First Quest

'Open.'

Leon said, staring at the blue screen with interest as this was the first time he had received a quest.

The System template he had gotten in his past life had a ton of great features but quests and experience weren't one of them so seeing it had piqued his interest.

Hearing his answer, the screen in front of Leon disappeared before another one appeared in its place with the texts on it releasing a subtle glow that seemed to enchant all those who stared at it.

— –

[Quest: Start running the Store.

Type: Mandatory.

Description: Like the title says start running the store it's as simple as that.

Time Limit: Ninety-two days.

Time Left: Ninety-two days.

Reward: +100,000 Experience points, Beginners Guide To Running A Store (Complete Version), Departed Wanderer's Mask.

Punishment: The host would be struck by lightning five times, The host would have to spend fifteen years of his life as a male prostitute while other punishments would be generated randomly.]

— –

Stumped, Leon could only stare at the screen with a wide open mouth as he read the punishment he would receive.

"This doesn't stick to the script." He mumbled, remembering that his previous System had once told him that some Systems puts death as the host's punishment.

"It must have had the feeling that I wouldn't be afraid of death since I had already died and willingly attacked Vivian even though the chances of me dying were high." Leon pondered, having his finger under his chin he added. "So to keep me motivated it removed death from the penalty list."

While Leon was busy thinking, the screen in front of him closed as another one appeared before his eyes.

— –

[The mandatory quest, Start running the Store has been accepted by the host.]

[The time left for the host to complete this quest is 91 days: 23 hours: 59 minutes: 50 seconds.]

[If the host fails to complete the quest before the allocated time is over, it would be marked as a failure and he would be punished immediately.]

— –

Before Leon could respond to the monotonous voice that resounded in his mind, another blue screen flashed before his eyes.

— –

[And the reason why death isn't an option is so that the host wouldn't lose motivation easily as go commit suicide.]

[Since it has been deduced that the host has quite several loose screws after his past life experiences were reviewed.]

— –

Short of words, Leon kept staring at the screen with a wide jaw before he asked. 'By the way, who created all you Systems?'

— –

[And here is the host's starter pack which should've been given to the host after a new System template was created.]

— –

Ignoring Leon's question, a red box that looked like a present appeared before him after the System's voice echoed in his mind.

Unhesitatingly grabbing the box that was still floating in the air, Leon observed it for a while before saying. "Open."

Like a spell had been cast, the yellow ribbon that was wrapped around the box faded into yellow particles while the red box vanished with a poof –leaving a cloud of white smoke and confetti in its place.

In a few seconds, the smoke had dispersed making Leon see what was his supposed gift –a book that was palm size but about five centimeters thick and a scroll that seemed to be made from animal skin.

— –

[Item: Beginners Guide To Running A Store (Incomplete Version).

Type: Knowledge chip (Book Form)

Description: A book that contains knowledge on how to manage a store. It was created with the combination of knowledge from System holders who had the most successful stores. Though incomplete, it has enough knowledge to guide a rookie (like the host) through the right path.]

— –

[Item: Architectural Mold (Store)

Type: One use.

Description: Can be used as a blueprint to redesign an already existing building in this case a store without needing to demolish it at the cost of materials getting used. It can also be used to overhaul the building to fit its users' desires.

Note: The more complex the design the more resources required.]

— –

Reading the texts on the screen before him, Leon said. "Both are pretty good rewards and since I'll receive the complete version of the Beginners Guide To Running A Store after completing my quest makes it even better."

With Leon keeping his rewards in his inventory after admiring them for some time, Leon looked at the filth around him before walking towards the stairs.

He might want to clean but there were a lot of things he had to do first and easing his bowels was one of them.

'At least the toilet is in good order.' Leon thought, looking at the extremely clean toilet before him.

The things he had seen on the top floor made him wonder if the toilet would still be good as he remembered there was a toilet around here but had no clue if it worked or not.

Done with his business, Leon walked out of the restroom stall before looking at the mirror in front of him.

Splashing water on his face, Leon stared at his reflection for a while before saying. "Status."

Just like he had expected, a blue screen that showed texts and numbers gradually materialized before him.

— –

[Name: Leon Bridges

Race: Human

Existential Rank: Upper Grade 1

Ability: IQ / Dead Calm

Level: 1

Exp: 0/150

Stats:

STR- 10

AGI- 12

INT- 30

WIS- 11

CHA- 14

Total- 77]

— –

"Not so bad," Leon muttered as he gazed at his stats which were not so impressive apart from his intellect which could rival that of someone whose Existential rank is Grade 2.

Focusing his gaze on his ability, another screen appeared in front of the previous one –showing the information he sought.

— –

[IQ:

Type- Passive

Category- Mental

Description- Increases the host's intelligence which corresponds to his INT stat by a two-time multiplier.

Limitations- As a result, the host's alcohol tolerance is shitty to the point that a sip of beer would get him drunk and too much thinking would lead to bleeding from his seven orifices and a severe cluster headache.]

— –

[Dead Calm:

Type- Passive

Category- Mental 

Description- Release a huge amount of Serotonin into the bloodstream which reduces or in most cases snuffs the host's anxiety and anger leaving the host in an extremely calm state of mind which gives a small boost to reflexes and thoughts.

Limitations- If this ability activates too often, it would affect the host's emotions and other mental functions would be affected.]

— –

"Although they have no effects on my strength they're pretty good abilities," Leon said, running his eyes through the screen he added. "But their limitations and consequences are quite terrible."

"At least there's still hope." After seeing his abilities, the spark within Leon to reclaim the power and glory he once had burned even brighter than before.

Walking out of the bathroom, he muttered. "I hope I have a potential close to that of my previous life."

"To the Measurement Center then," Leon said, taking a step out of the store he made his way towards where he remembered a Measurement Center was.