New chapter!
But first, review answers.
Akuma Kuro: That would be telling. Though, no, he's not likely to be given such overpowered skills right out of the gate.
Kumoatsu: Yeah… after rereading that bit, I have to agree with you. If it really bothers you, just pretend Jee-Han got an idiot ball about anatomy and Sun-Il was educated from an early age in etiquette.
Perfect Lionheart: Jee-Han's only experience with a game that doesn't have LUK as a dump stat is the Fallout series, as that's pretty much the only series I've found that a high LUK is nice. So LUK to him is kind of useless unless his core stats are good already.
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Dialog Cheat Sheet
Emphasis
Game Text
[Activating game ability]
SHOUTING
Cutting someone o- short
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So, this is an Instant Dungeon, huh? Looks exactly like an Illusion Barrier. And no monsters, unless they're flying spaghetti monsters, may he bless me with his saucy goodness.
I wonder what would happen if I tried to create another Illusion Barrier in this one? Would the universe implode or would it be like Inception? I suppose it doesn't matter, since each option seems equally unlikely.
How do I know this is an Illusion Barrier, you might ask. Simple, this:
A skill has been created through a special action.
Told you~.
The ability to form Instant Dungeons, [ID Create], has been created.
The name is kind of unoriginal, though.
[ID Create]
LVL: 1
Used to make Instant Dungeons. Stronger Dungeons require higher LVLs to create.
Didn't I get a quest for this?
"Journal. Quests. Completed."
Yep, I did finish a quest.
Building up Barriers
The Gamer must discover how to create Illusion Barriers.
Time Limit: None
Reward: 1000 EXP, [ID Create]
Failure: None
1000 EXP, nice. I wonder how much more I need to LVL UP?
"Back. Close. Status."
Holy shit, I need almost 3500 EXP to LVL UP! And when'd I get those 10 points?!
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 1490/5000
HP: 140/140
MP: 200/200
STR: 4
DEX: 7
VIT: 4
INT: 15
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 10
Money: 0W
Gah, lame. I forgot to spend these after the sneaky zombie and Agent K's threat. Which I am now out from under!
Alright, where to put these? I want to get INT up to 25, but something tells me that's a bad idea. Call it masculine intuition. I mean, magic's not so useful right now. But neglecting my magical abilities will mean I'll be weaker in the long run. Quadratic wizards, linear warriors. I'm assuming. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Well, what stats can I exclude? LUK. I haven't been very unlucky lately, so either it only controls drop rates and critical hits, or 5 LUK is "normal", for a given value of normal. I can also knock STR; so far, I've been doing enough damage.
You know, didn't I tap WIS and get a description of what it does? Let's do that now, to better make an informed decision.
Strength
Governs brute force and your ability to use heavy weapons. Increases Damage in melee.
So exactly what I expected. Still, the heavy weapons part gets me thinking. What could require more strength than, say, 35? Lampposts? Maybe Gut's sword? 'Cause that thing is sweet.
Dexterity
Governs reflexes, agility, coordination, and speed. Increases attack speed and accuracy.
Hah, DEX is the king of melee combat!
Vitality
Governs constitution, endurance, and your ability to shrug off debilitating effects. Increases HP.
Important. I would normally ignore this, but since I don't want to test Save/Load, I can't fuck up like I normally do. There go my combat strategies.
Intelligence
Governs memory, retention, and magical ability. Increases MP and Damage with magic.
So it does affect my mind! Or maybe it's just filler text that means nothing, like most LUK descriptions.
Wisdom
Governs sensibility, willpower, and how "down to earth" you are. Increases MP Regen.
Why'd I tap this again? I already knew this.
Luck
Governs how much Lady Luck favors you. Increases many things.
So LUK's a dump stat? Well, maybe not. If it actually increases you luckiness, I'll effectively be invincible around 100 LUK. Assuming 5's the base LUK of an average human. Which it probably isn't.
