Chapter 4:Starter Pack
image [https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/104153257/6ba183d2c6844b5786d7c9f8b9c2c528/eyJ3Ijo2MjB9/1.png?token-time=1717027200&token-hash=OEFcrXnerNT4gtMMemzxFXhXMuCzVDrIonp4PL1q2Zc%3D]
I awoke naked in a stark white room. White walls, white floor, white ceiling, even the table in the middle of the room was white, although I wasn't sure if it was a table or a pedestal. The only things that didn't fit this monochrome scene were seven coins, about the size of a silver dollar, suspended in the air above the table. One side of each coin was a polished, mirrored gold surface with the engraved image of an hourglass, while the other side displayed a unique picture on each coin.
image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/cWfJcq7M4B_nMt_g10vFl8jFya7UIa8x1fp6_IrrazLM7Yihc0Dfnc3W2A7lchLkk6bA_q8JszNYb0MX-uwpNMNDnEzUm3cqhsSqGvnh67_2Kk0Z-IZL0KhjrIDMgST3M-yZ1qE5hpEc7dWRUNPK3D4]
My head throbbed mercilessly, refusing to cooperate, and my entire body ached and burned. It felt as if I had gotten spectacularly drunk the night before and then been run over by a tractor, which, after crushing me once, decided to turn around and do it again. The taste of blood in my mouth and the weakness in my muscles completed the picture.
"Where am I? What is this place?" were the first thoughts that flashed through my mind, followed by a surge of memories. A white room... Could this be what death and the afterlife look like in this world? But what does the System have to do with it? And why does everything hurt so much?
Getting up was a struggle. Every joint, every bone, every muscle in my body screamed in agony. But I had to move. If my body hurt, it meant it was there, and I was alive. However, there was no sign of food or water in this room. Damn, why did I even think about water? I was so thirsty that I could probably drink an entire ocean. Leaning against the wall, I began to rise. The walls and floor of the room pleasantly cooled my burning hands and feet.
"I need to calm down and assess the situation," I thought, trying to focus. "It seems I did survive the explosion after all. But where am I now? And what are these coins?"
The only thing worth my attention in this room was the table with the coins. Slowly, I made my way towards it.
As soon as I touched one of the coins, they all fell into my palm, and an oval window, taller than me and framed in wood, appeared on the opposite wall. A timer materialized in the upper corner of my field of vision:
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0:59:47
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"So, time is limited. I need to act quickly," I thought, and with a forceful mental command, I forced my adrenal glands to release a shot of adrenaline. For a seasoned healer who knew how to manage life energy, controlling my body was no problem. Still, it felt good when adrenaline pulsed through my veins, pushing pain and exhaustion into the background. But I shouldn't do this too often; it could be addictive and harmful to my body.
Alright, let's see what these coins are. The first one depicted a staff, three others had clothing items: a mage's robe, sturdy boots, and a cloak, two more showed a flask and a backpack, and the last one was a ring.
"A starter kit for a newbie?" I chuckled to myself. "Well, let's see what's so interesting about it..."
Setting six coins aside on the table, I lifted one to eye level and focused my attention on it, just as I did with the System menu elements before.
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/MrBAq_ogzTnN8WE6co61tqcH0Iz22daJqOBDUc0V3MKHac78JApY5Ai-LtjIO5BYHK6IE57d6h3fMbbCj9rBM_fPTouydoZK2KwSkcBwte3FsnLa7oQEb44HQ2-xNpXK7zST0ZfWNKw8cLmCWnDzAfs]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Babylonian Mage's Staff
Description
A System artifact, meticulously crafted by a skilled artisan using ancient technologies from his world. This staff is capable of containing spells and a common soul, which will share its energies with the staff's wielder.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Weapon: Allows the absorption of a victim's soul shells, transferring 50% of the acquired energy to the weapon's wielder.
* Soul Catcher: Enables the capture and containment of a simple opponent's soul.
* Energy Transfer: The captured soul can transfer energy to you, and vice versa.
* Spell Support: You can store both unsaturated and saturated mana constructs within this item. The duration and volume of stored spells depend on their mana saturation.
* Self-Repair: The weapon can repair itself while within the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the amount of BR directed into the coin.
* Upgradeable Artifact: With sufficient XP infusion, the artifact can increase its rank and improve its properties.
Artifact Rank: Rare, Enhanced (E+)
Materials: Dark bronze, wood, black obsidian of Frai
XP Saturation: 0/10000
Weight: 4.4 kg
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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My heart started to beat faster. It was my staff! The very same one I had left behind in Babylon. Had the System somehow recreated it? Incredible!
