Disclaimer: I do not own HDN.
Summary: The sudden expansion of their lands sent panic throughout their lands, and when monsters never before seen began to appear they began to become desperate. Histoire suggested an option, they never saw the storm it would bring.
"Where.. am I?" The young man muttered to himself as he struggled to rise from his position on the floor. His arms bound to either of his sides as were his legs. He began to panic, wondering what the hell happened and why he was in this situation.
'C-Calm down, me, think about this… what happened, why am I here, why does my head hurt and who the hell is that lady!' Sitting in front of him was a lady whose face he couldn't see due to their position. Her clothing consists of a simple white cloth that draped down on the ground like a gown.
"Are you awake?" The lady spoke. "Thank goodness! I was worried I did something wrong when you or the others weren't waking up."
"Who are you?!" The young man shouted, struggling against his binds. 'Wait, 'the others?' Does that mean there's someone else besides me in this position?'
He almost relaxed but then remembered that it wouldn't matter anyways. No human could get out of these binds. While relieving that he wasn't alone, it didn't do much good as it was in the end worth nothing.
"Who am I? Hm, I go by many names, little one. But you all may call me Mother." The lady said.
From his side he could hear someone grunt from effort, a feminine voice them screamed in frustration before shouting at the woman that named themselves as Mother. "What do you mean 'Mother'? Do you not know who I am! Release me right this instant you cur!"
Then another voice above them, it yawned and sounded relaxed despite the circumstances. "Would you quiet down? I just got comfortable..."
"At least someone's enjoying themself," The person below him sighed, "What even is this thing made of?"
"The strongest alloy in all of the galaxy, currently unnamed and undiscovered by you people. Now, shall we begin the [Introduction] now that everyone's awake?" Mother chuckled.
"What introduction? I have places to be, people to talk to you know! I am a very busy girl, and I will not have some psycho hold me back!" The girl to his side shouted. From the sounds of things, she was struggling quite fiercely.
"Ignore her… let's get this over with, the sooner you're done the better, right?" The one above said.
"Yes~ Someone gets it! Now then, to start things off I shall inform you of some grave news…" Mother's tone went from jovial to serious, "You are no longer in the world you call home, this is what we call the [Starting Space] where all you need to know will be given."
...He swore he just heard the one below him squeal.
"Ha~?! What are you talking about hag!" The girl shouted, before shouting a shrill scream. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I won't call you a hag again sopleasegetthisspideroffme!"
Mother huffed, and snapped her fingers. "Such an unpleasant guest you are, I would rid you should I have the choice but unfortunately that is out of my authority."
"Does that mean there's someone above all this? Is he the one that brought us here?" The young man asked.
"Why yes! Unfortunately it is not time for you all to know their name yet," She coughed, "With the distractions out of the way, let us start!"
A black box with red text appeared in front of him. It was a curious thing, the display reminded him of those video games his little sister used to play. She called it an RPG Status Page, unfortunately this older brother wasn't able to find the time to play with her in one of those MMOs cause of his job so his info was limited… wait, this isn't time to remember her. What is this?!
[Tia Schnieden]
(LvL:1)
Status: Normal
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Title: Player 4
HP: 450/450
MP: 1000/1000
STR: 20
AGL: 17
DEX: 15
END: 30
INT: 20
WIS: 20
LCK: 30
Points: 0
Skills:
[Death's Beloved]
"This is so cool!" The one below Tia shouted, he couldn't see what he was so excited about but it probably has something to do with this… the blessings concerned him but they probably aren't that important. He then began to rant, but Tia could only tune him out. Or maybe he should listen? He was lacking info... maybe later.
"W-While I wouldn't call this 'cool' per se, I will admit to this being impressive." The girl said, a hint of amazement in her voice. "This is what they call, Virtual Reality, is it not?"
She seemed to have calmed down a ton.
Spiders were effective.
"Uhm, I want to ask about this…" The one above asked, all trace of drowsiness gone.
