IDBIRR Chapter 4: EXterior Power, Up.
After yesterday's event. I decided to follow Big Boss's advice. He's right, I'm in another world right now, who knows what kinds of danger lurks around in every other corner of this labyrinth?
In a world where you're alone, no one's there to help you, except for yourself. I'm a lone man right now...dun dun dun...!
Meh, who cares If I put myself in danger. I won't feel pain eitherway. I doubt I could die from bleeding out or getting my head cut off.
My most critical body part would be...this core in my chest right? What happens if it breaks? I'll probably die.
Right now, I should just enjoy this new RPG-esque life. I'll still be careful, of course. I already have a body of my own right now...
I'm free.
I tip toed towards the entrance of my room. Peeking outside the corridors from left to right, the coast was clear. Well duh, this part of the Labyrinth's pretty much Isolated, the only insane guy who'd wander around here for no reason is Big Boss.
I took a step outside and stood infront of the entrance for a moment.
If I were to go outside and have an adventure to become stronger, wouldn't I need a weapon to slay the monsters I'll face?
But what do I need to defeat them?
It's not like I have any weapons to grab a hold of...and looking at my height, I think I'm atleast twelve inches tall? I'm the exact size of a ruler.
My body's definitely not suited to wield a sword or any kind of bigger weapon than my body.
Then...should I box them to death?
I tried shadow boxing, and then kicking.
Hoo! Ha! Hiyaaah!
Hmm...
While swinging my arms and legs, I just noticed how short they are. I probably won't deal anything to my enemies with these short stuff.
I try to punch the wall. Nothing happened. Not even a dent or scratch.
I sit down on the floor.
I'm...hella weak aren't I?
Wait, I remember now! Skills! I definitely have them!
I wonder, If I imagine about a screen menu, will something pop up?
*Pop*
[[You have accessed your Menu.]]
Something did pop out!
It's very much similar to what happened last night!
.
.
.
*Last Night*
I couldn't sleep no matter what I do. How was I able to become drowsy? I feel very disturbed the more I think about it. Am I starting to go crazy again? Yeesh, give me a break. If this actually turns out to be a one messed up nightmare I'm having...Please, I beg of you my sleep paralysis demon, release me from your clutches!
...
Of course, I wasn't dreaming at all. This was in fact, a reality, a reality that's way too absurd and horrifying. If I could actually feel any mental stress from any of this, I would've already broke a couple of decades ago.
If I remember from earlier, I was reincarnated in a world that's ruled by some sort of a "Game System" power?
Those isekai genre that my little sister loved to watched. I as a Gamer Otaku, would certainly love a world run by a power of a "System". Leveling up and becoming the most powerful player would be the greatest achievement.
Although, since my little sister is an Anime Otaku. I'm sure she'd love this anime-like fantasy world instead. One of my little sister's biggest wish, if she were to live in a fantasy world; is to meet with different kinds of species of intelligent life-forms. I bet she'll love to meet with werewolf people like Big Boss. Since she also loves dogs.
While I was engrossed with this privilege to live in this world. A screen appeared.
[Angus Lvl.1 (Lesser Golem+)]
[Race: Golem]
[Stats]
Hp: 1,000/1,000 (Bonus: +3%)
Mp: 0/0
Skill pts: 3
EXP: 0/200
Atk: 5
Def: 50 (Bonus: +1%)
C.Atk: 3 (Bonus: +1.1%)
S.Pwr: 20
Dex: 2
Spd: 15
Lck: 999 (Bonus: +2%)
As I check my stats, I could tell that out of all my stats, my Luck stat obviously has abnormal numbers. Eh? What's this? Does it control my chances at being lucky in real life? Maybe like; If I play rock-paper-scissors, will I win every match due to my insane numbers on luck?
It would most likely happen, but then again...it's not like there's anyone to play with.
Ah, now that I realize it. This screen appeared out of nowhere once again. Did it perhaps respond to something that I unconsciously did?
