I stare at the rewards on my screen, grinning. +1000 Experience Points? Yes! My stats have increased significantly, and I can take on anything.
I try to keep my excitement in check, remembering that no one else knows about the Gamer System. I don't want to raise any suspicions.
"Hey, guys, I think we should check out that abandoned building on 5th Street," I say casually.
Dad looks at me thoughtfully. "That's a good idea, Ethan. We could use more supplies."
Mom nods. "Be careful, though. We don't know what's in there."
Mark hands me a flashlight. "Here, take this. Just in case."
I nod, feeling a sense of anticipation. I'm eager to explore the building and see what supplies we can find.
I glance at my updated stats:
- Strength: 31 (+5)
- Agility: 23 (+3)
- Intelligence: 12 (+2)
- Endurance: 17 (+1)
- Luck: 9 (+1)
I think to myself, "This is amazing. I can use these skills to help us survive."
The Gamer System's menu displays a message:
New Quest: Explore the Abandoned Building
Goals:
- Explore the abandoned building on 5th Street
- Gather supplies and equipment
- Find any useful information
Reward: Unknown
Three Days Later
I've been exploring the abandoned building on 5th Street, gathering supplies and equipment. We've also contacted a few other survivors, and our little group is growing.
The Gamer System's menu displays a message:
⌈Congratulations, Ethan! You have completed the following tasks:
- Explore the Abandoned Building: +800 Experience Points
- Gather Supplies and Equipment: +400 Experience Points
- Recruit New Survivors: +600 Experience Points⌋
Total Rewards:
- +1800 Experience Points
- +3 Strength
- +2 Agility
- +1 Intelligence
- +1 Endurance
- +1 Luck
- 1 Portable Generator (Provides power for 2 hours)
- 1 First-Aid Kit (Restores 100 HP)
- 1 Map of the Surrounding Area (Reveals nearby locations)
Updated Stats:
- Strength: 34 (+3)
- Agility: 25 (+2)
- Intelligence: 13 (+1)
- Endurance: 18 (+1)
- Luck: 10 (+1)
I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in my progress. We're getting stronger and more resourceful.
At first, I felt a deep sense of fear when I encountered the system; it was overwhelming. I genuinely believed that obtaining a system would be a dream come true, but now I find myself questioning that hope. While I've experienced significant personal growth through it, my heart is heavy with worry for my family. The arrival of the system has opened my eyes to the reality that this is more than just a zombie apocalypse—it's something much more sinister. I am determined to fight, and I refuse to leave my loved ones behind. Protecting my family and myself is my top priority, and I will do everything in my power to keep us safe.
I walked into the living room, where Mom was watching the news on TV. The anchor's serious expression caught my attention.
"...Reports are flooding in from around the globe of mysterious towers appearing in major cities and rural areas alike," she said. "These towers, estimated to be over 100 feet tall, have been observed emitting a strange energy signal."
Dad sat down beside Mom, his eyes fixed on the screen. "This is getting weirder by the minute."
I sat down next to them, intrigued. "What's going on?"
The anchor continued, "But that's not all. In a bizarre and unprecedented phenomenon, thousands of people worldwide have reported developing unexplained abilities. These abilities range from enhanced strength and agility to elemental powers such as fire manipulation."
I exchanged a glance with Mom and Dad. We had experienced something similar, but we hadn't told anyone about it.
The news cut to footage of people demonstrating their newfound powers. A young man conjured a small flame on his palm, while a group of people with enhanced strength worked together to lift a massive boulder.
I felt a shiver run down my spine. This was exactly what had happened to me.
The anchor's voice brought me back to reality. "According to eyewitnesses, these abilities seem to be manifesting at a beginner's level, with most individuals able to perform simple feats. However, experts warn that the full extent of these powers is still unknown."
Dad leaned forward, his eyes narrowed. "This is connected to the towers. I'm sure of it."
Mom nodded. "But what about the creatures? What's happening with them?"
The news anchor's expression turned grave. "The creatures emerging from the towers have been identified as hostile, but with a peculiar limitation. Witnesses report that these creatures, dubbed 'Tower Spawn,' are unable to venture more than 10 feet from the tower's base."
I thought back to our encounter with the creature earlier. It had seemed to be confined to a small area around the tower.
The anchor continued, "This 10-foot radius appears to be a hard limit, with the creatures becoming increasingly agitated and disoriented when attempting to breach it."
