Chapter 5: A few more questions

Sitting on my bed, I seemed a bit weirded out as I watched the countdown tick down the remaining time on the clock. As well hearing a faint digital ticking sound as I watched each second switch between numbers, yet I know fully it was my brain making those sounds as the small blue screen in front of me was silent. Putting my hands on top of my knees, my mind begins to shift into the wild and wacky possibilities that will happen after the reboot happens, maybe another painful moment or nothing happens, and the gamer works normally.

Tapping my fingers on my knees, I couldn't help myself but focus on the dreadful feeling in my gut as the thoughts from earlier came around, The administrator was an unknown, and unlike the game world I am in, I couldn't infer much besides that semi-sarcastic message it sent the first time I was sent here. Sighing as I saw I only had 60 seconds left on the clock, I let myself fall onto the bed, letting my head land on the pillow beside me.

Either way, the handler hadn't messaged me about anything, and that black mask was on the floor under my bed. I should have set it in the proper charging dock that the handler's group has given me, but at the moment, I rather not get up from my bed. Laying down helps my anxiety about the situation as I could really not do much against whatever power is going to happen. Watching the clock now at the 10-second countdown, I close my eyes and let the damn thing run out.

[10]

[9]

[8]

[7]

[6]

[5]

Blinking for a moment, I realize the stupid counter doesn't go away even if I close my eyes, letting out a soft groan, I sit up as I await whatever happens after the thing finishes.

[4]

[3]

[2]

[1]

[...]

[Reboot Complete]

[Contacting Administration]

After seeing that message pop up, I tried to blink, and I found that I couldn't. I felt panic swell within me as my eyes darted around the room, but everything around me was tinted in this weird cold filter. Trying to move my body didn't yield any results, as felt every part of me not responding. I couldn't even breathe, which made me panic even more.

"Stop that, your panicked reaction will only make this conversation a bit more painful."

A disembodied voice sounded all around me, I tried to locate the source, but that was impossible. It sounded weird, like a child mixed with a female and male voice, it put me on edge as my body reacted to the voice.

"Here, this should solve your little problem."

[Skill Given to Player: Gamer's mind Rank: EX]

My eyes slowed as I felt a wave of calmness wash over me as….the skill effects me. It wasn't subtle, it was as if an annoying bug was swatted away and that moment of clarity that you have dealt with an annoying pest. It felt great, and I didn't feel as bothered as I once was.

"Hmph, good now that you won't start yelling, I will let you go."

A snap rang out, and I began to move once more, falling to the floor before my body reacted, and I quickly caught myself and sat on the bed with some grace. I didn't feel surprised at this as I simply put my hands on my lap as looked around calmly.

"Do you mind showing yourself, administrator? It is a bit difficult speaking with an incorporeal entity."

I requested from the administrator, and I was rewarded with a soft chuckle from the being. And suddenly, in a flash of light, I saw a person start forming in front of me I saw a brilliant display of colors and patterns as the being was made into existence. And after that colorful show, I saw what looked to be a feminine man dressed in a simple charcoal suit, he flashed me a smile before snapping into existence an office chair that looked more expensive than anything I had seen up to this point. Once sitting down, my eyes began observing the details of the person in front of me.

Pale skin that looked smooth as marble yet seemed too perfect like a doll, small thin lips that curled up to a sweet smile that seemed as if you looked passed the kind gesture only showed a hunter's grin. Purple eyes that seemed to be as beautiful as the tanzanite in my…. That fuzzy feeling once again came back with force, and even with the skill I was given, I felt a headache start to form. Moving my hand on my forehead, that smile on the man's face went away as I heard a soft sigh.

"Right, that memory implantation may not be the best idea I had, but it did save your life."

Confused, I look towards him as I tilt my head. Save my life? All it did was give me the skills and memories of the seeker. Sure at times, I used it to save my life, however, from my memory, what did save my life was the purging of that celestial parasite a few days ago. Seemingly hearing my thoughts, the man would shrug slightly and cross his legs.

"True, but the memory implantation did a little bit more than just give you the skills and memories of the seeker, it was the seeker's essence, meaning I have given you a part of the soul of the body you inhabit."

Moving a hand towards me, a small flame of gold and white formed in his hands, but in the center, it seemed like a black void was in the center, sucking in the light that was being emitted by the flame. With a small smile, she gently pushed the flame toward me. it slowly floated until it was in between the two of us, Looking at had a sense of familiarity wash over me as I watched it.

"Do you not recognize it? It is your soul….I'll let you figure out what has happened."