You know, I can't help but notice how I already knew this from several other game systems!
Dammit.
Well, that was pretty useless. Still, I suppose it's good to know which stats affect what, even if I already guessed most of it.
So, 5 to INT? It'll be useful if I decide to pursue power in either magic or melee, since it increases MP. And I bet more powerful spells will require more INT to use. Yep, 5 points to INT.
WIS… I'm not sure on. It increases MP regen, but an extra few points'll just increase my grinding efficiency. I'd rather get a few more [Power Strike]s than lower the time it takes to use another. And the other stuff just seems to increase my resistance to magic. Unless I run across wizard zombies, I'll keep it low priority. God, I hope I don't find wizard zombies. Shudder.
Now, how to increase in the physical sector? Not STR, that just increases Damage, and I'm not going to use heavy weaponry any time soon. DEX? It'll boost my ability to evade. Plus, I can make that 7 a nice, round number. And more VIT would help survive an ambush.
So, a 5/3/2 spread to INT, DEX, and VIT, respectively?
Yeah, seems good.
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 5
XP: 1490/5000
HP: 150/150
MP: 225/225
STR: 4
DEX: 10
VIT: 6
INT: 20
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 0
Money: 0W
… Do I have HP regen? Because that would be kickass.
Health
A measure of your life energy and bodily condition. Decreases upon receiving Damage or encountering certain status effects. Can also be used to power some abilities.
Capacity: 140
Regen: 0 per minute
Damn. But the possibility's there, at least.
That last sentence intrigues me. In certain games, you can learn blood or soul magic that's usually incredibly powerful, but drains the caster's HP, since they manipulate their body to achieve these abilities. So is there that kind of thing here? Because I totally want to learn Ganta Gun and kill shit with it.
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It's official, my first Illusion Barrier's a dud. No enemies anywhere. Also, it only extends about 50 meters from my starting point. Maybe it says something about this in [ID Create]'s description?
I paused in my looting of a local deli to think about this. Then I decided (reluctantly) that knowledge of my abilities was more important than finding the hidden stockpile of turkey breast that I know is in here.
Sigh. "Skills."
The window was the same two-toned blue style it always was. I don't know why I expected anything different. Maybe I'm getting entitled.
Nah.
Alright, there's [ID Create].
[ID Create]
LVL: 1
Used to make Instant Dungeons. Stronger Dungeons require higher LVLs to create.
Current Instant Dungeon Types:
Zombie
Ghost
So zombies are the lowest form of monster? Great. How the fuck am I supposed to damage a ghost, anyway? Isn't being incorporeal their whole shtick?
I call shenanigans.
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As tempting as it was to recklessly start grinding in my newfound barriers, I chose to leave the Illusion Barrier walk home. Sun-Il's call about the answers to the latest math homework I had forgotten about was entirely coincidental.
"How was school?"
I almost jumped out of my skin! Who was that!?
Oh, just mom. She usually isn't home right now.
"Great. Sun-Il refused to share his lunch, as usual. Bastard."
Mom resolutely ignored my yelp when she physically reprimanded me for my breach of conduct. AKA swatting my ear for being a foul-mouthed punk.
"Language."
"Yeah, yeah. Look, I have a ton of homework to do, so if you don't mind…"
She nodded and turned her attention back to the TV. Sometimes I wonder if he has a social life. And if not, why? She's good-looking, kind, and capable of having fun.
Honestly, if I just met her on the street, I would try to flirt with her. But not only is she my mom, she's also completely dedicated to this absentee father I apparently have. It's telling when I literally can't remember his existence, and would probably think my birth was an immaculate conception if I believed in that kind of thing. But I don't.
I would say he's dead, but mom disagrees. Vehemently.
I never insinuated anything of the sort again.
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Done! I have conquered the evils of integration! I spat on related rates! Volumes of regular 3D objects can blow me for all I care!
