《Faery OS : Reprogramming Fate in a Cursed World》 Chapter 1: Fusing with a Faery Aysse awoke to a pale, diffused light filtering through a glass ceiling above him. His vision wavered as he blinked, struggling to adjust to his surroundings. The room itself seemed ordinary at first glance¡ªclean, functional, and minimalistic¡ªbut something was undeniably wrong. His memory. Fragments of his past swirled in confusion¡ªa year of memories, blurred and missing. He strained to grasp a familiar thought, but all he found was a haze of foreign impressions that didn''t feel like his own. A sense of unease settled in his chest. He sat up slowly, feeling a slight dizziness, but pushed past it. There had to be a reason he was here. He knew that much, yet no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t remember what it was. He had lost at least a year of his memories. Then a more terrifying realization hit him: he couldn''t sense his mana. The energy that connected him to the world¡ªthe essence that had defined his very being¡ªwas gone. Panic flickered at the edges of his thoughts, but he forced himself to stay calm. He muttered under his breath. (Aysse, murmuring): Did I transmigrate to another world? The possibility felt real, too real. Everything about this place was different. The room was immaculately maintained, furnished with polished surfaces and devoid of clutter. The walls were smooth; the ventilation was so perfect he couldn''t tell if he was underground or in a sealed structure. There were no windows, no indicators of time. He inspected the door. It wasn''t reinforced, nor was he restrained. That was a good sign, or so he hoped. Pressing his ear against it, he caught faint voices conversing beyond¡ªcalm, professional, not the tone of captors discussing a prisoner. Aysse took a deep breath, assessing every detail. He wasn''t hungry or unclean. Someone had taken care of him while he was unconscious. That meant he was valuable¡ªat least for now. Then, as his eyes swept under the bed, he noticed something odd. A sleek mechanism was embedded beneath it, with cables and thin metallic wires running into the wall. A sophisticated device, inconspicuous yet deliberate. He realized... (Aysse, thinking): A pressure sensor... they were monitoring me Before he could plan his next move, the door slid open. Two figures entered¡ªboth dressed in medical attire. One carried a dagger at his waist. A peculiar detail struck him immediately: each had a tentacle-like appendage protruding from their forehead, which writhed slightly as if responding to an unseen stimulus.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Aysse''s breath caught. Instinctively, he reached for his forehead¡ªand felt the same. His fingers traced the unfamiliar sensation. This wasn''t a dream. The larger of the two men, clearly the doctor, spoke first. Dr. Vahr: "I am Dr. Vahr of House Veridan. I oversaw your Insertion into this world." The word Insertion lingered ominously. Although the language was new, Aysse understood it perfectly¡ªthe memory superposition had embedded their tongue into his mind. Dr. Vahr: "You''re likely disoriented. That''s normal. The effects of the Insertion will subside in a few weeks." Aysse remained silent, letting the doctor assume he was too groggy to respond. Dr. Vahr: "The Insertion binds your body to a Faery. It is the only way you can live in this world." Aysse''s mind whirred. This wasn''t just a new world¡ªit was one where survival required being fused with something else. Dr. Vahr: "Let me give you something. Nod if you understand me." Aysse nodded slowly. The doctor approached, extending his hand. From his palm, metallic tentacles unfurled, gleaming like liquid silver. The moment they made contact with Aysse''s skin, a cold, electric sensation surged through his body. (Aysse, thinking): I can feel a transfer of energy... Dr. Vahr withdrew his tendrils. Dr. Vahr: "I''ve just given you $125 Faeriar. It is both currency and the energy required to use your Faery''s abilities. Try creating tentacles of your own." Aysse hesitated, then focused. A faint current coursed through his arm, gathering at his palm. Slowly, his own tentacles emerged¡ªbut unlike Vahr''s luminous silver strands, his were dull purple, barely reflecting light. (Aysse, thinking): So¡­ this is how it works here. Three things became clear: Magic, as he knew it, had been replaced by Faery energy. Faeriar was both power and money. Use too much, and he might be left vulnerable. The Faery contained knowledge. The