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Step 3.5

NOT A Poll, But A Question For The Readers Nonetheless

==

Josh Hammott was practicing his new magic Spells in the training facility. He was trying his hardest to master his abilities, but while in this space, he could not level up himself or his Skills.

But he still used his magic to further his understanding of his own aptitude. The [Grow Fast] Spell was obvious, as a flower growing near his feet went from several inches tall, to several feet tall in five short seconds! This Spell did not require as much MP as attack magic, but the usage of the Spell had enemies either entangled in vines and thorns, or running from massive man-eating plants.

Josh just had to be wary of his location. If there were no plants around, what would grow?

He also used his [Red Wave] Spell, and was surprised at the possibilities it had.

On an enemy, the [Red Wave] would [Enrage] them, inflicting a Status Ailment. Josh assumed mastering the Spell would grant other side effects while the other Spells would have similar effects.

Using [Red Wave] on himself, however, he got faster and stronger. It was like he was filled with power!

The Josh of now could run laps around the Josh of old!

Although, that is excluding the Beast Form.

And even though he was practicing in his female body, he still referred to himself as ‘he’. He just couldn’t fix it.

At that point, Death walked in.

Josh took this moment to use [Sharp Sight].

==

General Information:

--

Name: Death

Level: 1

Age: Old

Gender: Unknown

Race: Undead Lich (?)

Job: [Grim Reaper]

HP: 70

SP: 50

MP: 70

Stats:

--

STR: 7

END: 5

INT: 7

HIT: 5

AGI: 5

PER: 5

LCK: 3

CHR: 8

Skills:

--

[Reap Soul] [LV: MAX]: Instantly steals the soul of the target and sends them to the Underworld. Target is killed.

[Teleportation] [LV: MAX]: Allows the user to move to any location they have ever been in an instant. Puts a mental strain on the user.

[Intimidation] [LV: MAX]: Toggle Skill that instills [Fear] onto the enemies in range. While in use costs 1 SP per second.

[Scythe Mastery] [LV: MAX]: Control over the Scythe weapon in and out of combat.

[Solemn Stare] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill where anyone who stares at the user’s eyes will feel at peace or will reflect on the past. Temporarily incapacitates the target.

Spells:

--

Titles/Achievements/Blessings

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{Dog Food}: Children and animals are actually calmed by your presence + 5 CHR

(Death’s Blessing): Dauthodos appreciates your dealings with life, or lack thereof. Offering her sacrifices or fighting in her name grants you temporary increase in all Stats + 15

==

“What, thought I would be super powerful, or something?”

“Yeah, kind of.”

“This system only works in the new world. Here, we are both just level 1 nobodies.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Enough about that nonsense, the green dial is now working.”

“Hmm? You mean on H©wl’s door?”

“Yep. What other colored dial is there?”

“The oven has one.”

“Hush.”

Walking over to the door, the green dial, which used to be a dark color, like a character yet to be unlocked, was now a bright green.

Upon walking into the room, Josh noticed a gigantic circular table in the middle of a wide open space. Well, instead of a space, it was more like a huge room.

Though there were no decorations, the room had a magnificent feeling. The table itself looked like it could withstand a good ol’ Kam©hameha. But that was just a feeling Josh had.

Surrounding the table were 6 chairs, made out of the same stuff as the table.

Three of the chairs were filled already.

These three people were placed every other seat, not sitting next to one another.

In one chair, there was a massive lizard looking man with what looked like bat wings on his back and scales on his head shaped like horns. He was obviously a guy because he seemed to have a beard. He was dressed like a noble as well.

His outfit was a strange mixture of ballroom attire with military clothes with casual wear. His scales and skin were a dark forest green color, while his outfit was a sandy yellow. A strange combination of lush green and dry yellow made his red book and brown book strap stand out.

The being to his left was a slightly shorter humanoid rock man with pulsating red veins covering his body like tattoos. His face looked like he was asleep, but he turned and nodded as the two walked in. Next to him on the floor was a suitcase. His clothes resembled a man at work, a uniform. What kind, Josh did not know.

If he had to guess, it was like an electrician’s outfit mixed with a scientist. He was wearing what looked like a long over coat with a lot of pockets while the clothing underneath the coat was durable and long lasting. Rather, it was coarse clothing focused on necessity instead of appearance.

