The Last Technomancer

Chapter 3

Byte and I ventured deeper into the unknown, stepping onto a terrain that defied all earthly expectations. The air shimmered with hues unseen, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. Trees with iridescent leaves swayed gently, their motion emitting melodic chimes as they brushed against each other. Unfamiliar flowers of dazzling colors unfolded their petals, releasing fragrances that evoked a profound sense of wonder. The entire atmosphere pulsed with a harmony of energies, a symphony of the multiverse itself.

The ground beneath our feet felt soft, a lush carpet of grasses and moss that responded to our presence with a gentle rustle. Small creatures, a blend of the bizarre and familiar, scurried about in the underbrush. Chirps and trills of avian beings filled the air, creating a melody that seemed to transcend the boundaries of conventional sound. I marveled at everything around us.

As we moved deeper, I found myself increasingly drawn to the beauty of this strange place, captivated by the symphony of visual wonders and harmonious sounds that echoed through the multiverse. I pondered whether I was sleeping, had fallen into a coma, or if this truly was some wonderful dream come true.

Byte’s metallic form glinted in the ambient light. His emotive eyes scanned our surroundings with a curious glimmer, while his large metallic teeth emitted a faint tink, tink, tink as they clanked together with every step.

The scents, too, were a tapestry of unfamiliar notes—sweet and floral, tangy and earthy—merging into a fragrance that lingered in the air. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing the unique aroma to envelop my senses. It was a scent of discovery, a perfume that hinted at the untold secrets waiting to be unearthed, and it smelled infinitely better than the dirty city of Arcadia.

"Are the colors, sounds, and scents that much richer here?" I wondered aloud. I felt like there was something just out of reach that would provide the answers I was looking for.

Entranced as we walked, my thoughts wandered to the sobbing woman from the field. I wonder if she had a family she was worried about. Come to think of it, the people in the area all seemed to be from the offices and shopping centers nearby the game store. It probably stands to reason then that people were teleported with some kind of relation to where they were or who they were with at the time of initiation.

As we progressed deeper into the forest, Byte and I couldn't help but notice the abundance of unique materials and herbs that beckoned to be inspected and collected. Some glowed with latent magical energy, while others seemed to resonate with the intricate patterns of technology.

I knelt down, examining a radiant crystal nestled at the base of a luminescent fern.

Luminara Crystal

Rarity: Uncommon

Description: This crystal radiates a soft glow, holding the essence of the forest's magic. It could be a valuable catalyst in enchantments or magical constructs.

Byte had wandered over to a set of forest green and copper cluster of metallic vines with circuit-like patterns. He jumped up and down excitedly, clicking and whirring to get my attention to show off his discovery.

Techvine Bundle

Rarity: Rare

Description: These vines possess a natural affinity for technology. When carefully woven into technomantic creations, they enhance conductivity and efficiency.

"Better grab all we can find of these crystals and vines, right Byte-o?" I asked as I gathered up the sixth crystal and turned towards the vines. I hadn’t had a pet myself since my childhood, and I found myself enjoying the companionship.

With each new discovery, I carefully placed the materials into a small special storage pocket in my technomancer suit. The pocket seemed to defy the usual constraints of space, allowing me to carry a multitude of resources without burden. Chuckling to myself, I noted, "Good thing it’s bigger on the inside."

Further exploration revealed a patch of herbs with iridescent leaves and a peculiar rock with a pulsating glow that caught our attention. "There’s so much to see and gather in here. I have no idea what we will need and how much is too much."

Ethereal Bloom

Rarity: Common

Description: These delicate herbs when properly prepared, can enhance perception and clarity of thought. A staple for alchemists and potion-makers.

Mystic Radiance Stone

Rarity: Rare

Description: This enchanted rock emits a soft glow, resonating with mystical energies. It can be used as a focal point for magical rituals or as a catalyst in enchantments.

As we continued being drawn deeper into the forest, the vibrant sapphire and baby pink petals of an alluring flower caught my attention. The petals radiated a captivating aura, seemingly beckoning me closer. Intrigued, I leaned in to take in the intoxicating sweet scent as I went to gather the blossoms and inspected it.

Hypnotic Enchantblossom

Rarity: Rare

Description: This enchanting flower possesses alluring properties, capable of drawing in beings with its mesmerizing fragrance. Caution is advised when handling it, as its effects may vary. It is used in many potions by both healers and alchemists alike.

