This tower... runs on luck. And for some pathetic reason, I am deprived of even an ounce of it.
"Bro, I'm so unlucky!"
While I was laying on the floor, like a caterpillar with a broken cocoon, I overheard a conversation that makes me want to cry.
Cry? I think that's an overstatement, but you get the gist. As I have said, I have run out of tears left to cry. All the despair back on earth had made almost everyone numb.
And, for some cliche, yet absolute reason. The alias that identifies an individual can be shown above their heads. Pretty much like a game. And whoever this sadistic game master is, I'd hope they show remorse. On second thought, why would a god-like tyrant feel guilt? Ugh- I feel so small, like a single enzyme on a pig's stomach.
"Why? What did you get on your roll?" [Clover Lvl. 1 (12)]
"10, I think I got the lowest one so far." [Sesame Lvl. 1 (10)]
Their conversation made me think, I wish that I had 10- at least I'd never get to suffer the situation I am in. With a bad starting stat and a worse passive, I think I might survive only a day or two if I try to be a ranker. Additionally, I might never be able to climb Babel in the situation I am in, this pitiful situation, a pitiful me.
"Really? I'm not that far off though, I'm at 12."
"I can literally see 12 above your head, no need to brag..."
In the midst of their conversation, the envy deep within my body was fully suppressed. Despite the despair I felt, I managed to keep my cool. Rather than bitching about how pathetic my life is (even after the apocalypse), I prefer to stay here in Babel as a low-profile individual. In that way, nobody can shit over me.
On the same note, can I hide my information from being shown?
"Set information to private." I tried saying some random words hoping they would actually do something.
[Potato Lvl. 1 (Special Roller)] -> [Potato Lvl. ? (**)]
This would suffice, It's better to stay anonymous. Knowing my stats, if I ever find myself getting heated by some strong rollers, I'm guaranteed to die.
[Note: Those with appraise-type abilities have a chance to reveal your information]
That's pretty much obvious, however, it's good to know. When can I actually have that OP skill like people on manhwas have?
The ground tasted like stone (from personal experience, it's similar to chalk but a little more complicated). I just remained on the ground like a fool... a fool.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
"Move, low rollers!", another alien voice came rushing and pushed the two communicating individuals down. [Freeon Lvl. 3 (63)]
An individual that rolled 63?!
"Hey, what the fu-", the bubbleheads tried intercepting the high-roller's approach, yet were instantly marginalized.
[Bloodthirst Detected]
Bloodthirst?! To be able to acquire such a dangerous passive ability- he must be one heck of a monster! It felt like my heart was gonna get torn into pieces!
I just stayed low down on the ground, I even covered my face with my hands to avoid eye contact with the 63 roller. It hasn't been a day, let alone an hour, yet the fact that a hierarchical system has already been formulated means bad news.
As one of the two tried to oppose the hostile entity, they were pushed back with a single sweep.
I am scared to die, thus, with primal instinct, I played dead. The brute, however, did not buy it. As the tension rose, the entire situation became apparent, his strong aura was getting stronger as I was being a chicken. He was walking towards me.
Just as I thought I was getting to get beat up, he gently kicked my back, not enough to get hurt, rather than just to wake me up from my obviously fake death style of form.
[Skill obtained: Pseudocide (Lvl. 1- Active)
Can act dead as long as you want.
Effect: Hunger rate, thirst rate, drowsiness, and pain sensitivity drops by 50%, Heartbeat slows by 20%, +20 Defense will be added as long as the skill is active
Mana consumption: 100/hour
Cooldown: None]
What a handy skill, but at the same time, what the fuck? Is playing dead that impressive, at this time, how did it manifest knowing my luck stat is literally below the charts, also does that mean acquiring skills can actually be that easy?
Also, look at the fucking mana consumption rate. That is something I cannot do casually... that would consume at least most of the capacity I had, and there's not a lot.
"Mister, can you teach me something?"
The brute politely asked my fragile face. In shame, and as somebody who was taught proper etiquette, I slowly stood up and knelt on my knees, enough to show submission and avoid problems at all costs. Wait a minute... why would someone as high as him communicate with a nobody?
"What is it, sir?", I replied.
"How do you have ??? stats?" he asked.
"Oh..", I scratched the back of my head, "Ask the system to private your information."
"How?", he stared at me dead in the eyes. He was actually genuinely curious. I guess luck doesn't equate with common sense...
"Ju-just say to private it.", I stuttered. "'Set information to private' is what I said."
The brute tilted his head and just did what I said, "Set information to private"
And so it did, [Freeon Lvl. 3 (63)] -> [Freeon Lvl. ? (**)]
"Uhm, that's all it is."
He chuckled and chuckled and chuckled and chuckled...
"I sense great potential within you despite your feeble body.", he smiled and he touched my cheeks like the main character in a telenovela, "Also, thank you for teaching me..."
[A roller has shown gratitude; -1 Luck, +1 Wisdom]
Wow, what a great system this is... I have no choice other than to show enthusiasm through sarcasm...
"Well then, I shall go."
