[Greetings, Max. Planet Earth has reached the required energy level for its evolution, opening the doors to the greater universe. All living beings, including yourself, are now connected to the "System," the governing force of the universe. It is through this connection that you receive this prompt. In this vast universe, strength holds sway, and survival of the fittest is the fundamental law.]

[As a living being within the system you have been provided with a System Interface to track your progress. Quests will also be made available to promote growth and progress. Other features will also become available in the future.]

I found myself standing on a picturesque beach, my surroundings a stark contrast to the college library where I had been immersed in engineering homework just moments ago. The sudden transition left me feeling disoriented and bewildered.

As the system prompts materialized in my mind through a mysterious psychic connection, I felt a surge of panic. Seeking reassurance, I pinched myself, confirming that this was indeed reality and not a fleeting dream. With a blend of curiosity and apprehension, I directed my focus towards the messages that had materialized, captivated by the enigmatic information they held. A glimmer of hope sparked within me as I yearned for a solution to my current predicament. Intrigued by the mentioned interface, I summoned it with a simple thought, and before me, a captivating display of information unfolded.

[System Interface]

Name: Max Parker 

Age: 22

Class: None

Level: 1

Experience Points: 0

[Ability] Assimilation Intellect - SSS Rank

Health: 100 points

Mana: 200 points

Strength: 4

Agility: 3

Endurance: 3

Intelligence: 9

Perception: 8

Wisdom: 7

[System Functions]

Quest Log: Track your progress and objectives.

Class Information: Explore and unlock new abilities.

Inventory: Manage acquired items and resources.

Crafting: Contains known crafting recipes that can be used.

Statistics: View your current attributes and progress.

Messages: Receive important communications and updates.

Map: Navigate through the universe and locate key locations.

Settings: Customize your system interface preferences.

[Max, within the system, each living being is bestowed with an ability. These abilities are ranked according to their potency, ranging from the lowest to the highest: F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS. For beings that are forcefully assimilated into the system, abilities will be assigned based on personality and other traits.]

[The ranking system serves as a measure of the abilities' strength and potential. As you progress and undertake challenges, you may enhance your existing ability or even unlock new ones. Remember, your ability is a vital asset in the struggle for survival and gaining power within the universe.]

I paused, allowing my mind to wander and contemplate the nature of the ability that would be bestowed upon me. I was well aware that I didn't fit the mold of the stereotypical hero. In fact, I embraced my identity as what some might label a "nerd."

Physical activities held little appeal to me, and I found solace in the realm of academia, particularly in the realms of math and science. It was this passion that led me down the path of civil engineering, where I could indulge in the joy of designing and witness the tangible realization of my creations.

[Max, the System bestows upon you a momentous gift, tailored to your unique physical abilities and personality traits.]

[Assimilation Intellect - SSS Rank]: Max, your extraordinary intellectual capacity grants you the power to absorb others' abilities and skills without physical contact. Through astute observation and meticulous analysis, you effortlessly assimilate their talents into your own repertoire. This non-violent method unlocks boundless possibilities, allowing you to learn, adapt, and wield a diverse array of abilities with ease.

As I contemplated my newfound ability, I recognized the immense potential it held, despite its limited usefulness in my current crisis. The realization of possessing an SSS rank ability to absorb knowledge and abilities from others resonated deeply within me. With ample time and the opportunity to interact with different individuals, I could rapidly accumulate a formidable repertoire of skills, transforming into an unstoppable force under favorable circumstances. However, the crucial factor lay in my ability to survive long enough to harness this extraordinary potential.

With no additional prompts at hand, my curiosity led me to explore the array of system functions mentioned within the interface. Seeking a deeper understanding of my surroundings, I activated the map function, eager to unravel the mystery of my current location. To my astonishment, the holographic map unveiled a small island of approximately 1 square mile enveloped by the vast expanse of the ocean in all directions. At the heart of the island, a serene lake glistened, surrounded by a lush tropical forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. The edges of the island revealed pristine white sand beaches, inviting and picturesque.

In different circumstances, I might have found the surrounding environment worthy of appreciation, perhaps even embracing it as a vacation spot. However, my present situation demanded my immediate attention and focus on more fundamental concerns such as securing food, water, and shelter.

My attention was drawn to the presence of an inventory space, reminiscent of my past experiences with video games. Thirty vacant squares awaited my command, ready to store objects conjured by my thoughts. Eager to explore this newfound capability, I approached a couple of stones strewn across the beach. Placing my hand upon them, I envisioned their transfer into the inventory.

To my amazement, a visual representation of a stone materialized within one of the squares, accompanied by the number 2, denoting the quantity. Intrigued, I decided to experiment further. With a simple thought, I released one of the stones, and in an instant, it reappeared on the sandy shore, and the number 2 changed to a 1, indicating that I now had one stone left in my inventory. Curiosity filled my mind as I pondered the limits of each stack but figured I’d find out eventually.

My curiosity led me to explore the Class Information, only to find it devoid of any information, a blank canvas awaiting my choices. At the center of my vision, a prompt materialized, inviting me to embark on the path of class selection. Responding affirmatively within my mind, the screen seamlessly transformed, revealing two columns of captivating information.

On the left side, an extensive list of classes extended as far as the eye could see, captivating me with its breadth. Meanwhile, the right side showcased detailed descriptions of the selected class, unveiling the array of skills that could be acquired and their potential class evolutions every 25 levels. The sheer depth of possibilities tantalized my imagination, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey of growth and specialization.

