~~~POV: Ryan Sunrider~~~
Master Yuon Par leads me to a private room away from the training dojo. She interrupted Qel and I's sparring session. I've been doing what I can to help my friend improve his saber skills. There has been some progress, but he'd learn better with a Master teaching him one-on-one. I don't know why she's pulling me away specifically, but it might have something to do with my meeting in the First Knowledge Council Chambers.
It's been a few days since that happened, and I've been back to my regular routine since then. As we enter the private room, Master Par moves over to the window and sits on the large frame. Allowing her a serene view of the sights of Coruscant from the Jedi Temple, a view that seems to mirror the peace within her.
She waves me over as I've not made a move since entering the room with her. I obey and find myself sitting next to her on the window frame. After a few moments of silence, she takes a breath and releases a sigh. Turning her eyes away from Coruscant and instead to me.
"Ryan, I want to talk to you about the Force. You've been training with Master Chi-han for some time now, and she's done a wonderful job. However, she's never discussed finer details regarding individuals and their connection to the Force."
I have a general idea of where this conversation is going. It's likely she wants to talk about how much stronger my connection is. During the time of the Old Republic, Midi-chlorian research and discover won't happen for another 2000 some odd years.
So, when an individual such as myself comes along with an M-Count as high as the one I've got. I'd stand out in comparison to everyone else around me. Especially among the Younglings I train with every day.
"In the Archives, I've read that no Jedi or Sith has the same connection to the Force as another. Master Chi-han herself said that we're all individually unique in the Force."
Even though she wasn't waiting for a response, I decide to give one anyway to display that I had knowledge about what she was eluding to. I won't reveal how much knowledge I have, though.
She gently smiles once I finish speaking. She seems to agree with Master Chi-hans description of the Force and people's connection to it. During this time in Star Wars, there isn't scientific research to back up the Force. At least, none that I'm aware of.
But despite all the Lore I've read about Star Wars, and this era in particular, that doesn't mean I have the answers for everything. I'm learning as I go as well.
"That's a great way to look at and understand the Force. Master Chi-han has done a good job of teaching you about the Force. But what I want to talk about is you."
I knew that one day, a Master of the Jedi Order would wish to speak with me about my extraordinary connection to the Force. Due to my selection during character creation, I have more Midi-chlorians than the Chosen One, who follows this era more than 3000 years from now.
"Ryan, when you become practiced enough in using the Force, you're able to see an individual's connection to it. Some are masters at hiding said connection, but that's a skill not usually learned or taught. The reason I'm telling you this is simple, you're connection is staggering."
She watches closely to observe my reaction. To discern if I'm aware of anything else going on. But I'm an adult in a child's body. My new body. My new life. I know how to lie, and I'm good at it. However, that doesn't mean I shouldn't let some truth slip through.
"Yeah… When I learned Prima Vitae from Master Chi-han, I started seeing other's connection to the Force and how strong it was… That's when I noticed there is a difference between me and the others…"
There is a stiff silence as I speak. I revealed that I could tell there was a difference, but I didn't reveal nearly anything close to what I truly knew. Playing the Youngling still in training is the best course of action for this conversion. My childish voice helps pile on the innocence.
Her hand lifts from her side, and she places it on my shoulder. She looks into my eyes and conveys that this is something to take more seriously.
"You need to know you're far more than just different, Ryan. You're special. You're blessed with a connection to the Force never seen or felt before. It reflects in how fast you learn Force Powers and how easily you pick up lightsaber disciplines."
I never read Lore or specific comics about who said what to Anakin about his powers. But I can assume it was something like this. Or maybe I'm wrong.
"Many in the Order are convinced that you have a great destiny waiting for you. Soon. Very, very soon, you'll experience a shift in your life at the temple. There is only one thing I want to ask you."
I raise my little eyebrow in curiosity, hoping she will elaborate more about destinies and this supposed shift. However, she removes her hand from my shoulder and looks back out the window, taking a breath to ask me what she wants to know.
"Are you fully aware of what's to come when you're Jedi training is fully complete?"
Her voice is soft and caring. Almost pitying in a way. It's strange being treated like this in my new life. But from her perspective, I'm to be pitied for whatever future I have. After a few moments of silence, I come up with an answer to her question.
