As Katie and Hayden stepped down from the ring, still breathless from their match, a familiar sound echoed in everyone's mind.
Ding!
A message from the system appeared in front of them:
System:
Congratulations! Thanks to your efforts and intense combat, your stats have been improved.
Hayden: Endurance +10, Agility +10
Katie: Endurance +10, Agility +10
A translucent screen then appeared in front of Katie, similar to the one Hayden had been seeing for several days. The group stared, stunned.
Updated Stats – Hayden
Name: Hayden
Strength: 200
Agility: 210
Endurance: 210
Intelligence: Grayed out
Wisdom: Grayed out
Weapon Mastery: 10%
Current Rank: Adult
Next Rank: Senior (Enhanced perception, detection of levels 2 and 3)
Body Level: 5%
Stats – Katie
Name: Katie
Strength: 200
Agility: 210
Endurance: 210
Intelligence: Grayed out
Wisdom: Grayed out
Weapon Mastery: Not available
Current Rank: Adult
Next Rank: Senior (Enhanced perception, detection of levels 2 and 3)
Body Level: 0%
Katie (staring at the screen in disbelief):
"Wait… what is this? Why do I have this now too?"
Flora (mouth agape):
"This is… it's just like Hayden's. Well, almost!"
William (squinting, puzzled):
"But how is that possible? She doesn't have a system… does she?"
It was then that Blue, hovering over Hayden's shoulder, spoke up.
Blue (calmly, but with a certain authority):
"No, Katie doesn't have a system. What has appeared is a direct consequence of her desire and determination to stand alongside Hayden and the group. The system responds to certain deep emotions or needs, and her fierce fight against Hayden acted as a trigger."
Katie (crossing her arms, smiling):
"So basically, I'm so amazing that the system gave me a boost? Not bad, huh?"
Hayden (sarcastically, amused):
"Or maybe the system figured you needed a hand so you wouldn't embarrass yourself next time."
Mary (analytical, jotting things down):
"What's fascinating is that Katie has no weapon mastery listed. That confirms the system's activation in her case is incomplete or limited."
Flora (in awe):
"But that's so cool! Does this mean we could all get something like that one day?"
Blue (serious):
"It's not impossible, but it will depend on your actions, emotions, and goals. The system isn't something that can be simply shared. Every connection must be earned."
The group fell silent for a moment, each reflecting on what this might mean. Katie, however, was visibly thrilled. She did a few stretches to test her improved agility, a radiant smile lighting up her face.
Katie (to Hayden):
"Well, boss, you'd better get ready, because next time, I'm taking you down! With these stats, I'm unbeatable."
Hayden (chuckling):
"We'll see. But don't forget—having stats is one thing. Knowing how to use them is another."
The rest of the group watched them, caught somewhere between amusement and curiosity about what the future would bring.
As the group recovered from Blue's revelations and Katie's sudden stat boost, a heavy presence suddenly filled the gym. The light seemed to flicker, and a strange warmth—almost solar—permeated the air.
Sol (with a deep, resonant voice, laced with a hint of irony):
"Well, well… what an interesting spectacle. Humans—so weak, so insignificant—and yet, still so fascinating. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Sol. I'm quite sure you've sensed me… or at least you have, Blue."
Everyone turned toward the voice. There, standing in a halo of golden light, was a man with sun-colored skin and brilliantly blond hair. He stood with a relaxed, almost condescending posture. His loose white trousers moved slightly as if catching an invisible breeze.
The group stood frozen, caught between fear and confusion.
Flora (whispering, panicked):
"Who… who is this guy? And how did he get in here?"
Katie (instinctively stepping in front of the group, ready to act):
"We're not afraid of you! Whoever you are!"
Hayden (clenching his fists, frowning):
"Sol, huh? What do you want?"
Sol (chuckling lightly, amused):
"Calm down, young man. I'm not here to fight—at least, not yet. I'm simply curious about what the system has made of you. A handful of humans desperately trying to survive... Fascinating, really."
