[Part 2 - Skeletal Skirmish]
“This isn’t like me at all…”
I sigh to myself, feeling a sense of unease settle over me once more. The old me, the one who was used to being pushed around and bullied, would have cowered in fear at the sight of these skeletal figures. But here I am, determined to face them head-on, despite my trembling limbs and racing heart.
With a deep breath, I steel myself for what’s to come. The old me would have run away, but not anymore. I’ve been given a new beginning—a second chance—and although I can now resurrect myself possibly an infinite number of times, I fear that if I don’t do this, I’ll be in an endless loop of life and death.
I reach the pack of frost skeletons, I’ll call them; they all seem to be wondering where my body is as I sneak behind one of them.
As I reach out to strike, my hand hovers inches from its skull. I can feel the chilliness of its unnatural aura radiating from its undead form.
With a sudden burst of speed, my hand clenches into a fist and lunges forward, connecting with the back of its skull at speeds that surprise me.
With one lethal punch, the frost skeleton collapsed. Lifeless.
What the… Just one hit? I don’t remember being this strong or fast. Is it this new body? Or have I been underestimating myself all this time?
My mind is filled with questions I know are unlikely to be answered anytime soon. But then my attention is suddenly drawn towards a multitude of tiny orbs, blending radiant gold with vibrant emerald green.
They float towards me, circling me with their warm embrace before ultimately merging with my heart.
The feeling is strange, but it fills me with a sense of power I never knew I could feel.
It’s strange, really. Just moments ago, I was quaking in my boots at the sight of these undead creatures, and now here I am, having knocked one out with a single punch. Who knew I had it in me?
Despite the rush of adrenaline and the sense of invincibility that comes with it, I can’t shake off the sobering reality of my situation.
There are still more frost skeletons lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. And as if on cue, a spike of ice erupts from the ground, aimed directly at my chest.
The impact is sudden and brutal, the icy shard piercing through my flesh with merciless precision. I can taste the metallic tang of blood as it fills my mouth, my vision blurring as darkness threatens to engulf me once more.
But even as consciousness slips away, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer ferocity of these skeletal adversaries.
They may be weak individually, but their combined strength is nothing to scoff at.
It’s a harsh lesson, a reminder that overconfidence can be a fatal flaw.
⁂
With a sharp gasp and another blinding light, I jolt back to consciousness, the taste of blood lingering on my lips as I struggle to make sense of what had just happened. Like last time, the pain has vanished completely, and I’m back at the big purple tree from before.
“This… isn’t how I imagined things going…” I mutter to myself.
The adrenaline rush faded, leaving behind a numbing sense of disbelief and frustration.
Seriously, what are these creatures? Where did they even come from?
With a sense of desperation gnawing at my insides, I frantically search for any semblance of understanding amidst the chaos. It’s like groping in the dark, hoping to find a glimmer of light to guide me through the shadows.
And then, like a ray of hope cutting through the darkness, I remember the translucent screen interface that appeared earlier. With a sense of urgency, I try various methods to trigger it once more.
Calling out its name out loud? No response.
Calling out its name internally? Nothing.
Trying out meaningless hand signs? Silence.
But then, just as I’m about to give up hope, a single word echoes in my mind: “Open.”
With my heart racing and my breath bated, I utter the word silently, hoping against hope that it might work. And then, almost miraculously, the divine-looking screen appears once more, beckoning me with its tantalising glow. But this time, it's not on the "Gifts" screen.
No, this time it's something different—something that I'd never seen before.
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It presents me with a series of options, each one holding the promise of unlocking a deeper level of understanding and empowerment.
Finally, after scanning each choice, I take a deep breath, and my fingers hover over the button labelled "Status." before I press down firmly.
