"Fundamentals Of System Ethics"

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

11th Day of August, Monday Late Morning

Unity College of System Studies, Main Lecture Halls (9103)

The classroom fell silent as Professor Elara Nightshade stepped to the front, her sharp features accentuated by the light streaming in through the large windows. Dressed in a dark academic robe and exuding a no-nonsense demeanor, she surveyed the room, her piercing gaze ensuring she had everyone's attention.

"Welcome to Fundamentals of System Ethics," she began. "This isn't a class about what your System can do. This is a class about why you use it—and how your choices shape the world around you."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "Before we delve into the details, let's establish something fundamental: the System isn't inherently good or evil. It's a tool. It amplifies your decisions, your morality, your flaws, and your virtues. Ethics, therefore, is not about the System itself—it's about you."

The class orientation is about the Role of Ethics in System Usage, Professor Nightshade taps the screen as the holographic board appears with three bolded words: Power, Responsibility, and Consequence.

"These three words form the Foundation of System Ethics," she explained as the three bolded words glowed.

"First is Power. Your System gives you power. Whether it's combat abilities, support functions, and many more things within the System. That power is meant to serve a purpose. But here's the catch: power is a double-edged sword. It can uplift or destroy, depending on how you wield it."

"Second is Responsibility. With power comes responsibility," she continued. "This isn't just a cliché—it's a truth. Your System is not yours alone. Its effects ripple outward, touching the lives of others. Whether you're defending a town from monsters or conducting research that could alter society, you must ask yourself: 'Am I prepared to bear the consequences of my actions?'"

"Third is Consequence. And that brings us to consequence," she said, her tone growing more intense. "Every action you take with your System creates an effect, whether intentional or not. A fire spell might save your allies in battle, but it could also burn down an entire village if misused. Understanding the weight of your choices is critical to mastering your System ethically."

After talking about the class orientation, she began the actual classes and the first lesson was about the Basic Fundamentals of System Ethics. Professor Nightshade then outlined the core principles of ethical System usage:

"The first core principle is Intent Matters. Why are you using your System? The intent behind your actions defines whether they are ethical. Are you helping others, or are you serving your own selfish goals? Ethics demands that you examine your motivations before you act."

"The second core principle is Harm Minimization. You must always strive to minimize harm," she said firmly. "Even in combat, unnecessary cruelty or collateral damage is inexcusable. Your power does not grant you the right to cause suffering without reason."

"The third core principle is Informed Decision-Making. Knowledge is power," she continued. "Before using your System, ensure you understand the situation, the risks, and the potential outcomes. Reckless or ignorant use of power is the hallmark of unethical behavior."

"The fourth core principle is Respect for Autonomy. Systems often interact with others—both people and environments. You must respect the autonomy of those around you. Just because you can influence someone doesn't mean you should. Consent and cooperation are key."

"The last core principle is Accountability. "Finally," she said, "you must be prepared to accept the consequences of your actions. If you misuse your System, own up to it and make amends. Accountability is the cornerstone of ethical practice."

"Okay, for the class activity whether you want to answer or not, there will be no points given even if you answer it. Imagine this: You are in a village under attack by monsters. You have a powerful area-of-effect skill that could save everyone—but there's a risk it will also injure innocent civilians nearby. Do you use the skill? Or do you try a less effective but safer option? Discuss."

The classroom buzzed with discussion as students debated the merits of each choice. Professor Nightshade walked among the groups, listening and occasionally challenging their reasoning. Accel also had no idea how to answer the question that Professor Nightshade gave as he was thinking hard. As the class time was almost over, no one had the answer as Professor Nightshade returned to the front.

Ethics is not about easy answers," she said, her gaze sweeping across the room. "It's about asking the hard questions—and having the courage to face the answers. Remember: the System reflects who you are. Make sure it reflects the best version of yourself."

Before dismissing the class, Professor Nightshade's tone grew sharper, her gaze locking onto the students with an intensity that made the room fall silent.

"Before you leave," she said, her voice cold and measured, "let me make one thing clear. As your instructor—and as a former Strategic Analyst from the military—I have seen firsthand what happens when Systems are misused. I've witnessed entire communities destroyed, lives shattered, and trust obliterated because someone thought their power put them above responsibility."

Her words hung in the air like a blade. "If I ever catch any of you abusing your System—whether it's harming the environment, exploiting people, or endangering society—I will not hesitate to take you down myself. And trust me, I am fully capable of doing so."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing. "This isn't a threat; it's a warning. Your power is a privilege, not a license for chaos. If you can't respect that, I will ensure you answer for it—whether that's here in this classroom, in the field, or a prison cell."

Straightening up, she added with a calmer but no less serious tone, "Now, take what you've learned today and think about how you will use your System moving forward. Remember, your choices define you. Don't make me regret teaching you."

With that, she dismissed the class, leaving an air of unease and determination among the students. Accel, who left the classroom, felt the weight of the warning pressing on him. Despite having one of the weakest systems, he was determined to take that into account. As he leveled up, improved, and adapted, he would unlock more powerful abilities, much like the examples provided by the professor. Accel headed to the Cafeteria Nexus for lunch, where he planned to continue taking notes from his two classes.