A few hours later, I stopped crying, I had to focus, crying won't help me meet my family any sooner
I kept exploring and found the kitchen, the fridge was well stacked, however, when I put my hand in to reach for a soda, my hand passed some barrier of sort, I took my hand out in reflex and looked in shock…my hand wasn't hurt though, so I tried again and took the soda, then got a glass and filled it, then I placed the soda in again and noticed something
The liquid inside the bottle completely stopped moving, despite it being shaken, it suddenly became still, that's when an idea hit me, I took a nearby spoon and tossed it in, the spoon stopped mid air when inside the fridge
-…It halts time…
I have appraisal right? I thought of it and something showed up
"Inventory (Fridge)"
"All food remains in perfect shape until taken out, requires mana crystal to charge"
"Current charge: Infinity"
Courtesy of Erizabeth I guess…so food never spoils…but… [What is a mana crystal?]
"The life force of monsters being crystalized inside their bodies, once removed, the body of the monster rots till nothing is left"
Monsters…
"Product of monsters that emerged from the "Gates" that the evil God set up, despite the danger of the gates, they can be closed by killing the boss monster inside, most however are not closed since mana crystals are a fantastic renewable source of energy"
[Are those gates the cause of the calamity in the future?]
"Correct, in 15 years, a massive amount of gates shall spawn and the monsters will overwhelm the sentient races, while they will fight back, the energy of those battles shall feed the avatar of the evil God, Nekrozhstek"
[So that is the target…ok, I will ask more later, thank you]
"My pleasure Master"
[…Are you sentient?]
"Indeed, though right now I am merely text, the more you evolve, the more I can improve myself, in the future I may gain a voice"
[Huh…ok, then…are you male or female?]
"I have no gender Master, until evolution, and even then you can keep me genderless"
[So an it huh?…I would love to have a Cortana…]
"…Cortana, AI from Halo series, invaluable ally to the Master Chief, would you like it if I have her personality master?"
[No, I just want a partner I can trust,let us think of the details later Monica]
"Monica?"
[Hope you don't mind if I select both name and gender for you at once]
"I am honored to have a name master, but why Monica?"
[Eh…long story, let's just say, it's a nice name that belonged to someone I wish I could have helped]
"…I won't pry then master"
[Thank you]
Sensing Monica turning off or resting, dunno which, I drank the soda, it was refreshing, next, I need to check my stats
"Eric"
"Rank: F"
"Age: 8"
"Strength: F"
"Agility: F"
"Magic: F"
"Endurance: E"
"Charisma: C"
"Luck: F-"
"Perception: C"
…Dear lord I am weak…and why is my luck F-?! Isn't that a fucking death sentence?!
Ugh…ok, relax, at least you know what's up there…[Monica?]
"Yes master?"
[How high can ranks go and how do I upgrade them?]
"Ranks are classified from lowest to highest: F,E,D,C,B,A,S,SS,SSS,Z and lastly Ex"
"For a child so young as yourself master, those stats are logical, the only outliers are Luck and Charisma, everything else is what is expected of a child, while your Perception at base is C unless you lose a sense, it will never lower"
Ok…
"In terms of upgrade, Strength can be increased through exercise, same with agility, Magic can only be increased by practicing basic spells, I shall provide you a list once you are ready, Endurance is the same, Luck can only be increased through supernatural means that require the aid of our Goddess, Charisma can only be increased with age and even then it can also decrease, surgery can increase it but, don't worry, you will be fine if you ignore that stat and finally Perception can only be increased through special training that some warriors and martial artists perform"
-I see
I said out loud, it seems that effort is all it takes
"Your skill "Blank Slate" allows all stats to be raised until Ex, but you will need to put a lot of effort into it, you can also look at your abilities the same way as you did with your status"
Abilities!
"Blank Slate (Ex)"
-Is there a description?
"Infinity"
-How needlessly vague…
I sighed
-Ok, that should be it, thanks Monica
"My pleasure Master"
-Ah right! Before you go!
"Yes?"
-What is my backstory?
"Your family had a tragic accident when some monsters escaped from a Gate that was ranked C, they couldn't escape in time and died, leaving this apartment to you and a vast inheritance plus their life insurance, you have a lot of money, it has been 2 years since the disaster"
-…I see…
"Erizabeth judged it too cruel to force you into a new family so soon"
-…Thanks
I would feel atrocious having to treat strangers as my new family after all…
"Master, if I may?"
