Chapter 02 – The Attack of the Tiger Seals
Bold Is used by the [System] talking telepathically at Xin Wo
"" Is used when People are talking out loud
Empty space simply meant Xin Wo was thinking or communicating via his thoughts
ooOoo
Something like that, good job using your brain for once. Anyways, congrats on getting the motherlode with your unlock bonus.
Of course, great that I can finally get the stuff I need for cheaper.
You would think that, but because you have unlocked so many quality-of-life features you usually don't get all unlocked at once. You will have to wait quite a while for the [Gacha] skill to update all the features that it had just unlocked.
Wait what… Can I cancel the upgrade and gacha for some other things first?
Sorry, that's not how it works. But hey, at least you can buy the stuff you need from the [Market] skill if you want to spend your stat points on something else.
Damn you [System]. If anything, can I at least afford the [Observe] skill or the [Analysis] skill now?
Opening [Market:
Item: [Bottled Water] (2 Stat point) – The same plastic bottled water the [System] had left for you in the [Storage Space Bag] care package. HP, SP
Item: [Canned Food of Choice] (1-5 Stat points) – You can get cat food to canned chicken, as long as you remember what they had back in your world. More options can be unlocked if you make a new type of canned food with a canning machine or the [Canning] skill. HP
Item: [Can Opener (Old)] (3 Stat points) – It helps you open the canned food you have (Item not applicable for pull-tab cans, you can still use it, but you just waste the item's durability). It can only open a few more cans before it breaks.
Item: [Can Opener] (10 Stat points) – It helps you open the canned food you have (Item not applicable for pull-tab cans, you can still use it)
Equipment: [Faction Alignment Armor (Avatar: Last Airbender)] (10 Stat points) – Faction armor that can help you blend in and show allegiance. END 3, CHA 2, AGI -4, DEX -1
Equipment: [Greaves (Metal)] (5 Stat points) – Protects your arms but restricts your movement somewhat. END 2, AGI -1, DEX -1
Equipment: [Vambraces (Metal)] (5 Stat points) – Protects your legs but restricts your movement somewhat. END 2, AGI -1, DEX -1
Equipment: [Helmet (Metal)] (5 Stat points) – Protects your head but restricts your vision, hearing, and neck movement somewhat. END 2, PER -2, AGI -1
Skill: [Observe] (15 Stat points) – Requires Gamer Type Lifeform as a prerequisite. Allows better understanding of surroundings by adding details in the [System] window.
Skill: [Analysis-] (20 Stat points) – Requires Gamer Type Lifeform as a prerequisite. Change the letter grading system to a more easily understandable numeric value display for yourself and others. Currently limited to only displaying yourself and others' levels. Currently limited to not displaying power breakdown of others.
Skill: [Inventory-] (15 Stat points) – Requires Gamer Type Lifeform as a prerequisite. A menu in the [System] interface where only you can access a small area where you can put 100 things in and out of. Can only store inanimate objects.
Quality of Life Upgrade [Market: Bundle deals (30 Stat points) – Can only be used with the [Market] skill. The [System] gets to decide what items you choose can be bundled up before offering a discount.
Quality of Life Upgrade [Market: Search (20 Stat points) – Can only be used with the [Market] skill. Hidden items from the currently displayed catalog can be found by using 1 stat point. If the item wasn't something cataloged in the [Market] skill, the [System] charges an extra processing fee, and gets to decide the pricing of said search item.
Quality of Life Upgrade [Market: Weekly Limited time offers (50 Stat points) – Can only be used with the [Market] skill. Simply offers weekly discounts on a randomized item. Depending on the discounted items, the [System] can also impose a purchase limit.
Glad to see that there are finally more items for me to buy now. But why does every piece of equipment give AGI debuffs?
Simple, you think armors don't weigh on you or restrict your movement in any way when compared to wearing a T-shirt and shorts? Until you get magically enhanced equipment, most of the equipment you have access to via the [System] will have these debuffs on them.
