This one set out on the first cycle of Dawn. It took fifty cycles to reach the top of the cliff, and a further ten cycles to reach the oasis. Because of the quick pace this one set, it then took five cycles to return to the edge of the cliffs. This all means we have 3 cycles left before the first of Late Noon. It will take at least twenty cycles to reach the bottom of the cliff, leaving us very little time.”
“I don't understand, why is it so dangerous to be outside at Night?” Gareth asked and crouched next to Ivor.
They both looked out over the sea of clouds very, very, VERY far down the cliff. The air should have been unbreathable, and yet Gareth was completely fine.
Why? He wondered. I have a very rudimentary understanding of physics, basically nothing, but even I know air gets thinner the higher up you are. This place is weird.
“Those who are not accustomed to darkness are blinded by it, come Nightfall. You would not see your hand even right before your face, such is the constant darkness emitted by Ginnungagap. Furthermore, shades, twisted undead, and horrors emerge to haunt the abandoned plains and jungles. Worst of all, a fierce cold rolls in, as the light of Sol is our only source of warmth, while Ginnungagap is an eternal source of winter. It bathes the world in cold, dead, darkness.
Most Sethnari hole up at Night, because to contend with blindness, frostbite, and starvation while actively being hunted, is a death sentence to most. This one is, of course, experienced enough to survive in the wilds once Night falls. But this one would not like to endanger you, so we must reach Volun before Nightfall.”
Conviction. Gareth saw no doubt in Ivor Hansen because the monkey-man had no doubt in his own abilities. He was an expert Ranger and knew the ins and outs of the business.
Gareth nodded for him to continue and Ivor vaguely gestured down the cliff as wind buffeted their faces, making Gareth's footing uncertain, "The cliffs are not just flat plains. Crags, crevices, caves and overhangs make this an extremely dangerous terrain. You will have to climb very carefully so as not to fall."
"Wait-wait-wait, I’ve seen you walk up and down vertical things as if you're strolling down the street, why can't you just carry me?"
"No-no, 'strength through adversity' is a core belief of any successful cultivator. I will aid you, offer guidance, but at the end of the Day you must make the climb yourself. Now, the final lesson." He said and left Gareth open mouthed with incredulity.
Ivor moved a bit to the right so that they were now actively looking over the edge of the cliff. Clouds, floating islands, and mist made it impossible to see the land untold miles below.
To either side, the cliff stretched off into the horizon, sparse tree cover marking the boundary where moisture from below could rise to the top. There was a rare sight to see, even for the well-traveled Ivor Hansen, as he could actually see the curvature of the world branch they stood upon. Far in the distance, more than 20 000 miles away, Ivor’s sharp eyes could see the Everwinter Pillar near the Poluski lands, which disappeared into the heavens above, taller even than the Looming Cliffs.
To the North-East, the towering cliffs disappeared into permanent darkness; a place where the branches of the world tree perpetually shaded it from the light of Sol. To the South-east Ivor saw the towering imperial capital of Avrrest, its branches supporting the tens of thousands of floating islands that its denizens called home. To the South he could vaguely spot the Tonnau Du ocean: home to pirate wavestriders, sailfin leviathans, and unknown depths.
The air on the cliff was dry, cold, and occasional gusts of wind would slap Gareth in the face, deafening him. It was unpleasant. At least the clothes he’d looted from Tim’s men had been preem enough to keep him somewhat warm. The problem was air. It was thin, and very hard to breathe. At least for Gareth. Yet, even higher above, the small forms of birds -- long extinct on Terra -- circled and dove at each other in either combat or play. Given the sheer size of the cliff, it was impossible to draw size comparisons for how large the creatures were, but they seemed vulture sized?
"Now, this one will send out a mana pulse to bring the Avians towards us." Ivor's dark, straight eyebrows furrowed in concentration.
"Why would you want to do that, and aren't they just called birds?" Gareth saw Ivor frown as his concentration was broken by accident.