Blue, who had remained still and silent until now, suddenly reacted. His bluish light flared, and he moved in front of Hayden as if to protect him. His voice was deeper than usual, tinted with an unusual emotion—a mix of recognition and caution.
Blue:
"Sol… here? Why reveal yourself now? You're supposed to stay in the shadows, only interfering as a last resort. What are you really after?"
Sol (smiling with sarcastic fondness):
"Ah, Blue. Still so... limited. I see you haven't regained your memories yet. That explains why you're so attached to these humans. Let me remind you of something: this system you cherish so much was designed for a far greater purpose than playing babysitter to a bunch of kids."
The group exchanged confused looks. This sudden revelation shook Hayden, but he stayed focused.
Hayden (looking at Blue, concerned):
"Blue? What's he talking about? Did you know who he was?"
Blue (reassuring, but with a hint of uncertainty):
"I... I didn't remember. But now, some things are coming back. Sol and I... we were created by the same entity. But our purposes are different. He observes and judges. I guide and support. Don't doubt me—I'm here to help you, no matter what."
William (voice trembling):
"So… this man is… like you?"
Sol (laughing softly):
"No, little human. Blue and I are like day and night. He represents calm, structure… I am the burning light, the one that reveals hidden truths. But don't worry, I'm not your enemy. Not yet, at least."
Mary (frowning, analytical):
"Then why come here? What's your objective?"
Sol (seriously, locking his golden gaze with Mary's):
"My goal? To observe—for now. But prepare yourselves: the world you think you know is about to change. And Blue, don't forget... this is all just a game, a piece of a much larger plan. Wake up before it's too late."
Before anyone could respond, Sol slowly raised his hand. A soft, almost soothing warmth spread throughout the room.
Sol:
"We will meet again. And when that time comes, be ready."
With those words, Sol lifted an arm, and his white scarf wrapped around him. In an instant, he vanished into a burst of brilliant golden light, leaving the group stunned.
Katie (finally exploding):
"WHAT?! What the hell was that?! A god? An alien? Someone explain!"
Hayden (staring at where Sol had stood):
"Blue... tell us everything. What he said about you, about the system—what is all this?"
Blue (calming):
"I don't remember everything yet, but one thing is certain: no matter what he says, I am here to help you. Sol has his own vision of the world, but don't let him distract you from your purpose—surviving, and becoming stronger. Together, we can overcome this."
Though Blue's words were tinged with uncertainty, they reassured the group. But one thing was clear: Sol was no mere observer. His words echoed in everyone's minds, leaving behind a deep unease about what lay ahead.
The encounter with Sol left a heavy mark on everyone's minds. After his sudden and mysterious departure, the gym felt eerily silent, the tension thick in the air. The warmth of his presence still lingered, and each of them felt smaller in the face of what awaited.
Hayden (with a serious expression, trying to hide his worry):
"We can't afford to get comfortable anymore. Now we know—it's not just about zombies… There's something much bigger behind all this."
Katie (determined, clenching her fists):
"Then we have no choice. We have to be ready for anything. It's not just about punches anymore—it's about strategy, too. We need to get stronger and better equipped."
Flora (nodding, trying to stay upbeat):
"We'll have to step out of our comfort zone. Learn to defend ourselves even better. And hey, we have the system, right? This is our chance to grow, to find out what we're really capable of."
Mary (thoughtful, hand to her chin):
"There's also the matter of our abilities. What Sol said wasn't random. Maybe it's up to us to decide how far we can go, to define our own limits—and when to push beyond them."
William (with a faint smile, but worry in his eyes):
"Looks like the game's only just begun, huh? But if the system's giving us powers to fight, we've got a shot. We just have to learn how to use them right."
Blue (speaking more softly now, but with a weight in his voice):
"What you're feeling is natural. Uncertainty, fear... it's human. But remember, it's not only threats that lie ahead—there are also opportunities. The system can help you evolve, help you grow. What you achieve together will be far greater than anything you could do alone."