After rereading some of my earlier chapters, they seemed to be kind of… fast-paced? A little too light on details than my personal taste. Thus, I'm going to try to add much more detail to this chapter in an effort to make it read better.
In addition, first major deviation from canon!
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Dialog Cheat Sheet
Emphasis
Game Text
[Activating game ability]
SHOUTING
Cutting someone o- short
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Mmm, these are some good noodles. Really unhealthy, though. I can feel the grease coating my throat when I swallow. Maybe it reminds me of home? Well, old home. Sigh.
Clack.
Alas, my noodles, they are gone. Now I must begin anew with another bowl, if only I had one. Oh yeah, I do have another bowl.
Bliss.
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Hmm, so full. I relaxed on the secluded park bench, staring at the sky. It's not really a pastime of mine, but sometimes I do it to keep people from bothering me while I think.
You know, I haven't had a chance to really think about how my life's changed thanks to Agent K and redhead. Even though I got my videogame powers before them, I probably would've gone on with life as normal, just dumping points in INT and occasionally WIS whenever I got a LVL UP from quests.
But now, with Agent K's threat, zombie invasions, and the danger of being attacked by pyromaniacs, I feel more alive than ever. I suppose I should thank them for that, once I'm sure they can't hurt me, mom, or Sun-Il.
Does that make me a bad person?
Heh, not really. It just makes me a closet thrill junkie. I'm not sure if that's worse, though.
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A female jogger, clad in a pink track suit, came jogging by the park. Jeez, couldn't you wear something less stereotypically feminine?
"[Observe]"
LVL: 6
Na Hyun-Soo
An athletic, independent woman. Enjoys exercise and TV dramas. Not very academic, but makes up for it with common sense.
Using [Observe] on random people is starting to make me feel awkward, like a stalking yandere who just discovered he's followed the wrong person.
[Observe]'s LVL has increased by 1.
Sweet, that means [Observe]'s LVL 7!
I stood up and stretched. It was getting pretty late and I was tired of invading people's privacy for power.
Why didn't I [Observe] random objects, you ask? Well, I… I…
I let my face sink into my upturned palm.
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I reclined in my favorite chair, letting a TV drama wash over me. Next to me, mom was riveted to the set, absentmindedly eating some health gunk.
I'm really starting to wonder about the efficacy of my plan of pumping INT and WIS. If all magic attacks are as bad as [Energy Bolt], I don't think I should invest in them. I mean, one [Energy Bolt] barely scratches a zombie, but two [Power Strike]s will kill one with Damage to spare.
Wait, [Energy Bolt] is the basic magic attack, right? So easy even an untrained, panicky guy like myself can use it on accident. So maybe it's less a means of damage so much as a means of entering into the world of magic combat, like swinging my ax was the introduction to melee combat.
So, if that's true, then I shouldn't I be able to improve on it, like [Power Strike]'s an improvement on a basic attack? Yeah, I'm not about to give up on magic! Even if I have to manufacture excuses as to why I shouldn't!
The question, then, is how to improve it?
Fire? No, I have no idea how to go about that. Keep that on the back burner, though. Heh.
In fact, all elemental improvements have to be shelved, since I am not a shinobi and they never really covered basic elemental training in Naruto. Nor do I believe I have chakra.
Bigger? Maybe. It would make it more expensive to cast, but the damage would increase. However, it seems to rely on detonating upon hitting the enemy. If I really wanted to cause damage with an explosive, I'd drill a hole and stuff TNT in it.
Drill…
I know, I'll just shape it into a drill of sorts! Right now, it's just an explosive ball of energy, but if I give it direction, it'll be more like a shaped charge!
Jee-Han, you motherfucking genius. You deserve a cookie.
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"Ahn~ Sho good~!"
… I was making fun of people who love sweets. They're hilarious, the way they'll do anything for a bit of sugar and almost orgasm when they get it.
Ha. Haha.
Not like me at all. Nope, I'm a salty and spicy food man. Sweets hold no interest to my calloused tongue.
Ha.
I pulled open the door to the roof. Don't ask me why we have one, because I have no fucking clue. Maybe mom liked having sex under the stars when dad, wherever he is now, was around?
Brrr, bad thoughts.
It's almost like the roof of an office building, with pebbles covering the surface except for a small area near the door. Our home isn't particularly tall when compared to our neighbors, but we're also not short, either, so sometimes this place becomes excellent for stargazing.
Enough woolgathering! [Mana Drill] creation, go!
