I woke up blearily and grumpy, thanks in part due to the flashing blue in my vision. I groaned, turning around to find the wreckage of my room. My monitors were utterly destroyed, cracked and smoking. Then my heart dropped.

"No. No, no, no! Of all the days!" I cursed. The PrismScape was a smoking wreck. The system I had spent so long saving for utterly destroyed. Ten thousand spec, wasted.

My heart felt heavy and I sat there in sadness for as long as I could before the flashing demanded my attention. "What the hell is that?" I said turning only to find nothing there. The flashing shifted with my eyes.

"Ugh. That got me worse than I thought." I went out of my room, holding a hand to my eye. Blinking it away didn't help.

The rest of my house was untouched. Save for anything electronic. Lightbulbs blackened the fire retardant wood surrounding their sockets. Every wall socket was fried. And it even looked like the fridge was broken. The TV was ruined too.

"Great." I shook my head, gritting my teeth. The flashing was getting on my nerves. Blue light flashed and I looked around. Must've been some residual electricity from one of the appliances. If not that, something was wrong with my eye.

"Ludus!" A voice called muffled through my walls. I recognized it and made my way to the front door.

"Dad!" I called groaning. "Something just overloaded my house's battery." I explained still trying to wipe away that goddamn flashing blue. My eye then.

My dad was slightly out of breath as he came to a stop and took in my house. "Any fires?" He said immediately. "You didn't get to see the news did you?" He said checking my house. "Are you okay, son?"

"No fires. That fire retardant coating worked, thank god." I replied. "News? Something super-related I'm guessing? Yeah, fine. Knocked out but kicking. I just got up." I answered immediately.

"Luminaire. New guy, bright as a solar flare." He grimaced. "Flew right over us. I swear I couldn't find a shadow in the Woods when he did. Our power just shut off and I had a bad feeling." He shifted his gaze to me. "Knocked out? What happened, how's your head feeling?"

"Something's wrong with my vision. I keep seeing this blue flashing." I said trying to roll my eyes in a way that might help. "Body's fine."

He gave me a once over. Venneth Silva had never been a man to let something as small as a head injury stop his son. "Come on then you should be fine for some physical labor. Let's check those solar panels. Let's hope to God they weren't fried. Let's hope your head isn't too."

That incessant blue flashing never left my eyes as I followed my dad to the back of my house. I tracked the flashing to the bottom of my vision and wondered what the hell it was.

Welcome to Character Creation, Player!

This process will take you through the initial steps in order to get you prepared for the world. This procedure will include choosing your Race, Perk, allocating your starting attributes and even choosing your starting gear! There is also an included Tutorial that you may take that will cover things such as Gear, Quests, and Combat, Any questions you may have will be answered at this time but only the most basic of answers will be given on certain satellite topics. Please use this time to your advantage!

I froze, my footsteps going silent wasn't something my dad would miss. He turned around. "Ludus? You feeling okay. You don't have to come, you can sit inside if you need to get your bearings."

My mind froze as my body did, multiple possible explanations crossed my conscious. I tested the first one.

"I'm seeing things, Dad. We're not in a game, are we?" I stared at him. "This isn't World Online, is it?"

He looked at me funny. "No son. I just came from the house. Everything's real. In the flesh." He replied slowly. "Too much time on your games? Did you have one of those headsets on when the power overloaded?" He said concerned.

At a thought, the screen went away.

Origination. The experience a supered goes through when they gain their powers for the very first time. It was often life-threatening and traumatic. Or altogether surreal and unbelievable. The emotions present varied but always shared one thing; the sheer intensity. These events ranged from so many triggers that nothing can be reliably cataloged. Fear, culminating from the threat of one's life, manifesting into super strength to save oneself. Anger, manifesting into lashing flames. Kindness and gratitude, the overwhelming feeling that became a power based on benefiting others. There were peaceful origins, yes, but they were the minority.

The circumstances of one's Origin also mattered. Surrounded by water, one might get something suitably related to the element. It wasn't always, but the connection was there. There have also been theories that the thoughts of the person during the whole event would influence their supernaturality. If one thing could be said of a super's Origin, it was that the circumstances always had a hand. There have been supers that explained their powers came from solely their intense desire for them, that feeling and dreaming was enough to be gifted with them. One can imagine the ramifications of those statements.

I think I just might've had one.

"Dad, I think I've Originated." I said dumbly. "I think you need to get Mom. We need to have a family meeting."

His eyes went wide. "What? How do you know? What is it?" He shot quickly, immediately scanning me. He slowed down and really looked at me. "What exactly happened in there?"

"Dad." I said. "Get Mom." He stared at me, before running towards their house.

I was sitting in my living room when I heard the footsteps of my parents.

"Honey!" Mom immediately hugged me. "Are you hurt? Ven said you were seeing things? I don't trust him to diagnose a dummy. Let alone our son." She said worriedly.

"I'm right here, Cura." Dad frowned, he still wasn't breathing too hard despite all the running. He turned to me only slightly miffed. "Son? Are you sure?" He cut straight to the chase.

I had been staring at the screen the entire time they were away. "I'm sure."

My living room was designed to comfortably sit the whole family and a handful of more guests. And comfortably too. The couch was plush and each of the individual chairs off to the sides were similarly so.

"You're sure you're not hurt, honey? You know how these things are. People are always hurt when they Originate. It's always damaging. Are you okay?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Mom." I said hurriedly, placating her. "I'm not injured in the slightest. That blue flashing was part of all this."

My dad adjusted himself, leaning forward in the comfy chair rather than back onto it like he normally situated himself. My mom was much the same.

"So, son, what exactly is it? I hate to say it, but you don't seem so supernatural. Can you throw us a bone? Do you have any proof? I mean, how are you so sure already?"

"It... it's some type of video game power." They stared at me disbelieving. "I'm serious. I see a screen telling me the things you'd normally see at the very start of a video game."

"Were you playing something when the super overloaded everything?" My dad asked.

"I was about to. I had everything set up too. The surge fried everything in my room. My monitors are all ruined, not to mention the PrismScape." I explained, sighing the last words. "I got shocked. I can picture it, the exact moment when all the tendrils of electricity reached for me. It knocked me out."

"Honey, the PrismScape?" She exclaimed. "Haven't I seen that on TV? That's nine-thousand spec!" She gasped. "Oh no, honey! You had that much saved up?"

"Dear, you're getting sidetracked. He has a video game power now, he can play all he wants." Dad looked at me. "What does the screen say?"

"It's character creation and maybe a tutorial." I responded, reading it.

It was a point in their favor that no matter their animosity towards video games or rather, indifference ranging to interest, in my mom's case, they both made an effort to at least be somewhat familiar with them. They did it just so they could talk about them with me. It was only one of the reasons I held my parents in such high regard.

"Well have you started?" Mom said impatiently. I blinked at that. She only rose an eyebrow at my expression.

"Dear, it's a power you can't just have him testing things will-nilly." Dad tried to sway her.

"Ven, it's character creation and a tutorial. It's completely harmless. When did you become such a worry wort?" She shot back. "Besides, he's not unsupervised."