"This is our blessing to you four, the [Gamer] System. To put it in terms you understand, all of you will now be living you life as if it was a game! Though keep in mind there's no resurrection if you die."
"Now to not waste time, let me explain your role." Our binds were removed and something pulled us up to our feet. Finally able to look around, we all observed each other. Tia didn't find anyone he recognized.
The girl had black hair and purple eyes, she brushed the expensive looking one piece dress that made her look like she belonged in the upper echelons. She was gifted, that was for sure. She held an annoyed expression on her face as her display floated in front of her.
It was white unlike his black. The text were hidden, so there was no point in looking any longer.
The one that was below looked younger than Tia. He estimated his age to be a year or two younger than him. He had blonde hair and green eyes, an excited shine in his eyes as he looked to be barely holding himself back. He wore a middle school uniform. His display was colored purple, and much like the girl there was nothing written.
The last one was a bit older, someone in his early twenties maybe? He was wearing a trench coat and had a shady appearance. There was something in his eyes that made Tia feel off. The black haired man chuckled and smiled as him as he waved. His display was green. Tia felt like he couldn't trust this man.
...Speaking of appearances, he should look at himself to see if something was different.
Due to an unfortunate incident in his youth his once black hair had partially turned white, leaving only some patches of black in them. His eyes were colored amber and for clothes he wore some random black shirt and jeans. The plainest appearance among those that were kidnapped, he felt a bit depressed about that.
"Attention everyone~ The introduction isn't over until I say it is!" Mother clapped her hands and demanded our attention, the girl seemingly more rigid than before while the kid couldn't keep his excitement in control.
Only Tia and the older man kept their cool.
The thing in front of them was a hologram showing a continent. It was small compared to the ones in their homeland but something was odd about it, it seemed to… was it expanding? The newer grounds weren't the same green as the continent however.
It was a bright, bloody red. It didn't just extend from one part however, it expanded all around the continent. Slowly growing as more cracks appeared in reality which then spawned the lands once shattered. It was an interesting way to develop land. Already it was larger than the main Continent.
"What you see before you is the land of Gamindustri, and as some of you can see it is expanding… however, what it is expanding into is a problem." The image zoomed in. They could see something moving on the red lands along with someone flying, fighting them. It was more of a picture than a video. The one shown fighting was a woman with white hair and wore a tight suit, she was crossing blades with an eldritch creature with four arms and three heads.
'Ashura,' He reminded himself
"Something happened on the other side, and instead of a single being leading the force, there are four. However luck is on our side. The four do not work together, and prefer to conquer the Continent from different angles."
"The four nations struggle to beat them back." Mother waved her arm and dismissed the hologram, she smiled as she turned to face us. "That is where you four come in, by the authority granted to me by the great one. I have called souls from the worlds beyond to aid us."
She tapped her foot and four doors of white, purple, black and green rose from the ground. The [Players] looked at each other, the girl was scowling but she showed no signs of abandoning them. There was no need to look at the others, as he could hear the older man's footsteps going towards the green door.
The youngest of them all ran towards the purple door full sprint. His face split by the grin on his face. However before they could go any further they were pulled back by the irate Mother.
"Hold your horses! While I'm glad you're so eager to help, trust me I am, there's still one last thing I must have you do!" She dropped her arm and a short list of words dropped in front of them. On the very top of the list said, [Granted Skills], so they could consider it a gift.
[Taming] Rank C Skill.
[Contracted Being Growth] Rank B Skill.
[Summoning] Rank E Skill.
[Magic Affinity] Rank C Skill.
[Magic Potency] Rank D Skill.
[Divine Oracle] Rank A Skill.
[Inferior All Element Affinity] Rank F Skill.
Those things popped into the [Skills] section of his status page.
"That is all, I will now leave you four. This meeting of ours has drained me of my power, and thus I am afraid this is the last time we shall ever meet." Yellow motes of light began to rise from her body.
"I urge you to hurry, this space will not last without my support."
