Chapter 35

  We walked down a short hallway until we entered a small room with a round table at its center. A few green plants rested on the windowsill, their leaves catching the sunlight, adding a warm, welcoming feel to the space. The counselor gestured for me to take a seat across from them.

  "My name is Brela. I prefer she and her. In your connections screen, you will now have the ability to see preferred pronouns. People here are generally understanding, and 'woke' isn’t a word often used. I suggest you check or ask as it will help make good impressions. I start with this because it’s a common question asked as we have many who do not identify as the pronoun given to them at birth” I nodded and she continued. “I'll be helping you unlock your latent skills today," she said as she sat down, her expression shifting to one of focused determination and slightly tense. "We’ll start by going over your previous skills from your old world and matching them to their equivalents here in Valeris."

  I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Brela continued, "This process is meant to help you transition smoothly. You might find that skills you’ve used before will suddenly make more sense here, or you might even feel your proficiency increase. If you have yet to be exposed to that skill here, you will not unlock it until you do. For example, if you have not cleaned anything but you have experience cleaning from your old world it will not unlock until you perform the skill here and then your level will reflect your previous skill along with the additional skill gained here if any.”

  She looked down at a leather-bound book she had open on the table, her finger trailing along a line of text. “Let’s start with some of the basics. Have you done much cooking, cleaning, sewing, first aid, or anything like carpentry or gardening in your previous world?”

  "I did a lot of cooking and some gardening. Carpentry, not so much. But I have done plenty of cleaning. I know the basics of first aid, and I’ve done sewing for repairs, though nothing extensive like tailoring."

  Brela’s eyes looked slightly less strained as she continued her litany of skills. "And how about navigation, swimming, dancing, or any sports? Foraging or fire-building?"

  I paused to think before replying. "I’m proficient in foraging and fire-building, but the others? Not really. I know the basics of using a map from computer games, but I wasn’t very involved in physical activities. I was more into computer programming, gardening, and cooking."

  "Okay," Brela said, her smile broadening. "That’s a good start. You'll need to reach Level 2 in each of these basic skills to continue advancing. Since you already have some experience, we can unlock your proficiency and get you started right away." She glanced at her book again and them made a few notes, and I felt a tingling sensation—a kind of mental clarity washing over me. At first, it was overwhelming, but then it faded into a faint, lingering sensation.

  "There," she said, watching me expectantly. "Do you feel any different?"

  I blinked, taking a moment to process the sensation. It was subtle but noticeable. "Yes, I think so. It feels... like everything just clicked into place. Like all the confusion I had about how skills work since coming here is gone, and things finally make sense."

  Brela nodded, clearly pleased. "That's the psionics at work. It bridges your past knowledge with the skills here, creating a seamless blend of old and new. For example, a seasoned cook might instinctively understand how to adapt local ingredients into familiar recipes or invent entirely new ones. Similarly, a gardener might feel an innate sense of what plants need, like moisture or sunlight, based on psionically enhanced intuition. Psionics accelerates understanding by connecting your prior experiences to this world’s opportunities, making transitions much smoother."

  She shifted to the broader topic. "Now, let's discuss your mastery goals. Ideally, you should focus on three to five advanced skills. These go beyond the basics everyone learns. Valeris recognizes 12 main categories: Physical—like sports or body conditioning; Social—working with people, such as teamwork or storytelling; Domestic—including cooking and cleaning, foundational for roles like child care or innkeeping.

  Survival is critical for those venturing outside town, covering skills like shelter building and weather awareness. Animal Handling is specific but useful for pet owners or animal healers. Knowledge includes skills like Herb Identification and Observation, which I particularly enjoy. Crafting encompasses all creative arts from woodworking to pottery. Exploration complements Survival by adding skills like navigation and risk assessment. Personal Health Skills are foundational yet often overlooked. The healers hall has a personal health class that goes over the basics.

  Gardening is another area where you excel, and I recommend town hall classes to deepen your expertise. Orientation unlocks these opportunities, though personal health classes are available now."

  She smiled, her voice steady. "Each category holds practical value—not just for mastery, but for living comfortably here."

  “I start training at the healers hall this week, I will ask about the personal health class.”

  “Good, and the next one Healing you already have well in hand. The last one is Arts witch covers drawing to acting, though you may want to consider learning about the color theory if you are one for baking and designer foods. There is a category that some argue is not one of the main categories but since there are 12 and some cultures do not want 13 categories they consider this a subcategory though it holds with the same rules as the others. Cooking. Though cooking basics is its own skill the category cooking will lead you down the path of a chef." She paused as she took a breath and a moment for me to grasp what she has said before continuing.

