…
…
So, this is the afterlife? Just an endless void where I can't touch, feel, or see a thing? This is somehow worse than the hell that various religions on earth spoke of.
Indeed. Luckily for you, the system has chosen you as its next host.
Huh!? Despite not having any of my senses, I somehow "heard" a voice talking to me and "saw" a screen. Am I going insane? Does insanity even exist here?
Rest assured, you are not going insane.
Well that's reassuring, I'm now having conversations with my own consciousness. I wonder how long I've been here?
You know what? Here.
Trait obtained
[Gamer's Mind] - Trait
You view your life from an outsider's perspective - like a gamer views their in game character. Mental illness, insanity, and mind control cannot affect you.
No more freebies though.
I see…I appreciate that. So judging by what you said earlier, you're going to get me out of here?
Indeed. You may select from the following worlds.
Warhammer 40K
Elden Ring
RWBY
Fallout: New Vegas
Worm
Is that even a choice? 4 of those options are literal hell or about to become literal hell. RWBY is literally the only remotely safe option of the 5. Although it has a lower power ceiling than the other worlds, it's the only one I feel as if I could survive more than a week in.
World chosen. Please select a race.
First Humanity - [Locked]
A race created by the Brother Gods capable of using magic. They embody the gifts of creation, destruction, knowledge and choice. After their rebellion, they were exterminated by the gods and thus are now extinct.
Second Humanity - [Unlocked]
Unlike their predecessors, they are weaker, frailer, and incapable of using magic. Despite this, they can use a derivative of magic - aura, along with dust in order to fight against the Grimm.
Grimm - [Unlocked]
A race created by the God of Darkness as his agents of destruction. Despite their apparent strength, they lack a soul and are thus unable to use magic. This caused them to be pushed back by the First Humanity, though after their demise they quickly occupied most of the world. Possess the ability to sense negative emotions.
Faunus - [Unlocked]
A race that emerged after the Brother Gods departed Remnant, they are similar to humans except they carry certain animal characteristics. They are generally physically stronger than humans and are able to use aura to defend themselves, however, they are persecuted by humanity and are often sold as slaves.
Interesting. Based on the fact that the first group of humans on Remnant are marked as extinct, I know that I will arrive after the brother gods departed from the planet, and thus I won't be able to use magic no matter what race I select.
Simply becoming a human again seems tempting, after all it's the most similar to what I'm used to, and I know their capabilities from the show.
Faunus also seems like a good option, as they're simply upgraded humans, though I don't know if I will lose out on some potential due to not being created by the gods.
Grimm is quite an interesting choice. Although they currently control most of the world, I can't actually benefit from that as Grimm don't have a civilization, and just roam around searching for prey. Additionally, they don't have access to aura or a semblance like humans or faunus. After internally debating for a while, I make my choice.
Race selected.
[Grimm] - Race
Soulless creatures born to destroy, Grimm rely on their immense physical capabilities and powerful racial traits to defeat their enemies. Grimm all possess the traits [Emotion Sense (Limited)] and [Superior Biology] as well as 2 other racial traits depending on subrace.
The negative aspects of Grimm can be made up for using the abilities provided by the system, and I'll have a huge advantage over the other Grimm due to me being intelligent. Most importantly, they do not die of age as humans or faunus do, meaning I can accumulate power for as long as I like.
Generating racial traits.
[Scale Manipulation: Basic] - Trait
Your body contains a large amount of scales that can rapidly replenish themselves. You have a basic amount of control over these, and can affect minor attributes such as their hardness or piercing ability. You can control these scales as if you had the [Telekinesis: Basic] trait.
[Aquatic Predator] - Trait
Your body is made to thrive in the water. While submerged in water, you gain an increased movement speed and regeneration, you can sense changes in water current/pressure, and you can see underwater regardless of the light level. When outside water, you take damage equivalent to 2% of your health per second.
[Emotion Sense (Limited)] - Trait
You can sense negative emotions in an INT * 6 meter radius around you. Feeling too many emotions at once can overload the senses, causing headaches and a temporary decline in stats. Does not work on other Grimm.
[Superior Biology] - Trait
Your biology is finely crafted by a higher power to serve a purpose. Inefficiencies in your body are removed. Your HP is VIT * 17.5 instead of VIT * 10 and your SP is VIT * STR * 3 instead of VIT * STR * 2.
Well that was a surprise. I didn't think that I would become an underwater Grimm, though it makes little difference. It's not like I was going to interact with any humans either way. I quickly glance over all my choices and confirm them and I mentally prepare to travel into Remnant. I wonder if the world traveling process will be painful?
Are you sure you don't wish to see your status first?
I can do that? How?
Simply think 'Status' in your mind.
I'll display your stats for you now before you travel.