While studying the Hypnotic Enchantblossom, I couldn't help but be entranced by its beauty. The petals seemed to dance in harmony with the ambient magic of the forest, emitting a fragrance that tugged at my every sense. Fingers moving, almost with a mind of their own, were mere millimeters from the herb as rustling nearby caught my attention. I froze, glancing at Byte to see if he had heard it too. Byte responded with a series of clicks, and we both remained very still for a moment. It was only then that I realized how far into the forest we had traveled.

Silently, I began to step backward when a creature emerged from the underbrush—a wild boar, or at least what I assumed was the equivalent in this realm. Startled, I swiftly identified the creature using my HUD.

Luminsire Enchantboar

Level: 3

Description: A creature of radiant magic, the Luminsire Enchantboar shares a symbiotic relationship with the Hypnotic Enchantblossom. Its luminescent presence allows the blossom to grow to larger and more potent sizes, while the soothing aura of the Enchantblossom keeps the boar in a trancelike and calm state unless their territory is threatened.

The creature moved with a fluid grace, its luminescent markings pulsating in sync with the enchanting energies of the forest. As it neared the Hypnotic Enchantblossom, a subtle dance unfolded—a harmonious connection between flora and fauna. As the Enchantboar neared the bloom, the luminous markings caused the bloom to open wider and release more hypnotic pollen in the air. Captivated, I stopped retreating and instead took a step forward.

The tranquility of the scene was suddenly disrupted as the Luminsire Enchantboar's demeanor shifted. Its brilliant orange eyes widened with agitation, and it turned to face me with an aggressive posture. The boar snorted and pawed at the ground.

I found myself ensnared in a mesmerizing trance induced by the Luminsire Enchantboar's magic. The captivating aura clouded my thoughts, and I struggled to break free from the enchantment. Byte, sensing our danger, grabbed my leg and with a forceful shake, knocked me off balance. As I hit the ground skinning my hands I regained control of myself.

Fear and adrenaline flooded my system as I prepared for the impending battle. The Luminsire Enchantboar, guardian of the enchanted woodlands, attacked with unsettling aggression. The problem was, outside of a controller, I had never been in a fight of any kind. While trying to dodge, I ended up landing not so softly on my right knee. I let out a shout as I felt very real pain in my knee and hands. Panic stricken I remembered the message the system sent us but a few hours prior. 'Those still classified as a living race’ I could die out here.

Byte, unwaveringly loyal, leapt into action to defend me. The forest resonated with the clinks and clatters of his metallic frame as he lunged at the Luminsire Enchantboar. His oversized jaw and sharp teeth clashed against the creature's magical hide, each blow aiming to disrupt and draw the boar’s focus.

I began patting down my side and pocket. I had received a starting weapon, but as I was currently swearing at myself for not being more interested in how it worked or even remembering where I was keeping it. As the Enchantboar began to struggle to fend off Byte's relentless assault, I finally located the energy sword and with some concentration and a few shaky button presses, managed to get it to turn on.

With a whommm, the sword hummed to life, and out of the handle shot a white-hot blade of pure energy. Well, at least it’s not green. Or even worse—red, I thought trying to lighten my own mood as I attempted to strike back at the boar. However, my movements were clumsy and uncoordinated. The magical blade swished through the air with less finesse than I desired, and the only thing I actually managed to hit were the branches and leaves of the nearby trees and bushes.

Byte ran toward the boar and tucked both legs as he rolled underneath the boar and then opened his jaw and landed a perfectly timed bite to the boar’s vulnerable underbelly. The boar wailed in pain and rage. I attempted to strike the boar again and managed to only hit air as I underestimated how close I would need to be to the animal to actually hit it.

In the midst of my struggle, the Luminsire Enchantboar retaliated with a powerful swipe of it’s tusks, catching Byte off guard. My loyal companion was knocked backward into a tree, landing with a loud thump. Time seemed to slow as I witnessed Byte's metallic form crashing against the rough bark. His LED eyes flickered a few moments before going dark. For a beat, everything was quiet after the ominous thunk of the impact echoed through the trees.

I reached out to Byte through our connection and felt nothing. No buzz of energy coursed between us at all. I let down my new companion and had no idea what the repercussions of that would be.

Fueled by fear and rage for Byte and a surge of adrenaline, I wasted no more time. This time I tried tapping into my electric surge skill, and sparks crackled around my fingertips like miniature lightning. I held my hand out toward my opponent and willed the energy to move toward the boar.

