I am just an amateur writer and this is my first fanfic.
I don’t have a proofreader, so if you point out any mistakes I will try to correct them.
You can always post in the “Suggestions, criticism, stats and skills” thread or just at the end of each chapter.
The storyline, characters, and other things are still in the drafting stages.
Please excuse for my grammatical errors if there’s any.
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“Hmm…?”
I abruptly opened my eyes when I heard something.
*Chirp* *Chirp* *Chirp*
Birds? Is it from outside? It’s rather noisy that it woke me up.
I rise my body up.
………?
Somehow I feel different.
My body feels heavy and fatigued. The head feels light and drowsy while my sight is a bit hazy.
After a few seconds that my sight cleared up and relaxed my body.
I looked around and observed.
Everything around me feels old age. It reminds me of the church, but older and I am in the middle of it.
Deciding that it a church, I looked where I am laid at.
“Wha-!?” (???)
An altar.
“Where the hell am I?” (???)
I recalled that I was asleep in my room at my own apartment. I still remember a bit about reports regarding strange events about the moon on the news which I was watching before I slept.
‘What happened after that?’
Something must have occur while I was asleep since the one that is greeting me is the old and dusty church.
‘Is someone playing tricks on me?’
After pondering about this, I noticed something on my upper left side view.
Lv. 1
Lex Kabuto
Race: Human
Class: ---
Title: ---
…!?
‘Are you kidding me?’
There are words fixed in my view and whenever I looked in different directions it remained in its position.
I tried grabbing it but it only passed through my hands.
“Eh?” (Lex)
Doing the same action again but also ended up the same result.
“What the hell?” (Lex)
I observed it more and remembered something. I’ve seen this before.
‘Ah!’
A HUD (Heads-up Display) in those RPG games that I’m playing with where there things like level up system, Skills, Quests, HP and MP.
But why do I have something like this?
I played a lot of games before but this is the first time I experience something so unreal.
If I am linked to a virtual reality then I can accept it.
But…… Virtual Reality still doesn’t exist in my generation!
Our technology maybe advanced, but it still do not exist due to its complexity and it’s not possible for a full body dive.
It is a technology humanity still cannot attained!
“Haaa~” (Lex)
I sighed and confused at the same time.
The situation right now suggest that I am like a game character. Did I really become one?
The sensations my body is experiencing are very real and my condition now is unexplainable.
Since I am an anime lover, I watch anime’s. I remembered something where the Main Character were trapped inside a game and trying to survive. I also read something about a character in the real world gaining an RPG like ability.
I don’t know why, but I can relate to those stories in my situation.
For now, I need to accept what happen to me and gather information concerning this occurrence and how I ended up here. I can’t dwell too much in the past.
*Kriii~*
The door on the side of the room opened and an old man in his late 40 appeared.
“Ah!” (Old man)
The old man was astonished to see me and slowly approached.
“Boy, what are you doing here?!” (Old man)
I got off the altar and faced the old man.
“Nothing, I think I doze off a little bit while staying here.” (Lex)
I had to come up an excuse or else I may suffer his wrath.
“Well it is okay for you to stay a bit, after all this is the Church of the Gods. However, let me remind you that disrespectful behavior is not tolerable inside the church.” (Old Man)
He was yapping and complaining. He thinks that I was being disrespectful to the church because he caught me sitting at the altar.
‘So this is really a church, huh?’
“Ah, Y-yes and I’m really sorry.” (Lex)
“It’s okay as long as you understand, I’m sure the benevolent Gods can forgive your actions.” (Old Man)
He said it while put his hand on his head making it like I gave him a little problem.
“By the way, what are doing in a place like that?” (Old man)
He’s quite curious.
“I don’t know.” (Lex)
“All I know is that i slept in my room and suddenly woke up in a place like this.” (Lex)
“Hoh, now that’s a strange story.” (Old man)
He bared a smile.
“Well whatever your story is, I’m sure there is a reason for you to be here.” (Old man)
He didn’t asked further.
“I-indeed” (Lex)
The old man seems considerate. I looked at his face and noticed something.
A small window opened at my middle-left part of my view.
Lv. 41
Aldred Halgen
Race: Human
Class: Priest
What just happened? Is this the old man’s status information?
“U-um, there something appeared at my vision, old man. Words like lv.41 and Aldred Halgen.” (Lex)
“Oh, you mean the divine text?” (Aldred)
“D-divine text?” (Lex)
“It’s not unusual to have one; it is the very system of this world after all.” (Aldred)
‘Huh? Did he say “the system of this world”?’
