Bastion of Knowledge
Did you ever wonder what it’s like to be reborn into a new body, as a baby, with your whole life ahead of you again? You could do things differently! You could make a difference! Let me tell you something. Being a baby sucks, and not just in a little way, in just about every shape or form it sucks. I sleep, I eat, I piss and I poop, I wake up in said piss and poop. It. Is. Not. Fun. I know what your thing, this guy is reincarnated with his memories, and he will be OP and will learn all this cool shit and save the world… Fuck That Shit. I don’t know where you got that impression but might as well nip that in the ass, and shove it where there is a lack of sunshine. Yeah I’m a former Marine, so my instincts will be to protect my fellow man, uphold Life Liberty and the Pursuit of the happy endings. But let me tell you right now… It isn’t easy being green.
Ranting ending, I don’t remember the car ride to the library, one moment I’m dozing off, the next I’m once again being thrown hither and yonder. ‘Gods they need to invest into a baby carrier.’
“Come on Stacy, Let’s get inside before anyone notices our car lights were on!” Derrick urges her to hurry, causing my stomach to protest more about the current treatment.
“Yes of course Derrick, let me toss the baby to you so I can hurry up! It’s not as if I just gave birth less than 24 hours ago! Stacy replies
Somehow I can actually hear him rolling his eyes, a feat not easily accomplished I assure you! “Yes dear, I’m sure that whenever Trevor or myself complain about being hurt or tired in the future, all we will hear is about how you were up and fighting the hordes of the system less than a day after giving birth.”
‘ohhhh buuuurn’ I think to myself, although in the past child birth probably took a lot out of women, it seems that with the changes in our biology the stat values have a more intrinsic effect. ‘Makes you wonder just what it is that is the delivery system for the… system.’
Vaguely I make out the Marble steps and Columns of one of the larger County Libraries, it’s still hard to focus on things farther away than 10 feet or so. ‘It shouldn’t be long now for the Quest completion, for the next phase’ I think to myself as Stacy stops and waits to see if Derrick can get us in the building.
“Is it unlocked? Normally it would be open at this time of night, it doesn’t normally close until 10:00, and it just turn 9:30.” Stacy comments, while shifting me once again to another side.
I can hear Derrick attempting the various doors one by one until he gets to the second to last set, if I remember correctly this particular library had 4 sets of double doors, one of which was an automatic door with the handicap plate/button you push to open. It was this door that Derrick was able to get open, it seems someone forgot to turn off the handicap feature and low and behold the button sprung the magnetic lock and opened the door, just like we were invited in.
Quest Update!
Your followers have moved forward with the assigned quest!
They have gained access to a recognized Repository of Knowledge, Although the materials are not recognized by the system, the knowledge contained within, if preserved and copied using system approved materials, can provide many benefits!
Rewards: 50 USC
‘USC’ what the hell is USC? I mentally click the USC tag in the quest update, and it brings up the following.
Universal System Credit
USC is the standard medium of exchange used when purchasing anything from the system shop.
Conversion rates to local currency: No Local Currency established.
‘Well that sucks big ole donkey balls.’ I think to myself while realizing that money is no longer valid on our planet, if we are to survive my folks better start learning this system, Unfortunately the Tutorial is only allowed for Children turning 10.
“Sweet!” I hear Derrick exclaim shortly after I finished reviewing my quest update. “ It looks like we are indeed on the right track Stacey. Did you get a reward as well?”
“Yeah 150 USC, whatever that is.” She responds while setting me down on the nearest desk. You guessed it, that whole waking up in your own pee thing… yeah it happens… Not ashamed.
“Nice, those are system credits you can use in the store, here open up your basic inventory and transfer them to me. I have an idea on how to get a good completion on this quest!” he responds with what I assume is energetic hand gestures, but alas he is outside of my 10 foot range of clarity.
“Fine, but if you do anything stupid with it you’re not getting any more of my sweet sweet loots!” At this point I’m really just annoyed, and want them to get a move on. Unfortunately I’m still a baby, so listening to them is kinda the only entertainment I have at present.
