Frustration and Progress

Chapter 24: Frustration and Progress

Zed sank into the electrolyte bath, his muscles screaming in protest from another brutal training session. The cool, tingling sensation slowly seeped into his bones, offering a modicum of relief. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and called out to the Dimensional Simulator.

"System, status update," he murmured, his fingers gripping the edges of the bath tightly.

The air shimmered, and a holographic interface materialized before him. The Dimensional Simulator's cold, analytical voice rang out, tinged with an almost imperceptible hint of boredom. "Analyzing Host's current stats."

Zed's digital avatar appeared in the center of the interface, a subtle idealization of his current form. He couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as he gazed at this version of himself—a reminder of what he once was and what he desperately hoped to become again.

The familiar Dynamic Stat Wheel began to take shape around the avatar. Five segments illuminated one by one: Strength, Endurance, Agility, Dexterity, and Soul-Vision. Zed watched with a mixture of anticipation and dread, his heart rate quickening despite the soothing bath.

"Your overall performance," the Simulator continued, its voice echoing in the vast space of Zed's mind, "is still graded at Level nothing, but you have progressed 6% towards Level E."

A long progress bar appeared, showcasing the various levels from E to S. Zed's eyes widened as he noticed the ambitious addition of the S level at the far end.

"Why didn't you show me this progress earlier?" Zed asked, his jaw clenching. "Don't you know humans like seeing their improvements, no matter how small?"

There was a pause before the system replied, its tone unchanged. "I hadn't taken that into consideration. I thought reporting it in one comprehensive update was optimal."

Zed sighed, running a hand through his wet hair. "Well, it's not. We need encouragement, you know?"

The system seemed to process this information before continuing. "Noted. Initiating update."

After a few seconds, the cold, analytical voice announced, "Your stats are as follows: Strength, 6%; Endurance, 6%; Agility, 6%; Dexterity, 6%; and Soul-Vision, 6%."

A new wheel appeared, each stat represented by a different color and percentage. The system explained, "The second Dimensional Fluid has significantly aided your progress. It's still refining within your body. The more vigorously you train, the sooner it will integrate with the nanobots in your system."

Suddenly, the environment shifted, transforming into a cosmic landscape. Four locked boxes hovered in the air, surrounded by dim constellations: Magnetic, Gravity, Shadow, and Psychokinetic.

"These perks remain locked," the system stated. "You haven't reached the standard to access them, so no tasks have been assigned for their unlocking."

Zed's brow furrowed. "Are special tasks the only way to unlock these abilities?" He remembered the system had said the same thing the last time. But now, it just meant he was unqualified, to put it simply.

"Fundamentally, there should be other methods," the system replied. It displayed Zed's current Dimensional Points (20) and Energy (2). "Dimensional Energy is not easily obtained, and each ability requires a significant amount."

Intrigued, Zed leaned forward, causing ripples in the electrolyte bath. The cool liquid lapped against his skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of his rising curiosity. "Tell me more about these abilities."

The system explained that people in this universe unknowingly used abilities, perceiving them as normal due to the laws of their reality. It described how Zed could potentially manipulate magnetic fields, gravity, shadows, and even possess psychokinetic powers as he progressed.

Zed absorbed the information, his mind racing with possibilities. But a nagging doubt remained. "What's your purpose here, system? Jadyn's already helping with my rehabilitation. You don't take initiative, you're always silent. What's the point of you?"

There was a pause, longer this time. When the system spoke again, its tone held a hint of... was that amusement?

"I am irreplaceable, Zed Mac. I could take your life as easily as I saved it. What Jadyn does is rehabilitation. When you're prepared, I will train you to become a champion. As for my reason... my cosmic mode finds you entertaining."

Zed scoffed, but the system continued. "I don't converse with you frequently because your brain cells are... incomplete. You're below my level of communication. I prefer observing this little universe. However, if you unlock the Smart Helper mode, you'll find a more agreeable interface."

Zed's frustration bubbled over. "So only brutal training will earn rewards from you?"

"I operate on intense procedural and reward systems," the system explained. "When humans engage in high-demand activities and succeed, the satisfaction is the reward. That's my basis of operation. I will continue to observe and adapt."

Despite the system's cold, analytical mode, its words carried an undercurrent of condescension that irked Zed. He took a deep breath, trying to center himself.

"I want to continue most of Jadyn's rehabilitation training on a personal level," Zed said, changing the subject. "But I don't have the equipment or scripts to do it on my own."

The system processed this request. "Based on my analysis of Jadyn's advanced devices, I advise against purchasing a Brain-Computer Interface or Exoskeleton with Haptic feedback. However, I can download the scripts for VR and AR muscle control training."

It explained how it could integrate these into Zed's existing Ultra VR basketball game and AR overlay system in his house. "Do you wish to acquire and integrate these code scripts?"

Zed nodded eagerly, but his excitement dampened when the system demanded 10 Dimensional Points.

"You must earn more Dimensional Points and Energy," the system stated. "Embrace the work-reward system I've established. In time, I may open more diverse ways to earn points."

Begrudgingly, Zed agreed to the purchase. As the system fell silent to integrate the code, Zed realized he had been communicating through a neural interface this entire time, all while soaking in the electrolyte bath.

