One moment I was in the void, and the next I could feel all my senses returning.
The feeling of the soft bedsheets, the sound of little birds singing outside. Every sensation just fell into its proper place, but most importantly.
You have slept in a bed.
HP and MP have regenerated to 100%.
Fuck, yes. Not a dream, then. If I could see my smile, I bet it would be splitting my face in half. Time to get up, and to figure out exactly where I am, and when.
As I get up, I find myself in a half-decent apartment. There's obviously the bed, with a small wardrobe to the side, a little table to eat my meals, (thank fuck it isn't one of those where you need to sit on the floor.) and I can see a small kitchen, refrigerator, and two doors, one I assume goes outside and the other to the bathroom.
''Now, this. This is the life right here.'' Doesn't look like much but it beats living with my parents any day of the week, really. Talking about that, do I have some sort of backstory here, or did I just get magically dropped?
Right now it's the 1st of March of 2012. Just at the start of vacation.
So... That gives me at most around a month before canon starts, more or less.
Not like I remember a lot tho. Mostly the first season: Issei gets killed and reincarnated into Rias' peerage. Asia arrives, the whole thing with the abandoned church and then the reveal of the Boosted Gear. And isn't that funny? The fact that at least thirteen weapons in existence have 'Can kill a god btw' in the description. Sounds hilarious, till you have to fight one of them.
And that is thinking I didn't get thrown into some sort of AU, really.
I'll think about that later. So, the rating game for Rias' marriage happens next, and... Yeah I pretty much blank there until Kokabiel decides to attack Kuoh. I know most of the important characters, but I don't know where to put them in the timeline.
What should I do now then?
Tutorial Quest received!
Getting started!
Objective:
Check The System out by saying '[Menu]'
Check out every basic function of the Menu.
Reward: Gift box, [?] Skill.
Right, right. The menu, and you give me gifts and a free skill too? Aw, you spoil me. Do it often, please. ''[Menu].''
[Stats]
[Skills]
[Quests]
[Perks/Curses]
''Stats first. Let me see what I'm working with.''
Name: Zatren Fumigami.
Age: 17.
Race: Human/Mermaid.
Job: Locked.
Title: None.
HP: [-100%-]
MP: [-100%-]
Stats:
STR: F
DEX: F
CON: F+
MAG: F+
SPI: F- (Locked.)
LCK: E-
Looking good, me. I think I understand everything, but can I get a quick rundown of the stats just to be sure?
Strength: It's your capability of exerting your body either to lift weight or deal physical damage. It's also is partly responsible for your HP stat.
Dexterity: Represents your ability to realize fast or difficult bodily actions, quick thinking, and perception.
Constitution: Represents your ability to tank damage and your overall health and stamina.
It's mostly responsible for your HP stat.
Magic: Represents your ability to cast spells. The control you possess over them, and the damage that they inflict.
It's also responsible for MP stat and regeneration.
Spirit: Represents your ability to use esoteric abilities. These include not only powerful skills like divination, but also soul-related techniques.
Luck: This stat represents your overall chance of good things happening. It's also present in [?] [?] [?].
Well, that last description isn't ominous at all, huh.
Putting that aside, they're mostly what I expected. Except for SPI, I thought it was just for Ki-based abilities like Touki or Senjutsu. I think you need to meditate to actually unlock those? Either that or destroy your body to the ground for Touki.
''Still, why are Magic and Constitution slightly higher? And what's up with Luck?''
Your base stats started at F for being human, But, due to your second race's stronger resilience and magic, you got a slight boon.
''Cool, cool. What about Luck?''
...
''Alright then. Keep your secrets, see how I care.''
Guess I'll have to find answers my way then. Let's check the rest of the Menu.
''Let's check out [Skills].''
Skill List.
[Gamer Body] Lv MAX.
[Electrokinesis] Lv 1.
[Fertility Magic] Lv 1.
[Starch Generation] Lv MAX.
Typical Gamer's Body, very nice. No Gamer's Mind tho? Hmm... I can guess It has to do with all the 'cold unfeeling killing machine' thingy?
Yes... and because it's funnier.
'Course it is. Sigh.
I'm still ticked off about 'Starch Generation'. Like, seriously, I could have, I don't know… freaking time stop or something. You feel me? Get me some golden clothes and go kill somebody's granddad. Sigh, not all of them can be winners, next.
Quests.
Tutorial Quest: Getting Started! 1/3.
Oh, so it's a three-part tutorial? That's fine. More rewards for me, Hehe~
Perks/Curses.
