Chirp... chirp... chirp...
The sounds of morning birds broke through the faint dawn silence. Rinoa awakened slowly from deep sleep on her small bed in the living room, feeling the warmth of the thick wool blanket and the comfort of the soft straw mattress. Her young blue-green eyes opened, gazing at the wooden ceiling that still looked fresh and clean (the result of the villagers' hard work yesterday).
'Home...' Rinoa thought while smiling faintly. 'This is truly my home now.'
Unlike the previous days, this time she didn't wake up due to anxiety or nightmares about strange creature attacks. What she felt now was peace, family warmth, and an increasingly strengthening determination.
In the corner of the room near the window, Kirubbit had already awakened earlier, sitting calmly while gazing outside with its clear golden eyes. Its young blue crystal horn gleamed softly when the dawn light touched it.
"Good morning to you too, Kirubbit," Rinoa whispered as she rose slowly, trying not to make too much noise. From the children's room next door, she could still hear the steady breathing of Luno and Mii sleeping soundly.
Squeak... Kirubbit let out a small grunt in response, but there was something different about the little creature's behavior this morning. It appeared more restless, as if sensing something it couldn't express.
The aroma of morning cooking had already spread from the kitchen when Rinoa emerged from the living room. Nira, wearing a simple apron with small flower patterns, was busy in front of the stove with skillful and loving movements.
"Good morning, Rinoa," Nira greeted without turning, her hands continuing to stir porridge in a large clay pot. "How was your sleep in this new house?"
"Very sound, Mother Nira," Rinoa answered while approaching the kitchen. "It feels... different. Warmer."
"Of course it's different," Nira said with a gentle smile. "This house was built with hands full of love. Every piece of wood, every iron nail, was installed with prayers and good wishes from the villagers."
Jeren sat at the simple dining table, a cup of herbal tea in an earthenware mug steaming before him. His gray eyes gazed at Rinoa with a calculating look, like a teacher assessing a student's potential.
"This morning we'll have much more intensive training," Jeren said while sipping his tea. Slurp... "Yesterday you showed that you can survive. Today, we'll see if you can fight in a real battle."
'A real battle?' Rinoa felt her stomach churn. Yesterday alone had been exhausting enough.
Tap-tap-tap...
The sound of small feet running came from the direction of the children's room. Luno and Mii appeared with messy hair and still sleepy eyes, but their faces immediately brightened seeing the family atmosphere in the morning.
"Mother Nira! I'm hungry!" Mii exclaimed while running to hug Nira's legs, her blue cotton nightgown fluttering.
"Me too! My stomach has been growling for a while!" Luno added while rubbing his eyes, his simple light brown sleep tunic wrinkled.
Warm laughter filled the room. Rinoa felt her chest warm watching this simple but loving interaction. 'In my previous life as Rio, I never experienced warmth like this.'
After breakfast of delicious warm porridge and calming herbal tea, Jeren invited Rinoa to the backyard that had been cleared of construction debris. The area had now become a fairly spacious makeshift training ground with several practice targets made of straw and wooden poles.
"Today we start with real stamina training," Jeren said while taking out a leather backpack containing various training equipment. "Yesterday was just a warm-up. Now let's see how far your limits go."
'Oh my...' Rinoa swallowed hard. 'Yesterday I almost fainted, and that was just a warm-up?'
Jeren took out a wooden bucket larger than yesterday's and filled it with water until full. "Walk around that wood while carrying this bucket. Fifty laps."
"Fi-fifty?!" Rinoa exclaimed with a trembling voice. "Yesterday was only three laps!"
"Yesterday was warm-up. Today is real training," Jeren answered mercilessly. "Start!"
Thud...
Rinoa almost fell when lifting the bucket that was much heavier than yesterday's. The water inside swayed violently, and several drops spilled onto the ground.
Step... sway... almost falling...
"Too slow!" Jeren shouted. "You're not taking a leisurely walk! This is about survival!"
'Why does it have to be this heavy?' Rinoa complained inwardly while trying to maintain balance. Her smaller female body felt increasingly unable to bear this burden. 'Yesterday was already exhausting, now it's even heavier.'
After the tenth lap, Rinoa's legs were already trembling and her breathing was ragged. Sweat soaked her training dress made of rough cotton cloth.
Thump-thump-thump... Her heart beat rapidly in her narrower chest cavity. 'It feels like it's going to explode.'
"Master Jeren, can't I rest for a moment?" Rinoa pleaded desperately.
"The enemy won't wait until you're ready to rest!" Jeren snapped. "Continue!"
'Damn... this is torture,' Rinoa whimpered inwardly. 'I miss my old body that was stronger. This body... is too weak for training this heavy.'
After finally completing fifty laps with great difficulty, Jeren immediately gave the next exercise.
"Push-ups. One hundred repetitions."
"O-ONE HUNDRED?!" Rinoa almost fainted hearing it. "Master Jeren, this is too much!"
"Nothing is too much when your life is threatened," Jeren answered coldly. "A wolf won't ask how many push-ups you've done before attacking you."
Ngh... ouch... painful...
