"Dawn is like a surprise you never expect."
Hello, my name is Hayden. I'm 18 years old, and I'm a high school student at a local school. It's not particularly prestigious, and honestly, the infrastructure leaves much to be desired. If an earthquake were to happen, I think we wouldn't have classes for at least three months—especially in my building, which is clearly the least maintained of them all.
Despite this old building, there are still some nice spots, like the cafeteria. There, you can eat whatever you want: local dishes, exotic specialties, or just grab something from the vending machines. In fact, it looks like they put their entire budget into them—there's at least one in every building. It's honestly super convenient, especially after a sports session. Because yeah, they're really strict about physical activity here. It's like they want to turn us into champions in every field: soccer, basketball, swimming, or even combat sports like boxing, taekwondo, and MMA. According to them, this is supposed to prepare us for the "world of tomorrow." Personally, I think they're just trying to attract funding or sponsors to keep the school from going bankrupt. After all, I heard a big corporation already has its eyes on the land.
Honestly, I would've preferred this to happen at another time. Seriously, why today of all days? It's the first day of school and my birthday. As if that weren't enough, some kind of weird system suddenly appeared in my mind, warning me that the world was about to undergo a drastic change… precisely today, on my birthday and the first day of school.
At first, I thought it had to be a dream. I'd wake up, and everything would go back to normal, right? But no. Too bad.
Anyway, in this new era, it looks like I'm going to have to survive… against zombies. Yeah, zombies. I know, you're probably thinking the author is messing with you, but I promise I'm not. It could've been worse as a start to an adventure. And to be honest, I don't mind it that much. Because I've always dreamed of having a system in my head one day. Seriously, who hasn't imagined that? But this situation is the most absurd thing ever. It's like the zombies just appeared out of nowhere. I swear, it's almost unbelievable.
But well, considering how I tend to accept things as they come, maybe that's why I'm not completely panicked. Thanks, Grandpa and Grandma, for the rock-solid upbringing! Still, it's a little scary to be this calm. Right now, I'm in my apartment, chilling, sitting on the couch with a bowl of cereal in hand. The news is playing on TV. They're announcing that this is a global situation and that the military is being mobilized.
The first day of school has finally arrived. It's September 10, 2020. As Hayden has already mentioned, his high school is not the most prestigious, mainly because it is located in the state of Florida, in the city of Orlando.
Yet, the day looks bright, with a radiant sun and a gentle breeze blowing through the old buildings of the school. But this apparent calm contrasts with the unusual conversation taking place in Hayden's mind.
There, in the midst of his daily life, Hayden and his "system," which he has chosen to name Blue Dragon, are discussing their situation, balancing between lightheartedness and pragmatism.
BD: Seriously, Hayden, you could make an effort with your presentation. Sure, you're jaded, laid-back, or whatever you want to call it, but at least try to be a bit more serious, okay? And where do you get off calling me a "weird system"?
HAYDEN: I say it because it's true, Blue Dragon.
BD: You could at least put some effort into my name. Seriously.
HAYDEN: Nope. And besides, calling you that is just more convenient. Finding a name that wasn't too hard to pronounce was already a challenge.
BD: And what makes you so sure I'm not here to curse you? Maybe my goal is to see you die in a horrible way.
HAYDEN: That's not going to happen.
BD: What makes you think that, kid?
HAYDEN: First, you appeared in my dream the night before my birthday, like some kind of guardian angel manifestation.
Second, you warned me about what was coming and explained that I could save people and help them. Honestly, that works for me.
BD: You really are a simple-minded guy, huh? But I guess that's part of your charm.
HAYDEN: Thanks for pointing that out. A lot of people don't care about that little detail. Now, do your job and give me the info.
BD: Tch! Fine, since you insist. The ultra-efficient system that I am will now explain how I work. First, my primary function is to provide you with information about zombies, like their ranks and—
(BLUE DRAGON is suddenly interrupted.)
