The group entered Pioneer Hall’s commons

  cautiously, taking in the scene of utter disarray. An overturned

  table lay across the center of the room, chairs scattered, and two

  students struggled to set another table upright. On a nearby couch,

  one student clutched their arm while another applied first aid.

  Muffled yelling and pleading came from the kitchen, punctuated by the

  sounds of scuffling and objects being knocked over.

  Alyx felt the familiar heat of anger rising. She

  took a deep breath, centering herself, and placed her heavy makeshift

  pack on the table that had just been uprighted. Her team mirrored

  her, quietly unloading their packs onto nearby tables. Even so, the

  sounds of conflict persisted, and Alyx’s instincts, sharpened from

  years of martial arts training under her father, demanded action.

  “Stay here,” she murmured, motioning with an

  upraised closed fist for her team to hold position. The kitchen’s

  chaos drew her in like a magnet.

  Inside, she saw the tail end of a brawl. A tall,

  wide-chested man had just swung a wild cross hook, sending his

  opponent crumpling to the floor. The aggressor—whom Alyx mentally

  named Brutus—moved with the swagger of a bigger man trying to

  intimidate someone with sheer muscle, not finesse. A glimmer of metal

  caught her eye on the central kitchen island. Brutus’s reach for

  the knife.

  {Careful, Alyx. He’s strong but predictable. Use

  Assess to understand his stance.} Willow whispered, the wisp

  drifting near her vision.

  Alyx activated her Assess talent. A subtle pull

  from her Dantian confirmed the skill’s connection. A translucent

  window appeared beside Brutus: Alyx used (Assess) with a thought.

  [Name: Unknown, aka Brutus]Race: HumanLevel:

  1Age: UnknownStatus: Aggressive, Tunnel Vision

  Alyx unconsciously noted the Mana bar depleting by

  3 out of 11.

  'Brutus' picked up a knife, and Alyx acted. She moved in behind him. He was about 6 feet, and the way he

  grabbed the knife and transferred it to his other hand told Alyx that he

  was right-handed and not used to using a knife, as he held the tip

  out away from his body in a forward grip. He advanced towards and

  loomed over another guy who was protectively shielding a girl with a

  scared look on her face. Alyx silently stalked into the kitchen and

  thanked God that she had set notifications to auto-minimize, as, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the notification icon slowly pulsate. Alyx stalked up to 'Brutus,' and sucker punched him in

  the kidney, causing sudden and immense pain, or at least should have.

  'Brutus' spun and brought the knife down and

  cross, but totally misjudged the height of his attacker; his

  hesitation was all Alyx needed to cinematically slide-step forward

  inside his guard. Alyx caught his wrist with her left hand in an

  overhand grip and pulled, stepping backwards while twisting the

  bladed hand inside and down to the outside, making 'Brutus' lose his

  grip-strength, loosen his hold on the knife. Alyx jerked down abruptly

  to further destabilize the brute. This also had the added benefit;

  the knife fell out of his hand, and it clattered to the floor.

  Alyx kept hold of the brute's wrist and struck a key

  point on his bicep to weaken the arm even further. Next, she rapidly

  chopped his temple with an open-handed 'knife edge' strike. Alyx then

  rolled her strike into a head grab, and brought her right knee up to

  make contact with his head while it coming down. Alyx could tell that

  with all his strength, 'Brutus' didn't know how to fight. As he

  reeled back from the knee strike, Alyx spun inside and under his

  caught arm. While under him, Alyx pivoted while bending over for

  leverage, throwing the brute over her shoulder.

  'Brutus' landed upside down and let out a groan

  and went limp before fully falling to the floor with a thud. The

  notification icon in the corner of Alyx's vision vibrated slightly, then stilled. And resumed pulsing between yellow and red after a

  moment, it vibrated again and then stilled. (I guess it wants me to

  look at it.)

  The brutal take down happened in less than a few

  seconds, and the other still conscious people in the room had barely

  enough time to even stand up, let alone start to move out of the

  kitchen. The kitchen went silent except for shallow breaths and

  Willow’s faint glow.

  A timid voice broke the tension. “Is… is he

  dead?”

  “Probably not,” Alyx said, scanning the

  smaller figure she had initially overlooked. “But he won’t be

  eating properly for a while.” She turned to the prone man, kneeling

  to check his condition.

  The frightened girl nearby pointed shakily. “But…

  that one was the intruder.”

  Alyx froze. “Oh… who is he then?”

  “That's Tim Speidle,” the male said.

  Alyx’s eyes went wide. “Tiny Tim? Oh, Damn…”

  “Yeah...” the guy replied. “Hopefully, he

  doesn’t hold a grudge.”