Rinoa's arms trembled violently after the tenth repetition. The strength of her female body was far different from what she remembered as Rio. Back then Rio might have been able to do thirty push-ups easily, but now even ten felt impossible.
"Only ten? Pathetic!" Jeren shook his head with a dissatisfied expression. "Again! Until one hundred or you don't get lunch!"
'So cruel...' Rinoa felt tears of frustration flowing down her cheeks. 'He really knows no mercy.'
"Why is Master Jeren suddenly so harsh?" Rinoa asked while trying to continue the torturous push-ups.
"Because yesterday I saw your potential," Jeren answered while crossing his arms. "You have extraordinary natural abilities, but your body is too weak to support them. If I don't break through your limits now, you'll die in your first battle."
After brutal physical training, Jeren took out two wooden swords with tips wrapped in thick cloth. Unlike yesterday which was just basic training, this time the swords felt heavier and more balanced.
"Now we'll practice real combat," Jeren said while taking a fighting stance. "I won't hold back like yesterday. You must fight as if your life depends on it."
Whoosh!
Without warning, Jeren attacked at full speed. His wooden sword lunged toward Rinoa's head with terrifying force.
Clank!
Rinoa managed to parry reflexively, but the force of the impact made her arm feel almost broken.
"Owww!" she screamed in pain. "Master Jeren, this is too hard!"
"A real enemy will attack with full force!" Jeren replied while launching a second attack. "If you can't withstand this, you're already dead!"
Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!
The successive attacks completely overwhelmed Rinoa. She could only defend passively, not even having time to launch a counter-attack.
Smack!
Jeren's sword hit her shoulder, though not hard but enough to make her wince.
"Don't just defend! Attack back!" Jeren ordered while continuing to press.
'But how?' Rinoa felt frustrated. 'His movements are too fast! And my strength doesn't compare!'
In desperation, Rinoa tried to remember the action movies Rio used to watch. Use speed and agility, not strength.
Whoosh!
She attempted a quick attack to the side, utilizing her smaller body to move under Jeren's guard.
Tap!
Her wooden sword touched Jeren's waist, making the man step back.
"Good!" Jeren praised. "That's what I wanted! Use your advantages - speed and agility!"
Ding!
Suddenly, a notification panel appeared before Rinoa.
[New Skill Acquired!]
[Combat Reflexes (Passive - Lv. 1) - Increases reaction speed to physical attacks]
[This ability allows you to respond to enemy attacks faster and more accurately]
[Bonus: +2 AGI when in close-range combat]
'What's this?!' Rinoa was almost shocked seeing the panel that suddenly appeared. 'A new skill? From this training?'
She could feel the difference immediately. Jeren's movements that previously looked like lightning now felt slightly slower in her eyes. Her reflexes reacted more smoothly and precisely.
Clank! Swish!
This time, Rinoa not only managed to parry but also launched a counter-attack that made Jeren have to take a defensive step.
"Remarkable," Jeren muttered with slightly widened eyes. "You suddenly moved much faster. Like something changed within you."
'If he knew that I just got a new skill...' Rinoa thought while trying to keep her expression neutral.
The sword training continued for almost two hours. Jeren kept raising the intensity, forcing Rinoa to adapt to various attack styles. There were frontal attacks, side attacks, even attacks combined with kicks.
"Now let's try with two enemies," Jeren said while calling another figure.
Heavy footsteps...
Master Willem appeared carrying a wooden sword, wearing simple leather training clothes.
"Sorry Rinoa, but this is for your own good," Master Willem said while taking position on the opposite side from Jeren.
'Oh no...' Rinoa felt panic. 'Two against one? This is already in the bullying category!'
Whoosh-whoosh!
Attacks from two directions at once made Rinoa truly overwhelmed. She had to keep spinning, using complicated footwork to avoid being trapped.
Clank-clank-clank!
The sound of wooden swords clashing created an orchestra that echoed in the yard. Rinoa moved like a desperate dancer, spinning her body to avoid attacks while occasionally launching counter-attacks.
Hah... hah... ouch...
"No rest!" Jeren shouted. "In a real battle, you'll face more than two enemies!"
'Crazy... this is really crazy,' Rinoa complained inwardly while continuing to move. 'My body has reached its limit.'
After two hours of brutal training, Jeren finally raised his hand to stop the training.
"Enough for today," he said while wiping sweat with a rough cloth.
Collapse...
Rinoa immediately fell sitting on the grass, her breathing ragged like a fish out of water. Her entire body was drenched in sweat, and her muscles felt like jelly.
"Master Jeren..." Rinoa said in a voice almost whispering, "today's training... was really brutal. Isn't it too extreme?"
Jeren sat beside her, taking out a water bottle from leather and offering it to Rinoa. "This world is brutal, Rinoa. Better you feel pain in training than die in a real battle."
Gulp-gulp-gulp...
Rinoa drank the water eagerly. It felt like the best gift in the world after two hours of torture.
"Master Jeren," Rinoa said after her breathing somewhat normalized, "may I ask something?"
"Go ahead."
"Status Window... does everyone in this world have a Status Window?" Rinoa asked carefully. "I mean, like a panel that shows level, statistics, and so on?"
