Yggdrasil Fallen, LitRPG Series
Book 1, Part 1: Obsidian
Chapter 4: Vines
The first thing that hit Andre as his mind swam into consciousness was the smell: moldy feathers, rotting cloth and what he could only assume was the culmination of several years of unchecked parties. Gagging, he shot bolt upright back onto his knees. Taking careful stock of his surroundings he realized he was still in the room, in the mountain cabin and had been face down in the old mattress he had been in the process of removing. His head still swam with images of Phione and what he was trying to convince himself had been yet another dreamworld. Had it not been for the residual pain shooting through his body, he could have easily convinced himself as such.
“Hahahaha, the quake scared poor Andre so bad he took a dive into that nasty ass fuck slab!” The dour faced, shorter man said to his companion as they were bent over, struggling to catch their respective breaths, from laughing so hard; apparently first having set down the large cabinet they had been in the process of carrying out.
“You doin ok down there man? Enjoying the smell or something?” the first guy asked as Andre climbed to his feet, his legs still unsteady. He felt his face flush, as several beads of sweat ran down his back.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine… what just happened?” He muttered, ignoring the second question. The shorter of the two helping Andre shrugged and bent to pick his part of the load back up.
“Tiny little quake shattered the mirror and broke that window. We had just turned back to see that you dove face first into that nasty old mattress like the world was ending.” The taller of the pair responded, humor still playing through his eyes; also bent down to pick up his end of the load.
“We’re going to take this out and hit the road, give you some private time with that overused bang pad,” he continued.
“Yeah, Yeah… REALLY funny. Just make sure you call Curt on your way out, let him know you’re done here.” Andre grumbled.
“You think we’re stupid? No way we’d fuck around on his dime.” He shot back.
“Hey man, just doing as I promised Curt. Thanks again for your help here.” Andre gave a brief wave as the guys hauled the cabinet down the hall and out the front door.
“So it was just a small quake that caused this damage? That just confirms it all was in fact just a dream. Glad to know I haven’t completely lost my mind.” He muttered to himself as he took a deep breath, trying to calm his shaking body. As though in response to that thought, Andre heard a small ping in the back of his mind:
“Good day Andre, I’m gladdened to see you have returned to your own space and time with no deleterious effects. I never got the chance to introduce myself to you, I am Autonomous Layover Interface for Aspect Synchronization, or ALIAS for short, though you may refer to me however you wish. I am here as a guide to assist you in your journey, at least in any way I can. I can answer any questions you may have and provide access to various functionalities as you explore and adapt to your rapidly changing world. You are currently limited to accessing my vast database and utilization of your new “Like a River” gift ability, though more functionalities will become available over time. Please do not hesitate to rely on me for support.
“ALIAS? Ok, now I’m literally talking to a voice in my head. Ok, “ALIAS” what exactly can you do for me? Andre thought to himself, attempting to inflect as much sarcasm as he could.
“I am a product of your own creation, a tool for you to use to help understand things that have changed in your being/environment and things that will change in times to come. I offer insight and understanding to that which you currently struggle or refuse to accept. I can offer visuals, maps, and descriptions of anything you are currently in proximity too.” The voice in his head responded sounding almost annoyed at having to repeat itself… if that were at all possible.
“Now if you’d please show a bit of patience; Initializing field view interface overlay into ocular cortex.” As the voice spoke, Andre felt a sharp pinch in his eyes then a mild burning as his vision blurred for a few moments. As the burning faded, Andre’s world came into a much sharper focus than he could ever remember having seen it.
“Ocular modification has been completed. Initializing “Identification” tutorial, please pick up and focus on the mattress on the ground in front of you” the voice chimed.
