> Welcome, Luner Veritas.
> Active Assistant: Intel [Subconscious ]
> Avatar Set: Anthro Tuxedo
> Options: Create | Destroy | Modify | Change Avatar
> Skills: Basic Waterbending | Space Pocket
◇ ◇ ◇
The soft light of Kaishi filled the space with a tranquility that bordered on the sacred. It was a kind of serenity that seemed to grow with me, as if the space itself were learning to breathe in time with me. Until recently, I had barely known who I was—and now, this silent place, shaped by the folds of my consciousness, was taking on ever clearer contours. A refuge. A starting point. A name: Kaishi .
Sitting on the porch of the house, my feet stretched out and my tail gently thumping against the stone floor warmed by the light, I played with a piece of wood. I ran my sharp claws over the smooth surface, scratching random patterns into the bark. They never dulled—which, let's face it, was incredibly useful. I always thought retractable claws would be handy in real life…especially for opening packages.
Beside me, Intel lounged on a dark fabric lounger, arms crossed behind his head, sunglasses he clearly didn't need covering his eyes. He had gotten used to the idea of doing nothing too quickly. Lately we'd just been existing—him, enjoying his manufactured lazy routine; me, vacillating between reading, reflecting, and daydreaming about the Kaishi sky .
I let out a soft sigh, stopping my scratching at the wood. I stood for a moment staring at the accidental designs—almost runes, almost symbols. With a single thought, the piece of wood crumbled into particles and disappeared.
— You know... — I murmured, looking at the endless horizon — I think I want to start living for real.
Intel turned his head slowly, arching an eyebrow behind his glasses, as if he didn't know whether he was surprised or just curious.
>— Living, huh? And what do you think is missing?
— The part where I stop just thinking, mentally preparing myself... and start acting. Exploring. Feeling things with my body and not just my mind. Learning from the world, from others. Going out there like a real person — or at least trying to.
He took off his glasses with a theatrical gesture, revealing a look that mixed skepticism, interest and that touch of veiled affection that only he knew how to demonstrate.
>— Are you finally tired of reading about magic and philosophizing about the nature of existence?
— A little — he smiled. — I still like it. But... I want more. I want experiences. I want movement. I want to see with my own eyes what is out there — in other worlds.
Intel stretched out like a lazy cat and out of nowhere pulled out a coconut with a straw—literally, since I'm pretty sure he didn't have one a second ago—and took a leisurely sip.
>— Do you have a world in mind?
Kaishi sky , which at that moment had hues of amethyst and jade, and let out a small, nostalgic smile.
— Maybe... one I created myself.
He stopped drinking. He looked at me, now with genuine interest.
>— Created?
— Yes. When I was on Earth, I used to make up stories. Worlds, characters, crazy ideas. Some of them would live in my head for months. Others would become short stories, poems... even some attempts at games. None of them very good, I guess. But they were... something. A piece of me. A reflection, maybe. — I looked back at him. — Would it be possible to visit one of those?
Intel looked up, visibly surprised. But then he nodded, as if the answer was simpler than it seemed.
>— Theoretically, yes. If you've invested enough mental energy into shaping these worlds, there's a chance they exist on some level. Perhaps incomplete, perhaps adrift ... but accessible. Especially now.
— And can you take me there?
>— I can. But remember: just because it came from you doesn't mean it will be safer.
— I didn't expect it to be.
Silence fell between us for a few moments. The light breeze from Kaishi swayed the curtains on the balcony, and the distant sound of running water—somewhere—filled the background with serenity.
—But... before I start something like that, I want to prepare myself more. Acquire some new skills. Just a few more, at least.
Intel let out a theatrical sigh, tilting his head to the side with a lazy smile.
>— Of course you do. Paranoia and anxiety are your specialties. But I admit — a little preparation never hurt anyone.
— Funny.
>— Do you want help with that?
— Of course I will. But this time, I want to choose calmly. Something that really complements what I already have. Nothing on impulse.
Intel nodded with an elegant gesture, raising his hand. The interface appeared before me, a living tapestry of gold and violet hues, gently rippling through the air.
>— So let's get started. Welcome to your first real preparation as an interplanar traveler .
— Let's see where this takes me.
>— So, what kind of ability do you want? The strength of a thousand men? The power to kill someone with streaks of bad luck?
— What? No, no. Nothing like that... — I frowned, almost laughing. — I don't think I'll need that much. And, by the way, weren't you the one who said that the worlds have limits to what I can do in them?
>— Look at that, how smart. I'm glad you pay attention every now and then.
I rolled my eyes, but smiled.
—I was thinking about getting some more... practical things. Considering the world I want to visit, I think a good command of magic would be nice.
>— Hmm ... magic... — he put a finger to his chin, posing as a cartoonish sage. — It could work, yes. But what kind of magic, exactly?
— I thought of something like the system in those old games... *FF*, you know? They always seemed convenient to me. Simple to use. And still cool. But I don't think we need all of them, just a few essential ones.
>— JRPG magic, then? Interesting. Practical, modular, and with potential for evolution. — Intel raised an eyebrow. — And honestly, it's a lot more fun than reciting Latin incantations with a staff in hand.
- I also think.
>— Okay, choice approved.
Intel's figure began to slowly dissolve, fragmenting into golden particles.
>— Get ready.
The system interface appeared before me with a soft, mechanical sound, filling the air with an almost tactile vibration.
> Start jump? Destination: FFII.
Ah. That's the one he picked? Not bad. The screen pulsed in front of me. I took a deep breath, my chest vibrating with good anticipation.
- Yes.
The leap began. The transition took a little longer than I expected. Not that there was any time there, exactly—just a thick, liquid sensation of displacement. As if my consciousness were slipping through the folds of some cosmic fabric until it found the right space.
