Chapter 2

When I awoke I realized there was a breathing apparatus covering my mouth and nose much like the mask I used when I trained. I was also naked and in chains in a large cylindrical glass container. I struggled but the chains held firm. I looked around to see if there was a way of escape but there was none.

“Captain Washington”, a voice said

I looked up through the glass and saw a man in a lab coat.

“Who are you and what do you want?”, I growled.

“My name is of no importance but what I have to say may offer you a chance to leave this place and gain your freedom. Are you a fan of games?”

“No, I was a soldier! A warrior! I don’t play games! Tell me what you want and stop speaking in riddles!”

“My what a temper you have captain. Well I will make this as simple as possible. Suspended animation does keep your body alive but what you don’t know is that you mind is placed in a virtual reality. There you mind is imprisoned in a world full of danger.”

“What the hell are you talking about?!”

“Your mind is thrust into a world of violence and death a post-apocalyptic world of sorts where you must survive and humans are not the top of the food chain. If you manage to clear certain parameters you will be given you freedom.”

“What’s the catch? I know you don’t give something for nothing.”

“Well its very simple, we allow a select few high paying clients to watch the show and we make money off of them placing bets to see if you will die. Oh and if you die in that world you will die here.”

“So if I survive you will let me free?”

“Yes but just to be clear, I created this program 20 years ago and no one has managed to clear it. There have been over 5 million inmates imprisoned. The death rate is 90%.”

“Hmm.. so 10% have survived. Not bad for because I’ve always been in the top 1%. I will take on your nightmare world and return to my life.”

“That is the spirit Mr. Washington. Best of luck to you. You may feel some discomfort now.”, said the man.

The tank began to fill with a thick yellowish viscous liquid. It quickly reached my waist and I felt my legs go numb. As the height of the liquid inched up my body, I lost feeling all over. It felt like I was paralyzed. Once it reached above my head my vision became fuzzy and I lost consciousness.

After some time I awoke. I blinked my eyes several times before they began to focus. I looked around a found that I was in a small room on a bed that was just big enough for my body. I stood up and realized that I only had on a pair of underwear and much to my chagrin it was really cold.  About 2 meters from me I saw a small table with piece of paper wrapped up with a ribbon. I walked over the cold ground and picked it up.

Welcome to the new Age Prison called Eternia. Here you are the lowest and weakest form of life a human. You will be hunted by any and everything because you are nothing more than food or entertainment. There are some things you need to know. If you say or think the word [status] you will be given your own personal status information. Knowing about yourself and your capabilities will help you survive in this world.

“Status”

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A blue screen appeared in front of him.

Please select a name for yourself here

Hmmm… a name? It needs to be something powerful. I got it! I’ll call myself Achilles like the warrior from Greek history.

Name accepted

Name Achilles Level      1 Class None   Physique   3 Mental Ability          2 Physical Coordination   3 Reaction  2 Speed 2 AP 0 Abilities None SP   0 Skills None

I touched the stats one by one and they opened up a new screen that he could look at more information.

Physique: The level of physical fitness of a person. A normal human being is rated a 1. Each level increases the body and physique of the individual allowing them to produce greater amounts of strength and power as well as being resistant to damage.

Mental ability: This refers to the abilities of the mind including reasoning, memory, as well as some other skills related to mental faculties. It also controls the person’s ability to defend against mental attacks.

Physical coordination: Refers to the user’s ability to control his/her own body. The higher the level the more control one has over their body. It also effects the ability to use weapons.

Reaction: The level of the user’s ability to perceive stimulus. The higher this stat the faster one can dodge attacks or attack an opponent. This also plays into the ability to use ranged weapons.

Speed: This is the ability of the user to move. The higher the stat the faster a person can move their body.

Hmm… this all seems pretty straight forward and I guess my martial arts background and level of physical fitness have affected this body giving me a higher level than a normal person. Well that is definitely a bonus. Now what is Sp and AP?

I touched the AP and SP then two more screens jumped out with explanations.

AP: Ability points. These are used to purchase abilities that will help the user survive. Some abilities include increased strength, stamina, speed, as well as ki, or mana. You will receive 1 ability point after your first kill. Then you will have to find ways to acquire them on your own.

SP: Skill points. These are used to purchase or upgrade skills. Skill come in 2 forms active and passive. Active has to be used on demand and will require some form of energy including stamina, ki, or mana to activate. Passive skills will continuously work without using any energy. You will receive 1 skill point after your first kill. Then you will have to find ways to acquire them on your own.

So now I have a good idea of the stats and my status screen. Now I have to find fire wood and make a fire to get warm before I freeze to death out here.

I touched the screens and they closed one by one. I opened the door to the next room and walked in. There was a simple fireplace with nothing in it accept some ashes of something that had previously burned. I looked around and there was also a table with a chair. The place was obviously just a shelter to keep one safe from the elements.

Alright survival training 101 is to find shelter, food, and water. I’ve got shelter so now I need to find food and water.