Caught in the grip of decision paralysis, I beseeched the system to streamline the class options, focusing solely on those that entwined engineering within their essence. As if responding to my plea, a multitude of choices faded away, leaving behind a curated selection. With a mixture of anticipation and curiosity, I delved into the remaining options, exploring each one with discerning eyes.

Mechromancer: A master of mechanized warfare, the Mechromancer wields advanced robotic exoskeletons and weapons of their own design. They combine their engineering expertise with combat prowess, unleashing devastating technological onslaughts upon their foes.

Arcane Artificer: Blending the arcane arts with intricate engineering, the Arcane Artificer creates enchanted weaponry and constructs imbued with magical energies. They excel in both spellcasting and mechanical combat, commanding a fusion of magic and technology on the battlefield.

Clockwork Conjurer: Masters of clockwork engineering and elemental magic, Clockwork Conjurers breathe life into intricate clockwork creatures and golems. Through their skilled craftsmanship and magical expertise, they command armies of clockwork minions and unleash elemental forces in battle.

Necro Engineer: The Necro Engineer class embodies the unique fusion of dark arts and cutting-edge technology. Masters of necromancy, engineering, and programming, those who choose this path command the forces of the undead while wielding the power of coding to create autonomous constructs. Through the seamless integration of these disciplines, the Necro Engineer brings forth a formidable combination of arcane mastery and technological innovation.

Master Tinkerer: The Master Tinkerer excels in crafting and modifying intricate mechanical devices. Their engineering prowess allows them to construct ingenious gadgets, ranging from advanced tools to intricate automaton companions, aiding them in various tasks and combat scenarios.

Alchemechanic: Combining the art of alchemy with engineering, Alchemechanics forge potent elixirs, magical compounds, and volatile explosives. They specialize in creating advanced alchemical contraptions, such as bombs, potions, and mechanical golems, using their inventive skills to shape the battlefield.

While the concepts of Mechromancer and Arcane Artificer intrigued me, my reluctance towards engaging in combat surpassed my fascination. A deep-rooted aversion to fighting, possibly stemming from my upbringing or innate fear, compelled me to seek alternatives that minimized direct conflict.

Recognizing the necessity of self-defense in the unpredictable universe, I ruled out the paths of Master Tinkerer and Alchemechanic. I understood the importance of being capable of protecting myself, even if it conflicted with my inherent reservations.

Left with the choices of Clockwork Conjurer and Necro Engineer, I gravitated towards their balanced nature, which allowed versatility both in and out of combat scenarios. The allure of crafting golems and constructs fascinated me, but it was the prospect of Necromancy that truly captivated my imagination.

Envisioning a refined twist to the dark art, I yearned to summon and program undead minions to fulfill my commands. However, I held an unwavering aversion to the notion of fetid zombies. Instead, I aspired to focus on skeletal beings, meticulously maintaining their pristine condition to evade any repulsive odors.

I found myself drawn to a peculiar desire: I yearned to be surrounded by minions that exuded a pleasant fragrance. Though I couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, this seemingly trivial detail held immense significance to me, resonating deeply within my being. Without any further hesitation, I selected the path of a Necro Engineer and was shown the following information.

[Class: Necro Engineer] Description: The Necro Engineer class embodies the unique fusion of dark arts and cutting-edge technology. Masters of necromancy, engineering, and programming, those who choose this path command the forces of the undead while wielding the power of coding to create autonomous constructs. Through the seamless integration of these disciplines, the Necro Engineer brings forth a formidable combination of arcane mastery and technological innovation.

Potential Skills (Included but not limited to):

• Undead Summons: Harness the necromantic arts to summon various types of undead minions, each with their own specialized abilities and attributes.
• Robotic Engineering: Design and construct mechanical beings imbued with the essence of the undead, capable of assisting in combat, gathering resources, and performing complex tasks.
• Coding Proficiency: Utilize advanced programming techniques to imbue your creations with autonomy and adaptability. The higher your coding skill, the more advanced functionalities your constructs can possess, including machine learning algorithms for enhanced performance.

Potential Class Evolutions at Level 25:

• Master Lich Engineer: Ascend to the pinnacle of necromantic mastery, becoming a powerful Lich capable of commanding legions of undead minions. Your constructs gain access to devastating spells and can unleash havoc upon your enemies.
• Technomancer: Channel your expertise in engineering and programming to become a Technomancer, melding magic and technology seamlessly. Your constructs evolve into formidable techno-magical guardians, capable of both physical and mystical attacks.

The Necro Engineer class offers a unique path for those who seek to explore the dark arts of necromancy alongside the endless possibilities of engineering and programming. Embark on this extraordinary journey and unlock the true potential of your creations as you shape the fate of the universe.

I had selected the Necro Engineer Class and became a Level 1 Necro Engineer. I learned the following skills:

[Summon Skeletons (Level 1)]: Unleash the power of necromancy to summon skeletal minions to aid me in battle. Leveling up this skill increases the number of summoned skeletons, enhances their attributes, and unlocks new abilities for them to utilize.

[Soulbound Construct (Level 1)]: Channel my mastery of engineering and necromantic energies to craft a powerful mechanical construct infused with the essence of captured souls. This construct serves as a loyal guardian, growing in strength and capabilities as it gains levels.

[Necro-Coding (Level 1)]: Combine my knowledge of programming and necromancy to imbue my undead minions and constructs with enhanced autonomy and intelligence. As I level up this skill, my creations become more adept at adapting to combat situations and performing complex tasks.