The divine realm of Cosmic was a sight of unparalleled beauty. Ethereal islands floated amidst a sky of endless twilight, radiant waterfalls cascaded into bottomless pools of light, and celestial beings moved with a purpose that spoke of ancient wisdom and immense power. Standing on a grand platform made of glowing crystals, Cosmic was surrounded by ancient tomes and magical artifacts, each pulsating with arcane energy.
Cosmic raised his hands, and a myriad of glowing wqàdrunes and symbols appeared in the air, forming intricate patterns that danced around him. His eyes, filled with the light of countless stars, focused intently on the task at hand.
Cosmic: The time has come to bring order to chaos, to give the beings of this world a path to growth and enlightenment.
With a series of deliberate gestures, Cosmic began weaving the fabric of a new system. Glowing threads of magic spread out from his fingers, creating a vast network of interconnected nodes that spanned the globe. As he worked, the celestial beings around him watched in silent reverence.
Cosmic: This new system will ensure balance and foster growth. Each being will have the opportunity to ascend, to unlock their true potential.
His hands moved gracefully through the air, channeling his divine energy into the creation of the system. Levels would now define the strength and abilities of individuals, gained through quests, battles, and personal achievements. Skills and abilities could be unlocked and upgraded, offering a path to mastery. Classes would help individuals find their strengths, whether as warriors, mages, healers, or other roles. Special zones, known as dungeons and raids, would challenge the bravest, offering rich rewards.
As Cosmic channeled his divine energy, the scene shifted to various parts of the world. People and creatures alike felt a sudden surge of power and awareness as the system took hold. In cities, villages, forests, and mountains, the impact was immediate and profound.
In a bustling city, merchants paused in their transactions, feeling an unfamiliar surge of energy. Warriors in training suddenly found their movements more fluid, their strength amplified. A young mage practicing spells in a secluded alley felt a rush of new possibilities opening before her, her mind flooding with visions of new incantations and powers.
Mage: (thinking) What is this? I feel... stronger. More attuned to the arcane forces.
She raised her hands, casting a spell she had struggled with for months. This time, the spell formed perfectly, its energies humming with newfound precision.
In a remote village, farmers tending their fields stopped as they felt the change. Tools became lighter, their movements more efficient. Children playing by a river found themselves able to run faster and jump higher. An elderly woman, revered as the village healer, felt her healing powers expand, allowing her to mend wounds with a mere touch.
Healer: This is a gift from the heavens. The world has changed, and we must understand these new blessings.
In a dense forest, beasts of all kinds roared and howled as they too felt the surge. Predators grew stronger, their senses sharper, while even the prey found new ways to evade and survive. A ranger, hidden in the treetops, observed as the creatures around him adapted to the changes. He felt his own abilities enhance, his bond with nature deepening.
Ranger: The balance of the forest is shifting. I must learn to navigate these new dynamics.
Back at the Academy of the Elites, students and teachers alike felt the surge of power. Lessons were momentarily halted as everyone adjusted to the changes. Dark, standing amidst the training grounds, felt the new system integrate with his being. He sensed his abilities expanding, new pathways of power opening up.
Dark: (thinking) This system... it's unlike anything we've ever seen. I need to understand it, to master it.
Teachers quickly adapted their curriculum, incorporating the new system into their teachings. Quests and challenges were redefined, pushing students to explore their newfound potential.
Teacher: Class, today we will explore the intricacies of the new system. Prepare yourselves for a journey of discovery.
In hidden temples and ancient ruins, guardians of ancient knowledge felt the shift, recognizing the work of a divine hand. They consulted ancient texts and prophecies, seeking to understand the implications. An elder priest, deep within a mountain sanctuary, meditated on the changes. He felt a deep connection to the divine energy, his prayers answered in unexpected ways.
Priest: The divine hand has reshaped our world. We must guide our people through this new era.
Cosmic stood on his grand platform, observing the changes with satisfaction. He saw the potential for growth, the opportunities for beings to rise and overcome their limitations.
Cosmic: This is but the beginning. The world will evolve, and with it, its inhabitants. I shall watch over them, guiding them when necessary.
Not everyone welcomed the changes. Some feared the new powers, worried about the imbalance it could bring. Factions and groups formed, some seeking to exploit the system for their own gain, others striving to maintain order and peace. Dark found himself at the center of these changes, his journey now intertwined with the fate of the world.
Dark: (thinking) This new system brings both opportunities and dangers. I must navigate it carefully, for the sake of those I protect.
As the world adjusted to the new system, Dark's resolve hardened. He knew that mastering this system would be crucial in the battles to come. He spent hours training, exploring the limits of his new abilities, pushing himself to grow stronger.
Dark: (thinking) I will master this. For my friends, for my world. I will not fail. Not again.
Dark clenched his fists as....
The scene switches to Dark, who is now standing in a quiet corner of the Academy grounds. He opens a menu that appears before him, shimmering with a faint glow. The menu displays his levels and stats, a new feature of the system introduced by Cosmic.