“Whoa man, this really is very trippy.” He thought to himself as a wave of brief dizziness washed over him. Closing his eyes to take a deep breath to clear the vertigo; Andre re-opened them to look to the ground where the mattress lay. He hesitated just a moment before he decided to comply and reached down to grab a corner of the very crusty mattress with one of his gloved hands and even though it felt like it would crumble in his hand, lifted it lightly off the ground. Focusing intently on it he instantly felt a small hum, then a small translucent box popped up off the corner he had his hand on. He jumped back dropping mattress in a small puff of dust, startled by what he had seen; the translucent box vanishing in the process.
“GREAT, now on top of hearing voices I’m hallucinating. Did I inhale some kinda extra fun mold from petrified old sack when I faceplanted into it earlier?” He thought staring down at his suspected culprit. Responding to his thoughts as though he had directly asked it the question the voice chimed in:
“No toxins have been detected in your system. Physical and cognitive systems are functioning at normal levels. It is recommended you complete the demonstration of your identification ability.” Cautiously grabbing the same corner again, he focused, now ready for what was coming:
*Item: Antiquated Mattress: A once gloriously luxurious feather filled silken sack used for warm, comfortable nights, usually afforded only by the wealthiest individuals. Years have not been kind, rotting away silk and feathers alike. This item is showing signs of extreme, indiscriminate use. Rarity: Uncommon. Value: none. Use: Varied. Durability: 2/1000*
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Ok, that’s very, very cool. I can see exactly how this could come in handy!” Andre thought to himself, as he stared down at the mattress as thoughts on how to abuse this new ability swirled in his mind.
“Doesn’t change just how nasty that damned thing is. I should stop fucking around and get on with things”. He muttered to himself before he began to drag it down the hallway, out the front door before he heaved it into the dumpster. Turning back to his van he opened the back double doors and with phone in hand, sat on the rubber lined floor, his legs hanging out the back.
“1:15 eh? It’s definitely lunchtime! Diner may still be a bit busy, but things should be winding down before too long… ” Andre thought to himself as he opened his contacts and searched for Jeff’s number. The phone rang only 2 times before a very tired and frustrated sounding Jeff answered on the other side:
“Andre, it’s been a while, how the fuck have you been?”
“Hey there Jeff! It really has been a while! This construction gig has kept me hopping. You working today?”
“Not anymore man, cleanin up, diner’s closing early. Pipe busted behind the ladies room sink bout an hour ago, we’ve got a guy workin on it, but bossman decided to close rather than deal with people bitchin about the closed bathroom.”
“Daaaaaamn! That really suuuuucks! I forgot to make lunch today, was gonna swing in and mooch something.”
“Hells man, you close then? I can throw something together and bring it your way! I love checkin out those crazy insanely awesome places you work on.”
“For real man? You’re the best, I’ll send you the address here shortly, how long you thinkin? Sites about 25 from the diner. If you do come all the way out here, I’m willing to bet I could put ya to work… maybe cook dinner with beers for your trouble?”
“Hahaha man, you know I’ve got your back! No need to pay me… though beer is always welcome. Id guess with makin you some grub and the drive it’ll prolyl be 45 minutes, tops. Place is about clean and orders are cleared out.”
“Epic man, thanks! I’ll text you the address and see you when you get here. Just let yourself in, not sure where I’ll be in the place, just shout. Oh; and load me up on your legendary fries!”
“Hahahaha, of course man. Sounds good, see you in a bit!”
After hanging up Andre fired off the address to Jeff and just sat there, in the back of his van for a moment taking everything in. He was trying to process everything that had happened to him. It felt like weeks had passed, but it had only been half a day since he woke up from his hyper realistic death dream. The mind-bending reality of his rapidly evolving situation seemed to weigh heavily on his chest, almost suffocating him with the implied severity of the situation Phione had described. While his world, at least from his perspective didn’t exactly seem to be ending; he had a distinct understanding that he wasn’t fully aware of everything that happened outside the small piece of it that he inhabited.
“What the hell have things come to, I now have a wickedly intelligent voice in my head, some crazy visual “Overlay”? I guess? I have modifiable stats?!? And now I’ve got some random dudes thinking I’m way into over used bang slabs, like some kind of deranged deviant.” Andre sighed to himself, shaking his head.
