After Ione was left stewing in anger and shit for all of 20 minutes, Coranne and accompanying nuns came back to change the uncomfortable babies.
There goes my will to live, Ione thought whilst being cleaned.
After that horrific ordeal, Coranne left again, along with the rest of the nuns, and Ione decided to think for a bit. Just to pretend as if what happened previously didn’t happen.
There was just too little she knew about this world and with all the leveling and skills, she wondered about the trajectory of her life, and what fantastical creatures roamed the lands of Terrestria. If they even existed. She sure hoped they did. She needed ways to gain experience.
She knew she wanted to be strong. Perhaps the strongest, and she knew she needed to level and gain as many skills as possible to make sure no one could challenge her.
Ione felt a small burst of excitement, the prospect thrilled her beyond measure. In order to make herself strong, she knew she’d have to complete as many quests as she can, kill as many monsters as she comes across, and raise her attribute points to ungodly heights. Which shouldn't be too hard, given that insane multiplier she got.
DING! Intelligence + 1
The sudden notification reminded her to look at the [Status screen] again.
Status Screen
HP: 5 | ST: 5 | Mana: 10
Name: Ione G’alatria
Race: Human-Elf Halfling
Birthday: 06/01/700 RY (Renewal Year)
Age: 0
Class: locked
Class skills
Passive: locked
Active: locked
Class aptitude skills: Locked
Attributes (0 points available)
Constitution: 1
Wisdom: 2
Stamina: 1
Strength: 1
Dexterity: 1
Intelligence: 152
Status afflictions (none):
General Skills (1):
Davlin Standard Tier 1 LVL 1
Arcane perks (2):
Increased Experience Acquisition
Language learner
Resistances (none):
Taken Quests (1):
Find Al’Varo
Gear (none):
Ione was astounded. Just a few hours after her birth she's already gained 2 intelligence points and a wisdom point. As her brain raced, she realized that she gets attribute points because of the way she’s thinking.
She lays there, utterly dumbfounded. Ione decided to focus on the attributes, hoping some explanation reveals itself.
One does. A blue window pops up:
Constitution: Determines how much HP (health points) you have. Affects how hard you get hit.
Wisdom: Determines how much MP (mana points) you have. Affects the strength of spells and how long spells can be activated.
Stamina: Determines how much SP (stamina points) you have. Affects how fast you tire.
Strength: Determines how much you can lift and carry. Determines how hard your hits make contact.
Dexterity: Affects balance, agility, and hit precision.
Intelligence: Affects planning and decision making. Affects logical thought, accuracy of recall, and ability to reason.
Eyes quickly glossed over the new information, and yet, Ione was left unsatisfied.
That's it? Nothing about how these points can be gained? That's shit.
While disappointed, Ione now knew a bit more than what she had before, which was a small blessing.
Ione figured if there is some sort of schooling here, it would be based on classes and skills, and so she decided to think about what class she should try to go for. While she had a basic idea of what she wanted: something that would involve healing and at the same time allow her incredible offensive power, she knew she wanted to only rely on herself; which meant minimal need for healers, party members or potions. If the latter even existed. She felt her defenses could be on the wayside if she focused on those two things.
A class that would enable her to heal herself would have to include some sort of flesh manipulation. She briefly thought of a story she read years ago where one of the titular characters could manipulate the flesh of others, but not herself. Ione wanted something like that, only the opposite. She wanted to manipulate her own flesh and heal herself at the same time. Although she had no idea about how to obtain a class, she suspected it would have to do with one's actions until the time came for a class to be bestowed. However, a new thought came to her.
Are there options for classes?
Ione sure hoped so. She could only wait until she overhears information or gets old enough to ask questions.
She questioned herself, why do I want to be so strong? Why do I only want to rely on myself?
The answer? Simply freedom. Ultimately, In order to be free, Ione had to be strong. Also smart. While she had been free, technically, in her other lives, it was different when it came to a world in which you can level up and gain power. To be truly unfettered came from the ability to do what one wanted, whenever and wherever; to be so unburdened by needs like food, shelter, water, money, and other such obstacles like threat, expectation, and responsibility. In this world, without a doubt, physical power meant freedom and she would do whatever it took to achieve it. She just had to be smart about it; she had to make plans, contingencies and contingencies for the contingencies.
Ugh. Too many contingencies. Is that even a real word anymore?
