"Welcome back, Fitran."
A woman's voice floated gently amid the silence that enveloped his thoughts. It was as if the morning mist was slowly retreating, revealing the ambiance around him. Fitran sensed a warm touch guiding him out of the dark world he had been lost in.
His eyes opened slowly, and as his gaze sharpened, he beheld a silver ceiling adorned with shimmering blue streaks. The sounds of machinery and the hum of electricity filled the room, creating an impression that he was trapped inside the belly of a colossal mechanical beast. In every corner of this small space, transparent holograms danced, presenting unfamiliar data that seemed to beckon him to explore this new reality.
Fitran struggled to rise, but his body felt as though it were anchored to the bed. His breath escaped slowly, quivering—caught between a faint trauma and the relentless pull of curiosity swelling within him.
"Hey, take your time. Your body's adaptation circuits aren't fully calibrated to the station environment yet," the woman's voice echoed again, now sounding much clearer.
Fitran turned his head and saw a young woman beside his bed, her shimmering light blue hair framed by a holographic glow that enveloped her form. She appeared like a fusion of human and digital data, an amalgamation that radiated a vibe of genius. Her violet eyes held a keen focus, paired with a gentle smile that graced her face.
"Who... are you?" Fitran murmured, feeling a throb in his head as he struggled to acclimate to this extraordinary presence.
The woman clasped her hands in front of her chest, her smile soft and seemingly attuned to every thought racing through Fitran's mind. "I'm Echo. Your AI companion and, it seems, your savior in this bewildering morning. You must be feeling a bit dizzy, right?"
Fitran could only nod slowly, his gaze wandering around the strangely monotonous yet bizarre room. The walls glowed with metallic hues, pulsating with electric blue currents that created unfamiliar patterns across the surrounding panels. At the far end of the room, a metal door decorated with a subtly shimmering spiral motif awaited.
"What is this place?" he asked, trying to grasp at memories that felt like they were slipping away—anything that might offer him a fragment of truth. But his mind was blank, engulfed by foreign sounds and a haze of indistinct memories that eluded him.
"This is Alpha Genesis Station, the heart of the Spiral Nexus," Echo replied, her voice a soothing balm amidst confusion. "You arrived here three days ago, in a state of light coma. Unfortunately, we don't have complete information about who you were before that moment."
Fitran furrowed his brow, gripping the blanket that enveloped him as if it might help him reclaim the elusive memories. "I... don't remember anything."
Echo smiled gently, her hand brushing against his back in a gesture that was so light it barely made contact. "Don't worry. It's not your fault. The Spiral Nexus is shrouded in deep secrets. Some entities even erase traces of their own existence from the memories of those who encounter them."
Fitran took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He stared at his palms, searching for signs, tattoos, or remnants of a past that had seemingly vanished. Nothing was visible—just his pale skin, trembling fingers, and an unsettling pulse in his veins.
"So... what should I do now?"
Echo lifted its form, the holograms surrounding it shimmering and shifting—transforming from a medical interface to a cascade of bright blue digital notifications. "The main system of the Spiral Nexus has recognized you as a newly registered entity. This means—starting today, you will be subject to the same progression as other individuals within this world. The system will guide you through an interface known as..."
A notification hovered in front of Fitran.
[Welcome, Fitran Fate!]
[Status: Corrupted Memory]
[Class: Not Yet Assigned]
[Level: 1]
[Quantum Energy: 100/100]
[Skill Points: 0 | Inventory: Empty]
Fitran frowned, staring at Echo in confusion. "What is this? It's like... a menu from a game?"
Echo chuckled softly, its tone flat yet imbued with a warmth that was strangely comforting. "Exactly. This world operates on a RPG system. Every action, every battle, even your moral choices—all of it will be tracked and will influence your growth. XP, skills, stats, and even your relationships with other characters. Life in the Spiral Nexus intertwines physics, technology, and will. And sometimes... love."
Fitran suppressed an awkward laugh. "So, I'm really... like a character in a game?"
"Not entirely," Echo replied gently, correcting him. "You are real. The pain, the loss, the hope—everything will feel strikingly genuine here. However, this system is designed for every being trapped within to struggle for meaning and their destiny. That includes you."
Fitran touched the notification, and a new screen appeared before him:
[Main Quest Unlocked: Gather Memory Fragments]
Objective: Find 5 scattered memory fragments within the Spiral Nexus to restore your lost identity.
Reward: Memory Reclamation, Skill Unlock, Stat Boost
Carefully, Echo studied the expression on Fitran's face. "I've arranged for your access to the preparation room. Before stepping out of the safe zone, you'll need some basic gear. It's merely a suggestion, but it might be wise to grab a light weapon first. Many areas in this station have turned perilous."
Fitran nodded slowly, feeling the weight of helplessness pressing down on him. "Please guide me. I feel completely lost."
Echo smiled, showing sympathy, then gestured toward the spiral door. "Let's go. Your adventure begins right here."
The main corridor of Alpha Genesis Station resembled a living labyrinth, with intertwining metal and light forming a mesmerizing grid. Its walls were adorned with glowing spiral panels, while the floor shimmered like a flowing digital river of calming blue hues. At every corner, technicians clad in magitek uniforms brushed past each other alongside soldiers and civilians—some reflected a raw, unrefined humanity, while others carried mobile devices that appeared to function with uncanny intelligence.
