Ash and Dust
Chapter 1- The Tutorial
The quiet village lay deserted and abandoned, its streets once bustling with life now empty and still. The remnants of homes stood in ruins, reduced to piles of burnt debris and broken beams that stretched as far as the eye could see. Fading embers attempted to maintain their dying glow, flickering weakly, as if desperately clinging to the last bit of life left.
The air hung heavy with the smell of burnt wood and ash, suffocating and adding to the desolation that blanketed the area. Dark clouds loomed overhead, casting an eerie shadow over the devastated scene below. The sky, once filled with vibrant blue and gentle white clouds, had transformed into a perpetually gloomy expanse, reflecting the shared sorrow and destruction that had befallen the forsaken village.
Laughter no longer echoed through the empty streets, and no one's footsteps danced upon the worn cobblestones. The sounds of shared joy and camaraderie that once filled this thriving community were now distant memories. Shattered windows, once adorned with colorful curtains, now stood lifeless and broken. Doors sagged on their hinges, telling tales of a past that had faded away.
A desolate silence hung over the abandoned market square, where lively stalls had once thrived, bustling with activity and connection. Now, only tattered remnants remained, forgotten and scattered like remnants of a forgotten time. The ground was coated in a thick layer of ash, symbolizing the loss of vibrancy and energy that once filled these streets.
The absence of life weighed heavily in the air, casting a melancholic feeling over the ghost town. Once-blooming wildflowers had withered away, their once vibrant petals now a muted and lifeless testimony to the destruction that unfolded.
As the wind whispered through the deserted streets, desolation seemed to permeate every inch. The village, once a place of warmth and community, now stood as a solemn reminder of the unstoppable force that had torn apart their lives. Yet, even in the midst of such emptiness, a glimmer of hope remained, refusing to fade away. Deep within, flickering flames of life refused to be extinguished.
As I slowly regained consciousness, a throbbing headache pounded in my skull, as if my head had been thrown into a blender. Groaning, I tried to figure out where I was, feeling the rough texture of burnt wood and crumbling stone beneath my hands.
Struggling to open my heavy eyelids, I encountered a desolate and haunting scene. The street stretched before me, a wasteland of destruction, with fragments of once beautiful homes scattered like broken toys. It looked as if a cruel artist had painted a gloomy masterpiece, with shades of gray and a sky obscured by smoke.
Confusion and disbelief washed over me as I tried to comprehend the reality of the devastation. How did this happen? Who or what could have caused such destruction? Questions swirled in my mind, but answers remained elusive.
Frustration and anger surged within me, acknowledging my own powerlessness in the face of it all. The weight of the moment pressed down on my weary shoulders, threatening to overwhelm me. How should I respond to this overwhelming catastrophe? It felt as if the world was playing a cruel joke on me.
With a resigned expression, I let out a deep sigh. Dwelling on the unfathomable was pointless. Faced with such harshness, I deadpanned, my emotions dulled by the sheer magnitude of the destruction. Perhaps it was a way to protect myself from the despair that loomed.
"Hello? Is anyone alive or not traumatized, perhaps?" a voice, unfamiliar and distinctly British, inquired with a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
"Yeah, sure. Just taking in this war-torn scenery. Just another typical day, you know?" I replied, sarcasm lacing my voice.
"Ah, splendid! That means we can continue!" the voice exclaimed cheerfully, finding joy in this nightmarish situation. I couldn't help but let out a slight cough as I braced myself for whatever was to come. "You may call me HATS, and if I've deduced correctly, your name must be Ash, right?"
As I prepared to respond, I suddenly realized an inconvenient truth—I had no idea what my own name was. How could I forget such a basic piece of identity? Frustration washed over me, but I wasn't about to admit it to this guy who already irritated me enough. If I said yes, he would pester me more. So, I decided to play it cool.
"Nope," I replied, emphasizing the 'p' sound.
There was a brief pause before the man spoke again, his sass evident in his tone.
