Chereads / the world that's a mixture / Chapter 3 - the wonder

Chapter 3 - the wonder

The Essence of Noor:

In this world, Noor is not just an energy source but a vibrant force that courses through the veins, akin to blood. It flows through every part of the body, nourishing the spirit and empowering the soul. Noor's power manifests in a spectrum of colors, each representing a different level of mastery and strength.

Every wielder begins their journey with Noor as a soft light green, a gentle indication of potential. As they grow stronger, the Noor deepens in hue, progressing to green, then dark green. With further development and discipline, the Noor transitions to darker shades of blue, from dark blue to a rich blue, and finally, a light blue, signifying the peak of power that most individuals can attain through natural growth.

Beyond these standard stages lie the rarer, more potent forms of Noor—golden or silver. These extraordinary colors are not merely attained through effort but require special methods, unique to each species. These methods are shrouded in mystery, often guarded as sacred secrets

The most powerful form of Noor ever recorded is pure white—a color that embodies the pinnacle of spiritual and physical mastery, a state that transcends the limits of ordinary beings. Those who possess white Noor are said to have achieved a level of purity and power that can reshape reality itself.

The Personalized Flow of Noor:

In this world, Noor is more than just a universal force; it is a reflection of the individual's essence, deeply intertwined with their nature, heritage, and inner self. As Noor flows through a person's body, it resonates with their deepest traits, desires, and lineage, giving rise to unique powers that are as varied as the beings who wield them.

For mermaids, who are intimately connected with the ocean, Noor aligns with the ebb and flow of the tides. As it courses through their veins, it harmonizes with their aquatic nature, granting them mastery over water in all its forms. They can command the seas, summon waves, and even manipulate the moisture in the air, creating storms or gentle rains. Their Noor glows with the deep blues and greens of the ocean, shimmering like the sunlight on the water's surface, a testament to their dominion over the aquatic realms.

Elves, on the other hand, are creatures of the earth, air, and forest. Their Noor resonates with the elemental forces of nature, granting them powers that echo the primal energies of the world. An elf's Noor might be attuned to the rustling leaves, the shifting winds, or the solid, unyielding earth. As their Noor flows, it draws upon these elemental forces, allowing them to manipulate fire, air, earth, or water with grace and precision. The color of their Noor reflects the element they are most connected to—fiery reds and oranges for those aligned with fire, verdant greens for those linked to the earth, and so on.

Noor is not a static force; it evolves with the person, growing stronger and more refined as they develop their connection to their true self. Each individual's Noor is a mirror of who they are, shaped by their experiences, their environment, and their inner strength. This is why no two beings wield Noor in exactly the same way—their powers are as unique as their souls, a perfect blend of their natural affinities and their personal journey.

Mermaids and elves exemplify how Noor adapts to the individual. For mermaids, Noor's power is fluid, adaptable, and ever-changing, just like the ocean they call home. For elves, Noor is stable, rooted in the natural world, and as enduring as the forests and mountains they protect. In this way, Noor is not just a source of power; it is an intimate part of who they are, an expression of their very being.

For humans, Noor is as natural and essential as breathing. It flows effortlessly through their bodies, integrating seamlessly with their daily lives. Humans may not always be aware of their Noor, but it is always there, quietly supporting their actions and decisions. This subtle connection allows humans to adapt quickly, learn new skills, and push beyond their limits when needed. For humans, Noor is an invisible force, always present, and always ready to be called upon, like a second heartbeat.

Shapeshifters, on the other hand, experience Noor as the very essence of their life. It is intertwined with their ability to change forms, a fundamental part of who they are. For them, Noor is not just a power but a vital force that enables their transformation. As Noor pulses through their bodies, it enables them to shift and mold their physical forms, becoming whatever they need to survive or thrive. The Noor of shapeshifters is dynamic and ever-changing, reflecting their fluid nature and the adaptability that defines their existence.

Ah, yes, the Noor power system. A completely peaceful, totally fair system of...killing things. Turns out, if you want to get more Noor (you know, the stuff that keeps you from being a total weakling), you've got a few options. And by options, I mean morally questionable and/or straight-up violent ways.

