Bobby stood amidst the wreckage of the Codex Drones, his eyes unfocused as he scrolled through the ethereal skill tree hovering before him. The once pristine library chamber now lay in ruins, with overturned bookcases and scattered tomes littering the floor. Dim, flickering lights cast eerie shadows across the room, highlighting the destruction wrought by the recent battle.
He'd spent the better part of an hour poring over the myriad of magical skills available, his excitement growing with each tantalising ability he discovered. Pyromancy, cryomancy, electrokinesis - the possibilities seemed endless. However, his enthusiasm quickly waned as he realised that most of these skills were greyed out, inaccessible to him.
Bobby felt a strange comfort in the dwarf's voice, despite their short acquaintance. There was something reassuring about having an ally, even one trapped in a book.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, it's just... I thought I'd have more options. The System told me that most magical skills need to be taught to unlock them. Bit of a catch-22, isn't it? Can't learn magic without a teacher, can't attract a teacher without knowing some magic. Plus, where do I even find one? "
Nodding, Bobby returned his attention to the two skills that remained highlighted and available. "Well, at least I have these options. Elemental magic - specifically fire and wind. It's basic stuff, but it's a start."
He'd already decided, but he hesitated. Either of the skills would cost him two precious skill points to unlock, given his complete lack of magical training. It was a steep investment, especially considering how little he knew about the challenges that lay ahead.
"What do you think, Rem?" Bobby asked, his finger hovering over the skill icon. "Is it worth it to dump two points into one of these skills? Or should I save them for something else?"
Bobby nodded, considering this. "So, if I find a mage who will teach me, it would make future magical skills cheaper to gain?" The prospect both excited and intimidated him. Learning magic from a real mage seemed like something out of a fantasy novel, yet here he was, contemplating it as a genuine possibility.
"Yeah, I suppose so," Bobby mused. "What would you do with the rest?"
Rem was silent for a moment before responding.
Bobby mulled this over, his eyes flicking between the two elemental options. After a few seconds of deliberation, he decided. "Alright, I think I know what I’m gonna choose."
With a deep breath, he selected the skill. A warm sensation spread through his body as the system processed his choice.
Skill Acquired: Basic Fire Manipulation
This skill allows you to control and shape existing flames. You cannot create fire, but you can manipulate any open flame within your line of sight. Mana cost: 1 point per second of use.
Bobby felt a slight tingle in his fingertips as the skill settled into his being. He looked around the room, searching for any source of fire to test his new ability.
"Wait a minute," he muttered, reaching into his pocket. His fingers closed around the lighter he'd scavenged from the hospital. "Perfect."
With a flick of his thumb, a small flame sprang to life atop the lighter. Bobby held it up before him, his eyes fixed on the flickering orange glow. As he concentrated on activating his new skill, he felt a strange sensation wash over him - like a new sense awakening.
The flame seemed to call to him, its dance mesmerising him. Without conscious thought, Bobby reached out with his new senses. To his amazement, the flame responded, growing larger and more vibrant.
Encouraged, Bobby focused harder. The flame detached from the lighter, floating up to hover before his face. Its heat against his face was a faint reminder of the potency of fire. A grin spread across his features as he willed the fire to change shape. The edges of its outline wavered as it took on a new shape.
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"Rem, are you seeing this?" Bobby whispered, awe clear in his voice. "I'm doing it!"
As he marveled at his newfound ability, Bobby felt a subtle drain on his energy. The flame wavered, and he instinctively pushed harder to maintain it. Suddenly, a sharp pain lanced through Bobby's mind, like a rubber band snapping inside his skull.
The floating flame winked out of existence, plunging the room back into relative darkness save for the damaged overhead lights.
Bobby staggered, pressing a hand to his temple. "Ugh, what the hell?"
He checked his status, noting with surprise that his mana had depleted. All twenty-three points were gone.
"I... I don't know," Bobby groaned. His head throbbed, and a wave of nausea washed over him. It felt like the worst hangover he'd ever experienced multiplied tenfold. "Is this normal? Feeling like death warmed over after using magic?"
Bobby slumped down, his back against the cool wall of the chamber. The intense pulsation in his head made it nearly impossible for him to concentrate. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to combat the waves of nausea.
"Okay, maybe I went a bit overboard there," he muttered, massaging his temples. "Note to self: magic has limits."
As he sat there, waiting for the worst of the effects to pass, he distracted himself by exploring other areas of the skill tree. He called up the interface again, this time focusing on physical attributes.
"If I'm going to be pushing myself like this, I need to toughen up a bit," he reasoned.
Scrolling through the options, he found a section dedicated to resilience and endurance. One skill, in particular, caught his eye:
Iron Constitution
Increases overall physical resilience and resistance to toxins, fatigue, and magical drain. (Cost: 1 Skill Point)
"Now that sounds useful," Bobby mused. "What do you think, Rem? Worth investing in?"
"Alright smart arse. I’ll have that one then."
He selected the skill, and a cool sensation washed over him, somewhat soothing the ache in his head. A notification appeared:
Skill Acquired: Iron Constitution
Your body's resilience has increased. You'll recover faster from physical exertion and magical drain, and have improved resistance to toxins.
As the skill settled in, Bobby noticed the pain in his head beginning to recede quicker. The nausea, too, seemed to fade faster than before.
"Huh, I think it's working," he said, surprise in his voice. "I’m feeling better already."
Bobby pushed himself to his feet, feeling steadier than before. "Alright, let's take stock of what we've got before we move on."
He shrugged off his backpack and rummaged through it, calling up his inventory screen:
Inventory
Bag
Rest of body
Blue Roll - uses 1
Lighter - uses 27 (pocket)
Rem's soul-bound book
9mm Glock17 6/17 ammo. Equipped.
Archivist book
Taser in holster on chest armour-non functional
Ballistic vest. Equipped
Sturdy dagger in impromptu sheath in body armour tactical mesh. Equipped
Archivist's Glasses - Fragile - Allows the wearer to see hidden magical symbols and wards. Equipped
Chronos' Tooth (pocket)
Bobby checked his 9mm Glock, ejecting the magazine. "Six rounds left," he muttered, sliding it back in place. "Not great, but better than nothing."
Next, he examined his sturdy dagger. The blade showed signs of wear from the fight with the Codex Drones, with small nicks along the edge. "Still sharp enough to be useful, but I'll need to maintain it soon."
He then removed his ballistic vest, inspecting it closely. The fabric showed evidence of tears and punctures from the drones' attacks, but the protective plates seemed intact. "Could be worse," he said, putting it back on.
As he finished his inventory check, Bobby's stomach let out a loud growl. He couldn't remember the last time he'd eaten.
"Rem," he said, zipping up his backpack, "I think it's time we left this library. We need to find some food and figure out how to get out of this capital zone. Any ideas where we should start?"
Bobby nodded, slinging his pack over his shoulder. "Sounds like a plan. But we should be careful. Who knows what other traps or guardians the Archivist might have left behind?"
As if on cue, a low rumble echoed through the building, followed by the sound of crumbling stone. The library seemed to shudder around them.
"What was that?" Bobby asked, alarmed.
With a last glance around the room, Bobby headed towards the exit.
"No bloody peace in this place…" he muttered, as he walked out the room.