My dad sighed, but I found the rueful smile in his expression, before he turned to me. "Go ahead, son. I know you didn't even have to tell us you Originated. I hear a lot of kids keep that stuff to themselves, no matter how life-changing. I appreciate you let us know first thing. If something happens we'll be right here."

"Thanks guys." I nodded. "It might look like I'm zoning out for a bit, but it'll be me reading the screens."

"We get it, honey. Go ahead."

To begin we will allocate your starting attributes. These will be determined through a series of tests specific to each attribute. The function of each attribute will be revealed at the end of all testing. Keep in mind hidden attributes that are not tested are still to be discovered. You will be teleported to a secure location to carry out these tests and the rest of character creation.

Are you ready to be relocated?

"It says I'm going to be teleported somewhere to determine my starting attributes." I said, surprised. There weren't many powers that could teleport a person. Or even create private spaces.

My parents looked at each other. "A possible pocket-dimension power?" My mom asked.

"The nature of his power is surely odd. This might be a one-time thing. It's too early to tell. Powers evolve after all." My dad got up and moved to the front door before handing me my bow and quiver. "Go on, son. Hopefully, you turn up back here. I'll go check on the solar panels in the meantime."

I took them. "Thanks Dad." I said.

"Be careful, honey. I can't watch you there."

"I know, Mom." I replied knowing the worry wasn't necessary. Powers never hurt their owners. Usually. "I'm ready."

And suddenly, I was in a perfectly blank white room. I stared around, but nothing. An endless expanse of white. Not a single speck of dust or dirt or anything. My bow and arrow had disappeared. Despite that, a rush of excitement flowed through me. I had just teleported!

Welcome to the Testing Room!

The Testing Room will ascertain the level of all your basic attributes. A series of trials, tasks, and challenges will arise in accordance with each attribute and will determine your final results. For now, do as instructed by the Testing Room.

At first, I didn't make out what it meant by "do as instructed" until I saw the text appear like a roadway sign above me. The instructions were glaringly obvious.

Strength Test commencing. Lift your maximum weight at each station.

Odd contraptions, workout equipment of the like I had never seen before, littered the room. I only paused for a second before beginning at the first one. This one was obvious in its target; the bicep, and I was able to curl a good weight. There were too many weights to count, but it didn't look like I got tired.

It took me an hour to find my maximum on every single piece of equipment. This was in part by the fact I needed to understand the technique of some of the more odd exercises. In the end, I felt I made a good showing.

Strength Test concluded.

Constitution Test commencing. Subject yourself to each station as you see fit. As the nature of this test is harmful to both body and mind please do not push yourself.

Various scenes replaced the weights. All some type of torture. The first was a small needle. If the nature of the test wasn't so obvious I'd be confused. I pricked my finger and drew blood with the needle.

Looking around, I shrugged. All I could do was move on. A knife to the palm. I gritted my teeth at the pain, prior knowledge assured me the damage wouldn't be repaired. But I felt that it was an aspect of this test. What followed was a number of tortures that I subjected myself to, trusting this Testing Room to not leave any lasting injuries. This was about testing my limits, not maiming me. Eventually, I came to a station with a giant rock, the instructions were simply to hold it as long as you could. I lasted ten minutes.

One was to strike a stone wall as long and as much as I could. My calloused hands allowed me to do this a small number of times until I had to pull my back my punches as to not seriously injure myself. I stood under a waterfall for one of the tests. Managing a longer time than I did holding the rock. Another station to get shot by rubber bullets, I managed to stay for close to a hundred of those.

Constitution Test concluded.

Dexterity Test commencing. Complete the obstacle course.

A small pathway over a pool of water greeted me. I instantly began running, feeling at ease on my feet. My injuries had left me and my hand gripped the first handhold, climbing up the rock wall and dropping down the other side. I crawled under barbed wire and jumped over hurdles. I balanced over an even thinner path, before darting between circular hoops.

"A bow. Let me show off. I can shoot on the move too." Targets littered the obstacle course and I felt my bow in my hand. "That's more like it." I grinned.

I reached behind me and nailed three targets in the span of three seconds, all while on the move. The obstacle course was just about to reach its end, but then the path extended.

I was running again, dashing through various more convoluted paths, aiming at moving targets and stashing my bow when necessary. There were points where I was hanging oddly that a target appeared. My time in the trees gave me a good foundation to act upon, and I was able to shoot that target as well.

Dexterity Test concluded.

Intelligence Test commencing. Answer all questions directed towards you.

Again, the room wiped itself and I was left refreshed and without bow. A single desk appeared with a pen and paper. I sat down and looked at it. Various logical questions and puzzles. They ranged from picture puzzles to word problems to finding which didn't fit based on a set of images. It was your typical IQ test.

Then the questions became weird. "What is one possible reagent you use in the summoning of a Greater Demon?" I blinked. "Is this a real question? If there's an answer... then that means." I left the question blank.

There were high-level math questions that I wasn't able to answer, but some practical technological questions I did answer. There were some particularly about electronics and engineering that didn't have any written component to them that I felt confident on.

Intelligence Test concluded.

Wisdom Test commencing. Simply talk with the old man.

"Hello there, player." A voice to my right spoke, slowly and frail.

I was in a park, facing a pond. Sitting.

The scenery was startingly peaceful. I got my bearings instantly. "Hello. Your name is?" I asked.

"My name is Pien." He answered.

"Ludus." I responded.

"Would you mind if I began?" Pien asked.

"Would you mind if we rested a moment? None of the spots in the Woods that look like this are anywhere near me." I spoke sincerely. I almost forgot where I was, taking a test, and was about to take back my question.

"Ah. Sometimes it's wise to take in the beauty of the world. It is healthy for the soul, you know." Pien spoke before I could. "People sometimes move too fast, they miss the joyous things in the world of the slow."

I nodded, understanding where he came from. The people in the city don't often get to see the beauty of nature of which I'm so familiar with. All they ever see are the streets of Wildrest, and they're not always the cleanest thing.

"I do this sometimes, in the Woods. In the mornings when I start my day I look at the sunlight refracting off the dew of the morning grass." I said softly. "It sparkles just like that pond, you'd think you were looking at a puddle."

"What would you do with all the power in the world, Ludus?" He asked me.

"I'd make myself comfortable. I'd have fun. Make sure my family and friends are safe and they have everything they could ever want." The reply was honest. Daydreaming about ultimate power was something I did often.

"Oh? And what about the rest of the people?"

"I'll help them where I can, but they aren't my problem are they? If I had an obligation, a duty, then I would."

"An honest man is a happy man. But can any of us truly know ourselves until the time actually comes that our principles are tested?"

"No. But that is where I stand." I said.

"I have enjoyed our talk, Ludus."

"Goodbye, Pien."

Wisdom Test concluded.

Charisma Test commencing. Have a conversation.

I was in a coffee shop sitting alone. There were other people sitting by themselves either in nice armchairs or small tables like I was. The scent of fresh coffee filled the air pleasantly. It seems I was on my phone, minding my own business. The charger of which was plugged into the wall beside me.

I spotted an empty armchair between two guys. Well, I was supposed to talk, wasn't I? I got up from my nice table to sit between them. Their looks were skeptical at first so I took out my charger. "Sorry." I chuckled. "Needed a socket." I plugged in the cable to the wall socket nearby.