My eyes narrowed as the flame between us flickered slightly as the void in the center seemed to draw in more and more light from the fire….which was my soul. Caustically holding my hand out, the flame seemed to slowly float toward me, and it landed in my hand, it felt warm, warm as if you embraced your mother….That fuzzy feeling came back, and I saw the flame flicker widely as that void tried to fill itself.

A realization washed over me as I looked over towards the man who had a small smug smile. Uncrossing his legs and interlocking his hands, he looked over me as if he saw a dog learning a new trick. He would simply nod and open his mouth to speak.

"Your soul was being sucked away by the parasite, and I did my best to remove the bastard thing before it killed you and infected my beautiful system. Luckily for you, I may have something of value."

Snapping his fingers again, I saw that the flame in my hand was slowly filling, and I felt warmth grow inside of me. It was strange, and that fuzzy feeling went away as I moved my hands and fingers to get a sense of what was going on with my body.

"I have given you the rest of the Seeker's essence to you. And as well as fixing any minor issues the gamer has within your soul. However, you may not like the first quest given to you by the system."

Confused by this, I was about to make a comment to the administrator until a wave of pain hit me like a truck as the gamer's mind seemed to make sure I didn't go into a panic attack as before. Holding on to my head, I closed my eyes as I saw a message pop up.

[Quest added!]

[Main Quest: Trail by Fire]

[Objective: Finish all 5 main contracts]

[Description: The administrator picked you from a random universe and decided to throw you into this world as a test. Pass the test, and the Administrator will allow you to roam the multiverse at your leisure!]
[Reward: The memories of your past, [Feature Unlock: World Hopping], [Perk: The Seeker's Approval], [HIdden Quest] ]

Breathing heavily as the pain rapidly went away. I felt my entire body freeze as I read the first part of the reward. Rereading the description of the world, I was rather perplexed, the administrator, a being of seemingly infinite power, picked me of all people to do this test.

Still shaking my head, I didn't have time to think about that, my memories were gone, but it doesn't make much sense, I remembered everything about the game and my memories of me playing it, hell, I remember some dumb moments I tried to show to my….Shit, my memories were fractured and most likely taken away by the Administrator. A sharp laugh escaped the feminine man's lips as he looked at me with those purple eyes.

"You know, I could not have given you the chance to get your memories back, I saw some very nasty things in there, and I could have saved you the trouble of not dealing with those issues…Although, knowing your instinct and morals, you will try your hardest in getting those memories back no matter what since I know what you really want."

Feeling annoyed at the Administrator, I turn away from him and began thinking some more, and after a while, I was sure if I didn't have the [Gamer's Mind], I would have been angry or worse about that quest reward. It made sense, honestly, it made sense, and I was dumb for not noticing. Whenever I thought about my past before, that fuzzy feeling came over me and made me forget what I was doing or made me outright blackout.

"Speaking of that skill….Sorry, but you haven't earned that yet…So… apologies for this"

Snapping his fingers, I saw a notification that made me widen my eyes.

[Skill: Gamer's mind Locked Until Tutorial Completion]

I began to breathe heavily as a wave of emotions washed over me, anger, doubt, hate, fear, and sadness hit me all at once as I felt my lungs suck in a large gulp of air and my heart begin to pound rapidly. My eyes darted towards the administrator as I reached my hand over to him before I realized the hand I reached out with had my soul, and that bastard had the gall to smile.

"Well, that was fun, I'll be seeing you very soon, my little project~ good bye~"

Standing up, I watched the bastard slowly fade away as I felt a panic attack overtake me. Landing back on the bed, I tried my best to calm down, but I couldn't, and slowly my eyes started to see black.


POV: Handler

Sitting on my char in my workbench, I tried my hardest to fulfill the supply request by the seeker, despite my initial thoughts about him and his mannerisms, his preparation skills were rather interesting. In the supplied form he requested better materials for his armor and as well more modifications for the mask, including enhanced zooming and thermals. As well was surprised about the weaponry he requested, it was the Sturm-Precision rifle, despite sending a message after the request was sent out that all the funds from the contract he had completed would be spent, he assured us that this weapon was the best choice, for future missions.

Of course, I requested my supervisor's permission, which was granted without much hesitation. Of course, I found this behavior rather odd, as the seeker's financial habits differed from this reckless spending, as shown in the bank records before he was kicked out of the army. However, at the same time, the file we have on the seeker may be false as the psychology division is working hard on making a file on him, and seemingly the data we have collected about the seeker's personality was different from the actual personality.

