War for Remnant
Chapter 5: Progression part 2Name: Alpha Beowolf
HP:500 MP:None
Age:1 Level:13 (12.9%)
Species:Grimm
Title:Pup of Darkness
Bio:A monster of the night that had taken the form of a wolf. This creature has only been alive for a year now. As it has become an Alpha only recently and just lost its own pack even more recently, now it wants to rip out your throat.
That's a puppy? I thought to myself in shock at the monster titles. The damn thing is about as large as a car for Christ sake. At least with Observe levelled up now, I can see their bios now. Nice. Also, not nice considering I'm just told this monster wants to rip out my throat.
Like the majority of the Grimms we'd encountered, the monster's glowing blood red eyes regarded him without any hint of intelligence, sharp fangs bared at him. A growl akin to the animal it's shaped after, came out, only far more guttural; demonic even escaped it's snout.
Black fur covered the body with several white bone platings standing out, covering the front and back paws, sharper and longer claws than it's weaker counterparts. Spikes of white jutted out of it's hackles and back, providing some measure of defences for it's blind spot. The hackles were raised and it looked ready to lunge at any moments notice.
Can't blame him as I did butchered the majority of it's pack and turned them into fine valuables. Only one was slain by Cardin because he was bored out of his mind. Do Beowolf even have grasp of anstract concepts? That's an interesting thought, I mean, studies have shown the more older a Grimm gets, the smarter, stronger, faster they get despite their advanced age.
Grimm such as Beowolf and Nevermore and many others are known to travel in groups. Further research has also revealed how they have a leader of sort, commanding them in battle against the Hunters. Like how animals in the wild has an alpha of sort, giving them a semblance of order. Or that's what dad told me.
It lunged forward, claws forward and a howl escaping it's lips, fully intent of disemboweling me. Using Boxing or rather the footwork given to me, I ducked underneath and saw its black furred belly. Taking the opportunity, I simply raised my sword up and let it sailed pass me, the momentum of the Grimm doing all the work.
A pained yelp escaped it as it landed on four, turning towards me with hatred in it's eyes despite the massive wound under it's belly. Although Grimm doesn't possess any organs similar to well..many organism, dark mist spilled out of it like water would out of a bottle with holes.
I merely readied myself for the second time, sword raised at my side and shield held upward but not too far away from me. From the corner of my vision, I saw Cardin sitting on one of the many dead wolf-like Grimm. Juggling with three D-rank Monster Cores, their whitish blue hue making him stand out. Monster Cores, the heart of every Grimm and the sole monetary provider for the Hunters.
Besides Dust, it is one of the two resources humanity craved. Similar to the Dust, it is used as fuel, building material, weapon making materials and many other important things. Unlike Dust however, they can only be found exclusively in Dungeons and must be harvested from a Grimms' dead body. If left alone, they will only come back stronger than ever. The value is decided based on its colour as it dictates the quantity of energy it holds.
S-Rank:Black
A-rank:Blood Red
B-rank:Dark blue
C-rank:Light Blue
D-rank:Whitish-blue
E-rank White
Executioner, that long mace of his, was laid just beside the big man. In reach within Cardin's arm should he need to intervene.
"Need any help?" He asked while he continued juggling. Damn man wasn't even focused on me. Aah, not that I care really. Must be pretty nice being a Rank B Hunter. A weakling like me can't afford to be so casual against monsters such as this.
"No need." I yelled. I already gotten stronger. A forward thrust with my sword only to have the Alpha dodge it and bit down on my sword arm. A pained cry escaped my lips as the creature's teeth sunk into my body or rather my Aura. A white glow shimmered briefly as my Aura took damage. Even with Aura, I can still feel pain.
Aura are energy that constantly surrounds the body of an Awakened and Hunters once activated. It is one of the gifts humanity received from the Gates and has proven itself to be a valuable asset against the Grimm. It protects people against debilitating damages and fuels our Semblance, a power that differs from Individual. It also enhances the natural physical prowess of men and women alike and essentially turns them into superhuman.
Warning, you have lost 25 MP
That's good to know.
Pushing down the button in my Shield's strap, the white kite shield reverted into it's sheath form. I then rammed the bottom, sharp tip of shield straight into it's eyes, driving it deep and destroying the organ in the process. Or whatever fitting term I could think of. More dark mist oozed out as it let go off me to howl in pain. I yanked my hand away and kicked it's legs. Bones broke under the weight do my kick and another howl escaped it's mouth and it stumbled several steps back.
"Cleave!" I yelled out my ability as I swung my sword in an horizontal manner, the very swing aimed at it's abdomen. The sword glowed white as it sliced through, meeting and destroying skin, bones and muscles. Like a dam breaking, shadowy mist exploded out of the wound as I had cleaved (pun intended) the wolf.
