Mark poked at the fire''s remains with a long stick, looking for any remaining embers he could use to relight the fire and start breakfast. Finding only cold, dead ash, he sighed and stood, reaching up to stretch his sore, tired muscles.
Grumbling, the man poked around the gathered supplied, looking for anything he could use to rekindle the campfire, when his eyes landed on the small figure of the "Guide," Tsutsuji. The little ''girl'' lay huddled into a ball, not far from where Merry slept, blissfully unaware of their new guest. The Magi Spirit had not stopped sobbing for several hours, refusing even to acknowledge Mark''s annoyed pokes and prods.
He''d been tempted more than once during the last few hours of the night, so simply toss her out of the cave. At least then, he might have gotten some sleep. But their new empathic link left him... well, not sympathetic, but at least hesitant, and a little understanding. Luckily, the little Guide had cried herself to sleep a few hours before dawn, letting Mark get some much-needed rest.
The man shook his eyes before turning back towards the cold campfire, quickly lighting it once more with a small flint kit he''d found in the supplies they''d pulled off Thomas and Martha''s carriage. Soon, the small cave was filled with the smell of a light stew.
It didn''t take long for the little Guide''s dreaming mumbles to stop as the stew''s light scent washed over her. A few moments later, the quiet morning''s silence was broken by a soft rumble. The little Guide tensed up but still refused to turn around or acknowledge her surroundings as if pretending to be still asleep.
Mark smirked, a lightbulb going off in his head. He looked down at the tiny Guide and asked.
"Hey, Bug. That crazy Guy mentioned ''Magic,'' right? Know any Breakfast Magic? Hahahah!"
Tsutsuji looked up at Mark''s words, her face red as she yelled at him in her high-pitched voice.
"I''m not a Bug! And you will be respectful when you speak of Master! Refer to him as Lord, or Lord Elaos!"
She paused, her face going a shade redder as Mark stared down with a mischievous grin. Then, after a moment, she turned her eyes away and lifted her nose and continued with a humph.
"Besides that, of course, I know magic..."
She stood up, pointing a tiny finger towards Mark,
"…..but who do you think I am? I''m not your servant!"
Mark raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.
"Wait... so there really is breakfast magic?!"
Tsutsuji gave a mocking laugh.
"Of course not, you Peon. The proper term is Culinary Magic, and any travel should have at least a basic understanding of it. Though then again, I''d not expect someone like YOU to know that."
Mark narrowed his eyes and frowned,
"And who''s fault is that, little miss ''Guide''?"
The little Guide coughed into her hand, her face now red as a cherry.
"Fine! To use Culinary Magic, you first must learn the Rank-I ''Passive Skill'' [Basic Core Magi Command] and the Rank-II'' Passive Skill'' [Lifestyle Index]. Those make up the Core Programs for the Rank-II'' Active Skill'' [Culinary Magic]. Once you''ve done that, it''s as simple as..."
With a snap of her fingers, an invisible wind blew through the cave. The unfelt wind swept up all of the dust and sand on the cave floor into multiple, tiny, dusty cyclones. The spinning cyclones began shrinking visibly before the largest condensed into a small, low table, able to seat three people comfortably. The smaller ones condensed into a variety of earthen dishware.
As the unseen wind stopped, the little Guide stood with her nose in the air, hands on her hips, a grin spreading across her face. Mark stared at the scene with wide eyes, feeling both amazed... and a bit disappointed...
"Is that it?"
The Magi Spirit visibly deflated.
"What do you mean, ''is that it''?! I''ll have you know [Culinary Magic] is one of the most developed Skills in the world! Despite only being a Rank-II skill, it can disinfect and prepare ingredients, shape tools and utensils, and has several handy tools like timers and guides!
A Master Chef even managed to integrate a message board into the skill a decade back, where Travelers and Chefs worldwide can help identify new ingredients or share recipes! The skill consistently makes it into the Order of Heroes'' ''Top 10 Skills every Trailblazer should have'' yearly list!"
Mark just stared down at the tiny person with a blank look as if he hadn''t understood half of what she had just said.
Tsutsuji gave a heavy sigh and put her hands on her face.
"Well, I guess I should have expected that... I expected too much from a..."
Her words were cut off as a glint of metal flashed in the firelight. The miniature Guide yelped before jumping backward, just as something embedded itself in the ground in front of her. Tsutsuji stared at her naginata, still ringing from the force of the impact. She pulled the weapon from the stone as smoothly as if it was in butter... only to find actual butter coating the blade.
Her eyes wide and mouth hanging open, she turned back to Mark just in time to see the man throw the last bit of a piece of buttered hardtack into his mouth.
"Y-y-y-you!"
She stuttered, pointing a shaking finger at the man near the campfire, a vein pulsing on the side of her head. Mark bit down on the rockhard bread with an audible crack that echoed through the cave, causing the tiny girl to flinch. Tsutsuji coughed into her hand once more, going from cherry-red to bone pale, and turned her face away, unwilling to meet Mark''s unwavering eyes as he chewed the hard bread.