Leaning back against my chair, I let out a soft sigh as I looked up at the ceiling above, closing my eyes for a moment as I let myself relax from yesterday's events. The meeting with the director provided some new insights about the mission I was tasked with, but at the same time, it made the stakes of the matter much worse. Putting a hand on my face, I gently rub my temples as I felt a presence looming over me. Opening my eyes, I spot a familiar set of red hair along with a cup of coffee that barely entered my peripheral vision.

"You look like you're having fun, 556."

I give a soft glare at the coffee maiden as I leaned forward from my chair and spun it around to face her. Veronica Price, employee number 892. Her warm smile made me feel a bit better as I accepted the coffee she offered me. Giving quick thanks, I took a quick sip before replying.

"And you seem to be slacking off 892, still, how can I help you?"

Smacking her lips as they press into a thin line made me smile somewhat, as I know she always came to me when she needed something that was just out of her reach. Being a member of senior staff allowed for more flexibility to complete your assigned duties, so long it doesn't break core rules. Still, she shook her head slightly she looked at me with her brown eyes pleadingly

"Well, I do need some help with an operation in the Americas, Alaska, actually."

Taking a sip of my coffee as she presented me with a small file, which I took and opened up, reviewing the contents file, and from the looks of it, most of the information about the place was complete, and all it needed was some brushing up and a seal from one of the supervisors. Raising an eyebrow, I looked at her and knew immediately what she wanted.

"You want my new agent, don't you 892"

Watching her offer me a rather sly smile, I let out a soft sigh as I turned my chair to face back to my workstation, putting down the coffee, I began typing up the final parts of the request from the seeker.

"Well, that isn't up to me, in fact, the only one who is able to request the seeker to accept another contract is himself. And from the looks of one of his targets is about to be found, and the seeker will be rather busy for a day."

I informed her, and she looked rather annoyed that I turned and started working on my assignment again, this wasn't the first time she tried to poach one of my agents to do some of her work, as last year she sent one of my senior agents to an island to handle a rouge researcher who was building an atomic bomb. The coverup for that incident is still ongoing, even if the incident led to massive funding for the organization, as our insiders from the American Government prevented a coup within the Indonesian government with the information gathered.

"Well, give me a line to him, I am certain we are able to convince him to take on another contract besides the one we're already giving him."

Raising an eyebrow at the word we, I let out a soft sigh as I sent the document properly for the upper levels to begin manufacturing/packaging. Knowing her, she wasn't going to stop pestering me and most likely sneak her way into contacting the seeker if I didn't help her, turning back around, I saw her putting her hands on her hips and leaning towards me. Her navy blue uniform contrasted well with her red hair, and I took a moment to think about my options, still shaking my head, this woman was a handful and will be the end of me one day.

"By we, you mean me, and by me, you mean that I should somehow convince the man into accepting another contract even though his psych file indicates he might reject the extra work….So how do you plan on bribing me this time?"

That stopped her attitude for a moment as she looked at me with both a victorious look and the realization that she didn't have much leverage this time around. Before, I needed a way to have my commission approved to provide Agent Raven with the pre-prototype M.A.S.K, and Veronica would give her vote on my approval in the consul if she borrowed one of my agents. Still, I saw the cogs in her head turn as she looked over at me and smiled warmly.

"Buddy~"

"No"

"Oh, come on, you didn't even listen to my proposal"

"Which will cause me more headaches if I accept, and besides, you have your own agents who can handle this kind of mission. I don't think a sniper would be much help, in this case, you need an infiltrator."

"Which Seeker has been rather good at, I saw the tapes."

"Yes, but he was caught by an open CCTV, it wasn't even hidden."

"He'll get better."

Feeling the stress grow on my back as I try to convince this woman to leave my agent out of her plans, clicking my tongue, I would wave her off.

"Your logic astounds me, well if you wanted my help, sadly you wouldn't get it this time-"

"I want to help project Excaliber."

Raising an eyebrow at the project's name, I look toward her and give her my full attention.

"That project will go under if I don't gather enough data on it, Exo suits will benefit the seeker once they're tested on the field. Not to mention will massively help all other field agents if it goes through."

Looking at her for a few moments, my lips pressed against each other, that project was dangerous, and even I gave a rejection vote to the project when provided the data by the researchers in level 9. Still, why would she be interested in that project when she mostly supports gene therapy treatments for agents?

It didn't sit right on my conscious as I looked at her, it was clear she wasn't going to back down as she really did want the Seeker in her corner. Frowning somewhat, I came up with a compromise.

"Give me the data on the recent innovations of the project, and I may provide the information of Seeker's contact information if they satisfy my standards."