I can tell by the blue Glow that Darrick is looking through the menu system, probably the Shop. ’Wonder what that boy has up his sleeve now?’ I think to myself. ‘If it were me I would find some way to increase my personal inventory, or perhaps get a small bag of holding if such a thing exists.’
Two minutes later and small flash of light, in his hand appears a medium size backpack. ‘That better be like the Tardis…’ I think to myself as Stacy walks over to inspect the bag that Derrick is proudly presenting.
“I give you my credits, and all you get is a backpack? I know stuff is going to start to degrade, but we probably could have gotten pretty far with finding one in the lost and found.” Stacy rolls her eyes while berating Derrick for his tomfoolery.
“Now Stacy, I wouldn’t just buy a normal back pack! Here take a look inside!” He says while holding out the bag and opening it up.
Slowly Stacy peers at the bag then looks inside, “huh? It’s bigger on the inside!” she exclaims while sticking her arm in down to her shoulder.
If I could face palm or shake my head I would, I mean I asked for it by bringing up the reference in my mind anyways. The universe is obviously perverse that way.
It was not long after that they started ransacking the stacks for how to guides. While they were doing their thing, I decided to finish checking out the options for the system.
Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Greetings and Salutations!
You have opened the Help menu! Please select from the following choices.
Tutorial
Options and settings
Wiki-Guide
Glossary
Storefronts
Guilds
‘Let’s see I already went through the Options and Settings section, let’s check out the Wiki-Guide!’
Welcome to the Wiki-Guide
Personal Journal
Wiki
‘Well Personal Journal is self-explanatory, let’s see if it will give us more information.’
Your Personal Journal
Welcome to your Personal Journal!
Here you can document your travels and share them with your fellow sentients.
New Audio Entry
New Written Entry
Past Entries
Share settings
‘Interesting looks like the system is promoting the sharing of knowledge and experience. At least it’s not attempting to limit us with this I could tell my tale. Not that anyone would believe it.’ After browsing through what amounted to a Glorified AR blog, with Voice, Video and Written options for entries, I back my way out of the Journal, and select the Wiki Program
Instead of a Blue screen it load what looks to be a webpage. Link to Wiki
‘Wow… No Data Entered… great… so much for learning more about the current system and its features.’ The wiki was blank, which begs the question. Was it erased while the Vheil was deployed? Or is it because the only known species in our solar system is us, and since we hadn’t developed a system of writing when the Vheil went up there was no one who would enter information. Which begs the question, just who put the Vheil into place and what was the motivation behind it?
‘More questions, with no answers in sight’ I mentally sigh and attempt to browse the Storefronts. But both it and the Guilds options come with the lovely “These options are available after completion of the Tutorial” ‘Great stuck as a baby, now what am I supposed to do.’ Fortunately, at that moment Dereck sweeps me up in his arms and starts heading towards the foreign section of the library.
“Okay little buddy, you’re going to help your old man out, by letting me borrow your inventory space!” Dereck says while cradling me in one arm like a foot ball while he is quickly moving through the foreign books until he reaches the section for China and the Orient.
‘My inventory?’ I think to myself, which just so happens to bring up the most glorious sight I have yet to behold, 5 slots wide and 10 slots high interdimensional hidey hole of gloriousness. ‘Well I’ll be dipped in shit and hosed off with Gatorade.’ An honest to Loki RPG Inventory screen! Using the parental controls and access Dereck proceeds to grab books and starts putting them in my inventory.
Reading through the Titles as he grabs them, I noticed they were all manuals on various martial arts and cultivation techniques and theories. ‘Smart kid this father of mine, he must have the Qi energy pool as well, and thought about learning how to harness it. It makes one wonder if this is a human trait, or if it is just special to certain individuals.’ Just then.
Skill Material Detected!
Congratulations, you have found data that can be used to grant skills!
There are two options to learning
Instant Learning
Study Learning
‘Define Instant Learning’
Instant Learning
Information and techniques contained in Skill Material is transferred to User.
