š Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. All characters, organizations, events, and locations are purely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or entities is purely coincidental.
The next morning, Raunak sat alone in his small apartment, staring at the floating blue holographic screen.
[System Initialized.]
[Status Screen Available.]
[Quests Available.]
Even now, he struggled to believe what had happened the night before. The dull ache in his bruised jaw, however, reminded him it was very real. He gently rubbed the sore spot. At least I'm alive...
The glowing screen pulsed softly. Raunak took a deep breath and focused his thoughts.
"Status."
Instantly, the panel shifted.
[STATUS SCREEN]
Name: Raunak Virk
Level: 1
Class: Unassigned
Title: None
HP: 100/100
Stamina: 100/100
STATS:
Strength (STR): 5
Agility (AGI): 7
Intelligence (INT): 6
Stamina (STA): 5
Reflex (REF): 8
Perception (PER): 6
Charisma (CHA): 4
Skills:
Reactive Instincts (Level 1)
The numbers weren't impressive. Barely above average in a few areas, mostly thanks to the strange new skill he had somehow acquired.
Before he could analyze further, a soft chime rang out.
[New Quest Available]
[DAILY QUEST]
Objective:
20 push-ups
20 sit-ups
1 km run
Reward:
+1 Strength
+1 Stamina
+10 EXP
Failure Penalty:
-5 Stamina
System Warning
Raunak let out a dry laugh. "So this thing even forces me to exercise."
Still, there was no hesitation. If this "System" could make him stronger, he'd gladly pay the price.
Thirty minutes later
Panting heavily, Raunak collapsed onto a park bench, sweat dripping from his forehead.
[Quest Completed.]
[Strength +1 | Stamina +1 | EXP +10]
[Level Up: 2]
He sat there for a moment, surprised. His muscles ached, but beneath the fatigue, something felt... different. Stronger.
The feeling of growth was oddly addicting.
As he caught his breath, his phone buzzed. The caller ID displayed an unknown number.
"Hello?" he answered cautiously.
A cold, emotionless voice spoke on the other end.
"Raunak Virk. Congratulations on activating your System."
Raunak froze. "Who... who are you?"
"You may call me Agent Zero. I represent an organization with interest in new Rankers like yourself."
His eyes narrowed. "What do you want from me?"
"There's no need to be alarmed. We're offering an opportunity. A recruitment test will be held tonight. Many like you will attend. If you wish to grow stronger, come to the location I send you."
Before Raunak could respond, the call disconnected. A few seconds later, a text message arrived:
Location: Mumbai Underground Arena ā Entry Code: 7342
Raunak stared at the message, his mind spinning.
Recruitment? Others like me?
Is this connected to the System?
Fear churned in his stomach. But underneath the fear, something else sparked ā excitement.
His journey as a Ranker had only just begun.
End of Chapter 2