—— ? ——

  Simon had to admit, working on the tunnel had been a welcome break from the insanity.

  He'd woken early the next morning and immediately headed back towards the tunnel. The sun had barely risen, and he assumed he was going to beat Kurda there, but was surprised to find the man already at the tunnel's entrance.

  The man merely nodded at him and gestured to two empty carts. Simon nodded in agreement and they silently guided the carts back down the tunnel. Some might have found the silence between them odd, but for Simon he liked it. It was still early and neither really had anything to discuss.

  They returned to the end of the tunnel and fell into a rhythm. Kurda would cut the stone, pile it up in sizes that Simon could carry, then continue to work on the arches. Simon would lift the stone and then carry it over to the carts where he stacked them. Then when the carts were full, Kurda and him would help push them to the surface.

  Builders would give them empty carts and they would just repeat the process.

  Simon felt good. Focusing on his muscles and his body took his full concentration. While the work was brain dead, the effort he put towards learning his stat filled body was mentally taxing. It felt like he was back in college, but this time the subject material was his own body.

  After a few hours, Simon started experimenting. Using Anima Control in combination with his other skill had been disastrous, but couldn’t he still use it? He’d ran the idea by Kurda, who had just shrugged.

  “I don’t know. I’ll just make sure to keep an eye on yer’ incase yer’ do something dumb again.”

  With Kurda’s blessing he had started using the skill. From what Simon could surmise, the skill allowed him to use his ‘soul’ energy to move his muscles and body. He tried going limp and channeling the skill and found it he could solely move his limbs with it. When it was channeled into an active body movement, the skill just enhanced his own muscles. Movements grew quicker, the stone felt lighter, and it just seemed to enhance his physical capabilities.

  The only problem was the cost. There wasn’t a number behind it, or something he could watch. It was just a feeling. Like someone took an ice cream scoop and hallowed him out.

  Which would have been fine, if not for the fact his ability to choose seemed to affected. After a long stretch of using the skill, it felt like Simon was watching his body from afar. ‘Simon’ just kept using the skill, moving faster and faster to move blocks. Meanwhile the real ‘Simon’ started to freak out as the hollow feeling started to grow with every movement. Yet, he couldn’t stop himself. There was some point where he just seemed to go on autopilot.

  Luckily, Kurda was glancing over every few minutes. The man stopped his work and squinted at Simon.

  “Oie’ Simon!” He called out.

  Simon bent over and grabbed a block, then turned and started stomping towards the cart. His legs and arms glowed with a tinge of gold.

  “Yer’ alright there yer’ dumbass?” Kurda cocked his head. When he got no response from Simon he frowned. “Simon!” he boomed. The puppet like Simon slammed the stone down, turned and listlessly walked back toward the stacks.

  Kurda squinted harder, then set his tools down. He picked up a headless tool and stomped over to Simon.

  “Yer’ actin’ like yer’ did when yer’ tried to break down this entire darmn tunnel.” Kurda said, pointing the stick accusingly. “Answer me yer’ dumbass.”

  Simon was silent. Internally, Simon’s… ego? Simon really wasn’t sure how to describe it, but it was the part of him that was outside of his own body. Anyways, Simon’s ego tried to call out, to stop himself, but nothing happened.

  Kurda had enough. He reached down and grabbed the Simon had lifted on his shoulder. Kurda Grunted and lifted, picking up the stone and the dumbass attached to it.

  Simon blinked at kurda, his eyes dead.

  “Bah.” Kurda grunted. “Yer’ not in there, are ya? Or at least yer’ not thinkin’”

  Simon’s legs kicked in the air, trying to regain their footing.

  Kurda rolled his eyes, then lifted his right foot. With a grunt he kicked Simon squarely in the chest, causing him to launch across the tunnel.

  Simon let out an ‘ooof’ as he slammed into a wall, his vision swimming as the golden glow disappeared from his body. He sat against the wall, breathing heavily. There was a loud CLUNK as Kurda set down the stone.

