“So, how do we break this news?” Robert asked, gathering his family around the dinner table. John chuckled, “Maybe we could just shoot some fireballs at a news crew. That’d certainly make headlines.” Robert smiled. “While that would be quite a spectacle, I think a more subtle approach is needed. If the whole world knew about the future, it could lead to mass panic or a religious frenzy.” Sara nodded. “Exactly. We need to be cautious. Gradual disclosure is the key.”


    Elara, the youngest, piped up, “Why tell anyone at all?” "Well, for one, I want to ensure our family''s safety and future. And to do that, we''ll need substantial resources. Plus, there are things the world can do to prepare. We have centuries, but societal change takes time." Richard pondered. "Perhaps we should start small. Invite the grandparents and everyone else. We can make it a family gathering and break the news together."


    “A family meeting, huh?” John mused. “Kind of like a family intervention, but instead of addiction, it’s the end of the world.” Robert chuckled. “Something like that, I suppose. We’ll need to be delicate. We don’t want to scare them or overwhelm them.” “And what about the rest of the world?” Sara asked. “When do we tell them? And how?” “That’s the million-dollar question,” Robert admitted. “We could start with close friends and trusted associates. Build a small, reliable circle. Then, as we gain more control and understanding, we can slowly expand our circle of influence.”


    "I''ll call my parents, and you can call yours," Sara suggested. "Since your family lives close together, it might be easier to visit them in person rather than trying to gather them here." Robert considered this. "That''s a good idea. You get your mom and brother on board, and we''ll fly up to South Carolina." "Sounds like a plan, I''ll call them shortly," Sara said.


    Over the next few days, the family prepared for their trip. Sara''s mother and brother were excited about the family gathering, and Robert''s family was looking forward to the visit. The only hiccup was Robert''s appearance. After boosting his Constitution, he looked much younger than his actual age. Realizing the potential issues with airport security, they decided to drive instead.


    In the meantime, Robert visited a pawn shop in Tampa to sell some of his gold coins. Despite some initial curiosity about the strange inscriptions on the coins, the shop owner was impressed with the gold''s quality. Robert managed to sell twenty coins for a substantial sum, providing the family with a comfortable financial cushion with Robert no longer working.


    Before the trip, Robert decided to run another dungeon, a challenging cave system teeming with giant ants. While his physical weapons were ineffective against these creatures, he relied on his growing Tier 2 magical arsenal, including Earth Spear and Fire Lance, to overcome the challenge.


    Thinking about his spell books, his Tier 3 healing included a lot more powerful spells including the more powerful version of the Tier 1 Valicar''s spells that he had. As soon as he had time he was going to start using those for his healing items.


    Four days later, they loaded up the family SUV and hit the road. The ten-hour drive to Robert''s parents'' house was uneventful, and they arrived on time. Sara went to pick up her family from the airport, while Robert entertained his own family, who were curious about his youthful appearance. Once everyone had arrived, they gathered around a large outdoor table. As the kids played, the adults engaged in lively conversation. Robert decided to seize the moment.


    "Before we begin, I know I''ve kept you all in suspense, but I''ll answer one question first. The young woman with us is Elara. She''s under my care after her family was tragically killed. I''ll explain more later, but first, I have a question for you all." Robert''s expression turned serious.


    "Dad, do you still enjoy smoked boar?" he asked. "Oh yeah, I can smoke a boar like nobody''s business," Thomas replied, a nostalgic smile on his face. Elizabeth chuckled. "The last time your father smoked a boar, the whole neighborhood could smell it. We had an impromptu block party." Michael laughed. "Good times. Those were the days."


    Robert looked around at his family: his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth; his older brother, Michael; his younger brother, David; and his younger sister, Emily. He shook his head and pulled four five-pound slabs of boar meat from seemingly thin air. "Think you could handle this? I''ve got about fifty pounds more." A stunned silence filled the room. Then, David stood up. "Where did that come from? You couldn''t have hidden that under the table!"


    Robert grinned. "Same place I got this," he said, pulling out a Wyvernhide armor set. The table erupted in excited questions and demands for explanations. Robert simply smiled and returned the items to their invisible source, knowing a full explanation would take some time.


    He raised his hand to silence the room. "About a month ago, I received some information that has changed my life and, eventually, the lives of all of you. In time, this information will change the world." With that, he pulled up the first few system messages from his log and displayed them for his family to read. "Robert, what is that?" Emily asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. "That, little sister, is what changed everything."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    A heavy silence fell over the table as everyone absorbed the information. Thomas was the first to break the silence. "So, what does this all mean, son?" Robert took a deep breath. "For now, not much changes for you all. The significant changes won''t occur for centuries. However, our future family members will be well-prepared. I plan to leave our family with the resources and knowledge needed to lead when the time comes."


