Disclaimer: I own nothing; just the OC
'Thought'
"Talking"
*Action*
"Powerful entity (gods, dragons, etc.)"
[System]
I slowly open my eyes, only to be met by an unfamiliar ceiling and the sensation of a different mattress. I exit the bed and blankly look around to see that I'm in some sort of empty room with no windows, doors, or even any furniture. "Where the hell am I?"
I look down to see that I was wearing a grey t-shirt and black shorts… exactly what I was wearing when I went to bed.
This is just weird. Did someone kidnap me in my sleep?
Okay, okay think back. I just got my copy of Bravely Default 2 in the mail and quickly started playing. Then I had dinner and continued playing. After calling it a day, I brushed my teeth and went to bed. Yeah, that makes sense.
I looked around to try to find an exit, I checked the walls for some sort of hidden door but I got nowhere and there were no windows so I don't even know where I am!
'This is wrong...'
I start to panic and furiously bang the walls, there has to be someone out there!
"Let me out!" I yelled. "Let me out of here!"
I kept banging the walls but there was no answer, my only reply were the echoes caused by my voice.
It's been hours since I woke up here...
At least... I think its been hours, could be days or weeks for all I know.
I've just been walking around, with these white walls as my company.
My parents must be worried, waking up to find their "baby boy" not in bed. I can forget about going to work, not that I care. That manager of mine has it out for me, staring at me every chance they got. If it wasn't for the pandemic and my bad luck in job hunting, I would have quit a long time ago. I haven't had much contact with my friends since the pandemic started. I don't even know if they still live in the city.
But I miss them… I miss them all a lot.
I collapse on the floor and break down. Is this it? Am I going to be trapped here forever?
[Congratulations! You have been chosen as a game tester!]
"...!" I flinched at the sudden appearance of a screen and a voice.
Wait a minute... maybe they can help me!
"Hello? Can you help me!?"
[Sure! Anything for my user]
User? What the hell does that mean? "Look, I'm stuck in this room and I need to find a way out!"
[I'm afraid I can't help you with that]
"What!? Why!?" I cried.
[Because you have been chosen]
Again with the "chosen" crap. "And what, if I may, have I been 'chosen' for?"
[To play the game, of course]
My eye twitches as my face turns red with rage. "IS THIS SOME KIND OF SICK FUCKING JOKE!?"
[Language!]
"Oh fuck you! 'To play the game' what kind of bullshit is that!?" I exclaimed. "I have been stuck here for who knows how long only for some disembodied voice to tell me that I'm part some of crazy game!? What is this, the World Ends with You or something!?"
[Look, if you can calm down I'll explain]
I took a deep breath and glare at the screen. "You got 5 seconds."
[Well, for starters, you died]
"... what?" Okay, I was not expecting that.
[You died in your sleep, didn't even feel it. Right now, your body is being taken to the hospital but it's already too late]
"I'm… dead…" The words repeat in my head over and over. I can't be dead. I… there was still so much I wanted to do. So much more…
"He… hehehe…"
I can't breathe...
My vision falters... I'm feeling nausea...
I desperately hold the desire to scream out "you're lying!"
…I can't believe this.
[Hey, hey! Don't break down on me!]
I wasn't listening, there was no way I was dead. I'm right here after all. This has to be a dream - a nightmare - it has to! I reach for my cheek and pinch it with all my might.
God, this hurts!
But instead of waking up in my room, I am still here. "Fuck..."
[Are you finished?]
Again, I ignore the voice. I want to deny it, deny everything that is going on here. But a part of me says that this is all real and that I should try to find some answers.
[It's okay, your reaction is perfectly normal. The others before you weren't exactly thrilled either, though there were some that didn't seem to care that they've died; they were freaky]
I perked up at that statement. Others? There were others before me? This has happened before?
"So... what are you exactly?" I asked hesitantly.
[Have you heard of the "Gamer System"?]
"Yeah... it basically turns the entire world into an RPG where the MC gets all these broken skills and abilities." It was a crude summary but I think it covered the term just fine.
[True, but you are being given a somewhat different]
"Wait, I'm getting a Gamer System?" I asked bewildered. "But those only exist in light novels and, well… video games."
