Have you ever wondered what would be like to live in world as if it was a game? Then I hope you didn’t because it isn’t fun, I attest to it. Welcome to Earterra, the fusion of two worlds, one of technology and one of magic. I am Remnant, and I would be the one you would follow throughout the whole story on how Earth became the strongest world both in magic and technology.
Chapter 1- Where it all began
It was a Friday morning at that time, the moment that I remember where everything started. The moment that everywhere became living hell and the moment where shit bigger than the fan itself hit.
I was awakened by the sound of my alarm going off. Going by the tune of a particular song I’m fond of with its catchy and upbeat tune. As the routine goes, I went to the closet and took my already ironed-out clothes. Set them in somewhere I could hang them and cooked my breakfast.
For today’s breakfast I will have an omelet, not that much change from every day’s meal but it will do. I turned on the small television I got from a sale; just to give the place some background noise. The neighborhood is awfully quiet right now. The sound of taxi and jeeps passing is barely audible.
Although our neighborhood is technically isolated from other towns, we somehow maintain an autonomous place. With our town barely holding 20,000 people, we are nearly considered a very small city or a very large town. The autonomy we hold is thanks to our environment. As we are isolated and surrounded by nature, we only need to import rice and a few luxury goods from other cities since we could grow our own food and have our own water supply.
I’m guessing you’d be probably wondering what is up with our near impossible setting, don’t you? Well let’s just say that the town was established by the government a few years back as some sort of experiment about an autonomous area. A project that barely passed the court and caused a lot of commotion on the higher scale of things. Not that much further in time, few companies have been given the permit to erect buildings in here, not for production, but only for offices. It seems that the local governing body wanted to make money flow easier, and the said companies wanted to have a peaceful surrounding to work in.
Going back to the story, I somehow heard a strange report from the morning news show. Something along the lines of crazy people attacking others, to be precise, biting. The victims are already being rushed to the hospitals and are getting treatments.
Huh, I chuckle to myself. What a cliché for a zombie apocalypse scenario, but I know that this is the work of someone with rabies, a strong strain probably, but still only rabies. Sigh… if only could that zombie apocalypse happen…
Done with my morning dose of daydreaming I head back to preparing myself for today’s school. I put on my school uniform, turn of my meager amount of appliance and head out for another day of school.
As soon as I stepped out of the door, a strange thing happened just a few meters away in front of me. A man that I could somehow recognize as Mr. Eduardo is running towards Mrs. Carol, who was walking down the street with shopping bags in her hand, fitted in an attire that I would call the most realistic zombie outfit I have ever seen. Wow, he is so dedicated at this. He did something like this last year, only which last December he dressed up like Santa. Now for November he dressed up as a zombie.
All of my admiration even doubled when they performed a movie-worthy act. Mr. Harold lunged at Mrs. Carol, and as planned by them probably, she screamed. A very realistic scream. It was at that moment that I realized that it wasn’t an act anymore. Mr. Harold then proceeded to tear apart his unfortunate victim.
He started with her throat. He flung back his head by the neck and bit her throat with all his undead might and silenced the still screaming Mrs. Carol at that moment. I could see the light in her eyes slowly fading as the abomination, not worthy enough to be even called a name, snacked on her insides next.
The chaos ensued. Screams started to be heard not only from my current position but all throughout our town, Bayani. Car crashes, glasses shattering, and even wails from the zombies, as I called them as of now, were the main causes of noise.
A thud was heard beside me. I whipped my head and looked at what it is, or rather, who it was. Beside me, my neighbor Mr. Jack was sprawled out; with oddly luminous veins seen on his neck. From my experience in watching all sorts of stuff; that is not a good sign, or better yet, a very bad one.
My intuition didn’t fail me, although I hoped it did. A dozen or so seconds passed and the corpse stood up in the most inconvenient way, then started to chase me.
I ran towards my apartment with all that I could, and even then, the fat corpse of Mr. Jack looks like it could still catch up to me. As I reached the front door, I slammed it with so much power that the thin door looked like it would break.