HAYDEN: WHAT?! I must've misheard. Are you telling me that, on top of having to kill them, they can evolve?! What kind of nonsense is this?!
BD: It'd be too easy otherwise, right?
HAYDEN: You've got to be kidding me! Don't forget—I'm neither Superman nor Terminator. Good luck, military guys. I'll be cheering for you… from a safe distance.
BD: HAHAHAHAHA! You're such an idiot, seriously.
HAYDEN: I forbid you from judging me! I have the right to panic for a moment, just like any normal human being.
BD: You're right. My second function allows your body to evolve, but that depends on the number of zombies you kill. In your current state, Reinforced Zombies (ZR) are your limit. But don't worry— to level up, you need to take down either 100 Level 1 zombies or 50 Level 2 zombies. So, what do you think?
HAYDEN: That's kind of reassuring… But tell me, do I have access to an inventory, stats like in MMORPGs, and a shop where I can trade points for weapons?
BD: Of course. Right now, your strength, agility, and defense are all at 200. However, intelligence and wisdom stats are currently locked. But don't panic—it's nothing insurmountable. They'll be unlocked once you reach the Senior rank.
HAYDEN: COOL! But wait… What the hell is this Senior rank?!
BD: Relax, I'll explain everything. Here's the ranking system and the number of zombies you need to eliminate to level up:
Baby Level: You automatically reach this level at birth. Nothing to note here.
Adult Level (Your current level): This rank is achieved at adulthood, meaning 18 years and up. No special requirements for this one.
Senior Level: To access this level, you must eliminate 100 ZC (Classic Zombies) or 50 ZR (Reinforced Zombies). This level allows you to deepen your understanding of your environment and detect Level 2 and 3 zombies more easily.
Hermit Level: A real challenge! You need to take down 1,000 ZC, 500 ZR, or 250 Liches. At this level, all your stats are multiplied by 5. As they say, you don't teach survival to a Hermit!
Sage Level: This one's on another level. You need to eliminate a ZD (Zombie Leader). Just the sheer amount of effort required to take one down is insane—even for Iron Man. This level allows you to improve your perception to the point where you can distinguish ZH (Human Zombies) from actual humans.
Emperor Level: ??? (I'll leave that one as a surprise for you.)
BD: So, are you happy now? As a bonus, I'm giving you 100 free points to start off. You can trade them for either a 9mm or a katana. Your choice.
HAYDEN: I love it! This way, no one can say I'm leveling up too fast. Heh heh. But the number of zombies I have to take down is totally insane. A x10 increase for each level? Seriously? Oh well, overall, I'm good with it. As for the weapon, I'll take the katana because I love Asian culture.
BD: Okay, so you want to go katana style? Fine. But forget about collecting souls like in a video game. Here, you'll just earn experience points. Nice, right?
HAYDEN: Hayden, the zombie hunter… for now. I'll change it later when I find an even cooler title. But anyway, I gotta go. It's the first day back, and I need to meet up with the others in the gym.
BD: Alright, no problem. I'll let you get ready.
---
While Hayden was off talking with his system, the atmosphere in the gym was nothing special. Like every start of the school year, the usual social dynamics were in full swing.
On the guys' side, there was the classic trio of "rich kids": Liam, Harry, and Gary. Their favorite pastime? Making life difficult for the more modest students—those they considered "average" or "insignificant." The disapproving looks from other students slid right off them, only feeding their arrogance.
On the other end of the gym, a group of equally snobbish girls took over. Véra, Lois, and Amber—spoiled princesses through and through—were busy gossiping. Their latest targets? Katie, Mary, and Flora, three inseparable best friends who hadn't done anything but still found themselves in the crosshairs of their venomous words.
Tension was thick in what should have been a simple moment of reunions and new encounters.
---
KATIE: Mary, where's Hay? She looked around curiously.
MARY: He just texted me. Said he'll be here on time.
KATIE: Oh, okay... I wanted to ask—are your parents vaccinated, Mary?
