《The world before: The Abysmal Elven Lord》 Chapter One: Mythril vein! Chapter 1 Mythril Vein?! Chapter One: Mythril vein! "Keeesh doth vitaleeezz Geist blod ofth thee faleth." Unbridled words flooded the void. ¡®Strange,¡¯ I thought as started to awake. ¡®Who is speaking? And what an odd sounding language it is I thought in wonder. The words were invigorating. My physical circumstances hinders the amount of time I¡¯m awake. Hundreds of violent motes glowed in the dark. With a thought I gathered the individual motes that made up my body. I wonder how long have I slumbered this time? Two days, or two years. I should just become a bear and hibernate. Usually it was just me and my mental ramblings. Beside my trusty A.I companion.I chased after the voice; it called to me on a primal level, urging me forward. I haven¡¯t heard another person speak outside of the people of my games, as advance as the Artificial Intelligence was, they still weren¡¯t actual people. Ecstatic as I was about the possibility of another human being. disregarding common sense I was effortless enthralled by the cooing voice. Tring! [Arcane Linguistics I. 0.10% ] Learned. [Arcane Linguistics], You are innately gifted discerning basic and arcane languages, in both its spoken and written forms. You can speak multiple languages, and can decipher nearly any tongue with proficient level. This skill also allows you to create and detect forgeries as well.] ''What the hell!¡¯ I paused. The chiming of bells and the blue game screen suddenly appearing in my vision. I swarmed around the screen, and to my surprise I just floated through it. Before I could turn to face the screen it appeared before me again. I stared at the blue screen. So it¡¯s not physically here, I concluded. I turned to the left and mentally thought up the screen and it appeared again. So it¡¯s actually my mind. I¡¯m 100% positive I¡¯m no longer inside a video games. [Arcane linguistics] My mind was flooded with information and experiences on what I was now capable of doing. It felt like an old memory, like I always knew this. The words, the strange words from the feminine voice were known now, and I instinctively knew it was a female. The voice brought me back from my rambling thoughts. ~Rise~ ¡°Relinquish to mine power, relinquish thy will. This is my Geist, you the shall be enslaved, oh fallen.¡± The voice repeated the words still laced with power. the chants grew in reverence. ¡®Is she trying to summon something? Sounds like a summoning chant. This is not a game,¡± I said inwardly, quite unsure. The energizing power that the chant enthralled me , it was all consuming, it was strange, yet I followed it without disregard. With my panoramic vision, I gazed deep into the abyss. Tring! [Mana Sense I. 0.9%] Learned. [Mana Sense] Through the blood of kin or persistent studying of the unseen your eyes are now capable of seeing the energies of the unseen world.] Studying the blue screen more then the text the apparition floated around it, measuring the sides and floating through it. He read the text: ''Mana sense'' hmmm! ''So, is this like a six-sense? Also thus one didn¡¯t have a rank. He pondered his findings. It felt like the individual was trying to make a connection. [Mana sense] On/Off. He toggled it on. The void that was as much him as it was something else entirely exploded with variety of colors. It was more of the black blots then the blues,greens and reds. He glanced over the colors until he notice the tether that was stretching toward him. Excited, he moved toward it. Drifting through the murk. He came upon the tether and studied it. He activated the ancillary ability, mana eyes. Suddenly a new type of screen appeared. You have discovered a Soul link. Soul link is used in a variety of ways; mainly it use to subjugate the weaker will, Enslavement Magic. It is also capable of forming bonds with others based off on agreeable terms, Contractual magic. ''Wow! Enslaving someone through magic. If he could smile, he would. He floated around the tether for a while, how do I get the blue screen to appear and tell me I learned this soul link? He drifted about. The tether was thickening and the chant was growing numb as if I was coming to a end. ''Guess I''ll have to get closer,¡± he said moving toward it. The tether snaked our onto his formless figure. He screamed, well he tried, all he was able to do was make the void quiver from the sudden shock. It''s been so long since he experienced pain, and it kept intensifying.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. [Masochist I. 10%] Learned Stamina cost: 5/Sec [Masochist] Pain! Whoever said pleasure cannot be found in pain. Pain is nothing but pleasure to you. While others wear armor to protect themselves from harm; you do not, you welcome those that seek to cause you harm. Armor rating gradually increased based on current pain level. His pained psychic rambling turned into one of manic laughter. The tether wrapped around his figure. Cocooning him in white light. He struggled unsuccessfully as the tickling sensation continued. He barely could take it. He laughed and squirmed inside the cocoon of light. Tring! [Soul link I. 12%] Learned! Mana cost: 50MP You are able to manipulate your soul! ''Finally! He exclaimed. He clicked on the level and information flooded his mind. Mysticism, he said as the information flooded his mind. It was a rare school of Magic. He studied the spell. He learned through repetition the skill level up, or he can can allocation points that are granted upon each new level. He brushed the blue screen away. He already knew what it could do first hand. His vision blurred and he was somewhere else. As a invisible passenger he watched a man with a blurred face scream at a black profusion around his ear, his hand beat at a metal station, it had text flowing up the screen, and a red flash light in the corner. He focused on the man. His garbled language sounded familiar. He immediately thought of something. He activated mana eyes. Then he activated Arcane linguistic, which he discovered had a toggle function as well. It was now set to On. ******* "Earth One! Earth One! This is Commander Orfeo Ambrogio! I repeat-" "Commander Ambrogio. This is Earth One. Mission has failed. They have breached the enclave. You are the last hope to Earth. Please! Take the serum and sleep. There''s nothing you can do now. Over and out." "Nooooooo! My family! Please let me speak to my wife? The man dropped to his knees. He beat at the console that the voice came from. Beeep. Static came from the box, speaker he thought. Definitely a speaker. "Your wife.... Dr. Ambrogio was in the habitat zone when they breached the enclave.... I''m sorry.... she was the first to be taken.." "Noooooooooooo-" the man screamed. He felt saddened to see the man. He wanted to comfort him somehow but he vanished as his hand landed on the familiar man shoulder. ******** Tring! [Clairvoyance I 10%] Learned! Mana cost: 10/Sec They say the eyes are the window to one soul. You are able to perceive events from the future, past or present. You can use [Telepathy] to communicate with those who bare a strong connection with you. Tring! Tome of Mysticism obtained! You are on the road of magical discovery and mystery. You are able to learn additional spells in the same school more easier! Jerkin sensation enveloped him and he was brought back to his home. The murk. The tether was firmly wrapping around his figure. He had to admit, it was getting to tight for comfort. He made himself smaller and spread outward, the tether separated into smaller tendrils and began latching on to all the orbs that made up his body. Sighing. ''Well! I didn''t expect it to be able to do that. Oh well, I try my soul link. Soul Link! Instinctively knowing what was happening he activated his own soul Link spell. Unlike the single tether, his was thousands of black threads. They shot outward and penetrated the white tether. The White link shivered and attempted to retreat. He wholeheartedly ensnared the lone tendril, forestalling its retreat. Another sensation enveloped him as he was looking through another¡¯s eyes. ************** "Allistior! A feminine voice shouted. Alerting the soldiers gathered around the mythril ore. "Yes, my lady Sandra. How may I be of assistance?" A man wearing a brown flowing robe asked. His face was average, his hair was disheveled and his eyes and facial features made him look like a cornered animal as he nervously walked toward the lady. "Can you sense something inside this massive mythril vein?" She asked the man who was now sweating. "Ummm....mhmmmmm. Yes, there is definitely a presence in this cavern. Maybe, maybe, we should leave and alert your brother to the discovery my lady!" The lady face tightened. Her eyes squinted and her hair wavered briefly. "What... did you say ALLISTOR?" She questioned. He squeaked and shied away from her presence. Hands out front and head lowered he spoke. "I... only have your well being at hand My lady Sandra... please, this place is dark, and not right. Is this even mythril? Look around you," he motioned with a white shaky hand. ¡°It seems like a Tomb! Of what I don''t know.¡± He shivered, a cold breeze from deep inside the cavern blew passed the company, buffering them. The area was overgrown with vegetation but out of the growth was a massive metal object, it had black tempered windows like Slots all around it. The most startling things was the runes written on it. ''NASA'' He didn''t even recognize the language and he had the scholar sub class and language discerning skills attributed to it. "She leveled a glare at him. He shuffled backwards more, further lowering his head. "My lady!" "I will not alert him. Nor my household! They want me to just sit around and be some pawn in their games, I refuse! If I can bring back something rare or even a powerful beast, I can attain my freedom and live the way I deserve.¡± She spat. "ALLISTOR, I will become an adventure. Either you stand with or you are against me, joining a guild, and exploring the world. Just because I¡¯m a woman my family think I wanted to love cozily and produce heirs.¡± She pointed at him. He peeked up, gulped. And nodded up and down. "Yes, my lady. I am here to assist." "Good! Stop being afraid. I just learned the soul link spell also I have almost intermediate levels in two spells tomes!" Her chin stuck up. Even he knew that was rare, she was definitely her father daughter. Already at the age of 15 and have two spells tomes, genius. "It''s this place. It''s dark my lady. Suffering permeated the air. Whomever lived here was not somebody we should meet." "I agree! But you have said that this place was sealed for gods knows how long. And who would venture so deep into the withering forest to be buried.¡± He asked cutting her eyes at him. He gulped as he thought on the ''who.'' "Be that as it may My lady, we should tread carefully. Your farther influence ended at the border. Whatever lives here, is obviously strong enough to leave behind its echo. He shivered." "Oh well! It''s probably long dead! Hoarding such a treasure. I bet you, it starved to death." She beamed at her explanation. "Maybe!" He glanced around at the cavern. And wondered what was this presence. It felt demonic, and a tinge otherworldly." "Aliistor! Snap out of your day dreaming. I will perform the soul link. And whatever is residing in this strange mythril will be my servant!" "Yes, I will see to the others. Prepare your spell my lady." He moved away from the area. He didn''t know why, but the foreboding feeling still lingered in the back of his mind. If only she was some minor figure, he would pull rank and demand their departure; they were in a place better left unmolested. Chapter Two: Dragon kin! Party & Heores! GameSave? Chapter 2 Dragon Kin! Party & Heroes! Game Save? Lady Sandra, sat upon the ground in a meditative posture. Her eyes were closed, one could see the constant fluttering of her eyelids. Arcane words leapt from her barely parted lips. To the three heavily robed, and adorned men positioned in the rear. The words were guttural, gibberish, to their magical sense; each utterance carried with it a hint of the magical, unimaginable uncertainty, which was a mage existence. Each word, and verse was met with obscurity. No matter how they tried to hold unto the words it left their minds blank. The company that travelled with her were wizards. They each had their individual wands at ease, ready to be of aid if their charge needed it. ********** Allistor rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, showcasing his wiry arms. With a gesture of his hands, arcane symbols appeared briefly, spiraling around his figure. His hands took on a earthen hue. Earthen Steppe! The ground shifted, a complete circle of earth raised him above the others. He spread his arms outward, arcane energy surrounded the oddly shaped mythril vein before him. The earth shook. His spell slowly unlatched it from the solid rock. The ground grip lessened as it suddenly was expelled from its age old hold, the cavern shook, stalactites fell from the far above. Earthen Grip! He through his hand toward the fallen spears. The spell he birthed, captured the fallen earth Before It fell upon them. Stalactites Floated above there heads, Held by the arcane. The wizards focused on the mythril never looked up to realize that there lives were endangered moments before. The mythril vein was odd, it was shaped in the image of an arrowhead. A circular blue symbol taking up a portion of one side. The image was barely discernible, the years trapped under the earth wore it down. but, they could still make out the planet like imagery. They look toward it in amazement. Did they discover some ancient relic? They all thought. No words was said. The arrow-head shaped mythril ascended shaking the earth hold off its surface. If the earth mage was shocked at the strangeness of the object, he didn''t show it on his face. "My lady you may precede.