"Oh, you clever one! Don't try to fool me. I can see your name, clear as day! No need for silly fibs, my dear," he retorted.
"That doesn't even make sense—" I began to say, but I quickly cut myself off as my attention shifted behind me. It was hard to describe what I saw – a floating ball of crimson light with a monocle and a top hat.
"Fuck you!" I exclaimed, trying my best to ignore this bizarre creature and refocusing on the wreckage before me.
"Now, now, such language is hardly appropriate for someone as young as yourself," the strange entity, who introduced itself as HATS, replied with a hint of mock offense, clearly finding my outburst amusing.
Summoning my maturity and sarcasm, I retorted, "Well, I'm old enough to swear. I'm... in my teenage years, I think?" Glancing down, I confirmed my gender with a quick check of my clothing. Yep, trousers present. Gender identified.
HATS seemed entertained by my lack of composure, teasingly remarking, "Oh my dear, did you just expose yourself there? A bit of a blunder, wouldn't you agree?"
Feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, I denied his accusation. "No..."
Regaining his composure, HATS proceeded to explain his purpose.
"Alright, enough with the fancy talk," HATS cleared his throat, trying to adopt a more straightforward tone. "Listen up! The Huntsman Attribute Training System, abbreviated as HATS, is designed to improve your skills as a true Huntsman. This system diligently monitors your Aura levels, tracks your defense and health statistics, and provides real-time analysis of your opponents' weaknesses. It's like having a personal mentor, guiding your strategic decisions and helping you become an outstanding hunter."
Trying to grasp the significance of this information, I took a moment to process what HATS had just explained. If what he said was true, this HATS system could be the key to unlocking my memories.
Summoning my courage, I decided to give it a try. "Alright, HATS. I'm willing to give this a shot."
HATS breathed a sigh of relief, pleased that I was cooperative. "Great! Don't worry, I'll be by your side throughout this journey, helping you make swift progress and become a masterful Huntsman. Together, we'll forge a path that amazes the world and secures your title as the unrivaled Huntsman maestro."
"Yeah, sure, whatever. Let's just get out of this... ghost town," I blurted out, feeling a mixture of uncertainty and uneasiness.
A piercing screech and haunting howls cut through the air, sending chills down my spine. "What the hell was that?!" I shouted, fear creeping into every fiber of my being.
"That, my friend, was the tutorial," HATS declared with a chuckle that sounded both refined and mischievous.
I jumped as text suddenly appeared in front of me.
Main Quest: "Village Vigilance"
Description: Explore the ruined village and learn the basics of gameplay.
Optional Objectives: Fight off Grimm to understand health potions, managing inventory, and Grimm levels.
Rewards:
- Main Quest Reward: Completion grants 200 XP and 200 Lien (currency).
- Optional Side Quest Rewards: 100 Lien and 1 Health potion.
Drops:
- Common Loot: Defeating Grimm yields Claw, fur, and masks.
- Rare Loot: Gems and special currency.
1 Skill Point:
- Defeating Grimm: Each defeated beowolf cub grants 10 XP towards earning a skill point.
- Completing Side Quests: 50 XP.
"Uh, how am I supposed to fight a Grimm creature, let alone multiple ones?" I asked, struggling to believe that I was expected to engage in such dangerous battles. The idea that someone had faith in my ability to kill Grimm filled me with a mix of pride and anger. While I appreciated their confidence, I was unarmed and had no combat experience.
"Just open your inventory and equip whatever you have," HATS replied, sounding somewhat indifferent to my plight.
"Okay, um... Open Sesame!..." I waited for a few seconds then lowered my head in defeat." Open Inventory?" I muttered, with considerably less enthusiasm than before.
With a pop, a screen displaying various numbers appeared.