Jeren furrowed his brow. "Status Window? You know about that?"
"Yes... somehow I can see it. But I'm not sure if this is normal or not."
"That's very normal," Jeren answered with a smile. "Everyone aged fifteen and above can access their Status Window. It's a way to monitor self-ability development."
A status panel appeared before Rinoa when she concentrated.
Ding!
📃 STATUS WINDOW
Name: Rinoa
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Level: 5 (70/500)
Affinity: Aether (Awakening)
Title: None
HP: 320/320
AP: 190/190
STR: 16
AGI: 20
VIT: 16
INT: 21
LUK: 18
Skills:
Instinctive Pulse (Passive - Level 2)
Danger Sense (Passive - Level 1)
Aether Sense (Passive - Level 2)
Survival Instinct (Passive - Level 1)
Combat Reflexes (Passive - Level 1)
??? (Locked)
Items: None
"But Master Jeren," Rinoa continued, "are there notifications that appear automatically informing about self-development? Like panels that notify when we get a new skill or level up?"
Jeren looked at her with a confused expression. "Automatic notifications? What do you mean?"
"I mean... panels that suddenly appear in front of your eyes, notifying when we get EXP or a new skill?"
"There's nothing like that," Jeren answered while shaking his head. "Status Window can only be seen if we actively call it. There are no automatic notifications or panels that appear by themselves."
'Huh?' Rinoa was surprised. 'So the notifications that always appear to me... aren't normal?'
"Why? Are you experiencing something like that?" Jeren asked with sharp eyes.
"Err... not really," Rinoa answered quickly. "I was just curious. After all, in stories I've heard, there are often heroes who receive magical notifications."
"Ah, fairy tales," Jeren laughed. "In reality, everything must be checked manually. Status Window won't tell you anything unless asked."
'So what I have is truly special,' Rinoa thought. 'But why? And where did it come from?'
"Master Jeren, can other people see other people's Status Windows?"
"They can't, unless they have a special skill called Appraiser. That skill is very rare, usually possessed by merchants or expert appraisers," Jeren answered. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothing. I just want to know."
'Fortunately,' Rinoa felt relieved. 'That means they can't see my 'Reincarnated Soul' title or other strange things about me.'
"Now, the final part," Jeren said while standing. "Aether control for defense and attack."
They moved to a more open area. Jeren sat cross-legged on the grass and asked Rinoa to do the same.
Sitting cross-legged in a dress felt very strange and uncomfortable for Rinoa. She had to keep adjusting the fabric so it wouldn't open, very different from Rio's old pants that moved freely.
'Why do I have to sit like this in a dress?' she grumbled inwardly while trying to find a comfortable position without ruining propriety.
"Yesterday you learned the basics of Aether for defense," Jeren said. "Today we'll try something more difficult - Aether projection for long-range attacks."
"Long-range attacks?"
"Yes. With proper concentration, you can throw Aether energy to attack enemies from a distance. But this requires very precise control."
Jeren raised his hand, and Rinoa could see a faint blue light gathering in his palm. Then, with a quick motion, he threw the energy toward a straw target ten meters away.
Whoosh... BANG!
The straw target exploded into small fragments.
"Wow!" Rinoa was amazed seeing that demonstration. "How do you do it?"
"Focus your Aether in your palm, compress it until dense, then throw it with strong will," Jeren instructed. "But be careful, this drains AP heavily."
Rinoa closed her eyes and activated her Aether Sense. She could feel the energy flow in her body more clearly than before. Slowly, she tried to direct that energy to her palm.
A warm sensation gathered in her hand, but very unstable. The energy swayed like a candle flame blown by wind.
"Concentrate!" Jeren ordered. "Imagine the energy like a dense ball!"
Focus... focus...
Rinoa tried with all her might, but her Aether energy was difficult to control. Several times it was almost stable, but then dispersed again.
Whoosh...
When she tried to throw it, the energy dispersed in the air without reaching the target.
"Failed," Jeren said. "Try again. This time slower."
The second, third, and subsequent attempts also failed. Rinoa began to feel frustrated and tired.
'My AP is almost depleted,' she thought while feeling dizzy. 'And still haven't succeeded.'
"Master Jeren, am I not talented for this?" Rinoa asked with a desperate tone.
"Everyone needs time to master Aether projection," Jeren answered. "The important thing is consistent practice. Rome wasn't built in a day."
'Eh?' Rinoa was surprised hearing an English idiom. 'Master Jeren knows English? Or is it just coincidentally similar?'
But before she could ask, exhaustion struck and Rinoa almost fainted.
.
.
The sounds of lunch preparation filled the house when Rinoa returned from training, her body drenched in sweat and barely able to walk straight. Every muscle in her body protested, and she had to hold onto the wall to avoid falling.
'This body is really different from my old body,' she thought while feeling how weak she was now. 'Its endurance and strength are much lower.'
After a quick bath and changing clothes - which was also a struggle in itself because her hands were trembling from exhaustion - she joined the family at the dining table.