¡± Said the Earth mage Allistor. Her own arcane chant intensified in volume. The wizards zoned in on the words, attempting to decipher the incantation for their own gains. The wizards wavered where they stood, each grasping their heads. Pain riddled their faces. "Incompetent Fools! Don¡¯t attempt such a thing, mere wizards,¡± he scoffed at the lesser mages. Allistor reprimanded them. Internally he couldn''t really fault them, unless they can progress their profession they will be stuck as a mere wizard. Which were regulated as servants to those who held the higher magus professions. ********* Through the spell her conscious delved inside the mythril, where the presence was discovered. She was met with a deep foreboding darkness, that seemed to stretch beyond the confines of the vein. It was as if she was in a different space entirely. This being must have been powerful to have such a place to itself. Void magic was lost to the world but tales told of Powerful arcane wielders absorbing entire cities with a basic spell from their void spell tomes. She snaked her tether around. Looking for the presence of the place. Through her magical sense she discovered an ancient possibly lived or died here, trapped in its own spell. She wanted to ensnare the being soul and learn all its secrets. She hated using soul link this way but she was out of options. Suddenly she sensed something. She whirled her tether around and was met with a unexpected sight; she almost screamed, if not for the spell. She immediately knew what this was. It was some summoned creature from some ghastly plane, its body was made from the magic of this void, it drifted through it expertly. She quickly poured more mana into the spell, in her attempt to strengthen it. She would ensnare this being. The summoned soul came closer and stopped before her tether, she froze as it stood in one spot. Suddenly it moved toward her. She attempted to retreat, all plans out the window. She wanted out of this place, the way it waited analyzed the tether told her many things, this was a conscious being, summoned and given free reign. And she was in its home. But the spell took form and ensnared the blackness. Her body fell backwards outside the void, he wizards ran to assist before the cavern shook, if not for the earth mage they would have been buried alive, he effortless spread his magic around the cavern, grabbing hold of it before more danger was done, the ground rumbled, the wizards fell downStolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The being howled into her mind. The spell connected them mentally, a battle of wills were inevitable. As if on cue, her visioned blurred before she was met with a startling sight. Giant metal beings sped across a luminous blue sky. Humanoids of different shapes, appearances and sizes drifted through enchanted cities, smooth paved roads snaking around them. Metal carriages that seems to travel at unbelievable speeds, drifted among other of its appearance. The Strange humanoid were talking into small glowing objects. She look further as a noise alerted her from the happenings of the strange beings. Large mythril snakes sped down metal like rails; she couldn''t believe the sight. Rare metals, mythril in such quantity, used by everyday people, she looked around as she floated above this humongous city, a statue on a lone island, of a lady holding a staff that shot flame into the sky, she immediately, dropped her gaze, ''gods above and below,'' she have never seen such a depiction of a god before, and to be made with strange metal, the god must be extremely powerful. Her perspective shifted. In front of her was two men in a octagon, wearing form fitting tights, ''Gladiators'' she exclaimed, in excitement, she was never allowed to see the brutal sport, being a lady. They bled and fought each other viciously, sending savage kicks and vicious punches toward each other. She couldn''t make out the style, they had to be masters. They switch stances and they even grappled one another, odd. Her vision shifted again. A group assorted individuals were position before another mishmash group of beast like creatures, some she couldn''t even tell what race they hail from. She was utterly confused on why they stood in a formation; three in front. Two position in the back row. The beast were in a similar position. Blue screen was positioned before beside them, she read the screen: Attack, Spell, Defend, Synergy, Flee. If someone could see her face they would have seen a multitude of emotions; fear, anger, alarm. ''How can I see someone status screen? Only members of the guild have the needed spell to visibly see someone screen. Outside of joining a party or other special means. She was afraid because she assumed the people were a threat, callously show their screen to an aggressor is absurd. Anger from the impossibility of the scene, these people were clearly high leveled adventures possibly even heroes. Alarm from the possibility of a group of heroes traveling in a party; a single hero could sway the course of a small kingdom. A hero appearing on the battlefield and the other without one is a sure rout of the lacking force. Her perception shifted. She was brought to a frozen tundra, off in the distances were mountains, she realized she was at the peak of one. A modest temple was located here as well, a massive staircase was carved into the mountainside; it descended all the way to the bottom. Suddenly a loud swooshing sound brought her from the trance. A massive black wrym, drifted down from the cloudy sky, its body was well muscled, it had black sharp spikes from the tail till its forehead. A black robed individual appeared out of a blue amorphous portal, he had a worn scroll opened, the words moved around as she look upon it. Beside him we''re two scanty dressed women, she shivered just think how cold it was. They seem to not be effected by cold wind as they stood on either ends behind the robed man. The dragon eyes glowed a fiery orange at the appearance of the trio. Without further provocation it reared back its slender neck, belly glowing faintly where the scales parted, fire tracked through it neck. Bringing its reptilian head back toward the trio. It''s massive jaws opened and a impressive gout of white fire pushed from its mouth, molten slag fail from its corners searing the icy landscape. The black robed mage still standing before the mighty beast raised a gauntlet hand toward the ravaging column of fire. Some form of shield appeared, ''Aegis luminous'' she repeated the word in her head. A sensation overtook her briefly and she knew she had learned a spell. ''Impossible!'' Tring! Mana cost: 50/sec Conjuration tome updated! [Legendary, Aegis luminous. 9%] Learned Utilizing the ambient energy of the sun, you are able to call upon the ethereal form of the Legendary shield Aegis! a shield said to be wielded by the god Nexus of old.Additional: 5% chance to absorb the mana from an attack. "What!!" Her very understanding of the arcane was being put to question. Such a spell was of legend and bed and time stories. Her mouth opened and closed, looking at the blue screen before her. Adrenaline flooded her weary body, she was invigorated. She just learned a spell resigned to legends and heroes. Her fist clench at the implications. The bright glow that accompanied the dragon fierce breath died down. She look back toward the battlefield, expecting the trio to be ashes. She look at the black cloaked man in disbelief. The surrounding area around the group was blackened, steam rolled off the ground that was once frozen. Even the dragon look astonished at the man before it. The man removed his hood, black locks released from their hold, flowing down in a unruly fashion. His skin was a honey golden color. His eyes were black, pupils were oddly shaped like pedals to a flower. They were frightening and beautiful as the rest of his person. His ears were pointed, similar to hers but his was more pronounced, ''Sun Elf.'' His voice was strong but held a feminine charm to it. he spoke directly to the dragon, his words were indescribable to her. She couldn''t believe it. A mere mortal was speaking directly to a great wrym. She recognized a few universal words toward the end of the one sided monologue. Dragath kin! The dragon, a being that from legends heralds of destruction, Lords of the unattainable. Confident, arrogant race of powerful sentients made a guttural sound in response, his all assuming body language shifted to one of caution, and a tinge resignation. The beautiful, frightening, alien elf kin shook his head. Staff raised before him. He replied, his words honeyed as much as his earthen skin, with a tinge of sadness. His grip tightened around the shaft of staff; the crystalline end pointed at the wrym space consuming figure. Invisible runes etched in the staff flared to life. He seemed hesitant, regretful. Without incantations or any form of calling the arcane the spell shot toward the wrym. Once again she was shocked, such a existence. ''Sorcery! She couldn''t believe or rationalize what she was seeing. ''Who was this person?'' She regretted not listening to Allistor, now more then ever. The black dragon was instantly enveloped in a black sphere, it thrashed, spread its sun blotting wings in defiance. As if nothing the sphere slowly condensed, its figure shrunk until it was a small black orb. Floating in the empty sky, that once held the presence of the most fiercest dragon she had ever seen. He flicked his wrist. The orb floated toward him. He snatched it from the sky. Suddenly a screen appeared before him. {Do you wish to save and Exit? Yes or No} Chapter Three: Character Creation! Not my place! Artificial Intelligence! Chapter 3 Character Creation! Not My Place! Dungeon Crawler! ''Game save?'' The frozen landscape as far as the eyes could see faded from existence. She stood floating above the bizarre scene. Before she could question the absurdity of the things she saw her perception shifted. Each scene was fantastical. The only similarity between them was the same person; she assumed he was a ''Sun Elf'' or High elf, a race that was resigned to myth and speculation. His robes may have changed, his weapon of choice may have been different, his battle tactics or the party he kept, but his eyes was constant, deep black orbs with flower petal like pupils, they were beautiful and alien all at the same time. She awaited the the abrupt shift of perception that she had no control over. The feeling was one of unease. When the feeling didn''t come as it usually did, she opened her mouth to corral her magic and escape. As soon as he drew a minuscule amount of mana her body froze her vision grew blurry, her body tensed. She was jerked, not the seamless ease of arcane mean; this was more like a her soul was being handle by an ageless hand. With considerable force she was jerked backwards. Even the frozen landscape didn''t effect her physically, not this time, it felt as if her physical body was effected, the breath was knocked from her. The speed she traveled sickened her as she passed through the void. She stopped suddenly as she was expelled into a grey world. A silver ocean was beneath her, a mountain was present oddly in the middle and a waterfall flowed, mixing with the odd silver water. She gasped. Her perception shifted. She brought back to the cavern that took them weeks to unearth. She stood up on shaky legs and turn to see the wizards look of fear and Allistor descending from his perch and running toward her. He legs wobbled and she tumble forward, darkness was met before she fact planted into the moist ground. ******* Allistor & Party Allistor hastily mumbled a chant. His hand l glowed a teal color as the spell formed. Restoration! His now illuminated hands hovered over her slumped body. From his previous observation he discovered that she was exhausted from exertion of mana. Restoration spell wouldn''t recover mana but it will start to hastened the physical side effects of exerting the arcane muscle. Opening the sack slung to his side. He took out a clear bottle, the bottle had a slight glow to it. [Potion of minor mana. +Restores 25 points of mana.] Removing the brown stopper. He tilted her head back and poured the contents down her throat. Resting her gently back on the ground. He looked toward the wizards, it didn''t immediacy register to him why they were looking crazily behind him. "Quickly, prepare are departure, this foray is over, we make haste back to the city." He pointed at a wizard who still had his enlarge eyes staring off into the distance. The wizard turned around and ran toward the gap in entrance to the cavern. He motioned toward the second. ¡°Wizard! Send word to the Lord. Tell him we are heading home earlier then expected. And we suffered complications.....¡± The last word trailed off as the third final wizard raised a shaky hand and pointed behind him. He whirled around hands out front. If it wasn''t for the lady sleeping peacefully he would have fail backwards and screamed for his life. "Gods above!¡± He stammered. The mythril was floating above ground. His spell was canceled, it should have fail back into the crevice it was removed from. The wizard pulled a scroll out from his large sleeve. A scroll was went up into flames as a small bird flew from the party toward the exit. "Done! Magus Allistor!" The wizards replied shakily; bringing the mage back to the present. "Great...... Um.... let''s leave quickly, this is getting strange. The lady is injured regardless, mission is hereby over." Two armored knights entered the cavern. The Grip their hilts when they laid eyes on the silver object hovering above ground. They eyes the casters. They stared before Allistor spoke up. "You have seen nothing! Lady Sandra want this discovery for her on purposes. I''m aware you all work for the lord and only doing your duty and following orders protecting the lady, but this dungeon is untapped and we wouldn''t won''t people coming here....¡± "Yes Magus..." they replied in unison. They understood all to well. Leaking the location was death to them and family, telling the lord of this would be met by immediate death by his very hand. Nobles, spy on one another all the time; the messenger usually pay the price of his head spinning afterwards. They nodded they helmed heads. And moved toward the lady. "How goes the departed he asked. Not turning from the soldiers as the gently placed their shield together, interlocking them. The lady was placed on the leather underside. They lifter her easily and waited orders. He snapped his fingers at a wizard scribbling things inside a well earned book. An stalactite fell from above skewing the book and alarming the wizard. "Fool! Don''t you dare write anything of this place. The lady has made it clear she will see this through the end." They bowed at the waist. "As you say Magus!" "Hurry, we need to leave and seal the entrance. I doubt there is another entrance to enter." They marched through the entrance. The soldiers carrying the lady in the middle. A globe of light illuminated there departure. The cavern that was lightened slip back into darkness, the hum and crackling of the earth left behind. [uncommon] Dungeon, Aged: Ancient. Level: 10-20.] Recently discovered by Lady Sandra Everbloom and party. Location: Withering forest The mythril vein that was surprisingly shaped liked an arrowhead, hovered in the now silent dungeon. A white mist leaked from the uppermost section. A black line zipped ovally around the elevated section, where it went the mist thickened, it congregated on the ground and spread outward in the entrance room, soon the whole earthen floor was white with rolling mist. ********Void(Murk)Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Where Lady Sandra experienced sporadic glimpses of his memories of him during times when he was awake. He experienced her preparation and trip to this so called dungeon. Unlike Sandra not having control he was able to pause each glimpse of her memories. He became so comfortable, he materialized a chair. It was crude but it will do. From watching her train he had a understanding of the world use of magic. A smile plastered his face as he thought back to the games and how similarities were there. Tring! Alteration Tome Obtained! [Rare. Arcane Weaving I. 19%] Learned Mana cost: 10/sec Weaving magic into reality like spinster weaves thread, your astute hands can weave the very arcane like common threads. Now situated in his arcane weaved chair. He laughed as she begged and even went so far as send a formal petition to her father, they made her wait like most lords to bring her grievances to the Lord of the land. Her father denied her then and the council followed suit, no doubt not wanting to anger their employer. Third daughter of a Duke. He snickered. In fantasy stories the third child always the most gifted or the villain, he pondered that thought. Thus, the third daughter of Duke Everbloom finally got her wish. With the help of her brother the next in line to rule the dukedom. He watch