High above a vast expanse of shimmering city lights, a sleek, modern office overlooked countless worlds, each framed within tall, seamless windows. Every pane of glass served as a gateway, displaying scenes of bustling streets, strange lands, and unfamiliar skies—a multiverse of realms, both known and unknown.
A man sat comfortably in an oversized leather chair, his dark suit immaculate, the sharp lines of his silhouette accentuated by the soft glow of ambient light. He watched the worlds with a casual indifference, swirling a glass of deep amber liquid in one hand. The faintest hint of a smirk played at the corners of his mouth.
"You know," the seated man began, his voice smooth and deceptively casual, "it's almost amusing how little these new recruits understand about their own positions. They ask questions that barely scratch the surface."
The standing man, his stance steady and face solemn, furrowed his brow. He crossed his arms, his form radiating a steadfast strength. "Is it right, though?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of reproach. "They risk everything without knowing what failure truly means. You think they'd at least be warned."
The man in the suit tilted his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "If they can't sense the stakes on their own, they're hardly cut out for the work, are they? Consider it a preliminary test of sorts." He leaned back, taking a slow sip from his glass. "And besides, there's no shortage of potential candidates where Sol III is concerned. The ones who rise to the top are those who don't waste time fearing shadows."
The other man shook his head, his stern expression unchanged. "Only one of your cohort, that woman, understood the gravity of the role. The others... well, they wasted their chances."
"Ah, her." The man in the suit gave a nod, his eyes twinkling with faint admiration. "She's different. She prepared well, didn't waste time on petty curiosities. Guns, training, tactics. Exactly the sort I look for." He glanced back at the windows, his gaze resting briefly on one in particular. "And she's already making waves."
He narrowed his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "You make it sound so simple, but I can't help but wonder how she's actually doing out there. After all, you can see the system prompts—I'm left in the dark."
The man in the suit gave a slight, amused nod, pausing for effect. Then, he called out, "Hela, show our friend here the details on Katerina. He's been dying for an update."
The air seemed to shimmer briefly as a cool, ethereal voice responded, [As you wish] A panel materialized in the space between them, revealing a detailed status page filled with lines of text and skill descriptions.
The other man, who now held his chin thoughtfully, leaned in, eyes narrowing as he examined the data. His name had yet to be spoken aloud, but he carried himself with a confidence that suggested he needed no introduction.
"Thor, take a good look." The man in the suit motioned toward the panel, his tone edging on mock enthusiasm. "Our newest candidate, as you can see, has come prepared."
[SYSTEM STATUS PAGE]
[NAME]: Katerina (Kat) Aleksandra Mariola
[LEVEL]: 16
[JOB]: Junior System Administrator
[TITLE]: The Shadow in the Crossfire
[STATUS]
Strength: 15
Dexterity: 20
Intelligence: 28
Wisdom: 25
Endurance: 18
Luck: 12
[SP] = 64
[SYSTEM AD-ON'S]:
The Gamer System
Soul Weapon (Pending activation)
[SKILLS]:
Fast Learning
Marksmanship (Expert)
Stealth (Advanced)
Tactics (Advanced)
Weapon Customization (Adept): Ability to modify and enhance weapons for increased efficiency.
Close-Quarters Combat (Intermediate)
Survival Skills (Intermediate): Knowledge of wilderness survival, including navigation, shelter-building, and resource gathering.
Endurance Training (Adept): Improved physical resilience, increasing stamina and reducing fatigue in combat.
Infiltration (Adept): Specialized training in penetrating secure locations unnoticed.
Interrogation (Adept)
Situational Awareness (Adept): Heightened perception and response to changes in the environment.
Firearms Maintenance (Adept): Ensures her weapons remain in top condition through regular care and repair.
Magic Affinity (Beginner)
Quick Heal (Beginner): Gradual recovery of minor wounds and fatigue over time.
Psion Manipulation - (Beginner) - Basic understanding of Psion control, enabling use of fundamental magic spells.
Quick Cast - (Beginner) - Shortens the time needed to cast basic spells.