-Do tell
"Today you will have new neighbors, I suggest that you go meet them"
-Oh, what time?
"3 more hours, please keep exploring the apartment"
-Ok
I got up from the living room and kept exploring, there was a balcony that allowed me to see the city outside, I noticed some things immediately, there were flying vehicles, I also saw all sort of races down there, humans yes, but also elves, dwarves, harpies, arachnes, animalkin, hell, it was all sorts of interesting!
This society seems to be one of inclusion…is there any racism?
"Due to the emergence of monsters, all sentient races stand united, but there is the odd group of "Superiority" out there"
-The usual I see
"Don't bother with those bugs master, they are unworthy of our attention"
-Agreed
I have no time for racist pricks anyways
I saw some harpies flying nearby, one noticed me and waved at me, I smiled and returned the wave, she smiled at me and kept flying
When I looked some more, I realized some people had some clothes that really stood out
"Fashion is open and anyone can wear as they want, so ninjas, pirates, sailors, knights and warriors, samurais, you are likely to see anything, so don't be too surprised"
-Thanks…
!!
Is that?!
"A Zora yes"
Zoras?! They exist?!
Zoras originate from The Legend of Zelda games, they are a race of aquatic folks that posses fish and amphibian traits such as fins, webbed feet and gills, that allows them to thrive underwater but it also allows them to be able to live in the surface like the ones I am seeing…also, they resemble their Breath of the Wild counterparts, that means that their physical appearance has a certain resemblance to marine life, things like Sharks, Whales, Dolphins, hell, even stingrays, it mainly affect the size of their bodies or the shape of their heads, it is honestly fascinating
[So…if they do…then do Gorons…?]
"Yes"
Gorons! Also from Zelda, the literal rock people! Well…not sure if totally literal, but they are very sturdy! They are a race that only consists of males, since there has never been a female Goron, they are bulky and their skin is brown, likely composed of rocks, their backs especially, their size also can vary wildly, from the regular human sized ones I am seeing, to ones that are as big as a damn mountain! They are very strong but can't handle cold climates, so they usually live in mountains, surprising to see one here
So, thus far a lot of surprised but…what about…
[…Koopas?]
"Yes"
The Mario turtles! Antropomorphic turtles capable of comunication like humans, capable of movement on 2 legs and the use of tools, hell they can even play soccer! So freaking Koopas exist too!
[What about Goombas?!]
"Yes"
Even Goombas?! The small brown mushroom looking creatures?! They have no arms and only 2 feet when it comes to limbs, not even legs just…feet, 2 eyes, a mouth and you have a Goomba, usually they are really weak opponents but there are exceptions…I can't believe it…what else is there?
[Hylians and humans?]
"Yes"
So Hylians are in essence humans but have pointed ears, their lifespan is just like a human but unlike humans, they also are capable of strong magic, but the rest? Just like a regular human…
I then procedeed to ask about many races from videogames, getting a positive result
-Wow…so this is a world of mixed videogames?!
"Something like that, but please remember that while the heroes exist, so do the villains"
[Shit…right…have they caused issues?]
"Not yet, but they will in the future"
I have to become stronger…Ganon is my most immediate concern…
"Most heroes and villains are still young, you are likely to meet them if you explore your surroundings, hence my recommendation"
-My new neighbors will be heroes?!
"A high likelihood"
-You are the best Monica! Who is it?
"…Unknown, I only receive hints from our Goddess, no facts"
-I see…still, thank you!
"…My pleasure my master"
Why the extra My? Whatever, exploration awaits! I am all of a sudden really excited!
Man…Megan would have loved it here, she always adored the Zoras…maybe one day I can bring her here…[Monica, what was this world's name again?]
"Urdak my Master, welcome to Urdak"
…
So! Long story short! My apartment is incredible! It has a gym that is impossible according to physics, but it was made with "Space Magic" which allows impossible geometry to be possible or for things to be way bigger on the inside! This gym will be perfect for training!
As I tried out the basic machines that this gym came equipped with, Monica warned me that time was running short, so I took a shower and went downstairs, my clothes are simple too, a T-shirt with no design, black in color, baggy brown pants, blue sneakers and that was it
I used the elevator and when I arrived at the first floor, I saw some Gorons carrying things, bed frames and the like, this must be the moving team, so my neighbors should be nearby, my apartment number is 161 at the end of the hallway, the Gorons smiled at me and politely asked me to move, which I did, not before asking though
-Do you need help mister Goron?
