Chapter 3: A New Awakening
Dawnspire, Eldoria – Year 0
A heavy warmth wrapped around Zane Ryde as he slowly woke up, feeling strange and uncomfortable against his new baby skin. His eyes opened to a soft, golden light, his tiny body wrapped in rough, scratchy cloth that rubbed him the wrong way. Above him, a kind woman hummed a gentle tune, her words in a language he didn't know—Eldic, his mind oddly called it, like a quiet hunch. Her face, framed by wet, dark hair and tired lines, looked down with loving care. "Taren," she whispered, holding him close. Taren? Zane's thoughts shouted—no, he was a 28-year-old leader from Earth's rich families, skilled in business and fights, not this weak baby.
Fear hit him hard, like a cold wave, but his quick thinking—built from outsmarting rich rivals—kicked in. Memories flooded back: the Celestine's wild storm, waves breaking his $3 billion boat, his leg trapped as he saved a worker, the sea pulling him under. He had died, yet here he was, alive again. Reborn. The glowing marks on the stone walls pulsed with a strange rhythm, and a peek through the broken window showed a cracked sky with Starcracks—odd rifts letting out faint light. Eldoria, a new world. His heart sped up with determination. I won't stay weak.
ding
Greetings, Host. You are now reborn in Eldoria, your new home. I am here to guide you to hidden strength.
Objective: Observe and Learn – Figure out your surroundings without standing out.
Reward: Basic Eldic Understanding.
Penalty: +10 Profile Points (PP).
Zane's small hands balled into fists. No starting gift? Stories always gave one. "Wait," he thought strongly, pushing his will, "I'm a baby here. Where's my gift? I need power to grow!" The panel flickered.
ding
Host, this isn't a free ride. You're a baby, barely able to cry. Strength comes from work, not gifts. Wanting one already? Brave.
"Brave? I died saving someone," he countered mentally. "I deserve a boost. Give me something, or I'll find my own path." A long silence followed.
ding
You don't give up, do you? Fine, but don't expect magic yet. I'll give you a base—locked until you earn it. Agree, or we stop here.
"Deal," Zane thought, smiling inside. The system gave in:
ding
Welcome Gift Started.
Supreme Godking Tier, Perfect Body – Locked until A-rank, makes training 4x faster, gives perfect energy control, lets you fight four levels up.
High Demigod Tier, Elixir of Cosmic Aether (x20) – Raises rank by two levels, gives a 30-second power boost.
EX Rank, Loyalty/Slave Contract (x20) – Forces total loyalty, controls life and death.
High God Tier, Transformation Skill – Locked until B-rank, lets you change forms with different energy use.
High Godking Tier, All-Seeing Eyes – Locked until C-rank, sees through tricks, lies, profiles, and potential (0–100).
Note: Use wisely. Big actions add penalties.
ding
Status Update.
Profile Points (PP): 0 (Optimal).
Status: You're too weak to use everything. Perfect Body fusion: 12 years left.
Some parts locked.
Shop open (0 Cosmic Coins).
Lira rocked him gently, her rough hands—signs of a trader's life—feeling different from his old luxury. Far off, a dark figure watched the house, hidden by night, unnoticed by Gavren or Lira, a secret presence that unsettled Taren. He felt a faint stir in the air but couldn't understand it.
The world around him was a mix of feelings—Lira's songs about far-off places, Gavren's quiet words about odd lights. Taren saw hints of tall buildings and hidden strength, glowing rocks and old stories, but the full picture was a mystery for later.
ding
Warning.
Be careful, Host. Something unknown is near. Don't draw attention, or you'll gain PP.
Zane held back a cry, looking at Lira for comfort. Gavren mentioned a strange light at his birth, puzzling him. A connection? Taren wondered, recalling his tattoos' old burn. Unseen forces hinted at trouble, their nature unclear.
ding
Quest Update.
Quest Accepted: Observe and Learn.
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Reward: Basic Eldic Understanding.
Penalty: +10 PP.
His young eyes shone with purpose. I'll master this place.