  The pair walked off. Alyx followed. She found

  James and whispered, “Did we find any rope or restraints?”

  “I don’t think so,” he said, leaning close,

  “but we have something. Don’t ask why—we’ll talk later.” He

  winked and disappeared out of the doorway. She stood looking at Tim

  and the other one on the floor, long enough to see her mana bar tick

  up a couple of ticks.

  {Use what you have at hand. Control the space,

  Alyx. Your team will follow if you establish the perimeter.} Willow

  advised.

  Alyx left the kitchen and stood just outside, shut the kitchen door, and surveyed the commons. Chaos persisted,

  students moving, supplies scattered, but she could feel the subtle

  pulse of the dorm’s energy. This could be theirs to claim.

  A familiar figure came around the corner. Alyx

  couldn't help but use her new talent on Stacey; (Assess) Alyx thought

  with intent.

  [Name: Stacey Ann Rusten]Race: HumanLevel:

  1Age: 19Status: Stressed, Annoyed

  The translucent window clung to Stacey’s figure

  as Alyx observed, just like it had with Michael earlier. No matter

  how Stacey shifted or moved her gaze, the window tracked her,

  hovering stubbornly. When Alyx looked away, the window remained. When

  she looked back, it was gone. (Interesting…) Alyx noted.

  {“Focus, Alyx. Observe and maintain control.

  Keep the others safe.”} Willow whispered.

  Stacey’s eyes flicked toward another two

  students sitting nearby. Instinctively, Alyx activated her Assess

  talent.

  [Name: Harper Vanderfield]

  Race: Human

  Level:

  1

  Age: 19

  Status: Wounded, in pain

  Alyx debated for a split second and cast (Assess)

  on Lilly as well.

  [Name: Lilly Gaissen]

  Race: Human

  Level:

  1

  Age: 19

  Status: Concerned, Frightened

  Alyx's thoughts started to swim, and she could feel

  the headache about to blossom in her mind, behind both of her eyes.

  She looked to her vital bars; Health: 9, Mana: 6, Sanity: 6, Panache:

  9

  “Well?” Stacey’s voice snapped Alyx out of

  her analysis, sharp with impatience.

  “‘Well, what, Stacey?” Alyx’s tone was

  exaggeratedly calm, laced with an edge of exhaustion. Her thoughts seem

  slowed as if she was trying to wade though a pool of Jello in a white

  dress that needed to stay clean.

  “What is all THIS?” Stacey gestured broadly to

  the bulging backpacks and supplies strewn across the table.

  Breathing in, Alyx tried to hold it together;

  “These, Stacey, are our supplies,” with an emphasis on the name.

  “Supplies are how we’re going to survive what’s coming next.

  Or do you really think the power is going to stay on forever? Have

  you even been outside? Do you even know what is going on? Do you even

  know how Harper got hurt?” Alyx pressed, her voice firm but

  controlled.

  “I don’t know, she must have fallen or

  something,” Stacey said dismissively, flinging her hand up as if

  these questions were beneath her concern. “But with Tim, we won’t

  have to worry about that too much.”

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  At that moment, James returned from down the hall,

  offering Alyx one of the pairs of handcuffs that he had with a quiet,

  almost knowing grin.

  Alyx accepted the restraints with a faint smile

  and licked her lips at a fleeting memory. “Yeah? Well, about that…”

  she murmured and walked away, heading back to the kitchen. The

  intruder was beginning to stir, but resistance was minimal as she

  quickly secured his hands behind his back.

  A disbelieving gasp came from somewhere near the

  doorway as Alyx assumed she would; Stacey had followed her into the

  kitchen.

  “What happened to Tim?” Stacey called out,

  though no one paid her question any mind. Alyx focused entirely on

  restraining the intruder.

  Once he was seated and secured, the man, Tim,

  groaned pitifully.

  “Ouhwa… Wha; wo… my… hurts? Ow… ohh…”

  he muttered, clicking his jaw into place with another groan. “Dam!

  What hit me?”

  “Tim?” Alyx asked, disbelief in her voice.

  “Damn… what happened to you? How did you get so huge?”

  “Uh, Alyx? Nice to see you. Yeah, it’s me,”

  Tim said, chuckling through the pain. “Short version: I dumped everything into that 'Physical' stat… basically all physical... It

  might’ve been a mistake.” He shook his head. “But.. what the

  hell hit me? Did anyone see it?”

  “I’m sorry, Tim. I didn’t know it was you. I

  thought you were attacking the others,” Alyx apologized.

  “You?! HAHA! Damn, girl! You hit like a freight

  train!” Tim laughed, a deep, booming sound that filled the kitchen.

  Alyx grinned, her tension easing. “Years of

  training and applied physics.” She glanced at him, relieved. “I’m

  glad you’re okay. That crack sounded nasty.”