I ran to the kitchen immediately after slamming the door behind me and took hold of the most probable weapon in my house, a butcher knife (got as a gift for my birthday). I was scared to no end, seeing the middle-aged lady who always says good morning to me daily getting eaten in front of me got me shaking. I spent a few minutes calming down and assessing the situation.
First, zombies started to appear. Second, they were tearing other people, alive, and turning them into one of the undead. Lastly, why isn’t the zombiefied Mr. Jack trying to tear the door apart?
BLAG
And… there is the answer. This is scaring me to the point of nearly pissing in my own pants. Why did I even jinx myself earlier?
I stood there waiting for my soon-to-be murderer as it tried to smash the plywood door. Then suddenly, it just ceased. I was convinced that it already left thinking that I was a harder prey. When its head just burst straight through the wooden door, startled I almost dropped the knife at my own feet. Seeing it snarling, growling, and trying to bite at me was probably the scariest period of my life, scarier than when I confessed to a girl. With only its head I could see, I had an easier time to hack it to death, giving it all I got.
Grey matter splattered all around the area near the door. Dark-blue blood oozed out from the unrecognizable head. Proving that that thing isn’t a human anymore.
Without the fear of my death knocking at the door I tried to look on what happened to the thing that I killed. And let’s just say it’s hard to do, it doesn’t have a face anymore and the head is the only thing that I could see. Foolishly thinking there is no more something like this outside I opened the door. Standing there dumbfounded with my mouth gaping I had no more time to think as something materialized in front of me.
Thank you for deciding to join the system. You will receive a reward for killing a/an
<1> Zombiefied Human LV.1
Rewards Received:
* 1 Tattered Skin
* 1 Copper Coin
* A Beginner’s Guide to the Apocalypse
* SP Gem#0123456789
* 1 XP
Title: Remnant, Sole Survivor
NOTE: For joining the system for the first time you have received additional rewards.
Welcome to the [System]. As a new initiate you will be given a proper tutorial to what is currently happening.
Your world [Earth] is currently fusing with the world [Terra]. Due to the random dice roll, [Terra] would fuse with [Earth] using the long-method, consider this as blessing in disguise, as it would only cause a slow introduction of the environment on [Terra] rather than a collision of space and time. Please consider that the monsters’ population is not infinite and is limited to their reproduction rates. Further information is found in [A Beginner’s Guide to the Apocalypse].
The fuck? This is bullshit! Whoever set this prank up would get his ass beaten by me! But, if that thing there is really a [Zombiefied Human] then this must be real! I really hope the government is really working on something for this cause I’m going to the die if this is real. Anyways, isn’t this like those stories that I read? And where the hell is the loot? Isn’t it supposed to drop or spawn out of light? Could it be that, no, it isn’t that practical I supposed. But, to hell with it!
With all of my voice I shouted [Inventory], not fearing anything that might even hear me. But nothing happened. I tried to simply think about it and it shimmered into existence! Hooray for me! The smartest human on Earth! It isn’t probably Earth anyway by now, though.
Inventory 1 Tattered Skin 1 Copper Coin A Begginer's Guide to the Apocalypse SP Gem#0123456789
I tried to will the guide into existence, along with the gem. And it flashed in front of me in a second. The book looked like brand new, the cover is even shining. The SP Gem, that is weird. It is flashing in a multitude of colors changing every few or so seconds. After I thought of opening the book something blurred into existence again.
Do you wish to study the book with the [Book Comprehension]?
Yes/No
Obviously I selected yes. Wondering what is with all the ability that I have. The book vanished immediately as I clicked yes.
[A Beginner’s Guide to the Apocalypse]
Good day to you adventurous soul! For defeating a new creature introduced by the system you have been granted the privilege of knowing things more early than the others.
If you are reading this in a system assisted message then that means you got the rare ability [Book Comprehension].
This book has been tailored specifically for humans for the adjustment to the apocalypse. As of now most technologically advanced items has been neutralized for fairer fights against monsters (this includes but are not limited to, cars, jets, helicopters, trains, nuclear missiles, communication, and the internet) , as deemed by the system. The neutralized items would be able to be used again after 123 days. To survive this apocalypse successfully using the SP Gem given to you by killing a monster for the first time is a must. It will grant you the access to the [Skill Tree] along with [Character] interfaces. The gem will unlock a skill path tailored to the way you live and/or how you killed your first monster.
