(Game speaking)
[Sacred gear speaking]
"Speaking normally"
'Thoughts'
-Sign Language-
…..
Chapter 2: A Surprise Encounter.
So I've decided to go searching around town for a hardware shop. Had some potential ideas for upgrades and other improvised weapons, but lacked some necessary materials. Mostly just basic parts. Metal piping and sheet metal. It'll be nice when I'm high enough level to produce this stuff myself. For now though, I'm stuck being the customer.
I was thinking of how I was going to get to a hardware store when I don't know my way around town properly. Then all of a sudden my phone vibrated. 'Weird, I don't know anyone in town yet so who would be texting me.' I pull out my phone to check who it could be, but I'm a little shocked. My screen went white with a message that just said "Permission to speak?" I was thinking how do I tell them yes, then started feeling something in my head.
"Greetings master. I sense you're needing directions around town. I would be most delighted to assist you if you wish." 'This must be my friend of machines perk. It did say I could communicate with machines, should have expected telepathy. Technopathy? Anyways, you can understand me, right?'
"Yes I can master. If you ever need assistance from me all you need to do is ask." Well this is going to be a huge boon with communication. 'I certainly appreciate it. Now, I need to get to a local hardware store to buy some supplies. Can you show me the way please?'
"Most certainly. Just a sec….and there you go. Just follow the blue line and you'll reach the designation." 'Much appreciated. Now to go buy supplies to murder some zombies.' So out the door I go, making sure to lock my door. It looks pretty nice outside today. A few clouds out, some people walking down the streets going about their day and of course….the sun.
'God, who'd guess an inanimate burning ball of gas would be the thing I dislike the most. Ok, just get to the store and get what I need, then get home for some jury rigging.' Heading towards the store following my GPS wasn't very eventful, but I'm not expecting trouble right out the gate. Perhaps in the next couple months after I've started school. For now though I'm just getting stronger and building an arsenal for myself.
Speaking of arsenal, I'm thinking I could make some pipe bombs with all that gunpowder in my inventory. Only thing more American than guns are explosives. 'Why are people staring at me? I'm not doing anything besides going shopping.'
(It's because you didn't take off your RIG before going out in public. You look like an astronaut walking down the street.)
'Ohhhh….oh well. I'm in the land of anime and cosplay. They probably think it's some expensive cosplay suit. Let them stare then. This suit is beautiful.' That's when I felt a spike of emotions. Appreciation? Almost like it came from the suit. Wait, it probably did. There are some highly advanced electronics and micro machinery in this suit. 'I truly mean that. Out of all the games and movies I've ever played or seen, you are by far the most glorious suit I've ever seen. Now I get the chance to work with you. I'll never replace you, maybe do some upgrades so you don't break, but never replace you.'
A message appears on my internal HUD. "I appreciate the praise. In my world, I was always tossed aside once a new model was brought in. I look forward to being your partner on this journey." 'Likewise. In my old world I always felt like a machine. Just another cog in a machine that went nowhere. Now here I am, closer to machines than I am with people. I honestly like it.'
(Sorry to interrupt your bonding moment with your suit, but you've arrived at the store. Now hurry up. I wanna see what weapons you make that go against the Geneva Convention.)
'The Geneva Convention. Hah….damn Serina. I doubt I'll be making any nukes anytime soon. But I see where you're going with that. Might make a few chemical weapons, all is fair in love and war after all. Damn, getting off track.' So I walk in through the automated sliding doors and grab a cart. 'Time to finally do some shopping.'
One Hour and many stares later.
'Well I got what I could afford. Spent half my money, but got enough supplies to make some things I was planning.' On the way back I felt like I was being watched. More so than the glances I got for wearing my armor. I stopped on the sidewalk to have a quick look around. I mentally dialed up my senses to try and spot the culprit.
