I spend a good few seconds just looking at the solid grey box floating in the air itself.
It seems I wasn't the only one, as even Kàra's gone silent now. System, though? Is this some kind of magic thing?
What the hell does System even mean? I don't think it's some sort of sorting algorithm, or software, and if that would be applicable to the world itself, like it seems, that would be very concerning. And interesting. Maybe it could be utilized?
Beginning Initialization.
A splitting headache slams into my head, nearly taking me to the ground. I don't think I've been through anything like this in years.
The headache spreads to the rest of the body, like a headache through my entire being. And yet, as soon as the sudden pain began, it cuts off.
And something appears before my eyes.
Name: Lavender Class: Visitor Chemist Level: 3 Skills Stats ~Chemist~ Level: 31 STR: 7 Chemistry Level: 40 VIT: 15 Poisoning Level: 37 AGI: 14 Medicine Level: 31 DEX: 17 Measurement Level: 28 WIS: 7 Management Level: 22 INT: 34 Science Level: 40 CHA: 5 Alertness Level: 26 HP: 185/ 185 Cooking Level: 30 MP: 375/ 375 Mercantile Level: 27 MP Regen: 5.06 /Minute Brewing Level: 25 HP Regen: 1.16 /Minute
Free Points: 6 Arts ~Scholar~ Level: 25 Stable Mixture Writing Level: 30 Algebra Level: 37 Communication Level: 3 Transcription Level: 26 Organization Level: 35 Law Level: 26 History Level: 25 Languages Level: 20 Composing Level: 11 Finances Level: 33 Expand [ LOCKED ]
Now, that is a lot of words. And I'm not even going to try to understand half of that-
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Wait.
Charisma
Charisma is one's ability to understand social situations and know what to say when needed. It also determines the effectiveness of emotionally-inclined phenomena and magic.
At my will, another screen shows up, seemingly at my cue.
So CHA is Charisma.
How much is average?
Since I'm almost offended if it's what it looks like. Five. FIVE? What did I do to deserve this? I am very good at dealing with people. Sure, most of them are extremely concerned, but... Well, I'm not bad at dealing with people.
Okay, so let's see what Arts are...
Arts
Arts are a tool provided by the System for the integrated, a usage of Mana by the system. Arts are not possible to recreate by natural means, in most situations.
Okay, makes sense so far-
Stable Mixture
PASSIVE: Mixtures made by user are 75% less likely to explode when not intended.
I am going to find whoever made this, and they will regret it. The implication that anything I'd make would accidentally combust? That only happens a couple times a week. No professional would need such a thing. And I consider myself more than a professional. If anything, I was one of the best chemists there was.
...Regardless, on the rest... HP? That's probably my health, right? Really game-y, but alright.
What really catches my interest, though, is MP.
Magic. This place has magic. What would happen if I studied that? Mixed it with what I already know? Humanity with knowledge of chemistry and technology made the entire world theirs. What if magic is thrown into that equation? What could I do? What could I turn the world into?
The answer is, I could grow it, mold it into something better. I have no intention to rule, but to change? The change I could bring here...
A smile comes to my face. I could change everything. And I could get away with so much more...
Magic, though... This changes everything. And it makes it clear that, wherever I am, I'm not on Earth. This probably isn't some kind of acid trip, either.
...Though, looking at it, what's up with that level?
Level
One's Level is an average of all of their 20 primary Skills.
NOTE:
As a being uninitialized with the System, Level is currently suppressed (10% of Maximum) to avoid excessive soul damage.
Soul damage. So Souls are real? That is more than slightly disturbing. And it explains a lot. Like why I survived being violently exploded.
What has me the most interested, though, is chemistry.
The Soul, Magic, Mana, Skills, Arts...
How does this all work alongside chemistry? What could I do to make it all work in conjunction? And what would be the result? I think the world might not be ready. And who could be? I wouldn't be. But that makes it better, if you ask me. For all I know, the moment I mention Uranium in this place I'm going to get turned into a porcupine by anyone in a five mile radius.
Regardless, I glance over at Kàra. "I think we're going to have to discuss this."
"...We will." A nod of agreement is her response.
The opportunities are endless, and even moreso with someone else on my side.