To answer a small number of comments, I don't have a lot of time to devote to writing, so my chapters are short. Plus, I find early conclusions almost irresistibly difficult to avoid.
That said, I had a lot of free time today and managed to crank out a chapter whilst my muse remained agreeable.
Also, this is the first completely original change from the manhwa, and the start of another major change in the storyline! Please tell me what you think!
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Dialog Cheat Sheet
Emphasis
Game Text
[Activating game ability]
SHOUTING
Cutting someone o- short
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Damn watch. Apparently, it wasn't nearly the time I thought it was. Still, I managed to get back about 10 minutes after the curfew mom set, well within tolerances.
The real trouble comes from what those zombies were doing in that barrier thing. Why would someone go to the trouble to put them there? Even if this a game, it's a fairly realistic one. Disregarding the zombies, suited monster summoners, and spontaneous energy blasts, of course. Thus, it wouldn't be irrational to presume that the MiB didn't wake up one day and decide to populate the city with flesh-devouring monsters.
Maybe I'm looking at this from the wrong angle. Maybe the guy isn't causing this, so much as he is trying to stop someone else's plot. Though that still raises the question as to why this third party would be gathering so many zombies. And that's assuming that these zombies didn't come here naturally. Or maybe it's a fourth thing!
Ugh, my head hurts.
Still, I need those zombies to LVL UP with. Not to mention the possibility of one slipping out and creating a second Raccoon City. Guess I'll be spending Sunday trying to find another zombie zone.
Neat, alliteration.
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Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I pulled up my Inventory while thinking about consumables. Specifically, healing items. It was stupid of me to go around without some of them, considering I don't have a healing skill. But what would be the most efficient?
Medicine is obvious, but all we have is minor stuff: antiseptic, bandages, vitamin pills. Food, on the other hand, while not considered "healthy", is often a good healing item, especially if it's some kind of rare, stew-like fare.
Screw it, I'll check both. But first, clothes. Don't want to ruin my school uniform fighting the undead, do I? I think a simple tee and jeans will do the trick.
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O'Remedy
Made by Allapum. The tube is half-empty. Heals inflammation in the mouth.
Hoshidin
Made by Hope. Applied to cuts or rashes. Heals Bleeding and Inflammation.
Bacchas
Made by Einz. Bacchas for when you're injured! Heals 5 HP.
… Wow, I can't even think of a witty comment, these're so bad. Still, Hoshidin could be useful, never know when bleeding will strike.
Maybe I'll have better luck in the kitchen.
I strolled down the stairs and rounded the corner to the kitchen. Mom was standing by the counter, packing her apron into a drawer.
"Going out?"
It was the only real conclusion; mom was almost never seen without her apron while inside the house.
"I thought I'd go to the gym. I haven't been in a while. Wouldn't want to lose my figure, would I?"
"Definitely not."
I slid past her her and made my way to the fridge. Maybe a sandwich? That and some milk would probably be pretty decent healing items.
"Don't devour the entire fridge, now. I still need to cook dinner."
I think I heard her footsteps leave the kitchen.
"If you insist."
Mom has pretty good hearing; she probably got that. If not, her problem, not mine.
Hmm, what kind of meat do we have today? Ham? Eh, not my favorite.
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Ham Sandwich
Poorly-made sandwich made from frozen porcine muscle tissue and partially-wheat slices. Better than nothing. Gives 30 HP.
Glass of Milk ˣ5
A glass of refreshing milk. Pretty good for cow juice, neh? Gives 20 HP.
See? Much better than those crappy medicines at maintaining my health! Though I don't hate ham that much.
I closed my inventory and- Eh?
A skill has been created through a special action.
Sweet. Probably something like cooking.
A skill to create food and drink, [Cooking], has been created.
I love it when I'm right. It never happens often enough for my tastes.
Cooking (ACTIVE)
LVL: 1
The ability to flambé, broil, fricassee, etc. Allows the user to create foodstuffs or improve their quality.
That could be extremely useful, if food is as powerful a healing device as I believe. Plus, being able to cook something other than toast and reheated leftovers would be nice when I leave the nest. I guess I could ask mom for cooking lessons. It would only be fair for me to begin pulling my weight in this house after these 18 years of slacking.
Whoa, where'd that last thought come from?
… Is this the dreaded maturation into a young adult? I don't want to become a productive member of society!
Whatever, off to zombie island! That dramatic pose I just made was very manly, thank you very much.
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Jesus fuck, how hard is it to find a ravenous horde of zombies in a populated urban area!? I've been searching for 2 hours. Two. Fucking. Hours. I am beyond pissed and've gone into a tranquil, Zen-like berserker state that allows me to tear through enemy defenses with ease.
I assure you, that's all true.
Hah, maybe I should give up. This walking's tired me out. Mentally, I mean. Physically, I'm fine. Game physics for the win. I guess I could buy a bunch of noodle products from a street vendor and train up [Observe] in the park by people-watching.
