Native - Your form resonates with the fabric of this world, marking you as one of its own.
Effect: Local creatures and inhabitants are less likely to treat you as an outsider or threat. You gain a slight edge in understanding the environment, customs, or languages.?
Reading - Level 1
Description: You possess the inherent ability to comprehend any text written within you, regardless of language or medium. As long as it''s inscribed in your pages, you understand its meaning entirely.?
Inherent
Writing - Level 1
Description: You can inscribe new words or symbols into your own pages at will. The writing appears as if created by an invisible hand and can include any language or cipher you understand. This ability allows you to record thoughts, observations, or information directly.?
Inherent
Resonant Scribe ¨C Level 1
Description: By harmonizing the rhythm of your internal content with the ambient knowledge around you, you generate a steady flow of energy that restores both physical and magical energy. This synergy of internal and external order fuels your vitality and intellect alike.?
Passive: You regain 1 Stamina and 1 Mana per Minute?
Analyze - Level 1
Description: You can delve deeper into the essence of anything written in your pages or within your Aura Detection range. Analyze reveals intricate details such as magical properties, hidden meanings, or historical context, giving your wielder unparalleled insight.?
Active: 10 Mana?
Infinite Layers - Level 1
Description: Your pages defy the laws of physical space, allowing you to hold an infinite amount of knowledge and writing. Text begins to shift and overlap in surreal layers, with each piece of information accessible through intent or specific searching methods.?
Inherent: Locks 1.1% of Mana.?
Echoing Script - Level 1
Description: When placed near another book, scroll, or written text, you can absorb its contents into your own pages. This creates an exact copy of the text within you. The process is subtle and undetectable, preserving both the original material and your copied version. Over time, this skill could expand to copying enchantments or magical properties tied to the written work.?
Active Ongoing: 60 Mana. Locks 10% of Mana while in use.?
¡®Hey! My XP went up again!¡¯ I tried to flutter my pages in excitement, forgetting I was wedged between other things. Nothing so much as twitched, and honestly, I wasn¡¯t sure if it would have even if I wasn¡¯t stuck. ¡®It¡¯s at 1.64 now. How?! I didn¡¯t copy anything new¡ I wonder what I did?¡¯
Back home, I¡¯d played some games. Mostly idol sims, because it allowed me to do other things while I played, but a few friends had roped me into trying Dungeons & Dragons. It had been a lot of fun, even though I never got to become a werewolf, and I knew enough to figure out the basics of how XP worked. Most of the time, you got it by killing things.
I felt about myself. Still only the two flattish surfaces on my sides and some dust beneath me. No corpses. Check. I flicked through my pages. Nothing smothered, besides the pressed plants, between them. Check. No ominous bloodstains on my cover, that I could tell. Triple check.
¡®Okay, so maybe it wasn¡¯t combat-related. Quests? Yeah, quests could give you XP too, if this world played by similar rules. But maybe not? Since I don¡¯t think you could be a book in D&D.¡¯ I zeroed in on my scroll again, hoping for some answers. ¡®Uh, quests?¡¯ I focused like I did to pull up my scroll. Nothing.
¡®Weird. I mean, I don¡¯t recall seeing any notifications for a quest,¡¯ I mused, ¡®and it¡¯s not like I could¡¯ve missed them. Unless they¡¯re, like, super subtle? Or invisible?¡¯ That idea felt unfair. It was one thing to complete a ¡®hidden¡¯ quest, but not to receive an acknowledgment for doing so?
I grumbled inwardly, poking at the mystery like it might suddenly explain itself. ¡®Well, at least I¡¯m getting XP¡ whatever it¡¯s from. But now I have more questions¡ like why was it so little?¡¯
Chapter 3
¡®Alright now. Let¡¯s see what Eryngo has to say.¡¯ With a metaphorical deep breath, I dove back into the notes, starting the process of rereading. Infinite Layers was a lifesaver. Well, maybe not a lifesaver, but definitely a time-saver.
It didn¡¯t organize or format the text¡ªno bullet points, no neat little sections¡ªbut it let me kind of¡ scroll through for what I wanted. More like the words shifted out of the way? Watching it happen on my pages was almost mesmerizing. The lines of text twisted and glided like a kaleidoscope, reshaping themselves to highlight whatever I was looking for.
The first bit of good news? Eryngo hadn¡¯t gone looking for a Nightstalker. They¡¯d marked down where they thought the creature¡¯s range was¡ªnoting some grayberry bush markings¡ªbut they¡¯d never actually gone in. Smart move, especially since they didn¡¯t have the frostroot that Wildlife mentioned was crucial.
It seemed like Eryngo had dreamed of seeing one someday, but they¡¯d had the good sense to know that heading into Nightstalker territory without proper precautions was basically danger incarnate. Especially since they hadn¡¯t unlocked a Druid class yet. Still, from what I could gather, they¡¯d evolved their class at least once already, which meant they¡¯d hit level 10. They had become a Forrest Warden, which sounded something like a Park Ranger?
Speaking of leveling¡ Eryngo¡¯s earlier journal entries went into surprising detail about how this whole System thing worked. Apparently, you start with basic classes or professions¡ªnothing flashy for your first pick. But here¡¯s the kicker: nothing in the notes mentioned anything about Race. That felt important, somehow. ¡®I mean, I have a Race. I don¡¯t see anything for Class or Profession either. Hmm, could I get one? The notes say its possible to unlock the other later on if you have a class or profession, but that it is tricky. Huh, interesting.¡¯
Eryngo confirmed that gaining XP mostly came from combat, quests, or doing stuff related to your chosen path. And there were other ways to earn XP¡ªand even loot. Events and Dungeons.
Events were announced by the System and sounded like big multiplayer chaos festivals. Dangerous, sure, but manageable if you played your cards right. Dungeons, though? They were a whole different beast. Wilder, deadlier, but way more rewarding.
¡®Huh,¡¯ I mused, skimming over another note. ¡®It seems it was an event that Eryngo was gearing up for.¡¯ From the sound of their notes, it seemed like a fairly standard one, though ¡°standard¡± probably still meant ¡°life-threatening.¡± ¡®I don¡¯t know, Eryngo, but you seemed to know what you were talking about.¡¯
A warmth welled up inside me as I lingered on their words. ¡®But you would have taken me with you, right?¡¯ It wasn¡¯t like I¡¯d be much help as a book, but still¡ it would¡¯ve been nice to be part of their story. But they would have taken me¡ well before the book was me, right? Eryngo seemed to have had taken me everywhere. ¡®So¡ what happened?¡¯You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
It wasn¡¯t time for the event. Not yet. I searched through Eryngo¡¯s journal and flipped through the notes scribbled in Wildlife, hoping something would pop out at me. But nothing stood out. No hints, no warnings, nothing to explain what had happened. It was like Eryngo had gone to the market one day and just¡ never came back.
¡®Something tells me things would be a lot more fun if I was still with you, Eryn¡ª'' My thought cut off mid-sentence. ¡®What was that?¡¯
I froze. The dust beneath me had shifted, brushing faintly against my cover. ¡®Hello? Is someone there?¡¯
Inside my void, nothing had changed. The rhythms still whispered, their gentle presence dancing around me as if they hadn¡¯t noticed anything out of the ordinary. Which, to be fair, they probably hadn¡¯t.
¡®Okay, focus. What am I feeling?¡¯ I focused in on the sensations around me. I was still wedged snugly in place, with nothing above me but open air. Dust below¡ªwait. ¡®Oh¡¡¯ Something felt off.
It was subtle, but unmistakable. That sense you get when you forget to wear your ring or watch, and your skin can¡¯t stop nagging you about it. Like something was supposed to be there but wasn¡¯t. That¡¯s what it felt like.
And then¡ª''hold up, what is that?¡¯ Something fluttery and soft brushed against my pages, tickling in a way that made me want to squirm. I could feel the faintest hint of whiskers skimming along, too. ¡®Is something sniffing me?¡¯
¡®What do we have here? A mouse or something?¡¯ My text rippled across my pages as something tugged at my attention, the feeling pulling me toward whatever was out there in the dust.
Though many dismiss the dewmous as little more than a whiskered nuisance, I find their ingenuity worth a moment¡¯s admiration¡ªprovided they remain at a respectful distance. These nimble creatures collect dried leaves, bits of straw, and any scrap of cloth or paper they can drag away, tucking their nests into the quiet gaps between walls and beneath floors. While their insulation can keep a house cozy in colder days, the same tinder-like materials pose a real danger should an errant spark arise.
If you wish to avoid a larger infestation, gentle deterrents often work best: sprinkle a handful of pungent herbs near suspected nest sites or seal common entry gaps with damp cloth. The dewmous prefer dry comfort and will generally seek new shelter on their own. By showing these small scurriers a firm yet considerate hand, one may avoid harm to both hearth and home.
A chill gripped my center. ¡®Scraps of paper¡ Scraps of paper?!¡¯ I focused back in on the touch along my pages. ¡®Shoo! Shoo! Go away! Leave my paper alone!¡¯
The nose pulled away, as if it heard me. ¡®Oh, thank goodn-nooo!¡¯ Little hands pawed at my pages. ¡®Don¡¯t do that! Drop it!¡¯ The paws grabbed ahold of one of the feathered edges and tugged at it.
