The trapdoor swallowed him whole, its gaping maw engulfing him in shadowy depths. Knox tumbled head over heels, his heart pounding as he struggled to regain his bearings.
With a thud, Knox landed hard on the ground below, the impact knocking the wind from his lungs. Groaning in pain, he pushed himself upright, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the chamber he now found himself in.
Surrounded by darkness, Knox's heart raced with fear and uncertainty. He had stumbled into a trap—a cruel twist of fate that threatened to derail his journey and leave him stranded in the depths of the ravine.
With trembling hands, Knox reached for his pack, searching for any tools or supplies that might aid him in his escape. But to his dismay, he found nothing but the cold, unforgiving stone of the chamber floor beneath his fingertips.
Amidst the darkness, Knox's eyes fell upon a mesmerizing sight: a glowing, translucent being standing tall before him. Its ethereal form shimmered with an otherworldly radiance, casting a soft, comforting light in the chamber's gloom. Despite its enigmatic appearance, Knox felt an inexplicable sense of calm wash over him in the presence of the being.
As the being turned to face him—or what Knox perceived as its faceless front—a clear and reassuring voice resonated within his mind. "Hello, Player," it greeted him.
Knox stumbled back in surprise, his heart racing at the sudden intrusion into his thoughts. "What the!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing in the chamber's silence.
The being's response was gentle and soothing. "Do not be afraid, Player. I mean you no harm."
Struggling to regain his composure, Knox gathered his thoughts before addressing the mysterious being. "What are you?" he asked, his curiosity piqued despite lingering unease.
The translucent being regarded Knox with an otherworldly serenity, its form flickering with ethereal light as it hovered before him.
“I am known as an Ethereal Being,” the voice echoed in Knox's mind once more, its tone soothing yet tinged with an otherworldly resonance.
Knox stood before the Ethereal Being, his mind swirling with questions and uncertainty. "What do you want from me?" Knox's voice trembled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as he addressed the enigmatic being.
"I seek to aid you in your quest, Player. You wish to become stronger, correct?” Came the reply, echoing softly in Knox's mind.
A flicker of realization crossed Knox's face. “I do, yes, but how did you know?”
The Ethereal Being's response was calm and unwavering. "In Aetheria, I am one with the essence of the world. I see and understand the desires of those who are connected to this realm."
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Knox's brow furrowed with confusion. "Aetheria? What exactly is that?"
The Ethereal Being offered a gentle explanation. "In your language, it is known as the System—a vast and intricate network that governs the laws of this world."
Knox's eyes widened with curiosity. "Can you control the System? Can you turn it off?"
The being's response was solemn. "No, child. I am but a physical manifestation of a master scroll, a conduit for its power."
Knox's mind raced with newfound understanding. "Master scroll? What is that?"
The Ethereal Being's tone grew solemn as it explained. "A master scroll is a sacred artifact of immense power. Claiming it grants the bearer a set of skills and a title that cannot be altered or changed."
"But why would anyone want such a thing?" Knox questioned, puzzled by the concept.
"Master scrolls are rare and powerful," the being explained. "Only ten exist in the world, each holding unparalleled abilities."
"So they're valuable and rare," Knox mused. "How many have been claimed?"
"Six of the ten have been claimed by humans," the being revealed.
Knox's mind raced with possibilities. "Can one person claim more than one master scroll?"
The Ethereal Being shook its head. "No, each individual can only claim one master scroll."
"And you," Knox gestured towards the being, "are a physical manifestation of a master scroll?"
The being nodded. "Indeed. Claiming me will bestow upon you the powers and responsibilities of a master scroll."
Excitement flickered in Knox's eyes. "How do I claim you?"
The Ethereal Being's response was simple. "Place your hand upon my chest and focus your thoughts on claiming me."
Knox hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and reaching out toward the being. With a surge of determination, he pressed his hand against its translucent form, his mind ablaze with anticipation. This was the moment he had been waiting for, and it could bring him the power he needed.
As Knox followed the Ethereal Being's instructions and thought the word 'Claim' while touching its chest, a sudden surge of power enveloped him. White flames danced around him, swirling and crackling with intense energy. At first, Knox panicked, unsure of what was happening, but then he realized that the flames were not harming him—they were healing him.
The sensation was bizarre yet oddly comforting as the flames worked their magic, soothing his injuries and alleviating his pain. In mere moments, all traces of his wounds vanished, leaving him feeling revitalized and rejuvenated.
But then came the unexpected agony—the wrenching pain of his soul undergoing a profound transformation. Knox doubled over in torment as his very essence was torn asunder and reconstructed anew. It felt as though his very being was being reshaped, molded into something different, something more.
For what seemed like an eternity, Knox endured the excruciating ordeal, each moment stretching into an eternity of suffering. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the pain ceased, leaving Knox gasping for breath and trembling with exhaustion.
Slowly, he rose to his feet, feeling different somehow. It was as if a part of him had been irrevocably changed, his very soul infused with newfound power and purpose. With a trembling hand, Knox summoned his menu, his heart racing with anticipation as he sought to discover the extent of his transformation.
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Level: 40
Titles:
Student of Ether; +20 Stat Points/Level
Achievements:
None
Skills:
Eternal Flame: Has the capabilities to destroy and heal.
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 50
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 100
UNLOCKED AT LEVEL 150
Stat Points Available: 0
Speed; 70
Strength; 50
Endurance; 40
Durability; 40
Mind; 85
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