I thought my son’s games were dumb, who’s the dummy now.

As Hectas blinked out of existence three others took his place already seated at the table. The center being gestured for me to be seated on the opposite side. Taking my place, they introduced themselves.

“My name is Jubara, to my left is Laika and to the right is Misaki. We are members of Hectas’ alliance and he has asked that we sponsor you as our champion. We each owe a debt to him and have agreed to extend an offer of our protection to you. You will only be able to choose one of us. Each of us have our own areas of influence and boons that we offer. We’ll go around and introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about what we can offer and what our expectations are in return. Any questions before we begin?”

I had so many questions running through my mind I couldn’t sort them all. I didn’t know if these beings would be able to answer anything about the destruction of Earth and who was responsible for its destruction. I was still in shock over Billy or hector being alive and most of all I wanted answers about that but he had cautioned me about revealing our relationship.

“Why does Hectas seem so important around here?”

“Hectas is known as the Grand Designer. It was his vision and a lot of his ideas that went into the creation of this universe. He is the one who solicited the first investors and found other like-minded individuals to assist in its formation. It rapidly became apparent that its efficiency in energy creation and soul harvesting was in the very highest tier. So much so that it was copied by a great number of other entities for their own projects. Hector actually lived many of the initial iterations in mortal form struggling like any other in order to refine the mechanics of all the integrated systems. In so doing he demonstrated a commendable ethos and a fearsome reputation as a defender of his principles.” The one identified as Laika told me. It was strange seeing words come out of his doglike visage. He had a face of a widened saint Bernard and the body that looked mostly human except for a dense covering of rusty-brown fur on any skin exposed from his embroidered robe.

“Each of us were provide an opportunity we would not otherwise have had without him. Hence the debt we now owe.” Misaki the next to respond had a massive body that was oddly hunched forward as if sitting was contorting her body in an uncomfortable manner. Her voice was melodic and odd coming from a head shaped like a deer with an oversized fanged maw. Upon her head rested moss covered antlers entangled into a crude approximation of a crown, the rest of her body was wrapped in a cloak of leaves.

I was silently trying to process the fact the young man I had just met was in such esteem by this strange group. The fact that he had helped design an entire universe was just too much to comprehend. In the end all I could do was either deny the insanity facing me or roll with it. “What is it you expect in return for you patronage, what are you getting out of it?”

Jubara explained, “We each have our own sphere of influence in return for our support you will undertake quests from us to expand that influence. Whether that is combat, crafting, or diplomacy each of us has specific criteria for what we need to accomplish.” He looked entirely human. In fact, he looked like a politician from his perfectly coifed hair to his ever-present mirthless smile. I am the God of Boundless Humanity; my domain involves the expansion of the human race whether from physical expansion or through its influence. My champion would be humanities defender and spokesperson.”

“I Am the God of the Disciplined Artisan. My domain is the practice of diligence and effort to craft and produce extraordinary works of art and industry. The person who seeks perfection in craft through hard work would be my champion.” Said Laika.

“I am the Goddess of the Untamed Wilderness. Any wood uncorrupted by the desecration by the efforts of civilization falls under my protection. I seek a champion to guard these lands and to reclaim that which has been taken. My champion would be one who strives for balance between the forces of preservation and construction.” Misaki explained last.

Jubara seemed off to me, something just didn’t sit right about him. The Idea of someone standing up for humans after the powers that be destroyed our planet seemed great on the surface but I just didn’t trust him. I had always liked working with my hands, though I never got into a trades job the idea of becoming a craftsman did appeal to me. Laika for his weird appearance seemed like a stand-up guy. I could definitely see myself working for him. Misaki though offered me my dream the idea of untrammeled woods spoke to me as nothing else did. I never felt more comfortable than when I was camping out deep in the backwoods, life had led me away from that back on Earth. Now I had a chance to explore the forests of a brand-new world and I was going to take it.

“I choose Misaki.” As soon as I uttered the words I was elsewhere. Surrounded by massive moss cloaked evergreens and standing on springy loam surface, I was deep in a shadowed glade. Before me Misaki rose to her full glory; ten feet tall to the top of her crown, cloaked in a gown of fluttering leaves, and with a fierce gaze.

“First you must choose your permanent form. The simulacrum Hector crafter for you will not persist for long. I offer a range of suitable options for you.” With a wave of her hand a series of blue boxes scrolled past my eyes. The first of which was this.

