Chapter 43
The Chosen Of Death
Adom nestled into the plush seat of the train compartment, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on tracks a soothing backdrop to his journey. The landscape outside was a blur of greens and browns, the outskirts of the Great Forest in the distance, a wild boundary to the known world and the mysterious realms beyond. In his hands, a warm cup of coffee exhaled fragrant steam, and beside it, a small plate held the remnants of a modest feast of cakes.
As he sipped his coffee, Adom's mind wandered, not to the ancient mysteries of the Great Forest or the rumored ferocity of the Ka'ui orcs, but inward, to the enigmatic system that now intertwined with his very being. It was a gift—or perhaps a curse—from Death itself, an unseen, unfathomable presence that had granted him this second chance at life. The system had become a part of him, as instinctual as breathing, yet he understood so little of its depths.
With a thought that felt as natural as flexing a muscle, Adom summoned the system interface. [Welcome, User. How may I assist you?] The words materialized before his inner eye, clear and expectant.
Startled, Adom almost spilled his coffee. "It... responds to thoughts?" he murmured under his breath, a mix of wonder and unease threading through his voice. The realization that the system was attuned to his mental commands was a bit disconcerting. Until now, Adom had relied on his skills to summon the system, unaware that mere thought could bring forth its interface. It wasn't that he hadn't considered the possibility; rather, the system had always manifested seemingly at random, beyond his deliberate attempts to call upon it. It suggested an intimacy with this entity that he hadn't fully grasped until now.
The system awaited, patient and silent. Adom pondered his next move, the weight of this discovery pressing upon him. Could he simply think of a question and expect an answer? The notion felt like treading on the edge of a vast, unseen world, one step away from plummeting into unknown depths.
With a mixture of curiosity and caution, he focused his thoughts, directing them towards the system as one might speak to a confidant. [How can I best utilize you? Can I ask you questions directly like this?]
The system's response was immediate, a testament to its unfathomable nature. [Yes, User. You may inquire directly through thought. I am here to assist and guide you within the parameters set by my design.]
Adom's heart skipped a beat. The system's acknowledgment of his thoughts as a valid form of communication was a revelation. It opened a door to possibilities he hadn't dared to imagine. The system wasn't just a tool; it was a companion of sorts, albeit one without sentience, a sophisticated construct designed to respond to his will.
He leaned back, the comfort of the train seat forgotten as his mind raced with implications. The system could be more than just a passive recorder of his achievements and a gatekeeper of skills. It could be a well of knowledge, a guide.
Adom then focused inward, the gentle hum of the train blending with his deepening thoughts. He directed his attention to the system, and posed his questions with a clarity born of genuine curiosity.
[What exactly are you? What can you do?], he thought, his mental voice tinged with a mix of inquisitiveness and caution.
[I am your system. I am a non sentient, complex framework designed to facilitate growth, learning, and adaptation through interaction with the world. I track progress, grant skills based on achievements, and provide guidance towards potential paths of development.], the system promptly responded, its words appearing in Adom's mind like text on a page.
Encouraged by the response, Adom delved deeper. [Can you predict outcomes or guide me towards specific goals?]
[While I can provide insights based on your current trajectory and past actions, I am not capable of predicting future outcomes with absolute certainty. My guidance is based on probabilities and the potential I discern from your actions and choices.], the system clarified, maintaining an informative tone.
Adom's curiosity deepened. [Are there limits to the skills and knowledge you can provide?]
[Yes. Skills and knowledge are unlocked based on achievements, personal growth, and the fulfillment of specific conditions. Some information and abilities may be restricted by your current level or the need to complete certain challenges.], it explained, its answers painting a clearer picture of the structured yet flexible nature of the system.
Eager to test the boundaries of the system's openness, Adom ventured a more pointed question. [Can you tell me about the origins of this system? Who created it, and why?]
[That information is beyond your current access level. Continue on your path, and in time, more will be revealed.], the system responded, its refusal to divulge more hinting at the depth and complexity of the secrets it guarded.
Adom's mind whirred as he absorbed the system's responses, his gaze drifting to the blur of the landscape rushing by. The denial of information about the system's origins had not surprised him; he had anticipated evasiveness regarding such profound mysteries. Yet, the very act of asking had been a test—one to gauge the system's transparency and perhaps catch a glimpse into Death's enigmatic nature.
His thoughts meandered to Death, the enigmatic entity who had granted him this second chance. Adom's inquiry had been a subtle probe, an attempt to unravel the motivations and intentions of a force that seemed beyond comprehension. He hadn't expected much, if anything, in the way of a direct answer, and yet, the part of him that thrived on knowledge and understanding couldn't resist the temptation to seek even the smallest of insights.