The Goron looked surprised before smiling
-No need young man, we are very strong! Be careful ok?
-Ok!
I decided to act a bit like a child to not creep people out, regardless of how uncomfortable it is to do so…anyways! I moved and the Goron's stuffed some things in, as I went to the lobby, my jaw nearly dropped, I was able to maintain my composure but I wanted to squeal, my inner fanboy was demanding to come out
Before my eyes, there was a family of 5 people, one man with a silver beard and an imposing presence, a royal aura around his handsome face, he wore no crown but I knew he was a king, that was fucking King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, or at least a younger version of him, next to him was a beautiful woman, she reminded me of Zelda, her hair a golden yellow in contrast to the king's silver, there were some key differences however, her hair being much shorter that the princess herself and her eyes being teal in color, quite the contrast to the king's brown eyes
-Will this be our new home mommy?
-Yes little bird, but before we get to our room, please wait for the Gorons to finish loading up our things
-Can I help them mom?
-Of course Impa, what about you Link?
I was confused for a second, I knew those 3 children, despite their young adorable appearance, it was without a doubt, the princess herself, Zelda, the hero Link, and the deadly Sheikah Impa, but…are they…siblings?
Then I noticed Link was staring at me, they resembled their breath of the wild counterpart but, much younger, once I returned the stare, I smiled and waved, which he reciprocated
When I say Breath of the Wild counterpart, I mean that usually in each game they have a certain look, the one who varies the most is Impa, but right now we have a small boy with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a green shirt and brown shorts with brown shoes, he looks adorable now but he will be the one chosen by mystical Triforce of courage in the future, granting him access to the use of the Master Sword…Link
Next we have the reincarnation of the goddess Hylia, Zelda, an adorable little girl with blond short hair and blue eyes as well, wearing a blue sweater and black pants, this one will be chosen by the Triforce of Wisdom, granting her terrifying magic
And…Impa, long silver hair in a ponytail, hazel eyes and wearing a weird gray shirt and skirt…with Sheikah symbols…I should pretend ignorance…she also is adorable like her siblings, but are they really siblings? This must be a first time since I don't recall any setting beforehand like this
The family looked at me so I got close
-Hello! Are you new?
They looked surprise but Rhoam answered
-Indeed we are young man, we just moved in
-Then let me welcome you! Welcome!
I raised my hands and gave a big smile, that earned a smile from the couple while the 3 children eyed me curiously
-Say, where are your parents? A young man like you shouldn't be wandering alone
I felt my stomach drop as I looked down visibly sad before I said
-…They…they are with the angels now
-!!
-?!
-…A gate opened one day they were out…the men in uniform told me that they saved a lot of people and now…now they are with the angels
The queen was visibly shaken while Rhoam had a solemn look, the children looked at me sadly
-I am sorry young man
-It's ok! One day! One day I will go to the angels and meet them again!
I put on a strained smile before forcing a change in the conversation
-But enough about me, what about you? Which apartment are you moving into?
Rhoam took the chance
-Apartment 162
-! So we are neighbors! I live in apartment 161!
-Do you live alone?
-Yes, mom and dad told me that their families tried to separate them so they fled to be together with me, I don't know anyone else but they must be meanies!
It was of course Bs, but I had to lie here to get an acceptable response, suddenly though, the queen hugged me
-?!
-You poor child…you have suffered so much…
-…It has already been 2 years…I can't be sad forever…mommy and daddy always said to smile, things will always get better!
Her hug became tighter, guess I triggered her maternal instinct huh?
-If you need anything, anything at all, we are always available, ok?
-Ok! Say, what are your names? I am Eric!
-I am Hilda
-I am Rhoam! It is a pleasure young man!
Hilda released me and then got behind the 3 children
-And these are my children, my little bird Zelda
-Hi!
-My brave little knight Link
He smiled and raised his hand
-And my little ninja Impa
-Hello!
I smiled at them
-A pleasure to meet you! Let's be friends!
We joined hands in delight as both parents watched happily, I am rather surprised to see that the hero and the goddess really are siblings this time around, but oh well, I am not complaining, I was able to meet and befriend them, I offered to help them move by lifting some of their stuff, which earned a chuckle from Rhoam and Hilda, they may not be royalty here, but they still have that aura ya know?
