The first thing I remember is the darkness of my closed eyes and the sudden sound of machinery, starting and stopping constantly. Near me a grand machine was in full gear, making a racket that could wake the dead.
The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was a silhouette of light, a gentle frame of something like a person, but with a mass of arms extending from its shoulders. Each hand lay upon some part of a great console, making constant adjustments. Beyond it was a Machine.
It feels right calling it a proper noun, with how massive and strange it was. An uncountable number of metal-looking discs stretched beyond my vision, of all sizes and colors. Each had multiple concentric rings, moving independently, inlaid with symbols.
The figure appeared to be creating certain combinations of symbols across all discs I could see, forming and breaking. From all of these came the cacophony I first heard.
The silhouette in front of me seemed to turn its head my way and I could feel the distinct impression of a smile. Suddenly, I could hear a voice and where its mouth would be, a slightly shaded area appeared and moved. The Machine did not stop moving, nor did its hands, as this happened.
“Please, Sebastian, settle back down. Your alignment is ongoing and seeing it happen is changing variables. You will wake up somewhere more… comprehensible soon enough. So return to the void for now.”
The shaded part disappeared, and I felt another impression of a smile before I lost my consciousness again.
———————————————————
I woke up on cold, hard stone. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a ceiling mostly shrouded in darkness, the light of whatever was lighting up the room not reaching so far up. There was a musty odor, and the crackle of flame could be gently heard around me.
I slowly sat up and took in the room around me. Straight ahead was an open door, leading to showing sky, grass and trees, from which the sound of people emerged, and a slight light penetrated. The room was a dome, and I was set on an altar of sorts in the middle. 4 torches stood a short distance from each corner of the altar and the walls were all covered with carvings. Straight behind me was a statue of a person, but I didn’t focus on it much.
At the foot of the altar, between it and the door, ahead of me, stood a creature. It appeared to be a very large, bipedal rat. Its eyes held the glint of intelligence, which its clothes and staff also seemed to hint at. It opened its mouth and began to squeak in what must have been its language, which I could not understand.
*Testing, one two, one two… this seems to be on. Great. Good to see you up, Sebastian. I’ll set the translation system up in a moment. Couldn’t know which altar you’d end up on and these systems can be so finicky.*
Whatever I was hearing, it appears the creature did not, as it kept talking and seeming worried that I can’t understand it. I quickly gave myself a once over and discovered I still feel and look like myself. I’m happy I’m not a rat.
Abruptly, whatever language the creature was speaking suddenly turned into pitched, accented English. “Finally, you understand!” the creature said, when my facial expression changed. “Welcome to Estand, Traveler. I am Bozhidar, mystic and leader of the Swiftfoot clan of ratlings. We are blessed by your presence.” The ratling continued and then bowed down. “May I have your name?”
“Uh, right, yes. My name is Sebastian Harris,” I replied, a bit confused.
Bozhidar smiled at me, a kind of gentle movement of the mouth that seemed completely natural despite being entirely alien to me. “Nice to meet you, Sebastian.”
*Ah, good, looks like the translation system is working correctly. That took more alignment than I expected. I’m still aligning other things to you, so for now continue along with this fine fellow.*
I looked around, once more surprised at this sudden voice coming from nowhere, which it seemed only I could hear. “Excuse me… Bozhidar, did you just hear another voice?”
“I did not, but I’ve heard Travelers have a sort of miraculous communication with someone called Rep. I’m afraid that’s as much as I know about the voice, though.”
“Thank you, that’s more than plenty.” I replied with a smile.
Bozhidar smiled back and nodded, “I think we should get on with your tour. I’d at least like to show you to the hovel.” He turned out and signaled with his hand to follow him.
I got off the altar and could see it was on a raised stage along with the statue. The statue was of a human, or something close to it, wearing clothes I would associate with Earth. I turned back around to the waiting Bozhidar and caught up.
———————————————————
Outside the structure was a clearing within a vibrant wood. The trees I could see weren’t immediately recognizable, but they had the impression of oaks. Nearly fully occupying the clearing was a camp full of tents and other ratlings milling about. Most had weapons of one sort of another, and some were carrying baskets or wearing backpacks.