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Do you want to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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Without hesitation, I mentally selected "Yes," and in the next moment, my old friend was in my hands. It was perfect – without a single scratch, as if it had just come out of the workshop. I ran my hand over the cool metal, feeling its familiar weight and texture. With this staff, I felt more confident, stronger.
"Thank you, System," I whispered, smiling. "Now I'm ready for anything."
Next came the robe, boots, backpack, cloak, and flask.
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/yj7B13Y_0PGc-du9uaMgJ6mK4IARcg-kicLRk4mVhCGT_xf0PGdeiVVsF1NhHaQDkiJpHQcQm-hQ3gWdACsocfSPpWw652uCiO5fQsO04g_4D_Ccw_b_73ZN9-dkaiCQeKFyY1VEnU_6KJFkn3BC-jo]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Mage-Traveler's Robe
Description
A high-quality, durable, and comfortable mage's robe from the starter kit for E-rank races, capable of self-cleaning and self-repair.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Clothing: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Self-Cleaning: This equipment can cleanse itself using the owner's mana.
* Self-Adjusting: This equipment can adjust to the wearer's size.
* Self-Repair: This garment can repair itself both within and outside the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin or the item itself.
* Thermoregulation: This garment can slightly raise or lower its temperature to suit the wearer's preferences.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E)
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Materials: Spider silk, silk, cotton, leather
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/RAJ39bZI3knZV8KmtckuFs8rBUAXrJp3ZffjFaHJgQhV6rxvCrbf1HSM-41EiiDH4Ligss0h9k_Iox_oXoSpZ9aRc4cJt76HRwdgRCY0CL-EJCN0_KfOzWLWO1ueVUHl8vRL2_NzHZUGJEYkY3G9y0c]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Mage-Traveler's Boots
Description
A high-quality, durable, and comfortable pair of boots from the starter kit for E-rank races, capable of self-cleaning and self-repair.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Clothing: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Self-Cleaning: This equipment can cleanse itself using the owner's mana.
* Self-Adjusting: This equipment can adjust to the wearer's size.
* Self-Repair: This footwear can repair itself both within and outside the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin or the item itself.
* Thermoregulation: This footwear can slightly raise or lower its temperature to suit the wearer's preferences.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E)
Materials: Leather, linen, wood
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/Ss7Pf7atdisqrlNBwyR3r6tE1EI5OExSajCAXiSyHL1nvkQ5p4HTo52qkVETNY78yfk0KRU-Nn_AgpgtzVYaDSP5GQcCOC9FT-O8Thhzf5-mk3TEDOHMKEVvNzXvVjsUDJW2yQM1kTUboYEhPZZnKA4]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Mage-Traveler's Backpack
Description
A high-quality and durable backpack from the starter kit for E-rank races, which reduces the weight and volume of the owner's belongings and allows for the transport of non-living items only.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Equipment: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Volume and Mass Reduction: This backpack can reduce the volume and weight of items placed inside it by 100 times.
* Stasis: This backpack can slow down time for items placed inside it.
* Self-Repair: This item can repair itself while within the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin.
* Interplanetary Contraband: With this backpack, you can transport items that do not belong to the System to your own and other planets.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E)
Materials: Leather, linen, wood
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/dhFVPhNgTkBfB5DIDS4o8CDSfNlKGCnrAovCsquIvcQckLA41-rllw55WSXpHWqYi-cOiRXv244TOfJsHoG-E-bmiW7af911uq_-0efbTvzoWyaTQ8u0_Vg-EQ_DAnuNNWThyxPjEqMw0N5nRTaysI0]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Mage-Traveler's Cloak
Description
A high-quality, durable, and comfortable mage's cloak from the starter kit for E-rank races, capable of self-cleaning and self-repair.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Clothing: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Self-Cleaning: This equipment can cleanse itself using the owner's mana.
* Self-Adjusting: This equipment can adjust to the wearer's size.
* Self-Repair: This garment can repair itself both within and outside the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin or the item itself.
* Thermoregulation: This garment can slightly raise or lower its temperature to suit the wearer's preferences.