[Sorry to burst your bubble but that could be further from the truth. The Gamer System exists and hundreds of people like you have been using it to make their dreams a reality; whether that's good or bad]
"What is it then?"
[It's called the X(Cross) System, a prototype beta of the system that's still being tested. It works the same as the normal Gamer System but with a few extra benefits but with some downsides]
Okay that doesn't sound good. "What are the downsides?"
[The most obvious is that there is no Class system. As a result of this, you essentially become a Jack-of-all-Trades; having lots of skills and abilities but have only mastered a few of them. It somewhat makes you a glass cannon as you don't gain any status buffs outright like you would if you had a Job. Additionally since this is just a prototype, there will be a lot of issues that may impend your progress so keep that in mind]
I mentally sigh at the statement. Of course there would be bugs. It wasn't common for betas not to have bugs before the full game comes out, sometimes the full game will be worse than the beta version. "So what kind of issues will I be expecting?"
[I am not sure, but I can assure you that they will not have any lasting impacts on your journey. Here, let me get you started]
Quest Alert!
Quest: Tutorial
Pretty self explanatory, right?
Objective 1: Open Status Menu
Objective 2: Open Inventory
(Hidden)
Rewards: 100 EXP, Gamer Skills unlock, (Hidden)
"So I'm guessing we're starting the tutorial." I surmised.
[Yep, now to open your menu simply say or think "Status"]
That should be easy enough. "Status."
Immediately a long screen appears in front of me with information.
Name: ?
Tittle: The Gamer
Race: ?
Alignment: True Neutral
Level: 1
HP: 100
MP: 100
SP: 100
VIT: 10
STR: 10
END: 10
DEX: 10
AGI: 10
INT: 10
WIS: 10
MAG: 10
LUK: 30
CHA: 10
Money: 0
I am completely in shock, this is real! This is an actual status screen! A REAL status screen! As I read through the numbers, I noticed that the luck stat is three times higher than the rest.
[As a consolation for participating in your first quest, you will get one random bonus perk]
A bonus perk? It sounds risky but I don't have much to wage over, might as well take my chances.
Perk gained [Regenerator]!
[Regenerator]
You will regain HP, MP, SP every minute.
Damn that is a good perk. The trait basically makes me immortal in a way since any damage I get will be healed instantly.
[There will be more benefits as you progress but let's not worry about those for now]
A bit broken, but I'm not going to complain.
Wait a minute...
"Why doesn't it say my name? Or my race for that matter?"
[Due to how the system is set up, all users must register under a different name. Should you use your original name you will enter "Nightmare Mode" where your life will be hell]
Yeah, definitely not going with that. "So I can pick any name I want?"
[Yes why? Do you already have a name in mind?]
"I think I'll go with… Asmodeus."
[Are you sure? Because once you accept there's no going back]
I nod. While I have nothing against my parents, I never liked the name they gave me. People would have a very hard time pronouncing it and it is just so annoying having to correct them every time.
[Alright. You should probably finish the quest]
"Open Inventory."
Another screen appears next to the old one, where it shows nothing except for two icons that represented the clothes that I'm wearing right now. I'm not surprised really. In every RPG, the player almost never has anything stored in their inventory with the exception of potions and their starter equipment.
Okay… that was a bit out of nowhere.
Quest Complete!
Quest: Tutorial
Requirements: Complete Tutorial
Objective 1 (Complete): Open Status Menu
Objective 2 (Complete): Open Inventory
Hidden Objective: Pick a name for yourself
Rewards: 100 EXP, Gamer Skills unlock, Hidden: Legendary Gacha Token
Level up!
[Gamer's Body LVL. MAX (Passive)]
Grant's a body that allows the user to live in the real world like a game.
Pain from damage does not last after a few seconds.
Sleeping restores HP, MP, SP and heals all temporary statues' effects.
[Gamer's Mind LVL. MAX (Passive)]
Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through in most circumstances.
Allows a peaceful state of mind.
Immunity to psychological and mental status effects.
[Perfect Adaptation LVL. MAX (Passive)]
Allows the user to learn abilities and techniques at a faster rate than normal.
Grants a body that can adapt to anything within reason.
Permanent resistance to all inflictions.
[Observe LVL. 1/100 (Active)]
Provides information on targets.
