I stood on a bridge, gripping the railing as I stared into the murky water below, my reflection staring back. I had dark brown hair, and brown eyes, I could see the bags under my eyes, my small "button" like nose, my round face with a few acne scars from the lack of care. 

'Arabella sounded like a sweet name, made for someone who should be better than me.' I moped, the achievements I have in my life is little to none. I was just trying to get by. I was always taught that the world isn't pretty as adults made it seem. But as a kid, I didn't heed their words, if I was at least 21 years younger, I would've immediately studied instead of watching cartoons with boogers on my fingers. 

In school, I didn't put enough effort into my studies, I did well in P.E, but that was because it was required and the teacher would actually make us move. While the core classes were boring and a few electives I had were just something to pass the time. And before I knew it, I was an adult looking for a job. A wasted childhood. A wasted academic life. 

My parents warned me, and they turned their backs away when I failed them. Of course, I turned my back on them while my younger brother, William, became more successful than me. I felt envious of course. and by the time he got married, I was still single at the age of 28 while he was happily married at the age of 25. I attended his wedding out of courtesy, but after that, I didn't bother to stay for the cake or dancing. I didn't want to mingle with people and have them find out how much of a failure I was to my family. 

I regretted the choices I made, I really did, but there was no magic or god who could turn back time for me. So in return, I tried to put in more effort. But it turned into the worst because the CEO's daughter caused the corps. to go into bankruptcy. And that was when I was 31.

I spent months trying to preserve my money, opting to buy actual groceries than going out to do take out. Take out was more expensive as it stacks up to cover 3 meals a day. Cooking wasn't my specialty, but it was decent, at least I had something to eat. But the days slowly grew harder as I tried to find a job, but I was rejected for not meeting their criteria or that someone had taken it. 

The amount of times I tried to find a job pained me. And trying to start my own business was out of the option. I didn't want to turn to my parents or brother, scared that I would hear them ridicule me or say how right they were. It was bad enough with my insecurity that they caused me. Sure I was pudgy as a kid, but my mom took it a little too seriously, sometimes the words she said weren't meant to be hurtful, but to me who lacked insecurity, really hit deep, "Should go exercise. You're getting fat." or "That shirt looks tight.".

When I left the house, I had peace. It was euphoric to not hear criticizing words, no one to harp on you to do what you need to do. It was like a blessing, but then it became a blessing in disguise. When I landed a job in the management branch of the Twilight corporation, it was like a dream come true, being a part of a big time business was something I dreamed of when I was teen despite my grades.

But when I started my work, it was like entering a novel. I witnessed the CEO’s daughter, a haughty big shot, storming out of an elevator with a very cold looking man, the cliche “ice cube ceo” looking man, trailing after her in a much slower pace, a scowl settled firmly on his face while a small doe like girl, who looked like she was a few inches taller than me, with a fashionable chin cut bob with a red headband that had a usagi bow on top.

Later it slowly became out of hand, the girl who’s name was Mia would act like a flower, and then a realization hit me. Don't you call those types of girls ‘White Lotus’ or ‘green tea’ in chinese novels? Was I in a novel? No wonder everything seemed like a cliche story in my workplace. Psychopathically obsessed villainess, ‘innocent’ female lead and the ever so strong and packed plot armoured male lead.

I should have honestly noticed that my workplace had became a drama battleground, so it became very toxic. This went on for 6 years straight since the Male Lead man wasn’t a CEO yet, he was training to be one, similar to the heiress of Twilight corps. Their forefathers had dreamed of combining their companies together in hopes of a better future. And if you follow along with the cliche plot, they don’t and blah blah blah.

So here I am, standing on the bridge. Regretting all of my life choices and debating whether to end my miserable poor life. The idea of having peace was very appealing, and I started to move to get over the railing that stood between me and my calling of peace.

But when I placed my foot on the other side, a wave of guilt and pain filled me. I may not be in contact with my family, but I still was with my friends. Wouldn’t my disappearance cause alarms to them? I bit my lips as my eyes grew misty, I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks, eyes and nose as I silently cried. I didn’t want to die. I promised myself I would never go to that extent of running away, even if I am a coward to hard problems. 

