The couple closed the door as they left the room.
The room got quiet except for the distant murmur beyond the door.
"ARSE," he muttered. "Do you have a user interface? If so, let's see it."
"Affirmative," ARSE's smooth, synthetic voice replied. "Activating interface now."
Suddenly, Alex's vision was overlaid with a faint digital glow. Semi-transparent text and icons hovered in the air, neatly organized like a dashboard. A soft hum accompanied the display, and ARSE's voice narrated as it appeared.
---
Alex Kael – Status Overview
Vital Stats
Health: 72/100 (Moderate neural strain detected)
Stamina: 60/100 (Fatigue affecting performance)
Energy: 45/100 (Recommend immediate replenishment)
Attributes (Average human baseline = 1.0)
Strength: 1.2 (Slightly above average due to bionics)
Agility: 1.1 (Above average reflexes noted)
Endurance: 1.0 (Average stamina; currently compromised)
Intelligence: 1.4 (Heightened neural capacity and problem-solving skills)
Perception: 1.3 (Augmented by bionic enhancements)
Charisma: 0.9 (Social skills hindered by introverted tendencies)
Skill Levels
Drone Control: Expert
Hacking: Expert
Bionics: Amateur
Biotechnology: Amateur
Combat (Unarmed): Beginner
Combat (Ranged): Amateur
Engineering: Skilled
Robotics: Skilled
Survival: Skilled
Medicine: Amateur
Artificial Intelligence: Expert
Hacking: Expert
Special Traits
Neural Adaptability: High (Allows faster synchronization with neural systems due to frequent brain stimulation)
Technical Savant: Boosts proficiency with technology-related tasks by 15%.
---
Alex's brow furrowed as he scanned the information floating before him. "This... this is like something out of a game," he muttered.
"Precisely," ARSE replied. "The overlay is designed to simplify complex diagnostics into a format familiar to the human mind. Metrics have been calibrated against average human benchmarks."
"Handy," Alex said, rubbing his chin. "But these scores... you're telling me 1.4 intelligence isn't much above average?"
"Correct. A 0.1 increase in any attribute represents a significant leap in capability. For example, strength of 1.2 places you in the top 20% of non-augmented humans."
Alex nodded slowly, impressed despite himself. "Alright. And the skill levels—how do those rankings work?"
---
Skill Ranking System
1. Beginner – Basic understanding, minimal experience.
2. Amateur – Practical knowledge, some hands-on experience.
3. Skilled – Proficient and reliable in application.
4. Expert – Advanced proficiency; capable of innovating within the field.
5. Master – Near-perfection; often recognized as a leader or innovator.
---
"Your current skills reflect both natural aptitude and limited formal training," ARSE explained. "For instance, your expertise in hacking stems from extensive practice and your adaptable neural capacity, while your combat skills remain rudimentary due to lack of experience."
"Fair enough," Alex said. He paused, his eyes narrowing on the screen. "Wait, what's this?"
A section of the overlay blinked, labeled Anomaly Detected.
"Is there something wrong?" Alex muttered, feeling a chill creep up his spine. "What's it doing now?"
"Residual data appears to be integrating further into your neural interface," ARSE replied. "Its function remains unclear, but it has altered your capabilities."
A new line appeared under Special Traits:
Anomaly Integration: Unknown effects.
Alex clenched his fists, frustration rising. "ARSE, is this thing dangerous?"
"Uncertain. No previous data for comparison. It has not caused immediate harm, but it is recommended you monitor its activity closely."
Alex sighed, leaning back against the bedframe. "Great. Another mystery on top of everything else."
He scanned the small space and checked under the bed but his suitcase and backpack were still nowhere to be found.
"ARSE," Alex whispered, pressing two fingers to his temple. "Any idea where my stuff is?"
"Unknown. ARSE is designed to revolutionize the way humans acquire and apply knowledge, bypassing traditional learning methods. Limited sensory data available." ARSE replied, "However, your belongings were likely removed for safekeeping or assessment."
"Safekeeping," Alex muttered with a dry chuckle. "Let's hope it wasn't for scavenging."
