BLAIR | Chapters. 1 to 3 (Patreon)

A/N: These are the first 3 chapters of the new fiction I mentioned!

Chapter. 1: Vestiges Of a Race

The Deep Dark has fallen.

The wood creaked as the string tensed, the arrow was pulled as far as it could go. My hands slowly stopped shaking as I took a deep breath and zoomed into my prey.

The war ended.

I let go of the arrow, the tensile strength from the string silently snapped; all the built-up tension sent it flying in an instant burst of energy. It zipped past the trees and foliage, the wind caused it to wobble midair as it hit the animal’s fur with a dull sound. A yelp of pain came from the small critter, falling to its side shortly thereafter.

The elves emerged victorious; the dark elves of the Deep Dark are no more.

I shook my head and perched the bow behind my back, my fingers had stopped aching from the bowstring after the callus built up from hunting and food scavenging. I placed my hand on the white tree bark, its surface staining the palm of my hand with its pale dust. I ignored it and dropped down from the tree branch I was sitting on.

The white grass and damp dirt cushioned my fall as I landed on my legs, the shock traveled through my bones with a dull pain that quickly subsided. I dusted my hands off, trying to get rid of the white dust, a constant reminder of the things that happened. A sigh left me as I waddled through the tall grass, eventually reaching the prey I had just hunted. I reached my hand and grabbed it by its tails.

A small critter, I never knew what they were called but their beady eyes, sharp ears, and quick reflexes always made them a pain to catch. The most defining features were two bushy tails and its orange fur that was currently pale like snow. As I took in a breath, a cough caught in my throat from the ashen dust.

The once dark and rich forest had been painted white, the remains of the Deep Dark forever staining the surroundings of what was once my home. Perhaps it was time to… leave this place? I asked myself before turning around and heading back to my makeshift hideout. In spite of the constant white and lack of greenery, the sun shone just as brilliantly as it did that day.

I retreaded my steps with a slight buzz in my ears. It felt as if it was yesterday when the war horns went off and the forest was set ablaze. It lasted for a while, but thankfully just yesterday the ash had finally stopped raining. Things were… looking up. Life was about silver-linings, as they said.

As I passed by the thick plants that were covered in ash, I couldn’t help but take a look around. Parts of the forest were still thick and full of life, though a large chunk of it was stained white. What remained of the wildlife were the small animals I killed with my bow for food, though…

I looked at my meal for today as it lifelessly dangled from my hand.

They weren’t native to the Deep Dark. Most of the local wildlife was in the form of plants that no longer existed ⁠— erased by the fires. The little animal species that once inhabited here migrated as soon as the fires of war occurred, probably scared of what had happened. Perhaps war cries had an effect too. It was a very loud day, though I didn’t know exactly what caused it.

After a few minutes of pondering over trivial things, I finally arrived at my destination; in an ashen field of dirt and white, a tree stump stood charred but sturdy. It was tall in comparison to the other trees that had been burnt, its carved out windows hadn’t lost shape and its door was still serviceable, even if it was slightly burnt.

I tried to get as much ash off from me as I could before entering my home. Cleaning the inside was quite troublesome, but having a clean bed and utilities was worth it, anything to distract my mind from the burden. The insides were neat, clean table and kitchen, relatively clean floor and somewhat clean wardrobe. I placed my bow and its quiver next to the door and the animal I had caught on the kitchen table for preparation.

I yanked the arrow out and grabbed a nearby knife, carefully running its edge through its fur, just like my parents had taught me. Just like my mother had carefully told me to… I bit my lip as I sliced the animal’s skin off, the leftover ash and blood staining my hands. The sight of the two materials pulled my heart-strings.

Slowly detach and divide. Just like they… I sniffled as tears built up in my eyes, unable to keep cutting the animal.

“Mother, father… I miss you…” I croaked, as I looked through one of the windows. The once boisterous village was nothing but an ashen land. “They killed everyone…” The village chief, the drunk uncles… It was all gone.

Us, Dark elves were supposedly going against the will of nature; with our rather “aggressive” instinctual nature and the fact that we tended to favor and breed exotic plants. That was their excuse, though. If I was asked who was the one going against the greater will, it was definitely the elves. All of them.

