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2024-10-29 19:42:56Leo's eyes fluttered open, the stark contrast between the inky blackness of his vision and the vibrant tapestry of the night sky jolting him awake. Every twinkling star in the vast celestial expanse seemed to mock his disbelief. "I'm alive?" he rasped, the words thick with surprise and a touch of trepidation.
He lowered his hand tentatively, his gaze sweeping across the breathtaking canvas above. A colossal white sphere, casting a soft, ethereal glow, dominated the scene, its luminescence reflecting off the leaves and grass around him."Itzzzzzzzzz done," Mel's voice glitched, the digital distortion sending shivers down his spine."Mel, what's wrong with you?" he asked, concern gnawing at him."I went beyond myzzz authority, to heal youzzzz," it explained, the static-laced voice leaving little room for argument.Hesitantly, Leo rose to his feet, a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thanks. Now that the first phase is complete, we can move on to the second…" he began, trailing off as Mel interjected."There won't be a needzzzz for that," it chirped, the glitches seemingly less pronounced. "It seems the culprit showedzzz up on their own."Leo's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?""Yeszzz," it confirmed.This turn of events was unexpected, to say the least. It all began yesterday, when a change in his status had sent alarm bells ringing in his mind.SURVIVAL SYSTEM,NAME: Leo Constel, [Image]TITLE: Stepping Stone, [Villain]LEVEL: 0MANA POINT: ErrorVITALITY: 130pSTRENGTH: 7pENDURANCE: 5pINTELLIGENCE: 650pITEMS:Rage Sword [Currently Unavailable]: Can only be used with a minimum of 0 MANA POINTs.SKILLS:AUTOPILOT [Currently Unavailable]: Weak as hell? Then why not sit back and watch your body do all the work?LP: 0pSS: 0pEXP: 0pHis stats had shifted slightly, and he'd gained a new skill and item – albeit currently unavailable. If he could activate them, his escape, once a fantasy dream, might actually become a reality.Driven by this newfound hope, Leo had spent the entire night consumed by a desperate need for these "pecks." They had become crucial elements in his elaborate plan, the key to unlocking his freedom. He realized his plan was riddled with holes. How could he confront the source of the problem in the forest with his meager abilities? He was no match for the mana beasts that roamed its depths.Yet, a nagging worry gnawed at him. Even if he managed to obtain these pecks, his mana core had a limited lifespan. In a few days, hours, or even minutes, he'd be back to square one – zero mana points. He needed to act fast, unravel the mystery behind the mission before his time ran out.Unfurling a massive map depicting the entire kingdom, Leo scrutinized it intently. His eyes snagged on the Constel duchy, but as he zoomed in on the forest section, something peculiar caught his eye – something glaringly obvious yet easily dismissed.The forest, plagued by a recent surge in missing mana beasts, bordered the Masel duchy. Additionally, reports mentioned atmospheric mana poisoning, seemingly concentrated at the forest's heart. It was baffling, to say the least. The very idea of poisoning a mana-rich forest seemed implausible. Mana, a potent energy source, permeated the air, rendering any attempt at poisoning futile. The forest's mana acted as a natural shield, neutralizing any harmful substances.These were established facts, likely common knowledge. But what struck Leo as shocking was a seemingly insignificant detail – a loophole, a variable in the equation. He quickly exploited it, formulating an intriguing theory. There was, he believed, a way to bypass nature's shield and corrupt the incorruptible forest.Someone, he postulated, was behind this phenomenon. Someone who was consistently poisoning the mana, weakening the forest's natural defense mechanism. If the poisoning was consistent and done before the forest's mana could fight back, it would be possible to penetrate the barrier and poison the entire forest."Where?" Leo asked, rising to his feet, adrenaline coursing through his veins."To your left," Mel's disembodied voice directed.Without warning, a figure draped in dark clothes and wearing an all-rounded mask, suddenly appeared, leaping down from a tall tree nearby. The figure moved with such grace and agility that it was clear they were no ordinary person. The dark cloths hung loosely around their frame, concealing their identity and making them almost invisible in the shadows.The all-rounded mask they wore gave no indication of their gender or any other distinguishing features. It was as though they had been waiting for a cue before making their grand entrance, and now they stood before Leo, silently watching him."Just hope it works" muttered Leo, under his breath.Suddenly, the individual drew out