When Alex had initially read over the tutorial options nearly two days prior, his first thought had been to abstain. He didn’t know what would happen if he ignored the prompt in an attempt to remain on earth, or if it was even possible; but his drunken musings, fueled by an overactive imagination, had hoped for some lucky encounter that set him up for life. When he instead made the most potentially fatal mistake of his life, Alex had been sure he was dead. Power on the level to freeze the world had just been demonstrated, and the tutorial he’d picked came with a literal death warning.
For those first few minutes after being transported Alex had imagined many different versions of what his tutorial might look like. He could have been sent into a cave full of hostile dragons, or dropped straight into a volcano, or in the middle of some roman coliseum, or one of a million other impossible challenges; and had been emotionally distraught enough to not care if he was crying the last few minutes of his life away. Instead, he’d ended up in a magically modern city, had a roof over his head, and only fought in one life or death battle.
The entire thing had been a jarring change from his daily lifestyle, but the tutorial’s level didn’t feel like the Insane rank it advertised, until he’d seen that quest. Fighting a single, injured, oversized monster at level one would be child’s play compared to the base requirements of his newest mandatory quest, but nothing about the city’s atmosphere seemed to agree with Alex’s dim assessment.
Arriving at the wall Alex was surprised to find a line rather than a vicious melee. People of many different races and sizes, all queued up neatly, not an ounce of worry present on any of their faces. Instead, the atmosphere held a subdued excitement, with the large green skinned man in ahead of Alex giving him a kind wave as he joined the line, before returning to his conversation. Alex nodded back, analyzing the person even though he knew only a few lines of information would return.
***
General
Name: Unknown
Race: Ogre, Unknown
Level: 30+
Grade: E
Class: Warrior Archetype
***
While the many of the specifics, such as class, seemed to vary there was a pattern in grade and level that Alex wasn’t a part of. Sighing he watched the pace of the line for a few seconds, the jovial attitude of the people waiting at odds with the sounds of shouting beyond the wall. It was moving, albeit slowly, and he estimated around five minutes until he was at the gate. While part of him wanted to get out there immediately, worried the battle might be over before he could meet his quota, another part was grateful for the time to compose himself the delay offered. Bringing up his general information Alex knew it was time to make some decisions he’d been putting off. Giving it a once over Alex switched to his current class options and reread both options, skimming past the fluff to focus on what each class offered.
***
Class
Name: Warrior
Rating: Common
Grade: F
Description: The first to enter the fray, and the last... This class grants proficiency in both heavy weapons and armor, with additional bonus damage granted once a weapon specialization is chosen. Grants two attribute points to Strength, one to Endurance, and one to Dexterity per level.
Class
Name: Assassin
Rating: Common
Grade: F
Description: Heavy is the head that wears the crown... This class grants proficiency in the use of short blades and daggers, as well as potential for traps, poisons, and ranged weapons. Grants two attribute points to Dexterity, one to Strength, and one to Intelligence per level.
***
He wasn’t entirely sure which of the two he wanted to pick. Being an assassin in games had been fun; the combination of threading the line between life or death, before killing an enemy with high burst damage always enjoyable to Alex; but this was real life. Potentially the rest of his life. As much as he wanted to enjoy fighting in this new world, he needed to survive to do so and being a warrior would make him sturdier.
Though without the gear, those couple of points in strength and endurance weren’t likely to do much to help him survive multiple attacks from these beasts, and he’d need to kill at least five. What good was surviving an attack if his body was too broken to continue fighting? He would still fail to meet his system-imposed goal and die just the same. Knowing he didn’t have time for a drawn-out deliberation Alex accepted the class he’d enjoy the most, convincing himself it was due to its compatibility with the only attack skill he had.
***
Warning: Once selected a class may never be released only modified.
Please confirm your choice of class: Assassin.
(Y/N)
***
Alex frowned as he read the prompt over. He’d been more right than he first thought in waiting. He would have loved to hold out for five Legendary classes, or Transcendent if that was higher, he couldn’t remember. Finality was one of Alex’s least favorite concepts, though he supposed he wasn’t stuck with the class, he’d just need to figure out how to “modify” it. Confirming his choice, Alex received a new flood of notifications.
***
Congratulations! You have accepted the class: Assassin. Damned are those who cross the killer in the shadows.
