When Reya respawned, she was lying on smooth stone that was bone dry despite her recent swimming adventure. Blue light emanated from crystal formations embedded in the walls—this was clearly some kind of hidden zone, the type of Easter egg that would make speedrunners absolutely lose their minds.
"Fascinating," came a voice that screamed "exposition NPC." "It's been decades since the passage brought someone new."
She turned to see the most stereotypical wise mentor ever conceived—long white beard, ancient robes that had seen better days, staff with a glowing crystal topper. This dude looked like he'd been copy-pasted from every fantasy game's tutorial area.
"I am Hy Akselondt," he said, gesturing for her to follow. His name was honestly pretty cringe even by fantasy standards. "Former court mage, current hermit, and—if my research proves correct—about to be your personal questgiver."
The cave opened into what could only be described as the most OP library ever constructed. Books lined every surface from floor to ceiling, and dead center sat this ornate crystal coffin that was definitely housing someone important. Inside lay what looked like the most beautifully designed character model ever created—a tall, elegant elf woman with flowing silver hair and ethereal features that would make any character artist weep with envy.
"Ellolia, daughter of Ennaria," Akselondt explained, and she could practically hear the lore dump loading. "The last High Elf Sovereign, preserved here for over two centuries. I've dedicated my entire existence to researching immortality, trying to understand how the High Elves achieved their legendary power and longevity."
Reya's streamer brain immediately clocked what was happening here. "Bro, you've been simping for a dead girl for two hundred years? That's actually the most down bad behavior I've ever witnessed."
Akselondt's face went bright red. "It's not—this is purely academic research! The High Elves were the most magically advanced civilization in recorded history!"
"Uh-huh, sure grandpa. And I'm sure you just happened to preserve the hottest one you could find for purely scientific reasons. Your research notes are basically a simp diary."
"Do you want to hear the exposition or not?" he snapped, clearly tilted by being called out so directly.
She gestured for him to continue, already loving how easy this NPC was to bait.
"High Elves and Elflets share identical biology," he continued, trying to regain his composure. "Your people lost access to their true power somehow. A High Elf in their diminished state is basically indistinguishable from an Elflet—they only achieve their legendary stature and abilities when channeling their full magical potential."
He pointed to a tome that looked thick enough to contain an entire wiki's worth of content. "I've studied everything about their society. Culture, mannerisms, magic theory, combat techniques. Everything necessary to... well, to become one, should the opportunity arise."
The implication hit her like a critical strike. "Wait, are you suggesting I could literally character transfer into her build?"
"Not transfer," Akselondt corrected. "Complete soul migration. Her consciousness has long since departed, but yours—displaced from another reality—could potentially inhabit that form."
This was the most insane power-up opportunity she'd ever encountered. Going from tutorial character to endgame boss in a single transformation. But it would mean completely abandoning her starter build forever.
"What's the quest line look like?"
"Years of intensive study. Master High Elf culture until you can perfectly roleplay as nobility. Learn their magical systems, understand their combat techniques. When you're ready, during the peak of a full moon..." He trailed off meaningfully.
"Bet. Let's start this training arc."