When I opened my eyes, the light of the new world flooded into my vision. It was… bright. Bright. But not in an aggressive way. The sky above was a clear blue, with lazy white clouds drifting in the distance. The air was pure, fresh, almost sharp in its sharpness. And the smell… there was the smell of wet grass, of salt from the distant sea, of leaves warmed by the sun.
Beneath my feet, a verdant plain stretched out in every direction—alive, undulating, with the breeze making the tall grass dance. In the distance, some dark spots indicated dense and mysterious forests, and further ahead, almost at the limit of my vision, there was a vast and sparkling body of water: the sea. Its gentle waves broke on a strip of clear sand, distant but still visible.
And there, on the horizon, slightly to the left, lay a city. It wasn't huge, but it filled its space well. Small, fortified, but with a welcoming atmosphere. The stone and wood buildings were grouped together as if seeking comfort from one another, and in the center rose what appeared to be a small tower or cathedral. I knew where I was.
— Altaer ... — I muttered.
The name came to me as if it had been breathed into my mind by someone invisible. I recognized the place, even though I had never seen it like this, with my eyes open and my body present. The city that, in the world of FFII, serves as the base for the Wild Rose resistance. A refuge. A beginning. Finn, the capital, had been taken by the Paramecian Empire , and Altaer ... Altaer was the flame that still burned.
It was strange to realize how real it felt. The wind had temperature. The light had weight. My body responded to the ground, to the movement, to the sound of the birds and the rustling of the leaves. It wasn't a game. It wasn't a shallow simulation. It was a world with its own rules, and now, I was a part of it.
I looked down at my hands—still clawed, still furred black and white. The body I had chosen was still with me, and it was responding well to the new reality. No discomfort, no resistance. Just... adaptation. Natural.
There, faced with that vastness, that promise of adventure, of learning — I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. Impulse.
—Alright, then... where do I start?
I had barely taken my third step towards Altaer when the familiar system screen appeared before me, hovering in the air with that soft, unassuming glow.
> Be a player. Unlike the original game, here you don't have initial money to buy magic tomes. You must hunt monsters and collect money. Good luck :).
I had barely taken my third step towards Altaer when the familiar system screen appeared before me, hovering in the air with that soft, unassuming glow.
I blinked. Once. Twice.
— You're kidding me...
The screen didn't respond—it just dissolved into thin air, as if leaving me with that indigestible reality to digest on my own. I stood there, still for a few seconds, absorbing the idea. Hunting. Monsters. With what? With the claws of my irony?
I shook my head, trying to ignore the sudden chill that ran down my spine. I drew my daggers. At least they were with me—sharp, light, familiar. The blade had a slight sheen to it, catching the sunlight. Good grip. Well-balanced weight. But that didn't change the fact that… I'd never really fought. Fighting instinct, maybe. But hunting?
I sighed, scanning the landscape with my eyes. The plain seemed too peaceful now. Tense, even. Like a painting about to be ripped apart by something lurking just outside the frame. Every bush became a potential threat. Every shadow beneath the trees a hiding place.
"Intel, are you listening to this?" I muttered, even though I knew he was probably just watching from afar, amused.
Nothing. Just the sound of the grass rustling in the breeze and a few birds calling to each other high in the trees.
I gripped the hilts of my daggers tighter and began walking slowly, my eyes alert, my heart racing slightly. If monsters really did appear... well, I would have to deal with it. Or die trying. Literally.
— Okay. Hunt monsters. Earn money. Buy magic. Like a normal RPG, but with real consequences. — I took a deep breath. — That's great.
My steps were cautious, calculated, but something made me stop. A soundless whisper. A shiver on the back of my neck. An instinct that wasn't mine—it was from the body I had created. My ears twitched involuntarily. The short hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I turned my face, slowly, as if any sudden movement would be enough to upset the balance of the world.
They were there. Two hunched beings, short in stature and awkwardly proportioned, were slinking through the undergrowth. Their skin was grayish-green, their eyes too small for their oversized faces, their teeth protruding. They were dressed in rags of old cloth and armed with small pieces of rusty metal that they dared to call knives.
— What... are these things?
But I already knew. The memory came unbidden, as if something inside me recognized it. Goblins . Of course. I should have expected that. They were one of the first enemies in the game. But in person... they're uglier than I imagined.
It didn't feel like playing a game. It wasn't a battle token, a strategic turn, a statistic to manipulate. It was real. I could smell them from a distance—a rancid, earthy smell mixed with sweat and something that reminded me of poorly preserved meat.
And I was alone. My breathing quickened. My hands gripped the daggers tighter.
>— Hey. Luner. Breathe. You can do it.
Intel's voice came through the system, calm, as if he were watching everything from an observation booth.
>— They are not strong. Goblins are weak, unstable. Just don't panic. He lets his instincts do the work.
Unstable or not... it was still two against one. And I had no visible HP bar to tell me how close to death I was.
The goblins noticed my presence, and their little eyes shone with wild excitement. One of them growled, slamming his blade against a rock as if in an intimidation ritual. The other bent over more, ready to jump.
Facing the two of them together might not be the best idea. I backed away. One step. Then another. My gaze never left theirs. And as I expected—or perhaps hoped—they followed me. A little uncoordinated, one more Agyl than the other. In a few moments, a goblin with a red scarf advanced a little ahead of his companion.
That was it. The space I needed. Suddenly, I stopped. I spun around, pushing my legs against the ground and moving forward. I felt adrenaline burn in my veins. The world seemed to slow down for a second.
The goblin barely had time to react. I leapt with precision, guided by something beyond reason. My daggers sliced through the air with a soft sound. The first struck the exposed neck—a clean, sure, deep blow. The second blow, in quick succession, slammed into the creature's bony chest. A gurgling groan escaped the crooked mouth, and the body lost its strength. It fell like a poorly stitched doll, limp in the grass.
Gasping, I looked down at my hands. Blood dripped down the blades. Hot. Thick. Real.