Even the ones you gave me before? The [Metal Spear] and [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)]?
Try swinging the 2 equipment, you will see what I mean.
I took out the [Metal Spear] first, barely balancing it on both of my hands and tried to do a downward swing. Before I knew it, I face-planted the snow that I was stepping on not too long ago.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! I can't believe that you still went for it even after you were wobbling as you were attempting to balance it.
I mean I never used a spear in my last life, and a metal pole is heavy, but I thought that maybe the knowledge stuffed into me by the [Cold Weapon Mastery] skill could compensate for it.
Yeah, about that… Not sure if you noticed in the description for the [Gamer Body Type] perk. But it did say that "Equipment and skill restrictions will be imposed if requirements aren't met." Meaning that there is a STR requirement for the [Equipment] that you couldn't see.
What the hell? Why is that hidden from me?
Have you ever seen dumbbells having a caution label on it that said, "You have to be able to lift 10 kg to use this product?" Did your common sense disappear after getting reincarnated?
Let me guess, I can see these "hidden" requirements and stat bonuses if I have the [Observe] skill?
You missed the [Analysis] skill. Unless you want the [Observe] skill to only state the obvious of what you are holding is a [Metal Spear]. You have to also get the [Analysis] skill which can let you appraise the equipment that you have and quantify its stat bonuses. With only the [Analysis-] skill, you can't see much when it comes to equipment.
Damn [System]! So basically what you are telling me is that equipment is useless to me right now?
Bingo bongo! Have fun spending your stat points. No worries if you run out of Unallocated Stats, you can use your allocated stats right as well for payment, with the low low price of 2 allocated stat points per 1 Unallocated Stats. Just a friendly reminder, if one of your stats does reach 0, there is a high chance that you will be disabled until you get allocated some stat points back to it.
And because I don't know how many allocated stat points I really have now with the alphabetic rating, to safely use my allocated stat points, I must get the [Analysis-] skill.
Correct again! By the way, two more things. One, if you flail around like how you did just now with a heavy item like the [Metal Spear, you can eventually grind up for some STR for it. And two, I am giving you the [Screenshot-] skill for free. The skill is really good for reconnaissance and espionage work and requires Gamer Type Lifeform as a prerequisite. I am being nice and giving it to you for free because I thought it would be too much of a waste not to take pictures of you falling over like an idiot beforehand. Before you go and try to delete it, I have limited your access to that picture, so you can only look at it but not delete it from the photo library. Have fun shopping!
Fuck. Let's check out the new skill first, maybe this is just some blessing in disguise.
Skill Unlocked: [Screenshot-] – Requires Gamer Type Lifeform as a prerequisite. A menu in the [System] interface where you can take pictures of yourself and your surroundings (you must be in the picture for the screenshots). You can access the pictures taken in the photo library via the [System] window. You have a 10-picture storage limit. Further quality-of-life upgrades can be obtained via the [Market] skill, the [Gacha] skill, and [Quest].
Well, shit. The [Screenshot-] isn't even the full version, what a cheap bastard. At least the [System] left me alone for now so I can have some quiet time to myself without the obnoxious system bothering me. And it appears that there's a [Quest] tab in the [System] that I have yet to unlock, so that's a goal that I can strive for as well.
Opening the [Market] skill window again, I quickly purchased the 3 available skills for me, leaving me with 120 Unallocated Stats remaining. Pondering how I should allocate my stats, and wondering if I should use them to buy more stuff.
"Whoar!" Growl sounds can be heard close by, and before I can turn my attention to the source. A brown blur tackled me, making me crash down on the icy surface.
Before I realized what was going on, my left arm instinctively came up in front of me, the [Basic Survival Skills] skill doing its job, blocking a bite that was aimed at my face.
