It's been a day since it happened, and I still can't believe it.
I stared at the screen, trying to make sense of what was unfolding.
---
[System Status Board]
Name: Kael Draven
Rank: D-Rank
Level: 1
Title: Gate's Dead Weight
Experience (EXP): 0 / 100
Health (HP): 1 / 120
Stamina (SP): 1 / 80
Mana (MP): 0 / 50
---
What is this thing? Why now?
I rubbed my eyes, but the screen didn't vanish. It was still there, hovering in my vision like some cruel joke.
Suddenly, I heard Nido's voice, cutting through my thoughts. "Did something happen during your raid last night? Maybe some good news? You've been staring at thin air like you're waiting for a magic show. Or are you just finally realizing how bad your fashion taste is?"
I blinked and looked up, meeting his playful grin. I snapped out of my trance, realizing I was still sitting in the public café with my best friend, Nido. I had completely forgotten where I was, lost in the labyrinth of this strange system that had appeared out of nowhere. The fact that I was now staring at a glowing, interactive screen in the middle of a crowded café probably looked insane to anyone watching.
He was clearly in one of his usual joking moods, but I couldn't help the uneasy feeling bubbling in my chest. Still, his comment about my fashion didn't go unnoticed.
I glanced down at my outfit. To be honest, I wasn't exactly winning any style awards. I had on a worn-out black hoodie that looked a size too big, the fabric faded from countless washes. The sleeves were frayed, and the hood had that "I've been stretched too many times" look. My jeans were a few sizes too loose, the kind that you wear when you've given up on trying to find the perfect fit. They were held up by a ragged belt that had seen better days, and my sneakers—well, they were comfortable, but definitely not stylish. They had scuff marks from overuse, and the soles had lost that fresh bounce.
I wasn't exactly the picture of fashion-forward thinking. In fact, if I had to describe my style in one word, it would probably be *functional*. I dressed for comfort, not for looks. The only thing that might've saved me from being a total lost cause was the fact that my hoodie was black, and black, well, black was timeless. Or at least that's what I told myself.
I met Nido's amused gaze and shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Hey, this hoodie is vintage, alright? It's got character. Plus, who needs fashion when you've got survival as your priority?"
Nido raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Uh-huh, sure. I'll bet that hoodie is vintage in a 'it's been hanging in your closet since middle school' kind of way. But seriously, Kael, you could use a makeover. Maybe I should start a GoFundMe for your wardrobe."
I grinned, shaking my head. "Nah, I'm good. You know I'm not one for trends. I prefer comfort over looking like I just walked out of a fashion magazine. But hey, if you want to buy me a new wardrobe, I'm all ears."
He laughed and threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll let you live with your unique fashion sense."
I couldn't help but chuckle. Nido had a point, I suppose. But honestly? It was just easier to stick with what I knew. Fashion was never a priority for me—especially when I had other things to worry about. But the way Nido laughed and teased me, it almost made me forget about the system for a second.
Nido raised an eyebrow, casually sipping his coffee. "You've been acting like someone stole your favorite gaming console. What's up with you? Did you get hit by a truck in your sleep?"
I quickly glanced around, making sure no one could see the screen. "Uh, yeah, I'm fine. Just... tired, you know? Long night. Nothing special," I lied, forcing a weak smile.
Nido wasn't convinced. "Tired, huh? You sure it's just that? I thought you were supposed to be a professional at this stuff. You look like someone just told you the apocalypse is coming and you missed the memo."
I scratched my head, trying to focus. "Really, it's nothing. Just... thinking about some stuff, okay?" I turned my attention back to the screen, careful to keep it hidden behind the table. The prompt still hovered in front of me:
---
[Would you like to increase your skills?]
[Yes] [No]
---
"Look, if you're gonna keep zoning out on me, I'm going to start thinking you've finally gone full weirdo mode." Nido laughed, clearly not noticing how serious I was about this.
"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about me," I muttered, trying to focus on anything else. "Just, uh, bad sleep or something."
"Sure, Kael. Bad sleep," Nido replied, giving me a side-eye. "You know, you're lucky you're a D-rank and not an F-rank, or I might be talking to the air right now." He leaned back, looking like he was enjoying his own joke. "I mean, imagine—me sitting here, holding a conversation with a chair, just because my buddy is too busy turning into a ghost. That would be way too creepy for me."
I forced a chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. "Yeah, lucky for you, I'm still here."
"Right," Nido said, as if his mind had already moved on to the next thing. "Anyway, are you going to tell me what's going on anytime soon? Or am I going to have to play detective and start guessing?"
I shrugged, pushing the screen out of view. "It's nothing. Just... thinking about some stuff, alright?"
Nido was a good friend. I knew he meant well, but there was no way I could tell him about the system. It was too much, too confusing, and honestly, it felt like something that was mine to figure out. I couldn't even explain it to myself, so how could I explain it to anyone else?
"Alright, if you say so. Just don't make me have to slap you out of your weird trance again. The last thing I need is for you to get caught in some strange dimension and me having to come rescue your sorry ass."
I managed another smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
I quickly tapped the screen, making my choice without looking at it too closely.
"Fine. Yes."
And just like that, the screen flickered and vanished.
Nido was still talking, oblivious to the moment I just had. I stared at the empty space where the screen had been, wondering what I'd just gotten myself into.
"Come on, stop acting like you're about to break into song or something. Let's go grab some food."
"Yeah," I muttered. "Let's go."
As we left the café, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life had just changed forever.
I wasn't sure how. I wasn't sure why.
But the system... it was real.