Nira served warm rice steamed in a bamboo pot, vegetable soup with an appetizing spice aroma, and simple grilled fish seasoned with salt and lime leaves. Food that wasn't fancy but made with love.
"Mother Nira," Mii said while pointing at the locket Nira always wore, "that locket is very beautiful. Like the moon at night."
Rinoa followed Mii's gaze. A crescent moon-shaped locket with a small gem that glowed dimly. There was something about that locket that made her feel familiar, though she was sure she had never seen it in detail before.
Nira stroked the locket with her thumb, the smile on her face slowly fading. "This... this is a gift from someone very special."
'From her husband?' Rinoa thought, but she didn't dare ask directly.
"From whom, Mother Nira?" Luno asked innocently, while continuing to chew his food with a wooden spoon.
A momentary silence enveloped the dining table. Nira looked at her two foster children and Rinoa with teary eyes, as if considering whether it was time for them to know the truth.
"From my husband," Nira finally answered with a trembling voice. "From Jonan."
'Jonan...' Rinoa felt something familiar about that name, but she couldn't remember where she had heard it before.
"Husband?" Mii tilted her head with a cute confused expression. "Mother Nira has a husband?"
Nira sighed deeply, putting down the wooden spoon used for stirring soup slowly. "Five years ago, before you two came to live with me, something happened that changed my life forever."
The atmosphere in the room changed. Even Luno, who was usually cheerful, now fell silent, sensing the weight of the story to come.
"There was an attack by strange creatures at the edge of the village," Nira continued, her voice getting softer. "Creatures we had never seen before. Large, aggressive, and very dangerous. Jonan... my husband... was one of three men who stepped forward to protect the village."
'Three men...' Rinoa felt her chest tighten. 'And they never returned.'
"They went to the eastern forest, where those creatures first appeared. That was the last time we saw them." Tears began flowing down Nira's cheeks. "No bodies were ever found. No traces. They just... vanished."
Rinoa's heart felt sliced hearing that story. She knew exactly how it felt to lose someone beloved - she had felt it when losing Yuki in an accident in her previous life as Rio.
"Since then," Nira continued while wiping her tears with the edge of her apron, "I had to live alone. Income from healing practice and selling herbal potions was only about 9 silver pieces and 30 copper pieces per month. Sometimes less if no one was sick in the village."
Rinoa furrowed her brow. 'That's... not much.' From her observations about market prices, they needed at least 12-15 silver pieces per month to live decently with three children.
"Two years after Jonan disappeared," Nira continued with a more stable voice, "I found Luno who was still seven years old, alone and starving at the edge of the forest. His parents died from a fever epidemic that swept through a neighboring village."
Luno bowed his head, remembering those difficult times. The simple tunic he wore looked like it had been patched many times.
"A year later, Mii came. Still very small, left just like that at my door with only a scrap of paper stating her name," Nira gently stroked Mii's head. "Since then, you two have become my reason to keep living."
"How did we survive, Mother Nira?" Luno asked in a small voice.
"By being frugal, child," Nira answered with a bitter smile. "Eating rice with simple vegetables, mending clothes that were already holey with used thread, and sometimes... asking neighbors for help when food supplies were almost gone."
'And now there's me,' Rinoa thought with gripping guilt. 'One more mouth to feed. One more burden for Mother Nira.'
"But do you know what keeps me strong?" Nira looked at her three foster children with shining eyes. "You. Your smiles every morning, your laughter when playing, your hugs when I feel tired. That's what makes me sure all this struggle isn't in vain."
Mii rose from her wooden chair and hugged Nira tightly. Luno followed, and Rinoa - though still feeling like a newcomer - joined the warm family embrace.
"I promise, Mother Nira," Rinoa whispered, her high voice trembling with emotion, "someday I will help. I don't want Mother to struggle alone anymore."
Ting!
[EXP Gained: +120]
[Family Bonding & Understanding]
[Total EXP: 190/500]
Rinoa felt warm energy flowing through her body, but she was more focused on this moment of togetherness than the system notification that appeared.
'Now I must become stronger,' she thought while hugging her new family tighter. 'Not only to protect them, but to help lighten Mother Nira's burden.'
.
.
That afternoon, Rinoa decided to walk to the forest surrounding the village. She wanted to try applying her increasingly strong Aether Sense ability, while calming her mind after hearing the sad story about Jonan. Her body was still sore from the brutal morning training, but fresh air would help her recovery.
Kirubbit, as usual, followed her enthusiastically. But today there was something different about the little creature's behavior. It wasn't jumping around cheerfully as usual, but walking with firm steps, as if it had a clear purpose.
"What's wrong, Kirubbit?" Rinoa asked while kneeling beside the little creature. "You look restless today."
Squeak...
Kirubbit made a sound that seemed like a response, then began walking in a different direction than usual - toward the deeper part of the forest, toward the east.
'Eastern forest...' Rinoa felt her stomach churn. 'That's the same direction as the place Mother Nira mentioned in her story about Jonan's disappearance with his two friends.'
But her curiosity was stronger than her fear. By activating Danger Sense to ensure there were no threats around, she followed Kirubbit into the increasingly dense forest.
