(AN: Welcome, readers! First off, let me thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it provides entertainment, inspiration, or even just helps to pass some time. A fair warning! This is my first story so I apologize if there are any major issues! Please, feel free to PM me or leave a review if you notice any errors that need fixing or would like to ask any questions regarding the story. I will try my best to get back in a timely manner.
You will notice influences from various works of both fanfiction and other media. All works belong to their respective owners. I have some plans already drawn up that will hopefully give this story its own unique flair.
Finally, this is going to be a self-insert Gamer story that takes place in 'High School DxD/Harry Potter' crossover with a few more worlds tossed in! It's also a harem story. Final pairing isn't selected, but I do have a few ideas in mind. Feel free to make requests but I make no promises!)
Prologue: A natural cycle, life and death.
Everyone has wondered about what happens when we die. We've wondered about the afterlife for times immemorial. Religions have faith in various different afterlife from heaven or hell to reincarnation while some believed nothing awaited us at our end. After all, we couldn't know for sure until our time came to pass on. All we could do was have faith there was something.
So he put it out of mind. He was a young adult of twenty five years and healthy enough. He kept in shape. Death hadn't been a concern since his suicidal thoughts in highschool and even then he had never brushed with death. Not truly. What did he care about the afterlife when he had his whole life ahead of him!
Unfortunately, it was not to be for long. He died abruptly and violently. While short his last dying moments had been agonizing.
A pickup truck had slammed through the garage door and into the garage of his house. It was just his luck of course that he had been inside the garage to grab something or the other. It didn't matter what anymore since he was dead.
'On the other hand this place is.. interesting.' He thought mildly.
He was floating around in some kind of dark void. Every now and again he would see wisps of different multicolored lights fade in and out of sensory range around him while other times shadows of pure darkness streak by him in irregular patterns.
He knew he wasn't 'seeing' in the traditional way, therefore, after a period of time observing his surroundings he turned his new senses outwards but directed inwardly as if trying to see himself from a third point of view inside a game.
It took time. Countless wisps came and went while the darkness seemed to dance around him. Yet, time was meaningless and he achieved his desire.
'Beautiful' That was all he could think as he looked upon his own wisps of light, his very Soul.
It was a tranquil blue with swirls of greens and in the center a bright yellow spot rimmed in orange like the sun reflecting in a lake.
Yet, as he dove inwards he saw interwoven within was something different. It looked like tendrils of the same darkness that seemed to exist around him. It didn't feel dangerous or even invasive.
No, it was like finding shade on a hot summer day. Its cool presence was seeping from the tendrils into the rest of my soul. Slowly, he watched as the wisps of different colored lights merged with the dark tendrils becoming more condensed. His very being felt more anchored.
Suddenly, something clicked.
He was disturbed from his view of himself back to his surroundings. However, nothing was the same as before. In fact, his surroundings were shockingly mundane.
There was a nice wooden desk in front of him which had an empty surface. The rest of the small room looked similar to a typical office with some nice artworks, a potted plant, and even a filing cabinet except there were no windows or doors.
Once he finished observing his surroundings he could only muse about what had happened when a series of blue screens with white text appeared in the middle of his vision, out of nowhere.
Greetings Gamer!
I am your own personal Gaming-type System! A 'System' is a symbiotic being who merges with a chosen host in order to become more powerful together!
Most Systems look for hosts with powerful enough souls to resist the voids corrupting influence. The longer one can retain a sense of 'self' within the void before being erased and recycled as a new soul the better.
Compatibility is also important! Luckily for us, Gamer, you have a potent soul and perfect compatibility with this great System!!!
Any questions so far? If not then simply focus inwardly on asking the System to continue.
'That was.. enlightening.' He mused over his situation, yet, he knew how serious the information contained in those boxes was. He had been stuck in the void where he would have remained until he lost his sense of self and for lack of a better word unraveled. From there he knew not what happened nor did he wish to know.
What was important was this chance he was getting. The Game System wanted him to get stronger. It would help him get stronger. That did not mean he trusted it. However, what could he currently do against it right now? He was powerless. Weak. He acknowledged it.
Yet, he had a chance. If this played out in any way similar to the innumerable fanfiction reincarnation tropes he had read over the years then he could amass power, fortune, and more. Not to say it would be easy. Nothing worth much usually was. However, there was no way he was quitting without even trying!
'Continue' he thought firmly while directing his thought towards the System.
'No matter what happens next or where I end up I will not just survive but live well!!' This he promised himself.
Very well, Gamer. Let's continue on with character creation!