"Ah, no worries. Was wondering why you left the table. It'd be nice to have a table to work on." The man to my right said. "I never get one here." It was small talk, but it was talk.

"I only got here thirty minutes after opening and it was the last spot." I said. "I come here to study all the time. It's such a nice atmosphere don't you think?" I looked into his bag. A laptop with a marble case.

"It is." He replied with a knowing look. "The smell's a plus too."

"I think I've seen you around before. Do you always come today?" I said with recognition, looking busy as I situated myself.

"Almost every day, actually." He said. "I don't recognize you." He laughed. "No offense."

"None taken. Marble laptop, right?" I said with certainty. "I could swear you always have a marble case on your laptop."

He took his laptop. "Well look at that. You're right." He laughed. "I'm Marcus, you?"

"Ludus."

Charisma Test concluded.

All Tests completed assigning basic attributes.

Assigning basic attributes.

For being able to achieve impressive results in the strength test for your weight class you have been determined to have 8 STR.

For subjecting yourself to various pain levels and endurance tests, you have been determined to have 7 CON.

For an impressive showing of on-the-move accuracy, speed, balance, and coordination while running the obstacle course you have been assigned 10 DEX.

For understanding a wide breadth of advanced principles to at least some degree and nearly all basic and intermediate puzzles and logic questions you have been assigned 8 INT.

For demonstrating a deep understanding of the present as well as yourself you have been assigned 7 WIS.

For being able to engage in a small inconsequential conversation with a stranger you have been assigned 6 CHA.

The room was now blank again and all I had to interact with were the screens floating in my vision. I decided voicing my desire would be the simplest method of communicating.

"Can I get a description of each stat and some perspective for what these numbers mean?" I said aloud, somehow trusting the blue screen to understand.

My testing seemed to have gone well. Nothing was drastically low, in fact, most of my statistics were what I'd call high. It all depended on what exactly the numbers meant. I needed a reference point.

Attributes

Strength (STR) determines the physical power you can muster. The force you can apply. It is the quality or state of being physically strong.

Constitution (CON) refers to the body. It is the physical state with regard to health, vitality, and endurance. It measures stamina and the body's ability to last.

Dexterity (DEX) measures agility, balance, coordination, and reflex. It is the mastery of the body by the one who controls it. It is nimbleness and agility, speed and control.

Intelligence (INT) encompasses deductive reasoning, knowledge, memory, logic, and rationality. It is the magical power one can muster. The quality or state of being magically strong. It is one's mental strength.

Wisdom (WIS) measures self-awareness, common sense, restraint, perception, and insight. It is the rationale that directs a person's effort. It is not only experience and knowledge, but the good judgment that comes as consequence. It is the control and mastery over magic. It is one's mental prowess.

Charisma (CHA) measures force of personality, persuasiveness, leadership, and successful planning. It is the inexplicable magnetism that gathers attention. It is the ability to interact with others.

For reference, peak human in any attribute is 10. Anything above is considered to be superhuman. While these attributes are assigned here in accordance with your performance these may be increased through a variety of methods.

That meant my dexterity was at peak performance. My hand-eye coordination, agility, reflex, and balance was above any non-super. That also meant my other stats weren't half bad, at the least, they were above average if we assumed average was 5.

I flexed my hand. I had never thought to quantify myself into numbers despite my love for games. I had a moment of disconnect feeling as if suddenly I had become an avatar of myself. Somehow the numbers were flattering, was I truly that much above average?

It made sense that if I were to implant myself into a game my physical stats would be above most. I've spent my whole life doing physical work, and not the typical kind either. Hunting, gathering, building my house, even getting to the city was a decent workout. I doubted anyone my age had a similar routine.

I did stare at intelligence and wisdom in particular though. "Magic." I said dumbly, repeating what I had read. Their descriptions had them written right there. That meant only one thing.

It was undeniably superhuman to control forces arcane. Mystical and mysterious. And these attribute descriptions meant it was possible for me. I nearly froze at the implications. World Online left my memories, dust to the wind, forgotten. This was real. Why escape when I had it all before me? When the possibilities blossomed like a delicate rose in every direction?

Suddenly, everything became less disorienting. My resolution was firm. I knew what I wanted, even if it didn't make sense given my attributes. I could pull it off.

I wanted to do magic. I wanted it to be real.

Now we shall move on to Race selection. There are near-infinite Races to choose from and your choice here may very well affect your entire experience continuing forward. This choice is permanent. Although Race changes exist they are extremely rare so do not rely on them.

Your Race has the potential to determine an entire playstyle or specialization. It may provide blanket boosts or specific bonuses. This all depends on which you choose. They may have crippling drawbacks but powerful advantages. You may decide to simply have your Race supplement your weaknesses, or enhance your strengths. The possibilities are endless and careful planning is encouraged. This is not a choice to make lightly.

A number of Races conducive to popular playstyles that align with your attributes have been initially provided. You may narrow or broaden this selection as you see fit.

Please select your Race.

Immediately my vision lit up with choices. They were each tailored specifically to some of the standard classes in most RPGs. In front of me, where once there was blank white, a variety of people stood. They were statues, representations of the choices I had before me. Frozen in beautiful motion.

"Amazing." I breathed, approaching.

The first was a man larger than my dad. Two battle axes in each hand he was frozen in a ferocious leap. Teeth were replaced with fangs and his eyes were filled with bloodlust. Stripes ran down smooth fur.

[Beastborn]

The Beastborn are a tribal people that inherit the traits of their partner spirit. They are a physically hardy Race and thrive in combat and skirmish. Weapon mastery and combat rituals are common in their culture, their young learning battle at a young age.

Effects:

+10% combat effectiveness

+7 STR

+7 CON

+7 DEX

"For the warrior." I said, in awe. This one was obviously a Race tailored for physical combat. The increase in combat effectiveness was a powerful thing if I thought about how encompassing the word "combat" truly was. Any time there would be a battle you were 10% more effective.

I admired the statue for longer than I cared to admit but ultimately moved on. There were many more to see.

The second was a smaller figure. He was impossibly low to the ground. Somehow his feet were kept under him as the knives to either side fanned outward. The cloak he wore just barely covered ashen skin and the floor was littered with gold coins.

[Shan]

The [Shan] are a Race shunned from cities. Their propensity for stealing shiny things and retaliating violently to opposition make them a nightmare to deal with. Their general slipperiness makes this even more so. It is said their ashen skin is their eternal punishment for trying to steal the very fire from the Earth.

Effects:

+Skill: [Stealth]

+Trait: [Mottled Shadowskin]

+5 DEX

"For the thief or rogue." I said, humming. I filed the small hints at both Traits and Skills.

It wouldn't do to look drastically different. I still wanted to keep my own appearance, as much of it as was reasonable of course. Often, people that come into their powers are significantly altered cosmetically. Glowing eyes, some alteration to the skin, hair was a popular change, and in some of the more rarer cases, the very air surrounding someone or new limbs or altered limbs. And, truthfully, those weren't even the start of it.

I had the potential for all of that it seemed. But I didn't want to be identified as a super. If there was a possibility I could blend in with the masses, I wanted it.

