A/N: Hey guys! SteinMon here! Just thought I'd put this out for fun while I'm trudging through writers block on my other stories.
That being read, I welcome your Reviews. If you have criticisms, I welcome those too. Please keep them constructive. I want to grow as an author, and I can't do that if people aren't willing to critique, or only want to tear me down. I'm not here to please everybody, but I am here to learn. There is a method to my madness, even if I don't always fully understand it. 90% of what I write, I don't write baselessly. If there is something not canon or changed from canon, there is generally a reason. If something doesn't make sense, feel free to let me know (constructively), and as long as it doesn't creep into SPOILER! territory, I'll do my best to explain it.
If you don't like it, DON'T CONTINUE READING IT!
Disclaimer: I don't own the Gamer, or the Avengers, or any of their subsidiaries. Those rights belong exclusively to whoever owns them, and anyone else who had a hand in their creation. I just get to have fun with it all.
I would also like to point out that I don't own any other media or content that may be mentioned as further enrichment to the story.
Without further ado. *Que the dimming of the lights*
Prologue: So… This is a Game?
'This had better be a nightmare.'
Marcus considered himself practical. Simple. Utilitarian even. The world was complex in it's own way, but the role he played was just that: his. There may be plenty of people in the world that could fill in one, or maybe a few aspects of the world that he did; but no one could fill what he himself uniquely offered. Had he been fresh out of highschool again, he might have even believed it. Even as someone well into their mid-twenties, a part of him still wanted to believe it.
He also considered himself a creature of habit, preferring small comforts where he could get them; among those, a good blend of coffee that didn't immediately scream "French Roast". And with those habits, he did his best to embrace reasoning and logic as often as possible. They were staples that, even if they weren't comforting, they were reassuring. Things like bad stuff happens to good people, good stuff happens to bad people; lazy workers got paid the same as everyone else, and hard workers were often exploited with higher expectations and very rarely received incentive.
Still, as he stood in field of void white, the giant blue pop-up screen in front of him was kind of telling in its own way, and said absolutely nothing of logic or reason.
[Congratulations!]
"That's alright. It's a nightmare. That's all it is," he reassured himself. "That's the only time my dreams are ever this vivid. So when are the snakes going to come out? Can't have a good nightmare without snakes." He looked around, half expecting – and hoping – there was a python at least eyeing him. Maybe he'd randomly feel something bite into his heel that he'd have to rapidly shake off.
And then he'd wake up.
Nope. No such thing. His surroundings were still the same static white it had been since he'd opened his eyes, which... he wasn't sure how long it had been. It felt like only a few moments. Only that the white was so glaring, he was getting vertigo looking at the dimensionless space.
And that pop-up screen. There was that too.
Blinking, he glared at the near holographic display as his self-titled reasoning took a nap. "I've seen this shit in anime and manga. So either this is a nightmare… or I'm dead, aren't I?" He didn't feel dead. But maybe that was the point.
[Umm… Yes. And No… Sorta? Maybe?]
"Helpful," he stated sarcastically before sighing. "Last thing I remember, I was falling asleep. So let me guess: I was hit by a semi-truck that plowed through my third story apartment. Or maybe said semi-truck took out the lower floors, thereby destabilized the upper floors and I fell through, having the rest of the building fall on top me?"
[Umm… No.]
"No Truck-kun? Okay." Marcus didn't miss a beat. "So maybe my heart gave out for some inane reason. Maybe from a wet dream that was too vivid? Never mind that fact that I'm in my mid-twenties and relatively healthy. Well… except for the gummy bears I always eat… and the apple pie. And the licorice." Okay, maybe food killed him? Not the worst way to go. He was active and ate relatively healthy. He just liked his snacks.
[Umm… No. To both of those.]
The screen didn't even change. It just blinked briefly, as if to reiterate its former message before tagging on the rest.
"Did someone break in and kill me? I mean, I don't really have a lot of stuff. Or… I guess I… didn't?" Now that was a depressing thought, he was already thinking in past-tense.
[No. You're not dead. More like… you're in the space between spaces.]
He blinked once.
Then twice.
His hand half raised almost immediately. "Question: What does that mean? Like I slipped through a glitch in the world? Does that mean the Matrix is real? Was I kidnapped by aliens? Did God just decide that I needed a vacation?"
The pop-up dimmed slightly.
[*Sigh* Nothing you'd understand. Suffice to say, you will be transported to another world, and I'm your guide.]
Marcus cocked his head at that. "You okay, dude… or… dudette? I know your just texting me right now, but the subtext is kind of depressing."