¡®Please stop, I¡¯ll¡ I¡¯ll give you some cheese? I don¡¯t know where I¡¯ll get it, but I¡¯ll find you some! No! Put those teeth down! Stop it!¡¯ Sharp teeth came up between the paws and pressed against my paper. ¡®Come on, please?¡¯
The teeth bit into my paper and pulled tearing through it. I¡¯ve had cuts, bumps, and bruises. Never in my life had I ever had anything torn out of me! Heat bloomed around the torn edge of my page. The dewmous had managed to tear off the corner of an uneven page that had stuck out just a bit further than the rest.
Health: 23/25
¡®I¡¯m going to be killed by a mouse!¡¯
Chapter 4.
My center shuddered, the ache of my torn page still throbbing but dulled now¡ªmore like a bruise than the sharp, searing pain of it being ripped away. Heartbeats passed, or they would have if I still had a heart. And yet, the dewmous was still here. I could feel the dust twitching and shifting as it scurried through it, busy with whatever mysterious mouse business it had going on.
¡®I would really like you to leave now!¡¯ I stretched my senses as far as they¡¯d go, trying to home in on every tiny movement of dust, every whisper of air. The shifting words of my pages froze in place as its paws returned, the little pattering pittered along my edges. It was touching me. Tugging. Exploring the length of my pages.
¡®See? Nothing left for you to take! All nice and neatly wedged together now, yeah?¡¯ I focused harder, trying to will the dewmous to hear me. ¡®Please, listen! Look at all this dust! So soft, so dry, and oh-so-tasty, probably. Doesn¡¯t that sound nice?¡¯
The tiny paws stopped, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I¡¯d gotten through to it. But then its nose and whiskers brushed back in, followed by the soft dampness of its breath as it sniffed and poked around.
And then it found something it liked.
¡®No, no, no!¡¯ The dewmous leaned in closer, its teeth touched to one of my pages. The damp warmth of its breath lingered for a heartbeat before¡ª''Agh!¡¯
Its teeth closed in¡ªnot to rip, but to nibble. Delicate little nibbles along a small stretch of page. ¡®What are you doing?! Who does that?!¡¯ My mind reeled as I felt the loss of a tiny section.
Health: 18/25
¡®Ya lahwi!¡¯ The searing burn of those tiny teeth flared and then dulled into a throbbing ache as the dewmous wrested its prize free. ¡®Your mother was a sewer rat! Leave me alone!¡¯
And then it was gone, disappearing back into the dust and leaving me alone with my pain, my fear, and my steadily crumbling dignity. ¡®Please¡ just stop.¡¯
For a moment, I hoped it might actually listen. The dust settled, and everything went still. But no. Of course not. The dust shifted again, and those tiny paws returned, brushing against the edges of my pages. I barely had the energy to panic this time, resignation sinking into my very binding.
The paws froze, gripping a page edge like the dewmous was sizing me up. ¡®Oh, so now you¡¯re playing with me? Just get it over with alrea¡ª''
The surfaces pressed against me shuddered. A sharp, jarring movement that startled everything back into focus. It stopped just as quickly, leaving me in stunned silence. Then, moments later, it happened again.
The dewmous bolted, its tiny paws vanishing into the dust as quickly as they¡¯d appeared. ¡®Wait! No, don¡¯t leave me! Come back! What was that?!¡¯
No response. Just silence, and then¡ªboom! A more violent shudder ripped through the surface, rattling me to my core before everything fell still again.
¡®What is going on?!¡¯ I strained, pressing my senses outward, desperate to feel anything that might give me a clue. The dewmous was long gone now¡ªat least, I hoped it was¡ªbut whatever had caused that trembling clearly wasn¡¯t finished.
Faintly, I caught something. A small tremor, running through the slightly smoother surface of wood on one side of me. It was faint, but it came from the direction of the rhythms. Subtly it clicked, a brief acknowledgement of thought.
¡®I¡¯m behind something,¡¯ I realized, trying to actually press against the surfaces. Stuck between some shelves or a dresser or something and the wall.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Stillness wrapped around me like a heavy blanket. The occasional thumps and shudders vibrated through the shelves beside me, each one a reminder that something big was moving around out there. ¡®Oh! Eryngo? Is that you? Have you come back for me? The thought bubbled up before I could stop it. ¡®Please be Eryngo. Please! Before that beast comes back!¡¯
I held on to that hope as long as I could, but the strong emotions gripping me started to fade as time dragged on. Nothing happened. The thumps kept coming, but no one reached for me, no voices called out. Well, I suppose they could have, not like I could actually hear them if they did. I hadn¡¯t heard the dewmous at all, even as it¡¯s teeth sawed through my pages.
Every so often, I thought I caught glimpses of something¡ªbits and wisps of light, flickering far beyond my void. But they were gone before I could focus on them, like fireflies winking out in the night.
¡®Could I be imagining things?¡¯ The question felt heavier than it should. A tremor rippled through the case, jarring me from my thoughts. ¡®Nope. Something is moving. And whatever it is, it¡¯s big.¡¯
And then Iron¡¯s rhythm vanished.
¡®What?¡¯ The warmth of its presence was pulled away into the void, leaving behind a chilling emptiness. Before I could fully process it, Grey¡¯s whispers began to fade too, slipping away like lights swallowed by fog.
¡®Hey! Put ¡®em back! Leave my friends alone!¡¯ My silent plea rang out into the emptiness, but of course, nothing answered. Why would it? Nothing ever did. Not the other books. Not the dewmous.
I could only watch, helpless, as the rhythms disappeared one by one, dragged into the void, or rather, were removed form the shelf. ¡®Lucky them, I suppose,¡¯ I thought bitterly. ¡®At least they¡¯re going to be used.¡¯
I felt at the dust coating my cover, the scratches along my edges, the mouse bite still aching like a phantom pain. ¡®Me? I¡¯m stuck behind a bookcase, wedged in tight.¡¯
The stillness pressed in, heavy and unrelenting. My thoughts wandered to Eryngo¡¯s notes, how they¡¯d stopped years before the initiation was supposed to take place. The dewmous. The thick layer of dust that clung to everything. ¡®No one knows I¡¯m here,¡¯ I realized with a sinking certainty.
¡®I just hope they managed to scare that mouse off for good.¡¯ It wasn¡¯t much, but it was the only comfort I had left.
The bookcase rocked, and for a moment, everything tilted. Then gravity took over. Oh no¡ª I dropped, slamming into the floor fore edge first. The impact rattled through me, sending up a thick puff of dust that coated my already grimy covers. ¡®Fuuuck¡¡¯
Before I could fully process the pain of my ungraceful landing, something grabbed me. A hand. An actual hand!
I barely had time to marvel at the sensation before it dragged me out from behind the case and lifted me into the air. The grip was soft, the skin smooth, but I could feel the faint scrape of nails¡ªsharp ones¡ªpressing against my cover every so often.
Another hand brushed at the dust on me, its touch gentle but firm, sending little vibrations through my pages. Talking. I could feel the rumble of it through the hands. Someone was talking! I couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying, but the realization sent a jolt of excitement through me.
The hands flipped me over, dusting me off and examining every inch of me like a treasure newly unearthed. Then they passed me into another set of hands¡ªfirmer, tighter, a bit less careful. These hands waved me around as they spoke, gesturing wildly.
¡®Woah, woah! Hey!¡¯ I thought, internally flailing as I was swung midair. Mid-swing, the hands froze, and I was abruptly shoved back into what I think was the first pair. More rumbling conversation followed, their tones too muffled for me to grasp.
¡®Wait! Wait! Did you hear me? Hello!¡¯ Who ever held me now didn¡¯t so much as flinch. No reaction as I cried out, hoping to be heard. ¡®Give me back to the other guy!¡¯
My cover creaked open, and I was flipped through quickly, pages riffling like they were in a rush to see all of me. I couldn¡¯t help but notice¡ the hands. One held me open, while a another traced my pages, following the moving text that danced across them. A realization derailed my train of thought. ¡®Wait a second¡ those are both¡ left hands?¡¯
I tried to picture it in my mind. It wasn¡¯t that I was being held by two people. The touch and grip they used were too similar, and the second person had specifically been quite firm and rough with how I had been handled. The more I tried to figure it out, the weirder it got. ¡®There¡¯s no way two people could stand comfortably with their hands touching me like this¡¡¯ Something about the angle in which I was held, and the guiding hand were placed¡ well, it was almost like that ¡®This guy has two hands on the same side of their body.¡¯
Something clicked. ¡®Those aren¡¯t nails, they¡¯re claws.¡¯ At least I wasn¡¯t stuck behind the bookcase anymore.
Chapter 5.
I wasn''t sure if they could actually read anything from the moving text on my pages. Infinite Layers had compressed Handbook and Wildlife into just a few pages each, arranging the words into elaborate geometrical patterns. Sentences scrolled past as words rose and fell between the fore and background, more art than information. The titles, at least, stayed fixed on the first page of each section.