“S-system of this world?” (Lex)
“Oya?” (Aldred)
“Boy, it a common knowledge since the gods created this world. It was introduced to us by our ancestors as the structure made by the Gods, you should already know it.” (Old man)
“But it’s strange, how can you know my level and my name? It was supposedly shown only to the person itself.” (Aldred)
“…….” (Lex)
I was speechless. Did he just say “system of this world?”
There seems kind of a mistake. Are you telling me this is not the world I know of?
It should not be possible.
Well maybe in anime, things like traveling to another world are mainly known. But it’s not scientifically possible.
And the old man in front of me is telling me that this world where is an rpg-like system exists?
I became pale.
“Boy, are you alright?” (Aldred)
He seems worried while asking.
“Y-yeah.” (Lex)
“I just need some air.” (Lex)
I’m overwhelmed by those revelations and walked staggering reaching for the exit.
“Well if you say so.” (Aldred)
“Come back again if you want to ask something again.” (Aldred)
The old man still seems worried while seeing me off.
What I set outside, people are dressed in unfamiliar clothing. Some are armored and while others looks commoners. People are traveling in groups and weird animals used as mounts.
Whenever I look I manage to see their name and level.
“Hey look at that person, he’s weird.” (Female 1)
“Yeah you’re right, what’s with his clothes?” (Female 2)
“He’s not from around here, is he?” (Female 3)
“He looks pale, is he alright?” (Female 1)
“It’s best not associate with him, he may bring trouble.” (Female 3)
I can hear the gossiping of the girls nearby.
The people are avoiding me or afraid to look me at the eye.
I clenched my teeth.
Why am I in a different world?! What happened when I was asleep?
I walked looking left and right wondering that there may be something I can recognize, something that can explain the things on how I ended up here in this world.
I wandered aimlessly until i was already outside of the village since I don’t know what to do.
At that time, I heard a growl.
A figure emerged from the direction of the noise.
Since it’s a bit distant from me, I only manage to see a silhouette. I focused my eyes on it again and succeeded to get a clear view of the fox.
A dangerous situation! I carefully stepped back.
*Ding!*
I heard a small alert sound and a window appeared.
-You learned a New Skill: ⌈Search⌋
Search [Passive]
Skill lv: Beginner 1 [5/100]
-A skill that determines your detection range. Allows finding monsters and people in hiding.
Range: 20 meters
I gained a skill?! My physique really is like a game character.
After that, a small window appeared at my middle-left side as the same before.
Lv. 3
Grey Fox
Race: Beast [Monster]
Class: Common
It’s appears different from before, and it looks to be a monster from a game.
Monster in games are hostile NPC or creatures often used for grinding XP and dropping items. Some are aggressive, neutral or timid but the scariest one is the “aggressive”. It will attack if it spotted you.
Right now, one of them is looking at me.
The fox have red eyes, gray fur and long fangs.
“Grr----”
I took another step back and the grey fox dashed at my direction.
“Uwaaah--” (Lex)
That was an embarrassing voice I let out.
Lex almost slip, but still ran to the direction of the town gate with the grey fox behind.
“H-help me!” (Lex)
I screamed at the town guards.
They didn’t even move.
Lex didn’t have a choice but to throw myself past the guards and the gateway into the town grounds.
“Graa—.”
The grey fox leaped to attack.
“Hii---.” (Lex)
I’m frozen and can’t get up in my sitting position.
I closed my eyes and anticipated my end.
……?
Nothing happened.
When I opened my eyes the grey fox was already dead. My face has been sprayed by its blood.
“Eh?” (Lex)
I’m surprised.
The guards have their weapon unsheathed and blood’s dripping from them.
It took me a few seconds to recover from shock and assess the situation.
The guards took action and killed the wolf before it pounce me.
“Kid, are you alright?” (Guard 1)
“Y-yeah” (Lex)
“Don’t venture outside of town if can’t protect yourself.” (Guard 2)
He seems annoyed.
“S-sure” (Lex)
They returned to their post and assumed their position but I manage to glimpse at guard 2’s expression before they turn around.
He sneered.
Anger swirled inside me. That guard is mocking me.
I clenched my fist wanting to give him a punch but already give up on it. They only did their job. My safety is not their concern. I have no choice but to hit the dirt to appease my anger.
“Damn it!” (Lex)
There’s no one I can rely on here. I have to protect my own self.
I stood up and walk inward of town. I have to think a way for me to survive. To stay alive and discern how I ended up in a different world.
