I slowly come to awareness, my eyes peeling open as I take in my surroundings. I'm squeezed into a cramped and damp crevice within the cliff face. The cold, dampness of the rock surrounding me makes it clear that this isn't exactly the most comfortable of places. My mind attempts to rewind and recall how I came to be in this situation, and what events led me here.
As I lay there in the cramped crevice, my mind slowly begins to recall the previous events. I think back to the intense and gruelling fight we went through. I turn my head to look towards my brother, Alex, hoping to assess the extent of his injuries. I carefully scan his body, looking for any signs of wounds or harm caused by our recent battle.
I let out a small sigh of relief seeing that Alex seems to be healing at a fast pace. It's clear that the points he invested in constitution are doing their job, helping his body repair itself quickly.
Feeling reassured that Alex is recovering from his wounds, I shift my focus towards my own body. I look down at my arm, where I recall the wolf latched onto during our fight. I grimace as my eyes fall upon my wounded arm. My arm is covered in deep scars left by the wolf's bite during our battle. The sight of the grievous injury serves as a stark reminder of just how dangerous the wolves we fought truly were.
As I observe the scars marring my arm, I can't help but think that my healing rate is unusually fast compared to usual standards. The fact that I'm already able to move and function despite the severe injury I've sustained is a testament to just how unnatural this healing process is.
I realize that it's only been a day since the tutorial began, and yet my body has already undergone significant changes thanks to the system. I can't help but marvel at just how quickly these modifications are taking effect, accelerating my physical development at an almost unnatural pace.
As I lay there in the crevice, I become acutely aware of the points of dexterity coursing through me, causing the world around me to slow a fraction. It's as though time itself has been altered by this influx of points, granting me a heightened sense of perception and reaction time.
I can't help but admit that the sensation of the world slowing down is exhilarating. This newfound sense of heightened awareness and reaction time feels almost superhuman, like I can dodge attacks with lightning reflexes.
As the intense sensation of enhanced perception and dexterity washes over me, I'm suddenly snapped out of it by the flashing notifications that appear in my mind's eye. My attention is immediately redirected towards them. I take a moment to pause and recollect the events of the previous fight. It dawns on me that I must have leveled up after that intense battle. With this realisation, I mentally pull up my status screen.
You Have Defeated 2x Level 5 Wolf
Level Up 3–5
You Gain 4 Free Stat Points
You Have Reached Level 5
Reward (Class Selection)
As the status screen appears before me, I scan the list of rewards and my eyes fall upon the option to select a class. A wave of excitement washes over me upon seeing this. It's time to pick a class and shape my path within this dangerous tutorial.
With a focused thought, I activate the reward, and class options appear in front of me, each with its own unique name and description. As I glance through them, my eyes dart between each option listed, trying to decide which class fits.
Warrior - Common Class - A class focused on physical strength and melee combat expertise. Warriors have high health, stamina, and defense, making them resilient frontliners. They excel at dealing heavy damage with various weapons and mastering powerful combat techniques. +5 free stats per level
Rogue - Common Class - A class that thrives in stealth and agility. Rogues specialize in sneak attacks and dealing precision damage. They tend to have high dexterity and stealth abilities, allowing them to avoid detection and quickly dispose of enemies. +5 free stats per level
Mage - Common Class - A class dedicated to mastering the art of magic. Mages wield an array of spells and enchantments, capable of both offensive and supportive abilities. They excel in ranged combat, often able to cast powerful spells to attack foes from a distance. Additionally, mages possess skills that enhance teammates and disrupt enemies. +5 free stats per level
Ranger - Common Class - A class focusing on versatility in both ranged and melee combat scenarios. Rangers possess proficient archery skills and are adept at using multiple weapons. They also boast survival skills, making them adept at navigating treacherous environments. +5 free stats per level
Healer - Common Class - A class dedicated to restoring health and providing support to allies during combat. Healers possess the knowledge and skills to mend wounds and remove negative status effects. +5 free stats per level
As I mentally assess each class's features and abilities, I can't help but fantasise internally about the sheer coolness of being able to wield magic. The thought of casting powerful spells and harnessing magical energies fills my mind with excitement.
I mentally acknowledge that while the idea of wielding magic is appealing, I lack any real knowledge or experience in that area. It becomes clear that focusing on classes that align with my current skills and abilities would be the more practical choice.
I carefully consider the Warrior and Rogue classes, acknowledging their potential strengths in combat. I also briefly entertain the idea of being a Healer, but quickly dismiss it, realising that if we can't defend ourselves effectively, healing abilities would be ineffective.
