“Ziaya, come here and help me with dinner your father will be home shortly.” Mom called out to me.
We lived in a nice house on the outskirts of a city called Aurora, nestled into a valley of the mountains of the same name. I watched as mom pushed a little mana into a blue stone over what I think of as the sink causing, a stream of water to spring to life. Mom filled a small pot with the water and placed it on a black stone-like surface, that heated up after she pushed a little more mana into it.
“Now don’t touch the cooking surface, it will burn you.” Mom told me. I was fascinated by all the things magic could do. If I understood correctly we had enchantments for most things, there were even a few runes that would remove the waste from the bathroom. And another one that cleaned our clothes. This truly was a strange new world. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to explore and see different cities.
My mom was a respected member of the town council, and my father was a captain of the guard. He would come home in the evenings and tell us all about his day, while mom would be setting the table for dinner. That evening as we were finishing cleaning up mom reminded me that my birthday was coming up in a couple of days. And that this was a special time, this was the year that I would unlock the system. I couldn’t help but check the notification when she said this.
Time until system awakening 72:48:36
Name: Ziaya
Race: Human
Strength: 2
Speed: 3
Agility: 2
Vitality: 2
Intelligence: 4
Magic: 4
Mana: 6/6
Mana Regeneration: 2/hour
Magic Power: 3
Magic Control: 3
Class: Locked
Class: Locked
Class: Locked
General Skills
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I had discovered quite by accident that it was possible to increase your base stats by working on them. I liked to run because it would increase my vitality. My mom showed me how to meditate so that I could increase my magic stats. We had talked about how useful magic was, and how it could make things easier. I was sad when she told me that even if I practiced meditating that until I unlocked that I couldn’t get a skill.
That night was the first time that I dreamed about Ashshorean it was strange at was like they were trying to speak to me but I couldn’t understand anything. I woke up screaming thinking I had died again. Mom was there trying to comfort me but I was in a mess I couldn’t think and I was scared what had happened to bring them back into my life. Everything had been good, I had been good. I hadn’t told anyone not even my parents that I was a reincarnated soul, I didn’t think anyone would believe me. Mom continued to stroke my hair and to tell me a story about her own awakening- Her word for unlocking- About her nervous she was that she would somehow mess-up and be without a class. I must have went back to sleep because I don’t remember the rest of her story.
The next morning mom told me that I was free to go play with the other kids. I quickly finished breakfast and ran out of the house straight to Amelie’s house. Amy was my best friend and we were inseparable, we did everything together..
“Miss Nash, can Amelie come out and play today?” I asked her mom when she answered the door.
“Oh hi Ziaya, your out early today. Did Alice let you off today?” she asked me.
“Yes ma’am, I had a nightmare last night and mom thought it would be good for me to run and play today.” I answered.
“Well I guess she can play for awhile.” She answered with a smile. “Amelie, Ziaya is here and she wants to play.” Misses Nash called over her shoulder. Amy came running out of the door, only to be caught by her mom. “Now listen her missy don’t be rough housing or playing in the mud you have your awakening tonight and I want you presentable. Do you understand?” She asked
“Yes mom I love you.” Amy answered and broke free. Running off at full speed laughing.
I shot a goodbye over my shoulder as a ran to catch up laughing myself. I caught up quickly.
“You’re so lucky to get to awaken tonight. Any idea what you will get?” I asked her, only a little bit jealous. I was very happy for her and wanted ever bit of news I could get about it. We were still running when I got a notification.
“Ding.” +1 speed
She must have seen the stumble and look in my eye as I was reading the notification.
“You brat you just increased a stat. It has been forever since I got one” Amy huffed at me. “And no, I have no idea, mom wants me to take skills that will help her around the house.” She answered with an eye roll letting me know her opinion on chore related skills. I couldn’t help but laugh at her expression. We made it to the kids' area and played with the other girls for a while. About midday both mom and Miss Nash showed up to take us home. I said goodbye to Amy and headed home with mom.
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When we arrived home mom and I got to work on dinner. While we worked me asked me what I thought would happen when I finally awakened. I honestly had no idea as to what would happen. Mom told me about some of the skills that she thought would help. The one’s she was most insistent on was [Meditate], [Focus], [Bartering] and [Charm].
