Chapter 1
The Deadly Adventure Begins
The concept of life and death was a complicated being. He did his job, but doing the same thing over and over again seemed to bore him after a while. Now? He still did his job, but this time he would oversee living things and their future.
His form was an orb of light with a dark spot in the middle. "Hmm? …I see, so that is what happened. That boy never fails at surprising me." His voice sounded echoey, almost as if it were a combination of multiple voices. "...That's not right. What could've caused this? …I see, why must you involve yourself in human affairs? Especially after our fight, Death?"
The concept of Life and Death was only the concept of Life at first, then Death came along and challenged him for his title. Death had lost and soon relinquished their title to Life. "To do something like this? How the mighty have fallen…but this does seem like the perfect opportunity to do "that" again."
~Break~
Unknown Location
Ren Fujimura, a teenage boy, to the naked eye, he is completely ordinary, there was nothing noticeably interesting about him. All of this being true, the life he was leading was normal, nothing different from any other teenage boy.
His physical appearance? His black hair in a messy style, he'd never try to fix it. He wasn't the tallest person in the world, but he sure as hell wasn't short, standing at a proud Six foot three, or 1.88 meters. Not necessarily a bodybuilder but not overweight either, he was just average, his only defining feature being his above average looks. But if someone were to ask about him, they would be answered with "Him? Yeah he's a good guy, he's a little quiet but nice, a real soft spoken guy". Of course, they would be wrong.
So then why is he here? In a completely dark room, the darkness is almost blinding. The energy surrounding this place makes it hard to breathe. Waking up, Ren notices the strange environment. 'This isn't my room, where the hell am I?' Despite his thoughts, his face was completely blank. Not soon after, an orb of light appears in front of the still very calm looking boy.
"I see you have awoken. I hope you've slept well." If the air was hard to breathe before, then it was practically suffocating now. Of course Ren tried to stop the feeling from showing on his face.
"Who are you? Where am I?" Ren's confusion being justified, it's not every day you wake up somewhere you don't recognize.
"Ah, yes. We are currently in the Ethereal Plane, a sub-dimension created personally by me. And I am…You may call me Lide." The Ethereal Plane is a plane filled completely to the brim with Mana.
"Ethereal Plane? Sub-Dimension?" Most of these subjects are completely impossible to Ren. 'Have I finally lost it?'
"I can assure you that you have not gone crazy. Aside from the stress you are hiding, you are completely sane."
'Did he just-'
"Read your mind? Yes, I did. Now, I'd like to explain to you what has happened."
"Well could you stop reading my mind?"
"I will, My apologies but can we move on? We won't get anywhere if you just worry about every little thing."
'Every little thing he says.' Ren's sarcastic thought humoring Lid. "Uh-huh, sure…what exactly did you want to say?"
"Your world has been destroyed, and I have brou-"
"I'm sorry, what?!"
"Oh yes, I forgot to tell you, but you have died."
"What?!" Taking a few seconds, Ren finally calms down, to an extent. "How about instead of just conveniently bringing stuff up, you just tell me everything now."
"To talk to the concept of Life and Death like that, you truly are something else." This surprises Ren, but Lide's statement after that surprises him even more. "I have brought you here for your assistance, you are the one who will restore your world after all." Sensing Ren's surprise, Lide starts to explain Ren's new job.
"Allow me to start from the beginning, your world has been completely destroyed. The one responsible for this is unknown to you."
"Even you don't know who it is?"
"I do, But you will be the one to stop them and bring peace to the multiverse…Ok now that that's out of the way, onto the next world you go!" The sudden shift in character surprises the boy, who already had a hard time keeping up with the information.
"Hold on! What the hell are you talking about? Next world? You can't just tell me that I died and then say I have to restore my world like it's nothing!"
"What is there not to understand? You are to be a legend! You will save your world, and be surrounded by powerful comrades! What's not to like?"
'How about the fact that I've never fought anything once in my life?' The boy's patience had been long gone. "Why me?"
"You're perfect for me, that's why."
"…I'm sorry but I don't swing that way."
"Must you be so serious? What I meant was that you're perfectly qualified to be my field operator!"
"And what does that entail?"
"Why do you question everything? All you're going to be doing is growing strong enough to beat the ones who destroyed your home. Buuut in order to do that, you must first explore the multiverse."
"Why can't you just do this? Aren't you supposed to be Life and Death?"
"Now where would be the fun in that?"
"Is this all a game to you?" Ren was not happy in the slightest hearing that.
