Chapter Four: A New Game Begins

{Profile

Operator: Samantha 'Sam' Foreman (F)

Age: 18

Species: Human

Tier: Purple

Level: 1

Experience Points (XP): 0/100

(Stat points have been combined between Original soul and Operator. Original + Operator = Final)

(Note: Low Stats Under 5, Average Stats is 5 - 8, Superior Stats Over 10)

Health (H): 150 / 150

Mana (M): 120 / 120

Mana Control (MC): 14

Mana Regeneration (MR): 12 M/Second

Strength (S): 14 (6 + 8)

Agility (A): 12 (8 + 4)

Perception (P): 11 (7 + 4)

Vitality (V): 15 (6 + 9)

Intelligence (I): 14 (6 + 8)

Wisdom (W): 12 (7 + 5)

Charisma (C): 12 (5 + 7)

Luck (L): 5 (1 + 4) 

(Note: Operator cannot assign stat points to luck. Luck points are awarded...by luck)

Available Stat Points: 0 StP

Available Skill Points: 0 SkP}

{"Impressive, if I may say so. You're fast, alert, and surprisingly sturdy for someone who recently died. A balanced foundation."}

She winced at the reminder but appreciated the lack of pity in his tone.

"Alright, let's see. Most of these are self explanatory. But I do have a few questions. What is a tier? What are stat and skill points? And ugh is that high of a charisma stat going to come to bite me in the ass later?" Sam asked. She was pretty sure she could guess but was too tired to think.

{"Upon each level gained, Operators are awarded two stat points, which may be allocated as they see fit—excluding, of course, the Luck stat. That particular attribute prefers to handle itself, rather like its namesake, through the unpredictable whims of fate.

Stats may also be improved through rigorous training. However, do be warned: this is neither swift nor simple. Only by consistently surpassing your current limitations—blood, sweat, and the occasional tear—can a single point be earned. It is, in a word, grueling.

Skill points are also awarded every level. Operators receive one skill point every level, this increases every other level. So when you level up from level one to level two, you get one SkP or Skill Point. Then you get another from two to three. Advancing to level four gets you two SkP, four to five, two Skp and so on. These points can be used to upgrade skills. The higher the level the more the points are needed to upgrade.

Now, to tiers. These denote both an individual's potential and, unfortunately, their social standing.

The majority of the population falls into Orange or Blue tiers, which represent average capabilities and, accordingly, average lives. Those of lower economic or educational standing—often Green tier—typically perform manual labor or serve in households belonging to higher tiers.

Then we have the Purple tier, colloquially referred to as the 'Noble Tier.' This classification is usually reserved for the wealthy elite—nobles and affluent merchants with the resources to afford superior education, excellent nutrition, and early enhancements to their Integration.

I must advise discretion regarding your tier, Sam. Until you're equipped to defend yourself adequately, revealing it is... unwise. Cases exist—disturbingly frequent ones—where newly Integrated individuals displaying a Purple tier without the proper pedigree have, shall we say... vanished. Some meet a swift and violent end. Others are—brace yourself—relegated to what can only be described as breeding facilities. You see, tier traits tend to be hereditary. A grim incentive, wouldn't you say? Conversely, those born to noble blood who awaken with a disappointingly low tier are sometimes disowned entirely. Charming people, really.

Red tier is rare and respected. These are your royal bodyguards, elite commanders, and personal champions—stronger than nobles, but still beneath the king or queen.

White tier is the realm of royalty itself. Kings, queens, and other world-class powerhouses. This tier represents the pinnacle of mortal achievement—if you were lucky enough to be born into it, or daring enough to break through.

Gold tier? That's the stuff of legends. No one alive has confirmed reaching it. If it exists, it's beyond the system's grasp—and possibly watching us both.

So, there it is in a nutshell. "Red tier protects the throne. Purple supports it. Blue obeys it. Green doesn't get a choice."

As for Charisma, it generally makes people more inclined to like you. You'll barter more successfully, be perceived as more attractive—there are even minor cosmetic enhancements built into the stat. However, certain classes depend heavily on Charisma to function. Some even scale damage or influence directly from it. Interestingly, a lower Charisma can be beneficial for classes that specialize in evasion, infiltration, or remaining unseen. Invisibility, after all, begins with irrelevance.

Now then… shall we continue?"}

"Yes Please…wait! Why the Species designation?"

