Disclaimer: I own nothing apart from my original characters.
This is basically an AU so expect some changes to characters and events.
The Gacha Pulls are randomized.
If you can't tell, this is heavely inspired by The Dark Wolf Shiro and countless other fics so thanks to all the writers that put a ton a work into their own creations for inspiring me to write my own.
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The Poison Serpent
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It's dark.
'Shit, where the fuck is my phone.' I instinctively reach out to the bedside table on my right so I can cleave the darkness with the familiar light of the device's screen.
…
'What the…?' The words resonate in my mind with surprising calm, I realize that I can't feel the phone or the table next to me. In fact, I can't even feel my arm or body shift or reaching out. I take a second to focus and, as much as I try, I get no feedback from my body. The bed that I was on is gone for all I know, and my limbs refuse to obey me. My face is as numb as the rest of me, and as calm as I had been until now, my thoughts veer to a single phrase: 'I can't breathe.'
Panic sets in as I fight back against the immobility, punching and kicking in all directions, opening my mouth to let the air in- at least, that's what I try to do. But I can't even tell if I'm moving, let alone inhaling. The oppressive dark crushes me from all sides. 'Shit shit shit shit shit! I can't breathe! I can't fucking breathe!' The words repeat in my mind almost by themselves, until the dark takes me.
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...
...
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'Fuck, not again!' I mentally scream as I find myself once more in the abyss, the same feeling of drowning and asphyxiation that I have been experiencing over and over until I pass out, welcoming me for the umpteenth time into the void.
When I woke up from the first 'out' as I had begun to call them, I thought it had all been a dream. Only to find out that I was still here, still paralyzed, still numb, and the suffocation came just as fast as the first time, making me black out again.
Then it happened only a couple more times before I finally got ahold of myself and managed to stay calm, stifling the panic overcoming my mind. I realized for a brief moment that I didn't actually need to breathe, or that I was doing it automatically despite me not feeling it.
I managed to go through a couple of 'outs' slowly calming myself down and getting used to not trying to breathe, which brings me to 'out' number 10…? Or was it 11?
'Ok, just stay calm. All you have to do is stay calm.' I repeat the mantra over and over, and slowly but surely I let the minutes pass and my head quiet down. I try not to focus on trying to feel my body, my thoughts anchored to the two words incessant at the forefront of my mind: 'Stay calm'.
After what was probably minutes but felt like hours, I finally let my internal monologue back in and the oppressiveness, although still present, isn't as pronounced anymore.
'It's peaceful', is to my amazement the first feeling that washes over me. It's true. The darkness, all encompassing, is like a blanket carefully wrapped around me, and, now that my mind isn't going at a thousand miles per hour, I can take in the silence that surrounds me. Perfect silence.
No noise. Not a sound. And as much as what I have been experiencing so far has been hard to grasp, the deafening quiet stirs inside of me the greatest discomfort yet. This, all of this is wrong. Even worse, it all feels eerily familiar. Not just the stillness of the dark, but everything that happened since I woke up here.
'What the fuck is going on? What happened to me?' Questions fill my head as I try to recall the last thing I remember before this place. I think back on what lead me here, but the memories are weak, faded, blurred. The events of my life shifting and dissipating as if made of sand. Glimpses of faces, no names to go with them. Cold, warmth, hunger, thirst. Hope, despair, fear, lust. Joy and regret. Love and pain. So much pain.
It all seems… so far away, so small.
The answer is right there, in my mind, knocking at the door. But I refuse to let it in. I try to find something I can hold on to, someone I recognize. A reassuring face in the black void. But they all blend together, they all look the same, or too different. There is no life in their eyes, just like there was none in mine. And their masks fall, and empty is their shell.
And as Death takes hold of my mind again, I understand, if only for a second, that I've been here before. That I know Her.
.
...
...
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*Ding*
The sound pulls me from depths of my own mind as I slowly get back to myself. In front of me is a translucent screen in the middle of the abyss.
Congratulations! You have been chosen as the newest host!
I can hardly form any thoughts at the incredulous sight. 'Congratulations?' Feelings that I haven't felt in a long time swell up in me.
Due to a small setback, the host selection was pushed back 8̵̨̐̀͒0̷̈́ͅȩ̶̞̭́̄2̷̹̺̪̒̾̅5̴͓͐̚ù̸̪͇̃3 years. Sorry for the wait!
I don't even have time to process what I'm seeing as the screen switches to the next one.
Please proceed with character creation.
