Power of Zero

Chapter 5: CH5: The Basics



After Cipher pulled up his screen, DEM began explaining each aspect with its usual calm tone.

"You'll notice at the top, the screen shows your name and age. Then your role is displayed—this will rarely change, but if it does, I'll notify you. The next categories—Strength, Magic, Endurance, and Intelligence—are key to your progress. Right now, you're ranked D-Class across all of them. To clarify, D-Class is just slightly above the average human baseline if they were to arrive here in the Land of Dreams and Legends."

Cipher glanced at the screen again, nodding, but his attention wavered as he took in the vast landscape around him. The rolling grassland shimmered like emerald waves beneath the gentle sunlight. Distantly, the metallic trees he had climbed still caught the light, their needle-thin spires gleaming as if woven from silver thread. A soft breeze rustled the grass, carrying a scent both unfamiliar and oddly sweet, like rain-soaked earth mixed with something floral.

DEM continued, "Many citizens and creatures of this realm refer to it as LODAL for short. Now, as for those percentages you noticed—"

Cipher blinked back to focus. "Yeah, what do they mean? I figured they had something to do with my growth."

DEM clapped softly in approval. "Precisely. The percentages represent your progress within each classification. For example, your Strength at 9% means you're nearly ready to reach C-Class. Think of it as a progress bar for your abilities. Next, the 'Weapons' slot will update once we reach the Knights of Light Church and acquire your designated weapon.

"Now, regarding 'Learned Magic'—this section displays all spells you've unlocked, along with your comprehension level. Currently, you've achieved 10% mastery over Amplification Magic, which affects the power and range of your abilities."

Cipher nodded, mind swirling with questions but grounding himself in DEM's explanation. As he listened, his eyes traced the distant treeline of the Laughing Forest just beyond the hills. Strange, vibrant flowers dotted the border, their petals shimmering with faint pulses of blue and violet, as though reflecting his own energy. The landscape felt alive, every detail heightened in this strange new world.

"So, the last thing here is Dream Credits, right? What can I use those for?" Cipher asked.

"Dream Credits," DEM confirmed, "can be used to purchase nearly anything you can imagine—tools, potions, even special enchantments. Costs depend on an item's rarity, strength, and purpose. If you need anything, I can access the Dream Shop for you."

Cipher smirked. "Huh... like an RPG inventory system. This feels just like one of those games back on Earth."

"Correct, though more immersive and with a few... unpredictable elements," DEM added with a slight hint of amusement.

The mention of Earth made Cipher's chest tighten, but he shook it off. He had a goal here—survive and learn.

"DEM," he asked, focusing again, "the voice mentioned directions to the town of Sol. Can you show me the map?"

The system screen faded, replaced by a translucent map overlaying his vision. A red line traced a clear path southeast, cutting through the grassy plains and curving near the Laughing Forest's edge.

"Sol is approximately two miles southeast," DEM explained. "If you leave now, you should reach the Knights of Light Church before late afternoon. The map will stay visible in your mind whenever you need it. I can also mark threats, but only true nightmares or extremely malevolent entities will appear. Keep in mind, my range of detection depends on your perception."

Cipher nodded, rolling his shoulders. The sun glinted off the metallic spires behind him, the cool wind brushing his face as the vast sky stretched above in brilliant hues of pale blue.

"So... you're basically saying I need to keep my guard up."

"Correct," DEM replied dryly.

"And you can read my thoughts, so why even ask questions?"

"Think of me as an extension of your subconscious—I'm here to assist, but I won't control your decisions. Besides, I can't access deeper knowledge unless you raise your Intelligence stat or unlock additional system features."

Cipher grinned. "Got it. Alright, DEM—lead the way."

The red line brightened, the small arrow pointing forward. Cipher took his first confident steps, the grass parting gently around his feet.

"Are you going to tell me when to turn like a GPS, or should I expect to hear 'recalculating'?" he teased.

DEM's voice huffed, "I think you're capable of distinguishing your left from your right... unless you'd prefer me to search the system for a cup of warm milk to go along with your attitude."

Cipher burst into laughter, tension easing from his chest as he followed the glowing red path, the sounds of the world—whispering winds, distant birds, the rhythmic rustle of leaves—guiding him onward toward Sol.


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