Stats Total 202:
Strength 18
Speed 17
Stamina 17
Vitality 50
Wisdom 100
Okay, Levi thought to himself. I have worked out before. It was a long time ago, but I have worked out. So, this can be done. I can set a routine for myself. I have a pool, I have a weight room, and there are stairs out there. I can do this. Levi was standing inside the weight room giving himself a pep talk. Exercise was not really his thing. Levi hated working out, he loved the feeling of feeling strong, but his workouts were so inconsistent and spread apart any working out caused so much pain.
Maybe in a world of magic, he thought to himself, this will be less painful. He was wrong. Levi first started with some pushups or the closest thing his frail body could manage. Levi estimated that he did three correct pushups out of 10 in his first set. He moved on to bicep curls, he grabbed the 5kg dumbbells, and did some curls. His goal was ten for each arm. He got to seven until he couldn’t anymore. After that, Levi tried to do some squats, and to his surprise, he was able to do a full set of 20; this was, of course, with just the bar. Which weighed just about 20kg. After he finished that set Levi was sprawled on the floor gasping for air.
His arms and legs had their own heartbeats. He was unsure if he could do anymore. He had intended to do three sets of each of the exercises. Levi felt like that was now a very hard task. Not wanting to give up so soon, he rolled over onto his stomach and attempted ten more pushups. This time he was able to do three correct again and barely made it to the tenth, but he did it. Once again, grabbing the dumbbells he did bicep curls, he struggled toward the end and had to take a break to breathe, but he did it. Lastly, he does a full set of 20 on squats yet again. After placing the bar back on the rack, he collapsed again. Fully conscious but exhausted.
Heartbeat replaced with this intense itchy-ness that he had never experienced before. He felt like his veins were rolling around in the grass.
“I hate this,” Levi said desperately, trying to stop the itchy feeling. Why do people like doing this?” Levi knew that he had to do this in order to rank up and reach 3-stars. The thought of not dying from any diseases or illnesses was huge. Levi’s dad had passed away from a number of health problems. The doctors were not sure what exactly did the final blow. It was the hardest time for Levi once his dad passed away. He was best friends with his dad. The two of them did everything together.
After his dad passed, his grades in school plummeted. Thankfully it was just late enough in the semester that he was able to graduate and pass his classes. His friendships and relationships all took a dive, too. He moved out from home and got his own apartment. It took him a couple of years before he got his act together. He had a lot of reconciliation to do, but he did it. Levi’s life might have been extraordinarily average up until this point. The theme that he experienced over and over is that he did it. Despite the challenges and hardships, he found a way.
Sitting on the ground, thinking about his dad. Tears streamed down his face. He pushed himself to his chest and began doing pushups. Levi’s entire body was shaking as he was doing the pushups, but he did it. All ten. Next, Levi did the bicep curls; his biceps were screaming in agony and pain, but he did it. Finally, Levi went and completed his set of squats with relative ease; he hadn’t struggled at all.
Strength has gained 8 points...
Strength is now 26.
Stamina has gained 5 points...
Stamina is now 22.
Speed has gained 4 points...
Speed is now 22.
Levi saw the textboxes; he wasn’t sure how he gained a point for speed, but he was happy. He noticed that as his points. in strength increased his muscles felt the change. It was like he leveled up and his muscles automatically repaired themselves. His stamina did not have the same effect happened to it. It added the five points. to the already lowered stamina bar. Feeling very accomplished, he got up and walked toward the pool. It was a standard exercise-style pool, it was not too deep, only a few meters, and about 50 meters long.
Levi had swum before; he knew how to swim and preferred it to running. He knew that swimming was an excellent way to gain stamina as it was an exercise where breathing was a bit harder. He completed three laps; Levi constituted a lap as down and back, before he felt a massive headache. His UI told him that he was suffering from a hunger headache and dehydration. That was his cue to stop. Holding out his water skin, Anza had stayed in the room. It had no interest in watching Levi struggle with training. Levi tried to use his water orb skill. Sitting holding his palm and concentrating just like how he did with the chaos orb. After several seconds a small pool of water started to form in his palm. The pool of water grew and swirled into his hand turning into an orb. It was clear sharp blue water with bits of white spread throughout the orb.
He placed his water skin next to the orb and watched the water skin absorb the orb. He took a drink from the water skin and was amazed at how good the water was. It was so pure in taste that Levi didn’t want any other water. He walked out of the pool and dried himself off. The cafeteria wouldn’t be open with any food, but there were food stalls. He called Anza in his mind, wondering if that would work. He felt a prick at his sense to let him know that it did work.