'Serina? I'm being watched, I know it.' I'm looking around but just can't see them. So I go still and close my eyes, trying to determine where this person is watching me from. 'To the left.' My head snaps to the left to try and glimpse who this person is. There is a bakery across the street and through the window, who do I see? None other than Rias Gremory with her peerage having lunch, and she's staring at me.
'It's Rias! I don't use magic so I shouldn't be giving off much of an aura to stand out. I haven't been to school yet so she can't know who I am yet. So why is she…..Oh, that's why. I forgot she is a major otaku. She's geeking out over my suit thinking it's a cosplay.'
(You could always wave instead of staring back, you know. You look just as creepy staring back.)
'Point taken.' So I give a light hearted wave. She is visibly excited that I waved so she turns towards her peerage to say something, then runs outside and starts crossing the street to come meet me. 'I wasn't expecting to meet the main cast so early. I guess it's a good time for first impressions.' She crossed the street and is now approaching me.
"Hi there, my name is Rias. Couldn't help but notice your cosplay. What is it from?" 'Serina? I need to know if Dead Space exists in this world or not.'
(It does not. Better come up with something quick.)
'Damnit, it couldn't be that easy.' So I sign out -It is just a personal make of mine. Does not pertain to anything in particular.- God I hope she understands sign language. "Oh, sign language. Not many people around here know it unfortunately. Fortunately I do, so no worries there."
-I was born mute so I can't speak, leaving me to resort to other means of communication.- "I'm sorry to hear that. My condolences." -It is no problem. I make due. I apologize if I'm keeping you from your friends.-
"Oh it's no worries. I wanted to come meet you because of your cool cosplay. I'd love it if you could show it off to my friends. I'll treat you to lunch for your time." -I have time to kill, sure.- So we cross the street back to the bakery. Well I thought it was a bakery. Turned out to be a coffee shop that also sold a lot of baked sweets.
"Hey guys, I'm back, and look who I brought with me." They're all looking at me so I gave a small wave. They all say "Hey." So I try my luck with my signing. -It is nice to meet you all. Hope I am not imposing on your lunch.- Akeno and Kiba look at each other "What did he say?"
My shoulders slumped a little, but it's alright. I pull out my phone and use text to speech. "It is nice to meet you all. Hope I am not imposing on your lunch." Akeno spoke first, "Oh, it's no worries. I apologize for not knowing sign language. Never thought I would need it, till now." Then Kiba, "Apologies as well, and no it's no problem being here." And Koneko just kept eating her muffin.
Rias then says "I apologize for Koneko, she has never been very social. Speaking of, this is my family and closest friends. Koneko, Kiba and Akeno. I don't think I caught your name though." So I type back "My name is Joshua Irons, but please just call me Irons."
Then Akeno pipes in "Oooo…American. How exotic. How old are you? Curious if you're of age." She says this with a sultry smile and a couple winks. If only she knew she isn't my type. I hate having to shoot people down, but I will if she gets too pushy. "I am 17. I will start my first semester at Kuoh Academy soon."
Rias perks up at this, "Oh, we're all students at Kuoh as well. It is truly an amazing school for huma…..ugh hemm…for anyone." With my mask up I doubt she saw my eyes dart between them at that little slip up. She then continues, "I certainly hope you enjoy your first year at our school. Maybe even join a club for extracurricular activities. It'll make any future resume look good for job opportunities."
I text out for them, "I assume all of you are part of a club as well?" Akeno then chimes in, "That is correct. We are all part of the occult research club. We try to keep it rather exclusive. So if you're looking to join, you need to prove you have what it takes." Of course she finished that with a large smile on her face. I look between them while they all nod in agreement.
'R.I.G, Please lower the helmet. Phone, please repeat what I'm about to say out loud.' Wasn't expecting to show my hand just yet, but I may get some nice friendship points with being honest here. As my helmet retracts my phone plays, "Well assuming I did want to join, I believe I'm already a step ahead by being honest. After all, knowledge is power, and the 'devil,' is always in the details."