Brui

Born in the Primordial Age these bearlike humanoids ranged all across the world. After the advent of the Age of Empires the race was decimated and left fractured. They are generally known for their great strength and hardiness. They suffer from low manual dexterity from their large paw-like hands.

Base: +20 Strength, +5 Vitality, -5 Dexterity, Natural Ability (Claws)

There are 8 subspecies available.

I was able to see through the box clearly even though it seemed solid. It was as if I was looking at two different thigs at exactly the same time. It was very distracting though. A hologram appeared at the same time as the box and showed a seven-foot-tall bear man. It had dark colored fur, extremely large paws with stubby fingers ending in wicked looking claws, and a dense burly muscular body.

“Can’t I just remain human?” I asked. The bear people looked powerful but I had no desire to live as some kind of animal being.

“I have no dominion over humanity. I have selected the races that provide the same level of mental facilities and basic form that I do have dominion over. You must select one of them.” Misaki responded. Hearing the disappointing news, I knew that the clock was ticking and I would have to choose something If I ever wanted a chance to see my son again. I thought about what the subspecies were and the box selection changed

Brui: Sun Brui

This subspecies is the smallest of all of them. What it lacks in physicality it makes up for in its ability to generate light based magic. The Sun Brui are solitary people who inhabit the Golden Fields either ranging alone or in small family units.

Base: -15 Strength, +10 Charisma, Natural Ability (Illuminate), +100% to light based magic skill gains

They had a beautiful golden pelt over the fearsome bear features and only stood five foot tall or so. Still, I couldn’t see myself looking in the mirror every day and seeing a bear looking back, not to mention I had never wanted a beard much less a full body hair suit. The other subspecies had the same drawbacks.

Brui: Mammoth Brui

This subspecies is the largest and most physically powerful of them. Its raw strength comes with a trade off of reduced intellect. The Mammoth Brui are always solitary unless mating or competing for a mate, they are found roaming the Jungles of Scado.

Base: +20 Strength, -15 Intelligence, -5 Wisdom

Brui: Razor Brui

This subspecies is covered in bone blade-like projections all along its back and limbs. Sleeker than its generic cousins it relies on its natural defenses for protection. Razor Brui live in small villages for mutual protection in the Perilous Hills.

Base: -10 Strength, +5 Agility, Natural Ability (Bone Blades),

Brui: Cloud Brui

This subspecies’ white pelt is constantly covered by mist. The mist covering offers protection and movement abilities. Cloud Brui live in isolated communities in the Fordham Skydda range.

Base: -5 Strength, -5 Vitality, Natural Ability (Mist Blur), Natural Ability (Drift)

Brui: Aqueous Brui

This subspecies has gills and is coated in a film of water trapped in place by its sleek fur. Born and raised in the water it has increased swim speed and enlarged jaws. Aqueous Brui hunt in schools along the Roaring Passage.

Base: -10 Strength, +5 Dexterity, +5 Endurance, Natural Ability (Water Breathing)

Brui: Stone Brui

This subspecies has a stockier body and a rock-like pelt. Increased defense comes at a cost to movement and prudence. Stone Bruin live a solitary existence amongst the Stelvio Mountains.

Base: -20 Dexterity, +10 Constitution, +10 Vitality, Natural Ability (Stone Pelt)

Brui: Cunning Brui

This subspecies is a more sly and limber variant with a deep black hide. More dexterous and capable of critical stealth attacks. Cunning Brui have formed tight knit hunting packs deep in the heart of Shadowthistle Chase.

Base: -20 Strength, +10 Agility, Natural Ability (Stealth), Natural Ability (Find Weakness)

Brui: Chimera Brui

This subspecies is covered in a shimmering opalescent pelt with prismatic eyes. Known for its spell crafting and illusion capabilities. Living in a single large colony in the Lustrous Hills they refine their skills.

Base: -10 Constitution, -10 Vitality, +15 Intelligence, Natural Ability (Hypnotic Presence), +100% to illusion based magic skill gains

As I looked over the various subspecies there was so much I didn’t understand. The references to places I had never heard of. Plus and minus from what starting point. I wanted to ask but I could sense Misaki’s impatience. All I could do was to quickly keep looking. As fantastic as all the Brui were, they weren’t for me. “Next option please.”