"Fighting the Sith and freeing the galaxy from their Empire is the duty of a Jedi. I know what's asked of me."
A heavy silence falls between us as she doesn't look back at me. Instead, opting to continue looking out the window. For a brief moment, I feel extreme sorrow coming from her. The Force allows me to feel this for only a second.
Then, after that feeling is masked with the control expected of a Jedi Master, she turns her head to look at me again.
"Alright, I've talked to you about what I needed to talk about. Now, get back to your class."
She gives me a smile as she stands up with me. We make our way to the door, and she walks off in the direction away from the training dojo. I make my way back, thinking about what we talked about. I think she just wanted to reassure herself about me.
Once I'm back in the training dojo, I return to Qel, and we resume training like we're supposed too. Unlike usual, Master Seros watches us more closely than what I'm used to. More specifically, me. I don't know what's changed with so many Jedi Masters around me, but it's starting to worry me.
After morning exercises and saber lessons are finished, the Boma and Heliost clan head to our lessons with Master Chi-han. The day proceeds as normal with our lessons finishing late afternoon with Master Dessixs. I spend a little longer in the Archives. Reading about interesting things I didn't know in my last life.
It's around an hour after lessons are over, and I'm reading from a datapad on one of the tables when someone walks up behind me. I turn my head to check, and that's when I see Master Seros there. I immediately set the datapad down, and give him my attention.
He wouldn't have sought me out like this if it wasn't important. Instead of speaking to me while standing up, he pulls out the chair next to me and sits down.
There is a serious but slightly soft expression on the Battlemaster of the Jedi Order. I can only guess what this is about, but I think he's about to tell me.
"Starting tomorrow, you'll be undergoing special training. No longer will you be learning with your fellow Younglings. From now on, you'll be following a schedule of training with Masters Chi-han, Dessix's, and myself. They'll begin immediately after I'm finished teaching the clans."
I can't help some surprise from slipping on my face. I knew that at some point, they'd want to advance my training, but I had no idea it would be so soon. I'm not even 3 cycles old yet, and I'm being told I'm advancing.
From the sounds of it, my training schedule will be just like normal, except at a different time, and it'll be one-on-one from now on.
"Here's how it'll work for the most part. After the clans are done training with me, you'll come to the dojo, and we'll begin advanced lessons. It'll be for the same amount of time as when you were with your fellow Younglings. This'll follow with Master Chi-han."
Considering that he's singling out Master Dessix's, I think a change is occurring there. Master Seros is pretty much impossible to read with the Force or by facial or body language. If Observe wasn't detectable with the Force, I'd be using it on him.
"Now, with Dessix's, it's different. With him, you'll be learning far more practical and technical skills. You'll start learning everything about ships, speeders, computers, and anything with moving parts and code. He'll teach you how to build them, take them apart, and what to do with them when they're broken."
Wow.
Talk about a major shift in education, but it's not like I don't welcome it. They wouldn't make such a change without a reason for it. So, I'll just wait until the answer to that question reveals itself.
"From now on, your training will be considerably harder on all fronts. The reason we're doing this is because we can see training with your fellow Younglings is holding you back, and we won't let your potential go to waste."
All I can do is sit silently and listen as he speaks. It's amazing that it's already come to this point. It feels like time is flying by, but as it does, I know I'm getting closer to my eventual entrance into the galactic war. Even though there is a peace ATC, the war will reignite.
"Do you have any questions?"
You can tell by the tone in his voice that he doesn't expect me to have any. Master Seros is the one I'd say has the best understanding of my personality among the Jedi. Instead of answering, I simply shake my head and smile.
He gives a half grin as he stands up, giving a small bow and making his way for the exit of the library. Leaving me to think. Now I know why Master Par said that things will be changing for me very soon.
She meant this.
A small sigh escapes my lips as I stand up. After a few minutes, I'm out of the library and walking down the hall as I am. However, the peaceful walk is interrupted by the sudden appearance of the system interface.
Congratulations!
You've reached a point in your power growth that seldom do!
As per usual, a new feature has been unlocked.
This will help you continue growing, but beware.
Your growth in power is being carefully watched.
New Feature Unlocked!
Dungeons!