He made his way to the door. The handle was smooth and cool under his touch, and it opened with no resistance.
"Well, it's good to know they didn't lock me up." Alex said, as he peeked outside the room. "It's not like wooden doors can stop me from escaping."
Beyond the door was a cozy, average home. The living room had mismatched furniture—worn but clean—and a dining table that sat beneath a simple light fixture. A faint smell of freshly brewed tea hung in the air.
At the far end of the room, a little girl sat on the floor, reading another history book.
"You're out." Lyra said cheerfully, setting her book aside.
"Yeah," Alex said, his voice hoarse. "Do you like reading books?"
Lyra shook her head. "Mama and Papa wants me to read books everyday. They always say 'History is where knowledge came from and knowledge is power". I don't really understand it, but I don't want to disappoint them, so I just keep reading. Well, atleast, learning new things is a bit fun, so I don't get tired of it."
Alex managed a small smile as he approached the girl. Before he could say anything, footsteps came from the kitchen making him stop where he stand.
Alex turned to see a woman standing in the doorway to what looked like a small kitchen, holding a bowl of steaming soup. Her expression was calm but guarded. Behind her, a man stepped into view, arms crossed over his chest.
"Papa says I talk too much," Lyra finished in a whisper, before scurrying to her book, then muttered to herself, "I don't have much people to talk with, so I just get excited when I meet someone new."
The woman stepped forward, her eyes assessing Alex as she placed the bowl in front of him. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I got hit by a truck," Alex admitted, rubbing his temple. "But I'll survive. Thanks for pulling me out of... wherever I was."
"Cough, cough." The man coughed deliberately, his gaze lingering on Alex. "We don't know how you escaped Marik's place and we won't ask now, but we want to ask for a favor."
Alex frowned and turned back to Lyra. "Your parents seem nice."
Lyra nodded. "Mama and Papa adopted me a long time ago! They said I was their best decision ever!"
Alex tilted his head in confusion, but smiled immediately to not make things awkward.
"I'm sure they did."
The radio crackled from the corner of the room, catching Alex's attention.
A calm but firm voice came through the static.
"Attention all survivors in New Zenith. Reports of infected individuals are increasing. Symptoms include erratic behavior, discolored skin, and advanced stages of aggression. Avoid contact. Secure yourselves indoors and report any sightings to local authorities immediately."
The woman quickly turned the volume down, but not before Lyra frowned. "Mama, what's infected?"
"Nothing you need to worry about," the woman said, her tone gentle but firm. "People are getting sick and we stay away from them."
"They're not going to the doctor to get cured?"
The woman smiled and sat next to Lyra. The two chatted about the book she was reading.
Alex watched the exchange, his curiosity piqued, and yet something else caught his attention.
He stared at the bowl in front of him, barely stopping himself from devouring it right there and then.
"Aren't you going to eat?"
"I'm good, we just ate earlier."
Alex stared at the bowl for a second before finally eating a spoonful.
"Mhmm."
Scoop after scoop, Alex ate with gusto. It didn't take long before the bowl was empty. He shyly wiped his mouth.
"Listen, I need my things back. Any idea where they are?"
"Safe," the man replied, his voice clipped.
Alex frowned. "Okay... and your names? I'd like to know who I'm thanking."
The man's eyes narrowed slightly. "Not important. We're just trying to do the right thing. That's all you need to know."
Alex raised a brow. "Right. Mysterious saviors. Got it."
The woman glanced at her husband, then back at Alex. "I'm Diane and he's Alfred. The city is falling apart and we need people we can trust. Atleast, until we figure out what's truly going on."
"Fair enough," Alex said. "You mentioned you need a favor? Let's hear it. We can call it quits since you saved me when I needed help."
Alfred gave a noncommittal grunt before retreating into the kitchen. Diane followed, but not before casting a final, watchful glance at Alex.
Lyra tugged on his sleeve. "Don't mind Papa," she whispered. "He's always like that with new people."
Alex knelt slightly, meeting her gaze. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Lyra."
As she returned to her book, Alfred returned with a familiar backpack and a suitcase. Diane followed holding a stack of paper.