Emile's eyes fluttered open, and panic immediately stabbed at his heart. Where am I? What happened? The rough, abrasive floor beneath him confirmed that he lay in a small cave, its opening revealing a dense forest of towering trees. Morning sunlight pierced through the entrance, temporarily blinding him. He propped himself up, feeling the wet and grimy cave surface against his palms. With awkward movements, he managed to crawl out of the cave.
His mind still foggy, inundated with questions, he blinked in bewilderment amidst the trees. And then it hit him. Wait. The numbness in my hands and feet, it's gone. A smirk of disbelief tugged at his lips. Could this really be a dream? He couldn't recall a day when he hadn't cursed the relentless numbness and burning discomfort. And now, suddenly, the pain had vanished. His thoughts involuntarily drifted back to the small hospital room he had left behind, his heart growing heavy at the reminder of his own reality. But the clarity and tangibility of this new environment made it undeniably real.
As Emile tried to gather his bearings, a strange sound reverberated within his mind, faint yet distinct. It echoed with an otherworldly quality, as if originating from somewhere deep within his consciousness. His brow furrowed, and he pressed his hands against his ears, hoping to block out the intrusive noise. "What?! What's this sound?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with confusion and apprehension. "Am I hallucinating?"
But the sound persisted, growing louder and more insistent, like a voice carried on a gentle breeze. "Listen closely, little one," it whispered, bypassing his ears and resonating within the depths of his being. Emile's eyes widened, his gaze darting around the unfamiliar forest, searching for the source of the enigmatic voice. "Who's there?" he called out, his voice quivering with a mix of fear and curiosity.
In response, the voice spoke again, its words clear and commanding, as if spoken by an ancient force. "I have given you a chance. To prove yourself. Follow my gift to you, and you shall receive your answers and even your cure."
Emile's heart skipped a beat, his mind reeling with a mixture of confusion and astonishment. Could this ethereal voice be offering him a way out, a chance to cure the sickness that had plagued his life? Despite his lingering doubts, a surge of determination coursed through his veins. He couldn't ignore the tantalizing promise that hung in the air.
But the voice was gone.
"Wait, where did the sound go?" Emile muttered, his voice filled with confusion. He strained his ears, desperately trying to catch even the faintest whisper of the enigmatic voice that had spoken to him moments ago. But all he encountered was a profound silence, as if the voice had melted away into the recesses of his mind.
Frustration knitted his brow as he scoured the forest, hoping to discover any trace of the mysterious sound. Yet, his efforts proved futile, and the surroundings remained eerily quiet, devoid of any sign of the ethereal presence he had encountered.
The disbelief gnawed at his mind, questioning the reality of his newfound well-being. Emile couldn't fathom if this was a fleeting illusion or a genuine transformation. Yet, he couldn't deny the overwhelming sensation of feeling good, of being free from the physical burdens that had shackled him for years. He desperately wished for it to be real, to hold on to this precious reprieve from suffering.
Just as he pondered the mysteries that surrounded him, a sudden glimmer caught his attention. A window materialized before him, an ethereal manifestation akin to a game status matrix. Emile's confusion collided with his curiosity, creating a swirling storm of emotions within him. The sight was both captivating and bewildering, raising countless questions about the nature of his current reality.
[Name: Emile
Level: 1
Identity:
- Mortal from Earth
Element:
-Lightening
Stats:
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 3
- Stamina: 4
- Mana: 2
Passive Skills:
1. Universal Language(B) : the innate ability to understand and communicate in any language, breaking down barriers of communication with ease.
2. Homeostasis Pause(A) : Host's body maintains a perfect balance, preventing the appearance of his symptoms and inhibiting the progression of his cancer.
Active Skills:
1. Bolt (E) : Unleash a bolt of electrical energy from hands, dealing moderate damage to a single target. The energy output is currently rated at an E-level, capable of delivering 200 Joules of electrical power.
3. Brawl(E) : host has a basic proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, enabling him to hold his ground in physical altercations. ]
Emile's eyes widened in realization as he read about the Homeostasis Pause skill. Could it be that this passive skill was the very force responsible for suppressing his debilitating symptoms? The implications of this discovery surged through his mind, both promising and unnerving. With a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, he made up his mind to test it.
His heart racing with a mix of anxiety and determination, Emile mentally commanded the deactivation of Homeostasis Pause. In that instant, a notification materialized before him in the interface of the system, confirming his decision.
[Deactivating Homeostasis Pause.]
Emile braced himself, anticipation mingling with a sense of apprehension. The moment the skill was disengaged, he could feel a swift and palpable shift within his body. The tingling began in his feet, spreading like a swarm of tiny pinpricks crawling up his limbs. It was an uncomfortable sensation, a stark reminder of the torment he had endured for so long. As seconds ticked by, the discomfort escalated. A sharp chest pain seized him, causing his breath to hitch, and his heart thundered in his chest as if trying to escape its confines.