They walked for almost thirty minutes, passing increasingly tall trees and increasingly cold air. Rinoa used her Aether Sense to monitor the surrounding environment, and what she found made her increasingly curious.
'There are old Aether traces here,' she thought while feeling strange energy resonance. 'Like remnants of something that happened years ago. Similar to strong emotional traces left in historic places I once visited.'
Ting! Ting!
Kirubbit's crystal horn began to glow brighter, and the little creature stopped in an area that looked like an old battle arena. Trees around the area were broken or fallen, there were burn marks on the ground already covered by thick green moss, and several large rocks split in two with very clean cuts.
"This..." Rinoa looked around with wide eyes. "This is a battle site. And it seems it wasn't an ordinary battle."
She activated Aether Sense to the maximum, and what she saw shocked her. Energy traces frozen in the air could still be felt - remnants of magic attacks, sword slashes, and most disturbingly, dark energy from creatures she didn't recognize.
'This is like traumatic traces left at accident sites,' Rinoa thought while remembering places on Earth that were supposedly haunted due to tragic incidents. 'But this is far more intense.'
Hiss...
Wind blew, and Rinoa caught a faint but unfamiliar scent. She followed the scent until finding something caught on a low branch of a tree - a piece of torn cloth already faded in color.
When she took the cloth, her heart pounded rapidly. 'This cloth... there's something familiar about its texture and pattern. But I don't know whose it is.'
She held the worn cloth carefully, observing its details. Though already faded and torn, there were still traces of gold thread at its edges showing this was once good quality cloth - perhaps part of a robe or formal clothing.
'Who owned it? Does this have anything to do with the event that happened here years ago?'
"Kirubbit, you brought me here on purpose, didn't you?" Rinoa whispered while looking at the little creature.
Squeak!
Kirubbit nodded slightly, then ran in a different direction. It stopped in front of a large teak tree with roots protruding from the ground, and began scratching the area between the roots with its small claws.
Rinoa followed and knelt beside Kirubbit. Carefully, she cleared away the piled soil and leaves. Her dress got a bit dirty from kneeling on the ground, but she didn't care. Her hand touched something hard and cold.
A locket. Exactly the same as the one Nira wore, but this one was already dull and dirty from being buried for years. When Rinoa lifted it, she felt a strong Aether resonance - like memories embedded in the object.
Flash!
Suddenly, vague images flashed in her mind. Three men standing facing large creatures with glowing red eyes. One man - tall with dark brown hair and a firm face - holding the same locket while shouting something she couldn't hear clearly.
'A vision?' Rinoa shook her head, trying to understand what she had just seen. 'Or memories stored in this locket?' - Rio once read about psychometry - the ability to read an object's history through touch.
She rubbed the locket with the edge of her dress, lifting it to eye level to see its engraving details. There were initials "J.N" elegantly engraved on the back with refined letters.
'J.N...' Rinoa's heart pounded rapidly. 'Jonan Nira? Jonan who is Mother Nira's husband?'
Ting!
[EXP Gained: +280]
[Important Discovery: Mysterious Personal Memento]
[Total EXP: 470/500]
Rinoa sensed that this discovery was very important, but she didn't yet fully understand what it meant. What she knew was that this locket was part of the mystery that occurred in this place.
Squeak! Squeak!
Kirubbit suddenly became restless, pointing toward something even deeper into the forest. Its crystal horn glowed with an intensity Rinoa had never seen before.
"What else is there?" Rinoa asked while following Kirubbit's gaze.
In the distance, vaguely, she could see something glowing between the trees. With her Aether Sense, she felt very strong energy from that direction - but not threatening energy. More like... sleeping energy.
'That's what's been attracting Kirubbit's attention,' Rinoa thought. 'This little creature can sense Aether in ways different from me. Like animals that can sense earthquakes before humans realize it.'
When they approached the source of the glow, Rinoa found a large crystal stone embedded in the ground, half covered by roots and thick green moss. The crystal emitted a soft blue light that pulsed like a heartbeat, very different from ordinary crystals Rio had ever seen in museums.
'So beautiful...'
"What is this, Kirubbit?" Rinoa whispered while carefully touching the crystal's surface.
Zap!
Warm energy immediately flowed into her body, and for a moment she felt connected to something far greater than herself. Like touching an energy network connecting the entire forest, even the entire village. A sensation similar to meditation Rio once tried, but far more intense.
Ting!
[EXP Gained: +200]
[Ancient Crystal Resonance - Spiritual Connection]
[Bonus EXP: +50 - First Contact with Unknown Aether Source]
[Total EXP: 720/500]
[LEVEL UP!]
[You have risen to Level 6]
[HP: 340/340 (+20)]
[AP: 210/210 (+20)]
[All stats increased: +2 for each stat]
[EXP: 220/600]
[Aether Sense has increased to Level 2!]
[Detection radius increased to 15 meters]
[Energy detection detail significantly improved]
Rinoa felt a dramatic change in her abilities. The world around her suddenly felt much more alive - she could sense every small creature around, every energy flow in the ground, even Aether traces left by humans who passed by years ago.