Almost at once, it brightened back up again.
[Yes, I am fine. Thank you for your concern.]
"If you say so."
He took a moment to let it all catch up to him, sitting down so it didn't hit him all at once. Though sitting didn't feel any more solid than standing did. "So, I'm getting Isekai'd." He let out a garbled, mirthless chuckle as it finally crept up on him. While to most, it would seem like a grand adventure, or the coolest opportunity to start over in a new world. With what appeared to be something resembling Gamer-like powers at that.
Some might see it as some grand design, luck of the draw, or a reward for exceptionally shitty luck. But to Marcus, it didn't matter, because it was just… empty. Snuffed out. For all intents and purposes, he... really was dead. All his hopes, dreams, ambitions; gone. Everything that had kept him grounded: his best friend, his family... was he dead to them? Then what did that say about the ache in his chest when he realized that he wouldn't see them again?
"If this isn't just a dream, could you, uh… just makes sure my family's okay?" he asked softly, his body half shaking from the realization. He almost wanted to pinch himself, just to make sure, but he didn't. It was all too real to him. He wasn't waking up.
He was still conscious. Still feeling. Still thinking. And now in pain. So did he die? Or... did they?
Because right then, it felt like they were the ones that had been snuffed out. Everyone. All at once.
When was the last time he hugged his mom? She was busy with work mostly, but he could remember for the longest time being disappointed with the choices she'd made in regards to himself, even if she only did what she thought was for the best. He'd forgiven her though, and they could talk like adults, even if they didn't always agree. She was easily the most forgiving person he'd ever known; sometimes too much in his opinion.
'Mom... when was the last time I told you, that I loved you?'
He hadn't talked to his dad in a while. Him and mom were divorced, and despite loving the man to bits, every time the met up, it was always the latest and greatest government conspiracy. It made connecting with him harder when all he did was eventually steer the conversation to politics. That, and he knew on instinct that he couldn't level with his dad; even if some of their talks did steer closer to real, rare though those were.
'I never got the chance to tell you that I forgave you, Dad.'
He hadn't visited her grave in almost six years. He couldn't muster the energy. Or the heart. She probably would have been married with a kid or two by now had she still been around. She had always been the level-headed one, even as a kid. Their parents pride and joy. He'd been a kid himself when she died, but it hadn't stopped the string of vengeful and bitter prayers he'd sent to God that He didn't heal or protect her. It didn't help that their parents had divorced less than a year later. Evidently, love wasn't unconditional. When she was gone, the light had been snuffed out, and he was left alone. And even nearly two decades later, he missed her. So. Much.
What could he even say to her when she was already gone? 'Hey Ellie, how is Heaven?' He'd stopped hating Jesus, and projected that hate on people. Because Elaine had loved Jesus; because Jesus hadn't abandoned him, even when Marcus wished he had. But people? People abandoned him. People were disappointing. People were cruel. People were stupid. And a stupid person had taken his little sister from him.
His younger little sister hadn't even been married a year yet at that point, but he got along with her husband. He was a cool guy, and they could joke around plenty. He made her happier in that time than she'd ever been while at home. Marcus and her had clashed so often as kids, it was a wonder they could be civil with each other as adults, but those later teen years had smoothed things out, when at the very least, if their parents didn't have their back, then they could look out for each other. They still had their fights though, but that was a given.
'I was looking forward to being an uncle, Addison.'
His baby sister was going into her last year of elementary school. Mom hadn't been married when she conceived, but he loved her so much, even when their age gap made it so hard to connect in any capacity. She had to deal with her bastard of a dad every couple weeks, but she was still so kind somehow, even if she was a brat half the time. She liked dinosaurs. And hugs. He… really like her hugs.
'I don't even remember the last time I hugged you, Amelia.'
His best friend, his brother in all but blood. The only person in his life that would answer his phone call in the middle of the night. The guy that would drive half an hour just to talk if he asked. The one person that had made high school bearable. Even if they had gone separate ways, he still kept in touch, often times even when Marcus was so withdrawn into himself. He still made Marcus feel like he was home. Like he was wanted.
'I never thanked you, Tyler... for being my friend. My best friend.'
Them and so many others. If felt as if God was punishing him somehow, his thoughts intruding with the sudden realization of how many people he'd been connected with, and he had only been able to reciprocate that connection in broken, weak bursts. As if his life, and the people it had impacted, were suddenly flashing before his eyes. It only made the pain in chest coarse, and bitter.
