Chapter 3: Awakening
Alexander's mind reeled as the voice echoed in his head. "System, what system? I don't understand what's going on!"
The voice, calm and collected, responded, "I am the Telos System. My purpose is to fulfill the host's goals."
Before Alexander could question the system further, creatures began emerging from the portals. The system announced, "New quest: Slay 10 Weak Rift Worms to start your journey toward achieving your goals."
"Wait, what? 10 Rift Worms? What's that?" Alexander's eyes widened as worm-like creatures with bug-like features scurried toward him.
Alexander sprinted away, his heart racing. "System, how do I kill them? I have no weapon!"
The system replied, "Host, look at the screen and claim the welcome gift given by the system."
Alexander's notifications popped up, but he ignored them, waiting for the system to provide what he needed. "Would you like to use the weapon granted to you?" the system asked.
"Yes!" Alexander replied, and a weapon materialized in his hand.
As he turned to face the creatures, they closed in. Alexander steeled himself and asked, "System, do you know what these things are?"
The system offered, "Would you like to use your Inspect skill?"
"Yes," Alexander replied, and information flooded his mind:
"[Inspect]
Name: Rift Worm
Level: 1
Skills: Energy Manipulation
Weakness: Heart
Health: Strengthened State
Upgrade your level to see more"
Alexander realized he needed to target the heart. However, the Rift Worm's acid-spewing ability made him cautious. The system advised, "Attack from the back; it's their blind spot."
Alexander followed the system's guidance, dodging acid sprays and striking from behind. With each victory, notifications flooded his screen:
"[Congratulations, you have killed a Level 1 Rift Worm!]
[You will receive 10 Exp for every Rift Worm you kill.]
[You have gained the ability to store beast crystals.]"
[You have gained the skill Energy manipulation]
As Alexander completed the quest, he allocated stat points to Strength, Endurance, and Speed. The system announced:
"[Congratulations, Host has completed the quest!]
[You have gained the ability to use acids on your enemies.]
[You have gained the ability to create massive tunnels called the Hollow.]"
Alexander's journey had just begun. He wondered what other challenges and opportunities lay ahead.
Alexander accessed his inventory, discovering:
"[Inventory]
Alchemist Section
Weaponry Section
Skills Section (Partially Locked)
Energy Section (Locked)"
The system explained the locked sections,
(The skills section is partially locked until you reach level 15 while the energy section is locked because you haven't absorbed any energy ) Alexander sighed,
Alexander requested his status screen, eager to track his progress.