Insertion had gifted him language, instincts, and even basic control over his abilities. Elias, the younger of the two men, stepped forward. The tentacle on his forehead shimmered with a refined luster, though not as intense as Vahr''s. Elias: "I am Elias from House Veridan. Can you tell us your name?" Aysse hesitated¡ªif they had performed the Insertion, they already had information about him, perhaps more than he did. Aysse: "... My name is Aysse. Nice to meet you." Elias nodded, satisfied. Elias: "Good. You''re adjusting faster than most." Dr. Vahr checked his wrist device and then grunted. Dr. Vahr: "You are in perfect condition. I''ll excuse myself¡ªI have other patients to attend to. Elias will handle the rest." The doctor exited, leaving Aysse alone with Elias. Elias smirked as he leaned against the wall. Elias: "You should feel lucky. It''s rare for nobles to personally receive someone from the other world. Usually, we deal with... problematic cases." There was an unspoken warning in his tone. Then his expression shifted, growing more serious. Elias: "Anyway, welcome to the Kingdom of Eurory¡ªthe last place on this world where humans can live." Aysse''s breath hitched. (Aysse, thinking): The last place where humans could live? Before he could ask, Elias stepped closer, lowering his voice. Elias: "Tell me, Aysse. Do you remember why you''re here?" The question struck deep. In truth, he did not. The memories given to him during the Insertion had replaced nearly a year of his past¡ªhe could not remember why he had come to this world in the first place. His heartbeat quickened. Aysse (hesitating): "I¡­ I am still unsure." Elias exhaled sharply through his nose, his smirk widening into something sharper. Elias: "The future of this world has already been sold. The question is¡ªto whom?" Chapter 2 : Understanding Elias sat across from Aysse in this sleek, minimalist room, the polished surfaces reflecting the pale glow of the ceiling lights. Though the atmosphere was calm, Aysse''s mind was anything but. The weight of everything he had just experienced pressed on him like an unseen force. He had lost a year of his memory. He had fused with an unknown entity. And now, he was expected to navigate a world ruled by forces he barely understood. Elias exuded an effortless confidence, his sharp golden eyes scanning Aysse with quiet amusement. He had an athletic build¡ªhis posture relaxed yet composed, as if always prepared to act. His wavy dark hair fell in loose strands around his face, framing his high cheekbones and strong jawline. A faint scar traced the edge of his brow, a silent reminder of past battles. He wore a sleek, functional outfit¡ªdark, fitted, and reinforced in subtle ways¡ªblending efficiency with an understated style. Every movement he made was deliberate, controlled, as if he understood the weight of his presence in any room. Though his expression carried a hint of mischief, his aura spoke of experience, of someone who had seen much and knew more than he let on. Elias leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. Elias: "Alright, let''s start with the basics. You understand that you''ve fused with a Faery, correct?" Aysse nodded hesitantly. Aysse: "I¡­ think so. But I don''t really know what that means." Elias smirked. Elias: "Yeah, most newcomers don''t. Let''s break it down." He tapped the side of his head¡ªwhere his own tentacle-like Faery appendage rested. Elias (explaining): "Faery are intelligent, natural creatures that can fuse with almost anything to improve their survival. Unlike parasites, they don''t just take; they give back. They form symbiotic relationships¡ªlike the one you have now." Aysse studied his own tentacle, the unfamiliar sensation of its presence still unsettling. Aysse: So, they¡­ just attach themselves to things? Elias: "More than that. Some say the first Faery is a god¡ªa supreme being that merged with the world itself. Whether that''s true or not, what we do know is that new Faery can spawn out of thin air. It''s not rare, but when it happens, it''s treated as a sacred event." Aysse frowned. Aysse: "So, they just appear?" Elias: "Exactly. And once they do, they have a choice¡ªlive on their own or fuse with a host. Most choose to bond. Humans, animals, even inanimate objects¡ªFaery can connect with anything if it benefits them." Aysse mulled this over. Aysse : And what do they gain from fusing with humans? Elias grinned. Elias: "That''s the best part¡ªthey get access to structure. Alone, a Faery has no