Tia offered a small prayer as thanks for the help she's given them, and included some exasperation at the fact they practically kidnapped them. He looked around and saw the others already going towards their respective gates. Since there was no way to go back, and if they trusted this 'Mother' then the space they were in would soon crumble. They had no choice but to enter the gate.
...However, something was bugging him.
Ah, right.
Just before they could reach their gate, Tia shouted to get their attention. Even if it was against their will, they should still be able to work together, knowing each other's names would be a good step in that. "We'll be probably be working together when we cross this gate, so I'll save us the trouble and introduce myself! I am Tia Schnieden! Player 4!"
The girl scoffed, "You peasants should consider yourself blessed to be called comrades by one such as I, this one's name is Alice. Alice Muramasa. As much as it vexes me, I am Player 2."
The kid grinned, practically bouncing on his spot. "Lucas Pendragon! Nice to meetcha! I'm Player 1!"
The old man yawned, then chuckled, "You kids get along now, ease up on this uncle's worries. As for my name, you can call me Oroshi. As the only one left, you can guess I'm Player 3."
Tia nodded, turning to face the gate as the space behind them crumbled into darkness. The others have already entered once Oroshi introduced himself, leaving him alone. He hesitated for a moment, before pushing it open.
[Player 4 has joined the Server]
...It was cold.
When he got out of the gate, the first thing that created him was the ceiling collapsing above him for no reason. Maybe it was the old age of the building? Or maybe it was something else entirely. Tia couldn't care less. He was buried under a pile of rubbed and through great effort did he manage to get out. He had survived the experience but damn did it hurt.
[New skill acquired!]
[Physical Durability (LvL:1) (1/1000)
-0.5% Physical Damage gained]
"Appreciate… the small mercies," Tia grumbled to himself as he looked around. The room he was in was covered in moss but he could see some faded paint, white in color. There was a seat and a bed off to the side.
Maybe he was in an abandoned house?
Questions for later.
Tia took a seat and opened his menu. He couldn't check them out earlier because of the urgency, but not that he has the chance it would be best to check out those new skills given to him. Information was the greatest weapon, with this he could know what he was capable of.
[Tia Schnieden]
(LvL:1)
Status: Normal
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Title: Player 4
HP: 450/450
MP: 1200/1200
STR: 20
AGL: 17
DEX: 15
END: 30
INT: 20
WIS: 20
LCK: 30
Points: 0
Skills:
[Taming] (LvL 1/10)
[Tamed Monster Growth] (LvL 1/10)
[Summoning] (LvL 1/10)
[Magic Affinity] (LvL 1/30)
[Magic Potency] (LvL 1/50)
[Divine Oracle] (LvL 1/100)
[Inferior All Element Affinity] (LvL 1/100)
[Death's Beloved]
[Physical Durability] (LvL 1/50)
The first skill he decided to check out was Taming, by the name alone it sounded like something that would help lessen the burden.
[Taming (LvL: 1/10) (1/1000)
The ability to befriend or pacify a monster. Once tamed they will serve under the [Familiar] contract and serve the Player until their death. They have their ego and life, and thus care must be cared for.
Monster 50 lvls higher than player cannot be tamed
Chance for target monster to be tamed: 10%
Current Monster under contract: 0
Cost 50 MP per minute of taming]
As expected. It sounded like a nice ability at first, but the main issue was finding the opportunity to cast it and the right monster to cast it on. At least when it happens he wouldn't be lonely. When he gets out of this room, maybe he should use it on something easy first?
The 10% success rate was disappointing but he was confident in his luck!
Next skill.
[Contracted Being Growth (LvL: 1/10)
20% effectiveness when raising a Contracted Being
20% closeness with Contracted Being
50% additional EXP gained by Contracted Being
Requirement for evolution.]
This was a lucky draw. It was made to work with the Taming Skill. Another thing he wanted to look into was Monster Evolution, does it mean what it says or was it something else? Since evolution was a thing…
In any case, he'll cross that bridge when the time comes. Onwards to the other skills!
[Summoning (LvL 1/10)
The ability to summon a lesser spirit of an element. The number of contracted spirits will count under the [Familiar] contract and like monster, may evolve once raised properly. They will aid the Player when casting magic.