"I have long since existed from the very beginning of time. Once you see everything, things start to get less entertaining after a while."
"So? Am I just supposed to be entertainment for you? If so, then just send me off to whatever afterlife there may be."
"How about you listen to me instead of making a decision now?"
"Tch…Fine, but no more of these games."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say. Now! As I was saying, you will explore the multiverse growing stronger with each world you travel. You can do anything! Be a great hero! Or perhaps be a horrible villain! Maybe a spectator and not get involved! In the end, all that matters is that you grow stronger."
"Why can't you just make me strong enough? You're the very concept of Life and Death, shouldn't you be able to make me stronger?"
"I could, but as I said before. Where is the fun in that?"
'Bastard. The deal isn't all that tempting, and I'm going in blind with nothing. But if it means I can save my family, then I'll do it.'
"Fine, I agree, but on one condition; You give me a special ability."
"Of course, of course. I was planning on doing so anyway. All you have to do is spin this wheel, and whatever it lands on will be your special ability." A wheel of fortune appears as soon as he says that. On the wheel are things such as; Chakra, Ki, Devil fruit, SoulsBorne, Mana Circuits, etc. Some of these phrases are completely foreign to Ren.
'Why can't I just choose one? Is everything a game with this guy?' Having no other choice, Ren spins the wheel with a moderate amount of force. 'Better not be something stupid.'
*Clack, Clack, Clack, Clack…* The sound of the wheel spinning made Ren more nervous by the second.
*.Clack, ..Clack, …Clack, …Clack, …..* The silence indicates the wheel having finally stopped. 'What did it land on?' Ren looks on at the wheel with recognition.
[Gamer System]
"My, you're quite lucky. This ability will definitely keep you alive in the long run. Now! It is unfortunate, but I do believe it is time for you to go!" With this announcement, Ren's body starts to fade away.
"What!? Hold on! Where are you taking me?!"
"Good Luck!"
"You Basta-" And just like that, the boy is gone.
"I'm relying on you kiddo, good luck."
~Break~
Medieval City
Ren's Pov
'What a fucking ass…What am I supposed to do now?' Seeing a large screen in front of me, I quickly get off the street I'm in.
[Notice]
[Congratulations on becoming a Player!]
Open Unread Messages?
[Yes] [No]
Trying to click it only leads to my hand phasing through the screen. 'So what? Do I just think "Yes"?'
*Ding*
[Messages]
Welcome Player, Normally Lide would be the System Moderator, but due to his Laziness, a new Moderator has been chosen.
My Name is No. 2 Type B or if you prefer 2B, and I will be the new Moderator.
"You can't be serious. Hah…There has to be some type of inter-dimensional copyright law, right?" Sighing in exasperation, I wait for 2B to say something else.
No such thing exists. Now, to open your status menu, just say or think [Status]. The same could be said about your [Inventory] and [Shop]
"Right. 'Status'."
[Status]
Name: Ren Fujimura
Level: 1 [00.00%]
Fatigue: 0
Job: None
Title: None
Hp: 100/100
Mp: 50/50
Strength: 1
Agility: 1
Sense: 1
Health: 1
Intelligence: 1
Available Ability Points: 0
[Skills]
Passive
Poker Face [Lvl Max: Your face will always appear calm in the most stressful of situations.
[Redacted]
Active
None
"All of my stats are level one, Is the system trying to say I'm weak? And why is my only available skill basically useless? It doesn't even keep me calm, it just makes me seem calm." Sighing at my misfortune, I look over the other message.
[Daily Quest]
Objectives:
-Push ups: 0/100
-Sit ups: 0/100
-Squats: 0/100
-Run: 0/10km
Time limit: 23 Hours, 45 Minutes, 20 seconds Left.
"Tch, You've got to be kidding …Well, no time like the present." No shame whatsoever, I start working on the Daily Quest in a random alley I find.
3rd person Pov Change
"This guy looks like an idiot, let's get him." The three thugs Ton, Chin, and Kan notice Ren doing his workout.
"Are you sure? The guy doesn't look right in the head, just look at his strange movements." The big one, Ton, points out.
"Yeah, let's try someone else." Kan, the short one, also puts his two cents in.
"Tch, we're never gonna get out of the slums if we just let our meal tickets get away." Chin, the leader, convinces the other two to follow his lead.
Just as they were going to call out to Ren, Ren suddenly stops his workout, and stands up. Putting himself in a running position, Ren suddenly bolts, straight at the thug trio.
