There was a long pause as the screen flickered a few times, casting fleeting shadows across the room. The stillness was almost profound, heightening the tension. The white expanse of the room seemed to close in, the brightness pressing down on me as I waited for more information.
“For Health Points and Mana Points,” the System began, its voice calm and methodical, “all players will start with the same default stats. However, these will increase based on the subclass you selected before the tutorial, and you can further enhance them by allocating free stat points to the Main Stat. Allocating points to (STR) and (DEX) will increase your HP, while (INT) will boost MP. Additionally, rare, epic, legendary, and mythic accessories, armor, weapons, etc., acquire from drops or purchases, can also increase your HP and MP.”
The screen displayed various icons and text, detailing the different stats and their effects. My brow creased with concentration, and my finger tapped nervously against my chin as I considered my choices. There were six main stats, each associated with its own elements.
***
Main Stat:
1) Strength (STR): Physical power and muscle. High STR allows wielding heavier weapons, dealing more damage in melee combat, and performing tasks requiring brute force, and it has two elements: Power and Vitality.
2) Dexterity (DEX): Agility, reflexes, and coordination. High DEX characters are nimble and quick, proficient in ranged combat, evasion, and activities requiring finesse, and it has two elements: Agility and Speed.
3) Intelligence (INT): Mental acuity, reasoning, and memory. High INT characters excel in magic, solving puzzles, and deciphering texts, and it has three elements: Magic Affinity, Problem-solving Proficiency, and Craftsmanship.
4) Wisdom (WIS): Intuition, perception, and common sense. High WIS characters have keen senses, insight into human nature, and resistance to mental manipulation, and it has two elements: Perception and Foresight.
5) Charisma (CHA): Charm, persuasiveness, and leadership. High CHA characters are skilled leaders and negotiators, adept at influencing others, and it has two elements: Leadership and Influence.
6) Luck (LCK): Fortune, fate, and random chance, influencing favorable outcomes in uncertain situations, and it has two elements: Serendipity and Providence.
***
I felt this information would be extremely important, as it would affect my decision to select the fitting class that suited me and the allocations of my free stat points. I glanced at the screen again. The System patiently awaited my selection, its cool blue glow almost taunting me with the magnitude of this decision. The screen changed, and the Main Class appeared.
***
1) Blademaster
2) Mage
3) Marksman
4) Tanker
5) Support
***
The System further explained the importance of the subclass selection. “Please note that each class has its own offensive and defensive abilities. Once you reach a certain level and prestige, your subclass will undergo a second-class change. This transformation occurs only once.”
My eyes broadened when I saw the third choice. Without hesitation, I clicked on it, and the screen changed to show its five subclasses.
***
Marksman Subclasses:
a) Sniper: Elite marksmen who excel at taking out targets from extreme distances with unmatched precision.
b) Gunner: Masters of firearms; they wield pistols with deadly accuracy, raining down destruction upon their foes from afar.
c) Hawkeye: Legends of archery whose shots never miss their mark, they strike fear into the hearts of their enemies with their unerring accuracy.
d) Deadeye: Merciless assassins who pick off their targets with cold efficiency, leaving no room for escape or mercy.
e) Trickshot: Experts in unconventional marksmanship, they use trick arrows, throwing knives, or other unique weapons to confound and defeat their enemies with unexpected tactics.
***
Yes! This is it! The Gunner! The subclass that I will definitely be proficient in. All my training and playing time with the Time Crisis arcade game will prove incredibly useful if I choose it.
“Please select your subclass, player Akira,” the System urged.
“System, I have a few questions.”
“Please, go right ahead.”
“What is ‘Title’ on the Player Status?”
“The ‘Title’ refers to an honorary title given to the player within the game. We will calculate it based on things that you are proficient in, activities you enjoy during your time back in your world. Your title will evolve as the game progresses, reflecting your actions during the Tutorial phase and throughout the Live game.”
“I see,” I responded. “Then what do you mean by ‘Prestige’?”
“Prestige could drive the overarching plot of the game, with characters striving to achieve a specific level of prestige to fulfill their goals or overcome obstacles. This could involve earning the respect of allies, rallying support against adversaries, or proving oneself in critical situations. Players could embark on quests or missions specifically aimed at increasing their prestige. These quests could involve undertaking dangerous challenges, retrieving artifacts, or completing tasks for influential figures. Aoi Players who eliminate other Aoi players or Midori Players will have their prestige lowered.”
“I understand,” I said, nodding. “Could I change my class after the Tutorial phase?”
“No, you can’t. This is a onetime selection.”
“How do I gain rewards or items?”
“By eliminating monsters, clearing quests or scenarios, or purchasing them in the online store using gold earned.”
“How do I earn gold, then?”
“By eradicating monsters, fulfilling quests or scenarios.” The system’s voice became slightly agitated.
“Is there a limit on how much gold I can acquire?”
There was a long pause before, “COUGH! COUGH! COUGH! Sorry, due to your consistent questioning, I have spat out some blood,” the System stopped a moment before yelling, “So shut your trap and select your class!”
This bitch! I balled my hand into a fist in anger. Is there a real person behind the voice? If there is, I would really like to meet her and give her ‘peach’ a slap!
“Ehem,” the System’s voice softened. “Please select your class now, player Akira.”
My mouth pouted as I selected the Marksman with the subclass Gunner.
“You have selected your class and subclass and cannot be reverted. The game will calculate your default points based on your innate talent and the class you have selected. Your Status Window will be updated after you are teleported to the Tutorial phase area.” It paused briefly before adding, “Good luck, Aoi player Akira, with your tutorial.”
“Yeah right,” I mumbled. “If you want to wish me luck, make sure you give me a very high stat point for luck, you jerk.”
“Please speak louder, Aoi player Akira. I couldn’t hear your request.”
“Oh! It’s nothing, really!” I pursed my lips, trying to stifle a laugh.
“Understood,” the System said in a skeptical tone. “Prepare for teleportation to the Tutorial phase area.”
In an instant, my vision turned dark, and a strange sensation rippled through my body, like a wave of energy passing from head to toe. The next thing I knew, I was standing in the middle of a clearing surrounded by trees and thick, wild undergrowth. The air was fresh, carrying the earthy scent of pine and damp soil. Above me, sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced on the forest floor as the leaves swayed gently in the breeze.
“Welcome to the Tutorial phase, player Akira,” the system’s voice echoed in the serene clearing, breaking the tranquility but somehow fitting perfectly into the natural ambiance. “Your journey begins now.”
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. The difference between the sterile, featureless room I had just left and this vibrant, living forest was unmistakable and jarring. Yet, a sense of adventure stirred within me, a curiosity about what lay ahead in this new and mysterious world.
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