Chapter 1 Anthony Reborn (1/2)
I had no time to think, pause or consider before I came to be enveloped in a soft, white light. A blinding flash impacting not just my eyes but seemingly my whole body.
Sensation fell gradually away as I tried to gather my thoughts. What had happened? Where was I? I think I made myself dinner, my parents hadn't been home, again. I was eating in my room, at my desk maybe? Then there had been … white?
I can't tell how long I've been here, floating in this gentle light. Has it been ten days? Or only ten minutes? The light surrounds me, enveloping me like a warm blanket.
Sound begins to swell like a wave in the distance. It rushes toward me and just when washes over me I hear a voice.
[Welcome Anthony]
Well thank you! These are the kinds of good manners that make me feel warm inside.
[you have died]
Dammit!
What do you mean I died, disembodied voice? How on earth are you speaking anyway? Come to think of it, how on earth am I hearing you? Do I even have ears right now?!
So if I died, is this heaven? I mean, it's comfortable enough but I'm not sure if I want to stay here forever you know?
[Be calm, you will soon awaken to experience life again in a new world]
This voice feels somewhat familiar, a deep and gruff intonation that is comforting yet full of wisdom? Is it that legendary bearded figure, dressed all it white? Wors.h.i.+pped with devotion all over the Earth?
Could it be you?
Gandalf?
[You will be reborn on the world of Pangera]
[Destiny and luck shall determine your fate]
Hold on a moment, Gandalf! This … This sounds kind of cool doesn't it? Reborn into another world? Adventure, peril and opportunity around each corner? Will there be magic? Girls?!
Whoa there … hold on there, me. Need to be calm. Focus and listen to Lord Gandalf!
[You will be reborn with the following status:]
Here it comes!
[Level: 1]
So game like!
[Stats:]
Might: 15
Toughness: 12
Cunning: 25
Will: 18
HP: 30
MP: 0
Oh ho! I sound strong. MP is zero though? Is it because my spirit is lacking? Why are you judging me like this Gandalf?
[Skills: Digging level 1; Acid Shot Level 1; Grip Level 3; Bite Level 2]
Okay! Skills! This is exciting! Just … bite? Acid? Aren't these skills a little… strange? What about destruction magic or inter-dimensional spirit summoning?
[Species: Hatchling Ant Worker (Formica)]
….
Oi.
Oiiiiii.
What the heck was that Gandalf?! Ant? Not just an ant but a hatchling worker ant?! This isn't the glorious rebirth I had in mind Lord Gandalf! Was I lacking in virtue during my previous life? Was I too cruel to my friends? That can't be so, I didn't have any friends!
[You have one Skill point and one Bioma.s.s available]
[Go forth and forge your own path]
An ant path? Forge your mother, Gandalf!
At this moment, I sensed a change the light surrounding me. Gradually, it began to condense, shrinking and squeezing against me. Simultaneously it began to take form. Slowly the features and details of my new body were taking shape.
Sadly those features were not to my liking!
Six legs, two antennae, strong mandibles and a large abdomen. This is definitely the body of an ant.
After what felt like only a few minutes my shape was fully formed, my body, still white and somewhat translucent had coalesced around my consciousness.
I was now a fully formed ant.
What the h.e.l.l am I supposed to do now Gandalf?! I may have kept ants as pets, but that doesn't mean I know what one is supposed to do?! Is that all it takes is it? Pet ants means ant rebirth?