  "Each category has 10 skills in it. To unlock Advanced skills, you must reach Level 5 in all 10 skills within that category. Advanced skills provide unique benefits tailored to the category. For instance, achieving advanced Gardening skills enables the cultivation of rare, psionically resonant plants, such as glowroot. Glowroot emits light, improves nearby soil fertility, and can even be used as a natural light source in underground farming projects, making it invaluable for both practical and creative applications. Additionally, these skills dramatically enhance crop yields, supporting large-scale farming or specialized herbal medicine production. Similarly, advanced Healing skills might allow for psionically charged wound care or the creation of potent herbal remedies. Once a skill reaches Level 5, it unlocks a skill tree showcasing sub-skills and specialized abilities for deeper mastery."

  I took a deep breath, thinking about everything I had learned so far. "I’d like to focus on Cooking, Healing, Herb and Plant Lore, maybe foraging and gardening. My personal goal is to have a place of my own—like a cottage with a garden. I also have some issues with social anxiety, and my daughter is non-verbal and communicates through sign language."

  Brela nodded understandingly. "That sounds like a well-thought-out plan. You mentioned that you were into computer games—are you interested in anything like coding or technology here? "

  "Yes," I admitted. "Is there anything like coding here?"

  Brela smiled. "Not in Gyrica, but in Tyr, you'll find a blend of technology and magic. People there use magical scripts and runes to automate processes and enhance artifacts. It's different from traditional coding, but it shares the same logic, problem-solving, and creativity. You might find it just as exciting." For now, though, it looks like you have a solid foundation with skills like Cooking and Gardening."

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  She paused, tapping her tablet before adding, "I’ve seen many people come here not knowing anything, and being older than you are now. Trust me, you make it much easier for me. I’m going to assign you a skill book. This book will stay in your inventory, and you can’t lose it or give it away. It will allow you to delve deeply into the skills you want and the sub-skills that go with them. It’s basically a guide for how to advance and explore skills."

  She continued, "For example, you’ve unlocked Cleaning, which means you can now gain related sub-skills, such as Mopping, Laundry, and other household tasks. These are considered sub-skills, not full skills. Similarly, with Healing, you’ll find numerous sub-skills that contribute to its mastery. Gardening and Herb and Plant Lore, for instance, are two skills that can really complement each other. While Herb and Plant Lore focuses more on the knowledge aspect, Gardening is more physical. But if you pursue them together, they can sometimes count as one integrated skill."

  Brela tapped the table while she spoke. "In Valeris, skills level up from 1 to 25. Once a skill reaches Level 25, it is considered ‘Mastered.’ Mastery isn’t easy—it means you’ve put in a tremendous amount of effort, and the skill has become part of who you are. Most people master about three to five skills in their lifetime. Anything beyond that requires immense dedication."

  I leaned forward, fascinated. "So, at Level 5, that’s when I unlock a skill tree?"

  "Exactly," Brela said. "Reaching Level 5 allows you to unlock a skill tree, which helps you visualize how sub-skills and related abilities connect to the main skill. Let’s use Gardening as an example. When Gardening hits Level 5, you'll see sub-skills like Soil Preparation, Pest Management, and Herb Cultivation appear on the tree. If multiple skills reach Level 5, you can combine them, creating an integrated skill tree. Combining Gardening and Herb Lore, for example, could allow you to unlock advanced skills such as Herbal Medicine or Sustainable Cultivation. It makes the skills stronger and offers new, specialized abilities. Those that hit master in just Gardening or Cooking is rare, they normally specialize"

  "Combining skills makes them stronger?" I repeated, my interest growing.

  "Yes, exactly," Brela nodded. "Combining skills gives you access to advanced abilities that you wouldn’t get if they were separate. For instance, Cooking combined with Herb Lore could allow you to create dishes with specific healing properties. Valeris encourages specialization, but also flexibility. It’s up to you to shape your skills based on your needs and interests."

  "That makes a lot of sense, especially since I want to focus on Cooking, Gardening, and Healing," I said, feeling more excited.

  Brela smiled. "Mastery in these skills will offer significant rewards. For example, Mastery in Gardening could lead to enhanced crop yields or even the ability to communicate with plant life in limited ways, while Cooking Mastery could mean creating meals that offer unique, long-lasting benefits."

  I felt a surge of determination. "If I can get each skill to Level 5, I can start combining them and really make progress."

  "Exactly," Brela said. "However, remember that the skill tree will only develop if you actively practice the skills, take on quests, and work on the sub-skills. The skill book I’ve given you will guide you through these potential branches and show you all the interconnected paths."

  She paused, adding, "You’ll also find that skills often help each other. For instance, understanding Herb Lore naturally enhances your ability to heal since you know the properties of the herbs you’re using. That’s why combining related skills can make such a big difference."

  I nodded, feeling a sense of clarity. "Cooking, Healing, Herb and Plant Lore, and Gardening are definitely what I want to focus on."