My curiosity got the better of me and I still read through the initial choices admiring each statue but I wiped them away and left only the suggestion for the spellcaster. I took in every detail of him.

He was a robed man frozen in the act of gathering energy into his palm. In his other hand, a heavy tome shifting with arcane symbols. His mouth was still, but the ferocity in his chant, the anger, and the focus in his crystal clear eyes was striking. He was calling upon forces larger than I. Despite this, he looked more than human, taller, regal, refined. And to some extent, arrogant.

[Aharad]

A Race of an untainted bloodline close to the elements. The [Aharad] command the power of the elements with a natural mastery cultivated through generations of mastery. The mysteries of the elemental magics are little mystery to them.

Effects:

+Skill : [Elemental Magics]

+7 INT

+7 WIS

My heart raced at the description. "[Elemental Magics] being specifically categorized as such means there are more types." I said to myself, excited. Then, I remembered what I wanted. "Broaden selection to all humanoid Races with some type of bonus to magic."

I watched as the entire white room populated with statues. Then paused at the endless ocean of them. "I'm never going to get anything done with this many choices." Nonetheless, I moved. My curiosity, endless as the ocean before me.

I came up to the first one and could immediately tell I wasn't looking at anything human. He had green scales covering his entire body. He'd be immediately recognizable as something more than human. I shook my head.

"Narrow selection to Races specializing in some type of magical aspect that are indistinguishable or nearly indistinguishable from a human."

My selection became much more manageable. "Include the [Human] Race too." Another statue appeared in front of me.

This one was simply me. I was running in front of myself, a still statue given life. I recognized the moment too. It was the dexterity test. The bow in my hand and arrow nocked, it was somewhat eerie to look at but a good representation of what someone was capable of. There was an intense focus in my eyes, a burning point where my target was.

[Human]

[Humans] are people capable of great adaptability. They are a people that change drastically depending on circumstance. While they are capable of great kindness so too are they of great cruelty.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Effects:

+3 to All Attributes

+15% increase in all Skill progression

"Pretty safe option then. Flat bonuses to attributes are generally not as good though." I said to myself. "Though that Skill progression increase is nice. A jack of all trades type of choice." I moved on.

The next statue was clad in robes, a recurring theme, but he held a scepter in his hands as tall as he was. He looked no different from anyone regular person I met, but in those robes and with that stance I would've thought him something more. Power was hidden in his eyes, ready to be released. He didn't look shy to do so either.

I read the screen that popped up and was uninterested. This one had a focus on fire-based magic in particular and it wasn't immediately apparent, but the temperature surrounding them was always uncomfortably hot. And I lived in a wooden house.

I moved through my selection in this way bookmarking potential candidates and removing those that didn't interest me or that I didn't think was viable.

I wanted something tangible and unique. There were any number of supers who could conjure fire, control water, and so many more that could reproduce what in video games we'd consider magic. I wanted something that was at a level of mysticality above even that.

I paused at one, tilting my head at it.

"Well, I don't think I know any that can do that. This might work." I paused looking at him. At the very least, it was a good start. "If I had to label myself, I'd be an archer or a warrior. This might make sense in the typical RPG fashion. I'd either need something to keep things off of me, or have something watching my back."

It was a person with a smile on his face. Of all the ones I'd looked at so far, the smile of this man was so genuine I could do nothing but become drawn to him. It was genuine joy, one of those rare smiles that crinkled the eyes. His was a face wrinkled with happiness every crease in his face when folded could only ever result in the kindest of smiles. Around him, little puppets were dancing, simple creations. But behind him, a mannequin as animated and happy as he, stood beside him like an old friend.

[Vivalef]

The [Vivalef] are a Race talented in rare magic. Once lifeless, they were given the breath of new life and the opportunity to bestow it to others. The [Vivalef] seek to experience life for what it is, all the ups and all the downs, and in doing so make their creations all the more lively.

Effects:

+Skill: [Animation]

+Ability: [Animate]

+5 INT

+5 CHA

The bonuses caught my eye and gave me a few hints to think about. Given the [Vivalef's] propensity for animating I'd guess charisma had some role to play in the process while intelligence was simply a staple. As it happened, charisma was my lowest stat, but it still wasn't terrible. I didn't care too much for the lack of it though, I was assured stats could be raised after all.

As for the first two bonuses.

"Can I ask what the difference between a Skill and Ability is?"

Skills encompass a certain expertise, mastery, or profession. They signify your competence in them and offer bonuses to actions that fall within them. From them, Abilities are manifested.

Abilities are derived from Skills. They are generally active actions you can take. It is a specific effect, attack, or spell you can instantiate. Abilities can also take the form of passive effects that its Skill does not specifically benefit.

For example, while [Fire Mastery] covers your control of fire. The Ability [Fire Blade] might be derived from it and thus have a more specialized effect. It might be unlocked by repetitively coating your sword in fire, or creating a sword from fire. Thus an ability would form.

Skills and Abilities are both difficult to unlock and thus beginning with a Skill is highly valued. Skills represent a certain level of intimacy with an expertise, mastery, or profession and are only awarded when such is recognizable. Abilities follow Skills and can encompass even more specific circumstances such as [Fire Blade].

You may not discover any further details of any Skills or Abilities in character creation.

So a Skill was the umbrella, though specialized, and an Ability was something of an active power to be used. Like using a [Fireball] or something of the sort. And I was already starting with two!

"I choose the [Vivalef]." I said with sureness. My next questions were how [Animation] and [Animate] worked but that last line of the message dashed away all hope of that. An electric sensation ran through me, and I realized after all this initiation I probably wouldn't miss the PrismScape too much.

Next, you may choose a single Perk to round out your initial character. A Perk is solely beneficial to the player and is rarely given out save for character creation. You are allowed to choose among a large variety of Perks some of which may change your very way of living. Treat this Perk choice as you would choosing your Race.

An initial selection of Perks has been provided.

Please select a Perk.

I took my time reading the screen, understanding that the warnings that it gives aren't without weight. It seemed like Perks were a powerful thing, and I'd be stupid not to treat them as such.

I looked at my choices.

[Lifegiver]

You are one who understands the complexities of living beings. The question of what makes something alive is no large secret for you. The beings you bless with the breath of life take the deepest of inhales.

Effects:

+20% to animated intelligence

+20% to animated vividness

It seemed this one would affect the things I brought to life through [Animate]. "So they have Perks this specific huh?" I filed away that knowledge.

This one seemed interesting but I wasn't immediately certain of what exactly those percentages meant. I didn't know if the given percentages were a significant amount in the context of animated things. I put it on hold.

[Powershot]

You have trained with the bow your entire life. The intricacies of its form are easy for your fingers to find. When your arrow lands true, it does so with an undeniable impact.

Effects:

+30% damage with the bow

This one was simply boring to me. I barely gave it a glance. The fact it sensed my proficiency with the bow was very intriguing, however. "So there are Perks for specifics weapons then." I noted to myself.

[Magical Aptitude]

Understanding the secrets of the universe has always been your dream. The mysteries of the arcane are what any young scholar dreams of unlocking. You, more than others, have the tendency to glimpse through the haze and witness the arcane for what it is.