form, no focus. When bonded, they gain direction, intelligence, and the ability to harness Faeriar efficiently." Aysse: "Faeriar¡­" Aysse (continuing): "That''s the energy you mentioned earlier?" Elias: "Correct. Think of Faeriar as the fuel that powers everything. Everything in this world contains Faeriar, from the smallest pebble to the strongest beast. It can be extracted, absorbed, or exchanged." Elias held up a hand and let his tentacle extend slightly. Elias: "Faery have three core abilities. The first is Consumption & Faeriar Absorption¡ªthey eat, break down, and extract energy from almost anything. The more direct the consumption, the better the efficiency." Aysse tensed slightly as Elias''s Faery tentacle curled in the air. Aysse: "The second is Matter Production¡ªthey can generate solid material by expending Faeriar. Weapons, armor, even constructs. Your Faery is still weak, but with enough Faeriar, you could create just about anything." Aysse flexed his fingers, trying to summon the energy he had just received from Dr. Vahr. A faint shimmer formed at his fingertips before dispersing. Elias chuckled. Elias: "Don''t worry, it takes practice." He gestured to the air, where faint sparks of energy flickered. Elias: "The third ability is Energy Production¡ªthey can generate fire, electricity, gravity fields, you name it. The more Faeriar you feed them, the stronger the output." Aysse exhaled. Aysse: "This sounds¡­ insanely powerful." Elias nodded. Elias: "It is. But there''s a catch. Faery regulate their own intake through temperature. Absorbing too much Faeriar makes them cold, using too much makes them hot. Overheat or freeze, and they shut down."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Aysse frowned. Aysse: "And if they shut down?" Elias: "You''ll be as helpless as a newborn. No abilities, no way to fight back, nothing." (He leaned forward.) Elias: "That''s why Faeriar management is crucial. Too much, and you freeze. Too little, and you burn out." Aysse rubbed his temples. Aysse: "So, Faery don''t have limits on storage, but they do on usage?" Elias: "Exactly. That''s why an Operating System¡ªor OS¡ªis required to regulate them. Your Faery has an OS, but it can''t access its main storage directly. It uses a separate, limited cache to manage Faeriar. Think of it as a budget¡ªyou can''t just spend everything at once." Aysse clenched his fists. Aysse: "And humans? We need Faery to even interact with Faeriar?" Elias gave him a knowing look. Elias: "Correct. A human without a Faery might as well be blind to the system running this world." Aysse let the information settle. Aysse: "And this fusion¡­ it''s permanent?" Elias: "Mostly. It can be removed with consent, but special Faery exist that can override a fusion¡ªusually for control or restraint." (His tone turned serious.) Elias: "But let me be clear: Faery fusion isn''t a burden. It''s survival. Every human in Eurory has one. They''re given at birth, pre-programmed by a noble overseeing the region. Without one, you wouldn''t last a day." Aysse processed everything, his mind racing. This was his new reality. Faery weren''t just tools; they were a necessity. And now, he was one of the fused. Elias continued his explanation. Elias: "Faeriar isn''t just energy¡ªit''s the foundation of the entire economy. In times of crisis, temporary contribution systems may replace it, and some people resort to direct trade, but ultimately, Faeriar fuels everything: infrastructures, warfare, and daily necessities. Every transaction, trade, and power structure in Eurory revolves around it. Nobles hoard vast reserves, cities regulate its flow, and those who run out are left powerless¡ªsometimes literally. Controlled distribution of Faeriar dictates social hierarchy; those with more have influence, while those without it are at the mercy of those who do. It is this structure that keeps the world running¡ªbut also keeps many trapped in their place." Aysse shifted in his seat, mulling over Elias''s words. Aysse: "I see! Isn''t there any alternative, like magic or technology?" Elias shook his head. Elias: "Not unless you want to meet the Faery Curse firsthand. Any attempt to replace Faeriar with an outside energy source ends the same way¡ªdisaster. The Curse is absolute. It doesn''t just punish, it erases. Entire civilizations thought they could bypass it. Now, they''re nothing more than ruins." Aysse furrowed his brow. Aysse: "The Faery Curse¡­ it that some kind of divine punishment." Elias leaned forward, his silver eyes