Life was shit. But it was his shit life. And he already missed it; because he knew, he had taken it all for granted.
"Just let them know I'll miss them." He couldn't pretend that he wasn't crying. That every bitter sob wasn't choking at his throat, or burning at his eyes, right there in front of a disembodied pop-up screen. Or grasping at his chest as it clenched so tight, it hurt. That he was bent over on his knees because his heart was too raw and bleeding for actual words. "That I didn't want to go. And that… I love them. So much."
[I'll… see what I can do.]
He didn't have the words to express his thanks, instead nodding sharply between shuddering gasps.
He sniffed back his errant runny nose, trying to calm down. It was hard. So hard to reign it all back in. He didn't want to be tough right now. He just wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep the pain away. He couldn't have been in the static white more than twenty minutes, and already he was so drained.
[Do you normally cry a lot?]
"Fuck off!" he shot back with no bite, finally calming himself down enough, rubbing painfully at his burning eyes. It hurt now. And it would probably hurt for a very long time. It wasn't fair. But he could sort through that later. He could grieve an infinite series of possibilities and what-if's later.
[It sounds like I'm the one who should be asking if you're alright.]
"Not really," he admitted with a shudder. "But I'll just have to make the most of it." Swallowing back another round of tears, he asked, "So what now?"
[Now, we get you started.
Do you wish to start the tutorial?]
[!New Quest: Tutorial!]
Reward:
- Skill Book
- 100 EXP
- 5 Stat Points
Yes/No]
He blinked, eyes still red and puffy from crying as he looked at the set up before him. "Oh. Fuck." He didn't answer for several moments as it caught up with him. 'I just got the Gamer thing, didn't I?' Of course, he'd read about it. In this day and age, who hadn't? Trick question! Scratch that!
"O-kay? So do I just–?" With nothing else going forward, he swallowed, gently pushing the option [Yes].
[Welcome!
You have been granted the ability to live your life like a game.
You have received two 'Traits'.
To view the 'Skills' and 'Traits' you've earned and collected, think or say 'Skills'.]
The handholding was a bit much, but then again, he needed all the help he could get. After this was over, he had to assume he would be flying in blind.
'Skills,' he thought intently.
Another blue pop-up… well, popped up. As expected, it listed his skills. Having read at least the first part of the Manhwa itself, he had an idea what he was getting.
[Gamer's Mind (MYTHIC, UNIQUE)
Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through, granting a peaceful state of mind.
Grants immunity to mental attacks.]
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[Gamer's Body (MYTHIC, UNIQUE)
Grants a body that allows for the user to live in the real world like it's a game.
After sleeping in bed, it restores HP, MP, and cures all Status ailments.]
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'Yeah, that looks about right.' Already, he could feel the dregs of his former sorrow begin to wane as [Gamer's Mind] began taking effect. Nodding his understanding, the… System? …continued.
[Great! Now to continue,
'Skills' can be acquired in many variations: such as reading through rare Skill Books, experimentation, or repeating a certain actions.
'Traits' can be acquired in much the same way.
However, not every 'Skill' or 'Trait' can be learned. Some require prior Skills, proper Stats, or connections within Factions.
To continue onward, say or think 'Inventory']
Like with the 'Skills' Menu he focused. 'Inventory.'
And just like the RPG's he'd played, two blue windows appeared in front of him; one was filled with numerous smaller boxes, and the other was his avatar… or… himself, with smaller boxes allocated to where he could equip items. Well, at least, he had his pajamas on.
[This is your Inventory screen. You can store things and pull them out whenever you want. You can also equip clothes and items right from the Inventory without needing to change.
To continue, say or think 'Status']
Already he could feel his normal gaming habits take effect. "Um, System, sir… ma'am? Is there a chance I can alter the menu? Like adding folders to organize and categorize my stuff? Maybe some aesthetic changes too?"
[Well, there's no rule against it.]
[!System has added feature 'Sub Menus'!]
[For expounding your knowledge about altering the menu and organization, your INT and WIS increased by 1]
"Oh wow. Thanks," he stated in surprise. He hadn't expected that, but he really should have, even if it had been some time since he read the Manhwa. "What about a Quick Menu? Something that allows me to quickly swap between items without opening the Inventory menu?"
[I… … huh? I suppose there could be.]
[!System has added feature 'Quick Menu'!]
Marcus winced. "Am I making things difficult for you? I'm not trying to. I was just curious since I don't know how this works. I just want to see what my options are."
[It's no trouble. Not many people would think about that.