Effects:

+15% to the learning of magic

I nearly decided then and there. But something stopped me. Call it a sixth sense, but usually, the best benefits came from things that were more specialized. A 15% bonus to learning all magic was indeed impressive, but was there something better than even that?

"Include all Perks relating to magic." I said.

And then an endless list appeared before me. I wanted to get my bearings before I narrowed my search so I browsed through them at my leisure. We had [Dark Sense] which allowed me to sense shadows, interesting. [Calm Mind] let me regenerate mana at a faster rate. I read that again.

"Of course, mana. I almost forgot. With spells and magic there'd have to be mana." I smacked my head. It looked like mana and health weren't explicitly stated to be affected by any particular stat though. I scratched my chin. "Let's see then what else do we have here."

[Augmented Flames], [Frostborn], [Ambidextrous], the list went on. Most of them were left field of what I wanted. A lot of them were focused on particular magic or magical effect and since I didn't really know what I was looking for, I just kept looking.

I browsed while my mind thought on supers. There were too many powers to count but I thought I might as well try my best. What would be best to counteract most powers? Certain protections were already crossed out, there were too many powers and too much variety to reliably shield against. Physical attacks were the most common but there were more mundane ways to protect oneself from that. The real problems were the energies, some of which scientists can't even classify, that supers produce. Barring those, I knew some supers used poison or acid, others had their own control over more exotic elements.

More than that, some even attacked the mind. Others were centuries ahead in the way of technological advancement. "Yeah, protections shouldn't be a priority. There'd be too much to worry about that way."

I needed to stay hidden. An upfront fight was in the enemy's favor the majority of the time. At least for the early game. That was why avoiding most fights would probably be my best bet.

I smiled. "Early game? I really am treating this like a game." To my credit, I didn't lose myself in the excitement I was so obviously feeling. I gave it actual thought. "Still makes sense." I shrugged.

Later on, I might be able to face more powerful supers if it ever comes to it. But before then, and truthfully, even when I could take them I'd probably want some way to avoid detection. Yes, I was fully planning on exploring my new world. That meant this character creation process was all the more important.

Besides, I didn't need to protect myself against something I didn't even fight.

"Show me all the Perks related to hiding my presence."

[Fogblood]

The Mists of Mexi are imbued within your blood. The famous Mists of Mexi delusion and disorient but bound to your blood they serve only one purpose. You are able to excite these mists causing your body to become invisible and undetectable.

Effects:

+Become invisible and undetectable for 10 MP/Sec

[Hider]

Standing completely still allows you to blend in with your environment at a level unprecedented. In this way, you are able to avoid detection seamlessly. While in this state, only the most powerful and targeted forms of detection will reveal you.

Effects:

+Stand still to become undetectable

[Low Profile]

You are immune to unwarranted magical and technological scrying. Enemy abilities, spells, or equipment that reveal your location are negated. Your presence can only be detected by the physical eye.

Effects:

+Immune to unwarranted means of impersonal detection

These were the three that stood out to me. Immediately, [Fogblood] caught my eye as it would be the equivalent of literally erasing myself from someone's view, but thinking on it, I felt [Hider] and [Low Profile] might've had more merit.

With [Hider] all I would have to do would be breaking initial sight and then finding a hiding spot. Additionally, it'd be the perfect Perk for a spellcaster, one who'd likely want to stay in one position and let the things I animate do the work.

Looking at [Low Profile] intrigued me though. It was a powerful form of blanket stealth. While it did nothing for me in the heat of battle, it gave me advantages outside of it. And isn't that what I wanted? To keep a low profile? While I didn't really know whether or not supers constituted "magic" dodging the technological aspect of detection was enough for me to decide.

"I choose [Low Profile]."

Finally, you have the choice of your starting equipment. While generally this equipment is not expected to last you very long, it is an important springboard. Several sets are available to you in accordance with your choices and performances through this process so far.

Please select your starting equipment.

They appeared before me and I was most piqued by the mannequin which held a staff. Apparently, it was the [Animator's Set] and conferred a bonus to the things I animated. The only other of note was the [Hunter's Set] which was exactly what is sounded like. The rest were very basic equipment sets that had no particular focus though were strong in themselves. I leaned towards the focused sets, however.

"This one." I said.

"Honey? So quick? Your father just left." Mom's voice suddenly broke my solitude. She was sitting almost exactly as she was when I left. "Your clothes!" She exclaimed.

I looked down. They weren't robes, actually. It was a baggy outfit, hanging perhaps in a way reminiscent of robes, but the sleeves and pants were their own thing. Despite this, it was snug and airy. Very comfortable. They were dark green like the color of moss, but somehow that only made it more vibrant than the brightest of its shade.

The staff I held was carved of wood like none I had ever seen. It was entirely magnificent to me, smooth, sturdy, and again, filled with life. Where a grip might be, soft grass grew right there on the wood, affording me friction to hold it steady.

On my finger, a small sparkling ring.

"Should we call him back?" I asked. "He might want to see this."

"Let him check the solar panels, honey. Those things were expensive, you know. We can't just leave them unattended if they're broken."

My vision flashed blue again and I realized finally what it was. A notification. With a thought, I was able to open it. "I have a notification."

She nodded.

The Tutorial will cover the basics of your Status, Equipment, Skills, Abilities, Quests, and Combat. You may opt-out of taking the Tutorial. The Tutorial will take place at your current location.

Would you like to take the Tutorial?

Yes. I mentally affirmed.

Begin by opening your Character Sheet or Status. You may do this by saying or thinking Status. Here, all of your details will be listed neatly for you to see. Your Name, Race, Level, Attributes, Titles, Perks, Traits, Skills, and Abilities will all be contained within. In addition, here is where you allocate stat points upon level up.

I did so and immediately a wealth of information appeared before me. Everything I had been doing so far was listed succinctly for me to see. I could immediately see the effects that my Race [Vivalef] had on my stats or attributes, I felt the terms were interchangeable. Not only that, I was able to see the current effects I had on my person such as what [Low Profile] afforded me.

It turned out that Titles and Traits existed as well. Moreso, it looked like I actually had some.

Name: Ludus Silva

Race: [VIvalef]

Level: 1 (0/100) Titles: [Basebuilder]

Traits: [Woods Man]

Perks: [Low Profile]

STR: 8

CON: 7 DEX: 10

INT: 13

WIS: 7 CHA: 11

Skill: [Animation] 1

  Abilities: [Animate] 1

Skill: [Bow Mastery] 1

  Abilities: [Cleanshot] 1

Skill: [Construction] 1

  Abilities: [Woodcarve] 1

Character Effects:

[Vivalef]: +5 INT, +5 CHA

[Basebuilder]: +20% increase in function to [Home's] facilities

[Woods Man]: +10% increase in movement while in [The Woods] , +25% increase in food harvested from [The Woods] , +10% increase in combat effectiveness in [The Woods]

[Low Profile]: +Immune to unwarranted means of impersonal detection

[Animation]: +1 to Max Number of [Animated] , +1% increase in quality of [Animated]

[Bow Mastery]: +1% damage with the bow , +1% accuracy with the bow

[Robes of the Animator]: +3% increase in [Animated] vivacity , +2% increase in [Animated] intelligence

[Ring of the Animator]: +2% in [Animated] strength , +2% in [Animated] dexterity , +2% in [Animated] constitution

[Staff of the Animator]: +7% effectiveness in [Animate] , +5% in animated intelligence

[Bow of Silva]: +10% damage ,+10% increase in resources from kills made in [The Woods]

[Animator's Set Bonus]: +1 to all [Animated] attributes

My eyes roamed across my entire character sheet. The Skills and Abilities surprised me. It happened that my proficiency with the bow was actually recognized. As well as my skills in construction. They took the forms of [Bow Mastery] and [Construction] and I even got a few Abilities to go with them. From the looks of it though, aside from that initial recognition I wasn't freely given any levels in either.