The rock man was a muddy dark brown, almost black. This rock man may have been made of stone, but he resembled a human being. The red veins seemed to wind around his body like actual blood veins, and his garments were a faded blue. All of it looked like old blue denim jeans.

Death took the seat in between the lizard man and rock man so Josh decided to sit next to the rock man and the other person.

The other person was a young boy about ten or so years old. He had a vibrant red head of hair and was wearing headphones and bobbing his head up and down. He was wearing a strange white robe that had peculiar runic symbols on it.

The young boy kept staring at Josh as if he was strange. Partly the reason Josh did not sit next to the lizard man was because the man in question was glaring at him. So he decided to sit next to the one not angry at him.

After sitting down, Josh heard a strange yip sound and looked over to the empty chair.

Two long fuzzy ears were popping out from under the table! The seat wasn’t empty, no, the occupant of the chair was just too small to see normally!

A strange looking raccoon ferret fox thing jumped across the table and stopped in front of Josh.

The creature looked deeply at Josh’s face, then proceeded to jump onto his shoulder, up his neck, and lay over his horn.

Hmm? His horn?

He was forced into his Moonlight form! He tried, but he couldn’t change to his male form!

“No use trying, Joshie. Or should I say, Josie? Hahahahhhh…never mind…it’s not funny anymore…”

The lizard man had a very hideous sneer across his face, quickly followed by slight disappointment.

The young boy however, jumped and stared incredulously at Josh.

“Hmm? What a peculiar name.”

The lizard man responded,

“Hehe, it’s Josh’s nickname I gave him.”

“What? Josh? HIM?! WHAT?!”

The look in the boy’s eyes were full of confusion, and Josh thought he saw some fear mixed in, too.

Seeing this, the lizard man had a happy face, as if delighted in someone else’s misery, and laughed.

“Hahaha, yep. Josh there, is a true blue boy on the inside.”

Josh was more surprised at how the lizard man knew his name.

“How-­”

“HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?!”

The young boy interjected loudly, more surprised than he ought to be.

“I get the feeling you're a girl, and you look like one. No…You definitely are a girl! My senses do not lie to me!”

The rock man slowly nodded to himself, as if agreeing to the boy’s words. He stopped mid nod and quietly started to appear to withdraw into his chair to become less obvious.

“Yes, I am a girl now, but I was a boy previously. I still think of myself as a guy, too. By the way, how do you know my name?”

Not giving the weird boy anymore thought, Josh turned to the lizard man.

The lizard man started chuckling, as if he was privy to an inside joke that no one knew, but it was the best one ever.

“That’s cuz it’s me, Evil!”

“Huh? Evil Ginger?”

“Wait, what? Who?

The young boy, who was wallowing to himself, automatically shot to attention at the name.

“Hehe, it’s not just me, Dead Skeleton is here, too!”

“What?! Dead Skeleton?!”

“What?! Dead Skeleton?!”

“Huh? You know him?”

“Huh? You know him?”

“Yes.”

“Not really.”

“Oh.”

“Oh.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

“Okay, enough with this joke. Move on.”

The lizard man, or Evil, was getting irritated at being ignored and not having as much an impact as Dead did.

“Going by these names will be troublesome, so we’ll just go by what we’re called in the other world.”

Death took that pause to make a suggestion to everyone.

But the young boy had other matters.

“I have no problem with that, but you’re Death aren’t you? And these two guys are named after my gaming accounts! What is the meaning of this?!”

Josh was astonished. 'Was this the author?'

“Hahaha, sorry kid.”

“The name’s Lance. It sounds better than my old name.”

“I agree. But you were created. Just like the rest of us. In fact, both you and Josh here, came from the same world. I was tasked to bring you here. In your world, you did not create this novel and had no inclinations towards such a story.”

‘So not the actual author but the author from my world?’

“But that makes no…wait. I created myself? So that in a way, I could essentially experience what I wanted most? I guess that is possible. But it feels so weird.”

“That’s correct.”

“What about the Fourth Wall?”

“What wall? This is like reality TV where the Readers get to have an amazing show, and you five are the first contestants!”

“WHAT?!"

"WHAT?!"

"WHAT?!"

Everyone but the little creature, which had taken the bag that was wrapped around its tail and pulled some food out to eat while still on top of Josh’s head, and Dead let out a yell. While Dead did not yell, he did fidget slightly and the sleepy face seemed to scrunch up a little.