As I continue contemplating the different classes, my mind begins to gravitate towards the Ranger class. I recall our current location, being surrounded by the forest, and feel an undeniable pull towards the versatility and survival skills it offers.
Further reflection leads me to recognize that my existing hunting skills are already well-developed. This realisation strengthens my belief that the Ranger class would allow me to build upon my current abilities, potentially elevating my hunting prowess to a whole new level.
After a final moment of contemplation, I mentally commit to the decision. With a firm resolve, I select the Ranger class option. A sense of determination washes over me as I ready myself for the future challenges ahead, confident that the Ranger path aligns well with my skills and the environment we find ourselves in.
As the other class options slowly fade, I can't help but feel a slight pang of melancholy as I glance at the disappearing mage option. Despite my initial excitement towards the idea of magic, I acknowledge that my decision to choose the Ranger class was the logical choice, grounded in practicality rather than wishful thinking.
Suddenly, my body is seized by a wave of intense pain, feeling as if lightning itself is striking down on me. It's a shocking and overwhelming sensation that sears through every fibre of my being, leaving me momentarily paralysed.
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The pain becomes even more excruciating, my veins feeling as if they are on fire. I desperately try to cry out, but my mouth won't cooperate. All I can manage are strangled, muffled sounds as the pain courses through me.
As the pain begins to subside, I realize that tears are streaming down my face. I take deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm my racing heart and steady myself after the agonising experience.
With my breath stabilizing, I still feel my heart racing wildly in my chest. The residual effects of the intense pain linger, and I take a moment to mentally process and come to terms with the excruciating experience I just endured.
I focus my mind once more on my status screen, pulling it up to check the changes that have occurred since the selection of my class.
Status
Name: Balin Tellis
True Name: N/A
Trait: N/A
Class: Ranger
Level: 5
Stats:
Strength - 8
Dexterity - 16
Constitution - 11
Mana - 10
Free Stats - 9
As I turn my attention to my available free stat points, my thoughts quickly turn towards survival strategies. I mull over various options in my mind, trying to determine the best allocation of points that will help ensure my survival in this perilous tutorial.
As I allocate my stat points towards dexterity and constitution, my thoughts continue to race through my mind. I contemplate the potential benefits that these investments will bring; speed and resilience, both crucial assets in this perilous situation. With every point I assign, I envision myself becoming faster, nimbler, and more resilient, able to dodge attacks and withstand blows with enhanced vigor. The choice is not just a logical one, but a mental preparation for the challenges that lie ahead.
I focus my mental energy on distributing the stat points, allocating 4 points to dexterity, brining it up to 20. As I mentally process the points allocation, I feel a subtle but noticeable change in my body. My limbs feel lighter, more responsive, and my senses seem heightened, as if my surroundings are sharpening in focus. I marvel at the increased dexterity, imagining how much more agile and nimble I have become.
With my dexterity enhanced, I now turn my attention to the rest of my stats. I mentally focus on allocating the remaining 5 points to constitution. As I assign these points, I can feel a slight difference in my body. My muscles grow denser and my stamina seems to increase. It's as if my body is becoming more robust and resilient, capable of enduring greater physical strain and exertion.
As I take stock of the changes in my body after allocating stat points, I can't help but notice a newfound sense of strength and speed coursing through me. I flex my muscles and test my reflexes, feeling how much more powerful I've become while simultaneously remaining swift and nimble. It's an exhilarating feeling, realising how much these stat points have enhanced my physical capabilities.
My mind starts to wander as I ponder just how strong I can become. A sense of intrigue washes over me as I wonder about the limits of my newly-enhanced physique. Can I become even stronger and quicker with further investments in my stats? How far can I push my body's capabilities through these developments?
A small smile try’s to make its way onto my face, before it disappears once again. I know this feeling coursing through my veins will become addictive. But after the first day, I know the dangers the forest brings. Just looking back on the previous battles is a reminder that death is only a step away.
I turn my attention to Alex, who is still lying on the ground beside me, eyes closed and snoring softly. I can't help but grin at the sight of him, sprawled out on the cave floor like a rag doll.
I reach over and poke Alex in the side, trying to stir him out of his sleep. "Hey, wake up you big oaf," I say, grinning as I poke him again. "It's time to get moving."
Alex slowly opens his eyes, groaning as he sits up and rubs his face. "Ugh, did you have to wake me up like that?" he mutters, his voice groggy with sleep.