  Kurda strode back across the room, grabbed a waterskin and a brown chunk, then made his way to Simon.

  With no preamble, he unscrewed the skin and poured cold water onto Simon. Simon sputtered and gasped as the icy water poured down on him, but his sounds were cut off. A chalky chunk of nutrient bar was shoved into his mouth.

  “Time for yer’ ta’ take a break, dumbass. Chew on dat’ and let me know when yer’ come back to yer’ self.”

  Kurda nodded, stepping away. He called over his shoulder. “And don’t even think about touching another piece of stone until I give yer’ the okay.”

  Simon mechanically chewed on the chalky substance. He fought against the hollow feeling inside, mentally screaming at himself for being dumb. Why couldn’t he regain control of himself? Panic coursed through him as his thoughts buzzed with memories he hadn’t wanted to relieve. Memories in a gods realm where he had been a passenger. The feeling of helplessness and despair. The wish to simply disappear.

  Simon shivered, partially from the ice water dripping down him, but mostly from the memory. He closed his eyes and just focused on breathing. On being here in the moment. The feeling of the rough clothing scratching against his skin. The cold sections that stuck to him. Solid stone beneath him, grounding him to reality.

  Minutes passed like this as all he could do was merely survive.

  Okay, so this skill has some MAJOR drawbacks, holy shit. He finally thought to himself, opening his eyes. Simon could hear the rhythmic tapping of hammer to chisel as Kurda continued his work. His eyes turned to the big man and he just watched him work.

  Kurda seemed to feel the eyes on him after a moment and glanced over to Simon.

  He gave Simon a big grin. “Has the dumbass returned?”

  “Yeah.” Simon replied, weaker than he meant to. “I think I am. That was so weird.” He pulled himself to his feet, his body feeling wobbly under him. “But I think I'm ‘back’.”

  Simon made his way slowly to Kurda then leaned on the scaffolding. The man passed him a waterskin, which Simon gratefully took. He unscrewed it and took a big gulp, clearing the remains of the bar from his mouth.

  “Yer’ were moving pretty fast with it, but yer’ brain went off to play in da’ mud.” Kurda said.

  “Not a bad description of it.” Simon replied, shaking his head. “I should have known since it doesn’t have a ‘cost’. I might be able to get used to–” Simon’s words faltered as he felt something tugging at his mind. “Hold on a second.”

  He pulled on his status, his eyes going distant, then smiled as he read the notification.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > SKILL LEVEL INCREASED

  > Skill: Anima Control (Rare)

  > Your attempts to enhance your body with raw anima has strengthened your skill. Bettering your understanding of its drawback has enhanced your ability to endure it.

  >> Level 1 → 2

  >> Description: The soul is the vessel of self. You have forced yours to act where your flesh could not. By exerting direct control, you may use anima to empower yourself. Prolonged use may cause cognitive drift. Excessive use may harm your soul.

  >> Cost: None.

  >> Cognitive Drift: Extended use of anima causes dissociation. Willpower and awareness is heavily reduced when this status is in effect.

  ——————————

  “That answers that question.” Simon said, “seems that state is just a part of the skill.”

  Kurda raised his eyebrows. “So yer’ have an ability that makes yer’ an idiot?” He gave Simon a cheeky grin. “Well dat’s ter’ be expected I guess. Seems ter’ be a good fit for yer’”

  “Well fuck you too.” Simon snapped back, but then matched Kurda’s grin. “I will have to keep working on it… Although.” He rubbed his chest, the cold hollow feeling still present. “Maybe not for a few days. I’m not going to lie, the feeling it leaves in me is kind of awful.”

  “Oh yer’?” Kurda asked.

  “Imagine having someone with cold clammy hands reach into you and scoop out parts of your chest.” Simon shivered. “Then you get to watch yourself move without your say. About how it feels after I use it too much.”

  Kurda looked disgusted. “Yer’ know, I was going to ask about that skill because it seemed useful. But I tink’ I’m changin’ my mind on that.”

