(Cal POV)
[+200 CP Milestone]
[200 CP Remaining]
Good morning to you too, Forge.
Getting up from the couch, I immediately head over to the showers. Thankfully, there were a couple that were available, however, you had to be really early to use them. Looking at the clock, I see that it's currently 7 AM, so after grabbing a previously used towel, I immediately set out to not look like too much of a bum.
The feeling of hot water against my skin feels different—probably because of the perks I've gotten. In fact, everything feels different. Looking at my hand, I see that the wrinkles were mostly gone. Slightly flexing my left arm, I find that my body moves exactly how I want it to.
Looking in the mirror that's in the shower, I try to shave my face and find that I can't seem to cut myself, even on accident. Every movement is performed with much higher efficiency than I used to. Checking to make sure I didn't miss anything, I find that my eyes have gained a bit of color. Nothing crazy, but my brown eyes were slightly lighter. Not in terms of their shade, but the eyes themselves just seemed a bit brighter. Looks like something out of an anime, to be honest.
I'm just thankful I don't have that weird anime anatomy where the head/eyes are two times larger than the body. I still remember those videos—gives me chills just thinking about them.
Turning the shower off, I walk over and put my clothes back on, and thankfully, since I have not been getting them dirty, they are still in decent shape. In fact, it may just be me going crazy, but they seem to be looking slightly better after I put them on.
(If you guys are confused, anything he wears or creates has a tendency to look better over time thanks to His Majesty's Majesty perk.)
After putting them on, I walk over to my locker and place the blankets and pillow inside before walking over to the side of the couch where I was sleeping, as I had left the small table.
However, before picking the table up, I decided to use the Forge for good luck—that, and I am going to need something to pick myself up if my little stand doesn't work.
Mentally summoning it, it almost feels nostalgic somehow to see the world begin to slow down, and it makes me wonder how powerful the being was to create something like this. It's like a miniature Akashic Records. The amount of power alone is almost too much for me to begin thinking of.
Putting that out of my mind for a moment, I pick up the hammer that lies upon the anvil. However, as I slam downwards, I find that instead of just one, two orbs of energy enter my body.
One colored a bright yellow, the other one pink. However, as the yellow one enters my form, I find myself in an entirely new place. I shouldn't even be surprised anymore, but I can't find myself feeling saddened by this development.
Around me, the world falls away, and across the endless expanse, all I see are yellow numbers—thousands upon thousands of data streams all flowing in multiple directions.
It's as if the world itself had become data. For a moment, I try to speak, however, I find that I am unable to do so. And so, I walk forward. I touch the ground, and it feels different, like a type of metallic sludge.
I grip the ground and try to pull the data. However, it just retracts like a rubber band. For a few moments, I consider continuing walking. However, before doing so, a bright light forms in front of me, causing me to put my hand in front of my eyes to keep the light from overwhelming them.
"Truly, humanity has always managed to surprise me. They despise me, they reject me, yet I cannot help but admire them." A woman's voice echoes throughout the expanse.
In front of me, the woman's form coalesces into one that is physical rather than seemingly a data-based construct.
In front of me, long white flowing robes form along with distinct black hair and glowing silver—almost blue—eyes. Her skin seemingly too perfect to exist. Beneath it, I see white lines traced throughout what I would assume to be her skeletal structure.
"In the face of a superior being, I am surprised you were even able to look me in the eyes." Her voice cuts through the silence again. I narrow my eyes at her tone as I realize who this is.
Juno of the First Civilization… my mouth goes to form the words as well. I cannot speak. I assume that she can read my lips.
She smirks as she begins to walk around me, her form slightly taller than my own.
"I have seen so much, been failed by so many—it's a wonder that people even remember my name. I remember all of them… all the times he died and was reborn. I see potential in you. You may not be of us, but I can see the beginnings of something truly great." Truly, these superior types really like to hear themselves talk.
She places one of her hands against my chin and pulls my face slightly upwards… she looks into my eyes and from her hand, data begins to flow into my body… It feels like fire being sent directly through my veins, but I cannot flinch, nor can I scream out in agony. I feel the muscles beginning to strengthen and rearrange themselves. I feel my skeletal and cardiovascular structure evolving. It feels as if my heart is about to burst.
But I do not pull away. I look her directly in the eyes as she smiles in amusement. The smile then turns to chuckling and after what felt like hours, but what truly was only 10 minutes, she lets go, and while my body wishes to fall to the floor, I remain standing—however, I do so shakily.