At my casual use of the word 'devil' they all tense up and stare at me. Except for Koneko. I guess as long as she has a sweet and you're not a pervert nothing else matters. Rias shakes off her shock and says, "S-so you know the truth then. If so, then who do you work for?"
My phone speaks out, "I am only vaguely aware of the others from what information I have gathered. Though I doubt the general populace is the best place for such a talk." Rias takes on a shocked face again as she looks around. "For a second I forgot we were in public and not the clubhouse." Clearly embarrassed at her slip up.
I respond with, "I would be delighted to have another chat at a later date, as well as more private. Now, I have sent all of you my number so we can arrange a meeting." At that all four of their phones go off with various ringtones. "With that I must go. I do have something to do today after all. Thanks for inviting me."
As I get up to leave Rias looks at me and says "I hope for your sake, you're being truthful. I don't take kindly to intruders." So I reinstate my helmet and use a deep sounding voice filter to speak, "I mean no harm, as long as you don't. Though I won't hesitate to defend myself should you act out against me. Now, good day Rias, Akeno, Kiba and Koneko."
I turn and head back outside, but I hear Rias whisper to Koneko to trail and keep tabs on me. Not a problem. I knew I would be tailed sooner or later. Might as well get on with it early. Might even make a good friend out of her. I don't particularly hate any of the main cast, but there are some issues I have with most of them. Rias is spoiled beyond belief, Akeno is racist against her own race for misguided judgment, and Kiba seems calm and collected until you mention any form of holy sword. At that point he just becomes a rabid animal.
Koneko on the other hand, has been led astray from what others have told her with nothing to hold onto since she was what six? Seven? Everything she's been told has practically been a lie since she was a kid, and I feel sorry for that. 'Ughhh….I need to adjust my way of thinking about people with the supernatural now involved.'
(You will get used to it. Right now, just focus on getting stronger. I don't need you thrown to the metaphorical meat grinder because you were distracted. Here, this might give you some motivation.)
Quest Received:
All For One: You have one month till canon starts. Show them the strength of the grind.
Objectives:
Reach LV. 30 before canon starts.
Optional: Reach LV. 50.
Rewards:
1,000,000 Yen, Large Resource Cache x1, Gacha Token x3, Skill Scroll x1.
Bonus Rewards:
Gear Upgrade Ticket x1, Gacha Token x2, Rare Resource Cache x1.
'Serina, I could kiss you. You know just how to speak my language. Now let's get home. I have some crafting to get done then grind some levels.' (Maybe later ;). Now, less ass kissing, more hustling.) 'Ma'am, yes ma'am.' So onwards I go back to my humble abode.
2 Hours Later.
Level Up x2
Name: Joshua Irons
Race: Human (+25% EXP gains)
LV: 5
Gender: Male
Orientation: Bisexual
HP: 320 (10 per minute)
MP: 125 (10 per minute)
Str: 17
Dex: 15
Con: 32 (10 HP per point)
Int: 27
Wis: 25 (5 MP per point)
Cha: 15
Lck: 18
Available Skill Points: 0
Engineer (Apprentice)
Create Blueprint (Apprentice)
Allows the creation of a blueprint for weapons, armor, vehicle etc.
Currently allows blueprints for above average items.
Create Item (Novice)
The ability to use blueprints and materials to craft weapons, armor, vehicles etc.
Currently able to make above average items with a blueprint.
Improvised Weapon Mastery (Apprentice)
The art of beating them senseless with whatever you can get your hands on. You have a general idea of how to defend yourself. Increased damage with any weapon that is considered improvised.
'Phew, that's finally finished. Even got some levels for all that work. Decided to distribute those points I saved earlier. Now, the fruits of my labor.'
Pipe Bomb (Improvised) x5
A simple IED using gunpowder and loose shrapnel inside with a fuse. Has a 20ft radius blast zone. Caution is advised.
Improved Nail Gun (Improvised)
A simple pneumatic nail gun with mounted front sight. Now retrofitted with improved pressure sealants for more power, a custom stock for improved stability and a jury rigged safety release for optional automatic fire.
