Falling unconscious—this is not how I wanted to learn about my limits, especially not in a fight.
I think it's odd, the system can monitor my skills, yet does not care to show any numbers regarding my health or mana. The skill system reminds me a lot of RPG-games, so having a screen with health points, mana points and maybe some attributes wouldn't be too weird to expect, right?
[ Welcome back! Please be more careful next time. ]
And said system even greets me. Should I be scared or relieved that the creators had enough heart to type such messages?
The darkness recedes, while my senses gradually return. I start to see the inside of an open horse cart, lit by the afternoon sun. Various crates and sacks surround me, from which I can make out the faint scents of herbs, wine and grass. Besides the wooden wheels creaking and the clacking of hooves, the repeated rush of the sea can be heard from not too far away. Between two of the the crates, I'm propped up against the right wall of the cart by one of the sacks filled with seeds.
The single thing missing in this scene is a "Ah, you're finally awake." from another passenger. Actually, I don't know who's with me on the cart yet. Am I a passenger or a captive? Going by my blonde hair and orange scarf, I'm still "in character", at least. I'm not tied up with ropes or in chains, but who is to say that the hypothetical kidnappers haven't magical alternatives for those restraints?
Before I get noticed by anyone potentially dangerous, I open my status window to see if I'm hurt or have any conditions applied to me. The familiar text window appears.
[ Status Overview ]
[ Name: Fylka (temporary)
Species: Shapeshifter, ascended
Status Effects: mana deficient
Skill Summaries: Morphing (S), General Physique (C), Languages (C), General Magic (D), General Knowledge (E -> D), Imperial Aristocrat (E)
(Focus on a specific skill, to display more details and options for improvement.) ]
There it is, under my status effects. I'm "mana deficient", whatever that entails. I hope I can ask my feathery mentors about that. Speaking of which: Where are they anyway?
I carefully peek over the nearest crate to the front of the cart. The familiar silhouette of the commander is accompanied by an unknown humanoid on the driver's bench. They both pass the time with idle talk, including topics like local bread types and the weather.
The unknown driver reminds me of a whimsical wizardess: The red-haired elf wears a a vibrant blue mage garb and a matching, pointy hat. The hat's brim almost spans a yard in diameter and barely keeps her long ears in shade. A white, wooden staff leans against the back of the drivers' bench next to her. One would think, the staff is just an ordinary item, were it not for the circulating mana inside of it.
I turn my head the other way and spot two familiar crows sitting together on one of the barrels further in the back. August already noticed my awakening, but merely nods to me. Nodding back with a smile, I decide to lean on the crate towards the front and enjoy the afternoon breeze. I listen in on the small talk between the commander and the driver of the cart.
"Tyllat might be peaceful, but the cliffs have many secrets to uncover.", the elf responds to a prior question, I did not catch. Her tone is soft with a subtle, posh accent.
"Ah, cave exploration?", the commander asks.
"Yes, there's plenty of quests for the taking, since the ruins within were discovered."
YOU ARE READING
Shapeless Hero
FantasyIdentity crisis? What's that? ---- An earthling's soul was born into an incompatible, human body. Their muscles misbehaved, their skin and body felt like a rigid shell, and their weak constitution left little options for any activities outside of...