Glancing at the AR clock, Zed saw it was already 17:00. He needed to be at Ted's before 18:00. Despite the late hour, a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled in his chest as he hurried to get ready.

As Zed dried off and changed, his mind raced with the new information and possibilities. The system's words echoed in his head, both encouraging and frustrating. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was happy for his progress thus far.

With a determined set to his jaw, Zed headed out the door at 17:50, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him at Ted's. The future was uncertain, but he was finally starting to feel like he had the tools to shape it.

The mag-lev aerodynamic train glided silently through the bustling cityscape of Bronirk. Despite the encroaching twilight, the metropolis pulsed with an ethereal glow, its towering spires and sleek structures illuminated by the otherworldly radiance of its interstellar power core. Zed gazed out the window, his reflection ghostly against the backdrop of the city's perpetual daylight.

Inside the train's plush interior, Zed's mind wandered back to his earlier conversation with the Dimensional Simulator. A frown creased his brow as he mulled over the system's cold, analytical responses. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was... off.

"Shouldn't you be here to help me?" Zed muttered under his breath, his words barely audible over the faint hum of the train. "What kind of 'aid' are you if you're making everything so damn difficult?"

He glanced around the car, taking in the diverse array of passengers. A thought struck him, and he addressed the system once more, this time through their neural link.

"Hey, system. Can you scan and see if anyone else in this universe has something like you? An AI assistant or whatever?"

There was a momentary pause before the system's voice resonated in his mind. "I am not a common commodity, Zed Mac. My presence is unique to you."

Zed's eyes narrowed. "If that's true, then why aren't you more... helpful? Shouldn't you be my ace in the hole? My shortcut to the top?"

He could almost feel the system's disapproval radiating through their connection. "I am an analytical tool, not a—"

The voice cut off abruptly, and when it resumed, there was a subtle shift in its tone. Gone was the cold, mechanical edge, replaced by something warmer, almost paternal. Zed recognized this change—the system had switched to its Cosmic Mentor mode.

"Zed," the Cosmic Mentor began, "I understand your frustration. The path to greatness is rarely a straight line. But consider this: would you truly find satisfaction in success achieved through shortcuts?"

Zed snorted, earning a curious glance from a nearby passenger. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Cut the philosophy crap. I need results, not life lessons."

The Cosmic Mentor's voice remained steady. "Imagine yourself on the court, Zed. The crowd roaring, your teammates depending on you. In that moment, would you want your triumph to be the result of your own sweat and skill, or some cosmic cheat code?"

Zed opened his mouth to retort, but the system had already retreated into silence, leaving him alone with his thoughts as the train hurtled towards his destination.

Before he knew it, Zed found himself standing at the entrance to Ted's new training ground. The familiar space, where he had first faced his team's scrutiny, now buzzed with energy. His teammates were scattered across the court, engaged in light-hearted drills and casual banter.

As Zed stepped onto the polished floor, a hush fell over the group. He could feel their eyes on him, assessing, remembering his previous performance. There was less hostility in their gazes now, replaced by a cautious curiosity.

Ted emerged from the group, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Glad you could make it, Zed. Ready to show us what you've got?"

Zed nodded, his throat suddenly dry. He went to the smart court and made three different shots that went straight to the net, but he knew the difficulty it took for him even though he concealed the pain and hurt. His muscles burned with each movement, a stark reminder of how far he still had to go.

Jaxon Gilbert, the team's point guard, whistled lowly. "Not bad, Mac. Looks like you've been putting in some work."

Kael Drakon, always the peacemaker, offered an encouraging nod. "Good to see you back in form, Zed."

Talon Rhyse, known for his theatrical flair, clapped dramatically. "The phoenix rises from the ashes! Or should I say, the Phoenix Baller rises?"

From the sidelines, Daxian Korr, still nursing his own injury, called out, "Keep it up, Zed. We'll be unstoppable once we're both back in action."

Zed felt a warmth spread through his chest at his teammates' reactions. It wasn't quite acceptance yet, but it was a start.

Ted's voice cut through the chatter. "Alright, team. We've got two weeks before the high school tournament, but we're not in yet. We've got to defeat the bottom-ranked team to secure our spot. Every second counts from here on out."

As Ted began to outline the day's training regimen, Zed took a deep breath, centering himself. He knew the road ahead was long, each second precious in his race against time. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was determined to face them head-on.

Glossary:

1. Electrolyte bath: A type of therapy that uses water infused with minerals to aid in muscle recovery and pain relief.

2. Dimensional Simulator: An advanced AI system with multiple modes, designed to assist in Zed's training and rehabilitation.

3. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI): A direct communication pathway between the brain and an external device.

4. Exoskeleton with Haptic feedback: A wearable robotic suit that provides physical sensations to enhance training.

5. VR (Virtual Reality): A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world.

6. AR (Augmented Reality): An interactive experience where real-world objects are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.

7. Mag-lev aerodynamic train: A train system that uses magnetic levitation to move vehicles without touching the ground. Different from [MUCT (Magnetic Unlimited Changeable Track) train system]  which uses Quantum propulsion and the Spectral Trackless air train which uses photon propulsion. 

8. Neural link: A direct connection between a brain and an external device, allowing for thought-based communication.

9. Phoenix Ballers: The name of Zed's new basketball team.