The woman then turns around. "You are not him, yet I can see him in your eyes. He no longer exists, but you shall carry on his legacy… I do not know if I will see you again, but try to make a bit of a showing of yourself next time."
She then walks away and fades into a bright light, and the world returns to normal. The data that once surrounded me then fades into a bright light, and I find myself back in the Feast Center.
I look down at my body and find it changed again. While I wasn't fighting-fit, now I looked like something out of an old 80s action movie. I could feel the individual muscles in my body. I could feel the power they held. Now I could see the echoes of yellow lines across my body before they fade away.
Before I could even take a step or find— the world then changed again. What was once vibrant colors then turns to a dull gray, similar to how the Forge seems to exist. However, now everything is moving at the exact same speed, but the people around me have changed. What were now defined people were now colors. Most of them didn't even emit any color. Some were white, others blue… and a couple were shaded red.
I could hear every conversation. I could hear the individual footsteps and see across the multiple blocks, and while it wasn't truly defined, the colors were still there.
Taking a breath, I focused on reining myself in, and as if nothing had ever happened, the world returned to normal. Strangely enough, the clothes I was wearing seemed to increase in size, which I assumed is due to the fact that they were the clothes that I had on when I received the Forge.
Checking the perks that I had received, a small smile formed on my face:
Free - Isu Hybrid / Assassin's Creed: Odyssey:
Long, long ago, the Isu ruled as gods, using humanity as little more than slave labor. They maintained their rule due to special pieces of technology, which forced humanity to obey their every command. However, some Isu chose to interbreed with humanity, and from such unions rose hybrids, who were capable of disobeying commands and led to a rebellion that overthrew the Isu. Over time, the Isu's DNA became diluted, but certain bloodlines possessed a higher level of Isu DNA, granting them certain benefits, and now, you gain those benefits as well. You are physically and mentally improved beyond the level of base humanity, such that those like you are often called demigods. You have a form of the energy manipulation abilities of the Isu, which can allow you to interact with Isu tech. In future Jumps, you will be able to interface easily with other sorts of precursor technology that might ordinarily not respond to normal humans. You have access to Eagle Vision, a form of sight that allows you to see living beings and targets through solid objects. You are resistant to all forms of mind control and manipulation. And with time and practice, you have a potent form of retrocognition, allowing you to see visions of the past connected to objects or locations, as well as potentially mentally reliving memories of your ancestors.
Free - Porn Physics / Something Unlimited:
What would be the fun in going to a hentai world if it followed a more realistic logic related to all the dangers brought by having massive amounts of wild unprotected sex? Thankfully, you don't have to worry about any of those things in this world and beyond. STDs for you are a thing of the past, unwanted pregnancies just don't happen, you do not grow bored of having sex, and all matters of hentai-logic actions not only don't cause pain and damage but are actually as pleasurable as the porn videos and books claim they are. It also enhances your own skill when performing various sexual activities.
[200 CP Remaining]
One of these is not like the other. Truly, this Forge is a mystery, but a beneficial one. Where once I was in the lower stratum of six feet, now I was at least six foot five, maybe even slightly taller. For now, however, I grab the small table that I was going to use for my stand and find that it is much less of a burden to carry.
Yesterday, when I carried it up the stairs, I found that I needed to use both arms and go up them slowly. Now, it feels like I can lift the table with just one arm.
Folding the table up, I begin walking down the stairs, ignoring the now strange looks I was getting. Some of them even rubbed their eyes for some reason. Walking out of the building, I made sure to take the bag that was filled with the empty papers and postcards that May let me borrow.
Also, I checked—the paper was not free, and it's gonna put me at least another $40–$50 in the hole. That woman is truly too nice for this world.
I wasn't going very far, as I didn't want to take chances. While I was stronger and definitely faster, I was only above the average human. And in a universe like this, above-average humans are quite literally a dime a dozen—less even.
Since the Feast Center was set up near a small flea market, I walk over to the side of the building and find some other stands with people trying to sell random junk that they found.
I had managed to finagle/borrow a small sign that looked similar to a store spill sign rather than an official one, but it existed to list my prices.
Nothing too crazy—$20 for a self-portrait and $10 for people to describe what they want me to draw. A bit low, I know, but the problem with street art is that it's based more on reputation and background rather than actual skill in the beginning.
