๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก!
There was a flash of blinding white light; when it faded, he felt nothing. A conspicuous nothing. No throbbing in his head, no pain lancing up his leg. He felt oddly, impossibly... fine. Healed.
Blinking, he got to his feet. His sweatpants had been shredded to bloody fluttering strips, but his leg was whole underneath. He touched the flesh. It felt fine. How? He took a couple of steps, shook out his leg, bent the knee, kicked the air.
"Fuck..." He breathed. Not just healed. Fully healed. For nearly all of the past two years, there had been a dull ache in his knee, courtesy of his injury. It flared especially hot when he squatted. Now he bent down all the way, and savored that beautiful nothing.
It was such a little thing, but he was stunned. He hadn't known how that pain had affected him until he was without it. It was like every moment was at least 10% worse, and eventually he'd gotten used to it, stopped noticing it; it was like a constant debuff. For two whole years, he hadn't felt like himself, not really.
โฆ'constant debuff?' Really? This game stuff was getting to him.
ย
โค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: โ/๐ธ
๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐: โ/๐ธ
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ค: โ/๐ธ
๐๐๐จ๐ค: โ/๐ธ
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
๐๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐ค:
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ช: ๐.๐
โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐: ๐.๐
๐๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐: ๐.๐
๐ป๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ช: ๐.๐
๐๐ก๐๐๐: ๐.๐
๐๐๐ฆ๐ค๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ค: ๐->๐
ย
Huh. So the level-up brought a stat screen. The stats he could understand. The othersโTitles, Law, Spirit Tool, meant nothing to him.
And what was with 'essence' in front of level? He'd assumed the bright stuff that goblin gave him was like experience points. Was that essence?
He shook his head. He'd really started taking this seriously, hadn't he? Then again, why not? Might as well have some fun with it, whatever it was, while it lasted. He was having a good time.
ย
๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐. โ๐๐๐ค๐ค ๐ค๐ช๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. โ๐๐๐๐ค๐ ๐ค๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐ช๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค. ๐ธ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐๐ค ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ค๐๐ค.
ย
Oh?
ย
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ฃ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
Warriors are paragons of strength and martial prowess. They make for formidable frontline fighters, capable of absorbing significant damage. Ideal for those who enjoy the thrill of battle and a blunt approach to combat. Common first evolutions: Knight, Berserker, Gladiator, Martial Artist.
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: ๐๐๐๐ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
Masters of the arcane, Mages harness the energies of the universe for use in their spells. They specialize in elemental magic, mystic enchantments, and strategic combat, leveraging intellect and magical prowess. Ideal for those who prefer a tactical and versatile approach. Common first evolutions: Elementalist, Sorcerer, Enchanter.
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: โ๐ฃ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
Priests channel divine powers, often focused on healing, protection, and support. They may also wield holy magic against foes. Ideal for those who wish primarily to support their allies, serving as healers and buffers. They fight through divine intervention. Common first evolutions: Paladin, Exorcist, Healer.
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: โ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
Rogues are symbols of cunning, agility, and stealth. They excel in evasion, sneak attacks, and exploiting weaknesses. Ideal for those who favor a stealthy approach, enjoying outwitting opponents and operating from the shadows. Common first evolutions: Assassin, Thief, Shadow-Dancer.
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค: โ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
Rangers are experts in survival, tracking, and ranged combat, skilled in using their environments to their advantage. They work well in solo and party scenarios. Ideal for those who enjoy a blend of stealth, archery, exploration, and tactical combat. Common first evolutions: Beastmaster, Scout, Sniper.
ย
Even the classes were RPG-like. He didn't have to think twice. He always chose the bruisers. Sometimes he liked playing mage too, but there was nothing quite like getting up close and personal with it. Of course, Warrior.
He made the thought form the intent, and the screen faded away. Was it that simple?
โ๐๐๐ค๐ค ๐๐๐๐๐๐! ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ฃ [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
๐๐๐ง๐๐-๐ฆ๐ก ๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ค: ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ช +๐.๐, โ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ +๐.๐, ๐๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ +๐.๐, ๐ป๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ช +๐.๐, ๐๐ก๐๐๐ +๐.๐
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐!
๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ค ๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐ช ๐ (๐ธ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐) [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
โ๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ค.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐!
๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ (โ๐๐ค๐ค๐๐ง๐) [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐]
โ๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ฅ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐!
๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐๐ (โ๐๐ค๐ค๐๐ง๐) [โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐] ๐ -> ๐๐
โ๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐๐.
Apparently so.
๐๐๐๐-๐๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐!
In the top left corner of his vision, a tiny translucent map popped up. He found he could blink it away and summon it again at will. The title read, 'Luminous Forest (F),' and it was split into three regionsโthe 'Emerald Woods,' the 'Crystalback Highlands,' and the 'Grove of Whispers.'
It was simply drawn, dashed with bare lines to mark out basic topography and boundaries. The white dot was him, he assumedโhe was in the 'Emerald Woods.'
Weren't there three bosses? He frowned. What were they, again? He tried remembering, and the box popped back upโ
ย
๐. ๐๐๐๐ช ๐ฅ๐๐ โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐
๐. ๐๐๐๐ช ๐ฅ๐๐ โ๐ฃ๐ช๐ค๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐
๐. ๐๐๐๐ช ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐พ๐ฃ๐ ๐ง๐
ย
Rightโhe thought the regions sounded familiar. The 'Crystalback Behemoth,' whatever it was, had to be in the 'Crystalback Highlands.' The 'Keeper of the Grove,' was in the 'Grove of Whispers.' Which probably left the 'Hobgoblin Chief' where Zane was. He'd just fought a goblin. Made sense.
It seemed he could only make out red dots within a certain radius of him, since the rest of the map was blank. They were moving. RPG logic said they were monsters. But there were yellow dots too, stationary, and those he was less sure ofโsave areas? Traps? Treasure boxes? He was guessing; he'd have to check them out. That, and all the skills he'd just been thrown.
First, though, he still had one free point from that level up. Again, the choice was pretty easy for him; he willed it into strength.
He didn't feel much stronger afterward either; other than a mild tingling, he didn't feel much of anything. On a whim he walked over to the nearest tree, cocked back a fist, and rammed it with a right hook.
His fist went a foot into the bark, and the whole tree wobbled, dirt rucking up at its roots. Pale, crystal blue fruit fell like giant raindrops, splattering against the ground, hissing as if there was acid in them. Zane looked at his fists in consternation. The knuckles were scraped bloody raw.
Either the trees here were made of tissue paper, or...
"Holy shit," he breathed.
ย
***
ย
He wasn't sure when the transition had happened, but he was in. Whatever this was, he went along with it. Some part of him believed.
He set off deeper into the forest at a brisk pace, feeling pumped. By this time of day, he should have been so sleep-deprived he was barely functional, but he felt fresh, like he'd just woken up. His mind knew the fight was over, but his body was still running hot; he was fiending to get his hands on something, to play with his new toys.
On the way, he saw a white-furred mother monkey swinging from branch to branch, cradling a little one. It trailed a light mist as it went.
ย
๐ฝ๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ช (โ๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ฃ๐)
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
ย
It didn't show up on his map.
They blinked at each other; it looked slightly spooked, like it thought Zane might come for it. He supposed he gave off that impressionโhe had strong features, and at rest, his expression was so flat his gaze was more intense than he meant.
"Go on. Shoo," sighed Zane. It went.
He was no bully. He needed a worthy foe, a foe that deserved it. Another of those goblins, maybe, or some other monster. The system had said they were soul-less killing machines, or something, right? At the thoughtโ
ย
๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐! ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐ค ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ก๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ค, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ค. ๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ. ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ค๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ช ๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐ค๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ค, ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ค ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐.
ย
Right. His goblin run-in backed it up well enough. Sure, he'd play pest control.
He made for the nearest red dotsโthere were two of them.
He took in the Forest as he went. Little stone statues of what seemed like gnomes and gargoyles, fuzzed with moss, draped with vines, dotted the land. Their hollow eyes seemed to follow him as he went. He saw butterflies flitting about with wings like tiny mirrors, and vines sneaking around trees that seemed to whisper at him as he passed in some secret language.
The red dots were heading his way, so he crept around to get a closer look. Through a weave of vines and wood, he saw themโthe backs of bobbing green heads. He crept closer, and the rest of them came into view.