Dark noticed that he was at level 1, just like every other being in existence. Cosmic's World Reset had equalized the power, strength, and speed of all beings to bring balance to the world. The term for this reset, as inscribed at the top of the menu, was "Cosmic's World Reset."
Dark looked around the menu, his eyes scanning the various options and details. He needed to understand this new system from the beginning, to adapt and grow within its constraints and possibilities. He saw that he had 25 points available to allocate, but first, he needed to understand what each stat represented and how it would impact his abilities.
The menu displayed the following stats:
1. Stamina: Determines endurance and how long he can sustain physical activities without tiring.
2. FP (Mana): Measures the amount of magical energy he can wield.
3. Dexterity: Influences agility, reflexes, and overall coordination.
4. Strength: Reflects physical power and the ability to deal and resist damage.
5. Speed: Affects movement velocity and reaction time.
6. Intelligence (Magic): Enhances magical abilities and the effectiveness of spells.
7. Source Power Input/Output: Regulates the flow and control of his innate power sources.
8. Magic: Governs the overall potency and control of magical forces.
9. Accuracy (Ranged and Melee): Improves the precision of attacks, both from a distance and in close combat.
10. Precision (Ranged): Specifically targets the accuracy of ranged attacks.
11. Vitality: Increases overall health and resistance to physical and magical damage.
12. Endurance: Extends the duration he can sustain various activities, both physical and magical.
13. Luck: A mysterious stat that influences critical hits, rare events, and fortuitous outcomes.
14. Wisdom: Enhances strategic thinking, decision-making, and understanding of complex systems.
15. Charisma: Affects his ability to lead, persuade, and interact effectively with others.
Dark scrolled through the stats, contemplating how to allocate his points to maximize his potential. Each stat had a brief description next to it, helping him understand its importance and impact on his overall capabilities.
Then, Dark noticed another option within the menu labeled "Classes." Curious, he pressed it, and a new screen opened up, presenting various classes he could choose from.
Then Dark saw another stats option, and when he pressed it, he saw the classes that he could choose. The side of the menu displaying the classes looked especially ornate and intricate, with each class represented by a unique emblem.
Classes
1. Hunter:
• Pros: Masters of tracking, ranged combat, and survival skills. Can tame beasts and use traps effectively.
• Cons: Limited in close combat; reliant on environment and distance.
2. Assassin:
• Pros: Silent and deadly, excels in stealth, speed, precision, and powerful in both ranged and melee combat.
• Cons: Fragile in prolonged battles; relies heavily on agility and surprise.
3. Mage:
• Pros: Wields powerful spells for attack, defense, and manipulation of reality. Vast knowledge of the arcane arts.
• Cons: Vulnerable in close combat; high FP (Mana) consumption.
4. Beast:
• Pros: Incredible physical strength and primal abilities. Can transform into various creatures to enhance combat prowess.
• Cons: Limited magical abilities; depends heavily on physical strength.
5. Berserk:
• Pros: Thrives on chaos and fury, becoming more powerful as they take damage. Relentless aggression in combat.
• Cons: Low defense and strategy; relies primarily on brute force.
6. Swordsman:
• Pros: Exceptional skill with various types of swords. Precision and technique in blade combat are unmatched.
• Cons: Limited ranged capabilities; requires high dexterity and strength.
7. Ranger:
• Pros: Versatile in both ranged and melee combat. Skilled in wilderness survival, using bows, swords, and nature-based abilities.
• Cons: Balanced but not specialized; depends on versatility.
8. Paladin:
• Pros: Combines martial prowess with divine magic. Protects and heals allies, capable of both defense and offense.
• Cons: Moderate damage output; relies on faith and discipline.
9. Necromancer:
• Pros: Can summon and command undead minions. Excels in dark magic and curses.
• Cons: Vulnerable to holy magic; relies on dark energies.
10. Elementalist:
• Pros: Controls the forces of nature, unleashing devastating elemental attacks and creating barriers.
• Cons: Dependent on elemental affinities; high FP (Mana) usage.
11. Summoner:
• Pros: Can call forth powerful beings from other realms to aid in battle. Versatile in command of various creatures.
• Cons: Requires strong bonds with summoned entities; high FP (Mana).
12. Alchemist:
• Pros: Creates powerful elixirs and can transmute materials. Extensive knowledge of chemistry and magic.
• Cons: Limited direct combat abilities; relies on preparation and materials.
13. Bard:
• Pros: Uses music and poetry to inspire allies and debilitate enemies. Performances can heal, boost morale, and weave illusions.
• Cons: Lower direct combat abilities; relies on performance and support.
14. Monk:
• Pros: Masters of martial arts and spiritual energy, combining physical combat with inner strength. High agility and self-healing abilities.
• Cons: Limited ranged attacks; requires intense training and discipline.
15. Shadow Dancer:
• Pros: Specialists in evasion and deception, moving unseen and striking from the shadows. High agility and stealth.
• Cons: Fragile in direct combat; relies heavily on shadows and stealth.
16. Runemaster:
• Pros: Inscribes powerful runes that enhance abilities, create barriers, and unleash magical effects. Profound knowledge of ancient symbols.
