New Connections

Biodun was sitting in the campus library, flipping through a textbook that barely held his attention. The past few days had been a whirlwind of meditation sessions and late-night sketching, but as much as those activities helped him process everything, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. His world had shrunk to the confines of his own mind, and though the system had pushed him forward, it had also left him isolated.

He sighed, turning another page without really reading it. "Maybe I just need a change of scenery," he muttered to himself, closing the book and rubbing his temples. As he gathered his things, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hey, you’re Biodun, right?"

He looked up to see a young woman standing a few feet away, her expression curious but friendly. She had dark braids pulled into a neat bun and wore a simple, yet stylish outfit. There was something in her eyes—an intensity that reminded him of his own reflection after the accident.

"Yeah, that’s me," he replied, slipping his notebook into his bag. "Do I know you?"

"Not really," she admitted with a smile, stepping closer. "I’m Bose. We’re in the same economics class. I’ve seen you around."

Biodun nodded, vaguely recalling her presence in a few lectures. She seemed approachable, yet there was an air of mystery about her that piqued his curiosity.

"Mind if I join you?" Bose asked, gesturing to the empty seat across from him.

"Sure, go ahead," Biodun replied, intrigued. As she sat down, he noticed the way she glanced around the room, almost as if she was making sure no one else was listening. "So, what’s up?"

She leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. "I know this might sound strange, but… do you have a system?"

The question caught Biodun off guard. His first instinct was to deny it, to brush her off. But something about her tone—the way she said the word system with such familiarity—made him pause. Instead of answering right away, he studied her, looking for any sign that she might be toying with him. But her gaze was steady, her expression serious.

Finally, he nodded. "Yeah. How did you know?"

Bose smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "Because I have one too."

Biodun’s mind raced as he processed her words. He wasn’t alone. For the first time since his encounter with the system, he met someone else who shared this strange burden. "What’s yours like?" he asked, eager to know more.

Bose glanced around the library again before answering. "It’s… different. I call it the Pathfinder system. It helps me navigate challenges, both physical and mental. It’s given me abilities, like heightened awareness and a knack for finding solutions to problems. But it’s also demanding—always pushing me to grow."

Biodun nodded, feeling a connection forming between them. "Mine is similar, I guess. It’s constantly giving me tasks to complete, rewarding me with XP and new skills. It’s like living in a video game, but with real stakes."

They spent the next hour comparing notes, sharing experiences and discussing the peculiarities of their systems. Bose’s Pathfinder system seemed more focused on adaptability and survival, while Biodun’s was more about personal growth and mastery. Yet, there were striking similarities—both systems were relentless in their demands, pushing them toward an unknown goal.

As their conversation deepened, Biodun felt a strange sense of relief wash over him. For so long, he had been grappling with the weight of the system on his own, unsure of what it all meant. But now, with Bose sitting across from him, he realized that he didn’t have to go through this journey alone.

Gssmzzz! Ding!!

The system’s familiar chime interrupted their conversation. Biodun blinked, glancing at the notification that appeared in front of him.

Alliance Formed: Bose. Earned 50 XP.

He smiled to himself. Of course, the system would recognize this connection as something valuable. Alliances were just as important as individual growth, and the system seemed to reward both.

"Looks like my system approves," he said with a chuckle, showing Bose the notification. She laughed softly, nodding in understanding.

"Mine too," she said, swiping away a similar notification from her own system. "It seems like we’re meant to help each other."

Biodun couldn’t help but agree. As they continued talking, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter. He wasn’t sure what the future held, but with Bose by his side, it seemed a little less daunting.

Later that afternoon, Bose led Biodun to a small café near campus, where they found a quiet table in the back corner. The place had a cozy atmosphere, with soft lighting and the smell of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air. Biodun relaxed into the chair, feeling more at ease now that he wasn’t navigating this strange new world alone.

"Ethan should be here any minute," Bose said, glancing at the door. "He’s… well, you’ll see."