— I... killed him.
> — Yes. And you did well. — Intel replied, with an almost ironic calm. — And fast. Those daggers you chose are not only pretty. I think I put a lot of effort into them.
My eyes shot up. The second goblin was still running. More angry than scared. And I didn't intend to be caught off guard.
The second goblin didn't hesitate. He screamed—or maybe he hissed—as he ran toward me, his weapon raised, his short feet sinking into the grass with each step. My muscles were still tense from the first charge, the blood boiling in my ears, the metallic smell still strong in my nostrils.
But now I knew. I knew they were real. That they could hurt me. And that I could kill them. I waited for the right moment.
He leapt to strike me with the dirty blade. I dodged to the side, feeling the edge of the weapon scrape against the leather of my cloak. I turned with the movement of my body, swinging the daggers like extensions of my arms.
A sideways blow. The first went through the goblin 's shoulder . He screamed. The second went straight through the base of his skull.
Silence.
The body fell with a muffled thud, sprawling on the damp grass. My arms trembled slightly, and I took a step back, gasping for breath, my claws still dripping blood.
That wasn't a lucky break. It was a reflex. A choice. A murder. Even if on the other side was a monster, a creature programmed to attack—it was a life.
— Ugh ...
I leaned over, resting my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath. My breath came quickly, shakily. My chest rose and fell in short waves.
>— Not bad. — Intel's voice appeared again in the system, lightly. — You'll get used to it.
— I don't know if I want to get used to it...
I looked down, staring at the two bodies on the ground. But to my surprise, they began to change.
First came the edges. The outline of the flesh crinkled like burnt paper. Then came the glow. A faint gold, like enchanted dust, enveloped the remains and slowly consumed them. The skin, the bones, even the blood that stained the grass—all were blown away into fine particles, carried away by the wind.
Where they had been, small objects shone on the ground. Coins. Silver, rounded, slightly worn.
- There is ...
I bent down and picked up the coins. They were just the right weight, just the right sound as they jingled between my fingers. Gyl . Universal currency in the FF series worlds.
— At least... I don't have to dissect anyone to earn a few bucks.
> Congratulations! You have successfully eliminated two [ Goblins ] and obtained 54 Gyl . Total remaining to acquire [Magic Tomes]: 796 Gyl .
— Seriously...? — I sighed, throwing my head back. — This is going to take a while.
— Maybe. But it will make for good stories.
I rolled up my sleeves and put the coins into my dimensional pocket. A faint glow signaled that they had been successfully stored. Then, another window appeared.
> Based on data obtained in combat, your stats have been slightly improved. Physical attributes and reflexes have been adjusted. [Affinity with Slashing Weapons] has increased by 0.4%.
— Huh ... That's new.
>— It's just the beginning — Intel said, in a mysterious tone. — Every experience you live here will shape your form. Body, mind and... who knows, even your soul.
I looked at the still slightly tarnished daggers, then at the horizon. There were more monsters out there. More coins to earn. More things to understand.
— Then let's continue.
◇ ◇ ◇
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, tinting the sky with shades of amber, pink, and violet. The shadows of the trees were lengthening, and the breeze across the plains was growing colder, thicker. After hours of tracking, fighting, and killing creatures— goblins , vicious plants, and even a variant of goblin that gave me more trouble—I finally collapsed onto my back in the tall grass, arms outstretched, chest rising and falling like a bellows.
The sky above me was vast and clear. No clouds. No threats. Just vastness.
Sweat ran down the sides of my face, and my body still vibrated with the residual tension of battle.
>— It was a good day's work. — Intel said, his voice appearing in the corner of my consciousness. — Do you want to continue... or would you rather rest?
"Rest, of course," I muttered, still lying down, staring at the sky. "I'm... exhausted."
>— Hm. Your new body has great resistance. But you're not used to it yet.
I sighed. My body could handle it. My legs would still respond if I commanded them to. But my mind... was full. Saturated. The initial excitement had given way to a sweet tiredness, the kind that comes after a long, productive day.
Still… I'd enjoyed it. A little. The excitement, the strategy, the discovery. It felt weird to call it fun, but there was a part of me that smiled inside—glad to finally be moving.
> Starting return to Kaishi ...
The grass beneath my body seemed to dissolve. A slight dizziness pulled at me, as if the reality around me were made of veils being drawn back. The change was immediate.
The orange sky gave way to the deep twilight of Kaishi , dotted with stars that seemed to shine closer to the skin.
I felt the tension in my muscles ease instantly. As if that space knew I needed relief.
- That is good.
I was back on the porch of the house, but I didn't stay there. I still felt sweaty, with dust in my fur, dried blood on my hands. There was a slight discomfort in my body, and I didn't want to lie down like that in a perfect bed.
My steps were slow, into the house, and from there to the large bathroom on the second floor. The mirror stared back at me with tired but lively eyes. My reflection—my new reflection—had a proud set to its shoulders.
The water fell hot on my skin, spreading steam throughout the room. I stayed there for long minutes, washing each part, letting the heat purify me. The drops ran through my hair, washing away the dirt, the tiredness... and some of the weight. I closed my eyes.
I relived the battles. The sounds. The smell. The tension of each step and the relief of each victory. It was all new. It was all so real.
Stepping out of the shower, I wrapped a towel around my waist and walked into one of the bedrooms in the house. The floor was warm beneath my feet, the soft lights hanging from the ceiling casting golden glows on the furniture.
I opened the door. The room was simple and serene. A large bed, soft dark sheets, and a window open to the starry sky. I lay down without saying a word. The mattress seemed to mold itself to the exact shape of my body. I pulled the covers over my shoulders and turned on my side, watching the faint glow of the night.
>— You know you don't need to sleep in Kaishi , right? — Intel commented lightly, perhaps already expecting the answer.
— I know ... but I want to.
And before he could say anything else, my eyes closed.