Still, they accepted and gave me some light things that are not really relevant but will make me think I am helping, however, the Gorons were still busy using the elevators to carry the stuff up, they had lots it seems, so they asked me to play with the 3 for a while, the children looked excited to I guided them to the side of the building where there is an open garden, they became active and somehow I was dragged into playing catch with them
We played for around half an hour before they plopped on the ground exhausted, I was no better and dropped too, then I took the chance to talk
-Say…Link?
He looked at me curious
-Why don't you talk?
He seemed embarrassed before actually speaking in a very low voice
-…Don't like to…
-Ah, ok
I smiled at him which surprised him, I was confused until Impa spoke
-The kids back in our old home liked to tease him and often called him mute…
-How awful! Why would they do that?
-Because they were meanies! Link doesn't like to talk, they can't mock him for it!
-Me and Zelda often got into arguments because of it
Seems like Impa is the older of the 3, though it can't be by much though
-Well I won't tease you! You are my friend Link! Act however you want!
I said that smiling and he looked touched, suddenly something appeared in front of my eyes
"Hero of Hyrule: Link"
"Affinity: 70 (+40) (Best Friend)"
?!
[Monica?!]
"That, master, is an affinity gauge, it will display your current relationship with multiple people of note and show you when you make an impact on them, it is also helpful to keep tabs on your relationship with them"
[I see…so me being nice to him got me a 40? What do the numbers mean?]
"0-19 is stranger, 20-49 is acquaintances, 50-69 is friend, 70-99 is very good friends and 100-149 is absolute trust, 150 is an unbreakable bond, from there, it can increase further but that is just a way to measure loyalty, by 90 they are willing to suffer for you and 150 is they are willing to die to protect you, the nature of the bond is up to you, whether it is sworn siblings, family or lovers, your call"
Huh…
-Still Eric, could you show us around one day? This neighborhood is new and I would like to know where we can play
-I want to know where flowers may be!
I was left in an awkward spot since I didn't know either but…
"Activate mini map?"
[Please!]
Suddenly I got a map of my location, a park nearby, a flower shop, stores and mini markets, all was marked, so I smiled
-Leave it to me!
They smiled upon hearing me, after a bit, we were called and we moved, I spend the day helping them get settled in, I didn't do much but I helped and that was enough in their eyes to invite me for dinner, I was a bit awkward until Zelda pouted and insisted I stayed, couldn't say no after that could I?
Dinner was made by Hilda and Link, I shouldn't be surprised since he always was a good cook in BOTW, guess that skill comes by default here
-Link cooks?
-Indeed! He is quite good at it too
-Brother always makes delicious food!
I smiled at Zelda, it feels good to see her so joyful, especially seeing just how bleak her future was in the game…since my objective is to gain power…let's make it a goal to protect her smile too, as a bonus
I checked the "Bonds" as we ate and talked
"Link"
"70 (Best Friend)"
"Reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia: Zelda"
"70 (Good friend)"
"Deadly ninja of the Sheikah clan: Impa"
"71 (Admirable friend)"
"King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule"
"63 (Strong young man)"
"Queen Hilda Rhodenheimes"
"67 (Young boy that needs to be protected)"
It seems like the family has a good impression of me, I will maintain it, after all, these people are all good, 3 heroes and 2 wise leaders, there should be no issue befriending them, I should also look for other legends, the more I befriend as a child, the better
After a very enjoyable dinner they asked me if I wanted to stay but I refused, I had already abused their generosity enough, so we bade farewell after promising to play with everyone tomorrow
When I was back in my apartment it felt…lonely, guess it makes sense since the apartment in front has a family after all and here I am alone…
[I should get a pet to liven up the place, Monica?]
"There are many creatures that can be tamed, their classification is "Animal" different from the monsters since monsters can't be tamed"
[Guide me someday ok? What about our supplies?]
"Goddess Erizabeth has prepared enough food to last you a decade, if you get a pet, you can use some of the money she left you to acquire it's food and necessities"
[Thank you]
This place is too dreary after all
I went to the gym to train again using the stationary bikes and pedaled to my heart's content
After that, I took a shower and put on my pajamas, sleep came soon after, ending my first day here