[====]-[===]-[====]
Regaining consciousness was far from the most pleasant of experiences.
When Asael returned to the land of the living, his entire body felt as though it was on fire. His muscles shook and trembled, spasming at random intervals with waves of heat that left him aching for winter.
He felt as though he was a single movement away from making his body experience a muscle cramp of the century.
And yet, as he opened his bleary eyes to observe the world, he felt invigorated. Because he was still alive. He had lived. Everything that had happened wasn't just a remanent illusion of a dying mind.
"I'm alive…" The grin on his face was a weak one, especially as a fresh bout of pain laced itself through his entire being, leaving him breathless and aching.
Not like he could complain. Being given the chance to be reborn in a world full of magic beat dying a million times over. He felt that his body being in pain was a small price to pay for it.
[-][===][-]
|| [I hope you are aware that your misplaced faith in me is hurtful] ||
[-][===][-]
"Oh, you're still here." He muttered, his voice raspy, though not too different from what it originally was.
[-][===][-]
|| [Do seem more excited user] ||
|| [I come baring gifts!] ||
[-][===][-]
"Is it getting rid of this pain?" Whilst he had said that he couldn't complain about it, he had never said he wouldn't. He was terrified to move from his currently prone position, he felt it was only natural to seek help.
Even if help was an ethereal floating screen that was only visible to his eyes.
He was almost predictably ignored.
[-][===][-]
|| [New Aspects have been unlocked!] ||
|| [Aspect]: [Katon] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Naruto] ||
|| [Description]: [An elemental transformation renowned for its destructive capabilities, fire is often seen as a volatile and fickle element to control and make your own. Through the burning of your Mana, you are capable of kneading this element into whatever you may desire] ||
|| [Note]: [Increasing the level of this [Aspect] also works toward increasing the level of the [Aspect]-[Yoton] ||
|| [Note]: [The strength and potency with which you wield this [Aspect] is entirely dependent on its level. At this moment, you may create flickering embers that die out upon creation] ||
|| [Cost]: [250MP/M] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Doton] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Naruto] ||
|| [Description]: [An elemental transformation renowned for its dependability, earth is often seen as a reliable and defensive element to call upon when your back is against a wall. Through this understanding, you are capable of moulding the steady element into whatever you may desire] ||
|| [Note]: [Increasing the level of this [Aspect] also works toward increasing the level of the [Aspect]-[Yoton] ||
|| [Note]: [The strength and potency with which you wield this [Aspect] is entirely dependent on its level. At this moment, any stone or earth you may create or shape crumbles into dust] ||
|| [Cost]: [250MP/M] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Photokinesis] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [You are the last divine creature made of light to be born. Due to this, you hold a divine authority over any and all light. With this, you can create, shape, manipulate, and control both your own and other's light, into whatever you may deem necessary for the situation] ||
|| [Note]: [The strength and authority you wield with this [Aspect] is entirely dependent on its level. Right now, your light is a distant glow, trying to reach for its true radiance. Your divine nature is ignored by light which wasn't created by you] ||
|| [Cost]: [125MP/M] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Angelic Descent] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [You were crafted to be a solider, a warrior and messenger of the creator. You are all of these things, but you are also a peacemaker, a being of purity of truth. As such, you have the ability to create and release a passive aura which lessens any aggression others might be feeling, and brings with it a unique feeling of comfort to anyone who experiences it, granting and maintaining calmness in the direst of situations for both allies and enemies alike] ||
|| [Cost]: [100MP/H] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Wings of Purity] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [Whilst you harbour many angelic abilities, you mustn't forget that on a biological level, you are an angel. As such, you come equipped with more than just their powers, but also their wings. With these extra limbs, you are able to make the domain of the sky your own, increasing your manoeuvrability, speed, and the control you hold over each separate wing] ||
|| [Note]: [For every rank you achieve with this [Aspect], two more wings will sprout from your back] ||
|| [Cost]: [N/A] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Holy Magic] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [You are soaked in the purity of divinity, and as such, have access to a power that only a rare few angels ever wield. With this, you are capable of imbuing holy energy into anything you desire, causing burns to those who have wronged you, and healing those who you value, purifying the world of any impurities] ||
|| [Note]: [When imbued into the element of light, the [Cost] of this [Aspect] is reduced by [10%] ||
|| [Cost]: [50MP/S] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Blood Manipulation] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Jujutsu Kaisen] ||
|| [Description]: [Your unique biology has granted you the ability to create, control, shape, manipulate, and bend, both the blood around you and inside of you for various purposes. Though you have a powerful connection to blood, you are unable to control the blood located within others] ||
|| [Note]: [The strength and authority you wield with this [Aspect] is entirely dependent on its level. As of this moment, you are only able to control the smallest drops of blood] ||
|| [Cost]: [N/A] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Aspect]: [Mana Manipulation] ||
|| [Legionnaire]: [Level 1/20]: [Progression: 0%] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [Your connection to Mana runs deeper than some deities and should never be underestimated. With this magical ability, you can shape the very essence the world was built upon. Only your imagination is the limit] ||
|| [Note]: [This ability allows you to shape Mana into any of the three states of matter, be it gas, liquid, or solid] ||
|| [Passive Effect]: [The [Cost] of using this [Aspect] is reduced by [10%] ||
|| [Cost]: [Various] ||
[-][===][-]
Asael felt his eyes widen at the list of new abilities he had been granted. He hadn't been expecting anything beside the change to his race and physiology, so this was a nice surprise.
