Introductions

After the Firekeeper explained all the information, Light sat there, deep in thought, pondering his next move.

The weight of the decision was heavy, but the clarity of her words made it clear that attunement was a crucial factor.

Choosing attunement would not only make his magic stronger, enhancing the potency of his spells, but it would also increase his mana pool, allowing him to cast more spells and sustain his magical abilities for longer periods.

Before making his final decision, Light turned to the Firekeeper with a question that had been nagging at him.

"How do I know how many times I can level up?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

The Firekeeper, with her calm and ethereal presence, responded, "Light, the number of times thou may level up is determined by the souls thou hast collected. Each level requires a certain amount of souls, which increases progressively with each level gained."

Light nodded, "I understand that already. But, is there a way for me to see my levels when I'm not around you?"

The Firekeeper smiled gently.

"Indeed, there is. Thou needst only to pull up thy stats. In thy journey, thou can access thy status screen at any time. There, thou shalt see thy current level, the souls required for the next level, and other vital information."

Light looked awkward and asked, "How do I pull out the status screen?"

The Firekeeper gave him a look that made him feel a bit embarrassed, chuckling softly at his confusion.

"Just think or say out loud 'status screen,' and it should appear," she explained, her tone gentle and reassuring.

Light tried it out, feeling a bit self-conscious, and to his surprise, the status screen materialized before him.

He couldn't help but smile at the simplicity of it all.

And when he looked at the status screen, he saw that he was level 8, which was confusing to him because his class started at level 6.

He noticed that it was his intelligence that had increased to 18. Deciding to ask the Firekeeper about it, he turned to her with a puzzled expression.

"Firekeeper, why did my intelligence increase? I thought we needed souls to level up."

The Firekeeper smiled knowingly.

"Light, thou can level up by thyself if thou train or engage in activities that enhance thy attributes. For example, strength will increase if thou train and perform tasks that demand physical prowess. Thus, thou need not always rely on souls to level up, but it shall take longer."

Light felt a sense of newfound understanding. "So, I can grow stronger through my own efforts as well."

Light was thinking he was finding out things that weren't in the game because the player always had to use souls or someone else to level up, but not himself.

This new discovery was intriguing.

He pondered,"Hmm, maybe my intelligence grew because I kept using magic moves against the boss, or perhaps something else triggered it."

Light found himself at a crossroads, realizing he only had enough souls to level up ten times.

Before making his decisions, Light looked at the Fire Keeper and told her he was ready to level up.

She responded with a serene and inviting tone, "Very well. Then touch the darkness within me. Take nourishment from these sovereignless souls."

As Light stood there, feeling the weight of the souls he had collected, he listened to the Fire Keeper's chant, her voice echoing softly in the chamber:

"Let these souls, withdrawn from their vessels, Manifestations of disparity Elucidated by fire, Burrow deep within me, Retreating to a darkness beyond the reach of flame, Let them assume a new master, Inhabiting ash, casting themselves upon new forms."

The words seemed to resonate deeply within him, almost as if the souls themselves were guiding his choices.

He knew he had to make these decisions wisely to prepare for the battles ahead.

First, he decided to enhance his intelligence. He allocated two levels to it, bringing his intelligence to a formidable 20.

For his vitality, Light chose to invest four levels, settling at 13.

Additionally, he opted to put four levels into attunement, reaching a solid 20.

After he thanked the Fire Keeper, Light did feel a little different. It wasn't a dramatic change, but the subtle increase in his abilities was noticeable.

He bid his farewell to the Fire Keeper and left, walking with determination.

He headed towards a guy he remembered, someone whose name was Hawk or something like that.

The memory of Hawk lingered in his mind, and he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness as he approached.

Light remembered that their last encounter had ended in a fight since Hawk had found his purpose in life in the game.

However, this time, Light was determined to try and change that destiny.

Maybe, with his fresh perspective, he could find a way to make things different and avoid the conflict.

Light walked up to him and was about to greet him until Hawk spoke first.

"Ahhh, another one, roused from the sleep of death? Well, you're not alone."

"We Unkindled are worthless."

"Can't even die right."

"Gives me conniptions."

"And they'd have us seek the Lords of Cinder, and return them to their moulding thrones."

But we're talking true legends with the mettle to link the fire. We're not fit to lick their boots. Don't you think?" He finished with a devilish chuckle.

Light hesitated for a moment, taking in Hawk's words. He could sense the bitterness and despair in Hawk's voice.

Light couldn't help but agree for a moment with the statement Hawk made against the Lords of Cinder.

He nodded slightly, understanding the weight of Hawk's words and the frustration behind them.

"Yeah," Light said softly, "it does seem like an impossible task. But maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to prove them wrong."

Hawk looked at him and laughed, "You make a difference already? Cowering in fear and having experienced nothing in life. Go back to the Fire Keeper to take care of you."

