NOVEL NEXT 3. First Steps in a New World
Thirty minutes later, a copper tub came, hauled by several strapping young lads. They set it in the center of his room, along with a couple of towels. The tub was rather small, more of a giant bucket really, but just large enough for Justin to enter. They spent the next few minutes running up and down the stairs, filling the tub halfway. The final boy dropped a glowing stone in the cold water, inscribed with a couple of red runes.
Justin watched, amazed, as, over the next few minutes, the water warmed in response to the magical stone, creating bubbles in the process.
He locked the door and sank into the deliciously warm water. The warmth soothed his aching muscles, and he lowered himself into the water with a sigh of relief. The bubbles tickled his skin as he closed his eyes and leaned back against the tub. The stress of the day slipped away with each passing moment. He stayed in the tub until the water cooled.
He would have fallen asleep had it not been for the knock at the door. They were probably coming to take the tub back.
"Just a moment."
He got up and, to his surprise, found a pair of basic clothes waiting for him on his bed that he had missed before: tan breeches, a white shirt, socks, and boots. All seemed close enough to his size, which must have been rather difficult to procure. Justin assumed they were from Alistair. The man was truly too kind.
He got dressed and unlocked the door, and as he suspected, it was the boys coming to take the tub. Justin was grateful they didn't comment on the filthiness of the water. They managed to scoot it into the hallway without spilling a drop.
They also brought him some food: nothing fancy, just a slab of cold roast beef, cheese, bread, and a light ale.
As soon as they were gone, he scarfed down his food, never tasting anything so delicious, despite the simplicity of the fare.
After setting his plate in the hallway outside, he returned to the room's tiny bed and lay down. Such were the events of the day that he was instantly asleep.
Justin blinked awake only to find himself in a room that wasn't his. He had a moment of panic before he remembered everything that had happened. A groan escaped his lips, and he hid himself under the sheets.
And he would have stayed there had the Voice not entered his mind.
[You have reached Level 1. The world is your stage, and you've taken the first step in your performance. Charisma and wit will be your tools—use them wisely, for every conversation can lead to opportunity.]
Much to Justin's surprise, he felt a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Something that seemed to come from outside himself. And he realized he hadn't leveled up yesterday because it was waiting for him to sleep. It seemed to be how this System, or whatever entity controlled this reality, worked. He supposed for simplicity's sake he should simply think of it as "the System," or perhaps "the Voice," at least until he learned more.
[You have one attribute point to distribute.]
Justin opened his character screen and saw that he could place the point into any of his six Core Attributes. It was tempting to put it in power or endurance, as that might help his survivability.
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But he knew he could not do so. He was a Socialite, and his strength was charisma. All of his skills would surely benefit from it, and in fact, he could not level up unless he used charisma-based skills, at least as far as what Alistair had told him.
He sighed, then locked the point into Charisma and confirmed.
Almost instantly, he felt his thoughts become clearer, and he sat up straighter. He wasn't sure if it was an effect of the stat increase or something else.
He looked into a mirror on the wall and was surprised to see his cheeks were a little less pudgy and his eyes less red. The fresh air and exercise had done wonders for his complexion. He wasn't good-looking by any stretch. Not even average. But he looked better than he did on his best days, of which, admittedly, there weren't many.
Was it exercise, or something else entirely?
Whatever it was, it was a step in the right direction.
[As a Level 1 Socialite, you have unlocked your class boon, Magnetic Presence!]
Magnetic Presence: People are more instinctively drawn to you, sensing an aura of trustworthiness or allure. As your Charisma grows, your presence can inspire loyalty in allies and unease in adversaries without a single word.
Justin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. In a world where he didn't know who to trust—or even how to survive—having people naturally gravitate toward him might not be such a bad thing. Trustworthiness was a currency he could spend, and if enemies were uneasy around him, maybe he could avoid some fights altogether.
It wasn't the smashing power of a barbarian or warrior, or the fireballs of a wizard, but it was a tool he could work with, something that would be useful in everyday situations. The more he invested in his charisma attribute, the more effective this "class boon" would become.
And for that matter, what was the difference between a skill and a boon? A question for Alistair, perhaps.
[Now go and make your mark in the world, Brave Adventurer. Your potential is boundless.]
With that, Justin felt the warm presence of the Voice depart.
"All right," he said, rolling his shoulders. "Time to see if this magnetic thing works."
Justin stepped back out into the hallway, just in time to see Alistair leaving his room, all decked out in gleaming paladin gear.
The paladin's face brightened at seeing him. "Morning. All cleaned up, I see!"
"I got to Level 1!"
"Well done, lad! You will always remember your first level-up."
Justin frowned. "Heading out?"
Alistair chuckled. "Yes, I'm afraid so. Zombies to slay and all that. But before I do, a parting gift..."
He reached into his coin purse and gave Justin five silver coins.
Justin's eyes widened. "Alistair, you don't have to."
"I know I don't. But something is different about you; that much I can see. I'd stay longer, see you on your way, but the Church keeps me busy. Maybe as a first step, you can ask the innkeeper for leads on work around here. Or better yet, visit the local cleric at the cathedral and see if he can do a bit of healing to help you with your memory."
"Good idea," Justin said. "Before you head out, how do levels work here, anyway? What's the difference between a boon and a skill?"
Alistair looked at him, marveling. "You really don't know any of this stuff, do you?"
Justin hung his head.
"Hey, it's all right," Alistair said, his tone softening. "Well, from birth, the gods know your strength, your purpose. All of us are born with the sacred Spark of Life of the Creator within us, and that Spark feeds your Core Attribute. You have a charisma core, Justin. For all your words about not being good with people, the gods think otherwise. It's up to you to build on your strength. You've handled yourself well so far. Who knows how far you can go if you try?"
Justin blinked at him, surprised by the encouragement.
Alistair gave a knowing smile and a shrug. "Trust your instincts. Words can inspire, cut, or heal, but only if you wield them with purpose. Arion guide your steps, Justin. And remember—charisma isn't just about talking. It's about making others believe."
With that, Alistair adjusted his shield and strode past Justin, his boots echoing down the stairs.
[Alistair has left the party.]
Justin felt a certain warmth leave him. At first, he thought it was a sense of sadness that he was on his own again, but he also remembered that it might have been Alistair's Divine Aura dissipating.
Whatever the case, he was on his own again. Level 1, in a new world, with no proper goals or motivations.
One thing was obvious, though. He had to learn more.
As he headed downstairs, he could only wonder what the day would bring.