I stared at the table for what felt like an eternity reminiscing of what was once my home. There was only one feeling that I had leftover from the entire thing. Bitterness. I wanted revenge and yet… I was just a single Dark elf. Possibly the last one alive. All I had was a single bow I could salvage from the fire and some arrows. I wasn’t a warrior, I never fought anything I… In the end I couldn’t even help in the war.

I looked at my hands that were riddled with calluses and slight cuts. I had to learn how to survive. The first days alone were a struggle, and yet. I wanted revenge? Against a whole race? It was impossible. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth, all I had to do was stay alive. Stay alive for the sake of my parents, for the sake of my race. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes wide in an attempt to stop the tears from flowing.

[Initiation Complete.]

My thoughts were interrupted by a voice, its source unknown, and along with it came light. A white light; illuminating my entire home simply through the window. It was blinding and all-powerful.

I blinked, expecting to see an ashen landscape devoid of life, but all I could see was the light. What? I took a few more blinks before realizing that it was completely futile, and shortly after I went outside to see what was the cause of the phenomenon. The door opened with a creak, and in the distant horizon there it was.

A bright pillar of light, tall enough to reach the sky and beyond it. The clouds split from its might and the forest trembled subtly, the birds flew high and the animals shrieked. I felt as if I was watching the whole world be in pain or protest against it. Had the elves enraged the World Tree? I felt slight hope amidst the nonsense. They had used fire against nature, breaking one of the golden rules. If it was the anger of the World Tree, the anger of nature itself, perhaps⁠…

The pillar of light began to expand as it swallowed trees and animals, the earth rumbled with much more strength than before. And that’s when it clicked for me. It was coming closer. My heart skipped a beat as I went inside, grabbed my bow and quiver, knife and tool belt before breaking into a sprint. The sounds grew louder by the second, and for the second time in my life I wished I had been born a warrior, for I knew the light would reach me sooner than later.

A village maiden, that’s who I was⁠— My leather boot slipped on the ashen ground, I landed on my butt, and the light reached me. My whole vision became nothing but a white expanse as I flinched expecting danger, but no pain came. Instead a voice resounded everywhere and nowhere at the same time, it was uncaring and unfeeling, no difference in its cadence. It simply informed.

[Your world: Foresia has reached Equilibrium at the same time as four other worlds. Requirements for a ‘Great Equilibrium’ event have been met. May the strongest world conquer the new lands or may all of them reach an Equilibrium.]

[Remember, this is a golden opportunity. A Great Equilibrium is an opportunity to ascend your world.]

My mind paused as I tried to make sense of what the voice had just said, but it was interrupted⁠ once again.

[Class F World: Earth has been chosen as the base world]

[Class E World: Foresia has been grafted to Earth]

[Class F World: Loa has been grafted…

[Class E World: Ragna…

The voice listed four worlds. Was this⁠— The voice of the World Tree? Above the World Tree, something… higher. God? I had no idea, once again; the voice resumed.

[Foresia: Total Races 31…

…

It began to list the races of the planet as well as the different types of elves, though it seemed to skip some plants that I was aware of and certain insects. I waited with bated breath and when it came to my race I felt confused.

Deep Dark Elves total: 0

I protested upon hearing the voice. I was alive. But my words went nowhere, and my movements didn’t do anything. The voice continued listing races for a few seconds before it stopped once again.

[A new Class D world is being created: Estimated time: 7D]

When the voice finished, I felt my legs touch the ground, its damp softness familiar to me. I had to open my eyes once again only to be greeted by a great expanse of green forest. But before I could make sense of anything that was happening the voice resounded, this time in my head accompanied by the dialogue in written form.

[You’re classified as an Invader representing the world of Foresia, as an invader of a new land you must claim territory and turn it into part of your world. Cooperation between those of the same world is highly-advised.

While this new world forms and undergoes Voting Interference, a skirmish space mimicking the environment will be generated for the denizens of the worlds. Advantages acquired during this period are permanent.