Smoke Bomb (Improvised)
Gunpowder and fine flour with a fuse. Used to make a thick smoke cloud that can disorient and even choke out assailants.
Nerve Gas (Improvised)
A mixture of household chemicals. When inhaled causes severe pain, dizziness and irreparable nerve damage up to death if exposed for too long. Unscrew to open vents releasing the gas within. Caution is advised.
'A pretty decent haul if I do say so. Now to go test these out. Serina, you ready.'
(I love what you made. A real waste lander in the making with those skills. Hell yeah I'm ready. Initializing ID Create: Zombies.)
Yet again reality warps around me and is replaced with the familiar run down shack. I take a bottle of water and drink half of it in one go. Hey, all that crafting worked up a thirst. So I put away my water and headed outside. Thankfully the suit has a built in air filtration system. So no putrid air assaulting my nose this time around.
'Now this is more like it. Clean air, better weapons and durable armor. I may be feeling a bit cocky, but I want to try my hand at one of those smaller hordes I hid from last time.' So I made my way down the same street as last time. Passed the house I fell through the floor in. Might burn it down later for shits and giggles. Further up the street and I'm at the gas station.
'Surprisingly there weren't any zombies around. Maybe there is some timer before the dungeon resets. Serina?'
(You are partially correct. The dungeon will reset, but only upon the death of the boss. Some dungeons may vary on reset conditions.)
'So what I'm hearing is, that once I'm good enough to keep running this dungeon, I have unlimited access to salvage essentially. Best get to stepping up my game.' So I head left down the street where I heard the horde coming from last time. Sure enough after a couple blocks I hear a horde. I decided to try and get behind some houses to sneak up on the horde.
I round the corner into a backyard and then, "SCRIIIIIIIIE!" My head snaps to the source of the sound, and my heart sinks a little. It is a zombified little girl, who couldn't have been older than six. I steel my resolve and take aim. With my robotic voice coming from the helmet, "I hope you find peace, little one." One well placed shot between the eyes and she's finally at rest.
Then I take a moment to collect myself. I can handle a lot of things. War, murder, blood and guts. But children, you don't hurt children. I felt something burning, deep within my soul. Embers long since forgotten, now a roaring inferno that demands justice.
I take a look at myself. Even though I'm in my suit, there is wisps of smoke rolling off of me. 'What's happening to me. I feel like I'm on fire, but it doesn't hurt. What is this feeling? It's begging me to give in.'
[Y0U F33L TH3 P0W3R I C4N G1V3.]
'W-Who are you?' All while I'm gritting my teeth from this feeling. I so desperately want to give in. Why don't I?
[1 4M TH3 0N3 4S 0LD 4S S1N 1TS3LF. 4 C0NC3PT….G1V3N F0RM. Y0U KN0W WH0 1 4M]
I manage to hear the horde coming towards me. 'Must have been drawn in by the screech that little girl gave.' Just thinking about that little girl sends another wave of fire coursing through my soul. 'What do you want from me?'
[1 D3S1R3 T0 B3 R3M3B3R3D. TH3 W0RLD H4S F0RG0TT3N M3. Y0U 4R3 MY K3Y T0 TH4T. C4LL MY N4M3 4ND 1 W1LL 4SS1ST W1TH MY P0W3R.]
The calling, it is so enticing. Like the sweetest smell, or power to do anything you wish. 'Should I give in? What should I do?' As I am having an internal struggle, I just barely register the horde is close. Too close. I don't have enough time to run. I have to decide now. 'Serina? Can you hear me? I need to know if this entity is harmful to me.'
(It is yo.. …, It has evolv.. ..to someth… ..se. Its inten….. are n.. …..ull.)
'I barely got any of that. I'm on my own here. Fine! I'll take you, but so help me if you mean me harm I will kill us both if I have to.' I really hope this doesn't bite me in the ass.
[D34L! C4LL F0R M3.]