{"Beasts and monsters also have species designations,"} Jarvis explained. {"Some are straightforward—wolves, bears, the usual sharp-teeth, rip-you-apart suspects. Others, once awakened, gain more colorful titles like Hellfire Wolf or Armoured Stone Bear. Very intimidating. Very descriptive. Not at all overcompensating."

A pause. Then a light chime of amusement in his tone.

{"Then there are monsters: Ogres, Goblins, and other delightful walking nightmares. Unlike beasts, these creatures tend to come with poor hygiene, questionable fashion choices, and a deep desire to punch you in the face."}

Sam raised a brow but let him continue.

{"You'll also encounter various humanoid species—Elves, Dwarves, Vampires, and so on. These are not classified as monsters, mostly due to their intelligence, their social structures, and the minor technicality that they weren't spawned from the deepest pits of a dungeon. Small details."}

"Wait, so monsters come from dungeons—"

{"—Yes,"} Jarvis cut in smoothly, {"and humanoids come from bad decisions and even worse politics."}

He let that hang before adding, 

{"Advanced awakened beasts and monsters can gain intelligence over time, but there's still a notable distinction. Think of it as the difference between a clever pet and a neighbor with HOA opinions."}

"Sigh…great now I have to worry about the people eating me too…carry on." 

{Profile continued..

Primary Class: None (Activation at LVL 10)

Secondary Class: None (Activation at LVL 15)

Support Class: None (Activation at LVL 5)

General Skills: To see skills press arrow 🔽 }

What follows was a list of just about every hobby, task, chore and skill you could think of.

"That is...a lot" she said in awe

{"Well you have to consider these are both your and the original Sam's skills. Some are basic skills everyone receives just purely by being alive, like walking, talking. Some needed to be altered. Your love of arts and crafts in your younger years is now just a general crafting skill. Some were just omitted, Video Games are unfortunately not a thing here."}

Sam laughed

"Are you kidding this whole place feels like a video game."

{"Perhaps some aspects, but I must warn you Sam, it is very much real. No respawns. Well actually there is a skill for that but I digress. Think of this as hardcore mode. One life."}

"Faire enough, warning taken. Let's get back to this."

{Achievements:

Realm Traveller: It appears you have a bit of a wandering soul, to aid in your travels, you've gained the "All Tongues Skill ".

Effects: This skill is a passive. When you or others speak, you will hear your native tongue. Others will hear you speaking in their native tongue. In mixed company the Kingdoms Common will be spoken.

Second Life: Congratulations, Canadian soul. Against the odds, you now live a second life. You've survived death, sort of. On to your second life. Two lives should mean double the rewards right? You've earned the "Double double Skill".

Effects: This skill is passive. You will receive:

-Double base stats (Original + Current Soul)

-Double Stat Points awarded for leveling (4 instead of 2)

-Double Skill Points awarded for leveling (2 instead of 1, to begin with)

-Double the amount of Main Classes (1 Primary and now 1 Secondary)

-Double Skill Capacity (10 active skills 10 Passive instead of 5)

-Double XP Gains

-Looting beasts and monsters yields all viable components (meat, hide, claws, etc.)

-Double coin acquisition from loot drops

100 copper = 1 silver

100 silver = 1 gold

1000 gold = 1 platinum}

A whistle echoed in the small cave.

Sam blinked.

"Okay... that's last one is a bit on the nose."

{ "You may blame your subconscious. The title appears to be culturally influenced. Congratulations on surviving death—and for doing so with regional flavor."}

She let out a soft laugh. The ache in her chest was still there… but it no longer screamed. She didn't feel whole, not yet—but she felt strong.

Stronger than before.

"I was wondering when the elusive"Golden Finger" would appear" Sam laughed to herself

{"Ahh, yes the thing in your worlds stories of transmigration that boosts the protagonist to unthinkable levels."}

"Alright, Jarvis. So no class, no skills except the basic general kind, shiny stats, and a system that snarks back. What's next?"

{"Next, we survive long enough to make those stats matter. Also don't mock those general skills. Their the only thing that's going to keep you alive until you get a class. Might I recommend starting with clothing? You are currently equipped with… nothing but trauma and hope."}

She snorted. "Fair point."

{"You're welcome. Your next step should be to check out your quests. They tend to have beneficial rewards and easy early XP gains"}

"Onward to the quests" Sam said leaning against the wall.