Additional +2 Dexterity, +1 Strength, +1 Intelligence, Per Level
Please choose three of the following: Additional listed skills may be unlocked naturally, or during grade advancement.
Stealth (Common)
Dagger Mastery (Common)
Dodge (Common)
Heightened Senses (Common)
Backstab (Common)
Sleight of Hand (Common)
Lockpicking (Common)
Thorn’s Touch (Uncommon)
Reach Level 25 to unlock your class’s advancement quest.
***
Looking up Alex estimated he still had another four minutes left before it was his turn. Not enough time to read over the description for each skill, so he’d just have to guess based off the names and hope he didn’t regret any of his choices. His first elimination was Heightened Senses, followed by Backstab. Both resembled skills he already had, and while the thought of a synergy between Sixth Sense and Heightened Senses was intriguing it wasn’t the time to test theories. Next, he eliminated Sleight of Hand, followed by Lockpicking, both went well with his plan to use his inventory to steal, but again, not the time.
That left four choices with the last elimination being a tossup between Dagger Mastery and Thorn’s Touch. The former due to its simplicity, which Alex doubted would allow for any immediately noticeable improvement in his skills, while the latter was only still on the list because of its higher rarity. Bringing up the descriptions of his two most likely choices Alex read them over.
***
Skills
Name: Stealth
Rating: Common
Grade: F
Level: 1*
Mode: Passive
Resource Cost: N/A
Description: The act of concealment is in truth an art, perfected only by those who are willing to dedicate themselves to the task. A tool birthed from the combined mental and physical discipline necessary to become one with a person’s surroundings. Whether it’s blending in with a crowd or navigating though hostile territory in the dark of night, stealth is a staple for any who work against private interest. Never seen are those who master the ability, leaving their enemies wondering if they were ever alone. Skill ability correlates to Dexterity and Intelligence.
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Name: Dodge
Rating: Common
Grade: F
Level: 1*
Mode: Bimodular
Resource Cost: Variable. Additional stamina may be drained to dodge a strike with a high chance of connecting,
Description: Never get picked last in class again. With a keen eye and a sharp mind master evasion through anticipation. Dodge attacks with ease and maneuver through obstacles with finesse, using quick reflexes and heightened awareness to stay one step ahead of any opponent. Quick and nimble, evade danger and stay on the move; keeping your enemies guessing, and yourself safe. Skill ability correlates to Dexterity and Endurance.
***
The skills were pretty much what he expected and while Alex would have preferred proper preparation rather than the rush job he was currently doing, knowing the other skills likely followed the same pattern reassured him.
***
You have received Stealth (Common).
You have received Dodge (Common).
Skill Stealth upgraded to match class level (7).
Skill Dodge upgraded to match class level (7).
***
Accepting both skills Alex could feel the way they synergized with Sixth Sense. The link between Stealth and Silent Strike was stronger, though nowhere close to the perfect synergy that had raised Acting to Rare. Now that he knew what to look for Alex could sense a couple other similar affinities but put off that discovery for the future. The connections did help him realize that without his sensory skill, Heightened Senses would have been a must for his class, reassuring him that he’d picked the class best suited for his current build.
The raises in skill level were just a happy surprise. While that quirk of skill selection didn’t have an insane impact due to his current skill leveling speed, it could be extremely useful for his future classes.
***
Skill
Name: Thorn’s Touch
Rating: Uncommon
Grade: F
Level: 1*
Mode: Active
Resource Cost: 10 Mana Per Second
Description: While in any fight the slightest of pricks could be a person’s last, your thorns don’t only call for blood, they crave it. Attach to your blade the thorn’s touch inflicting a steady bleed on your target weakening them with every passing moment. Make even a solitary wound fatal, as your foe succumbs to the unstoppable flow of their own blood. Damage enhanced when a critical strike is landed. Remember however the touch’s trail is often an easy one to follow. Skill ability correlates to Dexterity, Strength, and Intelligence.
