System

With a start, he opened his eyes, confused about his whereabouts. Just moments ago, he was analyzing the other sergeants' craters. Now, he found himself covered in blood, in a small, dark room, isolated from the outside world but illuminated by a bright bluish hologram-like screen.

He wondered what was written there as he slowly got up, using his legs for support and ignoring his seemingly unharmed shoulder. Why was he here when he was just climbing up the long cliff? The strange script provided the answer.

[Name: Kaiden Lain]

[Age: 18]

[Status: Awakened]

[Level 1]

[Ability: Molecular Manipulation]

[Karma Points 1]

What is this? Level 1?

Molecular Manipulation?

Karma Points?

What does all this mean?

Wiping his hands through the hologram, Kaiden realized it wasn't real. He wondered if it was like in those video games, but he had no clue, as he had other matters to attend to and no extra money. With these questioning thoughts, more information seemed to emerge.

[Sacrifice: Memories and Mass]

"What do you want from me?" Kaiden asked in a voice that sounded louder than he intended.

"What is all this? Memories? Why am I even here?"

With these words leaving his mouth, he seemed to understand everything, and a spark of insight struck him. With a lift of his arm and a cradle to the back of his head, he whispered as his eyes widened.

"Wait, have I gained my ability now?"

Reflecting inward, lost in deep thought, he thought it would make sense. A hologram suddenly appeared before him. He had been lying on the ground, blood-soaked, even though he was doing something entirely different before, due to the sacrifice of memory.

As he concluded, he also realized that due to his loss of memories, he did indeed have an ability. But how do I use it, he wondered, following his train of thought. Shortly after, the text changed again.

[Would you like to begin the tutorial?]

"What does that mean?"

[Yes or No?]

After a brief moment of thought, Kaiden decided to say yes, as he needed more information. Shortly after, a new text brightly lit up before him.

[Tutorial begins…]

[Defeat another contender and take their name tag]

[Reward: 5XP and -1 Karma points]

As he read the illuminating text, it seemed to be the only source of light. Kaiden, who now appeared somewhat pleased, as he understood he could become stronger, was still perplexed, as he didn't fully grasp his ability.

Could he simply manipulate things? If so, could he create gold from stone? Or could he manipulate his body, or in general, could he be like a god?

Shortly after, the writing on the glowing, seemingly transparent panel changed again.

[Is an explanation of your ability necessary?]

[Yes or No?]

Kaiden, who was somewhat agitated, as such a message should normally come first, eventually said yes, as he needed information about his ability.

As the bright white text changed once again, he hoped for as few restrictions as possible. It would be best if he could do what he imagined.

[Please choose from one of these categories]

[Limitations by Your Own Level]

[Level System]

[Sacrifices]

Kaiden, who couldn't make much sense of these terms, decided to work through all the facts chronologically. Once again, the text changed as he sought information about the level limitation.

"You are currently in the beginner area and in the first part of your awakening. Due to this, you can initially only learn inorganic manipulation of molecules.

Also, as you are still level 1, you have no high-level abilities in this regard. Because of your level 1, you can only manipulate limited things in limited quantities."

Somewhat disappointed that Kaiden could only control so little, and with limited control at that, he still seemed motivated. At least he wouldn't be on the edge, and everything else he thought of could be achieved eventually.

He wanted to continue, and the next explanation, which covered the level system, went on.

[The Level System]

[There are different levels and multiple parts of awakening. This one of yours includes two: inorganic and organic manipulation of molecules. There isn't much information that can be given to you.

However, your next level advancement will be at 100 XP and will provide you with more opportunities for your ability. Experience points can be obtained through assignments from the system, including the one you received today.]

As Kaiden read these sentences, he didn't care about his current situation or how bad it might be. He didn't want to rush anything, but with this confirmation, he felt sure.

If he could manipulate organic molecules, then he could also manipulate his own body and possibly even eradicate his tumor, achieving eternal life if needed. But that would have to wait, as Kaiden needed to focus on the here and now.

With these thoughts pushed to the back of his mind, he seemed entirely focused on the sentences of the apparent hologram.

[Sacrifices]

"These are sacrifices that are made for using the ability. Some have less, and some have more. This one has two. First, for using the ability, the same mass must be sacrificed, which one is trying to create. This means if you want to create a sword from stone, you would have to sacrifice the same mass. Additionally, memories are sacrificed, which means memories are either lost or rewritten. However, this varies depending on the type of manipulation."

With a now clearer understanding of his ability, Kaiden seemed pleased despite the initial limitations. He was sure everything would turn for the better. He thought he could now live his life as he wanted and become stronger than ever before, as long as he put in the effort.

But with these thoughts, the dark room grumbled again, and mild to strong vibrations echoed through the dark surroundings. The cave seemed to move again, but this time there was no side crack or hole in the floor.

On the contrary, a hole in the ceiling stretched out, and the black floor seemed to turn bluish as the platform Kaiden stood on rose. With the end of a loud bang, Kaiden also realized that it was gradually getting colder.

With the environment also appearing brighter, Kaiden finally realized it. He was back in the environment just before he fell.