two daggers from god knows where and closed in on him at breakneck speed. With an air-splitting slash, the figure aimed to decapitate him. But with the luck of a nine-life cat, he dodged the blade by a hair's breadth."Okay, forget I ever tried to fight back," Leo muttered, sweat already slicking his palms."You are anythingzzz but strong, and you know it," Mel chimed in, her digitized voice devoid of sympathy.Before Leo could catch his breath, the figure launched another attack, a blur of darkness and steel."Why not use the autopilot now?" Mel suggested, ever pragmatic.But Leo had another plan, risky and desperate. "I can't," he panted, sprinting away through the trees. "I have to check something out first!"Leo ran as fast as possible, but with time, exhaustion began to set in,"How about this? I know who you are!" he yelled, a smirk forming on his lips despite the danger.The figure faltered, momentarily surprised."Come on, there's no need for the mask… Uren," Leo said, his voice laced with a mixture of accusation and challenge.The figure froze, the daggers clattering to the ground. Their mask remained fixed, offering no clues to their identity.Silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Finally, Uren spoke, his voice low and distorted. "What?!"
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Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth [1] Prologue [Edited]
Soon after the enflamed magnificent sphere hid behind the horizon, a crescent shaped moon convoyed by an ocean of stars claimed the night, and an icy chilling breeze arrived soon after.Within the city of Meden, precisely in a town situated in the heart of the dirty and dreadful area known as shantytown, there was an peculiar looking street accommodating a plethora of buildings aligned in a zigzag pattern.Those buildings were built without any consideration of the environmental hazards and health related impact it would create; it was solely built with the objective of making money.They buildings were poorly built, each of them looking like a ton of blocks stacked together with no planning whatsoever.Well there’s a reason it’s called the slums, I guess.Anyway, one of those half-baked apartment housed a caramel brown haired youth with pale white skin, and tugged in shabby clothes.And when I say pale white skin, I mean he looked unhealthy as hell!From his unkempt hair, worn out clo
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth [2] Invitation
As a jolt of raw energy crackled through his veins, Leo's eyes snapped open, wide with shock and disorientation. He found himself sitting upright, his gaze flitting around the opulent bedroom, each unfamiliar detail prickling his senses with disquiet. A nagging unease, like a forgotten melody on the tip of his tongue, hummed beneath the surface."Mel?" he rasped, reaching out into the echoing silence.Only the ghostly whisper of his own voice answered."Guid..." he started, but another voice, sharp and laced with annoyance, cut him off."Don't! Not that name," it snapped, her tone daring him.Ignoring the sharp rebuke, curiosity warred with apprehension within Leo. "What's happening? Why am I not flat on my face?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency and a hint of fear.A pause, then a reply tinged with frustration, "Honestly, I don't know. I more focused on the memory integration, and fixing some potentially lethal glitches, so your physical state slipped my mind.""Potentially
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth [3] Dinner
Words alone fail to capture the sheer grandeur of the mansion. It wasn't just a building; it was a living testament to extravagance, a symphony of opulence that commanded attention with every gilded detail. The sprawling estate, a marvel of manicured gardens framing its imposing facade, whispered tales of wealth and power. In the distance, the arena, a coliseum where knights clashed in monthly spectacles of valor, echoed with thunderous cheers.Butlers and maids, their movements precise and practiced, flitted like silent shadows, attending to their duties with unwavering dedication. The setting sun, a blaze of fiery hues, cast a radiant glow upon the scene, as if bidding farewell to another day in paradise.Leo and Anna, the maid, disembarked from the carriage, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones as they approached the mansion's entrance. Awaiting them was another maid, her practiced smile guiding them towards the dining room with an efficiency that bordered on the uncan
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth [4] Painful realization