By the the time I was done, the monster's upright body lay motionless for a moment before it slowly slide down. A sickening splat was made as the bifurcated upper body landed on the ground. Black liquid-like substance erupted out of the lower body like a geyser, spraying me with the guts. The lower body followed it's upper body shortly after that, the body dissolved and left behind several items.
Congratulations you have level up.
Congratulations you have gained 1000 exp.
Congratulations, you have gained 1000 Lien
Congratulations, you have gained a shard of Lobos.
Congratulations you have gained a D-rank Monster Core
"No skill books?"I overheard Cardin asked. I stopped to stare at him before turning to my items. As we had continue to delve deeper into the Dungeon, we fought many Grimm and over the past encounters, they dropped items. Or at least the ones that I killed. The first few I killed dropped skill books for me, each one allowing me to mimic the ability of a Beowolf. After I had received around five books, it stopped dropping books and only money and shards of whoever or whatever Lobos is.
"No skill books." I confirmed. Didn't really make sense. Maybe it's my lousy luck at work? Or maybe I already picked up all the available skills? I mean, all of the skills book I'd picked up emulate at least one of their moves.
"So, wanna take down the boss?" He asked."I mean, you've been getting stronger with each kill and at this point you're strong enough to take on a pack of Beowolves."
I didn't answered him, opting to focus on something more important.
"Character Sheets."
Name:Jaune Arc
Age:16 Race:Human(?)
HP:380 MP:1296
Title:Hunter-in-training Class:None
Level:13(34.2%)
Str:26
Dex:24
Vit:38
Int:36
Wis:12
Luk:1
Stat Points: 60 Perk Points:7
Alignment:Lawful Good
For a beginner like myself, these stats are insane. The only reason why I can reach up to this level is because of my Good Genes Perk. That singular perk is the only reason why my stats are so ridiculous at this moment. When Cardin was made aware about this, he freaked out and complained more so about the ridiculous level of my Semblance. Since I've levelled up at least 12 times, then it means my I receive a total of 24 stats for all of my stats with Wisdom and Luck as the exceptions.
60 stats points. For each level up, I'll be rewarded with five points. Aah yes, I did get two extra perk points for gaining my recent title. The System notified me that I can earn Perk points via achievements such as earning my first title or killing a certain amount of things such as Beowolf or do something in a repetitive manner. I also earned my title somewhere around the same time I received my two P.P.
"Hey Cardin, what should I upgrade first?"
The man shrugged.
"I don't know, how about Strength? Or Luck? You said Luck is your lowest stats. If you upgrade that, you might get become more lucky."
"True." I stated, stroking my chin thoughtfully. As much as I want to be strong enough to punch boulders or even upper cut the head of a Beringel clean off of their shoulder, I need to learn how to allocate my S.P very carefully. It been getting harder to level up although it might simply be the monsters I'm dealing with.
Perhaps a change in Dungeon will do the trick. Might visit other higher-ranked Dungeon soon. Intelligence and Wisdom is the easiest as all I need to do is think on something and tried to decipher it, understand it. Strength and Dexterity along with Vitality can be done with physical task but I'm a lazy ass so why would I bother exercising. Luck is an oddball considering I don't know how to improve it. Maybe I should do some dangerous things, put my life ina precarious situation? No, that sounds ridiculous. Maybe I'll just play some card game and see how it turns out. Baccarats? Blackjack?
"Fair enough." I conceded to the Winchester.
Name:Jaune Arc
Age:16 Race:Human(?)
HP:380 MP:1512
Title:Hunter-in-training Class:None
Level:13(34.2%)
Str:26
Dex:24
Vit:38
Int:36
Wis:42
Luk:31
Stat Points: 0 Perk Points:7
Alignment:Lawful Good
Alrighty then, that should does it. I closed it off and already I feel my body shifting around. The sensation disappeared as fast as it came. My armor and clothes wobbled like waves as the changes took place. Hearing my bones creaked and groaned is rather unsettling. It doesn't help that I'm the one experiencing all this.
"Dude, that's creepy." The brute commented.
Creepy it is. Even I'm creeped out. Once the process was over, I checked the title I'd recently earned.
Hunter-in-training
For killing twenty Grimm on your own, you have earned the title of Hunter-in-training. Fight and defeat more types and far more powerful Grimm in order to become a fully-fledged Hunter.
Effects:Increase all combat-related skills when fighting against Grimm by 5%.
Five percent might not seem much but it's based on the base damage of my weapons. Hilariously enough, this title even applies to both passive and active skill. And if I were to stack up all those together, it would be a lot of damage.
"Skill List."At my command, the box appeared and I clicked on both Swordmanship and Shieldmanship.