“But, first things first, you gotta meet your Readers! It’s almost time for the Q/A!”

“Ohhhhooo no you don’t. Look, if I wanted to, I could kill everyone right here and end this little shit fest.”

“Not when you’re only level 1 with some of your Skills on lockdown. And since no one can die in this room, good luck!”

“Bullshit! I am nearly level 300!”

“And I am currently level 152, how did this happen?”

The boy, Lance, was so strong? Evil and Josh both stared pretty hard at him to see if he was lying.

“That is not so bad. Many people I see nowadays are nearing level 400 and 500.”

The words Dead had said nearly made Evil’s eyes pop out.

“I wake up to find my Kingdom destroyed, my people gone, my levels reverted, and now there are people almost twice my previous level?! What is this shit?!”

“Do not worry, after leaving this room, you will regain your former Status. This was just to even the odds.”

Evil stared at Death with murder in his eyes, as his words dripped with malice.

“What. The. Fuck. For.”

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“For the competition, of course! The Readers need to know how the fight scenes will look and who’s the strongest! And don’t worry, there’s a prize, too! For everyone not Josh, sorry by the way, you can obtain any wish, except for the immediate death of another player. But if you want something terrible to happen to someone after everyone returns, that might work.”

“Hehehe, good. And did anyone tell you that you’re annoying?”

“That’s rich, coming from you. But first, introduce yourselves.”

“Hmph. Fine. They call me the [Tyrant King].”

“WHAT?! YOU…WHAT?!”

Obviously, someone raised by the Remnants of the Kingdom, Lance would be surprised. Although, he seemed to surprise really easily.

“Our King was this pathetic fake [Dragonkin]?”

“You shut your trap! I will fight you first, you ungrateful dipshit!”

“Bring it on, I’m not afraid!”

All the while this argument was going on, with both of these hot tempered males yelling at each other from across the table, Josh saw a strange window appear before him.

< Yes □ | No □ >

‘Sure, why not?’

Josh clicked the ‘yes’ button and all of a sudden felt a small rush of power. Flare, as the animal’s name was, came down from his horn and settled in his lap holding the bag like an otter would hold an oyster.

Flare started pushing the bag in Josh’s direction.

“What, want me to feed you?”

“Yip!”

The creature gave out a cute cry in confirmation.

“Hehe, okay. Let’s see. Hmm? A bag of potato chips?”

Shrugging, Josh proceeded to open the bag and started to feed Flare.

Lance was staring at the scene before him and couldn’t help from uttering something.

“Cute…”

Again, Dead began to nod unconsciously. Again, he started to shrink into his seat like a turtle into its shell.

“Hey! Pay attention! Aren’t we going to fight?”

Breaking out of his trance, Lance began to scramble onto the table.

Josh took this chance to scan everyone.

==

General Information:

­­

Name: [Tyrant King]

Level: 1

Age: 16,547

Gender: Male

Race: [Flying Chameleon]

Job: [Assassin]

HP: 530/530

SP: 320/320

MP: 270/270

Stats:

­­

STR: 33 [20]

END: 12 [20]

INT: 7 [20]

HIT: 4 [20]

AGI: 14 [20]

PER: 13 [20]

LCK: 2 [20]

CHR: 22 [20]

Skills:

­­

[Camouflage] [LV: MAX]: Active Skill that changes the user’s appearance to blend in to the surroundings. Costs 1 SP per second to use.

[Wall Climb] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that allows the user to walk on walls and even ceilings using their body’s strength.

[Killer Claws] [LV: MAX]: This is a special evolved Skill that has a Passive and Active effect. The Passive improves the damage dealt and durability of the user’s claws or talons. The Active effect costs 10 SP to use and slashes with greater power.

[Tough Scales] [LV: MAX]: This is a special evolved Skill that has a Passive and Active effect. The Passive improves damage resistance and durability of the user’s scales or armor. The Active effect costs 10 SP to use and can block more powerful hits temporarily.

[Soul Body] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that binds the body’s life force to the soul. This means as long as the soul is intact, the body will heal back.

[Slow Growth] [LV: MAX]: Evolving takes forever, but upon evolving, the owner of this Skill will have greater boosts upon completion.

