Ethan's vision slowly returned, and he found himself lying on a cold, damp floor. The dungeon's eerie silence surrounded him, punctuated only by the faint hum of the mysterious artifact. He struggled to sit up, his head spinning from the aftermath of the strange encounter.
Lila's worried face appeared before him, her eyes filled with concern. "Ethan, thank goodness! We were about to call for help." She helped him steady himself, her hand on his arm.
Jax stood beside her, eyes fixed on the artifact, which still pulsed with a faint, otherworldly glow. "What happened? You just... collapsed." His voice was laced with a mix of fear and curiosity.
Ethan rubbed his temples, trying to piece together the events. "The artifact... I think it did something to me." He glanced at the artifact warily, unsure what to make of it.
Suddenly, a holographic interface materialized before him, casting an ethereal glow over the dark surroundings. Digital symbols and menus swirled around him, displaying information he couldn't fully comprehend at first glance.
*System Activated*
*Welcome, Ethan Blackwood*
*Analyzing User...*
The interface flashed, and Ethan's eyes widened as information flooded his mind. He felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation as he realized the implications of what was happening.
*User Profile:*
*Name:* Ethan Blackwood
*Class:* Hunter
*Level:* 1
*Attributes:*
- Strength: 10
- Agility: 12
- Intelligence: 8
- Endurance: 9
*Skills:*
- Basic Combat
- Survival Techniques
- Dungeon Navigation (Basic)
*Quests:*
- Explore the Dungeon (Current Progress: 0%)
- Defeat the Shadow Creatures (0/5)
Ethan's mind reeled as he grasped the implications. "What is this? Some kind of... system?" He stared at the interface, trying to understand its full capabilities.
Lila and Jax exchanged concerned glances. "Ethan, what's going on?" Lila asked, her voice soft but urgent.
Ethan's eyes locked onto the interface, his thoughts racing. "I think I've been chosen for something bigger. This system... it's like nothing I've ever seen."
The System's voice echoed in his mind: "Your journey begins now, Ethan Blackwood. Complete quests, defeat enemies, and unlock your full potential."
As Ethan absorbed the information, the interface flickered, and new details appeared.
*Notifications:*
- You have 100 Experience Points available.
- You can allocate points to Attributes or Skills.
Ethan's eyes lit up with excitement. "This is incredible. I can upgrade myself."
Lila and Jax looked at each other uncertainly. "Ethan, are you sure you're okay?" Jax asked.
Ethan nodded, his focus still on the interface. "Yeah, I'm fine. Better than fine. I think this system is the key to unlocking my true potential."
With newfound determination, Ethan began to allocate his experience points, eager to see how the system would enhance his abilities.