I pulled up that "strength" Agent K mentioned from earlier, letting it pool in my palm. Slowly, a blue glow surrounded my hand. It wasn't very bright, but it was definitely visible. Now, how to shape it?
First, I tried to create a conical shape, but the mana refused to cooperate. Whenever I took my focus off it, the energy morphed from a solid shape back into that damn glow.
I was tempted to growl at my hand for not playing along.
Alright, you go by your rules. You want to be this, fine! I'll just direct you the way I want, regardless of your opinion! I am the motherfucking dictator, what I say goes.
And I say to go in a line!
I thrust out my hand, trying to make a lance-like attack out of my mana.
The attack petered out after a few feet. God-fucking-dammit.
A skill has been created through a special action.
Fuck yes! I can't believe that worked! I shouldn't be such a pessimist, obviously the universe recognizes my awesomeness and talent.
The ability to unleash a burst of mana, [Energy Burst], has been created.
… Darn it. Darn it all to heck. I regret my renouncement of pessimism and humbly ask she take me back like the reckless, passionate idiot I am.
Energy Burst (ACTIVE)
LVL: 1
Charges and unleashes a blast of mana in melee combat.
+100% Force
+50% Damage
What? "Unleashes a blast of mana" what?
Test it?
It says melee combat, so I pulled out my ax. Damn, I need to make that flash of light less… flashy. It could ruin stealth if I'm trying to, well, stealth.
"Right, [Energy Burst]."
Need [Energy Burst] LVL 20
…Eh? I can't use it? Then how the fuck am I supposed to LVL it, dipshits!?
Designed by monkeys, I tell you…
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I threw myself on my bed in a huff, covering my eyes with a pillow. It helps me think, don't judge.
Alright, so my attempts to create a new, more damaging magic attack failed. [Energy Burst] does less Damage than my [Power Strike], lacks the extra Crit Chance, is unusable with my favorite weapon, and I have no idea what Force is. Maybe it's the amount of kinetic energy transferred by each hit? That would mean I could eventually send people flying miles if I pumped STR. Gah, focus.
I can't think of any other ways to improve [Energy Bolt] right now. Too stuck on the drill idea.
Why am I even considering this, anyway? Agent K will kill me if I don't immediately leave any Illusion Barrier I find.
Wait.
Not any Illusion Barrier, just his. So if I made my own, I could farm in them as much as I please without fear of retribution!
But how to create a small pocket dimension that automatically populates itself with monsters, specifically low-LVL monsters? Probably a bit more difficult than safely breaking out of said pocket dimension, I imagine.
… You know, I don't remember getting a skill for escaping Illusion Barriers.
Let's… check… Skills…
What the fuck?
"What the fuck?"
Would you like to rest?
… No?
When did that get there? And why didn't it show up last night when I went to bed?
Sigh.
"Skills."
Oh, what's this? Is this the [IB Exit] skill?
ID Escape (ACTIVE)
LVL: 1
Used to escape Instant Dungeons. Stronger Dungeons require higher LVLs to escape from.
Why didn't I get a popup telling me about this?
Oh, right. The hobo spilled his… alcohol all over my shirt, then the cat I stepped on clawed my face and body for about 10 HP. I guess my random flailing closed the windows.
That takes skill.
So, if I have [ID Escape], shouldn't there be an [ID Create]? If so, how do I get it?
Also, why are they called Instant Dungeons, rather than Illusion Barriers? Unless what this theoretical [ID Create] skill creates something different from something other than what everyone else (namely Agent K) creates.
Back to [ID Create], how do I get it? Do I reverse the process of obtaining [ID Escape]? Let MP flow into my hand and concentrate about entering an Instant Dungeon?
Nah, too simple. We're talking about fucking pocket dimensions! I refuse to believe every Tom, Dick, and Harry can sequester a portion of reality at will after gaining the ability to use mana!
Another blue glow. Sigh. What now?
A quest has been created.
Oh? Pray tell.
Quest Alert
Building up Barriers
The Gamer must discover how to create Illusion Barriers.
Time Limit: None
Reward: 1000 EXP, [ID Create]
Failure: None
Accept Decline
Accept? Because duh.
The box disappeared with a flash. You know, I wonder if I have a quests screen.
"Quests?"
Nothing, huh?
"Journal?"
Jackpot!
Quests
Enemies
Maps
Wow. That's a pretty sweet lineup, all things considered.
I pushed the Quests tab and let the screen expand.
Active
Completed
Failed
Uh, Active.
Building up Barriers
The Gamer must discover how to create Illusion Barriers.