Elemental Spirits available to be contracted: Beginner Elements: Fire, Wind, Water, Earth.
Contracted Spirit: 0
MP cost 500 per spirit
MP cost 100 per summon]
[Warning! Player 4 may only summon 1 spirit for the time being.]
...Was he going to be the type to never do things on his own? That sort of made him a bit depressed…
[Magic Affinity (LvL 1/30)
10% increased efficiency in magic
10% increased EXP in [Magic] related skills
20% increased mana pool
20% increased magic damage
20% increased magic resistance
5% reduced mana cost
20% increased magic regeneration]
This skill was a great asset. With Taming and Summoning, it looked like he would be taking the rear when in battle. Supporting the frontlines with a bombardment of spells, that sounded rather nice.
[Magic Potency (LvL 1/50)
20% increased EXP in [Magic] related skills
20% increased magic damage
20% increased magic resistance]
It's basically a slightly less useful Magic Affinity, but it was still useful in its own right. From what his sister said, EXP was extremely valuable in any game… so having a passive 40% increase in anything under [Magic] was delicious.
[Divine Oracle (1/100)
The ability to understand objects, beings, magic, skills and stats.
{Effect cracked}
{Effect Locked}
{Effect Locked}
Effectiveness rise with level.]
...An extremely useful skill right there. Information was the strongest weapon one could wield.
[Inferior All Element Affinity (1/100)
1/10 the time needed to learn a new magic, rises with level.]
Another extremely useful skill… at least when it raised… He sincerely hoped skills evolved. Tia hummed to himself, Mother was extremely giving or so it seemed. Physical Durability was already seen. As he was about to close it, something else caught his eye.
[Death's Beloved (Trait)
1000% increased efficiency in the [Dark] Arts and Magic
1000% increased damage in the [Dark] Arts and Magic
1000% increased intimacy with [Forces of Darkness]
1000% increased intimacy with [Undead]
1000% increased EXP gained with [Undead] Familiars
Doubled stats gained upon taming[Undead] Familiars
1000% intimacy with the [Goddess of Death Ereshkigal]
What an overpowered trait… Tia closed the status page and stretched. He opened and closed his fist, and frowned. He didn't spawn with a weapon. The young man looked around and his eyes brightened.
[Weapon Acquired: Rusted, Twisted Iron Bar
ATK 10
Durability 20/50
Requirement: STR 5, AGL 5, DEX 10, END 10, INT 5, WIS 5]
"This'll do… now, its time to get out of here." He should look for an undead. Maybe a skeleton or two? Or maybe a ghoul would work! But how does he even initiate the taming process? Divine Oracle, help.
[Divine Oracle: Inject one's magic into the targeted monster. Chances when taming a non-undead creature 10/100% Chances when taming a [Undead] monster 100%]
'As expected I guess, wished it was a bit more complicated but simple is fine too.' Tia looked around; the area was starting to look more like an abandoned hospital than a house. For some reason something was sending tremors up his spine.
Was he getting spooked by the atmosphere? That was uncool.
His ears perked. He just heard something.
A groan, a low, throaty groan. That could either mean a person or a monster. Tia was leaning towards the latter as he made his way towards the noise. He was cautious when he peeked around the corner.
His eyes widened.
Around the corner was a woman that held more injuries than any human could take and was crouched down on a corpse. At first glance it looked like she was crying, but closer inspections said otherwise.
[Zombie
A race of undead that were among the weakest. Due to their human-esque capabilities and zero intellect they are used as cannon fodder more than anything. Being bitten by one will result in being turned into a zombie. With this ability they were also used in wiping out villages]
Tia calmed himself down. There was no use being terrified here, he agreed to help Gamindustri and if something like this brought him then. Then how could he ever look at the others in the face? While unnerving, Tia found himself gradually calming down.
Before long he wondered if the terror before even happened.