''Alright,'' I thought, focusing my attention. ''So, you can''t hear me, huh? But the other guy¡ maybe?'' I mentally popped open my scroll, searching through the skills I''d seen before. ''One¡ of¡ these¡ aha!''
Writing - Level 1
Description: You can inscribe new words or symbols into your own pages at will. The writing appears as if created by an invisible hand and can include any language or cipher you understand. This ability allows you to record thoughts, observations, or information directly.
''This is the one!'' I zeroed in on the person currently perusing my pages, excitement bubbling up as I activated the skill.
"Hello?"
The hand froze. I could feel the tip of a claw paused just beneath the word. ''It worked. It WORKED!'' I almost wanted to cheer out loud but reminded myself to focus. ''Well¡ maybe. Let''s confirm it.''
"If you can understand me, would you change to a blank page?" My center trembled with anticipation. If I had lungs, I''d be holding my breath.
The claw disappeared, leaving me to wait in tense silence. Seconds stretched like hours before fingers gripped my pages and flipped through to a blank one.
''Yes! Haha! It worked!''
"Yes! Haha! Hello! I am so glad you can read me!" I hummed happily in victory, basking in the moment as I waited for a response. And waited. And¡ waited. "Uh? You can read me, right?"
The moments dragged on, and I felt myself shifted to another hand. This one held me steady as something pressed to my paper. "Yes." It was short and simple, but it was there. It was there. They had responded! Written in me! We had conversed!
"Hello! I''m so excited! This is awesome!" I was starting to ramp up my excitement. "I don''t know how long I was on my own there¡ Thank you for finding me!"
The utensil seemed to hesitate on the page before it started to move again. "Are you an Artifact?"
Something about the way that last word was written gave it weight. It was weird to feel a word have weight. "Uh¡ no. I''m," I paused to pull up my scroll and glance it over.
I sighed into the void. My xp had gone up again! ''What am I doing, well, right?''
"I am a Handbook, Leve-,"
A thick slash cut through the sentence as I was writing it. Surprised, I stopped writing. After a moment the person did so. "Are you Nakia Davids?"
I stared at the words, suddenly weary. ''How did they know my name? I don''t think I¡ no, no I didn''t tell them.''
With a bit more hesitance, "Yes?"
There a few moments of silence before they say anything more. "I have been looking for you. I am Cuttle. How you managed to," I could almost see the ''...'' even though it wasn''t actually written out. "Bond with me, I do not know. But here is some advice you would have received if you had appeared in a proper Initiate Zone: Keep the details of your Status Scroll to yourself. While we are Bonded, it is not," he paused in his writing, as if searching for the right word. "It was not done as it normally would have. The fact we are Bonded, gives you a stronger chance at trust, but perhaps just us." I can feel Cuttle be jostled, as I am jostled in turn. "I will do my best to help in that regard, but later."
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
''Initiate Zone? What''s that?'' I flick through Eryngo''s notes and nothing came up. He talked about wanting to be in the City of Highpeak before the next Initiation, but nothing about it being a Zone. He also had a few years to get there, at the time of the note. ''And a ''non-normal'' bond?'' I would like to look to the Heavens now.
"I understand. Thanks for the tip. Cuttle¡ oh, right! There was a brief message about being ''bonded'' with someone named Cuttle, but no actual details as to what that meant." I looked over my scroll once more. My Trait and Skills were there, but nothing about the Bond.
That hesitance again, no. They were talking again. I felt a little bit of annoyance about being left out of the loop, but not much could be done since I couldn''t actually hear them. ''I suppose they could write out the conversation, but that would probably just draw the whole thing out.''
Almost as if mirroring my thoughts, "It seems there is much to discuss, and it would be unwise to try and continue this conversation while traveling. We must make camp if we are to continue speaking. We can talk more after we have set ourselves up."
"Could you put me down near my friends?" I asked, rather hopefully.
Cuttle paused, "The other books are Initiates too?"
"Oh, no. Haha! I think they''re normal books. But I can hear them? Its like some kind of¡ book bond or something? They''re the only thing I can experience." Something about the grip that held me softened just ever so slightly.
"Very well." I felt myself be closed and moved. A flat surface pressed against me from below, or rather I guess I had been set down. Shortly thereafter the rhythms of the eight other books slowly started to filter back into my void.
The directions they came from were different. Wildlife, Deep Blue, and Pastel Yellow seemed to be piled together. White and Tan came from their own direction. Reddish-Brown was on it''s own. Then Grey and Iron were paired up. ''Ooo, maybe they organized them for me? Or completely forgot the order they grabbed them in.''
I sat, basking in the gentle rhythms of the other books. On occasion, I once again thought I saw the flashes of other rhythms far out in the void. ''I wonder if there is anything on my sheet that could help me out with talking to Cuttle? I should probably come up with some questions to ask too. Instead of just kinda wingin'' this whole thing.''
My scroll unrolled before me, and I took a look. While most of the sheet looked much the same, two things stood out.
Experience: 1.67
Traits: Living Book ¨C Racial
Within silent pages, wisdom stirs. Your form, bound by leather and lore, feeds on the currents of magic and vitality that surround you. Though your body needs no breath, your mind never slumbers. When your physical and mystical energies are sated, you will passively gain experience.
''What the what?'' My focus didn''t waver from the scroll. ''I gain xp from¡ being full? No. That doesn''t feel right. Physical and Mystical¡'' I focused in on Resonant Scribe and compared it side by side with the new Trait.
''I think¡ passively absorbing the knowledge, which is different from Echoing Script, and what? Organizing it? No, something, something, rhythm. So absorbing knowledge and improving my rhythm fills up my mana and stamina, and when my ''energies'' are full I, what, convert the excess into xp?''
I was beginning to feel another book ache coming on.
Chapter 6
''I''m not dim. I swear.'' I stared at my scroll in disbelief. ''How. How many times have I looked this thing over?''
Analyze - Level 1
Description: You can delve deeper into the essence of anything written in your pages or within your Aura Detection range. Analyze reveals intricate details such as magical properties, hidden meanings, or historical context, giving your wielder unparalleled insight.?
Active: 10 Mana?
I grumbled to myself for a few minutes before setting aside my frustration. It wasn''t really going to do me any good to be upset. Not like I could actually do anything about it but to fix it. And by fix it, I mean to use the skill that was clearly designed to help me figure things out.
''What do I actually need to figure out?'' I mused over everything I believe I had questions about. There was the Bond, and how I got xp. The trait of Living Book gave an explanation, but maybe there was more to it? ''What else, oh! I wonder if I can Analyze the rhythms?'' That would be useful if that worked.
''Hmm, ''anything written in your pages''¡ Maybe not the rhythms then but could be worth a shot.'' I glanced back through the conversation I had with Cuttle. ''Initiation Zone? Oh, and in that case, Initiates would be a good one. I''m pretty sure I have it down, but no one actually explained it.''
I checked everything over once more and hummed with satisfaction. It might not be everything, but I was sure it was going to be a pretty decent start.
''Alright, let''s start with¡ ''Bond''.'' I focused on the word where Cuttle had written it on my page, at the same time¡ ''Analyze¡?''
Bond: A symbolic vow of trust between two individuals¡ªstronger than friendship, not necessarily romantic, and less binding than a Familiar bond. Often formed by long-term companions. Can fade or break over time if neglected. Demonstrates loyalty and shared commitment.
Mana: 804/814(824)
''Well. That''s something at least.'' The conversation between us made a bit more sense now. If this was something that people who trusted their lives to each other I could see why he might be a little perturbed by suddenly having a bond. Not only that but with an Initiate as well. ''Which I guess leads into the next bit, eh? Anaylze.''
Initiate: An individual selected from a planet undergoing System evaluation.
Initiate Zone: A designated region where Initiates appear every century during the New Initiation cycle. Each zone marks the entry point for the latest group of off-world arrivals, placed there to begin their trials under the System''s watchful eye.
Mana: 784/814(824)
''Okay¡ I guess that makes sense? But¡'' I let the sentence die out as I mulled over the two ''definition''. Honestly, that is what Analyze seemed to be doing, giving me the definitions for the words. Which, in a way made sense. ''I am a book after all. Is that why I didn''t start in an Initiate Zone? Because I didn''t start up as a normal human?''
My focus shifted to look at Cuttle''s name. ''Speaking of ''human'', I am fairly 100% sure that Cuttle has four arms. So, I''m guessing not human. Analyze.''
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
| Name: Cuttle |
|
| Class: [HIDDEN] |
Tier: [HIDDEN] |
| Health: [HIDDEN] |
|
| Stamina: [HIDDEN] |
Mana: [HIDDEN] |
''But¡ what? That tells me nothing.'' I scrutinized over the scroll. ''No. Not nothing. It tells me that Cuttle has a Class at the very least. It also tells me a bit about the limits of having a Level 1 Analyze. I bet I would get more if it was higher level.''
I switched to a page further back in my book and quickly labeled it ''Lore Compendium''. ''It came to me in a dream.'' I took the time to copy from the scrolls that had popped up with each Analyze into my little compendium.
