Hey guys, Aura.Bro here. I have a second story out as well, check it out if you're interested/have the time/ have nothing to do. With that out of the way, have fun reading my new chapter.
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"Sir, phase one is already set in motion. It has only been a week since the tester's initiation but the information shows that most players have already reached and surpassed the 50 level mark. There's even a few level 70s included in the tester's batch."
"This is faster than expected. Tim, tell the others to start getting ready for phase two."
"Already on it, sir. By the way, if this becomes a success, then not only the game industry but also the medical industry will be willing to share stocks."
The man who's reffered to as the 'sir' clicked his tongue.
"I don't give a damn about those medical people who already gave up and called my child a lost cause. My wife and I haven't given up. This is only one of the possible ways, other ways are too dangerous... What are you gawking at Tim?"
The man glared at his subordinate who was staring at him with a blank face.
"Nothing sir, I just thought that it's amazing how you did all this for your child. Opening a game industry and making a hit game... It's heartbreaking yet at the same time... Amazing."
"Tch, whatever, Tim. Just get on with the program."
Contrary to what the man said, the man called Tim knew how his boss really feels.
"Of course, Sir. By the way, sir. What place should be the designated place of arrival for phase two?"
"Hmm, how many are the ones that didn't make it to the level 50 mark?"
Looking at the papers at his hands, Tim answered "Single digits. Four sir."
"Levels and colors."
"Fourty-two, Red. Fourty-eight, blue. The last two are both Thirty-three, white."
"Hmm, I would like to ask what jobs they chose but I'd rather not do it. Choose one of the starting point as the either of the lowest two's starting point. After that, ban all access to character information except for the minimum like name and level for everyone, Including me."
"I-I understand sir, but can I ask a question? Why?"
"It's simple Tim. I don't want anyone knowing anyone else's information. This isn't a game, this is a new chance to start over. A new world."
Tim nodded at the words of his boss.
"I understand sir. Should we give your child an advantage then?"
"No. That child hates advantages, if possible, I want you to make the start just like everyone else's... With the exception of a higher HP regeneration."
"Should we give it as a normal thing or as a skill sir."
"Skill, so no questions will be raised. After that, disable anything that can make outside interference mess with the system. I don't want any interference on this new world. What happens to it, is based on all the player's choice."
"Yes, sir. Truly, no one should mess with it any more than now... It's already a perfect world... A self evolving world."
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It has been already a week since Crow has started playing, and it has been two to three days since he acquired his new 'pet'. Most people that acquired pet's would go and level grind since it would be easier, but not Crow apparently since instead of level grinding, he was teaching it tricks!
"Hmmm, paw." and miserably failing as he was ignored.
"Why is it being like this? It acts normally when battling though. Pet Status Information."
【Crow's Pet】
【No name】
【Level: 10】
【Health: 150】
【Mana: 70】
【Loyalty: 15】
【Strength: 10】
【Agility: 14】
【Vitality:9】
【Intelligence: 6】
【Luck: 7】
"Hmmm, it's health and mana growth are lower than mine and the loyalty stat never rose after reaching level 5. Loyalty Stat Information."
【Loyalty】
This designates the NPCs willingness to do what the player asks. As long as loyalty exists or not at the negative value, there is a chance that they will fight for the player. The higher the loyalty, the better the results and willingness to follow commands.
This stat cannot be raised normally. One of the ways to raise this stat is by doing specific actions that will garner the NPC attraction towards the player.
In the case of pets, mounts and summons, unless named by the owner, their loyalty will reach a stagnate and may even lower.
Be advised, naming is an important decision and may cause loyalty and affinity to decrease even further for more intelligent beings when not of their liking.
"Ohh, so that's why. Then, what should I name you?" at the mention of the word 'name', the once disobedient pup was now looking at Crow with expectant eyes.