• Cons: Requires preparation and knowledge of runes; moderate combat abilities.
17. Archmage (Secret Class):
• Pros: Unparalleled knowledge of all magical schools, capable of casting the most powerful and complex spells.
• Cons: Requires mastery of multiple magical disciplines; extremely high FP (Mana) usage.
18. Draconic Knight (Secret Class):
• Pros: Warriors infused with the power of dragons, wielding both martial and elemental draconic abilities.
• Cons: Requires intense training and control; high resource consumption.
Then Dark sees a backpack button and when he presses it, he sees "35 slots available," meaning he could store items, weapons, armor, and more. The menu was comprehensive, offering him various tools and information to navigate this new system.
Intrigued by the potential of these new abilities and the structured system Cosmic had put in place, Dark explored further. He scrolled down the menu until he came across a "Quests" button. With a sense of curiosity and determination, he pressed it.
The screen shifted, presenting him with his first quest. The quest was titled "Proving Grounds: The First Trial." Below the title, a detailed description appeared, outlining the objectives and rewards.
Quest: Proving Grounds: The First Trial
Objective:
• Defeat 10 shadow creatures in the Forest of Shadows to prove your combat capabilities and adapt to the new system.
Rewards:
• 100 XP
• 50 Gold
• A basic combat skill scroll
Dark accepted the quest, and the menu disappeared, leaving him standing at the entrance to the Forest of Shadows. The forest loomed before him, dense and dark, with an eerie silence that hinted at the dangers within.
Dark: (thinking) Time to see what this new system is really about.
He stepped into the forest, his senses heightened. The air was thick with tension, and every rustle of leaves seemed amplified. As he ventured deeper, the shadows seemed to grow darker, more menacing.
Suddenly, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness, followed by another, and another. The shadow creatures emerged from the underbrush, their forms amorphous and fluid, shifting like living shadows. Dark drew his sword, readying himself for combat.
The first shadow creature lunged at him with a swift, fluid motion. Dark sidestepped the attack, bringing his sword down in a precise arc. The blade cut through the creature, which dissipated into a wisp of smoke with a screech. Dark felt a surge of satisfaction and power as he saw a small notification appear in the corner of his vision:
Shadow Creature Defeated: 1/10
The creatures attacked relentlessly, but Dark's movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his training and natural abilities. He dodged and parried, each strike finding its mark. With each creature he defeated, he grew more accustomed to the new system, feeling his strength and agility returning in measured increments.
As the last shadow creature dissolved into smoke, the forest seemed to grow quieter, the oppressive atmosphere lifting slightly. Dark checked his progress:
Shadow Creature Defeated: 10/10
A new notification appeared:
Quest Completed: Proving Grounds: The First Trial
Rewards Received:
• 100 XP
• 50 Gold
• Basic Combat Skill Scroll
Dark felt a sense of accomplishment and relief. The new system, though different and challenging, had potential. He opened his backpack to check his rewards. Among the items was a glowing scroll, pulsating with energy.
Dark: (thinking) A basic combat skill scroll... let's see what this can do.
He opened the scroll, and a surge of knowledge flowed into him. Techniques and moves he had never known before became clear in his mind, enhancing his combat prowess.
Dark: (thinking) This is just the beginning of something fun. With this system—
Dark looked at the menu and saw that he got 10 skill points.
Dark: (thinking) I can become faster—
He looked at the Speed stats.
Dark: (thinking) Stronger.
He looked at the Strength stats.
Dark: (thinking) And more durable.
Dark looked at the Vitality stats.
With determination, Dark allocated his 10 points to Speed. As he confirmed his choice, he felt an immediate rush of energy surging through his body. His muscles seemed to hum with newfound power, and his senses heightened to an extraordinary level.
Dark took a tentative step, testing the changes. The world around him seemed to slow slightly, his movements more fluid and precise. With a burst of curiosity, he decided to dash forward. The effect was instantaneous and startling.
As he pushed off the ground, the landscape blurred around him. His dash was faster than any he had ever done before, a blur of motion that left a trail of displaced air behind him. He skidded to a halt several meters away, the sudden stop sending a small shockwave through the ground.
Dark: (thinking) Incredible. With just 10 points, I've become so much faster.
He stood still for a moment, feeling the adrenaline pumping through his veins, the exhilaration of his newfound speed. This new system, crafted by Cosmic, was powerful beyond anything he had imagined.
Dark: (thinking) This system... it's going to change everything. I need to master it, fully understand its potential.
As he pondered the possibilities, a new quest notification appeared in his menu. Curious, Dark opened it and read the details.
Quest: The Hidden Cavern of Shadows
Objective:
• Explore the Hidden Cavern of Shadows and retrieve the ancient artifact.
Rewards:
• 500 XP
• 200 Gold
• Rare Item: Shadow Blade
Warning:
• Level 50 Minimum
Dark: (thinking) Level 50 minimum? That must be a mistake. This looks like a normal quest. I can handle it.
Greed and confidence welled up inside him. Despite the warning, he felt invincible after experiencing the power boost from the new system. Dark smirks.
Dark: This will be easy.
End of chapter 21.