Chapter 3 - 03: New Dawn
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Slowly, through experiment and uncertainty, a pattern emerged. The randomness of the failed attempts dwindled to a logical, if crude, progression of sound waves that the system recognized as the first indications of Ant communication.
A further electronic clang pierced the quiet, and the system interface flashed with another message:
[Ding! System notifications: > Mission Update: Successful learning of Basic Ant sound wave communication.
EXP Awarded: +30 EXP
Lifespan Adjustment: 1 week regained for successful mission completion.]
Kai’s mind raced. "Thirty experience points!"
That was the tangible evidence of his progress—a small victory in a seemingly insurmountable struggle. But alongside that relief came the bitter reminder of the system’s harsh governance. The warning had been real: his lifespan had been updated by one week as a reward, only to be partially restored upon completing his tasks.
Seething, Kai’s internal dialogue was overcome in an explosion of rebellion. "Seven weeks of living? I’d lived longer than that already! This government is cheating me," he muttered to himself, his mind flaring with indignation. "I risked—risked my past, risked my pride—and now you have the nerve to treat me like some lab rat? I’m entitled to full benefits, not this half-way pardon.".
The system’s response was firm and matter-of-fact, reminding him that his aura mattered in utilizing upcoming skills:
[Ding! System notifications-