    "I know a lot about magic, though I''ve only mastered the weaker spells so far. Before I leave, I''ll learn much more. I plan to leave you all books containing these spells and guides on the System, including a breakdown of my journey. This will help you earn feats and quests early, giving our family a significant advantage." David grinned. "Magic, huh? I''d call you crazy, but it''s hard to ignore what I''ve just seen. Are you serious? You really know magic?" Robert smiled at his younger brother. "I do, little bro. But we should probably keep this a secret from the kids for now."


    With that, Robert spent the next hour going over everything that had happened, telling them about his abilities, his skills, and spells. He talked about the dungeon runs, and how he met Elara. He went over crafting and what he could make and showed them some of the other items he had and even the coins he had collected. His father interrupted him while he was talking about his enchanting abilies with a question, "Son you do know how these items could change the world right?"


    "Yes, Dad, I do," Robert replied. "While I can''t regrow limbs or replace missing parts yet, I can heal nearly all diseases and cure most poisons. I can even infuse these abilities into objects." He pulled out a Rod of Healing. "This rod can heal almost any injury sustained today, from broken bones to gunshot wounds. I believe I could even create a rod to cure cancer. The only limitation is the number of uses."


    Emily, a nurse, interjected. "Robert, as a Nurse Practitioner, I know how many people die because we can''t stabilize them fast enough. These rods would be invaluable."


    Robert nodded. "I understand, Emily. The problem is, that this rod can only be used fifteen times before it''s depleted. I could leave you hundreds, but it wouldn''t be enough. The issue lies in Mana. It''s an exotic particle that doesn''t currently exist in our universe. The System generates Mana and provides it to me. Once the System fully integrates our universe, it will introduce Mana, which will then spread rapidly. Until then, no one here can recharge or create these items."


    Jennifer, David''s wife, asked, "So if we had access to Mana, could we use magic too?"


    "Not quite," Robert explained. "Humans don''t naturally have the ability to use Mana. The System provides a shortcut, allowing us to use it without fully understanding it. Over time, humans could potentially learn to use Mana without the System''s help, but it would take centuries of practice for minimal results."


    "So, what''s the next step?" Robert asked. "I''ll continue preparing, but what do we do, and who do we tell?" Thomas was the first to respond. "Son, for every person you tell, a dozen more will find out. How long before the government starts asking questions?" Robert considered this. "I know, but should we withhold information from the government? While I want to ensure our family leads the way, I also want our nation to lead. I served my country for a reason, and it wasn''t just for the paycheck."


    "The problem with involving the government is that they''ll never be satisfied," Michael warned. "They''ll want more and more, and I can see them locking you in a room and draining you of all your knowledge." Robert smiled. "I don''t think they can do that. My Constitution is 31, which not only boosts my health significantly but also extends my lifespan to around 200 years. I''m stronger, faster, and have abilities that could easily neutralize anyone who tries to harm me." "So that''s why you look younger," Emily realized. "Your lifespan is increasing, and your body is getting stronger."


    "Exactly," Robert confirmed. "With the System, I could eventually live for 500 years or more. From what Hal tells me, there are beings out there who are thousands, even tens of thousands of years old." "That''s hard to imagine," his mother said. "Most people in System worlds are ordinary, with average power levels," Robert explained. "Gaining power requires taking risks and facing danger. While you can level up through daily life, combat is the fastest way to grow. Stats are crucial, and most people end up with common or uncommon classes and professions, limiting their potential. Even with optimal stat allocation, they might reach level 50 or 60 in their lifetime."


    "So, with a Mythical class and profession, you''ll far surpass others?" David asked. "Absolutely," Robert replied. "Let''s compare. At level 10, a common class gains 30 stat points. A Mythical class, like mine, gains significantly more. Even ignoring profession bonuses, I''ll have double the stats. As we level up, this gap widens. At level 30, a common class might have around 160 stat points, while I''ll have over 300. Most of my stats will be in Intelligence and Wisdom, but I''ll also have a massive Mana pool compared to others. By level 50, my Constitution will grant me a lifespan of 400 years, and it scales from there. With my current growth rate, I''ll likely reach 60 or 65 in Constitution before I leave, giving me a lifespan of 500 to 550 years. It''s mind-boggling."


    "I''ve noticed you haven''t been investing in Charisma," Emily observed. "What does it actually do?" Robert pulled up his stat sheet and consulted Hal for more details.


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 51.3831%" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">Charisma influences social abilities and personal magnetism. It affects things like persuasion, deception, leadership, intimidation, diplomacy, and performance. Emily is right, you should probably add some points. It''ll help you interact with others more effectively.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    He paused, considering his options. "Actually, I have four spare points. I think I''ll add them to Charisma now." No one objected, so Robert added the points to his Charisma stat. The kids returned at that moment so everyone agreed to stop here and think about any questions to ask later that night when the kids all went to bed.