Chapter 44

The Death Penalty For An Immortal

Adom's mind raced as he observed the imposing figure of Atar Relind seated before him. The air seemed to shift around Atar, charged with an aura of authority and assurance that Adom found both unsettling and magnetic. The man's demeanor, the way he carried himself with a calm yet undeniable dominance, was unlike anything Adom had encountered in either of his lives. His presence was like a tangible force, filling the room with an energy that spoke of power held in careful reserve.

Despite the unexpected and somewhat intrusive arrival of this stranger, Adom couldn't shake off the innate sense of trust and respect that Atar inspired. There was something about him, perhaps in the steady gaze or the slight, knowing smile, that suggested he wasn't just anyone. He seemed like the kind of man who, if he so chose, could indeed change the course of history with a mere decision.

Gathering his wits about him, Adom realized that diplomacy was the key in dealing with someone of Atar's evident caliber. The last thing he wanted was to offend or appear ignorant in front of a man who had, for reasons unknown, sought him out specifically. Clearing his throat slightly, Adom leaned forward, his eyes locked with Atar's in an attempt to mask his initial confusion with a veneer of composed curiosity.

"I'm sorry," he began, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts, "but it seems there might be some confusion. Where exactly do we know each other from?"

Atar's response was a laugh, deep and resonant, that seemed to momentarily dispel the tension in the room. "Are you not Perceus?" he inquired, an eyebrow raised in a mix of amusement and surprise. "I was told to find you here, cabin 45. Though, I must say, you look much younger than I was expecting."

Adom's mind raced, parsing through memories and names, trying to find a thread that connected him to this enigmatic figure and the name 'Perceus.' It was clear there had been a mistake. With a cautious tone, Adom responded, "I think there's been some confusion. I'm not Perceus. You might have the wrong person."

Atar's expression shifted, a hint of surprise crossing his features before settling into an apologetic smile. "Oh, my," he said, his voice tinged with genuine remorse. "It seems I've made quite the error. I apologize for the intrusion."

Adom, caught off guard by Atar's humility, felt a pang of embarrassment for his initial suspicion. "It's nothing at all," Adom reassured, his voice softening. "Though I was seeking some solitude, your company is not unwelcome."

Atar nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Perhaps it's fate then," he mused, extending his hand. "Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"

"Adom Sylla," he replied, taking Atar's hand in a firm shake. To Adom, the contact felt significant, as if this meeting was meant to be more than a mere coincidence. This was a strange feeling.

Their exchange was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Enter," Adom called out, turning his attention to the newcomer. A cabin attendant peeked in, his gaze flickering between Adom and the unexpected guest. "Sir, would you like to order anything else?" he inquired, addressing Adom directly.

"Not at the moment, thank you," Adom responded, his tone polite but dismissive. The attendant nodded, casting a curious glance at Adom but opting to remain silent before quietly withdrawing from the room.

Adom had hoped to maintain a polite distance, but Atar Relind's persistence in the conversation marked a departure from the solitude he had sought. When Atar inquired about Adom's destination, Adom, albeit reluctantly, shared that he was heading to the old Salamander territory.

Atar's eyes lit up with recognition. "Ah, the Salamander territory," he mused, "It's quite a sight, especially this time of year. The forests there are lush, and the historic ruins add a touch of mystique to the landscape."

Adom couldn't help but nod in agreement. Despite his initial reservations, the man's genuine appreciation for the beauty of the Salamander territory was undeniable. "It is a beautiful place," Adom conceded, allowing a small smile.

However, Atar's next words carried a note of caution. "Just be wary of venturing too deep into the forest. The area is known for its wild beasts, and the Ka'ui orcs have been particularly restless of late."

Adom, sensing the protective concern in Atar's voice, sought to alleviate any worries, yet, not tell too much about his purpose. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm just visiting my uncle Ben. I don't plan on venturing into any dangerous areas."

Atar nodded, as if reassured. Then gaze momentarily drifted towards Adom's belongings, pausing on the bag that lay beside him. "That's quite a nice bag you've got there," Atar remarked, his tone carrying a hint of genuine admiration. "A classic one at that. Such designs are rare finds these days."

Adom, slightly taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation, glanced at the bag. "Yeah, I picked it up from a store in Mandrake," he responded.

Atar's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes reflecting a sense of intrigue. "You're very particular, aren't you, Adom Sylla?" he observed, his statement hanging in the air like a gentle challenge. "Not only are you embarking on what seems to be quite the adventure, but you're also gifted with a keen sense for quality gear. All that at such a seemingly young age."

Adom couldn't help but let out a light chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. "I wouldn't say I'm an adventurer," he demurred, "but I did find the bag quite fancy. Thank you for noticing," he added, acknowledging Atar's compliment with a gracious nod.

