6 Chapter 6
INITIALISING MEMORY SEQUENCE PROGRAMME SYSYEM
"What!"
Alden, startled, turned around swiftly, searching for the source of the mysterious voice that had just addressed him.
"Hello," he spoke, thinking perhaps there was someone with him inside the luxurious room. He became increasingly aware of the opulence surrounding him, from the intricately designed furniture to the elegant chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room exuded an air of wealth and sophistication that contradicted his confusion.
"ANYONE HERE!" he shouted, his voice echoing. The call seemed to bounce off the lavish walls, but there was no response. Alden, now feeling a mixture of confusion and urgency, stared with eyes mixed vigilance.
As his gaze darted around, he couldn't find anyone but his own presence. The silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant sounds of the bustling city below. Alden felt a chill run down his spine, uncertain about the origin of the voice.
With the looming presence of silence, Alden's hands began to shake. He shouted again,
"IF YOU DONT COME OUT, ILL CALL THE POLICE" His voice echoed through the luxurious room, but there was still no sign of anyone or anything physically present.
There was nothing.
Moments passed, and as his words hung in the air, an interface began to glow faintly, revealing a spectral presence that even his eyes could not have noticed. A tiny dot of codes right in front of his eyes began to enlarge. It was then that a soft glow appeared in front of him, forming into a translucent, floating screen with intricate patterns.
Alden, still grappling with the surreal nature of his surroundings, His eyes widened in both disbelief and intrigue as the ghostly glow revealed intricate symbols and information, floating in the air like an otherworldly hologram.
[Welcome, Alden] A mechanical voice echoed.
Alden, with wide eyes, froze in his spot, daring not to move or blink. He stared at the holographic words that displayed his name, the realization sinking in. The voice that he had just heard finally began to register as the same voice he had heard while reminiscing about his drunken night.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Alden muttered, his disbelief evident in his tone.
*TING*
The holographic words changed and a mechanical voice echoed
[No. This is not a joke]
Alden's mind raced with a blend of astonishment and apprehension. There was nothing there that could distract him from the intrigue of the amazing interface. Such a simplistic yet technologically advanced display.
[Cool,] he thought, his finger moving almost on its own, compelled to touch the captivating trick before him.
As his finger touched the display, a prompt sounded.
*TING*
MEMORY SEQUENCE Initializing
Before he could even contemplate the weight of what he had just heard, a pulsating throb enveloped his brain, as if an invisible force were relentlessly pounding it with a cosmic hammer. The sensation intensified, casting him into a state of disoriented discomfort.
AAARRRRghghh
Alden writhed in agony, a torment unlike any he had ever experienced. His hands clenched his head, fingers entangled in dishevelled hair, as he unleashed primal screams that echoed through the room. Unaware of the incongruity of his surroundings, he convulsed on the bed, a child's body contorted in the throes of excruciating pain, a stark contrast to the 30-year-old trapped within.
[stop]
[stop] Alden's mouth agape, no words escaped, only an expression that mirrored a being ensnared in suffocation.
*TING*
MEMORY SEQUENCE LOADING.15% .56% .99%
The pain that gripped to no end, the agony that ushered his hair to be pulled in to end, Suddenly stopped.
*TING*
[Initialising memory sequence complete]
A shimmering glow emerged before him, shaping into a visible interface. It looked like a sophisticated video game menu, complete with floating lines of code. This mystical system seemed like a guide, inviting Alden to discover its features and embark on a journey through a realm filled with possibilities.
[Welcome, Alden, to the System Interface] a mechanical voice echoed inside his head, its tone carrying an air of mystery.
As Alden stood there, eyes fixed on the holographic display, a residual ache lingered in his head from the intense pain he had experienced moments ago. The pain seemed to be subsiding gradually, replaced by a dull throbbing sensation.
He gingerly rubbed his temples, as if trying to massage away the remnants of the discomfort. Closing his eyes briefly, he took a deep breath, allowing the cool night air to fill his lungs. The soothing breeze carried a sense of tranquillity, helping him shake off the remnants of the unsettling pain.
The holographic interface continued to glow softly, inviting him to explore its enigmatic features. Determined to regain his composure, Alden focused on the calming atmosphere around him,
*TING*
INTIALISTION COMPLETE
*TING*
DATA COLLECTION COMPLETE
*TING*
ANALYSATIONS COMPLETE.
