Ethan Jae Park stood in his Nawala home, the hum of the city returning around him—engines, footsteps, faint chatter. Everything seemed normal. But beneath the surface, the world had shifted. Subtly. Quietly. Irrevocably.
Then it appeared.
A translucent panel shimmered into view before his eyes.
This time, there were reactions.
Across the room, Krishara paused mid-step, her expression tightening slightly as if she were focusing on something unseen. Nethan blinked, his small hands freezing for a moment before he looked around in confusion.
Everyone could see it.
But only their own.
Each person faced a window meant solely for them.
[SYSTEM INITIALIZATION – PHASE 1 COMPLETE]
[INDIVIDUAL STATUS WINDOW UNLOCKED]
Ethan focused. The panel expanded.
Name: Ethan Jae Park
Age: 25
Level: 1
Attributes:
STR: 5
AGI: 6
VIT: 5
INT: 12
Points: 1000 + 1 Mythic + Classified
Balanced. Predictable.
But not complete.
A faint flicker appeared at the edge of the interface—subtle, almost hidden.
[Hidden Attributes – Visible Only to User]
Insight: 18
Adaptability: 40
System Affinity: 46
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…So this is what it meant."
These values weren't meant for everyone. They were deeper indicators—things the system didn't openly reveal.
Only he could see them.
That alone confirmed it.
His second question had already given him an advantage.
"Ethan…"
Krishara's voice broke his focus.
He turned. She looked unsettled, but composed.
"…Did you ask your questions?" he asked.
She nodded slowly. "Yes… I think I did well."
Good.
Nethan tugged at his shirt.
"Appachchi… I asked too."
Ethan crouched slightly. "What did you ask?"
The boy thought for a moment.
"What keeps Amma safe… what makes you strong… and what I should pick."
Ethan exhaled quietly.
"…Those are good questions."
Very good.
"The system had evaluated their questions differently."
Krishara spoke again. "I received… 550 points."
Nethan followed, a little unsure. "I got… 300."
Ethan nodded once.
That was expected.
The interface shifted again.
[TALENT SELECTION PHASE INITIATED]
Multiple talents may be selected as long as sufficient points are available.
The real beginning.
"Krishara," Ethan said calmly, "don't rush. Choose carefully."
She nodded, focusing on her window.
"…There are many. Some are locked."
"Types?" he asked.
"Healing… support… growth…"
Ethan thought briefly.
"Pick something that improves over time. Not something temporary."
She took a breath and made her decision.
[Talent Acquired: Adaptive Vital Weave – Healer Type]
A second selection followed.
[Talent Acquired: Regenerative Aura – Healer Type]
Her presence subtly shifted—more stable, more resilient.
She had used her 550 points well.
Ethan turned to Nethan.
"What do you see?"
"There are bright ones… and normal ones," the boy said.
"Which is brightest?"
"This one… it feels strong."
"What does it say?"
"Defense… protection…"
"Take it."
[Talent Acquired: Iron Guard – Defense Type]
He guided the boy through the rest of his selections, ensuring every point was used effectively.
Nethan's path was clear.
Defense. Survival. Stability.
Finally, Ethan turned inward.
His interface remained open.
He had not chosen anything.
Not yet.
Then the system shifted once more.
[AVAILABLE TALENTS: UNLOCKED]
[POINTS AVAILABLE: 1000 + 1 MYTHIC + CLASSIFIED]
The selection had begun.
End of Chapter 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skill Descriptions
Krishara's Talents (Healer Path)
Adaptive Vital Weave – Healer Type
Description:
A living support system that adapts to damage and stress over time, enhancing the user's survivability and recovery efficiency.
Effects:
Gradually increases resistance to repeated types of damage
Enhances natural healing speed
Improves efficiency of all healing-type abilities
Evolves based on combat and damage experience
Special Note:
The longer the user survives in dangerous conditions, the stronger this talent becomes.
Regenerative Aura – Healer Type
Description:
A passive healing field that continuously restores vitality to the user and nearby allies.
Effects:
Slowly regenerates HP over time
Extends minor healing effects to nearby allies
Healing strength scales with user's vitality and experience
Can stabilize injured targets in critical condition
Special Note:
Low immediate impact, but extremely powerful in long battles and group survival.
Nethan's Talents (Defense Path)
Iron Guard – Defense Type
Description:
A foundational defensive talent that reinforces the body and reduces incoming damage.
Effects:
Reduces physical damage taken
Slightly increases durability and endurance
Improves resistance to impact and blunt force
Scales with level and defensive stats
Special Note:
A core defense talent with high compatibility for future upgrades and evolutions.