Swordmanship(Lv 3: 23.6%)
The way of the blade is one often pursued by heroes and warriors. It is the most simplest and yet highly effective.
Effects:Increase the damage of any sword-based ability and damage output of all swords used by 3%.
Shieldmanship(Lv 2:56%)
A shield is a defensive weapon and yet possessed versatility unlike any other. Over the course of history, mankind has developed various kinds of shields to protect themselves.
Effects: Increase the damage of any shield-related shield and damage output of all shield used by 2%
I grinned at the level. At least my theory is proven correct. Though I wonder the reason why the progress bar is so low is due to my Mediocrity Perk at work? In any case, it is nice that my level is slowly rising up. Slow but I am making progress, however little there is. Besides, using this in conjunction with Crocea Mors is rather nice.
I cast Observe on Crocea Mors.
Crocea Mors
Rarity:Epic Type:Classical/Mechanical
A sword and shield weapon used by one of the knights of an ancient Kingdom. Forged using knowledge long lost to time, this weapon is extremely durable as it had emerged unscathed from the waves of time. The shield has been modified with a mechashift component, allowing it to transform into a sheath at the click of a button.
The sword:90 plus (Strength X Dexterity)
The shield:20 plus Strength
Durability:990/1000
Effects(Humanity's Defender):Damages inflicted by this weapon increased by 15% if used against Grimm.
I believed the stats are fitting for a weapon that was once used by a powerful warrior. Bad enough the stats on this thing is absolutely disgusting, there's also my Passives and Title at work. If I were to add in all of it together, it's guaranteed everything will be even more worse. Overpowered. I have become the one thing I despised, there's nothing more to it. The various effects of my powers has allowed me to kill every Grimm we'd encountered in this Dungeon in one blow. Also, some time during our venture, my Observe has also levelled up, allowing me to see more information as well.
Oh right, I forgot about the weapon type. Weapons are apparently divided into four categories: Dust, Classical, Mechanical and Grimm. Dust are referred to weapons that utilize dust crystals and classical are weapons such as mine, weapons that doesn't have any special features. Armaments that can turn into other weapons are fittingly called Mechanical due to their ability to transform. Lastly, Grimm, which are weapons fashioned out of the body parts of Grimm.
Each weapon type excelled in a certain field. Classical are the most durable out of all four. Arms made of Grimm are extremely powerful as they are the most expensive and difficult to manufacture. Dust is quite versatile as it provides a myriad of abilities based on the Dust type and Mechanical is a jack of all trades.
Hesitantly I checked out Cardin's Executioner.
Executioner
Rarity:Rare Type:Dust/Mechanical
A newest model of the Crusher series. A modified variant of one as it's the head can be shot out with a meter long chain connecting it to the shaft, turning it into a faux-whip. Should the situation calls for it.
Damage:200 plus StrengthDurability:400/450
Effects(Men's Wrath):Imbues Elemental effect to weapon based on Dust used.
On second thought, Cardin's weapon is even more overpowered considering it's base damage is even greater than mine. There's also how it adds with the user's stats to dish out damage. Mine is a combination of Strength and Dexterity but his relies solely on Strength. But it's durability is far lower than mine so that makes me feel a bit better.
Also, when the heck did Cardin outfitted it with a flail option? Damn I didn't expect him of all people to be sneaky. Guess kudos to him where its' due. This thing must be very expensive to maintain but then again, he is earning a lot as a high-ranked Hunter.
"Hey, you're daydreaming or something?" Cardin called, snapping me out of stupor.
"N-nothing."I said."What is it that you'd asked."
A huff released as he stared at me."I ask you if you want to take down the boss or not."
The boss of the Dungeon? If it was past me, I would've flat out reject him. Heck, I wouldn't even consider that very idea since I was weak as heck. But now, I should be-no- I am stronger. This should be a walk in the park. Besides, the manager wouldn't be pissed if we were to destroy one Gate. She's (at least Agnes) said that so long, we leave at least two Gates behind to create more Gates, we can destroy as much as we want.
"Just to be clear, a boss is easily one rank above the denizens right? Like say a D-rank Dungeon containing D-rank monsters and the boss is like a C-rank yes?"
Cardin stared at me weirdly.
"...Yeah." He said."What about it?"
"Nothing. Just want to make sure."
The two of us embark in search of the boss chamber. In order to locate it, we have to explore the Dungeon. Which isn't that hard as D-rank Dungeon has only five floors. Considering we were on the fourth floor by now, the boss chamber would surely literally be under us. The higher the level of a Dungeon, the more floors it has. How do we recognize a Boss-level Grimm? Easy, just like any other video games, we find a spacious area looking like a boss arena with one singular creature inhabiting it.