Kinetic Push - (Beginner) - Creates a forceful push on small objects or opponents, useful in close combat.
CAD Operation - (Beginner) - Familiarity with basic operation of Casting Assistance Devices.
Physical Boost - (Beginner) - Enhances speed and reflexes for a limited time during physical exertion.
[SUP] = 16
[TASKS]:
Finish the training with a rating of at least C grade.
Spread the System.
Thor's expression was serious as he scanned the information, the slightest crease forming on his brow. "It's… impressive," he admitted, though he sounded begrudgingly respectful.
The man in the suit leaned back, a self-satisfied smile playing across his features. "Impressive indeed. She's taken to the system like a fish to water. Her progress is remarkable considering how little time has passed."
Thor nodded slowly, his eyes still fixed on the glowing panel. "True enough. But raw talent and preparation can only carry one so far. The real test will be how she adapts when things inevitably go sideways." He turned to face the other man directly. "You and I both know the training scenarios are child's play compared to an actual mission."
"Naturally," the seated man agreed, taking another sip from his glass. "But that's precisely why I have high hopes for this one. She has the instincts and the drive. The rest can be honed with experience."
"And if she fails?" Thor asked pointedly. "What then?"
The man in the suit chuckled darkly gesturing dismissively at the sprawling cityscape beyond the windows. "Failure is an inevitable part of the process. Those who can't adapt, who crumble under the pressure - they're simply weeded out. It's a form of natural selection, if you will."
Thor's jaw clenched, a flicker of distaste crossing his features. "You speak of their lives as if they're nothing more than disposable pawns in some grand game."
"Aren't they, though?" the seated man countered, arching an eyebrow. "We're all players in this cosmic dance, Thor. Some of us just happen to be the ones calling the steps." He swirled the amber liquid in his glass contemplatively. "Besides, the stakes are far higher than any one individual. The very fate of worlds hangs in the balance."
Thor turned back to the window, his gaze troubled as it roamed across the myriad realms displayed before them. "I don't disagree with the importance of our work. But that doesn't mean we should treat those under our charge as expendable."
"A fair point," the man in the suit conceded, though his tone suggested he was merely humoring his companion. "But sentimentality has no place in our line of work. We must remain focused on the bigger picture, no matter the cost."
Thor's weary voice expressed concern. "One day, the cost may become too great - even for you, Loki."
Loki reclined in his chair with a casual smile. "Don't worry, I've already accounted for that possibility. Let's review the log," he mumbled, tapping on the control panel. "Hela, show us the most important moments from Kat's first day."
The air shimmered again, and Hela's voice echoed softly, filling the room.
[Arrival]
[Kat awakes in an alley, alert and methodical. She begins by confirming her equipment and physical abilities, ensuring all systems are operational. Surrounding analysis indicates a densely populated area with an open pathway to a busy town center.]
[Context Acquisition]
[Blending seamlessly with the crowd, she observes that her attire aligns with local fashion. Entering a nearby shop, Kat establishes basic temporal and spatial coordinates: Japan, April 5, 2095. With her phone out of service, she requests directions to the nearest library, recording a map photo for reference. Her use of fluent Japanese enhances local integration.]
[Strategic Navigation]
[Kat chooses side alleys to avoid attention. En route, she encounters a group bearing coordinated gear. Appraisal reveals five targets: three injured, one carrying an artifact, and two Magic Technicians. System assessment marks them as high-level criminals, recently fleeing a major heist.]
[Engagement Initiation]
[Donning protective goggles, she deploys a flash grenade. With practiced precision, she eliminates both Technicians via headshots before the grenade even detonates, leveraging her silenced pistols. She then dispatches a third with another precise shot as he reels from the effects of the grenade. The last two, stunned and trying to find cover, are quickly pursued. Kat jumps after them, taking down one with a another bullet to the head. The final target, the woman carrying the artifact, fires her silenced SMG wildly, but Kat deflects her aim by throwing the last man's body at her. She finishes by shooting the woman in her weapon hand and knee, rendering her unable to continue the fight.
