[CONGRATULATIONS!! Optional quest complete.]
The system screen popped up as holographic celebration erupted around Vaelin, colorful lights and confetti filled the system screen a few delightful seconds.
'Oh! As it promised,' Vaelin thought, gazing upon the message screen with a visible smile etched upon his face. 'Though, it appears too extravagant for a mere 5XP. Perhaps 'tis due to this bein' my first quest completion.'
Awkwardly enough, he couldn't contain his excitement as he took in the immersive experience, all for a couple of XP.
Once the celebration settled, a reward notification appeared before him, summarizing the achievements and rewards he had obtained.
[Optional quest: Insight]
[Description: Learn more about the Neo-Core Underground daily.]
[Status: Completed]
[Reward: 5XP awarded]
His eyes scanned the notification, his mind filled with anticipation to gain more XP and level up, to finally unlock the attributes and skills panel. With a gentle tap, he dismissed the notification, returning to the main interface.
[Main Info Panel:
---------------------------
-Essential information-
Username: Vaelin Neonblast
Age: 18
Race: Human
Level: 0/10
Rank: ---------
XP: 5/100
Penalty: -40%]
It was now time for the latter part of the virtual orientation as Aria proceeded to enlighten them about the combat course they would be taking for the first semester of university.
She activated a holographic display, projecting the course outline onto a large screen before her.
"The course is geared towards preparing you guys for the technology-enabled battlefield." She reiterated, giving them a brief overview. "The semester will begin with a two-week orientation phase where students will familiarize themselves with combat program and facilities."
The holographic display changed to show images of combat facilities and students engaging in various activities.
"You will then move on to a four-week module on the Fundamentals of Combat Technology, learning about advanced armor, weapons, and gadgets."
The holographic display changed again, displaying cutting-edge weaponry and armor.
"This will be followed by a six-week module on Hand-to-Hand Combat Techniques, where students will learn striking, blocking, and grappling."
The holographic display showed students in training suits engaging in hand-to-hand combat.
"The next module is dedicated to Tactical Teamwork and Communication, focusing on team coordination, communication, and navigation skills, lasting for four weeks.
The holographic display presented an array of combat formations and maps.
"This is followed by a module on Combat Strategies and Simulation for eight-weeks, where students will learn offensive, defensive, and guerrilla tactics through simulated combat scenarios."
The holographic display changed to show students in virtual reality simulations.
"Next, students will learn Survival and Rescue Techniques for four-weeks, including wilderness survival, first aid, and hostage rescue."
The holographic display highlighted survival equipment and rescue procedures.
"Finally, there will be a two-weeks Combat Assessment and Practical Examination phase to evaluate your skills."
The holographic display presented images of students in intense combat assessments.
"This course will challenge and push you to become the best version of yourself." She emphasized. "However, there will be impromptu trials along the line, so I urge all of you to be on your toes."
Zenith, with the gamer tag'HoloGroove', applauded enthusiastically, inspired by the intense journey that lies ahead of them.
"Don't get too cocky just yet. Y'all aren't going to be enrolled in one university." She disclosed, gaining some awkward looks from them. "When it comes to the academic field, mini-cities have an annual ranking system from best to worst, based on the academic performance of the elite universities in each mini-city."
"To determine which school one will be accepted in, one must take a virtual assessment. The percentile you get determines your placement." She elaborated, "and the virtual assessment is denoted - Mission Arcadia. Comes off 6am tomorrow."
"Whoa!!" Zenith exclaimed, cupping his mouth with his palms.
"I guess nothing good comes off that easily." Molly snorted with a visible frown.
"Umm... what is the purpose o' this evaluation?" Vaelin queried, manifestly the sole thinker amidst the crew.
"Your physical and mental capabilities in its natural state." She replied
Vaelin nodded.
With that, the virtual reality orientation came to an end, but not without dark clouds hovering over everyone in there. They were not used to a lot of things, and to their sour luck, the assessment was early tomorrow.
