The shimmering text hung in the frigid air, an impossible beacon in their desolate alleyway. Aureon stared, his mind struggling to reconcile the logical world he knew with the fantastical display before him. A system? Like in those old holovids? The concept was absurd, yet the urgent mission and the tangible promise of aid for Elleaner resonated with a desperate truth within him. He felt a strange, almost imperceptible shift, a sense of something new and powerful awakening within his very being.
His attention snapped back to the text. The most pressing part was clear: Save Elleaner Aya Zahreli. The reward offered a lifeline he hadn't dared to dream of just moments ago. Startup capital – enough to get them off the streets and perhaps even afford medical care. A combat module – something that could potentially protect them from the dangers they constantly faced. And crucially, a medical module – the very thing Elleaner needed to survive.
He focused on the words, a silent question forming in his mind: How? How do I use this system?
As if in response to his unspoken query, a new line of text appeared beneath the rewards:
[Accessing Modules: Willpower and Focus Required. Visualize the desired module.]
Willpower. Focus. These were things Aureon had learned in abundance on the harsh streets. He closed his eyes, pushing aside the gnawing fear and the bone-deep weariness. He pictured the words "Medical Module" in his mind, focusing all his intent on that single phrase.
A moment of intense concentration passed, and then, behind his eyelids, he saw it – a glowing schematic, intricate lines of light forming a complex interface. It felt intuitive, almost like recalling a long-forgotten memory. Options flickered within the schematic: Diagnostics, Basic First Aid, Illness Treatment, Injury Treatment. A wave of awe and a surge of adrenaline coursed through him. This was real.
He opened his eyes, the shimmering text still hanging in the air. He looked at Elleaner, her breathing still shallow and strained. He needed to act fast. Focusing again, he mentally selected "Diagnostics" within the medical module interface.
Another line of text appeared:
[Scanning Subject: Elleaner Aya Zahreli. Biological Readings Low. High Fever Detected. Respiratory Distress. Dehydration. Malnutrition. Immediate Intervention Recommended.]
The stark, clinical assessment confirmed his worst fears. Elleaner was critically ill. He quickly navigated the mental interface, his mind surprisingly sharp despite his exhaustion. He selected "Basic First Aid."
[Applying Basic First Aid Protocols. Select Action: Stabilize Vitals, Administer Basic Pain Relief, Increase Body Temperature.]
He mentally selected all three options. A faint warmth emanated from his hands as he instinctively placed them on Elleaner's forehead and chest. A subtle energy seemed to flow from him, a gentle pulse that he could barely perceive but hoped was having some effect.
Another line of text appeared:
[Basic First Aid Applied. Biological Readings Slightly Improved. Condition Still Critical. Further Medical Intervention Required.]
It was a start, but not enough. He needed more. He focused on the initial reward: "Minor Start-up Capital (Galactic Standard Credits)." How did he access that?
He visualized the phrase, his will focused intently. This time, instead of a schematic, a numerical value appeared in the shimmering text:
[Startup Capital Acquired: 500 Galactic Standard Credits (GSC) transferred to System Account.]
Five hundred GSC. It didn't sound like much in the grand scheme of a galactic economy he barely understood, but to Aureon, staring at the possibility of using those credits to get Elleaner proper medical attention, it felt like a fortune.
How do I access this account? How do I use it? He thought frantically.
[System Account Accessible via any Universal Transaction Terminal. Locate nearest terminal.]
A surge of relief washed over him. A way out. He looked around the alleyway, his gaze suddenly sharp and purposeful. A Universal Transaction Terminal. He had seen those before, sleek kiosks embedded in walls or standing like silent sentinels in busy thoroughfares. There had to be one nearby.
"Come on, Elleaner," he murmured, gently lifting her frail body. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open for a brief moment before closing again. He needed to get her to a terminal, access the credits, and then find a proper medical facility.
The cold seemed less biting now, a sense of urgency and purpose driving him forward. He carefully carried Elleaner out of the alleyway, his eyes scanning the surroundings for the familiar logo of a Universal Transaction Terminal. He spotted one across the street, embedded in the wall of a bustling transport hub. It seemed miles away, but the image of the shimmering text, the promise of help, propelled him forward.
He reached the terminal, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Carefully, he leaned Elleaner against the wall, supporting her with his own body. The terminal's interface glowed invitingly. Focusing on the instructions from the system, he visualized his "System Account."
The terminal's screen flickered, and then a prompt appeared: [Authorize Access: Biometric Scan or System Key.]
System Key? He hadn't received a key. He focused on the words, his mind searching for an answer.
[System Key Activated: Mental Link Established. Visualize Authorization.]
He pictured his own identity, his desire to access the funds for Elleaner's sake. The terminal's scanner glowed, and a confirmation message flashed across the screen: [Account Accessed: Aureon Emil. Balance: 500 GSC.]
Relief washed over him in a powerful wave, so potent it almost buckled his knees. Five hundred GSC. Enough? He didn't know, but it was a start. He needed to find a medical facility, and fast.
He accessed the terminal's directory, his fingers fumbling slightly as he navigated the unfamiliar interface. He searched for "Medical Services," and a list of options appeared: Private Clinics, Public Hospitals, Emergency Response Centers. Public hospitals were likely more affordable. He selected the nearest one.
Information about the "Port Veritas General Hospital" appeared, including its location and contact details. It wasn't far from their current location. He could carry Elleaner there.
With newfound determination, he scooped Elleaner back into his arms. The weight of her frail body felt even heavier now, but his resolve was stronger. He had a mission, a system guiding him, and a small fortune in credits to help him. The brutal grip of winter still held Port Veritas in its icy embrace, but within the heart of a sixteen-year-old boy, a different kind of power was beginning to stir – the power of the Absolute God Tycoon System, and the unwavering love for the girl he carried, a love that would fuel his rise to an empire that the galaxy had yet to imagine. His first directive was clear: save Elleaner Aya Zahreli. And he would do whatever it took to fulfill that mission.