For making an intelligent and wise addition to your menu, your INT and WIS increased by 1]
He sighed in relief, glad he wasn't causing any issues with what essentially equated to his borderline deity of a chaperone. Since he didn't know where he was going, it was best to optimize where he could. And it seemed the System was rewarding that. But, there would be plenty of time to look it all over later, and he wasn't keen on irritating the System to get more rewards.
[For making a wise decision, your WIS increased by 1]
'Oh damn it!' Marcus hung his head at the new pop-up before looking back up. That's okay, it was still early. Reading back over the instructions, he continued, 'Status.'
Another blue window popped up, replacing the boxes of his Inventory with simplified list, while his "avatar" box remained.
[Name: Marcus Ezekiel Kendrick
Race: Human (standard)
Occupation: Former Lawn Mower (Crew Leader)
Level: 1 (0/100)
Title: N/A
HP: 150
MP: 180 = 200 (locked)
MP regen: 2% = 2.9%
STR: 11
VIT: 10
DEX: 13
INT: 13 = 15
WIS: 16 = 19
LUC: 8
SP: 0 | ?: 0
Currency: $0]
"Huh, I thought my Vitality would be higher," Marcus observed. "And my Dexterity lower. And what the Hell is up with my Wisdom stat?!" Running his hand over his face, he looked back at it. "And then there's my Luck. And what? No Charisma stat?"
[Nope. Just you and your brimming social skills.]
He glared at the box for a moment before sighing again. "Well, it's not that bad all things considered. At least for a noob. Hopefully where I'm going is okay with that. And MP is probably locked until I get skills that can use it." He gently looked up at one particular 'Status'. "But, if there's a 'Race' portion, it means I'm screwed. Aliens, monsters, dragons, demons, gods. The possibilities are endless, and I can already imagine what my bones crunching will sound like."
Nevermind if he ended up in a medieval fantasy setting. The chances of his existence persisting in that case would plummet to abysmal levels; and that would be just from the lack of proper plumbing and hygienic practices. If dying of dysentery was a cause for concern, he'd rather go out against the nearest wolf pack. Yeah! He saw you Medieval Fantasy Isekai! Glancing over such glaring issues, and shrugging it off with "because magic".
[This is your 'Status' screen.
This contains all of your most important information; including your Stats, current Status effects, Buffs, De-Buffs, etcetera. You can also say or think the Stat name to get further details.]
"Well, I get the basics well enough. Still, open Race."
[Race: Human (standard)
You are a standard human. With standard human stats, standard human advantages and disadvantages.
NOTE: through varies means, you can build upon or enhance your current race. What means you utilize are up to you.
WARNING: You cannot change your starting race.]
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"That… doesn't help at all." He hung his head. He'd been hoping to get a clue as to where he was going. But, it did put some things into perspective. "That might explain the question mark next to what I assume are 'Skill Points'. Some sort of separate point system for when I start… evolving? Eh, sounds like a problem for level 40 Marcus."
Intrigued now, he said, "Open Occupation."
[Occupation: Former Lawn Mower (Crew Leader)
You have spent your time perfecting your skills at mowing lawns. Through diligent work, long hours, and accountability, you now lead your own mowing crew.
However, due to your current predicament, you have lost your Occupation. So, technically, you're Unemployed.
This Occupation can be regained by finding the appropriate work and working your way back up the ladder, or by finding a new Occupation]
"Now I just feel mocked." Suddenly, he wasn't so intrigued. He furrowed his brow in thought though, lifting up his hand before flaring his fingers as though he was working with a tablet.
Nothing.
Rolling his eyes, he said, "Expand Status."
HP: 150
-HP regen: 2%/hour (3 HP/hour)
MP: 200 (locked)
-MP regen: 2.9%/minute (5.8 MP/minute)
Currency: $0
-Rate/hour: $0
"M'kay. Looks like a base stat of 50 per level since everything starts out at level 1, in addition to plus 10 for the relevant stat. Regen seems to be a base of 1% with 0.1% per relevant stat.
"I guess the rest of it will fill out as needed, since everything else is still in its base format. The rest is kinda self-explanatory, but if I need to know anything else, at least I know how to look it up."
[For figuring out how the system works, your INT and WIS increased by 1
There's one other thing.]
"Hmm?"
[Since you possess relevant 'Skills' and 'Traits' in correlation to your former life, would you like to retain those skills you obtained?