It seemed to take just a thought to change how I wrote. When ''speaking'' with Cuttle earlier, the words scrawled across the page very similarly to my natural handwriting. Now, as I dictated the words and their definitions, they were written out in neat little block letters.
''I''ll keep Cuttle''s status stuff to myself. It seemed to be a fairly private thing.'' As I finished writing, I looked about my void. ''Even if it is just in this little space, it really would be nice to move around. Just a little bit.''
I hummed to myself for a few minutes, long enough to get back to 800 MP. ''Guess they''re still setting things up. Did I miss anything? Oh! Here is something. Analyze.''
Artifact: A potent magical item imbued with rare or ancient powers¡ªsometimes even manifesting its own sentience. Artifacts are rarely forged, even by master crafters, and are most often discovered as high-tier Dungeon rewards or bestowed during Grand Events. Many lie scattered throughout the world, abandoned at the final resting place of their previous wielder, awaiting a new owner bold enough to claim them.
Dungeon: A naturally formed concentration of the world''s latent energy, condensing into a self-contained realm full of hazards and mysteries. Each dungeon is anchored by a core, the source of its power and structure. Adventurers venture into dungeons to test their skills, gather resources, and claim rare rewards.
Event: A System-coordinated scenario¡ªoften presented as a quest, dungeon challenge, or Tower ascent¡ªunfolding on either a local or global scale. Events serve as major trials or opportunities for growth, offering substantial rewards and shaping the world''s balance of power.
Tower: A System-generated structure that functions similarly to a dungeon yet is deliberately created rather than formed by nature. Towers pose tiered challenges, with each floor designed to push participants'' limits. Completion often grants powerful boons or unlocks higher-level content within the System.
Mana: 764/814(824)
Quickly I add each entry to my Lore Compendium. Including Analyzing and copying the new word: Tower. ''I wonder, are there any Events or Quests for books? If all I do is gain xp passively, it is going to be a while before I get anywhere.''
Something jostled the surface I was on and then hands began to open me up. ''Looks like Cuttle is ready for another chat.''
Chapter 7.
Cuttle opened up to our previous conversation. It was a few moments before the untensil was pressed to my page. ¡°Now, where were we?¡¯
¡°Well, I would actually like to start off with an apology.¡± With a thought, I brought forward the definition of ¡®Bond¡¯ that I had transcribed earlier. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of what a ¡®Bond¡¯ was and I¡¯m not sure why you were the one I was bonded to, but at the very least, thank you for finding me.¡±
Stillness stretched out between us. As I was starting to feel a little awkward, Cuttle began to write. ¡°I may have over exaggerated with my reaction. I was¡ annoyed when I received the notification. A detour we were not prepared to take, then just to find a book. I have not met an Initiate before, but I hear the transition can be quite confusing.¡±
¡°You aren¡¯t wrong. I have been given no information. Just kinda piecing things together as I go along.¡± I paused, a thought coming to mind. ¡°That actually raises a question for me. How did you find me? If you weren¡¯t nearby and I was also wedged behind something.¡±
¡°The notification informed me of your location. It is why I ultimately decided to find you.¡±
¡°Bonds don¡¯t normally tell you where the other is?¡±
¡°No. I believe there are some benefits, but I am not wholly aware of them.¡± Mentally, I nodded along. It made some sort of sense. There would have to be something about a Bond that made it special enough to be considered its own thing. ¡°On the topic of apologies. It would be prudent to offer my own. In regard to you stating your profession and level. Sharing your class can be quite common. Level as well, when warranted. Though personally I believe throwing your level around to be quite uncouth. For yourself, as a new Initiate, I would consider it wise to keep your level to yourself.¡±
I mulled over the advice. ¡°I can do that. Limited communication does make that easy to do. Haha!¡± My focus flicked to that section of the conversation. With a thought I erased the declaration of my ¡®profession¡¯, deciding not to correct Cuttle on what it actually was just yet. ¡°Would it be out of place to ask what you are? Your Class or Profession, if you are willing to share it?¡±
Surprisingly, Cuttle didn¡¯t seem to hesitate to respond. ¡°I am a Mystic Monk. I evolved recently from an Acolyte.¡±
¡®Evolved?¡¯ I paused at that. Eryngo had mentioned unlocking classes and had mentioned something about evolving at level 10. ¡®Analyze.¡¯
Evolved: The process of having changed Class or Profession. This occurs every 10 levels.
Mana: 754/814(824)
¡®Well, more or less what I expected from the context, I guess?¡¯ It was a very limited explanation, so¡ ¡°What is ¡®evolution¡¯?¡±
¡°It happens every ten levels. It offers options for an ¡®Evolution¡¯ of your current Class or Profession. Some are fairly general, however there is always the possibility of gaining something different based on your actions, successes, Skills, and so on. It does usually come with a boost in stats as well.¡±This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
¡°This may be a little self-detrimental but, why are you being so¡ informative?¡± I didn¡¯t really think about it before asking. It didn¡¯t seem like Cuttle was expecting the question either.
¡°In part, it is my apology for my earlier annoyance. The other, technically this is all information you would have received if you had started in an Initiation Zone, well, if a Guild or some other organization recruited you that is. After a short while, it should become fairly common information for most initiates.¡±
¡°Well that only raises more questions¡ Thank you. Uh, do you have any questions?¡± I wasn¡¯t sure what, if anything I could actually shed some light on, but it seemed rude not at least offer the chance.
¡°What does a Handbook do? I will admit, I have heard stories of Initiates being placed in something¡ unique. Though I never really considered what that might mean for their Classes or Professions.¡±
I considered the question for the moment. Even going as far as to Analyze the word.
Handbook: A concise reference guide focused on a particular subject, intended to be both accessible and practical. Handbooks typically offer clear instructions, essential facts, and straightforward advice, making them valuable tools for quick consultation or step-by-step guidance.
Mana: 744/814(824)
¡®Well, that was a very textbook explanation.¡¯ I took the time to transcribe the new definitions into my compendium. Cuttle waited patiently for me to respond.
¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure? If I had to guess from my Skills, it is about collecting and gaining information and knowledge.¡¯
The utensil tapped against the page for a moment. ¡°Starting Skills can be a good indicator. They are what usually determines the first Class or Profession options¡ though I will admit ignorance as to how that works for Initiates.¡±
¡°I am under the impression that what I went through was a little¡ unusual for Initiates?¡± I refrained from going into the full details of the ¡®Soul Shaping¡¯ process. ¡°I think I had a little more influence into what I was supposed to get then I was meant to. Even then, I wasn¡¯t actually given much information on any of it. It was kinda, ¡®Choose form these options and off you go¡¯.¡¯
¡°We usually start collecting our starting Skills from a young age and it determines our beginning opportunities.¡±
¡°Oh yeah! You aren¡¯t alone, are you?¡±
¡°No, I am with my party. There are three of us. Myself, Hapa, and Urchin.¡±
¡°Who did you hand me to earlier?¡±
¡°That was Urchin.¡±
¡®Had he actually heard me then? I would have thought he would have said something, especially if he knows about me now.¡¯ I pondered over that for a minute before deciding to set it aside. There was no rush to get to know everyone.
¡°I think¡ I have just one more question for right now?¡± A thought drifting back into my mind from that interaction. ¡°What are you? Like, what do you look like?¡±
After a moments pause, Cuttle began to sketch.
¡°Woah.¡±
He, Cuttle confirmed he was in fact a male of his species, let that little comment slide. Though I am fairly certain he had a chuckle over the little ¡®outburst¡¯. He also confirmed that the next day they were going to be heading out towards Zyme, the nearest city and Initiation Zone. Thankfully, they were also going to be taking me along.
They were going to see if they could recruit someone to their party, potentially another Initiate. Cuttle was also interested in seeing what I might be able to bring to the party, if anything at all. I was also interested in that. At the moment I was leaning towards the possibility of being some sort of information gatherer. Not much else I actually had skills for at the moment.
¡®Maybe I will evolve into something interesting.¡¯
As I thought over the possibilities, or potentially lack thereof, another rhythm slipped out of the void.
Chapter 8.
It was¡ weird, to put it nicely. The light of the rhythm that floated out of the void was dark. Almost imperceptible against the darkness of the void. The whispers of its rhythm soon started to make themselves known and it was surprisingly comforting. There was an extra sort of echoing to it, and the voice was warm and calm.
¡®One of them must have set down their stuff nearby?¡¯ I looked about my void at the different stacks of books. ¡®Well, these ones probably aren¡¯t going anywhere¡ so¡ Echoing Script.¡¯
Mana: 612/732(824)
¡®Huh. So it not only locked out the Mana, but dropped down by the amount I was already down? The paid the amount? Oph. I guess it¡¯s a good way to prevent cheating the system, but¡ I¡¯m in a position to want to cheat the system. Oh well. It¡¯s not like there is much else I need to keep an eye on.¡¯
Inkweaver¡¯s Reverie
A treatise on the significance of written works in preserving the essence of the world.
