Undead_Raptor

New writer, not sure how often updates will be.

In a disorienting blend of the virtual and real, "New Horizons" unravels the enigma of Dawn, a young woman awakening in a sterile facility governed by the enigmatic Venin Corporation. Straddling memories of a once-beloved game and her tangible present, Dawn's captivating heterochromia becomes a symbol of her unique identity — a dual existence bridging both realms. Armed with a mysterious game system, her only guide in this labyrinthine world, she confronts the watchful eyes of the corporation's envoys, questioning their true motives beneath their veneer of unity and power. As Dawn grapples with her past digital life and its implications for her current reality, she embarks on a journey of discovery, challenging her understanding of identity, destiny, and freedom. Amidst sterile corridors, unsettling gazes, and the remnants of her game's lore, New Horizons seeks to weave a tale of resilience, revelation, and the pursuit of one's true self in a world where boundaries blur.

New Horizons: Dawn

In the soft, sterile glow of the overhead lights, Dawn sat on the edge of a polished metal table, her slender fingers curling around the edges of an empty food tray. She took a deep breath, appreciating the sensation of a full belly, even though the food she had just consumed was alarmingly bland. It wasn't that it was unpleasant; rather, it felt like eating a shadow of a meal, with textures present but flavors absent.


Drawing from her memory of the game, Dawn felt a shiver run down her spine as she pondered the Venin Corporation's reputation. Their vast, ominous buildings stood as a testament to a faction that lurked in the shadows, willing to go to unimaginable lengths to achieve its sinister aims. While the intricacies of their master plan remained obscured, the rampant rumors of them tearing down the world's cradles of civilization and the eerie tales of their abductions were enough to paint a grim picture.


The game had hinted at their penchant for dark experimentation. With a sudden pang of realization, Dawn recalled the feeling of waking up amidst cold, unfamiliar surroundings. Combined with Twilight's revelations about her accelerated growth, she felt a gnawing suspicion that she might be a product of Venin's bio-engineering efforts. Questions swirled in her mind: was her current freedom a trial run? A test to understand the behavior of younger clones? Or perhaps a result of an unforeseen glitch in her developmental process?


From her recollections of the game, she knew that Natasha and Twilight were cut from the same cloth—products of meticulous biological engineering, bestowed with abilities that bordered on the supernatural. Natasha's elusive sister, guarded closely by Venin because of her rare healing prowess, further solidified Dawn's fears. The realization loomed large: if she exhibited too much potential, would she too be reduced to a mere asset in a secure chamber?


Engrossed in her musings, she barely noticed the cafeteria around her filling up, its atmosphere buzzing with low murmurs and the clatter of trays. Deciding to lay low for the time being, she used her tablet to navigate her way back to her room, the corridors blurring past in a haze of monotony.


Just as she stepped inside her room, placing the tablet on a sleek bedside table, the unexpected happened. The air in front of her shimmered, and the game interface sprung to life.


<<Recognizing error. Player does not meet all required criteria. Solution: Player appears to be Non-Player Character. Granting access to NPC systems.>>


Amidst her surprise, a surge of hope coursed through Dawn. Access to this system could level the playing field. The interface, seemingly suspended in mid-air, was a sight that would baffle any onlooker. Tentatively, she reached out, tapping it.


Her personal stats materialized, etched in luminescent text:


Skills: Low-level Intelligence enhancement, lvl 1


Taking a few moments to absorb the details, she noted her attributes, a stark reminder of her nascent state. Despite her above-average Intelligence, she was painfully aware of her vulnerabilities.


Suddenly, a chime alerted her to a new message:


<<Prove your worth. Sinister shifts are underway in Venin Corporation's top brass. Your safety hangs in the balance!>>


<<Objective: Navigate the treacherous waters of the next three months, demonstrating your value to Venin's decision-makers.>>


<<Rewards: Awaken latent Esper potential. Earn 10,000 Experience. Performance-based bonuses apply.>>


Dawn sighed, her heart racing. She now had a path, albeit fraught with danger. Her destiny seemed intertwined with the Esper class. Yet, with her major class locked, she faced the Herculean task of survival, reliant on her wits, skills, and any minor classes she could discover. The next three months loomed ominously, a gauntlet she had no choice but to confront.


Awakening: Interface