[[Jasmine Bio 1]] - indicates the bio you need to look at, Check my profile for my character sheet story and select the matching chapter to this one (2). I am doing this so people don't have to do too much skimming and leads to a cleaner story.
I raised a finger, took a deep breath, and hit Start Tutorial. It was time to begin my adventure!
The world was suddenly… there. I hadn't realized how not there it'd been till now. Abruptly there was wind ruffling my hair, the smell of the ocean, the feeling of sand beneath my feet, the sound of seagulls behind me and song birds in front of me. Before there'd been the sea and ocean but no sound, no smell, no sense of the world beyond a pretty picture.
"Welcome to Chutoriaru." A voice suddenly called out, causing me to flinch in surprise. "You are known here as Jasmine, an orphan raised by the archaeologists who work in the Tree of Knowledge. You've grown up learning to read from the vast library contained within the Tree. Your island has been settled for the last 5000 years, ever since the Tree of Knowledge was planted. The World Government has permitted the study of the Void Century though recently you've heard whispers from the others that the wind is changing.
However you have not simply stayed within the library and have wandered out into the village often enough to be taken on as an apprentice at the local brewery. In your spare time, you were taught martial arts at the local dojo. In the last 6 years you have helped to raise the other orphans."
Holy F-
As the voice spoke a massive migraine hit my brain as images and memories piled in. Memories of being raised by a group of older folks, the scent of the library, the feeling knowledge of learning to brew, learning to fight, learning to read the Poneglyphs. Memories of the few small children that I helped look after, changed diapers(ew), and taught to read.
Well- I had not expected that. It appears I was being granted a background and life. I rubbed my head and looked around as the voice continued.
"Just recently you have told your fellow librarians that you are seeking to leave… they gave you a weapon and a farewell gift and sent you off last week. You have just now arrived upon Chutoriaru, dropped off by a marine ship on its way past."
A figure approached from the east, a young girl with a smile on her face.
"You may call me Chikai, I am to be your guide for the extent of your stay here. Do you have any questions?"
"Um… my farewell gift?" I said, the first thing that came to my mind. She nodded her head to the left of me with a smile on her face. Looking left and then down I noticed a pack with a nice bamboo bo staff lying next to it.
The pack held some protein bars, a few tangerines, a rather large bulging purse and some books. A small chest sat in the middle of it though and that one I opened. Was this the rare item that a Legendary play through got?
Inside was… a shell. I cocked my head and looked at it.
"If you Think 'Observe' you can learn about the item and people." Came the helpful tip from my tutorial guide. "To get more detailed information you will need the skill Appraise or Observation Haki."
Alright... Observe.
'Sky Dial- a rare dial from the Sky Islands. Currently Unidentified.'
The information appeared above it briefly before fading out. Cool! I think I'm going to need Observational Haki and Appraise real fast! Knowledge is power! The dial I stored back inside the small chest; it looked fragile and I didn't want it to break.
"If you will follow me I will give you a tour of the town and point out the important places."
I nodded and followed along, making sure to grab my awesome bo staff and pack before following. The island we were on was small, a single town and bay where ships would dock. A small marine base overlooked the bay. As we walked I enjoyed the feeling of the wind and sand; I don't know how long had passed in the darkness but it'd felt like forever! I could hardly feel my memories from before the game; it was like stepping into this world had removed the last world from me.
"You will find the Oceanic Bank in all major towns and cities. It is a safe zone and no fighting can be done there. You may store any money or items here, retrieving items must be done at the unique bank you deposited it in. Money may be withdrawn from any bank. Please be aware that illegal items may be confiscated by the World Government at their discretion."
"Wait... they can just take my stuff?"
"Illegal items only. The Oceanic Bank obeys the laws and reports all illegal activity. Your money and all legitimate goods are safe."
"So… if I had something Illegal, where could I safely store it? Other than digging a hole and burying it."
"The Bank of Jones is an unsanctioned bank that is not a safe zone but is known to be very vengeful towards any who steal from them. They are under the protection of a Yonko and take a small fee for their service but all items stored there will be kept safe and not stolen. Officially it does not exist… "
"Yonko?"