"FUUUUCK!" The bite broke through my skin, as blood dripped down to my face. The pain shot up to my overdrive brain, forcing me to immediately force a left roll to my side. Knowing that my STR is dogshit, the knowledge from the [Basic Survival Skills] skill kicked in. Helping me to make the split-second decision to use the rolling momentum to push off whatever it is pushing down on me.
Forcing myself up as my left arm shouted at me to stop exerting strength on it. I immediately ran away from the pushed-down creature, as I tripped and tumbled away from another creature pouncing in my direction.
Getting up and quickly wiping off the snow that was covering my eyes, I could finally see what was attacking me properly.
[Unlucky Beginnings] was triggered.
Fending off Tiger Seal 1 – 1 END 1 INT
Evading Tiger Seal 2 – 1 AGI
Using [Observe] [Analysis-] skill:
Status:
Tiger Seal 1
Level – 3 (F-)
Tiger Seal 2
Level – 2 (F-)
Tiger Seal 3
Level – 5 (F)
Well, at least it's good to know that the [Observe] skill and the [Analysis-] skill are working as intended. So those are tiger seals, huh? Just my luck. How did I have such hubris earlier thinking that I could even hunt these Avatar world wildlife to survive or trade? I never even hunted for anything in my last life. Especially with the unwieldy weapons and the veracious animals. At least now it makes sense that the [System] is selling food.
You're welcome! Enjoy your first wild animal encounter, it was about time after all. Please, please use your Unallocated Stats to help you win this fight. But I must remind you that your grind for power is not linear, meaning if you allocate too many stat points here, it will slow down your stat gains with the [The World is a Numbers Game] perk.
"Thanks for the tooltip, but can't you see now is not the time to hold back, I am barely staying alive here." I growled, not the least bit happy about this tooltip popping up at such an Inopportune time.
The [System] stayed silent this time. Knowing that I am at a disadvantage, even in terms of my level and numbers. I decided that it's finally time to look at my status again and see what I can do to help make the current situation a more advantageous one for me.
Status:
Wo, Xin
Alignment – Fire Bender (Gamer Type)
Level – 1- 2 (7%)
HP – 6/10 (F-)
MP – 10/10 (F-)
SP – 6/10 (F-)
STR – 2 (F-)
PER – 2 (F-)
END – 1- 2 (F-)
AGI – 1- 2 (F-)
DEX – 1 (F-)
INT – 1- 2 (F-)
CHA – 1 (F-)
LCK – 32 (D-)
(F- E- D- C- B- A- S- SS- SSS- EX) ("" and "-" can be added to denote slight changes to the level of the stats)
Unallocated Stats: 120
Skills:
[Mapping]
[Basic Survival Skills]
[Cold Weapon Mastery]
[Market]
[Territorial Claim]
[Gacha]
[Observe]
[Analysis-]
[Inventory-]
[Screenshot-]
Perks:
[Gamer Body Type]
[Navigation]
[The World is a Numbers Game]
[Permission not granted]
[Unlucky Beginnings]
Background: [Pioneer]
Of course, I should've expected that I had 1 for almost everything but STR, PER, END, AGI, INT. Not that 2 is much better than 1 here, but I can see how the [The World is a Numbers Game] perk can be a powerful tool.
"Urrgh…" Tiger Seal 1 growled again before rushing to my position, angry at the fact that I was distracted from the fight.
Xin Wo, you are killing me. Concentrate on the battle, and use your firebending bending you idiot! That's why you chose this background, right?
Shit, I forgot to use that, I mean no one can bend any elements in my last life, this isn't something you could learn from an extracurricular activity after school. Unless you count the time I heard about some kids setting the neighbors' houses or backyards on fire with hairspray and a lighter when I was a kid. Seriously, it's really bad news when I am using my untested power for the first time in this serious situation.
Cut the monologue, and watch out for the recoil.