« STATUS »
Name: Sora Mugenshi
Class: Undefined
Titles: None
Race: Human
« LEVELS / RANKS » « ATTRIBUTES » Lv. 2 [2,367 / 3,400 EXP] ATTRIBUTE POINTS: 0 [+] Ascension 0 [Lv. 2 / 100] HP: 120 / 120 STR: 9 (+6) M STR: 5 Transcension 0 [Asc. 0 / 100] MP: 90 / 90 [18 MP/min] DEF: 6 (+6) M DEF: 4 Rank: Classless (No boosts) LUCK: +10% STA: 200 / 200 SPD: 9 Breakthrough Rank: 0 (No Boosts) [B-EXP. 0 / 500] CRIT. CHANCE: 0.55% (+0.05% From LUCK)
Forge Rank: 0 (No Boosts) [F-EXP. 0 / 6000] CRIT. STRENGTH: x2.5 DMG « PERKS (1) » « TOTAL SKILLS (3) »
Descriptions: Open (↓)
1. Titan's Growth (Uncommon): Boosts STR and DEF linearly with the user's level.
« SKILLS (2) »
SKILL POINTS: 0 [+]
Descriptions: Open (↓)
1. Analyse (Basic Utility | Lv. 1): User is capable of assessing the basic level, skills, and attributes of an organism. [MP Usage 15 MP | Duration: User holds the knowledge indefinitely]
2. Swift Strike (Basic Martial | Lv. 2): User gains 150% increased speed and precision in combat. [MP Usage: 25 MP | Duration: 20 Seconds]
« ASCENSION SKILLS (0) » « TRANSCENSION SKILLS (1) »
1. Absolute Resurrection (Transcendental Recovery2 + Passive | Max Lv.): User is capable of coming back to life from any state, whether that be dead or non-existent, regardless of anything that prevents them from doing so. [MP Usage: 0 MP | Passive Skill]
Why do I feel like I'm trapped in some kind of game? And why have I started at level two with a perk? Did I get that from killing one skeleton? No... I doubt that.
The screen displays a wealth of information. It's overwhelming, to say the least. I scan the details, trying to make sense of the numbers and symbols staring back at me.
"Rank and class are undefined. Great. I'm not even sure where I stand in this world, let alone what I'm supposed to do. And titles? None. Guess I'm just your average nobody, huh? Not surprising..."
With a sigh, I shake my head, pushing aside the doubts that threaten to overwhelm me.
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It's like I've been thrown into the deep end without a life raft. Everything about this situation feels surreal, like I'm caught in the middle of a bizarre dream that I can't wake up from. But this is no dream. The pain, the fear, the confusion—it all feels too real to be anything but.
Analyse... Swift Strike... The names roll off my tongue as I mull them over, trying to grasp their significance. They're like tools in a toolbox, each one designed to serve a specific purpose. But without knowing how to wield them, they're about as useful as a hammer to a fish.
How do I use these? Is it as simple as saying their names, or do I need to perform some kind of gesture?
I glance around nervously, half-expecting the answers to magically appear before me.
But of course, life isn't that convenient. I'm on my own, left to navigate this strange new world with nothing but my wits and whatever abilities I've been granted. And right now, I'm sorely lacking in both.
With a resigned sigh, I close the interface and push myself up from the ground. There's no point dwelling on the tensions of the past or the daunting challenges that lie ahead. All I can do is take things one step at a time, trusting in my instincts and learning from each new experience.
I quietly return to the dense forest beyond the open clearing, hoping to blend in with the surroundings. I focus on my movements, trying to avoid making any noise that might give away my presence. As I enter the thick foliage, I slow down my pace and take deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. Once I feel more composed, I resume my stealthy progress, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
The frost skeletons seem to freeze in their tracks after they've killed me... Are they protecting something? ... Eh, it doesn't matter... Let's just hope for the best.
After thinking those last words, I silently utter in my mind, "Analyse," hoping for the expected outcome. it worked with the screen, It'd make sense to assume it works with the skills too.
Instantly, the world around me seems to come alive with new information.
The skeletons' levels and abilities. But not just the skeletons; the hidden, glimmering beetles, and fairies I didn't even know were here displayed information too.
It's like peering through a foggy window and suddenly wiping away the condensation, revealing the scene beyond with startling clarity. It's disorienting at first, but I quickly grow accustomed to the influx of information.
