Chapter 3

  I froze, staring at the shape barely visible through the luminescent vines.

  A chest. An actual, honest-to-god video game chest, sitting there like it had been procedurally generated by some cosmic dungeon master.

  Byte's warning beep came a split second before something large shifted in the shadows behind it. My hand went to my energy sword, heart hammering.

  The shape moved again, closer to the chest, into a shaft of filtered sunlight.

  Not a monster. A deer. Or at least, this world's equivalent of one. The creature had bioluminescent antlers and moved with fluid grace, completely unbothered by our presence. It sniffed at the chest once, seemed to decide it wasn't edible, and bounded away into the underbrush.

  I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Okay. Not everything that moves wants to kill us. Good to know."

  The chest, upon closer inspection, turned out to be a naturally occurring formation, a cluster of crystalline rocks that happened to be chest-shaped. My gamer brain had filled in the rest. I knocked on it experimentally. Solid stone, no loot inside.

  "Well, that's disappointing," I muttered, straightening up. "Come on, Byte. Let's see what else is out here."

  * * *

  We ventured deeper into the forest, and I had to admit, this place was unlike anything I'd seen on Earth. And I mean that literally. Trees with iridescent leaves chimed like wind chimes when they swayed, their bark veined with something that pulsed faintly, like sap that carried its own light. Flowers I couldn't name released scents that made my head spin in a good way, and the undergrowth was a tapestry of colors no Earth forest would produce: silver-edged ferns, moss in shades of turquoise and deep indigo, fungi that glowed amber from within. Even the grass seemed to hum with energy beneath my feet. Overhead, the twin suns filtered through the canopy at different angles, painting everything in layered light that shifted between warm amber and cool violet depending on which way I looked.

  "Okay, this is either the coolest thing ever or I'm having a really elaborate stroke," I muttered, crouching to examine a glowing crystal nestled at the base of a luminescent fern.

  Luminara Crystal

  Rarity: Uncommon

  Description: This crystal radiates a soft glow, holding the essence of the forest's magic. It could be a valuable catalyst in enchantments or magical constructs.

  At least it smelled better than Arcadia. No exhaust, no sub shop funk permeating through the walls. Just... magic? Mana? Whatever this place was running on, my lungs approved.

  Byte had wandered over to a cluster of metallic vines with circuit-like patterns etched into their forest green and copper surfaces. He jumped up and down excitedly, clicking and whirring to get my attention.

  Techvine Bundle

  Rarity: Rare

  Description: These vines possess a natural affinity for technology. When carefully woven into technomantic creations, they enhance conductivity and efficiency.

  "Better grab all we can find of these crystals and vines, right Byte-o?" I asked as I gathered up the sixth crystal and turned toward the vines. I hadn't had a pet myself since childhood, and I found myself enjoying the companionship.

  With each new discovery, I carefully placed the materials into a small storage pocket in my technomancer suit. The pocket seemed to defy the usual constraints of space, allowing me to carry a multitude of resources without burden. Chuckling to myself, I noted, "Good thing it's bigger on the inside."

  Further exploration revealed a patch of herbs with iridescent leaves and a peculiar rock with a pulsating glow.

  Ethereal Bloom

  Rarity: Common

  Description: These delicate herbs, when properly prepared, can enhance perception and clarity of thought. A staple for alchemists and potion-makers.

  Mystic Radiance Stone

  Rarity: Rare

  Description: This enchanted rock emits a soft glow, resonating with mystical energies. It can be used as a focal point for magical rituals or as a catalyst in enchantments.

  As we continued deeper into the forest, the vibrant sapphire and baby pink petals of an alluring flower caught my attention. The petals radiated a captivating aura, seemingly beckoning me closer. Intrigued, I leaned in to take in the sweet scent as I went to gather the blossoms.

  Hypnotic Enchantblossom

  Rarity: Rare

  Description: This enchanting flower possesses alluring properties, capable of drawing in beings with its mesmerizing fragrance. Caution is advised when handling it, as its effects may vary. It is used in many potions by both healers and alchemists alike.