Moving on, Ione figured her best point of action once she leaves the orphanage would be to act as a mercenary. Depending on how advanced civilization is, and how potentially pressing the threat of monsters can be, it might make for easy progression. Of course, this is dependent on the fact that there is such a thing as mercenaries. Also, monsters. She had to operate under many assumptions in order to try to figure out a plan, and she would have to continue to do so until she got new information.
DING! Intelligence +1
DING! Quest Obtained! Please refer to the quest tab.
Before Ione could look at the tab, the sound of hurried footsteps distracted her and Coranne's flustered, yet blurry, face came into view.
"Hey there sweetheart," she hummed as she gently, but quickly, bundled Ione in her arms, "how ya doin'? Just laying around, eh?" Coranne snickered at her own joke while Ione eyed the little pitcher of milk in her hand.
"Here baby girl, I got some more milk for you" she smiled, and Ione internally thanked Coranne for taking the risk to come here, vowing to make sure that she ensured this wonderful girl's survival. Of course, it was in Ione’s best interest to have someone loyal to her in a place where her starvation was palatable to most people.
DING! Intelligence +1
As Ione was drinking she became aware that Coranne was humming a song. She didn't know it, of course, but it sounded lovely and soon enough, Ione felt her eyelids become heavy.
Today was tiring and Ione desperately needed some sleep.
When the white-haired baby had enough, she moved her head as much as she could, getting the bottle out of her mouth and promptly started to doze.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
“You really are an interesting baby,” Coranne murmured, which instantly roused Ione, ears perked up to hear any interesting information.
“You know, when you were born, I was there. I saw how everyone ignored your mother. And…” She briefly shook, “I was so angry. Some of the nuns are healers, a lot more advanced than I am, they could have helped her. I wish I could have done something and I'm sorry. I’m so sorry.” Her voice choked up.
A small hiccup, and then she continued. Ione listened intently. Without knowing it, Coranne signed Belan's death warrant.
DING! Quest Obtained! Please refer to the quest tab.
Ione was confident in what that referred to.
“Sorry.” She cleared her voice, “but, yeah, I can only heal scrapes and bruises for now, it’s why they've assigned me with the younger children, but this is a first for me- to take care of a baby. And when Mother Belan told me there was a milk shortage, which by the way, I knew was a lie, well, I couldn't allow it. You’re a baby, for Morad’s sake. I would get smote if I let you starve, Elven kind or not! I want to make sure that you’re taken care of. And besides,” she paused and held her breath for a moment, “between you and me? I got a quest when you were born. To take care of you. Can you believe it? The system, Mauvah, must have known. But maybe they knew you needed me?” Coranne slightly shrugged, “I knew I couldn't let you starve, but the other nuns? Even if they were given a quest? I think they would’ve. They’re too afraid of Mother Belan. Really, it’s her superiors. I am too. But,” Ione could feel her gaze, “you’re just a baby,” she said softly.
Ione internally laughed. Yeah, okay.
“But I did want to say that I was surprised,” she pressed on. “Aren’t babies normally supposed to cry when they're born? My Momma told me that when I was born I was wailing like Norats fightin’, but you were laughing the cutest little laughs. Maybe Elf babies are different, I don't know. You're the first Elf I've ever come across. So maybe I can learn a thing or two, keep my mind open y'know? But anyways, I know you’re getting tired.”
She looked at Ione, and sighed.
“I didn't want to be a nun,” she said wistfully, “I wanted to fight, be a warrior!...But, that's a class that would get me in hot water with the military. They don't take girls,” she muttered, “...even though there’s a war going on…” A beat passed before Coranne brightened, “but anyways! My family needs money and the church is always taking nuns. So now, here I am and…sorry,” she laughed, “sorry, I'm just ranting at the baby I’m supposed to take care of, and here you are forced to listen to me. You’ve had a very long and eventful day and I don't wanna keep you up.”
Coranne gently laid Ione back down in the rickety cot, her frustrated grumbles over the bad furniture filling the silent room. At this point, Ione just desperately wanted to sleep. Her thoughts over some war that was happening could wait. Her day was overwhelming; humiliating at that, and Ione could only hope to snooze away the cringe.
After fussing over the blankets, Coranne gave Ione one light kiss to the forehead, and with a quick swipe at the overhead lantern she bathed the room in black, her echoing footsteps a soothing lullaby to Ione.
Finally, some fucking peace and quiet.
Before she fell asleep, she decided to look at the new quests.
Kill Mother Belan
Rewards: 5,000 EXP, +20 attribute points, ???