The frost skeletons' levels are lower than I expected: A range between levels 2 and 5. Their stats aren't great either. Most of them have low HP and MP, and only a few seem to have any skills similar to the ice spike that killed me.
I continue analysing the frost skeletons, noting their strengths and weaknesses. One thing becomes clear: these creatures are far from invincible. With the right strategy, it should be possible to defeat them.
If I want to survive in this world, I need to learn how to use my abilities effectively. That means testing out Swift Strike and seeing if it's as good as advertised.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for what's to come. Then, with a silent prayer, I activate the skill.
I feel my speed increase, and my movements becoming faster and more fluid. I lunged towards a frost skeleton with a fierce cry, my fist connecting with its skull. This one didn't die immediately like the other ones did, buying time for the other skeletons to approach me with their bows raised.
I dodge arrow after arrow, weaving my way through the barrage of projectiles. I deliver a series of quick punches, each one landing with deadly precision. The skeleton I'm attacking falters slightly, giving me an opening to finish it off with a decisive strike.
It feels as if my overall agility and strength have been reworked, it must be this new body.
The others continue firing their arrows, but my improved reflexes allow me to easily avoid the incoming missiles. I move with agility and grace, dancing through the battlefield like a whirlwind of destruction.
It's exhilarating, to feel the power coursing through my veins. Though, I know I only have twenty seconds left before it runs out. So I better make every second count.
The frost skeletons continue their relentless assault, but I'm unfazed by their attempts to stop me. I dart around with ease, avoiding their attacks while delivering devastating blows of my own.
Another spike of ice threatens to cut my life short, but I swiftly dodge it, leaving the skeleton wide open for me to land a critical hit.
They try to surround me, but I'm too fast for them. I duck under a swinging fist, then deliver a fierce uppercut that sends the skeleton flying backwards. Another tries to flank me, but I lash out with a roundhouse kick I didn't even know I was capable of, knocking it off balance.
Only ten seconds left, and there are still five skeletons left. But I'm determined to see this fight through to the end.
I weave through the melee with practised ease, striking with deadly accuracy. Each blow lands with devastating force, shattering bone and sending fragments flying in all directions. The skeletons are starting to slow down now, their movements growing sluggish as they struggle to keep up with my relentless assault.
Five seconds remain and I deliver a flurry of kicks and punches, each one finding its target with pinpoint precision.
Four seconds... Three... Two...
One.
The final skeleton collapses to the ground, defeated. I stand amidst the carnage, breathing heavily. It feels good to finally win a fight for once. To prove that I'm more than just a victim. I just wish I had this much confidence in my past life—and strength.
But I push those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the victory I've claimed.
"Yes!" I exclaim triumphantly as the small, glowing orbs from before materialise above the frost skeleton corpses.
« 3,780 EXP GAINED »
« +1 LEVEL GAINED [Prog. To Next: 1,413 / 6,200 EXP] »
« +1 SKILL POINT GAINED, +2 ATTRIBUTE POINT GAINED »
I raise my arms in the air, basking in the momentary rush of adrenaline. I want to savour this feeling for as long as possible.
I rest against a nearby tree, feeling its pristine warmth seep into my back. The cold breeze tickles my cheeks, bringing with it the faint scent of pine needles and fresh earth.
I look up at the sky, admiring its midnight colours as the stars shine brightly overhead, illuminating the darkness with their soft glow. It's a beautiful sight, one that fills me with awe and wonder.
For a brief instant, all my worries fade away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment. In this moment, nothing else matters except for the present moment. Just me and nature, connected through our shared humanity.
Then reality comes crashing down around me, and the weight of my situation settles firmly upon my shoulders once more. I'm still stuck in this forest, with all these dangers...
It said I have a skill point and two attribute points, maybe I should try upgrading something.
I open my status menu again, deciding to allocate my new points.