Before Biodun could ask for clarification, the door to the café swung open, and a tall, lanky guy with messy dark hair strolled in. He had a relaxed, almost carefree air about him, but his sharp eyes scanned the room with practiced precision. Spotting Bose, he grinned and made his way over.

"There you are!" he called out, sliding into the seat next to Bose. "I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long."

Bose rolled her eyes with a smile. "You’re always late, Ethan. But we’ve gotten used to it."

Ethan chuckled and turned his attention to Biodun, giving him a quick once-over. "So, you’re the new guy with a system, huh? Welcome to the club."

Biodun nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Yeah, something like that. Bose said you have one too?"

"Yep," Ethan replied, leaning back in his chair. "I’ve got what you might call a Tactician system. It helps me analyze situations, strategize, and—well, win. Whether it’s a game, a competition, or just life in general, my system gives me an edge. But it also keeps me on my toes, always pushing me to stay ahead."

Biodun exchanged a glance with Bose. Between her Pathfinder system, Ethan’s Tactician system, and his own, it seemed they each had unique abilities that complemented one another. It was almost as if the systems themselves had guided them together, nudging them toward collaboration.

"Do you think our systems are connected somehow?" Biodun asked, voicing the thought that had been lingering in his mind. "Like they’re trying to bring us together for a reason?"

Ethan shrugged. "Maybe. Or maybe it’s just coincidence. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that nothing in this life is truly random. There’s always a bigger picture at play."

Bose nodded in agreement. "We’ve all been navigating this on our own, but maybe it’s time to start thinking as a team. We’re stronger together, and if our systems are leading us in that direction, then we should listen."

The conversation turned serious as they began discussing the potential benefits—and risks—of working as a group. They knew that forming an alliance could strengthen them, but it also meant sharing vulnerabilities, trusting each other with their secrets. For a moment, the weight of that decision hung heavy in the air.

"Look," Ethan said after a pause, his tone more measured. "I’m not saying we need to be best friends overnight, but if we pool our resources, we stand a better chance of surviving whatever our systems throw at us. And who knows? Maybe this is just the beginning of something bigger."

Biodun considered his words carefully. He had been walking this path alone for so long, relying on himself and the system to guide him. But as much as he valued his independence, he couldn’t deny the logic in Ethan’s argument. The system had pushed him toward personal growth, but now it seemed to be emphasizing the importance of connections, alliances, and shared knowledge.

Before he could respond, the familiar chime of the system echoed in his mind, and a new notification appeared before him:

Gssmzzz! Ding!!

Alliance Formed: Bose and Ethan. Earned 100 XP.

A second notification quickly followed:

Group Task Assigned: Complete a challenging project as a team.

Biodun blinked in surprise, and judging by Bose and Ethan’s reactions, they had received the same message. "Looks like our systems agree," Biodun said with a wry smile, showing them the glowing text in front of him. "We’ve got a group task now."

Ethan leaned forward, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "This is it, then. Our systems are testing us, seeing how well we work together. If we pull this off, who knows what kind of rewards we’ll get?"

Bose nodded, her expression resolute. "We’re in this together. Let’s figure out what this task is and tackle it head-on."

They spent the next hour strategizing, pooling their knowledge and ideas as they prepared for the challenge ahead. The group task was still vague, but they knew it wouldn’t be easy. It would push them to their limits, testing not only their individual skills but their ability to work as a cohesive unit.

But for the first time in a long while, Biodun felt a sense of optimism. He wasn’t alone anymore. With Bose and Ethan by his side, he felt stronger, more capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead. The system had brought them together for a reason, and together, they would rise to the occasion.

As they left the café, a new determination settled over Biodun. This was more than just a task—it was the next step in his journey, a journey he no longer had to walk alone.

[Level 2] [XP: 860] [Skills: Basic Fitness, Strategic Analysis, Meditation] [Weapons: None]