___
The group of seven had spent the rest of their day in a modest apartment in downtown Nexus Heights, the bustling capital of Neo-Core. In this vibrant city, the night never slept, with the neon-lit skyline always casting a colorful glow and cool synthesized music filling the air.
It was clear that life in this setting was easy and enjoyable. One might question why there were those who lived on the surface, oblivious to or uninterested in the wonders of this idyllic place.
However, the reality was that money, power, and connections dictated everything. Every business, from the humble mobile food stalls to the luxurious five-star hotels and massive industries, all operated under the control of Omicron and other influential figures. It was almost like a selection process. For example, if someone worked as an employee for one of the many surface-owned enterprises, their family could choose to either remain above or experience the marvels of the Neo-Core.
These fortunate individuals were given identification to prove their connection to Omicron.
___
- Int. Apartment - Living room -
At 6am the following day, every registered participant, whether prepared on not, had to partake in the assessment. otherwise, their registration would be nullified.
The crew stood in the middle of the room. Each of them was strapped onto a treadmill, their bodies fully equipped with VR headsets and sensors attached to their limbs. Unlike the orientation, this was a physical activity in a virtual simulation that required movement.
Therefore, the treadmill was a means of movement. However, this wasn't just any treadmill. It was a multi-directional treadmill that doesn't just move like the regular, but can be controlled with the feet, which allowed to travel in 360 degrees, at any speed of choice.
The door opened, and Mistletoe walked in, dressed in a white coat. As if on cue, they turned their attention towards him, anticipation and nervousness evident on their faces.
"Alright, everyone, listen up. Today, you'll be taking the most advanced virtual reality assessment. Your success here will determine your placement in the Elite Academies of different cities." He said, looking at them sternly.
Zenith raised his hand, a mischievous grin on his face.
"Um, sir? Can we have a party after this? Just for a few hours, I promise?" He smirked.
Etto chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Always thinking about fun, aren't you, Zee?" Molly smiled.
Mistletoe raised an eyebrow, unamused. He walked closer to Bayonette, who seemed nervous.
"Hey, kiddo, focus. Remember, this assessment will highlight your competence to enroll in one of the elites. Don't let the virtual world distract you." He adviced sternly.
Bayonette nodded and bit her lip, determined to overcome her anxiety.
"Easy for you to say, "Don't let the virtual world distract you." whispered Grimshire, under her breath.
Which caught a sharp glance from Mistletoe
"Did you have something to say, Grim-girl?" Mistletoe asked, raising his voice slightly.
Grimshire looked defiant at first but quickly realized the situation's severity.
"N-No, sir. Just... I'm ready." She replied nervously
Mistletoe scrutinized Grimshire's expression for a moment before turning to address the rest of the group.
"Remember, teens, this assessment will challenge your individual abilities. Stay focused throughout the simulation. Failure is not an option." He addressed for the last time.
Etto smirked cockily. "Failure? Not in my vocabulary, sir." He said confidently.
Molly rolled her eyes to his cocky persona but remained silent. Vaelin stole a glance at Grimshire, who winked back at him, trying to alleviate the nervous look on his face. What she wasn't aware of was the fact that he was the most enthusiastic about this, compared to all of them.
"Alright, let's get started. Activate the VR headsets and prepare for immortality within the virtual realm. Good luck, everyone." Mistletoe's lasts words worsened the case.
One by one, they activated their headsets, and the room slowly faded away as the virtual world engulfed them. The room was now silent, the only sounds coming from the hum of the treadmills as they began to move.
___
[Initiating synchronization with VR simulation...]
[Complete!]
[VR SYNC: 100%]
Vaelin vaguely watched the system screen in confusion. "Darn it!! Not today, please. This is a big deal for me." He wailed inwardly, yet the system ignored.
[New Quest: Outlast]
[Description: Pass this obstacle course and secure a befitting city to honor the pride of a samurai.]
[Reward: ???]
[Support(optional): The system will influence the VR simulation, giving user a 10% chance of success.]