To his astonishment, the system, as if sensing the underlying current of his thoughts, offered more than just a straightforward refusal. [While specifics about the creator's intentions are restricted, it may be beneficial for you to understand the broader context of your role as one of the Chosen of Death. Throughout history, individuals have been selected at critical junctures, each playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of the world's narrative. The system serves not only as a guide but as a catalyst for significant change, with each Chosen tasked with navigating the complexities of their destiny.]
Adom felt a chill that had nothing to do with the air conditioning of the train compartment. The term "Chosen of Death" resonated with a weight he hadn't fully appreciated until now. It suggested a lineage of sorts, a succession of individuals each marked by Death for reasons obscured by the veils of history and purpose.
[Your journey, User, is both personal and part of a larger tapestry. I, the system, am here to aid you, to ensure that your potential is realized in a manner that aligns with the intricate balance of the world. Your actions, choices, and growth are of interest not just to yourself but to the equilibrium of the cosmic scales.]
Adom wrestled with the implications of being dubbed one of the "Chosen of Death." How could he, a man who once felt his life had passed him by without leaving any significant mark, now be considered pivotal in the grand scheme of things? This thought gnawed at him, an itch of disbelief mixed with an undercurrent of newfound purpose.
With a hint of skepticism and his curiosity piqued, he ventured another question towards the system. [But why me? How could I possibly play a role in something so vast? And are there other Chosen of Death currently living?]
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The system's response was swift, a reminder of the boundaries set by his current understanding and access within this enigmatic framework. [Information regarding the presence and identity of other Chosen is restricted until you reach level 500.]
"So, there's a possibility of others like me, then?" Adom mused aloud, a mix of excitement and frustration in his voice. The idea that he might not be alone, that there could be others sharing this burden or gift, was both comforting and daunting.
Once more, he was met with the system's unyielding stance. [You do not possess the required level to access this information.]
"Levels," Adom mused aloud. "A tangible measure of one's Essentia capacity and, I presume, physical prowess. But what does it truly signify? Is it an absolute determinant of victory in combat?"
[System Response: "Level Discrepancy Analysis Initiated."]
Adom's focus sharpened as he read the system's explanation, the words resonating with his own understanding and experiences.
[Levels represent an individual's overall capacity to harness and output Essentia and, on a smaller scale, sustain physical activity without depletion. However, victory in combat is not solely determined by level disparity. Individuals of lower levels can indeed overcome those of higher levels through strategic thinking, tactical prowess, and optimal utilization of their abilities.]
Adom nodded, the pieces of the puzzle aligning within his mind. "So, it's not just about raw power. It's about how you use what you have. A higher level means a larger Essentia pool and better physical condition, but it's not an insurmountable advantage."
[Correct. While a higher level indicates a greater probability of victory due to increased Essentia capacity and physical resilience, it is not an absolute guarantee. Tactical ingenuity, environmental factors, and the element of surprise can significantly alter the outcome of a confrontation. However, it is important to note that as the level discrepancy increases, the challenge becomes exponentially more difficult. Beyond a certain threshold, victory might become statistically improbable, if not impossible.]
The notion of 'levels' restricting knowledge seemed arbitrary to Adom. It prompted him to question the very nature of these limitations. [But why does having a certain level matter for knowing this? What changes with a 'level'?]
The system, adhering to its parameters yet offering a glimpse into its foundational logic, responded. [Levels are a measure of growth, experience, and the capacity to comprehend and handle more complex truths and powers. As you evolve, so too does your ability to understand the deeper intricacies of the world and the system itself. Certain information and abilities are locked behind levels to ensure that they are accessed only when an individual is ready, both in terms of skill and mental fortitude.]
Adom decided to probe further into the mysteries the system held. [You mentioned earlier about levels and growth. I've chosen a path of passivity in this life, aiming for a tranquil existence. Does engaging with the system and advancing in levels imply that I'm moving away from that choice?]
The system's response was almost immediate, its words floating before him in the familiar blue hue. [Your initial declaration of seeking a passive life has been noted. However, the system is designed to adapt and evolve with its user. Engaging with the system and advancing in levels will indeed open pathways that may contradict a passive stance, leading to potential involvements in conflicts or quests that require direct action.]
Adom couldn't help but chuckle, the sound echoing softly in the confines of his cabin. He remembered his conversation with Death, her cryptic smile as she hinted at the unpredictable nature of life's journey. [So, this is Death's way of nudging me towards action, huh? She did say, 'we'll see' when I expressed my desire for a quiet life.]
The system remained silent on that, its interface static, a silent observer to Adom's musings. It was clear that some aspects of this grand design were beyond even the system's scope to comment on, bound by the mysterious intentions of its creator.