'Let's see... The alpha's name was called Zephyr, I think that word has something to do with wind or something... Maybe it's saying it's fast as the wind? Maybe I should name him... It is a him right? Damn it... I'm not sure. Okay then, ambiguous names it is then. Sentry, a guard soldier, that sounds good, but I want something cooler. Maybe Sentry bolt? Or Lightning sentry? Sentrightning? Ah screw it. Sentry it is then.'
He quickly gave up trying to find a cooler name as he know only a few little words that sounds cool and has the same cool meaning. It would've been better if he studied a bit more.
"From now on, your name is sentry."
"Gau?" the cuteness of the pup was overly... Heartwarming. Just the action of it wondering what it's name was while letting out a cute sound with it's head slightly turned only served to amplify his cuteness. Crow thinks so as well.
'In fact, why isn't this a stat?' though as if to answer his question, sudden pop-ups were seen by him.
【The pet has now been named. Loyalty has substantially increased.】
【Previous growth impediment has been removed.】
【Pet has gained new stat "Charm"】
【Pet has gained new stat "Ferocity"】
【Pet has gained new skill "Wolf's Howl"】
【Pet has the ability to unlock a skill. Prerequisites must first be met.】
"Oh? So these things were supposed to pop out but didn't because I didn't name you early? Hmm... Prerequisites again? Let's see, Charm and Ferocity stat information. Wolf's Howl information."
【Charm】
An indispensable skill for those who specializes in capturing the attention of others, such as bards and dancers.
On higher stats, would make NPCs give discounts, making it a stat useful for those that specializes in trades such as merchants.
Makes enemies less wary.
【Ferocity】
A basic stat for monsters.
Pets also gain this skill if tamed in captivity.
May cause the enemy to freeze in fear status.
The higher the level, the higher the effect.
Adds 2 damage per 5 points.
Can only be strengthened by animalistic actions.
【Wolf's Howl】
Raises stats for the user and its allies gain half the bonuses.
Has chance to cause fear to bigger and stronger targets.
"Wow. Aren't you a strong little puppy. Yes you are, yes you are." The pup's sudden growth just by naming it was something he didn't expect. His happiness at the moment was at an all time high while he kept cuddling the wolf pup.
The wolf pup, having been given a name, now follows its master's bidding. No matter how embarrassing it was. Crow soon put it down though.
"Alright, let's try this again. Paw." It did what was told.
"Now, the other one." Starting with the previous one, the pup followed all commands that was said.
"Good. Sit, lie down, roll over."
"Speak."
"Gau!"
"Good puppy, here's a reward." Crow took a bone from a recently hunted monster called 'Wild Boar', and gave it to Sentry. Which it gladly took.
Crow was too busy watching Sentry with happy eyes at its new found loyalty that he failed to notice the person trying to talk to him.
"Um, excuse me."
"Oh, sorry, I was a bit preoccupied, what do you need?" Finally taking notice of the girl that was trying to talk to him, he scratched his head and offered an apology.
"No, no. It's okay, I'm actually thankful that you talked to me. Everyone that I've tried talking to clearly ignored me for some reason."
"Haha, you too huh?"
'It's quite unbelievable that they'd just ignore her though. She's quite beautiful after all. She's tall enough to be a teen model, her skin is white as snow. Rosy red lips and... Why am I even thinking like a creeper? Bad Crow. This is why I can't get a girl in real life.'
"You see, there's a new and famous game company that started a hiring campaign, the catch is that they would only take 10 as employees and that everyone was to start over on a new game for fairness."
"Game company? New game?"
Crow wasn't sure if she was being serious but he decided to answer anyways.
"well, I don't know much about the company per se, I don't often pay attention to things that doesn't gain my interest... It's a little problem of mine and when I said new game, I meant everyone start anew back to level 1 at the game. That's the main reason why the other players are a bit of a jerk to others."
"Players? What game?"
"Well, explaining the players' difference with the NPC will be hard, you'll get used to it in no time so I won't talk about that. The game is called 'Unchained Destinies'. The game you're currently in right now."
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"I'm... Inside a game? But that's... I mean, look! Everywhere seem to real to be a game right? I can also feel things!"
