The System's false light reflected off Giuliano's eyes while drops of moonlight sifted between the canopy above him.
Cultivation Manual Selection
Spirit Arsenal
Connect with spirits of the departed and mold them into formidable weapons to aid your quest for immortality.
Soulbound Menagerie
Forge bonds with the spirits of beasts, cultivate a mutual relationship, and together, unleash unparalleled potential.
Veil of Sorrow
Deny the world, harness your grief and sorrow to warp reality to your desire. To live is to endure suffering, and you will come to master it.
Giuliano kept his focus strictly on the options in front of him. Avoiding the direct confrontation with everything that lay around him.
Passing out twice in what may be less than a day, we never slept this well. His inner voice said, an awkward attempt at filling the silence.
"We never did," Giuliano whispered. "I hope that some pharmacy still exists when we get back."
So your mind can be blank again?
"Exactly," His mind churned, looking for ways to keep him distracted and his eyes away from the bodies of his cats lying nearby. He tried to focus on anything but the haunting images, his thoughts flitting from one memory to another.
He scanned the cultivation manuals again, and again, and again. Trying to force his thoughts into a different direction. The titles blurred slightly as with every tear that threatened to form, "Spirit Arsenal, Soulbound Menagerie, Veil of Sorrow," he muttered, tasting the words, trying to find something that resonated with him.
The memories of his cats, the way they looked up at him in their final moments, threatened to overwhelm him. His breathing became shallow, his hands trembling slightly. He needed to make a decision, to move forward, but the weight of his grief was suffocating.
Look at them. This is what the System forced you to do. This is what it has reduced you to.
"I can't," Giuliano's voice cracked. "I can't look at them."
So you’ll just ignore it? Pretend it never happened?
Ignoring his own mind, Giuliano's eyes floated back to the [Soulbound Menagerie]. A potential way to bond with spirits. With a heavy heart, he glanced at the lifeless forms of Myst, Pounce, and Whisker.
"You're cunning, aren't you, System? Leading me here, nudging me toward this choice," he said, addressing the unseen entity behind the System with bitterness. Despite the anger and pain, he couldn't shake the feeling that this manual was his path.
You know it is.
In the soft glow of the system screen, Giuliano's eyes danced over each option. His lanky frame, more accustomed to the weight of crates than combat, made the idea of [Spirit Arsenal] laughably unsuitable. Memories of a playground scuffle from 3rd grade flitted through his mind, cementing his decision to disregard it.
Remember that fight? You couldn’t even land a punch.
"Yeah, I remember," he muttered, shaking his head.
While [Veil of Sorrow] held an enigmatic allure, the prospect of eternal desolation was far from enticing. The weight of such a path didn't align with the future he wanted for himself.
Deny the world? You've done enough of that already.
As his fingers hovered over [Soulbound Menagerie], Giuliano sighed, his voice tinged with a mixture of resignation and defiance. "You set this up, didn't you?" he whispered, addressing the unseen entity behind the System again.
Does it matter? You know this is the right choice.
"Can't I talk with the omnipotent System without you interrupting me?" He said in a strained tone, rubbing the budding tears from his eyes. With a final, resolute exhale, Giuliano selected [Soulbound Menagerie]. The air around him shimmered, and a sense of calm washed over him.
The manual materialized before him, its cover adorned with intricate designs of beasts and spirits intertwined in an eternal dance. He reached out, his fingers brushing the surface of the manual.
Congratulations, Cultivator. By aligning yourself with the Soulbound Menagerie, you step onto the winding road to Immortality. Your choice bestows upon you a unique gift
Etheric blood
Let the essence of Ether flow within, enabling to discern mysteries hidden from the world.
The message from the system was clear, and as Giuliano read it, a supernatural force suddenly engulfed him. It was as if he'd been submerged in a glacial lake, the cold infiltrating every pore, making him shiver from the inside out. His once-warm blood turned icy, the sensation strange and foreign.
With every beat of his heart, the frosty sensation became more profound, as though his blood was being reshaped, remolded into something otherworldly.
A new rhythm began to establish itself in his bloodstream, aligning with the mysterious power that had just been bestowed upon him. The awareness of this newfound energy pulsed through him, making him feel connected to a hidden world he had never known.
This feels... wrong. And yet, there's something else.