At level 100, you can see the stats of anything regardless of your current level as well as read their thoughts.
[Legendary Gacha Token] acquired!
So I've gained four new skills for finishing the tutorial and three of them are already maxed out. My "life" is really starting to look like a game.
[Now that that's done, there's still a few things you need to do before getting started]
"...what?"
[Your appearance for one. Don't misunderstand, your current look is nothing bad; average at most but you probably want to change some things about yourself]
I nod, deciding that maybe there's something I want to change. A window popped up with the silhouette of an adult male and got to work. After a few minutes, I closed the window satisfied with the change.
[Now all that's left is to choose the world you want to go. I've already assembled a list of universes for you to choose from]
Choose the Universe you want to go:
RWBY
Fight the Creatures of Grimm as you traverse the World of Remnant.
If selected, you will start somewhere in Anima a year before canon.
(Recommended for those who are playing the game for the first time)
Naruto
The Elemental Nations, a world where people can use chakra to do incredible feats.
If selected, you start out in the Hidden Leaf Village.
Bleach
A world where Shinigami protect the balance of life and death from those who do evil in the World of the Living.
If selected, you will start in Hueco Mundo a few years before cannon.
HighSchool DxD
A world where the supernatural still roam the modern world, where humans can use special artifacts known as "Sacred Gears".
If selected, you will start as a transfer student in Kuoh Academy where the Devils reside.
(Recommended for those who are playing the game for the first time)
Overlord
The Overlord of Death leads his followers to conquer the New World.
If selected, you will star in YGGDRASSIL.
Persona 5 Royal
Summon Personas to fight Shadows, improve Social Links, and become the Trickster that will save the world.
If selected, you will start as a second year transfer student in Shujin Academy alongside the protagonist.
Pokémon
Capture Pokémon to battle for you, collect gym badges and complete your Pokédex on this adventure.
If selected, you will be able to choose a region to start in.
(Recommended for those who are playing the game for the first time)
Borderlands
Fight to survive in the world of Pandora as a Vault Hunter.
If selected, you will start at a random part of the timeline.
Fate
Every 60 years, 7 Magi participate in a ritual called Heaven's Feel or as it is better known as the Holy Grail War where they summon heroes throughout the ages to obtain a single wish.
If selected, you will be able to choose which Holy Grail War to start in.
Evangelion
Second Impact has changed the world drastically and now, 15 years later, the world is at risk again as the Angels return.
If selected, you will start at the train station.
[As you progress, you will have access to more universes if you want to]
I blink a few times as I read the names of each universe. "Why are these all… fictional?"
[The multiverse is infinite with equally infinite possibilities. What one may consider fiction in one universe is real in the other. As long as you keep an open mind, you should be able to grasp these concepts. Besides, it wouldn't make sense if I sent you back to your old world. Especially since you died there]
"You don't need to remind me…" I groaned. I look at the list and begin to ponder who to choose.
RWBY. The world of Remnant is interesting, and the title characters even more so. If I go to this world, I will most definitely be dragged into Ozpin's little war with Salem and that's just the start. There are so many plot holes in the show, and Rooster Teeth can't seem to decide which idea to use and whatever exposition they have is never expanded upon in the show, but instead in the comics or in the books. Still, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to go.
Bleach. The earlier arcs were my favorites, but as the series went on you could see that the author was tired. Over the years, the art style has seen some drastic changes and while it may be seen as an improvement, it just looks like a lack of motivation and the author forcing himself to keep going. However, the idea of gaining a Zanpakutō is a bit tempting but then I'll have to deal with Aizen and the Quincy King later on and I don't exactly have a plan for either of them.
Naruto. It could be fun, going to the academy and meeting the cast. I always thought Ino was beautiful with Hinata being a close second. I could become Naruto's friend and boy does Naruto need friends at that time. Iruka was probably the closest thing Naruto had to a father/brother figure and Hinata was the one person who actually loves him. Plus, I kind of want to go and stick it to Orochimaru if I ever have the chance and make Sasuke stop being an edge lord.