Option one: Eat food. "Great!" I thought at first. I can totally get more Noor by munching on some breadsticks, right? WRONG. Sure, food contains Noor—everything does, technically—but it's about as effective as getting buff by staring at a treadmill. The Noor you get from food is like one calorie's worth of power. You'd have to eat an entire buffet to even feel a difference. And, let's be honest, that sounds like a strategy only an all-you-can-eat restaurant owner could love.

Option two: Murder. Yep, we've taken a quick turn into morally gray territory here. Apparently, if you want to seriously level up your Noor game, you can just... kill people. You get a nice, round 45% of their Noor in return. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure there's an entire section of ethics books dedicated to why this is a bad idea. But hey, desperate times, desperate measures, right? Just don't be that guy who shows up to the next village with suspiciously glowing eyes and says, "Oh no, that wasn't me. I totally didn't absorb the local baker's Noor. Nope. Not me."

Option three: The Duel of Noor. Ah, now we're talking. This is where it gets spicy. Instead of sneaking around and picking people off like some Noor-hungry ninja, you challenge them to an honorable duel. Of course, the duel only ends when everyone's dead—except for the last person standing, who absorbs 100% of everyone else's Noor. Basically, the ultimate boss battle, except you're the boss, and all your friends are dead. Still, it's the most efficient way to become the ultimate powerhouse if you're okay with a high body count. Who needs a peaceful retirement, anyway?

Bonus round: There's one more, less violent way to gain Noor. It's like a Noor inheritance program. If someone's about to die and, out of the goodness of their heart, they decide they want you to have their Noor, they can give it to you. But really, how often does that happen? "Hey buddy, I know I'm about to kick the bucket, but before I go, wanna take 100% of my life force?" Yeah, didn't think so. It's the Noor equivalent of being included in someone's will—a nice gesture, but don't count on it too much.

So there you have it. If you ever feel like your Noor meter's running low, just remember: your options are eating way too many sandwiches, committing casual murder, joining a deadly duel, or hoping someone's feeling generous on their deathbed. No big deal, right?

Oh no no

So, here I was thinking I'd been hit with the most tragic "isekai" plot twist ever—reincarnated into another world without powers, without knowledge, and quite frankly, without a single clue about what was going on. No cheat skills, no magic sword, not even the secret recipe for OP strength. Nada. Zilch. I was basically the side character in someone else's novel. You know, the one in the background who doesn't even get a name until book three, and by then they're lucky if they're still alive.

And for days, I was convinced the universe had it out for me. I mean, every other protagonist I've ever read about shows up to their new life with some sick power. Like, "Oh look at me, I can shoot fire out of my hands and talk to dragons." Meanwhile, I'm here struggling to figure out how to tie my boots properly and wondering if "Noor" was a type of fruit or some mystical power everyone else but me got at birth.

But then—plot twist (for real this time)—I actually learned something. Turns out, I've been sitting in the tutorial the whole time! Yeah, laugh it up. While I was busy being the clueless extra character, I was gathering what is basically a PhD-level understanding of the history of this planet. Who needs to be OP when you're practically a walking Wikipedia? I mean, I could be a historian, which is basically the next best thing to a hero, right? Right??

So now that I've binge-watched this whole cosmic Netflix series for days, I've finally caught up with the good part: learning how to unlock even more powerful Noor than the default "Light Blue Noor" everyone and their grandma seems to have. Apparently, there are methods—secret methods—that make you stronger than your average magic-user. It's like finding a hidden level in a game, except you didn't even know you were in a game to begin with.

I thought I was doomed to be the normal guy forever—just a footnote in someone else's epic journey—but hey, turns out I've got a little something up my sleeve after all.

Just when I was on the edge of my seat, ready to finally learn the secret of how to transcend the light blue level, the story was getting good—juicy, even. My mind raced. Was it some mystical incantation? A hidden training method? Perhaps a forbidden snack? The tension was palpable.

And then…

A low drumbeat. Faint at first, like someone tapping impatiently on a desk, but quickly growing louder. Rhythmic. Persistent.

My thoughts slowed, my focus started to slip. No, no, not now! Not when I'm so close!

Suddenly, the world began to tilt. Everything around me swayed like I was on a rickety boat in a storm. My consciousness wavered.

Then—BOOM.

I was out. Unconscious.

Again.

Because apparently, the universe loves a good cliffhanger.