Chapter ① Start
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My consciousness is active, but I'm not able to do anything… I’m not able to see anything, and I’m not even sure I have eyes. I can’t feel anything either, but I know I’m floating. Or, maybe I’m falling? Nothingness… a literal void of everything.
My consciousness is active, but I'm not able to do anything… I’m not able to see anything, and I’m not even sure I have eyes. I can’t feel anything either, but I know I’m floating. Or, maybe I’m falling? Nothingness… a literal void of everything.
What had I done wrong? I may not have tried to live a traditionally virtuous life, but I definitely wasn’t a bad person. I’m just… average. I was the one who went out of their way to help someone. I was the one who beaten and bruised. I was the one who was bullied for his appearance and voice alone. And… I was the one who was killed unfairly.
Maybe I’m self-actualizing, but… seriously, what had I done!? Did I not give change to a homeless man? Had I not gone to a family funeral? I… i don’t know anymore…
…i just want to go home…
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I heard something just now. I actually just heard something! I hear a swishing sound, but that… it’s so much more relaxing than… how do I explain… barely audible radio static? I feel like I’m floating in water- wait a minute, feel? When- no, how- wha… why now? This… have I finally gone insane? All these things are happening so suddenly. I don’t care if my mind is playing tricks on me, this is something new! My mind is all I have in this place. I… I just need to wait more, right? Right. Just… just a little more…
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Light. There is light. It burns, but I can’t look away, nor do I want to. A weird compressing feeling envelops me as I’m drawn closer to it. A sudden jolt of cold. Then heat. The liquid-like feeling slowly dissipates with the light as- oh… Oh… I think I’m losing consciousness… finally, I can actually sleep..
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One of the first things I become felt of was my beating heart. I don’t know how I gained awareness, how I can feel again, but this rhythm… it felt… different. Inexplicably so.
Your heartbeat is something that you feel every day. Everyone knows how it feels, and how it beats, instinctively.
This was not my heartbeat, of that I am sure.
It was too slow, too loud and too… heavy. Each beat was so strong, it was like a fist rhythmically beating against my chest with only just enough force not to be painful.
Whatever else might be off about it though, my heart was undoubtedly beating. I could feel my strength coming back to me; feel the odd heaviness that had plagued me and blood rushing through my veins. Feel my bones popping as my body shifted and my muscles stretched. My eyelids felt heavy.
I open my eyes. The world seemed slightly off, as though the colours weren't matching up quite as well as they should have. Most of the world seemed somehow… less… than it should be, not as vivid. However, the very air seemed to almost shine, as though illuminated by some sort of light. Taking a deep breath for the first time, it was as if the air was alive, pulsing with an unseen power that filled my lungs with a deep sense of vitality. As I took my first breaths, I realized I was crying. I felt a rush of energy course through my body, almost as if they were being reinvigorated from within. It was an indescribable feeling, but one that was undeniably real. Real.
It it was still dark and cold and empty… but I… was undeniably alive! I don’t care if this isn’t my body as long as I’m alive!
I looked around, with clarity this time, and saw that I was inside a cave. The walls were rough and jagged, and the ceiling was high above me, disappearing into the darkness. I could hear the sound of water dripping somewhere in the distance. Hah, I could hear!
Testing out the rest of my body, I slowly opening my mouth, it feels… wrong. Not that it was swollen or anything, but more so that my mouth was large enough to complete an actual cheshire grin! It was massive, almost the size of my entire body. I couldn't believe how different it was from my previous human form. I moved my jaws up and down, and it felt strange to have such a big mouth.
Instinctually, I try to make a noise. It’s… harder than I thought. I manage it, but all that comes out is a shrill squeal. Not good. It’s almost as if… did I turn into an animal? No, where is the logic in that? Well… there’s no logic in any of this, is there?
I try to make another noise.
“Queee! Queee!”
Yup, definitely the sound of a pig… seriously? Not only am I an animal, but I’m also a pig? Or a pig-like creature? The irony of putting a big boned guy like me into the body of a pig… I bet that they’re laughing, the ones who did this to me.
Shivering from the cold, I set my goal. I need to find out where I am, and what I am. To do that, I need to move. As I tried to get up on all fours, I felt nothing and I realized that it was too large to even make it off the ground! With my weirdly rotund body on its stomach, I look down to see two tiny little nubs sticking out of my bodies front side, as well as my snout. I see my front feet dangle. Panic set in as I tried to move. No matter how I moved my legs, they wouldn’t touch the floor.
