Zashirmiq's attention snapped to a glowing alert hovering just above him:
"System initializing… Gift pack ready to be claimed."
He blinked.
A frown crossed his face. Everyone in New Tashmir activated their Nexium System at fifteen. But this? This alert… this presence? It was different. He had never heard of Systems issuing gift packs. And his Nexium, believed damaged for years, shouldn't even allow a system to activate.
And then there was her.
The feminine figure stood calmly before him, shrouded in light, features soft yet indistinct. Her presence felt ancient, familiar, unsettling.
Zashirmiq narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
Her voice flowed like calm water, rich and soothing.
"Who I am… you'll understand in time. For now, think of me as the manifestation of your system."
She tilted her head slightly, not answering the question directly.
"Would you like to claim your gift pack?"
He hesitated.
This isn't right. No one else had ever mentioned something like this. He'd grown up thinking his Nexium was broken. Abnormal. Now this system just… activates?
Still, instinct nudged him.
"…Accept."
The moment the word left his lips, a pulse shot through his body. Like a knot unraveling. Power surged. Not violent, but overwhelming.
"Gift claimed. Energy Domain unlocked: Space. Skills acquired: Insight. Nexium Coins received: 1000."
A semi-transparent window popped up before him, data scrolling across its surface. Without thinking, he muttered:
"Status."
A second panel opened in place of the first.
Omni Nexium System
Zashirmiq's Status
Nexium: Ascendant
Levels: Primal (1), Chaos (1), Cosmic (1), Void (1)
Energy Domains: Space
Specialized Domains: None
Skills: Insight, Teleport, Storage
Nexium Coins: 1000
Companions: [System Locked]
Zashirmiq frowned. "Ascendant Nexium? Never heard of that."
The glowing figure spoke calmly. "Your Nexium is unique. It's why it remained dormant until now."
He looked up. "But I thought it was damaged. My body didn't activate it when I turned fifteen like the others."
"It wasn't damaged," she replied. "Your body simply couldn't handle its potential. It stayed sealed until you could bear it."
He ran a hand through his hair. "That's not how any of this is supposed to work."
"Every Nexium lets its user gather energy, whether from the air, Essence Shards, or fallen enemies," she explained. "Most people awaken with a Basic Nexium, which has no energy domain. Some develop an Elemental Nexium, gaining access to a single domain like fire or lightning. A rare few awaken or evolve advanced forms that unlock multiple domains and far greater power."
"So… what kind is mine, then?" he asked, brows furrowing. "What makes it different?"
"It can absorb all four energy types: Primal, Chaos, Cosmic, and Void. You also have the potential to unlock every Energy Domain."
He blinked. "Every single one?"
"Yes. But they won't come freely."
Zashirmiq crossed his arms. "Then how do I get more?"
She nodded. "They can be found in the wild as rare herbs, elixirs, or treasures. Using them can awaken new domains or even evolve a Nexium, or they can be purchased from the System Mall using Evo Coins."
He exhaled slowly, grounding himself.
"Alright. Then tell me about these energy types."
"There are four main types, each tied to unique domains:
Primal Energy: Controls elemental forces. fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, ice, and more.
Cosmic Energy: Governs space, time, gravity, and universal laws. Enables teleportation, time shifts, and dimensional manipulation.
Chaos Energy: Raw and volatile. It distorts reality and unleashes pure destruction.
Void Energy: Embodies gravity, entropy, and emptiness. It suppresses, erases, and nullifies other energies.
Zashirmiq stared at her.
"So does this mean I'm stronger than everyone else at my level… or just more versatile?"
She nodded slightly.
"You are stronger, but not by much, not yet. What sets you apart is potential. With time and more energy domains, your versatility will become your greatest strength."
He thought for a while as the information sank in, then asked again. "You mentioned absorbing Essence Shards. There are two types, right?"