Carefully pulling my back over to the original side I was at, I stepped away from the railing, rubbing the tears away from my eyes before turning around, silently promising myself that I will do better, even if I go crashing down, I’ll just work harder. Whether I have to go through military training or another corporation, I will no longer hold myself back!

I started to take a step forward, my first step to change myself. Only to fall backwards as something hit me in the face, it was something a bit squishy and large, it blocked my view, but it really hurt, the stinging sensation started from my nose and spreaded, i stumbled backwards as the large scaly feeling noodle then wrapped around my head, it was either on instinct or on purpose, i didn’t know, but before I could figure out what it was, I was falling, head down.

Did I accidentally flip over the railing when I stumbled backwards? Most likely. But what about my promise of change? I guess, my promise wasn’t good enough…

<------->

This is weird, I feel like I’m being covered in some sort of thick liquid. Was death supposed to feel like this? I suppose so.. It’s kinda cold and doesn’t smell that good. It smells like burning tar. Am I even supposed to smell things?

Wait, if I can smell things and feel things, then, am I alive? I tried to move my toes, which ended up as a failure, I attempted my fingers, but it was the same result. Would this mean I’m in a coma?

This is a bit boring not going to lie, lying here and doing nothing. It’s not fun, I could’ve been reading something, playing games or getting a job. But no, I had to get into a coma. Hopefully I will be able to. I wonder how long I’ve been in this darkness.. Hopefully just a year.

Suddenly, I felt something wrap around my waist and yank me up, I felt like I was being lifted through water. No, I am in water. I could see a light on the surface growing brighter and brighter until I broke through the surface. Taking in a gulp of air, I tried to wipe the water away to see better, wasn’t that the bridge I fell off from? I turned to find the edge and I quickly swam over, dragging myself on top of land, now drained from swimming. So I was under water? But, I should've died from being down there for so long. Right?

I felt something slid off my waist and I looked down to see a sort of snake tail, about as thick as my upper arm, sliding up, and then I felt a weight around my shoulders, “You have been asleep for 30 years Arabella Robertsss.” A small voice hissed into my ear, I turned my head to see the face of a cobra, a king cobra.

I shrieked and smacked the snake off “SNAKE!!” I fell and scrambled backwards, crying as the fear of snakes filled me. I wasn’t fond of snakes. No matter how small or how venomless they were, they all scared me.

I heard a scoff coming from the snake, “That went well.. Sssstupid human.. Why did the master choose you is something I’ll never know..” The reptile slithered close making me back away in response, “Lissssten very well. You are my master’s champion. I was sent to train you before you can enter the championship. The world that you knew before, is now different. Humansss are no longer a dominant species, but they share with other beings. Elvesss, demi humans, trolls, goblins, dwarfs and more that I do not care for.”

I blinked before curling up in a fetus position on the ground, “I must be dreaming. I probably passed out in my apartment. Talking snake speaking of fantasy creatures from books.” I sobbed, “Oh god I’m insane!” I received a slap on the face with a tail, “IMPUDENT CREATURE!! GET UP! YOU WEAKLING TESSSST MY PATIENCE!! NOW SIT PROPERLY AND FACE ME!” They snapped, baring their fangs, the fear of being bitten or in more pain made me obediently follow orders, holding back tears of fear by pursing my lips.

The cobra huffed in satisfaction, “Good. Now, we shall begin training you the basics, after that, you’ll figure out your own class, skills and power. Let us see your status.” A screen then appeared right after they finished.

I shrieked and fell backwards as the screen was a simple gray color with black letters.

----------------------------------------

<<-------------------------------------------------------->>

Arabella Roberts - Human - 31 y.o 

[No Class Available]

Titles - [World’s Underachiever] [Problem Runner]

Stats:

STR - 6

DEX - 7

CON - 5 

INT - 5

WIS - 3

CHA - 3

LUK - 3

Traits:

[Ordinary Aura] - Because you are [World’s Underachiever], you appear like any other normal person.

[Flight or Fight] - Because you are [Problem Runner] your instincts are more intune in problematic situations. Anything above your level of CON/INT/STR depending on the situation, you will run automatically until you are out of the radius of the problem.

