The Archaic System

I took a deep breath. It was a crazy feeling like your entire body was remade into the body you always wanted to have. Before, on earth, it took people years to get to the fitness level they could after just a couple level ups on Agartha. It is truly a euphoric feeling.

In my past life, there were many people who would chase after level ups like madmen. They craved the high of leveling up, almost as if the actual increase in fitness was secondary. While I wasn't one of those people I could certainly understand why they would do it.

After adjusting my body for a moment I turned towards Valerian, "Could I take a look at the market next?"

"Haha, sure thing brother!" He began to walk around the side of the origin stone.

I caught up with him to walk side by side. He always walked so briskly straight toward his destination. After thinking for a moment I asked, "What makes you want to leave the G'eth village so bad?"

"Well...." he said while his leafy eyebrows scrunched up.

"I have a complicated history."

I was intrigued.

"How so?"

"Well, my bud that Grand Elder Corytheius picked from the Geodenisis Arboreth was partially the product of an attack made on it 700 years ago."

"What? How did that happen?"

"It's complicated and will take a long time to tell. Why don't we wait for another time?" He responded in a despondent manner unlike his normal boisterous attitude.

"Ok. Not a problem." I could tell the subject bothered him and I didn't want to press any further.

However, not wanting to walk in silence I asked another question, "Who was the important person that the Grootslang killed?"

He became gloomy, I began to worry I had asked too much.

Then he loudly sighed, "Growing up in this village I didn't have many friends. Other than Grand Elder, I rarely saw anyone. However, one day a young G'eth who was about my age wondered into the Grand Elder's courtyard where I stayed. We instantly became friends and played for hours. When Corytheius returned and saw us he got mad and told him to leave. However, after we begged and pleaded he allowed us to continue to hang out occasionally."

Valerian seemed to stare into the distance as he spoke.

"For years we played in the courtyard and grew really close. As we grew older, playing like children became conversations about life. I talked about the training Corytheius had me do and he talked about his job as a warrior in the patrol and about the village. He was my only connection to the outside world. One day I was waiting for my him by the entrance but he was very late which was rare, but occasionally happened. I was about to head inside when I heard one of the warriors screaming about a strong monster that invaded our territory. I began to get nervous."

I could see the vines forming his arms twisting tighter and tighter. Suddenly a couple dark vines rose up from Valerian's feet. They were purple and looked different than normal G'eth vines. Valerian seemed to finally notice them and they quickly went away.

"Long story short, that night was when the Grootslang moved into our territory. It killed my friend even after I tried to save him."

Valerian quickly finished the story. We walked in silence for a short while, but his normal exuberance soon returned and Valerian began to happily tell me about the village.

We made our way over to the market. It was so lively there, the G'eth were selling a lot of the products they cultivate from the forest. The number of fruits, vegetables, and nuts available was simply astonishing. Suddenly I realized I hadn't had anything to eat in a while. I was starving.

I looked down at my toga. I didn't have my knapsack or kodachi with me and even if I did I wouldn't have any money. I looked over to Valerian.

He looked back at me and chuckled,a vine at his waist unwound revealing a pouch. He pulled out a couple silver coins.

"Tonight will be on me."

"Thank you!" I couldn't wait to dig into the succulent fruits at the different stalls.

We spent the next couple hours roaming the streets frequently stopping at the different stalls sampling the delicacies. I didn't have this kind of money to spare in my past life. Almost every spare cent was spent either trying to survive or on finding my brother. I was one of the poorest and weakest in human society.

I refuse to be brought that low again. I refuse to be trampled on and used by others. This time I will rise above them all. Fierce determination bubbled up within me.

"You ok." Valerian said beside me.

"Yeah I'm fine just remembered something unpleasant."

"Oh. You ready to head to your room? It'll be dark soon."

"Yeah, it'll be nice to get a rest."

We headed out from the market into a residential area, the two moons shining as the sun began to fall. We came to an area with enormous trees rising high into the sky, holes had been hollowed out at every ten meters. A large vine started at the base and wound around it like a spiral staircase.

After passing about a dozen of these trees Valerian led me up to one.

"Go to the room at the top, your knapsack, clothes, and weapon have already been delivered there."

"Thanks, Valerian for showing me around today and for saving my life."

"Don't mention it, brother. I'm sure I'll save you again in the future hahaha." He laughed uproariously.

"I'm sure you will."

I genuinely believed he would.

I turned and started walking up the vine. The climb up the tree seemed to take forever, this tree was just so large. Finally, I got to the top. I looked out over the forest. In the moonlight it was so tranquil, a gentle breeze blowing, it almost made you want to stay here forever. However, I couldn't, I knew this peace was temporary and I had to get stronger fast.

I walked into the room, in the corner there was something that looked like a weaved basket filled with feathers. The G'eth don't need beds so I'm happy they remembered to provide me one. Over to the side laid a large round tree stump with my knapsack, clothes, kodachi, and a lit candlestick on it. I was tired and ready to go to bed. I grabbed the kodachi, blew out the candlestick, and jumped on top of the feathers, drifting off to sleep in just a few minutes.

"Troy!"

"Ughh" I grunted as I rose up. A feather stuck in my mouth.

"Pphhh pphhh pphhh" I spit it out.

"Troy get ready to go!" Valerian shouted

"Huh, whats going on?"

"After you killed the Grootslang some of its offspring began to wander out of the cave. Even a few villagers have been hurt by them. Grand Elder Corytheius issued a hunting request offering 5 silver for each young Groostlang offspring and 10 per adult. I thought we could figure out each other's combat style and work on our teamwork while earning some spending money for the road. Also, Grand Elder said it will take about five days to prepare your gifts from the Grootslang so we have the time."

"Ok just give me a minute." Why does he have to wake me so early? I know G'eth don't need sleep but I sure do. Regardless he is right and I haven't had the chance to try out my new ability or test my fitness yet.

I put on my old clothes, there was still a tear in the shoulder and thigh, but I didn't have any better options right now. I strapped the kodachi to my right side and my knapsack to my left. Finally ready, I walked out of the room to see Valerian leaning against the tree outside my door with his arms crossed.

"Ready to go?"

"You know it!"

We walked down the vines and headed out of the village.