Evidently I’m getting on the poor guy's nerves.
-
Since they had set out Gareth had done nothing but challenge and question each and every one of Ivor's commands. This was a bearable personality to have in a safe city where everything was in control, but out in the wilds? If Gareth didn't do what Ivor commanded, immediately and without question then it could get them both killed. If Ivor said 'get down' because a large creature was swooping at them, and Gareth stopped to ask ‘why’, he could lose his head. Luckily he took Ivor's lessons well, and had started learning when to be silent.
Ivor Hansen had also noticed that while Gareth may be immortal or just difficult to kill, his wounds still took forever to heal. An injury could still take weeks of recovery time, time they could have spent moving.
On the bright side: Gareth didn't say much unless spoken to, he tried to clean up after himself as much as possible, and he seemed willing to learn, if nothing else. Now came the true test, could he apply everything the great Ivor Hansen had taught him? Time to find out.
"They are called Avians because they fly in the air. Beasts are far too adaptable and elementally mutable to classify them into any one family. We therefore break them into distinct umbrella terms to describe their environment or strengths. So if they fly, they are called Avians. If they swim, they are called Aquans. If they breathe fire, they are Pyrons, if they live within the earth, they are called Terrans, et cetera, et cetera. As to the last question: It will be faster to descend the cliff if we have something to ride until we reach the cloud bank. Prepare yourself, this one has chosen a Roc to lure." Ivor said all this while looking carefully up at the sky, his intense emerald eyes darting from one dark form to another.
I have no idea how this guy is going to summon a rock but, if the monkeyman who could chop through someone’s neck wanted to do that, who am I to judge?
After checking the orange clouds below some more, he looked up to see a black speck growing larger…and larger…as it dove at them. It fell faster than the pit in his stomach as he realised he was very wrong about its size estimations.
Probably as big as a hover-car, this Roc had thick blue feathers adorning its sleek avian figure. A predator through and through – it had a large, semi-translucent hooked yellow beak, a wingspan of ninety feet to support its massive bulk. Talons as long as his arm curled menacingly on thickly scaled black toes.
Gareth checked his stat sheet one last time, praying to find something that might prepare him for what they were about to do.
It took three days, with the aid of various medicinal herbs that Ivor Hansen had found for Gareth’s open wounds to close.
"There is only one way for a mortal to transcend the possibilities of reality…cultivation. Cultivation is possible without using the System, but it is incredibly difficult and much more time intensive. We do not have such time. I will perform a rite on you, either you accept and we move on, or this one shall give up your case as hopeless and continue on this one's journey"
Gareth felt like he was being backed into a corner. He felt trapped. He didn't want to be forced into some verbal contract. For crying out loud, the last time he signed something he’d fallen through a portal to hell.
Ivor didn't give him a chance to raise his objections though.
“Just think ‘Yes’: I, Ivor Hansen, bequeath upon thee, Gareth Elson, the guidance of the Elder Gods. May the System guide and inform thee upon thine chosen path. May it be long and hard, for you to be strengthened within the fires of adversity."
Gareth didn't need to say anything because a blue screen popped up in his field of view. When he focussed on Ivor again the writing faded into near-transparency. It was very similar, if not exactly the same, as the neuro-link that had become standard on Terra.
System integration in progress...Do you accept the gift of the Elder Gods?
Yes/No
A blue box appeared in front of Gareth as Ivor introduced him to the System.
"Concentrate on 'yes'" Ivor said, clearly anticipating the prompt.
Now, Gareth had grown up in a time when it was legal to exploit others by using their neuro-link, to force them into contracts that couldn't be paid off. Grandmas and Grandpas across the globe had died without a Creddie to their name all because they mentally clicked ‘Yes’ when they were supposed to hit ‘No’.
He was sceptical of this prompt, but after seeing that he was in a new world he very much felt out of his depth. He could trust Ivor more than he already had to get him as far as they had, or he could reject him and try to go at it alone.