"Yeah, amazing right? Virtual Reality as it's called. If you still don't believe me, say the words 'Status Window'."
The girl did what was told, though hesitantly. She was soon then surprised by something she saw. It took a few minutes before she talked again.
"So... I'm really inside a game right now?"
"Yup."
"What would happen if I die?"
"Don't know. Never tried dying yet, don't want to start as well. All I know is you can also feel pain here. Imagine how death feels like... Yeah, I'd rather not die after all."
The girl's face changed in demeanor for a split second before going back to normal. During that time, Crow failed to notice it.
"Well, since you're new at this game... I don't mind helping you... I've been playing this game for almost a week now."
"I see."
"Well, I can't really help you if you're like this... How about an introduction? My name's Kurogane, my character's name is Crow. I live in Korea but my parents are japanese nuts hence my name."
She didn't give out any information about herself until Crow sighed.
"M-my name's Lucy Va... No, nevermind, my name's Lucy. My character is the same name. I... Don't want to talk about the other side."
"Suit yourself." Crow shrugged. "Anyway, if we're going to get you stronger, we need to friend and party up. So with that in mind, Friend request, Party Request, Lucy."
Lucy suddenly jumped up before nodding.
"Sure."
【Friend Request has been accepted. You will now be able to see whether that person is online or not.】
【Party Request has been accepted. You are designated as the Party leader. Party can be adjusted in the Party Options.】
"Ah, by the way, can you dismantle a carcass?"
"What?! Ew! Of course not!"
"Haha, thought so. Well, say the words 'Game Options' and put the auto-dismantle to yes."
"Oh, okay."
She did what was told and tinkered around the game's systems as Crow did his own tinkering... Mainly on the Party options.
【Party】
Lv.33 Crow 【Party Leader】
Lv.1 Lucy 【Party Member】
【Party Options】
【Loot - Round Robin】
【Experience - Independent】
Crow changed the Loot to free for all and and experience to shared so as to help Lucy.
"I'm all ready. You?" Lucy nodded and Crow lead the way towards the outskirts, but he was stopped by the elder.
"What's up old man?"
"Ah, you see I'm here to give you your rewards for helping me the other day."
"No need, I'm just happy for you."
"No, no. I insist, I'm old, I have no need for materialistic things, I just wanted to know if that brat was actually willing to pay me back... If I only knew."
"It's not your fault sir."
"Yes, probably. Probably not. Either way, here is what I made. This badge is made from the Aurora Stone he got. This badge is called a Soul badge. It can determine the wearer's soul color, it also makes for a pretty accessory, though it doesn't give any stats so not much wears these."
The badge in the old man's hand was shining off a vibrant yellow and as he put the badge on the ground, the yellow color shimmered and was replaced by various colors, just like an aurora.
"I made two and still have a big chunk of extra Aurora Stone. Take these, it's your reward for all your hard work... It might even help you win some points with that lady friend of yours."
The last part was whispered to Crow accompanied by a lecherous laughter, Crow couldn't help but get a little red in the face as he denied the connection.
Elder's Request
The elder was touched by your willingness to help, though he regrets what happened to Dale, he is happy that Dale's hard work will be given to someone like you.
Complete!
【You've been rewarded with Chunk of Aurora Stone.】
【You've been rewarded with Soul Badge x2.】
Crow decided to give Lucy one of the badges.
'There's no meaning to this. Just a gift between new friends. Yeah.'
After Lucy wore the badge, it turned to deep color of gold. Though Crow was still stuck on his thoughts.
With that in his mind, he lead the way towards the outskirts of town.
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"H-How am I supposed to kill this snake?!"
"Stab it with the weapon of your choice. There's an item there in your inventory called 'New weapon'. Think of the best weapon that you think is perfect for you and then press the item. It will give you a beginner class weapon but it's better than nothing. Sentry, guard her."
"Gau!" Sentry tackled the snake that was about to pounce Lucy while she was busy.