Tia peeked from the corner. 'Divine Oracle, examine'
[Zombie]
(LvL 10)
Status: Undead
Gender: Female
Race: Zombie
Title: N/A
HP: 375/375
MP: N/A
STR: 40
AGL: 20
DEX: 5
END: 25
INT: 5
WIS: 0
LCK: 0
The description wasn't wrong… it was weak for a lvl 10 Monster. He could take it, Tia felt confidence build up in him as he stepped out into the open. He took another breath before reaching down.
He grabbed a pebble and threw it. The zombie's face snapped to face him and with a growl it stood up. Its front was bloodied, and Tia could feel the fear coming back but he held it down.
[0 DMG]
Magic Affinity and Magic Potency helped him get a feel for magic. So when the time comes, he won't have to waste time looking for it. The zombie was coming closer and his knees were beginning to shake.
When it was within arms reach. Tia stuck his leg out and sent it on the floor. Its skull thumped against the ground and he was all too eager to push its rotting face into the ground. It groaned and growled.
Red light surged from his arms, highlighting his nerves.
It flowed from his fingers into the zombie lady's head.
[Beginning Taming: Time till completion: 10 minutes]
Tia grits his teeth. It was struggling badly, and it was only getting harder and harder. When mana comes out from one's body it leaves behind a sense of tiredness apparently. Which mean a constant state of concentration was needed. The 10 minutes felt like an hour, but it was over.
The zombie wasn't making a sound nor was it struggling, cautiously, Tia removed his arm and jumped back. It twitched, slowly standing up. The young man gulped, 'Divine Oracle, examine.'
[Zombie]
(LvL 10/16)
Status: Tamed
Master: Tia Schnieden
Gender: Female
Race: Zombie
Title: N/A
HP: 750/750
MP: N/A
STR: 80
AGL: 40
DEX: 10
END: 50
INT: 10
WIS: 0
LCK: 0
Skill: N/A
Current Order: None/Standy.
Its stats really doubled. Tia looked at it in amazement. The young man looked at its decomposed and rotting face before shivering; she must've been a beautiful woman before she became a zombie.
Now she was hideous, but that was to be expected.
"I guess I should [Name] you then… hm, what would be a good name for a zombie…?" Tia paced in front of it, before glancing at its chest where a name plate can be seen. He sighed, "I forgot you used to be alive… well, can't be helped then."
"I hereby name you, Layla." The zombie groaned in what appeared to be a pleasant manner. Tia grinned, his former fear vanishing. "We'll be working together now, so let's both pull our weight, alright?"
Well, that was convenient.
The corpse had nothing to loot; other than its clothes and some pocket change. Nothing to note. There wasn't a weapon for him to use either. While he frowned while he looted the corpse, he was frightened by the fact he didn't mind it.
Since he contracted her, Lillian became silent, so it couldn't have been her. When he looked across the hall it was to find another zombie. This one was a man with a bit of muscle on him. His left arm was almost torn. 'Divine Oracle, examine.'
[Zombie]
(LvL 15)
Status: Undead
Gender: Male
Race: Zombie
Title: N/A
HP: 600/600
MP: N/A
STR: 60
AGL: 30
DEX: 10
END: 40
INT: 3
WIS: 0
LCK: 0
This was a good opportunity. Tia stood up from examining the corpse and faced the shambling zombie; he glanced at Layla and found her almost snarling at it. "Layla, Attack."
Her eyes flashed red.
While still a bit slow, Layla moved towards the shambling zombie with a snarl. Tia felt a bit depressed, he called it slow but it was still faster than his meager 17 AGL. He shook his head. It was time to observe.
Its size was its downfall; while large it couldn't make use of the size due to the narrow hallways of the hospital. Layla on the other hand was small enough to maneuver undisturbed… as well as a zombie can maneuver at least.
She tore off his left arm [25 DMG] and followed through the momentum to smack it with its own arm [20 DMG]. She struck it on the head, but it didn't stagger or even look affected.
The larger zombie reared back with its good arm and slammed it on the ground, letting out a guttural and deafening roar. It was silent for a moment, nothing more than the sound of rotten flesh hitting flesh. Until they came.