Name: Ash
Level: 1
Class: N/A
Lien: 0
Skill point: 0
XP: 0/100
Health: 125/120 (5)
Mana: 0/80
Aura: 0/10
Inventory:
- Rusty Knife:
- Damage: 15-25 per hit
- Rust effect: 5 damage per second for 4 seconds
- Healing Potions (Restore 50 health per potion, 5 available)
- Smoke Bombs (Create a dense smoke screen, limiting visibility for 20 seconds, 3 available)
- Utility Knife (Damage: 15)
- Basic Survival Kit (Includes a compass, flint, water canteen, and emergency rations)
Clothing:
- Worn T-shirt:
- HP: 1
- Agility: 2
- Worn Pants:
- HP: 2
- Agility: 1
- Strength: 1
- Worn Boots:
- HP: 2
- Agility: 2
"Oh... Uh, thanks for your help, I guess," I replied in a flat tone as I picked up the Rusty Knife.
"No worries, my friend. I found it lying in a nearby ditch around Detroit," HATS said dismissively.
"What the hell is a De-"
Suddenly, my HUD displayed my HP as 125/120. "Wait, why did my HP appear?" I asked, confused since I hadn't done anything.
"Oh dear, it seems you're in combat now. Unfortunately, teleportation or accessing your inventory isn't possible at the moment. Ah, yes, a young Beowolf seems to be sneaking up on you," he calmly explained, raising his monocle slightly, as if raising an eyebrow.
"Okay, wait, WHAT!?" I spun around just in time to stab the Beowolf Cub in the eye, causing it to recoil and retreat a few feet.
Beowolf Cub (Level 1)
- HP 55/80.
Feeling a surge of adrenaline, I took a step back, my heart pounding as I assessed the situation. The Beowolf cub growled and showed its teeth, clearly unhappy with my interference.
With my weapon still in hand, I tightened my grip, preparing myself for another clash with the Beowolf cub. It lunged at me, claws slashing through the air. I managed to dodge its attack, narrowly avoiding its sharp claws.
Realizing that I needed to be more proactive in this fight, I quickly analyzed the situation through my HUD. The cub's HP was displayed as 55 out of 80, indicating that it had already taken some damage from our previous exchange. It was wounded but still had fight left in it.
I decided to seize the opportunity presented to me. As the Beowolf cub prepared for another attack, I made a swift and calculated move. Using my agility, I evaded its strike and countered with a powerful hit of my own. My weapon connected with its side, causing the cub to cry out in pain.
But the cub was far from giving up. It growled fiercely, showing its determination to bring me down. It unleashed a barrage of claw strikes and tried to sink its teeth into my arm. I skillfully parried its attacks, keeping a safe distance.
Drawing on my training, I waited for the perfect moment to strike back. When the Beowolf cub left an opening, I seized it, delivering a precise and forceful blow. The cub's HP dropped significantly, now standing at 15 out of 80.
Yet, the cub's fighting spirit remained unyielding. It lunged once more, its eyes filled with defiance. With a mix of determination and caution, I evaded its attack, moving swiftly to gain an advantageous position. Taking a final swing, my weapon sliced through the air, finding its mark.
The Beowolf cub let out a haunting howl as its HP reached zero. In a burst of dark energy, it vanished, leaving behind only the remnants of its shadow-like form.
10 XP
Beowolf cub fur
10 Lien
Trophy milestone: First kill!
(Beowolf cub head) 20 XP 20 Lien
Breathing heavily, I stood there for a moment, still feeling the rush of adrenaline. The encounter had been intense, but I had emerged victorious. With the threat eliminated, my HUD informed me that I was no longer in combat mode.
"Ah, excellent! We seem to be making good progress through this challenging jaunt," HATS commented, clearly intrigued. "However, we still have a few tasks remaining, if you'd be so kind. Let's see, ah yes, splendid! You are to utilize the map, use a healing potion, and employ smoke bombs. That should be all!"
Suddenly, a notification popped up.
Side Quest Name: "Beowolf and Nevermore Hunt"
Quest Description: Defeat the threat and bring peace to the fallen.