“Let’s go get some food,” Levi said. A bright white orb shot through the walls and reconnected with Levi. Levi approached the rice bowl food stall. It was the only one open at the moment.
“Hey,” Levi said.
“Good day sir,” The owner replied. “What can I get for you?”
“I’ll take two chicken rice bowls, and a steak one. Do you have any raw steak or chicken that I could buy from you?”
“I do sir, two chicken breasts are 2 coppers, the bowls will be 6 coppers,” the owner said.
“Great,” Levi said. He handed the man a silver coin and told him to keep the change. He shortly brought out two chicken breasts on a plate. “Do you even need to eat?” Levi asked Anza. It shook its head. Should I stop feeding you?” It shook its head emphatically. Levi laughed. The clerk handed Levi his food, and Levi handed him the coins. Levi sat down at a table and began eating, handing food to Anza.
“Lookie there John,” a voice sneered. “We got a newbie who bought us lunch.”
“Yeah Tom,” John replied. “How kind.” The two men slinked over to have a seat next to Levi. John or Tom, Levi couldn’t tell put his arm around Levi’s shoulder. His breath wreaked of something. Levi almost gagged and lost it. “Whatdaya say friend, give us the food.”
“No,” Levi said, gently removing the hand from his shoulder. “Go get your own food.” Levi didn’t make any eye contact with the man, head down focused on his food. He could feel his hunger dissipate.
“You know what I love about Summoner’s John?” Tom asked.
“What Tom?” John replied.
“It’s that they can’t attack quickly,” Tom stated. He got up and held a knife in Levi's face. The men must not have seen Anza when they approached the man eating. Anza got up, a deep, low growl emerging from her throat. Her presence became menacing toward the two men who had just attacked her friend. Levi didn’t stay still either. Placing his hands behind his back, he began forming two orbs, one of chaos and one of water.
Anza’s orange core started to glow brighter, in preparation to fight back.
“I may not be able to attack quickly,” Levi said. “But my familiar can.” The two men’s faces changed with many emotions. Fear, anger, annoyance, and disgust all in a moment's notice. They looked at each other and laughed.
“I don’t know what that creature is, but it ain’t a real threat. It’s probably fake,” John sneered.
“Yeah, it’s probably just a summoned illusion,” Tom stated.
“Are you willing to find out?” Levi asked, voice calm. By now, a small crowd had joined, it was almost dinner time, so different guilds were walking out. His hands remained behind his back, but the two orbs were ready for the fight.
“What is going on here?” a familiar, deep voice said. Vintoar walked out with his brothers by his side.
“Nothing that concerns the likes of you!” Tom stated.
“Yeah scram, get outta our business,” John said.
Recognizing that the conflict had now simmered to nothing, Anza sat down staring at the two skinny men. Levi had gotten a good look at them. They were tall and skinny; to Levi, it was clear that they were Rogues. They seemed like the pair that enjoyed slinking around in the shadows undetected. Levi wondered how many stars they had with smaller bodies than his own. He diminished his orbs and sat back down to continue his meal.
The brothers walked away, eyeing Levi up and down.
“Thank you,” Levi said.
“They are always causing trouble,” Vintoar said. “Your familiar here looks like it would have done a lot of damage.”
“I don’t doubt it,” he said, looking at Anza. “Glad it didn’t get to that.”
“Take it easy, let’s plan to eat lunch together, I’d like to know our story,” he said.
“Sounds like a good idea,” Levi said. The Wintoar Minotaurs walked away. Piper and Anna were the next to show up. This time, Levi had expected them and was excited to see them. Anza walked over to Piper and put her head in her lap.
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“Here,” Levi said, sliding the two bowls to the women.
“We are more than capable of getting our own food,” Anna shot. Levi didn’t say anything, just took the bowl back from her and started eating from it.
“Suit yourself,” Levi said. Piper smiled briefly and happily ate the food that was provided to her. “Are you going to grab some food?” He asked Anna. “I was only out here to wait for you, Piper. I wanted to show you the guild, since I assume you’ve never been in before. It’s a lot more private.”
“I will get some food,” Anna said, slightly upset that her attitude got free food taken away. “Please do not leave without me,” she said more to Piper than to Levi.
“She is not used to not getting her way,” she giggled. “Strong move taking the food away.”
“Truthfully,” Levi said. “I only got a bowl for you, but figured I could go get some in our cafeteria if she took it. I still might get some food, I’m starving!”
“Anna is a good person,” Piper said. “Despite what she has displayed to you.”
“I know she is,” Levi said. “She is friends with you. You give me the vibe that you don’t hang around anyone.”
“I do not,” she said matter of factly. “I’m glad you feel that way.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Levi said.
