Hard to Swallow

I look at the orb, just a bit smaller than the size of my fist. Then I look back to the item description. Back to the orb. If I didn't have to worry about Sina, then I'd already be shouting.

'How the hell do they expect someone to swallow this!? Wait, maybe...' I tentatively try to take a bite of the orb, just a nibble. But, predictably, my teeth merely *tink* against the glass.

Wincing, I pull back and clamp a hand to my teeth, pinching them in an attempt to stop the uncomfortable tingling. reverberating through my head.

Once it ends, I glare at the orb. 'Stupid orb, why couldn't you be just a bit smaller.'

Honestly, I MIGHT be able to swallow the whole thing, but if I don't I will definitely choke on it. Seriously, how does anyone take such a big thing and manage to shove it down their throat? Should I wait on it and get someone to help?

I stare at it as if I'm trying to pry the secret of swallowing it from its smooth, glassy surface.

After that doesn't work, I shrug my shoulders. I check my waterskin. I hesitate as I stare at the orb.

"F*ck it." And I shove it in my mouth.

I keep it there for a moment, psyching myself up as I get used to its size. Then I take a large swig from the waterskin to help wash it down.

Unfortunately my nerves get the better of me and I block it with my tongue.

'Ugh, seriously. It's like I'm trying to take medicine that tastes worst than dirt.' I swirl the orb around in my mouth, running my tongue over it as I try to get over my nerves.

'Come on, think of the potential! Maybe I'll get an ability to boost my mana, like mana tank or something. Or an upgrade to one of my abilities, like 'extra sharp claws'.

I sigh, knowing that I probably won't be able to get myself to swallow the orb tonight. But then I start to choke.

When I took a breath for my sigh, the orb got sucked into my throat! I hate it when things like this happen!

My throat contracts, trying to force the overly large object out, but I force myself to hold back the urge to cough. Face turning red, I grab the waterskin and rapidly start chugging water.

I can feel it as the orb begins sliding down my throat in fits and jerks, the contractions helping it along now.

Eventually the tightness in my throat is gone and I take huge heaving gasps to fill my lungs.

"Ugh, that sucked," I mutter. "No way am I doing that again. At least not until I find out if there's a better way to do it.

*Congratulations! Due to consuming an 'Ability Orb: Random', you are granted a random ability!

Ability granted: Elegance*

*Elegance: Every movement is filled with grace. Each movement flows into another. You exude a sense of being more than you are.*

I stare at the ability, not saying anything. Eventually though, I shrug. 'I mean, it's not bad or anything. Could be helpful for chaining my movements together. And maybe it'll get people to try and be friends with me! Having NPC energy is a real hurdle in friendships.'

I nod to myself in satisfaction with the ability. 'Besides, I can probably get a dozen or so skills to compliment it since skills don't have-'

*You have five of seven skill slots occupied! This is a reminder that you may only replace one skill every ten levels, so choose them wisely!*

'...'

My eyes dart to the bed and the sleeping Sina. My mouth squirms as I hold back the urge to scream and curse the system.

After taking a few deep breaths, I manage to calm myself down enough that I don't think that I'll scream.

Seriously, why am I only learning about this now!? Isn't this the kind of thing that should have been included in that 'general knowledge packet' Lord Soahc gave me? Or even when I actually got a fifth skill! I mean, come on, why would it tell me this now?! If I knew about it before I would have tried to refuse the acting skill!

'Seriously, how often am I going to need to act anyways? I plan to be an adventurer, not a politician!'

I shake my head in disappointment before letting out a sigh. "At least I'll be able to replace it when I hit level ten." I mutter.

With that happy thought, I look back over the items I pulled out of the ring to make sure none of them need my immediate attention. On a whim, I decide to pull out the pants and shirt. I could use a change of clothes considering the tears in mine from the fights and traveling I was involved in.

When I *Examine* them my eye starts to twitch in time with my ear.

*Everchanging Shirt: This shirt has been enchanted to fit the wearer so long as they are between four feet and eight feet tall. It will change form to fit certain social situations. Minor self repair and cleaning.*

*Everchanging Pants: These pants have been enchanted to fit the wearer so long as they are between four feet and eight feet tall. They will change form to fit certain social situations. Minor self repair and cleaning.*

'Again, why would a farmer have something like this!? It's really looking like the guy was part of some shady group... Sigh. If he had a trader class I could convince myself that these were meant for trading. But leaving the city with them... And a spatial ring... Plus the abundance of money...'

I shake myself out of the depressing thought that I'll probably have to go against some kind of evil organization soon.

After shoving it into my 'not a problem YET' box, I return the items to the ring and make my way back to bed.

There's a cute wolfgirl that looks like she'll be very cuddly to sleep with.