Chereads / Nocturne's Night / Chapter 3 - A Field of Flowers and Skeletons

Chapter 3 - A Field of Flowers and Skeletons

As the goddess prepared me for my departure, she bestowed upon me a knife, its blade forged from the shadows of my past. Each glint of its sinister sheen whispered tales of my former deeds, a haunting echo of the lives I had taken in service to a higher purpose."This blade," the goddess murmured, her voice a solemn melody, "is a testament to your dedication, Yura. Carry it with reverence, for it holds the weight of your past and the promise of your future."The knife felt cold in my hand, the dark metal humming with a faint resonance that seemed to stir something deep within me. It wasn't just a weapon; it was a reminder—an emblem of my sins and a tool for the redemption I sought.As I readied myself for the journey into a new world, the goddess of death cast a spell, enveloping me in a palpable aura of power and chill. Her eyes never left mine, the intensity of her gaze betraying the gravity of the mission she had laid upon me."Do not fear, Yura," the goddess reassured me, her voice a soothing balm against the rising tide of uncertainty. "This spell will protect you on your journey, guiding you through the currents of time and space."I nodded, a sense of calm settling over me as I felt the magic weave around me, binding me to my fate. The air shimmered with unseen forces, the space around me growing dense, as though the very fabric of reality itself were shifting in preparation for my passage.The pressure built, the magic coiling tighter and tighter around me. I could feel the world bending, contorting like a whirlpool of raw energy. "The journey will be treacherous," the goddess warned, her eyes burning with an ancient wisdom. "But you are strong, Yura. Trust in yourself, and you will find your way."With a final nod of determination, I steeled myself for the trials ahead, my heart ablaze with the fire of purpose. Each heartbeat brought me closer to my new destiny, closer to a world where my past and future would collide.The portal opened before me, shimmering with a chaotic brilliance. As I crossed the threshold, I felt the pull of destiny wrap itself around me, like the tendrils of some unseen force guiding me through the void. The air crackled with raw magic, the currents of space and time converging in a dizzying dance as I was hurtled forward.Hurtling through the vortex of reincarnation, the world around me dissolved into a chaotic blur of darkness and whispers. Amidst the tumult, I barely whispered, "Did it work?" Yet, my inquiry was met only with the ominous murmur of the goddess, her voice lingering in my mind: "Beware of the old gods."Suddenly, the swirling chaos gave way, and I found myself standing on the edge of a vast void—a realm of shadows and endless mystery. Without warning, the ground beneath me split, and I was drawn downward, pulled into the depths by an unseen force.Down, down I plummeted, through the boundless darkness, until at last, I came to rest before a weathered skeleton nestled amidst a bed of flowers. Without hesitation, my soul descended into the skeletal remains, a silent echo of my former self seeking refuge in this new vessel.The void stirred, responding to the silent incantation that flowed from my lips. With each word, the air around me hummed with power, and the skeleton began to shift. Bones realigned with a hollow clatter, flesh knit itself together over the brittle frame, and slowly, the features of my familiar visage began to emerge.Yet, the process was not without cost. Agony, sharp and unrelenting, tore through me as flesh and bone rebuilt themselves. My screams ripped through the stillness of the void, a symphony of pain that echoed across the landscape like the wails of the damned.Every nerve was afire with torment, each shift of bone, each stretch of sinew sending fresh waves of excruciating pain coursing through me. It was a trial, a baptism of fire that tested the very limits of my endurance. Yet, even in the depths of agony, I held firm. I clung to the flicker of hope that had brought me here, the knowledge that this pain would be fleeting compared to the purpose that awaited me.And so I endured. My will, unbroken, carried me through the storm of suffering. Slowly, the pain began to recede, replaced by a warmth, a surge of strength and vitality that coursed through my newly-formed body. The transformation reached its end, and I stood—reborn.My breath came in ragged gasps, my consciousness reeling from the ordeal. But beneath the lingering echoes of pain, I felt it—a new power, a new beginning.As I stood, shaking off the last vestiges of torment, a laugh escaped my lips, bitter and sharp. "Fuck," I muttered under my breath, my voice a mixture of disbelief and relief, "I'd never do that again if I had the choice."The air around me was cool and alive with the sounds of this new world—the rustle of leaves in the night breeze, the distant howls of wolves, the chirping of nocturnal creatures. I looked around, a wry smile tugging at the corners of my lips as I took in the unfamiliar yet strangely beautiful surroundings."What a wonderful night to be reborn," I quipped, the sarcasm in my voice masking the awe that simmered beneath. This world, strange and untamed, beckoned me forward. I felt its pulse, its magic thrumming in the air, alive and ancient.I had been given new life, but the weight of the task before me was already pressing down on my shoulders. The goddess's words echoed in my mind: protect this world, destroy those who would bring chaos and despair, even if they were gods themselves.But amidst the beauty of my surroundings, a sense of seriousness crept into my thoughts. My eyes scanned the surrounding forest with the keenness of a hunter, my senses alert for any signs of danger. As I walked deeper into the woods, I couldn't help but marvel at the towering trees that surrounded me. "Damn, how big is this woods? Trees so tall, it's like the Hyperion trees in my old world," I mused, my voice tinged with a hint of awe.Yet, as I continued on my journey, a more pressing concern weighed on my mind. "So, what will I do now? I'm naked as fuck," I grumbled, my brows furrowing in consternation."Well, for now, let's make some primitive pants just to cover my private area," I muttered to myself, my voice carrying a note of determination. With a sense of urgency, I scanned the surrounding foliage, searching for suitable materials to fashion into makeshift clothing.Spotting a patch of sturdy leaves nearby, I set to work, tearing them from their stems with careful precision. With practiced hands, I folded and arranged the leaves into a crude garment, tying them together with lengths of vine to secure them in place.The result was far from elegant, but it served its purpose, providing a modicum of modesty in the wilderness. With my makeshift pants in place, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, the discomfort of my nakedness abated, at least for the time being."Now that's better," I muttered, casting a satisfied glance at my improvised attire. With my dignity restored, I continued on my journey through the forest, my mind buzzing with thoughts of survival and exploration. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I was determined to face them head-on, armed with nothing but my wits and the strength of my spirit.As a week passed by, I found myself becoming more accustomed to my new surroundings. I had scoured the woods for a good amount of time, setting up a temporary campsite amidst the towering trees. As I ventured deeper into the wilderness, I encountered creatures unlike any I had seen before."A rabbit with long ears and orange eyes, much larger than the average rabbit in my old world," I noted, my voice tinged with curiosity. I had managed to catch and kill one, marveling at its agility and the sharpness of its teeth. "Meaty and tastes like rabbit," I mused, finding satisfaction in my successful hunt.Near my campsite, I discovered a river, its clear waters teeming with fishes. I fashioned some net traps and set them in the shallows, eager to take advantage of the abundance of fish. "The fishes are big and small, varying in rarity. Very nice," I remarked, pleased with my newfound source of sustenance.Back at my camp, I constructed a simple wooden hut and fashioned a bed out of branches and leaves. "At least rain won't be a problem," I thought, relieved to have some shelter from the elements.With each passing day, I honed my survival skills, crafting stone weapons and tools to aid me in my exploration of the wilderness. "Hmm, so primitive," I observed, a hint of amusement in my voice. "Good thing I read all those books about surviving in the wilderness," I added, grateful for the knowledge that had prepared me for this new chapter of my life.Hunting again, I encountered a new kind of rabbit—this one was unlike any I had seen before. It was a black rabbit with brown eyes, but much larger, standing about three feet tall on two feet and wielding a club. "It's more like a species of rabbit beastman, like the ones I've seen in video games," I noted, my curiosity piqued.Determined to hunt it, I engaged the creature in a fierce battle. I attempted to lure it into a spiked trap, but the rabbit proved to be intelligent, recognizing the danger and avoiding the trap with ease. "It knows it's being hunted," I realized, impressed by its cunning.With no other options, I resolved to kill it directly. The rabbit displayed incredible agility. Minutes passed as I conserved my energy, waiting for the perfect moment. Finally, with a calculated strike, I managed to kill the creature."It's meatier than the smaller rabbits I've been hunting," I observed as I dissected and butchered it. While examining the carcass, I discovered a stone glimmering with a magical aura.As I touched the stone, a status window appeared before me:YuraClass: Professional Killer

HP: Healthy (HP represents overall health status. Yura is currently in perfect condition.)