"A pirate who has achieved great power and status that the world government would risk war trying to go after them." Nice. That sounded like someone I could trust my illegal goods to.
"Will you wait here while I store some stuff?"
"Of course." Chikai smiled politely, she did everything politely, and waited and I walked into a tall building flanked with grand white marble pillars and polished granite floors. It screamed wealth and importance. Who else polishes their floors so you can see yourself? Perverts trying to look up your skirt?
I left after creating an account and depositing most of my beri's, leaving only 50,000 in my purse. I wanted to find this Bank of Jones fast! I was certain that the government could keep tabs on you when you withdrew money and what if I was avoiding them? I mean... I wasn't going pirate… at least I wasn't intending to! Maybe bounty hunter... That way I could be free but not considered wanted. Unless I met someone who I wouldn't mind calling captain.. or.. I became a captain!
Next we hit a clothing shop. I wanted more than one set of clothes! I left with a much emptier purse but the happy owner of two sets of cargo capri pants, two short shorts, several tank tops, a few t-shirts in black and blue, a hoodie, swim suit, sweat pants and some combat boots. My current tennis shoes were fine but I needed something more water proof that would last longer. I was left with just enough for lunch. Looks like I'd need to withdraw some more.
I also realized an issue with one of my skills; as much as I wanted to be able to brew alcohol and other drinks… you needed machines for that. Machines I did not have nor know what to get! I probably should have grabbed something a bit more… useful.
After I got the whole tour and Chikai left me at the café an alert popped up in front of me at the same time a siren wailed in the distance, coming from the marine base.
Event! Pirates are attacking at the bay!
This must be the tutorial into fighting: I licked my lips nervously. I hope this wouldn't hurt.
I paid my bill and left, running down to the nearby beach to see what was up. As I ran in the corner of my vision a set of translucent bars popped up: 3 differently colored bars. The green was labeled Health, the red Stamina, and the blue Spirit. As I ran the stamina bar dropped one point after a bit. At least it's not too distracting and it's there so I will know when I start running low!
As I heard the sounds of battle another alert popped up.
Pick a Side
Do you help the Marines, Pirates, or Walk Away?
Rewards Vary.
Below I saw the evenly matched sides and decided to try and not be pirate right off the bat.. The little marines were just in it to protect people right? I would prefer to help people.
I dropped my bag on the ground and grabbed my bo staff as I quietly slunk off to the side before charging in. In my mind I focused on the words 'Simple Monkey Style' to activate my ability and did a diving roll into battle. My staff came up point first as I came to my feet, connecting with the pirates chin and causing him to fall unconscious.
+10 exp
Level 1 10/100 exp
The words flashed briefly off to the side as I ducked another pirate's sword and whipped my staff around in a circle to clear the area around me. I had no time to think as battle descended. Luckily the marines were all wearing white and blue and were easy to not hit on accident otherwise I might have taken out a few of them as well. A few hits got through my defense and I flinched each time as they cut into my clothes and drew blood. Pain! But I knew this was more than a game going in so I didn't cry or whimper and shouldered on: if I wanted to be big in this world I had to not be a wimp! I couldn't wuss out at the first fight! My green health bar had a small dent in it but nothing too worrying just yet.
An act of courage and not giving into weakness grants +1 to your Spirit Stat
Jasmine Level 1 90/100
Spirit is now at 13
Eventually, the marines and I managed to clear the pirates out. After it was over I stood hiding my trembles and trying to slow my pounding heart as I looked at the red patches staining my shirt. I gave the marines a nervous smile as the one with a fancier cap approached.
I wasn't able to take out 10 to gain that level but I had a safe first taste of combat. I'd level up in time.
"Figured you could use the help." I said to the slightly smaller man when he got close enough. I had no idea what his rank was. The taller man gave me a grateful smile and barked orders for the wounded to fall back.
"And I am grateful for it! Though we've the captain of this bunch of sea scum to take out."
My heat beat sped up one again as nerves and anticipation hit and I turned to face the small ship that was beached as a broad figure jumped off and stormed towards us; looks like I'd get my level after all!