I threw my head back and laughed in a dramatic fashion. I believe it sounded like the top 10 scariest villain laughs and cackles combined, with a sprinkling of the next 10 most intimidating and batshit crazy.
… I'm not exaggerating.
Anyway, what to do? My homework's done and I've already sent Sun-Il false answers.
… What? It's not the first time I've done this. If he actually puts them on his paper, it's his fault for not being able to learn from experience. Social Darwinism at its finest.
But what to do about this stunning lack of shit to do? I would play games, but I'm not in the mood.
A man doesn't have to always be ready for games, you know! Fuckin' stereotypes.
Grind?
Grind.
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"[ID Create]."
Which type of Instant Dungeon would you like to create?
Zombie
Ghost
You know, as tempting as the idea of creating a ghost dungeon to fuck around in is, I'll stick to my undead guns.
… That was terrible. If I was a masochist, I would hit myself.
"Zombie."
The sky flashed briefly, but long enough to make my vision spotty. Damn game.
I rubbed my eyes vigorously, before snapping them open to watch for ambushes. I'm not underestimating these fuckers again; they have an animal cunning that lulls you into a false sense of security before pouncing and trying to convert you.
"Well, that ain't going to happen. I am Han Jee-Han, Badass! I will crush you pathetic sacks of shit in search of ever more power! Bow down and offer your lives to the future king of all creation!"
…
I think I channeled my inner Black Star , there. Wait, his name has a star, not a sun. What the fuck am I on?!
Oh, right, zombies. I never thought I would be so nonchalant about this kind of thing.
So, there's one deadhead standing about 10 meters away down the street. Not very memorable. Another is even further down, 20 meters? Too far to discern details. And I think one's standing in that alley down the way. Not enough light to make out anything other than her DD chest. I thought that only occurred in hentai?
… Not that I know what that anime porn stuff is.
You know what, I'm not going to lie to myself; I'm not a tsundere or a prude. I do know what hentai is and sometimes enjoy-
Motherfucker!
I fell to the ground, surprised by those damn ninja zombie skills all undead seem to acquire when I'm lost in my thoughts. I mean, normally they shuffle noisily, but they can walk silently when I don't pay attention. Like I am now!
I dragged myself out of my thoughts in time to catch a zombie fist heading for my head. Well, fist is being generous; it's more like a loosely-curled hand.
I used my other hand to shove the zombie back before the zombie's greater strength and leverage overwhelmed me. It was a close thing.
I stumbled back to my feet.
"Inv- Fuck!"
I juked backwards, narrowly avoiding a swipe. No time for Inventory, yet enough time to mentally form complete sentences. Damn, I hate fisticuffs. And illogic. Is that a word? Gah, zombies.
I threw a haphazard punch-thing at the zed's head. I'm not sure if it would be classified as a cross, hook, uppercut, or roundhouse. Though I'm sure at least one of those is a steak.
The zombie managed to dodge with a cleverly-disguised stumble. I'm on to your game!
Oof!
When I was gloating about my perception, the zed body checked me onto the ground. Again!
I rained down blows on its head, trying to get it off before it bit me. Somehow, it worked, loosening the grip on my jacket so I could slip out.
"Alright, fucker! Eat metaphysical energy given form by a human consciousness! [Energy Bolt]!"
Stay down, shithead. Popup? Oh, [Hand to Hand Mastery], right?
A skill has been created through a special action.
Called it! Not now, though.
"Inventory."
You cannot open your Inventory in combat.
… Fuck me.
Ooh, for a brain-dead monster, that zombie looks pissed.
... Fuck me twice.
You know what, I will take that skill. Just two taps, right?
I ignored the opened window, closing it as soon as possible. Just in time for the zombie's fist (definitely a fist, now) to crash into my shoulder. I barely managed to keep my feet.
"[Energy Bolt]!"
I was a bit scared, I admit it. I mean, skills do nothing to this guy!