“There’s just way too much to even begin processing now, it’s like I’ve been pitched into some lame ass video game, that has no real point or goal. The least they could have given me is a fucking quest system, or some kind of guide.”
ALIAS chimed in “A quest system is not required for your present situation, should the need arise, something may be manifested to assist you on your journey. For now, focus on learning how to handle your new gifts have patience.”
“Greeeaaaaaat, ok then ALIAS. I’ll do just as you say.” Andre thought, rolling his eyes to himself. Standing he grabbed his sledge and Sawzall and started walking back towards the front door of the cabin. Inside Andre halted, a thought occurring to him; looking down at the sledge in his hand:
*Item: Generic Lesser Maul: This blunt heavy ended instrument bares no special attributes or enhancements. It’s 12 pound head and long handle makes for a versatile instrument in the field and battle alike. Damage type: Crushing/Low. Rarity: Common. Value: Low. Use: Varied. Durability: 1159/1200*
Andre attempted to stifle a manic laugh but having found himself completely mentally exhausted; broke and allowed himself to cackle like a maniac.
“Holy shit, I really have found myself in some knockoff RPG. This has got to be one hell of a dream.” Looking around Andre searched for other items to “Identify” but found almost nothing, the morning had been extremely productive, and property had been utterly stripped, completely devoid of anything of interest; even the wind torn curtains/cast iron hangings had been pulled down and tossed into the dumpster.
A thought occurred to him; turning towards the kitchen Andre started walking down the hall towards the back bedroom. He paused nervous about entering the room alone, especially now with all the shattered glass on the floor. Out of the corner of his eye something caught his attention, setting his sledge down he turned to face the wall that divided the back half of the living room from the kitchen hallway; there was a peculiar graining to the wood. Tracing his fingers along the unique pattern, Andre jumped, startled by the sudden description box that popped up. Bewildered, he stared at the box for a brief moment before mentally assenting a click on it:
*Item: Living Wall: This once vibrant lively wall is comprised of tightly woven vines are that have been bonded with TERRA aspect to eliminate any gaps and provide privacy between rooms. Living walls can easily adapt to their user’s needs. Basic TERRA control is required when adjusting these walls to desired configurations within the space. Living Walls have a self-repairing function, allowing them to recover from any damage inflicted upon them so long as energy reserves are sufficient. This item has long since been purged of TERRA energy and can no longer adapt or self-repair; infusing sufficient energy may reactivate the Living Walls’ former functions. Rarity: Rare Value: Moderate.*
“You OK there Andre?” Jeffs voice came from behind him breaking his trance and preventing him from reading the last bit of the item description. Andre turned to see his long-time friend standing just past the entry way staring at him.
“Jeff! You certainly got here quick!” Andre spoke up upon seeing his friend standing in the entryway, an almost concerned look playing across his face. He had dropped the familiar plastic take out bag with what promised to be one delicious meal.
“Niiiiiice! You brought some grub!” He continued before Jeff cut him off:
“Dude, it’s been well over an hour. I was going to apologize for taking so long, bossman hassled me into making food for him and the repair guy as I was about to leave.”
Andre checked his phone: 2:45.
“What the fuck?” He thought to himself.
“Oh snap! Guess I really got lost in it! Really should eat something I guess.” He laughed aloud, attempting to play off the concern on his friends face.
“Hahaha man, you’ve always been the type to get real slow when you forget to eat. Its nice outside let’s sit on the deck crush this grub then you can show me around. Damn this place has potential; and that view!” Jeff spun off his concern and played to having looked around the room/out the window overlooking the valley.
Looking down the hallway towards the back bedroom then back at the wall he was currently touching, Andre agreed:
“Sounds like a great plan; let’s go. Though I think we should eat off my tailgate… that decks looking a bit rough”.