Perks:
[Water Affinity] (Major).
Water Magic comes naturally to you, you have good control and have an easier time creating skills.
[Sound Affinity] (Minor).
You have an easier time to understand the basics of Sound Magic. Control? Not so much.
[Healing Affinity] (Minor).
You have an easier time to understand the basics of Healing Magic. Try to not bleed to death while trying.
[Enhanced Body] (Minor).
Your body is slightly better than some regular humans. Faster recovery for less resting time.
[Enhanced Senses] (Minor).
Your senses are slightly better than a regular human.
[Water Breathing].
You have the ability to breathe underwater.
[Feeling Thirsty?].
You can recover stamina by drinking water. Cleaner water gives better recovery.
[Like a Fish in a Pond].
While your body is totally submerged underwater, your injuries, energy, and magic regenerate faster.
[Pass Me the Mic].
No matter what you are singing. Be it a sad, dark, or happy song. Everyone else finds it beautiful and mesmerizing in their own way.
[Only Rags get Old].
Contrary to popular belief, your species can live a long time. No matter how old you actually are or have left to live, you will always look your prime age. This also slightly enhances your looks.
I may or may have not snorted at the last one. My mother said that a lot.
Curses:
[Shallow Bitch].
You like gifts, you like them a lot. You don't mind doing things to get them. People have an easier time convincing you to do what they want by offering material objects, or things you want.
First of all, Rude. Second, I can't even be mad at my heritage for this. As a human, I was already a bit shallow and liked free things, but is it really a gift if I have to do something for it? All that 'give things without expecting a reward' or something.
Quest Completed!
Getting Started! 1/3.
Rewards:
[Gift box].
Skill: [Observe].
[Observe] Lv1 (0%)
Let's you observe living things and objects.
''Ah, yes. The bread and butter of a gamer. Truly, a Gamer System moment.''
I look at the bed I was recently in, and I cast [Observe] on it.
Bed.
It's a bed.
''Excuse me, what?''
Okay. Maybe not the best example, should I try it on a living being?
I was thinking of going outside until I caught a glimpse of something on a high corner. A small house spider, not bigger than the tip of my finger.
''That one should work. [Observe].''
Spider.
It's a spider.
Chuckles.
''I'm gonna' burn this fucker to the ground.''
So, the neat thing is, [Observe] may not be a total bust.
I say 'may' because I half-remember a manga where the ability started just as useless, but upgraded with levels. Something about a spider? Whatever. The bad news is...
[Observe] Lv 4 (43%)
Let's you observe living things and objects.
Yeah... It's going to take a long ass time.
And I was running out of MP, so I cooked some lunch, the fridge was full so that was cool. I got a new skill too!
[Cooking] Lv 9 (36%)
You know how to cook simple meals.
I may have gone a bit overboard and cooked the food for the whole week. Sue me, I like to see the numbers go up.
Anyways! As I was saying. Once I recovered a bit, had lunch, and drank some truly five Michelin stars glass of water. We get here.
Some sparks are flying around my fingers. Some last for a bit and then sputter around, others last a bit longer.
''Man, grinding sucks.''
Yeah, I'm leveling Electrokinesis to gain some sort of control and a way to attack. The reason?
Tutorial Quest.
Getting Started! (2/3).
Objective:
Create an offensive spell of any kind.
Reward:
+2 levels on the respective Skill, [?] Skill, [?] Skill.
So, I've noticed that the higher the skill level, the more exp it needs to get to the next level. I could have created an attack a bit ago, but I wanted those minuscule gains, you know?
[Electrokinesis] has leveled up!
''There we go, now...''
I focus for a bit, point my fingers in front of me, and with a sigh, a more intense current of electricity runs through them.
Well, that's basically it. A taser, but with my hands.
[Electrokinesis] has leveled up!
Quest Completed!
Getting Started 2/3.
Rewards:
[Electrokinesis] has leveled up!
[Electrokinesis] has leveled up!
Skill: [Create Dungeon].
Skill: [Exit Dungeon].
I was going to ask if I'm supposed to go beat people up to farm more levels or something. After all, practice only gets you so far.
Let's see...
[Electrokinesis] Lv 6 (7%).
The power to create and control electricity.
Nice~
[Create Dungeon].
Allows you to create an instant dungeon with pre-determined enemies.
You can't use this skill while in combat, or during an Emergency Quest.
[Exit Dungeon].
Allows you to escape any instant dungeon you create.
You can't use this skill while in combat, or during an Emergency Quest.