[Time Flies] [LV: MAX]: The owner of this unfortunate Skill will have trouble perceiving time. Events that the user enjoys pass by quickly, while doing tedious or boring things seem to take forever. Sometimes seen as a curse.

Spells:

­­

[Illusion Magic] [LV: 3]: Can interfere with other’s ability to sense and think. A deadly and unfair magic type.

* [Confuse]: Make the enemy’s mind muddled and cloudy. Costs 10 MP.

* [Induce Fear]: Makes the target see their worst fear. Costs 15 MP.

* [Bliss]: Makes the target forget about their worries, lulling them to become easier targets. Costs 20 MP.

Titles/Achievements/Blessings

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{Fallen King}: Having a lowered Status lowers appearance ­ 10 CHR

{Mad King} Your rage consumes you + 20 STR

{Inventor}: Your ability to make life easier astounds those around you. + 5 INT, + 10 PER, + 10 CHR

: Being a King grants + 20 CHR

: By surgically adding a new body part and increasing your overall body structure, your capabilities have increased. + 10 to STR, END, and AGI.

==

==

General Information:

­­

Name: Rock Man / Experiment 001

Level: 1

Age: 593

Gender: N/A

Race: [Blood Stone Golem]

Job: [Doctor]

HP: 180/180

SP: 180/180

MP: 390/390

Stats:

­­

STR: 13 [5]

END: 13 [5]

INT: 19 [20]

HIT: 3 [5]

AGI: 3 [10]

PER: 19

LCK: 5

CHR: 13

Skills:

­­

[Blood Mastery] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that helps the flow, quality, and health of the blood. Also increases control over blood.

[Healing] [LV: MAX]: A Job related Passive Skill that raises the capabilities of saving other’s lives.

[Unarmed Mastery] [LV: MAX]: Who needs another weapon when you already have two? And you’re boosted when no other weapons are equipped.

[Potion Making] [LV: 5]: Increases the effect and quality while reducing the effort required to make potions.

[Blood Manipulation] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that enables the user to control blood.

Spells:

­­

[Earth Magic] [LV: MAX]: Calls upon the power of the earth...or planet to protect and destroy.

* [Gravel Shot]: Shoot pebbles at the enemy. Costs 5 MP.

* [Pitfall]: Creates a hole beneath the enemy. Costs 10 MP.

* [Earth Shield]: Summons a rocky shield in front of the caster. Costs 15 MP.

* [Boulder Pitch]: Hurls a gigantic rock at the target. Costs 20 MP.

* [Catapult]: Raises the ground beneath the target’s feet at a high speed, launching them into the air. Costs 50 MP.

* [Rock Armor]: Surrounds the user with rocks in the shape of a full body suit. Costs 100 MP.

* [Squishing Squares]: Despite the weird name, this Spell is a devastating attack that summons two square pieces of earth and slams them together with the target in between. Costs 200 MP.

* [Fissure]: Creates a massive earthquake. Costs 500 MP.

* [Shelter Creation]: Creates a place to live in. Cost varies.

* [Mountain Break]: Breaks a mountain over the target’s head. Costs 1,000 MP.

Titles/Achievements/Blessings

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{Miracle Doctor}: Your reputation as a doctor precedes you. + 20 CHR

{Perverted Doctor}: Your reputation precedes you, but not in a good way. ­ 10 CHR

{Dedicated Worker}: You do your job diligently. + 10 STR, + 10 END

: Travelling the world granted you new insight on healing and your actions have spread to the world. +20 INT, + 10 PER

==

==

General Information:

--

Name: Flare

Level: 1

Age: 56

Gender: Female

Race: [Fire Ferret]

Job: [Fire Goddess]

HP: 180/180

SP: 230/230

MP: 240/240

Stats:

--

STR: 8 (10)

END: 13 (10)

INT: 14 (10)

HIT: 10 (10)

AGI: 10 (10)

PER: 14 (10)

LCK: 18 (10)

CHR: 28 (10)

Skills:

--

[Fire Mastery] [LV: 7]: Fire related attacks cost less to use and have an increased effect. Using fire based Skills and attacks will level this Skill up. Also increases control over fire.

[Fire Affinity] [LV: 6]: Growth of fire related Skills and magic increase quicker. Using fire based Skills and attacks will level this Skill up.

