[System Status]

Name: Astra Vieux

Race: Advanced Human

Level: 14

Experience: 1003 / 2800

Title: N.A

Health: 100 / 100

Stamina: 200 / 200

Stats:

- Strength: D

- Dexterity: E

- Agility: D +

- Endurance: D +

- Intelligence: D +

- Charm: E

Skills:

Combat Adept: Level 1

Abilities:

- Environmental Adaptability (Passive): Level 1

- Biological Regeneration (Passive): Level 1

NeuraEye Skills:

- VoiceSynth Mastery: Level 1

- ReadMaster: Level 1

- EyeRecorder: Level 1 (Max)

——

After being stuck in the cell for three months, Astra leveled up significantly. His combat level even changed from Novice to Adept. The skills system had five levels: 1. Novice, 2. Adept, 3. Mastery, 4. Proficient, and 5. Expert.

His VoiceSynth Mastery had grown to 9% during his isolation, but after the recent interactions, it had jumped to 9.8%. Learning a new language without real conversations was difficult, but being around others helped. Just from listening to the alien dialogue, his progress had accelerated.

VoiceSynth Mastery: [???? language]

██░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 9.8%

[90.2% to complete]

He began replaying the earlier conversation in his mind, trying to piece together more of the language. A word stood out—something the four-eyed alien had said: “alive.” Astra had often heard that while trapped in his small cell.

The guards often poked dead prisoners with their sticks, saying, “Bastard, are you still alive?!” He also remembered one prisoner shouting in frustration when receiving their meal, “How am I supposed to stay alive with this?” That prisoner had survived and was now in the chamber with them.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Alive… so, it’s a test. We have to stay alive to get through whatever is behind that door

As Astra mulled over this realization, the towering eagle-man rose to his feet, and the room’s atmosphere shifted. His body language screamed of a challenge. A confrontation between him and the four-eyed alien seemed inevitable.

What did she say that caused them to react that way?

His VoiceSynth Mastery was now approaching basic comprehension. He could make out fragments of the conversation and caught a phrase: "I’m a…

But what was a "Genesis user"? What did "Arcane type" mean? Who was she? Astra couldn’t figure it all out.

As the conversation went on, he remained silent, working to comprehend the new language by concentrating on each word with the assistance of the NeuraEye system.

⊶☽☬☾⊷

The small alien girl, who had interrupted the escalating tension earlier, suddenly made her way over to Astra. His hand instinctively moved to his gun, ready to draw it if necessary. He had no trust in these aliens—none of them. In his eyes, they were all the same, and any of them could be a threat.

She stopped in front of him, her two small horns glinting faintly under the dim light, and her pitch-black eyes studying him curiously. She spoke, her voice soft. Astra stared at her, trying to make sense of her words, but he could only catch pieces of the language, none of which made sense.

His silence must have given him away because she tilted her head slightly, a look of realization dawning on her face. After a brief pause, she pointed to herself.

"Aria," she she pronounced clearly to help him understand.

Astra nodded slightly, grateful for her simple gesture. Aria then pointed at the others in the room, moving slowly so he could follow.

She pointed at the towering eagle-man. "Asa," she said, indicating his name.

Next, she gestured toward the four-eyed alien, who had just been arguing with Asa. "Ejio," she continued.

Astra followed her hand as she pointed to an older alien with wrinkled skin and tired eyes, who had remained silent during most of the confrontation. "Hylax,"

She moved on, pointing to a lively alien girl with smooth brown skin adorned with unique, intricate lines that wove across her body. Two of her bright eyes shimmered with curiosity, while the third eye, located on her forehead, was closed. Armed with a bow. "Biya," she introduced. Biya was currently engaged in conversation with Ejio and Hylax.

Before she could introduce another figure, a new voice cut in.

A tall, skinny alien with dark skin, large yellow eyes, and disproportionately large lips approached, a spear slung over his back. Astra recognized him as the one who had yelled in frustration about the food.

"Haha, this is hilarious. Are you actually trying to talk to this guy? If he doesn’t understand the main language, he’s definitely from a primitive civilization. Don’t waste your time.”

Aria frowned, her brows furrowing in defiance.

“Even if they come from a less advanced civilization, they can still provide assistance. We should work together.”

The dark-skinned alien chuckled mockingly and walked off, shaking his head.

Astra’s eyes narrowed as he watched the interaction. He then pointed to himself and said,

“Astra.”

Aria smiled softly, a glint of success in her dark eyes as she nodded in understanding and walked away. Astra watched her as she approached three other aliens who also didn’t seem to understand the primary language. She explained something to them, her gestures slow and deliberate, just as she had when introducing the others to Astra.

Finally, she reached the pinkish alien girl. As Aria approached, the pink alien’s red, piercing eyes locked onto her.

“If you take another step, I’ll kill you,”

the pinkish girl said, her voice low but deadly, like the blade of a knife drawn across stone.

Aria froze, her breath catching in her throat. She instinctively stepped back, nearly losing her balance. Her heart raced as her voice quivered.

“I-I’m sorry... I thought-”

Before she could finish, Ejio moved, placing himself between them in a swift, fluid motion. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. He wore a polite smile.

“Miss, I suggest you reconsider your words. You’re speaking to our vice leader."

"l'll do whatever I want.”

she said, her voice colder now, her hand twitched toward her back, where twin swords rested, their hilts wrapped in dark leather.

𓆩✧𓆪