Dungeons
The second and most effective way to raise your player level. While quests are a great source of needed player XP. Dungeons are there to help you grow in between your quests.
Depending on the dungeon, the rewards can range between a set level of player level, level-ups upon completion of the dungeon, or, in some cases, item drops and certain Skills and Force Powers leveling up.
Time doesn't pass inside dungeons, and while you're in them. Time outside doesn't pass. Be warned, though, that staying in a dungeon for too long can cause certain effects to manifest.
There are other dungeons to discover in the Jedi Temple, and on Coruscant. Also, there are more out in the wider galaxy. Some will be as easy to find as breathing, and others you'll never discover.
Your first Dungeon has been marked on your mini-map.
Good Luck.
As I read the text over and over, a jolt of energy shoots through my body. I'd say it was foolish of me to think completing quests was the only way to effectively level up, but I honestly didn't expect a feature like this to exist.
Considering that I'm taking advantage of loopholes I've found to boost my XP gains for my Skills and Force Powers, I thought some balance would exist to counter that. But now, I've just been introduced to an effective way to raise my player level.
I can't help the massive smile from spreading across my face. Not wasting any time, I make my way to where this dungeon is supposedly at. After reaching the marker on the mini-map, I'm standing in front of massive doors. They lead to another training dojo. One I haven't been to yet.
A few seconds pass as I stare and wait. Then, what I expect to happen does happen.
You've discovered a Dungeon!
Remnants of Imperfection (Dungeon)
Beyond these doors waits rouge and malfunctioning training droids.
Rating: B
Objective: Clear out all the training droids and defeat the boss.
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Bonus: ?
Rewards:
15000XP
Penalties:
Possible Death
Possible Dismemberment
Dungeon is locked for 30 days
Due to this being your first Dungeon, we'll help you out.
But don't expect anything like this again.
A single-bladed lightsaber has been added to your Inventory.
I immediately open my player inventory, and I see there is a lightsaber there. I'm half tempted to pull it out now and give it a few swings, but I'm not gonna yet. Instead, my attention turns back to the door, and I read the information again.
I don't like how I could die or lose limbs in here, but it's not like I'm who I was when I came to this world. I've gotten stronger, and I'm more than confident that I can beat this dungeon. Plus, completing the dungeon will give me two-player levels worth of XP and more to the next one.
The logical part of my mind is telling me that coming back here when I'm a bit stronger would be a good idea. But I'm too interested to see what's inside an actual dungeon. It said time doesn't pass on the inside, and time on the outside stops passing, too.
Not only is this an amazing chance to get stronger, but I'll also learn more about another integral part of how the system and the abilities it grants me work.
Having made up my mind, I walk forward and push through the door. And as I do, I find myself in almost a pocket reality.
This is gonna be awesome!
~~~POV: Ryan Sunrider~~~
Once I'm through the door, I take a moment to look at my immediate surroundings. There are blasts and burn marks around the hallway walls. Signaling a battle took place here at some point. Taking this chance of non-combat, I open my player Inventory and take out the lightsaber hilt.
It's the first lightsaber I've ever had that's capable of actually cutting and killing. I inspect the blade closely, and see that it's a very basic design for this era in Star Wars. It's a little clunky and hard to handle with my small hands. But I'm able to get a comfortable grip on it.
I find the activation button for the lightsaber, and after I press it, a basic blue blade comes to life. I wasn't expecting anything grandiose in terms of color. Instead, a small smile spreads across my lips as I gently maneuver the blade around in Shii-Cho fashion.
There is a distinct sound difference between this lightsaber and the training lightsabers we use when learning from Master Seros. I deactivate the lightsaber blade and hold the handle in my hand. I start walking forward down the damaged hallway.
After walking for about a minute, I feel a wave through the Force warning me that something is about to happen. Not more than two seconds later, down the hall, two rouge training droids pop out from around the corner.
Charging at me with full speed and intent. Their bodies creak and groan as they move fast, protesting to them that they need maintenance. You can tell they've seen battle.
Both of them are brandishing vibro-blades and preparing to bring an assault on me. Not wasting any more time, I activate the lightsaber and start using Shii-Cho to send the strikes from the vibro-blades away from me. But they adapt, and one of them reaches out to try and grab me.