  Simon laughed. “Doesn’t sound appealing?”

  “No. And der’ fact yer’ so calm about it is a bit concernin’” Kurda shook his head. “How bout’ yer’ just move the blocks like a normal person huh?”

  “Sounds good to me.” Simon replied, giving Kurda a wave then making his way back to the stacks.

  Simon returned to his work, his sense of self slowly recovering over the next few hours. He was concerned with just how long it took for him to feel ‘normal’ again. He was going to have to be careful with that skill, despite it’s advantages.

  It was honestly turning out to be a great day. They took a break for lunch talking with Ryne about the progress of the gate house. The three avoided discussing Simon’s performance the other day, but Simon noticed the celestial eyed him warily. How was he supposed to know his artistic abilities could cause such emotions?

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  After lunch, hours passed as Simon kept up his personal study of his body. He was already feeling pretty good about the day when it just got better.

  —- SYSTEM NOTICE—-

  > NEW SKILL ACQUIRED

  > Skill: Adaptive Physique - ( Uncommon )

  >> Type: Passive

  >> Description: You have forced your physical form to relearn itself through repetition, focus, and conscious control. You have successfully condensed years of effort into a tangible benefit. As you work, your body adapts. Slowly, yet relentlessly.

  >> Effect: Efficiency of physical movement increases. Wasteful motion is reduced. Minor increases in balance, coordination, and exertion economy.

  ——————————

  Simon’s face lit up like a child on Christmas, his stupid grin straining his cheeks as he reread the notice. He slammed down the chunk of rock he had been carrying and yelled over to Kurda.

  “Hey Kurda!!”

  Kurda’s eyes snapped to him and then quickly scanned the room looking for trouble. His gaze moved back to Simon then paused as he saw the overenthusiastic joy on Simon’s face.

  “Yer’? What happened?”

  “I got a skill for my body!” Simon yelled in excitement, his voice buzzing.

  “Oh yer’ did?” Kurda beamed a proud smile. “Er’ was hopin’ yer’ might be able to. That would make yer’ the ninth in Varnholt I know of.”

  Simon’s excitement waned ever so slightly, but Kurda knowing there was a body skill couldn’t get him down. “Wait, you knew?

  “Yer’ I have got one called ‘Fundamental Frame’. It’s a good one. If yer’ don’t mind me askin’ I would be curious to know what yer’s is called.”

  “Adaptive Physique, says it’s uncommon.”

  Kurda stroked his chin. “Not bad, not bad at all. Haven’t heard of that one yet, but I suppose they are all similar.” He gave Simon a broad smile. “Well, yer’ gonna just stand there? Or are yer’ gonna try it out?”

  “Oh, right.” Simon shuffled over to the stacks of stone, eager to try out the changes.

  The next hour was… disappointing? Simon had this mental image of his body magically powering up. Like some super saiyan moment where he would scream and his dark hair would glow and he’d double in power.

  What happened was exactly what the skill said. He had a minor increase in balance, coordination, and exertion economy.

  He was mid transit with a block when he heard a booming laugh.

  “Bahhahaha! Simon, yer’ should see yer’ face. Looks like yer’ sucked on salt rock expectin’ it to be sweet.”

  Simon glared at Kurda as he took the last two steps to the cart. He placed the block down, carefully stacking it in the last available spot.

  Kurda stepped next to him and made quick work of tying the stones down.

  “Look I just kind of expected it to be… more you know?” Simon grumbled. “I mean the name sounds cool, but it just feels like I'm slightly better.”

  Kurda shook his head, moving into position to push the full cart. “Yer’, that's how mine felt. The body skills like that ain't as fancy as some other skills.” Green Brown energy raced down Kurdas arm, illustrating. “But I think yer’ not thinking again. Body skill doesn't just affect yer’ moving stone. Just think about it while we push.” With that, Kurda channeled energy into the cart then started shoving it up the tunnel.

  Simon got in beside him and together they helped guide and push the cart up the tunnel. As they moved, Simon’s mind worked.