Fear threatened to consume him as the symptoms intensified. Emile's mind raced, a chorus of doubt and regret resounding within him. Had he made a grave mistake? Was he playing with forces beyond his understanding? In the grip of agony, he knew he had to act swiftly to regain control.
With a desperate plea, he commanded the reactivation of Homeostasis Pause, his voice laced with urgency and desperation. The words escaped his lips like a fervent prayer, an invocation to halt the onslaught of pain.
[Activating Homeostasis Pause.]
A surge of relief washed over Emile as the pain dissipated, like a retreating wave receding back into the depths of the ocean. The tingling, the racing heart, the chest pain—they all faded into insignificance. His body, once again, settled into a state of equilibrium and serenity.
Emile let out a long breath, the tension draining from his body. Beads of perspiration dotted his forehead, evidence of the turmoil he had just experienced. It was a humbling reminder of the fragility of his existence, the precariousness of tampering with the forces at play within him.
As he sat there, bathed in the tranquil embrace of the jungle, Emile contemplated the implications of his discovery. Homeostasis Pause, a skill of unfathomable use, had become his lifeline in this new realm. It bestowed upon him respite from the unrelenting torment of his ailments, offering him moments of reprieve and hope.
But alongside the relief, questions lingered. What price would he pay for wielding this extraordinary ability? What other hidden truths awaited him within the labyrinth of this mysterious world? With renewed determination, Emile resolved to tread carefully, to unravel the secrets that lay ahead while preserving the delicate balance between his newfound abilities and the fragility of his mortal existence.
Emile's mind buzzed with a flurry of thoughts as he contemplated the implications of the other skills displayed in the system.
His thoughts turned to the skill of Bolt. The ability to generate a bolt of electrical energy fascinated and unsettled him simultaneously. The prospect of harnessing such raw energy was both exhilarating and daunting, making him question the origin of such power. The consequences of a misplaced or uncontrolled bolt could be catastrophic, not just for himself, but for others as well.
Another skill caught his attention—Brawl. It hinted at a proficiency in close-quarters combat, a skill that could prove invaluable in an unknown place where survival hung by a fragile thread. Emile considered the implications of this skill, weighing the potential for self-defense against the potential for violence. Would he be forced to confront threats that lurked in the shadows of this enigmatic realm? The thought unsettled him, but he recognized that the skill of Brawl could serve as a means of protection, granting him the ability to fend off adversaries should the need arise.
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His eyes flickered to the various stats displayed in the status window—strength, agility, mana, and stamina. Each stat represented an aspect of his newfound capabilities, defining the limits and potential of his abilities. Strength offered the promise of physical prowess, agility spoke of nimbleness and dexterity, and mana hinted at a wellspring of magical energy waiting to be tapped. Emile understood that these stats were the building blocks of his growth and development in this unknown place, shaping his survival prowess and influencing the challenges he would face.
Lastly, his attention turned to the identity labeled "Mortal." It intrigued him, for it seemed to suggest an identifying characteristic of sorts—a reminder of his mortality, of the fragile nature of his existence. It served as a humbling reminder that, despite the extraordinary skills and powers at his disposal, he remained fundamentally human. Emile pondered the significance of this label, recognizing that it carried both a sense of vulnerability and a reminder of the preciousness of life.
Emile's heart leaped into his throat at the shrill shriek that shattered the tranquility of the jungle. His instincts kicked into high gear, his hand instinctively grasping for the nearest makeshift weapon—a branch with a sharpened end. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he braced himself for the unknown threat lurking behind the bush.
Silence descended upon the clearing, heightening Emile's senses and sending prickles of apprehension down his spine. Time seemed to stretch, the weight of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. And then, with an abruptness that caught him off guard, a small green creature burst forth from the concealment of the undergrowth, its wide, glistening eyes locking onto Emile's.
[
Name: Unknown Goblin
Level: 2
Identity: Wounded goblin
Stats:
- Strength: 2/3
- Agility: 2/4
- Stamina: 2/4
- Mana: 0
Skills:
1. Clawing: The goblin possesses sharp claws that it uses with precision and ferocity, slashing at its opponents with quick and agile strikes.
2. Lunging: The goblin is capable of swift lunges, allowing it to close the distance between itself and its target with alarming speed, catching its prey off guard.
3. Ferocity: The goblin fights with an untamed ferocity, giving it a higher threshold for pain and allowing it to push through injuries to continue its assault.]
'Wait… it's a goblin?! ' Emile's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and trepidation as he came face to face with the wounded goblin. The creature's emaciated form and wounds on its body spoke of a recent fight with struggle and survival. It stood before him, its sickly green skin and matted hair adding to its grotesque appearance. The goblin's feral eyes burned with an untamed intensity, a testament to its rabid nature.