Bozhidar stopped and faced me, “Pardon the mess. I received the premonition of your arrival not long before you were set to do so. We had to pack in a hurry to be ready for you. Follow me please.”
The sun shone brightly above, so it felt like it was high noon, and Bozhidar led me to a stone structure a little way into the woods. As we moved through the camp, Bozhidar quietly spoke to some awe-stricken ratlings, and seemed to be giving orders. A recently trodden path was made between the camp and the structure. It was a single floor building with some surprisingly pristine windows and a door. They looked as though they had been recently changed.
Bozhidar opened the door and led me inside. The interior was cool and very light furnished. A single bed stood in the corner and a chest at the bed’s feet. In the opposite corner was a table and chair.
“It’s simple, but it’s what could be arranged on such short notice. How do you like it?” Bozhidar said with a warm smile and turned to me.
“I like simple. It always felt like it was easier to get used to. Thank you.”
“We will be at your service, which I’m certain Rep will explain, for the next week. Once that is over, we will have to empty the house and leave you on your own. It is the demand of those mightier than I that you are not monopolized.”
I cocked up an eyebrow, “In what way could monopolization of me be worthwhile?” As I finished asking, a knock could be heard from the open door, where 2 ratlings stood.
Bozhidar motioned them in. One was holding a tray with some hot food on it. The other arrived with multiple strings and a pair of shears. While the first one placed the tray on the table, the second came up to me and asked to measure me. They used the chair to get all of my measurements and proceeded back to the camp with a scribbled note. The first one left with the second.
My host nodded to the food, “You might want to eat. Our last Traveler was famished when he woke up.”
And indeed, I was famished. I didn’t notice it until now, the shock of such a new place making me distracted. So, I sat down and had the meal, while Bozhidar stood nearby with a soft smile on his face.
Partway through my meal, Bozhidar spoke up, “You’d be my second Traveler, which I consider a great honor. I’ve never met a mystic who’d got to greet two Travelers, and very few got to greet just the one.”
I swallowed and set down my spoon before turning to Bozhidar, “What is this Traveler thing you keep using?”
Bozhidar closed his eyes and then seemed to start reciting, “From beyond the world, to the keystone altar, a Traveler comes; they are man, but no man shall greet them; their mind, body, and soul hold secrets to a bright future; rejoice, mystic, for you are the guide greeting the Traveler; rejoice, mystic, for you bring the bright future; rejoice, mystic, for you are blessed.” He let the rest of his breath out slowly and opened his eyes, “This is the very first thing mystics are taught, for our most important role is guide—guide to our clan, guide to the Travelers, guide to those we meet.”
I cocked my head slightly to the side, “What is that second line about? ‘They are man, but no man shall greet them’?”
Bozhidar chuckled and replied, “It means that you are what is called a human in Estand, and that a mystic that guides you never is. I have heard that a Traveler had asked their Rep about this and was told that it does no one any good if you don’t experience others.”
I nodded, “Yeah… I guess that does make sense…”
“This brings us back to your original question, which my clanfolk had distracted us from. You have extraordinary powers, though each Traveler is different. I’d heard that a far away mystic had guided a Traveler with the powers of controlling metal. That Traveler went on to extract highly dangerous metals important to the dwarves, ushering in a golden age for them.” Bozhidar explained, “He was guided by a birdfolk mystic, and the Traveler found himself drawn to the Chasmbreaker Mountains far away.”
The powers to control metal… I wondered what I would have. As I did, Bozhidar made for the door and turned to face me again.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“I will take my leave for now. You must want time to rest and think. I’m certain all this was a lot to take in, little as it was in actual words and time.”
I sighed and smiled, “Sounds about right, yes. Thank you.”
“That and Rep would probably also like to talk with you now, and it’s better to do so without distractions.”
I was startled at Bozhidar’s open admittance about Rep, and he took his leave without another word.
———————————————————
I sat down on the bed, thinking about what my power could possibly be. Seeing as I had nothing to go by, I had nothing but wishful thinking. Teleportation? Invisibility? The ability to control matter? The ability to stretch my limbs?