  “Oh, for sure,” Tim replied, rubbing his side.

  “Got a ‘debuff’ now, says it’ll linger a bit.” He eyed the

  intruder, still cuffed. “What are we doing with him?”

  “Leave him,” James said from the doorway.

  “He’s restrained, and there’s only one exit from here.”

  The rest of the kitchen was cleared, leaving only the

  restrained intruder and Alyx’s group. Stacey’s voice piped up

  again, sharp and insistent. “Excuse me! I will not be ignored!”

  Alyx ignored her, turning instead to her group.

  “Who had the emergency kit? Harper, what happened to your arm?”

  “I think James has it,” Breyanna said. James

  immediately rifled through his bags.

  Harper stayed silent. Lilly explained for her:

  “She sprained it when that idiot shoved her into the table hard

  enough to knock it over.”

  Mariana stepped forward. “I’m studying sports

  medicine… can I take a look?” Harper nodded. Lilly gave a small

  step back. Mariana carefully examined Harper’s arm, muttering under

  her breath. “Stupid window…” Alyx mentally noted to remind

  everyone about the settings page later.

  “Yeah, it’s just a sprain. James, bring me the

  pain meds, please,” Mariana instructed. James nodded at Alyx and

  went to retrieve them.

  “Fine then, whatever,” Stacey muttered,

  clearly irritated. “Those two I’ve seen before… but wait,

  aren’t there two of you? And those three—who are you?!”

  Alyx passed Stacey, ignoring the indignation

  radiating from her, and approached the table stacked with supplies.

  Pulling out a chair, she sat down, taking a moment to gather her

  thoughts. Notifications buzzed in the corner of her vision, and she

  mentally clicked them closed while keeping a wary eye on Stacey.

  {Alyx, remember, attention is a resource. Use it

  wisely. Not everyone deserves it.} Willow stated

  Alyx exhaled slowly, letting the words sink in as

  the room buzzed with murmurs and soft rustling of supplies

  being sorted. Even with chaos around her, she could feel control

  returning—one small piece at a time.

  “Fine then,” Stacey muttered, voice tight.

  “Wait… weren’t there two of them?”

  Alyx ignored her, gathering her thoughts sitting

  at a table, finally allowing herself a moment to plan. Notifications

  flickered discreetly in the corner of her vision. Willow pulsed

  reassuringly, hovering nearby.

  {You lead here, Alyx. Your choices define this

  space.} Willow advised Alyx

  The commons slowly quieted, a tentative calm

  settling in. Alyx surveyed her team, mind already racing through

  contingencies. Supplies organized, intruder contained, and their

  perimeter somewhat secured—this was the moment to solidify their

  claim. Alyx leaned back, exhaling. The fight was over, but the real

  work—planning, training, and leadership—was just beginning.

  {“There are several notifications. Would you

  like me to group similar ones and remember the setting for

  later?”} Willow asked, her tone neutral but edged with a hint of

  amusement.

  “Sure, Willow, lay it on me,” Alyx confirmed

  ['Bing' – Notification: The following skills

  have been proven and may now be specialized.]

  Physical Skills:

  Acrobatics, Combat Defense, Constitution, Martial Arts, Stealth, Survival.

  Mental Skills: Observation,

  Social Skills: Politics,

  Intimidation, Leadership

  Ethereal Skills: Meditation, Domain

  ['Bing' – New Abilities Gained]Rank G:

  AssessRank G: Quick Attack

  ['Bing' – you have gained enough experience to level up!

  Congratulations! You

  have gained enough experience to level up. Since this is your first

  time leveling up after Hero creation. All your past experiences will

  be consolidated; 300 XP and 300 KP will be added to your

  current total of 153 XP and 15 KP for a total of 453 XP and 315

  KP.

  As a Human, you gain. +10 Kysmit Points per

  level and +1 to any Attribute of your choice.]

  {To officially 'Level-up', you will need to meditate and apply

  your experience points. Each level costs the level's value x100

  to purchase. Example: since you are already level one (everyone

  starts a level one – anyways...), to get to level 2 is 200 xp, then

  to advance to level 3 it would take 300 more experience points.}

  Willow explained.

  The moment Alyx opened the level-up notification,

  a tingling spark ignited low in her core—where she somehow knew her

  Dantian resided. The knowledge was hazy, instinctual, like a

  half-remembered dream, but undeniable.

  The sensation spread outward, rolling through her

  body like a slow tidal wave. Tingling gave way to heat, a steady,

  smoldering burn that climbed her frame. It wasn’t pain—it was too

  smooth, too consuming. Later, she would recall her mother once

  speaking of chakras as the energy centers of the body. At the time,

  she had dismissed it. Now she felt them flare alive one after

  another, starting in the Root and moving up to the Sacral, to the Solar Plexus, then the Heart, surging into her Third

  Eye and finally bursting through her Crown Chakras.

