Initiation

Phanessa quickly realized that her time was limited, so she focused on the most critical questions. "What happens during the tutorial? What do I need to know to survive it?"

"The tutorial will depend on the god sponsoring it," the creature replied. "It could involve combat, survival, or a profession-based challenge. You will be tested according to your chosen class and must utilize the skills and resources provided to succeed. Your goal is to survive and complete the tasks set before you."

Phanessa felt a cold weight settle in her stomach. "And what happens if I fail?"

"Failure is possible," the creature said, its tone matter-of-fact. "But those who fail do not return. Success is the only acceptable outcome if you wish to continue your existence within this new paradigm."

Phanessa nodded slowly, processing the information. She asked a few more clarifying questions, but the creature's answers were concise, almost clinical. It offered only what was necessary, and Phanessa got the impression that it was operating under strict guidelines.

"You mentioned gods," she began, her voice steady despite her thoughts' whirlwind. "Who are they, and how are they involved in the System Universe?"

The facilitator, as always, responded in a stoic, non-emotional tone: "Gods are beings who have reached the seventh evolution rank, known as Grade S. They hold significant power and influence within the System Universe. These gods sponsor various aspects of the system, including tutorials, trials, and even entire worlds. Their involvement is both direct and indirect, shaping the experiences and challenges initiates like yourself face."

Phanessa felt a shiver run down her spine at the mention of gods with such immense power. The concept was both fascinating and terrifying. "You said they reached the seventh evolution rank... What exactly does that mean?" She paused, trying to piece together the information. "Could you clarify what the seven evolution grades are? And does that mean I could become a god if I were to reach this seventh evolution too?"

The facilitator paused momentarily as if processing her questions before responding. "The seven evolution grades represent stages of advancement and growth within the System Universe. These grades start from the lowest, Grade F, and progress upward: F, E, D, C, B, A, and S. Each grade signifies a significant leap in power, abilities, and potential. Evolution through these grades is a long and arduous process, requiring the accumulation of experience, power, and, in some cases, the favor or sponsorship of higher beings."

Phanessa listened intently, her heart racing with excitement and trepidation. The possibility of evolving into something beyond human was both alluring and daunting.

"As for your second question," the facilitator continued, "reaching Grade S does indeed grant one the status of a god within the System Universe. However, the path to Grade S is fraught with challenges, and few attain it. After reaching godhood, there are further evolutions and ranks beyond Grade S, but that information is classified and beyond your current understanding."

Phanessa's mind reeled at the implications. She was starting at the bottom, Rank F, the lowest grade. The idea that she could, theoretically, ascend to the rank of a god was both thrilling and overwhelming. But the facilitator's mention of classified information hinted at even greater mysteries and powers that lay beyond her grasp.

"So, all humans start at Rank F," she mused more to herself than the facilitator. "But from there, the potential is... limitless?"

"Potential is limited by the individual's choices, capabilities, and the paths they take," the facilitator corrected, tone as neutral as ever. "While the theoretical limit may be high, the reality is that most will not progress far beyond their initial grade."

Phanessa nodded, absorbing the gravity of what she was being told. The System Universe was a place of endless possibilities but also one of immense risk and challenge. She realized that her journey had only just begun, and the road ahead would require every ounce of strength, cunning, and resilience she could muster.

With ten minutes nearly up, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the decisions and trials to come. She knew she had to be strategic and play the long game if she ever hoped to climb the ranks and uncover the deeper secrets of this strange new reality.

As the ten minutes for questions ended, the facilitator indicated that it was time for her to choose her class. Five small, glowing icons appeared on the table before her, each representing a different class: Warrior, Rogue, Mage, Archer, and Healer.

Phanessa leaned forward, scrutinizing each option. The facilitator explained the details of each class, their roles, and the weapons and gear they provided:

Warrior: Equipped with a Greatsword and Plate Armor. Warriors are front-line tanks and damage dealers, excelling in melee combat and battlefield control. They use their strength and resilience to overpower enemies, making them ideal for players who prefer confrontation.

Rogue: Armed with Dual Daggers and Leather Armor. Rogues are masters of stealth and speed, specializing in critical strikes, traps, and poisons. Their gear enhances agility and stealth, allowing them to move unseen and strike quickly.

Mage: A spellcaster who wields the Arcane Staff and is clad in Robes. Mages control elemental forces and arcane energy, dealing damage from a distance and controlling the battlefield with powerful spells.

Archer: Equipped with a Precision Longbow and Robes. Archers excel at ranged combat, using precision strikes to deal massive damage from afar. Their gear enhances speed and mobility, making them hard to hit.

Healer: Holding the Healing Staff and wearing Robes. Healers are the lifeline of any group, specializing in restoring health and curing ailments. Their gear focuses on maximizing healing potential and protecting them from harm.

Phanessa's thoughts flicked back to her training and past experiences. She had always been drawn to archery ever since she was young. The bow had become an extension of herself, and she felt most at ease with it in her hands. After a few moments of deliberation, she touched the Archer icon. The symbol pulsed under her fingers before disappearing, confirming her choice.

The facilitator acknowledged her decision. "You have chosen the Archer class. You will have five minutes to equip yourself before being sent to the tutorial."

A small, simple ring appeared on the table before her as it spoke. The facilitator explained it was an inventory ring, the lowest quality available but sufficient for now. It instructed her on how to use it—by thinking of the items she wished to access, they would appear or disappear into the ring's storage space.

Phanessa slipped the ring onto her finger and immediately checked its contents. To her relief, everything she had brought was there—her weapons, gear, and even a few items she hadn't packed, like mana and health potions. She frowned slightly at these unfamiliar items but knew better than to question their presence. Instead, she focused on the task at hand.

With five minutes ticking down, she quickly equipped herself. Thinking the robe had some magic property besides what was stated, she equipped the robe, leaving her jacket in the ring. She strapped on her quiver, filled with arrows. She left the arrows that came with the class in the ring and instead equipped her own. She secured her daggers in their respective places—three on each hip and one on each leg.

Finally, she reached for her weapon, contemplating whether to equip hers or the one that came with the class but decided on hers. Feeling a sense of calm wash over her as her fingers wrapped around its familiar grip, she felt more like herself now, more prepared for whatever lay ahead.

The facilitator watched her in silence, offering no further instructions or commentary.

"Your time is up. You will now be transferred to the tutorial stage," it said, its voice as emotionless as ever.

Phanessa took one last steadying breath and squared her shoulders. Like before, she felt the ground underneath her shift and was gone.