Jordan didn't move right away.
Initializing a channel… that had to be the true starting point.
Not just pressing a button, but establishing something that would define everything that came after. Identity, presence, reach. If he got this wrong, everything built on top of it would be unstable.
"…Initialize channel," he said quietly.
The moment the words left his mouth, the system responded.
The interface shifted, the earlier prompt dissolving as a structured sequence of panels unfolded across the main screen with calm precision.
[Channel Initialization Sequence — Beginning]
A new window formed at the center, clean and deliberate.
[Username: EchoZero — Already Confirmed]
Jordan's gaze lingered on it for a brief moment before moving on. That part had been decided the moment the system acknowledged him.
Another line appeared beneath it.
[Echo Avatar — Not Configured]
[Configure Echo Avatar?]
Jordan's brows drew together slightly.
"Echo Avatar…"
The system reacted almost immediately, as if it had been waiting for that exact moment of hesitation.
[Echo Avatar Definition:]
[A broadcast identity constructed for external interaction]
[Independent from physical host]
[Biometric and behavioral tracing: Suppressed]
[Recommended for all transmissions]
Jordan's eyes sharpened as he read through the lines, the meaning settling in quickly.
This was more than a visual representation. It was a complete separation layer, a way to exist within the network without exposing anything real while streaming. It was a mask that could not be peeled away through normal means.
That alone made it essential.
"Go ahead and configure the Echo Avatar," he said.
The space in front of him reacted.
The main monitor expanded, and a secondary projection unfolded just above it, like a layered display separating from the core interface. Within that translucent frame, light began to gather.
At first, it was nothing more than a vague outline. A humanoid silhouette formed from soft strands of shifting brightness, suspended within the projection as if it existed between reality and illusion.
Jordan's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed it.
"So this is what will be shown…"
The system did not respond with words this time, but the intent was clear. This wasn't a physical entity, nor something that existed independently in this Signal Space. It was a constructed broadcast form, a medium through which he would be seen and heard once transmission began.
It was neither his real body nor even a separate consciousness. It was just a perfect proxy and a layer between him and the outside.
That understanding settled quickly, and with it, his thoughts raced.
If this was how the world would perceive him, then the Echo Avatar couldn't be something ordinary and forgettable. He had to make it the best version possible.
His intent moved, becoming more deliberate.
The figure responded instantly.
Its proportions became more refined, adjusting with clear-cut, almost imperceptible corrections. The outline solidified, and features began to take shape. A face emerged, but not one tied to Jordan's real identity. It carried a composed, almost unreal symmetry. Calm eyes, steady and unreadable, paired with an expression that felt detached from everything around it.
The hair settled into place, dark with faint undertones that shifted depending on the angle of light. Even standing still, the figure gave off a quiet sense of depth, as if it weren't entirely bound to the same rules as the space around it.
Jordan watched the result in silence, evaluating it with the same instinct he once used to judge what kept viewers watching and what made them leave.
"…This is actually very good."
The voice configuration and testing came next.
When the Echo Avatar spoke, the sound did not originate from Jordan, yet it aligned perfectly with his intent. Smooth, controlled, and slightly removed, it carried a clarity that felt refined beyond normal speech. Every word landed cleanly, without strain or hesitation.
It wasn't just different from his real voice... But better suited for this role.
Jordan was very satisfied, and the system registered the completion almost immediately.
[Echo Avatar — Configuration Complete]
The projection stabilized, the figure now standing quietly within the display, waiting without movement yet far from lifeless.
Jordan held his gaze on it for a moment longer before shifting back to the main interface.
The next panel prompts had already appeared.
[Channel Link — Pending]
[Establish Core Signal Path]
A sequence of shifting symbols unfolded beneath it, complex and constantly changing, like a coded structure far beyond ordinary comprehension.
Jordan studied it briefly before coming to a simple conclusion.
"This is the connection layer…"
Not something he needed to understand in detail. Just something that needed to be established correctly. Like linking his channel to whatever network this system operated on, except far more secure and far less forgiving if mishandled.
