It took me 8 minutes to get to the high school and park dads car. As luck would have it, I didn't get any more notifications, but I did get lost for a minute or two. I Sigh noticing that the parking lot is about half full, probably meaning that there's not a lot of people here right now. Grabbing the list and the satchel I put in the car yesterday. I glanced in the side view mirror to check how I looked. A little paler than normal and a little shaky. My dark blue short-sleeved shirt had a few new wrinkles in it. I glancing at my black slacks and tennis shoes. I have to wonder if It's because it's my first day in a new school or the world ending that has me so out of sorts. It's probably both so this is most likely normal. At least I hope its normal or I'm going to have a lot of problems after this week.
I letting out another sigh I open the car door and start walking through the parking lot to the school en. I really should have learned the school's name by now but the worlds ending so it probably won't matter. I thought with a shrug as I studied the building. It was like the person who designed it thought adding different squares together would look good. The building was just a large square with a part of the side facing me like a glass building that leads up almost to the roof. There was an overhang probably for shade I think it was the Jim. It connected to the rest of the school, but it was like a crate being put next to a rectangle lad on its side. The rectangular part of the school looked pretty normal a few windows with brick walls space between them. That part of the building leads to a nice looking square part of the school its overhang had more of a curve to it. The building was plain looking but that in itself was nice.
A few other people were walking towards the doors in the ‘plain’ part of the school, so I followed them. Some looked scared, others just nervous a few looked expectant or maybe excited. But hay it's just another day of high school in the apocalypse.
As I watch them, I had to wonder what would happen to them, to me, to everyone in the coming weeks. Shaking my head at the thought, I focused on what I could do now. Get inside, learn what other people have figured out, and figure out what the hell else this system has that I could use.
Taking a deep breath as got nearer to the door I passed two people talking in low voices. One a muscular guy with blond hair, green eyes and a nervus frown on his face. The guy was probably 5’11 maybe 6 feet a little taller than me anyways. He wore a plan sage green shirt and blue jeans. The image of a quarterback I sat next to back in was Washington flashed in my mind as I noted him. He was most likely in one sport or another, but I would put money on football.
The other person he's talked to was a girl with red hair, almost white skin with freckles and strangely she had blue eyes. Her face showed a borderline snarl on it as she spoke to him. Maybe a lovers spat or just a disagreement of some kind. She wore a red and black plaid shirt with the sleeves cut off and a white tank top under it. She also had on blue jeans, I expected them to be torn, but they weren't, old and worn yes but not torn. She had a pendant around her neck. I didn't think she was an overly strict religious person faithful yes but not to the letter.
As I passed them, I wondered why I was so sure what they were. Feeling a slight switch around my left eye, I checked notifications “ [Menu] [Notifications] “I've got another skill and a few other notifications to go with it.
Observation level 19/100
Observation has reached level 10 500 experience added to job of your choice
Your Observation skill has leveled up to level 20/100 at level 20 your observation of the people and animals in your surroundings gives more information about them
Observation has reached level 20 1000 experience added to job of your choice
Attention no current jobs unlocked experience will remain locked until a job is unlocked
Stopping at the door, I just blink a few times before I start laughing. A mangled sound almost hysterical. Images and memories of the last few years ago flashing in my head. Me sparring with the other people in my old martial arts classes. My dad's businesses parties and the hours of numbing boredom. The need to understand why I felt so empty and angry after my mom passed. Watching, learning, and questioning myself and everything around me. Just to know fucking why it all happened, why I felt the way I did, why the world and everything else seemed to end for dad and me. All of those years, all that time, all that desperate pointless work to see what was wrong and In the eyes of Dawns system I only had 19 levels in a skill to show for it.
It was funny in a way that made me want to stab Dawn with a goddamn claymore. Time plus tragedy equals comedy as they say. I have had enough time to make my peace with it all even if it hurts. Still, I couldn't really feel that much anger at it all. The system gave a level that equaled what my past experiences would be in regards to whatever the system viewed to be level 100 of a skill. I practiced the skill, so the system gave me what to it that practice meant level 19/100.
Now I had a skill that could likely help me get more information and possibly even an idea what it takes to get a job in regards to the system. It was funny in away just not one I really liked. As my laughter stopped, I looked around and noticed a few other looking at me. Some seemed apprehensive; others looked almost relieved like the mere fact someone else was reacting to this all strangely helped them calm down. The two people I had just walked passed looked surprised. The guy's expression turned sympathetic while the girl took a step closer and started talking.
