disdain. Giant digital billboards lined the street, broadcasting news updates every few minutes as if the city itself was alive and watching.
The number of confirmed System users in the city has now surpassed twelve thousand…
Rescue teams with awakened abilities continue reinforcing unstable structures…
The new System User Academies will open their doors next week…
Malric raised an eyebrow, feeling strangely detached from it all.
Twelve thousand already.
Confirmed, S.I.M.I.O. stated flatly.
He watched a group of people on the opposite sidewalk. One of them raised his hand, and a small orb of light materialized in the air, followed by two more. A little boy clapped excitedly, his eyes shining with pure wonder.
Magic!
Malric let out a quiet sigh as amazement slowly turned into deep resignation.
Yeah. Magic.
It is a basic elemental skill, S.I.M.I.O. replied in its usual neutral tone.
Malric ignored the comment and kept walking. A large truck drove past with bold lettering on its side: SYSTEM SUPPORT BRIGADE – VOLUNTEERS. Several people wearing special vests were helping clear debris. One of them casually lifted a heavy steel beam that must have weighed half a ton, earning cheers from the surrounding crowd.
Malric crossed the street, silently admitting that maybe the System really was improving things for most people.
I guess the System did help the world after all.
Statistically speaking, yes, S.I.M.I.O. responded.
He continued down a few more blocks, noticing how lively the streets had become. Shops were open, cafés were packed, and people chatted animatedly about classes, levels, and missions. The whole city felt alive and full of energy.
But not everything was perfect.
On one corner, a police patrol had three men in handcuffs. One of them was shouting desperately.
The System gave me power!
A police officer shoved him toward the patrol car.
That doesn't give you the right to rob a bank.
Malric sighed, feeling reality once again reminding him that not everything was sunshine and rainbows.
Of course. There are always idiots.
Correct, S.I.M.I.O. agreed.
Malric kept walking, but a familiar voice suddenly broke through his thoughts.
Malric!
He stopped and turned. A genuine smile appeared on his face.
Ah. You.
A young woman with vibrant red hair and a long coat that fluttered in the wind was walking toward him, her smile wide and energetic.
It was Lyra Vance, his best friend for years.
Lyra raised her hand enthusiastically.
I finally found you!
Malric raised an eyebrow, curious.
You were looking for me?
Of course I was! she said, closing the distance. Have you seen the news?
Malric crossed his arms, his skepticism returning.
Hard not to.
Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement.
The System loves me!
Malric sighed, sensing they were heading into dangerous territory.
Yeah. That tracks.
Still beaming, Lyra raised her hands. A small magical circle appeared in the air, followed by several more floating symbols that glowed like elegant holograms.
Malric lifted an eyebrow, genuinely impressed.
Okay. That's actually impressive.
Right? Lyra said proudly.
Analysis, S.I.M.I.O. stated calmly.
Malric chose to ignore the System as Lyra continued talking.
I awakened as a high-rank elemental mage.
Of course you did, Malric muttered, a hint of bitterness creeping into his voice.
Lyra tilted her head, noticing his tone.
Why do you sound jealous?
Malric raised his hands in surrender.
Because my System made me jump twenty times in the street yesterday.
Lyra blinked, confused.
What?
And now I can levitate three centimeters off the ground.
She stared at him for a second before bursting into laughter.
That's incredible.
No, Malric corrected. It's ridiculous.
Lyra wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing.
Sorry, but that sounds exactly like something that would happen to you.
Thanks, Malric said dryly.
Lyra raised her hand again. This time a small flame appeared in her palm before exploding into harmless sparks of light.
My System gave me three abilities in the first few hours.
Of course it did, Malric replied, a mix of admiration and envy in his voice.
What about yours? Lyra asked.
Malric glanced at the floating blue window.
Mine insults me.
Lyra blinked in surprise.
What?
It's called S.I.M.I.O., he explained, gesturing at the air. System for the Intelligent Mentorship of Incompetent Individuals.
Lyra raised an eyebrow.
That name sounds shady.
User Lyra Vance detected, S.I.M.I.O. announced suddenly.
The screen displayed detailed information that left Malric stunned.
User detected. Class: Archmage Elemental Level: 8
Eight? Malric said, eyes wide with disbelief.
Yep, Lyra replied with a proud smile.
Malric let out a long sigh.
Of course. I'm still stuck at level one.
Lyra noticed his frustration and tilted her head.
Your System is weird.
Thank you, Malric said sarcastically.
She looked around at the bustling city, her expression turning more serious.
But not everything is good.
I know, Malric replied, following her gaze.
Lyra pointed toward the police patrol a couple blocks back, where the handcuffed men were still shouting.
Some people are using the System to do terrible things.
Malric nodded.
It was bound to happen.
That's why so many users are stepping up to help, Lyra added.
Malric looked around again — at the volunteers moving debris, the new users practicing abilities, the rescue teams working together.
Yeah. It looks like the world is trying to become better.
Statistically correct, S.I.M.I.O. chimed in.
Malric turned back to Lyra, feeling a small spark of hope despite everything.
Even if there are still plenty of idiots.
There will always be, Lyra said with a smile, her optimism refusing to fade.
Malric sighed.
I guess someone has to stop them.
Lyra looked at him thoughtfully.
Yeah.
But it won't be me, Malric added quickly.
Lyra laughed.
Of course not.
I can't even win an argument with my own System, he muttered.
Then I'll do it, Lyra said, a small spark of magic dancing in her palm.
Malric looked at her with a mixture of admiration and concern.
That I actually believe.
Observation, S.I.M.I.O. interrupted.
What now? Malric asked, already tired.
The nearby user shows high compatibility with the System.
Of course she does, Malric said dryly. She's the System's favorite.
What did it say? Lyra asked curiously.
Malric sighed.
It says you're the universe's favorite daughter.
Lyra laughed brightly.
That sounds about right.
Malric looked out at the energetic city around them. People walked with confidence. Small sparks of magic appeared here and there. The world was undeniably changing.
Maybe the System isn't so bad after all.
Confirmed, S.I.M.I.O. replied.
Malric sighed.
Except for me.
Especially for you, the System answered calmly.
Malric glanced at Lyra, grateful to have at least one good thing in the middle of all this chaos.
Well… at least someone got a decent System.
Lyra smiled warmly.
Maybe yours is special in its own way.
That worries me, Malric said.
Confirmed, S.I.M.I.O. replied.
Malric narrowed his eyes.
Confirmed what?
The screen wrote slowly.
The user's System is indeed special.
Malric crossed his arms, feeling a chill run down his spine.
That sounds ominous.
It is, S.I.M.I.O. responded quietly.