Friday March 3rd, 2023
Alex awakens the next morning and washes up before having cereal again for breakfast. He reminds himself to go to the grocery store later before his mother returns home and thinks about what he should do today. With nothing in particular in mind he decides to see if the system has any suggestions. “Zara, is there anything else I should be doing to prepare for the opening tomorrow?” he asks internally.
Zara responds [I see that you have already developed an acceptable sales-model and pricing plan and begun marketing using what you humans call “social media.” As I mentioned earlier, all sales data and customer information can also be tracked by the system to provide you with detailed reports to use for the development of the store in the future. If you would like, you can begin using the Quest System to start increasing your store level and gain access to more products and privileges.]
“The quest system?!” Alex is quite surprised. “Why didn’t you mention anything about this before?”
[You did not ask,] responds Zara and Alex could swear he heard traces of derision in her tone which he thinks must be impossible for an AI system guide. [If you would like, I can offer you an introductory quest as a means of introduction to the quest system.]“I really didn’t ask,” Alex thinks to himself, “Well next time there is something important, or features of the system that you haven’t told me about, please let me know.”
[Very well, I shall keep you informed when the system develops new features. Would you like to accept your introductory quest now?]It’s still early in the morning and Alex has a lot of time before his mother returns home so he decides now would be a good time. “Yes, Zara show me the introductory quest!” he says resolutely.
[Introductory Quest: AI Fitness Instructor Test Run]Stipulations: Complete a 2-hour fitness workout designed by the store’s AI Fitness Instructor to test the quality of the store’s equipment and software.
Time Limit: 1 day
Experience Gained: 10 points
Item Draws: 5
Penalty for Failure: Death
In order to ensure that the Fitness Center is ready to provide top-quality service to customers, Alex must complete this introductory quest. By using the AI Fitness Instructor’s workout program, he will be able to test the equipment and software firsthand, giving him valuable insight into how they function so that he can provide customers with accurate information in the future.
As Alex reads through the quest everything seems to make sense until he reads “Penalty for Failure: Death?!?!” A sudden sense of fear overwhelms him and his heart races. “Zara isn’t think penalty a bit… extreme?”
[If you cannot complete such a simple Introductory Quest then you truly do deserve death.] responds Zara.“…” Alex lacks a proper response as what Zara says truly does seem to make sense. He gathers his courage and determination accepts the quest. He walks to his room and changes into workout clothes, finding an old white t-shirt, some breathable black gym shorts, old tennis shoes, and a towel. On the way downstairs he doesn’t forget to grab his phone and earbuds to test out the FitTech app while working out.
Finally making his way down to the center of the store he greets the AI Fitness Instructor, “Good morning AI Fitness Instructor. Your name is a bit long isn’t it.” Alex thinks about famous fitness guru’s from the past and for some reason the first image that pops into his head is the flamboyant ’90s guru with big hair, Richard Simmons. Without giving it any more thought he says, “Let’s call you Richard from now on.”
“Very well, I will respond to the name Richard from now on. What can I do for you today?” responds Richard.
“Richard, are you able to change your voice? You currently sound a bit… robotic.” Alex asks.
“Of course, as a product supplied by the system I have access all voices and languages in the multiverse,” replies Richard.
“In that case, can you change to Richard Simmons voice and inflections?” Alex asks with curiosity.
“No problem!” Richard responds using the voice of Richard Simmons and images of ’90s workout infomercials on TV are instantly summoned into Alex’s brain.
Shaking his head emphatically to dispel the scary thoughts, Alex refocuses on his current task. “Richard, using my health scan from yesterday, I need you to design a 2-hour workout plan. I think it would also be helpful for customers if you include what their potential gains will be if they follow your workout plan.”
Richards eyes flash brightly for all of one second before he responds, “2-hour workout for Alex Whitford completed.” A screen appears on Richards white, blob-like chest and the following information is projected:
2-Hour Workout Plan for Alex Whitford:
1. Basic Treadmill (30 minutes) – Strength: +2%, Dexterity: +4%, Constitution: +6%
2. Basic Dumbbell Set used with Basic Weight Bench (30 minutes) – Strength: +6%, Dexterity: +2%, Constitution: +4%
3. Weighted Resistance Bands (15 minutes) – Strength: +2%, Dexterity: +1%, Constitution: +2%
4. Elliptical Machine (30 minutes) – Strength: +4%, Dexterity: +6%, Constitution: +6%
5. Jump Rope (15 minutes) – Strength: +1%, Dexterity: +3%, Constitution: +2%
6. (Optional) Foam Roller (10 minutes) – Decrease muscle pain and chance of injury. Increase muscle recovery speed.