« STATUS »
Name: Sora Mugenshi
Class: Undefined
Titles: None
Race: Human
« LEVELS / RANKS » « ATTRIBUTES » Lv. 3 [1,413/ 6,200 EXP] ATTRIBUTE POINTS: 2 [+] Ascension 0 [Lv. 3 / 100] HP: 150 / 150 STR: 9 (+9) M STR: 5 Transcension 0 [Asc. 0 / 100] MP: 100 / 100 [20 MP/min] DEF: 6 (+9) M DEF: 4 Rank: Classless (No Boosts) LUCK: +11% STA: 215 / 215 SPD: 9 Breakthrough Rank: 0 (No Boosts) [B-EXP. 0 / 500] CRIT. CHANCE: 0.605% (+0.105% From LUCK
Forge Rank: 0 (No Boosts) [F-EXP. 0 / 6000] CRIT. STRENGTH: x2.5 DMG « PERKS (1) » « TOTAL SKILLS (3) »
Descriptions: Open (↓)
1. Titan's Growth (Uncommon): Boosts STR and DEF linearly with the user's level.
« SKILLS (2) »
SKILL POINTS: 1 [+]
Descriptions: Open (↓)
1. Analyse (Basic Utility | Lv. 1): User is capable of assessing the basic level, skills, and attributes of an organism. [MP Usage 15 MP | Duration: User holds the knowledge indefinitely]
2. Swift Strike (Basic Martial | Lv. 2): User gains 150% increased speed and precision in combat. [MP Usage: 25 MP | Duration: 20 Seconds]
« ASCENSION SKILLS (0) » « TRANSCENSION SKILLS (1) »
1. Absolute Resurrection (Transcendental Recovery2 + Passive | Max Lv.): User is capable of coming back to life from any state, whether that be dead or non-existent, regardless of anything that prevents them from doing so. [MP Usage: 0 MP | Passive Skill]
I press my finger against the "+" button, curious to see what's available this time.
The screen shows another mosaic of options stretching out before me with a guide.
« ATTRIBUTE POINTS : +5 | SKILL POINTS: +1 LEVEL »
I see...
So, using attribute points increases my chosen attribute by five points, while using skill points grants me an extra skill level.
I think for a moment, considering my options carefully. Would it be beneficial to upgrade defence? Or perhaps strength? My speed could also use some improvement... So many choices, so little time.
After a not-so-careful deliberation, I decide to invest one attribute point into defence, increasing it by five points.
I still have one more attribute point left to spend. Should I increase defence further? Or should I try something different? Strength? Stamina? Perhaps even luck?
Eventually, I settle on investing my remaining attribute point into strength, giving it a boost of five points. Now my punches will hit harder
With my decision made, I move on to the next step—upgrading a skill.
My choice here seems obvious. Swift Strike has proven itself invaluable during combat, allowing me to dodge attacks and retaliate quickly. Increasing its level will only make it more effective.
I tap on the option and confirm my selection. Immediately after doing so, my body begins to tingle with energy as power surges through me. It feels incredible. Like nothing else I've ever experienced before.
This must be what it feels like to truly become strong.
Now that I'm done upgrading myself, I close the status window and begin exploring again.
This world is interesting, to say the least... I wish Asano could see this, too. She'd love it... Well, minus the monster bit.
I feel kind of bad for abandoning her back on Earth... Now that I'm gone, those bullies are sure to target her, as she's 'the girl that's friends with that loser' or whatever bullshit excuse they come up with to justify their cruelty.
I sigh as I start to feel worried, mixed with guilt. There's no use dwelling on past regrets, though; I just hope Asano is alright.
The darkness of the night above rains down on me, and the whispers of nature echo in my ears.
It makes me wonder... If that mysterious voice has the power to bring me to this world, can it also bring me back to earth?
There's a lot I don't know about this place yet, but hopefully, I'll find answers soon enough. Until then, I need to keep moving forward.
Steadily, I continue trekking deeper into the woods, listening intently for signs of danger.
However, as I progress through the forest, a strange sensation begins tugging at my senses. Something feels off... Almost unnatural. I stop dead in my tracks, scanning my surroundings warily. Nothing appears out of place... But why do I feel so uneasy?
Suddenly, the sound of running footsteps draws near. They sound human... Or humanoid, at least.