endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 3

(A/N: *Warning* This chapter might feel like an information dump since it goes over various aspects of 'The Path' as a system. I'll try to make sure to avoid having too many status/skill descriptions in future chapters and instead post them in the compendium/auxiliary chapters. Also, for the 5 beautiful people that voted, congrats! The first world will be Danmachi! (Is is Wrong to Pick up Girls in a Dungeon!?) Next poll may include potential love interests!)

Vahn felt a 'tugging' force in his gut as the world around him seemed to collapse. After a brief, albeit incredibly disorienting experience, he finally arrived in the middle of a circular dais about 3m in diameter.

With the sudden urge to vomit due to vertigo he was experiencing, Vahn retched into empty space only to realize there was nothing to actually vomit. After dry-heaving for a few moments, he was able to finally re-orient himself and get a better understanding of his surroundings.

He noticed that he was sitting, naked, on a featureless stone dais. The biggest surprise, which had previously gone unnoticed, was the fact that his limbs were still attached. For the first time in a decade, Vahn stood up.

"My legs...they're not longer amputated!"

He jumped, yes JUMPED for the first time in years, exclaiming loudly into the infinite void surrounding the stone dais.

"I can't believe this, I actually have legs again!!!"

(*Affirmative. While the physical body of the Host may have been damaged, the soul maintains the proper shape. As the Host previously existed within the Astral Realm, his body was restored to the shape of his soul.*)

Vahn heard the synthetic voice within his head, almost as if it had been reminding him of its existence.

"Who are you? How are you speaking into my head? Are you the voice of 'The Path' which Klyscha gave to me?"

(*I am the System created to act as an intermediary between the Host and 'The Path'. As the Host is incapable of understanding the functions of 'The Path' without assistance, the System was created as an auxiliary support for the Host. The system exists alongside 'The Path' which had bonded with the Host's soul, thus it can communicate directly with your conscience.*)

"I see, I think I understand a little. So you're going to help me use 'The Path' until I'm able to understand how to use it myself?"

(*The Host can indeed interpret my existence to that extent. Would the Host like to initialize the 'Tutorial' function?*)

"Tutorial? I don't know what that word means..." said Vahn ashamedly.

(*A Tutorial is like a guide or a walkthrough. It will enable the user the understand each of the basic aspects currently made available through the System. The Host also has the option of changing the Systems name and form of address towards the Host.*)

"Thank you for explaining things System. Can I call you... let's see...how about Sis? I don't think you have a gender, but I always imagined that an older sister is the best type to teach things to their brothers. You can call me Vahn! I look forward to working with you in the future."

A slightly more feminine, but still synthetic, voice rings inside Vahn's head.

(*Confirming name change from System to 'Sis'. Altering voice structure to match the expectations of Host now referred to as 'Vahn'. Sis also looks forward to assisting you with any inquiries you may have in regards to its functions in the future. Would you like to initialize the Tutorial Vahn?*)

Vahn is slightly startled by the sudden changes in the system's voice, but is happy given its efforts.

"Thanks, Sis. Please initialize the Tutorial!"