“ Are you ok? ” she said sounding and looked genuinely concerned. I was a bit surprised she could be concerned about a complete and utter stranger. But maybe that was just the kind of person she was. “ Yes I mean I'm as ok as anyone can be with the world as we know it is coming to an end ” I responded “I just rediscovered another skill and started thinking about what it meant. You know about how work I put into it and what the system thought all my work was worth. It was funny in a sad kind of way “ I said with a faint chuckle.
She paused for a few moments from what I said before a dry laugh came out. “ ya, it is funny in a frustrating way I guess.“ she said shaking her head a little as she continued “ My names Rowanne Muirne and the big guy here is Brendon With, “ she said pointing to the guy I noticed first. “ What's your name, “ she asked me.
“ My names Alexander Vice it's nice to meet you, “ I said extending my hand, dad always said it was a good habit to shake hands with new people. I think he was talking about work more than making new friends. “ So you don't look too familiar, “ Brandon said grabbing my hand “ Ya you don’t “ Rowanne agreed as I shook her hand as well. “ I transferred here from Washington before the whole world ending god message came along. I was supposed to start today, but you know apocalypse “ I said with a shrug.
“ so why are you here then? “ Brandon asked with a look of curiously mixed with what I'm sure was hesitation maybe. “ I came here planning to gain more information on what's going on. The different system mechanics, what kind of jobs there were, what kind of requirements they have, and whatever else I can find really “. I explained, “ and I figured I’d start here before just asking random people and experimenting till something worked, or I got lucky.”
“ That's honestly not too bad of an idea what do you have so fair, “ Rowanne said as she stared at me with a wide, encouraging smile. I honestly wondered how many people fell for that, not just to her but in general. Pretty girl with a pretty smile its worked on me a fair number of times back in Washington. Here it felt different as if my thoughts were being pushed more than moving on their own it was very light, weak? It was weird kind of like I was being guided like I was. It hit me harder than an axe kick to the back of the head a few heartbeats later. “ you're using some kind of charm skill right now aren't you “ I asked. Despite what some people might think I wasn't mad about it more interested to see what it did or how it affected me. After all, it was an apocalypse it was just starting slow, and information was better to have than not to.
She looked surprised for a moment before shaking her head and speaking. “ how did you know I was using a skill “ she asked. “ Honestly I have to know idea what's your skills description, “ asked. I haven't really looked at all my skills in any detail yet. The explanation of ‘Observation’ explained more than I would have expected maybe. I should probably look into each of them later today. I had leveled up a few skills over the past hour, but that window was new. There was most likely an added reward at every ten or twenty levels Maybe more.
“ skill description? “ she asked looking surprised then frustrated and finally letting out a groan as her head falls into her hands. “ Descriptions, they have descriptions, of course, they have descriptions this is a video game now, so explanations are a thing “ she grumbled. I may have just explained something obvious that she just hadn't had thought of or was too distracted to do. The world had just bean forcible change in seconds like three hour ago after all. Though I wasn't any different, it hadn't occurred to me till I literally watched it happen.
I figured I should just start pushing the conversation forward. Maybe I could get something out of this. Maybe help a person survive longer if everything fell apart like I was expecting. Best to expect that everything will fall apart before you have a chance to do anything. Then to just expect things to work out. “ Yes,“ I began “ skills have descriptions, no that's not something I just knew of the top of my head. I was busy figuring other stuff out. The [Menu] is voice activated, and I haven't really had the time to explore everything it can do. Now, what have you figured out I'm trading information not just giving it “. I explained with a slowly spreading smirk. This was going to be fun, dad had taught me how to negotiate a deal, and they gave me a starting point I could use. Explain something they may already know or would figure out. Then go on to subjects they haven't thought of or haven't noticed. After that bate them about having more information and work from there. Not the best way to do it but still fun for me if nothing else. I could use that after my light breakdown.
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“ We have [Racial Bonuses] “ Brandon started before Rowanne could answer my question. She had a slightly vacant stare like she was spacing out. Probably reading descriptions, I really need to do that. “ I remember watching this documentary about people with above normal strength and speed. Some were exceptionally gifted in something like math or painting. So when everything started getting numbers and levels. I figured that any nature talents would be represented in some way. For whatever reason it responded to [Racial Bonuses] instead of something like talent list or natural skill “ Brandon said.
