System's first directive

Stepping out of the shadowy alley and onto the main thoroughfare, Tyra felt a sense of vulnerability. Even in the late hours, Awiebo thrummed with a subtle energy. Hover-cars zipped silently along elevated pathways, their lights casting long shadows, while the ground level was still dotted with the occasional late-night vendor packing up their wares or the hurried footsteps of citizens returning home.

The blue screen of the system remained visible only to him, floating steadily in his peripheral vision. It pulsed gently, a silent guide. The "Emergency Quest: Survive the Night" still dominated the top, a constant reminder of their precarious situation.

[Tap the 'Inventory' icon to claim your reward.] The synthesized voice echoed in his mind.

Tyra subtly shifted his gaze to the bottom of the screen where the three icons were displayed. He focused on the one that looked like a small satchel. As he mentally "tapped" it, the icon glowed, and three small, wrapped rations appeared in his hand as if from nowhere. They were blandly colored and felt slightly rough.

He quickly tucked them into the small bag containing their belongings, careful not to let his mother or sister see. He wasn't ready to explain the strange phenomenon yet.

"Which way, Tyra?" Aya asked, her voice soft.

Tyra hesitated. He had only a vague recollection of the market sellers mentioning the docks. He looked at the system screen, wondering if it could offer any guidance.

As if sensing his need, a new notification appeared:

[Sub-Quest Activated: Locate the Old Docks Shelter.]

[Hint: Follow the scent of salt and the sound of lapping water. Initial estimated distance: 1.5 kilometers.]

A small, translucent arrow now appeared on the edge of his vision, gently pointing in a particular direction. Tyra felt a surge of relief. The system was more helpful than he had imagined.

"This way," he said confidently, pointing down a less brightly lit street. "I think it's towards the water."

Abelema and Aya exchanged a look of cautious hope and followed him. The streets grew quieter as they moved away from the central commercial district. The grand buildings and opulent displays of wealth gradually gave way to more modest structures, some showing signs of neglect.

As they walked, Tyra kept a close eye on the system screen. New notifications flickered occasionally, mostly related to the ongoing quest.

[Remaining Distance to Old Docks Shelter: 1.2 kilometers.]

[Environmental Scan: Ambient Temperature: 12°C. Potential for rainfall: Low.]

The level of detail was astonishing. Tyra wondered what else this system could do. His thoughts drifted to his musical aspirations. The system had identified his "Dormant (Potential High)" musical talent. Could it help him with that too?

Just then, another notification popped up, seemingly in response to his thoughts:

[Would you like a brief tutorial on the System's core functions?]

Tyra's heart skipped a beat. This was incredible. He glanced at his mother and sister, who were focused on the path ahead. He could probably take a moment to learn more without them noticing.

He mentally "tapped" the "Yes" option on the screen.

The blue screen dissolved and reformed, now displaying a series of menus and explanations. Tyra quickly scanned through them, his mind racing to absorb the information. He learned about quests, his personal stats (Musical Talent, Business Acumen, Physical Prowess), the inventory, and something called "Skills" which were currently locked.

He also saw a section labeled "Music." Intrigued, he tapped on it.

[Music Skill Tree: Locked.]

[Requirements to Unlock: Achieve 'Apprentice' level in Musical Talent. Complete relevant musical quests.]

So, the system could indeed help him with his music, but it seemed he had to prove himself first.

The tutorial also mentioned something called "System Points," earned by completing quests and achieving goals. These points could be used to improve his stats, unlock skills, and acquire other benefits.

Just as he was getting engrossed in the information, a sudden growl echoed from a dark alleyway they were passing. Tyra instinctively stopped, his hand reaching out to shield his mother and sister.

A pair of glowing red eyes pierced the darkness. A creature, low to the ground and vaguely canine in shape but with razor-sharp claws and phosphorescent markings on its fur, snarled, its teeth bared.

[Threat Detected: Mutated Alley Scavenger. Level 3. Threat Level: Minor.] The system displayed urgently.

