The System's message lingered in the air like a storm cloud that refused to pass.
It wasn't just floating in front of Malric. The entire city could see it. Giant digital billboards on every major building displayed the glowing text. Personal interfaces popped up on phones, tablets, and augmented reality glasses. Some users even stared up at the sky, as if the words were written directly across the clouds.
GLOBAL SYSTEM MESSAGE Update detected. Time remaining: 24 hours. Prepare yourselves.
An uneasy silence fell over the avenue. It was the kind of quiet that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up — heavy, expectant, and slightly terrifying.
Lyra was the first to speak, though her usual bright tone carried a nervous edge.
Well… that doesn't sound concerning at all.
Malric raised an eyebrow, the tension in the air almost palpable.
It sounds extremely concerning.
Confirmed, S.I.M.I.O. stated in its usual flat tone.
Malric crossed his arms, trying to ignore the growing knot in his stomach.
Do you actually know what this means?
Yes.
Malric waited. When the System offered nothing more, he raised an eyebrow.
And?
It is an update.
Malric stared at the floating blue window, frustration creeping into his voice.
Thank you for that incredibly detailed and helpful explanation.
Lyra looked up at the sky, her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of the announcement.
Are System updates usually this dramatic?
Malric gestured toward the invisible presence of S.I.M.I.O.
Ask the monkey.
Correction. I am not a monkey, the System replied instantly.
Malric muttered under his breath.
Your name is literally S.I.M.I.O.
It is an acronym.
Malric raised an eyebrow, curiosity mixing with irritation.
For what?
Classified information.
Malric let out a long sigh, already exhausted by the System's evasive nature.
Of course it is.
Around them, the murmurs from the crowd grew louder. System users discussed the message with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
What does the update mean? New levels? Dungeons? World bosses?
Lyra turned to Malric, her expression a blend of curiosity and concern.
Maybe the System is evolving into something bigger.
Malric gave her a dry, ironic smile.
Or maybe it's about to make everything worse.
Additional information available, S.I.M.I.O. announced suddenly.
Malric raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised.
You're actually going to explain something this time?
The blue screen began typing. Lyra leaned in closer, clearly interested.
What does it say? she asked.
Malric read the text aloud.
New System function unlocked: Entity Development.
Malric frowned. He didn't like the sound of that at all.
Entities?
The screen continued.
External entities will now begin observing the development of all users.
Lyra tilted her head, confused.
Observing?
Malric crossed his arms, the unease in his chest growing.
That sounds like we're about to be put on display.
Correction. Observers, S.I.M.I.O. replied smoothly.
The message kept unfolding.
These entities will evaluate user behavior and assign categories.
Categories: Heroes Anti-Heroes Villains
Malric stayed silent for a long moment, letting the implications sink in.
That's a global ranking system.
Correct. Users will be ranked worldwide based on their actions.
Lyra's eyes widened, the weight of the revelation hitting her.
A power ranking for the entire planet?
Malric nodded slowly, already feeling the pressure.
That means competition on a scale we can't even imagine yet.
Correct, S.I.M.I.O. confirmed.
Malric looked up at the sky, a sense of impending chaos settling over him like a heavy blanket.
Great. Now the whole world is one giant reality show, and we're all contestants whether we like it or not.
The screen continued typing.
Entities will reward notable actions: Heroic deeds, Significant chaos, Memorable events.
S.I.M.I.O. added with clear amusement in its tone.
Such as defeating a Level 15 user with nothing but pigeons.
Malric sighed, feeling the absurdity of his life reach yet another peak.
I knew you were going to bring that up.
Lyra smiled, thoroughly entertained by the irony.
To be fair, that was pretty memorable.
Malric rubbed his forehead.
I really don't want to be remembered for that.
Event recorded by observing entities, the screen stated.
Malric blinked, suddenly feeling exposed.
Wait… they're already watching us right now?
Correct.
Malric stared at the sky, a chill running down his spine.
That's incredibly unsettling.
Lyra also glanced upward, worry creeping into her voice.
Where exactly are these entities?
Classified.
Malric let out another sigh.
Of course they are.
The first global rankings will open shortly after the update is implemented, the screen continued.
Malric remained quiet, his mind racing with the possibilities — and the dangers.
When I was a kid, I used to dream about becoming the number one hero, he said softly.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared immediately.
Observation.
Malric closed his eyes, already bracing himself.
Please don't.
It is now statistically possible for that childhood dream to be fulfilled.
Malric slowly opened one eye, a strange mixture of hope and dread swirling inside him.
That didn't sound nearly as comforting as you probably intended.
The screen continued.
However, let us see what you are truly capable of.
Pause.
Your primary skill remains Pigeon Agro.
Another pause.
That will not achieve much on a global scale.
The screen added one final, mocking line.
Jajajaja.
Malric stayed silent, the humiliation settling in deep.
Lyra raised an eyebrow, struggling to hold back laughter.
What did your System just say?
Malric sighed, his dignity slowly evaporating.
It's laughing at me.
Lyra finally let out a soft laugh.
Maybe it has a point.
Malric gave her a deadpan look.
Thanks for the support. Really feeling the friendship right now.
A lone pigeon landed on a nearby lamppost, staring directly at him with obvious contempt.
Traitor!
Malric sighed, feeling like the universe was personally mocking his existence.
Yeah. That checks out.
The screen appeared one last time before fading.
Time remaining until update: 23 hours 36 minutes.
Malric looked out across the city — at the awakened users practicing their abilities, the volunteers clearing debris, the pigeons watching from above. The world was preparing for something massive.
This is going to get worse, isn't it? he asked quietly.
Much worse, S.I.M.I.O. replied with calm certainty.
Lyra crossed her arms, her gaze steady and determined.
Then we'll just have to get stronger.
Malric glanced at her, feeling a small spark of her determination rub off on him.
I suppose that's the plan.
Or more ridiculous, S.I.M.I.O. added quietly.
Malric let out one final deep sigh, accepting the truth he could no longer deny.
That seems far more likely.