As the news broadcast ended, we sat in stunned silence. The world was changing, and we were right in the middle of it.
I glanced at my stats, still displayed on my phone:
- Strength: 34
- Agility: 25
- Intelligence: 13
- Endurance: 18
- Luck: 10
I wondered what other abilities I might develop. And what lay ahead for us.
Three Days Later
I've been helping Mom and Dad prepare for the unknown. We've stockpiled food, water, and medical supplies, and fortified our home with barricades and traps. The news has been filled with reports of Tower Spawn attacks, and we're not taking any chances.
Mom hands me a list of tasks to complete. "Ethan, can you check the fence and make sure it's secure? We don't want any unwanted visitors."
I nod, taking the list. "Got it."
As I work, I notice the neighbourhood is quieter than usual. Some families have already left, seeking safer areas. Others are preparing to defend their homes.
I finish checking the fence and move on to the next task: gathering more supplies from the nearby store.
As I walk, I see a group of people with abilities, working together to fortify their homes. One of them, a young woman, catches my eye. She's using her powers to lift heavy objects with ease.
I feel a pang of curiosity. Who is she? What's her story?
But for now, I focus on completing my tasks.
The Gamer System's menu displays a message:
Congratulations, Ethan! You have completed the following tasks:
- Fortify Home: +200 Experience Points
- Gather Supplies: +100 Experience Points
- Assist Neighbors: +50 Experience Points
Total Rewards:
- +350 Experience Points
- +2 Strength
- +1 Agility
- +1 Intelligence
Updated Stats:
- Strength: 36 (+2)
- Agility: 26 (+1)
- Intelligence: 14 (+1)
- Endurance: 18
- Luck: 10
I feel a profound sense of satisfaction as we gear up for whatever challenges lie ahead. Excitement courses through me, ignite my enthusiasm for the upcoming missions that await. There's truly nothing quite like the thrilling rush of levelling up—it feels fantastic!
I spend the next few days training in our backyard, honing my skills and observing my surroundings. I've been trying to awaken my observation skills, which would allow me to gather more information about the world around me.
The Gamer System's menu displays a message:
Awakening Skill: Observe
You have successfully awakened the Observe skill! You can now gather more information about objects, people, and environments.
Observe Skill Level: 1
I feel a surge of excitement. This skill will be incredibly useful in our new world.
As I continue to train, I notice a small, intricately carved stone on the ground. It looks like a key.
You have obtained a low-level Dungeon Key.
Description: A key that unlocks a low-level dungeon. The dungeon contains treasures and challenges suitable for beginners.
Reward: +100 Experience Points, +1 Intelligence
Updated Stats:
- Strength: 36
- Agility: 26
- Intelligence: 15 (+1)
- Endurance: 18
- Luck: 10
I examine the key, wondering what kind of dungeon it unlocks. Is it a tower? A hidden underground facility?
The key's description reads: "Dungeon: Abandoned Sewer. Recommended Level: 5-10".
I decide to keep the key to myself for now. Only I know about the Gamer System, and I'm not sure how to explain it to Mom and Dad.
I put the key in my pocket, feeling a sense of anticipation. What will I find in the Abandoned Sewer dungeon?
I continue training in our backyard, honing my skills and observing my surroundings. The Gamer System's menu displays a message:
Congratulations, Ethan! You have gained +200 Experience Points, +2 Strength, and +1 Agility.
Updated Stats:
- Strength: 38 (+2)
- Agility: 27 (+1)
- Intelligence: 15
- Endurance: 18
- Luck: 10
Feeling more confident, I decide it's time to head to the Abandoned Sewer dungeon. I make my way to the entrance, a large, ominous-looking sewer grate in the ground. As I approach, I notice that the area around me grows quieter, and the air thickens with an eerie atmosphere.
I take a deep breath, grasp the Low-Level Dungeon Key, and unlock the grate. The sound of scurrying rodents and dripping water fills my ears as I descend into the darkness. The air is musty and filled with the stench of decay.
As I explore the tunnels, I come across various creatures, from giant spiders to mutated rats. My Observe skill helps me analyze their movements and weaknesses, making it easier to take them down.
The tunnels eventually led me to a large, dimly lit chamber. In the center of the room, I find a strange, glowing artifact. Suddenly, a figure emerges from the shadows - a twisted, humanoid creature with razor-sharp claws.
"Looks like I've got my first real challenge," I mutter to myself.