Name - Azur
Level - 1 / 5
Title - None
Race - Grimm (Subrace: Citharnius)
HP - 175 [25 per minute]
MP - LOCKED
SP - 300 [30 per minute]
STR - 10
DEX - 13
VIT - 10
INT - 7
WIS - 8
Azur? That's not my name…I suppose it was changed to fit the naming convention of RWBY. My INT and WIS stats seem rather low, though I suppose I won't be using them for much due to my MP being locked.
I think that's everything? Beam me up, Scotty!
Traveling to Remnant in 5...4…3…2…1…
I wake up in what would be pitch black darkness for most, however thanks to [Aquatic Predator] I could see clearly - every edge on the rocks, every crease on the coral formation, every worm crawling around on the ocean floor. It felt amazing, really.
Scanning the area around me, it seems to me that I'm in a coral reef of sorts, and it stretches out in every direction beyond my field of vision. Contrary to what I'd expect from this world, the reef is quite lively, with ocean creatures of various kinds traveling about. Strangely enough, there's not a single Grimm in sight.
Well, that seems to be a problem for future me. For now, I'll focus on leveling up and grinding some skills up. If this works like the original gamer system, I should be able to create skills by performing actions repeatedly.
While I can't see how my body looks, I can feel dorsal, caudal, and ventral fins so I must be a fish of some sort. Using my instincts, I move my fins and tail to push myself forward in the water.
Quickly, I reach a speed that would have required a car on earth, and I felt that I could still accelerate to even faster speeds. To Infinity and Beyond!
Through repeated action a skill has been created
[Propulsion LV. 1] - Skill
Propel yourself in water at a great speed. Max speed and acceleration scale with DEX and skill level.
Cost: 5 SP/sec
So, I could maintain this state for a minute max? That's good to know. I slow down and descend leisurely towards the various coral formations. As I go downwards, I spot a small school of fish nibbling on some kelp.
Using my newly gained [Propulsion] skill, I quickly rush towards the fish and bite into one of them. The rest of the school quickly stops their meal and starts to swim away as fast as they can. Feeling their fear due to [Emotion Sense (Limited)], I chase after them and devour another before they get away.
Looks like I'll be relying on these guys as food for the foreseeable future. Strangely enough, I didn't gain any exp from those fish. Game?
You only gain EXP from fights.
This was not a fight.
Well, there goes my idea of farming bugs for infinite exp. It's a shame really, I wa-
What was that noise? I quickly turn around and see an eel-like creature seemingly apparate behind me and strike with its tail. It must've felt the fear using [Emotion Sense(Limited)], just like me!
- 100 HP!
I feel a tingling sensation throughout my body and the smell of burnt flesh permeates around me. This eel can apply electricity through its attacks!
Seeing as I couldn't afford to take another hit, I use [Scale Manipulation: Basic] in order to lighten my scales and dash upwards as quickly as I could, barely dodging the second strike.
Before I could attempt to launch my own attack, the eel Grimm seemingly dissapears back into nothing with another static-like noise. This eel could turn invisible, which was truly a nightmare for vision-based predators like me.
This time, I could feel the eel moving around throughout due to movement of the water, and I lashed outward with my tail towards it. Feeling the strike connect, I quickly follow up with [Propulsion] and slam the eel into the ocean floor.
[Propulsion LV. 1] advances to [Propulsion LV. 2]
Before I could bite into it, the eel slips out of my grasp and swipes outward with its tail, but I manage to use [Scale Manipulation: Basic] to harden my scales just in time as the attack reaches me.
-60 HP!
Both me and the eel are heavily damaged, and circle around each other for a moment before we charge simultaneously at one another. As the eel is about to initiate contact and finish me for good, I quickly use [Scale Manipulation: Basic] and send a singular scale flying towards the eel.
Through repeated action a skill has been created
[Scale Shot LV. 1] - Skill
Shoot a scale towards your enemy at a rapid speed. Damage scales based on skill level, VIT, and DEX.
Cost: 20 SP
As the scale pierces the eel's flesh, its momentum quickly grinds to a halt and its fangs stop just before reaching my skin. The eel slowly sinks towards the reef floor and I have a mental sigh of relief.
Level up!
Not even bothering to check my status, I turn around and swim upwards towards the ocean surface in fear of attracting more Grimm like the eel. In my current state, I don't think I could handle another fight, regardless of who it was against.
Goodbye, nameless eel. You will be remembered for teaching me an important lesson on caution. Only once I reach the surface do I check my status, and look at the new skills I gained.
Name - Azur
Level - 2 / 5
Title - None
Race - Grimm (Subrace: Citharnius)
HP - 15/175 [25 per minute]
MP - LOCKED
SP - 65/300 [30 per minute]
STR - 10
DEX - 13
VIT - 10
INT - 7
WIS - 8
Stat Points: 3
Seeing the 3 unallocated stat points, I ponder over my options before deciding to invest 2 into dexterity and one into vitality. For now, DEX is clearly the most important stat as both of my main offensive methods - [Propulsion] and [Scale Shot] rely on it.