***
Reading over the description Alex didn’t even bother looking at the final skill choice, instead instantly locking in Thorn’s Touch while acknowledging the skill level upgrade that came with it. The ability would be a further drain on his mana meaning he’d have to activate and deactivate it unlike Sixth Sense, but it was clearly worth it. His stamina would be the real issue with both Silent Strike and Dodge potentially draining a large portion of his pool in seconds. Figuring it was time to use everything he had Alex added his free points to Endurance. That was the main stamina stat, right? With only five people left ahead of him Alex read over what would be his final attributes for the battle.
***
General
Name: Alexander Omar Hunter
Race: Human, F
Age: 21
Level: 7
Grade: F
Classes: Assassin, (Secondary), (Tertiary), (Quaternary), (Quinary)
Achievements: Adaptable, Deathwish, Bloodthirsty, Warden, Murder I, Untouchable
Health: 346/424
Mana: 345/345
Stamina: 358/423
Attributes
Strength: 10
Dexterity: 13
Endurance: 14
Wisdom: 12
Intelligence: 10
Willpower: 10
Luck: 6
Charisma: 7
Fortitude: 0
***
The time it would take his energy pools to cap out made Alex wish he’d assigned the points first; but if it was up to him none of this would have happened so he took the raised values gratefully and stepped up to the bored looking guard. Belatedly he figured he could have attempted to accept both classes, but he mentally shrugged as the man spoke, he didn’t really want to anyway.
“Name?” The crystal he held glowed a deeper violet at his voice and Alex answered, speaking slightly louder than necessary, like a grandparent video chatting for the first time.
Making to move through the gate Alex hesitated at the guard's next words.
“Display your power.”
He looked at the man questionably for a moment before his earlier realization clued him in. Activating the enhancing feature of Aura Control, Alex pushed his energy outward, combining the effect with Sixth Sense to better mimic those around him. His sensory skill alerted him to his aura’s flaws. Areas where it differed from even from his anger fueled showing back in the library, but it was enough for the guard and Alex continued through the gate.
The tunnel out of the city carried a different atmosphere than the line inside had. People were spread out in groups, their earlier chats replaced by calls for formations and weapon checks. The light that hit him was the same as it had been inside though his heart began to race as Alex looked around. He’d walked out into a large clearing, the land tamed with the nearest trees hundreds of feet back.
To his right was a contingent of people all wearing the same uniforms Anise had, and he wondered if she’d been called on her day off to participate in the battle to come. It seemed what he’d earlier assumed to be sounds of battle had been shouts of orders and the shuffling of supplies from their side of space. After making eye contact with one of the more decorated guards and receiving a shake of his head Alex figured that area was guards only. He’d have to get a better look at their gear after the fight if he could, it seemed interesting.
To the left and center were the masses of people he’d lined up with. All continued to walk away from the gate, spreading out, and Alex followed as to not hold up the crowd. His goal wasn’t to be first contact, but he couldn’t be last if he wanted to complete his quest. Feeling a twinge of jealousy at the weapons and armor the others held, Alex did his best to ignore it. If he got lucky maybe he could take something from one of the others who… no longer needed it. He wasn’t rooting for anyone’s death, but his survival came first, especially when he wasn’t even sure the people were real.
Walking as far as he dared Alex stopped, a team to either side and a single warrior ahead of him, about a hundred feet from the tree line. Steadying his breathing Alex began to stretch. His newly purchased clothes were surprisingly comfortable, and he hoped one of the details he’d ignored from Laney’s pitch had been enhanced protection, though he doubted it. Either way the goal would be to not get hit. Alex knew if he was taking damage, he was likely already dead.
The mental tangent had reminded him of one of the items he’d received from his fight of the day before. Pulling the scarf out of his inventory Alex read its description once more.
***
Item
Name: Silver-Backed Scarf
Rarity: Uncommon
Grade: F
Description: For the newly initiated, the forests of Endor can be a ruthless place, as shown by the death of the adolescent simian whose fur was used to for this scarf. Part of their power is now your power. Grants plus one to Strength, Endurance, and Willpower when worn in its correct style. Adds one additional point to aforementioned stats if worn with appropriate attire.
***
Pulling it into a simple reverse drape around his neck and felt the points in Strength, Endurance, and Willpower it granted him. Apparently, his clothing counted as the “correct attire” because he was given two points per stat rather than the base one. He had his reservations about making himself easy to choke, but figured a beast was more likely to straight crush him so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Standing straight Alex called his short sword to his right hand and activated Sixth sense at three mana per second. It gave him around three meters of 360-degree awareness which would hopefully be enough. He could increase the range if necessary but at this rate each second of Thorn’s Touch would only cost ten seconds to replenish. That was a long time in terms of each individual fight, but it was better than only having his base mana pool to work with.