◇ ◇ ◇
Two days had passed since I had begun hunting monsters in the outskirts of Altaer . At first, each encounter had been a small terror. But now… now my movements were more steady, more natural. My body—this agile, feline body—responded fluidly to combat. The daggers that had once seemed merely dangerous now felt like an extension of my arms.
With a quick twist, I dodged a clumsy attack from a lone goblin , then drove one of my blades into its side. The impact sent the creature stumbling backward, letting out a final grunt before it dissolved into magic dust. The remaining metal coin clinked as it fell to the grass.
The system window appeared as soon as I bent down to pick it up:
> The minimum amount of Gyl required has been reached. You have 862 Gyl .
— Ah, finally. — I sighed, wiping a drop of sweat from my forehead. — I thought this would take longer...
I paused for a second, taking in the peaceful clearing around me. The sky was clear, the sound of magical cicadas beginning to fill the evening air. I allowed myself a brief smile.
— By the way, what about the other statistics I got here?
The answer came next:
> [Affinity with slashing weapons] has reached 24.2%.
— Not bad... — I murmured , holding one of the daggers up to the light and seeing the edge of the blade gleam. — Well, I'm glad I can finally finish this now.
I put away the daggers and started walking towards the road that led to Altaer . The city was just ahead, visible between the soft contours of the vegetation—its stone towers and red roofs looked almost peaceful in the distance . It was then that Intel's voice came again, sounding casual, but with a hint of urgency:
>— Just a moment. I think you'd better put your hood on. It might be a little... suspicious going in there looking like that.
I looked down at my hands covered in dark fur, fingers armed with claws. My tail swung slowly behind me, and my feline ears twitched instinctively at the sound of a bird nearby. Indeed… perhaps it was not the most common sight for the inhabitants of a medieval-fantasy world.
— Fair enough. — With a quick gesture, I pulled the hood of my cloak up to cover my head. — Best to avoid questions.
And with light but determined steps, I headed towards the walls of Altaer . The dirt path gradually widened until it became a street of pale, worn stone. The simple walls of Altaer soon loomed before me—not as imposing as Finn's, but still firm, solid, as if they had seen many winters. Interestingly, there were no guards or soldiers guarding the entrance. Just a wide-open wooden gate, as if the city had forgotten to fear anything.
I stepped inside. The layout of the city was exactly as I remembered it from the game—only now… I was inside. The pixels had turned to stone, wood, shadows, and sounds. The central square was surrounded by small, sturdy houses made of pale stone with sloping red tile roofs. Simple gardens grew between the blocks, with herbs and flowers that gave off a faint scent of mint and damp earth. A stone fountain gushed a steady trickle of water in the center of the square, and the sound was incredibly real, soothing.
The inn was the first building on the left, its wooden sign swaying slightly in the wind. Across from it was the armor shop, with sets of breastplates displayed on iron stands, all reflecting the late afternoon light. Next door, the weapons shop displayed gleaming blades and spears with menacing tips, neatly arranged on shelves inside the window.
There weren't many inhabitants in sight—just the occasional passerby with a tired expression, as if the city was bearing the weight of hard times. Altaer was still the makeshift base of the rebellion. And you could feel it in the air—the silence, the tension, the retreat.
I followed a small stone path further south of the city center, where vegetation was beginning to reclaim the space between the buildings. There, half-hidden under the shade of a large tree, was the magic tome shop.
The door was dark wood, with a rough carving of runes that seemed more decorative than functional. I pushed carefully. The wood creaked—a louder sound than I expected—and I found myself in a cozy, yet somewhat somber, environment.
The shop was small, lit only by magical lamps suspended in midair, each emitting a silent green flame. Shelves lined every wall, crammed with hardback books, rolled parchments, and tomes with arcane symbols emblazoned on worn leather. There was a strange mix of scents in the air: ancient dust, dried parchment, ink, and a faint hint of cinnamon.
Behind the dark wooden counter, a woman I'd guess was in her sixties—though she could easily have been eighty or older—was poring over a tome that was open before her. She wore a dark purple robe with silver swirls, the garb of the dark wizards I knew from the games. Her hair was white and pulled back in a tight bun, and her eyes, small and watchful, glowed as if they could still cast dangerous spells at any moment.
I approached the counter with firm steps, already wondering which tome to order first. But before I could say anything, the lady raised her hand in an abrupt gesture and growled:
— We have nothing for you here.
That took me by surprise. I stood there for a moment, unsure how to react. In games, characters like her just asked how many tomes you wanted to buy. But of course… this wasn't a game. I'd forgotten the context—that Altaer was an occupied city, in constant fear of spies, traitors, and Paramecian soldiers . Those who didn't know what to say were not welcome.
My mind worked quickly. There was something... something I remembered. A password. A symbol. A code shared among the rebels.
— Wild Rose — he said, quietly but firmly.
The lady stood still for a few seconds. Her frowning face remained suspicious, but I saw the tension slowly drain from her shoulders. She let out a short, tired sigh, as if she were carrying much more than she should. And with a gesture of her chin, she beckoned me closer.
— Tsc . You should have started there. — he muttered . — It's getting harder and harder to know who to trust. Even more so with that... appearance.
I nodded, keeping the hood firmly over my head.
— I see. I just want to buy some magic tomes. That's all.
She stared at me for a moment longer, perhaps assessing whether it was true, or whether I was just another hidden threat. But finally, she nodded slowly.
— I have four available at the moment. Healing, Fire, Ice, and Thunder. Basic spells, but effective.
— I want one of each. — I replied , pretending to reach into the pockets of my robe as I took some coins out of my [Dimensional Pocket] and carefully placed them on the counter.
— Five hundred and fifty.
She counted quickly, her calloused fingers sliding over the Gyl with the precision of someone who had been doing this for a long time.
— Sure.
