Chapter 1: Fragmented but whole
Waking up, I realize I was in a very different situation from when I fell asleep. I think I fell asleep. Something about lying down at least, I digress. Scanning my surroundings while sitting up, I see green plains as far as I can see, with great trees interspersed at a fair distance from one another. In my periphery, I catch the sight of something brown-redish. Looking more closely I realized its my hand; at first horrified, believing it to be blood and gore soaking my limb. However, upon a further examination (touch), I can feel the rugged texture of skin. Far too rugged to be human skin I realized, as if I had goosebumps plus an extreme allergic reaction tuned up by several factors. As I examine myself, I get a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Chosing to ignore it for now, I inspect my body further; I'm currently wearing a loincloth, decency; check. Taking a quick glance I confirm, male; check. Sighing in relief, not ready to have an existential crisis, I stop. This situation is strange. I'm clearly different, but how? I can't put my finger on exactly what's wrong, but something feels different. I also catch myself wondering if I should check myself on my phone's frontside camera, only to wonder what a phone is. Shrugging, I stand up somewhat shakily as I look around again, having affirmed that something is definetely wrong, but not sure what. Feeling the nagging-like feeling still there, prodding me to have a look, I sigh as I give in and nudge back, first with a finger. When that doesn't work, I grumble and think to myself that I want to know what's wrong. My eyes shoot open as a transluscent, rectangular window opens up in front of me. "Whoop, system!" I yell internelly, before scratching my head in confusion at what a system is. I did, however, feel giddy with excitement at the thought of having a so-called system. Focusing, I look up at the screen in front of me, reading; slowly at first, then picking up fast.
Notice 1:
Welcome to Larmin
A hint of of recognition appear in my eyes as the placeholder is replaced with Bair. A life of both suffering and joy, but mostly suffering. Of family, seperation, war and death. A shudder runs through me as, for a moment, I yearn for the tranqualizing effect of a drink, but I quickly shake my head to rid the thought. Focusing on yes, the next notice pops up.
Notice 2:
You will now recieve the information for Level 1 of "Path of The Endless Warrior". Please brace. [2 of 5 notifications read. See next? Y/N]
Sitting down, I place my hands in my lap, as for some reason feels natural, my head starts spinning as images, words and meanings are sent straight to my very soul, or so it feels like. I can feel a slight strain at first, and then it disappears as quickly as it came. Reviewing the information I just recieved, I automatically understand what it is. It's a way to cultivate the body. Memories return in snippets again; people discussing whether it truly is as good as the military claims. I realize quickly that while it isn't the easiest or most profound technique out there, it has great long-term benefit. The biggest downside to the technique would be the strain it would put on the user's body. However, I instinctually knows that it won't be a problem for me; not sure why, but maybe he'll find out later. The greatest benefit to this technique, however, is the lack of requirement for supplements while cultivating it. Many a technique would require medicinal baths, blood or other ingredients to progress, but not Path of The Endless Warrior; which is why it was so popular among the new army recruits. Nodding to myself, I focus on prompting the next message.
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Notice 3:
Trait; Sheer Fire Vulnerability has been removed and been replaced by Fire Immunity. [3 of 5 notifications read. See next? Y/N]
Assaulted by a sudden onset of cold sweat running down his back, he remember flashes of his end. A cell, yelling, smoke and fire. Oh so much fire. Shivering while sitting there, the sun overhead now providing no warmth as I recall the smell of burning flesh and the stench of singed hair. Still shivering, he prompts [Yes].
Notice 4:
Trait; Strong Mind has been granted. [4 of 5 notifications read. See next? Y/N]
Images of people sitting in a circle, yelling, wailing, spit flying and tears flowing crosses his mind as he remembers how hard he had it back then, and how he had worked through it. His conscience not entirely whole, but stronger, firmer, calloused by the pain suffered. A hint of dread flashes in my eyes as I fear I will not ever be whole again. Taking deep breaths to center myself, I grit my teeth, choosing not to dwell on it; I choose [yes].
Notice 5:
Congratulations! You have done what none others on Larmin has before you and crossed realms to reach your destination, granting you the title 'Outworlder'. [5 of 5 notifications read.]
"Huh!" I exclaim, my voice gruff and hoarse from disuse, I assume. The nagging feeling is gone, which is a relief in itself, but I am now burdened by feelings, impressions and emotions that I can't really place. Several incomplete memories etched together in a tapestry of something lost, though I'm not able to place my finger on exactly what. Shrugging to myself, eternally thankful to the just-learned ability to simply let things be as they are and move on, I, enabled by instinct, open my status screen.
Status:
Name: Bair
Race: F
Level: 0
Class: ---
Race: Juvenile Troll
Health: 495
Mana: 60
Stamina: 330
Attributes:
Strength: 14(13)
Dexterity: 9
Vitality: 33 (30)
Constitution: 20 (19)
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 10 (8)
Trait:
Strong Mind
Hard to kill
Devour
Skills:
Sheer Poison Immunity (passive)
Fire Immunity (passive)
Disease Immunity (passive)
Art:
Path of The Endless Warrior Level: 1, Rank: 1
Title:
Outworlder
"Huh, troll. I guess that does explain a lot. Also nice that I got rid of that fire weakness, though I don't want to be anywhere near fire anytime soon". Yeah, I think that fire did more than literally taking my life, I could still feel the imagined tendrils wrap around me, searing flesh, blood and bone. Shuddering, I sit and stretch my arms, legs and back, rewarded by satisfying pops and cracks. Finished for now, I stand, looking around again at the vast plains before me. Turning, I realize I had a massive forest at my back this entire time. Gulping, I focus my senses, hearing growls and roars in the dark, shadowy depths. "Nope. Too early for me". I mutter to myself, turning 180 degrees, Slowly, and as quietly as possible, I jog away, putting the gigantic mass of trees behind me.