gleaming. Elias: "That''s one way to see it. Any attempt to harness energy that doesn''t come from Faery triggers it. A portal opens, and from it spill monsters¡ªrelentless, ever-growing in number and strength. The only way to stop them is to destroy whatever caused the Curse in the first place." Aysse swallowed. Aysse: "Has anyone ever managed to control it?" Elias let out a short laugh. Elias: "Control it? No. Weaponize it? That''s a different story. Some powerful nobles¡ªespecially royals¡ªcan use the Curse strategically, unleashing it in enemy territory. But it''s always a gamble. If left unchecked, it drains all Faeriar from the surroundings, making it impossible to replenish reserves." Aysse felt a chill creep up his spine. His mind raced, trying to piece together everything he had learned. The world outside was more structured¡ªand more dangerous¡ªthan he had imagined. Every aspect of life was tied to Faeriar, from survival to power, from the nobility''s control to the common person''s dependence. There was no escaping it; this was the foundation of society. He thought about the Curse¡ªa force so powerful it had destroyed entire civilizations. The idea of separating from his Faery and using the magic from his original world crossed his mind, but it was clearly a no go. Trying would be nothing short of suicide. The same went for his knowledge of modern technology¡ªit wasn''t just useless here, it was dangerous. Aysse clenched his fists. He wasn''t sure how he fit into this world yet. He wasn''t just some bystander¡ªhe had fused with a Faery, inherited abilities he barely understood, and now he was expected to play a role in a system that felt both awe-inspiring and oppressive. If power determined one''s place in society, then what did that make him? A pawn? A potential threat? He knew he came to this world with a mission; he had only temporarily forgotten it because of the memory superposition from the fusion with the Faery. He exhaled slowly, grounding himself. If nothing else, he needed to understand more before making any decisions. Elias leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his golden eyes gleaming with certainty. Elias: "If you want to survive in this world, you need knowledge, skill, and control over your Faery. And the best place to learn all of that? House Velstein." Aysse raised an eyebrow. Aysse: "Velstein Academy?" Elias: "They''re the leading experts in Faery programming. Their academy holds some of the most advanced scripts and techniques known to mankind. If you want to master your abilities and understand the world, that''s where you need to be." Aysse considered this. The idea of going to school was a bit of a surprise to him. But this was different¡ªnot just about education, but about survival. Aysse: "What exactly do they teach there?" Elias smirked. Elias: "Everything you need to become a fully functional Faery user. Combat techniques, energy manipulation, Faeriar efficiency, scripting¡­" (He paused.) Elias: "And, most importantly, the way society truly works." Aysse narrowed his eyes. Aysse: "The way society works? You mean the hierarchy?" Elias: "Exactly." (He leaned back.) Elias: "Nobles, commoners, those who hold Faeriar and those who don''t¡ªHouse Velstein doesn''t just teach you how to use power. They teach you how to navigate power. And trust me, that''s just as important." Aysse tapped his fingers against the armrest. It made sense. If everything in this world revolved around Faery and Faeriar, then understanding their intricacies was the only way to carve a path forward. Yet something about it still made him uneasy. Dr. Vahr had come personally¡ªeven though he left as quickly as he arrived¡ªso Aysse concluded that, to some extent, both Dr. Vahr and Elias were connected to his presence in this world and could be trusted for now (though Dr. Vahr likely didn''t want to raise any suspicion by staying too long). Aysse: "And you trust them?" Elias chuckled. Elias: "Trust them? No. But I respect what they offer. Knowledge is power, and House Velstein has more knowledge than anyone. Whether you trust them or not is up to you¡ªbut no one can afford to ignore them." Aysse exhaled slowly. Another step forward. Another unknown. But if he wanted to understand this world¡ªif he wanted to regain control over his fate¡ªthen perhaps this academy was the key. And so, his path became clearer. He would go to Velstein Academy. Chapter 3 : Initiation Elias walked beside Aysse through a series of immaculate, high-ceilinged corridors. The