Once Zero's hand broke through the layer of energy that made up the first floating sphere, it immediately shattered and reformed as a holographic screen in front of him.
It read 'Pyro System'. Before Zero could even question anything, an A.I voice began to go off in his mind.
"The Pyro System is a low level fire system that gives the user two starting paths and one bonus path. The starting path will allow the user to wield and manipulate flames without the need of an external fire source. Upgrades will focus on the amount of flames that can be wielded and the overall intensity of them. This is an Offensive based system." It spoke.
Following that, another screen appeared with a list of numbers detailing the starting stats as well as projected stats. Zero skimmed the long list, but couldn't decipher what any of it actually meant.
Then the holograms broke apart and once again reformed into a sphere, resuming it's orbit around Zero as the others were.
"Whoa." Zero said, astounded by the whole experience. "A pyro system might be handy." He then thought for a second. "Does everyone get the same choices when they get here?"
"Check another." The guide spoke, ignoring the question.
Zero gave a look of disapproval but stuck his hand into one of the other two remaining spheres. Just like the first, it broke apart and formed another holographic screen.
This one read "Armor System".
"The Armor System is a low level system that has two starting paths and one bonus path. The starting path will allow the user to cloak themselves in a refined armor that can provide low to moderate immunity to most elements and physical attacks. Upgrades will focus on increasing the effectiveness of this. This is a Defensive based system." The A.I chanted.
The screen went away and returned to its sphere form.
"An armor system...that might be the most useful in the early part of this. Maybe I'll go with that one." Zero stated.
"You still have one more to check." The guide reminded him.
"Right." Zero reached out and touched the last of the spheres as it reshaped itself into a screen. His eye's widened when he read what it was called.
It read "Culinary System."
Huh? Zero thought in disbelief.
The A.I system spoke up for the last time, "The Culinary System is a low level system that gives the user two starting paths as well as one of two bonus paths. The user will be endowed with culinary expertise and will have the option of creating dishes with buffing side effects or debuffing side effects, based on which path they choose. This is a Support based system."
With that it returned to it's sphere form and the time had come for Zero to choose his starting system. However, Zero simply stood looking at the floor in thought.
"Something wrong?" The guide asked from behind the altar.
Zero looked at the floating spheres and back at the guide. "....No."
"Then it is time to choose, Zero. Which system will you begin your journey with?"
Zero eyed the floating spheres once more.
The Pyro system would help me in getting another system sooner since I would have the offense on my side. Maybe. He thought. I have no clue what system everyone else is using though, so maybe the Armor system is the better option. It would protect me from various attacks and I could upgrade it to make it absorb even more damage!
As Zero contemplated his options he couldn't help but think how this was exactly like a videogame. He didn't have many things growing up, but his parents had given him a gameboy one Christmas mostly so he would lock himself up in his room all day. So, he had a little experience when it came to this.
His gaze drifted to the sphere he last touched. But the Culinary system...
The guide saw something shine within Zero's eyes and knew he had made his decision.
"Well?" The guide asked.
Zero looked up at the guide. "I'm choosing...the culinary system!"
"Hmmm." The guide hummed. "Interesting choice. But, it is yours to make. Reach out and claim it."
Zero reached his hand into the sphere that contained the Culinary system - the sphere broke apart and swirled up his arm before it sank into his flesh. Suddenly, it was like a rush of knowledge had slammed into his mind. Different cooking methods, ingredients and their many properties all became first hand knowledge to him.
His purple eyes glowed within the dim lighting of the shrine. The surge of power had become apart of him and he felt...different.
"Now, wave your left hand out in front of your body." The guide demanded.
Zero did so and a holographic menu appeared out in front of him as well as a smaller one to the side of it. "What is all this?" He asked as he viewed it. There was a section that showed his currently equipped system, any activated/passive abilities, as well as an experience bar. It currently showed 0/500.
There was also a button that was detailed 'Map'.
"It's how you will manage your system load as well as other necessary things. You will also find a complete list of the game rules that I highly advise you read before you start. Now, look to your right at the smaller menu."
Zero looked and saw that the smaller menu showed two upgrade paths. One said 'Buff' at the bottom and the other said 'Debuff'.
"You must choose which path you will take for this system. Once you do, you will be awarded the first ability for free. After that, you must earn the rest through experience by doing activities or defeating others."
Zero glanced over the upgrade paths and all the currently locked abilities. In his mind, he already had an idea of which path to take. After all, it was one of the two main reasons he chose this system. "This is more intricate than I first thought it was going to-" Zero paused as he looked up and saw that he was now completely alone. The guide had vanished.
A creaking sound could be heard further in the room as a hidden door to the shrine opened up to reveal an exit out of the area. He knew the second he stepped out that door he will have officially started the game.
But first, he needed to select his first upgrade.