The Extra-dimensional Pioneer Of Fiction [Draft]

[Residential District: Quantum Cube Apartment Complex]

The dawn's light filtered through the quantum-enhanced windows of Arlo's apartment, casting a soft technological glow across the minimalist living space. Arlo's BrainLink buzzed to life, the notification popping up like a quest marker.

The name "Aria" flashed on the screen, followed by a video call request. Arlo exhaled, brushing a hand through his hair before accepting.

"Arlo," Aria's sharp voice filled the room. Her image materialized, looking as composed as ever in her crisp white uniform. "I'll be at your apartment in ten minutes. Be ready. We're leaving for your first official quest."

Arlo nodded, hiding his nerves with a casual tone. "Got it. Ten minutes. Anything I should bring?"

"Just yourself. I've got everything prepared. See you soon," Aria replied. With a brief nod, the call ended, leaving Arlo staring at the now-blank screen.

Arlo leaned back on his couch, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in his chest.

"The big day," he muttered to himself. "Feels like logging into an MMO for the first time except there's no respawn button." Shaking off the thought, he stood and headed to the bathroom.

................

By the time Aria's message arrived—I'm here—Arlo was dressed and ready. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, smoothing down his black overcoat. The combination of black, white, and grey felt practical yet sharp.

"Like a protagonist out of a noir detective game," he quipped. "Maybe less cool."

He grabbed his essentials and stepped out, the familiar hum of the Quantum Cube's hallways greeting him. As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with Mr. Franky, the building's friendly landlord.

"Whoa, where's the fire, Arlo?" Mr. Franky asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like a man on a mission or a quest."

Arlo offered a grin. "First quest day. Can't be late."

Franky's expression softened, and he gave a small nod of approval. "First quest, huh? Be careful out there, kid. And good luck. Remember, the HUB's full of surprises—good and bad."

"Thanks, Mr. Franky," Arlo replied, feeling a small surge of confidence. With a quick wave, he headed for the exit.

.....................

Outside, the sleek hovercar waiting at the curb caught his eye. Aria leaned against the side, arms crossed, her sharp gaze scanning the street. Arlo approached, and she gestured for him to get in.

"Nice ride," Arlo said as he climbed into the passenger seat, the door closing with a soft hiss. The hovercar began to hum, then gently lifted off the ground.

"Focus," Aria said, her tone cutting through his attempt at levity. "This is important. I've selected a set of quests for you to choose from—rank E and F. Nothing too dangerous, but enough to get your feet wet."

Arlo nodded, the words "Rank E and F" swirling in his mind. "So, what kind of quests are we talking about? Slaying slimes? Fetching magic herbs?"

Aria allowed herself a small smirk. "Not quite. I picked quests that mimic the 21st century Earth Environment. Familiarity will help you ease into the process."

"Wait." Arlo frowned. "Why Earth-like? Why not fantasy worlds or something futuristic? Seems like it'd be more exciting."

"Exciting gets people killed," Aria replied bluntly. "The fantasy and futuristic worlds are exponentially more dangerous. Magic, advanced tech—they make for unpredictable threats. You're not ready for that yet. You need to build your strength and resources first."

Arlo crossed his arms, leaning back in the seat. "So, you're saying I'm weak?"

"I'm saying you're inexperienced," Aria corrected, her tone firm. "This isn't a game where you can grind levels without consequences. You die out there, you're dead. No checkpoints. No respawns."

The words hit harder than Arlo expected, and he let them sink in. She was right. His skills, while improving, were still a far cry from the level needed to handle high-risk scenarios.

"Fair point," he said finally, glancing out the window at the shimmering skyline of Ataraxis. "Guess it's better to stay alive than become an isekai cautionary tale."

....................

The hovercar ascended higher, the buildings below shrinking as the vehicle merged into a stream of other hovercars. The steady hum of the engine filled the silence.

"Your quest options will test your observational skills and decision-making," Aria continued. "No combat, no high-stakes scenarios. Think of it as a tutorial."

"Tutorial, huh?" Arlo muttered. "Let me guess—this is the part where the game gives me a wooden sword and tells me to fight rats?"

Aria rolled her eyes. "If you approach this like a game, you won't survive. But," she added, her tone softening slightly, "if you learn from it, you'll have a solid foundation to build on."

Arlo considered her words, replaying his preparations over the past few days. He'd studied divination arts, practiced with firearms, and even compiled strategies for identifying hidden quests. But now, standing on the cusp of his first real challenge, the weight of it all felt... different.

"You've got that look," Aria said, glancing at him sideways."What look?"

"The one that says, 'I've got a million thoughts running through my head.'" She smirked. "Relax. You've prepared well enough."

Arlo chuckled softly. "Yeah, well, preparation doesn't stop you from feeling like you're walking into the unknown."

