As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, Orion prepared himself for the day ahead. His first destination was the Global Awakener Registration Bureau (GARB), a pivotal step for every individual who had awakened to a system. It was here that his journey as an official awakener would begin.
Orion stepped out into a world that had drastically changed since the descent of the universal system nearly two centuries ago. The Earth, united under the United Earth Federation, was more united yet paradoxically more divided than ever before. This duality was the backdrop against which every awakener's story unfolded, including his.
The streets were bustling with activity as Orion made his way to the GARB office. He observed the various facets of life around him, a blend of the old world and the new system-infused reality. Neon signs advertising cultivation techniques gleamed alongside traditional shops, and people discussed the latest dungeon discoveries as casually as they spoke of the weather.
The GARB office was a large, imposing building, symbolizing the importance and power of the United Earth Federation. As Orion entered, he was struck by the efficiency and orderliness of the place. Awakeners of various levels and systems queued for registration, each embarking on their unique paths.
While waiting, Orion overheard conversations about the current state of Earth. The United Earth Federation, formed in response to the system's descent, had brought countries together under a single banner. It was a move that promised unity and collective growth, but the reality was more complex.
Guilds, clans, families, and corporations, empowered by the new systems, had carved out spheres of influence across the globe. These entities wielded considerable power, often rivaling that of traditional governments. They competed for resources, influence, and territory, using both the political arena and the mystical powers granted by the systems.
Orion pondered this new world order as he approached the registration desk. A stern-looking official greeted him. "Name and awakened system?" the official asked.
"Orion. Level-Up system," Orion replied, sticking to his decision to conceal the true nature of his Fused System.
The official noted down the details and handed Orion a badge with his name and system. "You're officially registered. Make sure to update your status regularly and follow the Federation's guidelines for awakeners."
Orion accepted the badge, feeling the weight of his new identity. He knew that navigating this world would require not just strength and wisdom but also an understanding of the complex web of power and politics that the descent of the universal system had woven.
As he left the GARB office, badge in hand, Orion was more determined than ever to find his place in this intricate and divided world. His journey was not just about personal growth and exploration; it was also about understanding the broader dynamics of the United Earth Federation and the myriad forces that shaped the destiny of Earth's awakeners.
Orion, standing at the entrance of the Forgotten Forest Dungeon, reflected on the information he had gathered from the Global Awakener Registration Bureau (GARB). He learned that dungeons and small worlds were divided into public and private categories. Public dungeons were accessible to all awakeners who met specific conditions set by GARB, while private dungeons required the owner's permission to enter.
The Forgotten Forest Dungeon was a public dungeon, known for being beginner-friendly. However, GARB regulations required individuals below a certain power level to enter dungeons in groups for safety. Consequently, Orion had teamed up with two other beginner awakeners, Mia and Lucas. Mia was skilled in exploration, having awakened to the Level-Up system, and Lucas, who had the Store system, was equipped with various useful items.
As they entered the dungeon, a notification appeared for Orion:
[ Entering Forgotten Forest Dungeon. Difficulty: F ]
Orion, accompanied by Mia and Lucas, entered the Forgotten Forest Dungeon with a mix of anticipation and caution. While his companions sought training and resources, Orion had a quest to complete, and he was keenly aware of the need to conceal the true nature of his Fused System.
The dense woodland of the dungeon, thriving with mana, presented their first challenge in the form of a lone mana fox. Its fur shimmered, reflecting the dungeon's mana-rich environment. Orion, armed only with a basic dagger, cautiously engaged the creature. The fight tested his limits, but he emerged victorious.
[ Experience Gained: 15 points ]
[ Skill Acquired: Basic Dagger Mastery ]
Upon defeating the mana fox, Orion carefully harvested it, gaining a small amount of experience and a small mana stone, a common drop from such creatures.
Orion continued with the task at hand, gathering the required mana grass for his quest. As he carefully selected each stalk, his understanding of the dungeon's flora deepened, leading to another skill acquisition:
[ Skill Acquired: Basic Botanical Knowledge ]
When the quest was completed, and the team exited the dungeon, Orion felt a familiar surge of growth. His accumulated experiences had culminated in a significant milestone.
[ Quest Completed: Echoes of the Forgotten Forest Dungeon ]
[ Reward: 100 experience points, Minor Mana Potion ]
[ Level Up: Level 2 achieved ]
The level-up was a direct result of the quest completion, with the total experience gained just crossing the threshold needed for advancement. Orion kept this information to himself, aware that such rapid progression was unusual and might draw unwanted attention.
The adventure in the Forgotten Forest Dungeon was more than just a completion of a quest for Orion; it was a testament to his unique abilities and the potential of his Fused System. It had tested his combat skills, granted him new knowledge, and marked his first significant advancement as an awakener.
As he parted ways with Mia and Lucas, Orion reflected on his experiences. The day's events had reinforced the importance of discretion in his journey. With new skills and a higher level, he felt both empowered and cautious about the path ahead, filled with challenges and discoveries yet to come.