…
I stare at the confirmation button on the screen. I take a moment before pressing it to think back on what just happened.
'As crazy as it seems, something is interacting with me. Either that or I really have lost my mind and this is all a dream or a hallucination. In any case it feels real enough to warrant my attention. At worst, it's a welcomed distraction.'
After the initial shock over the appearance of the messages on the screen, and quite a few minutes spent totally confused as to what I should do, I started with the character creation it had asked me to do.
The screen had changed to a hologram showcasing what looked like a mannequin. No identifying features, no eyes, mouth or even genitals. Just skin. A blank canvas. After another brief moment of confusion, I had imagined two bright blue eyes, and to my surprise, there they appeared, staring back at me.
'Fucking creepy.' I promptly did the same with other facial features and quickly had something basic to work with. I soon realized that I did not remember what I had looked like when alive, and found that I frankly did not care that much about it.
The next few hours were spent with trying out countless different looks with what I assumed would be my new body after whatever this was, was over.
Feeling satisfied with my new appearance, I finally press the button. My vision darkens and before I know it my eyes open once more, the body gone from where it stood in front of me just a second ago.
'Wait… eyes?' I blink. 'Holy shit I fucking blinked…' As my thought trails off I feel my head shift downwards and, even if that very feeling hadn't been enough to convince me, my eyes land upon my new body. I see my hands, and as I will them to move, they do and slowly reach my torso. I probably couldn't describe how good it feels to well… feel again, even if I tried. Human contact after so long is jarring, even if it is my own hands, and I soon find myself wiping away the tears that had somehow trailed down my face.
I get pulled away from my examination by a familiar sound, the only one it feels I've ever heard after who knows how long.
*Ding*
Congratulations on obtaining your new body!
Please proceed with your class selection.
[Fighter] [Mage] [Rogue] [Crafter]
'Huh…' That feels awfully reminiscent of several games from my past life. The character creation did give me the same feeling but now it's undeniable.
'Wish I could know more about the different classes though.'
*Ding*
Here are the specializations available:
[Fighter]
[Knight] [Monk] [Barbarian] […]
[Mage]
[Conjurer] [Summoner] [Priest] […]
[Rogue]
[Thief] [Ranger] [Assassin] […]
[Crafter]
[Blacksmith] [Runesmith] [Potioneer] […]
'Interesting…' I still have no idea what is going on but I can't help but feel exited at the fact that magic is a possibility.
'Let's look at our options though. I can only guess that those that are grayed out mean there are more specializations that will be unlocked after reaching certain conditions.'
*Ding*
+1 WIS
For showing some mental acuity.
'Okay…' Anyways, [Crafter] seems extremely useful but without knowing where I'm going to end up, I don't want to be defenseless. Though it is probably the most versatile class especially if you can get multiple specializations in it.
[Fighter] is sure to be reliable even if I'm not sure what other specializations I could access in the future. However, as much as I love the idea of destroying my enemies with pure physical strength while tanking every blow, I don't want to find myself being restricted by my short range. 'Though something like ki blasts could be an option with [Monk]… Yes… Something to think about.'
Magic. If there exists one thing that might be better than ki blasts, that's definitely it. [Mage] has some very promising options. [Priest] is probably the only healing class apart from [Potioneer] and that's always a good choice, but the possibility of not having enough firepower is a problem. I'm not sure what [Conjurer] means, 'Maybe elemental magic?', but [Summoner] is pretty self-explanatory. But I can't help but feel exited about fighting my own battles and being in the thick of it. I don't know if it's the decades spent bored out of my mind or if I really went crazy, but I need some excitement. Even if it means risking my life, after dying once already, I'm not letting anyone fight my battles for me. And if I die it'll be from my own choices. Though I wouldn't mind a couple of minions.
That leaves [Rogue]. [Thief] and [Ranger] just don't sound as appealing as the rest but [Assassin]… Now that one is interesting. My targets dropping dead before even knowing what hit them is too awesome to disregard.
'Wait was I always this violent? Or am I just desensitized to human life or emotions after so long?'
Several [Perks] have been added to the host during the character creation. Some [Perks] can influence the host's mind. More information will be given later. Please choose a class specialization.
'I see.'
Well, my options are [Monk], [Conjurer] or [Assassin]. Shit, I didn't think it would be this hard to choose something as simple as a class.
The host will be able to have different classes in time.
Would you like for the system to randomly pick between [Monk] [Conjurer] and [Assassin]?