Yes/No]
"Is there a penalty for it?" Marcus inquired. He didn't want to lose anything for a few measly skills. Plus, he'd never seen this option before in other renditions of the Gamer. Though he would admit, he was curious what 'Traits' would carry over, as they seemed to be stuff he didn't just do, but things that applied directly to himself.
[There are no penalties for retaining your former 'Skills' and 'Traits'.]
He nodded briskly. "Alright then. [Yes]." He was getting good at just thinking with intent.
[Downloading 'Skills'...]
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[Professional Lawn Mowing Mastery, adept (Passive) lvl: 3 (26.4%)
The user has trained themselves to mow lawns, keeping their lines straight, and making them look good.
Reduce the chance of customer's complaining by 23%. Increases chance of getting tips and treats from grateful customers (affected by LUC).]
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[Push Mower Proficiency (Passive) lvl Max
The user is capable of utilizing Push Mowers. Not that hard to use. Used namely for mowing lawns, and not much else.
Reduces fatigue buildup by 30% while utilizing a Push Mower.
DEX improves handling.]
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[Weed Eater Proficiency (Passive) lvl 23 (84.5%)
The user is capable of utilizing Weed Eaters for trimming and edging around lawns. Since edging and trimming is precision work, it greatly reduces movement speed.
DEX improves handling.
Movement speed is 60% slower while edging or trimming with a Weed Eater.]
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Marcus just deadpanned at the first few skills. "Are you fucking serious?" He sighed, not all that pleased with it, but so far the System had been more than generous in other aspects, so he wasn't going to complain too much about a few potentially useless skills. "Well, the System did say "relevant skills", so the world is at least modern enough. Fingers crossed for something better though."
With that, he continued to scroll.
[Vehicle Mastery, novice (Passive) lvl 8 (64.4%)
Driving in the user's old world was dangerous curtesy of irresponsible and stupid drivers. Cultivating a sense of cautious driving at designated speed limits.
DEX improves handling.
DEX is increased by 16% while driving at, or below, designated speed limits. (DEX is 15 while driving)
Effect is lost when driving over the speed limit.]
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[Mechanics, basic (Passive) lvl 5 (4.2%)
Maintaining engines has given the user a basic sense of Mechanics. Not very in-depth, but it's better than nothing. Applies mostly to changing tires and oil.
Reduces maintenance time by 5%
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[Blade Sharpening (Active) lvl 12 (32.1%)
Sharpening lawn mower blades has helped the user hone their skill to leave the edges both sharp and durable. Sharpening a bladed edge for 1 minute increases the weapons damage.
Active: +6.5% damage increase.
Effect lasts for 3 strikes.
Cost: 14 MP]
[Receiving a 'Skill' that uses MP has unlocked the users usage of MP.]
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[Pushing Limits (Active) lvl Max
The user is used to doing the work of multiple people in a timely manner through sheer force of will; because no one else will pick up the slack. Comes with being so reliable, and people abusing their integrity. User temporarily ignores physical strain at the detriment of their mental focus.
Active:
Improve performance of tasks by +30%
Cost: 10 MP/minute
WARNING: Exceeding MP limit will immediately cancel 'Pushing Limits', and deal blowback as HP damage, starting with subtle, then lethal damage.
'Pushing Limits' skill is maxed. Further study is required to upgrade to the next tier.]
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[Firearm Mastery (Passive) lvl 4 (23.9%)
The user has gone through gun safety, irregularly hunts, and practiced marksmanship. Improves usage of firearms. Bonuses apply only to weapons the user has trained in.
DEX improves handling. STR improves recoil. WIS improves accuracy. LUC improves critical chance.
Bonuses apply to: handguns, glocks, and hunting rifles.]
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[Fishing Mastery (Passive) lvl 11 (2.9%)
A favored pass-time of the user, even if it was only during vacations. It signified a rare chance for the user to bond with their father. Improves fishing rod usage.
STR improves casting. DEX improves hooking and reeling. LUC improves fish quality.
(NOTE: 'Fly Fishing' can supplement STR for DEX when casting.)
+11% to casting distance.
+11% increase to reeling speed.]
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[Meditation, self-taught (Active) lvl Max
Even though the user tends to have a long fuse, there are limits, even for them. Meditation has helped them sort through and process several situations, through controlled breathing and peaceful thoughts. A bit elementary, but it does in a pinch. Improves HP and MP regen. Gradually produces a feeling of calm.
Active: +10% HP and MP regen/minute
It is easy to be knocked out of your meditative state. User is briefly 'Stunned' when this applies.
'Meditation, self-taught' skill is maxed. Further study is required to upgrade to the next tier.]
