Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The world is changing
The sun was setting over the deserted landscape.
"Everyone, take your positions!"
"Yes, sir."
"Has everyone been briefed about the mission?"
"Affirmative, sir."
"Amar! Lead your team."
"Yes, sir," Amar responded sharply. He stepped forward and shouted, "Fire!"
*Shu* *shu*—the sound of gunfire echoed across the silent desert.
"Everything functioning properly?" Amar shouted over his shoulder.
"Affirmative, sir," came the reply.
With a nod, Amar crouched down, motioning towards the entrance of a cave. "Follow me."
"Yes, sir," the team of 20 soldiers replied in unison, moving swiftly behind him into the cave.
Outside, two men remained. One had broad shoulders and wore an emblem of a lion on his uniform. "How's it going?" he asked.
"Fine. I'll take care of the investment matters," replied the other, dressed in a sharp business suit.
"Hmm," the first man grunted, eyes scanning the horizon.
---
Inside the cave.
Suddenly, a strange voice echoed in Amar's head.
[Triggered]
[Supernatural Event Encountered]
Alarmed, Amar whipped his head around. "Did anyone else hear that?"
"Negative, sir," came the synchronized response from his team.
But the voice continued, seemingly only in his head.
[System activating...]
[3... 2... 1...]
[System activated]
Amar's heart raced. "A system?" He thought. "This only happens in fiction." But despite the shock, his movements remained calm and measured as he continued leading his squad. Thoughts swirled in his mind, but soon he managed to contain them, accepting the absurd reality. A small, self-deprecating laugh escaped his lips. "If I can accept the idea of regression, then I suppose a system isn't so far-fetched," he muttered under his breath.
"Show panel," he commanded in his mind.
A translucent screen appeared in front of him.
[Evolution System]
Level: 1
Host: Amar Kumar
Status: [Locked]
Evolution Points: 0
Note: Evolution points can be obtained by sacrificing crystals.
Amar clicked his tongue in frustration. "I can't even rub my head with this tingling pain..." The panel vanished from his view as quickly as it appeared. Despite the discomfort, a spark of understanding lit up in his eyes.
"The system even gave me instructions on how to use it," he realized. Hope flickered within him.
"This mission?" He knew they wouldn't encounter anything serious, so it was the perfect time to explore his new abilities and fully understand this system. The only downside was that he couldn't obtain any crystals yet. They would only materialize one month later when the game descended, making his system useless for now.
Still, the potential was enormous. With crystals, he could earn evolution points. And with those points, he could upgrade his status parameters. The thought of it sent a rush of excitement through him, his body trembling at the imagined possibilities. "Hiss!" he sucked in a breath, trying to regain focus. "I can't lose concentration now."
He forced himself back to the present. A radiant smile spread across his face as he muttered under his breath, "This system could be my key to freedom from the government's control... and a better future for my sister."
....
Curious Building
In the dining hall, laughter filled the air as Mohan spoke with his mouth full of golden fried fish. "Sam, you really should become a chef!" he declared, his words muffled.
Everyone chuckled at the remark.
"I'm serious!" Mohan insisted, swallowing the food.
"Okay, okay," Sam replied with a smile. He passed a plate of soft rasgullas towards Mohan's parents. "Try these and let me know what you think."
Mohan's father, after popping a rasgulla into his mouth, chuckled. "I think Mohan's right! You might need to consider a career change, Sam."
Mohan's mother playfully swatted her husband's arm and scolded, "Stop teasing him."
Sam laughed along and said, "If you all insist, maybe I should become a chef."
Everyone's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"Mom, I didn't expect you to be the first…" Mohan began, but before he could finish, his mother quickly stuffed a rasgulla into his mouth.
"Th-that's… f-foul!" Mohan spluttered, swallowing hard. His gaze then fell on the dining table, where an array of different cuisines was laid out.
Sam, taking a bite, suddenly proposed, "Why don't you all come over every Saturday and spend the night?"
"I don't have any problem with that," Mohan quickly responded, raising his hand. However, his father objected, "Why don't we gather at the farmhouse instead?"
The suggestion left everyone in thought for a moment, but Sam nodded in agreement. "Okay, every Saturday at 7 p.m., we'll meet at the farmhouse."
Mohan shook his head in disbelief. "Why didn't I think of this earlier?"
Sam grinned, taking a large bite of the golden fish and licking the spicy remnants from his lips. "It's a solid plan, especially with how well the fish have been this year."
Mohan's mother added, "It'll be perfect for a picnic."
"Definitely," Mohan's father agreed, "This year's fish harvest is exceptional."
Sensing the perfect moment, Sam pulled out three small boxes and placed them in front of Mohan and his parents.
Curious, they all stared at the boxes. "What's this?" Mohan asked.
With a gentle smile, Sam replied, "Uncle, Aunty, these are small gifts from me."
Mohan's parents immediately stood up, concerned. "Sam, do you think of us as outsiders?" his father asked, a note of sadness in his voice, which caught Mohan's attention as he paused from his meal.
Sam stood as well, picking up the boxes and moving closer to them. "Uncle, Aunty," he began, "these aren't just ordinary gifts." Glancing at Aunty, he added, "Have I ever treated you like outsiders?"
"No," she quickly answered, though her gaze lingered on the boxes. "But... what's it then?"
"Aunty," Sam said softly, "even if I explained it, you wouldn't believe me."
"Try us," Mohan's father urged, folding his arms.
Sam took a deep breath, deciding to cut to the chase. "The world is changing, and in one month, everything will be different."
"What?!" Mohan's parents exclaimed, their eyes widening in shock.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone