March 3, 2023, 3 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's Apartment
Daniel lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. It had been three days since his breakup with Judy and six days since he had resigned from his job. He felt empty like all his motivation had been drained from him. He couldn't find any reason to get out of bed, let alone apply for jobs.
Despite his lack of motivation, Daniel still kept applying for new jobs. He couldn't explain why he was doing it; he just kept aimlessly scrolling on LinkedIn, clicking on job posting after job posting. It was as if he was going through the motions, hoping that something would change, but not believing that it would.
Daniel's body was weak, and he hadn't eaten or drunk anything for the past three days. He was dizzy, and his mind felt foggy. The stress, problems, and pressure were overwhelming him. He felt like he was drowning, and there was no one there to save him.
As Daniel lay there, he received a notification on his phone. It was from one of the companies he had applied to. His heart raced with anticipation as he opened the message, but his excitement was short-lived.
"We regret to inform you that we have decided to move forward with a different candidate. Thank you for your interest in our company."
Daniel felt his heart drop.
"T@#g I*a" He weakly muttered to himself.
He had been so hopeful about this job, and now it was gone. He didn't know how much more disappointment he could take. This rejection only added to the weight on his shoulders, and he felt like he was sinking deeper and deeper into despair. He didn't know how much longer he could keep going.
Daniel felt like he had hit rock bottom, and there was no way out of it. Daniel knew he needed help, but he didn't know where to start. He felt like he was alone and that no one would understand what he was going through. He didn't want to burden his friends or family with his problems. He was too ashamed to admit that he couldn't handle everything on his own. He had always been the one to solve his problems, and asking for help was not something he was comfortable with.
As the day went by, Daniel felt like he was sinking deeper and deeper into despair. He knew that he couldn't keep going like this. He needed to find a way to pick himself up and start moving forward. But how could he do that? Daniel didn't know where to begin. He felt trapped and lost. He needed a spark of inspiration to pull him out of this dark place.
Out of nowhere, intrusive thoughts suddenly entered Daniel's mind: maybe death is the only option now. There is no reason to live anymore anyway. Well, his parents might be a reason, but as he is now, he is more of a burden to them. They are better off without him. Daniel tried to push these thoughts away, but they kept coming back, stronger each time. He felt like he was losing control of his own mind. He knew he needed help, but he didn't know where to turn.
Daniel sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of him. He felt numb like all his emotions had been drained from him. He thought about self-harm, just so he could feel something, but he was too weak to even move. He knew it wasn't the answer, but he couldn't shake the thought. He felt trapped like he was stuck in this endless cycle of despair. He wanted to reach out for help, but he didn't know how. Daniel felt alone and helpless, and he didn't know how much longer he could keep going like this.
As the day turned into night, Daniel felt more and more alone. He didn't know how to reach out to someone, and he didn't want to burden anyone with his problems. He felt trapped and helpless. Daniel felt overwhelmed by the weight of his situation. He couldn't see a way out of it. He knew he needed to do something, but he felt powerless.
As he lay there, he thought of reaching out to mental health hotlines and chat lines like Ugat Sandaline and Kaibigan chat line for help. He knew that they were there to help people in his situation, but he couldn't bring himself to reach out. He didn't want to burden anyone with his problems, and he didn't think that talking to someone would change his situation. Daniel still had no job, no money, no food, and nothing to hold on to. Even the roof above him might be gone in a few days. Was this life worth fighting for? Can you call this life a life if he ain't really "living"?
Daniel's mind started to spiral, and he couldn't shake off the thought that death might be the only way out. But he knew deep down that he didn't want to die. He just wanted the pain and the struggles to stop. He tried to think of a way out of his situation. He knew that he needed to take action, but he didn't know where to begin. He didn't have any resources or connections to help him. He felt like he was trapped in a never-ending cycle of hopelessness and despair.
Suddenly Daniel felt his body growing weaker and weaker. His vision began to blur, and he felt himself slipping into unconsciousness. His body was about to pass out. He wasn't sure if he was dying or only falling asleep, but either way, he couldn't care less anymore.
Just as Daniel's body was about to give out completely, just as his eyes were about to completely shut, Just as he thought he was about to breathe his last, he suddenly heard a voice in his head and saw a light flash in front of his eyes.