  You know, he’s really starting to get the whole ‘I only speak in vague explanations’ shtick down. Simon thought as they passed the tunnels were Maelis’s Morons toiled away.

  Okay so… more than just moving stone, I got that but, I still don’t get what's the big deal. Kurda said he knew nine people that had it? So it’s not super easy to get.

  He read the skills effect again.

  ——————————

  >> Effect: Efficiency of physical movement increases. Wasteful motion is reduced. Minor increases in balance, coordination, and exertion economy.

  ——————————

  He definitely felt more coordinated and stable, but so what? Simon didn’t understand. He had been doing something similar just by his lessons with Kurda. The only major difference is it was like his body had condensed and refined the time in Melodian’s realm, his past life, and Kurda’s teachings. His muscles now moved the way he wanted without intense concentration.

  So… Why did he feel like he was missing something?

  Bah. He mentally groaned. Why couldn’t Kurda just say it instead of smiling and being all ‘well just think about it, young grasshopper.’

  The skill was nice, Simon couldn’t deny that. But it wasn’t some awe inspiring thing like Kurda’s stone abilities, or Kaelalin’s magic. Hell, it wasn’t even as dramatic as Simon’s own Anima Control which also amplified physical ab–

  Simon almost tripped onto his face as the realization. He stumbled and let go of the cart causing Kurda to look at him with massive grin.

  “Yer’ figure it out?” The big man asked.

  “Maybe?” Simon slowly said. “I think? There’s no way right? Huh. That would be really nice if it worked that way, right?”

  Kurda’s smile strained as he looked at Simon deep in thought.

  “Yer’ think yer’ can push an’ talk?” Kurda said, his voice dripping.

  “Oh right. My bad.” Simon apologized and stepped back into the cart. “Actually, that brings up a question I have been wondering. Can’t you just put in more mana, or energy–” Simon tapped the cart. “--or whatever so we don’t have to push as much?”

  “Could.” Kurda replied. “But then I’d have to wait to regain it back at the bottom. Easier to just use yer’ muscles to do the rest. If we were someone like Brian then that’s something we would do.”

  Simon nodded.

  “So.” Kurda continued, “What’d yer’ think is special about the skill?”

  “Well, let me ask you a question o’ wise and knowledgeable one. Does your Fundamental Frame affect your body even when you use other skills and abilities?”

  Kurda beamed. “Yer’ damn right it does. My stone shaping skill uses energy from mer’ body. Ever since I got Fundamental Frame, my stone shaping has been easier. Everytime Fundamental Frame grows, so do the benefits to my shapin’.”

  Simon blinked, then returned to his kid on christmas look. “Alright, no longer disappointed with the Adaptive Physique skill. Holy shit that’s amazing.”

  “Bahahaha. Like er’ said, it’s pretty damn good.” Kurda laughed. “It’s a topic of many artersans in town. The ones that don’t have it practically drool when others talk about it. Like er’ said, I only know nine now that have something like it.”

  Kurda looked up in the air thoughtfully.

  “I think Brian has something like it, but for magic. We were drinkin’ and jestin’ and Brian was taking notes down about the skill. One of the miners joked that Brian would probably never get a physical skill like that.”

  Kurda took a hand off the cart and mimicked pushing glasses up his nose. “Brian goes. ‘Well why would I ever need a skill like that? I already unlocked mana mastery during the event. I can always just infuse my muscles with magic if I need the boost.’”

  Kurda started laughing. “Whole tavern got real quiet. Poor guy had to ask Brian ‘what do yer’ mean?’.”

  Kurda and Simon crested the top of the tunnel and pushed the cart out the entrance.

  “What happened?” Simon asked as the builders moved in to take the stone laden cart.