This was a more tempting prospect than Gareth might have thought. He was sure he wouldn't die out there in the wilds, he physically couldn't die, but would that improve his quality of life? No.
It was very clear this new world functioned on rules with which he had no experience. Ivor might be a stranger, but he hadn't led Gareth wrong...yet. He chose yes.
Yes!
Congratulations! System integration commencing...Name?
[..........]
It prompted him to fill in his own name, a prompt he was actually familiar with. He very quickly realised that he could choose whatever name he wanted. He could reinvent himself.
His first instinct was to go for one of his past aliases, like Waragul or Aghadi, but wrote them off as being too fantastical. He needed a legitimate name he wouldn't be shy to see on documents.
[Gareth Elson] he thought and the screen changed.
Congratulations Gareth Elson! The system has been successfully installed. To view your status screen think 'STATUS'.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Gareth looked to Ivor, who nodded and said with a routine sounding response "Think ‘status’."
Name: Gareth Elson
Race: Human
Level: 0
Cultivation Path: Not chosen. [Please choose a path]
Currently active traits/affects:
- Blessed by life
- Nutrient deficiency
Trait: [Blessed by Life] - forcefully suppressed due to [Nutrient deficiency].
Blessed by life: As an extra-dimensional traveler, the Elder gods have granted you the [Blessed by Life] trait. You are physically immortal and will regenerate from all physical injuries, age, and diseases given enough time and resources. Regeneration rate: -87% due to nutrient deficiency.
Nutrient Deficiency: Rate of natural regeneration -87%.
"That's pretty cool. How does it project the screen?" Gareth tried to casually change the subject to something other than what the stat sheet said. It was likely Ivor already knew Gareth was immortal, but it hadn’t been said.
And if he won't ask, I won’t volunteer.
Ivor cocked his head curiously, "Each cultivator experiences their Status differently. Some see it as mist forming a word, others experience sounds they hear upon the wind, and yet others as letters projected onto their arms like tattoos. For you to see it on this 'screen' is just how you interpret the Elder God's gift."
Magic...real magic. Of course this may just be technology so advanced so as to appear magical but it very much sounded like magic to Gareth’s ears. He’d seen Ivor Hansen do some pretty impossible things the last few days – no, cycles – and it was fully possible that magic was real. Hell, The Doctor and Ian had used him as an organ factory for years and if that didn't prove magic was real then little else would.
"What is a cultivation path?" He asked with a dry mouth.
"Do not choose anything yet, but concentrate on the words."
Please choose a cultivation path!
Body cultivation
Spiritual cultivation
Elemental cultivation
Qi cultivation
"What's the difference between each?"
"Oh, there are many. Each deals with the cultivation of a certain mana or essence type, and each has its own demands and peculiarities.
Body cultivation uses the raw life essence, contained within a beast core, to strengthen the body.
Spiritual cultivation focuses on spiritual essence to strengthen the soul and aura, through intense introspection and forging intents, by reciting revelatory mantras. It sounds complicated because it is. Very few people choose that path, mostly monks and priests.
Elemental cultivation focusses on condensing elemental mana such as Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Light, and Dark within one's core, forming elemental layers. It will let you cast spells and manipulate your chosen element.
Qi cultivation is similar to elemental cultivation in that the goal is to form a core. The key difference is that a Qi cultivator absorbs elemental mana and removes its elemental alignment; leaving pure, raw, creation mana.
Each uses an, uh, special technique of gathering and consolidating mana. Each method has its own unique philosophies, methodologies, and untold numbers of variation in practice. Body cultivators unlock unique bloodlines, elemental cultivators might harness an element never before seen, like the marshmallow element. That is where the System will aid you. While it is possible to cultivate without the System, doing so is inherently more dangerous, troublesome, and often deadly.”