As the last person melted out of the room, the heavy silence left behind tasted like indifference, tinged with a hint of pity. It was as if Leo had become invisible, his presence dismissed as inconsequential by those who just moments ago shared the suffocating air of tension.The practiced efficiency of the maids as they retreated was like whispers fading into the wind, and the butlers followed suit, their departure marking the end of the suffocating drama that had just unfolded.Yet, amidst the exodus, a single shadow lingered, a lone specter in the echoing emptiness. It was Rio, the embodiment of problems, a big bully in plane sight"Long time no see, brother," his voice crackled, laced with an irritating amusement. "I heard the gossip about how you mistreated that sweet little thing. So, just out of curiosity, was it spite against Father? After all, you had a fiancée, or should I say, had, since she dumped you!" His laughter echoed harshly, bouncing off the polished floors and orna
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth Library
As the morning sun, playful and mischievous, filtered through the knotted canopy overhead, it cast dramatic shadows that danced across the forest floor, a mesmerizing display that could send even the boldest squirrel scurrying back to its nest.Amidst this verdant spectacle, a carriage glided through the ancient woods, its opulent exterior, a luxurious blend of crimson and gold, gleaming defiantly against the backdrop of emerald hues. It rolled along with an air of regal pomp, as if on its way to crown a king, not traversing a mere woodland path.The magnificent steeds pulling the carriage were a sight to behold, their powerful muscles rippling beneath sleek coats as they surged forward with unwavering determination. Each hoofbeat echoed through the forest, a rhythmic symphony of strength and grace. Guiding the carriage with the seasoned finesse of a master navigator was an aged rider, his understanding of the terrain evident in every deft maneuver. He navigated the labyrinthine path
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth Whispers
"What in the actual fuck?!" Leo's jaw clattered to the cobblestones, his eyes bugging out like a startled frog as he beheld the colossal edifice before him.Uren chuckled, a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes. "Language, Leo. It wouldn't hurt to remember the library, would it?"Indeed, the structure before them wasn't merely a library; it was a monument to human ambition, a behemoth of glass and steel that scraped the very underbelly of the clouds. Imagine a skyscraper, then twist it ever so slightly, morphing its rigid lines into the graceful curve of a scimitar. Imagine that scimitar reaching a thousand feet into the cerulean expanse, each panel of glass shimmering like a captured sunbeam. This wasn't your quaint village bookstore; this was the Grand Archival Nexus, the repository of human knowledge, the whispered echo of countless generations."Hello? Leo? Your very own library in your very own duchy?" Uren teased, waving a hand in front of his friend's slack face.Leo blinked,
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth Mystery
The ancient tome slipped shut, its worn leather whispering secrets Leo barely understood. Just hours ago, the futuristic elevator in the library had seemed like the peak of innovation, a marvel in his backwater duchy. Now, against the vast tapestry of this fantastical realm, it felt like a child's toy. The sprawling cityscape of Fortune dwarfed his domain, humming with the energy of a society transformed by the fusion of science and magic.Once sleepy duchies had blossomed into megacities, their economies soaring on the wings of this technological renaissance.But the prosperity wasn't equally distributed. The affluent, who had swiftly cornered the market, amassed glittering fortunes while the commoners struggled to survive. Kingdoms outside the imperial reach, unwilling to bend the knee, remained stagnant, their technological progress stunted like wilted crops.And that wasn't even the most shocking revelation.The world, he learned, was divided. Humans and elves, once bitter rivals
Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth Fascination
Escape wasn't a luxury in this Game of Thrones reality; it was the grim difference between surviving and becoming another name etched on destiny's blood-splattered ledger. Penniless and powerless, a pawn with no queen, he was slated for sacrifice by fate's cruel hand. Whispers of danger slithered around him like vipers in the night: scheming siblings, a looming "protagonist," and the constant threat of becoming just another statistic. All he craved was the normalcy of soft hues, a life far from the blood-soaked canvas fate had thrust him upon.But escape, like a well-guarded fortress, demanded a key - a working mana core. For a mana-less nobody like Leo, such a trinket was as elusive as a dragon's hoard. Despair tugged at him, yet Leo, the ever-optimistic cockroach, clung to a sliver of hope, refusing to be squashed. His plan, audacious bordering on suicidal, was his only shot at scuttling out from under the boot of a cruel destiny.Fixing plot holes? His ass. He'd already discovere