'You can do that?' I guess there is no reason not to roll for it if I'm on the fence. I can always try to change class later. 'Do it.'
+1 CHA
For trusting the system with an important choice.
Rolling for class selection…
*Ding*
Class [Assassin] has been selected!
[Assassin]
A class specialization of [Rogue] that excels in stealth and killing ability. Focuses on finishing a foe quickly or crippling them with poisons.
Class [Skills] obtained.
[Sneak]
Active – 2 MP/second
Become unnoticeable by beings of lower WIS than your DEX. Increases your chance of being unnoticed otherwise. Beings with perception [Skills], [Items], [Perks] or [Racial Traits] have a higher chance of detecting you.
Any attack successfully landed while in [Sneak] is applied a x1.5 multiplier. Can be upgraded.
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[Single-handed Weapons Proficiency]
Passive
You are proficient with one-handed weapons such as knives, daggers and short swords. You know were to strike for the most damage. Can be upgraded.
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[Enhanced Senses]
Passive
Your senses, perception and reaction time are enhanced. Can be upgraded.
[Stats] have been adjusted to class base values.
Please say or think 'Stats' to continue.
I'm not going to complain. All three classes were awesome and I'm sure I can find some overlap in the future. The skills are interesting as well. [Sneak] is easily my best one, especially if I can upgrade it. The other two leave me with a small advantage over most normal people. But I have a feeling I won't be dealing with too many 'normal' people, or 'beings' for that matter. Ominous. Let's see what we're working with. 'Stats.'
[Stats]
Name – ?
Race – ?
Level – 1
Class – [Assassin]
HP – 80 (16 per minute)
MP – 60 (14 per minute)
STR – 12
END – 8
DEX – 18
INT – 6
WIS – 7
CHA – 11
SP – 0
'Oh right, what's my name again? I… I don't know.' I feel like I should be more worried about that but for some reason I can't bring myself to care.
Name will be chosen based on multiple factors.
No use worrying about it then. Looking at my stats I can tell that my HP and regeneration is determined by my END multiplied by 10 and 2 respectively, and my MP is my INT multiplied by 10 and the rate it is regenerated at is my WIS multiplied by 2.
I'm a little worried by my low INT and WIS but hopefully I can remedy that pretty quickly. It still leaves me 30 seconds in [Sneak] for now, that's not too bad. Though using it repeatedly will be difficult.
'Why is my race undetermined?'
The issue of your race will be decided later. [Human] is usually the starting one, but the host can change it based on certain conditions.
Although you have been locked out of the [Human] race.
'What? Why?'
The host does not have the clearance level to access this information.
'That's very strange. Maybe it has to do with why I feel so detached?' [Perks] was it?
The host has been given some [Perks] during character creation as well as class selection.
[Perks] obtained:
[That Which Thinks]
Allows better control over one's mind and emotions. Increased resistances to mental attacks, mind reading and psychological effects.
.
[Everybody's Phenotype]
Your body will always be and look the best it can unless affected by status effects. Increased resistances to disease. Slight healing factor.
Your phenotype will adapt to reflect how you view yourself.
.
[Open-face Mask]
You look genuine and kind. But you're a good actor. The more experienced beings will get glimpses of how dangerous you are but will never be sure if it was only their mind playing a trick on them.
That explains why I'm not freaking out at least. But I guess it also means I've lost a bit of my humanity after so long.
Oh well.
They're good [Perks] overall. I'll try to get as many as possible even if I don't know how to.
'So? What now?'
Host will now choose [World] customization options.
Calculating initial [World Points]…
'Oh! So do I get to choose or know where I'm going?'
No.
'Fuck you.'
-1 CHA
For being a bitch.
'Hah! You're not as impassive as you make it seem are you?' I can't help the grin that follows. I don't know who or what is behind all of this, but I'll uncover your secrets in time.
Please choose [World] customization options.
[World Points] – 50
'You're no fun.' Let's take a look, shall we?
Relevance – Where you start in regards to the plot
[Smack dab in the middle] : 0 WP
[Outsider] : -10 WP
[Plot?] : +10 WP
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Time – When you start in regards to the plot
[Is that you mom?] : -30 WP
[Early bird and all that] : -10 WP
[Right into it] : 0 WP
[Late, as always…] : +10 WP
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Other options
[Accelerated Timeline] : +30 WP
[Better Antagonists] : +20 WP
[Better Allies] : -30 WP
[Aged Up] : -10 WP
[Random Crossover Elements] : -30 WP
[World Danger Level +1] : +30 WP (repeatable)
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Special
[Knowledge Restoration] : -80 WP
[Gacha Pull] : -10 WP (repeatable)
This is interesting. Just looking at the last few options I know I'm going to have to make some sacrifices. The rest I can guess but, 'Can you clarify what [Knowledge Restoration] means?'