  The rush hit like lightning and held like fire.

  Her back arched involuntarily, breath caught between a gasp and a

  scream. Euphoria swallowed her awareness whole—minutes of bliss

  packed into seconds. When her senses finally returned, she found

  herself panting, body trembling, skin slick with sweat.

  As the ecstasy faded and clarity returned, another

  notification slid into view.

  ['Bing' – New Addiction Debuff Added: Leveling

  High]

  Leveling HighPower: 3Duration: Temporary:

  - (Resistible)Resistances: ('Mental Stat' Resistance - Addiction

  trait severity) vs Power.Detox: Resistance Check per day reduces the 'power' of addiction.Effects: Leveling High – Humans are

  notoriously susceptible to this condition. At low levels, euphoria

  from leveling overwhelms the mind, lowering the Wits attribute by -1

  per level gained at once. If Wits is reduced to 0, the user will

  gain Addiction – Leveling High as a negative trait. Once afflicted, the level of the Addiction will reduce the Hero's available Focus Pool

  per level of affliction.

  {“Oh, right. There’s also that,”} Willow

  drawled, her light flickering in amusement. {“Honestly, you humans

  are so fragile... It’s almost entertaining.”}

  Alyx thought about the notifications and leveling

  up and concluded that with her forerunner title, it was

  vitally important to unlock or 'prove' all the skills, talents, and

  abilities she could. Although as she kept thinking about it, the only

  skills she had “unlocked” were the skills she already had. This

  thought led to wondering if others had the forerunner title and how

  rare the “mythic” tag really are, and if those whom have it are

  still even human.

  Alyx was startled back to herself. As someone

  cleared their throat and just made that sound, Alyx knew it was Stacey,

  “Ahem, if you're done.” With her face still flush Alyx glared at

  Stacey, if looks could kill. James said, stepping in and touching Alyx, “You good, Sweet? You gave us all a fright, you look possessed or

  something with the arching and glowing. The beautiful agony

  impressionism; 10 out of 10 darling. On core.” James continued, but

  in a lower voice. “Don't get me wrong, it was hot. Jordyn is even a

  touch jealous, really.”

  “Well then, now that you are done. Maybe we can

  finally get some answers.” Stacey said with her normal attitude of

  perceived importance.

  “What the hell do you think has been going on,

  Stacey?”Alyx stressed the word 'you' in the question and continued,

  “The fucking apocalypse! That has happened! And it seems that we

  are all inside a game-like construct. Have you even been outside

  yet?” Alyx yelled at Stacey.

  “What is it that you do here, Stacey? I mean, other than getting all up in other people's business.” Alyx took a

  breath and waited for Stacey's rebuttal.

  “I... I went and got Tim.. When the

  intruders....” Stacey haltingly said

  “The question was fucking rhetorical!” Alyx

  snapped back with just a hint of a whine to her voice, like she was

  trying to teach a 5-year-old math that they clearly don't want to

  learn, what 3+1 was.

  “Rude, much?” Stacey demurely said

  “How did they get in, anyway?” Breyanna asked

  when Alyx fell silent, clearly holding back the majority of her anger.

  “They pounded on the door, saying that something

  was chasing them and begged us to get in,” Stacey explained as she

  looked over to Harper, then back again. Clearly, there was something

  that they were not saying, but Alyx really didn't care how they got

  in. As it turned out, no one else did either. They had got in and did

  what they did, and that was that. Alyx noticed that Harper, at the

  mention of how the intruders got in, lowered her head even more, as if in

  shame for something.

  Alyx stood up with intention: “What are you

  going to do now?” Stacey questioned Alyx's actions.

  “For fu-uck sake, Stacey! All I did was stand

  up.” Alyx attempted to stay calm, failed, and continued. “You are

  so far up in my business that I feel we should just kiss and get it

  over with.” Stacey was taken aback and didn't retort, so Alyx kept

  on going. “If you must know... 'Karen,' I am going to talk to the

  prisoner and then go out and find more survivors and get more

  supplies.

  Stacey said under her breath, but Alyx still heard

  it. “My mom's name is Karen.” Alyx held her tongue for once, but

  still thought . Alyx took the out,

  snatched a restaurant-sized can of peaches from the supplies they

  brought in, and walked towards the kitchen, looking at Tim, she said.

  “Go get him, please.” With out hesitating, Tim ducked into the

  kitchen, coming out a moment later, “He was already standing by the

  door.” Tim said, holding the prisoner's shoulder.