Once dad got home, he added to the list of skills with what he thought I would need, with skills like [Vigilant], [shielded], [Reflexes], and [Calm Mind]. That night I once again dreamed of Ashshorean still I couldn't hear them speak. This time I didn’t wake up screaming. Though, when I woke up in the morning, I was still tired. I was so tired that I spent the morning with mom helping her clean and prepare for the day. We later went to the market to shop for dinner and to pick up an outfit for my awakening. I wasn’t too thrilled about that part. While we were out, we ran into Amelie and her mom. Amy didn’t seem too happy and when I tried to ask her why but she wouldn’t respond to my questions. Her mom eventually led her away while she was crying.
“Mom why was Amy so sad?” I asked my mom as we were walking home.
“Well dear Amelie’s mother made her take skills that would help her out around the house.
“Oh no. Why couldn’t she listen to what Amy wanted? Why not let Amy choose her own skills? That way Amy would be able to help support the family instead of having to depend on her dad, brothers, or her husband to support her. I just don’t understand why that would have been a problem. You and Dad are going to let me choose for myself, right Mom? I mean I would like to hear both of your ideas. But I hope that you’ll let me choose what I want to become.”
“Haha, yes dear you get final pick. Knowing you, you would take what you wanted anyway.” Mom answered. “Let’s go home little one. I am sure your father will be home shortly and knowing him he will be ready to eat.”
Mom and I headed home a began to prepare dinner. Just as we were sitting the table dad came home.
“How’s my girls today?” Dad called as he came in. “Busy day today, Old Ben was causing trouble again. He ran the Senator Street naked can you believe that Alice, I mean as naked as the day he was born. We had to chase him down Market Street, we finally caught him three streets latter.” Dad was laughing through his whole story. Mom had a strange grin as she listened to dad's story.
“Oh, before I forget Alice the council may need to put some form of restriction on this new drink that is coming into town. It is called dragon’s breath and it is really potent the guard has already had to deal with several case of drunken behavior, we think that is what caused Old Ben to forget himself and to run naked.”
We ate dinner and talked some more before mom sent me off to bed. “Mom may I stay up a little longer tonight please?” I asked. I really hope that she will say yes, I am so scared that I will have another nightmare.
“No Ziaya you need to go to sleep, I know you’ve not been sleeping good but that doesn’t matter you have a big day tomorrow and need you rest.” Mom told me.
That night the dream came back and I could almost hear the words this time. There was none of the panic that I had felt the last two times, only a peaceful slumber and when I awoke it was to a beautiful day.
Time to system awakening 8:52:13
“Wake up sleepy head. Happy birthday Ziaya.” Mom called from the family room. As I made my way into the family room I was shocked to see a bounty of pastries laid out. “Mom how did you find all of these?” I asked with excitement. I immediately grabbed a strawberry tart and devoured it.
“Taste so good.” I said around mouthfuls of the sticky goodness. “What do we have planned for today mom?” I asked once I was done with the second pastry and looking for the next.
“That is enough for now, Ziaya.” Mom told me with a smile. “Fist I need to know what you want to do with your life. Then I think we should plan out a training regiment to help you reach your goals.” Mom told me.
“Um, I think I would like to explore and see more of the world.” I told her. “I am also interested in old ruins and the civilizations that built them…” Oh no, did I just say the wrong thing. Mom looks upset.
“Ziaya what do you know about civilizations and why would you want to explore ruins of all things? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is outside of our city walls. The army and adventurers guild can barely keep the outskirts and farmland clear of monster. And honey those old ruins are the worst breeding grounds of high level monsters.” Mom told me with concern. “I know you want your independence but that is quite an undertaking you are hoping for. I think it best you pick something else that will keep you in the city.” Maybe you should talk with your father.” Mom had a crease on her forehead. “Come on let’s go talk to your dad.” Me and mom got ready and left the house. We lived in the northern part of the city, set on the slope of the Aurora mountain. The guard tower where my father’s office was built in the central district. After stopping to get some food from a street vendor, we made it to the senior command tower.
“Name and purpose of visit.” A board looking guard said with out really looking to us.