Momentarily stunned by the unexpected assault, the boar shuddered as the electric surge briefly paralyzed it. My heart pounded in my chest as I seized the opportunity that lay before me. With newfound confidence, I swung my energy sword through the air. The enchanted blade found its mark with a decisive hit on the immobilized boar. White hot and crackling with energy, the blade sliced deep and burned its target. I followed up with a series of semi-well-timed strikes, each blow managing to connect with it’s intended target.

The Luminsire Enchantboar, still reeling from the electric shock, struggled to regain its footing but charged at me. Off-kilter, the boar rushed clumsily at me. Dodging, the boar only managed to graze my side as he rushed past. In turn, this caused the dazed boar to slam headfirst into a large moss-covered tree.

In a final determined swing, I delivered a powerful blow with my sword. The blade cut through the boar's hide and hit something vital, stopping the boar’s movements once and for all.

Silence once again enveloped the forest as a series of notifications appeared before me:

You have successfully defeated level 3 Luminsire Enchantboar.

Level up!

Level 2 Technomancer

The notification shook me out of my stupor, and I turned in the direction of my tiny friend. Limping over to him on a banged-up knee, I dropped down next to him. Byte lay at the base of the tree, unmoving. My breath hitched in my throat. This is why I didn’t keep pets, I was so worried I wouldn’t be a good enough pet-mom, and they would get hurt.

As I sat beside Byte, the weight of the silence around us pressed heavily against my ears. I studied the damage to my robotic companion, my hands trembling slightly as the reality of the situation settled in. One panel on Byte was severely dented, another popped out at an awkward angle, making the intricate network of wires within him perilously exposed.

The quiet of the forest was punctuated only by the occasional distant rustle of leaves, a stark contrast to the chaos of our recent battle. The air still smelled faintly of ozone, a reminder of the electric surge I had unleashed, mixed with the earthy scent of moss and the sharp tang of sap from the damaged trees surrounding us.

Carefully, I pulled out the multitool that had come with my starting equipment. The device felt oddly familiar in my hands, reminiscent of tools I'd used in a past life that now seemed like a dream. Rotating the two sides outward, the multitool transformed, revealing a pair of pliers. With a cautious breath, I grasped the protruding wires and the misaligned panel, my movements gentle yet deliberate.

The wires were a mess of colors and materials, some metallic, others coated in rubber-like insulation that had been scraped during Byte's unfortunate collision. I worked slowly, untangling the wires first, ensuring none were severed. Each wire I freed seemed to breathe a little life back into the scene, as if with every correct placement, Byte was coming closer to waking.

During the inspection, I found one of the essential wires had been damaged beyond simple repositioning—a sharp edge from the dented panel had sliced through its casing and severed the connection. Fortunately, among the materials we had collected earlier in the forest was a set of Techvine Bundles, which included conductive fibers perfect for makeshift electrical repairs.

I extracted one of the less rigid vines, its coppery threads gleaming under the filtered sunlight piercing the canopy. Using the multitool’s wire stripper feature, I prepared both ends of the broken wire and the vine for splicing. Carefully, I twisted the vine around the severed ends, ensuring a tight, secure connection before wrapping the junction with an insulative tape I had kept from my kit.

After the wires were sorted, I turned my attention to the dented panel. With careful manipulation, I managed to bend the panel back into a shape close to its original form. The metal groaned under the pressure but held as I nudged it back into place. The final step was to pop the other panel back, which clicked satisfyingly into position.

Throughout the process, I kept glancing at Byte’s LED eyes, hoping for any sign of life. When the repairs seemed enough, I sat back on my heels, wiping a smear of dirt off my forehead with the back of my hand. I reached out, touching the connection spot on Byte where we usually synced, and closed my eyes, focusing on the familiar pulse I hoped to feel.

A soft buzz, almost imperceptible, began to build between us. The sensation grew, the subtle vibration bringing with it a wave of relief. I opened my eyes just as Byte's LEDs flickered weakly. They stabilized, glowing steadily, as he rebooted.

"You okay, Byte?" I asked, my voice shaking with a mix of hope and lingering worry.

Byte responded with with a series of affirmative beeps and a gentle whirring sound that felt like a sigh of relief. He was back, not just as a piece of equipment, but as a friend.

I couldn't help but smile, my earlier fears washing away with each happy beep from Byte. Despite my initial doubts about my ability to take care of another, here we were. Maybe, just maybe, I was better at this than I had thought. With Byte operational and by my side, I felt ready to face whatever challenges this strange world held for us next.

Level up!

Level 3 Technomancer