“So what exactly is up with the two of you?”

The question broke the silence that had reigned dominant the entire ride to the Super Center. Laying on her sides, ignoring safety laws, Reol threw a verbal fastball, catching me off guard.

“Eh, what do you mean by that?” Well, I knew what she meant somewhat. Since we first all got brought together Lucia had been very up close and personal when it came to me, which I found to be one of the things we don’t seem to share. Now don’t get me wrong it's awesome having a gorgeous girl hanging on from you, but a little personal space would be nice.

Still, I feel as though it might be something more than that affecting my willingness to indulge her. A sort of harmony I couldn't quite place. At least until she opened her mouth to talk.

The head I was giving a lap pillow to turned to focus its identical sky blue eyes into my own, mischievous mirth dancing deep within them.

“Stop pretending to be stupid, you know exactly what I mean idiot. Isn’t that girl your Doppelgänger? If I understand this correctly it means she’s you but without that thing in your pants?”

Open palm propping up her head as she lounged on the large cushioned seat Reol gave me a ‘look’ that was just a few shades shy of open disdain.

“Well yeah…” That was all I could say, I really had no reasonable excuses considering I hadn’t made an effort to stop Lucia.

“Stop overanalyzing everything I’m just getting along with myself, nothing wrong with that last time I checked.” Hey, I don’t think burying your face into my abdomen is helping your argument, Lucia.

“Fucking weirdos.” I barely managed to catch Reol say thanks to my recently enhanced hearing.

Deciding that I might as well lay out the plans for the day to try and change the strange subject we had touched on I began my explanation.

Man being in charge was bothersome.

“We’ll be arriving in a few minutes at the West Wing of the Super Center. It’s here we’ll do our mundane shopping as it’s where most of the retail stores are. As for the Techyard it’s located in the North Wing around 20 minutes away by foot. We’ll shop as we head over so we shouldn't be at the center for more than 2-3 hours.”

New Athens Super Center, is known as the largest Super Center in the lower New England area. Outclass only by places like New York and Boston but that was only natural considering both those places were the headquarters for two of the world's largest factions.

Separated into four wings the central building acted as the VIP exclusive location, as well as where security guards were deployed from when needed.

Honestly, it’s a pretty impressive structure worthy of its fame, and luckily for me, I only lived 30 minutes away.

For the first time in a while, I had some peace and quiet as neither Reol nor Lucia seemed to be in a chatting mood.

-(It would appear that this would be an excellent moment to further dive into understanding the System and how it operates. Our last discussion was cut short, and you haven't been in a position where you wouldn’t be interrupted or pass out from exhaustion.)-

Good Call Winston.

I was just about to open my mouth to begin asking some more questions when Winstone stopped me.

-(No need to bother the young ladies, They aren't as integrated as you in the system so I’ll catch them up to speed once the closed Alpha ends and open Alpha starts. You can simply send me mental questions and I'll answer them.)

‘Interesting. So I'm going to assume that has something to do with my Title Patient Zero?’

-(Correct. Although the elf princess has a fully implemented system, as your summon she can’t be considered the source for the new universe being implemented. Without you, her system wouldn't even work at all. Currently, she's limited to Closed Alpha just as you are, while the rest of the ladies are on something you could consider pre-alpha.)

‘So what happens when we hit open alpha or even the beta’s?’

-(I’m not allowed to state what exactly will happen, but I will say this. I hope humanity can survive the second Decade of Chaos that it’ll bring)-

My body shivered instinctively catching Lucia’s attention as she gave me a worried glance.

I mouthed ‘I’ll explain later.” to her as I returned to the conversation with Winstone with a hint of guilt.

‘So what your telling me is I likely opened up a can of worms that will make humanity's greatest historical disaster look tamed?’

-(Sigh. Don’t beat yourself up boy. Regardless of what you might be thinking, this isn't your blame to shoulder. This was bound to happen eventually, even if it was brought upon the world earlier than expected. Additionally, I believe our world holds an advantage few others could compare to.)-

Oh, that's right.

‘Superpowers.’

Although unable to see the old man for some reason I felt him shake his head softly.

-(No better than that. Innate Superpowers. The system itself will bring abilities comparable if not greater than powers we hold. A benefit we will likely see play out in the future)-

So it wasn't all doom and gloom at least. Shaking the funk out of my head and refocused seeing that we were halfway to the center.

‘Ok back to the system in a more traditional sense that doesn't involve talking about its potential heralding of death and destruction, thank you very much.’