The trio, not expecting Ren to suddenly run at them, start to run away from Ren. Running back to the slums with their tails between their legs.
'What was up with those guys?'
~Break~
Ren's Pov
[Daily Quest Complete]
Rewards: 3 attribute points, Status Recovery, Random Loot Box.
Claim?
[Yes] [No]
Deciding to just accept the reward now, I choose yes. 'Woah…All my fatigue disappeared. That's dope…Now, Where the hell am I?'
Looking at my surroundings, I notice the change in architecture from the city from before. 'What the hell? Wasn't I just in some big city? There were merchants and everything, most of this place just seems to be run down.' And it was true. Adults and children alike would just stare at me as I walked by. They were all in rags, their clothes could barely be considered to be called clothes.
Too busy looking at my surroundings, I don't notice what's right in front of me. Bumping right into somebody. "Ow. I'm sorry, I wasn't payin-"
Once I get a good look at the person I bumped into, I'm left speechless. A black haired beauty dressed in scandalous clothing, a seductive aura around her.
"Oh my, if you stare so intensely, you'll go and make me blush." Even her voice sounds seductive, not even accounting for the smile on her face. "I didn't bump into you too hard, did I? Fufufufu."
I can feel my face heat up like the sun, only for it to cool down instantly. "No, I'm fine. Thank you and my apologies." 'Thank you "Poker Face".'
"I must be going now, take care of yourself, wouldn't want to see you getting hurt." She says smiling at me.
"Wait!...Can I have your name?" Oh God, what am I doing? "I mean, I'm Ren, Ren Fujimura, and you are?"
"Fufufu, Elsa, it is very nice to meet you Ren."
"Yeah, it was nice meeting you too Elsa. Um, See you."
Whispering, she says something I don't quite catch. " It is probably in your best interests that we don't meet again. Yes, Goodbye Ren."
Waving goodbye to her, I stop once she's out of range. 'See you? What the hell am I thinking? I just met her and I'm already trying to get in her pants. Not that she was wearing any. STOP! Ok focus Ren, we gotta figure out where the hell we are.'
"2B? Do you know where we are?"
No. Even if I did, Lide has informed me to help you as little as possible.
"Wow, that's just awesome."
He also said to do whatever you like, there are no true consequences in your actions. You will be moving from one world to the next.
"So what? Does that mean if this world were to be destroyed, it wouldn't matter?"
I do not know the specifics, but Lide has the power to fix a destroyed world with ease. The point of this journey is for you to reach that level of power.
"That's easier said than done."
That may be so, but I have faith that you can do it.
"Alright, game face on!" Slapping myself, I garner strange looks, but I don't care, I have a job to do. On to back where I started.
~Break~
Alley
'Alright I'm back here, now onto finding some clues on a quest. Can't really get info off the merchants, since most of them will probably think I'm a beggar. What to do? What to do?' Contemplating my next move, my thinking is interrupted by a hand clasping onto my shoulder.
"Is something the matter? You seem distressed." A literal red-headed young man dressed in a white outfit asks me.
"I'm fine, um…I know this may sound strange but what city are we in?"
The red-head only gives me a strange look before answering. "This is the Capital of Lugnica, the fact you don't know this is concerning. Are you perhaps a foreigner?"
"Yeah, I guess you could say that. Ah! Let me introduce myself, I'm Ren Fujimura." 'Even with an answer to my question, I'm still lost. I need a world map.'
"Greetings, I am Reinhard Van Astrea, a Knight. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Same here." 'A knight, huh? So this really is a medieval city.'
"I'm off duty right now, but Is there anything I can assist you with?"
"No. Everything's fine." Giving him a dismissive denial, I open up my status menu.
"I do not understand. Just a second ago, you were pacing around deep in thought."
"Meh, Just ignore that. So Reinhard, do you know where-" I'm suddenly interrupted by a subdued and feminine voice.
"Excuse me." Looking behind me, I see a very cute looking (elf?) girl.
"Ah, Emilia-sama, How can I help?"
"Reinhard? Oh, it's nothing. I was just wondering if you've seen a thief come through here?"
'Thief? Now that I think about it, I was in a pretty dangerous area earlier. I could have been mugged.'
"A thief?" Reinhard's confusion was evident on his face. "My apologies, but I have not seen anyone like that. Ren? Do you perhaps know anything of the sort?"
"Sorry, No I don't." I absent-mindedly apologize to the girl, I look back to my status menu putting all available AP(3) into strength.