*TING*
[Welcome, host,] a mechanical voice echoed,
Its resonance weaving through the very fabric of Alden's consciousness. The words carried a weight of ancient knowledge and untold secrets, as if the voice itself held the key to a realm beyond comprehension.
As the voice reverberated, a subtle vibration resonated in the air, creating an otherworldly ambiance. The holographic display before Alden seemed to respond, glowing with an intensified brilliance. The lines of code danced and shimmered, as if awakened by the acknowledgment of their new guest.
In this moment, Alden felt a peculiar connection, as if the mechanical voice and the holographic interface were entities of a higher order, welcoming him into a realm that transcended the boundaries of ordinary existence. The profound nature of the greeting left him both intrigued and apprehensive, setting the stage for a journey into the unknown.
[Congratulations, you have been rewarded.] The mechanical voice echoed,
its tone carrying a subtle note of approval. As the words lingered in the air, a prompt materialized within the holographic interface.
Alden, intrigued by the prospect of claiming his reward, extended his hand toward the shimmering display. His fingertip lightly tapped the floating lines of code, and in an instant, the interface responded. The touch triggered a cascade of ethereal patterns, as if Alden's connection with the system had been acknowledged.
As he tapped, the lines of code rearranged themselves, forming a cohesive message:
[Tap to Claim Reward]
Alden hesitated for a moment, then pressed his fingertip firmly against the holographic display. The interface responded with a gentle *TING* sound, and a surge of energy pulsed through him. The reward, a mysterious essence, manifested before his eyes, a shimmering glow that hinted at untold possibilities.
With this simple interaction, Alden realized the power at his fingertips, a gateway to unlock the rewards and challenges that awaited him within the enigmatic embrace of the System Interface.
Alden hands shook,
Suddenly, a surge of warmth engulfed him, seeping into his very essence. It was as if the energy of the reward had merged with his being, leaving an indescribable sensation in its wake. Alden felt revitalized, as if a newfound strength coursed through his veins.
The System Interface flickered momentarily before unveiling a new set of options:
1. *Skills*
2. *Inventory*
3. *Abilities*
4. *Status*
[Does host wish to unlock reward?] the mechanical voice echoed in Alden's mind once again, presenting a mysterious proposition.
"what"
[Does host wish to unlock?] the mechanical voice echoed in Alden's mind
"Unlock what?" Alden queried, a hint of curiosity mixed with uncertainty in his voice.
[Unlocking your rewards. Would you like to proceed?]
"What am I unlocking?" he pressed further, seeking clarity.
[The silver-grade box reward] the mechanical voice echoed in Alden's mind
Alden's eyes flickered between the options on the holographic display. The prospect of unlocking rewards in this mysterious system intrigued him, and with a curiosity for more he enquired
"What's in the sliver-grade box?" Alden eyes squinted, starring at the System Interface.
[The contents are a reflection of your aspirations and strengths, to assist host on his journey] the mechanical voice echoed.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with curiosity. Alden spoke.
"So, it's like a personalized reward? What could be in there?"
[Yes, The contents of the silver-grade box are crafted based on your inner desires and the strengths you exhibit. It holds the potential to empower you in ways that align with your ambitions.] The mechanical voice echoed
Alden couldn't help but ponder the possibilities. The thrill of the unknown and the promise of something uniquely tailored to him fuelled his curiosity. With a determined nod, he said,
"Seems promising, but. Id like to know one thing" Alden spoke with a cautious tone.
He allowed a brief pause, contemplating the weight of his question. Living a life on the edge had instilled in Alden a natural instinct to question everything. This scepticism, forged through years of navigating a world of uncertainties, had become an intrinsic part of him.
Pausing further, he reflected on the peculiar circumstances surrounding him. A lingering doubt tugged at the back of his mind—could this all be an elaborate dream or a manifestation of his subconscious mind? Has perhaps his unconscious's
In this moment of uncertainty, Alden's gaze remained fixed on the holographic interface, awaiting answers to his lingering questions. The tantalizing allure of the silver-grade box was met with a hint of reservation as he sought to uncover the truth behind the system's promises.
"Who are you?"
"Why are you offering me this?"
Alden inquired, a mixture of suspicion and curiosity colouring his tone. The holographic display shimmered, awaiting a response from the enigmatic source.