But If I think about it...I don't remember doing anything funny for it to appear...
Huh, why don't I try thinking of it vanishing? would it go away?
Vanish...go away...skadoosh...rain, rain, go away, come again another...day!
*Poof*
Oh, it actually did go away.
The screen vanished into thin air. The space that it occupied infront of me was replaced with a gloomy background of the silent room. What a sad room.
Now, the main question is...How do you activate a skill?
Hmmm...fumu...fumu...yep, no idea.
I circle around my room, careful of ever stepping on peaceful ants. Although, if they were to carry a knife, that would be a different topic.
Hot pancakes, I sure have a few skills to work with.
[Skills]
[God's Blessing (Passive)]
[Solid Body Lvl.1]
[Earth Walk (Passive)]
[Earthen Warrior Lvl.1]
They really do seem useful. If only I could figure out how to activate them...
Would I have to chant? If I do, what would it be?
Ugghh...I don't want to recite any chuuni spell words or something...especially the emo ones, yeesh, it kinda feels cringey...
Hmm?
Infront of my room's entrance...is that a piece of paper?
Okay, let's go and see what it's all about.
*Step*
*Step*
*Step*
*Step*
*Halt*
I picked up the peace of paper lying on the ground. I look between both of the left and right corridors. No one.
The only person who'd leave it here is...
As I observe the paper it was folded in two, so I flipped it open, only to read the most bizarre letter in my entire life.
"Yo matey! It's yer lovable and big brother wolfer, Tood Raid! I leave ya this message in hopes of guiding ya to a better t'morrow! Oh p.s, can't wait ta whoop yer hiney! Grahahahahahahahahaha!"
I already feel like barfing from the pressure he's giving me all at once, if I were capable of feeling.
The contents of the letter were very childish, but if it's that Big Boss we're talking about. I'm sure none of these are literally a joke to him.
In fantasy worlds, I'm sure death battles are no empty threats. Just the thought of it makes me feel them nonexistent goosebumps acting up on my body.
I look above the ceiling, giving out a sigh for my eventual demise in the future. At the corner of my eyesight, I see another letter which was pinned closely to my room's entrance. Another letter from the Big Boss?
Flexing out my body with some leg exercise, for whatever reason, I ready myself to make a jump and reach for the letter.
1...
2...
3...
Go!
I ran for it and jumped as high as I could. Not knowing, that I was actually strong enough to exceed the jump that I was expecting to reach and hit the ceiling on top of it.
Yikes! Too much! Too much!
How strong is this body?!
I slowly fell back to the ground, but before I could whallop my face in it like a swatted fly. I made sure to reach my hand out to grab the letter.
Got it!
I flipped mid-air and made myself a proper landing with my small feet.
*Thunk*
As my solid feet touched the solid ground. What a nice save.
That really surprised me for a second though. I was able to jump that high up into the ceiling with little to no effort whatsoever.
If you think about it, A golem cannot feel anything. Nor could it experience any physical limits or fatigue.
Doesn't that mean I'm a monster that almost exceeds all of it's physical limits? That could be a logical answer to that question. But nevermind that for now, let's read whatever Big Boss wrote in this second letter.
"Heya lad, partn'r, friend, and mate! Missed me already?"
It's only been 13 seconds after I read your first letter.
"Now, the reason why I left these two for ya t'see. I forgot ta ask ya, mate, ya havin' a hard time figurin' out how ta use yer skill?"
( °□°)...
Y-Yes? How'd you know, Big Boss' letter?!
"That's easy peasy-lemon squeezy!"
Yes! I salute to your help!
"Now listen-...well, read carefully would be the proper term...just think about the skill ye're about to use, mate."
Think about it? alright, seems good, seems easy enough.
"Then boom! Voila! activate yer skill!"
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
That simple?!
Well...if you think about it, that makes perfect sense. I can't help but lose a few IQ's here and there. I've been idle as a rock for a hundred years, common sense left me for like a few decades ago.