Ione giggled. Goodbye Belan.
She looked at the next quest.
Escape the Orphanage
Rewards: 1,000 EXP, +10 attribute points, ????
Failure: capture, loss of 50 points per attribute
What the fuck?
She was confused by the failure condition and was startled when she read how many points they’d take. She panicked for a bit, wondering if she had to escape soon otherwise she would go into a coma due to the attribute deficit she assumed she’d get, save for her 152 Intelligence, until she realized that it probably would include a limited time condition as well. It read as though when she would be in the process of escaping the orphanage, the quest would know whether she gets captured or not.
Which was weird. Between acquiring attribute points from thinking and the quests constantly logging information, it implied the system was watching and listening to her every move and thought. Ione wasn't particularly enthused about that, but as long as her actions were not controlled it was something she could handle.
Overall, Ione was happy to confirm that quests would give her plenty of experience and attribute points. It did make her upset that failure conditions existed, but she reasoned that it made sense in the scope of the setting. Although it made her question why other quests didn't have fail conditions; she could easily fail at killing Belan. She supposed it was because even if she did fail there would be an opportunity to kill her again, and with the orphanage it foresaw her as not being able to escape in the event of capture. Which was weird, did the system see the future? It sounded far fetched, but she imagined anything could be possible in a world like this. She internally shook her head, it wasn't worth thinking about this too much otherwise she would run herself in circles.
So, with that, Ione was ready for bed. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.
~~~~~
She dreamed.
Ione was no stranger to these types of dreams. It happened every time she slept in her reincarnated forms; a slideshow of her previous lives where her decisions, bad or good, haunted her. As if to force Ione to learn from her past lives.
In some reincarnations, she was a leader, some she was a follower, and some where Ione had relegated herself to hermit status. This dream sequence showed her a time of peace; where she had lived underwater as a lizard; the Anukt’a, who had an organized civilization based on kindness and empathy. There was no crime, no one wanted for anything, there was no concept of greed and selfishness, the leaders were fair and just, and everyone cared for each other. A time of eternal peace.
Unbeknownst to Ione, multiple windows appeared before her closed eyelids.
DING! You've earned the general skill: Water Breathing Tier 1 LVL 1. Check the status page for more information!
DING! Water Breathing Tier 1 LVL 1-> Water Breathing Tier 1 LVL 7
DING! You’ve earned the general skill: Peaceful Aura Tier 1 LVL 1. Check the status page for more information!
DING! Peaceful Aura Tier 1 LVL 1 has leveled up! -> Peaceful Aura Tier 2 LVL 3
DING! You have received +2 strength attribute points.
DING! You have received +3 stamina attribute points.
DING! You have received Water magic resistance Tier 1 LVL 1.
DING! Water magic resistance Tier 1 LVL 1-> Water magic resistance Tier 1 LVL 7
Then, she dreamed of another life.
As if her mind wanted to show the dichotomy between her reincarnations, this life, where she was a species of space octopus, was filled with death and destruction. She was under the effects of a hive mind controlled by a genocidal maniac who had a penchant for blowing up planets. When Ione came to the realization, it was already too late. Those born were already under control, and while her mind was free; her body was not.
It took many, many years of self-reflection to come to terms with what happened and despite Ione’s immense work on her own psyche, she still had long-lasting issues.
This dream showed her final moments: a being from one of the planets they had destroyed came back for vengeance, and Ione was subsequently blown up herself.
Once again, “dings” resounded in Ione's unsuspecting mind.
DING! You have received Mind Control Resistance Tier 1 LVL 1
DING! Mind Control Resistance Tier 1 LVL 1-> Mind Control Resistance Tier 2 LVL 4
DING! You have received Fire Magic Resistance Tier 1 LVL 1
DING! Fire Magic Resistance Tier 1 LVL 1-> Fire Magic Resistance Tier 1 LVL 4
DING! You have received +3 dexterity attribute points.
DING! You have received +2 stamina attribute points.
DING! You’ve earned the general skill: Multitasking Tier 1 LVL 1. Check the status page for more information!
DING! Multitasking Tier 1 LVL 1-> Multitasking Tier 2 LVL 7
The sleeping elf was in for a surprise.
~~~~~
Bright sunlight filtered into the nursery, and Ione woke with bleary eyes to the sound of fussing babies, only to unexpectedly be met with an enormous amount of tabs filling her vision. Her incredulous gaze greedily drank in the unexpected power-ups.