Now, which cart looks… tastiest…
In typical action movie form, the moment I give up the search, I find the zombies. Everything's shrouded in fog and the previously bright day has become blackest night. I wonder if the evil here will escape the Green Lantern's sight.
Right, it's ax time. I want to make a The Shining joke, but I used up my lame reference quota with the DC Comics reference.
You know what, fuck it.
"Heeere's Johnny!"
Totally worth the drop in self-esteem.
Alright, tactical mode on.
There are three unaware zombies, each about 4 meters away from the other, arranged in a vague line. The side streets are narrow enough that a zombie would have trouble getting in or out silently, but I should still try to check them in-between zombie takedowns. Nothing behind me but the edge of this barrier thing. Let's do this shit.
I sprinted toward the closest enemy, a… person? The face is pretty badly damaged, almost like someone threw a pot of acid on his (her?) face and upper body. Anyway, I charged up a [Power Strike] and let loose.
"[Power Strike]!"
Whoa, that depleted over half its HP. Maybe running gave me more force? Oh, right, still not killed. Re-killed. Or killed again, whichever suits your preference.
"[Power Strike]!"
… I want to hum the victory theme from Zelda, but I'll refrain.
Alright, those two other zombies've seen me and are trying to get over here without breaking their noses again. No other zombies from the other alleys, excellent.
"[Energy Bolt]. [Energy Bolt]."
Alright, two down. A quick series of strikes and they're eliminated.
"[Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]."
This is getting to be too easy. I'm even calling my shots, for chrissake! Better than the alternative of tougher enemies, I guess.
You know, I never noticed this earlier, but these zombies are weird. They dissolve upon death. Final Death, whatever. Still, that's odd. This one even turned into a fucking crystal! Maybe it comes from the whole "life is a videogame" shtick I've got going on.
Wait, crystal? As in the fairly common monster drop?
Dare I hope…
"[Observe]"
Dammit, I keep forgetting to train [Observe].
Soul Stone Shard (MISC)
Crystallized essence of the soul. Useful in many alchemical and mystical practices. This is but a fragment of a fragment, possessing almost no power.
Fuck yes! I can amass a fortune in, uh, these. I should start collecting them. I wonder if I can barter these for cash monies? If so, where? I doubt The Gap accepts "Crystallized essence of the soul." Don't believe me? Check the signs at the checkout line next time you go. There's a lot they won't accept in lieu of cash.
I cast an eye about, looking for any particularly sneaky zombies, before nodding to myself.
Very well! Not only am I going to grind for EXP, I will also grind for Soul Stone Shards! Let the hunt begin!
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Whoa, grinding in real life is harder than I thought. My MP ran out about three fourths through, forcing me to rely on plain attacks. It worked, but my ax is looking pretty sorry. Maybe I should steal another one, or find something more durable, like a crowbar.
Heh, Gordon Freeman reference. Though, I never got why he was so famous he was recognized as a prophesied savior by people he never met. Come to think of, I never got a lot of things about Half Life 2. Gah, not the time, Jee-Han.
Still, I LVLed UP twice and my [Power Strike], [Energy Bolt], and [Ax Mastery] went up by 2, making my LVL 5, my [Power Strike] 7 (I missed a LVL with the first zombie horde), my [Ax Mastery] 8 (ditto), and my [Energy Bolt] 3.
Since I seem to have cleared the area, I'll just sidle up against this food stand to add points to my stats.
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 140/5000
HP: 140/140
MP: 200/200
STR: 4
DEX: 7
VIT: 4
INT: 15
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 10
Money: 0W
My close combat stats could use some work. On the other hand, exams are coming up, so more INT would be nice.
My thoughts cut off as I felt rotten teeth bite into my neck. Acting quickly, I spun around and launched a close ranged [Energy Bolt] at the zombie's forehead.
"Jesus fuck, you guys never give up do you!?"
I hefted my battered ax off my shoulder and sent it careening toward the zombie ninja's face.
"[Power Strike]!"
The force behind that blow actually knocked it across the sidewalk to collapse against the… strip club! Score! Wait, zombie before strippers.
Another [Power Strike] dealt with it as I absentmindedly flicked off bits of bone and grey matter. How much HP did that take? I turned back to the still-floating Status screen.
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 490/5000
HP: 93/140
MP: 194/200
STR: 4
DEX: 7
VIT: 4
INT: 15
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 10
Money: 0W
Holy shit, that dealt almost 50 damage? And he only bit me for, what, a second? I guess that makes up for their stupidity and clumsiness.
Hah, I shouldn't start allocating stat points here, now that I know zombies can have temporary 100% chameleon. And knowing is half the battle!
Now, which way did I come from?
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I've been wandering for almost half an hour, now. Breaking into and robbing the passing stores becomes more and more tempting as time passes. I haven't seen a zombie, yet I hear their calls, warning, waiting, plotting. I bumped into something and fell on the ground.
EH!?
I looked up- Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit fucking syphilic whoreson bastard cunt cock-sucking-
Calm.
Oh fuck, I needed that. Now I can calmly, rationally think this through.