In Lucy's thoughts however... 'Weapon, weapon, weapon!! Come on....' As she clicked the item, the item's form change and she clicked equip.
Something appeared in her arms and it was... a gun. A pistol to be exact.
"Wow, I didn't know guns existed in this world. Well, since you have a weapon now, shoot! Have fun." Crow was on the side, watching both Sentry and Lucy fight while he was dismantling the monster corpses.
A White Snake was slithering towards Lucy and jumped to bite her, in a panic, she shot the gun, what came out wasn't a bullet though. It was a lightning.
In one hit, the snake was obliterated and vanished from sight.
"Eh?" Was the thoughts of both Crow and Lucy. Both of them eyeing the so called weapon.
"Uh, Lucy, mind letting me see that weapon?"
"Sure." She handed the gun to him and he used his Sight skill.
【Magic Gun type-0 Alpha】
A gun that shoots out magic instead of bullets.
Little is known about who made these wonders, but its power is not a mystery.
The magic shot can be adjusted by the owner.
Adds Magic Damage +(5-8)
Crow handed back the weapon to Lucy and told her to fight some more to level up. He also went and fought as well so things would get faster.
In his thoughts however... 'This world will never fail to surprise me.' as he smiled ferociously as he continued to attack. Sentry, seeing it's master like this, also adopted a stance with a snarl on it's face.
【New stat gained "Ferocity".】
【Tamer passive "Lupine spirit" leveled up. Affinity towards wolves got better.】
Lucy was shooting at monster from left to right, lightning after lightning came out from the muzzle of her gun.
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Two hours later, they had to stop. Apparently, shooting out attacks from the magic gun costs MP, approximately 5 MP per shot and this is just the weak spells. It should be a higher MP cost for a stronger magic.
"Yay! I already reached level 10! What stat should I strengthen?" Lucy wondered and Crow just happened to overheard her.
"What are your stats by the way?"
Crow tried to check using his Sight skill but it was still not strong enough to check the stats of other players even if they're at a lower level.
"Hmm, Strength, Agility, Dexterity, Vitality, Wisdom, Intelligence and Luck. What do you think I should level?"
"Dexterity? Dexterity Stat Information."
【Dexterity】
Gives the user the ability to use their hands skillfully.
Allows the player to move easily and gracefully.
The ability to think and act fast and rationally at a moment's notice.
Necessary for ranged attacker such as archers.
Adds additional range damage base on stat.
【New stat gained "Dexterity"】
'Huh? I suddenly got a stat for no reason. Do I only have to know it? No... I didn't gain ferocity stat until a bit later... Why did I get the Dexterity stat?'
"Well, since you're using a gun, that means you're ranged, you need a good mana for using the gun and the damage is magical... I advise you strengthen Agility, Intelligence and Wisdom, if you have extra points, give a little to the dexterity as well."
Lucy gave a beautiful and innocent smile as she said "Okay."
Over two hours of hunting, Crow only leveled once, since the experience is shared and add the fact that Sentry's kills only gives 10% exp to the owner, he gains little to no experience at all.
'It's fine, I've got a new ally anyway.'
"Ah, It's getting dark. Sorry, Lucy, I need to get going soon, I'll see you tomorrow. You going out too?"
Lucy hesitated to give an answer but squeezed out something.
"N-no, I think I'll stay for a while longer."
"I see, I got it. Sentry, take good care of our friend okay?"
"Gau!" The answer of a loyal guard dog wolf.
"I'll see you tomorrow then. Log Out."
His visage soon vanished and left the wolf pup and Lucy alone.
"Well, what do you want to do? Want to keep hunting?"
"Gau?" as if to ask back, it tilted it's head to the side, it's ear flopping due to gravity, the cuteness of the once ferocious hunter from before was an unbelievable gap. She gave Sentry a hug and stood up.
"I'm tired as well, let's go back to the village."
"Wau!"
The visage of the girl and the wolf pup as they walked back towards the village was the only visible look in the vicinity.