“So I have to cultivate, but what exactly does that mean? What is cultivation even?” Gareth asked.
“Cultivation is a delicate process, so we will be waiting until you reach Volun to cultivate, but this one shall explain cultivation in general. Each living creature, and some unliving, are able to absorb mana from their surroundings. Just through existing, without active cultivation, one is able to become stronger. But bottlenecks, inner turmoil, lack of motivation or funds will cause most to stagnate.”
Ivor Hansen picked up a rock and started rolling it in his hands as he thought, the guy never sat still, “To cultivate…means to absorb mana from the realm of Utgard, refine it in a way unique to your chosen path, and use it to strengthen oneself. This one will not go into the techniques as your future master will choose your methodology but suffice it to say that it takes centuries, an iron will, and rigorous study to rise within the ranks of cultivators. How do you cultivate?” Ivor Hansen asked and stared off into the distance, a look of intense thought and introspection gleaming in his eye.
“By giving your best in everything you do. Do not just pick up a hobby, master an art. Do not just exercise, forge your body. Do not just meditate, look within and find your true self. A truth within an untrue world. Cultivation is a lifelong dedication to self-improvement, and mana is the medium to make true progress possible. Are you such a man? Will you grab this opportunity and make the most of it?"
Gareth looked down at the dry desert ground he found himself on. His entire life he had blamed a corrupt and broken system for throwing him into constantly worsening shitty situations. In the winter his family had starved, and his dad had shot him. The summer when Madame forced him to work as a pleasure worker. The day when he fell through a hole in the floor, and spent untold years being tortured.
This is an opportunity. Do I have the willpower to make the most of it? Or will I fail and just blame the unfair system again? This is my chance. My chance to take the first right step in a life of missteps.
“Listen man. Life has never been fair to me, and I’m sure it's gonna keep throwing some curveballs. But I promise to try.”
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
Gareth snarled as the spark that had been born in him, lit like a raging molotov, “Then I will! I will find my way, or make one! You’re right! Enough of this chickenshit ‘maybes’! I’m gonna go down that fucking cliff! I’m gonna learn how to kick ass, and god help anyone who stands in my way!”
A hint of pride glowed in Ivor’s eyes as he smiled genuinely, “Then welcome to the ranks of cultivators. Do you have any questions?”
Ivor Hansen had really info dumped on Gareth, but he tried to think of it in a way that made sense, so he summarised it for Ivor.
"The way I understand it, there are four paths. Each collecting a different type of mana for a different purpose and use. Does that sum it up?"
Ivor sighed but Gareth was technically correct, the best kind of correct.
"That is, in the broadest of senses, cultivation. But this one really wishes for you to understand the properties of each, because it will define your entire life. It is a big decision that requires much soul searching, because there is no turning back."
"Please tell me more first, please. I don't feel confident enough to make a choice."
“Very well, this one will elaborate…”
“Freeze.” Ivor said and froze, but Gareth couldn't see why, Fuck!
He had nevertheless quickly learned to mimic his mentor.
With an avian bearing down on them they really didn't have the time to freeze but Ivor froze none-the-less.
“What’s up man?” he whispered through clenched teeth.
Ivor’s ashen expression turned Gareth’s stomach to knots. The rocky canyon they stood on, at the edge of the cliffs, was baked an orange, clay-like colour due to the heat of Sol. Its numerous twists and turns could conceal anything.
Pebbles, rocks, and boulders littered the echoing chasm, and every time Gareth accidentally kicked a pebble the sound would echo off the nearby walls.
The only sound which could now be heard was the quiet howling of the wind over the feathers of the plummeting avian. Through the corners of the canyons came haunting Hoos and Haas as the wind howled.
Too bad I don’t speak ‘wind’.
*Crickle crackle clack clack…*
Pebbles shifted from behind a boulder to their front.
Evidently a rock shifted, but Gareth had no clue whether that was because of wind erosion…or something else.
