“I choose Direborn”. The choice hadn’t been an easy one. Both races seemed strong, and strength was what he was looking for. Ultimately, the Direborns Abilities and Racial bonuses seemed to compliment each other better than the Drakelings. In addition, the Direborn seemed to call to him on an instinctual level. Those eyes that seemed to stare out, challenging the world. That, more than anything else, made the decision for him.
“Interesting choice” mused Skala stroking his chin. “It says a lot about you and what you wish to become that you chose this race in particular. You should know that many of the more civilized races will view you as a savage if you choose this race. It may be hard to gain respect as a Direborn”.
Jack shrugged “If someone won’t respect me because of my race I probably don’t want their respect in the first place”. Jack had always despised those who judged others solely based on race. If people were going to judge him for that then so be it. It would let him more easily determine his true allies and enemies in this new world.
Skala nodded approvingly. "A resilient choice, Jack. Now, let's proceed with the next step. It is time to send you on your way. Good luck and choose wisely”. Before Jack could ask what, he meant Skala snapped his fingers.
The white room vanished and suddenly Jack was falling. With a loud thump he hit something soft. He lay there for a moment gathering his wits. Mental note: Punch Skala in the face next time I see him.
He might have lain there longer if not for an odd sound that caught his attention—a sort of sparking and hissing sound. He sat up, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, and looked around at his new surroundings. He was in a forest clearing, sitting on a bed of soft grass surrounded by tall trees. He sighed in relief. He had worried Skala would send him to some frozen wasteland or poisonous swamp (also that he would end up naked and was thankful that he still wore his hoodie and jeans). Instead, it seemed like a fairly typical forest.
Jack knew the forest. His father and uncle Roy had taken him on many hunting trips in the summer. They had been one of the few things he had enjoyed after…after…what? Jack frowned, perturbed by his sudden memory loss. Soon though, the feeling vanished and Jack was left wondering at what he had been thinking about.
Must have lost my train of thought. Shaking his head again to clear it, he remembered what Skala had said about his Status. Since the System commands had been fairly basic so far, Jack decided to try simply thinking Show Status. Sure enough, a display popped up in front of him.
[Name: Jack
Race: Direborn
Class: N/A
Profession: N/A
Path: N/A
Level: 1
Strength: 13
Agility: 13
Dexterity: 12
Wisdom: 4
Intelligence: 3
Charisma: 2
Constitution: 12
Endurance: 12
Free Points: 0
Health pool: 120/120
Mana pool: 30/30
Stamina: 120/120
Attunements: N/A
Skills: Identify (Level 1), Awareness (Level 1)
Spells: N/A
Titles: N/A
Resistances: N/A
Abilities: Savage Roar, One with the Elements
]
Jack took a moment to look over his Status. Some things made sense, but others had him confused. Focusing on his stats he thought Explain while having in mind that he wanted an explanation for each stat.
[Strength: Affects physical power and carrying capacity. Also, affects melee damage.
Agility: Affects physical speed and ranged damage.
Dexterity: Affects how well other physical stats can be used. Also affects crafting.
Wisdom: Affects mana regen rate. Also affects resistance to magical and mental status effects.
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Intelligence: Affects maximum mana pool size. Also affects spell damage.
Charisma: Affects interactions with other sentients. Also affects social Skills.
Constitution: Affects maximum health pool size. Also affects resistance to physical status effects.
Endurance: Affects maximum stamina pool size and stamina regeneration. Also affects physical defense.]
That all seemed pretty straightforward. Based on what Skala had told him, this meant his Agility and Strength had increased from his previous body by nearly a third. Jack found the description for Dexterity particularly interesting. Assuming that his understanding of the stat was correct, if Strength and Agility represented strength and speed, then Dexterity represented coordination or to put it another way, how well he could actually use that strength and speed. All the physical power in the world would be useless if he tripped over his own feet. Jack made a mental note to make sure his Dexterity never lagged too far behind his Strength and Agility.
Next, Jack focused his attention on his Skills.
[Skill: Identify
Rarity: Common
Type: Active
Level: 1
Description: Allows the user to gain information about objects, creatures, or individuals. The effectiveness of the identification process depends on the level of the Skill.
Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]
[Skill: Awareness
Rarity: Uncommon
Type: Passive
Level: 1
Description: Enhances the user's perception of their surroundings, making it easier to detect hidden threats or items. The effectiveness of awareness increases with the level of the Skill.
Note: Skill level can be increased through use.]
Jack nodded as he absorbed the information. The skills seemed practical, especially in a world filled with unknown dangers. Being able to identify creatures and objects and having heightened awareness would likely prove invaluable.
He tried getting information on Spells, Skills and Attunements but received no information on them.