  The petals seemed to dance in harmony with the ambient magic of the forest, emitting a fragrance that tugged at my every sense. My fingers moved almost on their own, reaching for the flower, when rustling nearby caught my attention.

  I froze, glancing at Byte to see if he'd heard it too. Byte responded with a series of clicks, and we both remained very still. It was only then that I realized how far into the forest we'd traveled. The sounds of camp had long since faded.

  Silently, I began to step backward when a creature emerged from the underbrush, a wild boar, or at least what I assumed was the equivalent in this realm. Startled, I swiftly identified the creature using my HUD.

  Luminsire Enchantboar

  Level: 3

  Description: A creature of radiant magic, the Luminsire Enchantboar shares a symbiotic relationship with the Hypnotic Enchantblossom. Its luminescent presence allows the blossom to grow to larger and more potent sizes, while the soothing aura of the Enchantblossom keeps the boar in a trancelike and calm state unless their territory is threatened.

  The creature moved with fluid grace, its luminescent markings pulsating in sync with the enchanting energies of the forest. As it neared the Hypnotic Enchantblossom, a subtle dance unfolded, a harmonious connection between flora and fauna. The luminous markings caused the bloom to open wider and release more hypnotic pollen into the air.

  Captivated, I stopped retreating and instead took a step forward. Some distant part of my brain screamed danger, but the rest of me couldn't quite remember why I should care.

  The tranquility shattered as the Luminsire Enchantboar's demeanor shifted. Its brilliant orange eyes widened with agitation, and it turned to face me with an aggressive posture. The boar snorted and pawed at the ground.

  I found myself ensnared in a mesmerizing trance induced by the flower's magic. The captivating aura clouded my thoughts, and I struggled to break free from the enchantment. Byte, sensing our danger, grabbed my leg and with a forceful shake, knocked me off balance.

  I hit the ground hard, skinning my hands on rough bark and stone. Pain lanced through my palms, sharp and immediate, and suddenly I could think clearly again.

  Oh shit. Oh shit oh shit oh shit,

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  Fear and adrenaline flooded my system as the Luminsire Enchantboar charged. The problem was, outside of a controller, I'd never been in a fight of any kind. I tried to dodge and ended up landing not-so-softly on my right knee. I let out a shout as very real pain shot through my leg.

  Panic-stricken, I remembered the message the system had sent us just hours before. 'Those still classified as a living race.'

  I could die out here. For real. No respawns, no extra lives.

  Byte, unwaveringly loyal, leapt into action to defend me. The forest resonated with the clinks and clatters of his metallic frame as he lunged at the Luminsire Enchantboar. His oversized jaw and sharp teeth clashed against the creature's magical hide, each blow aiming to disrupt and draw the boar's focus.

  I began patting down my side and pockets, my hands shaking. I had a starting weapon; I'd seen it materialize in the void, but I'd been so focused on everything else that I hadn't bothered to figure out where it was or how it worked.

  Stupid. So stupid.

  As the Enchantboar struggled to fend off Byte's relentless assault, I finally located the energy sword. With shaking hands and way too many fumbled button presses, I managed to activate it.

  With a whommm, the sword hummed to life. Out of the handle shot a white-hot blade of pure energy, casting sharp shadows through the forest.

  Well, at least it's not green. Or even worse, red, I thought, trying desperately to lighten my own mood as I attempted to strike the boar.

  My movements were clumsy and uncoordinated. The magical blade swished through the air with all the grace of a drunk person wielding a pool noodle. I managed to hit exactly zero boars and approximately all the nearby foliage.

  Great. I'm going to die because I skipped PE class for eight years straight.

  But even as panic clawed at my throat, something in the back of my mind whispered that this wouldn't always be so hard. The sword felt... teachable. Like it wanted to show me how to use it properly. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking while I flailed like an idiot.

  Byte rolled underneath the boar, tucked his legs, then opened his jaw and landed a perfectly timed bite to the creature's vulnerable underbelly. The boar wailed in pain and rage.