So, I can't run away by just jumping inside a dungeon. That makes sense, I guess.
Something I've noticed is that I didn't get a Perk for electricity affinity or proficiency. Why is that?
Unlike Skills. Non-racial Perks have to be earned either by feats, Quests, or special events.
This really isn't the OP MC fantasy I guessed it was going to be huh? I will get extremely powerful eventually, but It will take time.
Precisely.
Fine by me then. Also, let's check out that gift box from the first quest.
''[Inventory]...?'' A window opened in front of me, covered by small squares. In one of them, was my gift box. ''Gimme, gimme. Now.'' I tap my finger in the box, and select an emerging option that says 'open'.
¥200.000 added to the Inventory.
Please choose a weapon among the following options:
[Sword].
[Dagger].
[Bow].
[Spear].
Free money is always good.
''A weapon, eh? I do need one if I'm going to go dungeon raiding.'' I don't have any idea of how to use a sword or a bow. Even if I could get a skill for it with constant use.
Daggers have too little range in my opinion. I'm not going for the Sung Jin-Woo assassin build.
A spear it is, then. I read somewhere that it's easier to learn. At least, more than a sword would be. Something, something, 'It takes 10 years to master a sword, but only 1 year to master the spear' type of thing.
Basic Metal Spear granted.
In my hand, an average-looking spear appears. Damn, these things are tall. It has a black wooden shaft with a triangle-shaped metal spearhead. ''[Observe].''
Spear.
It's a metal spear.
[Observe] has leveled up!
Well, that's one more word, isn't it?
Quest Updated.
Getting Started! 3/3.
Objective:
Go into a Dungeon and slay 5 enemies.
Bonus Objectives:
I: Slay 10 enemies.
II: Defeat the Dungeon Boss.
III: Defeat the Dungeon Boss without losing more than 50% HP.
Rewards:
Basic leather armor, [?] Function, [?] Skill.
Bonus Rewards:
I: ¥15.000.
II: ¥50.000, F+ Gem, [?].
III: [?] Perk, Tittle: [?], [?].
''You know; I think this system really likes its mystery. Almost every reward is an incognita.'' Sigh. Whelp, there's no time like the present, yeah?
''[Create Dungeon]'' As the words leave my mouth, another window appears.
Choose a Dungeon:
[Zombies].
''Can't go wrong with the classics.'' I tap the only option, and suddenly, I'm in the middle of an abandoned city. Well, apocalyptic would describe it better. Who Oppenheimered this place?
Windows and doors are broken everywhere I see. The street is plastered with blood and what appears to be rotten meat. And, son of a bitch. The smell.
Just like that, my lunch abandons my stomach and splatters all over the street. ''Hugh... Oh god...''
Yeah, on second thought. Not my brightest idea to come to a corpse-ridden city.
After I finish ejecting everything from my stomach. I try to spit the leftover taste out of my mouth.
I would recommend moving.
I perk up at the system's advice and look around. Only to notice what clearly are two half-mangled corpses, slowly walking in my direction. They appear to have come out of a nearby building.
Well, one is walking. The other is basically crawling because it has no legs. Not like the other one is looking too hot. Guts are spilling from its stomach and its left arm is missing.
Their eyes just look so empty...
I'm just going to stop, lest I puke again.
I try to compose myself. Take a deep breath, and tighten the grip on my spear. ''[Observe].''
Gutless Zombie.
HP: [-78%- ].
An undead. It's lacking an arm.
Legless Zombie.
HP: [-50% ]
An undead. Its legs are missing.
Did [Observe] gain a new effect with the last level-up? No, that doesn't matter now. Focus!
As I approach the one that's standing up, I pull my spear back and shove the spear all the way into its torso. Something akin to a cry of pain comes out of its mouth. ''Hurhh...Agrh!''
Gutless Zombie.
HP: [- 32% ].
''It's not dead!'' My eyes widen as I panic. ''Of course, it isn't, dumbass! It's a literal walking corpse!'' I try to pull my weapon out in a hurry but it doesn't even move. Stuck in place by the zombie's ribcage.
''Fuck, fuck, fuck...!'' In desperation, I use my Electrokinesis pumping at least half my MP bar in the Skill. The moment it activates, the current travels all the way to the spear, and into the zombie.
''RAAHGGR!'' The corpse screeches as its flesh is burned to a crisp by the lightning magic. Then, it falls. Actually dead this time. It's rotten flesh, scorched to hell and back, causing a nauseating odor.