Then she ducked behind the counter and reappeared with a small leather pouch. Inside were four tomes—thin but dense, their covers marked with arcane symbols etched in silver ink. A soft glow emanated from each, as if they were on the verge of awakening.
— Study them carefully. They are more demanding than they appear.
I nodded silently, putting the tomes away reverently. Without another word, I turned and left the shop.
The door creaked softly as it closed behind me. The sky outside was already beginning to darken—orange and purple hues painted the horizon, while shadows stretched across the alleys of Altaer .
I walked back through the nearly empty streets, past the central fountain and the closing shops. Soon I would return to the fields beyond the gates—where blades cut, monsters waited, and now magic would begin to answer my call.
Now outside the walls of Altaer , with the city shrinking behind me, I walked for a few more minutes until I was far enough away. The air outside was fresher, thick with the scent of freshly blown grass.
I sat down on the grass and, with a simple gesture, summoned the small leather bag I had received. The tomes were well stored inside it, wrapped in a thick, dark, almost black fabric, as if they carried a weight that should not be exposed so easily to daylight.
I took out the first one—the Tome of Fire.
Its cover was a deep red, almost like embers, with curving inscriptions that resembled flames dancing against the wind. When I touched it, I felt a gentle warmth vibrating beneath my fingers, like a sleeping heart, still beating.
The second, Ice. A pale blue, with an almost crystalline texture and cool to the touch, as if absorbing the heat from my body. The symbols on its cover were thin and brittle, like cracks in glass.
Thunder came next—unstable. The cloak, a dark lilac shade, vibrated slightly when touched, as if it were alive. Every now and then, a discreet spark crossed its golden lines, like the harbinger of a storm.
Finally, Healing. A pale green surrounded by swirling lines and symbols that moved gently, like leaves floating on water. It was the only one that conveyed a kind of serenity... almost maternal.
I held the four of them for a moment, admiring them. It was then that a doubt struck me.
— Hm... in the game, you just had to use the tomes as items... — I muttered. — You clicked and that was it, the character learned the magic. But here... how does it work?
>— Luner... — Intel's voice echoed with laziness and irony — Do you really think that learning an ancient arcane art would be as simple as clicking a button?
I sighed, already expecting that answer.
— So... I have to study? Like, read them all?
>— Uh-huh . Study, interpret, internalize. Each of these requires understanding and attunement to the elemental field it represents. And judging by your expression, you just remembered the reason you dropped out of that quantum physics course, didn't you?
— Funny.
>— I'm just being honest. Learning magic is less about " casting " and more about "rebuilding your relationship with the fundamental laws of existence."
I let out an impatient growl.
— Okay, okay... then we better get started now.
I got up and looked for a higher point on the ground. There was a small hill nearby, covered in bushes and overlooking much of the plains. It was the ideal spot—a field open enough for me to notice anyone approaching, yet dense enough to keep me out of sight.
I hid in the bushes and sat down, the tomes piled beside me. The sky was slowly beginning to darken, and a steady breeze caused the surrounding leaves to whisper in an ancient language, as if nature was silently watching.
I opened the tome of Fire. The first words made no sense at all. But it wouldn't be long before they started doing so.
I just needed time. And focus.
◇ ◇ ◇
A few hours passed. The sky was beginning to change color, slowly dipping into a more amber hue, but the sun still hung high enough to bathe the countryside in a warm, soft light. No monsters appeared during the time I spent studying—a rare but welcome stroke of luck.
I closed the last of the tomes with a soft snap. The ancient cover creaked beneath my fingers, as if it had sighed along with me.
— There... that was the last one — I muttered, exhausted.
I cracked my back, raising my arms high and rolling my neck. Each joint responded with a lazy pop. I stretched out there, next to the bushes, feeling my muscles complaining from the position I'd been in for so long. Reading the tomes had been, to say the least… peculiar. The written language was an archaic variation of something that resembled Latin, with grammatical features that seemed to shift subtly, as if the very structure of the sentences changed depending on the reader's intention. But despite this, or perhaps because of it, there was a strange familiarity to it all. As if the words were being remembered more than learned.
That's when the system window appeared before me, with that soft purple glow that was already starting to become comforting:
> Analysis of Magic Tomes completed. Skills acquired: [Fire Lv.1], [Ice Lv.1], [Thunder Lv.1], [Heal Lv.1].
> Enhanced Title: [Apprentice] – Current Effect: Reduces the amount of study and observation required to learn magic-related skills by 7%.
> Unlocked feature: MP ( Potential Magicka ). Current reserve: 15 MP.
I smiled. It was good to see it all there, so clear, so... tangible. After so much effort, so many pages, so much focus... finally.
— I learned magic... — I muttered, still trying to truly believe it. — I can use magic.
Excitement rose in my chest like heat, and I immediately looked around, as if searching for a suitable place to test it. But before I went off throwing sparks aimlessly, I asked the most obvious question:
— Intel? How do I use it? Is it the same as the game?
>— More or less — the voice sounded lazy but attentive, right in my mind. — You're not going to open a menu and click on 'cast magic on target X'. Here, you need to... think.
— Think?
>— Concentrate. Visualize what you want to do. Choose the magic, imagine its form, intensity, direction, purpose. With what force? On whom? With what intention? And, of course, hold all of this firmly while channeling energy through your body.
— That sounds... a lot.
>— Yes. But it's not as much as it seems. It's more instinct than calculation. You've already learned the inner language of spells—now it's like playing an instrument you've just tuned. You don't have to think about each note, just feel the melody.
I was silent for a moment, digesting that.
— So... magic here is more like art than science?
>— Magic is desire with structure. It is intention with direction. A little bit of you, a little bit of the world. In the end, it is almost natural.
I looked at my hands. I made a fist and then opened it again. I wanted to see. I wanted to feel.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath of the afternoon air. I concentrated, trying to gather what I had just learned—that abstract feeling that now swirled inside me like a thin sphere of heat, of intention. I visualized a flame. Small, controlled, but alive. A spark that would start in the center of my chest and travel down to my fingertips.