It looked like living my entire life in the Woods allowed me to move around here much easier. I was apparently a [Woods Man] which made some kind of sense. It was a boon to move around this expanse so fast. Not to mention I'd be able to hunt for meat much easier, and the fact that doing so should theoretically be faster thanks to that combat effectiveness. Plus the fact that I was down a lot of spec.

[Basebuilder] seemed to come from having built my house myself. It conferred some bonus to the facilities of my house which I guessed encompassed any function that my house provided. I stored away the information for later, specifically the fact that my house was considered a Base. I'd have to look into what exactly that meant for me at another time.

And then, neatly, were all the effects that they had on me. Character effects I assumed were from my Race, Titles, Perks, and, Traits. It looked like even my equipment, Skills, and Abilities appeared there too. My guess was something like negative statuses or buffs would also show up there.

The [Animator's Set Bonus] must've come from what I was wearing, which made sense considering all the bonuses and effects I was reading relating to [Animation].

I decided to look them through, seeing as some of these effects came directly from them.

[Animation] 1

The breath of life exists within you. The fundamental understanding of living beings fill your magic and with it, you can breathe life where there is not.

Effects:

+1 to Max Number of [Animated]

+1% increase in quality of [Animated]

[Animate] 1

Breathe life into an object. Of all the nuance and capability of the animator, perhaps the most enjoyable and cherished moment is the obvious one, the simplicity of welcoming existence.

Effects:

+Maximum volume of [Animated]: .1m

[Bow Mastery] 1

You are proficient with the bow. Years of constant use allow you to feel the familiar intricacies of the bow, sharpening your focus to the point of an arrow. A thread of certainty connects your arrow to your target, you need only to send it.

Effects:

+1% damage with the bow

+1% accuracy with the bow

[Cleanshot] 1

A hunter's most powerful tool is the ability to kill cleanly. Hunting your whole life you're able to sense lethal, critical points through which you can effectively execute your prey. Loose an arrow whose sole purpose is the hunt.

Effects:

+1% damage while hunting

+1% more meat from kills

+1% accuracy of shot

[Construction] 1

Constant experience building a living space and structure have honed your mind to the planning and forethought required for the foundations of the craft. The ability to create something real with the honest work of your own hands. Your tools feel your determination, your drive, and work harder for it.

Effects:

+1% to construction speed

+1% to structure efficiency

[Woodcarve] 1

Specifically working with wood has allowed you the ability to understand the easiest ways to carve it. Instantly whittle, carve, peel or shave a section of wood. Create a spitting image of your mind's design.

Effects:

+Maximum carvable volume: .1m

I hummed understanding that I'd be able to create a small animated thing of 10 cubic centimeters. For now, only one. The power of my bow, as well as accuracy, was buffed. And again, it turned out that I'd be getting more resources using [Cleanshot]. [Construction] was interesting as a Skill, I was unsure how I would put it to use but [Woodcarve] at least was immediately apparent in its use. I could easily make a small statue to [Animate].

You should be able to see many aspects of your character from your character sheet. Next, begin by inspecting your Equipment or Gear, this can be done by focusing on those that you already have equipped and willing the information to appear before you.

I did as told and first examined my oddly comfortable robish clothes. The dark green attire that was soft to the touch and came with the [Animator's Set].

[Robes of the Animator] (Common)

These atypical robes are a set that is imbued with lifegiving energy. They aid in the bestowment of life while offering protection to the wearer. Their dark green color represent the vastness of all things living and the energy within them.

Effects:

+3% increase in [Animated] vivacity

+2% increase in [Animated] intelligence

Small bonuses, nothing compared to the Perks I had seen browsing. That was understandable though, Perks were supposed to be lifechanging bonuses to a playstyle. These were within my expectations for starting equipment. I held up my free hand and stared at the sparkling ring upon it.

[Ring of the Animator] (Common)

This sparkling gem contains a simple enchantment that holds the freely given moments of a person's life. With it, the Animator can more powerfully [Animate] his creations.

Effects:

+2% in [Animated] strength

+2% in [Animated] dexterity

+2% in [Animated] constitution

I smiled at the ring. For some odd reason, I felt like I was looking at something just a little alive. Like I was wearing a flower, or a small animal. It was comforting on my finger and I spent a small moment just examining it a little closer.

Next, I held up my staff.

[Staff of the Animator] (Common)

The lifegiving [Staff of the Animator]. A tool more than weapon, blooming with life and home to many exotic plants and grasses. The Animator takes energy from these vital lifeforms aiding in the genesis of something new.

Effects:

+7% effectiveness in [Animate]

+5% in animated intelligence

True to form, the staff was alive in the sense that there was indeed greenery growing on it. It was a flowing and twisty knot of a branch wherein the creases small flowers bloomed with color. A little more than halfway up its length was where the grass grew that acted simultaneously as my grip.

A general effectiveness increase in an Ability was interesting. I wondered if that meant I could exceed at giving something life. If I [Animated] something at 107% efficiency what exactly did that entail? Was it stronger?

I regarded my equipment briefly as a whole. In fact, there was actually nothing in the way of personal improvement, all these bonuses had to do with my [Animated]. That was probably just a result of the set of equipment I chose to go with though. Of note, however, was that Common tag. It seemed there was some type of Rarity system.

I didn't feel particularly different wearing these clothes but my mind felt sharper and I felt confident. It was something I attributed to the increase in both my intelligence and charisma stats.

There was, however, one thing that was still with me left to check. I took my bow off my back, holding the familiar wood between my hands. My bow, once upon a time it had been much too large for me, now it was perfect and had been so for the last few years. I stared at it intently.

[Bow of Silva] (Uncommon)

A bow crafted over the course of a month to absolute perfection. With it, the trust of a father that his son would put it to good use. A bow that encompasses the very essence of a hunter's weapon.

Effects:

+10% damage

+10% increase in resources from kills made in [The Woods]

"Woah." I said aloud. "Uncommon."

"What is it, honey?" My mom asked. She had actually moved to the kitchen and had something cooking on the stove. Despite the distance, she heard my small utterance.

"The bow Dad made me. It's like an item in a game now." I said holding it up. It felt no different than it normally did. It was the same familiar bow I had carried with me all these years. "I have a lot of bonuses to hunting around the Woods. Actually, I think it's [The Woods] now, like an actual zone. A location in a video game."

"Hmm." My mom paused in her cooking. She muttered something about the scope of powers.

My vision flashed blue once again. The telltale sign that I had a notification. Two, in fact.