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[The Zone (Active) lvl 1 (0%)
Like in an actual game, the user can enter 'the Zone', improving their gameplay through acute focus.
Active:
+10% to Precision Damage
+10% to Critical Hit and Damage
+10% to Accuracy
+10% to STR, DEX, and INT
Time appears to move 5% slower
Skills with a time factor are finished 5% faster (MP cost is still factored)
Skills with a bolstering factor are increased by 10% (MP cost is still factored)
Cost is 50 MP/minute.]
.
"Ho-ly, shit," he whispered as he read it all over. There was… actually some good stuff in here. Even though some of it… made him sad. Reminders of where he came from and why they had become necessary. Even if it didn't last long thanks to [Gamer's Mind], a dull ache still persisted in his chest. "That's a lot of skills."
[Downloading 'Traits'...]
['Right-Hand Dominant' (Common)
The User is right-handed.
Attempts to operate mainly left-handed operate at 75%.]
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['Lead-Footed' (Common)
When operating pedal-based vehicles, the User accelerates marginally faster, and decelerates marginally slower. You're 98% certain that you genetically inherited this 'Trait' from your mother.]
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['Caffeine Addict III' (Common)
The User is required to consume within the margin of 700mg of caffeine daily (or 60 fl. oz. of coffee) in order to retain normal functions. Failure to do so will result in an 'Infliction'. Extended delays will result in headaches.
+Caffeine Deficiency III (Infliction): -15% DEX, INT, and WIS. -15% to MP regen.
This trait is recommended for removal.]
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'Yeah... fat chance there.' He didn't even have to consider that last bit. He liked his magical morning brew, and there was going to be dark day in Heaven the moment he was forced to abandon it.
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['Hard-working' (Uncommon)
The User has an incredible work-ethic, suited for physical tasks.
+1% Physical Work Speed per Stat Point that exceeds the task requirement.
+1% Stat Point Acquisition per Stat Point that precedes the task requirement.]
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['Exceptional Retention' (RARE)
The User operates and learns best from an odd, yet consistent jumble of all learning styles, be they Audible, Visual, Reading/Writing, or Kinesthetic.
+10% to Skill Leveling.
+10% to Skill Acquisition.
+5% INT and WIS Acquisition.]
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['Aimless' (Uncommon)
Due to years of repeated sabotage, the User has given up on grand schemes, plans, or ambitions. This has left a number of research projects and hopeful desires to gather dust, and the User without a clear-cut goal or purpose.
This effect can leave the User hard-pressed to make large-scale decisions.
May trigger 'Anxiety' if forced.
This trait is recommended for removal.
Removing this trait may lead to higher-grade Quests.]
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['Heart of Stone & Soul of Fire' (LEGENDARY)
The User is caught between the integral need to connect with other people, and yet is so fed up with constantly being burned by them. It's left the User an amalgam of jaded and hopeful.
User's gonna need therapy for this one.
*NOTE: INCOMPATIBLE DATA*
May keep the User in a spiraling bout of 'Chronic Depression'.
-15% VIT Acquisition.
This trait is recommended for removal.
Removing this trait may lead to unlocking a new trait.]
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['Passing Guilt' (RARE)
Due to being present for the death of the loved one, the affects on the User's psyche are vast and varied; among which is more care for other's lives, and less care for the User's own.
Event Triggers may engage a random 'Limbic Response'.
+10% to buffs granted to allies.
+10% to debuffs received.
-10% to buffs received.
This trait is recommended for removal.
Removing this trait may lead to unlocking a new trait.]
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['Winter Lung' (EPIC)
The User has been hard pressed every winter to keep from getting sick.
+20% increased chance of Illness during weather below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius).
+50% of contracting Bronchitis during weather below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius).
This trait is recommended for removal.]
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['Night Owl' (Uncommon)
The User is more active at night than they are during the day. Even attempts to alter your sleep schedule are ineffective. Might want to set an alarm.
This trait is recommended for mitigation.]
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['Introverted II' (Uncommon)
While social and public situations quickly drain the User, quiet personable time has become a necessity.
User may become Mentally Fatigued by extended social interaction, or when in the presence of Energy Vampires (read: Extroverts).
User may miss some social ques due to desire to retreat.
This trait is recommended for mitigation.]
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['Elemental Chameleon' (RARE)
Working in the elements, be it the blistering heat, or the frigid cold, has forced the User to adapt rapidly to the vast differences in weather.
The longer the User is exposed to extreme weather, the less it begins to affect them.