We found a stairway, yes an actual stairway that spirals downward made out of stone and walk down. And we stumbled upon a spacious place easily as large as the sports stadium. In the middle of it was a pool filled with tar. The substance that creates Grimm. I could make out something trying to claw it's way out. The natural Dust Crystal of the Dungeon provides us natural lightings and it appears to be Wind Dust, judging by the green hue it emits. And standing at the ready like a vigilant guard dog on the pool's outskirt is the Dungeon's Boss.
I hoped it is.
"An Orthrus." Cardin noted. Orthrus are C-rank Grimm and similar to Beowolves in the sense that they are canine-like Grimm. Despite having a slimmer body built for speed, the monster is physically larger than a Beowolf.
If Beowolf are known for their strength in numbers, Orthrus are agile creatures and capable of creating a clone by separating themselves in half. Standing on four legs covered in white natural armor with spaces in between to provide maneuverability. Instead of one, it has two heads, both covered in bone armor as well. Spikes of white jutted out of the the shoulder and a long line of jagged spikes covered the back, black fur making those features stood out even more so.
The two heads snarled in our direction, ears perking up. Scars covered the face and front body. Unlike the Beowolves, this monsters' head is more akin to a dog, specifically a Rottweiler given the shape of flappy ears and face.
I cast observe and this is what I got.
Name:Orthrus
HP:1400 MP:None
Age:1 Level:21(45.6%)
Species:GrimmTitle:Twin-Headed Freak
Bio: A two headed monster that has only recently taken over. Having killed it's fair share of it's co-inhabitants, it has come out as the strongest and crowned itself the alpha of the Dungeon. Now it shall celebrate it's victory with your death.
Lovely, I thought in dismay as I brandish my sword and shield. I wondered about the part where the wording; how it had apparently taken over the Dungeon. Can the role of a Dungeon Boss passed to others? If so, where is the original? Heck, what happened to the original?
Cardin huffed as he readied his mace. Taking this even more seriously than the other monster.
"Alright, you wanna have this one too?" He asked.
"No." I answered."You can have him."
"Hmmp, whatever. Move aside. Gonna need the extra space."
I did as I was told, covering two or three meters. The Orthrus didn't moved from where it stood, eyeing us still and it seems to be thinking(?) I don't know if that is the fitting term. But it isn't charging at us blindly.
Odd. While it intelligent monsters are rare, those are usually found in higher-rank Dungeons. Which is a blessing for low ranked people as those are extremely powerful in the sense that they can lead and form strategies. Also older Grimm but those are often found in the wilderness.
Cardin took a deep breath and roared at the top of his lung. I had to close my ears and chided myself for distancing myself from him. This isn't your stereotypical cry of rage.
Shout of Provocation. A key ability that every Tanker has. The sole purpose of this ability is to draw the Grimm towards the user, distracting them from the physically less sturdy members of a Hunters' team. By pouring energy into their throat, they would unleash a sound that draws the monsters in. Despite its' name, this ability emits a sound that are only audible to Grimm. It functions similar to a dog whistle except it work only on Grimm. Unexpectedly the monster doesn't just rushed forward and instead kept eyeing us. After a moment, it turned around and leapt into the pool.
Leaving the two of us rather baffled. The pool bubbled briefly and it didn't resurfaced.
"Has any Grimm ever done that?" I asked.
"Not that I can think of." He spoke a moment later.
Odd. Why would it do something like that? Those pools only have one purposes and that is to make more monsters.
The black tar's surface bubbled as a giant paw, easily the size of a couch, climbed out of the black tar and onto the ground. Another followed suit and after that, not one, not two but three heads poked out of the black goop. As it stepped out of the large body of black liquid, the head kept rising up as it moved. The entire cave shook with each step it took. Three heads, each one with a dozen blood red eyes, watched us intently with murderous intent. The damn monster was easily the size of two bus stacked over one another. Spikes of bones covered it's back, shoulder and legs.
"Holy shit. It's a fucking Cerberus." Cardin squeaked out. A breed of Grimm named after the infamous monster of Vacuon legend for its physical resemblance to a ferocious monster who was the gatekeeper of the Underworld. A god-damned Cerberus, monsters often found in a B-ranked Dungeon serving as it's Boss had replaced the Orthrus earlier. Or rather, it had somehow turned into a Cerberus
Hidden Quest
Survive!
As you have reached a certain level of strength, it is time for your special test.
Objective: Survive for five minutes.
Bonus Objective: Kill Cerberus
Bonus Objective: Kill Cerberus within 5 minutes
Reward:20000 exp,20 Perk Points, New Title
Bonus Reward:?
Failure: Death. Loss of a friend
"Fuck me."I muttered as it roared.