Rarity reflects the difficulty of obtaining. It is representative of a thing's particular value and adeptness of function. Rarity is based on a number of factors. These include natural occurrence, existing amount, interest of said thing, value, quality, uniqueness, and a number of additional factors. The levels of Rarity are denoted with a color code. Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Exotic, Mythic, Legendary.

I noted the color-coding, understanding that my [Bow Of Silva] was no ordinary item, but far from being especially powerful or interesting. It was nice that things were rated in such a way, and idly, I wondered if my Skills and Abilities could be as well. They did not display any such information though so I'd assume it either didn't necessarily apply or was currently hidden from me.

New Quest: To Create Life and to Take it (Common)

This Tutorial's purpose is to familiarize yourself with your initial Skills and Abilities. The first step for any animator is to bring to life one of their creations. The first step for any hunter is to take the life of someone else's. Your first step will be both.

Objectives:

+Use [Woodcarve] to create something to [Animate] 0/1

+Successfully hunt any creature using [Cleanshot] 0/1

"I'm stepping outside for a bit, Mom." I told her. "I'll be off hunting for lunch."

It was that time after all. Small game would go well with whatever she was cooking on the stove. I could barely stave off my excitement. Everything I saw was in a different lens of possibility.

She looked worriedly at me, no doubt weighing the risks associated with someone with new powers. Ultimately, though she gave a short sigh. "Try for something small. I could use more meat in the stew."

She didn't see the small smile of appreciation I wore while I stepped out.

I headed to the side of my house. The attached garage, as any other home would call it, was, in fact, a workshop. There was little need for automobiles so deep in the forest, doubly so when there were no roads. None of that was pertinent, however. What was, was the fact that this was where I kept any and all wood I harvested.

I threw up the garage door, hearing the metallic clang as it slid up into place. Dust motes greeted me and they swirled briefly as the sun touched my tools.

The table was dusty but that was to be expected. I hadn't been in here for a few days. Rather than my normal routine I placed my tools aside and cleared the table. In a moment, I had a sizeable piece of wood in front of me. I was surprised at how easy moving around was in my new robes.

I held it in my hand, already picturing a perfectly blank mannequin. The wooden man in my mind was a blank slate, he had perceptible features, but only for the reason that they were there. Fingers and toes, there was little details left out save for anything truly defining. He was perfectly blank but undoubtedly inspired by the human form.

And then, I knew exactly what to do. "[Woodcarve]."

Wood whittled, peeled itself away from the block of wood I had. Swaths of it were carved away in thin wooden spirals. A fine dust of imperceptibly tiny wood chips covered the table. It was nearly instant, the type of work that would've taken me a day of dedication. It was precise, fast, and unobtrusive. Like the wood itself had just decided to take its clothes off.

"Wow, just as I envisioned him." I couldn't help but utter.

I was so entranced by it that I didn't realize what I did. Here, holding a staff and dressed in robes, I had just performed magic. And not just in a video game.

The look on my face would've said it all. It was the first time I thought of it as such, but I had a power. I was something more, a super. An enhanced. The revelation shook me to my core, and somewhere deep down I realized my life would never be the same.

I stared at my creation.

He was exactly as I imagined. The whole block of wood wasn't consumed. The little wooden man was actually inside. Taller than my finger, he did seem larger than 10 centimeters, but then I recalled it was specifically volume that was the limit. He was lightly dusted with wood, standing perfectly still.

I could picture him moving for some reason, muscles flexing and working to create something alive. Features, though blank, filling with character. Gestures, expressions, and emotions. I could see this wooden man, no larger than my finger, becoming something alive.

"[Animate]." I breathed. Wisps of soft green energy escaped my mouth. They swirled towards the man, entering his body. I witnessed a small shudder as the last of the gentle wisps disappeared.

When he emerged he was in the process of dusting off his entire body. It was like I was looking at what I designed him to be, a miniature man. His eyes, where before there was nothing but a small indentation, were undeniably taking in his surroundings. His face was near featureless, and yet, curiosity.

Then he focused on me.

"Hey there." I gave a small wave.

The little man copied my movement. His little hand came up and he waved at me silently.

Quest: To Create Life and to Take it (Common)

This Tutorial's purpose is to familiarize yourself with your initial Skills and Abilities. The first step for any animator is to bring to life one of their creations. The first step for any hunter is to take the life of someone else's. Your first step will be both.

Objectives:

+Use [Woodcarve] to create something to [Animate] 1/1

+Successfully hunt any creature using [Cleanshot] 0/1

Bringing up the Quest it looked like I completed the first part of it. My attention turned back to my creation.

"It's nice to meet you, little man." I said to him. "Want to come hunting with me?" I held out my free hand.

The wooden man responded by climbing up onto my shoulder. I placed my staff on my work table, taking my bow and quiver from their place and setting off.

The aim would be for something small so I angled my path towards where I knew would be a warren. The rabbit population there was healthy and had been a constant source of food for me.

As I walked through the woods there was a spring in my step. I would never have noticed if I wasn't intimately familiar with this environment. It wasn't until a few seconds later that I realized the peculiarity for what it was. I was moving faster. The [Woods Man] Trait was actually making me more speedy while I was here. And testing it, 10% seemed about right.

The thought of the other effects I had on me from my Trait as well as my Skills and Abilities intrigued me. Not to mention the effects of my bow too. These thoughts came to mind, but one was simply more pressing, everyone needed a name. I couldn't very well keep someone from theirs.

"How's Parvus?" I said over my shoulder, where the little man was holding onto me. He held on to my robes finding a decent grip on the dark green colors. "It means small."

He gave me a fitting thumbs up.

"Well then Parvus, it looks like we've found our hunting range." I pointed quietly. "The rabbits will come out of their tunnels every now and then to snack."

Parvus gazed through the greenery.

I stood beside a tree and my form was covered by thick shrubbery and close branches. Nevertheless, I had a perfect vantage point of the good amount of rabbits that were darting about. They loved to snack on the grass around the area and came out of their tunnels for just that.

A rabbit hopped into my targeting range. "Careful there, Parvus." I warned him as I settled into my aim. My shoulders would be moving and it wouldn't do to have my new friend fall to the floor in lieu of a first impression.

Shooting a bow was something I had lived with all my life. It was like washing your hands, or using the bathroom. An essential in the life I lived. It was putting on clothes and fixing my hair. But it was also something else entirely. My bow came down in front of me at the same time the arrow in my other hand pulled back the drawstring. In one fluid motion, both slow and sudden, the fletching was at my cheek. It was survival, in a way.

This was second nature, bordering on first nature, actually. My trajectory sought out its head, right behind the eye. But more than that, I could see something else. A better way, cleaner, succinct. A kill that was straight to the point, painless and simply business. The arrowhead I had ready seemed to be spotless, too perfectly glinting to be one that I pulled from my old quiver.

"[Cleanshot]." I said briefly, just as my arrow released with a deep thwip.

There wasn't even so much as a squeal. The rabbit, which had been hopping predictably to some long grass, simply went limp, it's momentum causing it to roll forward. "And that's how it's done Parvus."

The little wooden man seemed wowed.

