[Chapter 6 - Omne Initium Difficile Est : Every Beginning is Difficult Pt.2]
As I stared at the ring my mother slowly took it from the box. "Once this ring is bound to you it can never be removed. Please endure this"
Before I could respond she grabbed my hand and thrusted the ring onto my middle finger. In the deep obsidian appeared a glowing red text in a language I could not recognize. After that, blinding pain. It felt as if my finger was being severed at the bone. I screamed out in a high pitched shrill from pain and began pulling to remove it from my finger but it didn't budge. Like a leech that had latched onto its prey and refused to let go. I felt the tears stream down my face and my gut twisted as did my body. As I thought I couldn't take it anymore, my mind filled with the thought I was dying and soon, I fainted.
< < Before my eyes could even finish opening I shot forward like a zombie lunging from its grave. With fear and panic still feeling my chest I turned and immediately examined my right middle finger where the ring was put. Not only was the pain gone, but the ring itself. Instead, etched into my skin, was now a black symbol '<'.
After staring at the symbol and trying feebly to remove it by scratching or scraping it off with my teeth for some time I let out a sigh before lifting my head and looking around. It was dark with only some moonlight that crept through the window illuminating parts of the room I recognised to be my own. I could tell it was late and though my body ached all over, sleep was the last thing on my mind. Answers.
'Patron' I thought the word clearly. As always the monotone voice of a man appeared in the back of my head to respond
<"Hello">
While I slowly rubbed my thumb over the symbol on top of my finger 'Explain everything that just happened'
<"Understood. Please access your system to assist in the explanation as the information may be difficult to understand.">
'Appraise' Instantly my vision was once again covered with white text on purple backing.
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Name: Elwen Vinswain
Race: ?!?!/High Elf
Mana: 1000/1000
Ki: 100%
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Exp: 0
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Current Class: [Hand of the Trickster]
Sub Class: N/A
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Effects: N/A
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Titles:
[Freyja's Patron]
[Elven Noble]
[Vinswain]
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<"Thank you. Note that Appraise can be used subconsciously and does not need to be directly said in a mental or verbal manner. Continuing, the calamity class item The Ring of Loki has successfully been bound to you now taking the form of a rune. This process has unlocked the hidden class [Hand of the Trickster]. Classes contain skills which will have various outcomes. These skills can be unlocked through chance by completing hidden or known requirements as well as through the teaching of one who has already learned them. Unique skills cannot be taught. Some skills can be leveled and evolved to become stronger by using Exp and/or by meeting requirements. Exp is gained via combat and by completing world quests.">
'So everyone can learn skills that aren't unique skills?' I thought
<"Incorrect. Not everyone is capable of using skills. After forming a connection to the world system one can check their potential to use skills by picking up an appropriately corresponding item. If someone is able to use magic and mana based skills the act of picking up a magic item such as a wand will trigger a base class or classes to be acquired. Picking up a physical weapon will trigger a similar response if the person can use Ki. Despite every living thing possessing both mana and ki without acquiring a skill for one or the other they cannot actively be used. While some people can use neither, others can use both. There are also differences within skill users in which some individuals are not unique eligible. This is a term used to differentiate between those who have and have not acquired unique skills. Unique skills are mana based skills outside of those which can be taught. Have I answered your question?">
'Yes… I would also like to ask about the uh-.. world quests.' It took me a bit to finish the thought. To be honest I was still navigating through the system reading the new skill and passive in order to keep up with the explanation.
<"World quests are seemingly random and natural occurrences which have the opportunity to grant Exp and other rewards. World quests will appear to you upon your arrival within their activation radius. Quests may include clearing dungeons, fighting SS rank or higher monsters, or other random event like instances.">
'I see, thank you."
<"Understood">
I slowly lay back down into my bed as the text vanished. Holding my hand above my face I tilted it back and forth as the rune came in and out of the moonlight. My mind was feeling clustered. Memories of my past life kept thinking how this was becoming more and more like the fantasy books and novels I read, yet my memories from now screamed at how this isn't a game and there are things that I love. Freyja's words of warning echoed in my mind along with the promise of my favor to live.
'That's right. What matters now is this life and having the strength to protect it. For now I'll move forward without dwelling too much on my past'. With that a slight weight lifted off my chest. Soon my mind grew blank and I drifted to sleep.