Stats and Starting Skills

Ji-woo stared at Elara, her mind a whirlwind of questions. "Chosen? But how? Why me?"Elara's smile deepened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "The selection process is complex and shrouded in ancient magic. But rest assured, Player Park Ji-woo, you possess qualities that have deemed you worthy.""Qualities?" Ji-woo scoffed. "I'm just a regular girl. I go to school, I play games, I eat ramen…"Elara chuckled, a melodious sound that echoed through the field. "Appearances can be deceiving, Player. Your potential lies dormant, waiting to be unlocked."She raised her hand, and a shimmering blue screen materialized in the air between them. Ji-woo gasped. It looked like a character status screen from a game, but… real.Name: Park Ji-woo Class: Soul Weaver (Rare) Level: 1 HP: 100/100 MP: 150/150 Strength: 10 Agility: 12 Intelligence: 18 Wisdom: 20 Charisma: 15 Skills:

Mana Thread: Create a thread of mana that can heal or bind targets. (Level 1)

Soul Link: Form a temporary link with another being, sharing senses and emotions. (Level 1)

Ji-woo stared at the screen, her mouth agape. This was insane. It was like her gaming stats had come to life. But what was a Soul Weaver? She'd never encountered that class in any of the games she'd played.As if reading her mind, Elara explained, "Soul Weavers are a rare and powerful class, capable of manipulating the very fabric of life. You possess the ability to heal, to connect with others on a deep level, and to even influence their emotions."Ji-woo's eyes widened. "Influence emotions? That sounds… overpowered."Elara smiled. "Every class has its strengths and weaknesses, Player. Soul Weavers are fragile in combat, but their support abilities are unmatched. Your role is to strengthen your allies and weaken your enemies, not to fight on the front lines."Ji-woo frowned. "So I'm like a… support character?"Elara nodded. "In a way, yes. But do not underestimate the power of support. A skilled Soul Weaver can turn the tide of battle and inspire even the most jaded warrior."Ji-woo considered this. She wasn't exactly thrilled about being a support class. She'd always enjoyed dealing damage and taking down enemies herself. But Elara's words gave her pause. Maybe being a support wasn't so bad after all."What about those skills?" she asked, pointing at the screen. "Mana Thread and Soul Link?"Elara gestured towards a nearby tree. "Focus your mind, Player. Imagine a thread of energy extending from your fingertips towards that tree."Ji-woo closed her eyes and concentrated. She pictured a thin, glowing thread emanating from her hand, reaching out towards the tree. When she opened her eyes, she gasped. A faint, silver thread, almost invisible to the naked eye, connected her hand to the tree trunk."Amazing," she breathed."Now, imagine that thread transferring your energy to the tree," Elara instructed.Ji-woo focused again, picturing her mana flowing through the thread and into the tree. She felt a slight drain on her MP, but it was quickly replenished. The tree, which had looked slightly withered before, seemed to perk up, its leaves regaining their vibrant green color."You have healed the tree," Elara said, a hint of pride in her voice. "With practice, you will be able to heal your allies in the same way."Ji-woo grinned. This was incredible. She felt a surge of excitement, the kind she usually only experienced when mastering a new skill in a game."What about Soul Link?" she asked eagerly.Elara smiled. "That skill requires a willing partner. It allows you to temporarily merge your consciousness with another being, sharing their senses and emotions. It is a powerful tool for understanding and empathy, but it can also be dangerous if used carelessly."Ji-woo's mind raced with the possibilities. She could use Soul Link to connect with her teammates, to understand their needs and anticipate their actions. She could even use it to influence their emotions, to bolster their courage or calm their fears."This is… incredible," she whispered.Elara nodded. "You have much to learn, Player Park Ji-woo. But you have the potential to become a truly great Soul Weaver. The Ascension Games will be your proving ground."Ji-woo took a deep breath, her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. She was no longer just a gamer. She was a player in a real-life game, with real stakes and real consequences. And she was ready to play.