First Steps into Highcairn
Of course, he vanished. You can’t have a trickster god sticking around to help.
John glances around the clearing. The sky has that weird twilight glow that could either mean sunrise or sunset. There’s no sign of civilization. No paths. Just trees.
"Ok let's see what all Chuckles gave me"
John's vision had various icons in it. He had a red health bar. A blue mana bar. Which I assure is definitely pronounced Man-Uh. Get outta here with that Mahn uh B.S. He sees a Tiny version of himself in the bottom left corner. With a mental click His character sheet appears.
Name: John Bradford
Class: Rouge
Race: Adventurer
Level: 1
Health: 100%
Strength: 7
Dexterity: 8
Intelligence: 10
Luck: ?
John squints. “They gave me seven strength? I’m not even strong enough to lift the groceries in one trip?"
Looking over the sheet more John thinks " Ok no class selection giggles McGee just gave me a rogue. That makes sense, he's the God of rogues and if I'm being honest I've played a rogue in every RPG I've ever played."
John patted his shirt and dug into his pockets, pulling out his wallet. His driver’s license was blank, and his cards were all missing. Does this world not need a million membership cards for everything? He fanned open the wallet to look inside for any dollar bucks. Instead, it looked like he was staring into the depths of space. A coin icon appeared in the bottom corner of his vision. Showing he had 1 Gold coin, thirty silver, and 7 bronze coins.
John exhaled. “Right. Magic inventory system. Naturally.” He stuffed the wallet back in his jeans.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“Okay, this is starting to feel real.” John flipped the keyring in his hand and noticed a faint glow around the keychain. He squinted at the floating text above it.
[Keys of Subtle Entry]
Basic lockpicking ability unlocked
He pulled out his earbuds next. The text shimmered faintly.
[Whispers of Understanding]
Grants the ability to comprehend and speak any spoken language
“Well,” John said, tucking them into his pocket. “At least I won’t need subtitles.”
John glanced down at where his Lunch box should be. A small satchel hung at his side now—his lunchbox transformed. He tugged it open and found it deeper than it had any right to be. A bag of holding.
John was saving one item for last. He always and I do mean always carried a pocket knife. I mean is a man really a man if he doesn't have a pocket knife?
He reached into his pocket and felt the old comfortable feel of the knife. A measure of relief flooded through John. He wasn't defenseless. He could fight. Grow stronger and get home.
With a fluid practiced motion, John draws and flicks open the pocket knife. And is greeted with a notification.
[Widowfang Level 1]
Type: Dagger
Damage: 6-8 (Piercing)
Critical Chance: 10%
Durability: 50/50
Description: A small, unassuming blade that carries the subtle lethality of a spider's fang. Quick to strike but fragile. Can also open boxes.
John's eyes glint at the sight of the familiar black blade. Smiling he replaces it in his pocket.
“Well,” John muttered, slinging it over his shoulder. “Might as well start walking.”
He adjusted the satchel and stepped forward, the path stretching endlessly through the forest.
A soft rustling pulls his attention away. The bushes to his left shiver, and something small with glowing eyes peers out. A rabbit.
Maybe this won’t be so bad.
John takes a step forward—
—and the rabbit hisses.
“What the—”
It lunges. Tiny teeth gleaming.
John yelps, stumbling backward. “WHY DOES IT HAVE TEETH!?”
"Oh, cool. It’s a murder bunny. Classic." Thinks John sarcastically.
The rabbit dashes forward again. John instinctively flicks his pocket knife open.
John swings. The rabbit dodges.
Is this actually happening? I’m gonna die to a homicidal woodland critter.
The rabbit circles for another pass.
John growls. “No. Nope. Not today.”
As the rabbit leaps, John swipes. The blade connects—and the rabbit explodes in a puff of light. Tiny sparks drift where it was.
John blinks. “Did… did I just vaporize a rabbit?”
A faint ding sounds in his head.
+5 EXP.
John crouches, rubbing his face. “I need a drink.”