Total Stat Gains without AI: Strength: +15%, Dexterity: +16%, Constitution: +20%
Total Stat Gains with AI: Strength: +30%, Dexterity: +32%, Constitution: +40%
*Please note that when ability scores increase above 5, diminishing returns begin to set in. The amount of diminishing returns becomes larger with each whole number increase.
To begin real-time fitness instruction, Please log into the FitTech app on your mobile device. This function works with both phone speakers and headphones/earbuds.
Impressed with Richard’s quick response, Alex logs into the FitTech app on his mobile device and begins the 2-hour workout plan. As he moves from one exercise to the next, he notices that the equipment is functioning smoothly and the software is seamlessly tracking his progress. Despite sweating quite heavily, the equipment seems to be pristine the moment he stands up. and the air also maintains a constant temperate with the scent of lavender in the air.
Richard seemed to notice when Alex needed extra motivation and would call out catchphrases like, “count your blessings, you’re one of a kind!” “There’s no one in the world like you, you’re amazing!” and “You’ve got to squeeze your buns!” The last one almost made Alex drop his weights in laughter. Richard would also correct Alex when he made mistakes or had bad form. The workout plan was challenging but manageable, and he could feel his muscles working and his heart rate increasing.
As he completes the last exercise, Alex feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. He checks his stats on the app and sees that he has indeed gained strength, dexterity, and constitution. He also notices that the app provides a personalized analysis of his workout and recommends areas for improvement.
Noticing his sore muscles, Alex decided to complete the optional 6th step of the workout with the foam rollers and Richard guided him through various stretches to relax his muscles. What surprised Alex was that he really did feel a noticeable difference and the soreness of his muscles was greatly decreased.
“Richard, that was a great workout plan. I can see how this will benefit our customers. The equipment and software seem to be working perfectly. Please make sure that you explain the ability score information to customers so that they can understand the progress they are making in a quantifiable way,” Alex says.
“Understood, Alex. As an AI Fitness Instructor, my goal is to provide the best possible workout plan for our customers and ensure that they achieve their fitness goals. Your feedback is appreciated,” Richard responds.
Alex feels more confident about his ability to provide accurate information to customers about the fitness center’s equipment and software. He also feels more energized and motivated to continue his own fitness journey.
“That should complete my quest, right Zara?” Alex asks with anticipation.
[Congratulations on completing your first quest, Alex! You have successfully tested the quality of the Fitness Center’s equipment, layout, and AI Fitness Trainer.As promised, here are your rewards for completing the quest:
– 10 experience points, bringing your total experience to 10/100 points
– 5 Item Draws
Remember, every quest you complete will bring you closer to improving the store and achieving its goals. Good luck on your future quests!]
“Awesome!” Alex exclaims. “Please show my updated Status Screen Zara.”
[Status Screen]Name: Alex
Race: Human
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Occupation: Interdimensional Store Owner
Store Level: 1 (10/100 experience)
Personal Funds: $4,000.00
Company Funds: $200.00
Unlocked Product Lines: Fitness and Sports
Item Draws: 5
[Ability Score]Strength: 4 (29% + 30% = 59%) [Measuring physical power]
Dexterity: 3 (57% + 32% = 89%) [Measuring agility]
Constitution: 4 (38% + 40% = 78%) [Measuring endurance and health]
Intelligence: 5 (6%) [Measuring reasoning and memory]
Wisdom: 4 (16%) [Measuring perception and insight]
Charisma: 4 (62%) [Measuring force of personality]
Happy to see his personal growth along with his gain in experience, Alex decides to use the 5 item draws he gained. The fitness center is currently a bit sparse so he quickly decides to put all 5 item draws into exercise equipment to make the store look less empty.
“Zara, lets item draw 5 times in the exercise equipment category and place the machines into the appropriate store zones.” thinks Alex internally.
Alex watches as the roulette wheel in the system space spins 5 times and summarizes his results:
[Rowing Machine – Uncommon]Description: A machine designed to simulate the motion of rowing for a full-body workout. It has an LCD screen that displays time, distance, and calories burned.
