Chương 4: Chapter Three

The pit was deeper than he'd thought it'd be. Darkness flying past for a considerable period before he suddenly struck the watery surface below. At which point, he quickly sank. The blame for this, he pointedly laid at the feet of the redheaded teenager. Or, more specifically, the weighty clink of metal which the teen had shoved inside him. Which meant he was also to be blamed for Bob's near-complete inability to make sense of his surroundings. His vision otherwise being occupied. Ding! Congratulations!

You have gained 16 copper pieces! Species Level increased! 1 – 5 Next Level: 16/32 Copper Pieces You may choose (1) Species Trait! Obtained Skill Maximum has increased by (1)!

Name: Robert Stadler Title: (None) + Species: Lesser Mimic (F) + Class: (None) + Level: 5 Health: 1/1 - 5/5 Mana: 48/48 Strength: 1 - 5 Dexterity: 1 - 5 Constitution: 1 - 5 Intelligence: 48 Perception: 6 - 10 Willpower: 18 - 22 Species Traits: + Class Skills: + Obtained Skills: + Blessings: + Bob was briefly struck with panic as he went under; perhaps an attempt by his subconscious to warn him that diving into deep waters while paralyzed might not be the best of ideas.

An issue which was quickly offset by him recalling his current lack of lungs. The windows on the other hand seemed completely unaffected by anything the situation could throw at them. Still clearly visible as he sank deeper into the murky waters of what must have been a subterranean lake. Unbothered even as he landed at its bed; a mass of silt and sand erupting around him. At first, Bob found himself stunned to incredulity by the fortune of what had happened.

His life spared in service of what was obviously the hazing of an annoying teenager. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. He got over his disbelief quickly enough though and, with a small grateful thought sent to his generous acne-ridden benefactor, opened up his trait menu. His metaphorical fingers crossed that one of the options would mention mobility. He made a concerted effort to remain calm this time around, not wanting to regret another impulsive decision.

It having become very apparent how crucial these 'Traits' were going to be for his continued survival. As well as, given his prolonged stint of sensory deprivation, Bob's continued mental wellbeing. Ding! Congratulations! For elevating yourself to Species Level (5) you are awarded (1) additional Species Trait! Treasure's Allure Taste for Gold Gilded Teeth Creeping Hoard Had he the ability, Bob would have cried out in relief upon seeing the familiar options pop up on his screen.

Or, more specifically, one familiar option pop up on the screen. He was desperately hoping he was right about what the trait 'creeping hoard' would entail. Still, in an attempt not to be bit in the ass by another bad decision, he didn't make the choice right away. Lingering instead on the page, trying to see if the system would give him further information like it did in his status tab.

He spent a few moments searching the window for exclamation marks or any of the ubiquitous 'help' symbols you'd sometimes find in videogames. Hoping that the similarities between them and his current 'existence' would continue. Unfortunately, these hopes remained unrealized. Grey, blocky letters standing unchanged before him. Eventually, nearing simply nabbing his first choice and moving on, Bob decided that perhaps he should attempt a more direct approach.

The 'system' had shown at least some level of interactive intelligence after all. And it wasn't like there was anyone around to make him feel embarrassed about having a conversation with the thin air. Especially given he was both lacking vocal cords and currently underwater. So, he simply decided to ask.' I don't suppose I could get a description for any of these before I choose?' He attempted to send out to whatever overarching intelligence was in control here.

And was more than a little surprised when it quickly responded. Ding! Sapient interaction with Trait menu noted! System interactivity increased! Congratulations!

Treasure's Allure (F) Grants the mimic an air of innocence and temptation Gains further access to 'Mind Control' Path traits/skills Willpower + 5 Gilded Teeth (F) Grants the Mimic metal teeth surrounding the opening of their bag/chest Gains further access to 'Maw' Path traits/skills Strength + 5 Taste for Gold (F) Grants the Mimic a prehensile tongue which can extend out of the opening of their bag/chest Gains further access to (Prehensile Limb) Path traits/skills Dexterity + 5 Creeping Hoard (F) Grants the Mimic more complete control of their host.

Strengthening their form and granting limited ambulatory abilities. Gains further access to (Movement) Path traits/skills. Constitution + 5 That… was actually very helpful. The congratulations bit was a little odd, especially considering his sapience had already been mentioned in their original interaction, but everything else was fantastic. Enough so that he was beginning to doubt this whole situation was simply a divine and/or demonically inspired illusion to destroy his spirit.

Not that this doubt was terribly reassuring. Given that existing in a universe where you might randomly become a sack, is in no way better than existing in one where demons can potentially curse you to be a sack. If anything, it's slightly more confusing. In the end, he decided it might be best to rid himself of existential thoughts altogether and simply focus on his current situation. And in his current situation, he wanted legs.

The rest of the options were certainly tempting, especially now that he actually knew what they did, but ultimately felt like adding extra features to a car currently lacking tires and a suspension system. That said, he hoped he'd see them again. Especially 'Taste for Gold'. While the idea of grabbing things with his tongue sounded less than appealing, he wanted access to the 'prehensile limb' path almost as much as he did the 'movement' path.

The idea of adding an appendage to his currently limbless body was a heady temptation indeed. Still, he affirmed his choice without much regret. Knock on wood he'd get another chance at level ten. One which might allow him to actually knock on things. Ding! You have chosen the Movement Path Trait Creeping Hoard (F) + 5 Constitution! General locomotion enabled! As soon as he affirmed his decision, Bob felt an immediate change in his body. Specifically, that he could feel his body in the first place.

In an instant he seemed to go from a formless ghost to an actual living creature again. He couldn't be bothered to care that the form wasn't anything close to human, simply luxuriating in the subtle movements of the water around him. The faint chill of the subterranean lake embracing his body. The sensation of slick, silty gravel pressing into the cloth substituting for his skin. His form didn't, unfortunately, seem to have grown legs or changed shape in the slightest.

Remaining nothing more than a stitched together lump of textiles. Still, as he slowly began to wiggle his way to his 'feet' for the first time, it felt as though he was coming back to life. Like he might be able to derive some purpose for himself in this strange new world. Be able to treat this as a second chance, rather than a curse. And then a fish ate him.