May fate choose your planet as the victor or may Equilibrium be reached.]

A myriad of strange screeches from animals I had never heard before entered my ears. Within my vision that was still enveloped in white, at the very top in contrasting words I managed to read something.

[Incubation Period: 6 days 23 hours 59 minutes]

Time was counting down. I was an invader, in the words of God. My mind tried to make different conjectures but everything arrived at the same thing. I wasn’t a warrior, and I didn’t have the strength to do anything or even seek revenge. There was only one thing I had to do in this… The only thing I could do in this foreign place was…

Survive.

But if things were different. I grit my teeth hearing the distant cries of beasts. Then…

I would make them pay the price for taking everything away from me. The white faded, I felt the damp grass beneath my feet as an expansive sea of trees filled my vision. Part of me didn’t want to believe what was happening, but for some strange reason I was compelled to believe in what the words of God were saying. I gripped my bow and quiver. For now it was time to survive.

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Chapter. 2: Everwood Moose
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The words of God still lingered in my mind like an imprint, I was able to bring them up at the forefront of my attention at any given moment. It was a strange feeling. The time that was counting down still remained within my vision, it seemed like it was not going to go away any time soon. I took a deep breath to try to understand my situation, once again taking in my surroundings.

Grass that reached up to my ankle was ever present, and upon further observation I was standing on a small clearing in the forest, which wasn’t great. The moonlight shone down upon me, as a myriad of stars twinkled overhead; though in spite of it being night time the forest brimmed with life.

I gripped my bow and lunged the quiver over my shoulder, the dozens of wooden arrows rattling as they hit each other. Though the normally pleasant sound was a grim reminder to the fact that I would not be able to scavenge for more arrows ⁠— a full quiver was all I had. My heart raced ever so slightly taking in fresh air and the sounds of the forest. Everything was new, but just a single look at the timer in my vision told me everything.

I had to keep moving. I was standing on a clearing exposed to the elements. With that in mind I slowly walked through the grass to the nearest tree, there was concern and mild fear of the unknown going through my mind, but I never stopped moving. Eventually I reached the tree and slowly climbed atop of it. Its rough bark held a sense of familiarity for me, though in comparison to the trees I was familiar with, its bark was considerably more humid.

The climb was hard, the diameter of the tree was about three times thicker than what I was used to. Thankfully its rough texture allowed me to still make my way to the lowest branch. Though even the lowest branch was about 20 meters high. It offered no vantage points considering every single tree was about the same height, but I was at least hidden away ⁠— away from the potential dangers of the forest. Possibly away. There always existed the possibility of a hostile animal whose habitat was the branches and tree crowns, which I hoped wasn’t the case.

Time passed as I debated on whether to stay on guard or try to sleep. I couldn’t decide on either. Sleeping would allow me to adhere to my natural cycle, and staying on guard prevented danger. I was too inexperienced to make a choice, and the worst part had to be the fact that I simply didn’t understand what was actually happening. I recalled the words in my head, instantly they came to life in my mind.

I read the first paragraph, which already caused slight trouble.

[You’re classified as an Invader representing the world of Foresia, as an invader of a new land you must claim territory and turn it into part of your world. Cooperation between those of the same world is highly-advised.]

Did the first paragraph mean that as an invader every other elf was also an ally? That sounded troublesome. What would happen if I attacked an ally? Betrayal? I didn’t particularly understand the meaning of cooperation in this context, perhaps it was superficial, but perhaps there was also a type of punishment. There also existed the worry of everything being real, but I shoved that to the back of my mind, the words of God were enough for now.

I looked at the second paragraph next.

[While this new world forms and undergoes Voting Interference, a skirmish space mimicking the environment will be generated for the denizens of the worlds. Advantages acquired during this period are permanent.]

I didn’t know what ‘Voting Interference’ meant, but I understood the rest for the most part. If I got it right, the space I was currently in; the forest and animal sounds I was hearing ⁠— they were all part of the mimicked environment. Which also meant that the new world was going to be much the same. If I familiarized myself with this… I looked around. Skirmish space, then surviving once the incubation period is over will be much easier.