Suddenly, an idea so simple came to me; if I’m round, why don’t I roll? Swinging my legs from side to side, I brace myself for falling over, but-
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
Huh? Trying to roll over again, I-
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
What? Using one of my nubs, I try putting under my body to use it as leverage so-
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
DAMN IT ALL!!!
What the heck is this thing? Why can I literally not move? I just want to explore my environment, just. Let. Me. Move!
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
“GrrrrRrr!”
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
…no matter how much I tried, I couldn't budge. I was immobile, trapped in my new form. The realization was jarring, I had just accepted this body as my own, and I struggled to comprehend what had happened to me.
I then tried to remember my life, but it was like trying to grasp onto a slippery fish. It was fleeting, and every time I tried to hold onto it, it slipped away from me. I was starting to feel scared and alone. I wanted to cry out for help, but I had no voice other than my squeals, so I continued as if I was an animal… maybe I was?
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As the initial shock wore off, my mind began to wonder how I would survive. I couldn't move to look for food or water, and I had no way of defending myself. I was vulnerable and at the mercy of whatever dangers might lurk in this place.
Despite my immobility, I tried to focus on my other senses. I could sense vibrations through the ground, and faint echoes of sound. It was clear that my new form had heightened my awareness, and I hoped that this newfound sensitivity would be enough to keep me safe.
And as time passed, I began to accept my fate. I couldn't change what had happened to me, and so I tried to find comfort in the small things. I counted as the water droplets splashed into a puddle below a stalactite. I felt the slow passage of time, the subtle changes in temperature, and the steady beat of my new heart.
It was a surreal experience, one that I wouldn't wish on anyone. But as I lay there, trapped in my new form, I knew that I would have to find a way to survive, to adapt to this new reality.
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
But of course, I still haven’t given up yet.
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
Everyday, I try and fail to move my body even a foot.
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
What else am I supposed to do?
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
Give up? Not try?
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
To hell with that!!
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
Twisting my body in a motion so sharp I thought I would go unconscious, my body begins to fall over.
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are unable to take this action.]
[Notice. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. You are-]
The notifications stop as I flop onto my back, sweating with exertion and excitement. I had done it! I had move!!
[Warning. Current Speed {S} is nonexistent. If you continue trying to take this action, punishment will be given.]
With new vigour, I begin to twist and turn my body again. A new message wouldn’t stop me from exploring my new reality! Being on my back actively helped with the action, as it was slightly more rough and pointed than my soft stomach, almost like it was covered in gravel. I began shifting back and forth, back and forth, back and forth like a pendulum once again, and I forced myself to twist my body, causing it to violently fall to the ground a bit farther from my original spot!
…no message? Well, as I begin to-!?
As the energy coursed through my body, every nerve felt like it was on fire. The sensation was overwhelming, and I could do nothing but scream in agony. My muscles convulsed, and I felt as though my very soul was being torn apart.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
It started as a small shock, a tiny jolt that I barely felt. But then it intensified, and before I knew it, the energy had taken hold of me. The pain was so intense that I couldn't even see straight.
My vision blurred and I felt as though she was going to pass out, but something forced me awake. I wanted nothing more than for the electricity to stop, but it seemed to go on forever, each second feeling like an eternity.
The heat was unbearable. My hide felt as though it was melting. It was as though I was caught back in a never-ending nightmare, unable to escape the pain and suffering. I could feel my body shutting down, organs failing under the stress of the energy.
And then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. The electricity had stopped, leaving me trembling and gasping for air. The pain was still there, a lingering reminder of the torture.
[You were warned. Current Fate {F} has been modified from『U』to『F+』]
I feel something I never knew I had be taken away. Not understanding what any of this means, I simply stopped. I’m not giving up, but tiring myself out won’t help me in this situation. If I’m not allowed to move, then I have to think of a solution.
[Error. Unable to change the Fate {F} of an Unidentified {U} Entity.]
…eh?
[Solution. Add Entity to the System.] [Analyzing Soul.] [Otherworldy Soul Detected. Unique Skill〖Rock Growth〗Gained.] [Non-Human Body Detected. Special Stat {K} Gained. [Adding Greater Viewing Capability.] [Adding Status.]
