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Before Daniel could ask anything else, the woman fled the cabin, the door banging shut behind her. Left alone with his thoughts, Daniel examined the mark—still present on his hand, but no longer pulsing with pain. Outside, he could hear the sounds of a bustling camp and more distantly, the sound of the stabilized Breach.
Daniel's interface shimmered to life before his eyes, golden text scrolling through his recent accomplishments:
[+350 EXP Gained for Temporarily Sealing the Breach]
[Dawn Lotus Acquired - Tier 1 Rare Herb]
[3 Elfroot Acquired]
As the notifications faded, his attention was drawn to a worn notebook on the bedside table. The cover read "Patient Observations" in careful script. When he picked it up, another notification appeared:
[+50 EXP Gained for Discovering Patient Observations]
The notes detailed his condition during the three days he'd been unconscious - fever dreams, the mark's fluctuations, and various poultices applied to his injuries. He set it aside just as his gaze fell upon an ornately carved chest in the corner, one he recognized from the game's DLC content. His pulse quickened as he approached it, fingers brushing the intricate dragon motifs before lifting the lid.
The interface exploded with notifications:
[Shokra-taar Schematic Acquired - Tier 1 Heavy Armor]
[Antaam-saar Schematic Acquired - Tier 1 Light Armor]
[Stone-Bear Armor Schematics Acquired - Tier 1 Medium Armor]
[Avvar Armor Schematics Acquired - Tier 1 Medium Armor]
[Avvar Armor Acquired - Rare Medium Armor]
[+5% Cold Resistance]
[Stone-Bear Armor Acquired - Rare Medium Armor]
[+2% Melee Defense]
[Shokra-taar Armor Acquired - Unique Heavy Armor]
[+2% Melee Defense]
[+3% Ranged Defense]
[Antaam-saar Armor Acquired - Rare Light Armor]
[+2 Constitution]
[+2 Cunning]
[Light Armor of the Dragon Acquired - Rare Light Armor]
[+5% Fire Resistance]
[Restriction: Only Equippable by Daniel]
[Staff of the Dragon Acquired - Rare Staff]
[23 Fire Damage]
[+6% Barrier Damage Bonus]
Daniel wasted no time stripping off his tattered travel clothes and donning the Light Armor of the Dragon. The scaled leather fit perfectly, moving like a second skin while providing surprising protection. He flexed his arms, admiring how the dragon-scale pauldrons caught the light without restricting movement. The Staff of the Dragon felt even better - its weight perfectly balanced, the dragonhead carving at its tip seeming to pulse with latent energy.
As he adjusted to his new equipment, another notification appeared, this one glowing brighter than the others:
[Level Up!]
[Current Level: 2]
[1 Skill Point Available]
The interface then displayed his skill tree, divided into four paths just like the game - Spirit, Storm, Inferno, and Winter. Chain Lightning already glowed under Storm, while Flashfire was active under Inferno. After a moment's consideration, Daniel selected Spirit, allocating his point to the Barrier skill.
[Barrier Skill Learned]
[Creates a shimmering protective barrier that acts as temporary shield]
[Barrier Strength: 1,284]
[Area of Effect: 4 Meters]
[Duration: 24 Seconds]
Daniel experimentally summoned the barrier, watching as a shimmering blue dome of energy briefly enveloped him before fading. The sensation was strange - like being wrapped in cool silk that somehow repelled blows. He could already imagine how useful this would be in their next battle.
Daniel took a deep breath and pushed open the cabin door, stepping out into the crisp mountain air of Haven. The small village bustled with activity - soldiers drilling in the square, refugees huddled around cookfires, and Chantry sisters moving between the wounded. The sight of him emerging sent a ripple through the crowd.
As he walked the linear path toward the Chantry, honor guards snapped to attention while townsfolk bowed their heads reverently. A murmur spread through the gathered people like wind through wheat.
"That's him," a man whispered loudly to his companion. "The Herald of Andraste. They say when he came out of the Fade, Andraste herself was watching over him."
"Hush!" a woman scolded. "Don't disturb him."
Further along the path, another conversation caught his ear. "Why did Lady Cassandra have him in chains?" a man asked. "I thought the Seekers knew everything."
A woman sighed. "It was complicated. We were all afraid after the explosion at the Conclave."
The man scoffed. "It isn't complicated. Andraste herself blessed him!"
Daniel kept walking, his new dragon-scale armor glinting in the sunlight. People reached out as he passed, some simply wanting to touch his garments, others murmuring blessings. "The Maker's grace upon you, Herald of Andraste," an elderly woman said, making the sign of the Chantry across her chest.