He had no idea what might be lurking in this world; as evidenced by the absolutely humongous bird bearing down on them.
If Gareth had been tier 1 he might have had the senses to notice what had set Ivor's hair on end. Unfortunately, he did not have a single enhanced sense to his name. He therefore could not perceive the method of communication that the creature that hunted them employed.
Flashes of ultraviolet light burst across the canyon's walls, visible only to at least mid-tier 5 creatures. Even the great Ivor Hansen struggled to perceive the creature’s back and forth flashes.
What he could sense, however, was their smell. No matter how intelligent and cunning they were, Helios Raptors didn't have long enough arms to wash.
They were unused to prey freezing upon detection, so likewise held off on attacking, lest they be baited into a trap.
“Gareth…” Ivor Hansen whispered, “There is a hole in the canyon-wall, just ten meters back…Do you recall it?”
“Y-yes? What's happening?” he whispered back and frantically searched the world with his peripherals.
“There is one poorly concealed towards our front…and two more flanking us with near-perfect stealth…Clever girl…When I move, you must sprint for that hole, and attempt to escape.”
Gareth had seen this movie before. He knew how this situation would end. But he ain't scared of death. He would survive regardless.
“What about you?” Gareth had inferred from Ivor's tone that he would not be joining him in the hole.
“You are too weak to be considered prey…they are looking at this one. I will lead them off. I should be able to outrun them.”
Gareth pretended he didn't hear the lie in Ivor's tenor voice. He pretended he didn't see Ivor lick suddenly dry, thin lips that were set into a grimace.
Unfortunately, Gareth learned a long time ago to look after his own skin, and even though he hated running away…he knew he should.
Ivor wouldn't be able to run away and protect him. I need to not be a distraction for Ivor.
Yet, no matter how much he lied to himself, he felt the caustic burn of shame.
“When should I run for it?”
“On my mark. Allow this one to run first, lest your motion draw their ire. Five…
four…
three…
Two…
KAAAAWWWW!”
The Roc finally arrived and plummeted into where Ivor and Gareth had been a split second before. Gareth didn't even see him move. He was there one moment and gone the next, like someone using a Sandevistan.
He was ready though, and sprinted for the hole while the avian, the raptors, and Ivor Hansen clashed.
He only caught a glimpse of the things before he disappeared down a hole but what he saw sent shivers down his spine.
Three meters tall at the shoulder, they were bipedal dinosaurs with wickedly hooked talons on their feet, short little arms with golden opalescent feathers that seemed to reflect light, and a big-ass fucken mouth full of razor sharp teeth, primed to bite him in half…and -- he hated himself to admit -- a cute little forked tongue that wiggled around.
-
Ivor Hansen vigorously cycled his qingong technique, so as to try and out-pace the Helion Raptors…but he was failing. Light aligned monsters would always be faster than any other alignment and he was predominantly Nature aligned. He knew it was only a matter of time, but hopefully the Avian would stall them long enough for him to escape. He’d done so before, he could do so again.
I am Ivor Hansen, First Ranger of Volun. I will not die in these wilds!
He leapt through the open jaws of a raptor, past the reaching talons of the black crested avian, and around a bend in the canyon wall.
He just hoped his prospective recruit would escape.
-
Gareth dove into the hole in the wall and expected to fall onto ground. Instead, Gareth very suddenly and very painfully fell down an earthen tunnel reminiscent of a certain rabbit hole.
If there was a god of luck on this world, then he was surely not on Gareth's side because he managed to stick the landing in spectacular fashion…if that fashion was deep-web gore gauche.
The sounds of his bones breaking was reminiscent of firecrackers on chinese new years.
His weak body, already battered by the fall, immediately fell unconscious from shock.
It would be some time before he was healed enough to wake up, but when he did, he would awake to find himself in a world of trouble. The realm of Utgard contains many wondrous miracles, but if you wish for magic, you have to be prepared for its accompanying horrors.