8:00 AM
The sound of an alarm echoed through the room.
"Mom, 10 more minutes, please," I mumbled, struggling to open my eyes. The noise continued unabated, forcing me to confront my new reality. As I pried my eyes open, I saw an unfamiliar ceiling. That's when it hit me: this was my new life. I swung my legs out of bed, and the alarm mercifully ceased its relentless beeping. "Technology sure has its pros and cons," I muttered as I made my way to the washroom.
Today was the day I would start my quest for strength. After a refreshing shower, I took a moment to inspect my body. It was a bit thin but with some defined muscles and clear skin. My face, undeniably charming, made me chuckle. If I'd had such looks in my previous life, I would've been a lady killer, and my mother wouldn't have worried about grandchildren.
As my mood shifted between amusement and sadness, I steeled myself for the task ahead. I headed to my training room to gauge my physical capabilities and get comfortable with my new body.
Entering the room, I was greeted by an array of futuristic equipment, some recognizable, others not. In the novels I read, the protagonist's equipment was often highlighted. Now, I had to figure out these gadgets on my own.
The training room was equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. Here are some of the advanced tools I encountered:
Holo-Weights: These weights projected a holographic interface, allowing me to adjust the resistance with a simple touch. They could simulate various weight conditions, from underwater resistance to low-gravity environments.
Gravity Treadmill: This treadmill could alter the gravitational pull, providing a variable running experience. I could simulate running on different planets or practice in extreme conditions without leaving the room.
NeuroLink Trainer: A headband device that connected to my neural pathways, enhancing muscle memory and providing real-time feedback on my form and technique. It could simulate combat scenarios, helping me train reflexes and tactics.
Holo-Dummy: An advanced sparring partner, the Holo-Dummy could mimic fighting styles and techniques from thousands of martial arts disciplines. It adjusted its difficulty based on my performance, ensuring I was always challenged.
Bio-Scanner: This device scanned my body, providing detailed metrics on muscle mass, fat percentage, and even cellular health. It helped tailor my training regimen to my body's specific needs.
I approached the weight-measuring equipment first. The Holo-Weights shimmered to life as I touched the interface, and I selected a moderate resistance to start. The sensation was surreal, as if lifting a physical weight but without the cumbersome bulk.
Next, I tried the Gravity Treadmill. As I set the gravity to simulate a higher pull, I felt the increased strain on my legs, forcing me to adapt my stride. The NeuroLink Trainer buzzed gently as I put it on, and a flood of data streamed into my vision, showing me how to optimize my movements.
Finally, I faced the Holo-Dummy. As it materialized, I selected a basic sparring program. The dummy moved with fluid grace, attacking with precision. My body reacted instinctively, blocking and countering, but the feedback from the NeuroLink showed areas for improvement.
Hours passed as I trained, each piece of equipment pushing me to my limits. I felt my muscles burning, my reflexes sharpening, and my confidence growing. This was only the beginning. To keep up with the protagonist group, I needed to master these tools and surpass my current limits.
As I concluded my training session, I glanced at the Bio-Scanner. It reported significant improvements in my metrics. Satisfied, I headed to the shower, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. My quest for strength had officially begun.
As I emerged from the washroom, I began to reflect on my remarkable progress. In just a few hours, I had already become adept at understanding my body's capabilities. "Am I a genius?" I mused, chuckling to myself.
However, I quickly dismissed the idea, attributing my rapid advancement to the advanced equipment and the previous experiences of this body.
Suddenly, a thought struck me. Who was the previous owner of this body, and what had happened to him? There had been no mention of it in the cryptic messages from the mysterious author. I pondered deeply but soon found myself going in circles. Unable to reach any conclusion, I decided to suppress these thoughts and focus on my goal.
I moved toward my bedside, where I noticed what looked like a gaming pod. But I knew better—it was a virtual reality pod designed for combat training and other activities. This pod was a highly effective tool for growth, as it allowed for a different time ratio compared to reality. The time ratio depended on a person's spirit; the stronger the spirit, the more time could be stretched inside the virtual environment.
Thinking about spirit, I opened my status panel and noticed my spirit rating: an incredible C-. I was astonished. The spirit was the foundation for using magic and channeling various energies from the environment. A strong spirit made it easier to control these energies, and the same magic or martial arts could vary significantly in power depending on the user's spirit.
With such a high spirit, I could easily master martial arts and new magic. I giggled at the thought. "Why is my spirit so high?"
I wondered. "Is it due to the mixture of two or more souls in one body? Then why I don't have any memories of this body ?"
The realization left me speechless. There was no use overthinking it. Strength was my priority—strength provides everything.
Determined, I moved toward the pod. As I lay inside, I heard a voice directly in my brain.
"Welcome to NeuroLink Tech, your personal dimension for various activities such as combat training, learning simulations, and connecting with others. You can fight, learn, and play against each other here."
The NeuroLink pod was a marvel of technology, offering several advanced functions:
Combat Training: The pod simulated real-life combat scenarios with stunning accuracy. I could train against various opponents, each with unique fighting styles and techniques. The simulations adjusted to my skill level, providing a constantly challenging experience.
Skill Learning: The pod offered a wide range of skills to learn, from martial arts to magic. There were basic skills already available for practice, while advanced skills—those above a C grade—required additional costs to unlock. The interactive tutorials guided me through each step, providing real-time feedback and adjustments to ensure I mastered each technique.
Basic Skills: These included fundamental martial arts, basic spells, and introductory weapon handling. These skills were essential for building a solid foundation.
