For the first time since his fever had broken, Nameless stared at his Soul Reflection, soul and mind rested enough to conjure his identity in full. Much had changed; new additions, Growth, and progress written large across its surface.
Seeing how much differed from his last Reflection, he nudged at it with his mind, causing the whole structure to ripple. The metallic text dissolved, shifting and undulating in the wavering pond of greens and blues, to reform into a more… simplified manner.
He prioritized his Skills first, they being the most numerous to have seen development – but requiring little of the same scrutiny some other changes did – the rest of his Reflection disappearing in a swirl of shimmering liquid –
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Skills:
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[Claws] : (Initiate - Natural) - Level 3 > Level 32
[Telepathy] : (Initiate - Natural/Abnormal) - Level 24 > Level 28
*New* [Speech] : (Initiate - Abnormal) - Level 22
[Dodge] : (Initiate) - Level 40 > Level 81
[Sprint] : (Initiate) - Level 67 > Level 95
[Leap] : (Untrained) - Level 98 > (Initiate) - Level 13
[Climbing] : (Untrained) - Level 7 > Level 16
[Tracking] : (Untrained) - Level 79 > Level 85
[Stealth] : (Untrained) - Level 70 > Level 80
[Observation] : (Untrained) - Level 4 > Level 12
[Spatial Sense] : (Untrained) - Level 23 > Level 39
[Proprioception] : (Untrained) - Level 21 > Level 42
[Deception] : (Untrained) - Level 58 > Level 65
[Tactics] : (Untrained) - Level 36 > Level 48
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– His Skills had grown considerably. His understanding of each growing with every situation requiring them, they all saw significant progress towards their next state of Mastery, though it had almost come at his life’s expense. While most remained well into the Untrained, that six had entered into the Initiates was sign both of his expanding proficiency and the dangers he had overcome, “Two of which are at the verge of becoming Apprentice Skills…”
Nameless looked between [Dodge] and [Sprint], both of the Skills well above the Mastery of the rest. Their imminent transition from Initiate to Apprentice was one that his mother – as well as his imprinted knowledge – referred to in a similar manner as that from First Stage to the Second, a significant shift in capability… in addition to just as great a shift in their development.
He didn’t look forward to his Skills’ progression slowing with their increase in Mastery, nor how much effort it would require to continue building his aptitude, however he believed it well worth the benefits that would follow.
With the rise in Mastery would come a far greater deftness of use and compatibility – lessening the strain the Skills placed upon his Soul somewhat – as well as a likely furthering of the… peculiarities that already marred some Skills, “While I doubt [Sprint] or [Dodge] will change too drastically, I wonder how [Tracking] or [Tactics] will develop once they too reach Apprentice.”
The more he had grown and used them, the more Nameless had come to realize his concept of [Tracking] and [Tactics] were distinct, if not unique, “As they are now, they are amongst the most tiring of my Skills to consistently use, their active… visualizations of a similar nature as [Telepathy] in complexity and demand.”
“But it is those very same visualizations that make them the most potent of my Skills as well…” The illusory representations of [Tracking] and [Tactic]’s were stark deviations from the rest, the sort of guidance they provided demanding more of his focus to maintain, as well as being significantly less subtle. They eschewed much of the guiding nudges and proddings – as well as the refinement of form – of other Skills, instead brushing against his consciousness to make manifest his thoughts and perceptions, “I would almost be tempted to consider them Magical, if I did not know otherwise.”
His eyes skipped between the two Skills, then onto the rest, “However their effects are but imagined, intangible, merely the World’s working to bring form to my conception and intentions.” The newest amongst his Skills filled his attention, thoughts slowly turning towards it, “Every Skill I have grows from my understanding and impressions of them, their directions and guidance limited only by what the World considers the extent of my current knowledge and experience with them…”
“Which makes your appearance, all the more confusing.”
He knew well that, beyond communicating through [Telepathy], he had never spoken aloud before; not in his natural tongue of Eyemptic, nor Kishnalwi or Marabesh. The instant that had changed was as much a surprise to Nameless, as the sound of his voice likely was to the Dark Luster Jaguars… and that a Skill – an Initiate one no less – appeared afterwards, was even more so.
“One word, and from it, an Abnormal Initiate Skill…” His eyes thinned and face scrunched in frustration, a growl barely prevented from breaking the silence within the cave. If it had been present within his Reflection, he would have glared towards the Trait that yet another abnormality likely stemmed, “There is no other manner I could conceive of that would cause such a Skill to appear as it has, but if [Wisdom] was at play once again.”