*None of those, actually. During your Alignment, we found out you’re particularly tuned to the concepts of being a Gamer-type. That is, to say, you can access your character sheet, and your regard to some laws of physics is loose at best.*
I was startled at the sudden return of Rep’s voice ringing in my head. Calling it a voice, though, might be wrong - it was the impression of speech.
*Would you prefer text? I can do text.*
I looked around, both to the sides and up. Rep could read my mind, and that means I’m never alone and I am uncomfortable with that.
*Oh. No. That was not the intent one bit… We’re not used to you modern types, with greater appreciation for the sanctity of thought in the face of our near-omniscience. Give me just a minute to realign our communication channels.*
“Uhh, yeah, sure…” I also nodded, not sure how to communicate here. Moments later, a flat, nearly holographic panel blinked into existence in front of me, just within my reach. It was a brown accented with gold, and had white text.
*There, I’ve realigned the communication channels. I’ve blocked the telepathic link, at least for now. You’ll need to speak up for me to hear you, but I assure you that’s the only way I’ll be able to do so. I’ve decided to add the text boxes for your ease.*
I let out a long sigh and replied, “Thank you, honestly. I have some deep-seated issues with powers on the spectrum of telepathy and other effects on the mind.”
*Absolutely no problem, we don’t want you feeling discomfort on our accounts.*
“So, you’re Rep?” I asked and looked straight to where the text box would appear.
*Correct! Rep, for Representative. We’ve found the shortened name helps Traveler acclimate quicker. I, too, am at your service, but in different ways. You’re free to ask me questions, or I can just start on my script I have right here. (Chuckle)*
The text box… actually wrote out the chuckle Rep let out. That was interesting. I felt as though the script would be a better starting point, as I’d not know where to start. “Could you do the script, please?”
*Gladly! I will preface with the fact that your case is extraordinary. Ahem. The Cosmic Bureau of Alignment seeks to enrich certain persons through reincarnation. You are one such person. Enrichment occurs in two ways working in concert - passage to another world and new capabilities. For each reincarnator, the capabilities are decided on by the alignment protocol. The alignment protocol which tests the reincarnator for their truest selves and establishes changes to facilitate that. Finally, you are welcomed into a new world by a friendly local, who helps bridge the gap of reincarnating.*
Rep seemed to pause for a moment before continuing, possibly to let me finish reading as well.
*We leave it to you to discover this new world on your own and make what you will of it. As a reincarnator, you come from only one of a multitude of worlds. While you certainly could meet up with others, it is considered unlikely in your case. In summary, welcome to a new life in which you are more than you were before!*
Rep took another pause, and I could feel them smiling.
*And that was the script. Any questions?*
I was at a bit of a loss for words. That was a lot to take in. But a question immediately sprang to mind, “you said I was extraordinary. In what way?”
*No beating around that bush, I see. We mostly move Travelers when they die. As we did in your case, too. Except you died to a targeted attack from another Traveler. This is extraordinary in that not only should it not happen. Travelers to your original world were not supposed to be doing anything like this in general. It’s mostly luck we were able to get you in alignment so abruptly.*
“O… okay. I think.” I was lost in thought for a moment, “You mentioned me being a Gamer-type and having a character sheet. Could you explain more about that?”
*I should have, unprompted, actually. If you were to say ‘Sheet’ out loud, your sheet would show up. It’s different for each Gamer-type, but you can also choose a specific way to display it. Not necessarily now, too. Open it up and I’ll continue.*
I nodded and took a deep breath, closing my eyes. Moment of truth, take the leap… that sounds familiar, and I don’t know where from… I let loose my breath and intoned clearly, “Sheet.”
In front of me, floating, was something very similar to an iPad. A tablet, completely flat and featureless on both sides, with no ports of any kind. On the screen side my name was displayed, along with a single swipe element, labeled ‘Swipe to Align’. I did so and the display turned on. I could see the tablet had unlimited battery, or what appeared to be unlimited battery, and a clock. In the center of the screen were 3 icons next to each other: a simplified person symbol labeled ‘Character’, an exclamation mark contained in a box labeled ‘Notifications’, and a shopping bag symbol labeled ‘Shop’.