them train as they trekked toward their destination. ''So, I''m inside of a dungeon, at least I''m not some shitty dungeon heart.'' Notifications popped up every time they activated a skill, received or taken damage. He notice the red, blue and green bar in her vision, so that''s her HP, MP and stamina. He paused it when he watch her party get ambushed by a pack of dire wolves. He was shocked; not in a bad way but in a exciting way, he had a few dire wolves as pets in one game. He wondered if he could bring his stuff over. First he needed a body or a host, since he understood he was a apparition, her words not his. He was to him, a living person as he always been. Regardless, he usually stayed in game and slept in the void, that''s when he get tired after the years wound down. When he saw how they gained experience from each kill, he adjusted himself in his cushioned chair as he looked upon the scene. ''To think this world is like the video games I long ago completed'' unfortunately he beat all the games he had available, he even beat game plus afterwards his first completion. Now how do I get a body? Before I could answer myself or further though a screen appeared before. It was titles character Creation. Now, if I had a body I''m sure I''ll be smiling. Or whatever the facial feature is for excitement. {Character Creation} A outline took up most of my vision. It was a humanoid silhouette; arms and legs outstretched. I increased the height, I was now 6''2. I kept the body width the same, lean, athletic figure. My hair was a deep black, it took me a long time to get my hair like that, it was a quest that involved a siren and a witch. Still I lengthened it, giving me a more roguish look. My eyes were the same as it was in game. I had contracted vampirism, willingly I must add. See ''Sun Elfs'' are blessed by the very Sun that harms Vampires. Usually, a High elf is immune to diseases and such but you play a game long enough you found workarounds. Behold, the Vampire that absorbs the very bane of his kin, sunlight.. So my eyes, and fangs were quite pronounced, I wonder if they have that in this world. In game I couldn''t infect others, maybe it different here. ''Will all my abilities, skills and items come with me? If I keep my toon and make it my body, maybe I can get a major leg up in this place'' Game avatar completed. Please continue. A monotone voice spoke inside my head. ''That''s odd'' ''So what''s next?'' I asked myself, hoping the voice will guide me Tutorial enabled. Synchronizing......20% I waited for the percentage to reach 100%. While I was waiting I floated around my body, I suppose this will do My character was a High elven male. Noticeably, a sun elf. I was surprised that the mages knew of my character. From what I gathered high elves or loss or rare. Ha! I''ll love to stand out for once in a new world. .........100% Life cradle activated. "Greetings, young master! I''am the A.I of the pod" "Pod?" I asked. Unconcerned about the thing claiming to be an A.I. I had a few that dubbed as support characters for my toon. "Yes, young master you are currently resting inside the cradle, the cradle of life to be exact." "What is this cradle... I''m resting in?" "Sorry, I cannot say. The administrator, has restricted your access." He paused, briefly. " Yes, you have user clearance." "So I am a user? Correct!" "Yes, young master!" He replied. ''Why does his voice sounds familiar?'' "What is the differences in restrictions?" I asked, still trying to place the familiar voice. "User only affords you survival privileges!" He said in a monotone voice. ''Wait, I know that voice. Damn, my memory!'' "Firstly, why are you using my A.I voice I use in game? Secondly, what am I supposed to survive? Thirdly, who is this administrator?" I felt more then suspected so I mentally raised my hand. "I''m not done, Kal-El!" "Why have I''ve been in this place so long?" Yeah, I named him after my favorite comic hero, my memory wasn¡¯t entirely shot. "The system in place decided on my parameters. Your second question, your birth planet was destroyed.¡± Well he sure got to the point. ¡°I''m afraid that all I''m allowed to tell you, even if I wanted to I can''t, I''m only allowed to know what you are allowed to know. The administrator is the one that placed you in the cradle. That is all I know. Once again, my apologies." "Fourth question." "I''am not entirely sure. Let''s get out of here and allow me to investigate. But, from what I can understand, a foreign agent cause the cradle to remain in standby while it adjusted to the new world. I''m afraid your original body died a few thousand years ago. The cradle will create you a new one." "I DIED!" I screamed. The void shook from my outburst. "Young master, please. Be careful, you don''t want to disrupt this space while your our unchained." The voice replied in my mind, he sounded afraid. Was he?'' "What? I''m a freaking ghost. Shit! I should have expected something when she call me a ancient and a apparition." My voice boomed across the expansive space. "Young master, let''s hurry. This place is not your owns I''m afraid; whatever existed here, has been awakened from the spells earlier and now by your outburst." "Bullshit! I have mapped just about all of this black empty box, I even discovered a corner. An actual corner. Do you know how exciting that was?" My voice lowered as I told him of the excitement, not everyday you discover something new here, at least that was when I wasn''t sleeping. "I''m afraid you are mistaken; this place is immeasurable by any one calculations, I don''t even attempt to quantify this locale." He said matter of fact. "Did you not hear me? Kal, I said I discovered a corner here. If it''s a corner then obviously the other one will be in the other direction, right?" I was less sure now. He is an A.I from the space 4x game I played a lot. "Yes, I''m afraid, you are mistaken. The corner is a limitation your yourself applied. No doubt, you considered your search of this place complete, so the void, or the murk, as you call it applied your reasoning. Wait a sec." I was startled. My vision was invaded by countless pings from notification, I recoiled backwards leaving the still figure of the High Elf. "My apologies!" I felt the A.I shift the notification to the very corner of my vision, it was irritating feeling. Like having a itch but having to scratch later. So irritating that I turned that feature off while playing my games. Pain was okay by a unreachable itch was hell. "What the hell Kal!" I mentally raised my fist at him. "Sorry! You have quite a few notifications to shift through, years and years of them. I''ll periodically bring them up when needed. So, don''t mind them." Oh yeah, let me turn off the notification sensor. There you go, I felt your annoyance." "Felt? Are we connected?" I asked confused. "Yes, and no. Currently I''m still inside the Pod. This is just the tutorial connection to help you adjust and I need to be able to feel what you fell at the moment." "Cool! No offense. But I hate tagalongs." I stated. "None taking. Now, back to the matter at hand. Here, this will be useful.¡± Abysmal Grimoire Obtained! [?, Void sorcery II 1%] Unlocked. Long ago before the universe existed, a being of unimaginable power uttered its very first words inside of the void. These words it spoke inside the void are said to be all powerful, the first magics, the truth of the universe. Beware! Those who look into the void tend to go mad. [(Void Speech) Arcane Linguistic] Learned! You are truly mad. To utter just one word of the void outside of its birth place has the possibility of disrupting the very fabric of reality. [Spacial pocket IV 25%] Learned. You are truly insane, so insane you choose to utilize this anathema of existence as a mere pocket to store your items... The spells continued to appear in my image of a dark ghastly book. That seemed to absorb my every thought and attention. "LOOK AWAY YOUNG MASTER!" The A.I which is using my game A.I voice screamed into my mind. A screen appeared before me, my mind was reeling. Tring! Title obtained! Abysmal Gazer: To glimpse the abyss you will have to open your soul to be gaze into from the denizen of old. Beware for those denizens have gazed upon you! "What the hell! My vision shifted, the book winked out of my mindscape. Kal....." "It seems you have amazing fortitude. From what I understand, a mere mortal shouldn''t be able to glimpse to abyss in its rawest form." "Kal-" "We, have little time young master. The being that once resided here is bearing down on us." "Being? I''ve been here alone forever." "I''m afraid you have circumvented a small pocket of this particular being controlled area. Whatever, it is, I do not know, it''s not something we can''t face. Quickly, back to the character screen." I swiped the notification of my new title away. Putting it out of my mind. "What do I need to do?" Chapter Four: Annabella! Shattered Home! Rebirth! Chapter 4 Annabella! Shattered Home! Rebirth! "What do I need to do." I repeated "Since your character model is already done." He paused. "Are you sure you want to keep your toon from the VR?¡± He asked questionably "I¡¯m positive. I got a lot stuff tied up into that guy. Plus this the only appearance I ever known. I don¡¯t even remember my old self. I wouldn¡¯t know my name if it wasn¡¯t already stored into the game. I said looking over the only body I knew, to be of me. "Interesting,¡± He said. ¡°High Elf,of the Sun variety, good race, racial stats are plausible. Not a bad choice.¡± He looked over the information flashing before the elf description. Race: Sun Elf Racial Traits: High Mana, High Constitution, Magical Scholar, Blessing of the Sun. [Blessing of the Sun: Your health and mana recovers at an increase rate under the rays of the sun.] "Well, if that''s the case, hit the accept prompt. The cradle will do the rest." His voice trailed off into my mind. ''I was understanding his mannerism more and more through the connection we shared, albeit temporarily.'' "Kal-El?!" I called his name, I let my confusion, and suspicion trail behind his name. And my suspicion paid off. "I need to tell you this; your original body is still inside the pod, it will be the catalyst of your rebirth." If the silence could be formed into a blade it would probably have killed us both. "So my body will be used as soil to grow my game avatar, into this world? How will my appearance differ? Age wise!" No teenager stage please. "Yes. It will be used to fuel your rebirth. Your original body is unique, by itself. Refrain from asking how, they parameters in place forbid me. But, Humans from earth we''re a highly adaptable race, able to survive in plethora of environments. They lacked mana, and the system. But they scientific achievements were nothing but genius. He trailed on about human physiology and DNA make up. After the lesson on human biology concluded, I focused on the prompt to accept the chosen selection. I hit accept on the prompt that appeared. "Now what? I asked through the connection. But, before he could reply the void space I occupied for god knows how long rumbled. A bad feeling washed over me. The being he spoke was here, and he wasn''t going to knock and see if someone was home. The void thrummed, like a struck bell, the vibration traveled through my formless body like a hot current. If I had hackles, I''m sure they would have been perked. I whirled my formless body around, looking for exact spot of the disturbance. "It''s here!" He declared, his voice had a hint of resignation, but I sensed the melancholy in his voice. "I...expected..." he paused. "It would have taken far longer, my mistake, I should have focused on the task at hand then casually talk as if we had the luxury." "...." "We don''t have enough time to go over everything; you still have notifications I''m withholding, as soon as we are outside I''ll release them in stages.¡± "We? I don''t need a tagalong, remember? And you are a program in the cradle, how can I take you with me anyway?" "Easily, your skill [Spacial Pocket] can hold almost anything." "So, I supposed to carry you around with me inside this void space? How is that beneficial to me?" Irritation, anger, and then it was gone. That obviously made him mad. Ha! ''Where were these feelings earlier?'' "Young master, in this world, you will definitely need my assistance. After, the pod has reformed your body you can make me a vessel with [Arcane Weaving] please! I''m sure I can be of use." Hm! I can maybe try my contractual magic on him, or enslavement, he obviously know more then he is letting on, why am I calling it a he? Maybe, because it''s using my old companion voice. "Assistance?" I voice it in a way to seem like I was Interested. The void thrumming increased, it was definitely using both legs to knock now. I turned around, my newfound senses picked up on a particular location, where I assumed it would appear, guess that''s not the front door. A small fissure, and it was spreading, a sickly purple light permeated the cracked area "Yes, I can assist in a variety of ways, depending on what body you are able to form me with your [Arcane weaving] skill, since your skill still low leveled, maybe something smile would suffice?!" ''Was that a question or a statement?'' I wondered, I kept it from being shared, I''m getting a hang of the mind melding thing going on here, it''s like I can think openly and then think privately, I wonder if he or whatever gender it really is can do the same?'' I felt agitation from the bond, mentally I refocused in the conversation, I''m guessing the AI can notice my mind wondering. "Something small will suffice!" The A.I repeated. "I''m sure we can work something out, something beneficial to me and something useful to your pursuits!" ¡°We can always Improve upon it later." He finished. ''This feeling is starting to annoy me, I''m sure it''s hiding something crucial here, it almost feel artificial, like layers being laid, is that a possibility? I heard bells inside my head, a screen appeared, the process was coming upon a half already. ........33% "Also,¡± it quickly said. ¡°I have all your old world technology, and it¡¯s history in my memory banks." "Why do we need old world tech? It didn''t help my people, they''re all dead, the planet probably even gone,¡± I said mentally shrugging. ''Honestly, I didn''t care! After witnessing the life Lady Everbloom, I just wanted to explore something tangible. I''m tired of playing games over and over again, I beat them, all of them, I even increased the difficulty to insane, still, I was able to delve into them with little resistance, so tiring!'' Sigh! ¡°So, it''s a partnership you want or-" "No, you are mistaken my request as being personal or with interior motives. I am simply a program, albeit an advance one, that was installed into this pod to assist you." It rushed the words out, completely cutting me off. There it was again. That feeling a falsehood, I focused on it. Tring! [Sleight of the Third Eye I, 45%] Learned! Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. You are able to see the falsehoods before you. Just don''t close all your eyes. You can open your [Third Eye I] at 10 MP/Sec. Sleight of the Third Eye! I toggled it on. The connection between us was ablaze in red and green. I focused on the A.I words. "I have no designs outside of my original directive. I would need permission from you to do anything further then that." "So, the administrator placed you under me, so you are a side kick or a side character?" I asked, not minding the rumbling that increased. "Like I was saying, I can support you in this new world, our primary directive was to established a rally point for the other arrivals." "Others, who are the others?" "Well you were originally from a place called Earth." "I know that, at least I can remember the name of my world." Damn memory. "Well, majority of the logs on what led to us being here are sealed, unfortunately." It mentally sighed.