Alex continues to grumble and complain about his sore body, wincing as he moves his muscles. "Everything hurts," he groans. "I feel like I was hit by a truck."
I chuckle at Alex's complaints, feeling a sense of superiority as he winces and rubs his sore muscles. "You're just a big baby," I say, grinning at him. "My body feels great."
I gesture for Alex to look at his status, curious to see if his complaints are justified. "Just look at your status screen," I say. "See how much your stats have increased since yesterday?"
Alex looks at me as his eyes widen in realization. "Hey, have you picked your class yet?" he asks, his voice curious.
I nod, a sense of pride in my voice. "I've already picked my class," I say. "I decided to go with ranger."
Alex's expression turns to one of frustration as he hears my choice. "You idiot," he says, his voice sharp. "You should have waited until we could compare our class stats and make an informed decision."
I feel a pang of guilt as I realize that Alex may have a point. I had selected my class based on impulse and excitement, without thinking through the possible consequences. Perhaps I should have waited to compare my class with his before making a decision.
I let out a sigh of relief as I see Alex crack a smile. "Hey, it's not a bad choice anyway," he says, his voice softening. "Ranger is a strong class, especially for exploring and scavenging the wilderness."
I nod, feeling a sense of relief as Alex continues. "Right, it looks like all classes get the same amount of initial stat points anyway, we can each assign those points as we see fit."
"Yeah, that makes sense," I agree. "As we level up, our classes will probably become more important and affect the kinds of skills and abilities we can unlock."
Alex grins and nods decisively. "I've decided to go with the warrior class," he says. "I want to focus on strength and melee combat."
I am abruptly snapped out of my thoughts as Alex's sudden scream breaks the silence. The unexpected sound causes me to involuntarily flinch, my attention immediately redirecting to him.
I realize that Alex is undergoing his own class selection, and his scream must be a reaction to the same excruciating pain I experienced earlier. I watch him intently, hoping he will be okay.
As I continue to observe Alex, his screams gradually subside, replaced by the sound of his labored breaths. He looks physically drained and battered by the selection process, similar to my own experience.
As his eyes meet mine, Alex looks at me with a mixture of exhaustion and frustration. He begins to voice his complaints about the selection process, likely venting out the discomfort and pain he's just experienced.
I respond to his complaints with a friendly smile, attempting to lighten the mood. "It wasn't that bad, was it?" I say jokingly, trying to make light of the intense experience we both just went through.
Alex grins slightly as he playfully punches my shoulder. It seems like he's easing up after the class selection process, slowly returning to his usual cheerful demeanour.
Alex stands up, brushing off the pain from the class selection process. Looking around the area we're in, he suggests that we should begin exploring our surroundings.
I nod in agreement with Alex's suggestion, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement at the thought of exploring the unknown. The idea of venturing into the unknown is both thrilling and intimidating, not knowing what lies in store for us further ahead.
We cautiously make our way out of the small crevice we spent the night in, stepping out into the open and taking in the surroundings. The air feels cool and crisp, the sunlight bathing us in its warm embrace.
The forest seems to come alive in the warm embrace of the morning sun. Birds are chirping joyfully in the trees, their songs filling the air with a sense of tranquillity and peace. The soft rustling of leaves and the gentle breeze create a soothing symphony of nature's music.
Alex turns to me and says, "We should probably go find our packs. They should be over by where we battled last night."
I nod in agreement, remembering the rush of the battle and our hasty escape.
We begin to make our way through the forest, retracing our steps towards the spot where we had the fight earlier. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting dancing shadows on the ground as we walk.
We approach the area where the battle took place, and are met with a chilling sight. The bodies of the wolves and goblins are completely enveloped by thick vines, as if the forest itself has consumed them. Our packs are nowhere to be found, likely buried deep beneath the foliage.
Alex's confusion turns to frustration as he glances at me, swearing under his breath. "Where the hell are our packs?" he mutters, clearly agitated by the loss of our belongings.
We stand there for a moment, contemplating our options. The realisation that our supplies were lost along with our packs leaves us feeling vulnerable and unprepared.
Alex breaks the silence, voicing his thoughts aloud. "We need to find somewhere safe and close to water. That should be our number one priority right now."
With a nod of acknowledgement from me, we begin to make our way through the forest, our only possession being the clothes on our backs. The feeling of vulnerability intensifies, knowing that we have no gear or supplies to rely on. All we have now is each other.