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- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Revealed
Leo's eyes fluttered open, the stark contrast between the inky blackness of his vision and the vibrant tapestry of the night sky jolting him awake. Every twinkling star in the vast celestial expanse seemed to mock his disbelief. "I'm alive?" he rasped, the words thick with surprise and a touch of trepidation.He lowered his hand tentatively, his gaze sweeping across the breathtaking canvas above. A colossal white sphere, casting a soft, ethereal glow, dominated the scene, its luminescence reflecting off the leaves and grass around him."Itzzzzzzzzz done," Mel's voice glitched, the digital distortion sending shivers down his spine."Mel, what's wrong with you?" he asked, concern gnawing at him."I went beyond myzzz authority, to heal youzzzz," it explained, the static-laced voice leaving little room for argument.Hesitantly, Leo rose to his feet, a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thanks. Now that the first phase is complete, we can move on to the second…" he began, trailing off as
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Mission begins
Leo's heart hammered a frantic tattoo against his ribs, each beat echoing the thunderous approach of the abominations. Their grotesque forms, twisted and contorted by the corrupted mana that fueled them, lurched closer, their sickly green skin pulsing with an otherworldly glow that sent shivers down his spine.These towering monstrosities, standing at a daunting seven feet tall, were a sight to behold, a tableau of nightmares given grotesque life. Some had four arms, each one rippling with bulging muscles that looked like they could crush stone; others had six legs, their insectoid limbs moving with a terrifying speed and precision. As they drew closer, he could see the twisted and mutated features of their faces, each one more grotesque and terrifying than the last. Their eyes glowed with a sickly green light, and their mouths twisted into jagged grins filled with razor-sharp teeth."What in the hell are those?!" he rasped, fear lacing his voice."Corrupted goblins," Mel's voice e
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Fascination
Escape wasn't a luxury in this Game of Thrones reality; it was the grim difference between surviving and becoming another name etched on destiny's blood-splattered ledger. Penniless and powerless, a pawn with no queen, he was slated for sacrifice by fate's cruel hand. Whispers of danger slithered around him like vipers in the night: scheming siblings, a looming "protagonist," and the constant threat of becoming just another statistic. All he craved was the normalcy of soft hues, a life far from the blood-soaked canvas fate had thrust him upon.But escape, like a well-guarded fortress, demanded a key - a working mana core. For a mana-less nobody like Leo, such a trinket was as elusive as a dragon's hoard. Despair tugged at him, yet Leo, the ever-optimistic cockroach, clung to a sliver of hope, refusing to be squashed. His plan, audacious bordering on suicidal, was his only shot at scuttling out from under the boot of a cruel destiny.Fixing plot holes? His ass. He'd already discovere
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Mystery
The ancient tome slipped shut, its worn leather whispering secrets Leo barely understood. Just hours ago, the futuristic elevator in the library had seemed like the peak of innovation, a marvel in his backwater duchy. Now, against the vast tapestry of this fantastical realm, it felt like a child's toy. The sprawling cityscape of Fortune dwarfed his domain, humming with the energy of a society transformed by the fusion of science and magic.Once sleepy duchies had blossomed into megacities, their economies soaring on the wings of this technological renaissance.But the prosperity wasn't equally distributed. The affluent, who had swiftly cornered the market, amassed glittering fortunes while the commoners struggled to survive. Kingdoms outside the imperial reach, unwilling to bend the knee, remained stagnant, their technological progress stunted like wilted crops.And that wasn't even the most shocking revelation.The world, he learned, was divided. Humans and elves, once bitter rivals
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Whispers