The brute announces his farewells, turned around, and continues to disappear into the mass. For a high roller to acknowledge me, the crowd released a shocking diaspora of respect towards me, it was new. The idea of being low-profile was smashed into pieces because of a weird happening.
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However, as I was about to stand, a sudden breeze made my legs go out of control, making my whole body fall once more. I hate being unlucky. Like a mandatory snack, I have once again licked the unsanitary grounds of Babel- fuck this.
The stares of people who were about to chuckle as they saw my pathetic stance was embarrassing. From being complimented by a high roller to being a fool who cannot stand, what a turnoff.
I just waved away the stares they gave me. It's better to act like a laughingstock than to be targeted by everyone.
Despite accommodating thousands of human survivors, another batch of species came about at a separate entrance. They were shorter than that of an ordinary man, their body was thick, and had a darker tone than mine- their skin can be compared to the shades burnt clay pots have.
[Dwarves (Homo conficiens) from the world "Agartha" has arrived]
[Universal language shall be applied in order to ensure smooth conversation among lifeforms]
It also turns out that Babel and its administrators not only habitat human survivors but other sentient survivors on other planets as well. However, for some reason, in a similar stance, Dwarves were seen as mythological- I did not expect them to be real, in fact, I refuse to believe everything is... which is real, whether I like it or not.
[Elves (Homo valens) from the world "Kepler" has arrived]
The area in which thousands of humanoids have stayed has started to become overpopulated. In all of my might, I rejected the will to stand, the silhouette of thousands is just above me- I will probably be merely collateral damage whenever a problem arises.
[Habitat loading...]
Huh? Another screen popped out while I sat on the floor like a psycho- a crazy human.
[Babel Floor 0 is a floor of living, this wide area consists of six major locations]
What? What does the system mean?
Caught off guard, a 6-sided dice fell unto my hands. It was made out of silver with its symbols carved neatly, each corner is perfectly sanded. Whoever "G" or the craftsmen who work for "G" is, they are the best with such detailed items and mass producing them among all rollers.
I was not the only one who received them, everyone who stood tall while I sat on the dirty floors was also intrigued the moment a dice magically appeared in their hands. Common sense and logic no longer apply at this moment- people just accept to survive.
[You have received: Habitat Determiner Dice]
I wonder.
[Please roll the dice, so we can lodge you into a settlement]
Knowing my luck, I'd probably get a shitty one. However, it was a good option, I can probably exit this crowded place- I'm losing oxygen.
A couple of people in front of me rolled the dice they received. In just seconds, they poofed into nothingness instantly, how amusing. The idea of the impossible happening in front of my eyes just seemed like a dream... in my case rather, an unlucky crap, a nightmare.
I glanced at the dice right on my arm and rolled it across the floor.
[Legend:
1 = Paradise
2 = Urban Lands
3 = Rural Area
4 = Forest
5 = Wastelands
6 = "Cyclone"]
Cyclone? Is there a place worse than wastelands? This so-called "cyclone" still sends shivers down my spine. I have lost the feeling of hope, I pretty much know where I'm going to end.
Tik.. tak... tok..
The dice rolled faster than the rate at which my sweat drops from my scalp.
[You have rolled 6]
For fuck's sake-
I mean, I pretty much knew it but knowing that you'll feel the pain and then expecting it to hurt is much more painful than feeling the pain without any awareness. Get me?
In a heartbeat, my vision blurred out in a smooth transition into another area. I was far off from my current location. The empirical transition from warm to cold real quick gives me goosebumps, not because I like it, but rather because my instinct senses the change in the overall atmosphere.
Fuck- my weapon.
The blunt mace that I once grabbed before fell from my hands the moment I got teleported. I am now standing on hostile soil, unarmed. I don't like this... I feel like I'm playing a pawn in a bet played by the gods.
Amazing luck, right?
Anywhoo, I should just experience this shitty situation and accept all the crap. If I die, I'll die. What's the problem?
The soft breeze I once knew became very violent, the skies were grumpy. Not an inch of rain dropped yet the thunder is as loud as a divine fart. Other than me, there were only at least 25 people with me in this location, some were elves and humans, but, mostly dwarves.
The ground was very dry, and the air was very humid. A perfect situation for acne to grow. As I was standing here unarmed and plain, a being made himself known.
"Good day, I am Kronos!" [Kronos (Dwarf) Lvl. 1 (54)]
A dwarf half the size of myself bowed and introduced himself. He wore a leather coat that reached the ground, ragged shoes, and wore some iron nose piercings. He was chubby, however, it does not equate to cute- I guess dwarven beauty standards are different.
Judging from the number he has rolled, it's quite high. He's not someone to get messed with. If I ever begin to befriend him, it'd be a nice way to grant myself protection.
"Hi, I'm Potato", I offered him a handshake to which he reciprocated.
His hands were very rough, layers after layers of skin are unique traits dwarves possess, I didn't expect it to be this thick. In a single punch, he could easily bruise my elbow.
As I was giving him some head-to-toe stares, multiple people started to arrive. They were strangers.