The world as Giuliano knew it shifted. Colors bled out, replaced by shades of gray, creating an ethereal landscape that seemed more dream than reality. But amidst this monochrome, radiant lines of energy stood out in stark contrast. They webbed the ground, connected every leaf, and blanketed the air in a shimmering haze. It was as if the world had revealed its hidden blueprint to him.
Is this what Ether looks like? he wondered, both awed and unnerved.
Inhaling deeply, he felt the weight of this newfound essence entering his body. It wrapped around his cells, intertwined with his very core, making every breath feel sacred and charged. Before Giuliano could accostume himself with the feeling, a sharp pain tore through his mind. He was being force-fed information, centuries of wisdom about Ether and its nuances bursting forth within moments.
Slow down! I can't... process all of this at once!
“Stop! Please, just... stop!” Giuliano cried out, his voice breaking the eerie silence of the forest. The onslaught of knowledge was relentless, forcing his mind to expand and adapt at an unimaginable rate.
You have to focus. Break it down, piece by piece. Don’t let it overwhelm you.
Easier said than done,” Giuliano muttered through gritted teeth, struggling to catch his breath. The pain was intense, but he knew he had to endure it. He closed his eyes, trying to compartmentalize the flood of information, breaking it into manageable fragments.
Okay, breathe. Just breathe. You can do this.
Slowly, he began to organize the influx of knowledge, understanding the basics of Ether and its flow. The pain in his head dulled to a throbbing ache as he opened his eyes to the ethereal landscape once more.
Giuliano looked around, seeing the energy lines more clearly now. They were beautiful and intricate, weaving a tapestry of power that connected everything in the world.
“This... this is incredible,” he whispered, awe-struck by the beauty and complexity of the Etheric web.
Giuliano managed to push himself up and steady his wobbly legs before hesitantly turning to look at his cats, their lifeless bodies a vivid reminder of the tragic fight. Now, with his altered vision, he saw the snarled pathways of Ether within them. Those lines appeared knotted and congested.
They didn't deserve this.
Realization settled on Giuliano. His beloved cats, innocent creatures, had been subjected to the treacherous effects of Ether. Their tiny bodies couldn't cope with the immense power, leading to a catastrophic imbalance.
It's not fair. They were just... pets. They didn't sign up for this. Neither did we.
As he neared Myst's body, an ephemeral wisp glimmered above her. It was a fragile remnant of her spirit, shimmering like a fading star. The sight made his heart constrict.
Tentatively, he reached out, hovering his hand near Myst's spirit. "Myst, I'm so sorry," he murmured, regret evident in his voice. Even in her current state, Myst tried to respond, her attempts to brush against him leaving only a chill behind.
The manual's teachings surfaced in his mind: Spirit Tethering, a method to bridge the divide between the living and the departed.
Can you really bring her back? Or is this just another false hope?
Gathering his resolve, Giuliano delved into the manual’s teachings. There were various methods to tether spirits—ancient rites, spoken pacts, sheer force of Ether—but he gravitated toward one in particular. It was an approach that relied on the unique powers bestowed upon him by the manual, a method that promised a harmonious bond, and the only way accessible to him right now.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
As Giuliano surveyed his unmarred skin, he took a moment to steel himself. "Come on, it's just like in the movies," he murmured, trying to rally his spirits. He took a deep breath, then hesitantly brought his palm to his mouth and bit down. The initial sting was sharp, making him flinch as the skin broke and a warm, coppery taste flooded his mouth.
Keep going.
Each subsequent bite became more arduous, the pain escalating with every tear. Yet, he persisted, even as the metallic taste grew stronger and more pungent. The sensation was a peculiar blend of anguish and determination.
The sight of his blood, vibrant and unmistakably red, was oddly grounding. Drawing his bloodied hand close to Myst, her spirit seemed captivated, drawn to the scent. As she lapped at the blood, it clung to her like suspended raindrops in a snowstorm, shimmering briefly before being absorbed, creating a delicate bond. This connection, reinforced by his Ether, served as an anchor, stopping her spirit from drifting into oblivion.