Objective: Hunt down 10 Beowolf cubs and a Young Nevermore within the Village.
Optional Objective: Gather information about the Grimm's weaknesses and behavior to increase your chances of success.
Reward: Completing the quest grants 200 XP, a weapon upgrade point, and a scroll (Condition: rough) that allows you to connect with friends for more challenging missions.
Drops:
- Beowolf Claws: Collect Beowolf
"I strongly recommend accepting this important quest. Scrolls like this are rare and offer great rewards. It would be wise to take advantage of this opportunity," HATS insisted.
"Well, if I'm stuck in a place with lots of Grimm around, I guess I should activate it," I muttered, shrugging my shoulders.
"Exactly. Judging by your confusion and frustration, some Grimm creatures might have already sensed you," HATS replied matter-of-factly. "But before you face them, let me suggest something smart. It would be a good idea to search nearby houses for valuable items, especially better weapons. That small knife won't help much if you face multiple strong Grimm opponents."
"Great," I replied sarcastically, rolling my eyes. I spun around and randomly picked a house. "I'll start with that one," I confidently declared.
"Hmm, that's some perfect logic," HATS dryly remarked.
"I know, right?" I retorted sarcastically.
After spending two hours looting several houses...
"Why is there so much useless stuff?" I shouted, feeling my brain getting tired from the repetitive task.
Frustrated with the disappointing loot, I rummaged through houses for hours, finding only things of little value like cloth, scrap metal, and personal items. I needed weapons, armor, health potions, or smoke bombs. This was really disappointing.
I slumped down on a bed, thinking about my options. My current weapon was useless against a group of Grimm, and I needed something with area-of-effect or range abilities. As I looked around the room, my eyes fell on a photo frame that had a torn and defaced picture. There was a strange sense of familiarity, but the details escaped me. When I moved the photo, I noticed a set of numbers written on the back. As I read them, it felt like they should mean something important, but the words felt jumbled in my mind.
Suddenly, a notification popped up, interrupting my thoughts.
Quest Name: "Retrieve the Essentials"
Quest Description: After a terrible Grimm attack, your village lies in ruins. Amidst the chaos, you remember an emergency kit that contains important items, including your outfit and your late father's dual pistols. Motivated to recover these belongings, embark on a mission to find and retrieve them.
Objective: Search the destroyed village for your emergency kit, which includes your outfit, your father's cherished dual pistols, and any other useful items you may come across.
Drops: Upon completing the quest, you will recover your emergency kit, containing your outfit, your father's dual pistols, and possibly other helpful items.
Experience (XP): There are no XP rewards for defeating Grimm or fighting. This quest is solely focused on retrieving essential items.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a brief headache come and go, as HATS appeared beside me.
"Don't worry about those headaches, my friend. They are just a part of your system's adjustment and will go away in time," HATS assured me.
"Why didn't you tell me about this before? And why did it happen just now?" I asked, still annoyed by the remnants of the headache.
"Sometimes, fragments of the previous soul can linger, but don't worry, they'll gradually fade away. Just push through the discomfort, and you'll be fine," HATS explained.
It was a strange concept to grasp, so I decided to set it aside for now. Souls were something beyond my control anyway.
"So, how do I open the mini-map?" I asked, relieved that HATS was finally offering some assistance.
"Ah, indeed. Just think 'open mini-map,' and the system will quickly respond, presenting the map before you in no time," HATS replied, giving his helpful insight.
"Open mini-map," I thought, giving a small wave of my hand.
Immediately, a circular display appeared in the top left corner of my device, showing detailed streets, buildings, and a noticeable yellow waypoint. To my frustration, it pointed to the house I hadn't searched yet. "Seriously?" I grumbled, annoyed at my oversight.
Just as I was about to move forward, red dots appeared on the map, indicating three locations. Cautiously, I approached a broken window to observe my surroundings discreetly. There, I saw three Beowolf cubs, sniffing the ground diligently, searching for something.