Skills that focus on knocking down the enemy, as opposed to dealing damage. I wish I could facepalm, but I'm pretty sure I would pay a chunk of neck-flesh for the pleasure.
"[Power Strike]!"
Need [Power Strike] LVL 20
"Godammit! Screw you, too!"
Wait, wasn't this what [Energy Burst] said, too?
"[Energy Bolt]."
Need to keep it down. It gets up quickly, too.
"[Energy Bolt]."
So, maybe [Energy Burst] only works with unarmed right now?
"[Energy Bolt]."
Worth a shot. The weirdly strong zombie was above half health, so it would take much more to go down. I, unfortunately, will not.
"[Energy Burst]?"
My fist shone with a bright blue nimbus of energy. Holy shit, this is awesome! Now to roundhouse that soon-to-be-dead undead! Or cross. Palmstrike?
You get what I mean.
I let my glowing fist fly, crashing into the decayed cheek. It was sent sprawling to the floor, but not through the concrete like I expected. Critical hit? Still, a love tap would kill it now.
I gave it one with my foot.
"Inventory."
Thank god, that worked.
I equipped my ax and checked the Skills screen for a second. [Energy Burst] was still LVL 1, but [Energy Bolt] went up by one, to LVL 4. [Unarmed Mastery], as it was actually called, went up to LVL 3. I guess I did a lot with my hands in that encounter. Heh.
Urp. Oh god, I'm going to be sick. How perverted is myself!?
Zombies! Really, myself? Can't myself consider how I feel once in a while?!
Myself is such an inconsiderate asshole.
…
Ah, forget you ever heard that, me. What I just told you is a private matter between myself and I. Me is not part of that.
Mental breakdown over, I checked the positions of the two zombie I noticed earlier. The hentai zombie was still in her alley, but the other one, which turned out to be some veteran guy wearing military fatigues like an arrogant douche, was just standing there. Facing a fruit stand. Those must be some damn good deals.
Taking the opportunity, I decided to investigate the corpse of that super zombie.
"[Observe]."
Roid Zombie LVL: 10
DEAD (AGAIN)
A walking corpse. No matter how it died, it hates the living, attacking and devouring their flesh. This zombie abused steroids in life, giving it enhanced strength and toughness, as well as a chance to Rage and gain further bonuses.
Oh. That's why it was so tough: LVLs and being a Roid Zombie. I probably caused the Rage to proc, too, with my witty banter and envy-provoking good looks.
Nice description, by the way. Looks like something I would use.
So, time to take out the trash.
… That was awful. I'm having a hard time with awesome closing lines today. It's a good thing I'm gorgeous.
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Your LVL has gone up by 1.
I paused in my charge at the latest oblivious Roid Zombie, confused. I earned a LVL UP?
I earned a LVL UP!
I had these things down to a science. It was just a tougher, more dangerous zombie. No need to change tactics, just be more cautious in dealing with them.
"[Energy Bolt]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]. [Power Strike]."
Waaay tougher. Maybe my ax is falling apart?
"Status."
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 6
XP: 1750/5000
HP: 155/155
MP: 230/230
STR: 4
DEX: 10
VIT: 6
INT: 20
WIS: 10
LUK: 5
Points: 5
Money: 0W
I get a refill on HP and MP after a LVL UP? That's a common feature, but still nice.
Now, where to put these points? Not INT, INT's good. STR? It is pretty low. Or LUK. Or I could work on getting the next WIS upgrade.
3/2 spread to STR and WIS. Work on getting the next Mana Regen and improve my damage output.
LUK'll just improve my drop rate and might actually affect my day-to-day luck. But to get any noticeable effect, I'd need to find the average value by studying many people, both normally and exceptionally lucky. Then exceed that value. That's a lot of points, most likely. I should find the average for everyone's stats so I know approximately what's "good" and what's "pathetic".
