The first rays of morning light seeped through the threadbare curtains of my small, rundown house. I groaned and rolled out of bed after another marathon gaming session. My parents' old house, left to me when they passed, was as neglected as my daily routine. Peeling wallpaper, mismatched furniture, and an ever-present mustiness were constants in my life.
I shuffled into the kitchen, grabbed a hastily made breakfast, and made my way to the bathroom. The mirror reflected a tired, overweight man with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes—someone who rarely saw the outside world beyond his computer screen.
After a quick shower, I headed outside to catch the hovering bus, its mana stones humming softly beneath me. I checked my phone while waiting, scanning the latest news about the Awakened. A headline about **Evelyn Black** caught my eye—she had just achieved a remarkable feat, reaching a world of the 52nd level. It was a significant milestone, showcasing how the Obelisks had altered the world.
Arriving at the store, I was greeted by Uncle Mike, who was already behind the counter, looking particularly agitated.
"Morning, Alex," he said, his frown deepening. "These fucking Awakened are driving me crazy."
"Morning, Uncle Mike," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "What's got you so worked up?"
"It's not just the new shipment delays," he said, his frustration evident. "The Awakened are monopolizing resources and pushing everyone else out!! Our supply chain is a mess!! and prices are through the roof!! fuck me!! It's more stressful than it's ever been!!"
I nodded, understanding his concerns. "Yeah, it's tough. But don't forget, if it weren't for the Awakened, you'd still be fighting cancer. They saved you."
Uncle Mike's anger softened. "I know, and I'm grateful for that. But it feels like they're running everything now. We're just caught in the middle."
As we continued our conversation, I began stocking shelves. Suddenly, a warm, pulsing light surrounded me. I dropped the can I was holding, shielding my eyes from the blinding brightness.
"Alex!" Uncle Mike's voice cut through the commotion. "What the fuck is happening?!"
The light finally faded, revealing floating messages before me, shimmering with an otherworldly glow. I struggled to make sense of them.
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]** Welcome, Alex Blake. You have been selected by the Obelisks to unleash your Talent.
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Scanning subject...
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Scan complete.
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Generating Talent...
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Talent generated: **"GOD MODE"** [Rank: e#r@r, Description: €r&or.]
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM WARNING]** Subject unable to host the Talent. Adjusting parameters...
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Adapting host's body to accommodate Talent...
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Evolving host's race from Human to **Supreme Human**...
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Evolution completed.
- **[OBELISK SYSTEM]** Talent hosting successful.
I stared, bewildered, as my body began to change. My dirty blonde hair turned white, and my brown eyes became a striking hazel. My clothes strained against my expanding frame and began to tear as I grew to 195 cm with a muscular build.
I glanced at my status panel, which displayed the following:
- **Name:** Alex Blake
- **Talent:** GOD MODE
- **Rank:** e#r@r
- **Description:** €r&or
- **Race:** Supreme Human
**Racial Talent:**
- **Omni-Psi** [Rank: SSS]
- **Description:** Grants the ultimate mastery over psychic powers. The user gains unparalleled control over mental abilities, including telepathy, telekinesis, and precognition. Omni-Psi allows the user to manipulate reality through sheer force of will, read and influence minds, and perceive events across vast distances. It bends the laws of psychic energy to the user's command, making them a formidable presence in any conflict or situation.
**Attributes:**
- **Strength:** [€&-@+]
- **Agility:** [€&-@+]
- **Endurance:** [€&-@+]
- **Intelligence:** [€&-@+]
- **Charisma:** [€&-@+]
"Holy shit!! What's happening to me?!" I thought, bewildered. The panel was filled with jumbled letters, reflecting the chaotic nature of the transformation.
Uncle Mike rushed over, eyes wide with concern. "Alex, you're… different. What should we do?"
"I have no fucking idea!!," I said, trying to steady my voice. "I have no fucking clue what's going on!!"
"You need to get to the obelisk!!" Uncle Mike urged. "It's the only way to figure this out!!"
I nodded, determination replacing my confusion. The black obelisk at the edge of town had always been a source of mystery, but now it seemed like my only hope. As I stepped outside into the late afternoon sun, I realized that my life had just taken a dramatic turn. Ahead of me lay a path of uncertainty and adventure, and I had no choice but to face it.