The System Archivist

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

9th Day of August, Morning

Unity College of System Studies, Skill Gymnasium

The clock struck 9 a.m. as the students gathered at the Skill Gymnasium, a massive structure spanning nearly a hectare, designed to push students to their limits. Inside, the facility boasted obstacle courses, combat zones, and energy-channeling devices geared toward improving physical stats and honing energy control.

Over a thousand first-year students filled the gymnasium, the hum of their voices creating an electric atmosphere of anticipation. Around them stood 250 instructors, including the towering figure of Instructor Brax Kynor, the Head of the Combat Application Course. His reputation as a battle-hardened warrior preceded him, and his stern demeanor silenced the crowd as he stepped onto the elevated podium at the center of the gym.

"Silence!" Brax's voice boomed, amplified by a voice-enhancing device, reverberating throughout the gymnasium. The murmurs instantly ceased as thousands of eyes fixed on him.

"Welcome to the Combat Application Course," Brax began, pacing slowly across the stage. "This course is not about turning you into warriors overnight. It is about survival—how to defend yourselves when all else fails. Whether your system is combat-oriented, you all need to learn the basics. Out there, no enemy will care what your system specializes in. Out there, survival depends on your ability to adapt and defend."

The gym fell into a hushed silence, the weight of his words sinking in.

"This course will be physically demanding and mentally exhausting. Some of you may think you're too good for this. Some may think you don't need to be here because your systems give you an edge. Let me be clear—no one is exempted. Everyone, regardless of their system type, will complete this training. Understood?"

A chorus of hesitant "Yes, sir!" echoed through the gym.

"Not loud enough! I said, do you understand?" Brax barked.

"YES, SIR!" the students roared back, their voices reverberating across the gymnasium.

Brax nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, let me break down what you'll be doing this semester."

Brax gestured to a large holographic display that materialized above the podium. It listed the key components of the training course:

1. Basic Physical Training

2. Unarmed Combat

3. Weapon Familiarization

4. Battle Royale

"First, Basic Physical Training," Brax explained, pointing to the list. "This is where we build the foundation. Push-ups, curl-ups, jogging, running—every move you make contributes to your User System Attributes. For example, completing 25 arm movements in two sets, totaling 50 repetitions, can increase your Strength attribute by +1. Similarly, running or jogging more than 5 kilometers will improve your Agility and Endurance. These gains are permanent and will form the base of your physical prowess."

The students exchanged glances, some excited, others apprehensive.

A hand shot up in the crowd. "Sir, how long does it take to see results?"

Brax turned his sharp gaze toward the student, a young man with a lanky frame. "Good question. Results vary depending on your effort and consistency. Slacking off? You'll see no gains. Push yourself beyond your limits, and you'll see results within weeks. Any other questions?"

A girl with bright green hair raised her hand. "Sir, what if someone doesn't complete the required repetitions or distance?"

Brax's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Then they'll redo it until they do. And if they can't, they'll stay here longer than the rest. Understood?"

The girl gulped and nodded.

"Second," Brax continued, "we move to Unarmed Combat. This is where you'll learn how to use your body as a weapon. Kicks, punches, grapples—you'll fight using nothing but your fists, legs, and wits. This will teach you to rely on your instincts and adaptability. Before you touch a weapon, you must master your own body."

He paused, scanning the crowd. "No one gets a weapon until I'm satisfied with your unarmed combat skills. You'll be sparring with your classmates, so I suggest you make friends—because your enemies out there won't be as forgiving."

A ripple of nervous laughter spread through the students, quickly silenced by Brax's icy stare.

"Third, Weapon Familiarization," Brax continued. "Once you've earned it, we'll introduce you to various weapons: swords, bows, shields, and more. You'll learn how to wield them effectively and how to integrate them with your systems. But remember—your weapon is only as strong as the person wielding it."

Another hand went up. "Sir, what if someone's system doesn't allow weapon use?"

Brax raised an eyebrow. "Then you better master unarmed combat, or you'll be the first to fall in battle. No more excuses. Everyone here has the potential to survive if they put in the effort."

"Lastly, the Battle Royale," Brax said, his voice dropping ominously. "This will be your ultimate test—an all-out, free-for-all battle where only the strong and strategic prevail. This isn't about winning. It's about proving that you've learned enough to survive on your own. Fail, and you'll repeat the course until you do. Questions?"

A heavy silence hung in the air.

"Good," Brax said, his smirk returning. "Now, enough talk. Time to move."

"Everyone, up!" Brax commanded. The gymnasium erupted into motion as thousands of students scrambled to their feet. "Your first task is simple: jog the perimeter of this gym. That's approximately 2 kilometers per lap. Keep going until I tell you to stop. And don't even think about walking—this isn't a stroll in the park."

The students began jogging, their footsteps echoing in unison. Some started strong, while others struggled to keep pace. Brax and the other instructors moved through the crowd, shouting encouragement—or reprimands—for those lagging.

"Faster, Cadet!" Brax barked at a boy who had slowed to a walk. "Do you think the enemies out there will wait for you to catch your breath? Move it!"

The boy pushed himself forward, his face red with exertion.

Meanwhile, a small group of students at the front of the pack caught Brax's attention. "Impressive," he muttered, watching as they maintained a steady pace.

After 20 minutes, the strain began to show. Some students stumbled, while others were gasping for air. Brax clapped his hands, signaling a brief rest. "Hydrate, then get back to it. We're just getting started."

Instructor Brax was infamously known among the faculty and senior students as "The Demon of the Skill Gymnasium." His training methods were grueling, pushing first-year students to the brink of collapse during both the first and second semesters. Many whispered stories of how his relentless drills had transformed weak recruits into formidable fighters, though not without leaving them drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, and questioning their life choices.

"Hahaha, run now, young ones!" Instructor Brax was laughing...