'And there are familiar energy traces here,' Rinoa closed her eyes, focusing on the strongest energy trace. 'Like something important happened in this place. But what?'
"We have to go back, Kirubbit," Rinoa said while standing. Her dress was a bit dirty and had some dry leaves stuck to it, reminding her how impractical women's clothing was for adventures like this.
Squeak! Squeak!
Kirubbit suddenly ran to another area and returned carrying something in its mouth - a small piece of metal that gleamed despite being rusty.
Rinoa took it carefully and realized it was part of a broken spearhead. The metal was still sharp and of high quality, showing this was a good quality weapon usually owned by experienced warriors.
'Whose weapon is this?' Rinoa thought while carefully observing the metal fragment. On the still shiny metal surface, she could see part of a severed engraving - a complex and artistic pattern. 'Belonging to one of the three people Mother Nira mentioned?'
She held the three objects - worn cloth, locket, and weapon fragment - with feelings of confusion mixed with curiosity. 'Three clues about something that happened here. But I don't know what they mean. And how to store them?'
.
.
When Rinoa began preparing to return home, her mind suddenly focused on something she had never thought about deeply before. Her hand touched the three objects she held carefully.
'In my Status Window there's a notation 'Items: None',' she thought while remembering the panel that often appeared. 'That means... maybe there's an inventory system? Like in RPG games I used to play on the computer?'
She stopped for a moment under the shade of a large tree, watching Kirubbit playing with a small yellow butterfly.
'Wait a minute... all this time I've only been thinking about Status Window because that was the first thing that came to mind when I first woke up in this world. But... is there really a System?' Rinoa furrowed her brow, trying to remember details that might have been missed. 'Notification panels that appear by themselves, EXP that adds automatically, skills that appear without me asking... that's not normal for an ordinary Status Window according to Master Jeren's explanation earlier.'
The more she thought, the more questions arose. 'Master Jeren said there are no automatic notifications in other people's Status Windows. So what I have... is different?'
"Inventory," she whispered softly, hoping something would happen.
No response.
"System?" Rinoa tried again with a slightly louder voice.
Still nothing.
"Item storage? Bag storage?" Rinoa tried various keywords she could remember from RPG games Rio used to play.
Silence...
Disappointment began to creep in. 'Maybe there really isn't—'
...
....
.....
[Greetings, Host Rinoa.]
A female voice that sounded formal and flat suddenly echoed inside her mind. Rinoa jumped in surprise, almost dropping the metal fragment she was holding.
Kirubbit immediately ran toward her, the little creature's golden eyes widening with concern.
"Wha... what was that?!" Rinoa exclaimed with a trembling voice, her eyes scanning the surroundings in panic. "Who's speaking?!"
Squeak! Squeak!
Kirubbit jumped onto her shoulder, its green fur standing upright - a sign of alertness. Its crystal horn glowed brighter, as if also sensing the presence of something invisible.
[I am Shin, your System Assistant. I apologize for the sudden introduction. I have been monitoring your development and determined that formal contact is now appropriate.]
"S-Shin?" Rinoa was still shocked, her voice almost a whisper. "You... you're inside my head?"
[Correct. I am an integrated assistance program designed to support your development in this world. You may also refer to me as 'System' if that terminology is more comfortable.]
Rinoa sat down on a tree root, her hands holding her head. "Wait, wait... so all this time there's been someone or something watching me from inside my own mind?!"
[Not 'someone,' Host Rinoa. I am an artificial construct. Think of me as... a very advanced guidebook that can communicate. I have been providing the notifications, experience calculations, and ability development tracking you have been receiving.]
"Oh..." Rinoa felt relieved yet amazed. "So you're the one sending those notification panels?"
[Correct. All EXP gains, level ups, ability acquisitions, and status updates have been processed through my system.]
Rinoa was silent for a moment, trying to process this information. Then she remembered something. "But... why only now? Why not from the beginning?"
[You never directly mentioned or asked about 'System' during your early days. My protocol indicates that direct communication is not necessary until explicitly requested or until your development reaches a sufficient threshold.]
"So... you were waiting until I mentioned the word 'System'?" Rinoa asked with a tone between annoyed and amused.
[Precisely. I operate on the principle of efficiency. Direct intervention only begins when necessary.]
'Like customer service that appears when you click 'need help',' Rinoa thought while smiling faintly. There was something funny about this situation.
"Wait a moment!" Rinoa furrowed her brow, her tone changing to full of suspicion. "I already mentioned the word 'System' earlier this afternoon when talking with Master Jeren about Status Window and automatic notifications. Why didn't you appear then?"
[Ah... You're referring to that conversation. There is a difference in my activation protocol.]
"Difference? What difference?" Rinoa pressed, feeling something was being hidden.
[When you mentioned 'System' to Jeren, you were discussing it as a general concept - asking whether such a system exists in this world. You were not directly addressing or calling me as your personal System Assistant. My protocol requires specific intent to initiate direct communication.]
Rinoa thought for a moment, trying to understand the technical-sounding explanation. "So... like the difference between asking 'is there a System in this world' versus 'hey System, I need help'?"