[Accept/decline]
"Wait! what," Vaelin exclaimed, "does this mean the system can manipulate a VR game an extent?"
[Absolutely!!]
"Cool!!!" Vaelin exclaimed, with a sense of awe and newfound confidence.
"At this moment, every modicum o' support holds value. Aye, I do accept," he pondered, clicking [Accept] on the screen. However, something popped up right after that put a sour taste in his mouth.
[Activated: 10% influence]
[Penalty: -10%(in every aspect)]
[Basic Attributes Boost:
-------------‐----‐---------
[Health:110]
[Strength: 10]
[Agility:10]
[Speed:10]
[Stamina:10]
[Stealth:10]
[Defense:10]
[Countdown: 5mins]
"Darn it! Why not inform me of any backlash beforehand?" Vaelin felt tormented, "I already have a big hole. This adding up makes it -50% in all my future stats. Shitty system!!"
'Well, I guess I've gotta pass this test then, and within 5 minutes at that.' He thought, 'that 10% better be worth the hussle.'
As Vaelin stepped into level one, the air crackled with anticipation. The room was a sprawling labyrinth of towering walls and suspended bars, challenging anyone who dared to venture further. The walls were made of rough-hewn stone, adorned with moss, giving them an ancient and weathered look. Streams of sunlight poured through small cracks, casting hazy beams that danced with floating dust particles.
With a determined glint in his eyes, Vaelin surveyed his surroundings. He spotted the first wall, its surface dotted with small footholds and crevices, beckoning him to ascend.
"Now or never!!" He said.
Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, his fingers finding purchase on the rocky outcroppings. With each swift movement, his muscles tensed and strained, with a slight feeling of boost.
"Wow! This isn't my strength alone, is it?" Vaelin pondered, "I bet I couldn't do most of these with so much ease at first. So it really is helping... let's win this thing then."
The sound of his rhythmic breathing mingled with the clinking of his footstep as Vaelin jumped upward, effortlessly evading any pitfalls that threatened to slow him down.
Next, Vaelin reached a wide gap that taunted him, daring him to cross. A series of sturdy bars hung above it, like a suspended ladder leading to the other side. He leaped with assumed precision, his body swinging through the air to grab the first bar. The steel creaked under his weight as he propelled himself forward, traversing the chasm with a boost in momentum. His sinewy arms pulled with just the right amount of force, allowing him to maintain a steady rhythm, each swing bringing him closer to completion of the first level.
As Vaelin continued his ascent, he encountered an intricately designed wall resembling a mosaic of irregularly shaped stones. With each step, he was greeted by a unique challenge - a protruding stone that threatened to unbalance him or a narrow gap that would require split-second decisions. Yet, Vaelin remained undaunted.
'No slacking, I'm good at this." He said.
His keen eyes scanned the mosaic, quickly discerning safe paths, and he jumped, twisted, and stretched with an almost balletic grace.
"This is so cool!" He thought, "the system ain't all bad after all."
The final obstacle of level one lay before Vaelin, a vast wall built entirely of vines, twisting and entwining as if alive. The tendrils writhed like serpents, With a spirited dash, he leaped onto the wall, his gloved hands digging into the resilient vegetal mass. He navigated the ever-moving vines with good gility, each step taken with precise timing to avoid the deceptive lurch and sway of the foliage. The intoxicating scent of wildflowers intermingled with the mossy fragrance of rock, creating an atmosphere that spurred him on.
At last, Vaelin reached the top of level one, his chest heaving with exertion.
"Haa!!! System, how did I do? Vaelin asked the system, hoping for a heartwarming answer.
[You did aweful...]
"Shut up!"
A triumphant smile etched on his lips as he surveyed the impressive distance he had covered. The room that had once appeared daunting now seemed conquerable, and Vaelin's moderate athleticism had transformed into a virtuoso display of skill and agility. With his eyes now set on the challenges to come, Vaelin prepared himself for the next level, eager to face the exhilarating unknown once again.
"Bring it on!!" He taunted.
***