Chapter 1: The Turning Point of Destiny
In this grand and mysterious scientific laboratory, I was doing the most basic cleaning work. Every day, I moved between various precision instruments and complex experimental equipment, using my mop and cloth to wipe down those high-tech gadgets whose names I couldn't even pronounce. The scientists around me came and went, their eyes focused, discussing profound quantum theories and cosmic mysteries, while I, like an outsider, quietly went about my tasks, trying not to disturb them.
"Hey, Jack, you’re going to have to work hard to keep this place spotless again today." Dr. Thompson, the head of the lab, would occasionally greet me. I always smiled shyly and replied, "Doctor, it’s my job; it’s what I’m here for." In truth, I was filled with awe for these scientists; they seemed like gods who held the secrets of the universe, while I was merely an ant sweeping dust in their temple.
That day, as usual, I was clearing trash in a corner of the quantum lab. Suddenly, a sharp alarm shattered the lab's tranquility. Red warning lights flashed incessantly, and everyone began to panic. "What’s happening? Why did the instruments suddenly go haywire?" "Quick, check the energy shield!" The scientists' shouts echoed around me. I was startled by this unexpected turn of events, and the cleaning tool in my hand clattered to the ground.
I saw the usually calm scientists now wearing expressions of terror. The glow from the quantum reactor grew stronger, resembling a sun on the verge of going out of control. The massive energy fluctuations distorted the air around me, and I could feel a powerful force pulling at me, threatening to engulf me. "No, I have to do something!" A surge of inexplicable courage rose within me; despite being just a cleaner, I didn’t want to sit back and do nothing.
I rushed toward the control panel, trying to find the button to shut down the reactor. However, the complex dials and flashing indicators left me dizzy. "Jack, get out of here; this is beyond you!" Dr. Thompson shouted at me. But I ignored him, my hands fumbling over the control panel. Suddenly, I touched a button that was flashing blue. Without thinking, I pressed it hard.
In an instant, a blinding light flashed, followed by a deafening explosion. I felt as if my body were being pierced by countless needles before losing consciousness.
I don't know how long it was before I slowly opened my eyes. I found that I was still alive; it was nothing short of a miracle. I tried to move my body; aside from some soreness, I seemed to be okay. "How am I fine? What just happened?" I thought, replaying the explosion in my mind.
At that moment, a voice echoed in my head: "Host, hello." I jumped, looking around but seeing no one. "Who? Who's speaking?" I asked in fear. The voice replied, "I am the ALL in one system, now merged with you." "System? What system? Is this a joke?" I couldn't believe my ears.
"Host, this is no joke. I was accidentally activated and merged with your body at the moment of the explosion. I possess powerful functions that can help you achieve many things you never dared to dream of." The system explained calmly. I was filled with doubt, yet it felt like everything was happening for real. "What can you do?" I asked curiously.
"I can grant you super learning abilities, allowing you to master various knowledge and skills instantly; I can enhance your physical attributes, giving you strength, speed, and agility beyond that of ordinary people; furthermore, I can connect to a global information network to obtain any information you need." The system detailed its capabilities. As I listened, excitement began to swell within me. "If this is true, then I could change my destiny!" I thought to myself.
"However, host, you must continuously complete tasks to level me up and unlock more functions," the system reminded me. "Tasks? What tasks?" I inquired. "Tasks will be randomly generated based on different situations; upon completion, you will receive corresponding rewards," the system replied.
I stood up, feeling a new power surging within me. I decided to leave this dangerous place first and then explore this so-called system thoroughly. As I walked out of the quantum lab, I found chaos outside. People were running around, shouting. I saw Dr. Thompson directing rescue efforts.
"Jack, I’m so glad you’re okay!" Dr. Thompson sighed in relief upon seeing me. "Doctor, I don’t know how, but I survived," I lied, not mentioning the system. "This incident is too serious; we must quickly find the cause and resolve it," Dr. Thompson said, frowning.
A thought struck me; perhaps this was the system giving me my first task. "Doctor, I think I can help," I said. Dr. Thompson looked at me in surprise. "Jack, while you’re brave, this is a very complex scientific problem; you might not be able to assist." "Doctor, just let me try. I’ve worked in the lab for so long; maybe I can discover something you overlooked," I insisted.
After a moment of hesitation, Dr. Thompson finally nodded. "Alright, Jack. Start by collecting some data and debris from the scene." I received the doctor’s permission and felt a surge of joy. I began carefully searching through the wreckage for useful items while mentally asking the system, "Can you help me analyze this data?" "Of course, host. Please transmit the data you’ve collected to me," the system responded.
Following the system's instructions, I transmitted the collected data. Before long, the system provided an analysis. "Host, according to the analysis, the explosion of the quantum reactor was caused by a minor fault in the energy core, but this fault was deliberately concealed," the system stated. "Deliberately concealed? How could that be?" I exclaimed in surprise. "Host, you need to further investigate the laboratory personnel records and recent experimental logs to uncover the truth," the system suggested.
I shared the system's analysis with Dr. Thompson. After hearing it, his expression grew serious. "If this was deliberate, there must be a significant conspiracy behind it. Jack, continue your investigation; I’ll contact other experts," Dr. Thompson instructed.
I headed to the laboratory's archive room to review personnel records and experimental logs. However, the archive was in disarray, with many documents destroyed or missing. "What do we do now?" I said anxiously. "Host, don’t worry. I can use my information search function to try to retrieve relevant information from other backup databases," the system reassured me.
With the system’s help, I finally found some useful clues. It turned out that a scientist named Carl had recently made a severe mistake in an experiment, but to protect his reputation and position, he had secretly altered the data and concealed the fault in the energy core. "This Carl is despicable!" I said angrily.
I relayed this information to Dr. Thompson, who immediately ordered Carl's arrest. With Carl apprehended, the crisis at the quantum lab was temporarily resolved. Dr. Thompson looked at me with newfound respect. "Jack, you did a tremendous job this time. I never expected you to have such strong analytical skills." I smiled but didn’t say anything, thinking to myself that it was all thanks to the system.
After this incident, I gained a deeper understanding of the system's capabilities and felt filled with hope for my future. I knew this was just the beginning; on this path of super-powered life filled with the unknown and challenges, even more excitement awaited me. And I would carry the strength bestowed upon me by the system to explore those unknown realms and pursue the dreams that once seemed unattainable.
That evening, I returned to my cramped apartment. Lying in bed, I excitedly asked the system, "What are we going to do next?" "Host, you need to rest now and recover your strength. Tomorrow, new tasks will await you," the system replied. I nodded; although I still felt a bit excited, fatigue gradually overtook me. I closed my eyes and drifted into sleep, dreaming of becoming an all-powerful superhero, saving the world, with beautiful girls by my side...