Between [Telepathy] and now [Speech], two of his Skills bore an Abnormal status, the World dictating that their presence deviated enough to be considered such. The former’s abnormality was obvious, [Telepathy]’s having transitioned into Initiate – without Nameless’s having touched upon the Affinity necessary to do so – being well within the realm of Abnormal; the latter’s however…
Squinting at the particular Skill, Nameless chewed at the inside of his lip, “An Initiate Skill without any of the prior experience to get it there.” He tentatively brushed his attention across [Speech], feeling the Skill rouse within his soul for a moment, before falling inert once more, “Is its lack of activity yet another sign of its abnormality, possibly my lack of understanding, or is it just similar to [Claws] in that no amount of my focus manages to inspirit some form of aid or clarity.”
A deep, tired, sigh passed his lips like wind through the cave’s entrance, a fleeting discomfort passing by as Nameless reformed his Reflection with a lazy wave of a paw, “Whatever the possibility, I will not allow [Speech]’s appearance or oddities to diminish all the progress I have otherwise made with my Skills.”
“Especially when there are far greater concerns.”
The Soul Reflection warbled and undulated like a flood-angered river – Skills disappearing under its waves – before splitting in twain, streams of glittering liquid and metal fetters reforming into two separate, placid, surfaces… each detailing a new Trait –
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Lesser Scarred Hide [Upgradable]:
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Marked by battle, your hide has become scarred from every claw, fang, horn, and stinger that has revealed the flesh beneath, strengthening it with each additional wound permanently borne.
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Slightly increased durability against slashing, tearing, and puncturing wounds and hide toughness.
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The heavy presence of scarring slightly reduces overall mobility and ease of movement.
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Harrowed:
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Infection scoured your flesh, brought low your mind and soul, beckoning you to let its grasp drag you into the embrace of Death… and yet – much to your benefit – you persevered, though not without cost.
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Your Soul and Mentality gain a slight increase to their overall resilience, ease of function under strain, and capacity to overcome harmful influences.
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Your Body and Stamina are hindered – the taint of infection lingering upon you – with slight reductions in overall vitality, as well as slightly increased times to recovery and rates of exhaustion.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
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– The two Traits felt as though they stared back, their tranquil faces looming, judging him. They were the result of his struggles, his survival… but also his hubris and folly.
He focused first on that which was on his left, [Lesser Scarred Hide], the least worrisome of the two, “I would have to consider [Adaptive Physique] having had a paw in my receiving [Scarred Hide]… though, given how many wounds and scars I’ve accrued, I could very well believe that I would have received it regardless.”
[Scarred Hide] was a potent Trait, further defenses being immensely valuable for his continued survival, though those very same defenses were marred somewhat by the additional aspects of the Trait.
Nameless could feel how the largest scars limited him even as he merely shifted in place, his hide feeling… tight and uncomfortable from the myriad permanent wounds across it, the warped flesh of them radiating a consistent numb itch.
The scars’ restrictions were especially noticeable in the most egregious of all the wounds his [Constitution] could no longer seem to remove: the mangled skin of his left cheek. It was the most sensitive and damaged of them; the lightest wind causing the skin to twitch and itch as though a mass of Nettle-Winged Grubs were writhing within the flesh beneath, a constant dull tingle creeping along its length, and the act of even opening his mouth becoming one of awkward discomfort.
“Slight, hm?” He was well aware his impairments could be significantly worse, that it was far more likely that his current stiffness was overwhelming more for his unfamiliarity with the changes, rather than their actual extent…
However, sight flickering up to the top of the Trait, there was an aspect of far greater worry to him than the current reduction in his mobility, “If this is what the World considers a slight limitation, I fear how it will change if, or rather when, it transitions to a Minor Trait.”
As an [Upgradeable] Trait, [Scarred Hide] could progress and grow in its strength, both good and ill. That it allowed [Constitution] to heal some of his wounds fully, but those most debilitating or… consequential remained to mark him, did much to convince Nameless that there were only one path through which the Trait would develop, “The more significant the wound, the greater the scar, and the more [Scarred Hide] should grow… even if it be at my inconvenience.”
“Unlike before, where I could expect wounds such as these to slowly disappear over time with my [Constitution], now?” Nameless’s touched the inside of his cheek with his tongue, feeling the odd numbed sensation of its touch, as well as the smoothed texture of the scarred flesh, “Every wound may give me greater defenses against future damage, but so too may it make it all the more difficult for me to avoid any at all in the future.”
