[Chapter 3. Character customization]

  The confirmation echoed through the void with the weight of a final judgment. The blue light of the Dronemancer class window flared, engulfing him completely. For an instant, he felt a searing cold, as if liquid nitrogen had been poured directly into his veins. It wasn't painful, but it was intensely real, a sensation of profound, fundamental change. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. A flood of information poured into his mind not text, not images, but pure, distilled understanding.

  He didn't just know what a drone was; he knew its composition, its power requirements, the precise frequency to channel his Tech-points to manifest its metallic shell. The knowledge of

  'Overcharge'

  was now as natural as breathing; The method for channeling Tech-points into a drone's systems to temporarily increase its performance.

  'Salvage'

  was an instinct, a new sense that allowed him to dismantle everything.

  'Summon Air Drone'

  was a muscle memory he didn't know he had, the blueprint for a simple, floating orb of blades and a small energy weapon now imprinted upon his very soul. A new awareness bloomed within him: a faint, inner light representing his mana pool, which he now understood was converted into

  'Tech-Points'

  for his abilities.

  Another window shimmered into existence before him, its text crisp and clear.

  Body Customization for Progenitor. You may alter your physical form to better suit your chosen Class and the coming trials. This is a one-time opportunity.

  Below the text were two rotating images. The first was his own body, a pale, thin muscleless figure he recognized from too many nights spent in that chair. The second was a blank, androgynous wireframe, a perfect slate of human potential.

  `I could go for more hair.′ He thought while looking at his bolding head.

  `Wait, the System acts on thought and intent... so let's make something good, something practical.′

  He focused on the wireframe template, the idea of useless stubble or long hair seemed like a liability, something for a monster to grab. He focused on the wireframe, his intent sharpening into a clear design.

  `Short hair. No facial hair. Increased muscle density, particularly in the forearms and shoulders stable platform for aiming, better recoil management. Wider, sturdier stance. Keep the height at about 185 centimeters. Nothing over the top, just... durable. Functional. I don't want to be a bodybuilder, I want to be a survivor.′

  As the thoughts formed, the wireframe shifted and solidified. Hair receded into a neat, practical cut. Muscles subtly swelled and defined, becoming wiry and dense rather than bulky. The posture shifted, the shoulders squaring, the legs spreading to a more stable base. It was still him, but a version honed for purpose. He looked at the changed model, then back at the wireframe.

  `This is good. I look... capable. This is the body I'll use to survive.′

  After finishing that thought he noticed an Option on the Window as he focused on it a list of Races flooded his vision.

  Human, Dark Elf, Light Elf, Dwarf...

  The list went on.

  `I am no god, I am just a man. No one can read that fast.′

  The instant he pushed back against the overwhelming torrent of information, the system responded. The scrolling list of races vanished, replaced by a single glowing,

  `Yes, show me something I'd be Interested in.′

  The new list was drastically shorter after scrolling for just a sec he pauses.

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  `Beast-kin... normally I'd say yes to that, but that would be in a Digital world, I need to think about practicality not optic.′

  He scrolls up and down the list,

  `Is there something that is Human but can live for a long time... not Immortal from natural death, just long lived.′

  The list changed again and one word greyed out but familiar stood out, dhampir.

  `That... that could work. Let's see the details.′

  He focused on the greyed-out word, and a new window expanded, filled with concise, brutal text.

  Dhampir. A hybrid race of human and vampiric origin. Inherits extended lifespan, typically 3-5 times that of a baseline human. Possesses enhanced physical attributes: strength, speed, and reflexes superior to mortal limits. Gains minor regenerative capabilities, accelerated from non-fatal wounds. Weaknesses: heightened sensitivity to direct sunlight, causing discomfort and gradual energy drain. Requires periodic intake of biological essence to maintain peak physical condition and utilize regenerative properties. This need can be sated by consuming the flesh or blood of mutated fauna, corrupted beasts, or other humanoid entities.

  `Sounds like Sunglasses and a medium-rare Steak diet.′

  The joke was hollow, a flimsy shield against the cold reality of the text.

  `Eating monsters... I was going to have to do that anyway to survive. This is just an efficiency upgrade. And the sunlight weakness... manageable. Confirm Dhampir.′

  The single, cold word appeared in a stark red font, refusing the choice with absolute finality. A second line of text shimmered into existence below it, glowing with a faint, ominous aura.

  Dhampir is an advanced race and cannot be chosen by a lower life form. (System intervention necessary, cost 1 Advancement rune)

  He stared at the text, a bitter laugh escaping him.

  `Of course. The one thing that makes sense, and there's a paywall. Fine. I'll stick with Human. I was one before, and I survived this long.′

  A brief, intense wave of cold washed over him, even more potent than before. It felt like his cells were being individually frozen, shattered, and then reassembled. His skin tingled, feeling tighter and cooler to the touch. His vision sharpened, the faint, sourceless light of the void resolving into distinct particles. He could feel the subtle, predatory thrum of the dhampir template settling into his very being, a new, hungry potential coiling in his gut. The confirmation window flickered.

  The system hadn't waited for his final, reluctant confirmation; it had acted on the desperate, initial thought of wanting it.

  `Not that I wouldn't have done it but that was no confirmation.′ He thought, feeling a deep-seated unease at how easily the system seemed to read and manipulate him.

  Another crystalline window materialized, its content stark and business-like.

  Awakening Rune Allocation. You have been granted three Awakening Runes for the purpose of creating assets for the coming era.

  The window displayed three glowing, stylized runes. The first two pulsed with a dim light, already expended.

  He was stunned for a second, then remembered the panicked choice he made during the Guide's transformation. He hadn't consciously allocated a second rune, but in his haste to give the soul a body, he had done exactly that. He was down to one.

  The final rune flickered, its light fading into the void. All three were gone, spent in a frantic few minutes he barely understood. He had no runes left to prepare allies, no assets to call upon besides the drones he could soon summon. A new window appeared, its tone clinical and final.

  Awakening Protocol Complete. Progenitor designation confirmed. Your integration into the System is finished. Prepare for materialization.

  A profound lurch seized him, far more violent than the initial pull from his world. The void fractured into a million shards of impossible color, the sensation of falling returning with sickening intensity. He squeezed his new, sharper eyes shut, bracing for impact.