"It's fine, thank you anyways."
"I could help if you'd like Emilia-sama."
"Thank you Reinhard, but I'll be fine with Puck." Excusing herself, she leaves us as fast as she came.
"Huh. Who was that? By your tone of voice she was probably someone important." I ask my red-headed friend.
"Yes, she is. I can not reveal as to why, so please forgive me."
"Hey man, don't worry. I won't get mad just because you didn't tell me a government secret. Buuut, I get the feeling you're going to help her regardless of what she said."
"Am I that obvious?"
"Of course not, I'm just really good at this type of stuff." And I really am, and he's a bit obvious. But I think that makes him more trustworthy. "So would you let me help out?"
"My apologies, but I can not involve a civilian in this." Of course someone of authority would say that. "If the situation turns out to be dangerous, I can't promise your safety."
"That's fine, I'm quite good at running, so I'll be just fine." Putting on my most convincing smile, he finally accepts the offer after some consideration.
"Alright, but if anything happens, run in the opposite direction. I'll handle the situation."
I just give him a nod, too busy looking at the new screen that just appeared.
[Quest Alert]
The Elf, Emilia, has lost one of her belongings. Reinhard chooses to help despite her denial for help.
Objective:
-Help out Reinhard with finding Emilia's stolen goods.
-???
Completion Rewards: 2500 EXP, Random Loot Box, 10 Attribute Points, New Skill.
Hidden Rewards: ????, ????, ????
Failure: Death
[Yes] ]
'I can't even say no to this, I'm practically forced into this quest. And what do you mean I die if I fail?! …At least the rewards look good.'
"Let's get going."
~Break~
"Tch, we're getting nowhere. If only we had a lead, hah…" Sighing in disappointment, I lean on a wall waiting for Reinhard to finish his questioning. Opening up my Inventory, I look at the reward I got for helping that little girl find her mom.
[White Flower Hair Ornament]
Type: Accessory
Rarity: E
A girl's Hair Ornament, it'd look strange if a boy'd wear it.
Effects: -5% Fatigue accumulation
'The description is absolutely unnecessary. It's not like I was going to wear it anyway. What was that kid thinking, giving me this? It was just me and Reinhard, there were no girls in sight…at least I leveled up. Now every stat is at 2, except for strength which is five now.'
'I understand it's only my first day but I really need some more EXP, I'm going to stay in the single digits at this point.'
"Ren? Is something the matter?"
'Yes there is, why the hell is your Name Tag black?! Everyone else up until now has had a white tag, with some having a yellow or orange tag. 2B said the darker the tag, the stronger they are compared to me. Just how strong are you?!'
"Haah…Nothings wrong." Sighing again, I ask. "So? Find out anything?"
With a disappointed look back to the fruit merchant, he looks back at me and confirms my suspicions. "Nothing so far, no one has seen a thief today."
"Really? Tch, guess we'll have to look around again."
"If you'd like, we could split up." It would be a decent idea, if it weren't for the fact I can't tell where the hell I am right now.
"No, that won't work. Is there a place thieves would hide out at?"
"Hmm…There is a place that comes to mind, but I'm not-"
"Hey big bro!" Oh? It's the kid from earlier.
"Hey kiddo, where's your mom?" Did she get lost again?
"Huh? Oh! Mommy's with Papa over at his fruit stand." She says pointing at a familiar woman and unfamiliar man.
Going over to them, I introduce myself to her parents.
"So you're the one who helped out my Plum? You don't look like much." Her father says, looking me up and down. 'Fuck you too.'
"Honey! Be more respectful!" The wife says, smacking her husband in the back of the head. 'Ha! That's what you get.'
"Tch, fine. So what do you want, kid?"
"I was wondering if you've seen a thief come around here."
"A thief? Yeah sure, lots of 'em. You looking for someone specific?" Of course I am, it's just I don't know who the hell they are.
"Any thief today?"
"Today? Hmm…No I don't think so." Scratching his beard, he gets lost in thought. "Oh yeah. I saw one today, she's quite infamous. She's never stolen from me but I heard she nabbed some girl's purse."
"Do you know who they are?"
"Yeah, I'd normally not give away information so easily, but since you found my Plum, I'll do it just this one time. The girl you're looking for is Felt, a short blonde brat. She lives in the slums, that's all I know."
"Alright. Thank you, maybe you're not such a bad guy."
"Huh? Tch, if that's all, then scram!" Nevermind. Heading back to Reinhard, I tell him what I found out.