The horde.
Tia berated himself for letting this happen. He should've known there was no way they could fight without drawing attention. Zombies were sensitive to sound, or so he remembered. So that roar was a call for help.
A zombie alone hardly posed a threat, but a horde? A horde could bring down a city.
And right now, that horde was coming for them.
They needed to kill this thing, quick.
With a quick glance at his remaining mana, Tia grunted and began to chant. This would drain him, but at this point there had no choice. A brown summoning circle appeared before him, illuminating the hospital with its glow.
The element he chose for his first summon was an Earth Elemental, for their defensive capabilities and ability to immobilize an enemy. Perfect for the slow walking Layla. Fire would indeed be more useful in a fight, but it wasn't optimal in this scenario.
It was best to hold them back enough for Layla to take down the zombie.
Tia waited with baited breathe, the Earth Spirit that would drastically improve their chances of survival was coming, and he was only too eager to accept them… when it emerged. The young man has never been more disappointed in his whole life.
It was tiny! Enough to fit in his palm. It was shaped as a brightly glowing ball with two ethereal wings flapping behind it. Tia idly prompted Divine Oracle to examine its capabilities.
[Inferior Earth Spirit]
(LvL 1/8)
Status: Normal
Master: Tia Schnieden
Gender: N/A
Race: Inferior Earth Spirit
HP: 75/75
MP: 3000/3000
STR: 10
AGL: 30
DEX: 30
END: 5
INT: 60
WIS: 60
LCK: 20
Skills:
[Inferior Earth Affinity: LvL 50/100
[Inferior Stone Blast] : LvL 60/100
[Inferior Stone Wall] : LvL 30/100
[Inferior Earth Manipulation] : 20/100
At the very least. It had the skill that they needed the most. While holding back his disappointment Tia ordered it to block off the two paths that were the nosiest. The path he came from, and the path behind them. Which left the only open path was through the zombie.
The walls that rose from the ground. They were brittle, even by his standards. Maybe something with 10 STR could break it. But what if they put them one after another? They may be brittle but they were numerous.
The Inferior Earth Spirit's MP fell into the 1000s before Tia called it off. He was surprised that its skills rose so much.
[Inferior Stone Wall has leveled up!] x 40
[Inferior Earth Affinity has leveled up!] x 40
[Inferior Earth Manipulation has leveled up!] x40
It should hold them back for a couple minutes. The enemy zombie was on its last legs, Layla holding down its arm as she tore into it. Damaging it by 10 with every bite. Eventually, the right arm was torn off and with it the final embers of its life.
[Contracted Being [Layla] has leveled up!]
Idly, Tia glanced at the requirement for him.
(LvL 1) (60/100)
It looked like he gained some EXP for taming Layla. He would've tried to tame the beaten zombie, but with it being armless and well, dead. He didn't know if he could or wanted to anymore.
It was the sound of a dull thud that brought him back to reality. The horde was on their tail. "Inferior Earth Spirit, we're moving!"
The ball bobbed up and down and followed him as he ran, grabbing Layla as he passed her. She was beginning to slow them down when she refused to run. Or was she incapable? Regardless, Tia scooped her into his arms and began to sprint.
It confused him a bit when he remembered her higher AGL stat, and yet he incapability to run made that number moot. He glanced in front of him, and began to ask the Divine Oracle, 'Divine Oracle, Map and Enemy Detection.'
[Osbourne Hospital Dungeon 3ft Floor]
[Total enemy count: 998]
The third floor? How unfortunate… if he was in the first floor then he could've made a run for it. But now that wasn't even an option, still he held on hope. With a unexpectant heart he asked the Divine Oracle is exit was possible.
[Processing Question. Answer: Exit is impossible. To exit a dungeon one must kill the boss on the last floor (6th floor) or use a [Feather of Escape]
"That much… I don't know how long I can last without food and stuff, but I guess there's no other choice." He listened to the groans around him, he needed to wait for things to calm down first. Behind them he heard the walls the Inferior Earth Spirit make crumble.