''I think I'm going to puke again...''
By a specific action, a new Skill was created!
[Imbue Element] Lv 1 (0%).
You can imbue an element you can control into an object. It's most effective on weapons. The cost depends on the amount of MP pumped through the object.
''Neat...'' I turn towards the still 'alive' zombie crawling towards me, and with a breath to stabilize myself I shove the spear tip on Its head. Killing it swiftly with another burst of lightning. ''That's… better.''
2/5 enemies killed.
I turn towards the building where the zombies came from. Steeling myself with another deep breath, I walk inside. A deep frown on my features at the reminder of the Quest objectives.
''Let's do this quick. I want to go home and wash my everything right now.'' Is the resigned exclamation that comes out.
Neat things about this hellhole? There is loot on the houses and buildings. So, that's something, at least. Most were just rotten food and ripped clothes, but I found some good things too.
Minor Health Potion x4.
Restores 10% HP.
Minor Mana Potion x3.
Restores 10% MP.
Pearl.
Little white pearl.
That's about it, really. I found some things and got a new skill after killing a few more zombies. I'm slowly getting used to the smell of burned flesh, I think.
[Spear Proficiency] Lv 3 (37%)
You have a bit of knowledge on how to use a spear. This skill measures your capabilities with Spear-like weapons, and the amount of damage you do while using them.
After I got the skill, I could feel myself correcting my posture while wielding my spear. While that's cool, I would much prefer to test it outside of this place. Fortunately, I was almost done with this.
9/5 enemies killed.
Electrokinesis also gained a level, and Imbue Element gained 2, sigh.
As soon as I'm finished restoring my MP, and done with my current task. I'll find the last one and get out of here. I puked one more time after finding a small bedroom with one of these fuckers feeding on a child's corpse. ''Fucking dammit, this place is nasty.'' My body shivers at the memory of the disgusting creature, hunched over the desecrated body of what appeared to be a child. It was too disfigured to know for sure. ''[Stats].''
HP: [-96%-]
MP: [-78%- ]
At the speed it's recovering... Maybe a few more minutes? Yeah, probably.
I got scratched by one of those fuckers. Not pretty to discover that my Gamer's Body doesn't impede blood loss, or limb loss for that matter.
Gamer's Body Lv Max.
Your body is like that of a video game character. However, this doesn't impede body part loss. What it does offer, is an easy way to regrow said limbs!
Does not prevent status effects of any kind.
Did I get dropped into hard mode without knowing? That's my best guess.
While I rest, I'm trying to gain a skill to protect myself. A typical barrier, you know? The damn fanfics make it seem so easy. I have been trying with this fucker for 30 minutes now!
''Huff...'' I take a deep breath and try again. Feeling my mana took a while, but it was harder to do something with it than to sense it.
''One more time.'' I take hold of my mana and with a mental grip on what I think is my mana pool, I push outwards. Around me, a light blue and translucent aura envelops my body in the form of a barrier.
By a specific action, a new Skill was created!
Mana Shield Lv 1 (0%).
You use your mana to protect your body.
While active, your MP bar acts as your HP bar. every 1% damage will consume 2% MP. The rate is improved by levels.
''It's better than nothing, I suppose.'' A few minutes later, with my bars now restored. I get up from the blood-stained sofa and get out of the run-down house. I haven't seen more zombies in a while, and it's starting to bother me.
As I take a right turn on the small street I'm in, I come across a more open space. A park of some sort. The sound of teeth munching on flesh and bone hits my ears and draws my attention.
In the middle of what I think it's a park. There is a red and fleshy humanoid, it doesn't have clothes, its skin is red with the appearance of bleeding flesh, and it has long claws that it's using to tear apart a corpse.
It suddenly stills and turns to look at me with empty white pupils, blood-stained teeth, and a deep growl-like sound. ''[Observe].''
Ghoul [Boss].
HP [-100%-]
It's an undead, and it's hungry.
[Observe] has leveled up!
''Man, this game fucking sucks.''
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Author's Note:
AstolfoBrHue: I don't think he does. It will take a while before he can strike at the big contenders.
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Lamont: I have mostly planned what's ahead. Not going to spoil it, but the fact that you took effort to teorize about it is appreciated :D.
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Second chapter. I'm not writing these as I go. I have a few more chapters unedited. Enjoy and tell me what you think in the comments.
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Minor Spoiler ahead.
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There will be a Gacha in the next chapter, and I GUARANTEE you. I'm not manipulating the chances, fucking bullshit MC.