polished surfaces and austere decor exuded the prestige of House Veridan. Although the earlier flood of information had left Aysse feeling burdened, he noted a subtle shift in Elias''s demeanor¡ªa departure from rigid nobility toward a familiarity that made him feel like an equal rather than merely a subject of study. Elias broke the silence in a measured tone. Elias: "I expected you to be more¡­ disoriented. Most Otherworlders wake up in a panic. You''re oddly composed." Aysse offered a slight shrug. Aysse: "I think my body is still catching up. I won''t say I''m fine, but breaking down won''t help." Elias chuckled softly, his sharp gaze never leaving Aysse''s face. Elias: "You carry yourself well for someone freshly inserted into our world." Aysse stole a glance at his reflection in a nearby polished surface. Standing roughly 1.8 meters tall with a lean yet sturdy build, his sharp features and dark eyes¡ªbrimming with equal parts curiosity and calculation. His newly integrated tentacle twitched subtly with his thoughts, a constant reminder of his changed state. As they continued walking, Elias explained the institute''s dual purpose. Elias: "The Veridan Institute isn''t just a research facility. It serves two primary functions. First, it manages Faery insertion¡ªpreparing and fusing Faery with suitable hosts." Aysse absorbed the information with a measured nod. Aysse: "And the second function?" Elias''s voice grew weightier. Elias: "Managing Otherworlders like yourself. Most of them don''t arrive under favorable circumstances¡ªthey''re criminals, exiles, or people their worlds cast aside." Aysse frowned at the blunt practicality. Aysse: "So, you study them?" Elias gave a brisk nod. Elias: "We study, train, and repurpose them. Eurory constantly needs manpower. Outside the kingdom''s borders, creatures¡ªsome mindless, others terrifyingly intelligent¡ªroam freely. Every resource must be put to use, or we risk being overrun." The cold practicality made Aysse uneasy. It was survival, yes¡ªbut at what cost? Turning a corner, Elias gestured toward a large set of imposing doors. Elias: "Come. There''s something you should see." They stepped into an expansive, open-air training ground. The raw spectacle was visceral: four men struggled against a massive beast¡ªa creature resembling a bear with thick, matted fur and a body twice the size of any human. Its claws gouged deep furrows into the earth as it lunged, its maw snapping at the air with lethal intent. At the back of the fray, a knight clad in House Veridan''s armor issued sharp commands. His presence kept the recruits from descending into chaos. Elias: "They''re Otherworlders. Likely being tested for recruitment as mercenaries. Notice the small crowd gathered around¡ªthey''re not just here to watch. This is an examination." Aysse''s eyes narrowed as he took in every clash of weapon against hide and every strategic command. Each movement and decision resonated with the harsh reality of this new world¡ªa preview of the path he might soon tread. Elias continued, his tone analytical. Elias: "They''re resourceful, but they lack coordination. In a world like this, every advantage counts." A brief pause followed as Aysse''s gaze drifted back to the colossal beast. Aysse: "That bear... it''s enormous. Are all the creatures like that?"You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Elias''s eyes glinted as he replied. Elias: "This creature is classified as a Greater-Class Creature. In Eurory, we rank creatures based on their equivalence to independent Faery and abilities. The ranking is as follows: Elias (Exhaled): "The higher the class, the rarer they are¡ªand the more impossible they are to fight." Each class represents a step up in raw power, resilience, and threat. While a Greater-Class beast like this bear is formidable, it isn''t the pinnacle of power¡ªbut still, a serious challenge for anyone unprepared." Aysse considered this, his mind racing. Aysse: "So, while the bear is dangerous, there are creatures far more lethal out there." Elias nodded, his tone somber. Elias: "Exactly. That''s why the training here is so critical. You must be ready for encounters with creatures of every class if you''re to survive in Eurory." Aysse exhaled slowly, grounding himself in the present as the training fight raged on around him. Aysse: "And if they fail?" (referring to the trainees) Elias shrugged. Elias: "They''ll either train harder, get assigned elsewhere, or... well, disappear into obscurity. Not everyone can make