Chapter Five: Classes and Equipment
“Classes?” Nathan asked.
Sera shifted from her position behind the fallen log to sit beside him. “Indeed, once you reach level five of your initial tier, the Nexus system will present you with a selection of classes. These classes are tailored to optimize your accumulated stats, titles, and skills. The variety is vast, encompassing nearly every conceivable role.” She stole a glance at Nathan from the corner of her eye. “It’s crucial to understand that no single class reigns supreme; each has its rightful place within the Nexus. The true art lies in choosing skills and equipment, along with allocating stat points, that synergize with your chosen class, propelling you to unparalleled strength.”
Nathan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, as he mentally cataloged the new information. It appeared to him that careful consideration was required not just for the present circumstances but also for future implications. After a brief pause, he broke the silence with a question, “Who created this system?”
“A Primordial, so the legend goes, crafted this system long ago to prevent any single species from dominating all others. Whether there’s truth to that, I can’t say for certain. But one thing is clear: encountering a Primordial is tantamount to a death sentence.” Sera dismissed the thought with a shake of her head. “Let’s delve deeper into the divine after you’ve navigated a few portals,” she suggested.
With a swift motion, Sera rose to her feet and pivoted to face Nathan. “Please stand,” she instructed briskly. “The real excitement is about to start.”
Nathan rose, a sense of unease settling over him. The abrupt change in Sera’s demeanor unnerved him. “Fun?” he echoed, his voice tinged with skepticism. “I’d hardly describe any of this as fun. It’s more overwhelming and seems somewhat unfair.””
“True, but embracing the reality that your former world has fundamentally transformed will make this shift more bearable,” Sera explained, retreating a few paces. “We simply refer to it as ‘the system.’ It’s not entirely merciless. While it might enact measures perceived as harsh, it also provides benevolent aids. Take, for instance, the personal storage space allotted to you—accessible solely by you. Envision it as a storage or inventory, and it should become visible to you.”
Nathan’s internal utterance of “storage” yielded no result, nor did his vocal attempt. Frustration began to mount until Sera’s gentle reminder to breathe and visualize calmed him. With a focused mind, he conjured the image of his storage, and soon, a grid of 16 compartments materialized before him. “I did it!” he declared triumphantly, only to notice some compartments were already occupied. “Why do I already have items in there?”
“The system provides those initial items to aid you in your trials,” Sera explained, resettling on the log. “Now, practice pulling out items from your storage…” Her instruction was cut short by Nathan’s muffled chuckle. “What was that?” she inquired.
Nathan raised his hands, feigning innocence. “I said ‘I never pull’—ah, forget it. Just a bit of Earth humor.”
Sera’s gaze intensified, “To reiterate, practice retrieving items from your storage to examine them, and then return them. Once proficient, attempt to equip items directly from storage. It may seem monotonous, but familiarity will breed ease.”
Nathan exerted himself, gradually mastering the act of “pulling” items from his storage, arranging them neatly on the ground. His inventory comprised five items: a bundle of cloth, a knife, a waterskin, a diminutive wooden box, and a compact, lightweight tablet measuring roughly 10 inches. He lifted the knife, turning it over inspecting it.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Basic Survival Knife:
Can be used for many purposes from hunting to attacking. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy to sharpen and repair.
Nathan’s thoughts commanded the knife’s disappearance into his storage, and just as effortlessly, it reappeared at his belt’s side. He honed his skill, alternating between equipping and stowing the blade, until a new idea struck him. Envisioning the knife horizontally sheathed across his lower back, handle angled for a right-handed draw, it materialized precisely as imagined. He practiced unsheathing it repeatedly, seeking a seamless motion until it felt natural.
Sera’s inquiry about the unconventional placement broke his focus. “Why there?”
He explained with a casual shrug, “For two main reasons. It allows for a stealthy draw, and it’s a safeguard against anyone who might try to snatch it during a close encounter. It’s not foolproof, but it beats hiding it in a boot or somewhere equally accessible.”
With the knife’s placement sorted, Nathan turned his attention to the remaining items. His fingers brushed over the small wooden box, lifting it with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Basic Survival Rations:
Produces a basic ration. While not delicous, it is nutritious. Stores 3 rations a day. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy to refill rations.
Nathan read the description and tucked it away into his storage as he picked up the waterskin. He wagered he already knew what it was going to say but inspected it anyway.
Survival Waterskin:
Produces clean drinking water. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy to refill.
Nathan carefully stowed the waterskin and then picked up the bundle of cloth. Attempting to inspect it yielded no response, prompting him to consider seeking Sera’s assistance. However, he decided against it and continued to manipulate the bundle in his hands. After a few turns, he noticed a piece of twine binding the cloth. With a swift motion, he drew his knife from its cleverly concealed position and sliced through the twine. The cloth unfurled to reveal a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of pants, which he examined with keen interest.
Basic Survival Shirt
Provides basic protection from the elements. Offers no additional armor. Adjusts to fit the wearer. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy to repair and clean itself.
And
Basic Survival Pants:
Provides basic protection from the elements. Offers no additional armor. Adjusts to fit the wearer. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy to repair and clean itself.
Nathan deftly stored the clothing and equipped them. Instantly, his casual jeans and t-shirt transformed into a pristine white linen shirt paired with sleek black pants. The garments conformed to his frame as if bespoke, their light, airy fabric granting him a liberating range of motion. Upon revisiting his storage, he noted his original attire neatly tucked away, accompanied by a curious numerical indicator reading “90/100.” He earmarked this detail for a future discussion with Sera.
Finally, he reached down and picked up the tablet like device and did his last inspection.
Nexus Store:
This device allows the user to access information, purchase and sell equipment, and supplies across the Nexus System of Planets. Uses ambient Cosmic Energy as a power source.
Nathan brandished the tablet, giving it a slight shake to draw Sera’s attention. As her gaze met his, he arched an eyebrow inquisitively. Sera regarded the tablet momentarily before responding. “I presume you’re curious about this device?” Her expression betrayed a touch of annoyance. “As the description indicates, it grants access to the Nexus store. This is a fundamental model, but it suffices for the time being.” She exhaled a weary sigh, then added, “Next time, articulate your questions like an adult.”
Chastened, Nathan’s posture deflated. “You’re correct, my apologies for that. It was rather rude.”
“It’s fine. We’ll be square after you awake tomorrow,” Sera replied, her lips curving into a faint smile.
“That doesn’t sound reassuring,” Nathan retorted.
“I intended to warn you about what is going to happen the next time you sleep, but I’ve reconsidered,” Sera teased.
Nathan responded with a grin. “Seems we’ll be even then.” His eyes caught the countdown timer that had materialized in his peripheral vision. Unobtrusive, it would blend into the periphery unless focused upon. The display read: 30 hours until the trial commenced.
Suddenly, agony engulfed him, sending him crumpling to the ground. His muscles seized, enduring a torturous cycle of stretching and contracting. The sound of his bones cracking reverberated in his ears as if shattering repeatedly. He attempted to grit his teeth against the screams, but to no avail. As consciousness slipped away, the last image that imprinted on his mind was the sorrow in Sera’s eyes.