ย
๐พ๐ ๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฃ)
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
ย
๐พ๐ ๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฃ)
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
ย
He thought about sneaking up on them, taking them from behind, unawares. But where was the fun in that? He wanted a good fightโhe wanted to see the whites of their eyes, to feel his heart beating so hard it might burst out of his chest. He wanted to feel alive.
So he dashed straight for them.
They whirled almost instantly. Yellow eyes widened. Then they let out shrill, spittle-flecked screeches, and their spears flashed up to greet him.
He ducked.
Then he ripped one of them to the belly, felt the satisfying squelch of knuckles digging deep into flesh, heard its strangled choke. Then the other one tried bringing its spear around to jab at him, but he got in too close. He tackled it, and they went tumbling over, clawing at each other. He ended up on top. Before it could get up, he rammed an elbow up its nose, heard it crunch. There was an awesome force in his hands, in his armsโit felt like he was dropping hammer blows. He slammed another, and another โ
His back erupted in pain. He whirled and saw the other goblin circling. The tip of its spear was coated red.
He was starting to smile.
He picked up the fallen goblin's spear. It fit snug in the palm of his hand, and he tossed it from one hand to another; somehow, he knew just where to grip it to keep it balanced. Armed Combat I, eh?
The goblin launched itself at him. Its spear shot for his throat. But he had the same idea, and his arms were longer.
For a few moments, it gurgled, thrashing; then it went limp. Its body dissolved in a rush of white light, and its essence was released.
Zane turned back to the goblin on the ground. It was groaning, trying to scramble to its feet but couldn't see through all the blood leaking into its eyes. He put it out of its misery.
ย
๐๐๐ง๐๐-๐ฆ๐ก!
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ -> ๐
ย
A flash, and the pain in his back vanished.
His whole body tingled warm, and when he hopped around, he could feel a little extra spring in his step. At this level, it felt like he had a new body every single boost.
It wasn't enough.
He'd won, but he'd barely gotten warm. Coach was always on him about this. Zane cared less about winning than having a good fight. Winning was nice. But to Zane, a good fight was a different way of being alive. Those little moments, those beautiful moments when he was locked in a cage, and pouring out his soul and blood and sweat, pouring out all he had, win or loseโit made real life feel like sleepwalking.
In high school, he'd read a quote that'd stuck with him ever since. It was his favorite quote, from a famous tightrope walkerโ"Life is on the wire, the rest is just waiting."
He was done waiting.
Even now, he could feel himself cooling, could feel the light leaking out of his world. No, no, he needed a hit of the stronger stuff. There was another dot nearbyโa couple of hundred feet out, by the looks of it.
When he got there, he saw this one was no goblin.
It was much bigger, laden with cords of muscle like goblins gone through puberty. Its spear was a grown man's spear. It was at the bottom of a hill, half-hidden in the foliageโit hadn't seen him. But he could make it out just fine.
ย
โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ฃ)
๐ผ๐ค๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ ๐
ย
Five? That gave him a bit of pause. If leveling worked for them like it worked for him, that thing could be a lot stronger than him. He probably shouldn't do this. He should probably run.
One problem. If it was level ten, he would've run. Maybe even eight.
He didn't have a death wishโit was no fun getting mauled. But five was close enough he could just about convince himself he could bridge it. And if he couldn'tโwell, he'd have fun on the way down, wouldn't he?
Why was he so damned excited? He was shaking. It's been so long since he'd had a proper fightโthen that goblin had given him a taste of itโit woke a hunger in him; he needed more.
โฆJesus. He sounded like an addict relapsing.
It did kind of fit him, didn't it? After his knee gave out and he couldn't fight anymore, that huge depressionโฆwere those withdrawal symptoms?
Had he been addicted? It sounded kind of absurd.
He stopped thinking about it. Fuck it. Just this once. If it fucked him up, he'd be good and stick to Monsters his level. Just this once, then he'd stop, he swore itโ
He blinked. He just had a startling realization about himself. "โฆDamn."
Then, shruggingโ"Eh."
He put his unused level-up point into strength. He had a feeling he was about to need it.
Then, grinning, he charged.