Tip: Smoke bombs can temporarily obscure enemies's vision.
I stared blankly at the pop-up for a moment before saying, "You could have just told me to use the smoke bombs, you know, since you're right here with me." But as I turned around, there was only silence. "So, is this some sort of trick or something?" I asked, only to be met by the looming presence of the Grimm.
Feeling worn out, I examined the smoke bomb in my hand. I carefully placed it just outside the house I had taken shelter in, making sure the mist would cover the area. As the thick fog surrounded me, I moved through the crumbling remains of the once-grand buildings with agility and precision. I slipped out through a side window and continued determinedly toward my destination.
In the eerie silence, the Grimm creatures persisted in their quest, diligently searching the very house that was now concealed by the smoke. Their burning eyes flashed with an unwavering determination as they combed through every corner, driven by their instinct to find any trace of my presence.
As I carefully made my way through the wreckage left behind by the Grimm attack, my goal was to reach a collapsed house. The yellow waypoint on my map pointed me towards the father's room, where the kit I needed was likely located. Stepping into the hallway, the sight of charred walls and peeling wallpaper caught my attention. Broken picture frames and scorched dirt were scattered around, serving as reminders of the devastation that had occurred. The partially collapsed staircase presented a challenge, but I managed to gather some momentum and jump up to the remaining steps.
Continuing my ascent, I couldn't shake the feeling of despair and sadness that washed over me. Despite these emotions, I pressed on and entered the room closest to the stairway, which I assumed belonged to the father.
Inside the room, I noticed a chest positioned at the foot of the bed, secured with a number lock.
I made my way towards the chest, eager to open it. There was a number lock on it, but luckily, I already had the code. No need to waste time guessing. I was prepared to unlock the chest and retrieve the kit.
Confidently, I entered the numbers into the lock and heard a satisfying click as it opened. The lid lifted, revealing the valuable items and important supplies inside. Relief washed over me knowing that I had successfully found what I was looking for.
Inside the chest, I discovered:
- Ember's Embrace (Dual pistols) - Rare
- Faded Jacket - Rare
- Black Pants - Common
- Running Shoes - Common
- Fingerless Gloves - Common
With the kit secured, I made sure it was safely stored before preparing to leave the room.
Quest Complete: "Retrieve the Essentials"
Glancing at my achievements, I headed towards the nearest window and cracked it open slightly. Equipping my new pistols, I swiftly took aim at one of the beowolf cubs lagging behind the pack. With a well-aimed shot, the bullet pierced its head, causing it to disintegrate into a dark mist. The other two Grimm looked around in panic and surprise.
10 XP
Beowolf cub fur
10 Lien
I tried to use both of my pistols to take down the remaining two Grimm creatures, but they shrugged off the shots and charged towards me with fury.
"Oh no! Die! Die! Die!" I panicked, firing wildly at the Grimm. Unfortunately, most of my shots missed, and the few that hit seemed to have no effect.
"HATS, why are these ones so powerful?" I asked, growing frustrated and confused by their increased HP.
HATS replied, "Grimm take 10% less damage when in a group, and they receive a rage boost that increases their attack speed when one of their pack members dies. This effect occurs only once per pack."
"Well, that's just great! HUD!" I exclaimed, summoning the heads-up display to assess the situation.
Beowolf cub - Level 1
HP 44/80
Beowolf - Level 2
HP 64/100
"Damn, they're already leveling up," I remarked, as the beowolf cub began scaling the side of the house, tearing off burned wood with its sharp claws.
Knowing I needed to act swiftly, I waited until the cub was just inches away from me. It let out a terrifying roar, but before it could continue, I aimed the gun barrels into its mouth and fired both magazines down its throat.
The cub's abdomen exploded into darkness, and it fell off the house, dissipating before hitting the ground. Pride surged through me, and I couldn't help but smirk at my successful Grimm slaying.