That was really new to me and not something I ever really thought of. So I decided to see what mine were if I had any. “ [Menu] [Racial Bonuses] “
Name Alexander Vice Race Human Racial bonuses 1/1 Natural Born Traveller
“ So Brandon do you know how I can get a description of my [Racial Bonuses] “ I asked. I really didn't want to start repeating random words but I would. Even if it made me sound completely fucking cracked.
“ Say [Racial Descriptions], and you get what it does. What do you have anyway? I have ‘Natural Born Tank’ “ Brandon explained with a slightly more focused expression. “ ‘Natural Born Traveller’ “ I responded as said not really listening “ [Racial Description] “
Natural Born Traveller Natural born traveler +5% to movement speed on all terrains and +5% to the effectiveness of all movement skills and spells Type passive
“ it gives +5% to movement speed on all terrains and +5% to the effectiveness of all movement skills and spells, “ I said. The boost was great it gave me a better shot at getting the hell away from something or someone wanting me dead. I looked back at my life as a hole I wondered how many races and sparring matches I won because of this bonus. Just being a little faster than someone else with my ‘states.’ It was odd, not bad or good just odd. I hard fought win happening just because I was naturally faster. It didn't bother me as much as it put things into perspective a little. I won on my own work and skill. This bonus was a part of me but also something that others don't have. I may never have an equal fight because of this ‘passive bonus.’ But there's no such thing as an equal fight, to begin with.
“ also spells and magic are a definite thing now “ I added. “ I don't know exactly how you go about doing it. I think you have to interact with an element to unlock an ‘Elemental Affinity.’ The only one I know of for a fact so far is the ‘Air Affinity.’ You get to it by saying [Menu] then [Affinity List] “.
Brandon looked surprised at this but before he could speak Rowanne started talking. “Brandon why didn't you tell me about the [Racial Bonuses] before “ she spoke. Her poster was aggressive, her voice demanding and she glared with her hands resting on her hips. I felt like I was a side character in a romance novel. About a football star and his female best friend. Who just so happens to be in love with him.
Ya gonna get away from this before a possible apocalyptic love confession happened. “ you were berating me for not talking to my parents yet. I didn't get a chance to tell you what I figured out “ he responded. Ya, this full-on romance novel was waiting to be loved by lonely people everywhere.” We were finishing practice before all this crap happen. Then when I find you-you start telling me, I should just tell my dad and mom I “.
I cut in at this point just to tell them I was leaving. Did not want to get caught up in all this. “ So good luck with your apocalypse and I hope you both survive,” I said as I rushed into the school before either of them said anything.
The inside of the school had a hallway leading to the what I suspect was a mix of the cafeteria and common room based on the noise. On my left was a classroom didn't know what it was for, but I did see a bunch of people talking in it next to it was an auditorium. On my right was a hallway leading to the huge building that I'm still sure was a Jim. After that was a case with art awards and art displayed. I didn't really look at them much except for a picture of a humanoid man with brown wings, white hair in a ponytail, an actual tail, and clothing in white, brown, and blue. Its name was Griffin by.
Someone bumped into me at that moment throwing off my train of thought. He was shorter than me by about 4ish inches with brown hair, brown eyes, and glasses. He wore a black hoodie and grey cargo pants. Not bad looking if a little plain-featured. My ‘Observation Skill’ kick in, and I got a small shock at what happened. With Rowanne and Brandon, I had a vague idea about them, and that was more guessing off of past experiences. This guy was way more detailed I got actual information on him. A Mage, an Enchanter, and a Tinkerer He was level 8. His jobs had a total level of 8. I had no idea what each job's level was or his states aside from a vague higher than mine feeling. He flinched slightly and spoke. “ Sorry I was lost in thought. Are you ok uh um “ he said? He wasn't fidgeting or scared just at a loss about what to do. Possibly just not good with new people or maybe just unused to talking with strangers. I know how that felt.
“I'm fine, more importantly, how did you get three ‘jobs’ “ I asked. From the look of shock on his face and the silence that followed. I guessed he had no idea how I knew this or was trying to find a way to deny it. Maybe my lack of tacked but hay, if I was already here, might as well see how he did it. “ Its mage, enchanter, and tinkerer right, “ I asked. He blinked then focused on me for a few minutes. Then said “ you don't have any jobs do you, “ he asked.” no I've got a few skills figured out as well as some of this system too but no idea how to get a job yet.“ He looked surprised again then confused “ so you have skills and no job. So you've discovered or learned a bunch of skills, and none of them unlocked a job “ he asked.