[Magic is Friendship] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that buffs allies in range and buffs user for every ally in range. (10)

[Heavy Eater] [LV: MAX]: Passive Skill that increases energy gained from consumables and quickens metabolism. Always hungry.

Magic:

--

[Fire Magic] [LV: 8]: Magic that governs combustion and heat.

* [Fireball]: Launches a ball of fire at the target. Leaves some residual flames, further burning the target. Costs 10 MP to use.

* [Fire Wall]: A wall of fire appears before the caster. Costs 15 MP.

* [Flamethrower]: A spray of fire is shot out. Costs 20 MP.

* [Blaze Blades]: Summons swords of fire to throw at the enemy. Cost varies.

* [Flame Cage]: Ensnares the target with flames. Costs 50 MP.

* [Combust]: Causes a small explosion. Costs 100 MP.

* [Ember Storm]: A fire tornado is summoned. Costs 150 MP.

* [Black Fire]: Consumes mana instead of oxygen. Will not stop until all sources of mana nearby are depleted. Costs 200 MP.

Titles/Achievements/Blessings

--

{Glutton}: Your consumption would starve an entire country. + 5 END, ­ 10 CHR

{Cute}: Your appearance attracts many admirers. + 20 CHR

{Goddess}: Being a deity means you are a cut above the rest. + 5 ALL

{Governor of Flame}: Fire is your job. Decreases cost for fire based Skills and Spells by half.

: People flock to you and praise you. Being near you makes them think they are blessed. + 10 LCK, + 10 CHR

==

==

General Information:

--

Name: Lance Faltian

Level: 1

Age: 11

Gender: Male

Race: [Human]

Job: [Lightning Martial Artist]

HP: 500/500

SP: 500/500

MP: 250/250

Stats:

--

STR: 50

END: 30 [20]

INT: 20 [5]

HIT: 20 [5]

AGI: 35 [20]

PER: 40

LCK: 20

CHR: 20 [5]

Skills:

--

[Temperature Resistance] [LV: 5]: Due to high exposure from extreme heat and cold, one can build an immunity to both.

[Barbarian Blood] [LV: 4]: Having a warrior’s blood means one can become pull on the latent abilities of the strong temporarily. An Active Skill that uses [Stamina] to use. 5 Points to use, 1 Point of SP per second to maintain. Increases [Strength] and [Agility] by twice the points.

[Lightning Affinity] [LV: 3]: Growth of lightning related Skills and magic increase quicker. Using lightning based Skills and attacks will level this Skill up.

[Lightning Manipulation] [LV: 4]: Enables the control of lightning through mana. Costs 5 Points of SP to cast, 1 Point per second to maintain.

[Lightning Mastery] [LV: MAX]: Lightning related attacks cost less to use and have an increased effect. Using lightning based Skills and attacks will level this Skill up. Also increases control over lightning.

Magic:

--

[Lightning Magic] [LV: 3]: Uses the power of the heavens to smite the enemy.

* [Shock]: Zaps the target and might inflict [Paralysis]. Costs 15 MP.

* [Charge Up]: Circulates electricity throughout the body granting a temporary boost. Costs 20 MP.

* [Lightning Lance]: Summons a weapon made of lightning to pierce the enemy. Costs 30 MP.

Titles/Achievements/Blessings:

--

{Gifted Warrior}: Your prowess in combat is unmatched within your age group. + 5 STR, + 5 END, + 5 HIT, + 5 AGI

{Lightning Lover}: Your willingness to come into contact with all forms of electricity is…strange. + 10 PER, + 5 INT, ­ 5 CHR

{Handsome Fighter}: Your physical capabilities, coupled with your good looks, creates a good combo. + 10 STR, + 10 CHR

{Dancing Dandy}: Your love of music and your outlook on life lifts everyone’s mood. + 5 AGI, + 10 LCK, + 5 CHR

{Move Maker}: Your understanding of how your powers work is so great you have created new Skills and Spells. + 15 PER

: Succeeding such a feat grants an astounding + 20 to STR, END, and AGI, +10 to INT, HIT, and PER, and + 5 to LCK and CHR

(Blessing of the Storm): Vethre has seen your determination and courage in facing against one of the most powerful forces of nature. Lightning is easier to control and use.

(Warrior’s Blessing): Gurze has seen your amazing fighting skills and is satisfied. Participating in duels, tournaments, or wars will buff your physical capabilities.

==

“What the…What is this?”