Though there was more information in the paragraph. I didn’t understand what it meant by advantages; what sort of advantage could I obtain? Permanent advantage sounded great, but I still didn’t understand how I could acquire it.

Though⁠— part of me felt it was pointless to ponder about such things. I simply had to survive. I couldn’t really take revenge aside from getting stronger and maybe kill a few elves. Though I barely knew how to hunt animals, let alone killing other people. And yet I wanted revenge, but I understood that it was nigh impossible.

I closed my eyes and read the final sentence.

[May fate choose your planet as the victor or may Equilibrium be reached.]

Part of it said that only one planet could win, and the other one just spoke of an equilibrium; needless to say I also did not understand what it meant for the most part.

A sigh left me, my situation was truly messy. But… Wouldn’t others be in the same situation? The elves? I smiled to myself knowing that they had about the same amount of knowledge as I did.

A distant rustling sound entered my ears eliciting a twitch from them. My attention was drawn back to reality as I looked into the far distance to the other side of the clearing. Even though the wind was blowing, the rustling was uneven and not natural. There was something there. I grabbed my bow and nocked an arrow; ready to be fired. I tentatively held onto the string with bated breath as I awaited.

Seconds passed, and soon I caught a glimpse of something, it was dark and imposing, standing at a ridiculous height. It stood at about one fourth of the distance in between the lowest branch and the ground. 5 meters? My mind tried to not believe it, but it marched forth with its four legs ever so slowly.

Its legs were ghastly like sticks, brown covered in fur. It moved forth as I got to see more of its body; a trunk of a torso with dangling fat that reminded me of the biggest predators I had ever seen. Two horns that were reminiscent of a crown of the forest perched atop its head, and its face was elongated, its snout rounded with a pair of beady soulless eyes.

What kind of animal was that? My mind couldn’t comprehend how a beast so big could walk like that. How much did it weigh? It eventually reached farther into the clearing, at about the halfway point the moonlight shone directly on it⁠— there was blood. I drew a sharp breath as I saw flesh dangling down its elongated horns, the blood seemed to be mostly fresh. Had it⁠— Impaled or killed something?

I felt my heartbeat quicken, but attempted to calm myself down with the fact that it hadn’t seen me yet. As long as I stayed on the branch it would ignore me and pass⁠— The animal was looking at me, it simply stared as I stopped breathing. If I didn’t move⁠— The animal charged forth, the flesh dangling still present as if it was glued onto its horns. In no less than a few seconds it crashed against the tree.

The greenery heavily rustled, and I felt the branch I was standing on wobble ever so slightly. I drew the arrow back in a hurry, and aimed at its eyes hoping that the arrow would have enough strength to go right through its skull. I tensed the bow with all the strength I could muster, the animal drew back and hit the tree once again causing me to panic. I let go of the arrow prematurely, hitting the top of its snout instead. It deeply embedded itself into what I assumed was its nose.

The animal bellowed in pain as I nocked another arrow. My fingers trembled. I am safe. It cannot reach me. I convinced myself of something I believed to be the truth. I fired another arrow, this time aiming at its torso. The arrow went deep as another pained yelp came from it.

The animal kept smashing onto the tree with futile strength, it was a far cry compared to the initial charge. The arrows kept piling onto its torso. As the blood kept oozing out I felt myself growing much more relaxed. I was safe on the tree branch. Part of me started hoping the animal would just leave as the arrows dwindled from my quiver. But alas, it seemed to be bent on attacking me.

To make it worse it felt as if it had an inexhaustible supply of blood. I aimed another arrow, this time trying to smash through its eye. As I lined up the shot something strange happened. The animal that had been mindlessly ramming into the tree stopped and simply walked back, it stared at me with its dead-cold eyes. And I saw a blue glint of intelligence, or so I believed. Instead, it exhaled a pale blue mist through its snout. A blue hue began to run through its entire body as its veins were lit like bioluminescent plants.

I let go of the arrow, but the animal charged once again. This time it raised its hind legs and hopped. The light coalesced at the base of its forelegs and they landed on air. The light leaked to make an effervescent platform of immaterial blue mist. It hopped again, and again directly charging towards me.