  Kurda kept chuckling. “Brian just shrugged, then his muscles all lit up with er’ bluish tint, like a god damned Frost-kin.. Should have seen Kaelalin’s face, her eyes never left him.” Kurda shook his head. “Then Brian just started moving around the tavern, faster than a hot knife through butter. Then he just popped back to the bar top and kept asking questions. I swore I was gonna need a chisel to pry people’s jaws off the floor.” Kurda smiled, then added. “Especially Kaelalin’s.”

  A builder pushing an empty cart nodded to them as he handed off his burden. Simon and Kurda made their way back down the tunnel.

  “So there is a magical equivalent to the physical condition skill? I wonder if you can get both.” Simon mused.

  “Maybe. I’m sure if yer’ can Brian will figure it out. I ain’t too worried about it.” Kurda replied. “I’m just gonna keep workin’ on what I know and let others figure out that type er’ stuff. Gotta stay on yer’ path.”

  Simon nodded. “Pick your lane and stick with it.”

  “Yerp. I imagine when we get this here tunnel finished and start talkin’ with people outside the valley, we're gonna learn a whole lot more. ”

  “Well then.” Simon smiled. “We better not slack off then. Tunnel ain’t gonna dig itself.”

  “Bahahaha yer’ damn right.” Kurda beamed.

  —— ? ——

  The rest of the day flew past as Simon picked up heavy things and put down heavy things. Towards the end of the day, Ryne had come down the tunnel early. She told them Kurda was needed for a council meeting which was met with moaning from the affable giant. Kurda tried to say he needed to help Simon with the last load, but was horrified when Simon just grinned at him.

  “Oh, don’t worry about that. I can move the last cart up.”

  “Traitor.” Kurda hissed. Ryne gave Simon a hidden smile and thumbs up from behind Kurda.

  Simon kicked the man while he was down. “Can’t keep a respectable council member from being late to a meeting can we?”

  “How right you are, Simon Starfall. Come along, Councillor Kurda. I promised Brian I would make sure you weren’t late.”

  Kurda’s shoulders drooped and he followed Ryne up the tunnel, giving his best impression of a kicked puppy.

  Simon chuckled to himself as he loaded the last two blocks of stone. Earlier, Kurda had shown him the basics of how to power the carts and Simon was honestly excited to use it. There was just something about the action that got his mind going. It was a ‘mundane’ activity in this new world, but compared to Earth it was pure fiction. Powering a machine with your internal magical ‘power’? Hell yeah.

  It got off to a rocky start as Simon focused his mind and dumped mana into the thing. The cart raced out of his grip and up the tunnel. He had put wayyy too much into it. Luckily, the construct was built for dumbasses like Simon and locked its wheels when it ran out of juice. The first quarter of the tunnel was a comical affair of Simon channeling mana down his arm, then the cart rocketing away. Followed by cursing and Simon sprinting after it.

  About halfway up the tunnel, Simon finally got into the rhythm of it. It was still jerky as his output of mana was pretty atrocious, but it worked. He only needed to do a quick step forward every couple of seconds.

  Finally, he made it to the ever growing arch of the tunnel gate house. The camp was empty, Simon seeming to be the last to exit the mine. He took a deep breath of frigid air, the cool wind a balm to his sore and sweaty muscles.

  From his vantage at the mouth of the tunnel, Simon took in the setting sun. Varnholt Valley stretched out before him like a half-forgotten painting. The path from the tunnel stretched down the hillside and led to the distant town. Simon could make out its wall and the everrising ring of stone that would soon be its outer wall. Glowing lights illuminated buildings that were topped with thin ribbons of smoke. Towering above the town, the System hub shimmered. Evening rays of light reflected off its fractal swirling surface.

  Beyond the town, the valley floor rolled out in snow-covered fields. Evergreen forests clung to the edges, marching across the valley and up the mountain sides. In every direction, the sheer mountain wall rose, its peaks disappearing past the clouds in most places.

  Simon sighed in contentment. He felt good about the last few days. He was starting to imagine what a life would be like here. A valley full of crazy artisans, but they were good people. Simon wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted out of this new life, but this was a start. The cold air had done its work and the last of his sweat had steamed off. Now a chill began to fall on him and with it, a tired soreness.