¡®Huh.¡¯ I stared at the title as it finished scrawling across my page. ¡®That¡¯sa¡ huh. I guess I can see why Cuttle and I may have been bonded. Assuming this is his, that is.¡¯
To weave words into permanence is to sip from the wellspring of eternity. Each stroke of ink carries the weight of a creator''s vision, binding fragments of thought to the endless tapestry of existence. Yet, there is no loss in replication¡ªonly transformation. In the act of recording, the scribe does not merely mirror; they absorb, becoming a living reservoir of countless stories, lessons, and dreams.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Beware, however, the balance between knowing and becoming. For while the pages of a book are endless, even the most capacious of vessels can overflow.
¡®This is very, oddly, specifically, on point. But¡ I like it.¡¯ It had been a very interesting read. My Mana had capped out at its 732 long before it finished copying over, so unfortunately, I lost track of time after about an hour twenty.
Reading only takes longer now because of how long it takes to copy something over. Reading things I already contain goes by so much more quickly. ¡®Guess it helps that I don¡¯t need to blin-¡®
Trait Unlocked
Knowledge Reservoir - Every inked word, every etched glyph, brings you closer to understanding the vastness of existence.
Effect: You gain experience through the act of collecting and storing written knowledge.
¡®Who wrote this?! I gained a Trait!¡¯ I stared at the prompt scroll in disbelief. ¡®Seriously, who wrote this? Let¡¯s see¡ the Eternal Quill? That¡¯s an odd name. I guess it¡¯s a moniker? Well, I would love to read more of their work.¡¯
With a thought, my scroll was up before me. ¡®It counted itself too! I think? My Stamina was already capped. So got some for that. May Mana capped eventually¡ maybe I should copy a math book sometime, yeah?¡¯
| Name: Nakia Davids |
|
| Species: Handbook, Level 0 |
Experience: 2.04/100 |
| Health: 18/25 |
|
| Stamina: 26/26 |
Mana: 732/814 (824) |
Chapter 9.
I only had the chance to speak with Cuttle briefly the next morning. He apologized, explaining that he probably wouldn''t be able to chat much over the next few days, except for a short period in the evenings. Apparently, the party had decided to hightail it to Zyme. Picking me up had already put them behind schedule.
Still, I took every opportunity I could to talk to Cuttle. He''s¡ interesting to deal with. Cuttle is fairly direct and a bit no-nonsense in his approach. He doesn''t sugarcoat things, which I appreciate, and so far, he''s been more than willing to answer my questions. Mostly, I''ve asked about the world itself.
For starters, the System has been around as long as anyone can remember. Everyone here¡ªspecies, monsters, flora, fauna¡ªis either an Initiate or a descendant of previous Initiates. Apparently, every single thing in this world came from another during the beta test. The whole goal for Initiates, or so the story goes, is simple: survive. The longer you survive, the stronger you become, the more you "break the system for the System," whatever that means. In the end, the better you do, the better benefits your species wins when they''re fully integrated into the System.
Cuttle, Hapa, and Urchin are all Natives¡ªdescendants of species initiated a couple of iterations ago. They grew up in a small seaside village that farmed a local dungeon. Cuttle lit up when he talked about it, describing the crustaceans as a delicacy and the coral and pearls looted from the dungeon as being of unparalleled quality. He even said he''d like to take me there someday.
The three of them had always planned to form a party together and see the world. Cuttle was the first to get his class: Acolyte. He''s happy with it, using a balanced combat style that flows between tanking and fighting, filling whatever gap the party needs. Hapa got his class next: Adept, a hybrid between arcane and divine magic. He serves as their buff and support caster.
Urchin, though, is the wildcard. He ended up with the Striker class, which the village elders thought might lead to something unique. Usually, Strikers focus on blades, but Urchin is all about using his hands instead, which seems¡ unconventional, to say the least.
One evening, I even got to talk to Hapa! He''s incredibly curious, spending most of our time together asking about my home before I ended up as an Initiate. I liked him a lot and really hope I get to speak with him again soon.
Urchin, on the other hand, outright refused to even touch me. That wasn''t exactly pleasant to learn. I get it¡ªtalking to a book is weird¡ªbut it still stung. Or maybe I spooked him? Cuttle said that Urchin was denying ever having heard me when had held me before. Which was disappointing.
During the days and nights when I was on my own, I decided to Echo a couple of books since I was being carried in the same bag as my friends. Maybe I''m going crazy, though. I am calling books friends. I guess, listening to their rhythms is nice. I still enjoy just kinda dozing, or as close to it as I can, and enjoying the company of their whispers and lights.
However, I did decide to Echo Pastel Yellow first. It¡ it took a while. It was the longest by far.
The Wanderer''s Handbook?
Fear not the wild, friend. With steady hands and sharp wits, even the harshest trail can be tamed. Begin with fire¡ªit is your friend, your warmth, and your light in the shadow of the woods. Dry tinder is your treasure: moss clinging to bark, a handful of brittle grass, or the smallest twigs snapped underfoot. Treat it with care, for with its first breath, your journey truly begins.
Shelter need not be grand, only sufficient. Seek a fallen tree or a low overhang, and build beneath it with what the land provides. Layer branches thick and tight as a weaver''s loom, and your shield against the night will hold.
And when the winds carry strange howls or unseen rustling, remember this: Most creatures fear you more than you fear them¡ªexcept, of course, when they don''t. Best to stay vigilant, eh??
The book had been a goldmine of survival tips and tricks. Way more in-depth than anything I''d found in Wildlife or Eryngo''s Handbook. It covered everything: the basics of fire-making, from gathering tinder to building different types of fires and even keeping them lit in harsh conditions. There were detailed guides on constructing temporary shelters, identifying safe-to-eat plants, and even the general flora rules that seemed to hold true across different worlds. Stuff like "brightly colored berries are a no-go" and "if it smells like death, it probably is." It was all incredibly practical, and I could feel myself soaking it up like a sponge.
''If nothing else,'' I thought, ''this knowledge could come in handy someday. Assuming I ever get the chance to, you know, use it.''
Once I''d absorbed what I could from that book, I decided to turn my attention to Deep Blue. If I was already gaining passive XP just by existing, maybe I could squeeze out a little extra while Echoing? It couldn''t hurt to try, right?
''Here goes nothing,'' I thought, focusing my energy. ''Let''s see what Deep Blue has to offer.''
Surveyor''s Notes: The Woodline Trail, as Deep Blue was actually titled, turned out to be one of my favorite reads so far. It wasn''t just practical¡ªit was amazing. The amount of information packed into it was staggering.
There were detailed notes on dangerous areas: places to avoid because of natural hazards like quicksand, briar thickets, or unstable terrain that could send you tumbling. Then there were entries about safe campsites: marked spots perfect for overnight stays, usually near water sources or natural cover. And of course, there were the points of interest¡ªruins, caves, and mysterious locations that practically begged to be explored. Some even came with warnings, which only made them more intriguing.
But the maps? Oh, the maps. They were the real stars of the show. Beautifully done, they weren''t just dry technical diagrams or boring overland routes. No, these maps felt alive, with close-up details of trails and winding paths that made you feel like you were already there. The artistry behind them was as much a treat as the information itself.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The Woodline Trail as well seemed to be an area pretty close, if not part of the Western Thickets. ''It looks like Eryngo had a particular interest in the area. Maybe I can convince them to go check it out sometime?''
It was about that time I had an idea. A silly, not-so-smart-in-hindsight kind of idea. ''What if I Echoed both Iron and Tan at the same time?''
Spoiler alert: the experience wasn''t great. Not the absolute worst thing I''ve ever done, but definitely not something I''m planning to repeat anytime soon. It took forever, way longer than it would have if I''d just done them one at a time.
It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you''ve been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it. It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you''ve been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
Oh, and did I mention? It was like staying up until 3 a.m. to cram for a test, only to realize you''ve been reading the same sentence over and over again without actually processing any of it.
''Ow. I don''t think I''ll be doing that again. Ow. Ow.'' The bookache that followed was the cherry on top of an already terrible idea. My metaphorical spine throbbed like it had been used as a bookmark for an anvil.
Lesson learned: multitasking might seem efficient, but for a book? It''s definitely not worth the pain. ''Well, not yet anyway.''
The contents of the two books I''d Echoed couldn''t have been more different. On one hand, there was Tan, whose actual title was The Care and Feeding of Exotic Hounds. It was written by some high-born enthusiast who was, apparently, the undisputed expert on rare and magical hounds. And boy, did they want you to know it.
The tone was formal and dripping with condescension, like they''d reluctantly decided to share their infinite wisdom with the unworthy masses. The pages were stuffed with elaborate terminology, overly detailed instructions, and frequent humblebrags about the author''s superior breeding stock. While it was definitely informative¡ªif you ever needed to feed or groom a magical hound, this was your book¡ªit often veered into outright self-aggrandizement. Honestly, it felt like the author thought of themselves as a gift to the entire field of magical hound care.
On the other hand, Tales from the Ironwood¡ªthe true name of the Iron rhythm (mental self-high five for getting that right)¡ªwas an entirely different vibe. It was a collection of myths, legends, and cautionary tales all centered around the Ironwood, a dense and mysterious forest. The stories wove together themes of danger, wonder, and the occasional lesson on what not to do if you wanted to live to see another day. And wouldn''t you know it? The Ironwood just so happened to be near the Western Thickets.