-(Of course, now just make sure your thick skull is actually retaining the information)-

‘Just get to the info, or ill go back to being rude’

-(Tisk, Tisk, unable to take a small jest. You live up to your ownership of the Barbaric Title)-

Before I could snarkily respond a Menu popped up.

Status

Stats

Titles

Summon List

Skills

Inventory(Unavailable in closed Alpha)

‘Wow, it really is just like an RPG….’ The absurdity that had been dwelling in the back of my mind about the systems gamelike elements finally struck a cord.

It was a really old trope from the before times, that had severely fallen from favorability for newer tropes, but memories of stories I’d read out of boredom came up about systems coming down unto an unexpected world.

Omega Fuck.

Yet I had to force myself to refocus once more.

‘Open Status’

-((Lucas Rivan, Interdimensional Hero Summoner) (HP-100% MP-98% SP-91%)(Status Effects- Primordial Soul Concord))

‘Um, what's with that status effect?’ The Status was quite simple, to be honest. A little messy but still provided me with the basics, but that Status Effect looked a little ominous.

-(Let's find out)-

(Primordial Soul Concord-(Status Effect)- A Singularity Sundered. A Sin Irremissible. A Coalesce Denied. Current Effects undefined))

‘Welp, that gave us nothing, but a little depressive poem.’

-(It would seem so)-

Onwards then.

‘Can I change my title or is that also locked?’

-(Your current titles are all available for change. Just keep in mind that you can only do this once every 24 hours.)-

‘Awesome then. Switch me to Idiot of Fortune.’

-(Idiot Of Fortune- ‘There is no greater threat to a well thought up plan than one lucky fool.’ Rayhon Advisor to the Kingdom of Ultara. This title, when equipped, will slightly lean less favorable outcomes in the host's favor. Wisdom decreases by 15%. Thanks to the portion of Chaos Element within the host's body this titles probability altering effects are available even when not equipped. If equipped the effect is strengthened by a factor of 5.)-

I braced for something to happen, but it seemed as though that was unneeded. Whatever luck-altering effects the title provided it didn't seem to physically or mentally affect me thankfully. Was quite concerned for a moment I might start bleeding from my nose or trigger a seizure. You know the typical stuff.

-(Brace yourself, it appears you’re getting something extra)-

Oh, here it is.

My body which had been in perfect working order not even one second prior suddenly decided that it no longer wanted to listen to the commands of the man(my brain in this case) and that it would instead rebel and fall forwards completely slack, and make an attempt at getting to know the floor of the transport vehicle. Apparently, Reol’s refusal to enamor it had left it vulnerable as well as lonely and my body was ready to ride in like a knight in shining armor.

My chaotic mental dribble aside, I was fortunate enough that have Lucia catch me before the fated duo proclaimed their love for each other in what would only be a painful union.

“Lucas! What's going on!” Lucia rested me back up on the seat making sure to keep my neck from rolling around. How nice.

“Did he just ragdoll.” Reol on the other hand appeared to be unsure if she should laugh or appear worried. Hey, at least there was an attempt.

Now back to me, my body not adhering to my commands remained slack as a new wall of text rolled by my face.

-(Congratulations, as this, is your first title Change, you have been granted a Dual Skill in accordance with Idiot of Fortune’s Attunement.)-

-((Streak of Misfortune/Lucky Break)(Passive/Active Skill))-

-(Streak of Misfortune- (Decreases Crit chance, worsens loot rolls, as well as slightly increasing less than the favorable situations for the user Stores Luck for future use. The Longer the Streak the larger the Break.) (“Everyone gets their Lucky Break eventually.”- Unknown)(Cost-None) (Duration-Infinite)(Togglable)(Passive))

-(Lucky Break- (Increase Crit Chance, Improves Loot Rolls, as well as Enormously increasing Favorable situations for the user while using up the luck stored by Streak of Misfortune. Quarter, Half, and Full breaks are available.)(“Everyone's Luck runs out eventually friend.”- Unknown)(Cost. Breaks are stored in Charge Unites. Current Charges 1(100%))(Patient Zero Bonus-First ones on the house)(Active)).

What a mess. But still, that's pretty fucking cool. Oh, my visions going black around the edges. That cant be good.

“Lucas breath for fucks sake!” Lucia was still freaking out apparently and Reol was actually(like seriously) looking worried as she stood next to me. Her bright hair which we had attempted to somewhat hide beneath a beaning appearing muted in color.

Aw, she does care my oxygen-lacking brain thought to itself.

