Morning light filtered softly through the small cottage windows, casting a warm glow over the group. Lucien, Mira, Ava, and Zane sat close together, the weight of their new reality settling in. Today, they were determined to understand the strange System that had become their lifeline in this unknown world.
Lucien broke the silence. "We've all seen the system messages, but what *is* it exactly? How do we use it?"
Zane nodded thoughtfully. "When I arrived, my system—ChronoCode—showed me basic stats like health and strength. I could see my limits, but I didn't know how to control or improve anything at first."
Ava held up a small glowing orb that had appeared in her palm the moment she woke. "This seems linked to my system. When I focus on it, menus pop up—skills, inventory, quests."
Mira's eyes widened. "Skills? Inventory? Like a game?"
Lucien smiled faintly. "Yeah, but it feels more real. More intense."
Suddenly, a soft chime echoed through the room. A translucent, floating screen appeared before them—the System Interface.
[Welcome to User Interface: System Core]
[User: Lucien (User Zero)]
[Status: Active]
[Commands: STATUS, SKILLS, INVENTORY, QUESTS, TRAINING]*
Zane encouraged, "Try typing *STATUS*."
Lucien focused and whispered, "STATUS."
The screen displayed detailed stats: health, stamina, mana, strength, agility, intelligence—all with bars showing their levels.
"Just like an RPG character sheet," Ava said.
Lucien selected *SKILLS*. "I don't have any skills unlocked yet."
Zane explained, "That's normal. Skills unlock as you survive and complete challenges."
Mira asked, "How do we train or unlock these skills?"
The system responded:
[Complete quests and trials to unlock skills.]
[Use TRAINING to practice once skills are unlocked.]
[Skills improve combat, defense, and special abilities.]
Lucien frowned thoughtfully. "So we have to survive and complete tasks to get stronger?"
"Exactly," Zane said. "It tracks everything—your progress, your growth."
Ava pointed at the screen. "Look, *QUESTS*."
The list displayed:
- *Explore the Forest*
- *Find the Source of the System*
- *Complete the First Gate Trial*
Lucien's eyes shone with determination. "We have a goal now."
Mira stood up, energized. "If this system is our only chance to get back home—or become stronger—then we need to learn it fast."
They spent the day practicing commands, testing new skills, and sharing discoveries. The System was mysterious, but it was also their key to survival and maybe, someday, freedom.
Outside, the forest whispered secrets. Inside the cottage, four friends began awakening to their true potential.