Atar Relind then gracefully rose from his seat, his movements as dignified as his presence. "Well, Adom," he began, his voice carrying the same commanding yet gentle tone that had first caught Adom's attention, "it appears my intrusion was a case of mistaken identity. For that, I offer my sincerest apologies." His expression was one of genuine regret, a stark contrast to the confidence he exuded.

Adom, caught between annoyance and an unexpected respect for the man, managed a polite nod. "It's quite alright. These things happen," he replied, striving to maintain the cordial atmosphere that had unexpectedly formed between them.

Atar smiled, a gesture that seemed to light up the small cabin space. "In that case, I shall not impose upon your time any further." He made his way to the door, pausing as he reached the threshold. Turning back to Adom with a look that seemed to see right through him, Atar added, "Fate has a curious way of weaving paths. Today was but a brief crossing of ours. Who knows? Perhaps our paths are destined to intertwine again."

The words, simple yet profound, lingered in the air long after Atar had exited the cabin. Adom sat there, the echoes of their conversation replaying in his mind. There was something about Atar, a sense of depth and mystery, that intrigued him. Despite his initial desire for solitude, Adom couldn't shake off a feeling of curiosity about the man who had so unexpectedly entered his life, even if just for a fleeting moment.

*****

Adom, now alone in his cabin, turned his thoughts back to the enigmatic system that governed his new existence. A question had been nagging at him, one that seemed fundamental to his journey and the second chance he'd been granted. He wanted to understand the intricacies of his immortality, particularly how it operated within the constraints of the system.

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Taking a deep breath, Adom formulated his question with care, aware of the system's tendency to be both informative and cryptic. "[System, can you explain how my immortality functions within your parameters? Specifically, I'm interested in understanding if there are long term consequences in dying as I progress through levels.]" Adom awaited the response with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

The system's reply materialized in the familiar blue hue before his eyes, its words concise yet revealing. "[Your immortality is anchored within the Death Penalty System. Upon death, you risk losing your class, if you have any, reverting to a base or unclassed state. This necessitates re-earning your class through the trials or achievements that initially unlocked it, underscoring the significance of each life and decision.]"

Adom absorbed the information, his mind racing to piece together the implications. The system continued, "[Furthermore, as you ascend in levels, the penalties for dying become increasingly severe. Starting from level 10, each death carries the risk of a level reset to a previous state, potentially as low as level 0, depending on the circumstances of your death and the challenges faced.]"

The notion of grinding to regain lost levels, coupled with the psychological toll of repeated deaths, painted a daunting picture of the path ahead. Adom felt a chill run down his spine as he considered the cumulative effects of such penalties on his psyche and magical abilities.

"[Skill Decay, Essentia Fragmentation, and Psychological Toll are additional consequences you may face. Each death leads to a temporary reduction in magical potency and capacity, necessitating specific quests, meditation, or rituals for recovery. Memory echoes from moments of death may intrude upon your consciousness, potentially hindering decision-making or combat effectiveness.]" The system's enumeration of penalties underscored the gravity of each life and the strategic importance of avoiding unnecessary risks.

Adom sat in silence, the weight of the system's explanations settling over him. The path to immortality, it seemed, was fraught with challenges that extended beyond mere physical survival. The mental and emotional resilience required to navigate the system's demands was immense.

After pondering over the complexities of the death penalty system, Adom's curiosity veered towards another aspect the system had alluded to: classes. He found the concept intriguing, especially in light of the recent conversation and his evolving understanding of the world's magical framework. With a focused mind, Adom initiated another query to the system, "[System, you mentioned 'class' earlier. Can you elaborate on what that entails within your framework?]"

The system responded promptly, its blue text materializing before Adom with a clarity that seemed to cut through the dimness of the cabin. "[Yes, the 'class' system is a fundamental aspect of your progression and development within this world. Classes are defined archetypes that shape your abilities, skills, and approach to both combat and non-combat situations.]"

The system continued, outlining the classic classes such as Warrior, Wizard, Rogue, Cleric, and Ranger, each with distinct characteristics and specialties. "[These classes are the foundational categories from which individuals can derive their path, focusing on areas such as physical strength, arcane knowledge, stealth and precision, healing, or ranged combat.]"

Adom absorbed the information, his mind weaving through the possibilities these paths presented. The system then delved into unique classes tailored for individuals like him, mentioning the Essentia Duelist, Runic Artisan, and others that combined martial prowess with magical aptitude in ways that resonated with Adom's own journey.

