Toby Robinson sat at the dining table, enjoying a delicious bowl of cereal. He'd woken up early today, which meant no rushing around to get ready for school. He was already good to go.
Just another benefit of getting the dream system, waking at the crack of dawn without feeling the least bit tired. Which is pretty cool.
Toby's brother is watching a tv program. He'll be going to school soon, so he's trying to sneak in some screen time before mom comes to get him.
Toby isn't the least bit interested in the educational children's show, but something they say catches his attention.
"Hey kids! Did you know that broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants? All of these help your body in so many ways! So make sure you finish your broccoli, kids!" (Said the goofily dressed man on the television)
Toby Robinson: Psh! Yeah, right. (Toby snickered, shoveling another spoonful of cereal into his mouth)
[+2 Knowledge Points]
[1000/1000 Knowledge Points]
Toby Robinson: Wait, what?! (Toby stared at the screen in disbelief, his eyes wide as the glowing message pulsed in front of him)... Woohoo! Thank you, broccoli! (Toby shouted, pumping his fist in celebration, sending a splash of milk across the dining table)
Just then, Toby's mother walked into the room, now ready to take Billy to school.
Sarah Robinson: Alright, Billy. Let's get you to school, I don't want you to be late. (Sarah tells him, holding onto his backpack)
Billy Robinson: (Groans) Come on, mom. Just five more minutes. (The boy pleaded)
Sarah Robinson: Do you want to be late for school?! (Sarah says as she lifts Billy to his feet, placing his bag on for him)... Let's go... Toby, do not miss the bus, and make sure to clean that mess up. You're too old for me to be cleaning up after you. (Sarah tells him)
Toby Robinson: Sure thing, mom! (Toby replied, quickly turning his attention to the message he'd just received from the system)
Sarah Robinson: What is going on with this boy lately? (Sarah wondered, catching a glimpse of Toby staring at seemingly nothing, his finger raised mid air, swiping up and down)
Deciding to ignore the strange sight, Sarah took Billy to school, leaving the young Dreamer home alone, lost in whatever odd world his antics had drawn him into.
[Congratulations: You've reached a thousand Knowledge Points. You can now exchange them for Variant Points]
Toby Robinson: Vague as always. (The young dreamer chuckled, then grinned)... Alright System, mind telling me what Variant Points are? (Toby asked)
[Variant Points: A complex source of dream energy that cannot be taught, learned, comprehended or explained, only experienced. Experience it for yourself]
Toby Robinson: (Chuckles softly) You know, System. Sometimes I wonder if you're just a bunch of magic code, or if there's actually someone in there... It's okay if you can't fully talk to me yet. I already know you're more than you let on." (Toby tells the System, smiling warmly at the screen)
[1 Variant Points: 1000 Knowledge Points To Purchase]
Toby Robinson: What the heck, System! In what world is that a fair trade?! (The young dreamer shouted, throwing his hands up in outrage)... (Sighs) Fine... purchase one Variant Point, then. (Toby muttered begrudgingly)
[Would You Like To Make This Purchase?]
Toby Robinson: I already said yes! Stop antagonizing me, System! (Toby shouted in frustration, now glaring at the screen)
[-1000 Knowledge Points]
[+1 Variant Point]
[1/100 Variant Points]
[Variant Points: Knowledge is power, and with this power, you can enhance your Dream Items, upgrading them in powerful and unique ways]
[Would You Like To Upgrade A Dream Item?]
Toby Robinson: Upgrade? (The young dreamer asked, his eyes widening in astonishment)
[Dream Item List]
[Dream Sword: 1 Variant Point To Upgrade]
[Dream Shield: 1 Variant Point To Upgrade]
Toby Robinson: Wait, that's it? What about the Dream Beam?! (Toby asked, before quickly realizing his mistake)... (Sighs) So I can only upgrade dream items, that means it's down to my shield or sword, huh? (Toby muttered, weighing the decision and staring at the screen)... Both seriously need an upgrade, but which one do I choose? (Toby contemplated)... Upgrading the sword would definitely boost my attack power, but evolving the shield gives me a much better defense... I still remember what happened with the Butter Ant Queen, she seriously messed me up. A better shield could have protected me from that stinger, or even Clockwork's lightning blast. But at the end of the day, I can't block forever, I need another way to end fights, I can't keep relying on the Dream Beam... I think this is the best call I can make right now... I'm upgrading my Dream Sword. (Toby said as he tapped the dream sword option on the screen)
[Would You Like To Upgrade The Dream Sword]
[Y/N]
Toby Robinson: Yes. (Toby confirmed, his finger hovering for only a second before pressing the option with quiet determination)
[-1 Variant Point]
[0/100 Variant Points]
[Upgrading Dream Sword]
[Upgrade In Progress]
[Progress: 0%]
Toby Robinson: I feel like this is going to take a while. (Toby muttered to himself, watching the screen)
Just then, the blare of the school bus horn echoes from outside. Toby quickly finishes his cereal and dashes out the door to catch up with it.
[Progress: 1%]
Next: Guess Who's Back