[Interrogation and Conclusion]
[Interrogation reveals the artifact's ownership by a high-profile figure at the National Magic University First High School. Kat recognizes the opportunity and plans to negotiate for entry into the school under an alias, leveraging the artifact as her key to further integration.]
[Mission Rewards and Analysis]
[Following the skirmish, Kat levels up significantly, earning 16 levels and accumulating 64 status points and 16 skill upgrade points. She defers point allocation, keeping them in reserve for future adjustments.]
[Loot Acquisition]
[From the fallen enemies, she collects a phone, CAD devices (both wristband and ring models), identification cards, stamina-boosting capsules, painkillers, a small data drive, a communication earpiece, a tactical knife and of course the artifact.]
[Evidence Elimination]
[Kat meticulously removes evidence of her involvement by wiping down surfaces and using available materials to clear traces of her presence at the scene. Ensuring no recognizable prints or DNA are left behind, she carefully conceals her actions.]
[Equipment Acquisition and Strategy Adjustment]
[Deciding against the library, Kat redirects her plans. Using the newly acquired cash, she purchases a Faraday pouch to store all looted devices securely, including the phones and CADs, to prevent any tracking. Additionally, she buys a basic, untraceable phone to begin gathering information covertly.]
[Transportation and Timeline Optimization]
[Kat purchases a train ticket directly to the city where the National Magic University First High School is located, noting the importance of swift integration. With two days until the entrance ceremony and only 14 days in this world, she understands that each second is critical. She continues her journey with her new equipment and carefully formulated strategy.]
Loki leaned forward, his eyes glinting with approval as he studied the details of Kat's first day. "Remarkable,isn't she?" he murmured, a note of genuine admiration in his voice. "Already proving herself to be a cut above the rest. Efficient, decisive, and adaptable - exactly the qualities we need in our agents."
Thor remained silent, his gaze fixed on the shimmering display. There was no denying Kat's skill and resourcefulness, but a part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sheer ruthlessness of her actions. He knew the stakes were high, that their work often demanded difficult choices, but the ease with which she had dispatched her foes and covered her tracks was unsettling.
He then turned to Loki, a mix of admiration and concern etched on his face. "She's resourceful, I'll give her that. Adapting quickly to the environment, gathering intel, neutralizing threats efficiently..." He paused, shaking his head slightly. "But the brutality of it all. Is that truly necessary?"
Loki chuckled, setting his now empty glass on a sleek side table. "Necessary? Perhaps not always. But effective? Undoubtedly." He stood, buttoning his suit jacket as he approached the window. "In a world filled with magic and danger, hesitation is a luxury few can afford. Kat understands this instinctively."
Loki, sensing his companion's disquiet, let out a soft chuckle. "Come now, Thor. Don't tell me you've gone soft on me." He turned to face the other man, his expression a mix of amusement and challenge. "We both know the nature of the game we're playing. The stakes are too high for half-measures and moral hand-wringing."
Thor bristled slightly at the accusation, his jaw tightening. "It's not about being soft, Loki. You know that.
Loki waved a dismissive hand. "Philosophical debates are all well and good, but they won't keep our multiverse from unraveling. We need agents who can get the job done, no matter the cost. And Kat?" He gestured to the shimmering display. "She has the potential to be one of our best."
Thor took one last look at the shimmering display before straightening, his expression unreadable. "We shall see," he murmured, his tone carrying a note of cautious optimism.
Loki, stretching lazily, glanced over with a sly smile. "Enough sitting around, my friend. It's time to pay a visit to that old hag and see if her chosen pupil can even compare."
He extended his hand, and in a fluid, almost ritualistic motion, Thor transformed, his form dissolving into a powerful, gleaming hammer that settled firmly in Loki's grip. A spark of ancient energy flickered through the room, merging seamlessly with the high-tech surroundings.
Loki turned to the air, addressing his unseen assistant. "Hela, open a portal to Lachesis's quarters. Let's see if the Fates have finally made a good decision."
A swirling portal of mist and light materialized before him, the sight both ominous and strangely inviting. Loki stepped forward, the hammer in his hand gleaming with purpose, as he crossed the threshold, leaving only the faint echo of his laughter lingering in the sleek office space.