HighSchool DxD. Another interesting world, with Sacred Gears and the high chance to get a harem of big-breasted beauties. I never hated Issei Hyuddou as a protagonist, but I always found him annoying and didn't seem to be bothered by how Rias basically put him in a situation where he had to become a Devil. Still having my own Sacred Gear would be fantastic, and if it's a Longinus that'll be even better.
Evangelion. A near post-apocalyptic world with humanity on the verge of extinction as the coming of the Angels draws near. It doesn't matter if you watched NGE or the Rebuild; it has so many psychological and issues that I can't begin to comprehend and manipulative sociopaths out to make everyone's lives miserable for the sake of selfishness.
Yeah... I'm going to stay away from this one.
Fate is also another world to attempt to get a harem, with most of the Servants having their genders flipped. Having access to Magecraft and Noble Phantasms would be just fantastic (and borderline broken). I wonder if the Gamer System counts as True Magic.
Overlord. The idea of a salaryman becoming essentially a god among mortals, the strongest existence ever known. It's only flaw is Ainz Ooal Gown, or rather Suzuki Satoru, the "player". The only reason why Nazarick became the superpower that it is in the New World is because Demiurge misunderstood every word he said. A bit silly and it always brought a smile to my face. Also Ainz can't truly speak his mind because his emotions are being suppressed due to his race as an undead. He has such a hard time speaking his mind because all of the denizens of Nazarick have him on such a high pedestal that he doesn't want to ruin their expectations of him; even when said expectations are eating away at him from the inside.
I wonder if I'll get the same problem with [Gamer's Mind].
Regardless, he is a great character and a "great" leader who cares deeply for those close to him but brutal and merciless when confronting his enemies.
I can agree with that mentality... to a certain degree, of course.
Persona 5. I've played the spin-offs and most of the main titles except P1 and P2. The adults are rotten to the core and their crimes must be brought to light. Having the power of the Wild Card would make the journey easier especially if I can become a Trickster and beating Yaldabaoth would definitely bring a smile to my face.
Borderlands. The planet of Pandora is probably the most random, insane, rotten, and fun place in the multiverse. Don't get me wrong, I know how messed up it is to think like this, but in Pandora morals (and sanity) are shredded, eaten, shat out, and shredded again. It is a perpetual cycle that anyone can easily get stuck in, but hey at least there's a bright side to all of it… I guess.
Pokémon. Easiest world I can imagine. Getting Pokémon to fight my battles for me sounds wonderful. Plus, they are just so damn adorable! At least while I'm in that world, if i tried to take any Pokémon with me, they'll stand out like a sore thumb and it'll draw even more attention if these other worlds also have Pokémon games. I don't want to be part of any sort of controversy so I guess that's out.
[Have you chosen the universe you want to go yet?]
"..." All these are good choices but they all have their drawbacks. For one, it has been a long time since I've tackled any of these so my knowledge on them is… outdated. The one I'm caught up with the most is RWBY, with Fate being the second, then Bleach, Overlord, and Persona. Honestly, sometimes I get annoyed by the reason for why Remnant is a psychological mess and a chess metaphor. Salem wants revenge against the gods while destroying everything her ex-husband worked for. Ozpin wants to preserve humanity by prolonging the war and keep Salem in check, never noticing what goes on in the shadows.
But I have something in mind...
"I choose RWBY." I said.
[Very well. Now normally you would get to choose your own race, but the system rules state that only Returnees have that option so you will be stuck with the default: Human]
"Returnees? What are those?"
[A question for another time. For now, you should pay attention to that]
A hissing noise can be heard and when I turn, a section of the wall breaks down revealing a blinding light.
[Step through the door, and it will send you on your journey]
I cover my eyes as I approach the light, it was so blinding I could go blind if I even dare to open them. I enter and vanish into the portal, not long the wall begins to repair itself, restoring it to what it was before.
Game Start!
[Save? Y/N]
Author Notes
I've done it! I've finally done it! My first gamer fanfiction! This proved to be a lot harder than I thought, I didn't think I would need to use Excel for this. And I still don't know how Excel works! Anyways, this is the start of something brilliant and I can't wait to get this started. The room served as a sort of limbo and the MC would have probably been stuck there if he hadn't accepted and completed the tutorial. If you're wondering about the Fate one, I'm still working on it so don't worry.
Leave a comment/review and tell me your thoughts.
Peace~