Skills learned in this fashion will feel like you have been through 2 months of training/study on the subject
Caution!! Consumes Skill Material Data on use.
‘Okay, so just like a game. Use the skill book get the basics and consume the skill book. Define Study Learning’
Study Learning
Skill Material is made available to user through HUD interface, including virtual practice areas.
Skill is granted upon basic mastery, Time needed to acquire basic Mastery varies with individual.
Skill Material not consumed in this manner
‘Oh, Snap! Please say it bypasses the parental locks!’ I choose a title label, “A Complete Compendium of Cultivation” and select the Study Method. ‘Anything to escape this boredom!’
Assessing Skill Material
Converting Material to Virtual Learning Environment
Training Set Created: The Path to Enlightenment®
Start Training Simulation?
‘Yes!’ I mentally shout at the system. Soon after I feel my consciousness fading like I am falling asleep, and suddenly I find myself standing, yes honest to god standing, outside of an oriental style pagoda. Red clay roof tiles, off-white plaster walls and black columns standing at the doorway. Also for some odd reason it had one of those Happy fat cats with the waving paw hanging from one of the corner overhangs. But that was not the most important part… I could walk, “I can Talk” Spiritual projection for the win. I make several fist pumps, did a couple of impromptu jigs, basically making a complete fool of myself.
After I was done celebrating my new-found freedom, I decided I better be about it. I did not skip to the door, no matter what anyone could have saw, I confidently strolled up to the door and there I saw a long rope. “What is a rope for if not for pulling” I said out loud, once more enjoying my own voice.
“DONG..........DONG……..DONG” One quick pull of the rope started a loud church like bell to sound throughout the area. I didn’t have to wait long until the large double doors started to open in front of me. Standing to one side, beckoning me entry is a short bald man, skinny but muscular. Upon entry into the building it opens into the main rotunda, part garden, part training green. Upon the grass is several individuals doing a good impression of Tai Chi, while an older monk like figure, is busy running a wooden rake through a sand garden.
After taking in the sights I notice the young man gesturing politely to me, in order get my attention. “Lay on McDough” I say in just about the worst Scottish broch you could imagine. While gesturing for the small monk to lead the way. The monk leads me on a roundabout walk around the outside hall lining the inner courtyard. The doors on the left, those that were open, looked to lead to storage and meditation rooms. While a staircase that lead downwards to what I could only assume was a basement was centered on the left side of the courtyard. Walking past I could hear the muffled sounds of flesh hitting semi solid objects, and barely heard “Hai’s” that punctuated each hit.
You know, its awfully quiet. No one is talking. I’m about to open my mouth to start asking the multitude of questions, when I feel an oppressive force bearing down on my psyche. Note to self: no talking in the hallways. As soon as the thought to start asking questions is gone, so is the weight on my mind.
Soon we make it to the opposite end of the courtyard, and the smallish Monk opens another set of double doors and gestures me to proceed him. Briefly inclining my head in a small bow, I attempt a confident gait and enter, back straight, 30 inch steps, heal to toe. Just like on the parade field. Thank god, for the Corps.
A glance at the room before me revealed a large audience hall, the only thing missing was the throne with a king in it at the far end, instead an older gentleman, sitting crossed legged on a small mound of pillows. As I march myself across the hall to present myself to what I must assume is the master of the house, I chance glances with my peripheral vision, noticing discrete guards positioned around the outside of the hall, looking almost like life like statues so still are they.
Stopping, smartly and doing what still comes naturally to me I stand at attention and salute.
“At Ease, soldier” comes the soft voice in front of me, but I heard the steel underneath. A quote form Teddy comes to mind, Speak softly, but carry a big stick, I couldn’t help but go to a modified parade rest, feet shoulders width apart, hands relaxed behind my back, eyes forward in the thousand yard stare.
A soft chuckle reaches my ears, but I dare not glance, old habits and 25 years of indoctrination keeps my berring solid as tungsten. “Old habits are indeed hard to break young man, but please rest, sit down and let us converse as men should, eye to eye, on the level.”