  I attempted to strike again and managed to hit only air, underestimating how close I'd need to be to actually connect.

  In the midst of my struggle, the Luminsire Enchantboar retaliated with a powerful swipe of its tusks, catching Byte off guard. My loyal companion was knocked backward into a tree with a sickening crack.

  Time seemed to slow as I witnessed Byte's metallic form crash against the rough bark. His LED eyes flickered, once, twice, then went dark. The sound of the impact echoed through the trees, followed by silence so complete it felt like the forest itself was holding its breath.

  I reached out to Byte through our connection, that familiar buzz of energy that was always there in the back of my mind.

  Nothing.

  The connection was just... gone. Like trying to call a phone that's been turned off.

  "Byte?" My voice cracked. "Byte, come on, buddy..."

  Still nothing.

  Terror turned to something else. Something cold and sharp and furious. I'd had him for what, a few hours? And I'd already gotten him hurt because I didn't know how to fight properly.

  Not happening. Not on my watch.

  Fueled by rage and a surge of adrenaline, I tapped into my Electric Surge skill. Sparks crackled around my fingertips like miniature lightning. I held my hand out toward the boar and willed the energy to move.

  The sensation was unlike anything I'd experienced, like grabbing a live wire, except I was the source. The electricity didn't hurt me, but I felt it everywhere, racing through my nervous system and out through my palm in a brilliant arc.

  Momentarily stunned by the unexpected assault, the boar shuddered as the electric surge briefly paralyzed it. My heart pounded in my chest as I seized the opportunity. With newfound determination, I swung my energy sword through the air.

  The enchanted blade found its mark with a decisive hit on the immobilized boar. White-hot and crackling with energy, the blade sliced deep and burned its target. I followed up with a series of strikes, and for the first time, they actually connected with their intended target.

  The Luminsire Enchantboar, still reeling from the electric shock, struggled to regain its footing but charged at me anyway. Off-kilter, the boar rushed clumsily forward. I dodged, barely, and the creature only grazed my side as it rushed past, slamming headfirst into a large moss-covered tree.

  In a final determined swing, I delivered a powerful blow with my sword. The blade cut through the boar's hide and hit something vital, stopping the creature's movements once and for all.

  Silence enveloped the forest as a notification appeared before me:

  You have successfully defeated Level 3 Luminsire Enchantboar.

  Level up!

  Level 2 Technomancer

  The notification shook me out of my stupor, and I turned toward Byte. Limping over to him on a banged-up knee, I dropped down next to him. He lay at the base of the tree, unmoving. My breath hitched in my throat.

  This is why I didn't keep pets. I was so worried I wouldn't be a good enough pet-mom, and they'd get hurt.

  As I sat beside Byte, the weight of the silence around us pressed heavily against my ears. I studied the damage to my robotic companion, my hands trembling slightly as reality settled in. One panel was severely dented, another popped out at an awkward angle, making the intricate network of wires within him perilously exposed.

  The quiet of the forest was punctuated only by the occasional distant rustle of leaves and a low, resonant hum that seemed to come from the trees themselves, a stark contrast to the chaos of our recent battle. The air still smelled faintly of ozone, a reminder of the electric surge I'd unleashed, mixed with the loamy scent of alien moss and the sharp tang of luminescent sap weeping from the damaged trees. Both suns had shifted lower in the sky, and the light filtering through the canopy had taken on a copper tint that made everything look like it was being viewed through amber glass.

  Carefully, I pulled out the multitool that had come with my starting equipment. The device felt oddly familiar in my hands, reminiscent of tools I'd used back on Earth. Rotating the two sides outward, the multitool transformed, revealing a pair of pliers. With a cautious breath, I grasped the protruding wires and the misaligned panel, my movements gentle yet deliberate.

  The wires were a mess of colors and materials, some metallic, others coated in rubber-like insulation that had been scraped during Byte's collision. I worked slowly, untangling the wires first, ensuring none were severed. Each wire I freed seemed to breathe a little life back into the scene, as if with every correct placement, Byte was coming closer to waking.