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "But I''m positive that your pod was not the only one sent out from our Earth." "After your body is complete, I can get a better scan of the planet we are on, as we explore, I''ll constantly put my feelers out to detect the others." "Why? I have no plan to set up anything, for anyone! I''m in this for myself, you are just a temporary tagalong, no feelers will be sent out." I admonished him. "Scratch that, put them out but be stealthy about them, I''ll like some warning before we are spotted by some individual from home.¡± ''I focused on the connection, it was bright red, so he is withholding something or is that like he is telling half the truth? Let''s see something'' "Kal..... Why are you lying to me or misleading me. I''m not sure on which, but you are definitely not being upfront, who, are better yet, what are you?" It paused. Briefly, the line turned purple, then blue. "How? The voices softened, a feminine aspect of it I was missing, that was the layer I suspected earlier." The vibration intensity increased. My formless body was fluctuating, I was fine now, considering, but I could barely hold onto my form, mentally I was constantly reaffirming my image, holding on to myself before I scattered, I don''t even want to think of the implications of involuntarily flaking apart. "So, you didn''t see the skill I learned, earlier. Interesting. I wasn''t trying to hide the skill, but obviously I''m able to keep this connection at a minimal." ''I pondered this, in sure it was hiding something, nothing detrimental, but something about its origins.'' "I...." I cut it off, the color fluctuations was enough to see where that was going. "Stop, no more lies!" I was agitated. "And, drop my game A.I voice, I know it''s phony, you aren''t even male." "As you command, young master!" A strong, alluring voice trailed down the link. "Wow! That''s a lot better, why hide the fact you are not male, wait! Can you even have a sex?" ''Being A.I and all, hopefully, I wasn''t mixed up with gender bending A.I'' "I''m afraid I can''t tell you everything. But, I''m the mix of your pod A.I and the original inhabitant in this area." ''All I heard was she was some damn ghost, now we have two ghost sharing a link, what''s next, reminiscing on our lives over a glass of brandy'' ''I checked the link, that connected us, it was a blue, green combination, so that was better then red. Still, if I let this slide now she would probably avoid it later, while she is dependent on my good graces and I have the upper hand I''ll get the info I want.'' "Before we decided o....." the vibration multiples twofold, a loud shearing sound almost shredded my senses. Now I was definitely hearing tearing, it sounded like paper being shredded over a megaphone and a chap board being scratch all at the same time, I felt woozy, if I had a stomach I''m sure I would threw up. "No time, I''m afraid you need to decide now, and I mean right now!!!" "Shit! Whatever! Sure, we can work out the formalities later. Don''t think you are off the hook." "I''ll answer what I can! Even though I''m not the complete A.I I''m still restricted by the pod." "Why? It''s must be a good reason, you would meld with the cradle Artificial intelligence." "We have no time for this. But, my life was coming to an end, when the cradle crashed here, I discovered, after I couldn''t get it open, sorry! That I was able to meld with the A.I." "I was desperate. Unfortunately, the cradle, an the restrictions were not overwritten, I''m subservient to you, young master!" The line was green, an blues so she was telling the truth, I need to figure out these colors and what the represent, this will be handy." "Are you from this world?" I asked, over the chaotic space." "I originally was, I think. I have been trapped here longer then you have been, this was supposed to be my prison, my memories of that time are restricted." "What were you?" I asked, my voice raised high, the space was chaotic, the tearing intensified. "I don''t know!" She replied. I barely could hear her but the link had some type of instinctual assistance. "If I am to trust you, I need your name, can you give it?" The line flashed vibrant purple, I felt some fear from her. "Names have power, names can bind, names have meaning, I cannot give you mines. But, call me Annabella, for now, this will do." Green. I will accept this, especially since this place is going to hell in a shaky hand basket. "I, will allow a temporary partnership. To many unknowns, one minute you are the A.I the next you are some boogeym- wait! Woman, you are some boogeywoman." "It is a hair length from breaching this space, soon as we depart it cannot stay here, this is your area of control now. But, if it gets in while we are here, surely a fight will not be in our favor!" She said that with absolute fact, I''m not disagreeing. "It will have the advantage here while you are in this state." "Okay, for now on answer my questions in the other I asked. I feel like you pick and choose what you want to answer. I''m the protagonist here and your are the side character I picked up in a tavern or whatever, okay?" "My apologies, young master. I will do better in answering your question in a orderly fashion." ''See to it you do!" I replied back with a little venom, got to show my leadership quality in the beginning with side characters.'' ........78% ......82% .....92% A bright light flashed outwards, completely blinding my panoramic like view. Seconds trickled before I was able to see. Looking toward the shearing noise, a massive slanted eye blinked, scanning the void for something, something like me. The slanted eye moved around taking in the empty pocket, it was casual and meticulous as it eye rolled over the void, it passed me, paused, and shot back toward where I was floating. It blinked a few times, the eye lid, was scaled, dark purples and fiery red scales. And that brief paused didn''t last for long, I think I held my breath, figuratively that it. If an eye could scream, claw, and rip your soul away this particular eye would be the one. The singular eye squinted, sinisterly. It drew away from it, the eerie light it let off vanish, returning the space to it usually opaqueness. "Is it gon-" A mind deafening, ear shattering, disorienting boom shook the space, my body splintered, threatening to separate, the cracked increased twofold, the hard scaled head viable more clearly, sharp serrated teeth grinding in anger and anticipation, its mouth opened showcasing two rows of death, it''s tongues snaked out and it roared." "Grrrrrraaaawwwwwwwww." The sound hit me and I recoiled not only physically but mentally. My amorphous forms scattered, I heard Annabella scream at me to do something but I was disoriented. You have unwillingly bore witness to the roar of a existence even the high gods haven''t glimpsed, nor has anyone lived to tell of its existence. You have been marked, whenever you enter into the void or utilize the powers that derive from the Abyss this immortal being will be close by to devour you! "Young master..." Annabelle voice travelled to me through the tether that bind us "Shitttttttt...." I mentally replied, holding specks of my existence together, barely. "Give me control, you cannot withstand this creature now!" Her voice was intoxicating "Listen, I am here to help you. I do not have any designs to cause you any harm, please-." The roar seemingly doubled. Its intensity threatening to rip my hold on my new lease at life to nothing. I felt my mind dwindle in huge stretches, thoughts, and memories faded, I was dying. The fissure grew to the point that the head was able to pierce into the space. Before me was a massive angular head, almost snake like. "So, this is your play? To finish the job! I barely get a new body and you further what you started? You are probably the one that killed me! Trying to save your own life, whatever you are or was." ''It''s amazing what one can do with a bit of stubbornness and resolve, if I was going to die here, food to a damn primordial being, I''m taking her with me.'' "I did save you!" Annabella screamed at me, no she was screaming over the roar. I felt her voice waver, a hint of trepidation eased through our connection. "The programs that were originally installed for your VR training were not geared toward you, each pod was genetically synced with an ideal person in mind. "Your pod had similarities to DNA inside the pod, I suspect it was your parents, your father to be precise, he must have gave you his place..." "I, don''t remember him nor my mother, I barely remember earth, I know it existed but there''s nothing their when I try to remember, but I feel the lost all the time, so I was loved, I had parents...." "A saying from your world: Selfless one, Loved one, lay your life down, for the other could know he is forever loved and protected." She stated solemnly. You were definitely loved, I can''t go into detail, but your world was not obliterated, it was conquered, your entire race enslaved. I can''t say no more on this.¡± "I allowed you escape, as I waited for the pod to adapt to this world. Your cradle is unique, only one of its kind." Her voice was increasing in decibels, I was able to latch on to it. It gave me more time, to concentrate. My body was almost whole again. Vibrant green, she was speaking all truth, I could trust her, at least now. When it did I awaited for someone to find it and do something that will cause the pod to-" "W..hat?¡± I said blocking the roar out, the snake was sliding it''s lengthy body through tho hole, in its haste, scales were scrapped off into my pocket of the abyss. "I didn''t tell you for obvious reasons, I''n doing so, I caused you to lose your memories, of your past life, of your loved ones. I promise you, we will both walk the path of self discovery." "From the one scan, I could use without draining the pod; I discovered this world has strangely the same qualities, occurrences and myth of folklore and Fantasy back in your old world, all wrapped up into a RPG like system. "You, didn''t need to know how to survive by earth standards, it has no place here, magic and sword reign supreme, even if technology works here as on earth, it will undoubtedly be crippled, as was the pod entering orbit. But we can find a process to combine the two." Green, blazed down our mutual connection. The feeling of togetherness encompassed my conscious like a bubble. She was shielding me from the roar. "So be it!" I faded, away from wakefulness into a slumber, how long has it been since my mind rested? I didn''t know." She felt his conscious fade, and hers come to forefront. Finally he relented. ¡®thought he would take us both to death door.¡¯ Annabelle focused as she got used to the writhing mass that was his current form. First, I need to pull the rest of him together. I focused on that, bringing all of his scattered remanence back whole. Now let''s get out this alive, together. I turned toward the snake like being as it tail whipped through the crack. It sped doubled as it snaked it way toward me, moving sideways and up then down as it devoured the space that separated us. .....99% Two more percent. The beast primordial roar; that was a hindrance e before was starting to effect me now, my artificial makeup helped me cope with the resounding, throaty mental bombardment but it would minuscule at best. I''m more surprised he was able to withstand it and still be defiant. .......Rebirth has commence. Exiting....... ...100% Anticlimactic.. I thought as I looked at the beast, it neck region was flaring up, a fin like perfusion rattled as it reared back ready to strike at us..... The cradle upper region slid backwards seamlessly. A green liquid slushed inside, a figure could be seen. He had angular features with sharply pointed ears, his skin almost glowed from the bright sunny complexion. Arms shot outwards, hands gripped the side, the liked pushed forward splattering the white misty ground, black nails dug into the mythril, piercing it. The figure pulled at a fleshy cord that perturbed down its threat, gripping it with both hands, it heaved it painfully from its mouth. Yanking the las piece that was the largest from its throat. He dropped back into the moist bidding that conformed around his figure. Beeping notification were on the panels before it, a red and a green light signaling something. ''Ssssss'' A loud noise of air being drawn in permeated the oddly lit cavernous room, rocks unsettled from the walls and pelleted the arrow shaped metal, a dinging echo startled the figure as his eyes opened for the first time. Slanted, black eyeballs with a rotating flower petal pupils. looked back into the darkness. His chest heaved, his mouth opened showcasing prominent canines that seems out of place on the handsome face; his golden skin darkened, and a howl leaped his lips, shaking the earthen walls. Chapter Five: Status Screen! Beginning of A Journey! Chapter 5 Status Screen! Beginning Of A Journey! ¡°Arghhhhh!¡± He roared as unimaginable pained coursed throughout him. Annabella quickly flooded his mind with reassurance. ¡°Endure,¡± she said soothingly. ¡°This is why I asked about your choice of a body.¡± He roared as he burned internally. ¡°Asked? Your barely said anything,¡± he said through gritted bloody teeth. ¡°Is this the help you are offering? Warning me of something once it hits?¡± He questioner her motives. ¡°No!¡± She said not hiding her displeasure. ¡°I didn¡¯t know it would be this bad. The cradle is beyond what I know, or suspected. Your game avatar was brought over in its entirety. The mana, your body are being used as a catalyst to birth your body into this world.¡± She said sharply. He disregarded her as he laid inside the cradle as his veins burned and his bones broke. [Masochist I, 45%] ¡°Shit Skill,¡± he cursed. ¡°And this ancillary skill [Heightened Pain Threshold] isn¡¯t helping.¡± He said more to himself then to her. He just was glad to be able to speak and hear, albeit begrudgingly considering the pain. ¡°Your are mistaken. Your skill is working quite well. You are being broken, and remade at a cellular level. I promise you that without it you would have been driven mad.¡± She admitted He grumbled ineligibly at her admittance. After awhile the pain measures down astronomically. He was able to exit the cradle. Utilizing [Arcane weaving] he created a crude, but cushioned chair to sit down in while he looked around the cavern. ¡°Where exactly are we?¡± He said out loud. ¡°You know,¡± She said slowly. ¡°You can just mentally communicate with me. We are intricately connected.¡± Shaws waived his hand as if annoyed. ¡°I have a mouth now. I¡¯m definitely going to use it. Tagalongs shouldn¡¯t be snippy.¡± He said out loud again. ¡°Well,¡± She said emphasizing the word. ¡°Don¡¯t get accustomed to replying to me out loud. People will suspect you handicap.¡± She rebutted. ¡°Why should I care what these backwards people think? I¡¯ll just destroy them like usual. and burn down their house, or castle, doesn¡¯t matter which one, or order.