"I didn't expect to be here", he chuckled, "It seems like there are only 30+ people in sight, I thought there'd be more."
"I think they're just transported to a different location, farther from us, however, same climate and condition."
Wait- how do I quickly think of a perfect response? Could it be? My wisdom stat?
"What a wise man...", he smiled, "I give you that. The way you notice is something only geniuses can analyze"
[You have been complimented by a roller; -1 Luck +1 Wisdom]
Oh, that'd come in handy just because of the wisdom stat, the luck one is a fucking abomination.
[The lodging period has ended]
[Those who have not rolled their dice are subjected to eternal torment]
E- et- eternal torment?! Such a harsh penalty! At least I'm smart enough to roll, sheesh!
[You and 39 others are in Cyclone Area C, please nominate a chief]
It seems like, among 40 people, including me, we must choose a leader for this thing to work.
"Guys, we need to pick a leader, or else, we might end up with a penalty", an elf in his 40's (In human terms, they could live for hundreds of years), roll-called with each other. [Maria (Elf) Lvl. 2 (49)]
The 40 of us walked together in a circle as the thundering sky roared. Of course, with great caution, I managed to walk without tripping. (It was a hard task, the fact that I'd be this pitiful- I want to cry)
"I agree!", another human replied. [Ronald (Human) Lvl. 1 (60)]
"We must choose one that has at least 40 above roll score" [Damp (Elf) Lvl. 1 (32)]
"Roll score?" [Yod (Human) Lvl. 1 (23)]
"The number you rolled on your first dice" [Damp (Elf) Lvl. 1 (32)]
"Oh.." [Yod (Human) Lvl. 1 (23)]
"If that's the case..!", a female dwarf with a full set of metal armor and a claymore yelled screeched like an eagle, "I nominate that guy!", she pointed at Ronald, "or that guy!", she then pointed at Kronos. "Also, exclude me, I'm a brute, a dumb one" [Terry (Dwarf) Lvl. 2 (55)]
At least she seemed honest...
"I also want to nominate you.", a man pointed at me, "I have a skill called {REVEAL}, and you are a special roller." [Grand (Elf) Lvl. 2 (55)]
"Oh...", the people looked at me with smiles on their faces.
Please no.
"You must be one rare person then"
"I like you."
"You seem nice."
People began complimenting me due to my roller status. How can I explain to them that I'm just one unlucky bastard with a fucking special case that would worsen my survival experience?
[Multiple people are complimenting you; -29 Luck +29 Wisdom]
"Please, not me."
Fortunately, they listened to my plead. Though the debate lasted for a few seconds...
...... The final contenders for being the chief were Ronald and Kronos, who agreed to take part in the election.
..... With Maria being the one holding the ballots, the election started swiftly.
..... "I vote for" "I choose" "My vote will be for"
The votation ended with a smile on our faces. We knew either one of them would be a great leader.
[You have selected Ronald (Human) as chief]
[Since you all have selected a chief, the system will provide a mystery egg, which will determine your job and the sub-class that accompanies it]
Similar to the situation with the dice that decided our location, two smooth eggs magically appeared on each of our hands.
"Should we just crack it?"
"Maybe?", Kronos cracked his egg, "Oh, I got Craftsman!", he then cracked his other egg "I got builder!"
"I got mage, necromancer!" [Maria (Elf) Lvl. 2 (49)]
"I got warrior, the sub is a tormentor." [Ronald (Human) Lvl. 1 (60)]
Eek- scary... I would never, for a heartbeat would want to mess with that guy.
I look at my eggs and hoped for a good one. The eggs were too fragile that they cracked the moment I tried to exert even the smallest of force.
[You have acquired the job: support]
Hey not bad, support! What do I get? Healing powers?
I cracked another egg.
[The sub-class has been decided: Waterboy]
...
..
.
Oh, come the fuck on.
A waterboy.
Seriously?
[Due to the labels, you have acquired a job-specific skill.]
I have lost hope.
[You have acquired: Water Is The Foundation Of Life LOL]
what's with the "LOL"?! IS THE SYSTEM MAKING FUN OF ME?!
"Chemk skillmmh.", in low spirits, I just mumbled
[Water Is The Foundation Of Life LOL (Active)
Provide water as long as you have enough materials.
Effect: Using anything that weighs 1kg, you can alchemically disassemble its chemical structure and turn it into a 1L water with an accompanying disposable biodegradable bottle #ecofriendly
The water is alkaline and is fresh.
Mana consumption: 2
Cooldown: 10 seconds]
I am fucking done with everything.
"Why is he in low spirits?", a kid pointed at me [NRG (Human) Lvl. 1 (20)- Warrior, Fighter]
"Maybe he had a bad job, little one." [Bittersweet (Elf) Lvl. 2 (31)- Priest, Healing Monk]
please just shut up.
"Activate pseudocide"
"Now why is he sleeping?" [NRG (Human) Lvl. 1 (20)- Warrior, Fighter]
[Mana is too low to activate pseudocide]
fuck this shit.