……
*Gruuu~*
My stomach grumbled loudly that the sound can be heard through the alley I’m residing. An alert sound came after that.
*ding!*
-Your Satiety bar is low.
-You gained a status effect: ⌈Hunger (moderate)⌋.
-Your HP regeneration rate will decrease by 60%.
-Maximum Stamina will decrease by 40%.
-Your movement speed will decrease by 40%.
“Hah, I gained a negative buff again.” I grumbled as I watch my HP bar.
I once experimented it and let the negative buff; “Hunger” turn into [Hunger (Extreme)]. It scared me that it started to slowly chip away my HP when I let it the satiety bar hit 0 and did not eat anything. I swore never to do that again.
In games when your HP hit 0, it means game over. You’re embracing death since this world do not have a save point and I only have a little understanding how the system in these world works.
‘What a half-baked system’
It’s been 3 days since I woke up in this world. I’m starving and only have a few copper coins to spare, not enough to buy a bread. In order to obtain these precious copper coins, I have to shamelessly ask for alms at people passing by. Fortunately, I manage to find an old well in the town to quench my thirst.
I discovered that you need both food and water to keep your satiety level replenished. When you only drink water, it will not keep the satiety level high but slightly slow down its decline. The same goes for the food.
‘Hah… It looks like I really have to set outside and find berries or nuts that I could find even though it’s dangerous outside.’
“Um, are you okay?” (????)
I heard someone’s voice. A young man is staring at me.
“Get lost! You don’t have to concern yourself with me.” (Lex)
I looked away from his eyes.
He sighed and approached me closer.
“Please don’t say that, from the looks of it you need help.” (Young Man)
He’s right.
I’ve been living struggling these past 3 days since I can’t expect help from the locals.
“Where are you from?” (Young Man)
“Don’t know, can’t remember.” (Lex)
“Where are your family?” (Young Man)
I didn’t answer.
“I see they are long gone.” (Young Man)
I let him assume that they are gone. I can’t tell him that they’re from another world.
“Why?” (Lex)
“Why? What do you mean?” (Young Man)
“Why are you trying to help me?” (Lex)
“Did it look like that to you?” (Young Man)
Veins just showed in my head. Is he trying to make me angry? If he is, it’s working.
“Are you trying to piss me off?” (Lex)
“Ahahaha…. I’m just joking, you don’t have to be angry at me.” (Young Man 1)
He slowly back away thinking that I may punch him.
“I guess the reason I’m trying helping you is that, I also once have the same situation as yours.” (Young Man)
!!!
Did he say the same thing as my situation? Is he also from the same world as me?
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“I struggled to survive without the help from the people after my parents died.” (Young Man)
He look down and appeared sad.
I thought he came from the same world as I am but I was wrong. He assumed that I was orphaned and left alone to survive on my own.
Maybe I can use this situation and learn more about this world to survive.
“Sorry, about getting too sentimental.” (Young Man)
“It’s okay, we have our own problems. (Lex)
“How about you come with me.” (Young Man)
“What is it for me?” (Lex)
“For you? Learn how to survive on your own.” (Young Man)
It was a tempting idea. I guess I’ll accept it.
“Now, how about we go somewhere we can talk properly.” (Young man)
He smiled and directed me where we will go.
“Hah… Alright” (Lex)
I stood up and followed him.
I looked at him while his back is facing me. An honest guy. Maybe I can trust him.
Lv. 9
Kail Raem
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
So Kail was his name. Lv. 9 huh? It’s quite low for his appearance.
We ended up in front of an Inn and entered a room.
3 men are waiting inside.
“You’re late Lark, were have you been?” (Man 1)
“I’m sorry, I just found someone who needs help.” (Kail)
“HA! There you go again, you and your sympathy.” (Man 2)
“Let it go Welk, it’s in his nature to do that.” (Man 3)
“So? Would you introduce us to him?” (Man 1)
“Ah! Everyone this is ---?” (Kail)
It was a short silence. No one speak up.
“What’s your name again?” (Kail)
He anxiously asked. Lark appears to be sweating. I guess it’s embarrassing to ask my name in front of his companions when it was him who is trying to help me.
“Gahahahaha… you’re trying to help him without even knowing his name!” (Man 2)
“Now, now, at least let the guy speak, it would be awkward for his benefactor.” (Man 3)
The guy looks like he’s trying to hold his laugh. The other one appears to be looking away and holding his stomach and giggling while the last one is heartily laughing out loud. Only Lark is dyed red from embarrassment.