Time Limit: None
Reward: 1000 EXP, [ID Create]
Failure: None
That's… That's really helpful, thanks.
Back. Now, what's Enemies? Probably something like a bestiary
Black Slime
Zombie
A long line of question marks followed. Yay me.
Maps
This should be useful, at least.
No maps available.
"Son of a bitch!"
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I accidentally fell asleep in my clothes while whining to myself about how unfair my life is. I mean, if for some reason your life turns into a videogame, you'd expect it to be half-decent! This ranks in about the lower third percentile of RPGs I've played. The realism is fantastic, but game elements are slapdash and sloppily-executed. The game has the potential to become great, but needed more playtesting and bug fixes before hitting the shelves.
Ugh, I sound like an internet reviewer.
Anyway, I pulled myself upright and opened Inventory. I am damn well not going to undress myself!
One gear swap later, I was wearing the school uniform. Fucking awesome, let me tell you.
What's the time… 7:30?! I can actually eat breakfast before school!
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After a rather unsatisfying self-made breakfast of burnt pancakes and expired OJ (It was fresh when I checked. Damn low LVL [Cooking] skill), I rushed out the door, my culinary disaster making me late again. Still, [Cooking] got a LVL, so it isn't all bad.
Just as Do Gi-Hyun closed his hand on the door handle, I slid into the classroom like a champ. Go team Jee-Han!
"Do you have an excuse?"
Oh, right, teacher.
"For being almost late? No, no I don't."
Damn my instinctive sarcasm.
Gi-Hyun stared at me for a few seconds before nodding slightly. I'm not sure if it was in respect or as acknowledgement that I wasn't breaking a rule.
"Get to your seat."
Yipe! Something in his tone sent me scampering to my seat in the back of the class.
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As the teacher (not Gi-Hyun) lectured about some kind of scientific law, I let my mind wander. Sun-Il's LVL had gone up by 4 since I last saw him, to LVL 26.
It's starting to make me wonder if he's affiliated with the supernatural. I mean, he's a really good martial artist, despite not using anything other than his style's basic moves. He lives up in a giant dojo/manor I've almost never been up to. He LVLs UP 4 times in the time it took me to do the same. And that damn title! Chunbumoon's Heir could just mean he's set to inherit the dojo, which presumably teaches a style called Chunbumoon, but the fact it's a title makes me leery of assuming that.
I mean, titles are only given for accomplishing some kind of feat in the game world. From killing a certain number of enemies to defeating bosses under certain restrictions, something impressive has to be done. And if being the heir of Chunbumoon is that important, it could be more than it appears.
Or it could just be that Sun-Il's a martial arts prodigy who's beaten students decades his senior for the title. I don't have enough information to decide.
But I'll have to make a decision whether or not to ask about this kind of stuff. If he's not in the know, I could expose him to danger. Danger I can't protect him from, because the overly-loyal idiot will insist on helping me.
If he is in the know, then he could answer most of my questions about this stuff, as well as take care of himself.
… I…
I think I'll put it off until I have a clearer picture of his status. Guessing wrong would be bad, so I'm not guessing. I'm… delaying the decision-making.
I mean, I can always tell him later, if he proves to be a supernatural martial artist.
Yeah, this totally isn't betrayal.
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"Lunch?"
I was shocked out of my reverie by Sun-Il's voice. It's not annoying, most of the time, it just has a piercing quality that cuts through my defenses like… something really sharp.
"Sure."
I swear he blinked, even though his eyes are almost permanently closed.
"This is a surprise."
It's true, usually I make some lame excuse as to why I'm eating with him. Most often some backhanded insult.
Sigh. I am a shitty friend, aren't I?
Sun-Il stared at me for a few moments before grinning broadly. Then he poked my forehead.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"Just checking to see if you're you. You pass."
… Idiot. Of course I'm me. Who else would I be?
"… Idiot. Of course I'm me. Who else would I be?"
I'm glad to see my voice is finally saying what I want it to. Mouthing off is only good when I'm safe from retribution.
Spear! Or knife!
Those're, uh, examples of what I wanted to say earlier. You know, about Sun-Il's voice. Wait, you're me, why am I explaining myself to me? I don't owe myself nothin'!
"Coming?"
Oh, right, lunch.
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I stared enviously at Sun-Il's lunch. It took up half his backpack space, and was cooked by some hired maid/housekeeper/chef/cousin person. Every time I ask, the story changes. The worst part is the bastard won't share!
Fucking miser!