The fight against the eel also made me realize how much I needed vitality. Even with my scales hardened, a single hit from the eel did more than a 1/3rd of my health. I don't know how strong the eel was compared to the other creatures here, but judging by the fact it needed to rely on ambushes in order to secure prey, there must be far stronger creatures in this reef.
Thus, it is crucial I increase my health pool or adopt a similar method as the eel to remain out of combat. As I don't have any traits similar to the eel to greatly increase my stealth, I'm forced to beef up in order to survive in these waters.
As I recovered from the fight with the eel, I decide to continue exploring the reef system, however, before I could do so I needed to focus on improving my defensive capabilities to ensure my survival in this world. Using my [Scale Manipulation: Basic] trait, I experiment with different ways to enhance my scales, manipulating their toughness, structural integrity, and inertia.
Through repeated action, a new skill is created.
[Scale Armor LV. 1] - Skill
Enhance various attributes of your scales at once, allowing them to have a much greater defensive effect temporarily. Scales with VIT and skill level.
Cost: 10 SP/sec
With this newfound skill, I feel more confident in navigating the treacherous waters of the reef. However, I'm certain that there may be creatures that possess unique abilities or attacks that I haven't encountered yet.
As I swim through the reef, my senses heightened by the [Aquatic Predator] trait, I come across a secluded area where the water current seems calmer. Intrigued, I decide to explore further and find a hidden treasure cave away within the reef.
Through repeated actions, a skill has been created.
[Treasure Hunter LV. 1] - Skill
Increase the chances of finding valuable items and hidden treasures by allowing you to notice traces of environmental alteration. Effect scales with INT and skill level.
The creation of this new skill is quite interesting, as it not only confirms I can gain non-combat skills but the fact that this cave has something quite important within it. After all, merely entering it granted me enough "treasure finding" experience to gain the skill.
As I continued traveling carefully throughout the cave, I noticed some symbols etched into the walls. Wait - symbols? There is no way that any human got in here - humanity is currently confined to 4 cities, after all, and we're currently more than a thousand meters below the surface.
Perhaps an aquatic faunus could have traveled here? Though that is highly unlikely considering the depth I'm currently at.
Unable to find a solution to the issue, I let it go for now and continue to examine the symbols around me. Though I cannot understand the meaning behind these symbols, their presence fills me with a sense of awe and curiosity. They are intricate, with lines and shapes forming a complex pattern that speaks of intelligence.
Continuing further into the cave, the symbols grow more and more common, though their neatness begins to decline with every foot forward. Eventually, decipherable images and pictures start to appear, though they look scribbled in - as if someone rushed to carve them into the rock at the last minute.
As I scan the images, they seem to resemble cave paintings from Earth, depicting fish-like people attacking and killing various underwater creatures. The pictures gradually transition, with the unnamed race gaining more tools and eventually establishing a civilization within the cave networks below the reef.
The civilization grew and prospered, and it seems like they reached the level of several early-modern civilizations from Earth, producing several firearms (waterarms?) but still primarily relying on cold weapons such as swords and spears.
I eventually reached a point in the cave where it seemed like it had collapsed in on itself, however, due to [Treasure Hunter], I could tell that these rocks were artificially placed here to block the way of those wanting to continue further. Upon this rock there was an altar and mural.
Looking up onto the mural, I saw a bone chilling sight. A western and eastern dragon were seemingly working together in order to destroy the entire civilization, and defending the reef was a giant serpentine monster. While I couldn't determine what the serpent was, I could definitely recognize the two dragons depicted on the mural. They were the fucking brother gods!
[Treasure Hunting LV. 1] advances to [Treasure Hunting LV. 2]
Yeah, no shit! The implications of this were enormous! This meant that the brother gods didn't actually create Remnant, rather they took it over from the already-existing civilizations and entities. The giant serpent on the mural was likely one such "god" that the native civilizations worshiped.
Quest Created
[Relics of The Past: ? Civilization] - Epic
You have discovered the traces of a civilization that existed even prior to the first humanity that was exterminated by the brother gods. Despite their fall, the knowledge and artifacts left behind by this civilization could be useful to you in the future.
Clear Condition: Achieve 3 of the 5 requirements
1) Discover the location of the exact battle between the serpent and the brother gods and find the serpent's name.
2) Learn the language of the fallen civilization and decipher the mysterious symbols.
3) Get past the artificial blockade and find what the author of the murals was trying to hide
4) Defeat the ancient Grimm "The Kraken" in order to avenge the civilization
5) Evolve into the Cephalinus branch of the evolution tree
AN:
Hi guys, so this is my first fanfiction I've written. I don't really know much about RWBY (hence the massive AU) and mostly wrote this chapter on a bout of inspiration , so I don't expect to continue this story beyond this chapter unless it receives an extremely positive reception. Rest assured, if you liked this I'll probablywrite something else for a fandom I'm more familiar with. If you want to beta read some of my future stuff please contact me on discord, my username is a_zur
Well, that's it!