My mind went blank for a second. It was an accursed magical animal, one of legends that I had only ever heard during my childhood. I awoke from my stupor as the animal loomed closer and managed to jump out of the way, further away from the trunk of the tree. The animal crashed against the branch, a flare of unbelievable pain shot through my sides as its horn tore a large gash through my clothes.

The branch collapsed and I dropped onto the ground. I barely managed to land on my legs as pain shot through my bones. I gasped for air before remembering the situation I was in. I was going to die. I looked at the flying animal as it flew through the air and spun to face me once again. I was going to die. My mind panicked, but at that moment, as it charged towards me in a nose-dive I remembered my family and those I missed. I remembered revenge, and I remembered that I had to survive.

I rolled out of the way with my bow and quiver, half of the leftover arrows spilling out in the process. The animal crashed against the damp ground, sliding through the dirt and grass for a few meters before finally stopping. As it stood up, the light coursing through its body slowly dimmed before finally vanishing. It couldn’t fly anymore?

The animal once again stared at me with its dark-abyssal eyes, and as if nothing had ever happened. It charged towards me. I nocked an arrow and aimed in its direction before letting it go. The string flickered as the arrow was pushed forth, it flew before making contact⁠ right through its eye at an odd angle.

The animal wobbled and tripped before landing in front of me. I had to run away now⁠— contrary to my thoughts I let go of the bow and gripped onto one of the daggers I had brought with me. I jumped onto its hulking body, quickly realizing that while laying down it was just as tall as me. My hands moved on its own as the knife plunged into its neck and pulled, its flesh rending as it began to bellow in pain.

The animal shook me off and rose, the knife stayed embedded inside its neck. It stared at me once again, its body and grass was covered in blood. I felt a shiver run down my spine. At that moment I also felt a sudden warmth on my torso. I was bleeding⁠— right I had been injured by its horn. The adrenaline rush had somewhat gone down. The animal stared at me for a few moments before getting ready to charge once again.

I took deep shallow breaths and tried to think of a solution. The arrows in my quiver rattled. I still had my bow. The grass was completely razed from where my bow was, the only thing leftover was dirt. The problem was the bow was in between me and the animal. I took a deep breath as a plan formed in my head.

It was crazy. But it might just work. I tentatively slid my boot through the dirt, feeling the lack of grip. It might just work. I chanted in my head as the animal inched closer. I felt warmth in my head during those brief moments. The animal charged and I ran towards it, it flicked its head to impale me with its horns, and at that moment I slid diagonally from it.

Its horn passed through my left arm, pain shot through me. I felt the sudden warmth that I identified as bleeding run down through it. But I didn’t flinch as I grabbed my bow and nocked an arrow. I aimed, feeling the exacerbating pain go through my arm from putting strength through the injuries. The animal spun, and at that moment I felt as if all the noise and wind was blocked. I took a deep breath and shot as the animal began to charge once again.

The arrow flew, drawing an almost impossible trajectory as it hit its other eye. The animal yelped in pain but this time around continued its charge, this time with much more rage than ever before. I jumped out of the way, my feet slipped from the lack of grip and the animal passed, stepping on one of my legs before crashing onto a tree.

I could hardly breathe anymore as I felt the blood run down through my body. I looked at the animal that tried to turn around, but its legs wobbled. And finally⁠— it collapsed.

I survived. I wanted to laugh, but the relief was overwhelming. I had survived. I laid on the ground basking on the warmth and the tremble of my overexerted muscles.

[You have killed: (E) Everwood Moose. Lvl 5.]

The voice returned.

[Level up: You have achieved level 1.]

Level up?

[Level up: You have achieved level 2.]

[Congratulations Initiator! By reaching level ‘2’ you are entitled to a ‘Medium’ Guided Tour of The System. Would you like to start? Yes or no. Skipping this opportunity means forfeiting it forever.]

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Chapter. 3: Glim
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[Congratulations Initiator! By reaching level ‘2’ you are entitled to a ‘Medium’ Guided Tour of The System. Would you like to start? Yes or no. Skipping this opportunity means forfeiting it forever.]