* Water Resistance: The material of this equipment possesses water-repellent properties.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E)
Materials: Leather, linen, spider silk
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/nmCHso6dxslKRkbeT9Zt-v4MAmcuS8geRuojVUZ4F_Cc-Ps0wPLr5ErWjUtkQ38bUeC_nWZnloaKj6gEL3PugjW6w_4SJAGJAhbdIYu4Sh9994B3l4OG6Z-pJWHjlTfZ4g9Eu-dt7LJ87AZt7ZnF1FY]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Bottomless Flask
Description
A high-quality flask from the starter kit for E-rank races, capable of replicating the liquid poured into it and converting it into a System-compatible form.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Item: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Liquid Replication: This equipment can regenerate the liquid that was initially poured into it using the owner's mana. Full replenishment takes 12 hours. Does not apply to liquids saturated with life or magical energy!
* Self-Repair: This equipment can repair itself while within the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin.
* Increased Volume: The flask's volume is increased to 3 liters.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E)
Materials: Steel, wood.
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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Each item filled me with admiration. The quality of the materials, the comfort, the properties – everything was top-notch. I was particularly impressed by the flask that could replicate liquids.
"It seems, System, you know a thing or two about good stuff," I thought, feeling my mood improving with every passing minute. "But will it be able to replicate artificial blood substitute? Or alcohol? I'll have to test that later."
The last coin held a spatial ring.
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image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/2V8EsfuahD311pjQHLHpcsqGkhf0CSw3N_oii5jJBUTfv_7O2SfR2aryT2tMWSh79-T01YoJ3FtgBTzUQoKaVnR6ztKydOzPk4NQHxccC_geYZij66dKx-uhsMhoDAEhcDi3lkOGcDpFMDJPkE3CJ8c]image [https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/V6aK6IrPe0z6caBnxLaRFe-_XVPFluQqdRF25ywujntwU5G8g9amodwHFZwKGCf7Ns6lew8W-I3jLkloZIYZ67CtCB6lZxUKRfBoKz_satHvAcWsWU_pRjaIBtl9Vlgo_MvQiqnDOVchDBl124HoQ3A]
Equipment Coin
(contains)
Mage-Traveler's Spatial Ring
Description
A high-quality and inconspicuous spatial artifact in the form of a ring from the starter kit for E-rank races, which reduces the weight and volume of the owner's belongings and allows for the storage of non-living items only.
Properties
* Rare-rank System Item: Possesses enhanced strength and heat resistance.
* Volume and Mass Reduction: This spatial artifact can reduce the volume and weight of items placed inside it by 100 times.
* Stasis: This artifact can slow down time for items placed inside it.
* Self-Repair: This item can repair itself while within the coin. The repair speed depends on the extent of damage and the energy directed into the coin.
* Interplanetary Contraband: With this artifact, you can transport items that do not belong to the System to your own and other planets.
* Scaling: The item's rank can be increased by merging it with similar items.
Internal Space Volume: One cubic meter.
Equipment Rank: Rare (E+)
Materials: Gold, silver, copper, obsidian
Scale: 1/5
Do you wish to release the equipment?
Yes / No
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I immediately tried it out, placing the cloak inside and taking it back out. It worked flawlessly!
With the equipment sorted out, it was time to check on the state of my body. Sitting in the lotus position, I sank into meditation.
The warmth of prana spread through my body, healing wounds and restoring strength. There was a lot of minor damage to tissues and organs, but nothing critical that circulation couldn't handle. The magic channels, recently damaged, now shone with purity and power. The core of magic, formed by the System, pulsed in my chest, filling me with magical energy, the excess of which my body automatically converted into life energy.
"Incredible," I thought. "I'm a mage again. And not just any mage, but a mage with a core of magic!"
A feeling of strength and possibilities overwhelmed me. I knew that now I could achieve much more than in my past life, if I survived, of course.
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0:09:53
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Time was running out. I needed to move on. Coming out of meditation, with the familiar tension of my aura, I began weaving the intricate patterns of the Proto-Sumerian "personal protection" spell. Just like in my previous life, I did it quickly and without even thinking. The activation was an unpleasant surprise – the spell drained my entire reserve.
"Well, what did I expect?" I smirked to myself. "Right now, I have the mana reserve of a strong apprentice, while in my past life, I was used to the volumes of an archmage. No worries, I'll catch up."
Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the "window" in the room.
"Alright, System, lead the way," I said, feeling my heart begin to beat faster. "Let's see what you have in store for me this time."
Stepping into the portal, I plunged into darkness, but this time, a sense of calmness and confidence stayed with me. I knew I was ready for any challenge.
"Let the games begin," I thought, smiling as I emerged from the portal on the other side. "Let's see who comes out on top."