I look dumbfounded by this atmosphere. Lark should ask my name in the first place.
“I’m Lex………… Lex Kabuto” (Lex)
“Hoh? What an unusual name.” (Man 3)
All of them subsided from their laughing.
“Indeed… where did you come from?” (Man 1)
………… I don’t know what to say.
These people are originally from this world and I’m from another world. They may not believe what I will say but I have to come up a believable story.
“I can’t recall where it is, all I can remember is it was just a small village when I left.” (Lex)
They saw me look down and grown gloomy.
“I-I see, well there are a few remote villages around this region, maybe your village is one of them.” (Man 3)
Then Lark told them that I was in a situation like him before. An orphaned person. While listening to Lark that he wanted to help me, my conscience seems to be hurt. I didn’t say anything after all I need some support.
“Well it’s okay for me, but I don’t know about the others.” (Man 3)
“Sure, maybe he can take the small jobs for our quest while learning from us to survive by himself.” (Man 2)
“That was quite of mean, please don’t tease him.” (Man 1)
“Yeah, he doesn’t take joke too well.” (Lark)
“What do you mean by that?” (Lex)
They giggled at my inquiry.
“I’m okay with him joining with us.” (Man 1)
“Thank you everyone, I’m glad you’re all my comrades.” (Lark)
The 3 of them gave him a thumbs up. They get along so well.
After that Lark told me the benefits on accompanying them on their quest. It will let me increase my strength, train my body to survive and earn money. This is the only way they can help me so I can be independent. Lark also said he has gone through the same. He joined the party because some of the quest are getting difficult for him.
“Since we already decided to help him let’s introduced ourselves first.” (Man 3)
“Alright I’m first, my name is Gris Deran.” (Man 1)
“I’m Welk Austa, Nice to meet you.” (Man 2)
“I am Hendrick Grahm, The oldest of them. Since you will be traveling with us, we can’t have you exposed to danger. Lark, why don’t you give him some of the left over equipment.” (Hendrick)
A small window appeared again. Gris was 26, an archer. Welk is 28, a warrior and Graham is 30 years old a swordsman.
Lark search through their big sack and handed me some armor and equipment. I quickly check each one of them.
Every time I check one of the equipment, a small windows appeared at my middle-left side.
Old Rough Leather Armor
Defense: 8
Durability: 14/15
Old Rough Leather Gloves
Defense: 3
Durability: 8/10
Old Rough Leather Boots
Defense: 2
Durability: 9/10
Old Rusted Short Sword
Damage: 2~4
Durability: 13/15
Old Wooden Buckler
Defense: 10
Durability: 17/20
Wow! What a lousy defense and damage. Even their durability has a small value which makes it easily wear down. I guess I can’t expect too much from these equipment but it’s better than none.
*ding!*
-You learned a new skill: ⌈Identify⌋
Identify [Active]
Skill lv: Beginner 1 [15/100]
A skill to identify Items and Equipment’s information and effects. Enables you to learn the true value of unidentified items. Can also be used on people or monsters to obtain their additional information. The higher the level, the greater the data obtained.
Mana Consumption: 10
A new skill! This could be handy. It also can be used to appraise items.
The problem for now is how to use it. There is nothing that I can press or click to activate it.
Maybe its voice activated?
Since there no other choice, might as well try it.
Looking at the armor while holding it, I whispered “Identify!”
Old Rough Leather ArmorTypeLeather ArmorDefense8Durability14/15Restriction---An armor made from rough leather. It aged for a long time so its Durability and Defense decreased from its original value.
Quality: Poor
Success! I tried identifying the other equipment’s that I checked.
Old Rough Leather GlovesTypeLeather GlovesDefense3Durability8/10Restriction---Gloves made from rough leather. Since it’s already old, it has loosen a bit.
Quality: Poor
Old Rough Leather BootsTypeLeather BootsDefense2Durability9/10Restriction---Boots made from rough leather. It aged for a long time and its tone has been faded.
Quality: Poor
Old Rusted Short SwordType1H SwordDamage2~4Durability13/15Restriction---A sword that aged from a very long time. Rust shows on the blade due to its lack of maintenance. It does not have a decent damage.
Quality: Poor
Old Wooden BucklerTypeShieldDefense10Durability17/20Restriction---A small wooden shield to fend off attacks. It’s already old and have a musty odor due to being made of wood.
Quality: Poor
After identifying, I equipped all of them. Doing that action gives me an uplifting pleasure.