*You’re going to want to click on through to Character and check out your actual sheet now.*
I did as instructed and the display changed to a pretty simplistic-looking character sheet, with my name at the top.
Sebastian Harris
Reserves
Health: 90/90
Focus: 110/110
Mana: 110/110
Providence: 14/14
Attributes
Body 9
Mind 11
Magic 11
Luck 14
Masteries
Melee Combat 1
Self-Awareness 1
Skills
Essential Cooking -
Basic Honesty 4
Basic Mechanic 7
Basic Money Management 3
Basic Stealth 5
Intermediate Quarterstaff Fighting 1
Techniques
Leg Sweep 3
Powerful Jab 6
Systems
Character 1
Notifications 1
Shop 1
Points: 100
My mind started some thoughts and stopped them in a matter of seconds, trying to figure out what to think or say. “Rep, could you talk me through this please? I… I don’t know how to handle this.”
*With pleasure, Sebastian.
*Your reserves are the basest ways your body interacts with physics now. Health is a measurement of your distance from death; Focus is a measurement of ability to exert your body; Mana is a measurement of your batteries for casting magic; Providence is weird. It lets you affect the world in very direct and specific ways, and even I need to read up on how that is going to work. When either Focus or Mana run out, you may tap into Health, at your own risk, to keep going.
*Your attributes are measurements of your true self. I will give this one bit of information for free here: as your Self-Awareness improves, you attributes might become more clearly defined and delineated. What you have now is self-evident - measures of your physical, mental, and mental selves, as well as how lucky you are. Your attributes can rise organically through effort and skill changes.
*Your masteries represent your control over an entire field of ability. Self-Awareness 1 is the base requirement to use the Sheet and comprehend most of its data, so it was given to you. Melee Combat pairs with a skill you have worked hard to have, and shows you know how to handle a fight.
*Your skills are things you can do, and in this specific case - what you have learned to do before you arrived here. Each of your skills are some you’ve honed to a true degree of use. Your essential cooking should be evident to you, the basic skills are all necessity or tendency you have, and the quarterstaff fighting… you trained hard for it.
*Your techniques represent specific things you are particularly well trained to do. They consume either Focus or Mana, depending on whether they’re mundane or magical, and provide increased effects compared to just using a skill.
*Your systems speak for themselves. They represent features accessible solely and uniquely to you. Also, I’m seeing a slight error I made during your initial alignment. Let me fix that.*
I could feel Rep’s presence briefly disappear, before returning along with a small panel, this one in blue and copper, again with white text:
New system - Conversation History 0 - acquired!
*This will allow you to review every communication we had, over on another display. That level 0 is a special level that’s strictly for communication with me. At higher levels it also keeps track of your own words and even thoughts, and further levels provide records of other conversations you have. With this entire explanation, the missing system was very, very clear.
*Finally, points: you use these to purchase new levels and new features for your Sheet and Character. Don’t be too quick to spend them right now, as you are able to acquire anything but Systems organically as well.
*I hope that explanation was satisfactory.*
“It-it was. Slightly overwhelming, but having it recorded is a big help. I think I still have one question, but then I’m gonna need some time to process all this. Why am I here and what am I expected to do? Nothing like this is given freely.”
*Presently? We expect nothing of you. But in general? We wish you would do good by others around you. Leave a place better than how it was on your arrival. As for why? Because despite the circumstances of your life, you insisted on being Good and Kind to others. You’re pretty rare, like that, in your world. So have your essentially free second life, especially after the first got so rudely cut off.*
I could hear the awkward smile behind some of that, but more than wishing for Rep’s honesty, I felt that it existed at least for some of the explanation. This will have to do. “Thank you. I need to think about all this and see where my mind takes me. I’d appreciate being left alone right now.”
*Of course, Sebastian, but let me leave you with a pair of recommendations: grab Guide Book from the Shop, It should cost 20 points in all; have a look at Notifications so you know how that display looks like.*
Rep paused very briefly.
*Rest well.*
With that, Rep’s presence left and I was alone to think.