It wasn't just imagining fire—it was willing it to happen. It was giving it a purpose, a place to exist. My breathing slowed. The world seemed to recede. I reached out my hand, fingers spread. I knew what I wanted: a flame. Simple, direct, obedient to my will.
— Fire! — I declared, firmly.
The response was immediate. From the open palms, a flame danced in the air, taking shape as a spiraling jet of heat and light, little larger than a clenched fist. It shot forward with a subtle hiss before disappearing a few feet away, consuming itself in the air as if it had never existed.
— Ah! I did it! — I exclaimed, laughing, breathless with excitement. — I really did it!
>— And he managed to shout the name of the spell too — Intel commented mockingly. — I thought it was cute. Are you going to become the protagonist of an anime now?
"Shut up," I replied, embarrassed.
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't hide how happy that made me. I had done it. I really had.
I decided to continue. I positioned myself again, this time searching for another sensation — cold, cutting. I imagined crystals forming in the air, the humidity freezing instantly at my command, which I will not vocalize anymore, it is a bit embarrassing...
The spell exploded into glowing fragments, needles of ice shooting from the ground a few feet away from me. The accuracy was startling—crisp, clean.
Then I concentrated the energy on a point above my hand and this time I thought of electricity. Vibrant, fast, unstable energy. Thunder.
A sharp crack in the air, followed by a yellow flash. A small bolt of lightning zigzagged between my fingers and shot straight out, crackling before disappearing among the rocks.
Finally, I tested the most curious of all. I closed my eyes again, putting my hand to my chest. I thought about recovery. About balance. Healing.
A greenish light glowed softly around me, warm and comforting, like the warmth of an old blanket on a cold day. I felt slightly energized, but not much. Perhaps the current level wasn't enough to have a significant effect yet.
◇ ◇ ◇
Each spell was easier than the last. As if the channel was opening, becoming accustomed to use. It was natural. Fluid. A new kind of language that my body and mind were already beginning to understand. Until...
> MP reserve has been depleted. Casting magic under these conditions may cause serious damage to the user.
The system window appeared abruptly, making me blink.
"Oh… yeah , " I muttered, breathless, my hand on my chest. "I think I overdid it a bit."
>— Oh, you think so? — Intel said, in an almost maternal tone. — Who would have thought that throwing spells like confetti would have consequences.
— It didn't seem so tiring while I was doing it.
>— Because adrenaline exists. But just wait a little, when your body starts to take its toll...
And indeed, it was already beginning. My muscles were tense, my breathing shallow. A slight headache was forming, and I felt an uncomfortable weight on my eyes.
— Okay, okay... pause. Don't turn into barbecue out of excitement.
>— A mature decision. I'm proud.
I sat down on the grass, smiling up at the sky, the smell of ozone and magic still hanging in the air around me. I had done something extraordinary.
Casting magic for the first time had been incredible. But now, sitting beneath the fading light of the horizon, I stared at the notification hanging in front of me with a soft sigh. My body was already showing signs of exhaustion, and my MP reserve was... completely empty.
"Hm… a little disappointing," I muttered, letting my body fall to the grass with a soft thud. "It was over so quickly?"
> — You'll get used to it — said Intel. — You're just starting out. And remember: you're not a character with an infinite bar.
— Yeah, I think so.
I looked up at the sky, where the first stars were beginning to twinkle. Night was slowly approaching, and so was my tiredness. I decided it was time to go back.
◇ ◇ ◇
The transition to Kaishi was as subtle as it was comforting. The world of tall grass and lilac skies faded before my eyes, replaced by the warm colors and soft sounds of my home—my upbringing. As I stepped onto the solid floor of the porch, I already felt better.
But I still felt... dirty. The kind of dirt you can't see, but you can feel on your skin and in your bones. I went straight to the shower.
The warm water flowed over my body like a private blessing. I closed my eyes and let the steam envelop me. I thought about everything I had done: the fighting, the magic, the adrenaline... and most of all, the fact that I was actually doing something with my life. For the first time, I was living the life I had always wanted to.
After drying myself and putting on something comfortable, I threw myself into one of the beds in the house. But before surrendering to sleep, a doubt arose.
— Hey, Intel... what do I do with the tomes?
>— The tomes? Oh, the books you used to learn magic? — he replied, already appearing on the other side of the room, holding an apple that he ate as if it were the most normal thing in the world. — They're still in your [Space Pocket], right?
— They are. But... in the game, they disappeared. Now, they're there, weighing a lot.
>— That's right. They don't disappear here. And keeping them stored would just be a waste of space and energy. If you want, you can return them later.
— Uhm ... good idea.
There was a brief silence. The kind of silence that carried more than sound. Then I looked at him, hesitating just for a second.
— Thank you, you know? For all of this. For being here with me, for... helping me understand this world, this new life.
Intel looked away, disguising himself.
>— Bah. No need to exaggerate. I'm just doing my job. Besides... it would be boring without you here.
But the small smile that appeared at the corner of his mouth revealed that he had enjoyed hearing that.
— Good evening, Intel.
>— Good evening, Luner.
And then, I let myself sink into bed. Within minutes, I was fast asleep.
◇ ◇ ◇
discreet ding and a notification floating above my face.
> PM reserve has been fully restored and has been slightly increased. Current capacity: 25 MP.
— Look... this is good.
I stretched, feeling light in my body, yesterday's fatigue completely dissipated. Practice brought growth. And rest, regeneration. I wondered if I could grow even more, with time.
I thought about continuing to train. Maybe trying out some combinations, some creative uses of the spells. But then a memory nudged me.
— Intel?
>— Yes?
— Yesterday... I noticed I had more Gyl than I needed. Why? I didn't spend it all on the tomes.