The groans became three times louder. Tia picked up the pace and spotted a room with the door ajar. It was risky, but it was better than making more noise as they ran. The young man braced himself and slammed the door open, both cursing and thanking his luck.
[Zombie]
(LvL 19)
[HP: 10/900]
It was just one zombie. It was heavily injured at that. One good hit would do it in. The reason for why it got to such low health was obvious. It was trapped under a pile of rubble and was scratching at the ground.
It didn't even budge.
It was immobile and incapable of fighting back. They could've left it but that would not only be a waste, but also be completely stupid as it was so noisy. It would've led the others straight at them.
I gave the task to Layla, the female zombie staggering once it stood on its own again before moving towards the trapped zombie. Its arm scratched her skin and tore into it, but Layla wasn't having any of that.
She held down its head and arm before straddling its back. The contracted zombie leaned down and with a wet crunch, ended its life. She raised her body and stared back at Tia, one would consider her terrifying with the blood red eyes and black hair with a face that was half rotten.
With one last screech, the trapped zombie lived no more.
[Contracted Being [Layla] has leveled up!]
He wondered what would happen if they hit the limit.
Maybe he should drag a zombie inside and kill it as quickly and as silently as he can. There was an insta-kill method he wanted to take. It always worked in movies, so maybe it'll work here too? For now he shouldn't do it since there was just so many outside.
As he was about to look outside, a notice popped up. Idly glancing at it Tia sighed and palmed his face.
[Enemies slayed or defeated by Contracted Beings without direct participation of Master will have the initial EXP gained reduced by 50%]
"Seriously? That sucks… no changing what already happened I guess. I'll just have to join in battle next time." Tia collapsed against the wall after peeking outside. There was a literal sea of zombies out there. They were lucky when they found this room.
This room would serve as their temporary base as they try to get stronger. The main priority would be Layla since his trait would make her stronger very easily and quickly. But he won't neglect the Inferior Earth Spirit or himself.
The familiar was only as strong as its master.
Tia grumbled to himself. Mother was sadistic, or maybe careless would be more kind? She dropped him into this dungeon with no weapon in sight or armor. His skills might've been useful, but without any offensive skill it was impossible to make use of them.
[Death's Beloved] was incredibly useful. Not only would it guarantee an Undead tame it would also make raising them a piece of cake. But, the effect it has on the other fields can't be used. Not yet at least.
Tia wondered if it was possible for his Divine Oracle skill to teach him a skill? He just asked it to alleviate the boredom he was feeling, but he didn't expect it to actually work.
'Divine Oracle, teach me [Dark] element spell.'
[Answer: It is possible for [Divine Oracle] teach the beginner [Dark] Element Spell, Dark Bullet to Player 4. Would you like to learn this skill? {Y/N} ]
He would've question if this was fair. For a skill to teach him another skill… it shouldn't happen, and yet by the black box in front of him it just did. Tia smiled awkwardly, and just tried to accept it. It would help him survive. So there was no reason to deny it.
[Divine Oracle has leveled up]
[Cooldown before Divine Oracle can teach another skill: 1 month]
[Dark Bullet (LvL 1/30)
20INTSkillsTraits=DMG
The most basic [Dark Element] spell.
Cost: 200 MP]
[New Skill Acquired]
[Inferior Dark Affinity (LvL 1/100)
The lowest rank of affinity, capable of evolution when practiced over time. The starting affinity for all living beings.]
Tia stood up and poked out a finger through a hole in the wall. It was small, barely noticeable by the zombies outside. Black energy from the surroundings and red energy from his body seemed to meld together to form a sloppy but condensed ball of magic
He was aiming at the farthest zombie in case it was so weak that it just caught their attention. Or so that was the intention, but fate said otherwise as it fell short, striking another zombie. Tia had his eyes widened when it rapidly expanded and swallowed the zombie.
The swirling mass of darkness writhed and disturbed the horde but soon dissipated. It was safe to say that he underestimated this skill. It's base damage was 20, and the average HP of a zombie was around 400500.
