Chapter 2: The Awakening

The suffocating darkness surrounded Zain as his mind teetered on the edge of consciousness. The dim glow of a flickering streetlamp overhead cast fleeting shadows across his bloodied hands. His body trembled from exhaustion and grief. The memory of his sister's tear-streaked face burned in his mind like a haunting echo.

As Zain gasped for air, a sudden surge of energy pulsed through his chest.

System activating...

The voice was monotone and mechanical, yet it resonated deep within him, cutting through his despair like a blade. A glowing interface materialized before his eyes, suspended in mid-air.

> System Name: Tebu

Status: Initiating host compatibility.

Warning: Host is critically injured. Emergency healing protocols activated.

Zain's breathing steadied as warmth spread through his veins, mending his battered body. He looked at the system screen, his confusion overshadowed by a single thought: What is this?

The system continued its process.

> Welcome, Host. You have awakened the Tebu System.

Primary Function: Creature Creation and Evolution.

Current Evolution Points: 0.

As words scrolled across the interface, Zain clenched his fists. This wasn't just any system—it was his only chance. His voice was hoarse as he spoke.

"What...what do I do?"

The system's response was immediate.

> Survive. Adapt. Evolve.

Zain's surroundings came into focus. The distant sound of footsteps and muffled voices reminded him of the danger. He had no time to waste. Grabbing his hoodie, he pulled it over his head, masking his face. If the people after him realized he had awakened a system, they wouldn't stop until he was dead.

He staggered into an alley, his thoughts racing. Creature creation? Evolution? His fingers hovered over the system interface. A new prompt appeared.

> Tutorial: Create your first creature.

Biting his lip, Zain focused on the glowing icon. A surge of information flooded his mind—blueprints of shapes, materials, and characteristics. His instincts guided him as if the system were an extension of his own thoughts.

From the shadows of the alley, a faint, dark mist coalesced before him. It swirled and twisted, solidifying into a small, spider-like creature with obsidian-colored legs and glowing red eyes.

> Name your creature.

"Shadow Fang," Zain whispered.

> Shadow Fang created.

The spider hissed softly, its many eyes fixated on Zain with an eerie intelligence. The bond between them was immediate and profound. He could feel its presence in his mind, a tether that pulsated with energy.

As he studied the creature, another screen appeared.

> Mission: Survive the Pursuers.

Reward: 5 Evolution Points.

The clinking sound of boots on wet pavement snapped Zain's attention to the approaching figures. Three men emerged, their faces shrouded in shadows but their malicious intent clear.

"There he is," one of them growled.

Zain's heart pounded. He glanced at Shadow Fang, the creature seemingly awaiting his command. For the first time since his awakening, a spark of confidence lit within him.

"Shadow Fang," he muttered. "Attack."

The spider launched forward with terrifying speed, its sharp legs glinting under the dim light. The men barely had time to react before Shadow Fang struck, slashing at their legs and forcing them to stumble.

One of the attackers screamed, clutching his ankle as blood pooled around him. The other two scrambled back, their weapons drawn. Zain seized the opportunity, his survival instincts taking over.

"Go!" he commanded, sprinting past the disoriented men and into the labyrinth of alleyways.

Shadow Fang leapt back onto his shoulder, its red eyes scanning the darkness. Zain's breath came in ragged gasps as he ducked into an abandoned warehouse, collapsing against the wall.

The system chimed.

> Mission complete.

Reward: 5 Evolution Points.

Zain exhaled, his body trembling from the adrenaline. He looked at the creature on his shoulder, then at the glowing interface before him.

For the first time, a faint smile crossed his lips. He didn't fully understand this system or its power, but one thing was clear—this was his chance to fight back, to protect his sister, and to survive in a world that wanted him dead.

"I'll evolve," he whispered, determination hardening his voice. "No matter what it takes."