"What in the actual fuck?!" Leo's jaw clattered to the cobblestones, his eyes bugging out like a startled frog as he beheld the colossal edifice before him.Uren chuckled, a mischievous glint in his emerald eyes. "Language, Leo. It wouldn't hurt to remember the library, would it?"Indeed, the structure before them wasn't merely a library; it was a monument to human ambition, a behemoth of glass and steel that scraped the very underbelly of the clouds. Imagine a skyscraper, then twist it ever so slightly, morphing its rigid lines into the graceful curve of a scimitar. Imagine that scimitar reaching a thousand feet into the cerulean expanse, each panel of glass shimmering like a captured sunbeam. This wasn't your quaint village bookstore; this was the Grand Archival Nexus, the repository of human knowledge, the whispered echo of countless generations."Hello? Leo? Your very own library in your very own duchy?" Uren teased, waving a hand in front of his friend's slack face.Leo blinked,
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
Library
As the morning sun, playful and mischievous, filtered through the knotted canopy overhead, it cast dramatic shadows that danced across the forest floor, a mesmerizing display that could send even the boldest squirrel scurrying back to its nest.Amidst this verdant spectacle, a carriage glided through the ancient woods, its opulent exterior, a luxurious blend of crimson and gold, gleaming defiantly against the backdrop of emerald hues. It rolled along with an air of regal pomp, as if on its way to crown a king, not traversing a mere woodland path.The magnificent steeds pulling the carriage were a sight to behold, their powerful muscles rippling beneath sleek coats as they surged forward with unwavering determination. Each hoofbeat echoed through the forest, a rhythmic symphony of strength and grace. Guiding the carriage with the seasoned finesse of a master navigator was an aged rider, his understanding of the terrain evident in every deft maneuver. He navigated the labyrinthine path
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
[4] Painful realization
As the last person melted out of the room, the heavy silence left behind tasted like indifference, tinged with a hint of pity. It was as if Leo had become invisible, his presence dismissed as inconsequential by those who just moments ago shared the suffocating air of tension.The practiced efficiency of the maids as they retreated was like whispers fading into the wind, and the butlers followed suit, their departure marking the end of the suffocating drama that had just unfolded.Yet, amidst the exodus, a single shadow lingered, a lone specter in the echoing emptiness. It was Rio, the embodiment of problems, a big bully in plane sight"Long time no see, brother," his voice crackled, laced with an irritating amusement. "I heard the gossip about how you mistreated that sweet little thing. So, just out of curiosity, was it spite against Father? After all, you had a fiancée, or should I say, had, since she dumped you!" His laughter echoed harshly, bouncing off the polished floors and orna
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
[3] Dinner
Words alone fail to capture the sheer grandeur of the mansion. It wasn't just a building; it was a living testament to extravagance, a symphony of opulence that commanded attention with every gilded detail. The sprawling estate, a marvel of manicured gardens framing its imposing facade, whispered tales of wealth and power. In the distance, the arena, a coliseum where knights clashed in monthly spectacles of valor, echoed with thunderous cheers.Butlers and maids, their movements precise and practiced, flitted like silent shadows, attending to their duties with unwavering dedication. The setting sun, a blaze of fiery hues, cast a radiant glow upon the scene, as if bidding farewell to another day in paradise.Leo and Anna, the maid, disembarked from the carriage, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones as they approached the mansion's entrance. Awaiting them was another maid, her practiced smile guiding them towards the dining room with an efficiency that bordered on the uncan
- Metempychosis: Quest of Rebirth
[2] Invitation
As a jolt of raw energy crackled through his veins, Leo's eyes snapped open, wide with shock and disorientation. He found himself sitting upright, his gaze flitting around the opulent bedroom, each unfamiliar detail prickling his senses with disquiet. A nagging unease, like a forgotten melody on the tip of his tongue, hummed beneath the surface."Mel?" he rasped, reaching out into the echoing silence.Only the ghostly whisper of his own voice answered."Guid..." he started, but another voice, sharp and laced with annoyance, cut him off."Don't! Not that name," it snapped, her tone daring him.Ignoring the sharp rebuke, curiosity warred with apprehension within Leo. "What's happening? Why am I not flat on my face?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency and a hint of fear.A pause, then a reply tinged with frustration, "Honestly, I don't know. I more focused on the memory integration, and fixing some potentially lethal glitches, so your physical state slipped my mind.""Potentially