+2% resistance to the weather per day of exposure.
-2% resistance to weather per day outside of exposure. (-4% per day if exposed to the opposing temperatures.)
Maximum resistance at 60%.
Increased body temperature in colder weather ('Hunger' bar fills faster.)
Reduced body temperature in hotter weather ('Thirst' bar fills faster.)]
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[Notice: Several Traits from your former world have been {locked}. Special conditions must be met before these 'Traits' are integrated.]
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[Notice: While 'Gamer's Mind' may negate many of the negative effects, it is still recommended to remove the applicable 'Traits'.]
.
He rubbed his head as he tried to mentally catch up with all that was being listed. Some of it made sense. Other parts, he wished didn't make sense. But even seeing it in front of him was still kind of overwhelming. "I'll need to organize these. Maybe create a few tabs to separate them based on their use. A quick-skill wheel or bar might also be a good idea to go along side quick-equip. Or maybe that was already added with the 'Quick Menu' feature. Or can I just activate skills by saying the name. Or thinking it.
"Sooo, is this normal? Or did every Gamer Protagonist I've ever heard of just have no applicable job skills or something?"
[*Sigh* That, and they went into their new worlds as "blank slates".
Consequence of retaining next to nothing resembling a connection to their old worlds.]
That sobered him. "You and every other System out there has my utmost sympathy," he stated honestly. Seriously? No applicable job skills? The fact that System's were probably stuck with their Isekai'd Protagonist made it all the sorrier. Poor System's.
[Well… that, and you've been pretty nice about the whole thing. Despite the limited information I can give you. And it's the least I can do.
Most Protagonists don't seem to care too much about leaving their old world. But you… you do.
Even if it wasn't the best, you had a life there that you appreciated.]
He nodded, glad that [Gamer's Mind] helped keep his head clear. For now anyway. He knew he'd have to eventually face the guilt and grief; if only to help him deal with it all. Game or no, if there was one thing he'd learned, it was that he was facing a real world, with real people. And that meant he had to remain as grounded as possible. He just hoped it wouldn't overwhelm him.
Deciding to quickly change the subject, he continued onward. "I noticed food and hydration don't have a status or bar. Is this a standard RPG, or should I expect some Survival elements beyond standard RPG's?"
[…Is that something you would want?]
"Well…." He scratched the back of his neck, looking down as he thought about it. "I mean… the fact I have this System is already a huge advantage. But… is that going to… you know… change me?"
[?...
Explain.]
"I just… I don't want to treat this as a game. Sure, I'll probably run into people that I won't mind reducing to a series of 1's and 0's. But… if this is another world, that means real people, with real problems, with real connections. What does that mean for me if I'm permanently stuck in Game-Mode? Stuck with that… idea, that there's will always be a screen between me and them. That I'm somehow… "real"… and the people of that world aren't. And if I'm there forever… all that isolation… for all that time… what would that do to me?
"If the people I meet are supposed to be real, I don't… I don't think I could handle being alone for the rest of my life, stuck with the vague idea that they're NPC's. And that requires a basic human existence. Or I guess… "sort-of" human existence, if I have a System. Does that… make sense?"
[…
…
…]
He was growing nervous the longer the System remained silent. He knew it was an weird request, and he hoped it wasn't going to cause too much trouble.
[You really are an odd one, aren't you?]
"I… guess?" If the System was truly sentient, he could almost feel it softly smiling at him. And wasn't that an odd line of thought.
[Very well.]
[Altering 'Survival' Parameter...
...New Parameter.]
[!System has added parameter 'Max Human Mode'!
- 'Hunger' feature has been added. Max 'Hunger' can be increased with 'VIT'.
- 'Thirst' feature has been added. Max 'Thirst' can be increased with 'VIT'.
- 'HP' now has a 'Subtle damage' bar. There is now a difference between 'lethal' and 'subtle' damage, based on an opponent's intent. Lethal damage will drop both bars, reducing Max subtle damage by an equal amount.
- 'SP' has been changed to 'Stamina Points'. Appropriate skills have been modified to utilize this feature. MP now affects mental-based 'skills' and 'abilities', while SP now affect's physical-based 'skills' and 'abilities'.
- 'Skill Points' are now referred to as 'SKL'.
- Strong enough forces can now interfere with 'Gamer's Mind' trait.
- 'Sleeping' has been altered in the 'Gamer's Body' trait.
- 'Pain Negation' as been removed from 'Gamer's Body' trait.
- User's 'Inventory' space has been reduced.
The System has taken on more 'Management' -based capabilities.]