The next option was a race of sentient flower people, the Kyuva. They had a mess of tendrils for legs with a vaguely humanoid body perched on top. I had no desire to be some kind of mutant flower child. On to the next race. These were the Freeus, cat people that looked even more impressive than the Brui. Still didn’t want a life as an animal no matter the advantages. “Do you have any other options that are more like humans, at least a little less animalistic?” I realized as soon as I said it, I was talking to a ten-foot-tall deer goddess. “Ahh… No offence. It’s just all of the options are so far from everything I have ever known. On Earth we only had humans as intelligent beings. Do you have anything like elves?” I had taken Billy to see those Peter Jackson movies I guess I wouldn’t mind being a pointy eared dude.

Luckily, she didn’t comment on my faux pas and just tilted her head and the next set of boxes appeared in my vision. “Elves are outside of my dominion. I can offer you a creation of theirs though.”

Arbrem

Golems created by the forest elves from the Primordial Woods for the purpose of protecting the sacred groves. The magic used in their fashioning escaped the makers control and spread throughout the world. An essence enters a sapling and a spark of consciousness is born. They are known for their instinct to protect and their affinity to nature. They suffer from general stiffness and reduced speed.

Base: +10 Constitution, +10 Vitality, +5 Perception, -5 Agility, -5 Dexterity, +100% to Primal Magic skill gains

There are 12 subspecies available.

This one had potential It looked like the movie elves but carved from a block of wood. Not a whole lot different from a human once you got past the woodgrain pattern etched in its burnished golden-brown flesh and the moss-like head of hair. The ears were large and tapered and its body was slender and toned. “Can I see the subspecies?” Definitely a possibility here.

The twelve types were each based off of a different type of tree and each had differing skin tones and other physical characteristics to match. I still didn’t understand a lot of what I was reading. The different types of magic and skills were foreign concepts to me. I decided to just pick a type that I could deal with when I looked in a mirror. That narrowed my choices down to four.

Arbrem: Black Oak

This subspecies has an ebony hue and an exceptionally dense grain. Physically more imposing than its cousins they are known for their strength. All Arbrem are solitary beings. Black Oak are found amongst the elves of Elvenhome Wood.

Base: +10 Strength, -5 Constitution, -5 Perception

Arbrem: Emerald Pine

This subspecies has a nutty brown hue and vivid emerald eyes. Known for its affinity to primal magic even more so than its kin. All Arbrem are solitary beings. Emerald Pines roam the borders of the Primordial Woods.

Base: +20% Primal Magic skill effects

Arbrem: Hidden Sycamore

This subspecies has a subdued multi hued tone and textured pattern to its flesh. Its coloration allows for it to hide in a diverse range of environments. All Arbrem are solitary beings. Hidden Sycamores are found throughout the waterways of the Eternal Mire.

Base: -5 Constitution, -5 Vitality, +5 Agility, Natural Ability (Hide)

Arbrem: Restoring Shalom

This subspecies has a smooth pale flesh and light gray grain. The shalom tree is known for its powerful healing properties and this species takes after its namesake. All Arbrem are solitary beings. Restoring Shaloms are found guarding the woodland shrines in the Deep Woods.

Base: -10 Constitution, +5 Vitality, Natural Ability (Regenerate)

The Black Oak were quite a bit stockier than any of the others and were completely bald. Having an advantage in strength from what I was reading was a solid bonus. To be perfectly honest they looked pretty badass. The Emerald Pine had eyes so intensely green they almost were glowing and it had a pelt of pine needles that covered the top of its head and ran down its back in a thick stripe. I wasn’t sure about the whole magic thing just yet; how important could it be in a world where people walked around with swords and armor? They did look good though, their skin coloration was almost like a beachgoers tan. The Restoring Shalom was probably my favorite lookswise though. The soft grey of the wood grain made cool patterns and whorls on its skin and its hair was made of long, thin, tightly curled leaves. It almost looked like dreadlocks. The regeneration is what the guy with metal claws had in the movie, in a world of violence that could come in handy.

“I guess I’ll go with the Restoring Shalom Arbrem.” I told the goddess.

“Very well.” From within her cloak, she produced a seed and stabbed it into the ground. Holding her hand above where she planted it a green glow was radiating down towards it. A tiny shoot started rising upwards and rapidly thickening. Within minutes the sapling rose and matured to a full-sized tree a full 40 feet tall and just as wide around. It was as white as an aspen but with a smoother finish to its bark. It was heavy with spiraled leaves hanging down.

