Infinite Farmer

"That's very nice. It's very inspirational." Tulland kicked at the ground. "It's a very good way to gloss over the fact that you've betrayed me."

A System has to eat. And sacrificing the willing to The Infinite is one of the few ways we can do that.

"The others being?"

We also feed off accomplishment, although I expect little of that. I'm sorry that I could only spend the bare minimum I could on your class.

"I guessed," Tulland spat.

Which means that any successes you have from here on out, benefit me as much as they do you. What advice I can give from this point on, I'll give. What help I can manage for you, I'll manage. Because from the first major checkpoint in the dungeon on, you are a source of profit for me. Something that makes me stronger.

"So you can go back and hurt my family?"

Of course not. Why would I? But if you don't believe me, then know this. I simply do not have the strength to be both here and there at once. I am tied to this place as long as you are. It is only when you fall that I gain the power to return.

That lined up with just enough of what Tulland knew about why System prophets were taken away that he was willing to provisionally believe it.

"And that first checkpoint is?"

A skilled Cannian Knight. Fully armored. It guards the fifth floor and the entrance to the safe zone behind it.

"And I have a flame's chance in a rainstorm of actually killing it, but you get paid out at long odds if I do?"

That's correct.

Tulland thought about giving up right then, just on the off chance that dying as early as possible would trap the System there in the dark. He knew it wouldn't work. The System would have planned for that. Wouldn't have risked it like that. He'd have to fight.

A Cannian Knight was the stuff of storybooks, but something that was known. Tulland had read about them. They were a difficult challenge for combat classes, something that required extra training and leveling to prepare for. Warriors who went head-to-head with them without perfect preparation tended to never make it home.

"And I'll have my bare hands and no combat abilities to help me. At all," Tulland said, keeping his voice as flat as possible.

Not your bare hands. I am limited in what I can do, but I can at least help with that.

Out of nowhere, Tulland felt a notification jump into existence, as well as the sneaking feeling that he was just a single wish away from some sort of permanent gain.

Ambushed in the Dark

You have been attacked while unarmed, unprepared and by most standards inadequate for the task of defending yourself. Coming out of this battle alive was a long shot, and has enhanced the usual "First Victory" achievement earned by new adventurers.

Rewards: Beginner's Equipment Bundle (Enhanced), Additional Class Experience

That should have given you a level-up. I advise you apply at least one of the five free points to your vitality to allow for regeneration.

"Five points per level? That seems like a lot."

For a battle class, it would be. For a workman's class, it's average. They generally need to be able to accomplish more with fewer levels.

"Any advice for the other points?"

No. And you wouldn't believe it if I gave it to you anyway. Use your judgement.

Tulland applied two of the points to his vitality, feeling the relief as the bites on his hand clot almost immediately and begin to close. The actual wounds were not as serious as the damage to his overall health from the mana, but they were the main source of pain. Tulland planned on resting a long time to make sure he was tip-top before moving on, but at least now he wouldn't be in agony.

His head cleared up almost immediately as the pain dulled. Considering where to put his points, Tulland realized he needed more information before making that decision. Turning from the stat point distribution for the moment, he willed his Beginner's Equipment Bundle to materialize. There was both a thump and a clatter as the gear appeared out of midair and fell to the floor.

The first group was several pieces of cloth and leather, bound together by more cloth. He untied it, getting a description of each piece as he did.