I throw my hand out to the torse of the droid, and it's slammed against the wall hard. The body of the droid dents as sparks fly out from the inside of its body.
The other droid tries to slice off my outstretched arm, but I send its strike another way with Shii-Cho. Using the new opening, I continue with my momentum and cut through the droid's body with the lightsaber blade. Ending the first life-and-death fight I've had in this life.
I stare down at the two broken droids. One's leaning against the wall, completely dead, and the one I just cut in half shows no life. I know my heart should be racing, and I should be shaking, but I'm not. My life was just threatened, but I felt perfectly in control.
This must be the power of Player's Mind. Any normal person or Youngling my age would be shaking from what just happened. I take a breath and focus on the single turn ahead.
From how easy this fight was, I think the dungeon will be pretty easy to clear. Since time doesn't pass inside or outside the dungeon while I'm inside, I take my time walking down the hall. Using Danger Sense and Precognition to keep me aware of any incoming dangers.
I spend the next 20 minutes fighting through the same types of droids and cutting through them. Having to stop ever five or six minutes to use Trance and regenerate my FP. Eventually, I make it to a large dojo with a single droid in the center of it. However, it's completely different from the other ones.
Spending time to fully regenerate my FP was a good idea before coming in here, so I'm ready for this fight. The droid notices me as I step through some sort of invisible threshold that seems to surround it.
A part of me wants to use Observe on this, but I don't have time. It darts at me with speed I'm not expecting. Slamming its vibro-blade into the ground where I once stood as I barely get out of the way. It swings the blade with speed I can't match as it lifts it from the ground.
I have to hold out my free left hand in the direction of the blade and use Tutaminis. While I'm able to block the blade from cutting into me with this, I'm sent flying across the room and into a wall.
CRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAKKKKKK!*
While my body doesn't break, due to Gamer's Body, the metal and stone wall behind me dents and cracks as I impact it. The air in my lungs was knocked out with that attack, and I'm forced to try and regain some control. However, I'm not panicking yet.
As I stand up from my kneeling position on the ground, I barely react to ducking my head in time to dodge the vibro-blade. The droid's blade slides into the wall, and before I can use the Force is push it away, I'm kneed in the gut with a metal leg.
My vision almost turns dark, and I hear the vibro-blade get pulled out of the wall. It's only a second away now. I'm gonna die…
I'm… Gonna die…
I'M GONNA DIE!
All of a sudden, the emotional control and safety of Player's Mind seems to disappear. The Force blows outward from me, and I stand up on my feet. Holding my left hand out as the droid floats in front of me. Trying to move but unable to.
In this moment of power, I slowly close my left fist, and as I do, the droid's body starts to crush inward. The body becomes deformed as a robotic scream is released from the attack. All I can think about is killing this thing so I can survive.
I don't want to die!
I'm not gonna die!
Not after coming this far already!
My emotional distress is fueled into the Force, and soon, the droid is no longer screaming. It's just a crumpled-up piece of metal. Looking like a worn out toothpaste tube from my previous life. I fall to my knees and start taking deep breaths.
My vision is filled with the first of many notifications from the Interface.
Completed!
Remnants of Imperfection (Dungeon)
Beyond these doors waits rouge and malfunctioning training droids.
Rating: B
Objective: Clear out all the training droids and defeat the boss. [Yes]
?: Don't take any damage. [No]
?: Complete the dungeon in under 30 minutes. [Yes]
?: Complete the dungeon in under 20 minutes. [No]
?: Use the Force to kill a droid 4/3. [Yes] [Overachieved]
Rewards:
15000XP
20000XP
18000XP
LEVEL-UP!
Level: 5-11
FP: 7800
PP: 12PP
PerkP: 1
PPP: 1
STAM: 116
SP: 32
SKP: 240
Before checking out the changes to my Force Powers or Skills, I open my Stats.
"Stat List ."