Beside Fitran, Echo floated about half a meter above the ground. "You'll be asked many questions by NPCs and other players," she said, her voice a blend of warmth and advisory precision. "Some are merely curious; others... might have their own agendas." She shot a quick glance toward the throng. Her expression conveyed an air of vigilance, yet there was an undeniable sincerity in her demeanor.
Fitran held his breath as a few technicians stole glances his way. One young woman, with raven-black hair and data glasses perched on her nose, flashed him a brief smile before refocusing on the screen in her hands. In that fleeting moment, a tranquil connection crossed between them, a brief testament of shared understanding amid the clamor of the bustling station.
"Feel free to ask if anything seems unclear," Echo said, her voice calm yet firm. "Most of the inhabitants of this station will judge your reputation based on your initial choices and actions."
"I still feel… like a newborn," Fitran admitted honestly, his gaze locked on the screen before him, struggling to navigate his new reality.
"That's completely understandable," Echo replied, nodding in empathy. "The system here is designed to test not only your skills but also your resilience."
They entered a vast room adorned with shimmering holographic display tables. In the center, an array of weapons, exosuits, and digital gadgets gracefully rotated within an interactive screen. A blue notification blinked before Fitran, demanding his attention.
[Equipment Room – Beginner Kit Selection]
Select one weapon:
[Plasma Blade Lv.1] (Damage: 25-35)
[Ion Pistol Lv.1] (Damage: 15-22, Range: Medium)
Select one armor:
[Quantum Exosuit Lv.1] (Defense: 50)
[Light Magitek Vest Lv.1] (Defense: 30, Speed +10%)
Select one utility:
[Quantum Scanner Lv.1] (Detects hidden objects, Scans area)
[Repair Nanobot Capsule Lv.1] (Single-use, Restores 60 HP)
Echo now stood beside the screen, arms folded across her chest. "The Plasma Blade is perfect if you want to engage in close combat and truly experience its spiraling energy. The Ion Pistol, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility—it's ideal for medium-range battles, but you'll need a little time to get accustomed to its settings."
Fitran paused for a moment, his brow furrowing. "I think I'll go with the Plasma Blade and the Quantum Exosuit. For utility... the Scanner seems more important right now."
Echo nodded understandingly. "That's a wise choice. The Scanner will definitely assist you in locating fragments and avoiding lurking traps."
As Fitran pressed the confirmation button, a holographic effect began to envelop his body like a cloak of energy. His virtual exosuit gradually transformed into a tangible form—armor panels secured around his shoulders and chest, while quantum panels fused with his nerves. At his waist, the Plasma Blade stood ready, its hilt glowing a vibrant blue, poised for action.
[Items Acquired: Plasma Blade Lv.1, Quantum Exosuit Lv.1, Quantum Scanner Lv.1]
[Quest Completed: Initial Preparations | Reward: 100 XP, Level Up to Lv.2!]
[Skill Unlocked: Quantum Strike (Active), Analyze (Passive)]
Fitran felt an exhilarating lightness coursing through him, as if he was infused with a new kind of energy. "There's definitely something different... this energy flows within me."
Echo raised an eyebrow, a proud glint in her digital gaze. "That's Quantum Energy—the core essence for skills, defense, and everything related to crafting in the future. It's crucial to keep its levels in check; running low at a pivotal moment could spell disaster."
Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed from the corner of the room. "New player detected. Is additional registration required?"
An NPC technician materialized—a middle-aged man in a crisp white uniform adorned with a blue badge—holding a digital clipboard. "What's your name?"
Echo turned toward Fitran, her gaze urging him to respond. "You can go ahead and use the name from your identification that you remember, or if you prefer, create a new one."
Fitran paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before asserting clearly, "Fitran Fate."
The NPC typed swiftly, a faint smile breaking on his lips. "Registration complete. Remember, each area of the station has its own rules and quests. And… be careful of the rumors regarding Voidborn activity lately."
Echo whispered softly, "The Voidborn Legion is a threat to watch closely. They can emerge at any time—manifesting in the world as humans, machines, or other creatures."
Fitran tightened his grip on the Plasma Blade. "I'll stay vigilant."
They stepped out of the gear storage, making their way towards the outer dock of the station. Beyond the two-meter-thick transparent glass, the expanse of the Spiral Nexus starlit ocean unfolded before them. Spiraling blue arms, small shimmering planets, and nebulae swaying gently like the flow of eternal rivers filled the view.
Echo stood beside him, her eyes tracing the majestic landscape. "You know, not long ago... someone was waiting for you out there. Her name is Rinoa."
Fitran gazed into the distance, a foreign feeling blossoming in his heart—caught between a longing and an inexplicable sense of loss. "Did I ever know her?"
"You'll find the answer soon enough," Echo replied softly, her voice resonating with a calm yet intriguing tone. "But to reach that point, you need to begin searching for your memory fragments. Each planet, ruin, or even a simple conversation might hold a piece of your past."
A new notification appeared on their holographic screen.
[Main Quest: Memory Fragments I]
Travel to Beta Frontier.
Locate the first memory fragment in the ruins of Spiral Lab.
Confront the guardian enemy and make a choice: save the NPC or pursue the fragment.
Fitran looked at Echo with hopeful eyes. "How do we get to Beta Frontier?"
Echo pointed towards the dock. "The shuttle to Beta Frontier departs every two hours. I've completed all your identity registrations. Just one last thing—be careful, okay?"
Reward: +1 Memory Fragment, Stat Points, Unlock Story Route
Welcome to the Spiral Nexus. This is where it all begins—the meaning of life, profound love, even the redemption you might seek. Everything starts from this place.