I laid on my back staring at the floating words in front of me. Even though they were hard to read I clearly understood what they meant. The levels and the congratulations message seemed to remain in my mind. Once again I could recall what they said with perfect memory, just like the very first words from God⁠— The System. At least it had called itself that. All of the words of the thing I believed to be God, were words of The System; something whose power surpassed The World Tree.

I sighed, feeling the warmth of my blood running through my arm, and side. My leg stung but it wasn’t broken⁠, at least it didn’t feel broken. Sadly, I couldn’t really check, feeling too drained from the battle. In the end all I could do was acknowledge the words. A guided tour? I needed guidance. It sounded silly to say no to it, but perhaps there was someone out there that would.

I thought for a few seconds, and remembered something that The System had mentioned.

[Remember, this is a golden opportunity. A Great Equilibrium is an opportunity to ascend your world.]

I didn’t know what it meant. But the things that were happening were classified as an opportunity it seemed. Well no use in thinking about it. I shook my head and opened my mouth.

“I accept the guided tour.” My voice came out coarse and I felt pain at the back of my throat.

I began to cough. The blood kept flowing out of my body, I was beginning to feel weakness. The… moose had seriously hurt me. It seemed to be a type of moose, but I had no idea what Everwood meant. Perhaps it was a region of a different world. Magic Beasts did not exist in Foresia, or at least I had never seen one. Magic was rare, and we only had one shaman in the entire village. And yet a Lvl 5 moose could use it. I was Lvl 2 now after killing it. Did that mean I would be able to fly when the number reached 5? Were all moose capable of doing that?

[You have accepted ‘Medium’ Guided Tour.]

[A SGA will be with you shortly…]

SGA? I idly pondered as I closed my eyes, feeling the relaxation take over me. I was seriously tired, in retrospect I did not even understand how I had survived. I was accustomed to jumping down from trees, though the fall this time around was much more unexpected and much higher than normal.

At the same time I felt lucky that I had nailed the shots with the bow. I was taught how to use a bow but never really practiced until things happened. I shook my head, erasing the dark thoughts. I opened my eyes and stared at the stars. At that moment particles that shone under the moonlight started to gather around. They were eye-catching enough to make me focus on them. A few seconds passed as many more gathered, and soon they started to spin. They brought themselves closer to each other, until finally they coalesced into a small light. It was a small ball of light that was as big as my fist.

Magic? I thought with confusion. Magic seemed to be awfully common. Would surviving be harder? Though… Had I always been this capable? It didn’t settle on me that the Everwood Moose that I killed was much stronger than any animal I had seen. I was bleeding but⁠— I had survived and moreover. I didn’t run away.

I didn’t run away. Memories flooded over me. That day was weird, my parents behaved oddly and urged me to gather a specific type of plant. And before I knew it, ash had started to rain. They wanted me to survive, but⁠ I wanted to help. I returned and all I could do was quiver in fear from a distant bush. In the end⁠, I ran.

[Hey.]

A distinct voice reached my mind, it was sweet and melodious but I couldn’t tell if it was male or female. I opened my eyes but only saw the ball of light floating around me, nothing else.

[Hey!]

The ball of light moved up and down calling my attention. What?

[Finally you look at me!]

The ball of light could speak? Moreover it featured the same type of qualities as The System. Mostly resounding inside my head. Was this the SGA? I still did not understand what it meant, but a speaking ball of light was new to me. The ball floated around me, I couldn’t tell what it was doing, but I didn’t move from my spot. Too hurt and tired to do anything but lay down.

[Hmm… Explanations may have to wait. It seems to me that you’re an archer, yes?]

The ball of light asked, SGA, it sounded relatively troubled. But it simply floated in its spot, I guess it was waiting for me to agree with its conjecture. I nodded in confirmation, hoping I would not need to speak. If I spoke again there was a good chance I would start to cough once more from how dry my throat felt.