The Chantry loomed ahead, its heavy doors flanked by clerics in their formal vestments. They parted silently as Daniel approached, allowing him entry into the dimly lit hall.
Instead of proceeding directly to the meeting, Daniel's instincts as a gamer took over. He began exploring the Chantry's side rooms, searching for anything useful. In a small alcove, he found a parchment titled "A Chant for the Departed." As he read the mourning verses, his interface pinged:
[+50 EXP Gained]
Further searching revealed a simple wooden staff leaning against a bookshelf:
[Disciple Lightning Staff Acquired]
[Rank: Common]
[25 Electricity Damage]
[+8% Critical Damage Bonus]
A thick tome on a nearby table caught his eye - "The Fade." Skimming its pages granted him another notification:
[+50 EXP Gained]
Moving to a side chamber containing three simple beds and wardrobes, Daniel found another book resting on one of the cots - "The Maker." Reading it provided yet more experience:
[+50 EXP Gained]
As he turned to leave the room, the sound of raised voices from the main chamber reached him. Daniel crept closer, listening as Cassandra and Chancellor Roderick debated his fate.
"You overstep your authority, Seeker!" Roderick's nasal voice rang out. "The prisoner must be taken to Val Royeaux for judgment!"
Daniel chose that moment to push open the doors. The scene before him was exactly as he'd expected from the game - Cassandra and Leliana standing firm against Roderick, with two templars flanking the Chancellor.
Roderick's eyes widened at Daniel's entrance. "Chain him!" he ordered the soldiers. "Prepare him for transport to the capital!"
Cassandra stepped between them. "Disregard the Chancellor," she commanded. "He is under my protection."
Roderick's face purpled with rage. "You walk a dangerous line, Seeker!"
"The Breach remains stable but is still a threat we cannot ignore," Cassandra countered.
Daniel spoke up. "I did what I could." Cassandra gave him an approving nod.
"Yet you live," Roderick sneered. "A convenient result, insofar as you're concerned."
Cassandra's hand went to her sword. "Have a care, Chancellor. The Breach is not the only threat we face."
Leliana then join in and said "Someone killed the Divine at the Conclave - someone she did not expect." While look at Chancellor Roderick.
Roderick recoiled. "I am a suspect?"
"You, and many others," Leliana said coolly.
"But not the prisoner?" Roderick challenged.
Cassandra's voice took on an almost reverent tone. "I heard the voices in the temple. The Divine called to him for help."
"So his survival, that thing on his hand - all a coincidence?" Roderick scoffed.
"Providence," Cassandra corrected. "The Maker sent him to us in our darkest hour."
Daniel couldn't help but interject. "Are you sure?"
"The Maker does as He wills," Cassandra said. "It is not for me to say."
"Even if that means a Dalish elf is His chosen?" Daniel pressed.
Cassandra met his gaze steadily. "Humans are not the only people with an interest in the fate of the world."
Leliana stepped forward. "The Breach remains, and your mark is still our only hope of closing it."
Roderick drew himself up. "This is not for you to decide."
With a sudden movement, Cassandra slammed a large, ornate tome onto the table. The eye insignia on its cover gleamed in the candlelight. "Do you know what this is, Chancellor? A writ from the Divine, granting us the authority to act." Her voice rang with conviction. "As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn."
Then she jabbed an accusing finger at Roderick, who recoiled as if struck while said "We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order. With or without your approval."
After a moment of stunned silence, the Chancellor turned on his heel and stormed out, the templars following reluctantly.
When the doors slammed shut, Leliana let out a breath. "This was the Divine's directive: rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those who will stand against the chaos." She shook her head. "But we aren't ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now no Chantry support."
"We have no choice," Cassandra said grimly. "We must act now." She turned to Daniel. "With you at our side."
Daniel crossed his arms. "What is 'the Inquisition of old,' exactly?"
Leliana answered, "It preceded the Chantry - people who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad."
"After," Cassandra continued, "they laid down their banner and formed the Templar Order. But the Templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done, united under a single banner once more."
Daniel studied them both. "But aren't you still part of the Chantry?"
Cassandra snorted. "Is that what you see?"
Leliana explained, "The Chantry will take time to find a new Divine, and then wait for her direction."
"But we cannot wait," Cassandra said. "So many Grand Clerics died at the Conclave... no, we are on our own. Perhaps forever."
Daniel considered this. The weight of the decision pressed upon him, but in his heart, he'd already made his choice. "If you're truly trying to restore order..."
"That is the plan," Leliana confirmed.