"That's what makes it worthwhile," Aria said, her voice steady. "Every Pioneer starts somewhere. This is your starting point."

..................

The hovercar began its descent, slowing as they approached their destination. Arlo caught a glimpse of a small, Earth-like town below, nestled among rolling hills. It looked almost too ordinary, a stark contrast to the futuristic marvel of Ataraxis.

"Looks peaceful," Arlo said, his tone wary.

"Don't be fooled," Aria replied. "Even the simplest quests can have layers you're not prepared for."

As the hovercar touched down, Arlo exhaled deeply, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Alright," he said, his voice firm. "Let's see what this tutorial has to offer."

Aria gave a small nod of approval. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get to work."

==================================================

The hum of the hovercar cruising along the aerial highway filled the cabin as Arlo relaxed into his seat. The futuristic cityscape of Ataraxis stretched out in every direction, with shimmering towers and neon lights painting the horizon. Aria, as calm and composed as always, tapped a few holographic keys on her BrainLink interface before sending something to Arlo.

"Check your BrainLink," she said, her tone businesslike. "I've uploaded all the recommended quests."

Arlo opened his BrainLink and browsed the newly received data. A list of quests materialized in front of him, categorized by rank, type, and location. Most were mundane, low-risk F-rank quests: bodyguard work, escorting someone through the city, or helping locate lost items.

"Really scraping the bottom of the barrel here," Arlo muttered, scrolling through the options. "Saving someone's cat? Is this a quest or a Saturday cartoon plot?

Arlo leaned back, still scrolling. "Where'd you even get these? Feels like they're straight out of a side-quest menu."

"From an Information Broker," Aria replied simply.

That piqued his curiosity. "Information Broker? Sounds... shady. What, they sell quests out of the back of a van?"

Aria rolled her eyes. "Not exactly. Information Brokers are Pioneers who specialize in gathering and selling intel. They do the groundwork—research, scouting, tracking—so others don't have to. Think of them as the HUB's version of Wikipedia, except they charge for access."

Arlo chuckled. "Sounds convenient. Why not just rely on them for everything, then?"

"Because it's expensive," Aria said, her voice firm. "And more importantly, it's a crutch. Beginners like you need to learn how to find and assess quests yourself. It's a survival skill. Later, when you're more established, outsourcing to a broker makes sense."

Arlo nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Do it myself now, save time later when it really matters."  

...............

As Arlo continued scrolling through the list, one particular quest title caught his attention

[Horror Multiverse: Purge Universe]

His stomach clenched as the name stirred a memory from his past life. The Purge... no way.

He tapped the quest, and the full details opened before him:

[Quest: Survive for 12 hours during the Purge]

Objective: Participate in an annual event where all crimes are legal for 12 hours. Survive against hostile individuals, groups, and other environmental hazards.

Difficulty: F-Rank

Reward: 200 EXP, 400 Credits

Failure:Possible Death

Arlo stared at the description, his thoughts racing. "The Purge... like the movie? That 2013 horror-thriller where people went crazy for one night?" His inner monologue churned. It's just survival for 12 hours. How hard could it be?

"Found something interesting?" Aria asked, noticing his focused expression.

"Yeah," Arlo said, sharing the quest details with her. "Check this out. This look promising"

Aria scanned the information and frowned. "A survival quest? Bold choice for a first timer."

"That's the thing," Arlo said, gesturing at the quest description. "It's dangerous, sure, but it's got a time limit. 12 hours. That's a fixed endpoint. If I just hunker down and stay out of sight, I can ride it out."

Aria gave him a skeptical look. "And what happens when someone finds your hiding spot? Or when the environment itself turns against you? Survival quests are unpredictable, Arlo. That's why they're dangerous."

Arlo crossed his arms, meeting her gaze. "Maybe. But if I'm careful, I can finish it. Besides, it beats chasing down a lost pet for scraps."

"You're not wrong about the reward," Aria admitted. "200 EXP and 400 credits is generous for an F-rank. But it's because survival quests demand more than basic effort. You'll need strategy, quick thinking, and a lot of luck."

"Which makes it worth trying," Arlo said firmly. "Every RPG has its high-risk, high-reward quests. This one just happens to involve not getting murdered."

Aria sighed, though a hint of approval flickered in her eyes. "Alright. It's your choice, but I'll say this: don't underestimate the difficulty. The HUB's simulations aren't forgiving."

Arlo smirked. "Underestimating things isn't really my style."

"No, overestimating yourself is," Aria shot back. "Make sure you're prepared. Gear, skills, mindset—everything matters."  

Arlo chuckled, appreciating the banter despite the gravity of the situation. "Point taken. Don't worry, I'll be ready."