Checking my status, there should've been a 36% increase in meat from this rabbit. When I approached, removing my arrow and picking up my kill there was nothing to discern there was that much extra meat. The rabbit didn't seem particularly large, in fact, I'd go so far as to say it was extraordinarily average.

=====Bunnoy Loot====

When I returned to my house and moved to the outdoor butchering table that changed. Removing the fur, skinning the creature, and harvesting the meat in the appropriate fashion yielded interesting results. At some point during the whole process, extra meat had appeared. Whether it was during the harvesting, or when I finished, I was unsure and couldn't for the life of me pinpoint exactly when it happened.

It was clear though. I had much more meat from this rabbit, much more pelt, than I should have.

I did the appropriate cleaning and headed inside with the fresh meat and laid it on the kitchen island which was generally used to prepare raw foods. "Caught lunch mom. More than I thought I did too."

"Thank you, honey." She replied, turning around. "How was the Tutorial, anything new you learned?"

"It was a small overview of my power basically. Equipment, Rarity, Quests, and I guess hunting the rabbit counted as Combat. It also went over some of the more supernatural skills. Meet Parvus." I said, placing the little man on the counter. He began to walk around, inspecting the cuts of meat I procured. "I animated him."

"My, my." She responded immediately shifting her attention. She raised a surprised eyebrow at me. "Animation? That's fairly uncommon. I can't think of a super that's made a career of it. Maybe in the past." She replied, staring. "I suppose that is a consequence of a video game ability, however."

Sometimes it slipped my mind. Wildrest was so large and expansive it was easy to forget that the amount of effort needed for an expansion of that caliber could only be paid for in the most precious of currency. Time. Wildrest was centuries old. Certain sections of the poorly planned city made it obvious while others made their inhabitants scoff at the idea.

"Hello, Parvus." She smiled, looking at the small man. "Would you like to watch me cook?" In response, Pavus simply sat at the end of the table, feet dangling. "Good. Lunch will be ready soon, honey. We'll discuss more when your father is here."

She seemed relaxed as if Originating was something so casual. The Origin of a super was said to always be life-changing. Families splinter, daily routines change, power dynamics shift, and life as they know it? Turned upside down. Except for me, I had just hunted lunch as I always had. My parents were visiting my mom was preparing the food I had just brought in. It was like any other weekend.

It seemed too normal, and I was too busy having too much fun to really put in the effort to care.

"Thanks, Mom." I said, vision flashing.

Quest Complete: To Create Life and to Take it (Common)

This Tutorial's purpose is to familiarize yourself with your initial Skills and Abilities. The first step for any animator is to bring to life one of their creations. The first step for any hunter is to take the life of someone else's. Your first step will be both.

Objectives:

+Use [Woodcarve] to create something to [Animate] 1/1

+Successfully hunt any creature using [Cleanshot] 1/1

Rewards:

+10 EXP

A part of me smiled at the small increase in EXP. It was only a tenth of the way to level 2 but my love of games bubbled to the surface and I couldn't help but become excited.

It was a suitable reward for a task that was basically using my own Skills and Abilities. I could only wonder at what other Rewards might come from something harder.

Dad walked in announcing himself by immediately updating us on the issue with the solar panels. "Good news, folks. Whatever that super hit us with, the damage to the panels was only temporary. It might've been something akin to an EMP. " He swung the door open and set aside his tools, before coming into the kitchen.

He blinked before he sat. "Cura, are you aware there is a small wooden man watching you cook?"

"I am, honey. His name is Parvus. He's Ludus' little friend." She said, not even taking the time to look over from her cooking. "He animated him. A wonderful power isn't it? Maybe we can have little helpers around the house."

"Sorry, Mom. I can only have one for now." I said quickly, before my power became a slave to them.

Dad looked baffled but regained composure when the Parvus waved at him. He waved back. "Well... what's for lunch? Is that rabbit?"

"Freshly caught." I said striding up. "I finished up going through all the introductory aspects of my power. I can [Animate] things now. Parvus is the direct result."

"That falls under video gaming?" He scratched his head. "You couldn't have gotten a less confusing power?"

"Sorry." I grinned, unashamed.

"Yes, honey." Mom replied. "Don't you remember all that reading we did? Those fantasy games have everything in it."

"It's gonna be a pain keeping track of that power, son." Dad replied, defeated. "Don't get too drunk on it. I suppose there are worse ones to Originate."

With that, we had lunch. Finally, we spoke about the ramifications of my Origination. A video game power was a novelty, and I expressed my concerns at its potential compared to other powers. My parents reminded me of the truly powerful supers that existed. I nodded, understanding that becoming something like those supers would be akin to having numerous levels and being decked out in equipment, not to mention having to sport any accompanying buffs. In short, those levels of power were far beyond me, and the effects of their powers were evident as soon as they Originated.

The rabbit paired nicely with whatever concoction of herbs and spices my mom had put into it. As usual, it was like eating a completely different rabbit. She had a knack for creating unique dishes and tastes, something I always attributed to her having lived here for so long.

It seemed that after we restarted the power of the house, and fixed some problems with the electronics governing the solar panels, we were able to siphon good old AC power from our grid, like usual. The fridge was finally losing temperature again rather than gaining it. And that was ideal since there was too much rabbit stew for us to finish in one lunch.

My parents were both equally shaken by the destruction of my room. Half of it had been lost in what looked like an explosion of electronics. Metals and plastics were strewn about blackened wood flooring, wall, and ceiling. The only reason nothing caught fire was the fact the wood was coated in fire retardant.

"You'll be fine while we check on the house?" They asked me.

"I'll be fine." I replied. "You guys don't have to come back either. I'm only a call away." Parvus, standing on my shoulder waved at them, in what was quickly becoming his signature move.

"Alright, then it's settled." Dad replied. "We'll head home and call you."

"Have some of the stew for dinner, honey. We won't be able to join you tonight. Your father and I might potentially have some things to take care of in the city later today."

"I will, Mom." I inwardly groaned. "Can I ask you two something, though?"

"Of course, son." Dad replied.

"Why are you two taking this so well?" I said, gauging their reactions. My focus was on their faces and posture. I had never imagined my parents the type to hide anything from me, but they were taking this whole ordeal in stride. For my efforts, all I gleaned was a single glance between each other.

Pulling away from their shared glance, it was my mom who replied for them. "Suffice to say we've had first row seats to our fair share of Originations." She said with a meaningful glance to my Dad. "Compared to those? Yours was laughably mundane."

Dad picked up. "That's enough, honey. You know what we've always said." He said sideways to Mom before turning to me, all seriousness. "Son, I know you're going to want to explore your powers. I'm fairly certain that's almost second nature to every super. I won't tell you not to. And maybe I could come up with a bunch of rules that you'll just break anyway. I don't want to do that though, and neither does your Mom. So we'll just sum it up like so. Don't do anything stupid."

"Eloquent, dear." Mom added, looking me up and down.

"Thank you." Dad did the same before nodding. "We'll call you later, son."

Then they turned and started walking.

My Mom turned abruptly. "I almost forgot! Bye to you too, Parvus!" She waved and my dad followed suit.

And then they were gone. And I was left alone for the first time, with a brand new set of powers. And a little wooden man on my shoulder waving goodbye to my parents.

Well, perhaps, not truly alone.