He felt the bond solidify, a warmth spreading through his hand and into Myst’s spirit. It was a fragile thread, but it was real. "Stay with me, girl," Giuliano whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
You have now taken your first step into the path of Immortality, as an inaugural boon you’re given a foundational ability
Cultivation
Spirit Harmony
Facilitate Ether harmonization between yourself and your bonded spirits, creating a level of intuitive communication.
Auxiliary
Spirit Echo
Channel the essence of your bond spirit to fortify yourself or an ally, temporarily bestowing upon them the unique attributes and abilities of your bond spirit.
Combat
Soulbound Strike
Channel Ether into a potent, decisive strike, where the attributes of the attack are significantly influenced by the nature and strength of your bonded spirit.
Assorted
Beast Whisper
Establish a profound rapport with wild or unbound spirits, making it easier to approach, communicate with, or soothe them.
Assorted
Essence Enhancement
Enhance the inherent abilities of your bonded spirits through a synergistic flow of Ether, unlocking new or amplified effects.
"[Spirit Harmony], [Spirit Echo]... [Soulbound Strike]." He murmured, considering each one. But his gaze paused and his lips curled into a skeptical smile. "Why the sudden generosity?" he whispered to himself.
Quest Update
Show your worth, P.2
Tether all three spirits
1/3
Time Limit
5 days
Reward
Transportation to HUB-487
And... there's the catch, Giuliano thought wryly.
Myst, in her ethereal form, was momentarily distracted from her relentless pursuit of his blood as she sensed the change in his demeanor. Giuliano gave a resigned sigh, acknowledging the inevitable tasks ahead.
"Do you know where they are, Myst?" he asked, half-hoping her to have some innate knowledge.
Her feline-shaped spirit stared at him for a long minute, before trying to bite his finger, a playful but futile gesture that he couldn't help but wonder how much she truly understood.
Well, at least she's still got some fight in her.
"We're going to need every bit of help we can get." He looked around, the stillness of the forest pressing in on him. His gaze settled on the paths of energy, the intricate web of Ether that connected everything. Maybe there’s a way to use this.
You think you can just stroll around and hope to stumble on them? his inner voice mocked.
"Better than standing here doing nothing," Giuliano retorted, determination hardening his voice. He looked down at Myst, her spirit now shimmering faintly beside him. "Let's start moving."
Walking aimlessly it is, then. At least it's not standing aimlessly.
As he moved through the forest, Giuliano focused on the energy lines, trying to discern any anomalies or disturbances that might indicate the presence of Pounce or Whisker. The knowledge from the manual helped guide him, the concepts of Ether and its flow gradually becoming more intuitive.
"Keep an eye out for anything unusual," he told Myst, knowing full well she couldn't respond verbally but hoping she understood. Her ethereal form seemed to pulse with a soft light, as if acknowledging his words.
Six days to find them, huh? His inner voice mused. We better get a move on.
Giuliano’s steps were cautious yet purposeful, the weight of his task pressing on his shoulders. The forest seemed to whisper around him, the leaves rustling in a language only the Ether could translate.
You’ve got a plan, right? Or is this just another one of your brilliant improvisations?
"I’ll figure it out as I go," Giuliano muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs.
Then let’s hope our luck turns around.
Despite the inner voice's cynicism, Giuliano felt a spark of hope. The bond with Myst, fragile as it was, had given him a sense of purpose. As long as he had that, he knew he could keep moving forward.
"We'll find them," he said aloud, more to reassure himself than anything. "We have to."
One step at a time. That’s all we can do.
***
Exhaustion made Milly's arms shake, hunger pangs ate at her like a million starving termites. Before she could catch her breath, a strange energy coursed through her, its intensity overloading her senses and stirring nausea.
Hunger swiftly retreated, leaving only a faint trace. Her muscles, sore and torn, now buzzed with a prickling warmth as the energy knitted her wounds together, easing the pain with an itchy fervor.
"This is worse than bathing in poison ivy," she muttered, her insides itching, the sensation flowing from her heart to her teeth. Trying to distract herself from the feeling, she urged the manuals back into being.
The first tome, Bubbly Bullet, materialized with a burst of effervescent light. The cover was vibrant, adorned with whimsical illustrations of bullets spiraling into laughter-filled clouds.
Bubbly Bullet
Embrace a path of detachment, where joy and laughter infuse your shots. In the pursuit of immortality, find strength in euphoria, allowing each bullet fired to resonate with the power of lighthearted abandon.