Skills equal jobs that's kind of a no-brainer really. But it looks like its a set of skills. Might as well ask about how he got them. “ so how did you unlock your jobs.“
“ I was in room 205 the art classroom working putting the final touches on my windup clock. Just some wire twisted together around it to look like vines and branches. When Dawn spoke, I was listening to the radio, and I figured it was just an ad for some self-help thing ”. I interrupted him for a moment their. “ what about the box that flashed in front of your face before he spoke “ I asked. “ I was Really focused on finishing my clock ok, “ he said with a sheepish look. “ it ended after that and I just kinda kept working on my clock. I was checking the gears when I started to get notifications like crazy ‘Metalworking level 5’ ‘Gadget level 6’ ‘Crafting level 14’ ‘Metal Crafting level 14’ Meditation level 20’. Then I got a notification saying requirements met job unlocked And Tinkerer popped up with an accept or decline button. Also a bunch of ‘experience reward’ notifications and a few ‘affinity discovered’ like ‘Metal’ ‘earth’ also a ‘Meditation’ one saying at ‘level 20’ I could feel my Health, Stamina, and Mana pool. Next, I asked if I want to add the experience. I ignored that one over the fact I could feel Mana flowing in me and well magic I could feel magic”.
He said with a true kind of wonder on his face and in his voice.“ After a few tries I started moving it around then I got a ‘Mana Manipulation’ skill. I could move it around, but I wanted to see it not just feel it. I kept trying to move the ‘Mana’ out of me, but something was missing till I thought to try adding one of my affinity to it. I had no idea how to do that, so I grabbed one of the pieces of wire and tried moving the magic into it. It felt like an eternity as the ‘Mana’ pooled in my hand then moved to the wire. The wire started to glow slightly, and I tried to move the ‘Mana’ in it. The ‘Mana’ moved, and the metal followed, and I got another list of notification ‘Spell Crafting level 1’ ‘Spell Crafted Metal Control 1%’ ‘Mana Infusion level 1’. Then I got two new job notifications ‘Mage’ and ’Enchanter.’ He said.
That didn't make much sense how did he get two jobs at the same time. “ how did you unlock them at the same time “ I asked. “ I didn't ‘Mage’ had requirements like ‘Mana Manipulation level 20’ 1 or more ‘Elemental Affinities’ 1 or more ‘Magic Spells 15% mastery’. Wile ‘Enchanter’ had ‘Mana Manipulation level 40’ ‘Mana Infusion level 25’ ‘Spell Crafting level 10’. They all had this parenthesis next to them with a (1), so I shouldn't have been able to get one let alone all three of them “. He said as I looked at him. That was a large amount of information, but at least someone else has been trying to figure this shit out. I also got a bunch of new skills to add to the list and an explanation of how to get a job. The part Dawn spoke of the all job requirements have been reset to level one made more sense now. So for the next week, we have a chance to be about anything we want as long as we have the skills for it. This guy didn't seem to know that part, but he did say he ignored the whole speech. I decided to fill him in on the apocalyptic hole game we were all playing now. As well as how to stop notifications, open the ‘Menu,’ get to the ‘Skill and Affinities lists,’ and ‘Racial Bonuses.’ “ My name is Alexander whats yours, “ asked him. “ Hallelujah and thanks for telling me about the notifications they were annoying.“ I said good, thanked him and kept walking down towards the common room wondering what else I could learn.
Jobs 0/6 Alexander Vice Human Health 100/100 +2.9/per hour Stamina 101/101 +3.1/per minute Mana 150/150 +2.8/per hour Strength 9
Intelligence 15
Perception 11
Wisdom 14
Constitution 10
Charisma 11 Agility 11
Luck 8
Skill List 10/? Meditation 14/100 Dual Wielding Mastery level 5/100 One-Handed Axe Mastery 4/100 Knife Mastery level 5/100 One-Handed Sword Mastery level 7/100 form one 99% Mastery Two-Handed Sword Mastery level 2/100 Writing level 48/100 Driving level 19/100 Observation level 20/100
Affinity list 1/? Air high
Name Alexander Vice Race Human Racial bonuses 1/1 Natural Born Traveller