“In the delicate dance of painting, one must tread lightly with colors, especially in the realm of black and white. To wield black is to engage with the void itself; a pigment so intense it devours any hue that dares to touch it. Yet, as you blend white into this abyss, it begins to soften into shades of gray. However, no matter how much white you fold into it, that gray will never reclaim the purity of untouched white.”

Elidia’s mind strolled off as the professor droned on. It was her final year of college, and she had chosen this class solely for its reputation as an easy credit. Art philosophy, or any philosophy for that matter, didn’t interest her in the slightest. She rested her chin on her hand, barely keeping her eyes open. Just as they threatened to shut completely, a buzz from her phone snapped her back to reality. blinking the tiredness out of her eyes she picked it up.

[ALERT: System updating 1% complete]

It was just a typical software update. Dismissing the idea of looking further into it she powered it off and slipped it back into her jacket pocket. Her deep, dark eyes drifted lazily around the room eventually settling back on the professor, who was passionately explaining something on the whiteboard. To be so enthusiastic about something as trivial as this, she mused, his life must be incredibly mundane.

How pathetic.

The class ended, and the students spilled out of the classroom as she lingered, taking her time to pack her bag. As she slowly gathered her things, she couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversations, laughter, and plans for the weekend—things she couldn’t care less about. “Elidia,” a delicate voice called from behind her. It was typical for her not to remember faces, and this one would be no exception “Do you want something from me?” She said, turning to glance down at the young woman before her. She was mistaken; she did recognize this girl, but only because of her distinct bright whitish blonde hair, which nearly blinded Elidia every time she saw it in a crowd.

The white-haired girl chuckled lightly. “You’re so scary! No, I don’t need anything I just wanted to talk”

Elidia felt her eye twitch. If she had no reason to approach, then don’t approach at all. With obnoxious, gleaming blue eyes, the girl introduced herself with a smile, “I’m Aurora. I just enrolled last month, and I’d love to get to know you.”

“Ah, I see,” Elidia glanced at her and, with a swift sling, placed her messenger bag on her shoulder. “I’m not interested.” She then walked away. She simply didn’t see the point in investing time in people who offered nothing in return. Aurora stood there, her smile fading into confusion, but she quickly composed herself. “Wait! Wait for me!” she called out, hurrying after Elidia, who didn’t slow her pace.

Not long later, Elidia found herself on the bus, heading home. The ride was dull, just like any other day. She sat up straight in her seat at the back, earbuds in, paying no attention to the persistent girl who had decided to plop down beside her despite all of the empty seats available. She hadn’t bothered to look around when she got on, but with only about twenty people on the bus, it was hard to miss the available space. Leaning her head against the window, Elidia let her eyes wander over the cars rushing by outside. Time seemed to blur until a sudden sharp jingle pierced through her music, prompting her to glance down at her phone.

[ALERT: System updating 90% complete]

Unhurriedly, she unlocked her phone to find that all of her apps had been removed, except one labeled YDC. She had no reason not to click on it, seeing that her phone was already compromised—how much worse could it get? The app proceeded to open up, showing a little pixel art character that resembled her exactly, even capturing the small birthmark just below her ear. Next to it outlined a stat screen full of question marks in each category.

[Welcome to You’re Destined Champion!]

[HP: 10,000]

[MP: 2]

The layout felt oddly familiar, like the setup of the games her younger sister used to drag her into playing. Elidia glanced at the girl beside her, who was absorbed in her phone. Aura, wasn’t it? Elidia tilted her head slightly to sneak a peek at the girl’s screen. “You have this app too?” she asked when she recognized it. Their eyes met, and Aurora’s widened. “Too… did you also get a strange update?” she questioned, lifting her phone. Elidia nodded, unsettled by how accurately the app portrayed Aurora in pixel form on her screen.

Nearby, another girl glanced over and couldn’t resist butting in, “No way, both of you got it too? I thought I was just unlucky.”

“Wait, seriously? I also thought I was the only one,” a male voice chimed in, followed by a chorus of agreement from other passengers on the bus. The atmosphere buzzed with murmurs of annoyance. “Ugh, so frustrating. I just blew my whole paycheck on this phone,” grumbled an older woman. Elidia hadn’t meant to start a chain reaction, but she had to admit it was a bit interesting to see. It didn’t seem to matter the age; it appeared as though anyone with a device had received this “update.”

[Ready to pick your class, Elidia Heir?]

Another notification prompted her, and she did not hesitate to click further, tapping the accept button. A list appeared in a drop-down menu: Tank, Healer, Summoner, Rogue, and more. Although she didn’t recognize any of them, when she reached the bottom, a randomizer caught her eye. Beside her, a soft voice spoke, “Should I choose something? What did you go for, Elidia?” Elidia brushed a strand of her long black hair behind her ear so she could hear better. “Do not decide based on me. I picked randomly,” she replied flatly. Aurora hummed and then nodded. “Okay then, random it is for me too!”

[ALERT: System updating 99% complete]

[Please make final selections]

[Penalty will be authorized]

The word “penalty” made everyone collectively pick something. Who knew if it was a hacker capable of leaking their pictures or, even worse, their private messages?

Congratulations Aurora

You have been selected as HOLY KNIGHT

Congratulations Elidia

You have been selected as VOID WALKER

[ALERT: System updating 100% complete]

This time, the notification didn’t come from the phone but instead from a ‘screen’ in front of Elidia’s eyes.

[To those who did not select, do not fret!]

[Your death will be painless! ^-^]

Elidia immediately assumed everyone else saw the screen too, as the bus fell eerily silent. Glancing at the girl beside her, she noticed her face was frozen in shock, staring blankly ahead. The earlier chatter had evaporated, replaced only by the low hum of the bus engine.

Screams of agony pierced the silence, filling the bus with chaos. Elidia slammed into the glass window as Aurora pressed into her due to the vehicle’s violent swerving. Elidia repositioned herself, lightly pushing Aurora off as she strained to get a better look without leaving her seat. “What is this?” she muttered, eyes wide with disbelief. It looked as though the passengers’ skin was melting off their bodies. If this is painless, she found that she probably didn’t want to see painful. Aurora, seated in the aisle, had a front-row view of the horror unfolding. Her eyes widened in terror. Elidia blinked, trying to take in what was happening, when suddenly a new window popped in her vision, demanding her attention.

[Skills]

Void Candy (1 MP)

??? locked

??? locked

??? locked

??? locked

What is the use in this?..