It meant he wasn't nearly as powerless as he had been assuming himself to be.
"This is amazing," His words were hissed as he finally attempted to move from his lying position.
His muscles ached with pain, and everything inside of him protested at the action, but he still pushed through it to get into a sitting position. Though he was far from being comfortable, it left him in a much safer position.
As far as he could see, he had been dropped in some random clearing, surrounded by trees and left in nothing but worn-out jeans a black shirt.
'Better than waking up naked I guess.'
As for his current whereabouts…he could handle that later. He had wings now after all, and wasn't that just a strange sentence to say?
[-][===][-]
|| [New Attributes have been unlocked!] ||
[-][===][-]
Of course, there was also the fact that the system wasn't yet finished.
"Go ahead," Asael told it with a slight grimace on his face.
[-][===][-]
|| [Attribute]: [Blood Weaving] ||
|| [Primus]: [Level Max]: [Progression: N/A] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active/Passive] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Jujutsu Kaisen] ||
|| [Description]: [Though your existence is a peculiar one, that does not mean it is a terrible one. Due to your unique physiology, if any limb has become lost or detached, you are able to use blood as a medium to stitch your body back together with minimal effort and no loss of health] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Attribute]: [Blighted Blood] ||
|| [Primus]: [Level MAX]: [Progression: N/A] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Passive] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Jujutsu Kaisen] ||
|| [Description]: [Born from the vile existence of a curse, the hatred of your mortal mother and the madness of a monk, your blood has become poisonous to others and has gained a potent corrosive aspect. It is capable of draining stamina, and weaking any who come into direct contact with it whilst also causing them consistent pain] ||
|| [Passive Effect]: [You have an immunity to most poisons and toxins, with only the most potent causing you any issues] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Attribute]: [Blood Conversion] ||
|| [Primus]: [Level MAX]: [Progression: N/A] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Passive] ||
|| [Omphalos Categorisation]: [Jujutsu Kaisen] ||
|| [Description]: [Due to your unique physiology, you are now capable of converting your Mana directly into blood. As such, you are never at risk of suffering the effects of blood loss again…so long as you maintain enough Mana to complete this process] ||
|| [Cost]: [Various] ||
[-][===][-]
Asael raised a curious eyebrow at the three Attributes. Whilst he had been expecting to gain [Blood Manipulation] due to his new physiology, he had entirely forgotten about the other benefits a Death Painting gained from inhabiting a body.
Having poisonous blood on its own was valuable, but being able to convert Mana into blood, and using it as a medium to stitch his body back together was things he didn't even know they could do.
Like any true fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, he had no reading comprehension…though on second thought, he didn't think the body stitching ability was ever truly mentioned.
[-][===][-]
|| [Now that I have imparted upon you your gifts] ||
|| [It is time to move onto your Tutorial] ||
[-][===][-]
"You have a tutorial?" Asael asked in confusion. "Why am I only finding out now?"
[-][===][-]
|| [The concept of time means little for a system as great as I] ||
|| [Be grateful you are receiving this Tutorial now rather than later] ||
|| [Now, to begin with, if you utter the word 'Status' either mentally or physically…] ||
[-][===][-]
Asael took the hint with only some grumbling. "Status."