Ryan Sunrider
Age: 2
Species: Human
Title: The Player
Level: 11
HP: 120/120
FP: 14,300/14,300
M-Count: 31,790
PP: 22/22
XP [3500/12,000]
STAM [150/150]
Hunger [100/100]
STR: 7
VIT: 7
AGI: 7
INT: 20
WIS: 10
CHA: 4
Luck: 0 [20]
SP: 32
PerkP: 2
PPP: 2
SKP: 240
Credits: 0
My eyes and mind take in the new information over and over again. It's hard to believe that I earned so much XP from such a low-difficulty dungeon. Even though I almost died, I can't help being glad that I decided to do this. I'm so much stronger now. I wonder what I would've gotten if I had completed all the bonus objectives.
Before I go through anything else, I quickly stand up and retrace my steps through the dungeon. Exiting as I do. As I turn around to see if the dungeon is still there, all I see is a regular door. It's gone. I don't know if certain dungeons can be done more than once, but this one is a single-use kind.
The first thing I do is lean against the opposite wall and take a breath. Gathering my thoughts and taking a small break.
What immediately crosses my mind is how Player's Mind was overwhelmed. I don't know what happened there, but I know I don't know enough to get answers right now. Maybe it has something to do with the Force having an equal or greater influence on my mind than Player's Mind.
But that process is flawed to begin with since Player's Mind blocks certain powers. It's all I have to go off right now. I look up to the ceiling and release a long sigh. I feel stronger after that. There is a tangible difference in me.
I wonder how others are gonna react to it. Before I head back to the clan sleeping quarters, I should go through everything that's changed. I open my Inventory and toss the lightsaber in there. It's nice to know I always have it there in case I need it.
I stand up and start walking as I look through the changes.
~~~POV: Ryan Sunrider~~~
The halls of the Jedi Temple are silent as I walk in the direction of the Youngling sleeping chamber. As I do, I take a moment to reflect back on what I experienced in the dungeon. That was the first time I ever experienced what it was like to be on the receiving end of attempted murder.
I don't know if that's the best way to describe what I went through. It was my decision to enter the dungeon. Is it still murder if it's your fault you're dead? I don't know if that's a question that has an answer that's amoral.
After another few seconds, I open my Interface again and see what else has changed. The first to appear is a new Force Power. One that's notorious for its power.
New Force Power Discovered!
Crush
The ability to use the Force to crush any organic or inorganic object or person. Usually considered a dark side ability.
At higher levels, you can use this power on ships, asteroids, and even small moons.
Force Power Level-Up! X7
Novice 7
I don't know every possible Force Power, but I do know about the notable ones. This ability is of such status. There are many applications for this Force Power, but it's not used by Jedi a lot due to how violent it is. I don't share the same sentiment.
This ability saved my life in the dungeon. I wouldn't be alive right now if not for this Force Power. That and my emotional control being taken from me. Fueling my connection in the Force. Wanting to see more information about Crush, I pull up its description.
Crush
Novice 7
The ability to use the Force to crush any organic or inorganic object or person. Usually considered a dark side ability.
At higher levels, you can use this power on ships, asteroids, and even small moons.
Costs 1200 FP 300 FP/s
It's a very demanding Force Power in terms of FP costs, but as long as I keep upgrading it, the initial start up cost will lower. I hope the per-second cost doesn't rise cause 300 is already high. Now that I'm done with checking that out, it's time I check on the others.
"List Force Skills."
FORCE POWERS
CONTROL
Curato Salva
Prodigy 431
Empathy
Professional 238
(Natural Affinity Detected)
(50% Boost to XP gains for this skill)
Serenity (Trance)
Prodigy 266
Tutaminis
Professional 210
SENSE
Altus Sopor
Savant 380
Force Sense (Danger Sense)Savant 310
Precognition
Savant 98
Prima Vitae (Life Detection)
Adept 198
Vision
Novice 1
ALTER
Crush
Novice 7
Telekinesis
Master 106
MIND
Mind Trick
Professional 92
It's incredible how far I've come with my training since I joined the Jedi Order. At first, I didn't want to come here until later in life, but it seems that it was a better idea to get here when I did. I'll have to thank Satele the next time I see her.
Not to mention the Interface and the beings that put me here. Those are the only reasons I'm here right now. I've been through all the changes now, and its time that I actually get some rest. My approach to the doors leading into the sleeping chambers finishes, and upon entering, I head for my bunk.
As I relax on the soft fabric and cushioned mattress, a wave of peace washes over me. Tomorrow is the start of a new day and one that marks the beginning of more training.