[Exactly. The former is an academic question. The latter is a direct call. Additionally, your mental state today was actively seeking inventory management while alone in private space, providing optimal conditions for first contact. Yesterday, you were in a social situation with potential observers.]
"Hmm..." Rinoa was still slightly skeptical but began accepting the explanation. "I feel like there are complicated rules governing when you can appear."
"Alright, Shin," Rinoa said while trying to get used to the voice in her head. "You said you can help within your scope. What does that mean?"
[My knowledge base and assistance capabilities develop proportionally with your personal growth and power level. Currently, at Level 6, I can provide basic guidance, inventory management, ability explanations, and fundamental world information. As you develop, more advanced features will become available.]
"Inventory management!" Rinoa immediately became excited. "That's what I wanted to ask about! Can I store the items I found earlier into the system?"
[Yes. You have dimensional storage space accessible through the System interface. Current capacity: 20 slots. Would you like to store the items you found?]
"Yes! How do I do it?"
[Simply hold each item and say 'Store' while visualizing the action. The item will be transferred to your inventory space.]
Rinoa took the worn cloth, gripping it tightly. "Store!"
Shimmer...
The cloth suddenly glowed with a soft blue light, then disappeared from her hand. At the same moment, a transparent panel appeared before her:
[Item Stored: Torn Cloth (Unknown Origin)]
[Inventory: 1/20 slots used]
"Wow!" Rinoa gaped. "This is really like a game!"
She repeated the same process with the locket and metal fragment.
Shimmer... shimmer...
[Item Stored: Tarnished Locket (Unknown Owner)]
[Item Stored: Broken Spearhead (High-Quality Steel)]
[Inventory: 3/20 slots used]
"Incredible," Rinoa whispered while looking at her now-empty hands. "So now these items are... where exactly?"
[In a sub-dimensional pocket space linked to your Aether Signature. They exist in a state of suspended temporal-spatial existence until retrieved.]
"Err... can you use simpler language, Shin?"
For the first time, there was a brief pause before Shin responded. Rinoa could imagine the AI adjusting its speech pattern.
[...They are stored in a magic pocket that only you can access. Safe and protected.]
"Now that's better!" Rinoa laughed softly. "You can be more casual in speaking, you know. You don't need to be too formal."
[Understood. I will adjust my communication parameters for more casual interaction. Is there anything else you would like to know about your abilities or System functions?]
"Hmm... actually there's a lot," Rinoa gazed toward where she found the three objects. "Shin, about the items I just stored... do you know anything about them? Who owned them? Why are they in this forest?"
[I can analyze the basic nature and energy signature of stored items, but detailed historical information requires higher access levels or additional contextual clues. What I can tell you is this:]
[The cloth contains traces of protective enchantment - it once belonged to someone who used magical defenses. The locket has strong emotional resonance, indicating deep personal significance to its owner. The spearhead is made of high-quality steel with runic inscriptions, indicating it belonged to an experienced warrior.]
Rinoa's eyes widened. "So... these three objects belonged to people who could fight? And the person who owned the locket... someone who was deeply loved?"
[That analysis is consistent with the energy signatures. However, I cannot determine specific identities or exact circumstances of how these items ended up here without additional information.]
"But they're related to the battle that happened in this place, right?" Rinoa asked while looking toward the old battle arena. "I can sense traces of dark energy there."
[Correct. That area shows signs of significant magical conflict from approximately five years ago. The dark energy signature indicates involvement of shadow-based magic or entities. The items you found are likely remnants from that conflict.]
'Five years ago...' Rinoa's heart pounded rapidly. 'That's exactly the time Mother Nira mentioned about her husband's disappearance with his two friends!'
"Shin, is it possible these three objects... belonged to the three people who disappeared five years ago?" Rinoa whispered with a trembling voice.
[That correlation is plausible based on the timeline and item nature. However, I would need more concrete evidence to confirm such a connection. The emotional resonance in the locket particularly indicates it belonged to someone with strong family bonds.]
Rinoa gazed toward the crystal still glowing in the distance. "And that crystal? What is it really?"
[The crystal appears to be an ancient Aether node - a natural convergence point for magical energy in this region. Such formations are extremely rare and often function as power sources or spiritual focal points. Its presence here suggests this location has been magically significant far longer than five years.]
"So this place has been special for a long time," Rinoa murmured. "And maybe that's why the battle happened here?"
[A logical hypothesis. Powerful magical locations often become contested territories or are targeted by those seeking to harness their energy.]
Rinoa felt the puzzle pieces beginning to assemble in her mind, though the bigger picture was still unclear. 'Ancient crystal, battle five years ago, three warriors who disappeared, dark energy...'
"Shin, can you tell me about the locked abilities? The ones marked ??? in my Status Window?"
[Currently, detailed information about locked abilities is beyond my access level. However, I can tell you they will unlock naturally when you face specific challenges or achieve certain developmental milestones. Forcing their emergence is not recommended.]
"Okay, I understand." Rinoa stood and dusted off her dirty dress. "Oh, one more thing. Can... can other people hear you?"