Why didn't I think of that? More like...why didn't it crossed my mind? People, am I right? I'm bound to make stupid ideas or mistakes every now and then. Teehee~♡
I continue to read Big Boss's letter.
"I've written this letter in hopes of guiding ya as this Labyrinth's Boss. So feel grateful ya little munchkin! Grahahahaha!"
Yes...O' Holy Wolf of Benevolent Kindness...I pray upon thee's wellbeing!
*Somewhere across the big Labyrinth, Big Boss had the sudden urge to sneeze out of nowhere*
Big Boss: Hraaaatchoo! What? What?? A sneeze? Aha! some young lads must be singin' praises of my generous services!
.
.
.
"I'd be feelin' bad t'see ya lyin' across one of them corridors, dead. So I took it upon my nicest approaches ta give ya a decent helpin' hand."
Is what his letter said last night.
Big Bosssssssss!!! Thank you for your help! I'll never ever forget you no matter what!
*He isn't dead.
It was a simple guide for an obvious newb like me. But I can guarantee myself that this simple leverage will help me throughout my future.
"If ya still don't geddit, just think of a skill and it's effects. Visualize the necessity needed for it to accomplish it's main purpose, and then try to enact that visualization through your mind. Your body will unconsciously follow through your visual enactment and will thereof activate the skill of your choice in yer mind. Pretty simple right? The rest of course, I'll leave it to you. Go beyond your limits lad! Go beyond Pl*s Ult*a!!!", Is what he wrote on another piece of paper I found somewhere near the outside of my room.
Now we're back to where we were before. It's a good morning today.
Alright, let's give it a go.
I'll use my Earth Walk skill!
I made a Goku pose of gathering Ki energy and blasted my mind with a full throttle of intense imagination.
UUUUOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
...
Nothing Happened.
Damn you anime!
*slop* *slop* *sploosh*
Hmm? What's that gooey sound I hear?
I turn arround to see a...green...round slime...
Eek! A monster!
[[Encountered! A new challenger has approached!]]
I could see that woman! C-Come on then...this is our first fight...our first enemy! I'm surprised a mob suddenly appeared in the safe zone, but well then...let's see it's stats!
I tried to peek at it's stats, and just like how it worked for Big Boss, it also revealed the Slime's status screen.
[Slime Lvl.1]
[Race: Slime]
[Stats]
Hp: 10/10
Mp: 1/1
Skill pts: 0
EXP: 0/10
Atk: 5
Def: 2
C.Atk: 0
S.Pwr: 1
Dex: 0
Spd: 2
Lck: 1
[Skills]
[Devour Lvl.1]
Devour - The user eats the target whole, melting it while it's inside of the user's body. Continuous dmg and melt will be inflicted on the captured target and will suffer from 2 dps. (1 Mp cost)
The slime only has one skill. Although, if you were still to look it's stats, it's undeniably weaker than myself. It suddenly boosted my confidence on winning.
This might be an easy win? It is right?
Picking up a rock, I threw it at the slime to catch it's aggro.
If you don't know what an aggro is, it's a method or skill that gathers the enemy mobs' attention towards you. This can be useful for tank characters who'd protect their teammates by focusing the enemy's attention onto themselves. Basically a provoking skill of sorts.
Slime: *Sploosh* *slursh* *slop*
The slime bounces up and down. Looking like it's about to give me them hands. If it has hands.
Hooo...I gotta keep my cool and face this challenge head on.
Remember Angus...this isn't a game...it's a real life fantasy world. If I mess up, I'll die for real, just like in your previous life.
It's time...to activate one of my skills!
Think...think....think....!
Aha!
I make a stance and tried to activate a skill.
[Earthen Warrior]!
...
Uhh...
[Earthen Warrior]!
W-Wait a sec. Mr. Slime, can ya gimme a sec..? Haha...
[Earthen Warrior]!
Kaboom---! Ah? Ahh?? Nothing????
