Chapter two: Fivefold

As Aunt Petunia tentatively approached Harry's room, she couldn't help but notice that the door was closed softly, as if to not disturb anyone. She paused, her hand hovering over the door handle, unsure of what she might find inside. The changes in Harry over the past few years, ever since he had started attending that peculiar school, had left her feeling unsettled and unsure of how to act around him. After a moment of hesitation, she gathered her courage and decided to knock on the door.

As she cautiously stepped into the room, she was met with a sight that sent a shiver down her spine-it was still cluttered with various things, just as she had expected. But something was amiss - Harry was not there. She searched around the room, her heart pounding, but he was nowhere to be found. This was nothing unusual, considering it was a wizard's room. Yet, the mystery of his sudden disappearance and the unanswered questions it raised left her with a lingering sense of unease.

She also noticed that Harry's owl was missing. Petunia was relieved as she detested birds of all kinds. Shrugging, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her. It seemed like Harry had kept his word and decided not to ruin the Dursleys' day, which was an excellent opportunity for Vernon to get the promotion he had long been waiting for.

When he stepped through the gate, Harry was consumed by an eerie emptiness that pervaded the space around him. Though he could sense his body moving, it was as if he was weightless and disconnected from the physical world. His mind was awash with a dizzying array of images and visions, some more terrifying than others, each amplifying his already-felt fear. He had no sense of how much time had passed, and his body felt neither hunger nor thirst. Each second felt like an eternity as the pain in his head grew more intense, and his inability to move or do anything at all weighed heavily on his heart. And then, with a sudden jolt, he was thrown out of the cramped tube and onto the grassy ground of a new place. As he fell, he frantically stretched out his arms to break his fall but still managed to bruise his knees and elbows painfully. Harry cursed under his breath, his mind reeling from experience.

As he fought to regain his footing, the traveler couldn't help but let out a pained groan. His luck with travel had hit rock bottom. It felt as if the magical and non-magical world were united against him, even the System he had come to rely upon. Despite this, he knew he had no right to complain and forced himself to survey his surroundings. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each a testament to his unwavering resilience. He refused to let his circumstances define him, focusing on the task at hand-survival, a challenge he was determined to conquer.

Tightly gripping his wand, Harry surveyed his surroundings with a watchful eye, taking every detail and carefully assessing his position. Unlike Hogwarts's familiar and comforting atmosphere, the energy in this place was untamed and unpredictable, sending chills down Harry's spine. Harry's hair whipped around his face as a gust of wind whipped through the air, threatening to knock his glasses askew. With a deep breath, he clung tightly to his glasses and braced himself against the wild and unbridled energy surrounding him.

Harry felt insignificance in the face of this new place's vastness. He felt small and powerless, like a mere speck in a sea of unknown and potentially dangerous elements. The fear that crept into his heart was overwhelming, and his bones seemed to vibrate with it, leaving him with a sense of helplessness and dread.

Despite his fear, Harry tried to remain calm and assess his surroundings. He looked around, taking in every detail of this unfamiliar place, hoping to find clues to help him navigate this new world. The colors, sounds, and smells were all so different from what he was used to, and he felt like a stranger in a foreign land.

Harry found himself standing in a small, circular clearing. The clearing was almost entirely enclosed by towering trees, their branches stretching toward the sky as if attempting to block out the sun. The forest beyond was so dense and thick that it appeared almost impenetrable to Harry's eyes. The foliage was so rich that it seemed to have a life of its own, with leaves of every conceivable shade of green, brown, and vines that twisted and tangled around everything in sight. As Harry gazed into the depths of the forest, he couldn't help but wonder what sort of creatures might be lurking amidst the shadows and foliage. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he suddenly wanted to turn around and leave the clearing behind.

As Harry looked to his left, he saw a breathtaking sight. A massive cliff towered above the ocean below, its sheer face rising high into the sky. The waves below were rough and choppy, crashing against the rocks with furious energy as if angry at Harry for disturbing their peace. The sound of the waves was almost deafening, making it difficult to hear anything else. Harry couldn't help but be captivated by the natural beauty before him despite the noise. Tearing his gaze away from this overbearing nature, Harry took a few steps back and then crossed to the other side of the clearing. Stretching as far as the eye could see were majestic mountains covered in ice and snow. The sight left Harry in awe, as the contrast of the pure white snow against the deep blue sky was truly mesmerizing. He could feel the cold and crisp air filling his lungs with every breath, sending a shiver down his spine. Despite the chill, however, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement as he gazed out over the frozen landscape before him.

As Harry stood in the clearing, he couldn't help but marvel at the sheer power of nature surrounding him. The energy in the air was palpable, and the weather was wildly unpredictable. Two climates seemed locked in a perpetual battle, each trying to assert dominance over the other on every level of existence. Despite feeling the sun's warmth on his back, Harry could already feel the effects of the frigid climate in which the distant mountains were bathed. The duality of nature in this place was truly remarkable, with opposing forces constantly at odds.