Particularly captivating was the mention of Adom-specific classes such as the Sun Phoenix and Savant, reflecting his unique bond with the Phoenix Bennu and his deep intellectual engagement with the world's magic. "[These classes, user, are reflective of your personal journey and the choices you make. They are not static but can evolve and integrate based on your experiences and discoveries.]"

Without prompting from Adom, the system, seemingly attuned to his burgeoning curiosity, extended its explanation to encompass the concept of class merging—a nuance that intrigued Adom even as he absorbed the vast expanse of information provided.

"[User, an additional facet of the class system permits the merging of classes. This advanced mechanism allows for the synthesis of distinct classes into a singular, more potent form. However, it is crucial to understand that you cannot maintain multiple classes simultaneously in their original form.]"

The system's words flowed with an ease that belied the complexity of the subject, engaging Adom's interest without overwhelming him. "[To initiate a class merge, you must first achieve mastery in one class. Mastery is not merely a matter of reaching a certain level but entails completing specific challenges or quests unique to that class, demonstrating a deep understanding and proficiency in its core principles.]"

Adom found himself nodding along, the system's guidance painting a clear picture in his mind. "[Once mastery in the initial class is attained, you may then embark on mastering a second class. This sequential mastery is a prerequisite for merging, ensuring that the essence of each class is fully understood and appreciated before they are combined.]"

The concept of class merging, as explained by the system, seemed both a challenge and an opportunity, a way to tailor his abilities to his evolving journey. "[Upon mastering the requisite classes, a Ritual of Synthesis is undertaken. This ritual is a delicate and intricate process that fuses the essences of the classes involved, resulting in a new class that embodies the strengths and capabilities of its progenitors. It is important to note that this process is irreversible, and the merged class becomes your new path.]"

Adom's thoughts briefly wandered to the enigmatic figures like Mr. Biggins, whose levels remained obscured. Before he could delve deeper or pose his queries to the system, a preemptive message appeared, "[Information regarding the levels of certain individuals is not available to users without the requisite level of progression.]"

The system's firm stance left no room for further inquiry, prompting a chuckle from Adom. It was a reminder of the system's boundaries and the mysteries it guarded. Yet, the question of trust and intent lingered in his mind, compelling him to confront the system with a more direct inquiry.

"[System, do you operate in my best interest, or do you have your own agenda?]" Adom asked, half-expecting evasion or an admission of self-serving designs.

To his surprise, the system's response was neither evasive nor ambiguous. "[My primary function is to assist you, the user, in navigating the complexities of this world. Regardless of the path you choose, I am designed to provide support and guidance. The efficacy of this assistance, however, is contingent upon the user's engagement with and understanding of the system's mechanisms.]"

The clarity and apparent transparency of the system's explanation took Adom aback. It suggested a level of neutrality and objectivity he hadn't fully anticipated, framing the system more as a tool at his disposal than a guiding or controlling force with its own motives. But still, Adom thought it best to not rely completely on it, its ambiguity on certain subjects being impossible to overlook.

Stepping out of the cabin, the brisk air and the gentle sway of the train provided Adom with a refreshing change of scenery. His encounter with Atar Relind and the subsequent dialogue with the system had left him with much to ponder. As he made his way to the dining car, he spotted the attendant who had earlier inquired about his needs.

"Good evening," Adom greeted, his mind still partially ensnared by the day's enigmatic interactions. "Could I have some water, and perhaps a steak with fries? I find myself in need of something substantial."

The attendant, a polite smile on his face, nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, sir. I'll have your order brought to you swiftly," he assured, jotting down Adom's request.

A spark of curiosity ignited in Adom's mind, prompting him to inquire about the mysterious visitor. "By the way, did the gentleman I was with earlier find his way alright?" Adom asked, expecting a simple confirmation or a brief account of Atar's departure.

The attendant paused, a look of confusion crossing his features. "What man, sir?" he asked, genuinely puzzled. "When I checked on you earlier, I only saw you in the cabin."

Adom's brows furrowed slightly at the attendant's response. The vividness of his interaction with Atar Relind stood in stark contrast to the attendant's claim of seeing him alone. The discrepancy tugged at his thoughts, weaving a thread of mystery that seemed to thicken rather than unravel.

Before Adom could voice another question, probe further into the attendant's perplexing statement, the latter offered a light-hearted chuckle. "Perhaps the journey has you seeing companions, sir. Not to worry, I'll bring your meal posthaste. A bit of food might just be the remedy."

With that, the attendant excused himself, leaving Adom in a corridor filled with the soft hum of conversations and the rhythmic clatter of the train. The brief exchange had added another layer to the day's puzzling events, leaving Adom to ponder the nature of his encounter with Atar Relind. Was it merely a figment of his imagination, a trick of the mind amidst the solitude of travel? Or had their meeting been shrouded in a magic that concealed it from others?