[Boundless: Allows for seamless movement between one point and another]
'I wonder if it's similar to that movement technique… It should be useful as a means of escape or if possible… A finishing blow'
A sense of relief washed over me as I read the description. Naturally, I had to test the skill to be certain, however, it felt as though I found my saving grace that would allow more leeway to choose my first emulated ability. With that being said, when thinking about it more deeply, it left me with a burning question.
'How did I acquire this skill?'
I decided to ask the Elf creating water butterflies as though she was bored.
"How do we acquire skills?"
"Don't just smile at me, please answer the question"
"Skills can be purchased with Integration points, or IP for short" she said.
I checked the screen where it displayed my Integration points.
It made sense that I did not possess any IP, however...
'Who the hell starts at level zero?'
As far as I was aware, regardless of whether it was a video game, or a story involving the use of a system to level up, the character always starts at level one.
'Then again, the number represents my level of influence over the world, and seeing as I only synchronised recently, it makes sense to be level zero. Still... it sucks'
I decided not to dwell on it.
"How do we obtain IP?"
"The Integration System serves to reward hard work and dedication, specifically, work related to aiding the residents of the world" she explained.
"Aiding the residents of the world… I thought that Explorers should not interfere"
"Interference that could lead to ruin, and providing aid to the world and it's residents are completely different" she said.
"Right…"
"So essentially, we'll receive quests or objectives to help people around the world, gain IP and level up, correct?"
"Not exactly" she replied.
"Helping people is admirable, but aid comes in many forms" she said,
"By interacting with the world and providing aid, you will have the opportunity gain Integration points. In turn, these points may be used to purchase a variety of things within the Integration system" she explained.
'A variety of things... So, not limited to skills and abilities then'
"When you say a variety of things, you mean items and weapons right?"
"Just remember to spend IP wisely, the Integration System is not that generous"
'I guess that's a yes with a word of caution... That brings me to my next question'
"How is it possible for me to have an acquired skill and trait without purchasing it through the system?"
"Your synchronisation was a special case" she said.
"Meaning?"
She smiled, which only meant one thing.
I sighed.
"What about the quests or aid that you mentioned, how does that work exactly?"
She got to her feet and approached me.
"Integration points are allocated and awarded for completing tasks originating from this world, or those created by the Integration System. Although, those are harder to complete" she said.
'Yeah, system specific quests, usually have excellent rewards if you're able to complete them'
"Mikhail, this is of the utmost importance" she said.
The tone in her voice brought my thoughts back into focus.
"Always keep the world's story in mind when interacting with this world. Never interfere too much of your own accord, as far as you can help it" she explained.
'Why is she saying that all of a sudden?'
Confused would be an understatement. From the beginning until that very moment, we had not discussed the world's story or how it even worked.
In all honesty, I half expected the anime opening to play in the morning and the ending at the…end of the day. Well, something like that.
As idiotic as that sounds, it could very well happen. After all, that's what happens when you watch anime right?
And to be fair, the only frame of reference I had that could remotely relate to my current circumstances, were stories where the protagonist is transported into their own story or the story becomes reality.
But those are all tied to the real world…a different realm.
Basically, I had no idea what to expect.
How would my interactions with the main cast affect the world and the story? There were too many variables regarding the story, and way too many things to learn and worry about.
I sighed.
"Should I avoid important characters all together?"
She shook her head.
"That might be unavoidable, depending on what the Integration System requires of you" she replied.
"Requires of me?"
'What an odd thing to say'
She bit her lip then placed her hands on my cheeks.
"Just remember that you are a Explorer" she said.
'She's not going to answer me, is she?'
"Can you tell me about the world's story then?"
"Before that, you should become accustomed to using Synchronised Explorer Vision" she said.
'Right, I forgot about that'
I had my suspicions, but asked for the sake of formality.
"Synchronised Explorer Vision?"
She nodded.
"It allows you to identify things related to the world and the story" she said.
'Yeah, anime eyes'
"What exactly can I see with SEV?"
"SEV, will improve as your influence level rises. At a certain level, it will tell you any and everything that you may want to know about this world" she said.
"Anything?"
"If your level is high enough" she replied.
"How do I activate it?"
"Recall a world that you have observed in the past, using that as a reference say...observe"
I fought the urge to remark on the word use.
I focused on an anime that I recently watched then said
"Observe"
A radar-like scan enveloped everything in sight. Suddenly, it felt as though the world around me glitched, albeit for a moment.
I looked around and saw nothing, well rather, nothing new. Except for a ton of question marks floating above everything.
I turned to Sheahran.
[???]
My eyes felt as though they were on fire.
"What the hell is this?"
"Why are they burning?"
'Is she doing it to me again?'
"Oh, my apologies. I should have warned you not to look at me" she said placing her hand over my eyes.
A cool, refreshing sensation coated my eyes, providing immediate relief.
"It stopped"
She removed her hand.
"This is becoming a habit"
"Forgive me" she said.
"I'm beginning to wonder about your tastes and preferences…"
"..."
"...Its fine"
"How do I turn it off?"
"Pardon?" she asked.
"SEV"
"Oh, right. It will deactivate if your eyes are closed for more than ten seconds" she replied.
'Is she messing with me again?'
'8…9…10'
I opened my eyes to a gorgeous sullen face.
No question marks.
I looked around, the lake and the surrounding area returned to normal, well, you know what I mean.
"What was that?"
She sighed.
"To put it simply, your level is too low" she replied.
"I see. Will that happen every time?"
I didn't want my eyes fried each time I encountered something that my SEV was under levelled for.
She shook her head.
"This was an exception; the question marks alone would indicate whether you are at an appropriate level" she replied.
"That's a relief. I really –"
-RUMBLE
Suddenly the lake shook, no, it felt as though everything around us trembled.
-RUMBLE -RUMBLE
The tremors became more violent as the seconds ticked by. Deep cracks emerged on the side of the cliff.
Fortunately, the lake's surface remained still despite the grand vibrations.
'Did she freeze the water?'
"What's happening?"
Sheahran grasped my hands.
"We do not have much time left; I wanted to tell you so much more" she said with a pained expression.
-RUMBLE -RUMBLE -RUMBLE
The lake's surface began to crack in various places.
Large chunks of rock broke off the cliff face and fell onto the lake, further deepening the cracks.
"Mikhail, do your best to provide aid to this world. Do not stray from your ultimate wish" she said, forcing a smile.
My eyes widened.
"Why are you giving me these farewell lines?"
She chuckled.
The ground behind me split apart, creating a large gaping wound in the lake.
She placed her hands on my face, turning me towards her.
"You will do well. I have faith in you" she said.
I knew what was coming, it was blatantly obvious. I knew, but I couldn't move a muscle to fight it.
'Charm?'
Everything happened so fast I barely had time to think.
She came closer then whispered in my ear.
"Survive, Mikhail"
'Let me speak dammit!'
My thoughts stopped with a gentle kiss on my cheek.
Before I could process the pleasant sensation, she pushed me over the edge.
'WAIT! SHEAHRAN!!!'
I fell, however, didn't hit the water. As though the lake never existed, I continued falling through an unknown space.
-RUMBLE -RUMBLE -RUMBLE
-BOOOOM!!
A deafening quake, louder than anything I'd heard before shook my brain. A deep disgusting pressure descended, filling my entire being with despair.
Sheahran's beautiful smiling face faded to black before all feeling left my body.