Taking in the beauty of his surroundings, he was struck by a deep sense of understanding and wonder at the raw power of the natural world. Despite the constant battle of climates, everything seemed to be in harmony. The towering trees, the rustling leaves, and the gentle breeze all combined to create a breathtaking symphony of sights and sounds that left him speechless. He couldn't help but feel humbled by the sheer magnitude of the natural world and the intricacies of its design. Every detail, from the smallest leaf to the grandest mountain, seemed to exist ideally, each playing its unique role in the grand scheme. It was a moment of pure serenity that Harry knew he would never forget. It was as though he had been transported to a place where the very forces of nature were at their most extreme, and he was both thrilled and humbled to bear witness to it all.

Harry stood there, taking in the breathtaking view; however, he didn't realize that the System he had been relying on had other plans. It was about to become a ruthless adversary that would bring him down when he least expected it.

Suddenly, a message appeared before him, and Harry's heart sank as he read the words. The message completely changed his perception of the situation, and he realized that he had been foolish to let his guard down and enjoy the scenery. He had a mission to accomplish and needed to stay focused to succeed.

New Quest!

Ķermenis un prāts

Your goal is to slay the main boss within seven days. Good luck.

Success: Unkown.

Failure: Death.

Staring at the word "death" momentarily, Harry took a deep breath and, clutching his wand tightly, moved determinedly toward the forest.

Harry struggled to clear the thick branches and leaves obstructed his path as he stepped over the line separating the forest from the clearing. Despite the challenge, he pushed forward, stepping deeper into the forest. The clearing had been full of sounds that signaled the battle of the elements, but the silent forest seemed much louder. Every rustle of a leaf or snapping twig caught Harry's attention, making him feel like he was not alone. The dense foliage of the forest engulfed him, making the air thick and heavy with the scent of wet earth and decaying plants. The canopy of towering trees, their branches reaching the sky, blocked out most of the sunlight, casting the forest floor in a dim, greenish light. Harry glanced to the side, cautiously taking each step, searching for meaning. The meaning consumed him, for he had left behind everything he knew - Hogwarts, his friends, and even Quidditch - and was now deep in the unknown place. The palpable sense of danger attracted the boy, making him feel more alive than ever. Harry knew he had to keep moving forward, even if it meant facing his fears head-on.

Harry found himself disoriented and alone, deep within the core of a dense forest. The surrounding wilderness was so thick that the greenish light barely penetrated the thick layer of leaves, casting eerie shadows all around. Harry had no idea how long he had been wandering but knew he had to keep moving. As he pushed through the dense undergrowth, Harry noticed that the density of plants around him had started to decrease, making his journey somewhat more manageable. However, there were no marked paths anywhere in sight, which led Harry to believe that this was the first time anyone had ever ventured into this part of the forest.

The heat was unbearable, and Harry's thighs burned from constant exertion. His feet were already bruised and sore from the endless wandering, and they begged for rest. The thirst for water grew with each passing moment, previously suppressed by the excessive emotions he had felt earlier. Now that Harry had cooled down, the thirst returned with redoubled force and continued to gnaw at his consciousness.

He knew that weak people deprived of water and food would not survive such harsh conditions. As he struggled through the dense underbrush, his mind raced with the possibilities of what lay ahead. It was a terrifying thought, but Harry knew he had to keep moving forward if he hoped to leave the forest alive.

As he gazed downwards, he saw some peculiar round-shaped plants and pods. They appeared exotic and intriguing, but his primary objective was to scour the vicinity for clues to help him understand his current predicament. However, his fleeting fascination quickly replaced an intense urge to survive. He was acutely aware that his topmost priorities were securing sustenance and water. Without these basic necessities, he couldn't focus on anything else.

As Harry approached the pods, he noticed that one of them stood out from the rest. It was pulsing with a pale pink hue, adorned with tiny black dots that seemed to shimmer in the light. Intrigued, Harry reached out carefully with his hand and plucked one of the fruits from the pod. He brought it to his nose and sniffed it gently, taking in the intensely fresh scent that brought back memories of his happier days at Hogwarts.

Feeling astonished, Harry focused on the strawberry-like fruit and saw the name "Fruit of Ascension." He blinked several times at the lofty name, wondering what it meant and why the fruit was unique. Without a second thought, he popped the fruit into his mouth, savoring its sweet and tangy flavor as it exploded on his tongue. The taste was unlike anything he had ever experienced. Harry felt a sense of euphoria wash over him as he savored the delicious treat.

Congratulations. You have eaten the Fruit of Ascension. You have gained five stat points.

Ping! New Skill!

Congratulations. You have learned Gathering. (Lv 1 - 3%)

Collecting valuable things from your environment, in later levels, increases perception and cognition. At a low level, an attempt to collect an item may be unsuccessful. This skill also has a passive effect on the user's psyche, helping them to find interesting things. The accuracy of finding valuable items increases with each level.