Her eyes brightened up from this, and she gave her familiar smile, she nodded at this and marched off. Shaking my head and leaning back against my chair, I know that the Seeker was going to be fine, but Veronica wasn't a good handler, at most, she was more of a commentator than a proper tool for the agent to use. Hopefully, the agent will be able to handle being more independent.


POV: Returned.

My eyes felt heavy as I slowly lifted them open, feeling my mouth being the definition of cottonmouth, I slowly pushed myself upright and checked my surroundings. Seeing that I was still in that housing unit inside that cave, I was relieved until I saw a notification spring into view.

[New Quest added!]

[Tutorial: System basics]

[Description: Welcome, gamer! I know having the power that many people dream of is exciting, but you must first learn how to navigate and use this system!]

[Tasks: Open Main Menu 1/6]

[? 2/6]

[? 3/6]

[? 4/6]

[? 5/6]

[? 6/6]

[Rewards: [Skill] Gamer's mind Rank: Novice, [Skill] Gamer's body Rank: Novice, 1 common Gatcha Token]

The power of the gamer…..it was finally mine…..and I don't even feel happy about it. Feeling my stomach growl at me, I let out a soft sigh as I force myself out of bed. I didn't even know what time it was, as well I realized the damn chair the Administrator summoned was still there and groaned remembering what the hell happened…that and I realized that I didn't have a watch, so I had to walk to the entrance to see what time is it.

Walking towards the supply room, wondering what I am going to eat, I decide to complete the Tutorial as I scavenge around.

"...Menu…..No….Open Menu…..Start….how the fuck do you do this"

I mumble to myself as I take out what looked to be an MRE, it looked to be a US military menu. Item #4. Cheese and veggie omelet, shrugging, I take it out and continue trying to figure out the menu system for the gamer's ability. Grabbing a bottle of water, as I remember from the Seeker's memories that water is needed to cook these somehow, I walk to the workbench and seeing that the very nice chair was in my room still, I moved it over to the workbench and said the bench was used as my table as the handler's group didn't bother putting a table in here…a bit concerning that I have every other thing I need like a bathroom and a shower but not a damn table. My complaining aside, I saw the disassembled Glock when...that blackout happened, knowing that I was going to rebuild that later I ignored it and opened the MRE packet, and after fishing out the contents and finding the instructional manual in the back, I grab two metallic cups and set them on the side as I prepare my meal.

"...Game, open menu?... I thought that would work"

I continued mumbling as I added water to the heating packet and shoved my soon-to-be-cooked Cheese and veggie omelet in there and I felt rather happy that the U.S military somehow managed to make an omelet last this long. Still starting to snack on the crackers and jam as I leaned back, as despite the crackers being dry as hell, it was pretty good. Still, I wondered what other [Menu]s were in the closet

[Task complete!]

[Menu Opened]

[Explore the menu options 2/6]

[Main menu]

[Inventory]

[Quests]

[Skills & Perks]

[Ascension]

[Gatcha]

[?]

My eye twitched somewhat as that was the way to open up the menu, it was by thought…and here I was it was voice activated. Still shaking my head, I closed the menu by thinking close menu, and then I opened up the granola packet and added some water to it, the smell and taste were pretty good as I started munching away with the spoon provided in the MRE. As the Valinna Cappachio coffee was pretty decent, the military really gave some good stuff hell, there was even a scone in here!

After finishing the appetizers, I think that the omelet was ready, and so after fishing it out and burning my hands somewhat, I opened the packet up and inside….it looked pretty disgusting, and the smell...I just quickly dumped it back into the flameless heater and looked around for a trash can before throwing it in. No way in hell I was eating….that disgusting brick.

Sighing, I shook my head and opened the menu again. And seeing how the inventory was first, I mentally picked that option by thinking inventory. In front of me popped out what looked to be a 20 by 20 grid square, tilting my head, I looked around and spotted my weapon on the wall, walking towards it, I picked it up, and I got another small message saying if I wanted to store something in my inventory I had to "will" it in….no idea what that means so I try "willing" it in by pulling it closer and that didn't work.

Grumbling for a moment, I mentally sucked in my thoughts, and WOSH, my rifle was gone from my hands, surprised by this, I looked around until I turned my attention to the grid and saw that the sniper had taken a 2 by 16 space. It reminded me….of….Tarkov….I think…wait, how did I remember that. Questions for later. Still, the rest of my inventory was empty. Which was a good thing, I don't think I would be happy if I found out that the administrator left anything in there.

Still, I tried "willing" the damn rifle back out, but I couldn't, and after a bit, I got annoyed and tried tapping on the grid, and it worked. The rifle landed on my head but still progressed. Standing up and closing my inventory, I set my rifle back on the rack and checked out the other options.