Thinking about the new world he was in, Jack decided to try using the Identify skill. With the thought of "Identify" in his mind, he focused on a nearby tree. Instantly, information appeared in his mind.
[Tree
Type: Evergreen Oak
Age: Approximately 150 years
Rarity: Common
Health: Healthy
Magical Properties: None
Usable Materials: Wood, leaves
Commonly Found: Forests, temperate climates]
Jack was impressed with the level of detail provided by the Identify skill. It could be a useful tool for survival and understanding the environment.
As he looked around the forest, Jack decided to explore and get a better sense of his surroundings. Standing up, he noticed that his movements felt different, more fluid and powerful than before. It was as if his body had been enhanced in some way.
He tried running and then jumping and immediately noticed the difference. There was a new grace and fluidity to his movements. It wasn’t a huge difference to how he had felt in his previous body, but it was enough for him to notice the difference.
Jack recalled how the description for the human race had said they started with 10 in every Physical stat and 5 in every Mental stat. Assuming that was roughly equivalent to his previous human body that meant he was now stronger, faster and tougher than he had been. The downside was that he was what? Dumber? Jack didn’t feel any different mentally. His thoughts didn’t seem slower or impaired in any way. Perhaps Mental stats only affected things like his Mana Pool.
As Jack stood in the forest clearing, he took a moment to fully examine his new Direborn body, comparing it to his previous human form.
He began by focusing on his physical appearance. His skin had taken on a rich, earthy tone with a subtle sheen, resembling polished stone rather than the smooth human flesh he was used to. His muscles were more defined and pronounced, giving him a robust, powerful build that was markedly different from his previous average physique. The increased Strength and Agility were evident in his broader shoulders, firmer biceps, and more chiseled physique. He could feel that his canines had grown longer, more prominent, and sharper. He wished he had a mirror so that he could see what his face looked like.
He was about to set off to explore this forest when he heard something. It was the same sound that had greeted him upon waking up. That weird popping and hissing sound.
Looking up he saw the source. It was the strangest looking squirrel he had ever seen. Roughly the same shape as the squirrels he had seen back home, it was at least twice as big as any squirrel he had ever seen. It was also covered in electric blue fur. Jack supposed that was fitting, considering the blue sparks that popped and hissed around it. The creature's tail, adorned with electrically charged strands, swayed back and forth with a rhythmic motion. The squirrel perched on a nearby branch, looking at Jack with eyes that seemed too intelligent for a mere beast.
[ Sparksquirrel
Rarity: Uncommon
Level: 3
Health: 40/40
Mana: 60/60
Stamina 50/50
Skills: Danger Sense, Dash
Abilities: Spark Blast
Description: A nimble creature known for its lightning-fast reflexes, Sparksquirrels are often found darting through the canopy of dense forests, their sleek bodies crackling with static energy. With an innate affinity for the air element, they navigate effortlessly through turbulent winds and sudden gusts.
]
Jack was both intrigued and cautious. He had never seen a squirrel with magical properties before. The Identify skill provided information about the creature's level and abilities, but there were still uncertainties. The squirrel seemed to be watching him, and Jack wondered if it posed any threat.
He tried to examine the animals Skills more closely, the same way he had with his own, but a message popped up.
[ Level of Identify is insufficient to see details about this beings Skills]
He tried the same thing with its Ability and received a similar message. So much for that idea. Deciding to test the waters, Jack spoke to the squirrel, "Hey there. Are you... friendly?" The squirrel cocked its head, as if considering the question, then it let out a series of small chirping sounds.
Jack grinned as he stepped towards the little animal. Maybe I can make him my familiar or companion beast.
Jack could see it all now. He would name the squirrel Sparx. He and Sparx would travel the world together, uncovering hidden secrets and fighting deadly foes. Sparx would be his faithful friend and ally and together they would—
*ZAP*
Jack sat on the ground not quite sure what had just happened. He felt a tingling sensation and noticed small, residual sparks dancing over his body. Slowly he reached up and felt his head. His hair was standing straight up! Glancing up, he saw Sparx on the branch, emitting tiny blue sparks with an amused look in its eyes.
Jack shook his fist at the little blue monster. “Don’t you dare laugh at me, foul beast”. He picked up a nearby rock from the ground and hurled it at his furry foe.
Sparx dodged the missile easily. He hopped up and down for a moment then sped off through the trees, all the while emitting a strange buzzing sound.
Jack frowned. Was the creature… laughing at him?!
Jack stood up slowly from the ground, smoke still rising from his head. He looked in the direction his furry blue attacker had fled. "Run all you like, Sparx, but be warned," he made his voice deeper and gravellier. "I will track you down. I will find you... and I will kill you."