Chapter 23: Atrixus Return
In the well-lit classroom of Sacred Heights High, class three was in session, a hub of eager young minds focused intently on Mr. Helix, their seasoned instructor.
Today's lesson was particularly engaging, delving into the intricate and fascinating world of System Bearers. Mr. Helix, known for his deep knowledge and engaging teaching methods, stood confidently at the front of the class, with a projection of images floating before him.
"As System Bearers," Mr. Helix began, his voice clear and commanding, "you interact with a unique aspect of your identity through what is known as the holographic panel. This panel is crucial; it serves as your interface with the System that governs your abilities." The room was silent, the students' attention captured by the concept of this advanced technology intertwined with their potential futures.
He gestured with a wave and suddenly, a simulation of a holographic panel appeared beside him, shimmering in the dim light of the classroom. "This," he pointed, "is a replica of what a System Bearer might see. However, remember, the actual panel is visible only to the Bearer themselves—it's completely invisible to anyone else."
The panel displayed a variety of data entries floating gracefully in its interface: names, Evo Points, Assimilated Transformations, Summons, and weapons. Each category was highlighted as Mr. Helix touched on it.
"Evo Points," he continued, tapping on the floating text that zoomed in for emphasis, "are essentially needed for your growth and level up. They can be increased through consuming the flesh of Evos and the number of points accumulated usually varies based on the strength of the Evo."
Moving on, Mr. Helix elaborated on Assimilated Transformations. "These are abilities or enhancements you gain through successfully merging with an Evo's DNA after consumption. It could manifest as physical transformations, enhanced senses, or even elemental control, depending on the nature of the Evo involved. However, it is completely random and one might not achieve it even after consuming an Evo's flesh." The image next to him shifted to show a silhouette of a System Bearer with ethereal wings—an example of such a transformation.
The topic of Summons came next, with the holographic display shifting to depict various creatures, from towering beasts to ethereal entities, all swirling around the panel in a mesmerizing dance. "Summons are allies in your journey that can also be gotten on a random after slaughtering an Evo," explained Mr. Helix.
"They can be called upon to assist in battles, be used for transportation, or complete tasks that are beyond human capabilities."
Weapons formed the next focal point of the lecture, and the panel morphed to show an array of dazzling armaments, each glowing with potential energy. "Weapons are not just tools but extensions of your own powers. They are forged from the essence of Evos. Assimilated weapons can be achieved but they can also be crafted by man from the carcass of an Evo. Normal weapons are useless in Shunri Paradise so only such weapons are capable of causing any form of damage to creatures or slicing things."
As Mr. Helix guided the class through each feature of the holographic panel, he also touched on the ethical responsibilities that came with such power. "Being a System Bearer isn't just about wielding power; it's about understanding that your purpose is to contribute. Humanity once came to the brink of extinction until Shunri Paradise was discovered. It is the duty of System Bearers to make sure that never happens again."
The lesson wrapped up with a discussion about the invisible nature of the holographic panel. "This invisibility is normal and bears advantages," Mr. Helix emphasized. "It ensures that the personal progress of a Bearer remains confidential, known only to the Bearer themselves... It also hides their assimilated transformations and abilities. I'm sure you must be aware that Evos aren't the only dangerous beings in Shunri Paradise. System Bearers themselves, pose a great threat to one another..."
The students were engrossed, taking notes and absorbing every piece of detailed information presented. The room was filled with collective breaths of concentration.
Suddenly, the classroom door burst open with a force that startled everyone.
Atrixus, looking utterly disheveled with his hair tousled and clothes bearing the marks of a recent ordeal, staggered into the room.
His appearance was so sudden and his state so wild that it momentarily threw the classroom into disarray. Murmurs erupted among the students as they whispered and pointed, surprised by his unexpected and dramatic entrance.
"I'm sorry for being late," Atrixus panted, his breath heavy as he tried to regain his composure. His face was flushed from what clearly seemed more than just a dash to the classroom.
The pandemonium his arrival caused was palpable, with students turning in their seats to get a better look, some concerned, others merely curious about the adventures he might have been embroiled in.
Mr. Helix, though initially taken aback by the interruption, quickly regained his composure. He fixed Atrixus with a stern look, one that traditionally would have preceded a reprimand.
However, remembering that Atrixus had recently achieved the status of a System Bearer—a fact that commanded a certain level of respect and leniency—he moderated his tone.
"Please take your seat, Mr. Timothy. We are discussing the core aspects of being a System Bearer," Mr. Helix said, his voice firm yet lacking its usual sharpness of rebuke.
Atrixus nodded gratefully, moving quickly to an empty seat, trying to minimize further disruption as he settled down.
'Oh? Everyone has their system interface floating before them... I guess I should activate mine too,' Atrixus could clearly see the interfaces of his classmates that were supposed to be visible to only themselves.
The classroom slowly returned to its former state of focused attention, though the air now crackled with an added layer of curiosity about Atrixus's recent exploits. Where had he been this past week? Why does he look like he just returned from a battlefield?
Mr. Helix cleared his throat, redirecting the attention back to the holographic display projected beside him.
"Let us continue," he resumed, shifting the lecture's focus to another fundamental aspect of the System Bearer experience: ranking.
"As budding System Bearers, you should understand that your progression is not only marked by your level but also by your rank. Initially, you and all newbie System Bearers are unranked until you reach level 20," Mr. Helix explained, the display changing to show a hierarchical structure of rankings.
"The first rank you can achieve upon reaching this level is 'E'. This is the beginning of your journey in the official capacity as a System Bearer, and from there, your actions, successes, and interactions within Shunri Paradise will determine your ascent through the ranks," he continued, pointing to the sequential order of ranks displayed beside him.
The visual aid highlighted ranks D through A...
-
As the bell signaled the beginning of the break at Sacred Heights High, the corridors quickly filled with the chatter and laughter of students escaping the confines of their classrooms.
For Atrixus, however, the transition from the academic focus of Mr. Helix's lecture to the social melee of the school break was a jarring shift.
His recent return from Shunri Paradise left him feeling somewhat disconnected from the everyday concerns and excitements of his peers.
Yet, amid the fragmented conversations that flowed around him, a recurring topic caught his attention: the Newbie System Bearer's Tournament.
The buzz of excitement was noticeable as groups of students congregated, discussing the recently announced date for the tournament—a date that had been set while Atrixus was battling for survival in Shunri Paradise.
Mixed feelings churned within him; the thrill of competition was dampened by his recent harrowing experiences and the physical exhaustion that clung to his bones.
'At least I'm at level 18 now and I managed to get that Evo's assimilated transformation... No more worrying about ever drowning again,' He recalled the levels he had seen from the system interfaces back in class were mostly between 1 - 3 so he knew he had given his peers quite the gap.
Unsure whether to feel excited or overwhelmed, Atrixus decided to push these thoughts aside for a more immediate concern: lunch.
Walking towards the cafeteria, Atrixus felt many eyes upon him. His recent activities as a System Bearer had begun to mark him, altering him in ways that were subtle yet noticeable to the keen observer.
There was something about his demeanor, perhaps a newfound sharpness in his gaze or a slight change in his posture, that hinted at the transformative experiences he had undergone. These changes rendered him a curiosity among his classmates, who whispered and speculated among themselves as he passed by.
Despite the unwanted attention, Atrixus tried to focus on the mundane task at hand—buying lunch.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone