The steady rhythm of raindrops against the windowpane provided a rhythmic backdrop as I lay in bed, struggling to make sense of the vivid dream that had intruded upon my sleep. The world outside seemed distant and irrelevant compared to the storm of images and sensations that had overwhelmed me. I blinked awake, the remnants of the dream still swirling in my mind like fog.
I sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes and trying to shake off the lingering sense of wonder and confusion. The dreamscape had been mesmerizing, a vast, radiant void illuminated by the artifact. It felt as though the artifact was communicating directly with me, its power mingling with my own. It had felt like a mere spectator in the face of such overwhelming force.
The room around me seemed so ordinary in comparison. Walls lined with bookshelves and posters of fantastical landscapes were the only hints of adventure in my otherwise mundane life. The artifact lay on my desk, a battered relic of an adventure I had barely begun to understand.
I glanced at the artifact, which looked just as I had found it—worn and cracked, devoid of the divine glow it had in my dream. Yet, a part of me felt that it was somehow different, almost as if it carried a lingering warmth. I approached the desk and reached out to touch it, feeling a peculiar sensation—an echo of the dream's power, a faint resonance that was hard to describe.
I couldn't shake the feeling that the artifact was more than it appeared. The dream had been so vivid, so real. The artifact had been a beacon of light and power, a stark contrast to its current state. What did it all mean? Was the dream merely a manifestation of my subconscious, or was it a premonition of something to come?
My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden shift in my surroundings. A strange, flickering screen appeared before my eyes, filled with notifications and status updates. My heart raced as I tried to process the information. The words seemed tailored just for me, visible only from my perspective.
The screen displayed a new status update:
[SYSTEM INTERFACE INITIATED]
[Welcome, Kael. You have acquired the Artifact of Aeons.]
[Current Status]
[
Name: Kael
Title: None
Age: 8
Strength: 5
Mana: 95
INT: 25
STA: 15
AGI: 20
SP: 0
SC: 0
Mastery: None
Skills:
Mindscape (Low): Allows creation of an infinite knowledge library within the mind.
Chaos Energy: 0%
]
I gaped at the screen, trying to process the information. My stats were modest, reflecting my young age and lack of formal training. Yet, my mana was exceptionally high. It was clear that this was a source of great potential. The Mindscape skill was intriguing—a powerful ability that promised to grant access to an infinite library of knowledge.
[New Skill Acquired: Mindscape]
[Mindscape: Description: Mindscape is a powerful skill that allows the user to create an infinite knowledge library within their mind. This skill provides access to vast amounts of information, aiding in the acquisition and retention of knowledge. Rank: Low Mastery: None]
The screen flickered, and new notifications appeared:
[Notification: New Skill Acquired – Mindscape]
[Notification: Skill Rank – Low]
[Notification: No Mastery Yet]
I tried to make sense of the information, but the unfamiliar interface was overwhelming. The concept of an infinite knowledge library was both exciting and daunting. How was I supposed to access this library? How did I even begin to explore the potential of such a skill?
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Kael, you up?" Alaric's voice called from the other side.
"Yeah, just a moment," I replied, trying to hide my surprise and confusion. I took a deep breath and tried to push aside the remnants of the dream and the strange interface.
Alaric walked into the room, his usual carefree grin plastered on his face. He glanced around, then his eyes fell on the artifact lying on my desk. "Still obsessing over that old thing, huh?"
"Kind of hard not to," I said, attempting to sound casual. "I had this weird dream last night. The artifact was... different."
Alaric raised an eyebrow. "Different how? Was it glowing or something?"
"Yeah, actually. It was radiant and whole," I said, trying to describe the experience. "It seemed like it was part of something much bigger."
Alaric shrugged, his expression shifting to one of playful skepticism. "Sounds like a dream. They can be pretty weird. Besides, what's up with that screen you're staring at?"
I blinked and looked at the screen again, but it was gone. "Oh, it's nothing. Just a weird dream, I guess."
Alaric's curiosity was piqued. "A weird dream that leaves you staring at nothing? Must be a pretty interesting one."
"Yeah," I said, trying to brush it off. "It was just... strange. And the artifact seemed different in the dream."
Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "Well, whatever it was, it looks like you're up and ready to face the day. What's the plan?"
I sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "I'm not sure. I just have a feeling that there's something more to this artifact. I'm trying to figure out what it all means."
Alaric looked intrigued. "Well, if anyone can figure it out, it's you. Just don't get too wrapped up in it. Sometimes, the best way to understand things is to take it one step at a time."
"Thanks, Alaric," I said, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I'll keep that in mind."
As Alaric and I chatted about mundane things—school, upcoming events, and our usual banter—I couldn't help but steal glances at the artifact. The sense of mystery surrounding it was palpable. It felt like a puzzle I was meant to solve, a challenge that would lead to something greater.
When Alaric eventually left, I returned to my desk, where the artifact sat, seemingly unchanged. The storm outside had lessened to a steady drizzle, and the room was filled with a soft, gray light. I reached out and gently picked up the artifact, examining it closely. The cracks in its surface seemed almost like a map, leading to the unknown.
I was still trying to absorb the significance of the dream and the system notifications when the screen reappeared briefly. New notifications flashed before my eyes:
[SYSTEM NOTE: Skill level starts from Low, Mid, High, Advanced, Expert.]
[SYSTEM NOTE: Mastery is categorized from Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert.]
I read through the messages, feeling a sense of determination. It seemed that the artifact was not just a relic, but a gateway to something much more profound. The Mindscape skill was just the beginning, and I needed to learn how to master it.
I decided to take a closer look at the artifact. The strange sensation I had felt before was still present, and I wondered if it had any connection to the skill I had acquired. I held the artifact up to the light, examining the intricate patterns etched into its surface. The markings were worn and faded, but they seemed to hold a certain symmetry—a pattern that resonated with the sense of the dream.
I sat down at my desk, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The artifact and the dream had set me on a path, and I was determined to follow it. The Mindscape skill promised to be a powerful tool, but I needed to understand how to use it effectively.
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft chime, signaling a new development. I glanced at the screen as it flickered back into view:
[Notification: New Skill – Barrier Acquired]
[Barrier Skill: Use to protect or rebound attacks. Can be enhanced with Chaos Energy.]
[Mission: Master the Barrier Skill]
[Reward: 300 SC, Barrier Mastery]
"300 SC?" I questioned aloud, scratching my head. "What's SC? Some kind of currency?"
I clicked on the notification, and a new screen appeared with additional information:
[SC (System Coins): System Coins are a form of currency within the system. They can be used to trade for various items, skills, or enhancements. Currently, your access level to the system is limited, restricting the types of trades and purchases you can make.]
"So, it's like a form of currency for trading," I mused, trying to digest the information. "But I don't have full access yet. That means I can't use them for much right now."
The idea of System Coins was both fascinating and frustrating. On one hand, they represented potential resources and opportunities, but on the other, my current level of access meant I couldn't yet fully explore their uses.
I turned my attention back to the barrier skill and the mission to master it. The reward of 300 SC was tempting, but the real challenge lay in understanding and mastering the skill itself.
"This could be the start of something big," I thought, a sense of determination settling over me. "If I can master the Barrier skill, it might give me the edge I need. And maybe, eventually, I'll figure out how to make full use of these System Coins."
I frowned, trying to make sense of the new information. The Barrier skill seemed like a defensive ability, but the mention of Chaos Energy intrigued me. Could it be connected to the dream and the artifact in some way?
I turned my attention back to the artifact, wondering if there was a connection between it and the new skills I had acquired. The dream had been so vivid, and now it seemed like the artifact was guiding me towards mastering new abilities.
As I contemplated the next steps, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. I realized that my journey had only just begun, and I was eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the artifact and the skills it had granted me.
The rain outside had stopped, and the room was bathed in a soft, gray light. I took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. The artifact and the Mindscape skill were just the beginning. There were mysteries to unravel, challenges to face, and adventures that I have to embark upon. 'The artifact was more than just a relic, it was a key to unlocking something far greater.'
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Hi Guys!
Thank you for reading my new original novel! I'm excited to share this unique story with you. Your support means everything as I bring this world to life. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I have enjoyed creating it!
- Nomage