To say the least, Ione was astounded. If this meant what she thought it meant, then she would effectively be conjuring new skills and attributes for as many lives as she had lived. Every. Single. Night. She giggled with happiness; this was a completely unexpected boon, but one she will happily accept- knowing the lives she had lived will greatly aid her in her quest for freedom.
In light of her recent gains, she decided to take a look at the status screen.
Status Screen
HP: 5 | ST: 30 | Mana: 15
Name: Ione G’alatria
Race: Human-Elf Halfling
Birthday: 06/01/700 RY (Renewal Year)
Age: 0
Class: locked
Class skills
Passive: locked
Active: locked
Class aptitude skills: Locked
Attributes (0 points available)
Constitution: 1
Wisdom: 3
Stamina: 6
Strength: 3
Dexterity: 4
Intelligence: 154
Status afflictions (none):
General Skills (4):
Davlin Standard Tier 1 LVL 1
Water Breathing Tier 1 LVL 7
Peaceful Aura Tier 2 LVL 3
Multitasking Tier 2 LVL 7
Arcane perks (2):
Increased Experience Acquisition
Language learner
Resistances (3):
Water magic resistance Tier 1 LVL 6
Mind Control Resistance Tier 2 LVL 4
Fire Magic Resistance Tier 1 LVL 4
Taken Quests (3):
Find Al’Varo
Escape the Orphanage
Kill Mother Belan
Gear (none):
[Focus to expand]
While her eyes roved over the new upgrades, she again thought about how lucky she was and was surprised there wasn’t a luck stat. With the arcane perks she was born with, and being able to receive skills from past lives, of which she was sure no else had, she was already leagues above her peers.
Ione decided to focus on the general skills next, hoping that a description would reveal itself.
Davlin Standard Tier 1 LVL 1: You know the standard language primarily spoken in the region you were born.
Water Breathing Tier 1 LVL 6: You can breathe underwater for a total of 3 minutes.
Peaceful Aura Tier 1: You emit an aura that calms and soothes beings around you in a radius of 15m. This does not affect beings 30 levels above your own.
Tier 2 LVL 3: This does not affect beings 40 levels above your own. Radius increased to 20m
Multitasking Tier 1: You may concentrate on multiple trains of thought at once. This does not drain you.
Tier 2 LVL 2: Additionally, now you may perform multiple actions at once- however this is only limited by the number of appendages you have.
Ew. Ione didn’t like that word. Appendages. Regardless, she was like a kid in a candy store. She immediately activated [Peaceful Aura]- happy that it seemingly didn't cost any mana, and almost instantly the surrounding babies quieted.
Fuck yes!
She was going to abuse that power to its fullest. At least she wouldn't have to deal with incessant crying and whining for the foreseeable future.
The multitasking skill took Ione’s attention all too soon, and she smiled at the possibilities of what that entailed. She was glad to realize that she skipped straight to Tier 2 and had access to the boons it provided; not just thought, but action too. If she was only limited by the amount of limbs she had, then wouldn't it stand to reason that she should work towards a class where she can conjure more limbs? She recognized the strangeness of that thought, but taking into account the pragmatics of it, she needed every advantage she could get. Something to think on later.
She quickly moved to the resistances.
Water magic resistance Tier 1 LVL 6: Damage from water magic is negated by 20%
Mind Control Resistance Tier 1: Your mind is considerably stronger, the effects of mind control are lessened by 30%
Tier 2 LVL 4: The effects of mind control are lessened by 40%. You may also direct a portion of the control back to the aggressor.
Fire Magic Resistance Tier 1 LVL 4: Damage from fire magic is negated by 20%
Aww, that’s hot, that’s hot. Although she didn’t like the implication that mind control existed in this world, she was glad that at least this time she had some sort of defense to it. She was curious about directing the mind control back and wondered if it meant that she would be able to control the attacker briefly. It was a nice thought, and would potentially help her break free of the mind control.
Ione's musings were interrupted by the nuns' arrival, and as Coranne fed her, Ione vowed to use every advantage she gained. Every skill, resistance, attribute point; she will become a force to be reckoned with by utilizing her advantages in ways that no one has seen yet.
??? Perspective
In another plane of existence, a being watched as Ione made her vows and smiled. Already impressed with her dedication and convinced that they had made the right choice, their booming voice let out a bark of maniacal laughter.
I am so immensely glad I chose you. You will succeed. You have no choice.
You….will make a perfect champion.