Wait, what? Before I even realized that I wasn't using a proper form, I just winged it by punching forward to hope for the best. I stumbled back a few steps from the fire shooting out of my fists. Easily hit the simple-minded Tiger Seal 1 who just charged forward without a care for dodging anything, never expecting the struggling prey to shoot fire from his hand.
"Hell yeah!" I shouted. "That's so cool, totally worth choosing to be a pioneer." Keeping my eyes on my targets to not make the same mistake again. Only to have the black [System] screen popping up in front of my face.
Achievement Unlocked: [Firebending for the First Time] – Requires bender to firebend for the first time. Granted [Firebender Novice] skill.
Skill Unlocked: [Firebender Novice] – Requires the [Firebending for the First Time] achievement. Beginning to use firebending. The skill can be upgraded only when a certain proficiency is reached. Learning from firebending manuals or another firebender can help increase the skill's proficiency faster.
Tiger Seal 1 looked like the fire hurt it a bit, as the fur kept on burning and it was crying in pain eyes closed. Nice to see that it didn't try to do much to extinguish it. Tiger Seal 2 seeing its companion's state of distress, displayed signs of hesitation, which was something that I would fully exploit to win the battle.
Running forward with fires ignited on both my hands, I threw 2 fireballs at Tiger Seal 2, expecting them to hit the target as I was only a meter away from it. Only to be shocked by how I missed both bolts of flames that should definitely not have missed their target. Tiger Seal 2 coming to its senses, pounced on me with its maw open, aiming for my jugular. I immediately jumped to the side, legs bent, before I shoved my hand in its mouth, firing a beam of fire to not miss the target again, effectively killing it.
One down, two to go. Looking over at the black notification window that informed me that I leveled up and had increased my proficiency with the [Firebender Novice] skill.
Just as I was about to stand up and take my next target, my legs gave out on me. What's happening to me?
Xin Wo, you dumbass. The [Gamer Body Type] perk, remember? You are now "dictated by a set of HP, MP, and SP values". You will function normally as long as you have 1 left in all of your HP, MP, and SP values. Focus on them and you will see what I mean.
HP – 5/10- 11 (F-)
MP – 0/10- 12 (F-)
SP – 4/10- 11 (F-)
See what I mean, while you are pushing the limits of your HP, MP, and SP, allowing them to grow, you are also not optimizing your movements. Luckily you are still able to move even under the effect of [Mana Exhaustion, but with how the fight is going, you will be down for the count very soon. Your best chance now is to use your weapons to try to land a hit on one of the Tiger Seals to level up soon, so that you can replenish your HP, MP, and SP.
Okay. I will take my [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] to quickly land a hit, hopefully leveling up soon…
"Shit!" I panicked.
Hahahaha! Did you not realize you dropped the single strap for the [Storage Space Bag] when Tiger Seal 1 pushed you down? Didn't you feel like your movements were more nimble once your battle had begun?
How was I supposed to know in the heat of battle? I call bullshit, why can't you just give me a double-strap backpack or something, making it a single strap is just asking for trouble.
Less arguing and more moving! Watch out!
I ducked and rolled just in time for Tiger Seal 3 to narrowly miss its tail whipping me across my face.
See, even the tiger seals are sick with your shit being distracted every other second.
"Just shut up man! Also, turn off the black [System] window pop-up while you are at it!" I shouted in frustration as I rushed forward to grab my [Storage Space Bag, hearing the sound of a zipper being zipped up.
Finally, reaching in and taking my [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] out from the [Storage Space Bag, I almost stumbled forward from the heavy [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] and the momentum from my right arm reaching around to swiftly strap the [Storage Space Bag] back to my shoulder.
Suddenly, I didn't feel the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] was heavy in my left hand anymore. I can only assume I had finally passed the hidden requirements of the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] that was imposed on me not too long ago. What an interesting feeling. Switching to hold the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] with my right hand, I can feel the effects of [Cold Weapon Mastery] rushing over me, a sound of crack rang true as I hit the dead center of Tiger Seal 1's head, it's last moments had it withering on the ice in pain, eyes still closed, ending its misery.