———
Lachesis settled back into her chair, her mind drifting to Charlie's recent actions. "Clotho," she mused aloud, "what's your analysis of Charlie's second exploit? He's progressing much faster than I anticipated."
Clotho's response came in her usual efficient manner, devoid of any emotional nuance. [Charlie's discovery is consistent with the profile we outlined prior to his selection. His penchant for identifying system flaws, or more accurately, purposeful 'exploits,' aligns with his history. His ability to find these anomalies was the primary reason he was chosen as the cohort's representative.]
Atropos nodded thoughtfully. "That's why the Creator embedded these exploits, isn't it? To reward those who think outside the box and increase their own sense of agency?"
[Affirmative,] Clotho confirmed. [The Creator's design allows for these intentional exploits to function as challenges for users. By discovering them, users feel a heightened sense of control and capability within the System, which enhances their personal investment in its use. This increase in personal fate belief directly channels power back to the Creator. It is a cyclical mechanism intended to promote ingenuity and deepen attachment to the System.]
Atropos smiled slightly. "It's brilliant, really. Give them just enough autonomy to believe they're outsmarting the System, when in truth, they're fueling its growth."
[Correct,] Clotho continued. [However, there are true exploits that exist within the system—unintended by the Creator. He relies on users like Charlie to identify them before they escalate into issues that could destabilize lower-level users or lead to more significant problems within the multiverse.]
"Yes, those are the dangerous ones." Lachesis's expression hardened as she spoke. "The true exploits. And Charlie, with his history, is uniquely suited to uncovering them. But there's a fine line between finding what was intended and stumbling upon something that wasn't meant to be found."
Clotho responded with a precise tone. [Indeed. The System is designed to evolve alongside its users, but even the Creator cannot predict every permutation or reaction.]
Atropos considered that for a moment, her gaze distant. "Let's see how he handles these next challenges. If he continues down this path, he might become more valuable than we anticipated... or more dangerous."
[Probability of success or failure is difficult to gauge,] Clotho intoned. [Both outcomes could alter future trajectories significantly.]
"Indeed," Lachesis whispered, eyes narrowing. "Both outcomes," she echoed, leaning back as a faint smile crossed her lips. "And only time will tell which we're dealing with."
Lachesis looked up, her eyes narrowing her hands poised over her desk as Clotho's voice resonated softly within the room. [We have company.] She reported.
No sooner than the massage had appeared, a faint glow flickered to life down the hall, where the rows of doors stretched endlessly into misted oblivion.
Atropos, who had been standing on Lachesis's desk with a restless vigilance, leaped gracefully to the floor. She prowled toward the portal that materialized mid-air, her presence radiating a deadly focus.
The portal crackled softly as it opened, a chill creeping into the room that sent faint wisps of mist curling from the floor, a figure began to step through. Instantly, one of Atropos's hands faded away, while in her other, an enormous scissor-blade manifested, aimed unerringly at the throat of the intruder.
Loki's grin widened as he took in the room, eyes flicking from Lachesis to Atropos than down to the weapon trained on him. "Oi, oi," he drawled, unbothered, his expression almost playful. "Are you sure you want to start a fight here? Some of those doors might vanish forever if we do."
At that moment, Thor's giant hand, surging with crackling lightning, appeared in place of the hammer's handle, effortlessly intercepting Atropos's scissor blade before it could advance any further.
Lachesis raised an eyebrow, her lips curving in a half-smile as she recognized the intruder. "Loki," she said with a hint of exasperation, "What business brings you here?"
Loki's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Relax, old friend. I'm just here for a visit, to see what your chosen protégée from this batch of fledgling administrators is made of.. No need to cause a scene." He waved his hand nonchalantly.
Lachesis sighed and gave a small nod. "Atropos, stand down."
In an instant, Atropos's imposing form vanished, and in her place, a humble pair of scissors appeared on Lachesis's desk, gleaming faintly in the ambient light. On the opposite side, Thor's hand dissipated, the hammer handle reforming solidly back into place, ready at Loki's side once more.
