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Chapter 2: The Tab, The Crest, and the Score of the Gods
The light surrounding him began to fade, but the strange realm of clouds remained.
The God of Creation floated closer, his expression calm but serious now.
"I think it's time," the God said. "Hey kid, listen carefully. In your new life, your father's name is Ken, your mother's name is Caroline, and your brother's name is Felix."
The boy blinked. "Wait, what? But my parents' names weren't that…"
The God chuckled. "Not on Earth, no. But this is Mecatopia—your new home."
The boy nodded slowly, still adjusting to the surreal experience. "Ah… got it. So I'm getting new parents too."
"Oh, and your name here will be Mikey."
"…Oops, I mean, okay," Mikey said with a sheepish grin.
The God of Creation gave a warm nod. "Alright, now say the phrase: 'Tab open.'"
"Huh? Uh… okay. Tab open."
Ding!
A soft chime echoed in the air as a glowing panel suddenly appeared in front of Mikey's eyes like a hologram, hovering just above his forehead. Stats, empty slots, unknown symbols—it all looked like something straight out of a fantasy video game.
"Whoa! What is this?!" Mikey asked, nearly falling backward.
"That's your Status Tab," the God replied. "It shows your current magic levels, skills, and crests."
Mikey squinted at the panel. Everything was marked with zero.
"Wait… why is everything zero?!"
Before the God could answer, the Goddess of Land stepped forward. "God of Creation. It's time."
The other gods and goddesses began to glow faintly, forming a circle in the sky around Mikey.
"Right!" said the God of Creation, raising his hand. "Everyone—prepare for the Ranking Ceremony!"
Energy surged through the heavens as divine light gathered in every direction. The gods closed their eyes in deep concentration. Symbols and runes danced in the air, spinning faster and faster until—
Silence.
The light dimmed.
One by one, the gods opened their eyes.
The God of Creation clapped once. "Alright, everyone! Reveal your scores!"
Mikey looked up as each god raised a hand. Numbers began to shine in the air:
10... 10... 10... 10... 10... 10... 10.
All of them.
Mikey blinked in disbelief. "W-Wait. I got... 70 out of 70?!"
The Goddess of Love smiled gently. "It seems the gods have high hopes for you, child."
Mikey's jaw dropped. "Seriously?! That's like... a perfect score!!"
The God of Creation nodded proudly. "Indeed. You are blessed by all seven divine beings."
Mikey grinned wide. "So I'm, like... some super genius magic hero now or something?!"
The God of Creation's smile turned mysterious.
"Hey, kid. Are you ready?"
Mikey tilted his head. "Ready? Ready for what...?"
The clouds began to swirl.
The sky cracked with light.
The gods began to vanish one by one.
The God of Creation's voice echoed as the world faded to white.
"For your new life... and your true destiny as the Greatest Summoner—bearing the Weakest Crest."
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