  Brela looked pleased. "It’s a solid plan, and I think it suits you well. I also recommend considering Beast Taming. Since you mentioned your preference for a quieter lifestyle, an animal companion can provide companionship and safety, especially for someone who prefers solitude."

  "Do you have one?" I asked curiously.

  Brela smiled warmly. "Yes, I have an owl named Tarro. She’s resting in the barn right now. Tarro has been with me for years—she helps me scout the area and deliver messages when needed. She’s incredibly loyal and intelligent." Brela gestured towards the window. "Having an animal companion can make a big difference, especially when you’re out on your own. Think about it—it might be a good fit for you and Ana."

  "Thanks, I’ll definitely consider it."

  Brela stood up, signaling the end of our session. "Take your time with the skill book. Review the skills we unlocked today and think about how you want to proceed. And remember, my walk-in hours are from the 8th hour to the 12th hour. Come by if you need more guidance."

  As I gathered my things, Brela added, "Before you go, one more thing about skills—attunement can amplify them significantly. If you attune to an element that complements your goals, it will not only enhance your abilities but also make using them feel second nature. For instance, a cook attuned to fire can intuitively manage temperatures with precision, while someone attuned to water might find healing more natural. Additionally, certain advanced skills require attunement as a prerequisite. For example, unlocking advanced Gardening techniques might depend on attunement to soil, while crafting enchanted items could require an attunement to fire or air. Beyond skill progression, attunement can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. Imagine being attuned to air during a storm—you could subtly redirect gusts to keep a shelter intact or maintain balance in harsh winds."

  I paused, considering her words. "How would I find my attunement?"

  Brela smiled knowingly. "You’ll learn more during orientation, but it starts with understanding the elements and reflecting and meditating on what resonates with you. Your journey will guide you to the answer."

  I stood up as well, feeling more confident. "Thank you, Brela. This session has been incredibly helpful."

  Brela extended her hand, and I shook it. "You’re very welcome, Ani. You’re on the right path. Now go explore those skills, combine them, and make them your own."

  I hesitated for a moment before adding, "I just have one more question—is there something in the interface that lets me keep track of my schedule? There are so many tasks, and I’m worried about overbooking myself."

  Brela looked surprised. "You haven’t found it yet? You should have received it with your quest to come to Gyrica."

  "I never got that quest, I have a different one because I think I might have been sponsored here."

  Brela's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, and she flipped through the pages of her leather-bound book, carefully reviewing something. After a moment, she took out a pen and made a note. As soon as she finished, I felt a vibration from my interface, and a notification appeared:

  New Quest Received: Visit Gyrica — Completed

  I blinked in surprise. "It just popped up. And it’s already marked as completed." I also noticed a 5 credit increase.

  Brela smiled, though there was a thoughtful look in her eyes. "I see, well, that explains it. It might be an oversight since your arrival was different." She gestured towards me. "Try checking your journal now."

  I opened my interface, and there it was—a small calendar icon that I hadn't noticed before. I focused on it, and suddenly, my schedule popped up. It was all there—my upcoming training sessions with Miriam, healer appointments, and the orientation events. It even showed exact times and locations, organized in a way that was easy to digest. There were little dots next to each event, and when I focused on them, an alarm function appeared, which I could set as a reminder.

  I let out a relieved sigh. "This is so much better! I was really worried I’d have to carry around a physical journal just to keep everything straight. Though I have to admit, I do like using journals."

  Brela nodded in understanding, a warm smile on her face. "I actually use one myself, and you can link it to your interface journal. That way, whenever you jot something down or make any changes, it syncs automatically. It's particularly handy for showing things to others. I have mine set to sync once a night for all the notes I take. Your interface will retain all the data from the moment you arrived here, but physical journals fill up quickly, so I recommend using one that automatically deletes old entries once they’ve been synced to your interface."

  I smiled back. "That sounds perfect. I like the idea of having a physical record but not having to worry about losing any important details. It reminds me of how I used journals before—now I can keep that tactile habit while staying organized here."

  "It’s a balance. Some of us still like the tactile feeling of writing things down," she said, offering a wink. "And besides, it’s always good to have a backup."

  She walked me towards the door, her tone shifting to one of encouragement. "Take this time to explore your skills, find your rhythm, and remember—you can always come back to me if you need help or guidance. And don’t forget to practice the skills, complete quests, and focus on what resonates with you."

  I nodded, feeling more determined. "I will. Thank you so much for everything today, Brela."

  Brela opened the door, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You’re very welcome, Ani. I look forward to seeing how far you go. And remember—don’t hesitate to come by during my walk-in hours if anything comes up."

  I walked back into the waiting area, where Alex and Sam were still seated. As soon as they saw me, Sam jumped up. "How did it go?" they asked eagerly.

  I grinned as excitement bubbled up. "It went really well. I unlocked several skills and got a skill book to guide me. It’s a good start, and I feel more confident about my next steps."