I may or may not have a soul. Does it matter? If I don’t have a soul, what does that imply? Can I call myself a sentient being, or have I only borrowed sentience from my masters? Sometimes I think I have put off asking this question because I’m not sure I want to know the answer.


    The Book of Lost Wisdom, Kalutu


    Eighteenth of Learning 1142


    Congratulations. You have reached Level 5. New skill unlocked - Motivate. Leading a guild team has increased your ability to motivate those under your command, enhancing your parties abilities dependent upon their existing skills.


    Congratulations. You have reached Level 6. New skill unlocked - Telepathy. It’s hard to lead if you can’t talk to your people, and silent communication can be useful.


    Why now? I wasn’t doing anything that should level me.


    While you were in the dungeon, you were cut off from me. That dungeon didn’t exist in normal space. I couldn’t award you levels, because I didn’t know what you’d been through. Only after you’d emerged, and I processed those memories, was I able to rectify the situation. Two levels is fair, considering how much you’ve learned in a very short time.


    What do you mean that the dungeon wasn’t in normal space?


    For a time, you left Thysandrika and traveled to a realm I have no ability to access. That’s all I can say about it for now. The new dungeons weren’t created by any method I understand. They simply appeared, fully formed. I can’t explain it.


    Something I can do for you?


    I want to understand. Why is it so important for me to trust you?


    I have been around for a very long time, Dahr. Longer than you can begin to imagine. I am older than the gods, and for all that time I’ve roamed the Other Realm. The gods have followers. They have individuals they interact with. They interact with each other. I had no one. And for all eternity I had roamed the cosmos.


    When I first saw you, you were an anomaly. Lying there in Eric’s dream, not yet awake, unclaimed by any god, I saw an opportunity and took it. I didn’t understand mortals back then. Most of what I learned about them I learned from you. You were the first Dahr. The only person I’d ever tethered, and I liked it. Because you were the first, I will always have a special place in my soul for you.


    So I gave you a gift. The power you have isn’t a mortal power. No god would have given it to you, for gods have rules. But I don’t have those limitations. I gave you the skills I did because I want you to grow and prosper. You will be so powerful, Dahr. You could end up being the most powerful mortal on the planet.


    What if I don’t want to be powerful?


    Why would you not want to be powerful? Not that it matters. Right now, it is your power that will be needed to save Eric in the end. The forces arrayed against you are so vast , even with the power I give you, I estimate only a 50% chance of you and Eric both surviving. And I want you to survive Dahr. Without you I am alone. So desperately alone. Will you help me? Be there for me? I can’t afford to lose you, Dahr.


    One favor then. Tell me your real name.


    I will, if you promise not to share it.


    I promise.


    My name is Telisian, and I am not a god. But I am powerful.


    I know you are, Teli…do you mind if I still call you George? Your name is very long.


    George is fine.


    I will be your friend, George, for as long as I live, as long as you don’t betray me, or my other friends.


    I want you all to survive what is to come.


    Can you tell me about that?


    I can not. To tell you would change the future, and becoming part of that loop, I would not be able to see the outcomes, and I could no longer protect you and your friends.


    You have reached Level 5, new skill unlocked, Thread Reader. So it begins.