“Of course,” Piper responded.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” Levi asked. “I’m not mad at it, I guess I’m just curious. I’m not anything special, there are plenty of guys who were fighting for you attention earlier and you have your friends from your guild, and I am sure beyond.”
“Why not you?” Piper asked. “Does there need to be some groundbreaking reason? Or can I see someone who I find interesting and special, I might add, and want to get to know them more.”
“I guess why not is because there are better options?” Levi said sheepishly.
“Of course, there are better options. There are always better options,” she teased. “That doesn’t matter, at least not to me.”
“Hmm, I guess that’s fair.”
Piper leaned in close and whispered, “I guess now is a good time to show me that my interest was either warranted or misguided.”
“Hmmm, you got me there,” Levi said, putting his hands up in resignation. “Good, you’re back, come along.” Levi stood up and led the two women with him into the Summoners Guild. Levi had found a spot in the library that overlooked the city. It had been his favorite spot to study so far. Right now, with how the sun was setting it had to be breathtaking. They sat down at the table, looking at the sunset. Golden rays shot across the slightly hazy city. The sky was bright orange and dull gold as the sun was falling, hints of purple teased as the sky above turned into dark night.
“I never took the time to stop and be in awe of my world,” Levi whispered. Tears welling in his eyes. He was brought back to a time when he was younger. His dad had taken him out one day to watch airplanes land and take off. It was a warm summer night; the sunset wasn’t until much later. Levi and his dad pulled up in their pickup truck and set down pillows and blankets. For a few hours they sat in each other’s presence basking in the glorious beauty that was the setting sun and the departing planes.
Levi took his dad’s death harder than anyone else in his family. It rocked him to his core. Maybe that is why he was content with being average because he didn’t know what else to do. He couldn’t imagine thriving in a world without his dad. Couldn’t imagine getting awards, recognition, or fame without sharing it with his dad. What good was it to win if you had no one to share it with? He took a deep shaky breath, tears streaming down his face, being reminded of the pain he had worked so hard to push down and hide away. He felt a hand go on top of his, and a feathery head on his lap.
Shaking himself from the memory, he realized he had been crying. Piper had put her hand on his to comfort him. Anza had also done its part in comforting. He wiped his eyes but let Piper keep her hand there a little bit longer.
“Sorry about that,” he said softly. “Not what I wanted to have happen but got lost in a memory.”
“It’s okay,” Piper said softly. “Never apologize for being real.”
“What did you see?” Anna asked uncharacteristically compassionately.
“A place where I failed.” Levi said.
“Your home world?” Anna asked.
“Yes,” Levi said without even registering what was said. It dawned on him, “wait what no uhhh” he stammered. Piper’s classic giggle filled his ears. When he heard it this time the hair on the back of his neck stood up.
“We know,” Anna said. “We knew when we first met you.”
“How?” Levi asked.
“A stranger naked in the middle of the road not speaking our language and looks nothing like any of the locals around here,” Anna said with a straight expression. “We are apprentices at the guilds we expect to see all kinds of races and beings but there were known quite like yourself. You’re human but just different enough.”
“What does that even mean?” Levi said.
“It’s your aura,” Piper said shooting a look at Anna. “Your aura is different than anyone else. It’s not like elves, beastfolk, other humans, or any of the other beings.”
“Oh, that makes sense. I haven’t any aura powers yet. How many beings are there?” Levi asked. “There are only humans where I’m from.”
“There are hundreds of different beings, I can even describe how many there are.” Anna said. “So, you really are from somewhere else?”
“I am,” Levi said.
Piper leaned in real close her lips almost touching his ears. Her breath was soft on his ear, “I told you; you were deserving of my attention.” A sweet, sweet feeling arose in Levi. He couldn’t help but have a goofy smile. Anna sat on the other side of the smiling. She had never seen her friend genuinely go after someone like that. Anna loved Piper; she really did. Even if it meant doing things that were harmful to her. Anna recalled a time where she was away with her father and came back to Piper dating some dude.
He was not a good guy, he had deceit written all over him. So, the three of them went on a picnic and his true colors came out. He had been using Piper to get closer to Anna and the crown. Anna of course didn’t want Piper to feel like she got used so she ‘went on a date with him’, and told him to piss right off, properly. Anna never told Piper that’s what happened, she felt like it was her duty to protect her from her naive heart. Piper was beautiful and she had the kindest heart, her being a rogue and choosing the rogues gallery was some sort of move to prove she was also a badass. Anna wished Piper knew she already was.
“What is your world like?” Anna asked.
“Well, there is no magic but technology,” Levi said.
“Wait,” Anna said. “If you are not from here, how do you have a Mimic as a familiar already?”