  During the inspection, I found one essential wire that had been damaged beyond simple repositioning, a sharp edge from the dented panel had sliced through its casing and severed the connection. Among the materials we'd collected earlier was a set of Techvine Bundles. The Identify description had said they had a "natural affinity for technology" and enhanced conductivity. Maybe that meant they could work as makeshift wiring?

  Worth a shot.

  I extracted one of the less rigid vines, its coppery threads gleaming under the filtered sunlight piercing the canopy. Using the multitool's wire stripper feature, I prepared both ends of the broken wire and the vine for splicing. Carefully, I twisted the vine around the severed ends, ensuring a tight, secure connection before wrapping the junction with insulative tape from my kit.

  The vine settled into place, and for a moment, nothing happened. Then the coppery threads began to pulse faintly with the same circuit-like patterns I'd seen when we first found them. It was working, the techvine was actually conducting electricity.

  As I worked, something nagged at the back of my mind. The way the techvine interfaced with Byte's systems, melding organic and synthetic materials so seamlessly, it felt... significant. Like I was stumbling onto something important about this class.

  Maybe Technomancers could do more than just fix machines? Could we... integrate things somehow? Make connections that shouldn't work? I didn't really understand it yet, but watching the organic vine conduct electricity through Byte's mechanical systems felt like a clue.

  I filed the half-formed thought away for later. Right now, I just needed my friend back online.

  After the wires were sorted, I turned my attention to the dented panel. With careful manipulation, I managed to bend it back into something close to its original shape. The metal groaned under the pressure but held as I nudged it back into place. The final step was to pop the other panel back, which clicked satisfyingly into position.

  Throughout the process, I kept glancing at Byte's LED eyes, hoping for any sign of life. When the repairs seemed complete, I sat back on my heels, wiping a smear of dirt off my forehead with the back of my hand. I reached out, touching the connection spot on Byte where we usually synced, and closed my eyes, focusing on the familiar pulse I hoped to feel.

  A soft buzz, almost imperceptible, began to build between us. The sensation grew, the subtle vibration bringing with it a wave of relief. I opened my eyes just as Byte's LEDs flickered weakly. They stabilized, glowing steadily, as he rebooted.

  "You okay, Byte?" I asked, my voice shaking with hope and lingering worry.

  Byte responded with a series of affirmative beeps and a gentle whirring sound that felt like a sigh of relief. He was back, not just as a piece of equipment, but as a friend.

  I couldn't help but smile, my earlier fears washing away with each happy beep from Byte. Despite my initial doubts about my ability to take care of another being, here we were. Maybe, just maybe, I was better at this than I'd thought.

  Level up!

  Level 3 Technomancer

  I stared at the notification, then at Byte, then at the dead boar still smoking faintly from my electric surge. I'd gone from "never been in a fight" to "killed a Level 3 magical creature and MacGyvered my robot back to life" in less than an hour.

  "We should probably head back," I told Byte, patting his repaired panel. "Let John know what's out here. Show them the materials we found."

  Byte beeped agreement, but his sensors suddenly swiveled toward the deeper forest. His cheerful chirps cut off mid-trill.

  "What is it, boy?"

  He took three cautious steps forward, LED eyes focused on something I couldn't see. Then he looked back at me and made a sound I'd never heard before, low, uncertain, almost... worried.

  From somewhere in the darkening forest, where the twin suns' last light barely penetrated and the bioluminescent moss was beginning its nightly glow, came an answering sound.

  Not a boar. Not a bird.

  Laughter.

  Human laughter.

  But wrong somehow. Too high-pitched, too prolonged, echoing in ways that made my skin crawl.

  I gripped my energy sword tighter, the blade still humming with residual power.

  "Hello?" I called out, my voice steady despite the fear creeping up my spine. "Is someone there?"

  The laughter came again, closer this time.

  And then, nothing but silence.