Are you male or female?
'Male' he thought firmly. He did not need to mess with the system and accidentally get genderbent! No, thank you.
This is your chance, Gamer! Here you can select a new race!!! Your options are limited to the ones below.
[Human] [?] [?] [?] [¿?¿?¿] [Random]
He could feel his nonexistent eyebrow twitching in annoyance. 'What the hell is this?! He complained mentally.
He mustered his determination to make a monumental gamble. 'Fuck being Human again that's boring I choose [¿?¿?¿] as my race.' He willed his decision while firmly ignoring his lingering doubts and moved on.
Host has selected one of the mystery races. Race can only be changed with special circumstances Gamer. I hope you're happy with your choice cause there is no refund!
'Please, just continue.' He asked. He wouldn't go back on his decision and would accept the consequence both good and bad.
Next, it is time to choose your Class! You may choose between four main categories of Classes which each have various Classes to specialize in.
[Warrior] [Mage] [Rogue] [Crafts]
Well now, which to choose between. He could cross Crafts out for now but he'd be back for it one day don't worry. Next he crossed out Warrior due to his distaste for getting up close and personal. 'It's down to stealth, burst damage and information gathering or magic.' He thought with slight amusement.
The minute he saw magic was available he knew he would grab it. Magic had fascinated him since he was a young boy! Myth and legends, heroes and monsters, fantasy stories and folklore, and even stage magic.
Over time his love had been tempered but now that he was being given the chance to wield the magical forces, his inner child screamed at him to pick it. So he did. He was going to enjoy this life after all and magic was worth it.
Please choose ONE of the following classes available for your selection!
[Elementalist] [Druid] [Necromancer] [Summoner] [Illusionist] [Cleric]
Now this was a much more difficult choice for him. He wanted to try them all but he would have to make his decision on one. 'Let's break it down. As a low level mage I will need to have my priorities set straight.' He thought to himself. He would need a way to deal damage from a defendable position.
As Illusions and healing was mostly support based with likely few attack based magics he crossed them out. He also crossed out necromancy on the basis of how troublesome it would be in most worlds to be discovered as one. Elementalist was the next to be crossed out. While commanding the elements is magical it does not offer the utility he was looking for.
'So, Druid or Summoner.' He mused idly to himself. He had always enjoyed nature and as a hunter and fisherman he had a huge amount of respect for the power of mother nature. The wild places were deadly to the unprepared and even veterans. It was this awe and respect for nature that compelled him to make his final decision.
'I've decided on the Druid class.' He thought consciously towards the System.
Host has selected the Class: [Druid] You may change to another class when you have maxed out your first Class!
'That is good to confirm' he considered before dismissing it to the back of his mind.
This part is optional, Gamer! You may decide to take as many random perks as you want, however, for each perk you will receive a random flaw as well. It is always a gamble, good luck!
Damn he hated gambling. Yet, tempting. It was worth a try to see what he got and go from there. Mind made up, he thought directly at the System. 'One Perk and Flaw, please' with some anticipation and anxiety.
Perk gained: [Archmage's Insight]- Triple the available Mana Pool Double the regeneration rate of MP Spells cost 20% less per cast Exp gains related to the Mage Class are increased by 50% Once a month you may ask a question related to magic addressed towards the Archmage.
Flaw gained: [The Greedy Miser]- The Incarnation of Greed, you are incredibly possessive of anything you've deemed as yours. (Hoarding tendencies are included)
He stared for a second as the ramifications flew through his mind. Slowly he considered, 'Another would be worth it, right?'. So, he gambled again.
Perk gained: [The Ultimate Loner]- Your presence is exceedingly weak, Gamer. Others will not notice you unless you draw attention toward yourself. Unlocks Passive Skill; [Concealment(Max)] Grants immunity to Divination magic from the Divine Rank and below. Entering Stealth does not cost SP
Flaw gained: [Trouble Magnet]- Greatly increases your chances of a random encounter. Fate conspires against you. Greatly increased chance of being drawn into various plots, schemes, etc.
'Ouch. Err..? Worth it for that perk though. No peeping on me, perverts!' He thought with mild amusement and trepidation.
Anyway, one more before he headed off? Why not?
Perk gained: [Inner World]- Well now Gamer, this is a game changer. Literally. You now have access to your very own personal pocket dimension! Its potential is now linked to you. As you grow, so will your Inner World! Now, what will you do with all that free real estate, Gamer?
