It wasn't my intention, but I'm glad this ordeal wasn't just for dinner.

Let me guess: I learnt this skill after my life flashed before my eyes. Or was it from five days of self reflection? Since it's an innate skill, it's related to either my being or my class. Ruling out class, this means it came from my own mentality.

Wait, isn't this mechanic ridiculous? Just by striving for a goal, you naturally acquire matching skills. At the very least, these skills become easier to acquire. This world seems to readily reward effort, thus conditioning personal growth. Just how powerful are its residents?

I look at my change in stats. As expected of me, they are presented next to the base values. I hate it when RPGs don't show level progression.

The abnormal growth in Integrity is probably from , but it's the rest of the stats that interest me. Do these stats follow a predetermined growth plan, or do they increase according to actions taken between levels? If the latter is true, then I can build my chara- I mean, body. I have to test this next time.

Hours later, I hear the sound of running water, and sure enough I find a small stream. I begin to wash my equipment, before submerging myself in the shallow depths. The sensation is surreal, as water flows between my joints. My spine strains against the gentle current, and I feel as if I'll snap in half. Not that it will, it's just a new experience.

As I leave the water, I spot something peculiar. It looks like a floating ball of golden light. I figuratively squint, and realise it's shaped like some plastic fairy doll. Actually, forget a doll, isn't it the real thing?

Hovering at ten centimetres in height, it looks like a young girl with short, blue hair and golden butterfly wings. The fairy in question is gives me a curious look. Is it so weird for a grown man to bathe himself... on second thought, it's extremely weird for a skeleton to do so.

I would call her cute, were she not sticking out her tongue while fluttering around my face.

Annoyed, I snatch her from the air and glare at her astonished face.

"?em ees uoy nac woH !yaw on ,hE"

Unfortunately, I have no idea what she's saying. In response, I tilt my skull. She seems to realise my problem, then says,

"C-can you understand me?"

YES!

I scream... inside my heart. Instead, I open my jaw like a hungry shark, and terrify her even more. I correct my mistake by shutting my trap and nodding.

Understanding, she then says,

Can you reply if I do this?

... or rather, she thinks. Is this telepathy? I almost cry in joy as I prepare my response.

Um, I can hear all your thoughts. Are you talking to yourself?

Errr, maybe?

By the way sir, I'm sorry for being so rude. Please forgive me!

She seems a little desperate... ah, right! I'm still grabbing her. Are you hurt?

Don't worry, I'm alright. How did you see me?

Hm? What do you mean?

We fairies can hide our presence from the eyes of others. Only a really strong mage can spot us. Do you have a special skill or item?

Hide presence... affecting perception... Oh, I get it. My unique skill must have proc since it's a mental status effect.

I don't quite understand, but you have a unique skill? That's amazing, mister!

Is it? Well, I guess not everybody starts with an OP skill.

It really is! Unique skills grow faster than normal ones. They can even become Celestial rank abilities.

I'm not sure how powerful that is, but I get the picture. Perhaps it will one day become .

Um, mister? You're still leaking your thoughts...

Sigh, it appears so. By the way, my name is Tyler.

Mine is Si!

Anyway Si, may I ask a question.

Sure.

How can I understand you? I don't think you're speaking (thinking) English.

Inglesh? What is that?

Please answer me first.

Ah, okay. I'm using my skill to speak and translate "Inglesh".

How convenient. I'll have to learn that later.

My turn! My turn! It's my turn to ask a question!

Hit me.

Hit you?

Um, never mind. Go ahead and ask.

Tyler, why are you so strange? The only skeletons like you are evil liches.

How do you know I'm not a lich?

Because you don't feel like a bad person. All I sense is... sadness, and a bit of hope.

Wait, you know how I feel?

No cutting in! It's my turn, remember? Besides, you're too weak to be a lich!

She begins laughing in a cheerful yet aggravating tone.

Um, Tyler? It's really weird when you narrate everything I do.

Sorry. Let's get back on topic. Since I can't hide anything, I'll tell you everything...

Si listens to my story intently. When I mention I killed the necromancer, she pats my skull to give solace. Actually, she had a sombre expression as I depicted my ordeal.

By the way, I've gotten better at dividing my thoughts between transmit and personal.

Ding!

Oi! What is with this skill!? Was it that easy to acquire, or am I so inept that separating my thoughts is a huge achievement?

What's wrong, Tyler?

Oops, I accidently clicked "send". I really am that inept...

Erm, no problem Si!

She gives me a bright smile, but there is something a bit awkward about it.

Y-you said you can go home by following the magic link, right?

Right.

I think I can help you, Tyler, if there really is a link...

Really Si? Thank you so much!

By the way, what did you mean by if there really is a link?

Don't worry about it! We can find out once we visit a Life Well.

Life Well? What's that?

All souls and mana come from the World Stream. Sometimes, it connects to other worlds as well. The Life Well are places where the World Stream does not move. If we go to one, we can trace your link from this world to your world!

Or so she proudly declares.

I'm starting to get excited. It's really lucky I befriended such a kind and acknowledgeable fairy.

I am forever grateful, Si. Please lead the way!