Yes.
[Knowledge Restoration]
Restores your knowledge of fictional and alternate worlds.
Does that mean I'll be going to a fictional world? I feel like I've seen or read things like that before. But there's one thing I know for sure. I need this one. It's too important to gloss over, every piece of information I can get my hands on will be valuable.
I'll put myself [Smack dab in the middle] of the plot, I don't want this to be too boring, and I'll give myself a little time with [Early bird and all that]. I could take the first option but I don't fancy being stuck as a baby for several years. That leaves me with 40 WP. Now I know it's risky but let's take two [World Danger Level +1] to get myself up to 100 WP and purchase [Knowledge Restoration].
Activating [Knowledge Restoration].
I think… it worked? I'm not sure to be honest. I remember… I remember Batman so I guess it did work.
Anyways. Let's take [Accelerated Timeline] to get another 30. Now I wanna keep at least 10 for a [Gacha Pull] so I still have 40 WP left over.
The only ones I can take with that are [Better Allies], [Aged Up] or [Random Crossover Elements]. The later introduces too many unknown variables in a world I might not be completely familiar with. Thanks but no thanks, I like my foreknowledge. I'll take [Aged Up]. And [Better Allies] is probably my last choice here.
Or I blow it all on the gacha.
The [Gacha Pull] in the [World] customization options is a one time special option.
You will have other opportunities to use the [Gacha Pull] but for now you are guaranteed [Rare] and up pulls which include [Skills], [Perks], [Curses] and [Items].
The rarities are as follows :
[Common] [Uncommon] [Rare] [Epic] [Legendary] [Transcendent]
That seems worth it. Should I take [Better Antagonists] and get 2 more pulls? Hard decision to make. I don't want to end up with a [Transcendent Curse]. Fuck it, let's see what we get with 4 pulls first and then decide.
'Spend 40 WP on the [Gacha Pull] please.'
Using [Gacha Pull] x4…
*Ding*
[Legendary Curse] obtained!
[Epic Perk] obtained!
[Legendary Item] obtained!
[Epic Curse] obtained!
Showing results.
'Oh fuck.'
[Legendary Curse]
[Curse of the Watcher]
A powerful entity has taken notice of you and is growing a little obsessed. You don't know who or why, or if it is friend or foe. There is no telling how this will influence the world.
.
[Epic Perk]
[Mage Sight]
Your eyes have adapted to see the fabric of magic, or mana. You can see how it permeates and flows in your surroundings, how it is woven into spells or items, how pure or tainted it is.
.
[Legendary Item]
[Baruka's Dagger]
Once used by the elf Baruka, this curved silver blade glows white with magic making it extremely light. Grants +20 STR and +10 DEX while equipped.
.
[Epic Curse]
[Curse of the Frail]
Your body is as fragile as glass. Be careful not to let anything happen to it. You HP is halved.
Half of my HP really? I'm gonna have to be extra careful or I'm just going to die early. 'Is there a way to get rid of [Curses]?'
The host can lift certain [Curses] but will have to find a way on his own. Additional rewards will be granted.
That's good to know, I guess.
I'm not sure what to make of [Curse of the Watcher]. It could be world ending or inconsequential. I'll just have to wait and see.
[Mage Sight] and [Baruka's Dagger] on the other hand are sick. Sung Jinwoo used it right? It seems I did get my knowledge back then.
'How do I access my items? Some sort of inventory or something?'
Due to the unusual wait time the host was subject to, host will be granted compensation before proceeding with [World Jump].
'And the inventory is part of that?'
Correct.
Got it.
The question now is, do I make it harder on myself and risk taking [Better Antagonists] for 2 more pulls or do I stop here?
'Might as well go all in. Take [Better Antagonists] and purchase 2 last [Gacha Pull].'
Very well. Using [Gacha Pull] x2…
*Ding*
[Rare Skill] obtained!
[Legendary Skill] obtained!
Showing results.
[Rare Skill]
[Bulk Up]
Active – 10 MP/use
Raises the user's STR and END by 50% while in battle. Stackable up to 6 times.
.