[Great! As an Initiator and Invader you’re entitled to a Basic Kit. You will be provided the Archery Basic Kit. Which includes a brand new bow made out of an unspecified alloy, a quiver with thirty arrows, a hunting knife, and three health potions! Would you like to receive the Archery Basic Kit?]

[As your assistant I should inform you that failing to consume a health potion in your state will kill you in⁠—] it paused. [32 minutes, 5 seconds!]

Huh… I looked at it in bewilderment before nodding. It could tell when I would die just like that?

[I shall acknowledge your nod as agreement.]

The ball of light bobbed up and down somewhat excitedly. But then something strange occurred. It began to glow in a much more brilliant light, it was so blinding that I had to close my eyes.

[Tada!] The ball exclaimed, making me open my eyes.

Three objects floated in front of the ball. One was a bow of strange shape, it reminded me of a ‘w’ rather than a curve. With its wings bent ever so slightly from the handle while going forth and then dramatically curving back like a normal bow to accomodate for the string. The other one was a quiver made out of what seemed leather with metal. And the last one was a belt with a knife whose sheath dangled along its sides, accompanied by three tube-like vials that possessed metal caps, filled with a transparent red liquid.

[Do you accept potion administration from System Generated Assistant?]

I didn’t know what that meant, but considering how tired I felt I simply nodded once again.

[Great!] The ball of light chirped.

The quiver and bow floated down and laid next to me. The belt also lowered and one of the vials came out. I assumed it was the potion, so I simply waited. I had no idea what a potion was, but I could hardly move and the ball did not seem hostile, nor did The System ⁠— in spite of being responsible of my current situation ⁠— I decided to trust them. That was until the ball of light spoke.

[Based on⁠: 8,281,939,123 reports, this process is quite torturous. I am required to inform you to brace yourself.]

The ball spoke with all the happiness in the world, but its words carried a completely different meaning. Wait⁠— The potion’s cap was removed in the air. I had no idea what made the items float but considering there was an animal that could walk on air, this much was expected, at the same time it was the least of my worries. I felt my lips tingle before an invisible force spread them apart, and the vial was shoved at ludicrous speeds down my throat. The liquid rapidly flowed down as I felt like throwing up, I could not even taste it.

The one-second torture didn’t last, and the vial was removed and the force disappeared along with it. I started to cough from gag reflex and my stomach pushed forth, but nothing happened. I closed my eyes hoping the feeling would stop, but it did not. It was a dry unpleasant sensation as my chest began to contract in an attempt to throw whatever was inside of me. This continued for a few seconds before it stopped, my throat ached like never before, but there was also a new feeling.

It was mildly cold but gentle, it was akin to the first touch of lukewarm water. It washed over my entire body and soon reached my pained throat. In an instant I felt as if I was well-hydrated and the pains subsided. The feeling spread to my legs and arms eventually going to my head. It carried a soothing quality to it.

I didn’t know how long had passed, but I felt at ease. I was still tired but the tingles of pain had vanished, and the warmth on the bleeding parts of my body had mostly subsided.

[Based on your experience, what would you rate the automatic potion administration system as?]

The words brought me back to reality, I opened my eyes to see the ball bobbing up and down.

“Awful,” I said, no longer feeling pain in my throat. “Why must it be shoved down one’s throat, and forcefully to top it off?”

[Your feedback has been received. The potion must be shoved to avoid the user throwing them up, and the potion cannot be administered properly should the Initiated refuse, hence forceful administration.] The ball spoke as if it was natural.

A sigh left me. It was part of The System, perhaps that explained its odd behavior.

[Your injuries are slowly being healed, even though they have been closed please avoid overexertion.]

I looked at the bobbing light ball. It was definitely weird. It seemed to have a personality but at times it had that⁠— way of speaking? I was unsure what to call it, but it sounded exactly like The System to me.

[Now that you are outside of danger, allow me to introduce myself. I am a System Generated Assistant, you can always ask me which number I am but I highly advise against doing so. It’s a large number.]

I nodded in acknowledgement as I tried to sit upright. The ball ⁠— System Generated Assistant ⁠— continued as I did that.