10 XP
Beowolf cub claw
10 Lien
"Damn, I'm getting good at this whole Grimm slaying thing, wouldn't you say HATS? UGH—" my words were abruptly cut off as something large rammed into me from behind, smashing through the wall and tossing me out of the house. I hit the ground with a loud thud, and a beam landed on my arm, pinning me down.
A menacing growl filled the air as the adult beowolf dropped down from the house, slowly advancing towards me. Reacting quickly, I aimed my gun at the Grimm, causing it to halt in its tracks.
"Say hi to the devil for me, ugly," I quipped, pulling the trigger.
Click... Click click... Click click click.
The Grimm seemed to grow more confident and bloodthirsty, unfazed by the failed attempts to fire my empty weapon. My heart pounded in my chest as I desperately tried to access my inventory, but my attempts were denied.
"In combat, players are limited to a more traditional style to prevent NPCs from questioning their connection to the physical universe, please reach into your pocket and think of the items needed," a voice informed me.
I rolled my eyes in frustration and reached into my pocket with my free hand, searching for a spare magazine. As I pulled it out, the Grimm loomed just a few meters away. I struggled to load the pistol with one hand, finally managing to do so.
"Oh yeah, now we're talking—" I started, but before I could finish, the Grimm swiped its claw, knocking the gun far out of my reach. I looked on in disbelief at the sheer disrespect it displayed, locking eyes with the Grimm for a brief moment.
Realizing I was left with limited options, I reached into my pocket and retrieved a health potion. Breaking the bottle by squeezing it, I hoped for a few seconds of health regeneration.
The Grimm seemed to sense my intentions and lunged for my throat, attempting to tear it out. I closed my eyes, preparing for the pain, bracing myself for the assault. To my surprise, the attack continued after a few seconds.
"Ugh, HATS, what's happening?" I managed to utter through gritted teeth, feeling the weight of a bloody 400-pound Grimm crushing my chest and throat.
HATS appeared out of nowhere, explaining the situation as though nothing out of the ordinary was occurring.
"Well, you see, the health potion you just took is keeping your health above zero, which means your body is immune to decapitation, dismemberment, and similar injuries. When your HP reaches zero, you essentially become as vulnerable as any other human in terms of durability and other factors."
"Got it," I replied, understanding the situation. I swiftly consumed another health potion and decided to use my pistol as a makeshift club. I swung it at the Grimm, landing a solid hit on the side of its head, dealing 5 points of damage. Slowly but surely, I chipped away at its health. It took a few more minutes and a couple of additional health potions, but I managed to bring its health down to 20HP. The Grimm jumped off me and stood a few feet away, emitting a faint red energy and giving off the impression that it was preparing to launch a devastating attack.
"HATS! What is that Grimm doing?" I asked, observing its behavior.
"It's probably preparing a special attack," HATS responded, sounding a bit uncertain.
"What do you mean 'or something'? You're supposed to be the all-knowing A.I!" I yelled, directing my focus back to trying to free my arm from the trapped beam.
"Well, it could be a heavy attack, but I won't know for sure until it happens. Brace yourself," HATS replied, a note of resignation in its voice.
"Damn it, I shouldn't have engaged in a battle against a higher-level opponent. Will this attack kill me? Oh, I hope not," I rambled, admitting my increasing sense of panic.
"Dear God, if you ever reincarnate me into another world, please let it be one filled with hot anime babes. Amen," I said, half-jokingly, half-serious, and finally accepting my fate. Though I continued to struggle fiercely to free my trapped arm, a strange sense of peace washed over me.
The Grimm took this as its cue to utterly destroy me, launching a devastating series of slashes that rapidly depleted my health. I felt my body weaken as the shards of energy scattered from my battered form. The final blow struck across my chest, and for the first time, I truly felt the weight of impending death.