Tyra's heart pounded. This was one of the mutated creatures the hunters dealt with. He was just an eleven-year-old boy. How could he protect his family from this?

Then, another notification flashed on the screen:

[Emergency Quest Alert: Protect Abelema and Aya!]

[Reward: Basic Combat Skill (Defensive)]

The system was reacting to the danger. Tyra knew he had to act fast. Their survival tonight depended on it. The allure of learning more about the system faded as the immediate threat loomed before them, its guttural growls sending shivers down his spine. The system's first directive was clear: survive, and now, protect his family.

The Mutated Alley Scavenger, its red eyes gleaming menacingly in the dim light, took a cautious step forward, a low growl rumbling in its chest. Abelema gasped and pulled Aya closer, her eyes wide with fear.

Tyra's mind raced. The system had labeled the creature a "Level 3" threat and identified it as a "Mutated Alley Scavenger." He had no idea what those labels meant, but "threat" was clear enough. He remembered seeing "Basic Combat Skill (Defensive)" as the reward for the emergency quest.

[Would you like to claim your reward: Basic Combat Skill (Defensive)?] The system prompted.

Without hesitation, Tyra mentally tapped "Yes." A surge of warmth flowed through him, and a faint understanding bloomed in his mind – a basic instinct for self-preservation and how to guard himself and others. It wasn't a powerful ability, but it felt like a small shield forming around him.

He stepped slightly in front of his mother and sister, placing himself between them and the creature. His heart hammered against his ribs, but he tried to project an air of confidence he didn't entirely feel.

The Scavenger lunged, moving faster than Tyra anticipated. Its claws flashed in the weak light. Time seemed to slow down. The newly acquired defensive skill felt instinctive. Tyra raised his arm, not consciously knowing how, but a surge of energy flowed through it, creating a momentary barrier of invisible force. The creature's claws scraped against the invisible shield with a sickening sound.

The Scavenger recoiled, surprised by the unexpected resistance. This gave Tyra a precious moment. He looked at the system screen again.

[Emergency Quest: Protect Abelema and Aya!]

[Reward: Basic Combat Skill (Defensive) - Claimed]

[Current Objective: Survive the Encounter.]

Another notification appeared:

[Observe Skill Activated (Passive).]

As the Scavenger snarled again, Tyra instinctively focused on it, and information overlaid the creature's image:

[Name: Mutated Alley Scavenger]

[Level: 3]

[Weaknesses: Soft underbelly, sensitivity to bright light]

[Abilities: Enhanced Claws, Night Vision]

Weaknesses! That was something he could use. Bright light… he didn't have any source of bright light on hand. But his mind was already working, recalling the flickering neon sign of a late-night noodle stall a short distance back.

"Mama, Aya, run!" Tyra yelled, his voice trembling but firm. "Back the way we came, towards the light!"

He hoped his sudden defensive move and the loud command would startle the creature enough to give them a head start. He took another step back, keeping his eyes locked on the Scavenger, trying to appear like a larger threat than he was.

Abelema and Aya, startled but trusting Tyra's urgency, didn't hesitate. They turned and fled back down the street.

The Scavenger, its initial surprise wearing off, let out a frustrated yelp and turned its attention back to Tyra. It was clearly more interested in the vulnerable-looking prey that had just fled.

Tyra knew he couldn't fight this creature head-on. His only chance was to lure it away from his mother and sister and hopefully towards a more populated area or somewhere he could use its weaknesses against it.

He took another step back, then another, trying to keep the creature's attention on himself. He risked a glance back and saw Abelema and Aya scrambling towards the faint glow of the noodle stall sign.

[New Sub-Quest Activated: Lure the Mutated Alley Scavenger away from Abelema and Aya.]

[Reward: 5 System Points]

The system was guiding him, giving him objectives. It was a terrifying situation, but Tyra felt a strange sense of focus, a sense that he wasn't entirely alone in this fight. He had the system, and he had to protect his family. The alleyway, moments ago a place of despair, had now become a battleground, and Tyra Kah's rise was about to take its first perilous step.