He focused and gave a slight nod.
"Proceed."
The symbols stabilized almost instantly.
[Identity Verified]
[Signal Path Established]
[Channel Link — Successful]
A subtle pulse passed through the entire setup, not something he could see, but something he could feel. It was like a connection had just locked into place somewhere far beyond his perception.
A moment later, new notifications appeared along the edge of the display.
[Veil Protocol — Level 1 Activated]
[Broadcast Obfuscation: Enabled]
[Trace Resistance: Basic]
Jordan's gaze settled on the lines, his expression tightening slightly as he processed them.
"Veil Protocol…"
Even without a full breakdown, the purpose was obvious. This was the layer that kept him hidden, masking the origin of his broadcasts and preventing anything from tracing back to him directly.
Moreover, it was only basic resistance, meaning it could be strengthened later.
Before he could think further, another notification surfaced beneath it.
[Deep Signal Probe (Level 1) — Online]
[Usage Limit: 1 / Day]
[Status: Ready]
Jordan could immediately tell that this tool was different from the others. He leaned forward slightly, narrowing his eyes as he focused on the new feature.
"…Deep Signal Probe."
The name alone hinted at its purpose, but not in a straightforward way. It carried a certain weight, something closer to intrusion than exploration.
And then a simple question surfaced in his mind.
What exactly was he supposed to stream?
He had no content that fit this new world, no audience, and as a result, no reason for anyone to stay and watch. Going live like this would be no different from his previous life, repeating the same empty routine with no result.
That wasn't an option.
His gaze returned to the interface, settling on the newly available Deep Signal Probe function. If the system existed to help him grow, then this feature had to be part of that path.
"…Let's see what this can actually do."
With the thought settled, Jordan focused on the Deep Signal Probe prompt and commanded, "Activate Deep Signal Probe."
The system responded at once.
The surrounding panels dimmed, while the central display became clearer as a series of confirmation lines emerged, calm and steady.
[Deep Signal Probe (Level 1) — Online]
[Daily Usage: 1 Remaining]
[Status: Ready]
The text held for a moment before expanding into a selection interface.
[Select Probe Mode: ...]
Two options appeared beneath it, each outlined with clear parameters.
__
[Targeted Probe]
[Input Required: Specific Lead or Entity]
[Function: Automated multi-layer signal trace across restricted networks]
[Output: Fragmented but relevant data clusters]
[Cost: 10 Echo Points]
__
[Random Probe]
[Input Required: None]
[Function: Automated blind scan across accessible signal layers]
[Output: Unfiltered data fragments of varying value]
[Cost: 0 Echo Points]
__
Jordan read through everything without rushing, but the result was already obvious.
"Ten Echo Points for the Targeted probe…"
A faint, humorless smile touched his lips. So the option he actually needed was locked behind progress. It required Echo Points.
His gaze lingered on the Targeted Probe longer than necessary. If he could use it, there was no hesitation about what he would enter. Mervin Webster. That name alone would be enough to start digging beneath the surface of this world, far deeper than anything the public network could offer.
Even incomplete data fragments would have value. Patterns could be pieced together from very little. And if those fragments overlapped with what had happened to the original Jordan, then he might finally get a direction to follow instead of guessing blindly.
But right now, that path was closed to him as he didn't have the 10 Echo Points yet.
His attention then shifted to the second option.
The Random Probe carried no guarantees. It could return something useful or nothing of value at all. Still, it was the only available entry point, and more importantly, it would show him how this system actually worked in practice.
Jordan exhaled slowly, casting away the last trace of hesitation.
"…Then we can only start here."
He straightened slightly and gave the command. "System! Run Random Deep Signal Probe."
[Command Accepted]
The interface responded at once. The layered panels folded away, leaving the main monitor in a muted, dark state as a clean line of text formed at its center.
[Random Deep Signal Probe in Progress…]
[Scanning Accessible Signal Layers…]
[Please Wait]