…are… are you fricking kidding me? Are you saying that this entire time, I’ve been in a fantasy world without a System?! No matter how long I stayed in this cave, nothing would’ve happened!? And now your giving me a Status as-
【Status Menu】 【Extra Menu】
Race: Young Demon Beast
Level: 1
+10 Skill Points
Experience:〔0/50〕
{H}『25/25』
{D}『25』
{A}『20』
{S}『0』
{M}『10/10』
{K}『130』
【Young】Gain +1 Experience per Day
【Demon Beast】Takes 2x damage from〚Light〛and takes 0.5x damage from〚Dark〛
Titles:
Boosters:
Status:
Skill Set:
【Skills】 【Spells】 Passive :〖Rock Growth〗 1st Tier : Aggressive :〖Bash〗 2nd Tier : Activatable: 3rd Tier : Special : 4th Tier :
…never mind. My mood is really flip flopping today, huh? Let’s see… It’s an information menu that shows your statistics like any other RPG, with the added bonus of this new {K} Stat. Staring directly at the Skills section, I will their descriptions into existence.
〖Bash〗〔0/100〕 Costs 2 {M} Damage dealt is 0.5x {A}. User is propelled 1 body length. Skill Proficiency is gained through usage.
〖Rock Growth〗〔0/100〕 {H} does not grow with level, but instead grows based on the users {D}. Current {H} growth is 1x {D}. Skill Proficiency is gained through physical attacks against the user.
Oh… now this is useful. Reading through both Skills, I’d say that〖Rock Growth〗would be the more powerful one, while〖Bash〗would be the most important. The trick is in the fine print! The second line of the〖Bash〗Skills description says that the “User is propelled 1 body length.” and that means that by using it, I could move! Now that I’ve become part of the System, I shouldn’t get shocked for using skills. Now comes the part where I activate it. First, the {M}, which I think is obviously Mana. Ok, think of energy flowing through you…
I shiver involuntarily as I relive the painful experience from not long ago, though it does help with visualization. Instead of hot, searing pain, I feel a cool stream flowing through me as it begins to fill a container in my soul. Now, just think of using〖Bash〗and-
〖Bash〗
-I’m propelled forward by a sudden force. Unable to control the sudden movement, I slam my new face onto the cave floor. Slowly lifting my tiny head, I realize that I’m actually facing a different direction. Must of rolled over without noticing. Stupid round body…
Looking closer, I see the mouth of the cave that I’m in. I see greenery and the outside! Elated to have both found a way to move and found a way out, I use the skill again.
〖Bash〗
And again.
〖Bash〗
And again.
〖Bash〗
And again.
〖Bash〗
And again.
〖̴̲̓̒B̴̡̫̭̤̾̃̿͊a̷̡͎͍̦͂͛̏͗s̶̪̞̐ͅḫ̷͋̀̈́〗̷͕̕
"aaaaaaaaaaAAAHHHHHHHH!!!"
My heart was racing, and I struggled to breathe. Every time I tried to take a deep breath, I was shocked again, making it difficult to catch his breath. The pain I felt was familiar, but so different. The very air I found beautiful, that had brought me to tears, had now turned against me.
[Warning. All current Mana {M} has been used. You are unable to use this Skill without consequences.]
I heard that rechid voice mocking my misfortune, but I couldn't care less. I couldn't understand why this was happening to me. Was I having some kind of seizure? Was I being attacked by some unknown force?
A quick thought was all that I needed for a shortened “Status” page to reappear before my very eyes.
{H}『24/25』
{D}『25』
{A}『20』
{S}『0』
{M}『0/10』
{K}『130』
Status:〚Mana Deficiency〛
My mind was racing, trying to find a way to make sense of what was happening. Was this some kind of punishment for something I had done wrong? First thing first though, what is〚Mana Deficiency〛and why is it in my “Status”?
〚Mana Deficiency〛 Usage of {M} while in this state will cause magical damage to be dealt to the user. Usage of {M} while it is at 0 will also cause immense pain.
Usage of {M} while in this state will cause magical damage to be dealt to the user. Usage of {M} while it is at 0 will also cause immense pain.
I let out a frustrated sigh, feeling defeated. This world seriously hates me… How was I supposed to know that? Am I just… out of mana now? How long does it take to regenerate? Can I even regenerate it? Ugh, this is so dumb…
I try to meditate, but my annoyance only grows. Every sound and movement that I once found fulfilling now annoyed me, from from the drops of water to the slight chafing of my hide against solid rock. As the hours passed, I grew more and more tired.
