Chapter 12 - Blessings

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[Who's faster?]

In an unfamiliar environment specifically designed to prepare you for what lies ahead after the tutorial, your ultimate goal is to survive and secure a chance at life beyond this introductory phase.

Within the confines of the tutorial grounds, numerous challenges will test your resilience and push you to overcome obstacles, ultimately strengthening you for what awaits.

During this time, the system will present various opportunities known as events, specifically designed to enhance the abilities of those who choose to participate.

Although voluntary, engaging in these events proves advantageous, as the rewards offered may shape the trajectory of your post-tutorial life.

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Reading the words displayed on the blue screen in front of him, Ethan's face displayed a mixture of confusion and comprehension.

The purpose of this "tutorial ground" was beginning to take shape in his mind, yet it still left him feeling uncertain.

According to the screen, they were placed in this unfamiliar environment to learn and grow stronger for what awaited them after the tutorial. However, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that this scene wasn't orchestrated by the Eternia game developers, blurring the lines between reality and virtuality.

Despite everything he had experienced since arriving in this world, this game-like setting felt strangely authentic, and he couldn't ignore the possibility that some force, perhaps this thing termed the 'System,' held sway over their fate.

Whatever this entity was, Ethan didn't hold a favourable impression of it.

It referred to the current setting as a tutorial ground, but it felt far more perilous than a mere instructional session.

The fact that one's life could genuinely be at stake weighed heavily on his mind, eroding any excitement he had felt after defeating the wolf.

Worry started to take hold, but before Ethan could delve deeper into his thoughts, the contents on the blue screen vanished, replaced by new text.

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[Who's faster?]

Can you take the system blessings first?

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"System blessings?" Ethan muttered, turning to look at Mia, who had unconsciously moved closer to him.

While Ethan could feel the warmth of her presence, the gravity of the situation demanded his focus, leaving no room for other distractions.

As Ethan turned to face Mia, he noticed her equally confused expression mirroring his own. It seemed she was also confronted with a similar blue panel in front of her.

"Do you see a blue panel in front of you?" Ethan asked, eager to confirm if Mia was experiencing the same phenomenon.

Mia nodded in response before speaking. "Yes, I do."

Ethan pressed on, wanting to compare the contents of his own blue screen with what Mia was seeing. "Does it mention something about speed, the system, and system blessings?"

Ethan's intention was to determine if the information displayed on his panel aligned with Mia's.

He suspected that the message they received might be a general communication rather than a personalised one intended solely for him.

As he anticipated, Mia nodded in agreement to his second question, confirming his suspicions.

"What is the system, though?" Mia asked, her voice slightly shaky, clearly perturbed by the enigmatic situation unfolding around them. "It seems to be related to what's happening right now."

Ethan sighed, his concern mirrored in his expression. "I'm just as clueless as you, Mia," he replied somberly, his attention returning to the exclusive blue screen visible only to him.

The uncertainty of their circumstances weighed heavily on both of them, leaving them grasping for answers in this mysterious tutorial ground.

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[Who's faster?]

Can you take the system blessings first?

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The text on the blue screen remained unchanged, and Ethan began to think that it might be a static message, unchangeable.

Ethan was about to dismiss the panel, pondering the nature of this "system event," when suddenly, the content on the screen shifted before his eyes.

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[Who's Faster]

The System Blessings have descended.

As the inaugural event hosted by the system for the chosen ones in this new tutorial session, the rewards offered will far surpass most of the other event rewards that will follow.

Brace yourselves for a unique and formidable opportunity to enhance your strength and abilities.

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"Descended?" Ethan and Mia muttered simultaneously, their voices filled with confusion. Before they could say another word or react, the world around them began to tremble violently.

The earth beneath them shook, causing their bodies to waver and struggle to maintain balance.

Desperately trying to stay on their feet, they clung to each other for support, their bodies swaying with the trembling ground.

After what felt like an eternity, the shaking finally subsided, and they separated, both panting heavily from the intense experience.

"What was that?" Mia exclaimed, still trying to catch her breath. She then glanced at Ethan, who seemed to be focused on something in the distance.

Curious, she followed his gaze and was astonished by what she saw.

In the distance, several bright golden lights appeared, descending from the sky as if they were divine blessings.

"What's that?" Mia asked in awe.

"It's the location we're heading to," Ethan said with newfound determination.

Confused by the unfolding events, Mia looked at Ethan for an explanation.

"I don't know what's happening, Mia, but my guts tell me that all of this is real," Ethan said, his voice tinged with worry.

With resolute determination, he continued, "Let's go and see what these system blessings are all about. Maybe we'll meet other players at one of those lights if anyone else is here."

Without waiting for a response, Ethan started moving towards the distant lights.

Mia hesitated for a moment, then followed him, her newfound curiosity and slight trust in Ethan urging her forward into the unknown.