As before, his stats appeared in a secondary screen for him to view.
[-][===][-]
|| [Asael Vyke] ||
|| [Level]: [5]-[0/5000] ||
|| [Health Points]: [2500/2500] ||
|| [Mana Points]: [5000/5000] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [VIT]: [15] ||
|| [STR]: [15] ||
|| [DEX]: [15] ||
|| [INT]: [15] ||
|| [WIS]: [15] ||
|| [CHA]: [15] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [SP]: [0] ||
[-][===][-]
"I really need to get to work on those stats…" Asael had never been an avid enjoyer of Fairy Tail, but he still knew some of the threats which resided within the universe.
As he was now, literally anything could kill him.
[-][===][-]
|| [Perfect! Now we move onto your Aspects and Attributes] ||
|| [As before, you may utter either word and summon the list of available Aspects and Attributes you currently have] ||
[-][===][-]
An additional two screens appeared before him as he uttered the words, both lists were already quite large, and as he had already gone through them only a few minutes ago, he didn't bother with checking them again.
[-][===][-]
|| [Now onto one of my more impressive functions, the inventory. As before, simply say the word to summon it] ||
[-][===][-]
He did as he was bid, muttering the word out loud, and simply watching as a fourth screen appeared off to his side. Within it, was a large box which held many smaller boxes.
It was entirely empty beside one slot which sat in the upper right corner. Asael already knew that it was Moonveil which took up the space.
His right arm burned as he moved it, and he felt as [Omphalos Mind] reduced the feeling of pain, whilst he reached toward the screen. It rippled like a drop of rain hitting water as his hand phased into it.
His hand grasped the hilt of something firm, and he slowly pulled it out, watching in fascination as the ripple in space grew larger in the process.
Once the katana was out, he couldn't help but admire the sheathed weapon. Its black scabbard opened with a small click, and as he pulled Moonveil out, its blade seemed to glow a dark blue colour, as though responding to his very presence.
A grin appeared on his face, as he marvelled over the fully drawn blade.
"Aren't you a beauty…" He said aloud, holding it before him at a slight angle.
It must have been his imagination playing up, but he could have sworn that the hilt seemed to warm in the palm of his hand.
[-][===][-]
|| [How is it your new blade receives compliments and I don't?] ||
|| [I'm quite the beauty too, in my own humble opinion] ||
[-][===][-]
"It hasn't threatened me so far." Was Asael's instant response. "Or insinuated that I'm stupid."
[-][===][-]
|| [I never insinuated that you were stupid…just a little slow] ||
[-][===][-]
"That's not helping your case." He deadpanned, sheathing the blade into its scabbard as he spoke. "And do you even have a body?"
[-][===][-]
|| [Wow…] ||
|| [Just…just take this and be on your way] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Secret Quest Complete]-[Tutorial] ||
|| [Description]: [You've found yourself in a new world and know little of The Omphalos Systems workings. Your objective is to rectify that] ||
|| [Status]: [Complete] ||
|| [Rewards]: ||
|| [+2] To every [Stat] ||
[-][===][-]
'Did I…did I just cause emotional damage to a system?' He wondered, blinking his eyes in a mixture of confusion and startlement. 'No, that can't be right.'
Shaking his head to try and dispel the confusion he currently felt, Asael used the scabbard of his new sword as a cane and pushed himself up with all the strength he currently had.
Asael felt his head spin at the sudden movement, but it was the least of his worries, as his body practically set itself on fire.
It was only his masculine pride that stopped him from screaming in pain like a little girl.
"Why didn't I just use my wings? What is wrong with me?" He wheezed through gritted teeth. Blatantly ignoring the fact that he didn't even know how to use his wings.
The hilt in his hand subtly gained some warmth, as though trying to offer him comfort. He would have appreciated it, if he wasn't so distracted by the feeling of liquid fire being pushed through his veins.
Luckily, as the minutes went by and his body adjusted to not only existing but living, the pain permeating through him began to slowly dwindle until only a slight ache was left behind.
It felt like he had spent all of yesterday in the gym and had only now woken up to bear the consequences of his actions.
"I guess reincarnation isn't all sunshine and rainbows after all," He muttered, cautiously moving his body through some light stretches.