As I squinted to see the captain, I readied myself for a leaping jump. My glasses had fallen off some time during the fight; maybe that was why I could fight so well? Since their faces were blurry it was easier to attack?
I shook the thoughts away as the pirate ran forward with a roar.
"Ye ain't gonna get away with this ye scurvy dogs!" I almost laughed at his over the top act and accent but kept it to a smile. Once he got close enough I sprang into the air, the extra time spent readying my attack making it that much more effective and higher a leap!
The staff landed solidly on his head and I could, briefly, see a red bar appear and get chunked. Using my staff I flipped backwards to land back in my spot as he stumbled for a moment. He was at about 70% still… Pity.
"Charge!" The marine leader yelled and I found marines suddenly on either side of me as they joined the fray. It put a bit of a crimp in my fighting style since the Simple Monkey uses a lot of space, whirling staff, leaping, and wide swings. But in the end we managed to bring the smelly bugger down without too much harm being done to my temporary allies.
Event Over!
Marine forces have been reinforced and the Pirates defeated without a single death!
+20 exp for Boss defeat
+50 exp for successfully completing an event!
+10 exp for defeating your opponents without killing anyone.
+5 Prestige for aiding the Marines
Level up! Stamina, Health, and Spirit are all refilled!
+1 Stat Point, stored till next rest
At next rest please pick a Health, Stamina, or Spirit bar to increase by 50 points.
Jasmine Level 2 60/200
Reputation: -45 ( Notoriety: 50 || Prestige: 5)
Level up! The benefit of having everything refilled with a level up was nice! I had been feeling a little bit tired but not anymore! I smiled to myself as I bent down to examine the guy. Were there loot drops? Nope… ah well.
"Is he worth a bounty?" I asked curiously to the marine leader who approached me.
"Bloody Bergaher. He's worth 5000 Beri. I'll handle the transaction back at base. The name's Sergeant Hilik, ma'am. Thanks again for the help... and for the lack of deaths." He eyed the bodies being dragged off with a glint in his eye. "We prefer to capture the low level pirates and try to give them a second chance."
"Jasmine, please, ma'am makes me feel older than I am." I said with wide grin. "I prefer not to kill cause once you die it's over." Well.. sorta. It's over at least in the world where you were in at least! I cannot go back to the other world and the same is true for everyone right?
"I'll help you drag him." I offered. "Since we're both going that way anyways?"
Hilik shook his head and grabbed one of the pirate's arms. "If you could instead secure his ship? I'd have one of mine do it but we need to get these all in chains and a cell before they wake up."
"Ah gotcha! Meet you at the base then." Loot!
I trotted over to grab my bag first before heading into the ship; I wonder if I could keep it? Though… I eyed it. 'Observe.' The ship was a smaller one but still too large for me to sail on my own. It had a single large mast with triangular sails and a rather sleek looking hull. I rather liked it!
Small Single-masted Caravel, requires a crew of 10. Built with a shallow keep it gives up cargo space in favor of being able to sail shallow coastal waters and up deep rivers.
Too big for me but something to keep in mind for the future. If I am to be exploring I should probably get something that can go up rivers and hide better right?
On board I found stuff but nothing I really needed at this moment. Their food was too old, their chests empty, their weapons not something I needed. My eye spotted some maps on a wall in the captain's quarters. Hmm… I stashed them in my pack along with his log book. Perhaps it'd be useful! I grabbed a large brown duffel bag that was by the door on my way out. My bag was too small, barely holding all my stuff right now.
The crew's quarters were disgusting! My nose wrinkled as the smell of salty unwashed bodies hit. Ugh! I did find an erhu though; I can sell it if I cannot learn how to use it! Strange how a pirate ship would have an erhu; a delicate sweet sounding instrument on board.
I sat on the deck and went through the large duffel bag I'd taken; it had some booze and clothes with in it. Thankfully it smelled clean so I quickly transferred my gear into there before I returned briefly to the captain's quarters to change clothes and wipe off all the sweat and blood the fight had left me with as well as bandaging my small cuts. Then I sat down and pulled out the books in my bag. Since I was waiting might as well read.
Turns out one was my recipe book!
'Hope you enjoy the seas, I've added in some instructions for building a brewery on board a ship or on land since you need the tools to actually do anything!