Light felt a surge of determination despite Hawk's mocking tone.

He took a deep breath and steadied himself.

"Maybe you're right," he said, his voice firm but calm.

"Maybe I haven't experienced much yet, and maybe I am afraid. But that doesn't mean I can't grow or change. Everyone starts somewhere, and this is my beginning. I'm not going back to the Fire Keeper just to hide. I'm here to learn, to fight, and to find my own path."

Hawk didn't care; he just saw it as someone who doesn't know the true horrors.

With the same despairing voice, he said, "Go on then, get yourself killed over and over till you turn hollow."

Light gave up on him for now. He felt himself getting angrier at him because some of the stuff he said was true.

"I have the Dark Sign on me, that's why I can come back. As they say, a curse," he muttered to himself, the weight of his words heavy in the air.

Next, he walked towards the Shrine Handmaid and decided to introduce himself.

The old lady spoke, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ashen One. I am but a humble handmaiden of the shrine. Weapons, armor, trinkets, and spells... I've lots of little things to ease the burden of a weary traveler."

Light nodded, taking in her words. "Thank you," he replied.

Embarrassed, he said, "But right now, I don't have anything to give for these, not even souls," scratching the back of his head.

The old lady looked at him with a deadpanned expression and said, "...And yes, I'm Undead, too, but not so charitable as to give my goods away. Ashen One, fetch souls, and bring them to me. As is thy wont, no?"

Light sighed, realizing the truth in her words. "I understand," he replied.

"I will gather souls and return. Thank you for your patience."

The Shrine Handmaid nodded, her expression softening slightly.

"Go forth, Ashen One. May you find the strength to fulfill your purpose."

Light went to the last person he would meet for now, but while heading there, he was thinking how weird it is that they still say the same dialogue as in the game, but only with a little difference.

He thought to himself "Everything feels so familiar, yet slightly off. It's kinda eerie, but also kinda cool. The way they speak, the words they use—it's almost as if the game world has come to life around me, but with its own twists and turns."

As soon as Light got there, he heard the blacksmith speak and say, "Well, a newcomer I see. I am Andre, I serve in this shrine as a humble smith forging new weapons. You're in search of the Lords of Cinder, I trust? A toilsome journey, I wager. You'll require good arms."

Light nodded but said, "I don't have any weapons; I'm a mage."

Andre replied, "Ah, I can upgrade staffs as well."

Light, trying to lighten the mood, replied jokingly, "Can you upgrade hands?"

He then demonstrated by showing a Soul Arrow coming out from his hand.

To his surprise, Light noticed something different—it was brighter and came out a little more easily.

The Soul Arrow looked beautiful with its shade of blue, almost mesmerizing.

As Light marveled at the enhanced magic, Andre spoke again, cutting through his thoughts.

"Oh, a very rare mage. Have you tried any weapons, maybe swords? Sometimes it's good to have a backup plan, even for a skilled mage like yourself. I can upgrade a weapon that complements your magical abilities."

Light replied, "No, I haven't thought about it, but maybe I should have a weapon."

He paused for a moment, imagining the scenario.

"It would be pretty cool to have a sword and clash with someone."

Andre nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. A mage with a sword can be quite formidable.

Light was ready to say his goodbyes, but Andre said something interesting.

"If you want to learn about swords and how to use them, there's a sword master outside. He's quite skilled and could teach you a lot. However," Andre paused, his expression turning serious, "I haven't seen him in a while. Do be careful—he might not be all the way there."

Light felt a mix of excitement and caution. The idea of learning from a sword master intrigued him, but Andre's warning made him wary.

"Thank you for the advice, Andre. I'll keep that in mind," Light said.

Light remembered how in the game, the sword master would attack the player immediately and be challenging to defeat in the beginning.

So, Light headed outside the Firelink Shrine to see if the sword master was sane or not.

He would have been scared, but why would he be? He could just come back if things went wrong.

As he walked through the ancient stone archway, he felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The air outside was crisp, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and purple as the sun began to set.

The path was lined with overgrown grass and scattered stones, giving it a mystical yet eerie feel.

Light's footsteps echoed softly as he approached a small clearing. There, in the center of the clearing, he saw the sword master.

The man was sitting cross-legged, deep in meditation, with his eyes closed and a calm expression on his face.

His sword, an elegantly crafted katana, lay in front of him, its blade glinting in the fading light.

The sword master's attire was simple yet worn, indicating years of battle and training.

Light couldn't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with a hint of nervousness.

The sword master seemed both peaceful and intimidating.

Light's heart raced as he wondered if the man would attack him like in the game or if he would be willing to teach him the art of the sword.

Gathering his courage, Light took a deep breath and stepped closer, ready to face whatever awaited him.

---------------------------------------------------

jeez this was hard to write i couldn't think of anything on what to do but hopefully it wont be hard for the next chapter couples.

leave a comment it helps to not drop lol 

take care and be safe.