1 Stranded and Carefree

Blanketed by the shade of a tree, Crid slept. The wind courted the leaves for a dance. With the melodious rustles sounded like lubby that craddled the boy to sleep. Accepting the anything this new world gave him.

A stray sunlight lifted his eyelids. He tried feeling through his face. His sharp facial features were still there, with his blonde hair still as smooth. His body still remained the same after the transmigration.

It's been a couple of days since he was transported into the world of Primordial Crown. A virtual reality video game played by millions in Earth. After recieving a mysteries loot, Crid and his friends were given the challenge to be transported into the game.

His friends saw it as a joke and accept, which he decided to tag along. A bright flash blinded them, all they saw was a system message. "Welcome to The Primordial Crown!"

The next thing he saw was the clear blue sky, while he gentle sea waves o tickled his feet. He woke up in the shore of an island he knew too well, The Broken Isles.

Crid skillfully fiddled with a dagger. The way it span amused him, he wasn't allowed to hold one in his previous world. That was the reason he chose Assassin as a Class. Because the only proper weapon he can use in real life are knives at most.

Name: Crid

Class: Assassin

Essence: 0

Skills/Spells: None

Passive: None

The only difference in Character Window was Experience being changed into Essence. Though he never really bothered with the change.

Though he was an Assassin at the game, real life was different. The system of the game used to perform Skills no longer aided him, what he needed was a someone to teach him. With that someone conviently taking shelter at this island.

Having strength to protect one's self was like mandatory education in Earth Without it, his screwed. While like school, it was also boring. Only deciding to find this hermit when he fell from the tree. Crashing hard ground below. Deciding the world must have willed for him to learn a Skill.

The land wasn't a wasteland, but the rarity of trees and the occasional limp-dry patches of grass gave the impression of a dying land. Pits were also littered every where. Forgetting he was no longer a powerful assassin, Crid tried to leap across. With a protruding root saving his life.

Even when he almost died, it still wasn't enough to make him determined to get stronger. Deciding the peaceful slumber he had dulled his senses. But it was enough to make him more aware of his capabilities and surroundings.

The only interesting thing that amused Crid were the Elemental Particles swirling aimlessly in this flat emptiness. They were dust-like, glowing orbs warm to the touch. He had seen these particles countless times when he played. But the awe he felt was something no virtual reality can replicate.

He decided to seek out an area where these Fire Particles were abundant. The excitement he felt completely clouded his reasoning, forgeting that he needed strength.

After a few hours of walking, the ruins of a city stood infront of him. Blocks of rocks towered over Crid, which used to towers that once torned the sky. Though the city was large, countless chasms tore it into many parts. With small fissures cracking the roads.

Crid spent another couple of days meandering in the seemingly forever winding path. Despite it being maze-like, every step he took didn't require any thought. He had completely memorized the thousands of twists and turns in the city.

When night dawned, he would sleep on random house. Using his cloak as a mat on the cold and hard floor. Sleeping was a struggle, but the hardships he used to went through and the burning desire to see those particles allowed him to go on.

Somewhere in the cold night as he trudged through the broken rubbles, he felt a warmth. Which alongside the cold wind howling endlessly, it felt misplaced. Crid smiled, his destination was near.

Finally, under the moonlight, Crid stood infront of a huge chasm. Though the otherside was well beyond his reach, the countless Fire Particles were. They were like millions of fireflies that flowed with the air. Casting the surroundings with an orange light coupled with the an embrace filled with warmth.

The warmth was nothing like the robotic impluses sent by the virtual reality towards brain. It was like the embrace he longed for in his youth, a heat he needed in those chilly nights.

Crid sat at the edge of the chasm, with even a strong breeze enough to push him. Reserving a spot for any audience willing to enjoy the scene with him, though there was no one. His attention was solely focused on the particle dancing around his nose. Even when he lacked the intrest towards them, the show performed by these particles amused him.

Few days had passed, and the journey to exit that labyrinth-like city started to exhaust Crid's patience. Even when he occasionally complained, he never deeply regretted visiting the site.

As stepped out of the ruins, he could only make a weary smile as he knew seeking out the hermit will take longer because of his excursion.

With nothing to accompany him but the dust clouds roaming the empty lands. Joining him with his howling complains of boredom. He decided to walk faster.

As Crid neared the edge of the island, life thrived. The grass rustled peacefully and the tall trees shrouded a wooden house. If it weren't for him previously knowing it's location, Crid would have completely missed it.

It looked like a large wooden box, compeletely lacking any windows. Only having a mossy wooden door, that looked like it haven't been used in ages.

Collapsing to the ground as Crid knocked on it.

"I know you're there. I came here to learn." His voice echoed inside the dark and empty room.

Deceit was his first thought as a small man in a think and loose cloak emerged. With a height barely enough to reach the doorknob. If it weren't for his aged-gray hair, he looked like a young baby wearing his father's clothes. Crid could only imagine the vast variety of weapon he hid under those sleeves.

"Would you like to come inside?" The old man asked.

This was the question that killed countless players in the game. When accepted, players would be given a poisoned drink. Even if they had a means to survive it, they still no chance against the hermit's skill.

For months, countless players tried different means to kill the hermit. But even the top players at the time stood no chance. All until the Fallen Thief Expansion was released, giving the Quest to find the Lost Thief.

With an mind-boggling amount of serendipity, Crid discovered several scriptures detailing a man who stole from the gods. Starting his quest to find that fable thief. With that man being found in his favorite place, The Broken Isle.

"I came here to learn your assassin techniques, Klaus." Crid spoke blankly.

Even when the hermit didn't showed it, Crid knew he was startled. "Me? I could barely squat a fly, what makes you think I teach you."

"What happend to the man who stole from the Gods?" Crid shrugged.

Not making any reponse, the hermit instantly disappeared infront of him, latching on Crid's back while pointing a dagger on his throat. "Who are you?" Klaus asked as blood trickled from Crid's neck.

Crid's heart hammered his chest, adrenaline rushed into his veins. But he couldn't help to smile, everything was going well.

"You know the Gods will descend, and that day draws near." Crid said.

With another blink of an eye, the hermit was like a ghost as he appeared infront of him. "Hmmp. Fine, I'll teach you. But this isn't because I want to prevent that certain catastrophe." The Klaus said as he went inside.

Crid was filled with mixed emotions as he smiled at the clear blue sky, the same sky that greeted as he was birthed into this new world. But he couldn't help but miss his old one. Even when he never liked it, he still left things undone.

"Hey! You coming?" Crid sighed, but he still accepted the call.