MARY: Yeah, like pretty much all of our parents, right? Why do you ask, Katie?
KATIE: Just wondering… I find it weird that LIFE is offering a vaccine when there's no serious disease going around right now.
MARY: Don't start, okay? First Hayden, and now you… Can't you both stop frying your brains over nothing? Let's not forget, this is LIFE, the biggest pharmaceutical company in the world. They wouldn't do something like this without a reason.
HAYDEN (arriving casually): You're still so naïve, Mary.
MARY (startled): Hayden! Could you not sneak up on people like that?!
HAYDEN: I suggest you trust us. Something bad is coming. And don't forget that Katie has her sixth sense—which, so far, has never been wrong.
MARY (sighing): Let's change the subject. It's the first day back. Let's talk about Hayden's fashion sense instead.
KATIE: I actually like his all-black look. It gives off a classy yet street-style, loner vibe. (She describes: black hoodie, black cargo pants, and mid-high sneakers.)
HAYDEN: You should look at yourself, Mary, instead of criticizing me. Too reserved, too plain… Seriously, show a little more skin! And you, Katie—your style isn't much better. Good thing I
FLORA (with a gentle smile): Thanks for supporting me, girls, but Hayden is right. And whatever his reasons are, I doubt this will last all day. Considering who his crush is and who his parents are, it's unlikely that's the problem. Am I wrong, Hayden? You're not the type to change your attitude over things like that.
HAYDEN (shrugging with a small smile): 😉 Don't worry, Flo, it's neither of those. Unfortunately, my crush is way too naive to notice my feelings, and my parents… well, I don't even have a real connection with them, so how could they disown me? That would be the joke of the year. 😂😂
HAYDEN (more serious): No, seriously, it's something completely different. I said that because the world is about to change… and not for the better. So, Flo, I encourage you to be honest with William. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Okay?
KATIE (skeptical, arms crossed): Whoa. What was that super serious monologue, Hay? This is all pretty suspicious. You need to tell us more.
MARY (frowning): I agree with Kat. You're acting really weird this morning. Between your all-black outfit and your insistence that Flo talks to William, it's definitely strange. You're usually way more chill.
William, feeling a bit alone, noticed the group gathered not far from him. Hesitating for a moment, he took a deep breath and walked toward them.
WILLIAM (with a warm smile): Hey everyone! How's it going?
MARY (sighing, teasing): Good, thanks. Except Hayden must have smoked something weird this morning. He's acting strange.
WILLIAM (bursting into laughter): 😂😂😂 Seriously, Hayden? It's the first day back, and you're already making a scene? Come on, dude, I know you better than that. (He turns serious.) But really, what's going on for the others to think you're acting weird?
HAYDEN (with a big mischievous smile): Nothing too strange. Just that Flora should confess her feelings to you. That's all.
WILLIAM (stunned, blinking): Huh?! Wait a minute… It's true? Really true? (He placed a hand on his chest, visibly moved.) I… I'm touched, overwhelmed… Listen, I need to be alone for a bit, okay?
MARY (crossing her arms, giving Hayden a reproachful look): Hayden, tone it down a bit. Honestly, I think you're being reckless. Did you even stop to think about how Flora or William might feel after this? This kind of thing should be said in private, not like you're talking about the weather.
HAYDEN (smirking, shrugging): Relax, Mary. If I didn't say anything, they'd dance around the topic for another six months. I'm just speeding things up.
MARY (annoyed, her voice rising slightly): You're not speeding things up, you're making them worse! William is already confused, and Flora—do you think she'll thank you for stealing her moment?
KATIE (trying to defuse the situation): Okay, okay, let's all calm down. Mary, you're not wrong, but Hay isn't completely wrong either. We all know William and Flora have feelings for each other, right? Maybe this will push them to finally talk.
MARY (sighing, a little calmer): Maybe… but there are ways to do things. Not everyone handles their emotions like you do, Hayden.