<<-------------------------------------------------------->>

----------------------------------------

“Hmm.. Well, your ssstrength and dexterity is above an average human, your wisdom, charm and luck are crap. Hmm.. At least you have average intelligence, so I can work with that.. But the problem is what class to force you to..” The snake circled around me, making me shudder under its predatory gaze before making a huff like noise, “I can’t find anything that would suit you and your pathetic stats. Your traits are of use, so be happy you have those. [Ordinary Aura] can be used to disguise yourself and hide your stats, and because you don’t look powerful, those above your level, will look over you. [Flight or Fight] seems like a cowardssss trait. Seems fitting for someone like you.”

I wanted to cry at their cruel insults/compliments. Why is this thing so mean? I earned a whack to the head from the tail, “It’sssss for your own good you big baby. Get up. We’ll begin your training. I will grind you to become a great champion in how my master has viewed you as, not that I can see in such a thin and puny human like you. I will double your training on Constitution, Intelligence and Strength. For the rest, they will have basic training, especially on your charisma. I can’t stand the sight of your unkempt appearance. Do you even bathe?”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Why is a snake training me!? Can’t I have one of those nice, semi-normal trainers?? I got another whack as the cobra slithered around my neck, “START RUNNING! WE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL SUNSET!” they hissed in my ear while threateningly tighten their grip around my neck, I held back my cries by sucking it up as best I could while starting to run. The weight of the cobra was hindering my speed, it felt like

lifting two jugs of water! How can a snake that was as big as my arm, be this heavy!?

And thus, my training began. It really was the beginning of my life.

<------->

A few weeks have passed by since I met Ego, the cobra. They were training me, forcing me to learn everything that they deemed was necessary for me to achieve whatever master they served. It came to the point that I started learning skills from the training, some that Ego was happy about and let me off lightly, or some that he deemed was useless to the championship. And because the training was giving me experience points, the experience points leveled my status window up to be more detailed than it was when I first got it.

Ego said that the Status window will act as my level. So I’m currently level 2 from what my window says. But the skills I got from the training were something I should have honestly should’ve done when I was in middle school and high school, they could’ve helped me by the long run to find a well paying job.

[Serious Study] was something that took time to attain, but thanks to Ego who threatened to beat me if I didn’t study well enough, I got the skill. This skill allowed me to study any books that are 2-5 levels higher than my INT and/or WIS stats with ease. Anything higher takes more time. 

[Adaptable Body] was a skill I immediately got when Ego forced my body into positions that caused great discomfort, but since I was a bit used to the feeling of muscles burning and straining, it was rather easy to control. The skill allowed me to stretch and move in rather odd positions, some that not even I could ever think I could do. I would honestly call the skill “Rubber Body” because I was now as flexible as the world’s most flexible human. And it’s scary.

[Controlled Anger] is something I got by accident. Let’s just say Ego was the blame. The skill basically allowed me to control my anger down, and forced me to clear my mind. It’s so nice to now be more calmer instead of burning in rage and frustration from the insults and cruel treatment the damned snake gives me.

Those were some skills I got, which I thought were very useful, but Ego stated that using anger benefit’s more than controlling it. I didn’t listen to them. My stats however did go up. Because Ego doubled my training on INT, STR and CON, they were in their early 20’s whilst my WIS and CHA was a 5 so Ego was satisfied with those two. DEX went up to 18 thanks running a lot. And my LUK was a solid 4.

The cobra didn’t know a lot of ways to raise my luck, despite having many, MANY differences, we both agreed that luck was very important. Having low luck means being a danger magnet and having high luck leads to a lot of loot and can easily kill things.

How I managed to get it up one point was beyond both of us. 

Ego was currently reading the newspaper in the front room whilst I was studying combat moves, both hand to hand, kickboxing and martial arts since Ego will later train me in fighting and had only given me those three to study on, since he believed that I will be able to handle all sorts of fighting styles. But I beg to differ, learning weaponless combat requires to be up close to an enemy, and if they have a gun, say bye bye to life.

“Hey Ego, do you think you can teach me magic or something other than something physical?” The cobra sighed and lifted it’s small head to stare at me before hissing out, “If you can convince me why to train you usssseless spells, I’m going to say no.”