MP: 50 (MP or Mana Points represent magical energy. Yura has some latent magical capability.)

Attributes:Vitality: 98 (Determines resilience and overall life force. Yura is physically tough, able to survive fatal injuries with his body's remarkable recovery speed.)Strength: 35 (Determines physical power and melee damage. Yura is strong enough to take on multiple opponents but isn't overwhelmingly powerful compared to others of his skill set.)Endurance: 50 (Measures stamina and ability to withstand physical damage. Yura can endure extended combat or harsh conditions without tiring easily.)Wisdom: 112 (Represents accumulated knowledge and experience, particularly in strategy, tactics, and survival. Yura's wisdom makes him an astute observer and highly aware of his surroundings.)Dexterity: 102 (Affects speed, reflexes, and evasiveness. Yura is exceptionally fast, capable of swift movements in and out of combat.)Intelligence: 61 (Indicates cognitive ability and problem-solving skills. Yura is clever but not overly intellectual, relying on street smarts more than academic prowess.)Luck: 51 (Influences outcomes of uncertain situations. Yura has slightly above-average luck, which helps him in crucial moments, but he can't rely on it consistently.)Insight: 120 (Reflects deep understanding of people, psychology, and the world. Yura can easily read others' emotions and intentions, making him a master manipulator.)Skills: (None)Passive Skills:Assassination - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a master assassin, capable of delivering lethal blows to unaware targets with precision. Bonus: 50% increased damage when attacking from stealth, instant kill chance on critical hits.Stealth Combat - LVL 11Effect: Yura excels at taking out enemies silently and quickly without alerting others. Bonus: +40% damage in stealth, 50% chance to remain undetected after eliminating a target.Presence Concealment - LVL 10Effect: Passively allows Yura to hide his presence from enemies, making him nearly undetectable when sneaking. Bonus: 50% increased stealth duration, 60% harder to detect by normal means.Psychological Manipulation - LVL 6Effect: Yura can subtly manipulate the thoughts and emotions of others to his advantage, whether by persuasion, intimidation, or deceit. Bonus: +20% success chance in negotiations or interrogation, enemies' resistance reduced by 15%.Manipulation - LVL 6Effect: Yura is adept at using charisma, deceit, and coercion to influence others. Bonus: +15% success chance in social encounters, +20% reduced suspicion during interrogations.Counterintelligence - LVL 10Effect: Yura can identify and counter enemy plans, gather intelligence, and neutralize espionage attempts. Bonus: +25% effectiveness in detecting ambushes and traps, immunity to basic interrogation methods.Killing - LVL 15Effect: Yura is a cold, efficient killer with a perfect understanding of the mechanics of death. Bonus: 50% increased critical hit chance, 45% chance to kill instantly when attacking unaware enemies.Close Quarter Combat - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a master of hand-to-hand combat, proficient in disarming, grappling, and striking. Bonus: +30% damage in melee, +20% defense when engaged in close combat.Martial Arts - LVL 10Effect: Yura is skilled in various martial arts techniques, making him a formidable fighter with or without weapons. Bonus: +25% damage reduction in melee combat, +15% to dodge melee attacks.Shooting - LVL 10Effect: Expertise with firearms and ranged weapons allows Yura to hit targets at impressive distances with minimal effort. Bonus: +35% accuracy, 25% increased critical hit chance with ranged weapons.Acrobatics - LVL 9Effect: Yura can perform advanced maneuvers, such as flips, rolls, and leaps, to avoid danger or move quickly. Bonus: +35% evasion chance, +20% jump height.Weakness Detection - LVL 8Effect: Yura can quickly identify an opponent's vulnerabilities, giving him an advantage in combat. Bonus: +25% critical hit chance, ability to ignore 15% of enemy defenses.Throwing - LVL 8Effect: Yura is proficient in throwing weapons, such as knives and shurikens, with deadly accuracy. Bonus: +20% damage to thrown objects, +15% range.Drug Resistance - LVL 8Effect: Yura's body has built an impressive resistance to toxins, narcotics, and hallucinogens. Bonus: 60% reduced duration and effectiveness of drugs, potions, or poisons.Poison Resistance - LVL 8Effect: Yura has been exposed to various poisons over the years, building an immunity to many. Bonus: 55% poison damage reduction, +30% resistance to new toxins.Survival - LVL 9Effect: Yura excels at surviving in harsh environments with minimal resources. Bonus: 30% reduction in hunger and thirst rate, +25% chance to find food and shelter.Gathering - LVL 8Effect: Yura can efficiently collect materials from his surroundings for crafting and survival. Bonus: +25% material yield from resources, 10% chance of gathering rare items.Crafter - LVL 6Effect: Yura possesses a basic understanding of crafting and construction, allowing him to create and repair various items and tools efficiently. Bonus: +15% effectiveness in crafting, 10% chance to enhance the quality of crafted items.Builder - LVL 6Effect: Yura can construct simple shelters, traps, and tools with available materials. Bonus: +20% building speed, structures gain 15% durability.Butchering - LVL 3Effect: Yura is moderately skilled in butchering animals, allowing him to extract meat and materials efficiently. Bonus: +15% chance to obtain rare materials from carcasses.Tactics Perception - LVL 10Effect: Yura can devise highly effective battle strategies, adapting quickly to changing battlefield conditions. Bonus: +40% bonus to coordinated attack damage, 30% reduction in enemy tactics' effectiveness.Combat Perception - LVL 10Effect: Yura has honed his awareness in combat, allowing him to anticipate and react to enemy moves. Bonus: +30% to block and parry success rate, +25% detection range for threats.Tracking - LVL 10Effect: Yura is adept at tracking targets, whether human or beast, in any environment. Bonus: +30% tracking speed, +20% chance to uncover hidden tracks or clues.Hunting - LVL 10Effect: Yura is a seasoned hunter, able to track, capture, and kill game with ease. Bonus: 35% increased chance to gather valuable resources from animals, 25% faster kill time when hunting.As I continued to familiarize myself with my new surroundings, I decided to check if I have a subspace inventory. With a swipe of my hand while thinking about a window of inventory, a translucent window appeared before me, but it was empty. The only items I had were the Crude Leaf Pants I was wearing and the Shadowblade Knife I had sheathed at my side.Inventory:(Empty)I took a moment to consider the implications. "Is this the maximum?" I wondered aloud, observing the empty grid of slots in the interface. I could hold a total of 24 items, yet my inventory remained vacant."This system is just like those RPG games I used to play," I mused, chuckling softly. "A limited inventory and all. I guess I'll need to be strategic about what I carry."The inventory felt both familiar and novel. I'd need to manage my items carefully, balancing between necessities and potential treasures. "Seems like I'll need to keep an eye on what I pick up," I thought. "No point in hoarding items that don't serve a purpose."Reflecting on my previous life, I observed, "Well, I guess my past skills have turned into these abilities and passives." A wry smile tugged at my lips. The status window confirmed what I had suspected: my previous life as a professional killer had endowed me with a unique set of skills, now formalized into a system that governed my new existence."I guess my status window only appears if I pour mana into it. Well, let's explore magic later," I decided, dismissing the window with a wave of my hand and resuming my exploration of the wilderness.With a newfound awareness of my limitations and potential, I ventured deeper into the forest, ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.