[Earthen Warrior]!!
[Solid Body]!!!
[Earth Walk]!!!
Rasengun!
Wait, that ain't even one of my moves!
While I was too focused on fussing over my skills. The slime pounced forward and tried to eat me. I immediately snapped out of my thoughts and quickly rolled towards my side.
Phew! That had me close!
Why?! Why isn't my skills working?!? I...tried to imagine what they would do in my mind, but nothing still happened!
Big Boss...y-you jerk! You had me fooled! You big fat liar!
Khh...
I try to run around and distract the slime, and it easily worked. It couldn't react fast enough. I try to punch it, but my fist only bounced back.
It's no use...I'm still too weak!
[Slime Lvl.1]
Hp: 9/10 (-1)
It dealt 1 damage...if I keep this up, I could kill it without any sweat! I just need to keep doing what I did earlier.
I ran around once again, confusing the slime. I picked up one of the rocks on the floor and threw it at the slime.
Once it felt a motion of movement that's approaching, it quickly grasped the stone I threw at it and it started to devour the rock.
I snuck towards it's side and gave it a quick jab.
[Slime Lvl.1]
Hp: 8/10 (-1)
Based on it's reaction, I'm guessing slimes are blind? Perhaps they are unable to see their surroundings? Slimes must be relying upon their ability to sense motion movement to grasp their area arround them. If throwing a rock can be used as a distraction, then could this be a temporary weapon for me to use?
Stratagems.
Adaptability.
Quick Wits.
One must grasp atleast one of these skills in order to survive in an unknown territory that's way beyond the norm.
Of course, the main root for these three skills is the ability to possess the wisdom of how to survive. Back at earth, way back into my previous life. My father, who was a very successful man, taught me everything I needed to know in order to take care of myself.
Martial Arts, Cullinary, Survival Wisdom, Academics, and many more. Thanks to my father's elite raising of my childhood, I am easily able to adapt to my environment.
Although...
*Squish* *Splosh* *Splash*
How come, I...a rich kid, who could die from shock...Manage to keep my calm composure in the face of a monster that could possibly endanger my life?
The answer is obvious. I am an emotionless being. A monster myself.
If I were a normal person, I'd be wildly scared to the point I'd start throwing useless tantrums.
*Slursh* *Plop*
As the slime bounces in an annoyed behavior. The floor that it had bounced from had become melted.
I stare at horror, even though it's a weak monster. That certainly isn't something any normal human hands can punch through their way out of.
Hoof...haa....anyways, I'm just doing this for a more realistic approach. Pretending to be tired is what makes this a lot more fun for me.
Huff...huff...haa...
This slime's tough.
Since my fists didn't melt from touching the slime's body. I guess my small golem body is actually a bit more special than I'd thought?
I must be resistant to acid-like attacks.
The more I know of my enemy, the more I can improve and adapt my body to my own best convenience.
I see, so I have resistances. Then this makes things easier for me! I won't be worried with dying in an unexpected way!
Grabbing another rock as I run counter clockwise around the slime. I threw another rock distraction.
I took the initiative and landed three powerful attacks on the slime's body.
Reeling my fist and then punching it, I soon follow up with a quick straight kick and ended my combo with a bull attack from my head and pushed the Slime away.
[Slime Lvl.1]
Hp: 2/10 (-2!) (-1) (-3!!!)
A quick detail, after looking at my reflection yesterday at a puddle inside my labyrinth room. It turns out that my head has a pointy end.
Which means I could ram anyone by using my head as a weapon.
Convenient ain't it?
The slime became overwhelmed. This strength...is surely amazing.
Obviously, I can only do little things for now. But for once in my century-full life, I have finally felt stronger than I was before and also as free as morning bird comes and goes.
I thought this fight would take it's time, but it seems that my enemy is almost down for the count.
I don't want to prolong this fight. Bad omens come after if you play with your opponents. I'm not the type to be sadistic, so I'll end this instantly.