Looking ahead part of him wanted to extend his skill’s range to the forest, but Alex knew he couldn’t afford to waste the mana, nor would he risk getting closer, so he waited. Over the next minute the clearing became completely silent, everyone in position and waiting with bated breath for the attackers. When the first hopped out of the foliage Alex might have laughed, if not for the pain it would have caused his racing heart. He’d never seen one before, but recognized the description from something Janet had mentioned.
***
General
Name: Jar Kit
Race: Evolved Lepus
Age: Young
Level: 25*
Grade: E*
Class: Unknown
Health: Unknown
Mana: Unknown
Stamina: Unknown
Description: Hailing from the dense forest of Endor, the Jar is known to be the bottom of the beastial food chain. Normally found in herds due to weak individual strength Jar, when unable to escape a foe, are known to attack viciously using their though bodies and large front teeth.
***
No one in the clearing moved, except Alex. After analyzing the beast and an accompanying moment of hesitation he ran forward. Alex didn’t let himself get caught up in doubts, worries, or even the reasonable question of why the small beast was alone. He knew others were had long range methods of attack, not even including the archers that lined the wall, and didn’t want to risk his prey getting taken. Passing to the right of the person ahead of him Alex closed with the beast.
Its body was the size of a large dog, every hop covering a meter. The ball of fluff continued forward, seemingly unaware of its approaching attacker, and Alex had to shore up his resolve when looking at its dumb, cute face.
‘I need to live; it needs to die. I need to live; it needs to die.’
He continued his mental mantra and prepared to kill the beast as quickly as he could manage. Realizing midway this was the first time he was doing so, Alex activated Silent Strike. He felt the large drain on his stamina as his body shot forward, his speed doubling, then tripling, before he felt the pull again as he imbued the touch into both his drawn blades.
Unsure if he was imagining it, Alex felt the world freeze like it had the night of his tutorial, his sphere of awareness still allowing for a view of his surroundings. He distantly sensed the people still unmoving behind him, and stared into the Jar’s face. As if by an unseen snap Alex broke free of the pause, every ounce of force he could muster enhancing his strike.
The beast exploded.
Well, not entirely. All the oversized hare’s blood however did appear to be ejected from its body covering much of the nearby grass, and Alex, as it did so. It seemed even though it had been looking straight at him Alex’s attack had come as unexpected, granting him Silent Strike’s bonus damage. He sputtered in an attempt to get the gore out of his mouth. His eyes were covered by the same bloody substance that marred everything around him, but Sixth Sense told him the beast wasn’t dead. Its spasms made their way up his short sword and Alex pulled out his dagger to give the beast a few more bleed infused stabs until it finally went still.
Not completely sure what to do Alex tossed the corpse into his inventory as he wiped at his eyes, the bunny’s former insides staining his new jacket a brownish red. Realizing he’d been wearing a now unsalvageable white shirt Alex let out a little whine at the loss of money before his head snapped toward the forest. Sixth Sense had been the first thing to clue him in, though the massive rumble that shook the earth was a close second. In his skill’s perception were dozens, potentially hundreds, of Jar none smaller than the one he’d just killed, and all moving in his direction.
What caused the rumbling, Alex was too close to the forest to see, but he had no doubt he wanted little part of it solo. Starting to run back towards the groups of people Alex stopped nearly just as fast. He felt amazing.
As soon as he’d attacked the creature his in-combat settings had activated pushing information directly into his mind, something that now caused him no pain. Due to his specific notification requirements Alex didn’t receive all the information but as he parsed what had been shared Alex realized he’d leveled, multiple times.
Then the ground rumbled again, leaves shaking off their trees, and Alex put his new power into a tactical retreat, the Jar having gained on him while he was distracted. Up until that point everyone no one else had moved, leaving Alex to think he’d broken some unknown rule. But as the oversized rabbits broke the forest, he heard a roar from the side of the city as everyone began to sprint straight for him. Leaving Alex in the middle as the two forces clashed.