“This may feel uncomfortable.” She told me a half second before slamming her open hand into my chest. A terrible vibration rocked my body and it felt like it was tearing me apart. The clay that made up my temporary form crumbled into dust in seconds and she grabbed my soul out of the air where it was just floating and thrust it right into the tree. “I’ll come back later to check up on you after you’ve acclimated to your new form.” She told me before leaving.

It took several hours for the vertigo to pass. I no longer had the strange clarity of vision I had when I was a free-floating soul, in fact I didn’t have any sight at all. I couldn’t see, hear, or smell anything. I could feel though. I could feel the roots at my base as they slowly made their way through the rich soil questing for nutrients. I could feel the weak rays of sunlight that penetrated the shadowed glade that I was located in. I could fell the gentle breeze that rustled my branches and leaves. Most of all I could feel the advaita that connected all living things. I felt it stronger now than even when I was a pure soul. I took nourishment from the abundance of life around me and sent that same spiritual nourishment back in return. As time passed, I felt myself become more solid, not in a physical sense but in a metaphysical one. As my awareness grew, I could feel a loosening to the confines holding me back.

Finally, I felt movement as my awareness shifted from the periphery of the tree to its center. I could see again as my face passed through the bark of the tree that gently split to allow for my passage until I was finally free and tumbled to the ground boneless. I took my first deep breath since my death and rejoiced at the rich scents of the forest. I was truly alive once more the tree having given birth to my new body.

I checked over my new form while still lying on my back staring into the shaded sky. My fears about being rigid like a piece of lumber were unfounded, my flesh was smooth and supple. My senses were much improved from my former middle-aged body as well. Raising myself up off of the ground I marveled over the vigorous energy that flowed through me. I was young again. I wasn’t particularly buff and was definitely on the slender side. With a quick check down below, everything seemed to be of reasonable size and in working order. The only real difference I could see besides the obvious was that my feet were shaped like flattened water droplets. Rather like a Hershey’s Kiss and were made up of tiny tightly bundled roots. They felt just like normal to me but I could relax them and the roots spread out and quested into the ground on their own. It felt relaxing in a strange way. I realized then that I was buck naked and standing alone in the woods.

“Welcome little brother.” A deep voice boomed from the tree line. A quick turn of my head didn’t reveal the source of the voice. That is until one of the trees started moving on its own. “The goddess said to keep an eye on you when you awoke to keep you from straying too far away.” I stood there dumbfounded I was now a man shaped animated piece of wood, but the being talking to me now was an ancient gnarled tree with vaguely human facial features in the center of its trunk. He towered above me rising high up into the sky and was an easy thirty feet around.

“What are you?” I asked politely when I got my voice back.

“I am an Ent, and my name is Yewwen. I am Misaki’s Majordomo. I take care of her realm when she is away. Is there anything I can get for you while you wait?” He asked.

“Could I trouble you for something to wear? I’m kind of blowing in the wind here”

“Of course, of course forgive me my manners. I have messaged the dryads they will be here shortly. It has been a long age since a mortal has appeared in her majesty’s realm. Sit while I prepare you a meal.” Out of the ground a series of roots twisted upwards forming a crude table and chair. I sat myself down and continued the conversation.

“Where exactly am I anyways?”

“This is her majesty’s heavenly realm. Located above Fayoria in the celestial sphere. From the ground below it is seen as a constellation of a great tree.”

“Wait a second I’m in outer space?” I looked at the verdant forest around me in confusion and then into the sky above.

“You are in the heavens above Fayoria as I have said.” With a wave of one of his massive limbs the tree canopy peeled back to reveal the planet above my head. A bright sun slowly moved between me and the planet below and various moons drifted lazily in the same gap, each with a different shade. My mind was reeling as I took it all in. That is until definite female giggling drew me from my stunned observations. I realized others had arrived and I was sitting at the table naked and I scrambled to cover my junk.

Four very attractive young ladies were staring intently while holding platters of food, clay jugs, and folded clothing. “Ah, hello, are you the dryads bringing me some clothing?” I remembered from school that dryads were tree spirits or something from Greek mythology. They approached and placed their packages on the table. The clothing resembled something from the renaissance faire I had been dragged to by the ex’ years ago. Linen smallclothes and a cotton set of pants and sleeveless long shirt in a dark olive green were quickly put on after I turned around for privacy. I struggled a bit to get the trousers over my new feet but I managed to contract them to get them through the legs. The girls continued to laugh as I tried to keep my dignity. Finally attired I sat back down as they tried to hand feed me.