As Emile observed the wounded goblin, a surge of conflicting emotions coursed through him. He knew, deep down, that this was the creature of fiction he had encountered in games and stories. But in front of him, was a living being, driven by instinct and the relentless pursuit of survival. In this world, the line between fantasy and reality had blurred, and the consequences of his actions held weight.
However, as the wounded goblin lunged forward, its claws poised to tear into Emile's flesh, he instinctively raised the branch he held as a makeshift weapon. Time seemed to slow as their paths intersected, and with a forceful thrust, the sharpened end of the branch pierced the goblin's vulnerable body.
A guttural cry of pain escaped the goblin's lips, a chilling sound that reverberated through the clearing. Its lunging attack halted mid-motion as it recoiled, its eyes widening with a mix of surprise and agony. The wounded creature staggered back, its movements becoming disjointed and unsteady.
Emile's heart raced within his chest, a mix of adrenaline and excitement surging through his veins. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, a primal thrill that awakened something deep within him. The act of hunting, of taking a life to ensure his own survival, felt surreal yet undeniably powerful.
As he stood there, observing the wounded goblin's final moments, a surge of conflicting emotions washed over him. There was a part of him that felt remorse, acknowledging the loss of a morphologically intriguing being. But another part, a more primal instinct, reveled in the raw power he possessed, the ability to overcome and conquer.
As the wounded goblin's life faded away, Emile stood amidst the silence, his breath coming in exhilarated gasps. He knew that he had just crossed a threshold, entering a place where survival required embracing the primal, untamed aspects of his being. The hunt had awakened something within him, something raw and powerful, propelling him forward on this uncharted path.
[+30 EXP gained.]
[Level up.
Strength +1
Agility+1
Stamina +1
Mana +1]
[Brawl skill is now converted to stab. ]
Emile's heart raced with anticipation as the notification of gaining experience and leveling up flashed before his eyes. The surge of excitement was undeniable as his attributes received a boost, his strength, agility, stamina, and mana growing incrementally.
With a sense of wonder, Emile contemplated the nature of his newfound powers. It felt akin to the mechanics of a game, where defeating adversaries and overcoming challenges led to growth and advancement. It was a concept he had encountered countless times in virtual worlds, but to experience it in his own life was both exhilarating and perplexing.
As his thoughts lingered on the progression of his abilities, a scream shattered the tranquility of the surrounding jungle. His instincts surged, urging him to investigate and assess the situation at hand. However, caution and the knowledge of potential dangers held him back. He weighed the risks, knowing that he was already faced with a wounded goblin nearby. What other predators might be lurking in the shadows?
Resolving to exercise discretion, Emile crept silently towards the source of the scream, seeking to observe from a safe distance. Concealed behind the cover of a sturdy tree, he cautiously peered around its trunk, his eyes widening at the grim sight before him.
A man's lifeless body lay sprawled on the ground, the life drained from his eyes. Emile's gaze shifted, witnessing a gruesome scene unfolding. Another goblin, fueled by primal hunger, feasted upon the fresh corpse. The sight churned Emile's stomach, a potent reminder of the harsh reality he now faced.
Driven by a mix of fear, anger, and a desire to protect himself in this savage place, Emile felt a surge of determination.
Summoning his resolve, Emile sprinted forward, the adrenaline coursing through his veins. With a swift motion, he activated his bolt skill, channeling the energy towards his palm. The air crackled with electricity as he brought his hand down upon the goblin's back.
[Activating bolt skill(E)]
[1 Mana is being used]
A surge of mana coursed through him, a testament to his growing mastery over this foreign power. The goblin convulsed violently for a moment before collapsing unconscious onto the ground. Emile stood there, the aftermath of his action unfolding before him.
As Emile's gaze shifted from the unconscious goblin to the lifeless body of the fallen man, a mixture of emotions washed over him. His breathing grew heavy, a blend of excitement and a tinge of curiosity coursed through his veins.
In a moment of paranoia and an overwhelming desire to eliminate any potential threats, Emile quickly grabbed the dead man's sword and raised it high above his head. With a swift and forceful motion, he brought the blade down upon the wounded goblin, severing its life without hesitation or remorse. The metallic clash of metal meeting flesh echoed through the dense forest, punctuating the savage act he had just committed.
[Exp +50 gained. ]
[Level up!
Strength+2
Agility+2
Stamina+2
Mana+2
]
[Stab(E) is now converted to basic swordsmanship (E) ]
A twisted smirk of satisfaction played upon Emile's lips as he surveyed the scene before him. The rush of power, the surge of adrenaline, fueled his enjoyment of taking a life. In that moment, the weight of morality and the consequences of his actions were overshadowed by the thrill of asserting dominance over his surroundings.