The hovercar hit a smooth curve in the highway, the neon-lit skyline of Ataraxis reflecting on its sleek surface.

He leaned back, exhaling deeply. "This is it," he murmured. "The first real test."

Aria glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "Every Pioneer remembers their first quest, Arlo. Make it count."

Arlo nodded, determination settling in his chest. He might not have all the answers yet, but he had the drive to figure things out. "Let's see what this Purge Universe has in store."

==================================================

The hovercar descended gracefully, touching down outside the gleaming structure of the Aerith Tower. Its facade was an architectural marvel, a mix of glass and metal that reflected the neon skyline of Ataraxis. Arlo stepped out, craning his neck to take in the sheer height of the building.

They entered through sliding doors that parted soundlessly, revealing a vast, futuristic lobby. Sleek surfaces gleamed under soft, ambient lighting, while holographic displays floated in midair, advertising everything from Pioneer achievements to upcoming events. The atmosphere buzzed with activity, pioneers of various ranks moving with purpose.

Arlo kept close to Aria as they approached a massive set of doors at the far end of the lobby. A holographic panel materialized in front of them, scanning the area before projecting a female voice. "Identity verification required."

Aria placed her hand on the glowing panel, and the system chimed. "Identity confirmed. Welcome to the Quest Hall."

....................

Arlo followed her through as the doors slid open, revealing a sprawling chamber. The Quest Hall was unlike anything he'd seen before. Rows of translucent kiosks stretched out in every direction, each one glowing with interactive displays. Pioneers stood at the kiosks, reviewing quests, chatting, or preparing for their missions. Overhead, holographic maps of the Omniverse rotating slowly, their details intricate and mesmerizing.

"This is... insane," Arlo said, his voice barely above a whisper. His gaze swept over the hall, taking in the scale and technology. "It's like I walked into a futuristic MMO hub. Is that a live map of the Ominiverse?"

Aria nodded. "It's the Nexus Map, it just a small part of the Ominiverse. The Nexus map shows active quest and general location of the pioneers in the universes or multiverses they are in, and their statuses. But focus, Arlo. We're not here for sightseeing."

"Right, sorry," Arlo muttered, shaking off his awe. First time here, and I already look like a tourist.

As they moved further into the hall, Arlo noticed the stares. Pioneers turned to look at Aria, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled respect.

"You've got fans," he remarked, leaning in slightly.

"Ignore them," Aria said curtly, her focus straight ahead. "It's not important."

Arlo smirked. "Sure, totally normal for people to look at you like you're a raid boss in human form."

They reached the central counter, where a poised female receptionist in a sharp uniform greeted them with a polite bow.

"Good evening, Pioneer Hartman," she said, her tone respectful. "How may I assist you?"

Arlo raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two women. "Alright, spill. You're clearly kind of a big deal. What's your rank? S-tier? Legendary?"

"Focus," Aria said, cutting him off before turning back to the Guild officer. "We've already chosen the trainee Pioneer quest. Please prepare the portal platform."

The female receptionist nodded briskly. "Understood. The portal is being calibrated now. You may proceed shortly." She glanced at Arlo with a small smile. "Good luck on your first official mission."

Arlo gave a nervous chuckle. "Thanks. I think I'm gonna need it." As they walked toward the portal platform, Arlo couldn't help but ask, "So, do you get treated like royalty everywhere, or is this just a Quest Hall thing?"

Aria smirked faintly. "I've been around long enough to earn some respect. But don't let it distract you. Focus on your mission."

The portal platform was a circular dais, glowing faintly as the system activated. Holographic runes swirled around its edges, their patterns shifting in intricate designs. A low hum filled the air, growing steadily louder as the calibration completed. Arlo stepped up to the edge, feeling his nerves spike.

He turned to Aria. "Alright, last chance for advice. What do I need to know?"

Aria regarded him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she said simply, "Don't be a hero. Your goal is to survive and complete the mission. Nothing more, nothing less." A small smile broke through her otherwise serious demeanor. "And come back."

Arlo nodded, her words settling in his mind. "Got it. Thanks, Aria."

As he faced the platform, a notification appeared in his BrainLink screen:

[Horror Multiverse: Purge Universe]

[Warning: Portal Transfer Imminent]

[Accept Transfer? Y/N]

Arlo stared at the prompt, his finger hovering over the confirmation button. His heart pounded, but a sense of resolve pushed through his hesitation.

"Let's do this," he muttered, tapping Yes.

The platform's hum grew into a roar, and a swirling portal of light and shadow tore open before him. The air around him shifted, pulling at his clothes and hair.

"Well, here goes nothing," he said under his breath, stepping forward.

The last thing he saw was Aria watching him, her expression calm but watchful. Then the portal's pull intensified, yanking him forward as the world dissolved into a vortex of light.