And there it was, a rush of energy courses through me as I instinctively knew that this was what the [System] was talking about replenishing my HP, MP, and SP. Flicking my [Metal Knife (50-centimeter), I was able to slide it off from Tiger Seal 1's skull, its lifeless body fell to the ground in the process.
Left with Tiger Seal 3, I shot a fireball in its direction, missing it again. Only to have Tiger Seal 3 be smart enough to rush close to me, closing off my options to attack in range.
Twisting its body, Tiger Seal 3 tail whipped me again, only this time I parried the tail with [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] and quickly went for a body blow. Only to be disappointed by the muscular body of Tiger Seal 3, cutting my attack just short of killing it. Stretching its head down to chomp down my face mid-air with its flippers outstretched, I tried to pull the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] back, only to realize it got stuck in its muscle fibers.
The knowledge from [Basic Survival Skills] kicking in, I let go of the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter), weaving in between its left flipper, barely avoiding my death. Only to immediately lose my footing and fall face-first toward the ice, its tail swiping under my legs, as my eyes were focused on its sharp teeth.
Rolling away immediately, I got up and jumped at Tiger Seal 3, knowing that my punches or kicks might not be enough to kill it. Finally, dealing the deadly blow by utilizing my weight and gravity, pushing the [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] in just enough to make it lose strength, as it spams a bit. Getting off its back, I made a finger gun hand sign as I focused my fire on my index finger, placing it next to Tiger Seal 3's head, feeling that I was gathering most of my MP, I fired a small beam of concentrated fire right through its head. As I concluded my first battle in this life, I felt another rush of energy coursing through me.
Checking the surroundings for more dangers one last time, before finally relaxing my tense body and mind. I fell back down onto the snow as I contemplated my brush close to death just now. Huh, good to know that replenishing my HP, MP, and SP doesn't recover my mental fatigue.
Then I heard the sound of a zipper being unzipped, as the [System] telepathically told me,
Don't want to burst your bubble, but congrats on finishing your first battle with all limbs still attached. You should check up on your status and get your [Metal Knife (50-centimeter)] out so that you can butcher the Tiger Seals. Just a heads up, you can get a skill out of butchering the Tiger Seals if you play your cards right, good luck.
Thanks for ruining the moment [System, but thanks for the reminder.
xxXxx
Thank you for reading the version of the second chapter.
You can find the same story updated in Ao3, as they have rich text format that won't get rid of my system brackets. That's also where I post the story faster, with it up to chapter 4 now. Go over there to check it out if interested.
If you enjoy what I write, and want to read ahead, come visit my Pa-page. I don't intend to paywall my stuff, but any support I get can help keep me writing instead of dealing with whatever life throws at me.
The following is Xin Wo's current status.
Status:
Wo, Xin
Alignment – Fire Bender (Gamer Type)
Level – 4 (26%)
HP – 11/11 (F-)
MP – 13/12- 13 (F-)
SP – 11/11 (F-)
STR – 2- 4 (F-)
PER – 2- 3 (F-)
END – 2- 3 (F-)
AGI – 2- 7 (F- - F)
DEX – 1 (F-)
INT – 2- 4 (F-)
CHA – 1 (F-)
LCK – 32- 33 (D-)
(F- E- D- C- B- A- S- SS- SSS- EX) ("" and "-" can be added to denote slight changes to the level of the stats)
Unallocated Stats: 124
Skills:
[Mapping]
[Basic Survival Skills]
[Cold Weapon Mastery]
[Market]
[Territorial Claim]
[Gacha]
[Observe]
[Analysis-]
[Inventory-]
[Screenshot-]
[Firebender Novice]
Perks:
[Gamer Body Type]
[Navigation]
[The World is a Numbers Game]
[Permission not granted]
[Unlucky Beginnings]
Background: [Pioneer]