  Time to get some sleep. Tunnel isn’t digging itself. He smiled to himself and then began the walk to Varnholt. To his new home.

  Shadows lengthened as he made his way down the path. It had been a good day. Simon hummed a bit of Highway to Hell as he walked. He grinned to himself at the thought of one day playing it for Kurda, when he spotted a figure on the path ahead.

  The figure was short and stocky. They stood on the path, twirling some tool in their hands. As Simon drew closer, he could make out the scared visage of Maelis.

  Oh boy.

  Unfortunately, the Yoreboon wasn’t moving. Simon was going to have to walk right past the sour Councilor.

  "Uh, evening, Counselor Maelis," Simon said, nodding towards him, fully intent on walking straight past him and going to Ember Rest and downing a nice bowl of hot soup.

  "Good evening, Simon Starfall." The slimy, haughty voice of Maelis echoed into the night. "You know, I think we may have an issue, you and I."

  Simon stepped a bit faster, moving past the grumpy Yoreboon. “Oh? I don’t think so.” He called over his shoulder. “Unless you're trying to eat all the soup at Ember Rest. Them running out is the only issue on my mind."

  As he finished, Simon picked up the pace, taking the longest strides he could. He smirked as he heard shuffling behind him. Maelis was nearly jogging to keep up.

  “Simon, I didn’t say you could leave.”

  Simon glanced back “You didn’t tell me I should stay either. So, how is that my fault.” He continued walking.

  “What? I just— nevermind. Stop you brainless moron. We need to talk.”

  “Oh we need talk? About what?” Simon asked innocently, never slowing. He had a bad feeling about this. Simon felt he needed to have this conversation within view of the walls.

  “I told you to stop!” Maelis snarled after him.

  “But it’s getting dark! And I have it on good authority that there is a crazy-ass monster out in the valley. We can’t be risking the life of one of our town’s important Councillors!" Simon replied, continuing to move. Would it be too obvious if he just ran?

  “It will only take a moment.” The councilor behind him snapped out, his tone dangerous.

  Simon’s eyes narrowed as he picked out the southern gate of Varnholt. Just a few more minutes of walking and they would be there. Time to really play into the dumbass routine.

  “How about I treat you to a nice bowl of soup at Ember Rest and we can have long talk. Then we don’t have to deal with the big spooky monster AND we will have soup!” Simon said in a sing song voice.

  “We can’t speak at Ember Re– By the gods. Fine. We do it this way.” Maelis hissed behind him. Simon smirked as he heard the man stop walking. His plan had worked. Simon wasn’t looking forward to their conversation at Ember Rest, but it was better than out here.

  For once, he had done the smart thing. Avoiding the obvious trap of this conversation. Simon was patting himself on the back when he heard a whistling sound.

  What was that sound?

  That was the last thought Simon had before his head exploded in pain and he saw stars.

  —— ? ——

  — AUTHOR NOTICE —

  *Edit* I just realized, I totally may have linked my discord... But then it was not a perm link. Perm link is here now:

  Hey, I'm going to be on a podcast / show called Chattin' Stats!

  December 23th is the tentative date for that. Got my official pen name lined up and everything!

  Thank you all for reading, commenting, and just engaging with my story. It's kind of surreal coming into the end of book 1 and talking with editors, narrators, etc.

  Speaking of! I met a narrator a while ago, and I think they might be the one for the story! I really don't 'hear' my characters when I write, I actually see every one of them as colored energy shape (Kind of weird, I know) but it's super consistent. I have a list of what they 'look' like in my head.

  For instance, Councilor Serel has always appeared as kind of a golden cloud with arcs of blue energy in my head.

  But when I met this narrator... I heard Simon! Honestly, I think I might have been a bit awkward because I whirled around and just blinked at the poor narrator xD

  Hopefully it works out, but even if it doesn't, my plan is to line up a narrator and shoot for an audio version by summer 2026.

  ~TheBusyBard

  ——————————