He had been fortunate in the past to have received Traits with little in the way of disadvantages, but it was that time no longer.
With a flicker of dismissal [Lesser Scarred Hide] unraveled, the glimmering liquid of his identity swirling to dive into the surface of the second of the newest Traits.
[Harrowed].
He did not need the Trait to tell him of the consequence of his foolishness, the weakness embedded within his flesh obvious to his senses. It was not… immense, the awareness that – in a similar fashion as the now prevalent scars – his inhibited Body and Stamina could be far worse, one he acknowledged but found no less frustrating.
“Struggle and survival are oft not without their consequences… and neither is stupidity.” The shame of losing his composure still weighed heavy on his back, and thus – at the sight of this new Trait of his – so too did it weigh heavily upon his soul.
He could feel that weight as the subtle ache in his bones or the slight hitch at the top of his breath, his form forever reminded of his shortsightedness by the weakness that now suffused it, “Even if there is some benefit to [Harrowed], it does little to make up for something as considerable as a reduction in my physical capabilities.”
Stretching, Nameless rose up onto his haunches, paying specific attention to every twinge and twitch the movement caused, “A reduction in my vitality, longer recovery times, and being quicker to tire from [Harrowed], as well as a reduction in my mobility and ease of movement from [Scarred Hide].”
“I guess even the World believes I should avoid becoming lost in moments of stupidity and recklessness again.” He huffed, his cheek spasming at the harsh breath.
Things would be… different, if not difficult, with so many changes. However, for all of his newfound limitations, he could see a path forward, “[Harrowed] nearly states it for me…”
An increase to the potency of his Soul but, more importantly, his Mentality.
Physically he was weaker overall – though [Constitution] made for his still being well above most other creatures – however, since his Awakening, his mind had always been what really set him apart. His capacity to think, plan, and reason were his greatest strengths… and that, when he eschewed or neglected such things, he was prone to mistake and failure, was not lost on him.
“My ability to think and reason will be all the more important now. Understanding the breadth of these new limitations, and how to act around and with them my greatest priority.” Nameless considered all that had changed, his thoughts filling like a dry basin under a heavy storm with a myriad evaluations and ideas.
His composure and wit would have to compensate for his diminished physicality, his Skills – and proficiency in them – of just as much import in filling the void in his capabilities, “But it will take time to get used to the effects of these Traits, and until I get an understanding of their true extent, little of my wondering will be relevant.”
He looked towards Shade, still oblivious in his slumber, a small snort breaking the silence, “The day’s hunt will do well to assist in my thinking, though I cannot help but worry that what I may find will be far more daunting a problem to overcome than I may hope.”
Rising to his paws, Nameless dispersed his Reflection in a scintillating burst of illusory light, glowing blue-green slivers falling to the ground to disappear in muted flashes.
He quietly padded across the cave, internally comparing the difference in how his current movements felt to those he had made before, “However, even if the Traits’ effects prove more significant than expected, I will not allow them to hinder me.”
Using a wing to push the foliage at the mouth of the cave over him, he stepped through, some of the hanging vines brushing lightly against his flanks. A light drizzle of rain began to wet his fur, the water slipping over his hide and tickling the more sensitive of his scars, “I did not struggle to survive only to allow some aspects of a Trait to lay me low.”
“Living is to experience.” He carefully begun to scale down the slick incline, the dampened stones causing the pads of his paws to lightly stick against them, “My failures, and the consequences in these Traits that followed, are but one circumstance of experience.”
His eyes gleamed as he made a short hop between two larger boulders, the impact of paw against stone sending a judder up his limbs, “How I overcome these new circumstances is to be yet another trial of Life.”
Navigating the scree to the river below, Nameless felt his musings quell some of his anxieties; those that lingered speaking to that which was yet unknown, the worries of what would be required to offset that which had been hindered, “For I would not grow without struggle, and I would find little meaning in Life without strife.”
He felt a sort of… resonance with the thought, the feeling as though he were touching upon something, as tangible as the stone under paw and the rain running through his fur. The feeling swirled within his mind, flickering like an ember before the wind, until – like a Flashing Hawk towards its prey – the sensation dove.
Nameless paused mid step, the rain softly pattering against him and the stones. He felt his Soul bloom, the sensation eliciting a dizzying array of visions, his mind whirling under a sudden assault of emotions and impressions. He struggled to make sense of what was happening, when a memory came unbidden –
‘…consciousness drowned in a growing basin of liquid fire, the former cold caress of his thoughts replaced by the heat of a raging wildfire; he could taste ash, feel as though his skin were blistering, and his feathers were igniting into embers.’