The two books couldn''t have been more opposite if they tried. One was a pompous instruction manual for the elite, while the other was a treasure trove of regional folklore and eerie legends.
If I''d been capable of sighing, I would''ve. ''At least now I know never to Echo two wildly different books at the same time again. My poor pages are still recovering.''
After the whole double Echoing fiasco, I decided I deserved a break. No more trying to cram two wildly different books into my metaphorical brain at the same time. Instead, I spent some time chatting with Cuttle and¡ well, I made a bit of an odd request.
Through the text filling my pages, I asked him to put stuff in me. You know, a leaf, some dirt, or¡ªif they ended up in a fight¡ªa bit of fur or a drop of blood. ''Totally normal, not weird at all, right?''
I think the blood part weirded him out a little. Just a bit. He didn''t say anything outright, but the slight hesitation in his movements told me everything I needed to know. Thankfully, they didn''t seem to get into any fights, so that particular request went untested. Occasionally, though, Cuttle would slip some plant material into my pages¡ªleaves, bits of bark, stuff like that.
Every time he did, I tried to Analyze it. I mean, that''s what you''re supposed to do when you''re a book with a fancy System skill, right? Except¡ nothing happened. Not a single thing. It was like the skill didn''t even recognize that there was anything there.
To be fair, I couldn''t actually see what they looked like. Or smell them. Or feel their texture beyond their faint outlines pressed between my pages. They were just¡ there. Present but frustratingly unreachable.
Time for another distraction. This time, I turned my attention to the Reddish-Brown rhythm: Beasts Beyond the Borders. The topic? Local monsters.
The book itself was a sparse but practical bestiary, clearly written with survival in mind. The author''s tone was brisk and pragmatic, no fluff or unnecessary details¡ªjust what you needed to know to stay alive. Identifying features, behavioral patterns, and solid advice for avoiding or escaping encounters. No deep dives into biology or mystical origins, and the illustrations were few and far between. It wasn''t some grand academic piece; it was a survival guide for travelers and adventurers who had the misfortune of running into something they really, really shouldn''t have.
And honestly? It was a lot of fun to Echo. The sheer variety of creatures was fascinating. Some were horrifyingly dangerous, others just strange or unsettling, and a few¡ well, I wouldn''t exactly call them cute, but I could see someone thinking they were interesting in a "look-but-don''t-touch" kind of way.
What really blew my mind was how many of these creatures had apparently been brought here by the System. And that wasn''t even counting dungeon monsters or those that had evolved over time. This place was a patchwork of ecosystems and species from who-knows-how-many different worlds, all thrown together and left to adapt or perish.
It was hard not to get caught up in the wonder of it all. Sure, some of these beasts could probably kill a person in the blink of an eye, but there was something incredible about the fact that they existed at all.
Between all of that, we finally arrived in Zyme. From what Cuttle said it was a mostly martial city in design. Mostly a hub for trade and at a crossroads between some major cities and dungeons. A great place for adventurers to meet up, according to the guides. With hope, maybe even get a new party member. An Initiate, from Earth.
Experience: 6.27/100
Chapter 10.
I was getting used to the jostling. It wasn''t terrible, but it reminded me of turbulence. Cuttle''s gait was much smoother than Hapa''s or Urchin''s. While Urchin still didn''t seem to want to talk with me, he had no issue carrying me. Personally, I think he still was annoyed that they went out of their way for a book, rather than a ''normal'' Initiate. Oh well. Not everyone likes to read.
A hand gripped me and pulled me from the bag to set me on a table. A quick flip, and I was open to the page with mine and Cuttle''s conversations.
"Hello my friend! Are we there?"
He tapped his writing utensil against the page before responding. "We are. Hapa is out replenishing supplies, while Urchin is tracking down leads. I am on recruitment."
"Okay, so what is an Adventurer''s Guild? I mean, there have been many different stories that involved them back home. Games, books, movies, anime, etc. Some where the same, but many were quite different."
"Well, the Guild is more of a hub, rather than an actual organization. There are many of them, usually region based. Besides them there are many different organizations that perform much the same functions." He seemed to be considering things for a moment before continuing. "I would say it is mostly used for regular citizens to offer out quests for things, to act as a central hub of networking for individuals to find parties, and the trade of information. I think a few even offer trainings and the like as well."
"Interesting. Does that mean there are some people who don''t get a class or profession?"
"No, everyone does when they come of age. But not everyone strives to get more powerful. Some, just can''t."
I mulled that over for a bit. While I did, Cuttle stepped away to collect some information and to request some information packets on those looking to join a party. Eventually I felt the information packets get set down near me as they''re rhythms streamed in from the void.
Oh wow. They really are just information packets, huh? They were all various shades of grey, with a voice that was strong and firm. They shifted between male and female, but each one whispered like someone reading information off a note card. Actually¡
"Hey Cuttle. Can I join your party?"
I don''t know if he took his time before responding, or simply didn''t see the message at first. Eventually he began to respond.
"That¡ I am not sure how that would work, honestly. You are a book, and not¡"
"Not a person? A physical person."
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"Being part of a party is more than just being there. It''s contributing."
"I get that. While I might not be able to contribute to a fight or, you know, the whole physical side of things, there are still ways I can help."
I paused for a moment, considering how best to phrase it. "For one thing, I can collect and store information. Not just that¡ªI can shift through it to find and present the useful stuff. That''s got to count for something, right?"
I hesitated, the words lingering on the page. "Look, I''m not asking for a handout or anything, but I do think there are things I could contribute. I might not be able to swing a sword or throw a punch, but I can still be useful."
I could almost feel the silence stretching after the words settled, and if I had breath, I''d be holding it.
"That is true, I suppose. Though, I mean, what could we offer you? Normally there are plenty of negotiations. Typically there would be a share of the loot and rewards."
"Well, to be fair, yeah I would want that too. But before you go all, ''What use does a book have for gold¡ I have an idea I would like to float out there. I would like the opportunity to copy every book or scroll and written word thing the party comes across, personal items and purchases aside." I could feel the tip of his utensil resting against my page and pressed on. "But you are right, I don''t necessarily have a need for gold except to buy more material to collect. At least not yet. So maybe a portion of my loot can be used as a party fund. Cover the necessities like food and lodging. Say¡ 30% of what I would make?"
The tip tapped slowly against the page. It left little marks as Cuttle seemed to ponder the idea. I was slowly getting the mental image that if he didn''t have the utensil in his hands, he would be tapping his nails against the table.
"I think¡ that would be fair. I don''t foresee Hapa having an issue with it. Urchin might grumble a bit, but once he doesn''t have to spring for a decent room, he would stop. How about this, then¡ You said you could copy things?"
I gave an affirmative and he continued. "Very well, copy these packets. As you say, siphon through the information and present to me who you think would be the best fit to bring on as our other party member. I was supposed to grab two if possible, but if I am bringing you on¡ Well, while your terms are serviceable, contribution is key. Help prove yourself with this, and I will speak on your behalf for membership. Deal?"
"Deal."
Chapter 11.
Hmm¡ hmmmmmmmmmm¡ hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm¡
Echoing the pamphlets on each person had left me with a lot to process. Way more than I expected. It was cool seeing two Earth candidates mixed into the stack¡ªAsher Dain and Taylor Renfield. But the real kicker? Finding out that a second group of Initiates had been brought in at the same time. Now that was interesting.
I did a quick check-in with Cuttle and found out that while it wasn''t common, it had happened before. Still, what really grabbed my attention was the fact that Lyric and Taan were from the same world but entirely different species. Lyric''s species was listed as Feline, which was straightforward enough¡ªassuming "feline" meant the same thing here as it did back on Earth. But Folivoran?
Analyze.
Folivoran: A beastkin species reminiscent of the Sol Terran Sloth.
Mana: 504/814 (824)
Oof. I had barely noticed how much mana I had burned through Echoing all these documents, but wow, that had taken a chunk. I made a mental note to slow down before I drained myself dry. But also¡ a sloth person? That''s¡ interesting? I wasn''t sure what to make of that yet, so I filed it away for later and turned back to reading.
Now, I could kind of see why the humans might have been skipped over in the first round of Initiate selection. At least, Asher. From everything I''d read about this world so far, advanced technology didn''t seem to be a thing. So, I could imagine most people here struggling to wrap their heads around how Asher''s magic even worked.
Taylor, though? They were¡ interesting. Clearly, a lot of effort had gone into their training, but something about their Mission Statement rubbed me the wrong way. It felt too cocky, too sure of itself. I mean, confidence is probably one of the most important things for surviving here, but this? This was something else.
"I''m here to test my limits and break this system wide open."
Yeah¡ that sounded like a great way to get killed. Probably Taylor.
Besides, the party already had two solid hand-to-hand fighters. Both Cuttle and Urchin handled that front well enough. Urchin seemed to take the brunt of things, while Cuttle flowed in and out of combat, taking out enemies and keeping Urchin from getting overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, that also meant Grakk was out, being a Warrior and all. He could potentially help Urchin tank, giving the young Striker a better chance to focus purely on dealing damage instead of trying to keep the attention. That part made sense.
