2 The Technological System
Michael was still processing the surroundings and the lady. Eris took notice of his confusion and smiled reassuringly.
"There's nothing to worry about, you are still alive. I just pulled your soul off your body temporarily so we can have this discussion. The time in your world stood still, meaning no matter how much time passes by, no time will have passed in your world," Eris explained, her voice calm and soothing.
Michael looked around, still trying to grasp the surreal nature of the situation. The white room seemed to stretch endlessly. Like if he were to walk over there, it would feel like he had never left a spot.
"So, I'm... not dead?" Michael stammered, his mind racing to catch up with the reality—or unreality—of the moment.
Eris chuckled lightly. "No, you're very much alive. Think of this as a temporary pause. A moment outside of time for us to talk."
Michael took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.
"But why me? Why pull me into this... whatever this is?" Michael asked, his curiosity piqued.
Eris's expression softened, and she leaned slightly against the desk. "I've been watching you, Michael. Your struggles, your determination, your relentless pursuit of a better life despite the odds stacked against you. It's rare to see such genuine effort in the face of adversity."
Michael felt a mix of pride and confusion. He had always just seen himself as an ordinary guy trying to make ends meet.
"So, what happens now?" he asked, unsure of what to expect.
Eris straightened up, her gaze locking onto Michael's. "I want to offer you a gift. A chance to change your destiny. Since you like to dream of the future, let me give you a glimpse of it."
When Eris said that, a holographic interface popped up in front of Michael.
Michael's brow furrowed in surprise as he stared at the holographic interface floating before him. It shimmered with a translucent blue light, displaying various icons and menus that seemed to hover in mid-air. Michael tentatively reached out, his fingers passing right through the hologram. It was surreal, like something straight out of a sci-fi video game.
"It's called a Technological System," Eris revealed.
"Technological System…" Michael repeated.
"That's right, the Technological System. It allows you to summon futuristic technologies all the while making the user smarter. Let me ask you this, have you wondered what the technology would look like ten years in the future? Or a hundred years in the future? Well, you don't have to wander anymore because it's all there in the system, invented and built by men ahead of your time."
"So, I can access technology from the future? And it will make me smarter?" he asked, trying to grasp the concept.
"It'll be easier to show you than tell you."
With a flick of a finger, multiple screens popped up around Michael.
User Interface:
User: Michael Reyes.
Occupation: Student.
Mastery:
Physics:
Chemistry:
Biology:
Mathematics:
Astronomy:
Meteorology:
Oceanography
Environmental Science
Geology:
Computer Science:
Blueprints: Sometimes it is a reward or a purchase. It contains the concept, schematics drawing, and technical knowledge to build the technology.
System Points: The main currency of the system. Allows users to solve technical questions, and buy blueprints and books.
Each core science has ten levels and to level it up, one must gain mastery points. The mastery points can be acquired through mission rewards or by simply reading a book related to core sciences. The level of your core sciences is important if you want to summon a technology or build one.
Missions: Missions are random and are given to the user depending on the circumstances the user is facing. Possible rewards are system points, mastery points, and blueprints.
System Shop: Allows the user to browse items from the future. It can be blueprints, cognitive enhancer pills, books, and futuristic technology.
Virtual World: One of the unique features of the system that allows hosts to summon future technology inside it and bring it out into the real world. Basically, if you just purchased the blueprint and wanted to see how it looked like in its finished product.
System's Manual: If you want to learn more about the system, this is where you'll go.]
"Wai—is this real?"
Eris nodded.
"So…how do I benefit from this?"
"Let me give you a hint," Eris continued, her gaze fixed on Michael. "Imagine if you introduce that lucrative and groundbreaking technology by yourself, years before it's supposed to be invented. Think about the impact it could have on society, and of course, on your life. You'll earn a lot of money from that invention."
"Wait—really?"
"You wish to get out of your monotonous life right? Well, this is the opportunity."
"Okay, but how do I even start with this? I mean, I'm just a student," Michael asked, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the prospect.
Eris smiled reassuringly. "Start small. Explore the system, and familiarize yourself with its functionalities."
Michael nodded, taking in Eris's advice. He was still reeling from the revelation but felt a growing sense of excitement about the possibilities.
Eris's expression grew more serious. "I must warn you, Michael, I don't have much time left to be with you. Pulling a human soul out of its body for an extended period can cause complications. It's important that I send you back soon."
Michael's heart raced. "Complications? What kind of complications?"
"Disorientation, memory lapses, or in extreme cases, difficulty reintegrating with your physical self," Eris explained. "But don't worry, I'll ensure you're safely returned before any of that can happen."
Michael felt a pang of anxiety. "But I still have so many questions. How will I manage all this on my own?"
"You won't be entirely on your own," Eris reassured him. "The system is designed to guide you. It will provide you with the information and resources you need. Trust in yourself and in the system."
Michael took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. "Okay, I trust you. And thank you, Eris, for this incredible gift."
Eris gave a gentle smile.
With those final words, the white room began to fade, and Michael felt a sensation like he was being gently pulled through water. The light dimmed, and he felt a momentary sense of weightlessness before everything snapped back to normal.
Michael blinked, finding himself back in the jeepney, just as he was about to step out. He looked around, slightly dazed, but everything seemed normal. The other passengers were unaware of the incredible journey he had just experienced.
***
Meanwhile, in the celestial realm. Eris leaned back in her chair, an amused smile spreading across her lips.
"Now then—entertain me, Michael."