“But, fighting without weapons is not always something I should know! If I manage to learn to use some weapons and magic, combined magic with my attacks can benefit me by a lot. And some games require intelligence in order to use magic! And if I learn magic, I can also cast buffs or shields.” The snake stayed quiet before replying, “I’ll think about it.” and they returned back to reading.

At least he didn’t insult my way of thinking. And by them saying that, it means I have a chance to learn something to benefit me. Hearing an alarm go off, it was time for lunch, so setting the book down, I got up from the table, scooted the chair in place before moving to the mini kitchen. Because we didn’t have a place to live in, Ego had luckily prepared a lot of money beforehand, leaving me to deal with getting food, an apartment and such.

Of course, I didn’t go out too often besides running, working out or shopping, I didn't really socialize a lot besides the snake. Was that even healthy? Talking to a snake who talks back? I mean, it wasn’t really the world I knew it was before. So would this still be considered normal in the eyes of others? I don’t know anymore. Opening the fridge to look for lunch meat and some cheese only to find no lunch meat nor cheese in sight, Not only that, we were out of eggs.

I gave a pointed look at nope rope who is the most likely culprit for the lack of eggs, they turned their head to meet my stare, “The hell are you looking at? Out of food? Then go get food! Where’ssss your common sense!?”

With a sigh of exasperation, I grabbed my wallet, slipped a large hoodie on and robin egg blue flip flops along with the keys and I headed out. The reason why we had a lot of money was for the purpose of my training and necessities. I was also forced to buy some skin care products which thankfully upped my CHA to normal human standards. 

As it turned out, being surrounded by different beings was so cool. I would find myself staring in wonder like a little 5 year old in a candy store. The dungeons sounded cool, the guilds, new stores. They even included a new currency which is always produced in the bank. So paper dollar bills along with the old pennies, dimes, etc were replaced with gold, silver, bronze coins. Some coins have a small gem on them to signal how much it’s worth, usually on the gold coins.

The supermarket wasn’t far, it was a few streets down, the short cut passes by a dungeon, the rank was around a B and from what Ego said, my currently level is an F unless I went through a very stat buffing training and what class I’ll take, I’d remain an F rank for awhile.

With a skip in my step, I took the short cut, headphones plugged into my new, beautiful phone and listening to music. I might be 31 (61) years old, but it’s nice to feel young, and thanks to the beauty products, I looked like I was in my early twenties. Humming along with songs during my time which would be considered old and out of fashion since we now have mermaids, elves and some others taking over some of our jobs, but I was more intune with the songs I grew up with. Upon nearing the dungeon, there was a crowd of people with security tape, “Back away now! The dungeon is reaching critical level’s! The thing is gonna burst!” Someone shouted, wearing a white coat with a laptop in hand and went to take cover, and just as he did, the dungeon exploded.

Dust and the strong stench of pollution filled my senses and I stumbled to the floor with the other’s from the intense force. I couldn’t hear anything but a sharp ringing in my ears, everything seemed hazy for a second before it all focused together, and there was a large snake, bigger than Ego, bigger than ANY breed of snake.

It was a [Blind Basilisk]. Blind basilisk's are practically easy for low B ranked Adventurer’s to kill, if they were smart. But since it’s blind, it relies on sound. Then a notification appeared in front of me.

----------------------------------------

WARNING

The situation is higher than your CON/INT/STR. [Flight or Fight] trait has activated. Automatic running in 

3…

2…

1…

Now.

----------------------------------------

And just as I finished reading the countdown, I was now running. But because of the sound of me scrambling away, the overgrown reptile started chasing me, “OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD FUCK OFF!!!” I screeched, trying to run faster, I took sharp turns then craned my head to look back before quickly looking forward, “WHY IS THIS STUPID BLIND SNAKE FOLLOWING ME!!!” i cried out as I took another sharp turn but ended up skidding and scraping my knees since I wore shorts, I then started cursing like mad, the adrenaline was pumping, so the pain was only momentarily as I had scrambled up quicker than you can say ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ and started sprinting because my life depended on it.