March 3, 2023, 11:30 PM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's ApartmentDaniel felt as though he was about to pass out, his body exhausted and his mind weary from the constant battles he had been facing. But as he closed his eyes, a flash of light and a strange sensation passed through his body, and he heard a robotic yet commanding female voice inside his head."Prerequisites for Overcome System Achieved," the voice said."Bounding system to the host.""Bounding successful.""Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!"Daniel was bewildered, wondering if he was dreaming or hallucinating. He looked down and saw a semi-translucent panel in front of him, reading "Welcome to the Overcome system! Overcome!".Suddenly, he felt as if something was being bound to him, and he couldn't move his body. He felt an invisible force being connected to him, like an extra limb but at the same time, he can't really explain the feeling of it. The voice spoke again, "Please remain still while
March 4, 2023, 5 AM - Project 6, Quezon City, Philippines - Daniel's Apartment*Ding!*"The first mission is being assigned."Daniel was jolted awake once more due to the sound of the notification that appeared in his mind. Although he has already accepted the existence of the system he is still not used to it and is still trying to adjust to it being with him."Take care of yourself," the system had instructed him.Daniel couldn't believe it. "That's it?" he muttered to himself.The system responded immediately, "Yes, your well-being is the foundation of overcoming everything."Daniel was bewildered. He had expected a more challenging mission, something that would test his skills and intelligence. But as he thought about it, he realized that the system had a point. If he wasn't healthy, he wouldn't be able to tackle more difficult challenges in the future."So, what do I have to do?" he asked the system."You must improve your Physical, Emotional, and Mental well-being in the next se
March 5, 2023, 5 AM - Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Quezon Memorial CircleDaniel slept soundly the previous night and woke up feeling refreshed and energized.*Ding!*"7 Hours of sleep was achieved. The system has recorded your progress," the system announced right after Daniel woke up.Daniel smiled at the already-becoming familiar sound and felt even more motivated to start his day. But he suddenly thought that it might sound strange if he referred to the voice as a "system" in public."Hey, is there a different name I can call you when other people are around? Maybe something I can pretend like an AI assistant from my phone?" Daniel asked the voice.After a brief pause, the voice replied, "You can call me Sampaguita."Daniel chuckled to himself. It was a relief to have a name to use instead of referring to the voice as "system." He got out of bed, ready to start his day with Sampaguita's guidance.He checked his phone and saw that it was only 4:45 AM. He kne
March 5, 2023, 9:30 AM - Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines - On the Road to Vertis NorthDaniel sat in the car, scrolling through his phone, and watching some TikTok videos as they made their way to Vertis North. The area where the condominium building was located wasn't really that far from Daniel's old apartment; it was just that there was almost always traffic in these parts (and even most parts of Metro Manila). While watching a video of newborn birds being fed worms, he felt his phone vibrate. Checking the notifications, he saw that it was a reply from Molly."Hi, Daniel! Sorry for the late reply. I just woke up actually. :) Yes, I am free later today. I don't mind hanging out. What do you have in mind for later?" Molly said through chat.Daniel's heart skipped a beat as he read Molly's message. He was about to type in his reply, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. It was his mother, so he immediately picked up the call."Hi, Ma," Daniel said, trying to sound casua
March 5, 2023, 10:00 AM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001The elevator doors opened to reveal a stylish and artfully decorated hallway that greeted Daniel as he stepped out. Paintings hung on the walls, each with its unique style, while sculptures were tastefully placed in every corner. The hallway's simple yet elegant design was carefully thought out, with clean lines and a muted color scheme that added to the sophisticated ambiance of the penthouse.As Daniel approached his unit's door, he took out his key card to unlock it. However, he paused mid-insertion and retracted the card, suddenly struck with a thought. Setting his bags down beside the door, he took out his phone and opened the Grab app to order groceries. With a few taps, he selected some snacks and frozen goods and added a 5 kg sack of rice and a 1/2 kg bag of salt to the cart. Additionally, he ordered two appropriately sized containers to store the rice and salt.He recalled his mothe
March 5, 2023, 1:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Penthouse Unit 001After finishing his lunch and taking a refreshing nap, Daniel woke up feeling rejuvenated. He checked his phone for any new messages and found a message from Molly."Hey, Daniel. I'm on my way to Ayala Vertis Mall now," Molly said through chat via Facebook Messenger.Daniel replied to Molly's message, "Hey Molly, just woke up from a short nap. I'll be ready in a few minutes."Daniel thought about the motorcycle reward he just received from the system, and typed another message to Molly "By the way, where are you coming from? Do you want me to pick you up?"Molly quickly responded, "Thanks for the offer, Daniel. I live around Muñoz, Quezon City. It's just one ride away to Vertis North. I'll be fine.""Alright, See you then. Just let me know when you're almost here," Daniel replied.After their short conversation, Daniel made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. He took a quick shower and go
March 5, 2023, 3:00 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Ayala Malls Vertis NorthDaniel's heart sank as a familiar voice pierced through the air, instantly sending a mix of unease and apprehension settling in his gut. He turned, and there she was—Judee, walking towards him with JM by her side. It was the voice he had hoped to never hear again."Daniel? Is that you?" Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.Turning, they both saw Judee walking towards them with JM by her side. Daniel felt a knot forming in his stomach as he forced a polite smile. "Hey, Judee. How are you?"Judee's grin widened as she saw Daniel's discomfort. "I'm doing great! Look, JM just bought me an Armani watch worth Php. 16,000!" She paused, noticing Daniel's watch. "Oh, I see you're still wearing that cheap watch. Some things never change, I guess."*Ding!*Suddenly, Sampaguita's robotic voice interrupted Daniel's thoughts."Major Mission
March 5, 2023, 4:30 PM - Vertis North, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - Ayala Malls Vertis NorthAs Daniel strolled out of the Armani store with Molly, he felt a weight being lifted off his shoulders. For the first time in a while, he felt content and at peace with himself. He glanced down at the watch on his wrist, and a smile of satisfaction spread across his face. The watch did not define him, but it symbolized his newfound confidence and strength. He had purchased it not to flaunt his new wealth to Judee but because he genuinely liked the design of the watch. It was also a small way for him to prove to himself that he could be happy without someone who had caused him so much pain. As they walked, he couldn't help but think that he had been basing his happiness on external factors such as Judee and the things around him. That's why he felt crushed and helpless when those things were taken away from him. But now, he saw that true happiness should come from within. It was up to hi