After all, who would thought that I would become like a game character that can used skill and equip items.
Kail gave me a bag and said it will be fill up by loots we will acquire later.
“Lex, you have such an unusual clothing? It’s my first time seeing one, where did you get it?” (Gris)
“It’s bothering me too, where did you get it?” (Kail)
Now that I think about it, it’s the same clothes when I slept. A white shirt and black pants.
Good thing that I’m not wearing shorts but a part of my work uniform or else it would be embarrassing.
I’m also barefooted before. Well you can’t expect me to wear a shoes when sleeping. Good thing that lark gave me some leather boots. My barefoot is already aching from walking around after waking up in this world.
“U-um, this is made by my mother when she was alive. She loves making different kinds of clothing.” (Lex)
“That looks comfortable. I’m jealous, I want one.” (Welk)
He was eyeing my clothes with envy.
“If you want a clothing as comfortable as that, then you should learn some tailoring skills” (Hendrick)
“Nah, I’m good. That would be tiring and troublesome. I’d rather stick to my own.” (Welk)
“That only means you’re lazy.” (Gris)
“Ah, I’m not lazy!” (Welk)
“Say’s the guy who always take a break during a hunt.” (Kail)
He has a smug on his face while stating a fact. The lively conversation continued until their preparations for the quest is finished.
*Gruu~*
My stomach growled again.
That was embarrassing. I slowly checked their reaction.
They gave a wry smile.
‘Come to think of it, we still haven’t eaten anything yet” (Gris)
“Then shall we go down first and eat something?” (Kail)
“Let’s go everyone! You too lex.” (Hendrick)
“Thank you hendrick-san.” (Lex)
“Don’t worry about it.” (Hendrick)
He give a decent smile. But somehow I feel there is something disturbing behind that smile.
We didn’t have to go eat outside since the inn has a bar.
The server guided us to a table that can accommodate 6 person.
“An order of your standard meal set for five people, please.” (Hendrick)
“That will be 50 copper coins.” (Server girl)
Hendrick handed 1 silver coin and the server gave back the difference.
“Thank you, your order will be here shortly.” (Server girl)
I looked around absentmindedly while waiting for our meal to be served.
I heard some people are talking about something concerning the east grey forest.
“Did you hear about a rumor about the east grey forest?” (Male 1)
“No. why?” (Male 2)
“Some adventurers say that there is a boss class monster deep in that forest.” (Male 1)
“Really? Maybe it’s just a sham.” (Male 3)
“No it’s real. They say that they have seen its silhouette and it’s much bigger than an ordinary wolf. They also said it likes treasure since some of adventurers that went to pursue it founded dead without their valuables.” (Male 1)
“If only I am much stronger I would already killed it and ransacked its treasures.” (Male 2)
“Stop your delusion… you barely able to kill a wolf and yet you want to hunt a boss wolf, you’ll ended up as wolf’s meal.” (Male 1)
“Ahahaha!” (Male 1 & 3)
“Did the rumors reached the king already?” (Male 3)
“Don’t know, if it is, shouldn’t there already be soldiers marching to subjugate it?” (Male 1)
“Indeed, after all the safety of the people is their concern.” (Man 2)
Looks like I heard something ominous. I hope we don’t encounter such danger.
The server arrived with our meals.
“Enjoy your meal.” (Server girl)
She smiled while placing our meal on the table.
After eating, my satiety level have replenished. It’s been a while since I manage to eat a decent meal.
“Then let’s pack up and head to the out!” (Welk)
Welk seems eager for their quest.
“Yeah!” (All of us except Welk and Hendrick)
We walked east of the village and ended up in a forest.
Wait… Isn’t this the east grey forest located at the east of the village?
“H-hendrick san wait! Isn’t it dangerous now to go to this side of the forest?” (Lex)
“Oh? Is it about the rumor concerning this east grey forest?” (Hendrick)
“Yes!” (Lex)
“Please do not be alarmed. We have been gone in and out of this forest yet there is no such thing as a huge wolf. It only a rubbish of the other adventurers to for them to monopolize the hunting grounds.” (Gris)
“Hah…Alright, I get it.” (Lex)
Lex hesitated but still followed them.
“Don’t worry I’ve been with them these past 3 months and we’ve going in and out of the forest but there really is no huge wolf.” (Kail)
Kail said it me confidently. He really trust his companions.
It manage to put me at ease. But I still cannot let my guard down after all the forest have monsters swarming around.
That time I have no idea of the danger awaits us.
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