[Legendary Skill]
[Poison of Destruction – First Form]
The martial art of the Poison Clan. Has 8 forms.
Passive
Allows the user to store and circulate up to 5 poisons in their body. Grants immunity to [Minor Poisons].
Active – 10 MP/use
The user circulates a poison stored within them into a chosen bodily fluid.
Can be upgraded.
Beautiful. I probably would have been dead if I had gotten a [Curse] here, especially with the raised difficulty, but it was totally worth it in the end. [Poison of Destruction] is amazing. Sounds like some cultivation bullshit. It's brilliant. And is that a Pokemon move? It is useful even if I can't use it outside of battle.
That was the last of my WP so I guess we're moving on. 'Can we get to the end? I'm getting a little restless to be honest!'
Host has completed the calibration.
Finalizing…
Bonus [Skills] obtained.
[Observe]
Active
Provides information on a designated target. Fails if target is 10 Lvls or higher than the user.
.
[Inventory]
Active
Stores/takes non-living targets in/from user's personal pocket dimension. No passage of time. Must be in physical contact with the target.
.
[Dungeon Traversal]
Active
Once a week the user can travel to an unlocked [Dungeon]. User cannot leave without beating the [Dungeon Boss].
Unlocked : [Zombies].
The system thanks the host for being patient.
[World] has been chosen and modified.
Is the host ready?
Yes/No
Finally. I won't say that the wait was worth it just yet, but I sure am more than happy to be leaving this place.
And so I speak for the first time in my new life.
"Fuck yeah I'm ready."
Transporting host to [World]
…
Welcome to
[Harry Potter]
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Character Overview
[Stats]
Name – ?
Race – ?
Level – 1
Class – [Assassin]
HP – 40 (16 per minute)
MP – 60 (14 per minute)
STR – 12
END – 8
DEX – 18
INT – 6
WIS – 7
CHA – 10
SP – 0
HP = END x 10, HP/min = END x 2
MP = INT x 10, MP/min = WIS x 2
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[Skills]
[Sneak]
Active – 2 MP/second
Become unnoticeable by beings of lower WIS than your DEX. Increases your chance of being unnoticed otherwise. Beings with perception [Skills], [Items], [Perks] or [Racial Traits] have a higher chance of detecting you.
Any attack successfully landed while in [Sneak] is applied a x1.5 multiplier. Can be upgraded.
[Single-handed Weapons Proficiency]
Passive
You are proficient with one-handed weapons such as knives, daggers and short swords. You know were to strike for the most damage. Can be upgraded.
[Enhanced Senses]
Passive
Your senses, perception and reaction time are enhanced. Can be upgraded.
[Bulk Up]
Active – 10 MP/use
Raises the user's STR and END by 50% while in battle. Stackable up to 6 times.
[Poison of Destruction – First Form]
The martial art of the Poison Clan. Has 8 forms.
Passive
Allows the user to store and circulate up to 5 poisons in their body. Grants immunity to [Minor Poisons].
Active – 10 MP/use
The user circulates a poison stored within them into a chosen bodily fluid.
Can be upgraded.
.
[Perks]
[That Which Thinks]
Allows better control over one's mind and emotions. Increased resistances to mental attacks, mind reading and psychological effects.
[Everybody's Phenotype]
Your body will always be and look the best it can unless affected by status effects.
Your phenotype will adapt to reflect how you view yourself.
[Open-face Mask]
You look genuine and kind. Letting the mask slip however, will instill fear and awe into the hearts of all. The more experienced beings will get glimpses of how dangerous you are but will never be sure if it was only their mind playing a trick on them.
[Mage Sight]
The ability to see the fabric of magic, or mana. You can see how it permeates and flows in your surroundings, how it is woven into spells or items, how pure or tainted it is.
.
[Curses]
[Curse of the Watcher]
A powerful entity has taken notice of you and is growing a little obsessed. You don't know who or why, or if it is friend or foe. There is no telling how this will influence the world.
[Curse of the Frail]
Your body is as fragile as glass. Be careful not to let anything happen to it. You HP is halved.
.
[Items]
[Baruka's Dagger]
Once used by the elf Baruka, this curved silver blade glows white with magic making it extremely light. Grants +20 STR and +10 DEX while equipped.
.
.
AN:
This is basically my first writing project ever in addition to my original work which is a WIP.
I welcome every piece of criticism and feedback. Please do tell me if you want more of this. I will continue writing it regardless but I like knowing my work is appreciated even a little bit.