“GraAawh~”
I yawn, which was weirdly adorable from my perspective, as my eyes begin to shut. Running out of Mana exhausted my energy regular energy as well. My body moves incredibly slow, and I mean everything about my body moves slow. My eye lids feel heavy because I’m trying to move them like I normally would. My nub arms can barely be lifted. Even my brain is starting to slow down, with my body reacting much slower. It’s… tiring to move so slowly. Still, my new body is asking for rest.
As I lay on the ground, my mind races with thoughts that refuse to settle. I wanted to stay awake, to keep my mind occupied with the endless stream of ideas and worries that flowed through it. But as much as I tried to fight it, sleep was slowly creeping up on me. I could feel my body becoming heavier and my limbs into curling my flab for warmth.
My breathing slowed down, becoming deeper and more even, and my thoughts started to drift away. The edges of my consciousness began to blur, and I felt scared at the taught of being pulled into a dreamlike state. What if I never woke up? Worse, what if I woke up back in the Void?
I tried to resist it, moving my arms and legs, fidgeting on the ground, anything to keep their body active and awake. But it was no use. The pull of sleep was too strong, and I could feel myself slipping away from the waking world.
My thoughts became fragmented, disjointed, and my mind started to wander. I were no longer aware of their surroundings, and everything around me seemed to fade away.
My body relaxed further, my breaths became slower.
Finally, I let go. I surrendered to the urge to sleep, allowing my body to drift into a state of slumber. My breathing slowed to a gentle rhythm, and my body became completely still, the only movement being the rise and fall of my chest.
The cave was silent now, and I was lost in a deep and restful sleep, my mind finally at peace. The struggles of the day, the worries and anxieties, all of it had faded away. For now, I were free, lost in the tranquility of sleep. After all, what’s the worst that can happen if I took a little nap?
[…]
Rock continued to crumble.
And then the stones start to break.
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Waking up to an itch is one of the most frustrating feelings, especially if you're unable to scratch it and being unable to rub the tears from your eyes is a literal hell. The sensation of not being able to do anything creates physical discomfort and psychological frustration. My body is sending signals to my brain that something needs attention, but I’m unable to do anything about it. This creates a feeling of helplessness and can be incredibly aggravating. Of course, waking up in the wrong body doesn’t help either.
I felt a warm sensation on its snout as I opened my eyes. The sun had risen, and its dim rays were shining down on the cave's entrance. I felt the warmth spread across my face, and it closed my eyes again, taking in the sensation. The sun's rays felt like a comforting embrace, and I couldn't help but let out a contented sigh. I was like a plant.
As my eyes adjusted to the brightness, I squinted as it looked out at the world. The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden glow om everything. The grassy fields and trees were painted with warm hues, I could see the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. It is fairly late in the day, which I know because the sun is shining into the cave and not above. I couldn’t have slept for more than a day, so it must be becoming night now. Hooray! I now also know my lateral directions; I’m facing West.
The trees shake with a subtle wind as leaves fall. They rustle on the ground and are then blown away. The air is fresh and easy to breathe, even with this new body. In fact, I think breathing is actually easier now. Breathing kinda gives a… rejuvenating feeling? It makes my body feel relaxed, as if I’m absorbing nutrients from it- Oh! Mana! Right! There’s Mana in the air! Can’t believe I forgot.
{M}『10/10』
Status:〚Mana Deficiency〛
A quick look at my status shows maybe simply breathing may cure me. I still have〚Mana Deficiency〛and all, but I can “move” again! It may cause a little bit of damage to me each time, but it’s something! Having mana course through me once again, I think of using〖Bash〗and-
〖Bash〗
-I fall directly onto my face for the second time, skidding across the cave floor before coming to a halt. I guess using Mana directly after waking up is not a good idea. Not that bad ideas ever really stopped me though.
Checking my status, I find something weird.
{H}『24/25』
{M}『8/10』
Status:〚Mana Deficiency〛
I haven’t taken any damage. Or, at least no damage that I didn’t already have. I would’ve thought that the magic damage would at least take off some health, but I guess it just makes me face plant? Is my defense too high comparatively to the level of damage I would normally get? If so, I guess there’s no harm in continuing.
〖Bash〗
〖Bash〗
〖Bash〗
〖Bash〗
Ok, I know that using the skill one more time could get me out of this cave, but I’m out of Mana. Trying to use it would cause me a lot of pain, and was it worth risking my own well-being? My mind raced with thoughts and concerns. What if I used the skill and ended up seriously injured? Should I really test my Luck?