With anther flourish of his hand, Loki conjured a luxurious high-back chair in front of Lachesis's ancient mahogany desk. He settled into it with a practiced elegance, leaning back with an almost exaggerated casualness, as though it were his own office. His smirk remained fixed as his gaze met Lachesis's, his amusement evident.
Lachesis folded her hands, her expression cool and unyielding. "Ok, but first show me what you've got"
———
[SYSTEM STATUS PAGE]
[NAME]: Charles Angus
[LEVEL]: 0
[JOB]: Junior System Administrator
[TITLE]: The Phantom in the Gas Mask
[STATUS]: Not applicable
[SYSTEM AD-ON'S]:
Quest System
AI Assistant (Oracle)
Inventory - Allows the caster to store items inside a pocket dimension. Larger items, which exceed what the caster can carry require skin contact and take longer to store, with time increasing based on size. Released items can be summoned within a two-meter radius of the caster.
??? - (Pending activation)
[SKILLS]:
Appraisal - Allows the user to analyze a target within eyesight. The casting time varies based on the target's power level, awareness, and hostility towards the caster. Higher levels of these traits result in a slower appraisal process.
* Quick Appraisal - Instantly reveals the target's name and two random stats upon activation.
Fast Learning - Accelerates the user's ability to acquire new knowledge and skills by at least 8 times the normal rate, significantly reducing training and study time.
Combat Skill Mastery (Beginner)
Tactical Awareness (Beginner)
Intimidation Skill (Beginner)
Combat Aggression (Beginner)
Interrogation (Beginner)
Strategic Insight (Beginner)
Tactical Coordination (Beginner)
Covert Operations (Beginner)
Sabotage (Beginner)
Silent Movement (Beginner)
Stealth (Beginner)
Focus (Beginner)
Breathing Technique (Beginner)
[TASKS]:
Finish the training with a rating of at least C grade.
Spread the System.
[QUESTS]:
Infiltrate pirate ship undetected.(Failed)
Protect the Innocent.(Completed)
While Clotho was showing Charlie's status page to Loki, Lachesis studied Kat's, her expression one of calm admiration. "Her abilities are formidable. Most humans begin with a score no higher than ten. For someone new, these stats are nothing short of remarkable."
Loki chuckled, leaning forward with a bemused grin. "Oh, impressive, sure. But you can't compare that to Charlie's head start with two additional System Add-ons. Those tools, especially at the outset, are invaluable. And you, Lachesis, of all people, understand just how essential the right tools are."
She inclined her head, acknowledging the point. "Yes, Charlie's add-ons will allow him to be resourceful, but consider this—Kat has a Soul Weapon right from the start. That sort of power will allow her to carve a path with sheer force. In her world, brute strength and magical prowess will be far more useful than a bag of tricks."
"Maybe," Loki replied, a spark of amusement dancing in his eyes. "But it won't help her achieve the main objective—spreading the System.Sure, she can make a name for herself. But she's a one-person show. Charlie, on the other hand, has a combination made for influence: the Quest System to plant seeds of intrigue, an AI Assistant to guide him, an Inventory to keep him agile. With all of them together He'll be able to spread the System's influence in ways that raw power alone could never manage."
"Perhaps," Lachesis replied, a glint of intrigue in her eyes, "but consider that every quest Charlie creates will bring the System's existence into sharper focus. Too much attention, and he risks destabilizing his world before he has the power to protect himself. Kat, however, will be able to handle anyone who stands in her way. Her strength will speak for her, while Charlie's reliance on influence could make him vulnerable."
Loki laughed, a low, knowing sound. "Therein lies the beauty of it, dear Lachesis. While Kat's approach might be one of power, Charlie's path is one of finesse. But let's not pretend that your little touch of fate hasn't been nudging him along in a very particular direction."
Lachesis allowed herself a faint smile. "Influence and power—both will be tested. And both will show their value in time. Charlie may use the Quest System to influence others, but Kat, with her Soul Weapon, will embody the strength of the System itself."