It's the fucking MiB! Hide the women, children, and feminine-looking men! Batten down the hatches and anuses! Prepare to die! Kiss your sanity goodbye, french it for all I care!
Calm.
Whoa, twice in a row. Broke my old record, sweet.
Oh, right, MiB.
"- nuisance."
Shit, what'd he say earlier? Well honesty is the best policy, so they say.
"I was too busy having two internal breakdowns to pay attention to your previous statement."
Dammit, not that honest! What the fuck is wrong with you, Jee-Han! Ooh, his eyebrow's twitched slightly. I'll chalk that up as a point for me.
"I said you are becoming a nuisance."
Ooh, another point.
"Because I keep stumbling onto these dome thingies and end up having to kill zombies to escape? Because that's called extreme unluckiness combined with self-defense, in my country."
Ah, excellent repartee! Another point to Jee-Han!
The MiB didn't move, but he suddenly seemed to loom over me as light was sucked out of my peripheral vision. The eerie fog only enhanced the effect by wrapping around him like a cloak. The only reason I hadn't wet myself was [A Gamer's Mind], though it only made me more aware of the power gulf between us. Even if he was a caster focused on summoning and crowd control, he could probably personally squash me like a bug.
… I'll give him a point for intimidation, but take one away for heavy-handedness.
"Your glibness does you no credit. I shall only ask you once to cease entering these Illusion Barriers."
Eh, that's what these are called? Illusion Barriers? That's… oddly similar to my most-favored nomenclature, Barrier. Another point!
Oh, he's waiting for a response.
"Well, maybe if I knew how to stop entering them, I would!"
Dammit, why do I have to resort to defensive sarcasm when I feel threatened! I would take a point away, but I was born this way, it's unethical to discriminate against the deceptionally challenged. In fact, just for being able to compete, yet another point!
His scowl deepened further before erasing itself.
"You do not know how to enter an Illusion Barrier?"
I quirked an eyebrow and stared at him. It was a challenge to look him in the eye for any length of time, but I forced myself to for dramatic effect. The things I do for appearances.
You know what, another point for willpower.
I got the distinct impression he blinked before speaking in a less ominous tone.
"If I showed you how to escape an Illusion Barrier, would you agree to do so if you wander into another?"
That's… pretty tempting. On the one hand, if I agree, he lets me go and I learn a new skill. On the other, if I agree and go back on my word, he'll probably find out before I reach LVL 10 and slaughter me.
Calm.
On a third, imaginary hand, if I refuse, he'll probably kill me here and now.
Decisions, decisions.
"You know what, I'll take you up on your offer."
Point for pragmatism and calm reasoning under fire.
Suddenly, the foreboding atmosphere receded. It gave the impression of a knife drawn away from my open neck, but still held threateningly; it could come back at any time if the MiB was displeased.
"Good. Imagine strength flowing into your hand. Then, raise it into the air and concentrate on escaping. This is the simplest way of removing oneself from an Illusion Barrier."
With that, he disappeared in a cloud of darkness.
That. Was. BADASS! How do I learn that?! You know what, he deserves a better name than MiB. From now on, I dub thee Agent K! And give you a pont!
And it's a landslide victory for Han Jee-Han, with a whopping score of 7 to 1! And the crowd goes wild! Raaaah, raaaah!
… Maybe I should see a psychiatrist.
Wait, did M- uh, Agent K leave the, uh, Illusion Barrier, or did he just go far enough away that I can't detect him?
I suppose it doesn't matter; either way, I want to get out of here. Imagine strength flowing into your hand. I imagine that "strength' would be MP. Concentrating on escaping seems like a kind of wish fulfillment. So, like how I wished for something to blast the zombie away when I first got [Energy Bolt].
Alright, feet shoulder-width apart, hand facing to the sky, fingers splayed, other hand tucked casually into pocket, I am good to go!
Just imagine… warmth pooling in my palm. Concentrate on escaping as hard as I can. Then, just relax and let go.
I opened my eyes. I was still standing in an empty street. What did I expect, a crowd of people?
Oh shit, that would be bad, wouldn't it? Suddenly appearing out of nowhere in the middle of a road before a bunch of people.
Let's take this to a side alley.
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Alright, escape practice, go!
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It took five tries before I popped into the real world. How did I know when I got there? A hobo jumped and spilled his cheap booze all over my shirt before the cat I landed on made itself known. These scratches sting. Well, good thing I changed out of my uniform. What time is it, anyway? I pulled out my watch, freshly wound.
3:30-ish. Give or take an hour, with my last experience with it. Man, I could go for some noodles and [Observe] training in the park. Yeah, maybe the broth will drown out the memories of Agent K's scary, scary stare. Ugh, I feel like he's watching me right now.
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So, how was my first original content?
Do I intend to give Jee-Han a way around the newly christened Agent K's restriction?
Read and Review to get a point!
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 490/5000
HP: 93/140
MP: 196/200
STR: 4
DEX: 7
VIT: 4
INT: 15
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 10
Money: 0W