“Thank you for the clothing and food. I can feed myself though.” I said as I waved away their efforts to hand feed me. I was to distracted by all that had happened in a short amount of time to be flattered by the attention of the girls.

“Forgive them, we don’t get many visitors here and they are unused to mortal company. We shall leave you be as you eat. The goddess will be back shortly.” Yewwen said as he escorted the dryads off into the woods leaving me feeling like a bit of a cad for getting irritated at the girls.

The fact of the matter is that I was starving and it was making me grumpy. I may be in a new younger body but I still wasn’t going to stand around and ogle a bunch of girls barely old enough to be out of high school especially when they were dressed up in little more than conveniently placed leaves. I dug into the food with gusto to satisfy the ravenous hunger that came over me suddenly. It consisted of a jug of a sweet wine or maybe it was mead I don’t know. I was always more of a whisky guy than a wine poser. It accompanied platters of fruit both strange and common. I definitely recognized apples, strawberries, and peaches amongst others. There was also a fruit the size of a cantaloupe that had a thin rind and soft flesh that was dry, sweet, and spongy reminding me of Wonder Bread. I avoided most of the new types not knowing what parts to eat and since there were plenty of the more standard fare. Soon I had emptied an entire platter of food and sat back uncomfortably full from my indulgence.

Having taken care of the basic necessities the stress of this new life and reality shut my mind down and I slipped into a deep sleep. I had bizarre dreams of scenes from my previous life and also of my time in Limbo. It seemed like some unfathomable entity was evaluating my every action inside the review of my life so far and I struggled to escape the all-seeing eye.

I awoke with a start as trumpets blared directly into my ear, making me attempt to jump up. Unfortunately, I had fallen asleep in the chair and in my panic over the jarring sounds all I managed to do was trip over the chair and fall backwards onto my ass. covering my vision was another blue box.

Hurray, your review has been completed. Based on your prior actions you have gained the following skills and abilities;

Bow Mastery lvl 16

Steady Shot

Butcher lvl 27

Rapid Processing

Perseveration

Chakra Manipulation lvl 23

Aina Chakra

Vishuddha Chakra

Cooking lvl 26

Rapid Preparation

Ingredient Identification

Meditation lvl 30

Stamina

Mana

Life

Omnilingual lvl 29

Comprehension

Writing

Skinning lvl 21

Rapid Preparation

Preservation

Tracking lvl 13

Track Identification

Oh yay, more confusion. The dream was real then somebody really was reviewing my life and then granted me skills for things I already knew. It didn’t seem like anything to get excited over, I knew the skills already although I was confused by the abilities. Then the migraine hit me and I knew even more. Collapsing to the ground and clutching my head while moaning in exquisite agony for a few minutes until it went away was no fun whatsoever. The new knowledge I gained was amazing though. While I had been bow hunting many times in the past which would explain the Bow Mastery, I guess, Steady Shot was new, information about that ability and how to activate it just appeared fully formed in my brain. I knew I could control my body to prevent any minute twitches right before releasing and gain much more accuracy. Each of the skills recognized had an ability or two added to them. As I was reviewing my new knowledge I was interrupted.

“Your review has been completed, good. The skills you retained from your previous life that correspond to skills found in Fayoria will be a significant advantage for you. You were fortunate to hold your essence together while in Limbo. Those without the mental fortitude or skills to endure lose their past memories and abilities as the void grinds away all but the inner essence.” Misaki told me as I was returning to the chair.

“What now?” I asked wondering where to go from here. Billy told me to get acclimated and he’d be in touch but I didn’t have the first idea of where to even start.

“Now I mark you as my agent and send you to one of my faithful to teach you the basics that you will need to survive.” With that she placed her hand over the center of my chest and pushed. Though my body remained stationary I could feel the tremendous pressure of energy that flowed through her touch and it expanded my awareness of everything around me. It seemed as if my senses were so acute as to be almost painful. “You are now mine, Champion.”

You have been claimed. The heavens rejoice as a new champion has been born.

You have received the Title: Champion of Misaki

Your class has been changed to Champion of Misaki

You have gained a Divine Boon. Sentries Eyes offers +10 to Perception

“The boon is a gift from me.” Handing me a clear crystal orb she spoke once more, “Hectas asked for me to give you this gift to help you on your path. Now it is time for you to go.” The same verdant green energy she had used earlier spilled forth from the ground drawing runes in a circle around me just before the ground itself disappeared and I was flew upwards into the depths of space.