And honestly? His background painted him as a pretty decent guy¡ªer, goblin. Protecting his home, fighting to defend what''s his. All noble stuff. The problem?
I still didn''t have a solid grasp on how fast leveling worked here. But if Grakk had been hardened by battle while defending his home, wouldn''t he be higher than 5th level by now? Cuttle and his party had already evolved once, and from what I understood, they hadn''t even been adventuring for that long. More than a year? Less than five? Somewhere in that range.
Also, adventuring didn''t exactly come with a reliable paycheck. If Grakk was staying with a party solely for the money, that felt¡ risky. Sure, there''s loot to be had, but betting your life on a financial plan that included dodging swords and fangs on a regular basis? Not the most stable career choice.
So, Grakk was out.
That brought me to Taan.
Okay, so Taan got a Profession instead of a Class, huh? And it''s called Caretaker? Not Healer, though. Which immediately raised a big, yellow question mark instead of a flag.
Oh, right! Rat Admin had mentioned something about healing being rare here. But even then, Caretaker wasn''t the same as Medic or Alchemist, so what did it actually do?
Everything about the Ushy Initiate screamed Healer to me, but given what I knew about healing in this world? It might be something that only evolves into a full-fledged support role later down the line. And honestly? That was too big a gamble for me to make right now.
For now, I''d suggest Taan as a secondary option, but I wasn''t confident enough to put him as my first pick. Caretaker sounded useful after a fight, which wasn''t exactly what the party needed at the moment. Right?
Alright then. Down to two.
Asher and Lyric. Let''s see what you two bring to the table.
Stolen novel; please report.
Alright, let''s start with Asher.
A caster¡ªfully arcane one, as a Mage. Which made him different from Hapa''s Adept class. Hapa was more about support, buffs, and "stay away from me" type spells. Plus, some decent defensive magic, if I remember correctly. And I do.
So, having a caster who focused more on dealing damage, perhaps? That could be interesting.
Also, and I''ll fully admit I had no idea how this worked, but¡ if Asher''s magic was tied even slightly to programming, then there could be some really cool and weird things that could be pulled off. Like, what if Asher could hack a magically locked door? Or disable a trap by reworking the spell code behind it? That kind of stuff could be insanely useful. If it worked that way.
Speaking of traps¡
Lyric of Palaris.
Now, that is a rogue if I ever saw one. Even his class screams it. Get it? Because his class is literally Rogue. Heh.
Stealth is always good, and with a Beta Skill tied to perception¡ªif the report was accurate¡ªthen hopefully that meant little would get past Lyric. That could be invaluable. Having someone who could sneak ahead, check for danger, and not immediately get stabbed? Yeah, I could see the appeal.
But¡ Lyric was yet another melee fighter. A tricksy, stab-you-in-the-back melee fighter, sure, but still. At the end of the day, that was a lot of eggs in one basket.
And, not to be that guy, but Lyric also felt a little too close to Taylor in personality. Maybe a bit more professional, but still. That same overconfidence, that same "I''ve got this" energy. And that could be fine, but it also meant potential friction, and pushing too far too fast.
So now it came down to this. Two strong candidates, but for very different reasons.
Asher, the magic specialist with unknown potential. Lyric, the stealth expert with reliable utility but some overlap in skills and personality.
Yeah, this was gonna take some thinking.
After going through everything, I finally had my recommendations. In big bold letters, I wrote out to catch Cuttle''s attention. "READY."
A few moments passed before Cuttle''s utensil was on my page. He tapped it twice and then let it rest. I took that as a sign to continue.
"After careful consideration, I believer Asher Dain would be the best fit for the party. Though I would suggest Taan as a follow up option."
¡
Things moved quickly after that.
Cuttle wasted no time putting his offer forward to Asher Dain, who accepted immediately. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to travel with a real adventuring party, practically buzzing with excitement. And while I considered myself a pretty curious guy¡ªbook¡ªit became very clear, very fast that Asher might actually outmatch me in sheer drive to learn.
While I was interested in, well, everything, she had a laser focus on magic. Theory, practice, application¡ªif it involved spells, she wanted to know about it. Honestly? I respected it.
Cuttle even put in a retainer offer for Taan¡ªbasically a "hey, if we make enough coin to expand the party and you''re still free, join us." Taan accepted, but it turned out if we had picked him now, he would have declined. After putting in his application, he''d decided to focus on learning about his Profession before throwing himself into danger. But, he hoped that by the time the party could grow, he would have a better handle on what he was meant to do.
Smart guy. Probably for the best.
Then, Hapa was the first one back. And¡ªoh, oh, oh¡ªI immediately sensed the rhythm of something as soon as he sat down at the table. He had gotten me a gift. A welcome gift.
I practically drooled into my void with excitement.
Urchin came back later, closer to dinner. He''d been out gathering local intel, and he actually came back with some decent finds.
First, there was the established dungeon nearby. A solid option, except¡ it was likely already being packed full of the other groups and parties testing out their new Initiates. Which meant they would be hard pressed to do anything worth while.
But¡ªhere''s where things got interesting¡ªUrchin also dug up rumors of a lesser-known dungeon in the area.
Now that was something worth looking into.
Things are starting to pick up, eh?
Chapter 12.
As they all sat down to dinner, and got to know their new party member, I got to work devouring the new book. After some pleasantry hellos to Asher, of course.
Principles of Arcane Efficiency: A Study in Optimization and Structural Integrity
Mavian the Meticulous?
Oh no. He got me a text book. I felt the title written across my page in mounting horror. I have been enjoying the reading so far, but everything has been mostly fantastical up to this point. But this, this sounded like something an engineer would study. Sure, I had been in university when all this happened, but I had been going for cultural sciences.
On the other page, it was about magic. And I had promised Cuttle that I would accrue and maintain information. Plus, it had been a gift, I didn''t want to be rude. Oh, and maybe this stuff could be useful to Asher, what with wanting to understand magic and what not. I''m pretty sure engineers don''t program, but it might have some neat tips, right? With that, I began to read.
A spell is not unlike a mechanical construct. When one piece fails, the entire mechanism falters. A fireball cast with an inefficient weave bleeds energy unnecessarily¡ªwhy waste 18% of your mana when proper sigil reinforcement can bring that down to a precise 12.4%? A flying carpet that wobbles in the air is not malfunctioning due to a ''temperamental'' enchantment; rather, the stabilization glyphs are misaligned by a fraction of an inch, creating inconsistent lift differentials.
The solution is not to accept inefficiencies but to refine the structure. Break down the components, reorient them for maximum effectiveness, and let the spellwork serve its intended purpose without excess strain. The most skilled mages are not those who wield the greatest raw power, but those who make every thread of mana count.
Wow. I mean, wow. It definitely was a text book, but something about it was just so simple to read. It was easy and even a little fun. I didn''t mentally retain all the knowledge, but it was just so simple to recall. Even using Infinite Pages, it felt so easy to shift around and pull up what I was looking for.
Skill Unlocked
Adaptive Formatting
Description: This ability can alter your pages layout dynamically, reorganizing text and diagrams to present information in the most concise or effective way. This makes complex ideas easier to comprehend at a glance and aids in problem-solving.?
Inherent: Locks 1.1% of Mana?
Mana: 805/805 (824)
Experience: 7.14/100
Oh. I like that book.
I must''ve finished Echoing not too long before the others started waking up. I was shuffled around a few times¡ªyep, good morning to you too, mysterious hands¡ªbefore finally being placed on a flat surface and opened.
"Good morning to you, Nakia."
The words appeared across my pages, but something was different. No tap-tap-tap of a utensil, and the handwriting was familiar but not quite the same as yesterday. Still, I knew this one¡ªI''d written with Hapa before.
"Good morning, Hapa. Ready for the dungeon today?"
There was a pause before his response, like he was thinking something over. "Yes, though I do wish we knew more about it. From what Urchin has learned, it was supposedly pretty formidable a few Initiations back. But now it''s considered underwhelming to the point where the locals barely mention it, except to the occasional beginner group."
I mulled that over for a moment. "Seems like a good thing when we''ve got a new party member with not only unknown capabilities but unknown powers in general?"
"I suppose that is fair."
There was another pause¡ªshorter this time¡ªbefore I felt Hapa shift, his attention being pulled away by someone else. "We are heading out. You''ll be with me, and I will check in every so often to keep you updated and see what you have to say."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
I hummed happily in my void. "Thanks, Hapa. I''m looking forward to it." Then, before he could close me, I added, "Oh! And thank you for the book! It was interesting!"
The Tale of the Forgotten Temple?
It is often said that time softens even the sharpest of dangers, that what was once fearsome may, in the absence of challenge, grow tame. So it was with this dungeon, a place whispered of as a mere shadow of its former self¡ªan unremarkable ruin hidden behind the gentle veil of a waterfall, its entrance tucked away in a sandy alcove.
Once, this dungeon had been feared. Now, this one was a picnic spot.
The entrance itself was nothing more than a fissure in the rock, winding downward into the unknown. The party moved carefully, each step slow and deliberate. Cuttle and Urchin led the way, their sharp eyes scanning the darkness ahead. Asher, the newcomer, followed in their wake, while Hapa, ever the watchful guide, took up the rear¡ªand with him, he carried the book.