“Luck,” Levi responded.
“Luck?” The women asked together.
“Yes,” Levi said. “Luck. I got an ability to have familiar bonds, which worked great with my ritual ability, so I made a basic, very basic summoning circle of familiars and poof out popped Anza,” he said with a genuine smile. Anza was staring out at the window watching the sun set. When hearing her name, she turned her head slightly to look.
“What material did you use?” Anna asked.
“Coal dust,” Levi said.
“You are quite fortunate. Familiar abilities are rare to come by but are coveted by most everyone. What ability does she give you?”
“Should I be telling you all this?” Levi said skeptically. “I mean, I don’t anything about the world and sharing abilities and powers seems personal.”
“If we wanted to know,” Piper said. “We would have found out the second you arrived to the guild, we are good and have connections.”
“Charming,” Levi said.
“She is right,” Anna said. “I could have done a number of spells on you to figure it out. Proper decorum is to only tell your friends or potential teammates about your abilities and powers, I know I have been cold and distant, for that I apologize. However, you and Piper have gotten close and would dare to say that you are friends. I would like to get there with you. You seem like a genuine guy who cares deeply. That is rare, I misjudged you when we first met.”
“I don’t think you misjudged me,” Levi said with an awkward chuckle. “I was naked with a towel not covering the bits that should be covered.” Levi took a deep breath. “She gives me the ability to spell cast certain spells.”
“Whoa,” Anna and Piper said at the same time.
“Keep that to just us,” Piper said. “Very few if any summoners can spell cast. I don’t know of any. Thank you for sharing.”
“Yeah, that’s what Professor Egret said but I didn’t tell her I could spell cast, she just told me it was rare. She’ll find out eventually.” Levi said.
“You truly are fortunate,” Anna whispered. “Here, for trusting us with that information.” She looked like she was grabbing nothing in the air and threw it at Levi. Levi knew at this point it meant that she was sending him a text box. A green text box read Character Log. Piper did the same.
Character Log: Princess Anna Onyx
Class: Sorcerer
Rank: 2 Star
Ability: Spellcaster
Ability: Magic Tool User
Ability: Onyx Manipulator
Ability: Locked
Ability: Locked
Character Log: Piper Vendular
Class: Rogue
Rank: 2-star
Ability: Weapons Master
Ability: Silent Steps
Ability: Onyx Manipulator
Ability: Locked
Ability: Locked
“You’re a princess?” Levi asked, turning to Anna. “No wonder you were so protective, a princess of this kingdom too. And you?” he asked, looking at Piper.
“I’m just her friend, we’ve been friends since birth.” Piper responded.
“I highly doubt you are just her friend,” Levi said narrowing his eyes. “Y’all both have the same ability, I’m new but not dumb.”
Piper giggled, “Maybe one day you’ll find out.” She said. Levi nodded, letting her have her secrets. He took his character log and shared it with the two of them.
Character Log: Levi Winters
Class: Summoner
Rank: 1 Star
Ability: Ritualist
Ability: Elected Stranger
Ability: Familiar Bond
Ability: Locked
Ability: Locked
A new textbox appeared in front of all three faces. Anna and Piper’s eyes went wide, and their skins paled.
Hidden Objective: Allies - Completed
Make contact with new people and be allies (3/3)
Reward: 1-star token
Reward: Shiny Dust
Reward: Familiar Essence
Item: Familiar Essence
The essence of a familiar that can be used on a familiar to increase the bond significantly. Increasing bonds have varied effects.
“Dope,” Levi whispered. He was holding a small cube. The cube was cool to the touch, it had a faint glow around it, the inside was swirling red with a symbol on the inside. Levi hadn’t seen the symbol before, but he knew it was a ritual rune for familiars. He had seen it when he was looking up which material to use to create his ritual circle.
“What is that?” Anna asked. “I have never seen a rune like that before.”
“It’s a rune for familiars,” he said transfixed by the cube. The rune looked somewhat like an anchor upside down, but instead of flat points, they were sharp like an arrowhead. Instead of the top of an anchor being flat, it was split in the middle going in opposite directions. There were two marks, which to Levi looked like apostrophes on both sides in the space between the middle and the two points. Levi held it in his hand and looked at Anza. “It increases bonds with familiars.” He closed his eyes, letting the cube melt into his hand, the red swirls escaped the cube and flowed around both Levi and Anza.
After a few seconds the swirls faded inside Levi and Anza. They looked at each other and wondered if anything had happened. No new text box appeared, nothing. Disappointed, he looked down sadly. It was fine, at least his bond was increased with his familiar. That was a win in itself.
This is a bit awkward.