The impact knocked the breath out of my lungs, leaving me disoriented and numb, but it didn't take long for Pain to seared through my body, intensifying with each passing moment. I let out a pained scream, my words devolving into incoherent gibberish. Desperation filled me as I pleaded with HATS to do something, anything.
"I, um, well, I think you've grasped the basics now. Let's move on to the next mission," HATS responded, sounding somewhat sheepish.
Quest completed: "Village Vigilance"
Description: Explore the ruined village and familiarize yourself with gameplay mechanics.
Optional Objectives: Battle Grimm to understand the use of health potions, inventory management, and Grimm levels.
Rewards:
200 XP
200 Lien
Optional Side Quest Rewards:
100 Lien
1 Health potion
1 Skill Point
50 XP
New quest:
- Quest Name: "Hunter's Call"
Quest Description: As you prepare to leave the town square, a skilled hunter emerges from the shadows, recognizing your potential amidst the wreckage. Accept their offer of guidance to navigate the ruins and fend off Grimm together.
Optional Objective: Defeat higher-level Grimm.
Reward: Completion grants 100 XP, a set of basic weapons and armor, and a Hunter's Ring, providing a small boost to defense.
Quest completed: "Hunter's Call"
Reward:
100 XP
Two one-handed scythes
Hunter's Ring
100 Lien
In the midst of my struggle, a gunshot rang out, striking the Grimm and throwing it back. A figure cloaked in long, dark brown coat and a wide-brimmed hat dashed in, effortlessly wielding a unique, retractable blade. With precise and swift movements, they flawlessly sliced through the enemy, with exceptional skill and flair.
1 Skill Point earned
20 XP
Beowolf Mask
20 Lien
Though the arrival of the mysterious savior was awe-inspiring, I could hardly focus as I used the last of my health potions to stave off impending death. My HP increased past 50, but the bleeding continued to chip away at my dwindling lifeforce.
"Oh my god, I may have been saved, but I'm still going to die," I muttered, my thoughts muddled by the loss of blood.
My world went black as if a powerful blow struck my head, feeling like a divine force descending from the heavens. The impact sent me spiraling into the depths of darkness, like being transported to another realm.
"Heh, dang it! Hey, you okay, kid? Oh, no, not again!" the figure exclaimed in frustration.
HATS let out a sigh of relief as they observed my unconscious form. "Well, they're lucky you showed up just in time, Val. They took quite a beating back there."
Val nodded, concern etched on his face. "Yeah, poor kid. They're still a bit green, but they've got potential. Just need a bit more practice and guidance."
HATS looked at Val, their digital voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "You know, Val, we've been through our fair share of battles. We've faced challenges together and overcome them. Now, Ash is the new host, and they could use your expertise."
Val's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and realization dawning on his face. "So, it's come full circle, huh? Feels like yesterday I was in their position, learning the ropes."
HATS nodded, a sense of acknowledgement in their response. "Indeed. Ash's journey is just beginning, and they will need someone like you by their side. Someone who understands what it's like to be in their shoes."
Val scratched his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "Well, I owe you one, HATS. I haven't forgotten how you helped me back when I was starting out. It's time for me to pay it forward."
HATS's tone softened as they spoke. "I appreciate that, Val. Your experience and knowledge will be invaluable to Ash. Give them the extra lessons and support they need to thrive."
Val nodded. "Consider it done, HATS. I'll help him get his footing. He'll be a warrior by the end of the month."
As their conversation trailed off, HATS and Val shared a knowing look, a silent understanding passing between them.
Author's Note:
Name: Ash
Level: 1
Class: Unknown
Lien: 470
Skill point: 3
XP: 270/300 to next skill point
Health: 50/120 (5)
Mana: 0/80
Aura: 0/10
Health potions 1/5
Thank you for reading this RWBY fanfiction! I appreciate your time and support in reading the story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Your continued interest means a lot to me. Stay tuned for more adventures in the world of Remnant. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Note: every time Ash gets a skill point through XP it gose up by 150 XP more in order to get another one.