Flaw gained: [Tragic Backstory]- whoever you were reincarnating as before no longer matters. Now you're the protagonist of your very own tragedy! Whatever happened before your insertion in this world has scarred you, Gamer. You'll be needing a lot of help from some true friends to get rid of this particular flaw and even then it will be a tough journey to recovery.
'That's not good' he deadpanned. His luck was like a pendulum. The inner world was broken but being an angsty, depressed ass was not how he wanted to start his new life.
There was no way he was pushing his luck any further. 'Move on. Please.' he asked.. politely.
Very well then, Gamer. The last part is customization. This will be your human form and any other racial traits will be added after you have finished your creation based on your demonstrated preferences. Once you are done here your Game will begin!
What followed was very reminiscent of character creation in most RPGs, yet, nearly every option available to change was. Wanna fix those imperfections that always bothered you? No problem! Want neon yellow eyes? Sure, what about having the other eye red! Your penis size? It was possible. He only added an extra inch, promise!
Anyways, the point was he spent a long while customizing his appearance to his liking. He actually managed to get his past life body as a base!
He removed the excess hair on his body, while leaving his hair color the same. He only really made sure that he would have a full head of hair for as long as possible. Other than that he whitened his teeth a few shades, made the color of his eyes a more vivid blue color, and fixed other smaller issues that bothered him. In the end his new body still looked similar to the old one. Just.. reborn ane
Taking a metaphysical deep breath with his nonexistent lungs. He prepared himself mentally. He. Was. Ready.
'Let's do this, System. Start the game.' He declared firmly both for the System and himself.
The Game System is preparing for launch! 3.. 2.. 1.
Start!
The next thing he knew was the surrounding darkness but it was quick. Like awakening from a dreamless sleep. Taking in his immediate surroundings he noted the rising sun in the sky, the damp grass, and a nauseating smell that caused the rested feeling he had to vanish as he slowly comprehended a scene of raw carnage and savagery.
Before him were clear signs of a battle, yet, it was what laid in the center of a clearing before him that captured his attention.
A woman's naked and mutilated corpse. The damaged carved and seared into her flesh alongside the white fluid dripping from her abused sex told the horrid fate that befell the person in front of him.
Looking into the dull eyes of the dead woman he was assaulted by a sudden, piercing headache and then the memories. Gods, 'ouch' the memories.
His new body had been.. trained.. to become the ultimate weapon to be directed at his father's enemies.
The mother was the only light in the young child's life and yesterday she had been murdered. She was a human with no training dragged into the evils of a supernatural cold war. Yet, his mother taught him all she could, whether it was how to read and write, to cook and care for himself, or even stories about the world outside the desecrated castle where he was held all his young life. Most importantly she taught him how to survive so that he may eventually be free to live his own life.
Now, she was dead. Dying to ensure her child escaped his cruel fate as a tool. At the cost of her own chance at life. The memories of the seven year old recalled hiding in the roots of a large tree. She had attempted to lead them away from her hidden child but it was not to be. As he hid to the best of his harsh training they tortured her. Defiled her body. Yet, she never once told them where her child was. She never broke. Not even as she died.
And the young child never once made a noise as he watched the entire scene from start to finish. Only, his torturous upbringing and mother's last request restrained him. However, their attackers' faces, energy signatures, and any identification marks were burned into his memories. He would be powerful enough to have vengeance!
Now, here he was. Still in the tree roots as the morning sun rose announcing a new day. His mother's mutilated naked body was still there. Left to rot. Their attackers were long gone now. No allies, resources, or concrete information beside bits and pieces. However, one detail stuck, he was a hybrid of a human and a devil that was born possessing a sacred gear.
No, he was not Vali Lucifer but he was in the same world if he had to guess if not an AU one. He had some suspicions based upon what his previous self's mother had told him in stories and lessons but he wanted to wait before making any wild guesses.
Shaking his head to refocus his thoughts. He needed to leave this place. His new father's lackeys were likely still looking for him or even now reporting their failure. He couldn't stay for long but there was no way he was leaving behind the woman's body. He wasn't sure quite yet what to do with these new memories but she had sacrificed herself so that her child, his new body, could live. The very least he could do was offer her the dignity of a proper burial.
Thinking quickly, he decided he had enough time to familiarize himself with the System before his trouble magnet flaw screwed him over.
'Status' he thought as he used the System for the first time since awakening in this new body. His excitement to see his stats was dulled by the memories of the training he had to do to start with a base like this.