Name: Han Jee-Han
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 6
XP: 1750/5000
HP: 155/155
MP: 230/230
STR: 7
DEX: 10
VIT: 6
INT: 20
WIS: 12
LUK: 5
Points: 0
Money: 0W
I'm guessing at this point that my INT is about average-ish. DEX and WIS are below average, and everything else is pitiful. Yay me.
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Son of a bitch! Where the hell are these zombies!
They can't be gone already, can they?!
Can I only summon up to 5 zombies at a time!?
… I suck.
I guess I'll just make another barrier.
"[ID Escape]."
The sky seemed to shatter around me.
"[ID Create]."
The sky seemed to… un-shatter around me?
Ooh, Boomer at five o'clock!
"[Observe]."
Big-Boned Zombie LVL: 11
HP: 1500 (1500) MP: 75 (75)
A walking corpse. No matter how it died, it hates the living, attacking and devouring their flesh. This zombie is covered in a thick layer of fat, lowering stamina but increasing defenses.
Great. At least it seems less dangerous than the Roid Zombies, though at a higher LVL. Why is that? Eh, whatever.
"[Energy Bolt]."
… Holy shit, it didn't go down. Again?
"[Energy Bolt]."
… Damn. Alright, new strategy: charge and whack its head until it stops moving.
I dashed up towards it, prepared to leap back at the slightest hint of trouble. There was no hint of trouble.
"[Power Strike]!"
Ah, there was trouble! My ax stuck in the guy's head long enough for the zed to grasp it! What to do, what to do, what to- Idea! I have an idea!
"Please give me my weapon back so I can kill you."
The zed stared blankly before trying to gnaw on my hand. Alright, Plan B!
"[Energy Burst]!"
The head went rocketing backwards from my roundhouse thingy, unfortunately not enough to kill it. Still, good enough since my ax was freed.
"[Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]! [Energy Burst]!"
And Goliath topples, those that bet on David are now very rich men!
"Muahahahaha!"
I engaged in a hearty victory celebration by planting a foot on the corpse and laughing boomingly. I didn't bring my cell phone or I would take pictures.
Victory tastes kind of like chicken. Sweet, sweet chicken.
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I wiped the sweat off my brow when the third Big-Boned Zombie fell. I couldn't take a break since they were apparently attracted by the smell of another's corpse. In the short time they stayed physical before dissolving, the corpse let out a mighty stench.
Hoh, a blue glow. I wonder what this could be ;-).
… I just used emoticons in mental dialog. I almost feel like cutting.
You've received the title "Apprentice Undead Hunter".
Fuck yes!
"Status!"
Name: Han Jee-Han
Title: None
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 6
XP: 2100/5000
HP: 155/155
MP: 230/230
STR: 7
DEX: 10
VIT: 6
INT: 20
WIS: 12
LUK: 5
Points: 0
Money: 0W
I tapped the new title area on the window.
Titles
Apprentice Undead Hunter
I chose Apprentice Undead Hunter, since it was pretty much the only thing I could choose.
Apprentice Undead Hunter
Obtained by killing 50 of the undead.
You have a special talent and interest in exterminating the undead. Go out there and do what you were born to do!
+30 Damage to Undead
+30% Defense to Undead
+5 to all stats when fighting Undead
…Whoa. That's… That's… amazing!
This'll make fighting any Undead-type enemy easy!
What's the time? I almost forgot school is tomorrow. 1:37?
One fucking thirty-seven.
Dammit, I'm going to be a zombie in the morning.
Heh.
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Not much to say except exams suck. And I have more coming up, so updates are going to continue at this pace.
Read and review, it makes me feel important. And when I feel important, I feel like sharing my magnificence with you peons through my fanfiction.
Name: Han Jee-Han
Title: Apprentice Undead Hunter
Class: The Gamer
LVL: 6
XP: 2100/5000
HP: 155/155
MP: 230/230
STR: 7
DEX: 10
VIT: 6
INT: 20
WIS: 12
LUK: 5
Points: 0
Money: 0W