Then after thinking on why the snake was still following me while I cursed like a sailor, the realization stuck me. I, who was screaming and wailing, loudly to the point that almost anyone could hear me, was the reason why the snake was following me.

I wanted to stop and facepalm at myself and say “Oh my god. I am an idiot.” but sadly, I couldn’t do it right now as I was in a life or death situation. I have no combat experience nor do I know how to kill. I like to say “I’m a lover, not a fighter.” but I quickly realized that in some, or a lot of situations in this day and age, requires you to be the fighter. And sadly, I don’t have enough courage to be a fighter, not with my trait and current level.

A small notification then appeared, [Calm Down],I wanted to laugh. The skill was basically allowing me to calm down in any stressful or scary situations. Like I am currently in, I must’ve got it when I was thinking about WHY the basilisk was chasing my dumbass. But now that I got the skill, it immediately came into effect, the fear that was bubbling in my heart and the anxiety that was whispering very scary things in my brain had vanished.

I was still in a slightly populated area, but if I manage to lead the reptile away, then I can probably hide and avoid endangering the people. But the question remains, WHO WILL RESCUE ME!? I mentally wailed until a sudden wave of exhaustion hit me, I stumbled like a drunken fool until I fell to the floor near a house, “Wh..what..?” I uttered out deliriously, a window appeared at my side, my eyes carefully tried to read the words, “Bleeding... -2 hp for every 10...secs.. Exhaustion…” I muttered to myself, I wanted to cry. Why was I still weak? Was I not training properly? No, Ego is making sure that I train diligently so then.. Why?

The promise I made to myself, to become a better person than I was before. Did nothing change? I’m still running from my problems, the problems that just keep finding me. The basilisk slithered forward, and opened it’s jaw. I gave a small hiccup and made a pitiful noise, “I don’t want to die..”.

I closed my eyes, bracing for my ultimate death, not even a month into my training and I’m gonna die. But nothing happened. Lifting my head slowly to take a peek to find the gaping mouth of the basilisk in front of me, but not moving, not even twitching to signal that someone killed it.

Then a loud, but warm voice echoed around the area, “Do you wish to be strong? To change for the better?” I sobbed out a weak ‘yes’ while curling up while I cried, being emotionally sensitive and insecure over myself. A large, but warm hand gently stroked my head, this didn’t stop me from crying, it just made it worse. I hadn’t received a good warm pat on the head since my own parents had turned away from me.

This person was so warm and comforting that I just broke down. The stress and hardships I had bottled up just flowed out like water. Their strokes on my head continued as their other arms brought me closer to them in a hug. I didn’t care if they had an extra set of arms, I just desperately needed to be held, no matter how undignified it was for an adult to be babied like a child. 

The person I could tell was a male who had long hair, my blurry eyesight had taken in the blue hue to the man’s skin, but I didn’t care, he was a good person for comforting someone as pitiful as me, “Are you calm, child?” I gave a small nod, not trusting my voice to speak, or I'd end up crying for another few hours. I gently pulled myself away and wiped the tears away from my eyes, my vision was a bit blurry, but not to the point that I can only see blobs of color.

The man had a calm, loving smile, a smile that a father or a mother would give to their children, He slowly stood up and lifted me up as well to stand on my own feet. I had taken a notice that he stood taller than the average human male, in fact he rivaled the height of a troll, “Arabella Roberts, you have faced hardships that you have acknowledged as your fault, the faults you had stacked on you to this day. But when you made the promise to change for the better on that night, I had awakened. I have waited for 30 years to restore a bit of my power, and I had Ego train you to be ready to hold the mark as my champion. But due to the incomplete training, this power will take time to adjust and grow with you. This power i am giving you, whatever decisions you make, whatever path you take, it will be whatever you have decided. Arabella Roberts, my child. It is time to go through a rebirth.” He said before leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead.

A tingling sensation was left when he slowly pulled away, before there was a stabbing sensation in my mind, I held my head in pain as I felt my blood boil, my body felt like it was going to burst. Whatever he did to me, it was painful. It was like I was burning on the inside, but then there was a cooling sensation, that spreaded from where the kiss was, like water. It was refreshing compared to the pain, then I blacked out with a small whisper in my ears, “This is your new beginning Arabella Alin Roberts.”