[Status]
Name: Ryuichi Shiba(Beezlebub
Level: 1 Title: The Gamer()
Race: Human-Devil Hybrid
Class: Druid(Lvl 1/50[0%])
Tier: 0(Mortal Rank)
HP: 150/150hp(30HP per minute)
MP: 630/630mp(68MP per minute)
SP: 150/150sp(30SP per minute)
STR: 5
DEX: 8
CON: 1
INT: 21
WIS: 17
CHA: 9
LCK: 1
Unused Stat Points(USP): 20
Deciding quickly he began to assign his unused stat points ending up with a status looking like this.
[Status]
Name: Ryuichi Shiba(Beezlebub)
Level: 1
Title: The Gamer()
Race: Human-Devil Hybrid
Class: Druid(Lvl 1/50[0%])
Tier: 0(Mortal Rank)
HP: 170/170
MP: 630/63
SP: 170/170
STR: 10
DEX: 10
CON: 17
INT: 21
WIS: 17
CHA: 10
LCK: 10
USP: 0
Satisfied with his stats, Ryuichi turned his attention to the System, hoping it would accept the command he called mentally. 'Menu' and was pleasantly surprised when a new screen appeared.
[Menu]
-Status
-Skills
-Inventory
-Perks/Flaws
-Quests
-Options
-Help
Familiarizing himself with the menu he decided to check out each option. Since he checked his status already, the next choice was skills.
[Skills]
(Unique)[Gamer's Body(Passive)]- (Lvl Max)
-Allows the user to live life as if it was a video game.
(Unique)[Gamer's Mind(Passive)]- (Lvl Max)
-Helps the Gamer with controlling their emotions.
-Protects against outside influences. -Grant immunity to mental attacks and negative mental status effects.
(Unique)[Observe(Active)]- (Lvl Max) -Provides information about the target.
(Unique)[Concealment(Passive/Active)]- (Lvl Max)
-When in [Stealth] you cannot be detected by normal means. Immunity to [Legendary] ranked [Detection] skills and below.
-If the victim of your sneak attack is killed in your surprise attack then remain in [Stealth].
-Traps up to [Master] rank and below will not be triggered while in [Stealth].
-Allows the users to conceal different people or non-equipped items within a range of 3m at will.
-Cost 5SP/ min per person or item concealed besides the skill user.
(Novice)[Nature Magic(Passive)]- (Lvl 1/10)
-Gains instinctual knowledge of Nature magic.
-Nature related spells are 10% more powerful.
(Novice)[Beast Speech(Active)]- (Lvl 1/10) -Allows the caster to understand and communicate with beasts while the skill is cast.
-Cost 20mp/ min.
(Novice)[Entanglement(Active)]- (Lvl 1/10) -Several strong vines and roots lash out of the earth to wrap around the target binding them
-Target may break free if their STR exceeds your INT.
-Cost 50mp/ min.
(Novice)[Wooden Spikes(Active)]- (Lvl 1/10)
-A Dozen wooden spikes extend from the earth to piece the target
-Deal (INTx3)piercing damage
-Costs 60mp to use
Moving on, a quick glance in his inventory showed it was empty so he immediately looked into his Perks/Flaws.
[Perks/Flaws]
(Archmage's Insight)
(Inner World)
(The Ultimate Loner)
(Greedy Miser)
(Tragic Backstory)
(Trouble Magnet)
'Nothing new' Ryuichi despaired briefly, having hoped for a perk from his backstory. At least there are no flaws as well. A quick glance at Quest revealed no quest to complete. Hopefully, the options were more than a handful?
They weren't. The most important options available were auto-loot which he turned on, and then there was background music, volume, subtitles, FOV, and a few more miscellaneous ones. After fiddling a bit he relaxed to the soothing melody playing in the background.
By the way, the 'Help' section was basically just "Ask the System any question and it'll answer to the best of its abilities!". Word for word when he asked how it could help him.
I already clarified my status. Here's the rundown of what I found out.
Name: is your identity to the world around you.
Level: is a numerical representation of one's progress
Title: is earned through specific achievement and may have a variety of effects, not all pleasant!
Race: this determines your racial bonuses and penalties
Class: This determines your specialization Health and HP regen: This is a representation of your overall well being and recovery rate. If you reach 0 you will die. (HP= CON x 10 HPR= CON x 2)
MP: This is a representation of your Magical reserves and recovery rate. If you reach 0 you will suffer from Status effect; Mana Exhaustion. (MP= INT x 10 MPR= WIS x 5)
SP: This is a representation of your body's Stamina Reserves and recovery rate. If you reach 0 you will be unable to move. (SP= CON x 10 SPR= CON x 2)
STR: Is the numerical value of strength that your body can produce. Includes Melee damage, Carry weight, Unarmed Damage, etc.