〖̴̲̓̒B̴̡̫̭̤̾̃̿͊a̷̡͎͍̦͂͛̏͗s̶̪̞̐ͅḫ̷͋̀̈́〗̷͕̕
"grrrraaaaaaAMPH!!"
As soon as that familiar energy started to flow through me, I bit down on a nearby rock. My body convulsed, and I writhed on the ground in agony. I could feel his very soul starting to burn. The pain was almost unbearable, burning with the same intensity as last time, but I was ready. Using all the will I had, I crunched down on the rock, causing my mouth to bleed. Suddenly, the energy stopped, and I lay there, gasping for air, and covered in sweat. My muscles ached, and my body felt like it had been beaten.
{H}『23/25』
{M}『0/10』
Status:〚Mana Deficiency〛
1 health point down, one body length forward.
Suddenly, I felt a strange sensation in my soul, unlike the energy from before. I paused, feeling disoriented and confused, and wondered what was happening until a notification popped up.
[Skill〖Puissance〗Gained.]
〖Puissance〗〔0/100〕 Allows the user to break past the limit one time per day. Skill Proficiency is gained through usage.
Break past the limit? That description was vague at best. Can it be used to increase your strength, or is it a very niche skill that only allows for specific things? Well, I’m already at the edge of the cave, might as well try it.
I focused my thoughts, channeling my willpower to push beyond the boundaries of my current Mana and mental capabilities. With a surge of determination, I used the skill with the hope of moving forward.
〖Puissance〗+〖Bash〗
I think I found my new favourite skill.
Just like that, without any mana or health usage, my body was propelled forward, managing to land upright this time. I looked around and saw the dense foliage that surrounded me, the lush greenery that carpeted the ground beneath my legs, and the occasional wildflower that peeked out from between the bushes. There were birds chirping, the sound of water trickling, and the occasional rustling in the underbrush.
I breathed in the fresh forest air, taking in the earthy scent, and felt a sense of peace wash over me. i closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of nature, feeling completely at one with the environment…
Wait, rustling in the underbrush?
A low growl comes from my left side. The shrubbery created a shadowy place where creatures could hide and hunt… I’m guessing it’s the latter. Slowly, the monstrous figure emerged, revealing… a pig? Boar? A mountainous hog. It’s over a hundred times my size, with red liquid running down its mouth that covers half its face. There are almost no differences besides size and the fact that IT CAN WALK! Why can’t I walk but it can? Stupid system.
The leaves shake from the weight of its steps as it walks towards me, confident. Opening its VERY large mouth, my mind screams at me to run, and yet my brain sends signals telling me it doesn’t want to move, nor is it scared. As if it’s accepted death. Well too bad! This is my body now, no matter what these instincts tell me to do! Didn’t want to do this…
〖̴̲̓̒B̴̡̫̭̤̾̃̿͊a̷̡͎͍̦͂͛̏͗s̶̪̞̐ͅḫ̷͋̀̈́〗̷͕̕
Ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away, ignore the pain, run away…
Ignore the pain!
"grrrraaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAA!!!"
Using that painful〖Bash〗to propel myself backwards into the cave, I let myself roll and bounce on the ground for some extra distance. The painful growl I made surprised the hog, causing it to back away slightly with a low oink.
The entrance of the cave is too small for the hog, so I’ll be safe in here unless it starts trying to break through. Making a sorrowful squeal, the it walks away. Letting myself breathe a sigh of relief, I almost choke when I see it come back. It heads to the mouth of the cave, faces it directly with its snout. For context, the cave is about half as tall as it. Opening its mouth, the entire caves light becomes blocked off. Rolling off its tongue is a bunch of blue cones with pale yellow spikes. It looks like a Dragonfruit.
That’s also when I realized that monsters could be sentient. After all, what other conclusion would you come to when a monster tries to tempt you out with food?
Before I could think anything else, the mouth closed and the hog gets up and walks away, making tiny squeals that got more and more silent the further away it went. It must be trying to lure me into a false sense of security. And, either way, I’m not eating whatever came out of that things mouth. Who knows where it’s been!
…the mana depletion and the soul burn have really done a huge toll on my mental state. I… I can’t stay awake anymore. Hopefully… it doesn’t come back.
And as I faint, falling unconscious, I don’t even register the words of the system. They couldn’t be that important, right? Rest first, system later…
[Title〘Fool〙Gained.]
〘Fool〙{Temporary} A Title gained by those who are willfully ignorant. Causes other creatures to think less of the holder.
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Chapter ① End