Adrian had been watching the data flow for days. The [Library] was thriving. [Carrier Pigeon] had become indispensable. [School] was transforming education. But he knew that to truly capture the hearts of the younger generation—and to deepen engagement across all demographics—he needed something more visceral.
He needed a challenge.
So he created [Fear Trial].
It was a gamified divine experience, designed to test courage, resolve, and adaptability. Users who entered the trial would face illusions, puzzles, and simulated combat tailored to their fears. The deeper they went, the more Internet Coins they earned. The higher their rank, the greater their prestige.
Adrian designed the trial with care. It wasn't just a dungeon—it was a psychological mirror. Each user's experience was unique, shaped by their subconscious anxieties and personal history. A warrior might face a phantom of a fallen comrade. A merchant might be trapped in a collapsing market. A scholar might be forced to forget everything they'd learned.
The trial had ten ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and beyond. Each rank required not just survival, but mastery. Users had to overcome their fears, solve riddles, and defeat simulated enemies using their own skills and blessings.
The launch was explosive.
Within hours, taverns were filled with conversations about who had reached Gold Rank, who had failed at Bronze, and who had discovered hidden paths in the trial. It wasn't just a game—it was a rite of passage.
Adrian added a public leaderboard. Top performers were celebrated. Their names appeared on floating screens in town squares. Teachers used the trial to assess students. Guilds used it to recruit members. Even nobles began using it to test their heirs.
The trial became a cultural phenomenon.
Adrian's Divine Power surged. Every entry into the trial was preceded by a prayer. Every victory was rewarded with coins. Every defeat triggered reflection—and often, another prayer.
He watched the metrics roll in. Usage was highest at night. Younger users advanced faster. Older users struggled but returned again and again. The AI adapted, adjusting difficulty based on performance and emotional response.
Adrian wasn't just testing mortals.
He was training them.
And through it all, the Internet became more than a system.
It became a proving ground.