The System's message still hung in the sky, visible to every soul in the city.
Time remaining until update: 23 hours.
The entire city felt restless. On every corner, in every café, and across every street, people talked about the same thing: the upcoming update. New functions. New rules. New dangers.
Malric Thorn walked alongside Lyra down the main avenue, watching as pedestrians constantly checked their personal interfaces with expressions ranging from excitement to outright anxiety.
This feels like the launch of a new video game, Malric commented, feeling strangely detached from the collective hype.
Lyra nodded, though her eyes still sparkled with genuine enthusiasm.
The problem is nobody knows what's actually going to change.
S.I.M.I.O. appeared in front of Malric's eyes at the worst possible moment, as usual.
Correction.
Malric raised an eyebrow, already tired.
What?
We do know what will change.
Malric crossed his arms, challenging the floating window.
Oh really? Then enlighten us.
The screen began typing slowly, as if savoring the moment.
Unlocked update data: Origin of the System.
Lyra tilted her head, clearly intrigued.
That sounds important.
The text continued.
The System was not created by artificial intelligence. It was not created by humans. It was not created by any known civilization.
Malric raised an eyebrow, his curiosity now fully piqued.
Then who created it?
The next line appeared.
The System is administered by Ascended Entities.
Lyra frowned, visibly confused.
Entities?
The screen kept going.
These entities are known as Heroes from multiple universes.
Malric fell silent for a moment, processing the revelation.
That sounds ridiculous.
It is accurate, S.I.M.I.O. replied calmly.
The screen continued typing.
Ascended Heroes reached levels of power capable of transcending their original universes.
Lyra crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.
So… they're basically gods?
Classification incorrect, the System responded.
Malric frowned, growing more frustrated with the vague answers.
Then what are they?
They are observers, sponsors, and evaluators.
Malric sighed, the weight of the situation settling heavier on his shoulders.
So the entire world is just entertainment for them.
Simplification acceptable, S.I.M.I.O. stated.
The screen continued.
These entities grant Systems to individuals they consider potentially interesting or worthy of observation.
Malric raised an eyebrow, not sure he liked where this was going.
Interesting?
The screen added another line.
Entities may also lend fragments of their own abilities to System users.
Lyra's eyes widened with fascination.
Does that mean some abilities actually come from these ascended heroes?
Correct.
Malric crossed his arms, feeling a strange mix of awe and irritation.
So some hero from another universe decided to give me Pigeon Agro.
Probability extremely low, S.I.M.I.O. replied.
Malric frowned.
Extremely low?
Extremely.
Malric let out a defeated sigh.
That doesn't make me feel any better.
The screen changed, displaying a new section.
Function unlocked after update: Global Ranking.
Malric raised an eyebrow, sensing this was about to become problematic.
Here comes the fun part.
The screen continued.
Users will be ranked globally according to: power, impact, recorded events, and recognition from entities.
Lyra frowned, realizing the double-edged nature of this new system.
That means some users will become famous overnight.
Correct, S.I.M.I.O. confirmed.
Malric looked up at the sky, feeling the pressure mounting.
Great. Now the whole planet is one giant reality show.
The screen kept typing.
Entities will reward: heroic acts, significant chaos, and memorable events.
S.I.M.I.O. added with clear amusement.
Such as defeating a Level 15 user with pigeons.
Malric sighed, rubbing his temple.
I knew you were going to say that.
The screen appeared once more.
First reward granted.
Malric blinked.
What?
System Coins obtained: 15.
Malric raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised.
Fifteen?
Bonus for memorable event, S.I.M.I.O. explained.
Malric sighed, the irony not lost on him.
Pigeons.
Lyra smiled, clearly amused.
Not bad for your first day.
Malric looked back up at the sky, where the countdown still glowed ominously.
Time remaining: 23 hours.
He crossed his arms, tension building in his chest.
So tomorrow we get rankings, shops, and mysterious entities watching our every move.
Correct, S.I.M.I.O. replied.
Malric scanned the city around him — the awakened users testing abilities, the volunteers clearing debris, the pigeons still watching from above. The world was bracing for something massive.
This is going to get very chaotic, isn't it?
Extremely, S.I.M.I.O. confirmed.
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 entertaining for the entities, S.I.M.I.O. added quietly.
Malric raised an eyebrow.
I don't like the sound of that.
It is inevitable, the System replied.
A single pigeon landed on a nearby lamppost, staring directly at Malric with clear disdain.
Traitor!
Malric sighed, feeling like his life would never be normal again.
Yeah. That doesn't help either.
The System message glowed one final time across the city.
Update in 22 hours.
Malric looked out over the bustling streets, the lights, the users, and the pigeons. The world was preparing for a change that could reshape everything.
Well… let's see what happens when the world levels up.
I am certain it will be disastrous, S.I.M.I.O. responded calmly.
The city continued buzzing with noise — sirens in the distance, users practicing new skills, people staring at the sky waiting for the countdown to drop.
Malric and Lyra kept walking down the avenue as the timer continued ticking.
Time remaining until update: 22 hours.
But somewhere nearby…
something was watching.
In silence.
From a distance.
It had seen everything.
The attack. The chaos. The human covered in feathers. The absurd way he had defeated a much stronger opponent.
A single thought crossed its mind.
Interesting…
Pause.
A human who defeats enemies using pigeons.
Another thought followed.
That should not be possible.
It continued observing as Malric walked beside the red-haired girl, talking casually.
But he did it.
A longer silence followed, as if carefully considering.
The entities will be interested.
Another pause.
Perhaps we should be as well.
The unknown presence made a decision.
We will need to approach this human.
A moment later…
the presence vanished.
As if it had never been there at all.