Harry had a satisfied smile on his face as he consumed the fruit of Ascension. He felt a blissful sensation of euphoria envelope him, and he couldn't help but be amazed at how it made him feel. As he looked down at his knees and elbows, he saw that the tears caused by the painful fall had disappeared, and he felt a sense of relief wash over him. Furthermore, his thirst and hunger had also disappeared, leaving him feeling energized and refreshed.

As Harry looked at the information on the new skill he acquired, he realized that it was expected since there were tasks to be completed, and there must be skills to develop. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at a prominent branch of a nearby tree. With a firm voice, he said, "Diffindo." The cutting spell glowed pale pink, and the branch fell to the ground with a loud crack that echoed through the silent forest.

-7 WP!

Harry looked around nervously, realizing that if anyone was here to get him, they might already know his presence. Out of the corner of his eye, he also noticed the systemic information about the cost of using the spell. But before he could think about it, another message appeared in front of his eyes.

Ping! New skill!

Congratulations! You have learned Diffindo! (Lv 1 - 7%)

Cut. Separate limbs. Or branches. Cut. Again and again. Cutting is life. Again and again. Until only tiny pieces remain.

As Harry read through the skill description, an unfamiliar expression appeared. He couldn't help but feel that the System might be excessively harsh or primitive. Calling up his status in his mind, Harry looked at his skills.

Name: Harry Potter

Occupation: Wizard

Level: 1 (0/300 XP)

Age: 13

HP: 101/101

WP: 120/120

STR: 4

VIT: 5

INT: 9

WIS: 4

Total Points: 5

Rewards:

Gate Master

Skills/Passives:

Gamer Body (MAX), Gamer Mind (MAX), ? (MAX), Spell: Diffindo (Lv 1 – 7%), Gathering (Lv 1 – 3%)

Harry started to have doubts about the reliability of the System. As he scrolled through the list of spells, he couldn't help but wonder if every spell he knew would be included. And if he were to discover a new use for a spell, would it add another value to his status? He couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated when he saw that the Diffindo spell only had a level one rating, given that he had been using it for years at school. These questions left him needing clarification about the System's true capabilities.

Harry understood the importance of honing his skills and abilities as a wizard. He made it a part of his daily routine to practice his Gathering skill, which allowed him to passively scan his surroundings for any exciting objects or details that might have caught his attention. This passive effect of the spell was highly beneficial. Still, Harry wondered if there were more advantages to increasing the spell's level. As he considered, the higher the spell level, the less WP (wizard points) would be required to cast it. Harry vividly remembered the -7 WP message that popped up before his eyes when he cast the Diffindo spell. He realized he had to approach spells and magic wisely from now on. What if casting a demanding spell like Incendio would consume most of his WP? He could quickly run out of resources, leaving him vulnerable to enemy attacks. Harry knew he had to be strategic with his spellcasting and manage his WP carefully to succeed in his wizarding adventures.

Harry had been granted five valuable stat points but hesitated to use them immediately. He was concerned that earning more points in the future might be difficult, so he decided to hold onto his points for the time being. He felt it would be wise to take some time to fully comprehend the System's intricacies before making any decisions on how to allocate his points. The landscape was gradually changing, and Harry anticipated that the scenery would soon be unrecognizable from where he started. Soon, the sound of water trickling through the forest reached his ears, and he realized it was growing louder by the second. He quickened his pace, eager to discover the source of the sound.

As Harry made his way to the forest's edge, he noticed that he had climbed up to the area's highest level. From there, he could see a river flowing below, its waters clear and white. However, his attention quickly turned to the left when he noticed something moving out of the corner of his eye. His heart skipped a beat as he realized that it was a bear. The large brown creature was basking in the sun further along the river. Harry immediately crouched down, clutching the wand in his hand. He focused on the bear, hoping to gather more information about it. Unfortunately, it was too far away for him to make out any details.

Harry looked sideways in an attempt to understand his situation. Still, he realized there was no other way out but to confront the massive bear ahead of him. With his wand in hand, he knew that he had the power to use spells and defend himself if needed. However, the mission at hand was of crucial importance to him. He was not here to sneak past the bear or find a hidden object. His sole purpose was to slay the main boss, whoever he may be. As he slowly moved towards the bear, he felt his heart pounding in his chest. Harry knew this would not be easy, but he was determined to succeed. He kept a close eye on the bear with every step, ready to strike immediately. Despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm him, Harry breathed deeply, nipping his fear in the bud, and crept along the edge, inching closer to his target.

As Harry gazed at the bear from a slightly closer distance, he narrowed his eyes and strained to get a better look. With every passing moment, his expression grew more perplexed, and a sense of disbelief washed over him. At that moment, he realized that one crucial piece of information had been overlooked, rendering the entire elaborate plan utterly foolish, to say the least.

Brown Bear Lv 5.

"Fuck," Harry thought.

Thank you for reading.

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