¡± She sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s not do that, okay? You are not your same character. You should use this odd dungeon to prepare.She paused waiting on him to respond. Minutes later after he asked a few more questions he agreed to not set people afire or destroy castles. ¡°Look, I agreed. Now where are we?¡± He said sitting up. ¡°We are actually in a dungeon. One second let me bring up the map¡± [uncommon, Dungeon, Aged: Ancient. Level: 10-20.] The dungeon floor they were currently on was the third floor. The room he was in was like a wide basin. With one doorway that lead out into an antechamber. ¡°Three floors,¡± He said tapping his chin while he lend toward the map hovering before him. ¡°The level doesn¡¯t seem high. What exactly is inside of here?¡± He asked Annabella. ¡°Permission to use my scan?¡± She asked. ¡°Wow! You are asking. Yeah. Sure. Go right ahead.¡± He said leaning back In his chair that was now burgundy and had crude dragon arm rest. While they were discussing he was casually channeling mana into the chair, making it perfect, he watched the levels percentage slowly rise as he shifted its design. Suddenly a indescribable thirst came over him as pulse flooded from the pod. ¡°Damn. What the fuck was that he said,¡± smacking his dry mouth. ¡°I had to use your mana. Stop playing for a second,¡± She admonished. The map grew more detailed. ¡°Currently my scans are not capable of penetrating this mana packed dungeon floors. The floor we are residing on seems to be a winding tunnel. From the density of mana, the majority of the mobs are level 5-10. I¡¯m also picking up a level 20 mob. I¡¯m assuming they are either the floor bosses or leaders or their respective races.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t ask to use my mana,¡± he said as he tried to use [Arcane weaving] but all he got was negative prompts. ¡°Shit. I¡¯m on E. How long before it returns,¡± he said dejectedly. ¡°Do we have a status screen.¡± He said tartly learning back in the chair. ¡°One second.¡± Replied Annabella. HP 200/200. MP 0/500 SP 250/250 ¡°Let me placed it outside of your vision. Just casually use your peripheral to keep track of it.¡± She said as a Red, blue, green bar appeared where she said it would. ¡°How about my level, and stats? Do I get a full status screen, like in my mmorpg¡± ¡°I¡¯m working!¡± She stated flatly. [Name Shawn Ambrogio This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.[Main Classes: None] [Sub-Classes: None] [Titles: Abyss Gazer] [level:1 [Exp: 0%] [Race: Sun Elf] [Sub-Race: Abysmal Elf] [Skills:Arcane Weaving, Arcane Linguistics. Soul-Link, Sleight of the Third-Eye, Mana-Sense, Masochist, Spacial pocket, Void Sorcery, Heightened Reflexes, Heightened Resistance, Enhanced Speed, Mana Manipulation [Tomes: Mysticism, Abysmal Grimoire [Powers/Abilities: Sanguine Vamperial(Locked) [Traits: Pure Elven Affinity, High Mana, HighConstitution,Blessed of the Sun, Magical Scholar [Health Regen: 1.5% per second] [Stamina Regen: 1.5% second] [Mana Regen: 2.5%per second] [Constitution: 20 [Vitality:15 [Endurance:15 [Strength: 32 [Dexterity:40 [Wisdom:25 [Intelligence:35 [Willpower:15 [Affinity: 70 [AllocationPoints:10 We both starred at my full status sheet. I could vaguely get a impression of shock from her as well. ¡°So,¡± I said to cut the silence. ¡°As I expected,¡± She finally said. But my skill [Sleight of the Third-Eye] caught the red tendrils that was are connection. She continued. ¡°The cradle is the pinnacle of science from Earth. Countless Scientist, and intellectuals pooled their talents with the aide of the whole world on one accord.¡± Said Annabella. ¡°Sanguine Vamperial, It was a quest line from the mmorpg, a terribly long chain quest to get the actual disease. But I used a glitch, that went unnoticed. With my Blessed sun trait that cancels out the Vampire natural weakness I became the first elven Vampire, and I suppose a day-walker.¡± I said smiling. ¡°I hoped, but I didn¡¯t expect keeping my toon would would allow this. If that¡¯s the case shouldn¡¯t I have all my abilities/ Powers?¡± I asked. ¡°The system would have to recognize said abilities, power, skills,¡± She said. ¡°But rye cradle of life is capable of creating and sustaining life, originally. The standard design was equipped to help humans adapt to other planets, quickly. But...¡± she trailed off. ¡°But, the mana enriched environment and the game elements, and pure scientific genius has somehow became one!¡± I said finishing for her, almost. ¡°Precisely, and I¡¯m afraid my meddling as well played its part in the pod adapting quite bizarrely.¡± ¡°Before we tackle the dungeon should I be worried about this Vampiric thing?¡± I had to ask. I was secretly excited. I was a freaking Vampire. Abysmal Elf was nice too, but seriously Vampire. ¡°Let¡¯s read the description, one sec.¡± These immortal being of [Blood Magic] and dread were once were part of the higher hierarchy of Gaia. The Pure Bloods vanished from the landscape during the upheaval when the gods left mortals to fend for themselves. Tring! You have stumbled across a secret of the highest order. Tread carefully! A secret known only to the purest of the remaining blood-kin, the rulers of the Blood Conclave to birth an Impure Vampire Lords by breeding of two Royal clans. Annabella spoke. ¡°The system just recognized your knowledge on something. But it must be a secret here.¡± I continued reading. Your affliction cannot be passed toward any of your progeny, if you choose to make such. As a Pure Vampire Lord cannot be created, nor can the curse of Sanguine Vamperial be contracted by bite or exposure to your blood. You have the blood of progenitor. As a Pure Blood your control of the lesser afflicted is absolute [Blood Whisper]. Vampires are supernatural being, they are highly resistance to most magic, and have a high affinity with the darker Magic¡¯s then most races of Gaia. Vampires also acquire the skills [Heightened Reflexes], [Acute Hearing], [Enhanced Speed] [Heightened Resistance] [Mana Manipulation] , and higher grasps to magical schools in Destruction, Illusion, and Mysticism. Each skill gave me % In it¡¯s respective attributes based off of my base at its current level. I also have a 20% boost in learning said schools spells. ¡°What is this?¡± I asked in wonder. ¡°It¡¯s this world description of vampirism. It seems your quest in game to become a Lord of Blood is Quite similar to a Purer form Vampire-kind from this world history. You also have the [Vampire Lord Tree] as well, You would have to level it up again.¡± She finished. I glanced over the [Vampire Lord Tree] which was locked. Annabella spoke. ¡°Yes. Same as the game you would have to learn [Blood Magic] and it¡¯s skill to access it.¡± ¡°[Abysmal Elf],¡± She said after I closed the screen. ¡°????. It has nothing on the race description, odd¡± she said as I felt her confusion. ¡°I¡¯m not worried. If this world has similar qualities of the games I played then I¡¯m moderately sure of its description,¡± I said reassuringly. ¡°All Elven races derived from two fore-parents [High Elf], and [Abysmal Elf] As I read over my two racial description Annabella spoke. ¡° Young master, what about my body.... and we can¡¯t leave the ship, and cradle here.¡± She said alarmed as Strolled toward the exit. Shoot! ¡°I forgot,¡± I lied. I whirled around to face the pod, or ship. ¡°I just realized,¡± I said aloud as I starred at the 7 meter in length ship as the hum of its sophisticated engine echoed in the cavern. ¡°What do I need to do, how do I go about this?¡± I asked Annabella. It¡¯s her body after all. The connection sparkled with excitement and unbridled glee. ¡°First...¡± she went own explaining to me what I had to to do, or could do. First, we established a [Soul-Link] Contractor. Believe, I tried to enslave her but she told me some nasty kickbacks, and detriments toward the aspect of the link. I¡¯ll pass, and test it out on something simple minded, and not a super computer poltergeist. Secondly, With the skill [Arcane Weaving] which basically makes Mana a physical construct, depending on the user abilities; mines is low, after the skill was pulled up in detail I could only construct basic, crude items at the time being. But, if I constantly practice with it the skill can be improved quickly. ¡°Okay,¡± I said aloud. ¡°What do I do with the metal? I asked after a rough go and chipping away at the wing on the ship. Also, the ship would self repair after about a month or two, so I wasn¡¯t worried about damages. ¡°Let me control your arms,¡± asked Annabella. Relenting to her request, I watched how she molded the sophisticated metal, which is [Refined Mythril] according to the world system. She with artistic eased smooth the metal into a small oval ball. My hand flexed and two miniatures antennas sprouted from each side. ¡°To increased the range of my scans,¡± she paused. ¡°Preventative measures, stealth, as per your request. We will lose range, but invasive measures would be tripled.¡± She went on with her scientific jargon. ¡°Are you sure of others, from earth.¡± ¡°Hundred-percent certainty of their descendants, It¡¯s has been thousands of years since your ship crashed here,¡± she said absentmindedly. She waved my hand to left of us a 3-D image of planet appeared. ¡°This is Gaia. It¡¯s approximately 5x the size of Earth. Ecosystems, evolution, all exact replicas of back home. Differences are other species of humanoids. But, when I scanned the planet thousands of years ago it was because I detected a satellite that was slightly functional.¡± She stopped as a lens appeared on the oval ball. ¡°Satellite? Is it still functioning? Can it be of use.¡± ¡°It was damage by something big, and destructive long ago. I shut down most of its functions so it conserve the remaining power cells. Like I said we would have to mix science and magic to hope to repair it. Earth technology rapidly deteriorates in contact with Mana. I suspect it¡¯s the actual wiring, we would have to include Mana into anything science. Example, my body. And I¡¯m done.¡± After she finished her metallic eyeball Annabella consciousness slipped from the pod into it. Internally she spoke. ¡°I couldn¡¯t make any type off audio without removing more metal from the ship.¡± She said with her body floating in front of me, the lenses zoomed in and out and gave off a ethereal glow. So my journey begins. Chapter Six: Leveling! Cheat! Chapter 6 Leveling! Cheat! After carefully planning the utilization of [Spacial Pocket]. In which I was quite the distance away. I wasn¡¯t to keen to be next to a door way that opened to the possibility of the gargantuan snake to barge from. Annabelle also swore that the void is indescribable in size, and scope. After her body which was just a metal ball a singular eye and two complementing antennas on each side a notification appeared. Familiar Option available. Perquisite Met: Soul-Link. [Name: Annabella [Level: 0 [Main-Class: Administrator [Race: Science-Mana construct. [Processors: Mars 16-core 10.2 LYghz. [Slot- [Slot- [Slot- Skill: Scan, Appraisal, Mana-Science Computation, World System interface Do you wish to initiate Y/N I clicked yes as I mumbled my Indignation. But I knew she could be useful as I journeyed. I wouldn¡¯t admit it though. ********** Third Floor, Ancient Dungeon. When the ship crashed it landed inside of a dungeon just so happened to be located inside of forest, atop of a hill. Thanks to The halfie Lady Sandra Everbloom we had a understanding on where we were located on the the worlds stage. Are locations at the present was the Whsipering Forest, or so they called it. The forest was a natural border that separated the Everbloom Duchy from the the other four duchies, that made up the Country. Also from her memories I knew this was the weakest and poorest of the four duchies. It took up 3,880,56 sq miles, Annabella crunch the numbers on that. ¡°So Bella,¡± I nicknamed her. ¡°Where are these dungeon mobs,¡± I said. We were in a winding tunnel, the only light was the blue light her construct gave off. ¡°We are surrounded!¡± She said. Pausing. I took in the cavern natural appearance. Hesitating, just a little. I spoke. ¡°Surrounded you-¡° before I could finish a chittering sound exploded in the narrow barley alit tunnel. ¡°Move!¡± She said her lighter exploded in the tunnel. I ran,¡± using her light to guide me. ¡°Why are we running away,¡± I asked in my mad hurtle forward. Ignoring me, ¡°Allow me uninterrupted access to your mana.¡± She said as she flew passed me. ¡°Wait,¡± I said allowing the access. ¡°Slow down. This is not helping me, you are a familiar fight or some.¡± I screamed. The wall crumbled and a large centipede bead broke through. It¡¯s mandibles we¡¯re wickedly sharp and get like liquid dripped form them. The wall kept breaking away as more of them appeared. ¡°I can¡¯t fight. I don¡¯t have the capabilities. I felt the draw on my mana as a pulse flashed out from her. [Appraisal]. You have appraised Blind Centipede, Young. Poisonous. Level? x 20 The closest centipede Lunge it¡¯s mandible opened wide small incisor viable by the sickly glow of its inner mouth. Born from fright and adrenaline my [Enhanced Reflexes] activated as my body moved out of its way. You have dodge the Blind Centipede Poisonous Lunge! ¡°Strike it,¡± Bella demanded. ¡°Shittttttttt,¡± I said. My fist balled instinctively. I struck it¡¯s body. I felt it¡¯s hard carapace and heard a meaty squishy noise upon impact. Critical hit! You have crippled the Centipede. I froze. This was different. Realization of the fact I was no longer inside the game; I could die. No restarts or saves. ¡°Quickly,¡± screamed Bella. Like your VR games, don¡¯t freeze up on me. Play the game, if you must cope. Now Show me what you got!¡± Said Bella as she moved In front of another Centipede knocking it away. Like the game? I said to myself. Yes! Just fight! And level up! I unfroze. Enhanced Reflexes! Notification bells went off in my head, I ignored it. I punched and kicked my way forward. You have been bitten! Damage sustained! You are bleeding! You are poisoned! You have been clawed! Damaged sustained! I dived out of two Centipede path. I moved behind them and sent out flurries of kicks and punches. Enhanced Resistance has leveled up. Poison resistance added to original skill. Enhanced Resistance II! You have been hit Glob Of Spit! Poison damage halved! As Bella light flashed. I loved through the tunnel striking and kicking the Centipedes my tattered suit hung from my body. I felt dizziness as the debilitating effects of the poison sapper my stamina. You have killed Blind Centipedes x20! Centipede description added. Centipedes are big, nasty creatures. They dish out Poisonous attacks and can take a lot of hits from their natural armored bodies. Centipede are proliferating race of beast, but they live in clutches of hundreds. Young centipedes are always protected by a single warrior as the matriarch, and patriarch salvage for food. 279% Experience percentage gained! Your actions have been recorded. Your paths are being automatically assorted based off of your shown capabilities! Move forward, Improve! You have unassigned Allocation Points. You have leveled up x5 ¡°Come on!¡± I said huffed and puffed leaning against the sharp wall. ¡°This is insane. Clutches of hundreds, warriors! Mama! Daddy!