DEX: Is the numerical value of Dexterity that your body can produce. Includes some Melee weapons damage, Ranged Weapons, Speed, Balance, etc.
CON: Is the numerical value of what your body can endure. Includes Health points, Damage Resistance, Stamina, Resistance to Illness, etc.
INT: Is the numerical value of Intelligence that you possess. Intelligence covers Memorization skills, Strategy Making, Mana Pool, etc.
WIS: Is the numerical value of wisdom that you possess. Wisdom covers Decision Making, Perception, Mana Regen, etc.
CHA: Is the numerical value of Charisma you command. Charisma includes Speech Skills, Commanding, Intimidation, etc.
LCK: Is the numerical value representing your Luck, both good and bad. Luck includes Drop Rates, Critical Chances, Random Encounters, etc.
Unused Stat Points: Are a representation of your untapped potential. The Gamer system allows you to control the direction of your growth though limitedly through the Unused Stat Points. Five points are awarded every level up. Otherwise they can be gained through completing quests or the rare stat increase drops which increase the specified stat by a set amount.
Nothing out of expectations, although it is good to know how his HP, MP, etc. are calculated.
It had taken him about ten minute to check out the System. The background music was playing a hauntingly sorrowful melody.
Slowly, still adjusting to his new body, he crawled from his hiding spot before walking over to the body of the mother. The state of her corpse was atrocious for a man like him who had been in a few bar fights at the most. Not even the gore he came across on the internet could prepare him for the real thing.
Gamer mind helped, but he felt everything. The grief stricken rage, and disgust he felt towards his pursuers and their leaders was nearly overwhelming. Including his so-called father.
Ryuichi stretched his hand out hesitantly touching his mother's face before he nearly recoiled, managing to stop but still flinching as he felt her freezing, rock-stiff skin. Solemnly, he mentally commanded to put her corpse in his inventory for safe keeping. He'd give her the proper burial she deserved instead of a rushed shallow grave where she fell.
As the body disappeared he looked at his hand, now coated in the life blood of his own mother, music played in the background slowly building up but he paid it no mind as his thoughts ran. One was louder than any other.
'I am in a different world.'
(-Flashback-)
"Half-Breed'' came, the furious whisper of Shalba Beelzebub. Within a basement and hidden behind several layers of protection was a lab. Strapped to numerous different devices was a young child of about three years. However, it was difficult to confirm due to the terrible injuries riddling his body combined with heavy malnutrition.
Towering over the child was an imposing figure of the cruel devil as he whispered his plan into the child's ear. Maliciousness oozed from the devil's very being. "You are an instrument of MY will. You will be trained into obedience. An attack dog to bring chaos to the world." The devil placed a hand on the child's cheek, like a gentle caress, before his grip became steel.
"Don't worry," the devil whispered. "At least a filthy Half-Breed like you can become a bit stronger"
(-Flashback Over-)
He was in a world where angels and demons were real. Where the protagonist got power ups from boobs and monsters roamed. For all the anime's comedic, ecchi moments most forgot just how dangerous this world was.
The blood on his hands was enough proof of just how horrible this world was to the weak.
Clenching his hand, Ryuichi made a promise for both himself and the owner of the body previously. His past identity no longer mattered. He is Ryuichi now. He would get vengeance for himself as well as his mother, however, in pursuit of the power he would need to accomplish his goal he would not forget to live.
This was his second chance after all. Not to mention the whole reason behind the escape attempt by the mother was so that her child could see the world free of the chain binding him to his father.
"I have to get stronger! I won't be chained to anyone or anything. Never again." A young child's eyes glowed briefly while his whispered declaration was all that was said as he faded into the shadows of the gloomy forest. All that was left behind was the pool of drying blood from his mother's body and the scene of destruction.
This is where his legend begins.
(AN: Hey Readers, I hope you enjoyed the prologue. As you guys have probably guessed I will be going into more depth about the system in the next few chapters as our MC steps out to explore this strange yet familiar world.
As a side note, I am writing this story for my own enjoyment as well as yours while hopefully improving my writing skills as I go. This is a hobby I've been debating taking up for a while now due to all these ideas floating around in my head and if you don't want to read my story then simply leave. Also, please remember that this is my story and while suggestions are welcome I will be focused primarily on my own ideas and concepts.
Updates will be more consistent and better sorted out, once I have a grasp on where my life is heading or I have enough chapters stockpiled. Whichever comes first.
That's all the concerns I wanted to address for this chapter so until next time, peace out.)