He didn't expect it to wipe one out in a single hit.
[608 DMG]
[Tia has leveled up]
[Contracted Being [Layla] has leveled up!]
[Contracted Being [Inferior Earth Spirit] has leveled up!]
[Inferior Dark Affinity has leveled up]
[Dark Bullet has leveled up]
[Inferior All Element Affinity has leveled up]
...Thank you, [Death's Beloved].
[LvL UP]
HP: 480/480
MP: 424/1320
STR: 22
AGL: 19
DEX: 17
END: 32
INT: 22
WIS: 22
LCK: 32
Unused Points: 5
Each of his stats was raised by 2. His sister said that they could only rise by ones, but maybe the logic in this was different. Tia shrugged and began thinking of a plan of attack. Layla would get stronger if he killed them from a distance.
It didn't take long to charge, nor did it take a lot to make.
But… the horde was disturbed. They were banging on everything and if he fired another one he was sure they would find this room and overwhelm them. He can't rapid fire them yet. So while unfortunate, he would have to deny this opportunity to level up.
[New Quest]
[Initiation]
The being known to you as Mother has dropped you into a dungeon full of monsters as an initiation. Kill the boss that inhabits the top floor and the trial will be complete.
Objective: Kill the boss that inhabits the final floor.
Failure: Death.
Reward: 1000 EXP/New Skill/50 Stat Points/Lucky Box]
[Y/N]
Tia scoffed. So it was a trial.
The end goal was the same as the one he just decided on, so there was no reason to refuse. Idly the young man wondered how the others were doing. They must have gotten something like he did.
"DIE!" Alice took a step forward and spread her arms, around her blue spears with intricate designs formed and launched themselves at the cockroach. Piercing through its defense and killing it in one blow.
[Alice has leveled up!]
"Ugh! This is so not worth the levels! Let me out of this stupid bug dungeon already, you dumb hag!"
"This is so much fun!" Lucas laughed as he blurred past a humanoid lizard, which was soon sliced in half. The ethereal blade that covered his arm hummed with every move and sliced better than any sword ever could.
[Lucas has leveled up!]
"Man, I wonder how strong the boss will be. Our fight is gonna be awesome!"
"Can't you give this old man a break? You'll only hurt yourself you know…" Oroshi sighed as he let the harpy sailing above him do its business. It was bloodied; cuts littered its body as it struggled to stay afloat.
It screeched one last time before swooping down. It looked like its aim was his head. Oroshi sighed; a pale yellow glow shrouded his body moments before the harpy attacked. Its felt its talons sink into soft flesh, only to gasp and writhe on the ground. Its eyes bleeding.
Oroshi crouched. "I told you~ but you didn't listen…"
[Oroshi has leveled up!]
"Hm, I want to take a nap…"
AN: The EXP boost from Contracted Being Growth and Death's Beloved do not stack as Contracted Being Growth is a skill while Death's Beloved is a trait.
[Tia Schnieden] (LvL:2)
Status: Normal
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Title: Player 4
HP: 480/480
MP:1320/1320
STR: 22
AGL: 19
DEX: 17
END: 32
INT: 22
WIS: 22
LCK: 32
Unused points: 5
[Contracted Being Growth (LvL: 1/10)
[Taming (LvL: 1/10) (1/1000)
[Summoning (LvL 1/10)
[Magic Affinity (LvL 1/30)
[Magic Potency (LvL 1/50)
[Divine Oracle (2/100)
[Inferior All Element Affinity (2/100)
[Death's Beloved (Trait)
[Dark Bullet (LvL 2/30)
[Inferior Dark Affinity (LvL 5/100)
[Layla]
(LvL 13/16)
Status: Tamed
Master: Tia Schnieden
Gender: Female
Race: Zombie
Title: N/A
HP: 840/840
MP: 300/300
STR: 86
AGL: 46
DEX: 16
END: 56
INT: 13
WIS: 6
LCK: 6
Skill: N/A