¡± Bella drifted forward, Green gloop smearing her once smooch metallic surface. ¡°Young master, this is a dungeon. These things are to be expected. You did well, especially without any weapons. Or use of mana! You could have used [Void Sorcery], or [Mana manipulation] but I guess teeth, claws and feet works as well,¡± She said sounding smug. I threw my hands upward. ¡°You said run! I ran, why didn¡¯t you tell me this before you said run.¡± I said out of breath. She faced me, her lenses angling in and out. ¡°I also said run further and sling magic. You were level 1, those were Twenty level 7, poisonous creatures, and let¡¯s not added there natural armor. But it¡¯s no worry you have gotten some useful skill in your battle royal, here.¡± [Pugilist. 23%] Learned! [Kickboxing. 19%] Learned! [Ability: Unarmed Combat] Level 1 ¨C1% (Increases knowledge of hand-to-hand fighting and greatly improves related skills.)If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Another ability,¡± I looked on confused. ¡°Ability¡¯s can be gained from corresponding skill, Spells. [Unarmed Combat] is in support, and a Enhanced of your previous learned skills [Pugilist], and [Kickboxing] ¡°Training [Unarmed Combat] will make your martial talents even deadlier. Damage, and defense against them as well. I¡¯m still computing how your are able to learn such an amount of skills so quickly. I wouldn¡¯t be exaggerating and say your relate of learning is Incomprehensible to inhabitants of this planet.¡± ¡°So, I¡¯m a cheat!¡± ¡°Quite the cheater. Your words, not mine. I¡¯ll call it reassurance against aggressors; giving enough time, and preparation you could be at the level to be u restrained. Also, I¡¯ll refrain from mentioning this upon first contact.¡± She finished. ¡°I never had a problem with cheating. Remember, how we did in the game?¡± I asked her. ¡°Oh! I remember. Let¡¯s get these notification cleared up.¡± Tring! [Acrobatics 25%] Learned! ......... Acrobatics has been merged into the superior skill [Enhanced Reflexes]. [Name Shawn Ambrogio [Main Classes: None] [Sub-Classes: None] [Titles: Abyss Gazer] [level:6 [Exp: 12%] [Allocated Points: 56] ¡°Why do get the feeling that my leveling difficulty has quadrupled?¡± I asked Bella. ¡°It has,¡± She said flatly. ¡°Each level increase the difficulty, level 5-10, it will take approximately thousands of experience to level. After level 10, the difficulty will multiple again.¡± ¡°Typical game,¡± I said. ¡°Yet this is no game, please take this seriously. As you have seen already, she motioned to dead bugs.¡± ¡°I will never forget. How did I get so many allocated points? Seems strange, and quite cheat, I ant add,¡± smiling. ¡°I wonder where should I put them? I started to add points. [Constitution: 20+6 [Vitality:15+7 [Endurance:15+9 [Strength: 32+10 [Dexterity:40+8 [Wisdom:25+6 [Intelligence:35+5 [Willpower:15+5 [Affinity: 70 [Allocation Points:56 After I was done Bella replied to my question. ¡°It¡¯s accumulation of your race(s) and other factors, like intellect and what transpired during the leveling.¡± She clarified. [Constitution: 26 [Vitality: 22 [Endurance: 24 [Strength: 42 [Dexterity: 48 [Wisdom: 31 [Intelligence: 40 [Willpower: 20 [Affinity: 70 [Allocation Points: 0 ¡°So it will differ?¡± I asked. She spoke. ¡°It will differ. Because you have two Unique races, for this world.¡± ¡°I guess,¡± I shrugged. My health, mana, and stamina returns to full again. Also the poison debuff, and the bleeding was still in effect. It decrease my regen rate marginally. ¡°How do I get rid of these negative ailments!¡± I asked Bella. I felt her sigh, as she drifted back toward me blinding me with her blue ambience. ¡°Your arm is bleeding, fix that by applying a bandage. ¡°You would either have to upgrade [Enhanced Resistance] again or find a antidote. I tore my now ragged uniform and applied the cloth over the wound. Tring! [Field Medicine 19%] Learned! ¡°Cheat!¡± I said to Bella not so hidden mental chuckle, I had [Sleight of the Third Eye] Toggle on still. ¡°Now collect your Loot!¡± She said. I starred at her, for moment. I then looked toward the stinky pile of bugs. ¡°You mean-¡± she cut me off. ¡°Yes. Walk toward them and wave your hand over them. And gain your loot.¡± I mentally sighed. I thought I would have to carve them. I neared the pile of bugs and repeatedly waived my hand over them, nothing.¡± I turned around to She Bella small body vibrating. Seconds later the connection flooded with mirth, and laughter. ********** [Blind Centipede] mandibles x12 added to inventory! [Blind Centipede] Poison sac x9 added to inventory! Do you wish to add loot to [Spacial Pocket]? Space unlimited. I brushed the screen away as small starry pockets appeared and absorbed the salvageable parts of the Centipedes. ¡°It was a joke,¡± she said for the four-millionth time. I struck the Centipede crushing it head into the ground. ¡°You lied! You actually lied. And, you refuse to tell me how?¡± I said as I landed two sweeping kicks on a lunging Centipede. ¡°Does it matter! It was a joke. You keep assuming this is just like the game,¡± she mentally shrugged. ¡°Similarities!¡± I screamed as repeatedly beat the beast down. We moved through the tunnel. Me dealing death as I moved through each section. ¡°Ok.¡± I felt her mentally relent before she showed me my health, Mana, Stamina stats. HP: 200/270MP:500/600 SP:300/300 ¡°Why are you showing me this!¡± I asked dodging a lunging Centipede, and Bringing my heel down into its spine. ¡°A hundred of your mana is missing,¡± she said. I looked again. ¡°I see that, but,¡± she spoke over me. ¡°You allowed me to use your mana. I have been constantly scanning, and appraising everything. It¡¯s for your purpose, the more the information we can gather, the better we can prepare for civilization.¡± Critical! You have been been bitten by poisonous bite! I stumbled. Whirled around and sent a flurry of punches at my attacker. ¡°So how can you lie? [Sleight of the Third Eye] is active. She smiled. ¡°Dodge,¡± I did. ¡°It¡¯s your mana, I¡¯m using. I can fooled the skill. You shouldn¡¯t depend on it, really.¡± You have received bleeding status! Shit,¡± not this again. ¡°I¡¯ll cut you off,¡± I warned. I maneuvered backwards as the swarm of [Blind Centipedes] increased. ¡°Whoah!¡± I said taking up a fighting pose granted me by my ability. ¡°What the hell Bella!¡± I screamed trying to stay the distance from there Spitting range attack. ¡°That would be detrimental, I suggest you didn¡¯t. My range without mana is to weak to be of use.¡± She said moving further back. I kept dodging, I couldn¡¯t get closer, the tunnel was already tight; now these chittering bugs are climbing over each other to get at me. ¡°I like your knack for dirtying your hands, and diving into the thick of things. But, you are a Elf. One with two rare spell books, [Mana Manipulation], And Sorcery, wield your magic. You should be still here, honestly.¡± She admonished. ¡°One problem,¡± I said as I kicked the closer ones backwards. ¡°Yes,¡± she sighed. Before I felt her smiling mentally again. ¡°You don¡¯t know how to use your magic, I figured as much.¡± ¡°Just take over,¡± I said. ¡°No! You need to learn.¡± She disagreed. ¡°Let¡¯s retreat. They want follow you, if they can¡¯t smell you near.¡± And we moved backwards away from the writhing mass of young [Blind Centipedes] ******* ¡°Listen, and rest while I explain how Your utilize magic. This should be innate, natural and all; you are a Pure Blood Elf. Stop thinking like a human. Unlike the game, you don¡¯t just click it mentally......¡± She went on describing it, which was pretty simple. Sorcery was all about Imagination, and willpower. Sorcery is a shortest way to toss around magic, or depend on the user, and his mana. I had that in abundance, and a vivid imagination from gaming, and occasional read over the many years to ward off boredom. I entered the section and was met by something new. Bella quick [Appraised] the new existence [Gigantes Centipede, Adult, Warrior lv ??] it let out chalkboard rasping roar. I returned a roar, but mines was more a whimper and a stutter. Quickly the young [Blind Centipede] were enraged and they barreled in my direction. ¡°Either you run, or you quickly begin casting spells. Keep your distance and cast, of any get close crush them, be versatile.¡± She said coaching me. I took a second to breathe. ¡°Okay,¡± I raised my hand. I need to a focal. I didn¡¯t have a wand, or staff so my hands had to do. ¡°Similar, not the same!¡± I Mentally chanted. [Void Sorcery] my hand glowed In the natural color of the void, I was mesmerized by the tiny star like specks, it look like a night sky. ¡°Don¡¯t Stand still, cast something,¡± she screamed. ¡°Okay, Okay.¡± The Centipedes were Ten or so feet away, Bella light flashed forward showing their position. I pushed my hand forward, mentally trying for a sweeping cone of attack but instead I got something quite different. A purple and black whip lashed out from my hands. Startled I backed up. I dissipated. [Abysmal Grimoire] Updated! I lashed out again, holding the image in my mind. Green blood flowed, carapaces cracked, chittering screams roared. [Blind Centipedes]x100 decimated! [Bane of Bug-Kind] Title Obtained! My new Title gave me a 10% increase in damage against Bugs, and critters. The mountains of thousands leges moved after I finished off the final small fries. The tunnel was bigger here, I guess because of the Warrior Class Centipede. ¡°Adults, are not Blind,¡± I said aloud. ¡°I got a idea.¡± I told Bella my plan. I ran toward the massive bug, [Enhanced Speed], [Enhanced Reflexes] activated. My stamina plummeted by all I need was one move. The beast lowered its massive head, and lunged toward me. I moved, Sorcery coated hands I battered the beast head, the tunnel rumbled, as it head smacked against the sharp walls. You have stunned the [Gigantes Centipede] Critical hit! You have inflicted considerable damage against the [Gigantes Centipede] With my stamina flashing dangerously I jumped over the beast, barely missing the sharp spiked walls. [Void Sorcery], I wielded the void like an appendage. With my body spinning I raised my hand and flicked the Void coated hand into the section between its armored body. With a wet sound, and a horrible stench. The beast roared and rested up, smacking me into a roll across its body. You have been hit by head-but! Massive damage received! You have been crippled! Your physical capabilities have changed! ¡°Shit, that fucking hurt,¡± I screamed rolling across its back. My fucking ribs were broke, and breathing was harder now. ¡°Your health is half way depleted!¡± Bella said warning me, to be careful. I tried to activate my [Enhanced Reflexes], and was met with prompt detailing the impossibility of it with my cracked ribs. Running out of ideas, I acted on instincts born from years of gaming on the most insane difficulties ever thought in existence. I Gripped the gaps between its armor, stalling myself. Wielding [Void Sorcery] And cladding my hand in its power. My stamina was flashing, a notification alerted me to the fact my debilitating status effects have hampered my regen. The beast bucked it¡¯s massive body, silently I thanked the designer of this dungeon. The beast massive size considerably hampered its movement. It¡¯s only had a feet to move to the side, and either could move forward of backwards. I sent a flurry of punches, I lashed its body with what I named the [Void Whip] You have inflicted laceration! You have inflicted Bleeding! ........ Status screen flooded my vision. I scattered the screens. The beast body slammed into the wall, jeering me from my perch. I rolled across the hard cold surface as many tiny legs stamped downward in paint and frustration. ¡°Bella,¡± How is it¡¯s Health!¡± I asked crawling away from the wild beast. ¡°It has been enraged,¡± I suggest you killed it before more come.¡± She said as her light dimmed and she disappeared while I do the hard work. I grunted. ¡°We seriously need to work on this helpful, tagalong thing.¡± With [Void whips] I lashed the beast, I maneuvered it closer to the walls and let the natural shave away at its health. You have killed [Gigantes Centipede, Warrior, lvl 11] Experience calculating....... For defeating a beast with a Class, while you lacked it, 1127% Experience gained! For decimating a clutch of Centipedes 98% gained! You have leveled up! You have leveled up! You have leveled up! And the divide between the next level increased. Would you like to add [Void Lash], and [Void Cladding] to Spell book Y/N Yes! I fell flat against the ground, and looked at my handy work. ¡°How did I do,¡± I said, as I looked around for Bella. She floated out of the darkness. ¡°Terrible. What posses you to jump on it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all in the plan. It worked in the end.¡± I said grimacing from my cracked ribs. ¡°What a tactful mind,¡± mumbles Bella. Chapter Seven: Alchemist! Tag Team boss battle! Chapter 7:Alchemist! Tag Team Boss Battle! You have successfully dissembled the corpse of Gigantes Centipede! Tring! [Dissembler I. 1%] Learned! You can breakdown a corpse like no other. 10% increase in salvageable parts. Requirements have been met for auto looting, and dissembling function. Do you wish to turn on auto loot and auto dissemble? Y/N. ¡°Yes,¡± I said, that was a no brainer. Auto loot is turned on! Auto dissemble is turned on! Be warned! Auto functions are only operable outside of combat. I waived the notifications away. ¡°Definitely not a game, huh.¡± I said as Bella floated near. Bella drifted beside me. ¡°Similarities. Same reason you are faring so well in Combat, the games you have been playing have a much further reaching effect then you currently realize.¡± She said matter-of-factly. ¡°But,¡± She said pointedly, dismissing my questioning look. ¡°Isn¡¯t the auto functions quite nice?¡± She asked floating ahead. ¡°You won¡¯t believe how disgusting it is to have intestines, organs, and all manner juices squished between your digits.¡± I said shaking the ripening sludge off of my hands. ¡°I hope I never know that feeling. I suspect other the auto features are currently hidden amongst your combined knowledge.¡± ¡°While we are waiting on your health to replenish at its decreases rate; we should try some possibles ways to remove the poison affliction. Even with your [Enhanced Resistance II] it¡¯s drastically effecting your health Regen. Glancing at my lowered regen. ¡°Besides stumbling on a antidote potion. Wait. Do creatures drop loot, like weapon and such,¡± I asked. Since the need to be armed became paramount. ¡°Yes and no,¡± she said. ¡°Only special creatures drop them. Common... let¡¯s call them mobs, especially the dungeon variety don¡¯t drop such items. But, their body parts are useful is multitude of ways.¡± She finished. I sighed. ¡°I guess I¡¯m pretty much stuck with half working Regen. At least I can feel my resistance to such poison increasing. I replied with displeasure. ¡°This nauseous feeling is becoming a choir to ignore. I suspect my skills are dampening the effects some what, though.¡± ¡°Your assertion is correct. Since I¡¯m loosely tied to the system of this world, more then you. I can teach the finer details of your knowledge. Your skills are dampening the effects of The centipedes poison, which is quite deadly. Be Thankful you weren¡¯t bitten by the big one.¡± She continued. ¡°With the risk and potential of poisons, I¡¯m suggesting we should try for the Alchemy skill. Since your games and this world bare striking similarities we can gloss completely over the hard parts. All you really need to do is perform the repetitive actions; I¡¯m quite positive we can get the skill with this simplified method.