Next, Gunslinger's Gale appeared, enveloped in a swirling vortex of wind. The tome's cover depicted a lone gunslinger standing against a tempest, the pages rustling as if alive with the breath of the breeze.
Gunslinger's Gale
Combine the spirit of a gunslinger with the force of the wind, using the storm of lead and the wisdom of the breeze to march toward eternity.
The third tome, Bulletweaver’s Ballet, emerged with an elegant glow. The cover depicted bullets choreographed in a harmonious dance, weaving intricate patterns.
Bulletweaver’s Ballet
Weave destiny with precision shots in a dance of fate, crafting your path to ascendancy with the rhythm of gunfire.
Thunderous Trailblazer appeared next, crackling with the energy of a brewing storm. The cover was emblazoned with lightning strikes and roaring thunderclouds.
Thunderous Trailblazer
Unleash the storm with each trigger pull, merging the power of thunder with unyielding determination on your quest for immortallity.
Gunpowder Epiphany appeared next, its aura burning with intense clarity. The cover depicted a serene figure standing in the midst of an explosion,
Gunpowder Epiphany
Discover enlightenment with each shot, as the gunpowder's blaze reveals the path to immortality through understanding and power.
Phantom hunger pangs lingered as Milly eyed the screen floating in front of the tomes, the itchiness slowly fading to a backdrop sensation that was gradually dissipating.
While mulling over the short texts, Milly couldn't help but touch the carcass she had been lying on. Contrary to her expectations, the body didn't vanish—instead, it lay there, its eye leaking dark blood. "Not very video-game-like."
Jumping, she distanced herself from the overpowering smell of death. "Come on. You did it, now it's supposed to get easier," she whispered, the words a quiet reassurance as she collapsed under a tree.
The array of options unfolded before Milly, each one a promise of power and a new destiny. They were beacons in the aftermath, temporarily pulling her away from the grim reality that clung to her like the dirt on her skin.
Alright, Milly, think. She looked at the first tome, Bubbly Bullet. The concept intrigued her—cultivating happiness and joy sounded almost too good to resist. The bald-headed image of Uncle Bob appeared in her mind. Always laughing, making light of everything. He used to tell her, 'Laughter's the best medicine, kiddo. Keep smiling, even when it hurts.' But the persistent image of turning into some manic pixie stereotype nagged at her.
Gunslinger's Gale seemed ripped right from a video game, infusing wind magic into her bullets—a mix of high-speed agility and raw power. It reminded her of her cousin Jake, who loved playing as the rogue in their tabletop games. 'Always be quick, Milly,' he'd say, 'Strike fast, move faster.' But the thought of relying on wind magic didn't strike a chord with her.
Then there was Bulletweaver’s Ballet. It offered an enigmatic appeal, a dance with destiny promising a poetic journey. Her mother used to tell her stories of an old hunter who once sought to weave his fate with the spirits of the forest. He paid a heavy price, losing his family to the very fate he tried to control. Do I really want to risk that?
Thunderous Trailblazer had a certain shock factor. She could almost feel the electric buzz of conjuring storms with her gunfire. It reminded her of the lightning storms she'd watch with her father on their porch. 'Nature's raw power,' he'd say, 'Harness it, and you can do anything.' But the sheer destructiveness of it felt too overwhelming.
Gunpowder Epiphany seemed straightforward enough: shoot and learn, learn and shoot.
Weighing her options, Milly found herself torn. Bubbly Bullet promised happiness in battle, but she feared becoming a joke. Bulletweaver’s Ballet offered dancing with fate, but the price could be too high.
In the end, the prospect of finding joy and strength in every shot, especially in the face of an unknown, tipped the scales. With a deep breath, she reached out and chose Bubbly Bullet. "Let's fight with a real smile," she whispered, hoping this path would lead her to a brighter future.
Quest Update
Show your worth, P.2
Take the first step of cultivation.
Time Limit
5 days
Reward
Transportation to HUB-487
No sooner had the quest materialized, than a sharp pang spiked through her head, like a nail hammered into her skull, leaving a lingering ache and a flood of fresh knowledge. The entire framework of the first realm was suddenly imprinted in her consciousness.
A twinge of regret mingled with her excitement as she took in the names and the process laid out before her.