4 First Chat Connection
The closer we got to Matebelmam more flying humanoids can be seen. Avian was the language Jodroun wanted Mark to learn. Could these be birdmen? Land of myths, so will I get to meet a harpy or other similar beings? Arriving at dock you can see about a third of the buildings are taller then the rest. Landings can be seen around these buildings making one think of aeries. A rope is pulled out of nowhere tying down the boat to dock. Inventory space something Mark would like to obtain somehow.
Jodroun suddenly shouts a few words to his clan, then turns to Mark. "We'll be settling in, then you and I will head out to buy a few books for you." Of course the fee will be added to your debt."
Great more debt, at this rate I should find some way to just join the clan. Based on the 25 copper per day fee, books are expensive here. Though if I am correct about this civilization then only the rich can read and write. I need to assimilate the latest book, but having a 2nd one while doing so will double my training.
"Since I am going further into debt can we look at new clothing and maybe gloves to prevent additional books from fading?"
Arriving at an inn just then, Jodroun turns "That actually sounds like a great idea!" Stepping inside to arrange rooms. Each room has a cost of 10 coppers for doubles while Jordoun's room costs 22 coppers. Must be equivalent to a suite in value. Looking around Mark realizes that 4 dwarfs stayed back at the boat. With 5 doubles apparently Mark gets to share a room with someone he can't communicate with sheesh. With no personal belongings doesn't take long to settle in and wait for Jodroun in the lobby.
"Ready to get materials to train with?" "I think we will get 4 books of 3 different languages. May place you in a position to help pay off your debt to me quicker."
"Yea debt, I would really like some way to communicate with other people then just you." "If I can read then I can write but what is the average literacy in this region?"
"Nobles and rich merchants usually can read and write their native tongue. Unless some special reason arises most others aren't very literate."
Frowning contemplatively Mark accompanies the dwarf to various shops. Most of the books cost 5 silver a few were more. Altogether he is now 1 gold further in debt. Though he has learned that 100 copper equals 1 silver and 100 silver equals 1 gold. Any additional currencies most likely follow that same process. Along with the books 2 sets of clothes and 3 pairs of gloves were also purchased increasing debt by 35 silver.
Back at the inn Mark takes his new belongings to his room. Taking his new gloves off and holding a random book. Upon entering his meditative state once again surrounded by a darkened region. As expected dwarfish was raised to 4 and once the headache fades avian is learned to 1. Checking time looks to be no decrease this time. Grabbing 2 more random books the night goes by. By morning Mark has realized that through meditation actual sleep is unnecessary.
????? soul level 1
Sojourn level 1
Clock - 1
Library level 1
Download Book - 1
Text translation – 1
Dwarfish – 4
Avian – 3
Harpy – 1
Cherubim - 1
Mapping level 1
Current location - 1
Chat level 1
Energy scanner level 1
"-Daily assimilation complete-"
The results as expected are double what a normal soul practitioner could accomplish. No improvement in meditation timing. If he could improve this to the 2 hours that Jodroun stated, even a slight increase in training speed would be worth while. That law of 5 needs further explaining as Text Translation didn't raise in level? Though maybe it is a multiple of 5 if so then my next meditation will result in an increase of level. Just as this thought occurs numbers begin to appear in similar position as the map and clock from before.
2*5=10
"AUG!! a calculator why is that a skill NO! NO! NO!" Mark shouts waking up not only the dwarf sharing his room but also those in adjoining rooms too. As they all come in to ready for battle and find nothing but a screaming human. Once things settle a dwarf pulls on Marks shirt pointing down stairs. Following the rest while calming down from his disappointment. Everyone gathers in the dinging area for breakfast. Along the way a bath section was pointed out.
As everyone finishes their meal up Jodroun asks. "So how close are you to being able to translate my avian books?"
"If I am correct then I just one more session will do it. Though I noticed with the dwarfish that a few words still cause me trouble."
"That is fine, you will still be able to tell me enough to properly price them for sale. Also reduce the chance of these birds from cheating me." "Come to my room once you are ready, I have something I want to try."
Slowly returning to his room the disappointment not fully gone. Calculator! How is a calculator skill going to help me survive this world. How am I going to learn to communicate with others? I need to somehow learn fighting skills, how do I accomplish that? Well studying will be easy as I can learn to read and write multiple languages in days rather then years. Eventually his mind settles and he can meditate once more. This time there is no headache when the book fades from his hands. While the fading and changing of words is skipped. It would appear that things are settling around the increased training process.
????? soul level 1
Sojourn level 1
Clock – 1
Calculator - 1
Library level 1
Download Book - 1
Text translation – 2
Dwarfish – 4
Avian – 4
Harpy – 1
Cherubim - 1
Mapping level 1
Current location - 1
Chat level 1
Energy scanner level 1
"-Daily assimilation complete-"
Coming out of meditation still no reduction in time. Yes the translation level went up, so it is multiple of 5. That damn calculator took up a training space. Hmm 9 books have been absorbed does that mean next time Download level will go up? What will the result of that be I wonder? Well lets go see what Jodroun has for me other then translating those books.
Knocking on the door Mark enters once Jodroun speaks aloud. "Enter find a place to sit at the table." The voice coming from the other room . Sounds like he is moving things around. After a couple of minutes Jodroun appears with several soul stones in hand. Oh no what has he in mind, those things already caused me enough trouble that I haven't completely worked out.
Stepping closer to Mark "I want you to hold one of these and concentrate on the hunter's book flowing into it." Jodroun explains quickly. Reaching out trustingly Mark barely touches the soul stone when something strange happens. Words appear directly ahead where the original ones from day 1 appeared. What the?
"-Chat connection available-"
"-Add Jodroun Hillbrew as chat member?-"
"-Assimilate answer Yes / No-"
Though Mark is dumb founded this situation can only happen so many times before the speed of resolution improves. Thus after only 5 seconds max Mark concentrates on a yes answer. Jodroun has been helpful even if it can all be boiled down to business. Curious on how a chat function operates without the internet. While also pondering how many 'friends' he can add. Will this sub skill be equivalent to a magical social network? Excitement wells up in Mark as this is a soul skill that has close ties to life on earth. Of course not both parties appear to be happy.
"NO!!! I will not swear to any liege soul holder!!!" "How can you have a liege soul and scholar soul!"
"Calm down Jodroun, I don't know what a liege soul is but this function is merely the ability to communicate with each other from a distance." As Mark attempts to explain the chat function, he steps outside the door. However no matter how much he thinks about the way to use a chat room nothing happens. All the excitement from a skill representing home fades to dust. Entering the room once more "Well looks like there is yet another sub skill needed to communicate." Calming down from Mark's antics Jodroun realizes there was no vow request on his end.
After that Mark translates 3 books for the dwarf. The atmosphere between the two a little more tense then it has been. Remembering the process Jodroun did before to assimilate English Mark takes the soul stone with him. Another random book and Download skill should level up time to meditate.
????? soul level 1
Sojourn level 1
Clock – 1
Calculator - 1
Library level 1
Download Book - 2
Text translation – 2
Dwarfish – 4
Avian – 4
Harpy – 1
Cherubim - 2
Mapping level 1
Current location - 1
Chat level 1
Jodroun Hillbrew - 1
Energy scanner level 1
"-Daily assimilation complete-"
So the connection is there, but no chat function. O.K. Social networks back home required a friends request be made that must be the connection. So obviously there is another sub skill to be able to communicate. Looks like the download book skill went up a level, not sure what can be done with that right now. Lets take some time to really think about these prime skills and how to improve them.