Take care and write back soon—Inolan'
Was written on the inside cover and sure enough the first few pages were a detailed drawing with instructions on what would be needed. The pages that followed were my three known recipes followed by blank pages. I stared at the blank pages as memories surfaced; false memories but ones that were real for this body.
Inolan, a tall broad man with dark skin and bushy white hair that always looked like a mad scientist. Inolan showing me materials, fruits, his deep laugh as I made a mess. His wife, taller and broader than him, but with the sweetest voice who made the best rum ever. Their kid who pestered me for stories.
Apparently I wasn't just getting a fake backstory; this world was making it a reality and replacing my real ones with these new ones. I know this cause I cannot for the life of me recall my original family's faces or names. I knew I had a big one but… no numbers, no names, nothing. How much more would I lose? And did it actually matter? I could no longer return to that world, could no longer see those people; it would only make me lonely and sad if I kept remembering them… so wouldn't this be helpful?
I tried to think on the bright side but the sadness at the loss of my original memories lingered.
I looked up as I heard the crunching of boots upon the sand. Marines had arrived to take over. I shoved the visions and melancholy away as I stood up.
"All clear I guess. I took some maps and an erhu." I said as they clambered on board.
"Thank you again for your help, Ma'am." Came the quick response followed by a lazy salute. "Sarg is waiting with the funds already for when you get there."
"Mm.. thanks!" I hopped off, swinging the duffel bag over one shoulder and the violin strapped to the other. Well, now I won't have to withdraw more money! Though considering how fast I went through 50,000 this 5,000 was not going to last long!
"Is there a ship out of here today?" I asked the Sargent.
"The ship taking these guys to justice will leave in a few hours. Shall I let them know you'll be needing a berth?"
"Oh! That would be quite useful." I smiled gratefully, "How much?"
He waved his hand in the air, dismissing my question. "You paid for it this afternoon with your aid! It'll drop you off on Kellbar Island though; since its next stop is one of our prison islands."
"That sounds perfect." I took my money and was about to head out when Hilik's voice called out.
"You know.. the Marines could use someone who has a strong sense of justice, morality, and is willing to put their life on the line for others… If you're interested in joining we've got offices just about everywhere."
I looked back over my shoulder and grinned impishly. "I don't think I'd take too well to being given orders! Plus I want a bit more freedom to wander where the wind blows me. Maybe in the future though."
"Fair enough. Speedy winds aid your travels ma'am!"
Ma'am… what is it with them and ma'am? Do I really look that old? Or is it a respectful thing? Could be worse… they could be calling me lass! I headed down to the docks near the bay to wait for the ship. I had all afternoon to waste and I intended to do a bit of grinding. Although I might spend some time reading since I had gotten distracted by the visions and replacement memories.
Leaning up against a tree, I pulled out a book to make it look like I was reading as I mentally called up my character sheet and allocated my points. I didn't want to look crazy just tapping the air and the world or game seemed to understand; the pages of my book changed to reflect my character sheet.
What to put where… I think Stamina should be increased. Just in case things go really bad and I need to run a long time! As for stats—I need 20 in mind and spirit for Observational Haki. Spirit I increased by one to make it match the mind.
[[Jasmine Bio 1]]
It was far more in depth than earlier, telling me how much damage I'd actually do with my weapons and style. Frankly, level one simple monkey sucked; 1 extra damage per strike? I need to level that! Though one fight was enough to increase it half way to the next level and that took all of like 3 minutes. With a few hours of running through the kata's that are embedded in my memories I ought to be able to raise it right?
Let's see to actually grind I need to know my regen rates. "Guide." I smiled as it appeared and I found the bit on Regeneration.. as well as Death. Yikes!
You die when all 3 of your bars reach 0. (Health, Stamina, Spirit)
Once your Health reaches 0, you start taking 5 point of Spirit and Stamina damage per minute. You also have a chance to fall unconscious.
When Spirit reaches 0, you can no longer use your Haki abilities.
When Stamina reaches 0 you cannot use special attacks and your normal attacks starting taking their stamina requirements from your Spirit. If your Spirit is also at 0, you start to take away from Health.