Adom leaned back, the corners of his mouth curling upwards in a wry smile. It seemed Death had set the stage for a challenge, embedding a subtle provocation within the very fabric of this second chance. If advancing in levels meant uncovering the world's deeper mysteries and possibly intervening in events of significance, then it was a path that might inevitably lead him away from the tranquility he had envisioned.
The idea that his nature, perhaps inherently inclined towards action and involvement, would emerge regardless of his conscious desires, was both ironic and intriguing. It was as if Death was playfully asserting that Adom's true essence would surface, pushing him towards the tumultuous seas of life, despite his attempts to seek the quiet shores.
The serene landscape outside contrasted with the whirlwind of questions swirling in his mind. Drawing a deep breath, Adom focused his thoughts, seeking clarity from the system that had been his silent guide.
[How do I continue to ascend in levels, and how are skills granted to me?], he inquired, his thoughts directed towards the enigmatic system.
[Levels are attained through the accumulation of experience, which is garnered from a variety of activities including combat, understanding of magical concepts, and the completion of quests. Skills are primarily acquired through merit-based achievements and deliberate practice in relevant fields. Some initial skills were bestowed upon you as a foundational gift from the entity known as Death, to aid in your early development and adaptation to the system.], the system elaborated, providing a structured outline of progression within its framework.
Adom nodded to himself, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to align.
[And what about quests? I've undertaken two so far but remain unclear on their workings and purpose within the system.], Adom pressed on, his curiosity piqued by the elusive nature of these tasks.
[Quests are dynamic challenges designed to test your skills, resolve, and adaptability. They are triggered by significant actions or decisions that resonate with the core principles of the system, or events that would change the original timeline. Successful completion of quests results in rewards such as experience points, skill enhancements, or even the unlocking of new abilities. However, failure to complete a quest within its designated parameters may result in penalties, reflecting the risks associated with the tasks at hand.], the system responded, shedding light on the integral role quests played in the overarching structure of growth and development.
Adom's contemplation took a more personal turn. The vast web of possibilities and choices spun by the system's revelations left him at a crossroads, pondering the weight of his decisions. Drawing in a deep, steadying breath, he presented another query to the system, a question that tugged at the core of his desires and fears.
[If I chose to step back from this all, to retreat to Cair Icarus with my family, seeking the simplicity and peace I yearned for, what would that change?], he thought, directing his inner voice towards the system with a blend of hope and apprehension.
The system's response, though anticipated, carried a weight that seemed to anchor the very air around him. [User, your actions have already significantly altered the course of events from the original timeline. The choices you've made and the paths you've embarked upon have set in motion a series of changes whose full impacts are yet to unfold. At this juncture, adhering strictly to your previous life's events may not yield the outcomes you expect. The world around you has evolved, and with it, so have the possibilities and challenges you will face. It is ill-advised to rely solely on past experiences as a guide for future decisions.]
Adom sat back, the system's words echoing in the silence of his compartment. The notion that he had already veered so far from the timeline he once knew was daunting. It implied uncertainty, a canvas on which the strokes of his actions painted a picture vastly different from the one he had envisioned.
The idea that returning to Cair Icarus, seeking refuge in the comfort of family and the familiar, might not provide the solace or the escape he hoped for was a sobering thought. It suggested that the threads of fate he had pulled and woven into new patterns had created a tapestry too intricate to simply step away from.
Adom's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as the cabin door slid open, revealing a figure whose presence seemed to shift the very air around them. The man, seemingly elven, carried an air of elegance that was almost tangible, his attire speaking of grace and a stature that commanded attention. Yet, it was his eyes that truly captivated Adom—bright gold, gleaming with an otherworldly light against his umber skin, a contrast that was both striking and mesmerizing.
Caught off guard by the sudden intrusion and the compelling gaze of the newcomer, Adom's initial intention to continue his inquiry with the system was swiftly sidelined. The man's smile, warm yet carrying an enigmatic undertone, prompted a response from Adom, though he was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Hi," the man greeted, his voice smooth, carrying a hint of something indefinable that piqued Adom's curiosity despite himself.
Adom, still grappling with the unexpected shift in his solitude, managed a polite nod. "Hello," he replied, his mind racing with questions. The urge to maintain his privacy rose within him, and he nearly voiced a lie about expecting company, hoping to dissuade any further intrusion.
However, before Adom could weave his tale, the man, with a grace that seemed innate, entered the cabin fully and took a seat, an action that spoke of certainty and purpose. "I've been looking for you," he stated simply, his tone devoid of any malice but filled with a quiet assurance that left little room for protest.
The introduction that followed was as intriguing as the man's sudden appearance. "I am Atar Relind," he announced, settling into the space with an ease that suggested familiarity, though they were clearly strangers.