Ecco il secondo capitolo con più dettagli e una narrazione più coinvolgente.
Chapter 2: The System Awakens
Terry remained motionless for several minutes, staring at the spot where Jen had disappeared. His thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, struggling to make sense of what had just happened. His clothes were still damp from the cold water, sticking uncomfortably to his skin, while his wrist pulsed with a dull ache from the strange chip that had been embedded in it.
"This has to be a joke, right? Maybe Jenny's trying to mess with me after our breakup… but this is way too elaborate."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. The logical part of his brain told him that this was impossible. But then again, logic didn't explain the glowing screen that had briefly flickered above his wrist.
There was only one way to find out.
He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and shouted:
"System!"
A sudden chime echoed in his mind, like the soft ding of a notification. Before his eyes, a translucent blue screen materialized, floating in mid-air. His pulse quickened.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Terry
Race: Human
Strength: 3
Agility: 4
Intelligence: 7
Power: ???
Constitution: 5
Terry's mouth went dry.
"No way… This is just like in video games."
He reached out instinctively, expecting his fingers to pass through the projection, but instead, he felt a faint resistance, like touching the surface of water. He hesitated before swiping his hand, and to his amazement, the screen shifted, revealing additional options.
Before he could explore further, another screen appeared beside it, except this time, it wasn't just text—it was a book, floating in mid-air. The cover was dark, ancient-looking, with glowing golden letters that shifted as he tried to focus on them. The book opened on its own, and words began forming across its pages, as if written by an unseen hand.
"Two years from now, a portal will open, bringing forth beings from other worlds. The Earth will be invaded, and humanity will struggle for survival. After countless battles, a new generation will rise—the Cultivators."
Terry's breath hitched.
"A portal? An invasion? Cultivators… like in those fantasy novels?"
The words sent a chill down his spine. He had always been a fan of RPGs and cultivation stories, but this wasn't a game—this was real. If what this book said was true, then in just two years, the world as he knew it would change forever.
"But why me? What does any of this have to do with me?"
As if in response to his thoughts, the book flickered, and a new object appeared in the air before him—a worn-out notebook, floating gently down into his hands.
His fingers trembled as he touched it. He recognized the texture immediately. It was his own.
Flipping through the pages, his eyes widened.
It was a collection of theories and ideas he had written years ago. One particular concept stood out, something he had long forgotten:
VGP – Vital Growth Pulse.
It was a theory he had come up with after years of experiencing that strange sensation—an electric thrill that ran through his body whenever he was under stress. According to his notes, if properly controlled, this sensation could allow a person to command every cell in their body, enhancing physical and mental capabilities beyond normal human limits.
He had once believed it was just a crazy idea. But now…
"No… It couldn't be… Could it?"
A new notification popped up in front of him.
[SYSTEM ARCHIVE ACCESSED]
Available Data: Basic Breathing Technique
All other techniques are currently locked. Unlock conditions unknown.
Terry's eyes narrowed. Most of the system's files were grayed out, inaccessible. But one entry was available.
"A breathing technique?"
Without hesitation, he selected it.
[Basic Breathing Technique acquired.]
A sudden rush of information flooded his mind. He gasped, stumbling back as images and sensations overwhelmed his senses. He could feel it—the precise rhythm, the controlled inhale and exhale, the subtle shifts in oxygen distribution that could optimize his body's performance.
It was simple, yet profound.
"So this is how it starts…"
He clenched his fists, staring at the system windows before him.
The rest of the knowledge was locked. But if there was one thing he had learned from every game and story, it was that nothing stayed locked forever. There had to be a way to unlock more abilities, to grow stronger.
"If this is real… If what Jen said is true… then I have two years to prepare."
A slow, determined grin spread across his face.
"Challenge accepted."