"R-right, o-of course you don''t know these things. Th-that''s what I''m here for. Initiating Guided tutorial system, WS-t001: Basics."
As Tsutsuji spoke, a familiar Window popped into existence in Mark''s eyes,
<div>
<table style="width: 15.4022%; border-collapse: collapse" border="3" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3">
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<td style="width: 98.0392%; text-align: center">
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<table border="3" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3">
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<td>EXAMINE</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>STATUS</td>
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<tr>
<td>INVENTORY</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INDEX</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
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</table>
Tsutsuji gestured to the screen in an attempted professional manner.
"This is the ''Main Menu'' of the System. While not all functions are available at the moment, the Four you see are the default settings.
As Lord Elaos mentioned before, only you and your ''kind'' have access to the System in such a... convenient manner. Most other people can only do so from a Magi Shrine or with the help of specially constructed items.
As an ''Ember,'' you''re free to do with this information and ability as you will. Though typically, it''s strongly discouraged to share either without restriction. This world isn''t as ... tame as Earth-Prime, and past some past Embers have met very... tragic... ends once word got out.
Then again, others have become very powerful and influential as well. As the dies are cast, I suppose. Again, do as you see fit."
Tsutsuji paused as if to let that information sink in before continuing.
"In this basic lesson, we will go over the function of each. First, we will start with the ''Examine'' function. Examine is a function that System users, Ember or otherwise, can use to pull up information stored in the ''Collective Index,'' the data storage space of the Sigils and Magi.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
The Collective Index is the total sum of all the data collected by the Sigils over the eons, and the Examine function lets you tap into a small part of that information.
Now, give it a try. Simply focus on a target and select Examine in your mind".
Stared at the small girl for an awkward moment, his perpetual frown making Tsutsuji sweat. After a moment, the man broke away from his stare and looked towards one of the small rocks surrounding the firepit.
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Small Shale Rock
Description: A common mineral found near rivers and streams. Processed Shale is one of the major exports of the Greater Southern Planes.
Market Price: 1w/10oz
</td>
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Mark raised a brow at the little Window, surprised and intrigued, before turning his gaze towards several other objects around the cave.
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Star Moss
Description: This bright green-yellow moss grows in dark environments with access to starlight and shardlight, such as cave entrances or Tree hollows. On nights of a dark Shard, Star Moss will glow brightly when the shardlight is as its faintest, lighting up the darkness.
Some theorize that this light attracts flying insects, which it traps with a sticky substance. It then uses this prey to supplement the lost shardlight.
It''s prized by Chemists and Alchemists as a basic Catalyst, making it a popular target for Gatherers or new Adventurers.
Market Price: 10w/oz
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Rockhound Merchant Bag
Description: High-Quality leather backpack made from Rockhound leather. Its strong, elastic, and durable nature makes it one of the best on the market, able to store and transport nearly anything.
Market Price: 10,000w
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</tbody>
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">~~~~~~~~~~＜Status＞~~~~~~~~~~~</td>
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<td style="width: 100%">
Guide No.77239 <Tsutsuji>
Race: Magi Spirit <Guide>
Birthplace: Grandeur
Age: NO!
Bio: “I''m not a Bug!”
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
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Tsutsuji looked up at Mark and stuck her tongue out before answering his unasked question,
"As you can see, even other people are not exempt from Examine''s power. However, the available information for viewing is limited to what that person is consciously willing to divulge. Keep in mind, while only Embers can directly use the Examine function outside of a Magi Shrine, SOME items can mimic its effects, such as the famous ''Mirror of Truth'' do exist. However, these tend to be limited in scope.
Some skills may gather more information (though still less than an Ember), but the people who use such a method are rarely pleasant."
Mark stopped the girl there with an outstretched hand.
"Wait, so everything is recorded by the Sigils? That seems like some major Big Brother crap right there..."
The little Guide shook her head.
"Yes, and No.
The Magi are in constant communication with each other. They have to be to regulate nature itself as they do. Sigils play a part in that, as they act as storage devices for the information their Hosts gather through their lives. Hosts can both ''upload'' this data and access data uploaded in the past at a Magi Shrine.
In turn, as an incentive, this ''experience'' can be used to unlock more functions and authority in their Sigils. The more a person experiences, discovers, and learns in their life, the faster their Sigils will grow. Everyone wins.
This is why Adventures and Trailblazers are among the most popular professions globally, no matter the race or nation.
HOWEVER, this also means that information that''s no longer available, for whatever reason, won''t show up, Ember or not. If there''s no record of an event or the item has never been recorded by a Sigil, Examine won''t give anything past basic information."
Mark''s eyes lit up at the mention of Adventures. Who didn''t dream as a kid about exploring the unknown, seeing things for the first time, going places you''d never been? It was one of the reasons He''d joined the Army in the first place; that promise of that adventure.