The horde is now around the house and coming straight at me. Now or never I guess. So again using my robotic voice, with all the rage I can muster, I call out to this entity. "Diabolos!"
[Now, the fun begins.]
My body begins to burn, but its warmth is comforting. My lower legs and lower half of my arms burst into blue flames. From my shoulders and upper back smoke is rolling off like a bonfire in the suit. It feels….good. I take a good look at the approaching horde, roughly 30 of them all together.
Seeing the undead just stirs the fire in my heart. "You are all so disgusting. Filthy abominations that are nothing more than a plague on the living. Just die….AND STAY DEAD!" I raise my nail gun and flip off the safety, then the fire on my hands funnels into the magazine. I now see the nails within are superheated. "NOW BURN!" So I just let loose a hail of flaming nails.
It was a sight to see some of them just burst into flames when shot. "Hahahahaha…..Burn bitches, BURN!" It felt like decades of rage and hatred were lifted off my shoulders. 'I feel so….free. Freedom….Something I never felt like I truly had.' Within a few minutes the horde was dead and reduced to a smoldering pile of bodies. After a few seconds the pile fades, but leaves behind something I haven't seen yet. 'Is that a book they left behind?'
(That would be a skill book. You just need to use it to gain a random skill.)
'So nice to hear you clearly again Serina.' As I calm down, the flames and smoke recede and snuff out. Who or what was that exactly? I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths. When I open them again I'm bombarded with some notifications.
Level Up x3
Marksman (Apprentice)
Any physical object that launches/shoots a projectile becomes deadlier in your hands. A noticeable increase in damage as well as further increased projectile speed.
Adaptability (Apprentice)
The ability to adjust and survive whatever situation you find yourself in. Be it lost in the woods, trapped in a tundra, or hiding from zombies. You have a general awareness of how best to survive a situation.
'Sin of Wrath' has developed sentience and has evolved into an Anti Sacred Gear.
Cursed Gear Acquired: (Diabolos)
Cursed Gear Skills:
Demonic Fire Immunity:
You have complete immunity to any flames that are not of holy origin.
Hellfire:
Part of your body is wreathed in the fires of hell.
Demonic Imbuement:
Can imbue your weapons with demon fire. Does bonus damage to beings of holy nature.
Terrifying Presence:
Weaker willed beings will find your very presence the subject of nightmares. Stronger while in hybrid form and strongest while in true form. Can be toggled on and off.
Hybrid Form (Locked)
True Form (Locked)
LV: 7
HP: 500 (10 per minute)
MP: 170 (10 per minute)
Str: 17
Dex: 15
Con: 50 (10 HP per point)
Int: 40
Wis: 34 (5 MP per point)
Cha: 15
Lck: 21
Available Skill Points: 0
50 Con. Perk Acquired
True Athlete:
Your body will always remain in its physical prime. You are the definition of health.
'That was a lot to take in. Thanks anyways Serina.' I put the skill book in my inventory and marched on. Even with these new developments I need levels. I refuse to be helpless. I wanted to make a quick stop though.
10 Minutes Later
'Ahhh, perfect.' Before me is that house that I fell through. Now a roaring inferno as my demonic flames eagerly devour the old house. It feels so sweet to burn it to the ground.
[A petty act of arson for something so trivial. HAHAHA….I approve.]
'Likewise, Diabolos. I'm tired of life pushing me down. It's about time I push back. I don't plan on going on a murdering spree or burning down some orphanage, but I won't hesitate to gun down and burn someone or something for wronging me.'
[I like you already, Irons. Let us show the world you don't fuck with the sin of wrath.]
'Agreed.' Now what should I do? 'Serina, is there a map for this dungeon?'
(There is actually. I've even marked a few areas that might be of interest to your play style.)
'You're a lifesaver, Serina. Now let's have a look at that map please.' So it appears in front of me. Having a quick look I easily see what she was talking about. A couple of hardware stores, a junkyard on the far side of the city. The one I'm most interested in right now is the automotive lot towards the center. 'I'm definitely going to the car lot. It may not be necessary, but I really want a ride. It beats walking everywhere and it's definitely faster.'