The stairway was worn from years of passage, its descent slow and deep. As shadows threatened to consume their sight, Hapa spoke soft words, and the darkness receded. With vision restored, they pressed on, their steps echoing in the silence.
At last, the stairs ended, spilling them into a vast cavern filled with an eerie, alien glow. Luminous plants clung to the walls and ceilings, their soft light casting the chamber in an otherworldly hue. Yet none of them matched any knowledge held within the book''s pages.
And there, at the cavern''s far side, carved into the very stone, stood the remnants of a temple.
Time had not been kind to the ruin; its structure was battered, its purpose long forgotten. Even as the party advanced, no threats rose to meet them. Only silence.
It was Urchin who noticed them first¡ªthe small, waddling forms of creatures nestled among the temple''s overgrowth. At first glance, they seemed no more than fungi, squat and harmless. But as the party neared, they crouched low, their caps pressing against the ground, shielding their fragile bodies from prying hands.
At last, the explorers pressed into the temple itself. Its chambers were sparse, hollow, empty echoes of whatever had once thrived within. In the grand hall, a lone chest rested upon the dais, untouched by time. Within it, a scattering of coins¡ªa minor treasure, swiftly pocketed, their value to be weighed later.
And then, Cuttle noticed it.
What they had thought to be a moss-covered stone at the edge of the room was no stone at all. It moved.
A shadow unfurled, legs shifting, clicking softly against the temple floor. What lay before them was a Boulder Spider, a creature of cunning deception. Found most often in rocky terrain, it had perfected the art of stillness, waiting for the unwary to step too close¡ªwaiting to strike.
This was its domain. And it had found its prey.
But the adventurers did not falter. Cuttle and Urchin rushed forward, drawing its attention, their movements fluid, practiced. Hapa stood firm, his voice steady as he guided Asher through the moment. Where to aim. When to strike.
The young Mage hesitated¡ªbut only for a breath. Then, a flicker of light, a spark of energy. Electricity arced through the air. A minor spell, yet powerful enough to force the beast back. It reeled, its disguise shattered.
Urchin took the opening. A swift movement. A final strike.
The spider fell, its form crumbling into the dust.
Beyond the main chamber, more of its kin lurked, though these were but small things, no larger than a Rust-Tail Brushfox. They were dealt with swiftly.
And then, Cuttle found a secret.
A false stone, set into the wall, hiding a modest hoard of forgotten treasure. Perhaps untouched, for none had deemed this place worthy of plundering. A small windfall, a quiet reward for those who dared to look deeper.
Their task was done. The temple yielded no further secrets.
And so, they turned to leave.
But as they stepped through the main hall, it happened.
From below, from the depths where none had tread, a mossy-grey rhythm began to rise.
It drifted through the void, a whispering chant reverberating throughout.
A presence unseen. A voice unheard.
Something older stirred beneath the temple.
Chapter 13.
The Descent into the Obyss
With trepidation, the adventurers retraced their steps, their fingers running along the worn stone walls, seeking something¡ªanything¡ªthat might reveal a path below. The whisper of an ancient presence lingered in the air, a weight upon their shoulders, urging them forward.
It was Asher who found it.
A series of worn symbols, etched into the base of the pulpit''s wall, hidden by time''s embrace. Symbols that did not belong to the temple above but to something older, something buried beneath. She traced them lightly, her fingers trembling as she recognized their significance¡ªnot just decoration, but instruction. With a pulse of unseen force, the wall groaned, and with a slow, grinding shudder, it yielded to her touch.
A hidden passage lay before them, leading into the depths below.
And so, they descended.
The stairway wound downward, its walls pressing in, its shadows whispering at their backs. The air grew colder, the very atmosphere thickening with each step. The torches flickered, fighting against the encroaching void, their flames dimming as though fearful of what lay ahead.
Then, at last, they reached the chamber.
It was vast, a cavern of endless dark, its ceiling unseen, its edges devoured by shadow. And in its center, towering and unmoving, stood a black obelisk. A single circle of pale light, descending from an unseen source above, illuminated the ground before it. The moment their feet crossed into the circle, a shudder ran through the walls.
A voice without a voice echoed in their bones:
You have entered the Dungeon of the Obyss?
Behind them, the passage sealed shut, stone grinding against stone with an ominous finality. There was no turning back. No retreat.
Only descent.
The darkness watched. And then, it moved.
From the cracks and corners of the chamber, from the very walls themselves, shadows stirred, creeping forward like a tide of living night. Clawed fingers and sharp fangs formed out of the void¡ªbut no eyes, no features to betray malice or reason. Only hunger.
The horde leapt.
Silence was their war cry. Death was their intent.
Steel flashed, fists struck, and magic crackled through the air. Urchin met the onslaught head-on, his claws rending the creatures apart, tearing into them as though they were nothing more than fabric to be shredded. Cuttle moved with precision, catching the very light in his hands, wielding it like a blade to carve through the dark. Asher stood her ground, sweat pouring down her face, sigils of power forming at her fingertips¡ªdesperate walls against the tide of oblivion.
But the shadows were relentless. They did not retreat, did not falter. The light above them wavered, shrinking under the force of their assault.
And in the midst of the chaos, Hapa watched. He searched. He understood.
His gaze snapped to the obelisk, its ancient surface covered in unreadable runes. The truth of the dungeon was clear: this was the key.
But he could not decipher it.
Desperation mounting, Hapa reached for the book. The worn tome he had carried through the ruins above, the one that had spoken to him, guided him. He flipped through the pages, seeking¡ªhoping.
Then, the chamber shivered.
Tendrils of red and black light uncoiled from the obelisk, slithering through the air like living ink. They stretched toward the adventurers¡ªreaching, grasping¡ªuntil they touched the book''s surface.
A screech split the void. Words cracked themselves across the pages, violent and unbidden. And suddenly, Hapa understood.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
With pain in his eyes, he looked to his companions.
Urchin tore through the horde, his movements savage and unyielding. Cuttle struck with holy fire, dispelling the creatures with each devastating blow. Asher¡ªyoung, untested, but fierce¡ªstood her ground, magic forming and reforming in her hands as she held the darkness at bay.
And then, Hapa began to chant.
The first syllable was like a strike of lightning in the void.
The darkness screamed.
It raged.
The horde''s attack redoubled, as though the words themselves were a provocation. Their circle of light shrank further, barely clinging to existence.
Heeding the signs, the trio closed ranks around Hapa, guarding him as he spoke. His voice rang clear in the abyss, syllables of power filling the chamber, vibrating through the walls, through their bones, through the very air.
The light above flickered.
The darkness clawed its way upward, seeking to devour the last vestiges of illumination.
The light wavered. It dimmed.
It was almost gone.
But Hapa''s chant reached its crescendo.
The obelisk answered.
A surge of crimson radiance exploded outward, swallowing the chamber in a tide of burning light.
The darkness recoiled. It shuddered. It screamed.
The shadowed figures dissolved, unraveling like mist caught in the morning sun. The chamber trembled, the runes upon the obelisk erased in a final, blinding pulse of power.
Silence fell.
The adventurers stood, breathing heavily, victorious.
Then¡ªlight, pure and untainted, flared around them.
A single, powerful pulse.
It enveloped them in its embrace, and for an instant, the world ceased to exist.
When sight returned, each of them lay upon the soft, damp earth, the sound of water trickling nearby.
A small pool, fed by a gentle waterfall.
And beside them, scattered upon the ground, lay a hoard of treasure.
A reward, earned in blood and light.
The Dungeon of the Obyss had tested them.
And they had prevailed.
¡
Something had¡ happened.
But what?
A dull ache pulsed through my void, an unsettling, lingering sensation I couldn''t quite place. And for a moment¡ªa single, terrifying moment¡ªI was alone.
The rhythms were gone.
The silence stretched, suffocating and vast, pressing in like an ocean with no shore. It was¡ª
Then, suddenly, they returned.
Relief surged through me as familiar rhythms trickled back into my void, chasing away the hollow emptiness that had filled it. The ache didn''t fade completely, but it softened, soothed by their presence.
''Khalasna ba''a! It is so nice to see you guys again! Oh, and we have some guests?''
I relished the presence of my friends¡ªWildlife and Wanderer''s, Ironwood and Beasts¡ªthe steady, familiar patterns weaving through my center. But alongside them, new rhythms curled inward, blending and twisting into the space about me.
The moments ticked by, and with each passing second, the dread slunk away, shrinking into a memory that didn''t quite feel real.
I was back. I was fine.
I took a moment to steady myself, focusing on what I could feel.
A flat, solid surface. ''Alright, not being carried.'' Not what I recalled. .
I was closed. ''Also not what I remember.''
Had I¡ ''fallen asleep? Wait. I thought I didn''t do that.''
The last thing I remembered was Hapa telling me about Boulder Spiders. Where even were they now? ''Did we leave the dungeon?''
And¡ªoh!¡ªthose mushroom things! ''I would love to know more about those. I wonder if anyone recognized them.''
"Helloooo! Anyone there? I want to know what happened!"