[No. This communication channel is exclusive between you and me. To others, you will appear to be talking to yourself if you speak aloud to me.]
'Good,' Rinoa felt relieved. 'I don't want to be considered crazy.'
"Kirubbit, can you sense Shin?" Rinoa asked the little creature on her shoulder.
Squeak? Kirubbit tilted its head, then shook it slightly.
"It seems not," Rinoa murmured. "But it reacted when you first appeared, Shin."
[Creatures with high Aether sensitivity like Kirubbit can detect disturbances in your energy patterns when I initiate direct communication. But they cannot perceive me directly.]
"Interesting." Rinoa gently stroked Kirubbit's head. "Alright, I think that's enough for today. We need to go home before Mother Nira worries."
[Before you go, Host Rinoa... a suggestion.]
"Yes?"
[The items you found today contain significant historical resonance. Consider approaching the topic carefully with Nira. If my analysis is correct about their connection to the missing people, the emotional impact could be substantial.]
Rinoa nodded with a serious expression. "You're right. If these three objects really belonged to her husband and his two friends... this isn't something I can convey carelessly. Maybe I should find more information first."
[A wise approach. Investigation and discretion often yield better results than hasty disclosure.]
.
.
The journey home felt different from before. Rinoa no longer felt alone with her thoughts. There was Shin who occasionally commented on the plants they passed or reminded her to stay alert.
[Your Danger Sense is not detecting immediate threats, but remain vigilant. The forest can be unpredictable.]
"Understood," Rinoa answered in her mind, already getting used to her digital assistant's presence.
Hiss...
The afternoon wind blew, carrying the forest's scent and the promise of mysteries waiting to be solved. Her light green dress fluttered slightly, reminding her again of this body's difference from her old one. Different walking style, different balance, even how the wind touched her body felt different.
'I'm starting to get a bit used to this body,' she thought while feeling steps that had become more natural. 'Though it's still strange sometimes, especially when I have to be careful with the dress so it doesn't get caught or torn.'
Rinoa gazed toward the village becoming visible in the distance, small lanterns already being lit to welcome the night. Smoke from house chimneys rose in regular patterns, indicating normal evening activities.
'I will find out the truth about what happened,' her determination strengthened. 'About these three objects, about that crystal, about the battle five years ago. Maybe this is related to Mother Nira and my family.'
[That determination will serve you well, Host Rinoa. But remember—knowledge can be a burden as much as a blessing. Are you prepared for what you might discover?]
"I have to be ready," Rinoa answered with a firm voice in her mind. "No matter how painful the truth is. My family deserves to know what really happened."
On her shoulder, Kirubbit let out a small grunt that sounded like agreement. And in her mind, Rinoa could feel Shin's calm presence - like having a reliable partner in this mystery-filled journey.
When they reached the village edge, Rinoa could see warm light from the residents' houses. Wooden windows emitted golden rays from oil lamps and candles, creating a warm and calming atmosphere after the tense afternoon adventure.
In the distance, their new house appeared welcoming with windows glowing golden. Rinoa could see Nira's silhouette moving in the kitchen, probably preparing dinner.
'Home,' she thought with a smile. And for the first time since arriving in this world, she felt she had more than just a dwelling - she had a purpose, a family, and now, a partner who could help her uncover mysteries that might change all their lives.
'Though this body still feels strange sometimes,' she continued while tidying her dress that was slightly rumpled from the afternoon adventure, 'the way I have to sit more carefully, the higher voice, movements that must be gentler... but slowly I'm getting used to it. And most importantly, I'm no longer alone in this journey.'
[Your adaptation to the new body shows good progress,] Shin commented. [The adjustment process does take time, but gradual acceptance will help develop your abilities.]
"Thank you, Shin. That's... comforting to hear."
Her footsteps on the now-familiar dirt road indicated she was almost home. And in her heart, the determination to uncover the truth about this village's past - and perhaps secrets about herself - grew stronger.
-----
📃 RINOA'S CURRENT STATUS
Name: Rinoa
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Level: 6 (220/600)
Affinity: Aether (Awakening)
Title: Reincarnated Soul
HP: 340/340
AP: 210/210
STR: 18
AGI: 22
VIT: 18
INT: 23
LUK: 20
Skills:
•Instinctive Pulse (Passive - Level 2) - Body responds to threats automatically with high accuracy + reacts automatically when attacked
•Danger Sense (Passive - Level 1) - Can detect the presence of dangerous creatures within a 100-meter radius
•Aether Sense (Passive - Level 2) - Can sense Aether energy flow in body and surrounding environment within 15-meter radius with high detail
•Survival Instinct (Passive - Level 1) - Automatic activation when facing high threats [+3 STR, +3 AGI, +2 VIT for 3 minutes]
•Combat Reflexes (Passive - Level 1) - Increases reaction speed to physical attacks [+2 AGI when in close-range combat]
??? (Locked)
Inventory (3/20):
•Torn Cloth (Unknown Origin)
•Tarnished Locket (Unknown Owner)
•Broken Spearhead (High-Quality Steel)
System Assistant: Shin (Active)