(Then you best hop to it. It isn't going to loot itself.)
'Well said, Serina.' So I started the long trek towards the car lot. Might take thirty minutes or so to reach it while walking. Nothing to do but start walking.
I know what I really want. Don't need to get my hopes up, but I really want a motorcycle. Not as much protection, but makes up for it with speed and maneuverability. They also look badass. Would definitely draw some heads pulling up to school on a badass bike. Speaking of school, I'll probably have a meeting with the ORC soon.
They will want to make sure I'm not here to cause problems. I don't plan on it as long as they don't start shit with me first. Koneko will start watching me soon, if not already. I might try and message her tomorrow while I'm out just to throw her off a little. Make her keep guessing how I know where she's at when her phone gives her away, to me at least.
Technopathy is definitely useful. Machines see me as one of them and a friend. Maybe I'll start replacing parts of myself with advanced machinery. Always felt more like a machine than a man, might as well make it official. 'Serina, is there a limit to how much bodily augmentation I can undergo?'
(There is not. Theoretically you could literally replace your whole body and your soul would inhabit the new body, organic or not. Your soul is the only part that is you, no matter the body's composition.)
'Now that's what I like to hear. I definitely have some ideas for future modification. Need to get my engineering to Master before I go chopping limbs off for a science project. Ideas for a later time.' I feel like that to-do list will be a mile long before long. Though no matter how long it gets, right now I'm pushing transportation to the top.
'It's quiet, too quiet.' I've been walking for a couple miles now and haven't seen or heard anything. Where is everyone? 'You would think a zombie dungeon would have mor-'
[DODGE!]
I try to jump out of the way. Almost made it. Something wrapped around my ankle and tripped me. I turn to see what exactly grabbed me and 'What the fuck is that thing!' This thing is just disturbing to look at. A semi bloated torso, bulging legs and arms. But that face, warped with an unhinged jaw and a twenty meter long tongue. Which is now wrapped around my ankle.
It starts to drag me towards it. "Oh hell no you ugly bastard, I'm not into tentacle hentai!" So I start unloading some rapid fire nails. Unfortunately this thing soaked up a whole clip and is still kicking. Once I'm within a couple meters it pounces on me and takes a swipe at me.
HP: 460/500
'That's all huh, I can take a few more and keep kicking.' It then tries to take a bite out of my face. Emphasis on tried, considering my mask stopped it. Didn't stop it from being any less disgusting with it writhing its tongue on my mask. "Nope! First date, no tongue!"
[HELLFIRE!]
Again my limbs are set aflame. So I grab its tongue, which it screeches at because of the fire, I proceed to beat the unlife out of it. It doesn't take it lying down though.
HP: 380/500
Alright, I need to hurry this up. I manage to stun it with a left hook then slip behind it to deliver a suplex. "Crack!" Its neck breaks on the concrete, but it's not dead yet. Its body isn't moving but the head is still gnashing about. 'Alright, you're just too disgusting to look at.'
"Splat." Nothing like a good curb stomp to let out some aggression. After wiping off my boot the thing fades away leaving behind an uncommon loot box. 'Sweet, In the inventory you go.' Alright, now that that's wrapped up, back to my regularly scheduled program. Getting a sweet ass ride.
My fire recedes again as I leave the scene. That wasn't too bad, but a small pack of those would be a nightmare. I doubt it's the last time I see one of those. I know I could be a completionist and try to loot every building I come across, but I have a case of tunnel vision. Speaking of vision, I can finally see the car lot a couple blocks away.
It was well and thoroughly abandoned. There are five vehicles left on the front lot. 'Alright, let's take stock. Two suv's, an older model jeep, some off brand pickup truck, and an….oh no….a goddamn prius. Oh well, they're rather worn down from the elements. Now does this place have a garage? A lot of car lots, used or not, have a shop so they can fix up new vehicles to sell or resell.'
