Days turned into weeks, and Orion's perception of time began to shift. Each day brought new discoveries: the sensation of soft blankets against his skin, the mesmerizing play of light filtering through windows, and the sweet lullabies that Emily would sing to him. Gradually, the once overwhelming world became more familiar, and Orion started to respond to his caregivers with coos and babbles.
Throughout the weeks in this new world, Orion was eager to absorb as much as possible. This drive led him to a small cupboard near the stairs, a forgotten storage nook where items were too precious to discard yet not significant enough to use. Hidden within its depths were books—a treasure trove of knowledge that Orion desired. And in this same place, he would find all the books he could wish for, with a slight issue… the language. After days of studying it, he started to understand with some guidance from James and Emily.
"We reside in the southern continent, the smallest among the five: north, south, east, west, and the grand central continent. The southern land exclusively harbours humans, while the central expanse boasts a fusion of elves, humans, dwarves, and perhaps even some enigmatic monster races. Each race, steadfast in their distinction, claims dominion over their own devoted territory," Emily imparted while engrossed in the pages of a massive, worn book.
"Bababa, dada da, mamama, gugugu," Orion proudly declared. "Burp, hiccup," he not so proudly declared.
The passage of time took on a gentle cadence as Orion continued to explore his new world. Each day was an unfolding adventure, filled with the discovery of newfound sensations and the gradual understanding of the language surrounding him. His interactions with Emily and James deepened as he became more familiar with the world. He began to recognize their faces, the sound of their voices, and the warmth of their embraces. Much to his parent's delight and astonishment at his speed of learning.
I swear I heard them talking about how I couldn't be their son and I was a gift from god, which is ironic in the grand scheme of things.
The small cupboard near the stairs became a sanctuary for Orion. A cosy corner of the house where he could lose himself in the stories and knowledge contained within the books. Each day, he would carefully pick a book from the shelves and examine its pages with wide-eyed wonder. Emily and James would often find him sitting cross-legged on the floor, his tiny fingers tracing the lines of text and illustrations, and banning a child from reading so he could get some sleep unheard of in the world of parenting.
Emily's patient guidance and James' steady presence nurtured Orion's understanding of the language. They would read aloud to him, letting the words wash over him like a soothing melody. And as they did, Orion's own attempts at speech grew more refined. His babbling evolved into distinct sounds, forming the foundation of the language he was determined to master.
The southern continent's distinct characteristics came into sharper focus with every passing day. Emily and James shared tales of the sprawling landscapes, the diverse cultures of the different races, and the unique attributes that set each territory apart. Orion listened intently, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and fascination. He could almost picture the vast landscapes and bustling cities described in their stories, and most importantly, he was interested in the so-called heavenly system that was spoken of so much, but he could get his parents to tell him much about it, the thing is he didn't need them too…
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When Orion first became aware of the systems presence, he was confronted with an interface
Status
Personal Information
Name:
Age:
Level:
Experience:
Class:
Race:
Orion
2 (10,000)
0
0/100
N/A
Human (Celestial)
Health:
Mana:
Stamina:
20
200
30
Stats
Strength
Dexterity
Endurance
Vitality
Intelligence
Wisdom
1
1
2
2
10
10
Skills
N/A
Orion blinked, his eyes widening as he stared at the strange interface that seemed to hover before his eyes. He raised his hand, reaching out tentatively as if to touch the words and numbers suspended in the air. It was as if the fabric of his reality had shifted, revealing a layer of information he had never been aware of before.
It seems like some computer game from those semi-advanced planets back in the day, 'Old up, Celestial? How does that work? Don't suppose those big black sucking holes turn you into a star, do they?
I might keep this to myself in case it gets me burned at the stake, although I believe most people have it from what it's heard while snooping around adult conversations.
Orion's mind buzzed with questions and a mix of excitement and trepidation. The celestial aspect of his identity intrigued him, and the sudden appearance of this interface only deepened his curiosity.
He spent countless hours in his little reading nook, poring over books in search of any information about the celestial race and the mysterious system. His determination to uncover the truth was unwavering.
Orion got into his cot without a helping hand, using some questionable climbing skill for a deity. His bedding was a marvel, as if crafted by an artisan well-versed in comfort. Sheep wool, soft and insulating, cocooned Orion's form like a python ensnaring its prey. The yarn seemed to mould around him, providing a gentle yet firm embrace that spoke of countless nights spent in peaceful slumber. Every twist and turn he made was met with yielding support as if the cot itself conspired to grant him a haven of rest.
A cluster of candles flickered in the corner of the room with a delicate glow. Their flames danced in a mesmerizing rhythm, casting elongated shadows upon the walls. The soft illumination created an enchanting interplay of light and shadow, but he struggled to sleep after being so acquainted with the dark when drifting through space for thousands of years.
From his left ear, a sharp and biting voice emerged. "Pathetic fool," it sneered, dripping with disdain. "You stumble through life, grasping at happiness like a blind man reaching for the stars."
Orion's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. The voice seemed to echo within his mind, leaving a cold shiver down his spine. But before he could process what had just happened, another voice emerged, this time from his right ear. It was gentle, soothing, and filled with warmth.
"Hey there," it said kindly, a hint of a smile evident in its tone. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? Remember, you're stronger than you think; every step you've taken is a victory."