it." The training ground roiled with the sound of clashing metal, roars, and sizzling bursts of concentrated Faeriar energy. As the Greater-Class bear roared its challenge, its massive form pulsed with raw Faeriar. Occasional flares from its body reminded all that each strike landed on the creature could yield precious¡ªbut volatile¡ªenergy. Then, over the din, Sir Veydran''s deep voice rang out, both commanding and instructive. Sir Veydran: "Remember, recruits: Faeriar is the essence of power. Use every collection opportunity to fuel your abilities¡ªbut balance it carefully. Overabsorption will freeze your Faery, and overuse will overheat your systems!" He scanned his team as the recruits braced themselves. Each fighter had been trained to manage their limited $125 Faeriar cache¡ªevery skill came at a cost, pushing their Faery temperature to dangerous extremes if mismanaged. Recruit 1, the Rookie Striker, was first to engage. He launched a Simple Slash (costing roughly $27) at the bear''s flank, his blade shimmering briefly as it was infused with a controlled burst of Faeriar energy. The slash cut into the bear''s thick hide, releasing a spurt of energy that his Faery OS immediately began to harvest via indirect collection. His limited cache quivered with the newly absorbed energy as he adjusted his stance to avoid overcooling¡ªa common risk when absorbing too much too quickly. At the same time, Recruit 2, the Defensive Enthusiast, met a sweeping claw with his Basic Shielding (set at $20 per minute), deflecting the blow. In fluid motion, he activated his Counter Block (around $47) when a glancing strike came his way. The counter redirected part of the bear''s kinetic force back at it, and a faint aura of gathered Faeriar glowed around his arm¡ªevidence of energy recycled through his maneuver. Recruit 3, the Balanced Fighter, stepped forward with measured precision. He unleashed a Standard Strike (costing $33) aimed at the creature''s underbelly¡ªa softer target where the beast''s natural insulation was lower. Almost simultaneously, he executed a Minor Counter (around $17) when the bear attempted a retaliatory lunge. Each move was calculated not only to damage the beast but also to capture small bursts of Faeriar, replenishing his Faery OS just enough to keep his system stable. Meanwhile, Recruit 4, the Quick Striker, exploited his agility. Activating Agile Boost continuously at a low cost ($10 per minute), he zipped around the combat zone''s periphery. With a well-timed Rapid Slash ($23) followed by a Swift Step ($33), he darted in to strike the bear''s side before retreating¡ªensuring he never lingered long enough to risk overheating his energy reserves. As the recruits combined their assault, the bear staggered. Its massive form, though imbued with vast quantities of Faeriar, shuddered under the precision of coordinated strikes. With every hit, indirect collection of Faeriar from the creature''s disrupted cellular structure occurred, its roars punctuating the cycle of energy exchange. Sir Veydran, ever the tactician, ordered the final phase. Sir Veydran: "Now, recruits¡ªchannel everything you have! Concentrate your power and bring it down!" In unison, the fighters surged forward. The synchronized onslaught rocked the bear with another series of strikes¡ªa combination of enhanced blade surges and adaptive counters. Faeriar flared between blows as the beast''s internal equilibrium faltered. Its roar turned into a final, shuddering bellow as it collapsed heavily onto the training ground, part of its vast reserves of Faeriar scattering into the air¡ªan indirect collection bonus for those who had fought it well. That creature possessed around 800 Faeriar; later, a specialized team would collect the remainder directly from its carcass. A tense silence followed the carnage, broken only by the combatants'' labored breathing. Sir Veydran surveyed his team with a measured nod. Sir Veydran: "Excellent work. Today, you''ve learned that power isn''t just about raw strength¡ªit''s about managing the very essence of our world. Every move, every harvested spark of Faeriar, must be carefully balanced. Too much can freeze you; too little leaves you defenseless." At that moment, as the dust settled and the lingering warmth of discharged Faeriar energy filled the air, Aysse and the recruits understood that mastery over Faeriar¡ªand over themselves¡ªwas the key to survival in Eurory. The lessons learned on this training ground would serve them well in the challenges yet to come.