– Epiphany.
While his body suddenly felt as though a nest of Blind-Burrow Serpents were carving their way through his flesh, his mind and senses were drowned under an everchanging current; he felt the burning heat of the suns against his skin shift to the heavy sharpness of a cold downpour, the scent of blood jumping to that of a jungle’s loam, and countless cackles, chirps, howls, and roars filled his ears to the point of deafness.
His mind was incessant, completely buried beneath the dense layers of whatever understanding he had stumbled across, when – with the imagery of a seed growing from the rotting husk from whence it once hung – he was released.
Nameless blinked in momentary confusion, his body completely still, “An Epiphany, now?”
Quicker than ever before he conjured his Soul Reflection. The moment it completely formed before him, his eyes already darted across its surface, searching for any lingering sign of the Epiphany having happened been written upon his identity.
However, there was nothing.
Beyond the odd feeling that still lingered upon his Soul, nothing had changed. Nameless growled, frustration overwhelming his surprise, “Yet another complication to worry over…”
He huffed, his shoulders slumping, before he turned his head to the sky above. His eyes closed, the light rain wetted the skin of his face, numbed trails slithering down his left cheek, “An unknown Epiphany, two new Traits, and another Abnormal Skill…”
Nameless smiled mirthlessly up towards the sky, shaking his head, “Life is not without its difficulties, hmm?”
Opening his eyes once more, he returned to his walk, focusing on his steps so as to drown out the loudest of his thoughts.
If not for the presence of [Harrowed] and [Lesser Scarred Hide], Nameless would be ecstatic over having experienced a successful Epiphany, even if the outcome were yet unknown. But there was such thing as too much in the way of new experiences as well.
“As much as my curiosity demands I give it attention, this Epiphany must wait. My priority has to be navigating the changes enacted upon me by [Harrowed] and [Scarred Hide] first, otherwise…” He reached the last lengths before the now much calmed river below, “I may not survive long enough to ever consider the Epiphany at all.”
Before he reached the riverbank he stopped a short distance away, his [Soul Sight] clad vision evaluating the waters for any sign of Beast or Monster lurking within the depths. After a few passes with no sign of threat, he completed his approach, cautiously making the last steps to the water line.
He leaned down and began to lap at the river’s waters, not an effort spent in trying to see his reflection in water he knew to be moving too fast to manage…
Especially with there being large, placid, puddles dotting the stone studded cliff that would work far better.
Nameless reveled in the cool liquid sliding down his gullet, but enjoyed far more, his ability to once more walk without Shade’s support. While along the climb down he had come to notice some stiffness to his movements, that he was not winded after the descent alleviated some of his worse fears regarding his reduced Stamina.
“While I will not know the true extent of the damage done until I truly push myself, this was… good for me.” With one final loud *slap* of his tongue, he rose and turned, walking away from the water to find a particular puddle he had noticed.
The worst of his fears somewhat ameliorated, a lesser - even foolish - concern of his took precedence, “Now to see just how much damage that Jaguar truly did…”
It took him a scant few steps to find the puddle in question, the water trapped within a large egg-shaped divot in the ground. Nameless placed himself slightly above the tepid water, adjusting himself around it until he found just the right position for his face to become visible, and hissed at the visage that stared back.
“It seems the Jaguar’s wound should have been my least concern…” Four jagged scars ran down his left cheek, ending at his jaw, their smooth and lightened colouration in stark contrast to the dark skin of his face. However, there was more that had changed.
His features were sharper, older, much of the youth that had once filled his face gone with the vitality [Harrowed] had claimed to strip from him. But beyond his sharpened cheek bones, slightly sunken cheeks, and more prominent jaw line, what drew his attention were his eyes.
The vibrancy of them remained, the left a green as verdant as the now watered jungles, his right the startling blue of a Saphire Scarab, only now they were set within weathered and darkened orbits. They now appeared as the sight of a being far beyond his years, a creature with a myriad experience he had no claim to. Yet, the longer he stared, the more comfortable the sight became.
“Why do I feel like I am truly seeing myself for the first time?” He leaned further towards the puddle, as though he would find an answer the closer he became…
Until a thread of [Telepathy] caused his head to snap up and around, his brother’s voice filling his mind.
[Better. Brother?]