But as the seconds passed, a sense of unease began to creep into his consciousness. He couldn't ignore the voice in the back of his mind questioning the implications of his actions. What had he become? Was he no different from the predators he now reveled in hunting? The exhilaration that had initially consumed him was now tinged with a growing sense of guilt and self-doubt.
Yet, instead of allowing these doubts to consume him, Emile pushed them aside, burying them deep within. He couldn't afford to dwell on morality or the consequences of his choices. In this unfamiliar world, survival was paramount, and he would do whatever it took to protect himself. The paranoia gnawed at his thoughts, urging him to eliminate any potential threats before they could pose a danger to him.
With a mixture of excitement and a hardened resolve, Emile wiped the blood from the stolen sword and sheathed it at his side. The weight of his recent actions settled upon him, but he swiftly pushed aside any lingering sense of remorse or moral contemplation. In this ruthless world he found himself in, there was no room for sentimentality or second-guessing.
His attention turned to the leather outfit adorning the fallen man's body. A glimmer of practicality sparked within him as he recognized its potential value. The hospital gown he had been wearing was a stark reminder of his vulnerable past, a symbol of weakness. The leathery garb, on the other hand, offered a degree of protection and durability that could prove vital in the harsh wilderness. Determined to equip himself for the challenges that lay ahead, Emile stripped the corpse down, discarding his blood-stained hospital gown in favor of the more practical leather outfit.
As he dressed, his eyes caught sight of a coin bag clutched tightly in the dead man's hand. Curiosity piqued, Emile seized the opportunity to investigate further. Opening the bag, he discovered it was filled with copper coins. While not a fortune by any means, the discovery brought a glimmer of hope and possibility. In this unfamiliar world, even the simplest of resources could hold value.
With his new attire and a meager purse of coins in hand, Emile resumed his journey through the dense forest. The sight of a massive city gate, looming in the distance, filled him with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The bustling city held promises of answers, civilization, and perhaps even a chance to uncover the truth about his strange predicament. The enormity of the gate hinted at the grandeur and complexities that lay beyond, and Emile felt a surge of determination welling up within him.
Step by step, his boots crunching against the undergrowth, Emile closed the gap between himself and the towering city gate. Uncertainty mingled with hope as he pondered the challenges and opportunities that awaited him within those fortified walls. What secrets would he uncover? What allies or adversaries would he encounter? The city held the key to his survival and his search for meaning in this bewildering world.
Emile took a deep breath, his heart pounding with a heady mix of anticipation and uncertainty, and crossed the threshold into the unknown.
As Emile stood before the imposing city gate, his eyes fixed on the sight before him, a notification abruptly flashed across his vision. The words etched in the digital display sent a shiver down his spine, freezing him in place. The word "Quest" hung in the air, its implications crashing against the walls of his consciousness.
[Quest loading...]
[Quest: Kill a Devoted Follower of Solaris]
[Penalty: Permanent deactivation of Homeostasis Pause]
[Reward: 1000 EXP]
A myriad of emotions surged through Emile's being. Disbelief, confusion, and a primal fear intertwined within his thoughts. His mind, once clouded with the weight of his own suffering, now grappled with the choice laid before him. The reward offered tantalizing prospects of growth and power, a step closer to unravelling the mysteries of this world. Yet, the penalty threatened to strip away the very lifeline that had granted him respite from the torment of his ailments.
His eyes narrowed, jaw set in determination, as a change overcame him. Selfishness, once buried deep within the recesses of his soul, clawed its way to the surface. Survival had always been his paramount goal, and now, faced with a precarious decision, he found himself questioning the value of empathy and morality.
In his mind, a whirlwind of thoughts collided. The weight of his past struggles, the knowledge of the suffering that awaited him without the Homeostasis Pause, and the tantalizing allure of power swirled together in a maelstrom of conflicting desires.
His gaze shifted towards the bustling city beyond the gate, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of this world. Within its confines, he knew there would be alliances and rivalries, each individual driven by their own goals and ambitions. Survival demanded strength and cunning, a willingness to cast aside the trappings of morality when the stakes grew dire. It was a world where the merciless thrived, and the naive were consumed.
Emile's hands clenched into fists, his pulse quickening with a newfound resolve. The weight of the quest, the lure of its rewards, and the imminent loss of his sanctuary crystallized his decision. In this unforgiving landscape, he would be no martyr. He would not sacrifice himself for the greater good. Self-preservation would guide his actions, regardless of the moral price he would pay.
As he contemplated the quest before him, Emile felt a chilling detachment settle within his core. The once compassionate and empathetic man now embraced a colder truth. He would kill to save his own skin. No longer bound by the shackles of selflessness, he became a harbinger of his own survival.
With a somber determination etched upon his face, Emile took a step forward, crossing the threshold into the city. The weight of his decision pressed upon him, his heart heavy with the burden of his new reality. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, yet within that darkness, he saw flickers of opportunity and strength.