"The Slums? Yes, of course. Then let's get going, the sun will start to set soon." His voice coming out strange.
"Uh, right…" Did something happen?
~Break~
Slums
Greeted with a familiar sight, I can't help but comment. "Oh? So this is the slums?"
"Have you been here before?" Reinhard asks me from my left.
"Yep, just a little before I met you, I somehow found myself here."
"Talk about a coincidence."
"The sun's already setting and she's nowhere to be found. Think we can ask someone around here?"
"I do not think so, they wouldn't sell out one of their own." Ignoring that, I take a chance and go towards one of the few slum dwellers that are still outside.
"Hey man, have you seen a blonde girl named Felt?"
The man gives me a small chuckle, before giving me what I'm looking for. "Hehe…So they finally put someone after her? Yeah, I know where she is. She's at Rom's loot house, right up the hill over there." He says pointing out a large building on top of a hill.
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
"Nah, thank you. Hehehe…." Talk about creepy.
Going back to Reinhard, I find him talking with little orbs of light, that are called lesser spirits? "Hey Reinhard? What is that?" Only for most of the "lesser spirits" to scurry off.
"Ah, Ren. I've found out where she's gone." He says, looking content.
"Uh, same here. She's up there." That makes him falter for a second, he catches himself quickly right after.
"Let us go then."
"...Yeah, sure." Too busy looking at the strange screen that just showed up.
[Alert]
Contract Request
A Lesser Spirit of Water has requested a temporary contract
Contract Rules
You give
-MP
You receive
-Lesser Healing Magic
[Accept] [Decline]
'Isn't this a bit too sudden? I don't even have a clue as to what Huma even is. What's there to lose? I don't even have magic, so the healing magic will be useful.' Accepting the "Contract", I turn to Reinhard, who just seems to be staring at me.
"We going?"
"Yes, of course." Turning around, we both head for the Loot House.
~Break~
Outside the Loot House
The sun was already at the edge of setting at this point. "Something's wrong." And he was right, we had been hearing strange sounds since we got close enough. Getting louder and louder the closer we got.
"What do you think it is?"
"I believe there is a fight happening inside. You should stay here for now."
"What? No! I'll help out, don't even worry. I'll stay out of your way too."
"...Fine, but please be careful." I reply with a thumbs up, which only seems to confuse him.
"Err, how about you head in first? I need to prepare myself." Checking my inventory, I open the 2 Random Loot Boxes, one from the daily quest and the other from the little kid's quest. 'I was hoping to open them up in bulk once I got a decent amount, but I need whatever I can get right now.'
*Ding*
[High Quality Fountain Pen]
Type: Junk
Rarity: D
A High Quality Fountain Pen. It can be sold at a good price.
Do you wish to sell this Item?
[Yes] [No]
Holding off on that last part, I check the other box.
[Hunter's Scarf]
Type: Equipment
Rarity: D
A Scarf that was gifted to the Good Hunter for his noble deeds.
Effects: Increases Agility by 2, Increases Magic Resistance by 10%
Armor Rating: 10
Equip [Hunter's Scarf]?
[Yes] [No]
This one isn't all that bad, no weapons though…' Equipping the Scarf, I follow right behind Reinhard.
Opening the door, we are greeted to the sight of an injured Emilia protecting a little blonde girl. On the other side of the room is Elsa holding a pair of knives, right next to her a giant prone figure that doesn't seem to be moving.
"What the hell is happening?"
To Be Continued
So…What's up. This story is a remake of my very boring fic, Exploring Other Worlds. The original was very meh, nothing really driving Ren to do anything, he just did it because I made him do it. In the fic he references his family, but that's not really the main reason he accepted the offer. The reason he accepted the offer is because [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]
Now, the original Ren had infinite Mana/MP, this time he has the Gamer System. Very Original, I know.
Also 2B, I don't know anything about her, she just came to mind when I had to add a Moderator.
So yeah, expect Canon divergence after Arc 1, so next chapter and the one's after.
You don't have to read the Original, in fact, It's no longer up. But just like the original, there will probably be a smudge of romance, not too much obviously since you know…this is more of an Adventure fic than a Romance one.
[No Longer Applicable] Return by Death? What? What is that? Yeah, RBD is here, buuut it's appearance won't be until a little later in the story. [No longer Applicable]
I think that's all. Please point out any spelling mistakes you may see or just tell me about how horrible my writing is. I crave the attention my mother never gave me. /s
Buh-Bye!