“I am Counselor Alice Carnasir, we are here to see Captain Carnasir.” Mom answered him, and the look on his face was stunned we he finally looked at us.
“The Captain is in a meeting. Besides of which children are not allowed in the tower.” The guard said with a nasty look at mom.
“Fine, come on Ziaya we will talk to Gerek when he gets home.” Mom told me as she pulled me away. We had made it back to northern part of town before I thought I had seen a dark person following us. I was starting to get scared as I tried to pull mom fast down the street.
“Ziaya why are you pulling on me?” mom asked with concern.
“Mom I think someone is following us.” I told her while looking behind her trying to find the dark stranger. I thought that I could feel them somewhere behind us Mom took a quick look around trying to find out if we were being followed.
“It will be ok Little Star- my nickname from mom and dad- there are guard members around and we are close to home.” Mom tried to calm my growing anxiety. She was correct we were almost home.
The sun had dipped past the northern mountain and was pushing the shadows deep into the district by the time we got home. I still felt like we were being watched, I could tell mom was still nervous too. As soon as mom walked in she touched the mana stone that controlled the lights. The first thing I saw after the light globes flared to was how disarrayed the family room was. The tables were flipped over and the furniture was broken and scattered. Mom looked around and started as soon as she found a stone she had been looking for. She went to grab it and the world went dark as pain exploded across the back of my head. The last thought I had was that I was going to get to see Ashshorean again way to soon.
I woke up in darkness, I felt perfectly at peace and quickly realized that I was indeed back in that place where Ashshorean had found me. This time I knew somehow that I was still alive, I could feel my body thou it felt disconnected like it was in another place entirely. Just as I came to understand this, I felt a burning in my chest not a painful one. It felt like a building pressure.
“Di… Error…” Due to unforeseen circumstances one of the Greater Deities has reached out and activated an emergency system unlock. You may now choose a base class. Beware that base class selection is permanent, all future class up's and evolutions will be predicated upon this choice. In response to being touched by not one but two deities you will receive a permanent +1 to all stats and the further +4 free stats per level.
What, why an emergency? I had been close to unlocking anyway, maybe just an hour or two. What had happened, was mom ok I had to get back to her. But what could I really do I am just a child, true a child with her memories of another life on a different planet.
(Child of the Winds) You were born as one with the Winds. You will have a greater affinity with the elemental winds. +2 SPD, +2 AGT, +1 INT +2 MANA, +2 MANA REGEN, +2 MAGIC POWER, +1 MAGIC CONTROL
This one seems like a caster class or maybe the beginning of a speed class. Could this one help me when I get back. I don’t know let’s see what else there is for me.
(Child of the Dark Moon) You have lived, died and lived again, now embrace the darkness and show the world the power of death… Nope just no I thought quickly as I read the first part. I didn’t even care about the rest of it I was not going to become a murder.
(Child of the Realm’s) You have touched two or more Realms, let the power of the cosmos consume you. As you travel this path you will grow to understand the very fabric of reality. +1 to all Stats, +3 Free Stats. Hum this could be a good class, but that learn as you go part may not help in the now. And I really need something that will help now if at all possible. I don’t even know if mom is ok. Am I even going to be able to help myself.
(Child of Fate) You have met and been touched by the Guardian of Fate and the Wheel of Reincarnation, give yourself over to the guiding hand of fate. As a Child of Fate your life will follow a preordained path, your fate has already been determined… Umm preordained, I don’t think I like this one. I want to go out and explore and discover fro myself want this world has to offer.
(Child of the Huntress) You have been touched by the Goddess of the Hunt, Life and death is the outcome of the hunt. Go forth and hunt the wilderness find that which has been lost and learn that which has been forgotten. Walk this path to feel the burning passion that had been lost to humankind, Remember the Goddess Jade that has been forgotten by all. +2 STR, +2 SPD, +2 AGT, +2 VIT +2 MANA, +2 MANA REGEN. Jade, wait that amulet that I found. How did that end up on earth? Is that why I am here? This class feels like the one I should take. Wait the burning passion, is that what I felt before. Ok now how do I choose. I thought about if for a minute and as I focused on the name of the class I felt a click in mind.