Advanced Skills: For advanced skills, such as high-level martial arts, powerful magic spells, and specialized weapon techniques, there was a cost involved. Unlocking these skills required virtual credits, which could be earned through completing challenges or purchased with real money. These advanced techniques were crucial for progressing to higher levels of mastery.
Simulation Environments: The pod could recreate any environment, from ancient battlefields to futuristic cities. These environments added a layer of realism to the training, helping me adapt to different terrains and conditions.
Time Dilation: One of the pod's most remarkable features was its ability to manipulate time. Inside the pod, time moved slower, allowing me to train for longer periods while only a fraction of that time passed in the real world. For my current strength, the ratio was 2 hours inside the pod for every 55 minutes in the real world. This feature depended on the user's spirit strength; with my high spirit rating, I could maximize this benefit.
Networking: The pod connected to a global network of users. I could spar with others, participate in tournaments, and even join cooperative missions. This feature allowed me to test my skills against a wide range of opponents and learn from other experienced fighters.
Health Monitoring: The pod monitored my physical and mental health during each session. It ensured I didn't overexert myself and provided recommendations for rest and recovery. This feature helped maintain peak performance without risking injury.
I marveled at the pod's capabilities. This would be my primary tool for becoming stronger. As I settled into the pod, a holographic interface appeared, offering various options. I selected a basic combat training program to start.
"Initializing combat training," the voice said.
The environment around me shifted, transforming into a training dojo. A virtual opponent materialized in front of me, ready to spar. As we engaged, I felt every strike, block, and movement as if it were real. The pod's technology was truly impressive.
Hours passed in the pod, each session pushing my limits further. My muscles burned and my reflexes sharpened. I felt more confident with each passing moment. This was only the beginning. I knew that with the NeuroLink pod, I could achieve the strength I needed to keep up with the protagonist group.
I trained and performed various activities in the pod for what felt like 16 hours, which translated to about 8 hours in the real world. Satisfied with my progress, I exited the pod. The Bio-Scanner showed significant improvements in my metrics. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but I was ready. My quest for strength had officially begun
As the day turned to evening, a growling hunger reminded me I hadn't eaten since yesterday.
Caught up in excitement, I'd forgotten to have a proper meal and relied on nutrient capsules from the pod instead. They did the job but lacked the satisfaction of real food.
In the kitchen, I found ingredients unfamiliar to me, some from this magical world and others from my past life.
As I puzzled over them, a virtual AI appeared, its voice calm and helpful.
"What would you like to cook?" it asked. Intrigued, I browsed through its collection of recipes and settled on something warm and familiar.
With the AI guiding me, we began cooking together. It gave clear instructions, making the process feel like a collaboration. The kitchen filled with the smell of herbs and spices as we worked, turning raw ingredients into a delicious meal.
With each stir and taste, I enjoyed not just the food but also looked forward to tomorrow's adventure. Feeling nourished and ready for whatever lay ahead, I knew there were risks, but also exciting opportunities.
As the kitchen dimmed with the fading daylight, I finished my preparations for the night. Content and with a full stomach, I felt confident that moving toward my goal wasn't just a step forward, but a leap toward discovery and destiny.
As I lay on my bed, thoughts drifted to Ashlen, a parallel world resembling Earth in the year 2021 but scarred by a catastrophe known as the Towers or Dungeons. These enigmatic Dungeons would suddenly manifest across Ashlen, offering humanity a unique power source in the form of monster crystals imbued with the essence of powerful creatures.
Dungeons came in various levels, starting from E level and progressing up to SS. An E-level Dungeon posed challenges that could be handled by skilled adventurers or a small team of fighters. These Dungeons typically housed creatures of moderate strength, providing opportunities to gather resources and hone combat skills.
Moving up to D and C-level Dungeons required more experienced adventurers and stronger teams. These Dungeons contained more formidable monsters and traps, demanding strategic planning and coordination among adventurers to succeed. A single skilled hero or a small group of heroes could typically handle D and C-level Dungeons, but teamwork and preparation were crucial. For instance, a group of 10 E-rank adventurers or 3 D-rank adventurers could conquer a D-rank Dungeon. Similarly, a team consisting of 12-15 D-rank adventurers or 5 or more C-rank adventurers would be needed to successfully conquer a C-rank Dungeon.
B and A-level Dungeons presented significant challenges even for seasoned adventurers. These Dungeons were filled with powerful monsters, complex puzzles, and deadly traps. Conquering a B-level Dungeon required a well-rounded team of skilled heroes working together seamlessly, such as 30 C+ rank heroes or 4 to 8 B-rank heroes. A-level Dungeons pushed even further, requiring not only exceptional combat prowess but also strategic thinking and adaptability in the face of ever-evolving challenges, with 20-40 B+ rank or 5-30 A-rank heroes needed for success.
S-rank Dungeons, though not as formidable as SS-level, still required the expertise of S-rank adventurers. Only S-rank and above heroes could conquer these Dungeons, demonstrating their elite status and exceptional abilities.
At the pinnacle stood the SS-level Dungeons, the most daunting and perilous of all. These Dungeons housed creatures of legendary strength and cunning, posing threats that could devastate entire regions if left unchecked. To conquer an SS-level Dungeon, the combined might of multiple SS-class heroes or the unparalleled power of an SSS-class hero was essential. The journey through an SS Dungeon was not just a test of strength but a trial of courage, wisdom, and sheer determination.
In this world of intertwined power and danger, the Dungeons stood as both a source of potential greatness and a formidable challenge. Heroes who dared to venture into these depths faced not only physical trials but also moral dilemmas and personal growth. Each Dungeon conquered represented a triumph over adversity and a step closer to unraveling the mysteries of their world.