I contented myself with a bag of peanuts and soda purchased from a nearby vending machine.
Don't cry, Jee-Han. Don't let him see your weakness. Sniff.
"Jeez, what's with that pathetic face?"
What'd you say!?
I glared at him before my eyes involuntarily found the identifier floating above his head. Damn, now I'm reminded about how I didn't betray his trust.
I feel like a douche. A practical, prudent, well-meaning douche.
"Seriously, are you alright? You've been quiet more than usual."
His eyes opened and his perpetual half-smile fell away, giving him a serious expression. Damn, I hope the BL fangirls don't see this.
Ass. He's probably doing this on purpose. What to say, what to say…
"Fine," I sighed, "Just some asshole cop pulled me over for jaywalking. Said he'd write me up if he caught me doing it again."
Dammit, Jee-Han, that- that was exactly what I wanted you to say, good job.
A skill has been created through a special action.
Eh? What… no, I can't do this right now.
"What're you looking at?"
Idiot, don't turn around as you say that. It makes you look like an unobservant fool who asks questions before investigating what you asked about.
"I thought I could see your brain cells as they floated away. Then I realized there weren't enough to see without a microscope."
Ooh, burn!
"Ouch. That hurts me, right here. In the sternum."
He tapped the mentioned bone, a small smile on his face.
He's relieved, isn't he?
After assuring himself of my continued mental health, so concentrated on devouring his meal, starting with a large, plastic-wrapped bowl of rice.
While he wasn't looking, I tapped the window that remained hovering there.
An ability to lie to others, [Deception], has been created.
Intriguing… I can see the benefits of being able to fool lie detectors. Not that I would ever get in such a situation, of course.
Deception (SOCIAL)
LVL: 1
Allows the user to fake body language, alter tone, and fabricate stories to deceive others. Also improves the user's ability to detect deceptions from others.
Lying and telling when I'm lied to? That will be really useful. Even after I clear the game.
Oh shit, Sun-Il's almost done. I dunno, recline casual.
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After begging off from Sun-Il's offer of free martial arts training (read: permission to kick the shit out of me in the name of education), I headed home. No clubs or teams to worry about.
As I strolled down the sidewalk, I began thinking about [ID Create]'s viability. I mean, if I can destroy or pass through space-time bubbles with positive thinking, can't I make those same bubbles with more positive thinking? I mean, I don't exactly have to know what I'm doing to create a skill, evidenced by… pretty much all of my skills.
You know what, worst case scenario, I accidentally wake Cthulhu a millennium too early and he decides to devour Earth to punish my impudence. Best case scenario, I get 1000 EXP and [ID Create].
Worth it.
Just duck into a deserted alley, assume my previous badass pose.
Now, think about twisting the fabric of reality like a kitten with a ball of yarn whilst imagining what the hell it is you're doing this for, you suicidal moron!
Ahem.
So, yeah, positive thinking, pool MP in my hand, etc.
[ID Create] → ? → Profit!
I closed my eyes.
Let's do this shit.
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I cautiously opened my eyes, analyzing my immediate surroundings for the unnatural. Who knows what horrors lie beyond my mortal ken, shielded from our feeble sight by the sheerest of barriers. Barriers easily rent by my incautious meddling with reality in the foolish pursuit of power. We know not the consequences for gazing upon these alien beings, but we rest assured that they are most dire. For beholding a sight so antithetical to human nature can only have a horrific effect upon the sanity of the fortuitous gazer.
… I have got to stop imitating H.P. Lovecraft. I'll never match his writing's vocabulary and obtuseness.
Anyway, cutting out several paragraphs of narration, everything was the same! Same filthy dumpster, same scummy pool of water, same rusty manhole!
Son of a bitch!
I stalked out of the alley, barely restraining my snarl. How the fuck had I been so stupid?! Yeah, [ID Escape] was probably fool's luck, nothing more.
Dammit, I hadn't realized how hopeful I was about this.
Neither did I realize the city was so quiet.
Glancing about me, I finally perceived how utterly empty the city was.
It was unnatural.
It was illogical.
It was total proof I wasn't an idiot, suck my dick you pessimistic ass!
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Not really much to say here. I focused more on adding in detail so important events were sandwiched between inner monologues and narration, making the second-longest chapter yet!
Remember, Read and Review! Or Cthulhu'll come devour all life in the universe out of spite!
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 490/5000
HP: 140/140
MP: 200/200
STR: 4
DEX: 7
VIT: 4
INT: 15
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 10
Money: 0W