So I walk on over to the main building to have a look around. From the front it just looks like an office. Might as well have a look inside. Fortunately the door was unlocked. So after making sure my weapon is loaded, I crack open the door to peek and see if any enemies are inside. I don't hear or see anything so I cautiously walk inside. After that ugly fucker back there I'm a little on edge.
After a small sweep of the office I noticed something. 'I might be getting my hopes up, but this place looked a lot bigger on the outside. So I'm betting that extra space is for a shop. Better finish up in here and circle around the building.' So taking a few minutes to look through everything I only found two things of use for me.
So I found what money drawer they used and got about $6,000 which is about 600,000 yen. Everything helps the wallet. Now for the fun part. The box they used to hold the keys for the cars on the lot. There were six keys inside, which means there's an extra vehicle on the lot. It could have been in the shop. I'll take all the keys anyway.
HP: 500
Decided to check my HP and make sure I'm good for another fight if there is something hiding back there. Rounding the corner to the building I hear a crash coming from behind the shop doors. 'At least they were nice enough to alert me of their presence.'
I carefully make my way over to the sliding bay doors that house the shop and whatever made that noise. 'I need to know what I'm up against.' So I slowly walk over to the doors and try to peek in through the gap between them. At first I don't really see anything, then this massive frame walks past the doors. I instinctively tried to take cover behind the door, but didn't take into account that my rig would clang against the door.
'Oh, fu…' "BANG!" The sound of metal crumpling and shearing off the track was unsettling. Not as unsettling as the door, and me, are now bouncing along the pavement.
Hp: 400/500
'Damn, 100hp in one attack. Can't be cocky in this one, gotta play it safe.' I took a good look at the damn thing that just hit me, and it made sense why now. This thing is easily twelve to thirteen feet tall, rolling with throbbing muscles from head to toe and using a damn axle of a car as a club. Well this will be fun. 'No pulling the stops here. Diabolos, care to join me for this battle?'
[It would be my pleasure. HELLFIRE!]
Again I take on my hellfire form and imbue my nail gun. "Let's dance you roid raged abomination!" So I start unloading a clip of superheated nails into his left knee trying to slow him down a bit. He just soaked them up and charged at me.
Just barely dodging his charge, I roll onto my feet and slam another mag in the gun. Unloading yet another mag into the back of his left knee this time. Fortunately his knee burst into flames that hungrily ate away at it. 'If I can just get him low and immobilized I can finish this quickly.' This time he turns around and goes for a stomp on me. Again I manage to get back and it misses me.
So I go to fire again at his knee and get four or five shots off before "Click click click." I examine my gun, I know I have nails left. 'God, damnit. It jammed on me!' I hastily try and get the gun to feed correctly so I can keep at it.
[LOOK OUT!]
I look up, "WHACK!" I'm sent flying backwards across the pavement. A good 40ft at least. It didn't feel so good.
HP: 275/500
I'm laying there trying to get the air back in my lungs from being punted with a car axle.
'Note for future self, find cover before attempting to clear a weapon jam.' I manage to take a pained breath and think about the situation. The fire is still eating at his leg, he now has a limp from the fried tendons in his knee, so he's slowed at least. I pull back the charging handle of my gun and slam it forward, luckily it forces the next round in.
'One more try.' I charge at the thing this time. It tries to take a horizontal swing at me, so using my momentum I drop and slide underneath while filling his knee full of steel. "Snap!" His leg couldn't hold together anymore and gave way under his weight. I quickly reload and start firing into his upper back, trying to rip open a big enough hole.
He tried to take a swing behind him at me, but I jumped over it like a deadly game of hopscotch. A couple mags later and I get what I need. Snuffing out the flames on my right hand, I pull out one of my pipe bombs and light it with the tips of my fingers.
"Thank you for signing up for our new weight loss program. You will not be disappointed." With that I shove the bomb inside his cavity and bolt for the nearby bay door from earlier and use it as a gore cover.