Health replenishes at 10 points per hour you sleep. Wounds recede once their damage has been healed, however any wound effects remain in place until medicine, first aid, or a doctors abilities are used.
Stamina replenishes at 20 points per hour you rest (not doing any strenuous activity) while sleep replenishes it at 100 per hour.
Spirit replenishes at 20 points per hour, 30 per hour of rest, and 40 per hour of sleep.
Well; at least if you lose all your health it's not an automatic death! But the rate of regen is not favorable for me considering my bo staff uses 10 stamina per minute and singing uses 5. I guess I can go till I drop, sleep for an hour then focus on reading and going through my memories more fully. If I was to be integrate into this world best I prepare myself for it now while things are quiet.
I sat and wandered through the memories, focusing on the dojo parts. Once I had managed to do so I grabbed my staff and began to slowly move through the motions, making sure I matched what the visions depicted. I noticed as I did so that my stamina was decreasing at 5 per minute rather than 10. Curious I sped up and attacked as if I was in combat for a minute.
Yup. Dropped by 10. I grinned; fighting took double what slow practice did! This made training a bit more doable. Just in case I checked my progress on the style itself:
Simple Monkey Style: Level: 1 (limit 2) 90% to next level.
I kept going until a game alert popped up.
Through strenuous exercise you have trained your body! +1 to Body stat, +10 to Stamina.
I laughed and stopped my exercise. I'd managed to grind the simple monkey style till it was capped off, though it did state 30% towards the next level; I guess that meant I could be at almost level 3 until I leveled up and then just spend a little bit to get that next skill level?
Training looked like it was the best thing to do; not only did you gain stats and stamina, you leveled your fighting skills! No wonder … what's his name was so strong. I stopped and frowned. I knew who he was—at least I used to know. Someone who lived in this world, someone who was the greatest.. something… I sighed. It looked like this world was eroding away at any spoiler like knowledge I would have as well!
I frowned and tried to recall other names of people; people from places whose names were also missing. Everything was fuzzy; I knew this was from- this world was.. It's a game, but also my second life. But what is it based off of? The world was one I loved, I knew that, the game based off of several games I'd played; but no name could be found. No image. Nothing. I paused in my final stretch, hands clenched as I fought a panic attack. I was losing myself! This.. was this even me? Or was I just a replacement person? A … a fake soul living in some girls body? Had I killed that girl and taken her place?
No! I.. I am Jasmine! I was from another world! I made this body, I made this character. It is me. I did not displace someone else! It's all me, all mine. This game is… is One Piece! Which is a treasure of sorts right? It was about a boy, one who smiled and never gave up.
I took a deep breath as I stood up. I gave up a part of me to be here, I am not losing myself, I am merely changing. I had died and was now reborn. This is me, was always me. It's my body, my mind, my soul.
For calmly using logic and thinking your way through your panic and problems +1 to Mind!
"Oh shut up." I muttered to the system announcement.
Time to lose myself in music; I only had 100 stamina left but it would last me 20 minutes which ought to be enough before I started digging into my Spirit. But considering that I wanted an escape from this whole losing myself panic, it'd be worth it.
I spent an hour familiarizing myself with my voice. How low could it go, how high, how long could I hold a note. What did I have to do to hit certain notes. Then I began to sing one of the many songs imbedded within the memories given to me; songs of old legends and myths, of acts of daring and great love stories. When my stamina ran out it was like I was about to pass out; the world got fuzzy, the bright lights burning my eyes, the sounds all sounding distance as the world spun slightly. I kept on singing though, my song faltering a bit.
After the hour I packed my bags and curled up for a light nap; hoping I wouldn't miss my boat; it was approaching evening but I had a few hours of sunlight left.
I went to sleep, ignoring the message alert that popped up.
The Song Must Go On! For continuing playing despite the loss of stamina, you gain +10 spirit status!
[[Jasmine bio 2]] for the changes in her skills.
AN: Hopefully the numbers work out. I kinda winged it a bit XD I'm not doing too much numbers hopefully so the causal reader can simply enjoy but enough to satisfy those of you who like to keep track of such things!