.
[Since you're toning down some of the game elements, that's about all I can do. It'll be a challenge, but you only live once I guess. Live it fully.
And for essentially increasing your own difficulty so much, you will be awarded with an appropriate 'Package' in addition to your initial 'Starter Package' once you are deposited into your new world.]
"Oh… um… cool?" This was harder to get used to than he thought. He was expecting to get dropped somewhere after getting the basic rundown, but it seemed that for the disadvantages he took on, it provided a mild boon to counter-act it. At least, while he was here in the tutorial. Considering he didn't know where he was going, what he was doing, or what he was up against, he supposed it was... kind of fair.
"Okay. Um, 'Settings'?"
The pop-up revealed a less-than typical 'Settings' menu. There were no options for altering Gameplay, Audio, or anything like that. There was an option though for 'Graphics', which wasn't odd, but... it was the only thing in the 'Settings'. Looking back and forth curiously, he gently clicked on it to reveal a color gradient palate.
[Looks like you searched ahead and found the 'Settings'!
Most menu options and tabs can be aesthetically changed, so if you need to adjust something, or just want to make parts of your display more aesthetically pleasing, just bring up the 'Settings' option, and choose 'Graphics'
But fair warning, it won't pause anything.]
"Duly noted." Not the most useful feature, but if he ever got tired of the blue, he supposed he could always make it... red? Green, maybe? Mentally checking out of the menu, he nodded, suddenly aware that there wasn't really anything else to cover. "Well, I guess this is it."
[It is.]
"Before you drop me off though, what do I call you?"
[…Call me?]
"Yeah. I get you're basically texting me right now, but that means there's someone on the other end, right? So what do I call you?"
[Hmm. If you must call me something, call me 'System'. It's just easier that way.]
"Alright then," he nodded, before smiling cheekily. "Then can I call you 'Sys' for short?"
[–.–]
Suddenly everything turned white and Marcus Kendrick was very suddenly sent to his new world by a very annoyed 'System'.
[/././]
[Stupid Gamer!]
Skills and Traits Altered by 'Difficulty Modes':
.
[Gamer's Body (MYTHIC, UNIQUE)
Grants a body that allows for the user to live in the real world like it's a game.
While sleeping in bed, HP, MP, and SP 'regen' are significantly increased. Accelerates in curing Status 'Inflictions'.
Different types of beds offer different levels of effect.]
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[Push Mower Proficiency (Passive) lvl Max
The user is capable of utilizing Push Mowers. Not that hard to use. Used namely for mowing lawns, and not much else.
Reduces SP usage by 30% while utilizing a Push Mower.
DEX improves handling.]
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[Pushing Limits (Passive & Active) lvl Max
The user is used to doing the work of multiple people in a timely manner through sheer force of will; because no one else will pick up the slack. Comes with being so reliable, and people abusing their integrity. User temporarily ignores physical strain at the detriment of their mental focus.
Passive:
If the user runs out of SP while using appropriate skills, they can instead exchange SP for MP.
Exchange rate is 2 MP to 1 SP.
Active:
Improve performance of tasks by +30%
Cost: 10 SP/minute
WARNING: Exceeding MP limit will immediately cancel 'Pushing Limits', and deal blowback as HP damage, starting with subtle, then lethal damage.
'Pushing Limits' skill is maxed. Further study is required to upgrade to the next tier.]
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[Meditation, self-taught (Active) lvl Max
Even though the user tends to remain calm, Meditation has helped them sort through and process, through controlled breathing. Improves HP and MP regen. Gradually produces a feeling of calm.
Active: +10% HP, MP, and SP regen/minute
It is easy to be knocked out of your meditative state. User is briefly 'Stunned' when this applies.
Meditation, self-taught is maxed. Further knowledge is necessary to upgrade to the next tier.]
.
[The Zone (Active) lvl 1 (0%)
Like in an actual game, the user can enter 'the Zone', improving their gameplay through acute focus.
When in the Zone:
+10% to Precision Damage
+10% to Critical Hit and Damage
+10% to Accuracy
+10% to STR, DEX, and INT
+100% SP regen/minute
Time appears to move 5% slower
Skills with a time factor are finished 10% faster (MP and SP cost is still factored)
Skills with a bolstering factor are increased by 10% (MP and SP cost is still factored)
Cost: 3 MP/second]
Author's Note: Don't forget to READ and REVIEW!
Let me know what you guys think. Keep it constructive. And any help balancing or reinventing certain skills would be most helpful.
Until next time.