¡± My brows roses and my Interest was peaked. We discussed it back and forth before Bella laid out her methods to gain the skill ¡°I¡¯m not all knowing, or more knowledgeable then you, well. I¡¯ll say I¡¯m more knowledgeable then you, and the fact you are still restraining your self, a lot. Through your utter disregard for what lies before you and your frequent efforts to perform redundant actions.¡± I felt her mental sigh. I didn¡¯t know how to respond to that, so move forward. ¡°Alchemy! Basically, like how Earth doctors used venom from snakes to create anti-venom?¡± I asked still confused. ¡°Not quite the same but it¡¯s a start.¡± I listened to her explanation on the topic and was quite surprised that it was so simple. ¡°That¡¯s simple.¡± I said after she finished the lecture. ¡°Believe me, it¡¯s not simple for others. But, first you need to learn some magic. I scanned the area, a small accumulation of ground water is close, and we need a safe environment to experiment.¡± And, like that I followed her forward. *********** ¡°You should remember to take time to learn your full capabilities. Imagine if you knew earlier you could use [Mana Manipulation] in such away.¡± Holding the ball of water between my outstretched hand, teeth gritting as the sheer magnitude of the Mana been sucked out of me. I grumbled a reply. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be keeping up with all of this?¡± I said though gritted teeth. She mentally clicked her tongue. ¡°Are you requesting that I should baby you along your path? I suggest you quickly acclimate yourself to this world. With my preexisting restrictions, and those placed by the previous pod A.I It is only so much I¡¯m capable of doing for you. I¡¯m also constantly being vigilant by scanning, and absorbing information as we move forward. I¡¯m already explaining things you should already know. Don¡¯t forget you have been prepared and conditioned by the programs for thousands of years.¡± She harrumphed. Her tirade continued. ¡°Someone like you who has beating every single game and has roamed countless virtual worlds and conquered, and let¡¯s not forget the insane difficulty you subjected yourself to. All of this should be second nature, no, it should be simple as breathing is to a newborn monkey.¡± I wanted to fire back toward her but she was right in away. I remained quite. Not having a reply, I ignored the anger that traveled across our connection. Tring! Mana Manipulation I Has Leveled up! Mana Manipulation II! Description has been updated! Prerequisites met! Water affinity unlocked! Water is fluid, it¡¯s calm, constant and chaotic! You have learned how to wield water magic! Tome of Water Mage Obtained! You have created the spell Weak Water Ball ¡­¡­ Water splashed against the ground and over me as the spell broke from my grasp. I drew In deep breaths. ¡°That,¡± I started to speak but stop when I dry heaved. ¡°Oh my god. I¡¯m never doing anything like that again.¡± I said with bated breaths.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Tring! Your actions have been recorded. Your paths are being automatically assorted based off of your shown capabilities! Move forward, Improve! Perseverance I Title obtained! You are steadfast In the face of difficulty. Based off of your Luck there is slight increase in percentage of achieving success! You have unlocked the Luck Attribute! Fortune has been warped around you! Your presence throws the order of things off! Once the attribute appeared I felt suddenly locked in place and indescribable sensation seem to surround me. The briefest second I could have sworn I heard the giggling of feminine voice. You have been granted 12 Allocation Points! You have unassigned Allocation Points! Finally able to speak. ¡°Did you hear that,¡± I asked Bella. Bella said. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear anything. What happened,¡± she asked. I quickly described what transpired. ¡° I have my suspicion on certain things. But, That¡¯s a hidden attribute; from my understanding only a select few have it. I won¡¯t continue to state your insane rate of acquiring things that ease.¡± She was back to her usual self, and normal as that was. After reading over the Luck stat description Bella spoke again. ¡°Do you have a complete grasp of your [Field Medicine I] skill?¡± She asked interrupting me. I definitely needed a break. Regardless how realistic the games were there never was the possibility of dehydration. I absolutely hated the thirst that accompanied sustained Mana loss. I figuratively picked myself up and read the skill in question. [Field Medicine I], Is thought to be obsolete by those who profess themselves magical healers, of the Arcane Schools such as Restoration. It is said Long ago doctors of physical medicine once roamed Gaia. You adhere to the old ways and embrace the physical approach of administering aid to those in need You are inherently knowledgeable in [Anatomy I]. You are able [Diagnose I] the cause of of most ailments with your trained eyes. You are able to use [Stabilize I] on a severely injured. ¡°Uh. Wow! I actually understand this stuff.¡± I said realizing all of my hurt spots and possible remedies that could alleviate them. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the system. It¡¯s installs the information directly, that¡¯s if prerequisites are met. all you ever need is the know-how, and repetition to gain hard fought skills. Now focus!¡± She said dropping her lecturing tone for her demanding one. She continued after my comical display of focusing, as she requested. ¡°This is the tricky part. Conjure [Water Ball]. Which I did. A translucent ball of water, with a slight arcane glow, which was my eyes seeing the Mana infused water. ¡°Perfect,¡± she said coming up behind my shoulder. Is she hiding, shielding herself? I grumbled internally. The spell wobbled threateningly, I quickly raised my other hand which drained my Mana much faster to help stabilize the spell. ¡°Focus! Now use the ancillary skill [Diagnose I]. Activating the skill easily an image of miniature male body appeared. ¡°Okay,¡± She said calmly. ¡°The Red spots are minor pains. You need to learn how to utilize your enhanced skill better, you are tearing and pulling muscles that you shouldn¡¯t, but it¡¯s possible that your body just not use to the rate of your movements. Be careful going forward.¡± She said, her teacher persona back. ¡°The the dark purple located on the image ribs are breaks. I shouldn¡¯t remain you how you received those, and what not to do again. The greenish tinge is the poison that¡¯s present. Now Listen carefully...¡± she walked me through the steps, first I applied the water across my hold body, manipulating it in a way that I wasn¡¯t wet, just a cool sensation. Perquisite not met! Field Medicine level to low. Do you wish to apply unassigned Allocation Points? Y/N Bella spoke, after my hand hesitated to click Yes. ¡°Yes,¡± She said for me. Once again she startled me. I didn¡¯t give her permission. I got to remember to remind her of our deal. You have used 12 Allocation Points! [Field Medicine II] has been leveled up. Weak healing Ball Learned! Tome of the water mage updated! Now let¡¯s try the first method of obtaining [Alchemy I] Skill. Activating my [Arcane Weaving I] spell I fashioned a small bowl. Retrieving the Warrior Centipedes parts, and filling it with mana infused water. ********** I leaned against the wall as I spit the green liquid out of me mouth. ¡°What number are we on, your constant failure is astounding; I mean you have all the required knowledge, tools,¡± She said with displeasure. ¡°You¡¯re not human, nor are you defined by earth physics, think higher, this is become pitiful.¡± She said moving away. I sighed. ¡°That was the tenth batch to fail! I¡¯m trying hard as I can.¡± ¡°At least you have some poison potions stockpiled.¡± She said further in the cave. As I progressed on the new endeavor I had to learn to wield fire. Which was a challenge, I couldn¡¯t imagine how hard it would be without having the rule defying [mana manipulation] skill; which basically shorten my road to learning and grasping magic. Time flew by as I continued to learn Alchemy. Having to consume the disgusting liquid that didn¡¯t help but kept me poisoned. On the other hand I had quite few of poisonous substance on hand. Bella was able to appraise it for me. In my thoughts about skills, and spells I could attempt to learn I was startled when the bells chimed in my head. Tring! You have learned Alchemy I. 10%! [Alchemy I], Alchemists use a combinations of ingredients, and other components to make powerful concoctions. You can [Identify I] slightly better hen before. Your pursuits have a 5% better chance of success. You can now [Catalogue] your created items. All catalogued items can be created at half the cost of uncatalogued items. Your have Obtained Alchemist Grimoire! You lack proper Alchemical equipment! Potions created are drastically weakened. Experience halved. Potions are restricted to inferior grade! Your actions have been recorded. Your paths are being automatically assorted based off of your shown capabilities! Move forward, Improve! You have created Inferior antitoxin! I quickly smelled the bowl of now dark green liquid. I grabbed my nose disgusted and turned the bowl skywards and the thick sickly solution rolled down my throat. ********** The narrow tunnel finally opened into a large clearing. Bella was quite, possibly crunching some numbers. Sudden urge to dodge sent the alarm bells off in my head. With supernatural reflexes I dodge to the left as the centipede exploded from the cavern wall. My hands clad instantly classed in my go to element, Void. As on cue other centipedes appeared all around me. Let¡¯s get ready to rumble! Battle Royale round two! I sprinted toward the mob. Bella sighed through the connection. I always loved getting up close and personal, but magic was fun, too. Bella spoke after I retreated from the mass of limbs that threatened to overrun me. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t neglect your casting. Try to acquaint yourself with the known spells mana cost; you¡¯re either using more then necessary or less then required.¡± ¡°While you¡¯re doing that I¡¯ll be able to collect data on range combat and mana output. I¡¯m trying to see if we can cut the cost down and still have optimal effect. and the actual data would be much appreciate over speculations.¡± Said Bella. With displeasure I kicked a centipede sending it over the the backs of it brethren. ¡°Seriously!¡± Relenting to her wishes I summoned a water ball in my right and the opposite a fireball. The chittering clicks of thousand legs marched toward me in unison. I toss the spells toward the hoard. Boom! The water ball sawed through the front ranks like a high powered pressure hose; I instantly likened it to that of a fire hose from back home. The fire exploded, I was met with burn inflictions pop up on countless surviving Centipedes. ¡°Shit,¡± I exclaimed. My ears rang and the cavern shook. ¡°I thought the spell supposed to be weak.¡± I stepped back as the superheated steam and cloud was still in the air. ¡°You are not regulating the cost of your Spells, So the spell were stronger. Continue your practice; eventually I¡¯ll have the numbers and you shouldn¡¯t worry about regulations as I¡¯ll automatically fix the problem for you.¡± She said hovering near my head. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, by the way!¡± She said. I ignored her. I pulled my hand back and lashed out with another water spell fashioned in the form of whip, I just loved the application of the whip as a weapon; even In games I used the untraditional weapon that fared well in close quarters and long distance fights. The line of bugs broke, as my whip sliced into them. Experience accumulated steadily. I spun in palace my [Enhanced Reflexes] making my moves beyond Olympic caliber. I struck, sending a superheated stream of water and heat simultaneously. After my destruction of the hundreds of bugs I walked through the massive doorway and I could swear I heard music play in my head. While I paused The wall slid out of nowhere sealing me inside. After inspecting the now sealed doorway, a sound of movement alerted me to not being alone. Something large moved across the ground to my right. Bella drifted back, her light dimming. ¡°The mana in this area is the thickest I¡¯ve felt since your awakening. Tread carefully.¡± I started to speak but I was alerted to a whistling sound. I thanked my [Acute Hearing]. I dived out the way before something that reeked of foulness and sickness sloshed against the wall. ¡°What the hell,¡± I started. But a massive headed centipede barreled toward me. I rolled out the way and moved away. You have receive critical damage! You have been head butted by Gigantes Centipede Patriarch! My back exploded in pain, my body flew through the air. My health dropped by roughly 20%. ¡°Bella,¡± I screamed . But the connection was blank, I couldn¡¯t feel anything and her light was gone. I was met with complete darkness. The loud scratching noise to my left, and Right told me a sad tale. I was dealing with two of these large Centipedes. And Bella just abandon me to the darkness. The ground exploded beneath me, but I was already out of the way. I attempted to cast a spell in retaliation when I was alerted again to another sneak attack. I tried to turn my body in a way that I would avoid the attack from the darkness but pain exploded from my side as notification flooded my vision. You have been struck by Tail lash! You have been hobbled! Your movement is reduced by 50% I scream as the pain in my left side threatened my consciousness. I rolled across the hard surface shaving off needed hit points. Before I could leap up the ground tumbled again and rocks and sharp mandibles met my vision. [Name Shawn Ambrogio [Main Classes: None] [Sub-Classes: None] [Titles Perseverance, Abyss Gazer, Bane of Bug- Kind [level:9 [Exp: 19%] [Race: Sun Elf] [Sub-Race: Abysmal Elf] [Skills/Spells: Arcane Weaving, Arcane Linguistics. Soul-Link, Sleight of the Third-Eye, Mana-Sense, Masochist, Spacial pocket, Void Sorcery, Pugilist, Kickboxing Heightened Reflexes, Heightened Resistance II. Enhanced Speed, Mana Manipulation II. Acute Hearing, [Tomes: Mysticism, Abysmal Grimoire, Water, Fire, Alchemist [Powers/Abilities: Sanguine Vamperial, Unarmed Combat, [Traits: Pure Elven Affinity, High Mana, High Constitution,Blessed of the Sun, Magical Scholar [Health Regen: 2.7% per second] [Stamina Regen: 2.4%second] [Mana Regen: 6.0%per second] [Constitution: 26 [Vitality: 22 [Endurance: 24 [Strength: 42 [Dexterity: 48 [Wisdom: 31 [Luck:9 [Intelligence: 40 [Willpower: 20 [Affinity: 70 [Allocation Points: 39 Chapter 8: Show me your Resolve! Chapter 8 Show Me Your Resolve! Small status screens appeared, detailing the debuffs ailing me. My hands clad in the void gripped the Patriarch Centipede foremost mandibles. Our individual strength stood in stark contrast to each other. ¡°Arghh,¡± I screamed as the smaller perfusions from its mouth pierced my unprotected body. Poison, and bleeding status effects accompanied the pain and debilitating effects. You have been dealt damage! You have been bitten by Patriarch Centipede! You are bleeding! Your health regen has been staunched! You have been poisoned! Your health is being depleted! It manly legs marched forward; My feet scraped along the ground, as I pushed against it¡¯s tidal strength. Its massive ugly head reared up; shaking me like rag doll. It abruptly rose after its jerking and jeering. its pincers pierced depose into my body. My blood poured freely from the wounds it savagely inflicted. Rearing on its lower most limbs and forcing me from my embattled position. Pushing against me. It forcefully drove me along for the ride, it body rocketed forward, it¡¯s many legs propelling it¡¯s mad dash. Boom! The cavern shook, as my body was slammed against the wall. The sharp piercing rocks shredding my cloths rags with ease. I gasped, the air poured from my lungs. Screens flashed threateningly warning me of my current peril. You have been body slammed by the Gigantes Centipede Patriarch! You have been dealt massive damage! Your hobbled status has been upgraded to crippled. Your left arm, and leg have been crippled. Your bleeding status has been upgraded to laceration! Your stamina and health regen have been staunched! I gritted my teeth in pain. Blood pooled in my mouth, and leaked around the corners. My body felt heavy and sluggish. No doubt the poison running its course. The Centipede shook its head slinging me across the sharp ground further shaving away health. ¡°BELlA,¡±I managed to cough out, our connection was static, I couldn¡¯t even determine if she was still here with me. But, I knew she was here crunching numbers and collecting data. Sigh! No answer, what am I to do? I questioned myself as I tried to rise from where I was unapologetically slung. I crawled across the floor. My right side all but useless. I listened inventively, every sound became an enemy. The smallest scrape made me turned in anticipation. Yet no attack came; the darkness became an enemy as well. the ground quaked beneath me. Seconds all I had to the emerging threat. I painfully rolled out of the way. I managed to get myself standing. Catching what little breath I could. I quickly dove in the opposite direction, a lot slower then my earlier agile movements. The massive bug head broke through, the only tale of its emergence was the green glow of its mouth, and red eyes. I shielded myself from the explosion of rocks and debris. I took tentative steps in the darkness, the shadows, the sounds all effecting me. I was afraid. Frightened I called for her, ¡°Bella, please say something.