Stat Bonus Percentages per 15 minutes:
– Strength: +2%
– Dexterity: +2%
– Constitution: +3%
[Basic Weight Bench – Common]Description: A simple weight bench with a padded surface for users to perform various exercises such as bench press, dumbbell fly, and more. It can support weights up to 300lbs and has adjustable incline levels to target different muscle groups.
[Exercise Bike – Common]Description: A stationary bike designed for indoor cycling workouts. It has a digital display that tracks time, speed, distance, and calories burned.
Stat Bonus Percentages per 15 minutes:
– Strength: +1%
– Dexterity: +2%
– Constitution: +2%
[Smith Machine – Rare]Description: A machine that allows users to perform a variety of weight training exercises using a barbell. It has a counterbalance system that reduces the weight of the barbell, making it easier to lift.
Stat Bonus Percentages per 15 minutes:
– Strength: +4%
– Dexterity: +2%
– Constitution: +2%
[Leg Press Machine – Rare]Description: A large machine designed to target the muscles in the legs, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings. It has an adjustable seat and footplate to accommodate users of different heights. Stat Bonus Percentages per 15 minutes:
Strength: +4%
Dexterity: +1%
Constitution: +3%
Alex can hardly contain his excitement, “It seems like all my stored luck has been called in. Two rare items and one uncommon! Zara please place the equipment in the appropriate zones and spread out the equipment make the store look less empty.”
[Consider it done, Alex.] The exercise equipment that Alex just drew instantly appears around him and quickly fly off to their respective zones, spreading out the previously placed equipment. The system must really know what it’s doing because looking at the process, Alex really does feel like the store seems much full than before. Alex feels like there is enough equipment for about 5 people to work out at a time now without issues. [Alex, now that you have completed the introduction quest, you now have access to the full quest system. At store level 1 you have access to 5 quests and can choose to select one quest at a time. Quest offerings will reset every 24 hours at midnight until your quest log is full. Basically, at level 1 once you select a quest the rest of the offerings will disappear and you won’t be able to view new quests until you complete or fail your current quest so please choose wisely. Please think the word “Quests” to open the quest system]Alex decides to clean himself up first after his workout and tests out the men’s locker room facilities. Once Alex is done with his shower and closes the curtain he decides to test the self-cleaning function and opens it again to take a look and realizes that it is once again spotless. “The system is impressive as ever,” he thinks to himself. After heading upstairs and changing into his normal clothes, he thinks the word “Quests” and information is projected into his mind.
[Social Media Blitz]Stipulations: Create and post at least 5 social media posts promoting the store’s opening weekend and encouraging people to sign up for memberships.
Time Limit: 1 day
Experience Gained: 15 points
Ability Score Improved: Charisma (+10%)
Penalty for Failure: Loss of experience (30 points)
[Hire a Receptionist]Stipulations: Hire a qualified receptionist to manage customer inquiries and handle administrative tasks. The receptionist should be friendly, knowledgeable, and able to handle a high volume of calls and emails.
Time Limit: 5 days
Experience Gained: 20 points
Ability Score Improved: Wisdom (+10%)
Penalty for Failure: Loss of experience (40 points)
[Membership Drive]Stipulations: Sign up at least 10 new members to the fitness center by the end of the weekend. The marketing must be accomplished within the limits of normal marketing in the area, and not offer any discounts or free trials.
Time Limit: 2 days
Experience Gained: 25 points
Ability Score Improved: Charisma (+15%)
Penalty for Failure: Loss of experience (50 points)
[First Customer Feedback]Stipulations: Collect feedback from the first 5 customers who sign up at the fitness center. Feedback should cover their experiences with the center’s facilities, staff, and equipment. Use this feedback to make improvements to the center.
Time Limit: 2 days
Experience Gained: 20 points
Ability Score Improved: Wisdom (+10%)
Penalty for Failure: Loss of experience (40 points)
[FitTech App Promotion]Stipulations: Encourage customers to install the FitTech mobile app during opening weekend, with a random lottery for 5 lucky customers to win a free 1-month membership. The results of the random lottery will be pushed to customers on the FitTech mobile app at the end of opening weekend.
Time Limit: 2 days
Experience Gained: 20 points
Ability Score Improved: Charisma (5%), Wisdom (5%)
Penalty for Failure: Loss of experience (40 points)
Alex takes some time to look over the quests and think about his next move.
