"The path of endless distance begins not in stride, but in the first step. The journey is made by those who dare to move, for even the infinite expanse must yield to the weight of the footfall."
Recorded in the Lost Chronicles of the Wayfarer Kings
***
Letting go of old memories, Arin's mind shifted to the present. His eyes fell upon the items around him: the cloak he had used to conceal himself, the canteen from which he had drunk water, and most importantly, the crude covering that had once shielded his naked body.
At first, he had missed the canteen, but it hadn’t been a significant loss. He’d later found it resting beside the skeleton, its water still cool and refreshing. However, when he gazed at his own naked reflection in the serene waters of the sanctuary, a sudden rush of shame washed over him. His body, worn and exposed, seemed to be a stark reminder of the journey he had endured.
Determined to find something more suitable, he had searched the tunnels and caverns. The moss-covered walls caught his attention, though he decided to leave them for later. As his eyes roamed, he instinctively sought out material that might aid him. That’s when he spotted the pristine skeleton—oddly untouched by the ravages of time. The bones remained intact, preserved in a way that defied the usual decay.
He moved closer, his hands now acting on instinct, exploring the skeleton as if some unseen force guided him. His fingers brushed the bones, feeling an unexpected vibration in the joints. Without thinking, his hands began to pull apart the skeleton, disassembling it into a pile of bones. His heart raced as he realized what he had done. The artifact—or perhaps the world itself—responded with a soft hum, signaling that the mission was complete.
For the first time in this new life, Arin felt a strange thrill. A gift had been granted.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Title Granted:
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Heretic: The remains of the deceased should either be cremated or buried, so that the spirit returns to the embrace of the natural order. This unholy act has caught the attention of Lightbringer, who shakes his head in disapproval. The effect of holy light's lesser heal will now be reduced on you.
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Practical Man: The ease with which you dismantled the Heavenly bones has impressed Necromance Supreme. He encourages you to create something worthy of a Paragon—something from bones, of course. You will find it easier to work with bones, especially delicate and sharp ones. Supreme laughs at himself as he gives you the blessing.
Reward:
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Skill Update: Pioneer (Level 0.5): Your Paragon title grants you inspiration to explore possibilities, limiting your potential but guiding your growth in the right direction. You have discovered the existence of not just one faction of divine beings, but two in this new world.
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Reward for Gathering Mission: Natural Fibers: 10 grams.
Arin did not care about gods. What he needed was clothes—anything to cover himself.
With his hands still trembling from the action, Arin felt a sudden surge of inspiration. His fingers found a bone that was perfect for use as a needle, and before he knew it, he was weaving the fibers he had gathered. Though he had never sewn before, the task felt instinctive. In no time, he crafted a simple pair of socks from the green fibers.
System Notification:
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You have crafted your first pair of socks: Comfy Sock: Uncommon.
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Wearing them will grant you 0.1 Vitality.
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Reward for Gathering Mission: Natural Fibers: 100 grams.
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You have learned: Handyman: Level 0. You have used nature's material to pursue survival without harming any living being. You are getting closer to nature.
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Sanctuary approves your action.
Mission Update: Sew Gloves.
Arin slipped on the socks. Immediately, the system notified him:
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0.1 Vitality gained.
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You are no more under hyperthermia.
A grin spread across his face as they fit perfectly. He marveled at how effortlessly they had come together, the natural fibers clinging to his feet with snug warmth. The sensation was both strange and comforting. With a renewed sense of purpose, he eagerly set to work on his next task—crafting gloves. The feeling of progress was invigorating, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of purpose settle within him. Each step he took, each task he completed, brought him closer to becoming something more than he had ever known.
***