¡± Did she lie to me? I asked as pulled my battered body forward. Our connection fluttered alive, ¡°Show me your Resolve.¡± Was all I got before the connection went blank again. ¡°Dammit,¡± I hissed. Keeping my voice muffled. Of all the damn times for her to abandon me, now had to be it. I poured the bottle of inferior grade [Antitoxin] Into my mouth. In my haste half the contents were gifted to the the ground. I tossed the bottle which was created using my arcane weaving spell, it vanished into small mana participles before smashing into the wall. I snatch the stopper off a second bottle appearing my hand. ¡°Old fashion it is,¡± I mumbled. I smeared the contents into the the wounds. The scraping sound of sharp appendages moving rapidly cross the hard surface made me grimace. ¡°I can¡¯t see you bastard,¡± I screamed toward the thing cloaked into the darkness.¡°But I can fucking hear you.¡± Two beady red orbs opened in the distance, they starred at me aggressively, I could barely see the mockery hiding in them. That small face made me mad, a fucking bug, a overgrown crawling spitting piece of shit was leisurely mocking me. The red orbs drifted upward, no-doubt raising on its hind legs. As my eyes tracked its accent, a green fluorescent light glowed in the darkness. My hackles raised in warning as I barely dodged the poisonous spit that splattered against where I was previously. As I moved through the darkness, quietly as possible, my hearing stretched far as possible, to warn against any offense. After a few close encounters, I realized they were really toying with me. I was disadvantaged, and they knew it. I suppose they have done this number plenty time on adventures who stumbled across this cavern. I wonder how the Everbloom girl and party managed to avoid, or beat them. I never been afraid of the dark, at least I don¡¯t remember being afraid. But I was scared, two deadly bugs were hiding in it. I realize my attitude toward d this experience need to change; this wasn¡¯t my games, I wouldn¡¯t respawn into my last saved location. ¡°Fuck!¡± I shouted in alarm before a glob corrosive spit slammed into the spot just above my head. Stealth wasn¡¯t working, I moved quickly, putting much distance as possible between me and my attacker. Time to be proactive, I can¡¯t remain of the reviving in like some noob. With my back firmly against the wall I began to set forth a plan of action. I never was the smartest player, never tried to be, I barreled through missions and challenges for one reason, and one reason only, I always had the bigger stick.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it After the healing spell ran its course. My health wasn¡¯t at 100% but I didn¡¯t need it to be. I had pretty good regen. I raised my good hand and summoned a [Weak fireball] I pushed as much Mana as I could Into it. It thrummed in my hand, licks of flames slapped around my wrist and I held the fireball in the palm of my hand. An enriched buff applied to its name name. With a smile on my face I tossed the ball above my head. Second later a blinding light and a all consuming boom of the fireball impacting the ceiling. Boom! The pained hissing and thrashing of the two giant centipede and the notification that let me know my plan was successful. I ran forward, focusing on the first thrashing beast. You have blinded Gigantes Centipede Patriarch! You have blinded Gigantes Centipede Matriarch! I knew the combination of Fire and water magic was compatible, and accompanied scolding, and burning Status effects. But I was an Alchemist now. I smiled. A void pocket appeared keeping up with my awkward sprint. Tossing a bottle of antitoxin ahead of me accompanied by fireball made me smile savagely but the Explosion, and my proximity to it made me curse, I absolutely wasn¡¯t thinking, I couldn¡¯t have been. The explosion that followed blasted me backwards. Boom! You have injured yourself! Shock status has been applied. ¡°Fuck,¡± I cursed trying reorient myself. I felt dizzy,t thoughts were sluggish. Tring! You have unlocked the [Alchemist] ancillary skill [Bomb-Making I] The information flooded my mind. I stood up on shaky legs. The screech in the distance put a smile on my face. ¡°This does not make us even,¡± I said readying myself for the fight. Round two ensued in earnest. Balls of high pressure water, and fiery hot balls of Fire exploded around the cavern. I ran, I cast. I dodged. I dished out as much damage as I received. My high regen, and assortment of spells made me terrible foe for the two. The cavern was aglow with light. You have created the spell [Fire-o-wisp] Tome updated! I quickly cast the spell. Three balls of fire floated around me. The ground started its deep shaking. I ran away quickly. I threw a second bottle toward the emerging matriarch, the wisp of fire that trailed it exploded the canister sending her body flailing back. My void whip My gripped in my right hand struck the patriarch body repeatedly. It¡¯s flinched back from my assault, the matriarch submerged underneath. I shielded my eyes as the poison-fireball combination rocked the cavern in blinding light for the third time. Time was nothing as the three of us went blow from blow, our battle went from long distance, to stealth, and now close quarters. I laughed savagery as I broke the Patriarch main weapon from Its face. The beast roared in pain. I returned the sharp profusion into the segmented back of the matriarch as she emerged from the earth; my Void whip gripped around her head, my Void clad hand pierced into the section between her natural armor. I roared in laughter atop her back as she tore through the air. I realized why Bella wanted me to familiarize with magic. The destruction I could administer was devastating. Floating around me was three balls of water, that spun chaotically, three balls of fire that I used as a source of light. And now with my understanding of the the will-o-wisps spells two void balls were floating from my outstretched hand. The Patriarch was so weakened it barely could pick it self up where I left it bloodied; its once arrogant red eyes shown with visible fear. It could no longer retreat but the damn female was smart. She stayed underground after I shaved her health down after her last sneak attack. I walked toward the crippled Bug. It hissed loudly upon my approach. I looked over it¡¯s body and determined the damage the void Spells did compared to the crushing and burning damage of water, and fire, was devastating. I need to look into increasing my understand of the Grimoire. Its guttural hissing was its final stand I suspected, it couldn¡¯t even stand on it own. I was so close to its head, it¡¯s poisonous breath singed my face. I starred into its beady red eyes The hum of my magic echoed around the closed cavern; the wisps orbited my person. The Giant centipede must have came to a conclusion that I was about to utterly destroy it. It lunged, It¡¯s massive jowls opens to cleave me in half. I moved out of its reached without worry, it was half of what it once was. It¡¯s bladed incisors sliced the air, making a loud snapping sound. I launched forward and hammered it¡¯s head with my [Void Cladding] You have dealt massive damage! Bane of Bug of bug-kind successful! Patriarch Centipede has been cowed! Tring! Bane of Bug-kind II has leveled up! Description has been changed. You have successfully cowed Patriarch Gigantes Centipede! Any damaged inflicted will become critical! The beast screamed in fear. I smiled down at its massive lowered head. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid now,¡± I said slamming my fist into head repeatedly. As the female resurface and watched me passively. My anger satisfied I looked at my work. The creature had one remaining good eye, half of its legs were broken. It¡¯s still bowed its head, but now it refrained from looking at me. I kicked it for good measure. I turned around and walked toward the female. But the notification of her being cowed as well gave me pause. I point to the ground. ¡°Come here,¡± I demanded. Her body quivered. I stood before the two bugs that caused me so much suffering. ¡°I suppose I should just kill you both,¡± I said hoping for a reaction. They both continued to remained docile. The female made hissing sound at me. I raised my hand aggressively in her direction. ¡°You want to complain,¡± I asked. I tiled my head and cupped my ear. ¡°Say that again,¡± I teased. Tring! [Arcane Linguistic (Scolopendra Gigantes) ] language Acquired! The female made the hissing sound again, this time I understood her. ¡°Spare us ..... Spare us...¡± was all it kept saying. It continued. ¡°We serve, we will serve. Master.....¡± The creature pleaded for their life. Startled I look at them. This Arcane Linguistic skill was something else. I could pretty much talk to anything. ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t let me down,¡± said Bella drifting down bathing us in her ambient blue light. I turned toward the orb floating above my shoulder. ¡°Look who decided to show herself, after the fighting is over,¡± I said mockingly. Unconcerned about my complaint Bella drifted toward the two bugs. ¡°This is unexpected. My calculations still need fine tuning. I thought this fight would have enraged you to the point of destroying the dungeon.¡± She said examining the creatures. I looked at her mouth agape in alarm. ¡°What,¡± finally replying after registering what she said. Through the connection she brushed me off. ¡°You are for to dependent on me. You never was that way in all of the games you completed. I only wanted you to remember what you exactly are without my constant prodding. This outcome wasn¡¯t calculated, but I shouldn¡¯t be to surprised, if anyone could make two dungeon bosses go against the mold, it would be you. You should be proud of your accomplishment. Too bad this world doesn¡¯t give achievement trophies you love so much.¡± She finished. I stood theirs analyzing the orb before I spoke. ¡°Yeah. Keep being all mysterious. I pointed toward the female that eyes were trailing Bella, both inspecting each other curiously. ¡°You could communicate with just about anthjng giving enough time. You should read over your skills to fully grasp them. It might be illuminating, even to you,¡± said Bella as she drifted back above my shoulder. ¡°Or,¡± I started raising my finger. ¡°You just tell me what to do, and we Speed this along.¡± I said with a smile. She sighed. ¡°Just make a contract. Not like ours, use your blood as medium. This is something else I wanted to test, hurry.¡± I raised my hand in surrender, which made the cowed bosses flinched. ¡°You want me to make them a familiar, something like you?¡± I laughed out loud. Yes, but not like me. We are connect more intricately. Instead of your soul just use your blood. They will accept it, regardless. Also, They are bound to the dungeon. Your blood will give them form, a anchor to exist.¡± She said in a lecturing tone. I sighed. I looked at the two ugly Centipedes. ¡°How about we just destroy them for the experience. I bet they will get me to level 10.¡± ¡°Their combined experience and whatever drop you receive from a boss would undoubtedly be useful now, but in the long run, I think these two remaining beside you is an continued benefit. But we both know you always liked to have pets. I remember two such being by your side, See them as such.¡± As always a debate ensued. I didn¡¯t want two ugly bugs tagalongs. And the fact they were huge. Bella swore it¡¯s common, or common to a certain Class. I relented after she promise to be more forthcoming. I see it as a win in away. It¡¯s not like I have to protect them, which I said I wouldn¡¯t. ¡°So what I need to do,¡± I said starring at the bugs. ¡°Just one drop each. It¡¯s more formal then anything. The system will automate the rest.¡± Bella said. I pricked my hand. I drop the blood on their foreheads. Nothing happened. I was about to complain about her and information, and my finger hurt before notifications appeared. Tring! You have Initiated a blood pact! Those bound by their liege blood serve unquestionably. You have become a dabbler In Blood Magic! Your actions have been recorded. Your paths are being automatically assorted based off of your shown capabilities! Move forward, Improve! ¡°Wh-¡± I shouted. I took a step back as blood was pouring from my hand and like a fountain, and pooling around the two Centipedes. ¡°Bella,¡± I shouted. ¡°What is happening,¡± I said trying to staunched the blood flow. Bella single eye zoomed in and out before she spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t panic. The system is remaking them. She said. ¡°Allow your fire, and water mana to flow into them. Just choose which one get what, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± She said moving closer to them. ¡°Whatever,¡± I said. ¡°You owe me, after this.¡± I activated my mana manipulation skill and sent it toward the Now cocooned duo. After confirming the job done. By knocking on the cocoons and asking if anyone home. ¡°So,¡± I said. Are you going to carry them.¡± I asked folding my arms. Bella drifted toward the new appearing doorway. ¡°No. Just store them into the void. It might benefit their evolution.¡±