So after setting up the table and the sign, I take out some of the pieces of paper and cut them in half and begin drawing the art that shall be used essentially as a window art to draw people over.
Thankfully, I don't get any strange looks for setting up the stand, as art is one of the few things you can actually sell if it's yours. Most other things require a license. All I need to do is make sure that I'm not disrupting the public order.
So as I begin to draw, I'm reminded of that same space that I was in—filled with pure knowledge—and while I only have pencils and blue and black pens, it's enough. The first picture is a first-person view of the First Civilization information highway—the hallway of data that seems to go on forever.
The next one is a picture of Juno, slightly as a bit of a stash at her, for selling a piece of art showing her for $10 when she would definitely want to be sold at a much higher price. It's a bit petty, but after quite literally feeling as if my body had been melted down and reforged, it's the small victories that matter.
[+100 CP Milestone]
[+100 CP Achievement: Go Beyond Normal Humanity]
[400 CP Remaining]
So for the next hour, I use some of the paper to draw anything I could think of. Most of it was just random stuff, like various weapons I could think of off the top of my head, or various landscapes and pictures of those who I know for sure don't exist here.
It makes me wonder if I should start a company to produce various forms of media—because what universe could be complete without someone telling someone else to get good in Dark Souls? Definitely gonna have to head back to the library to see what types of media exist in this world.
Truly, the power of future plagiarism is strong in me… but original stuff can come after I'm not living off of a homeless shelter's couch.
Placing all of the art pieces on the table and finishing creating my sign, I sit and wait for someone to take the bait.
(One Hour Later…)
I think the fact that I have the Eternal Existence perk is why I didn't even feel the hour pass. The foot traffic is rather slow, but given the fact that it's still early in the morning, it should pick up.
Looking over to my side, I see some people beginning to play on instruments, and for a second, I feel the slight urge to correct them on their flawed styles of play—but I just blame that on my Servant and Wonder Forging Genius perks.
For a few seconds, I just watch as a man begins to play a basic tune on his violin. Reminds me of a country tune. As he finishes the song, I lightly clap for the guy, as while it wasn't amazing, it was decent.
He looked over to me and gave me a small smile.
"You're looking to make some dough?" The question came out a bit forwardly, but I nodded.
"Me too. Sometimes I just like to play. Helps to practice for the guys that really matter." Seemingly confused, he looks at me while looking up toward the Feast Center's roof.
"The ones I'm looking out for up there… gotta get the money to feed them somehow."
"Them?"
"Yeah, my pigeons… got all of them up in their cage. But while the feed isn't very expensive, still gotta make enough money to get it. I'm Howard, by the way." He reaches his hand out and I take it.
"Cal. You can call me Cal… that was a good song. Is it an unofficial one, or did you just make it up?" He nods at the latter question.
"I saw you watching me play. Do you like what you hear?"
"I do. You know, for a guy that seemingly loves his pigeons so much, you play a good serenade." He just makes a little bow as he sits down next to me.
"Want to give it a try?" He then hands me the violin before I could even refuse.
"I know you're gonna say that, 'Oh, I've never played it,' or, 'Oh, I don't want to ruin your instrument,' but I found it in the garbage behind the nearby music shop, so I'm not losing anything here." I can understand the sentiment, as while the instrument is in decent condition, it's definitely third-hand.
So as I take it in my hands, I place the violin up against my neck and decide—if I'm going so far for a theme today, it's only right that I continue.
For a few seconds, I string the violin, making sure to check the pitch and condition of the strings.
I definitely look awkward, as I've never played a violin before, but as I begin to do so, my hand begins to move along the violin bow like it has never done so in its life.
I begin to hum the tune, and the world begins to fade. I am taken back to easier times—better times.
(Y'all can probably guess what he's playing, but if it isn't obvious enough, this is for all my Assassin's Creed II fans in the comments.)
(Ezio's Family – by Einar Selvik)
There were no words said, and as I began to mouth and hum, the world was lost—it was only me and the instrument.
(Third Person POV)
The small market has always been a hotbed for those who wanted to make some quick cash, and you could find all small bits and knickknacks around, but nothing truly of value.
Yet in the early morning, instead of just hearing the cars and hustle and bustle of the walking crowds, a melodious tune could be heard. The sound echoing down the street, and soon enough small hums and hymns began to echo.