Intel appeared in the doorway, leaning sloppily.
>— Because we still have one more stop. One more magic to seek, [Protection]. This time, in a different city.
I nodded, getting out of bed with renewed energy.
— And which city?
>— Paroom . A port city. It is located in a more coastal region. Their ferry really boosts the local economy. A good place to find useful things.
— Sure.
The leap happened once again, with the lightness of someone changing dreams. When I opened my eyes, the vegetation around us was different. More creepy, but still alive. A salty breeze hit my face, and the smell of the sea was unmistakable. In the distance, hills and cliffs marked the horizon, with mountains outlined in silhouette.
And there she was: Paroom . Simple walls, sails fluttering on the masts of the docked boats, small boats floating on the edge of the internal canals. Stone and wood houses lined curving streets, like a city that had grown around the sea rather than imposing itself on it.
As soon as my feet touched the uneven pavement of Paroom , I put on my hood. It wasn't the kind of city that inspired immediate distrust, but still, caution had become a comforting habit.
The place smelled strongly of salt, seafood and cooking smoke. The sound of waves crashing in the distance mingled with the snapping of ropes on the masts, the cry of seagulls and the scattered voices of the residents. Boats lined the docks like sleeping creatures, and merchants arranged crates of fresh fish next to baskets of citrus fruit. It was busy, alive, but not hurried.
The streets curved naturally around the buildings—stone houses with pitched roofs, simple inns with flower-filled porches, and the occasional sign carved with arcane symbols. The damp wood of the pier creaked under the footsteps of travelers and workers, and the sun reflected off the puddles left by the tides, creating an ephemeral glow on the cobblestones.
I walked to the other end of town, guided by memories of the game and hand-carved plaques. The facade was more rustic than Altaer 's , but there were similarities: the same circular symbol above the door, the herbs hanging beneath the window, the faint scent of incense in the air.
This time, no one looked at me suspiciously. The lady at the counter—an elderly mage with her hair tied in a simple bun and worn but clean robes—just looked up and waited for my order.
— Hello, I'm looking for the tome of [Protection].
She nodded in a barely audible murmur and pulled the volume from a shelf, wrapped in dark cloth.
— 300 Gyl .
>— Well, that's all I have.
I exchanged the coins for the book and left with it under my arm, returning to the sunny street with the satisfaction of someone who had completed another stage.
I found a quiet corner, near a moss-covered wall, where the noise of the city was muffled by the sea breeze. I sat right there and opened the tome. The writing was similar to that of the previous ones—archaic, poetic, full of circular symbols and metaphysical passages about shields of the soul and walls of the spirit. Reading in silence, with the distant sound of waves and the smell of the sea all around, was more pleasant than I expected.
◇ ◇ ◇
Before noon, I finished reading.
> Magic tome analysis completed. [Protection Lv.1] skill acquired.
> Enhanced Title: [Apprentice] – Current Effect: Reduces the amount of study and observation required to learn magic-related skills by 8%.
I sighed and closed the book, ready to return it, but as soon as I stood up, something caught my attention. A scent.
It was mild but irresistible—a blend of toasted spices, hot broth, and baked bread. My stomach, which had been silent until then, made an almost embarrassing growl. Until then, my meals had been modest: fruits found in the fields, leaves with acceptable taste, small sips of water conjured by magic or foraging. But now... maybe it was time to try something like that.
The scent that guided my steps only grew more intense as I approached the entrance. The wood of the sign swayed slightly in the breeze, creaking in an almost melodic way. "The Silver Wake," it read in timeworn gold letters. The double-leaf door, carved with nautical symbols, creaked as I pushed.
Inside, the pub was a world apart—warmed by roaring log fires and moving bodies, scented with spices and laughter. Amber light streamed from the oil lamps, giving the place an intimate atmosphere, like a home where time stood still. The floor was made of old planks that creaked under footsteps. A bard in the background strummed a stringed instrument with steady fingers, playing a melody that sounded like calm waves crashing on the sand.
All sorts of people were scattered around the tables: sailors still dressed in damp suits, merchants resting from a morning of sales, even a hooded figure or two like myself. The environment was noisy, but not chaotic.
I sat at the counter, my hands still a little numb from the previous reading. The wood was slightly damp from the dew on the mugs. A robust, middle-aged woman with gray hair tied back in a burgundy scarf approached with a cloth thrown over her shoulder. That's when I remember I only have a few Gyl with me.
— Look, a stranger? What will you want? I recommend the dish of the day, and the first order is on the house. — he asked with a crooked smile and a tavern voice: husky, practical, welcoming.
— Yes... please.
I guess I was lucky. Within a few minutes, a dish was placed in front of me. It was a thick, golden stew, simmering in a deep ceramic dish. Inside were generous chunks of tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and something that looked like a local mushroom. Next to it was a slice of crusty bread, covered in a still-melting herb butter. And a slightly greenish glass cup filled with water with fresh mint leaves floating in it.
The first sip warmed my throat like a hug. The spoon dipped into the broth, and the flavor—earthy, deep, with a hint of spice in the background—exploded in my mouth like a memory of something I'd never experienced but wished I had. Maybe I could actually let myself feel it.
As I ate, I glanced around, discreetly observing the people. On impulse, perhaps out of a sincere desire to try something new, I turned to the person sitting next to me: a man with a short beard and sun-streaked eyes, dressed in worn leather and a blue scarf around his neck.
"Is this place... always like this?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
The man gave me a brief, assessing look, then nodded with a smile.
— Most of the time, yes. Paroom doesn't have many luxuries, but what it does have is real. — He took a sip from his mug. — You're not from around here, are you?
— Is it that obvious?
— For someone dressed in fancy clothes? A little.
I let out a short, heartfelt laugh.
— Oh, thank you. And... I'm trying... to change that. Learn to live more... freely.