“Screw this.” She spoke up suddenly.

Pulling a complete reversal her hair flared brightly before all of sudden I saw the palm of her hand approach rapidly.

“SMACK!”

My brain and body finally reconnect as I exploded upwards gasping for breath, and coughing up a storm.

“See he’s fine,” Reol stated as though she didn't just fix me like an old man might fix an ancient tv.

Don't get me wrong I was grateful but fuck my face was stinging, and I swear my teeth feel loose enough to get pulled out by hand.

“Oh thank God, What the fuck was that? One second you’re there with glazed-over eyes, the next your performing a death animation.” Lucia had sat up properly next to me while holding on to make sure I didn't lose my balance.

Gathering myself I managed to answer with a rasp to my voice.

“System stuff.” I huffed for a moment further catching my breath. “This shits bananas. The skill I just unlocked is already comparable to power and it's just one skill, hmm well two technically but they don't work separately.”

Lucia gave me a perplexed look while she attempted what I assumed was to open up her status if what I read from her lips was to be accurate.

“I can’t open anything besides my status. Everything else is grayed out.” She spoke with some annoyance to her voice. Couldn't blame her if I knew people were getting extra powers like this I’d be quite jealous.

“Same shit,” Reol responded with similar annoyance.

“FIVE MINUTES UNTIL ARRIVAL.” The robotic voice of the transport vehicle spoke up.

“You sure you're ok? Want a lap pillow this time instead?” Lucia asked, concern still there but evendantly moving back towards a more relaxed self.

“Naw, I'm good. Just need to relax for a moment.” Which was true. It seemed that lesson with Xue had helped out my body quite a bit. I couldn't say id be ok so quickly after almost suffocating before then.

“Just let me know if ya need me to smack the shit outta you again. Free of charge of course.” Reol said while lying down again on her side.

“I’ll have you, on-call doctor.” I won’t deny the treatment was effective.

“I could probably slap you harder than she did if you want.” Lucia added.

I turned to stare at her.

“No,” I said as sincerely as I ask could manage.

------------------------------------------

The last few minutes after my little episode were uneventful as the car pulled into the West Wings underground parking lot. I wanted to try and look at my Stats but I was still a little shaken after almost, ya know, croaking literally.

I’ll get through them one day Winstone, or die trying!

A SECOND TIME!

My attention returned back to my surroundings as Reol spoke up.

“Isn’t this parking lot suspiciously empty for a so-called Super Center?” Hands curved into binoculars Reol got a better look through the tainted windows, her worries not unfounded considering it was Saturday.

But before I could speak up to give her an explanation Lucia who had been lazing around on her own side now that she was no longer using my lap beat me to it.

“Traffic from the West of New Athens has been extremely light ever since Torpen was almost destroyed by a Blood Vine Infestation 10 years ago.” Lucia glanced back up at me for confirmation. Our two realities seemed to share their history quite closely so such an educated guess had its merits.

“Yeah although it wasn’t as bad as your making it out to be, the real issue was the destruction of the main highway connecting the two cities. The Blood vines weren’t exactly careful in their expansion. Didn’t help either when they sent “Vile, The Lingering Wisp” in to wipe the infestation out.

“Poison?” Reol asked.

“Radiation.” Lucia cut in once again.

“You have a hero whose entire power is just to irradiate shit?” Disbelief painted Reol face into one of her many frowns.

“They needed to make sure they killed the vine down to its roots, a fire/heat hero wouldn’t have been able to guarantee killing it without risking some serious damage so the guild made the decision not wanting it to spread any further.” Plus they had ways of dealing with the radiation so it wouldn’t stay around more than a decade or two. Still, it sucked for Torpen who avoided one disaster only to have a literal Chernobyl pop up near their city.

“Welp none of that really matters now, Torpens doing fine, and if people really wanted to visit they could always Detour around through another city,” I explained.

“Still doesn't change that you guys have a Radiation Man. Must suck to be a villain fighting them survive the radiation poisoning to only find out you got super cancer.” Reol pointed out.

I was just about to attempt to refute her very accurate statement when the car stopped, having parked itself next to an elevator that would take us into the west wing’s first floor.

Oh, we're here.

I pulled out my wallet, and pet the poor guy.

“It's ok buddy, you got this, we’ve been through the wringer before and know you’ve got the heart to survive this.”

I ignored Reol and Lucia's incredulous eyes as mentally prepared to take a financial beating.

It would be nice if that's the only issue that crops up this trip but even with Idiot of Fortune that's asking for a lot.