Those in the flea market stopped what they were doing as they turned toward the source of the sound. Even those playing other instruments stopped, as they just sat and listened, completely enraptured.
And for a few minutes, those listening began to recall a time they themselves could never remember. They remembered the losses that they had suffered, the time that they had wasted… the good times and the bad times.
It was as if they had gone years without listening—without feeling. Everyone turned their heads toward the source of the music and found a man playing a violin in clothes that barely looked like something that was bought at a convenience store.
As the music began to swell, the man's mouth opened and from it came the sweetest of sounds. There were no true words—just noise—but the onomatopoeia did not matter. It was as if they had entered a chapel, yet they themselves did not know what they worshipped.
And as the music began to die down, they felt a surge of melancholy, as if they had just lost something important. The sun, as if sensing the event, rose in the sky, painting an orange hue across the street. And behind the man playing the violin, the sun shone like a halo.
And as the man's hands stopped moving across the violin's bow, he placed it back into the hands of the man next to him and simply sat down, as if what he had created had stopped the entire area around him.
As he then looked around, the man that had played the music saw everyone staring intently at him. He simply smiled and waved. He did a small bow with just his head.
And with that, the people around him that were going about their business then walked away toward the man that had played the violin once in his life and had created something that they would never forget.
The phones that had been recording the event seemingly stayed up, as if the people that held them felt like they were committing a crime just putting them down and stopping the recording.
But as soon as the music ended, they found that their faculties had returned to normal—while some rubbed tears from their eyes.
And for a few moments, there was silence before the small mob of people then rushed over toward the man and demanded he play again. For a few moments, those people were hopeful as he looked over toward the guy who had originally held the violin.
But as he did so, he took the violin in his hands again and then pointed toward the sign.
So as the people then focused on something entirely different, they looked down at his paintings and once again were bombarded by some of the most beautiful pictures they had ever seen.
The man behind the stand just smiled… completely unaware of what had just occurred.
(Cal POV)
[+100 CP Achievement: Enrapture an Audience]
[500 CP Remaining]
"Are you willing to do an encore?!"
"Is this some kind of professional singer prank?"
"Am I on TV? Hi mom!"
The endless questions just seemed to keep coming in, while Howard just looked at me—but I could see in his eyes that he was laughing at my current predicament.
Is this what suffering from success feels like? I put my hand up to silence them, and as they do so, I explain.
"If you all want to hear that song again, I would ask that you all buy some of my art. Let's say for every $50, I'll play a new song." The people just smiled, and as they looked down at my art, they seemed to get lost in the pictures—which is probably due to the effects of my perks, but don't hate the player, hate the game.
Or at least in this case, hate the player who has artistic skills from a world where paintings themselves can come alive, if given enough care and experience…
One man just handed me his wallet before shouting, "I will take your entire stock!" Checking the cash, I see that he only has about 40 bucks on him, so I just give him a small smile before handing him a couple of landscapes that I've done. One of them was the Field of Reeds from Assassin's Creed: Origins, while the other was of the city of Midgar from Final Fantasy.
As he handed me the $40 and took his wallet back, he walked away, entirely focused on looking at the pictures. It made me happy that these people were enjoying my art. All of them seemed genuinely happy, and it felt good. It felt right.
Thankfully, a decent amount of them just bought the art that I had drawn on the table, as it would've been quite difficult to do a self-portrait with the amount of people around. Eventually, I straight up ran out of paper. Checking the bag that I had, I found that I had made a decent amount of money—definitely over 500 bucks.
Basically pocket change to some, and it wouldn't even give me a quarter of a night in a basic apartment, but it's a start. Definitely enough to get a decent bed. And thankfully, I have somewhere to store it.
(Well another chapter down May have gone a bit too much into the flowery text, but I'm trying to represent my own feelings when listening to certain themes And it definitely doesn't help that the guy quite literally becomes a professional in nearly every art you can think of in a matter of minutes So he can turn a basic show into a religious experience in a matter of hours. Truly exalted perks, are OP. Also, the new Emma Frost look in Marvel rivals literally made me do the neuron activation monkey as soon as I saw her design and while I do not admit that proudly, I will admit it. Also, who knows maybe his performance got him some attention I will not elaborate.)
(By the way, this may be a strange request, but I will freely admit I'm not very good at using AI. So if you guys could create an image of the main character for me that would be great for a general description. He's a well fit male with brown hair and brown eyes who is slightly over 6 foot five.)