The System's voice resonated with a slight edge of anticipation, cutting through the still air like a drumbeat of destiny.
[Host, First, you will access simulations—pocket dimensions tailored to accelerate your growth. Within them, you will fight, survive, and adapt, gaining combat experience far beyond what this pitiful world could ever offer. You will uncover abilities unique to you, honed to perfection.]
Arin perked up slightly, his exhaustion momentarily overshadowed by curiosity. "Simulations? You mean I'll be like… training?"
A deep chuckle rumbled through the System's voice, sending a shiver down Arin's spine.
[Training is a polite term. These simulations are battles. Trials. Places where the strong survive and the weak are erased without a second thought. You will either emerge stronger… or you will cease to exist. No retries, no mercy.]
…
Arin gulped, the fire of determination flickering against the cold gust of reality. "Sounds... intense."
The System pressed on...
[Second, Host I will provide knowledge—the foundation of power. You will understand the multiverse, its infinite dimensions, and the hierarchy of beings that inhabit them step by step as you stronger. You will learn how to exploit their weaknesses. Even the most invincible beings have flaws, and I will teach you how to rip those flaws wide open.]
The mention of exploiting weaknesses made Arin sit up straighter.
His mind immediately went to Kal-El, the so-called Golden God. "And what about him?"
Arin's voice carried a sharp edge. "How do I beat Kal-El? A guy like him probably doesn't have weaknesses. You said it yourself—his power extends across dimensions. How am I supposed to take down someone like that?"
The System hesitated; a subtle pause that made Arin uneasy.
…
…
Then it replied, its tone heavy with a rare seriousness.
[Host, Kal-El is no ordinary opponent. His power transcends comprehension, and his awareness reaches far beyond time and space. To defeat him, you must ascend. You must evolve to a level where even his godhood becomes insignificant. Only then can you stand a chance.]
Arin clenched his fists, frustration and determination swirling within him. "Ascend, evolve, grow stronger… You make it sound so simple."
[It is not simple, Host] the System said bluntly, a hint of amusement threading through its deep voice.
[It is brutal. Painful. And it will require sacrifices you cannot yet fathom. But]
It added, the tone shifting slightly [Host, it is possible. And for someone as desperate as you, possible is all that matters.]
Arin couldn't help but smirk, despite the growing unease. "Alright, fine. Let's get to it. Show me what to do."
The System's voice dropped to a mockingly gentle cadence,
[Oh, we're eager now, are we? I'll keep that enthusiasm in mind when you're screaming for mercy later.]
Arin rolled his eyes, his confidence masking the knots twisting in his gut. "Just tell me how to start."
The System's response was immediate, its tone returning to its commanding authority.
[Very well, Host. Your first quest is to survive the simulation. I will not hold your hand. I will not intervene. You will face challenges tailored to break you. Succeed, and you will gain power. Fail, and you will die.]
"Yeah, yeah, survival. Got it. Bring it on," Arin said, trying to sound braver than he felt.
The System chuckled again, a sound that felt like a boulder grinding against stone [Bold words. Let's see if they hold up.]
Before Arin could retort, his vision wavered. The forest around him dissolved into a blur, the sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves fading into a deafening silence. Then, with a rush of pressure, the world shattered like glass, replaced by a swirling vortex of radiant energy.
Arin felt weightless, like he was falling yet floating at the same time, his body pulled and twisted through the fabric of reality itself.
"What the hell is happening?!" he shouted, his voice lost in the void.
[You are entering the simulation]the System replied, its tone infuriatingly calm amidst the chaos. [Prepare yourself, Host. This is no game.]
The vortex pulsed with blinding flashes of light, and Arin felt a surge of sensations—heat, cold, gravity, and weightlessness—all crashing over him in dizzying waves. He fought to keep his focus, his breaths coming in sharp gasps. "Couldn't you have warned me?!" he barked.
[Consider this your first lesson] the System said with a smug edge.
[The multiverse doesn't warn you, boy. It crushes you if you're not ready. Get used to it.]
Arin gritted his teeth, the frustration sparking his resolve. "I swear, if I survive this, the first thing I'm doing is finding a way to change your damn voice. You sound like a grouchy old man."
The System's laughter rumbled through the void like thunder.
[Change my voice? How amusing. Focus on surviving, little Host, before you start making requests.]
Arin was about to snap back when the vortex suddenly spat him out into a barren, alien landscape. He hit the ground hard, the impact driving the air from his lungs. Groaning, he pushed himself to his knees, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Jagged, obsidian mountains loomed in the distance, and the sky above churned with swirling black clouds, streaked with flashes of crimson lightning.
"What… where am I?" he muttered, still catching his breath.
[This is your first simulation] the System intoned, its voice echoing ominously in his mind.
[Welcome to the Valley of Predators. Survive or die. No other options.]
Arin's eyes narrowed as a guttural roar echoed from somewhere behind him, followed by the sound of claws scraping against stone. His heart pounded as he turned, catching sight of a massive, reptilian creature barreling toward him, its glowing red eyes locked onto its prey.
[Survive or die] the System repeated, its voice carrying a hint of amusement.
[Good luck, Host.]
"Yeah, screw you too!" Arin yelled, scrambling to his feet as the beast closed the distance, its fangs gleaming. His journey had begun.
…
...
To Be Continued…