The little guild continued.
"While we are on the topic, try using Examine on yourself. Alternately, you can select the ''status'' option in the main menu."
Mark followed the instructions and attempted to focus on himself before using Examine. He furrowed his brow as he looked at the large screen that popped into existence.
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<td style="width: 100%; text-align: center">~~~~~~~~~~~＜Status＞~~~~~~~~~~~</td>
</tr>
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<td style="width: 100%">
Mark Floyd
Race: Human
Age: 35
Active Sigil: Survivor
Sigil Level: 2
ACTIVE SKILLS: [Survivor''s Will](III)
PASSIVE SKILLS: [Healing Factor](II) – [Military Survival] – [Kajukenbo (2nd degree)] – [MCMAP (1st degree)] – [Sturdy Footwork](II) – [Balistic Weapons] – [Long Weapons] – [Swordmenship](II)
UNIQUE SKILLS: [Ember][???] – [From the Ashes][V]
</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
As Mark stared at the Window in shock, taking in the information
"The screen that you see is your personal ''Status''. In essence, it is a digital representation of your body created from the information gathered by your Sigil. In the original drafts of the System, we even digitized user''s physical ''stats'' and characteristics. Stuff like strength, dexterity, and endurance.
But calculating all of that took up way too much of a Sigil''s processing power, as well as not being very accurate to a biological body''s constantly fluctuating condition.
There was also the nasty side-effect of people putting more value into numbers than their skill and abilities. Sure, someone with 50 ''Strength'' might POTENTIALLY be more potent than someone with 30, but with the proper technique and knowledge, simple numbers can easily be made obsolete.
It took a few decades for QA to figure out that a more straightforward system worked better for everyone."
Mark couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow at that. Why did it feel so oddly... familiar?
"Your Sigil level is an important number to pay attention to. Not only does the Sigil level indicate how well you have adapted to its use, but the level of ''Authorization'' you have when giving commands to the Magi. Thus the higher your level, the more varied and powerful the Skills you will have access to.
Not only that, but as an Ember with direct access to the System, your level will automatically rise without the need to visit a Magi Shrine. Hurrah!
By the way, the average level for a normal adult male your age is 12-14, with most Soldiers pressing level 20. It''s safe to say that you''re pretty lacking, hehehehe."
Mark couldn''t help but frown at that.
"Wait, you just said Sigil level is based on a person''s life experiences! Why the hell is mine so low then?!"
Tsutsuji looked at the man like he was stupid.
"Because, fool, people here are BORN with their Sigils. They''re with them for their entire lives. You just got YOURS. Of course, it wouldn''t be able to records something it wasn''t there for..."
Mark didn''t have anything to respond with, instead choosing to grumble under his breath as Tsutsuji went on.
"As well as increase the skills you have available, Sigils help supplement the body by boosting related parameters. Someone whose Sigil is based on production may find an increase in their dexterity and precision. In comparison, someone with a combat Sigil may find their body''s strength and flexibility increased. This effect strengthens as the Sigil''s level increases.
Everyone is born with a primary ''blank'' Sigil, and they can change it to one they qualify for at a Magi Shrine. This is one function you WILL require a Magi Shrine for, as it''s not built into the System itself.
Personally, I recommend keeping your own. The ''Survivor'' is a particular Sigil with some very... unpleasant requirements, as the name might suggest. As such, however, it comes with some hefty benefits you''ll come to understand as you get better at using it.
If you DO choose to change it, keep in mind that there is a 3-year'' cooldown,'' so it is not something done lightly. However, you''ll retain all of the Sigil Skills and levels as these are based more around your competence in its uses, while your new Sigil level will be calculated based on your compatibility up until that point.
One of the most famous examples was a powerful [Warchief] who decided to retire and become a [Sculptor]. The man dropped from level 72 to level 3. Ironically, as bad as his Sculptors were, they sold like hotcakes. Partly because of the sheer strangeness of the situation, though also partly because most people were simply terrified of the man.
To each their own, I guess...
Next, we''ll talk about Sk..."
Mark raised his hand, using the other to massage the bridge of his nose.
"Wait, Stop, Stop. I''ve not had enough sleep for all of this. Can we continue later?"
The little Guide humphed
"Standard Tutorial procedure is to finish all sec...."
The Magi Spirit slowly wilted under the glare of the large man.
"*cough* But with recent events being what they are, I''m sure it would be fine to continue at a later date..."
Good thing, too, because at that moment, the young man who had been sleeping in the corner shadows, dead to the world and the chaos of the last few hours, sat up and yawned.
Tsutsuji, her back to the man, gave a surprised yelp and quickly flew into the air, dashing behind Mark. She peeked out, ignoring Mark''s annoyed look, and glared suspiciously at the young Hero from behind her new meat-shield.