The Quests area only had two quests: the tutorial and the main quest of finishing the main contracts. Still, the categories suggest I'll have at least five quest types, and I am not happy about that.

Opening up skills and perks, I found nothing there besides a weird perk.

[Graced by the Dvine]

[You survived contact with a being that is considered Divine in many aspects, despite the damage done, you are blessed]

[Grants Accesion]

With that welcome surprise, I tried selecting Accession next but was locked out, saying I needed an Accession key access to pick this option which made me a tad annoyed. Still, after that, I picked the final one, Gatcha!

It was given a menu similar to the inventory, but this time it had options on the side that said Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary gatchas. Selecting these did nothing as each of them told me that I had no Gatcha tokens…which made too much sense as I was a beginner Gamer. Slightly deflated from this, I stood up from the chair and walked outside after closing the menu. But right before I did, I remembered my M.A.S.K and placed it on.

[Unquie Skill gained through special action]

[M.A.S.K integration. EX]
[The M.A.S.K is a tool that integrates with your other equipment, so why limit it to just that.]

[Allows the integration of skills to affect the M.A.S.K]

I blinked as I saw the mask reboot itself, and suddenly it went back to normal, Checking the settings on this, it seemed ok. Nothing wrong or different about it, still that skill…maybe if I find other skills, it will show up on the mask, and I can perhaps have something similar to a stamina bar like in the games. Nodding to myself, I start walking to the door and begin to head outside. Walking to the entrance, I saw that…it was dark out, sighing to myself, I almost turned around but then remembered that I nothing had happened with that tutorial quest. Checking on it, the quest seemed bugged. Before I realized I hadn't clicked on the weird [?] option, so opening the menu back up, I selected that option.

[Task complete!]

[Create unique skill 3/6]

[Task Complete!]

[Now, as the M.A.S.K is integrated with the gamer system try making a common skill, for example running!]

[Run for 5 minutes 4/6]

That weird option didn't do anything all it did was close the menu, being a bit weirded out, I saw the task and decided to be an NPC and follow the directions. And so I just started running, to be more specific, I ran straight ahead as I knew I just needed to do a 180 to head back to my little cave, even if it was dark. After I started running, I was surprised at how strong this body was, then again, I didn't have much time to gawk at myself during panic attacks and trying to stay alive in a contract.

[Skill created [Running] Level 1]

[Task complete!]

[Now, as you have a common skill, you will notice on the bottom of the screen of your mask the stamina bar is depleted, however, eating some food or drinks will restore stamina and even HP. (This is only possible with the Gamer's body Skill) Still simply waiting will restore once your stamina.]

[Return back to Home 5/6]

Looking over at the objective, I made a 180 turn and started walking back into my home…and I felt slightly winded. Checking the time from the M.A.S.K's clock states, it was 11 am in the morning. This was…surprising as it was only early in the morning when I spoke with the Administrator…I guess having that much information shoved into my brain caused me to shut down for a while. Still, after arriving back home, I sat that my task was complete, and it gave me one final task.

[Task complete!]

[Welcome back! While you were walking home, the administrator made a welcome home package for you gamer! Please check your inventory right about….now!]

[Item Given to player: [Welcome Gift ;D] ]

[Open the package 6/6]

That sense of dread washed over me as I saw that notification….shaking my head, I open up my inventory and selected the package…..once I did, my entire damn grid filled to the brim with what looked to be single pieces of confetti.

[Quest complete!]

[Turioral: System basics]

[Description: Welcome, gamer! I know having the power that many people dream of is exciting, but you must first learn how to navigate and use this system!]

[Tasks: Open Main Menu 1/6]

[Explore the menu options 2/6]

[Create unique skill 3/6]

[Run for 5 minutes 4/6]

[Return back to Home 5/6]

[Open the package 6/6]

[Rewards: [Skill] Gamer's mind Rank: Novice, [Skill] Gamer's body Rank: Novice, 1 common Gatcha Token]

Seeing a small silver coin fall on the snow in front of me, I quickly tap all of the stupid confetti out of my inventory and pick up that coin….inspecting it, the coin has a large G symbol on it, and bringing it to my inventory. However, I noticed I wasn't as annoyed by the prank as I thought I would

[Added 1x Common Gatcha coin]

With that settled, I started to relax as I didn't have anything else to do until the contract target was spotted and I was dragged out of my cave…nothing could really go wrong now. And so I will go to bed, shower and fall asleep since gatcha can wait!


A/N: And that's this week's two and a half chapters. I kinda forgot I had a final due last week, so I had to study. Still, I hope these semi-late chapters are enjoyable!

Have a nice day!