"Ryan… Are you alright?"
Suddenly, the voice of Rasana pulls my attention to the bunk next to me, and I see her looking down from her top bunk. There is a look of concern on her features. I can guess why she's asking that. There will be people who sense my sudden and abrupt increase in power.
I went from level 5 to level 11 in no time at all. Literally. Time was frozen inside and outside the dungeon. So, it was an instantaneous growth in power to everyone else. I look Rana in the eyes and give her a smile. It seems to ease her a little bit.
"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just tomorrow a lot is changing for me."
She looks at me in slight confusion since I don't explain any more than that after a few seconds. Watching me closely, I can see she's not gonna stop until I tell her what I mean. A small sigh releases from my lips.
"Tomorrow, I'm starting advanced training with the Masters. I won't be training with the Younglings anymore."
Her eyes widen slightly as I finish speaking. It's very much out of the ordinary. However, from what I understand, the entire training regiment so far since we entered these sleeping quarters has been out of the ordinary. It seems to be the new norm.
Instead of saying anything to me, she just gives me a slightly dejected look. Rolling back onto her bunk. To be honest, I can't say that I'll miss a lot of these kids. Again, I'm an adult in a child's body. I'm really looking forward to being around adults again.
But that's not to say I haven't made friends. I've even made progress with the quest Not A Lonely Little Boy. But I've still got a long way to go. I stare at the bottom of the bunk above me, where Roka sleeps, and I close my eyes. Falling asleep in almost no time flat.
~~~POV: Ryan Sunrider~~~
Standing across from me in the large dojo is Master Seros. He's not broken a sweat since we first started. All I can do is bend forward and breathe heavily. When I arrived here, he said that he wanted to test how far along I am with Shii-Cho, and that's what I've done.
I've given him my all with the only lightsaber discipline I know. And there is a satisfied look on his features. Instead of the battle continuing, he deactivates his lightsaber. Telling me that I should do the same.
As I do, the training saber turns off, and I sit on the ground. Taking a few more deep breaths. Master Seros walks up to me and stands waiting. His hands are behind his back.
"You've grown a lot since your training began, Ryan. I'm concerned about the change I sense in you. Yesterday, you weren't this powerful. Not, it feels like your strength has almost doubled."
He pulls his right hand from behind his back and strokes his goatee. Waiting for a response to his observation. Player's Mind shields me from Jedi Masters knowing what I'm thinking or feeling, so I can say anything I want as long as I'm convincing enough.
"Um, I couldn't say I know what you're talking about. I feel the same as I always do."
That's, of course, a lie. But one that I need to tell to make sure no one catches on to what's happening. The childlike voice I have helps emphasize innocence. I can't tell if Master Seros buys it or not, but I can tell that he's not gonna pursue the conversation anymore.
"Tomorrow, we'll be starting on Makashi. Otherwise known as Form II. We'll spend our time training in this form until I feel like you're ready to move on."
He leaves no room for discussion, but it's not like I wanted to discuss it. I can't help but smile a little at finally starting my training with a new lightsaber form. My third birthday is around the corner, and with it, I'll be getting a free level-up as well.
After a few more seconds, he reaches out his hand and helps me to my feet. He spends another couple of minutes telling me that my training with him will be far harder than what the other Younglings are going through. Which is fine.
Once the discussion is over, it's now time for me to move onto my other classes. I spend the rest of the day doing advanced training with Chi-han and Dessix's. But after my lessons with Dessix's, I decide to start searching around the temple for more dungeons.
I was given permission to walk around the larger temple, with restrictions. Dessix's is the more easygoing out of all my teachers, so I asked him.
After spending a few hours walking around, night falls on Coruscant. I decide to sit at one of the many large windows and look at the city.
A small breath enters my lungs.
"I can't believe I found three more dungeons…"
Who knows if there are more dungeons other than those in the Jedi Temple. However, before I challenge them, I'll be spending time training with my Masters. Getting stronger, so I don't almost die again.
My eyes scan the seemingly infinite horizon of Coruscant's skyline. I can't help wondering how many dungeons are out there, in the city and waiting for me.
Tomorrow marks the start of a new path.
One to the pursuit of power.
If you want to read ahead, you know what to do.