I could barely sleep the rest of the day. I had been summoned to this world by someone far more powerful than me. It was obvious they didn't care about the moral or ethical side of the matter. And there was absolutely nothing I could do to change it.
Characteristics. I decided to check my profile again:
Name: Sven Laocard Race: Human Class: ??? Subclass: ??? Traits: [Perfect Eyesight - Lvl 2], [Resilient - Lvl 1], [Aberrant Mind] Spells: [Mage Hand], [Protection from Weapons]
I tapped my finger on the spell Mage Hand, and another small window opened.
[ Mage Hand - Lvl 2 ] Spell, Conjuration, Metamagic. You summon a hand made of a phantom substance that resembles purple water. You can stretch it up to 10 meters, but in exchange, you will consume more of your Kir. Its duration also depends on Kir and concentration. Activation Incantation: "Hand woven of phantom, I call upon thee, fulfill my will."
It even explained how to use it. I sat on the edge of the bed.
"Hand woven of phantom, I call upon thee, fulfill my will."
A hand burst from my chest; it looked like water with dark bubbles swirling inside. I could feel it as if it were my own limb. It's a good thing the System has systematized all of Sven's existing knowledge.
Next, I opened the spell Protection from Weapons.
[ Protection from Weapons - Lvl 1 ] Spell, Conjuration, Abjuration, Metamagic. You summon a circular transparent barrier inscribed with geometric figures. You can manifest this spell up to 50 centimeters in size. It can withstand one instance of damage from: bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, projectiles, or falling. Activation: Draw a circle in the air, then a star over the circle.
Using the Mage Hand, I traced the sigil for Protection from Weapons in the air. Before my eyes, the drawing solidified into a barrier.
I got out of bed and punched the barrier. My hand felt nothing. The barrier shattered into tiny shards, and those shards broke down into even smaller pieces until the Kir I had spent on the spell dissipated into the air.
This could be useful. For several days, I did nothing but read "Tales of the Eastern Dragon" and immersed myself in the history of this world. According to the text, that dragon—Ryu Manju—is actually buried beneath this very city.
God, I need to go for a walk or my head is going to explode. I put on a knee-length black coat, slightly wide white trousers, a light blue shirt, and a white fabric vest over it.
My mother had given me two artifacts: a "Vial of the Wind" and an "Arrowhead Chain":
[ Vial of the Wind ] (Uncommon)
Charges via Kir.
Usage: Allows you to fly or fall from heights of up to 100 meters without taking damage.
Provides +3 to elemental attacks.
[ Arrowhead Chain ] (Epic)
Provides resistance to psychic and physical attacks.
Can be used as a Soul Keeper.
Can be used in special rituals (Secret).
These artifacts weren't just useful—they were some of the best items you could have at early levels. I tucked the vial into my left pocket and hung the chain around my neck.
Walking through the city, I observed the people. They looked remarkably "alive." If this were just a figment of my sick imagination, they would have looked different.
The city's architecture was somewhat depressing—rows of identical grey panel houses. They were only broken up by bright shopfronts and strange, pale blue trees. Birds that looked like seagulls were flying everywhere.
Not surprising, really; this place is right by the sea. A place where drugs, weapons, and artifacts are often smuggled. Somewhere along the embankment is the secret entrance to the Black Market, located in the marshes. I opened the Support window:
[How can I earn currency and Transcendence Points?] I typed.
[Good question. Currency—or "Bao," as we call it—can be earned through kills, quests, the Battle Pass, achievements, and having a good reputation. Transcendence Points are earned through training. For example, reading a book grants a point toward Intelligence, while physical training grants points toward Strength.]
[Then give me a quest I can actually complete.]
[Very well. :)]
The chat window closed, and a quest notification popped up:
Quest: Infiltrate the Black Market, then exit beyond the Celestial Dome. Reward: 30,000 Bao, Potion of Rapid Absorption.
I asked for a quest I could complete. This stupid System gave me an impossible task. How is a 15-year-old boy supposed to get through the Dome that seals off an entire massive city? Besides, I look even younger than I am.
I need a plan. In the game, there were several ways to bypass the Dome.
Official: But I'm not even 16, so I can't leave without parental permission—which they won't give.
The Tunnel: But that's on the other side of the country and requires an Epic artifact.
The Black Market: They have a teleportation machine powered by artifacts. These are installed in 14 of the 42 cities.
A Level 15 Mage: If I can find one to help me.
Right now, the teleporter is my only option. I have to sneak in, find a ticket, hand a round-trip ticket to the guide, and teleport beyond the walls.