I quickly put a foot forward and decided to deliver the finishing blows.
But I didn't made it.
*Smack!*
I was sent flying against a wall of the corridor.
Ugh...ack!! *acting*
What?! Who was that?!
Between us stood a green impish mosnter. It resembled a human child, although it's ears and teeth were long, pointy and sharp.
[[A Goblin has appeared.]]
Yes yes...I could see that, mysterious lady...whew.
Standing up to regain my posture, I checked my hp.
[Angus Lvl.1]
Hp: 798/1,000 (-302!!)
Holy moly! if I were the Puppet thing, I would've died in one hit after that surprise attack!
What about the Goblin?? How strong is it to be able to inflict that much damage to me??
[Goblin Lvl.5]
[Race: Goblin]
[Stats]
Hp: 40/40
Mp: 8/10
Skill pts: 10
EXP: 37/60
Atk: 17
Def: 5
C.Atk: 3
S.Pwr: 1
Dex: 1
Spd: 3
Lck: 3
[Skills]
[Smash Lvl.2]
Smash - Uses a blunt weapon to attack it's target. Smash can also be used in other methods that are non-offensive related actions. This skill increases the user's smashing effect and deals (Low) dmg to targeted enemy units. Dmg scales with (Atk, C.Atk, S.Pwr). (2 Mp cost)
The goblin only has 17 atk dmg, yet it was able to deal so much dmg against me. Does the Smash skill have an advantage against hard defensive enemies?
It makes sense if you think about it...
That Goblin is my natural enemy!
If I get attacked once more, it might follow up with another, and then the slime might join in on the fray to kill me..!
The goblin carries a small wooden club. It's behavior was aggressive, so it decided to jump on me.
I immediately stepped aside to it's left and punched it's left leg.
It winces and held it's knee in pain.
[Goblin Lvl.5]
Hp: 33/40 (-7!)
My hit crit! Just as I've noticed from my attacks on both monsters. It looks like slimes are resistant to physical attacks. Just like in games, it must be weak against magic.
While on the other hand, even when the slime is resistant to physical dmg, It's still pretty weak compared to the goblin.
I ran close to the slime and gave it a poke after running around it. I then poked it's body and then jumped away. The goblin not realizing that the slime's direction of attack was sent to his direction.
A basic plan of attack. If I can't handle both of them, then I'll let both of them attack each other.
Goblin: "Kree?!"
The goblin cried as it struggled to get away from the slime's clutches.
Yet there was no pause for attack from me. I ran with all my might and jump towards the slime's body, using it as a trampoline and then jumping straight towards the goblin's head to punch it's jaw flat in it's face.
The goblin's head was shaken from the sudden shock in it's jaw, rendering it stunned.
I heard that punching someone in the jaw can really shake up your sense. Sorry for that goblin, but I need kill you fast in order for me to grow.
Yeet!
After gaining my balance from landing behind the goblin, I jumped back and kicked it's behind to push it forward against the slime.
Goblin: "Ka! Kreeeeee!!!"
The goblin's body molded inside the slime as it slowly got burned from the acidic bodily fluids.
Goblin: "Ekk! Kre! Kee! Kee!"
I grabbed the goblin's dropped wooden club and climbed up a wall. There were parts where I could grab on, so it was easier to climb it.
Phew...
After reaching the top, I went down by jumping towards the slime and goblin, with the club in hand.
Now here's one homerun for everyone!
As I fell with speed, I bonked the goblin's head as hard as I can and landed the finishing blow before the slime could take the killing shot.
Goblin: "Keee...!"
The goblin's body shatters into a million pieces of light fragments. The fragments entered my core as everything was sucked inside.
Woah, was that EXP?
Of course, I didn't let my guard down. Just as the goblin disappeared, the slime quickly went for an opportunity to grab me. I put the club infront of me and it was snatched away instead.
That was...close.
If I were a normal monster, I would've died by now. But thanks to my unemotional state and my quick tolerance, I can see my path with a clear and calm composure.