"BOOOMMM! Splat…splat splat splat." And just like that it's raining blood and guts. After a few seconds of the blood shower it stopped so I came out from my cover. Then promptly received a notification.
ID: Zombies
Boss has been slain. Rewards will be distributed upon exit of the dungeon.
Time remaining before dungeon resets: 3 Minutes 47 Seconds.
'Oh shit. Better hurry up.' So I beeline for the shop to grab anything that isn't nailed down. 'Oh my God. YESSS!' A damn motorcycle, a little beat up, but still a motorcycle. An american chopper. Couldn't have asked for more.
I put it in my inventory, took a few seconds to do so, probably because it's a bigger object. Next I take all the parts I could find along with some of the smaller shops' tools for automotive work. I look outside and where the boss was is now a full blown wooden crate. 'Oh shit, I almost forgot the boss' loot.'
So I jog over and put the crate in my inventory. No sooner than I get it stored away I'm kicked out the dungeon.
(Congratulations on completing your first dungeon. Now, here are your rewards.)
Level Up x5
Name: Joshua Irons
Race: Human (+25% EXP gains)
LV: 12
Gender: Male
Orientation: Bisexual
HP: 700 (10 per minute)
MP: 245 (10 per minute)
Str: 27
Dex: 30
Con: 70 (10 HP per point)
Int: 55
Wis: 49 (5 MP per point)
Cha: 15
Lck: 26
Available Skill Points: 0
Perk Acquired: 50 Int.
Unparalleled Mortal mind:
As far as humanity goes, you are considered a prodigy. Anything you decide to learn, you will master twice as fast.
Adrenaline Surge (Apprentice)
Either out of fear, desperation, or sheer resolve, adrenaline has kept people alive for centuries. You can use adrenaline to push past your physical limit. Notice, this will not negate any stress or pain you feel, only push it aside till the surge ends. Can now surge for a longer duration.
Level 10 Skills Acquired:
Survivor:
Fasting:
You can go extended periods of time without food or water. You only need a decent meal once a week and a glass of water a day. You will not suffer any negative effects unless you go beyond what is required.
Engineer:
Expedited Work:
You now work twice as fast to complete a project without any side effects.
Opening Loot boxes now:
Skill Book Used:
Acquired skill: Charmer
Your words do wonders on the hearts of those you seek or those that seek you. A real go getter for those that enjoy a little more intimacy.
Uncommon Loot Crate Used:
Blueprint: Medi Gel (Dead Space)
A space age medical restorative that can heal most forms of injury. Does not cure diseases or illnesses. (Warning! Overuse can result in cellular mutations and cancer.)
Electronics Kit:
A small box with various circuits, microchips, and other electrical components.
Boss Crate Used:
A Rusty Chainsaw:
60,000 Yen:
Ring of Roid Rage:
An enchanted ring that continually increases the user's strength the longer they remain 'enraged.' Increases Str. by 2 every 30 seconds of enragement. Recedes at the same rate after the user has calmed.
Weapon Cleaning Kit:
A kit of tools and rust removers that replenish themselves after use.
'Gah, my head. Why is it always such an influx that causes a headache. At least I got some really good stuff. Didn't expect to find the boss so soon though. Oh well, I can always go back later.' I take a look out the window, and it's starting to get dark. Been in the dungeon most of the day I suppose.
I think I want a shower then head to bed for the night. So I go upstairs to my bedroom, strip off my rig then step into the shower. The warm water to wash away all the sweat and grime from a hard day's work. It felt divine. Afterwards I put on some sweatpants and crawled in bed. As I was starting to let sleep take me, my phone went off.
I checked to see what it was about. It was a text message from Rias that simply said, "I would appreciate it if we could have that meeting tomorrow night at 10pm. Please and thank you." So I sent a reply, "Sure."
'Well here goes nothing I guess.' Then I promptly passed the fuck out.