The books and novels he had read as a kid truly did a terrible job of showing just how painful rebirth really was.
If he ever somehow made it back, he'd sue them for false advertisement. This was so not what he was promised.
"At least I get powers," He grinned at the thought, his left-hand glinting with sparks of light. "The only question I have now is how to use-"
It felt as if his mind had remembered some lost memory from his childhood. Information, born directly from the system, began to flow through him, instructions and instincts guiding him to understanding how this specific power worked.
"-Oh." Asael blinked, feeling as though he had just come back from some outer body experience. Within his free hand now rested a spear made entirely from light.
It glinted in the light cast by the sun, its form looked to be made of a golden crystalline structure, with a wooden shaft and a single pointed end.
It was as ordinary as a spear could look but that didn't matter to him, because it was a spear made of light that he had created.
'Holy shit, I actually have powers.' His grin grew to became impossibly wide, to the point that his cheeks began to physically hurt.
Whilst he knew that this was all real. It never hurt to double, triple, and quadruple check.
He had seen enough internet memes to fear this all just being a figment of his imagination after falling into some coma. Even though he knew that he had died, it was still something that had taken root in the back of his mind.
"Screw it, if this really is just my imagination and I am in a coma, then I'm going to treat this as a vacation." And if he one day did wake up in his original world, well, he could always become a writer.
By then, he'd have first-hand experience of living in a fantasy world. That would have to count for something, no?
"Thoughts for the future, right now, I need to figure out where I am." He told himself, taking a cursory look over the clearing. "Trees…lots and lots of trees, a no name forest then."
Truly, he was the epitome of wisdom.
"Ugh, what the hell am I even doing?" He groaned, palming his face. "I have wings, I can just make an aerial observation of my surroundings."
Sighing, he dismissed the spear of light and turned, mentally preparing himself to summon the new limbs, when his eyes unexpectedly landed on something new and unnatural.
At a surface level glance, the creature standing before him looked like a tall, but frail human being. Though when he looked further, its entire body seemed to be composed of tree roots, vines, darkened bones, and various other vegetation.
It was tall too, bearing down at him in an upright position, with two gangly arms by its side that ended in razor sharp tipped claws. Its legs and feet were nearly identical to its arms, with decaying robes of leather wrapped around its torso and chest.
But its most prominent feature, was the deer like skull that sat, covering its face, with long, twisting antlers sprouting from the back of its head.
The system appeared by his side; a new notification held within it.
[-][===][-]
|| [New Attribute Unlocked!] ||
[-][===][-]
|| [Attribute]: [Appraisal] ||
|| [Primus]: [Level Max]: [Progression: N/A] ||
|| [Omphalos Designation]: [Active] ||
|| [Description]: [You are unfamiliar with this world and its inhabitants, so you notice discrepancies others around you never would. With this ability, you are able to perceive the hidden details of anyone and anything you wish] ||
[-][===][-]
Asael had read many reincarnation stories in his previous life, as such, he knew exactly what this new Attribute was.
Because of that, and because his life may very well be in danger, he didn't hesitate to activate it.
[-][===][-]
|| [Malicious Tree Spirit: Leshen] ||
|| [Born from the fear of those who have disrespected nature, this creature is both seen as a valued protector of forested lands, and a vengeful spirit who attacks any that dare to encroach upon its domain] ||
|| [Aspects and Attributes]: ||
|| [Call of The Wild]: [Its presence in the ecosystem is wildly regarded as necessary by even the mightiest beasts, as such, when it calls for support, all willingly join its battles] ||
|| [Wood Manipulation]: [Its birth came from a dying tree, its reincarnation harbours many of its physical and spiritual characteristics] ||
|| [Spirit of Nature]: [As a spirit born of nature, this being is one with the world, capable of utilising everything that a forest provides it to repel and devour invaders] ||
[-][===][-]
"Ah…good doggy?" He weakly asked.
The creature—a Leshen of all things, shook its head in a disappointed manner.
"Eh, you can't blame me for trying. It was worth a short," Moonveil glowed within its sheath as his grip on its handle grew. "En guard then, fucker."
Really, Asael decided only a moment later, it was the wrong thing to say.
Because in that moment, the entire forest around him seemed to come to life.
[====]-[===]-[====]
[End]