Cassandra extended her hand. "Help us fix this before it's too late."
After a moment's hesitation, Daniel grasped her forearm in the traditional warrior's handshake.
The momentous handshake lingered between them before Daniel released Cassandra's arm. He exhaled slowly, the weight of their new alliance settling on his shoulders. "I'll leave it to you and Leliana to build the Inquisition," he said, rubbing his still-throbbing marked hand. "I don't have many contacts in this world."
Cassandra nodded firmly. "Yes, of course. You've done more than enough already by helping seal the Breach."
Leliana stepped forward, her hooded eyes gleaming with quiet calculation. "I've already begun gathering our contacts. Lady Josephine Montilyet has agreed to serve as our ambassador - no one knows the Game of Orlais better than her."
"And Cullen," Cassandra added, a note of respect entering her voice. "Former Knight-Templar of Kirkwall. He'll command our military forces. Both should arrive by tomorrow."
Daniel felt a flicker of recognition at the names - these were his companions from the game, now becoming real allies. The thought both comforted and unnerved him. He masked his reaction with a weary smile. "If you'll excuse me, I should get more rest. My body still feels..." He flexed his marked hand, the green light pulsing faintly beneath his skin.
"Of course," Cassandra said, her stern features softening slightly. "You've been through an ordeal. The cabin is yours for as long as you need it."
Leliana tilted her head. "I'll have someone bring you supper later. You'll need your strength for what's to come."
Daniel gave them both a tired nod before turning toward the heavy Chantry doors. As he walked through Haven's bustling center, the whispers followed him like a persistent breeze.
"There he is! The Herald!"
"Maker be praised, he walks among us!"
"They say Andraste herself guided him from the Fade..."
He kept his head down, suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of their expectations. These people saw him as some divine savior, when in truth he was just a man - a gamer from another world, trapped in a reality he'd only ever experienced through a screen.
The cabin welcomed him with its quiet solitude. Daniel sank onto the bed, his new armor creaking slightly. He stared at the ceiling, replaying the day's events in his mind. The Breach. The demons. The vision of the Divine. And now this - the rebirth of the Inquisition with him at its center.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. A young elven woman entered, balancing a tray of steaming stew, fresh bread, and a pitcher of water. She kept her eyes downcast as she set it on the bedside table.
"Thank you," Daniel said, surprised by the genuine gratitude in his voice.
The elf started at being addressed directly. "M-my lord Herald! I... it's nothing. We owe you everything." She backed toward the door, nearly tripping in her haste. "Lady Cassandra said you're to rest undisturbed. I'll... I'll just..."
Daniel held up a hand. "Wait. What's your name?"
The elf froze like a startled deer. "M-Mithra, my lord."
"Mithra," Daniel repeated, committing it to memory. "Thank you for the food, Mithra. And please - just call me Daniel."
The elf's eyes widened impossibly further before she ducked into a bow and fled, the door clicking shut behind her.
Alone again, Daniel turned his attention to the meal. The stew's rich aroma made his stomach growl - he hadn't realized how hungry he was. As he ate, his mind wandered to tomorrow's arrivals. Josephine Montilyet, the brilliant diplomat. Cullen Rutherford, the reformed templar. More pieces falling into place, just like in the game.
But this was no game anymore. These were real people with real lives at stake. Daniel set aside the empty tray and lay back, his body sinking into the mattress. His last thought before sleep claimed him was of the mysterious woman in his vision - Divine Justinia, calling for help. And the shadowy figure with red eyes who had ordered his death.
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Name : Daniel Carter
Race: Elf
Level 2 : 171/1250 EXP
Professions: Mage
Gold Coins: 680 Coins
Weapon: Staff of the Dragon
Armor: Light Armor of the Dragon and Templar Scribe Scowl
Accessories: Lifeward Amulet
Inventory: Acolyte Ice Staff, Morning Star, Stiletto, Hunting Longbow, Fire Resistance Cowl, Mercenary Coat, Acolyte Fire Staff, and Disciple Lighting Staff
Crafting Materials: 8 Elfroot, 6 Iron, 2 Blue Vitriol, and 1 Dawn Lotus
Valuables: Aquamarine, Silver Bracelet, Figurine of Maferath the Betrayer, 2 Shadow Essence, and Gurn Gallstone Charm
Potions: Lesser Health Potions x8
Skills: Chain Lighting, Flashfire, Barrier,
Armor Schematics: Shokra-taar Schematic, Antaam-saar Schematic, Avvar Armor Schematics Acquired, and Stone-Bear Armor Schematics