"Primal and Chaos," she confirmed. "Primal shards form in stable, elemental-rich regions. Chaos shards can be found in chaos-rich areas."
"Other types exist as well, but in this region they're rarely encountered. Most people here only know about these two."
"Essence Shards," Zashirmiq said slowly. "I know they're used for leveling, currency, and other things... but what else exactly?"
She nodded.
"They're also vital for alchemy, forging, and array construction. Versatile and essential across nearly every specialization."
He narrowed his eyes. "And kills? I know you can absorb energy from enemies. But how does that actually work? Especially in a team. How's it decided who gets what?"
She didn't hesitate.
"When an enemy is defeated, part of their energy is released. That energy is absorbed by the Nexiums of everyone who took part in the battle. The more you contribute, whether through damage, support, or strategy, the more you receive. The rest of the energy returns to the environment."
His eyes lingered on the Skills section: Insight. Teleport. Storage.
He frowned. "What do these even do? How do skills work?"
"They're abilities tied to your Nexium," she said. "Some are instinctive, others need to be learned. The more you use them, the better you get. With enough practice, you might even improve or evolve them into something stronger."
He looked up. "So I can learn more?"
"Yes. Skill books are the most common way. They contain experiences and techniques from others who mastered that skill. You can also buy skills directly from the System Mall using Nexium Coins. Or if you understand energy domains well enough, you can create your own."
He paused. "That reminds me. What are Nexium Coins?"
"Currency tied to your system. You gain them from battle. The stronger the enemy, the greater the reward."
"And I spend them how and for what?"
"To upgrade Specializations like Alchemy, Artifact Crafting, or Array Mastery. But each level costs more than the last. Or use them to buy items from the System Mall."
Zashirmiq's curiosity sparked again. "There's also a System Mall?"
"Yes," she said. "You can purchase skill books, Energy Domains, artifacts, potions, even Nexium upgrades. But many items remain locked until you reach higher levels or trigger certain conditions."
Then his gaze fell on something else.
Labeled: Companions (System Locked)
"What's this?"
She paused. "A future evolution of your system. It will unlock under specific conditions."
"Any hints?"
"Not at this time."
Zashirmiq paused. The information so far was overwhelming, but one question lingered in his mind.
"What exactly are those creatures outside? The ones attacking everyone. Humans, beasts. They're... twisted. Hollowed."
She responded. "As you know, they fall under three classifications: Mutated Beasts, Hollowed Humans, and Hollowed Beasts. All are results of exposure to Chaos Energy."
Zashirmiq narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
"When Chaos Energy descended, all lifeforms were affected. Those capable of enduring its pressure underwent change. Humans who adapted and managed to activate their Nexium became like you. Beasts that adapted became Mutated Beasts."
"Mutated Beasts are stronger, faster, and gain intelligence over time. Like humans, they level up by hunting and absorbing energy. At higher stages, some gain the ability to speak or even take on human form."
Zashirmiq clenched his fists. "And the others?"
"Humans whose Nexiums failed to adapt suffered Nexium collapse. Their minds were shattered, intelligence lost. These are classified as Hollowed Humans. They act on instinct. Hunting to feed, to survive, and to grow stronger. But their minds do not return."
"Beasts unable to adapt to Chaos Energy became Hollowed Beasts. They are similar to Hollowed Humans. Feral, violent, lacking thought. They evolve only through instinct-driven consumption."
Zashirmiq exhaled, digesting the weight of it.
So, the Chaos hadn't just awakened power. It had rewritten the rules of survival.
The glowing figure gave a final, serene look.
"I'll return to your Nexium now. You can speak to me through thought anytime, even if I don't appear."
He gave a small nod as her form faded from view.
He let out a low breath and leaned back against the cold stone behind him.
So much had changed. So fast.
But for the first time in years, the future didn't feel like a wall.
It felt like a door.
A small smirk tugged at his lips as his eyes closed.
"Let's see what tomorrow brings."