The only thing I need to do is to use my head and think strategically as fast as I could.
Isn't that right mysterious lady?
[[Yes, of course. You have shown excellent talent which is a remarkable feat.]]
Somehow, I'm definitely greatful for my father's upringing for me. I didn't knew I could use it so well in another world.
Thank you pops!
Now, If only I could use one of my skills...
Hmm?
Wait, wait a minute!
As I look down, my feet were slowly sinking towards the hard surface of the floor.
Is this...what I think it is...?
[[Yes, of course Angus. That is the skill that's called [Earth Walk].]]
Woah, my body's already halfway through.
During the course of battle, I was imagining the effects of how to use my skills. Yet none have progressly shown any visible results.
But now, one of them has finally activated!
[[Congratulations for activating a skill.]]
T-Thank you.
My body has finally entered the ground. Everything around me was dark, yet I could clearly see the outside view from above.
So this is [Earth Walk]!
It feels like I'm floating in midair! No wait...I'm swimming underground!
Hehehehehehehe!
Yeepie! Woohoo!
I swam like an athlete with speed. It seems that I am also fast while phasing through the earth.
Ain't I quite powerful??
I looked up above me, and there I saw a very confused slime. It obviously noticed that my presence suddenly vanished.
Should I do a sneak attack?
Hehe...why don't I sneak my finger beside it to let it sense it's motion. Then I'll quickly show up beside it then land a hard attack!
That seems like a fairly safe approach for me!
I went underneath the slime and giggled. While I immaturely stuck out my finger infront of it and wiggled it like worm with salt spread on it's body.
And then-
*BOOM!!!!!*
My whole body was suddenly shot up with tremendously insane speeds as I was launched out of the ground after I stuck my finger out.
The speed was so great, that it created a sonic boom. While the slime, who I was underneath earlier from, got splattered across the ceiling!
Holy shit, that slime just experienced a massive butt attack.
I was standing still with my posture still putting up my finger. Since I was launched with ridiculous speeds, I immediately phased through the ceiling.
My giggling stopped and my small grin went straight. I was trying to process what the hell just happened.
My Brain.exe has stopped.
[Body Bullet (Passive) Lvl.1 - Skill Acquired!!!]
Body Bullet - Passively activates upon exiting the state of [Earth Walk]. This skill allows the user to accelerate with significant speed and shoots them out towards the direction their body has exited. If this skill comes in contact with a target enemy in it's path of direction, it will inflict an amount of (30) dmg. Bonus Effect: Upon entering the state of [Body Bullet] your body will be coated with a wind force that deals an additional (5) dmg against an enemy.
Damn.
Angus wins, FATALITY.
RIP Slime...
Wait...can I deactivate the effects of Body Bullet? If I go outside, I'll obviously get shot out and just enter the floor below in an instance.
[[Yes, you may. Just as how the wolf describe, all you need to do is to think of not activating the skill effect of [Body Bullet].]]
Alright then...
I thought of deactivating the effects of Body Bullet and stuck my foot outside the ceiling. It didn't activate.
I guess I'm getting the hang of it. So this is how you use skills...
I was already fine with my combat performance. But as it turns out, my skills are highly effective.
Not long after, the slime's scattered slimes were turned into light fragments.
And then everything was sucked inside of my core.
[[You have gained 30 EXP.]]
[EXP: 75/200]
I've gained 75 EXP in this fight. I must've gained the 45 EXP from the Goblin from earlier.
This is all thanks to Big Boss's help. I guess his advice actually helped me out.
For activating my skills. I guess I need a broad set of imagination, and also a strong will for it to fully activate. If I strongly desire for it to activate, It will show it's results and give the effect that I want.
With this as a conclusion for today's problems. Imma head out and rest (I don't really need to) inside my room. I'm still processing the event that happened earlier when I got shot outside the ground.
Yeesh...what an active first day...
I'll definitely level up later or tomorrow!