[Even if the number is large, please know that only those Initiators with Medium graded tours or higher may get a System Generated Assistant. Now I know you want to ask what’s the highest rank as everyone does. The highest rank is Premium! So you have: Basic, Medium and Premium tours! My personality is based on the template: Cheerful and Endearingly Annoying Assistant. Please know that this template cannot be changed for those in the Medium Grade Tours!]

At this point I had finally finished sitting in a somewhat straight manner, and was observing the gigantic corpse of the Everwood Moose.

“Aha.”

I acknowledged the ball that continued to talk. Truth be told I mostly filtered all of its information, a lot of it seemed rather useless to me. It was basically an assistant provided by The System, and it was a perk provided for having a Medium tour instead of a Basic one, at the same time it was no use knowing what a Premium tour offered since I couldn’t obtain it. It also happened to mention something else in the meantime. Something about its origins not being an original feature, but it also said that the reason why the feature now existed was classified. I did not think much of it.

So that left me with its name. Ball of light, SGA, Ball, or System Generated Assistant.

“I’ll call you⁠—” I pondered unable to come up with names.

[Would you like a list of the most common names given to SGAs?]

“Sure.” I agreed not knowing what to expect.

[Names are generally decided close to the end of the Tour. The most common names across the universe are: Assistant, Slave, Pixie, Shut-up⁠—]

“Alright stop.” it seemed like the ball of light was not popular amongst those who had it. “I’ll call you Glim.” The ball began to rapidly move up and down as if it was feeling something.

[I cannot object, but please understand that I am a bright ball of light. Glim generally means unbright. Please reconsider.]

“No.” I shook my head.

Glim bobbed up and down, its previous momentum gone. [I will now answer to Glim, would you like to receive the Medium Grade Basic System knowledge in one go?]

I pondered feeling slight impending doom. I looked at the ball but it kept floating up and down, it seemed to be in its formal mode. At the same time I needed to understand what The System was much better.

“I will receive it in one go.”

Those were my last words before a stream of information forcefully flooded my head, the pain was so unbearable that I lost consciousness. The only reassurance I got were the words of Glim as I was passing out.

[Please do not worry, I have confirmed you are safe right here where you are!]

It was… not very reassuring. If I had learnt anything so far was to never agree to Glim's questions.

◇ ◇ ◇

I awoke as the sun was rising. Glim was still floating by my side. It took me a few minutes to gain a sense of what was actually happening, as well as a few more minutes to sort the information. It was truly a new world, everything was real. The moose, the light… It took me some time to calm down, the small doubts of my situation vanishing in an instant. There were things such as levels and things that were called attributes or stats. But there was a problem, and it was neither of those things. The problem came from my status.

Name: Blair | Level: 2

Race: ??? (E-Grade)

Feats: NaN

Basic skills: Universal Understanding (NaN),

Universal Inquiry (NaN)

Free attribute points: 4

VIG: 17 | END: 32 |

STR: 20 | AGI: 36 |

PER: 31 | WIS: 12 |

Attunements: Dark plants (I)

Prime Currency: 100

Why was my race ???. I frowned. I was a Dark Elf, a Deep Dark Elf, as The System had called us. I was not three-question-marks. That wasn’t even a race. It simply didn’t make sense. My race was E-grade, which was a surprise. Since they went from F-grade all the way to A-grade. E-grade coming after F-grade, and after E-grade came D-grade. But I could not think for longer as a notification came, interrupting me from my thoughts.

[Feat Achieved ⁠— Lone Survivor ⁠— You are the last member of your race. You’re unique. As the last survivor you work better alone. +10% to all attributes while alone.

It is said that only one Laxon remains to this day. A race that predates The Beginning.]

That did not help even in the slightest. I sighed, having the realization that I was alone for good. But I did find solace in the fact that the Feat I had achieved seemed to refer to my situation as well, even if it was a bit far fetched. Perhaps. The Deep Dark Elves no longer existed. Did that mean The System no longer classified me in said race? I did not know. The information that Glim had given me was basic even if it was Medium Grade. Even if it was a headache to process.

I stared at Glim, it floated silently as if nothing was happening. Perhaps it could answer a few questions for me.