Loki leaned back, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. "Let's see which of them rises to the challenge. Who knows? If they both succeed, we might just find that they're two sides of the same coin."
Loki leaned back, a glint of mischief lighting up his eyes as he casually drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "You know, Lachesis, I've been thinking. Watching these two might be fun, but I have a feeling Kat is going to come out on top. How about we make things a bit more interesting?" He smiled, letting the words linger in the air, inviting her to question him further.
Lachesis raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?"
Loki's smile widened. "A wager. If Kat finishes her training with a higher rating than Charlie, I want you to lend me one of Atropos's skills. Specifically, I'd like to cut her string of fate from her old world. It's tethered to a place that's already doomed—a wasteland thanks to 300 years of constant war. She's one of the best candidates I've come across in a long time, and I want to see what she's capable of if she's freed from that dying world entirely."
Lachesis tilted her head, her expression contemplative. "And if you lose?"
Loki let out a soft chuckle. "If I lose, I'll provide Charlie with something invaluable—a skill of mine. I'll bestow upon him a copy of the Lie skill at Master level. It's one of my most prized abilities, and it would give him quite the edge, don't you think?"
Lachesis folded her hands, her gaze calculating as she weighed the stakes. "So, if you win, you secure Kat's loyalty by severing her final tie to her past. But if you lose, you offer Charlie a taste of your own cunning. It's quite the wager, Loki." She allowed a faint smile to break through her composed exterior. "Very well. I accept your terms."
Loki's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Excellent. It's a rare thing to find someone who understands the thrill of a well-made bet." He extended his hand, and she accepted it with a firm grip, sealing their wager.
As soon as their hands released a subtle shimmer crossed Lachesis's face—an expression of satisfaction that Loki rarely witnessed. At that same moment, a faint pulse of energy rippled outwards, signaling a change in Charlie's system status, his newest System Ad On was finally updated.
Loki's eyes narrowed, and he chuckled, though there was an edge of frustration in his tone. "Oi, oi, that's cheating, Lachesis," he remarked, folding his arms with a mock scowl. He clearly hadn't anticipated this sudden shift and seemed only half amused.
Lachesis leaned back, a serene smile gracing her features. "Now, now, Loki. You're not the only one who knows how to play the game," she replied, her voice laced with the satisfaction of having outmaneuvered him.
Loki smirked, recognizing the craftiness behind her words. "I'll admit, you have a head start now" he conceded, eyes gleaming with renewed determination. "But don't get too comfortable. This wager is far from over."
Lachesis inclined her head gracefully, her confidence unwavering. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
[AU] So i have changed the direction the story is taking. Unfortunately I have been busy with work for the last few days and i decided to that thanks to that I am unable to provide a stable stream of chapter updates. I have had enough time to listen to the book in an audio version and also understand the point of a few of the comments where making. I was writing the book without making a plan for the future. I first started this because I wanted to make an homage to the kinds of books I used to enjoy, just to be clear the chances of you finding a retelling of the original parts of One Piece or the others is going to be almost null. I hope that with this Intermission chapter I have made it clear enough. I want to tell a proper story. The thing that I hate the most in fanfiction is that almost every time is just a retelling of the original without much innovation or change to the original plot. Its ok to keep it close with the original when the MC is weak, It makes sense when a gennin has no input on the type of mission he gets or a Hogwarts student participates as a student to the Triwizard Tournament because the school he is going to has decided so but when the MC is Superman or Goku and he goes to the ninja academy because reasons is just annoying. Its like when you are a level 120 Dragonborn and a Kajit is trying to mug you. Its only funny the first couple of times.
Anyway sorry for rumbling. What I wanted to say is that I have taken to learning how to actually write an interesting book, and realized that I had no concrete plan for the story, no theme, no believable characters arcs no end goal. I started by writing a few characters history, past history that will not even appear in the book and even their future, just by asking why. its great, I even made myself cry once lol.
I hope all who read it will enjoy it and the plan is to only update when I have written a full story arc from now on.
Thanks for reading and as always if you have any opinions or found any weird mistakes please let me know. Especially if i write something stupid. Enjoy.