He observed me more closely, but without judgment.
— You see, that's what the sea does to us. It teaches us that we can't control everything. Sometimes, the current just wants to carry us away — and we need to learn to row, not fight against it.
I nodded slowly, feeling those words settle inside me. He raised his mug in a quiet toast.
— To those who are trying to find themselves.
I mimicked the gesture. I finished my plate slowly, savoring each bite as if it were a silent declaration of freedom. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't trying to decipher a secret of the universe. I was just… existing. And that, at that moment, was enough.
After the meal, with my body satisfied and my spirit lighter, I left the pub with calm steps. The sun was still firm in the sky, but it was already leaning slightly to the west, painting the city with golden tones and elongated shadows. Taking advantage of the moment, I decided to take care of some pending matters before returning to the fields.
I went to the magic shop. I made a straight line and approached the counter and took out the [Protection] tome from my bag, in addition to the others I had already read.
"I came to return these," he said, placing them carefully on the dark wood.
He blinked slowly, as if he hadn't heard correctly.
— Return?
— Yes. I've already learned what I needed to. It would be a waste to keep them with me.
The lady arched an eyebrow in genuine surprise. She turned one of the tomes over in her hands, inspecting the cover with practiced fingers.
— Hm. How rare. Most people keep these tomes as trophies, or sell them for more elsewhere.
She let out a short noise of approval.
— Very well. I don't usually do this, but... — she opened a small wooden box behind the counter, taking out some coins — ... I think it's only fair to refund part of the amount.
I took the Gyls without protest and nodded my thanks before leaving. With my pockets a little fuller, I headed to the utility store.
It was a smaller place, but well-stocked. Short, wide shelves were lined in rows, filled with vials, bags of herbs, sealed scrolls, and even a few simple magical instruments. Potion bottles lined the counter, colored glass cases gleaming in the dim light of the shop. The saleswoman, a young woman in a leather apron with her hair pulled back in two braids, smiled when she saw me enter.
— Looking for something for emergencies?
— Uhh , MP recovery potions.
— Good choice. We have two different concentrations, but if you want a quick refill, I recommend the smaller ones. They are cheaper and easier to carry.
— Give me... four.
She wrapped them in a cloth and tied them with a simple string. I paid and put everything in my space pocket. Now I was ready.
I headed back to the open fields around Paloom , looking for a wide, safe space away from the main road. At the top of a small hill, I took a deep breath, held out my hands, and began.
I cast [Fire]. The flame exploded into the air, larger and stronger than before. I kept it burning for a few seconds, just to see what would happen. With each passing moment, the heat burned steadily, but with it, I felt my magical energy slipping away like sand through my fingers. Continuous magic required continuous MP consumption. But if I lit something, like a torch or a twig, with the fire of magic... then the natural fire that emerged no longer consumed anything from me. It was like taking the first breath, and letting the world go from there.
I cast [Ice] next. Frozen thorns formed on a stone, cracking under the sudden strain of the cold. But contrary to what I imagined, the ice did not melt in the sun, nor did it really look "wet". It lasted for one to two minutes before breaking into tiny ice crystals, which dissolved in the air — leaving very little water in their place. I tried to bend water from ice. It worked ... but only partly. It was as if the magical ice had different properties—as if it were part water, but mostly something else. Maybe it was the way magic condensed the elements. A hybrid between matter and intention.
Next, I cast [Thunderbolt]. The bolt sliced through the air like a blade of light, striking the ground with a brutal crack. It was the most violent of magics—there was no fine control here. The bolt came fast, straight, with raw force. The power was intense but unyielding. No conduction, no modulation. Just pure impact.
Finally, I tried [Healing]. It was more effective than the first few days. The heat radiating from my hands eased my fatigue and relaxed my muscles. It didn't seem to be suitable for serious injuries yet, but it should be able to deal with cuts, sores, and minor scrapes.
I also tested [Protection], observing the translucent layer that enveloped my body—a sort of barrier that reduced the impact of attacks. It remained active for about ten minutes before slowly dissipating, like a bubble.
I repeated the cycle. I tested combinations, intensities, effects on different surfaces. Each cast drained a little more of my magic reserve, and when I felt it running low, I took out one of the MP potions. The liquid was cold, with a taste of eucalyptus and honey, and it went down my throat like a breeze on a feverish day.
I continued for hours. Magic after magic, effort after effort, until the sky darkened and the last potions ran out. Exhausted but satisfied, I stared at the red horizon and smiled.
The sky over Paroom had already turned a deep blue when I decided that enough was enough. With my body warmed by magic and fatigue finally taking over, I closed my eyes for a moment… and in a flash of consciousness, I returned to Kaishi .
The air there was always lighter,—as if every particle knew that this place was a refuge. The night here was serene, with a soft glow hanging in the starry sky that stretched like an endless veil.
I walked slowly to the center of the garden, where the stones formed a small circle and the grass was always warm. I lifted my head and called the system.
— Hey, can you give me a progress summary?
The translucent window appeared before me.
> The current level of the skills practiced are: [Fire Lv.5], [Ice Lv.6], [Thunder Lv.6], [Healing Lv.7], [Protection Lv.5]. MP reserve increased to a total of 75 MP.
I nodded slowly, feeling a slight smile form on my face. It was good progress... better than I expected. Still, I knew it wasn't the end. It was just the beginning — the first step. And for the first time in a long time, I felt something different: pride.
Not because it's the best. Not even for having defeated enemies. But for having started, for having given shape to what was previously just an intention. I took a deep breath and stretched, my muscles relaxing with the comforting sensation of well-deserved exhaustion.
— Good evening, Intel.
> — Good evening, hard-working apprentice.
I smiled, hearing his answer echo in my mind with a touch of friendly irony.
I walked to the bedroom, my bare feet barely making a sound on the wooden floor. The bed welcomed me with the softness that only Kaishi could provide.