Any items without an [Anti-Identify] cast on it could be [Analyzed], there still some exceptions and restrictions over this however. Such exceptions will be addressed by the system if encountered. The inventory holds a space of 2x2 grids; you can store anything into it within your weight threshold (STRx1KG) and a within a certain volume only. Storing of living creatures is not allowed. Upgrades may be added to your inventory. Equipping a pack or bag will increase the slots, but the pack/bag will temporarily disappear. Loot drops will be put into a separate bag if you have [Auto-Loot] on; they will not be allowed to be put back into the loot bag if taken out from the inventory already.
By taking in the [Soul Essence] of something you killed or by training you would be able to [LVL UP]. A level up will grant you a fix amount of [Character Points] that you may spend on your attributes or may be used to buy items on [Special Stores].
Terraforming is currently in process, places in your world will randomly be merged with places from [Terra].
Good Luck and Stay Alive.
Wow, whoever made this [System] must be something akin to a God. To be that detailed for only a few [Systems] I can’t even imagine how hard it is to manage it with probably a few more [Systems]. I spent my time understanding the vast information that the book contained and fumbling around the SP Gem. Deciding to just risk it even if is possibly a bomb I willed the SP Gem to be used. And that caused another [System Message] to pop up.
You have been granted a unique class for obtaining the [SP Gem #0123456789] and a few other factors. The unique class has been custom fit for you.
You have gained the class, [Champion of Vengeance]!
You have unlocked the unique skill tree of the [Champion of Vengeance].
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
With this skill tree you would be able to grow to new heights by killing enemies with the skills you are being granted.
First Skill Unlocked!
[Retaliation]
You have unlocked the [Character System]!
[Retaliation] Active CD:5s
Using 100Mana you would inflict a critical hit and a random debuff in your next attack if you hit hostile creature(s) designated by the system.
With my gamer instincts kicking in I began analyzing the words that was in front of me. It seems that, I’ve been lucky with what have I done and gotten. However, remembering that I just killed my landlord, I threw the contents of my meal up and into the floor. Killing somebody I know was something I’d never thought about. With me being an orphan I grew up to cherish or at least like the people I’m close to.
After spending a few minutes moping and sulking I stood up and took my knife and checked my character screen along with the loot description.
Name: Constantine (Remnant) Riposte
Class: Champion of Vengeance
Level: 1 (1/10)
Stamina: 100/100
Health:100/100
Mana: 1500/100
Titles Equipped: Remnant, Sole Survivor
STR:7
VIT:5
AGI:8
SPD:8
INT:10
WIS:9
CHR:2
LUK:9
STATPTS: 5
MNAREG: 1/sec
HPREG: 0.0001/sec
STAREG: 0.001/sec
[Retaliation Beginner Lv.1 0.0%]
[Book Comprehension Beginner Lv.6 75.6%]
None
Tattered Skin
A skin from a [Zombiefied Human]. It could be used as makeshift leather of poor quality. Can be used as an alchemy and/or necromancy ingredient.
Copper Coin
A copper coin generated by the system. Can be used to buy items from system generated shops. What were you expecting, a lucky coin?
Ignoring the obviously sarcastic comment from the system I put back the items into my inventory contemplating on what is going on. Thoughts were raging in my head trying to figure out the irregularities that was happening. Alchemy and necromancy are nothing new to my ears, but the fact that they really do exist is either very great or very terrifying. Facing a necromancer with an army of the dead at his call would be terrifying. But if you are the necromancer, that would be cool.
Could this really be the apocalypse? If so why did it turn out like this? Isn’t it supposed to be a raging storm of molten rocks or something? And why was my mana displayed like that? Could it be an error of the system? If so, then this must not be perfect. I must find a wa–
System Notice
Your mana pool is incorrectly displayed. Due to the titles [Sole Survivor] and [Remnant] that existed previously before system reboot, your mana capacity has been overwhelmed by your mana availability. This will be corrected by the system by increasing your mana capacity. Titles [Sole Survivor] and [Remnant] has been updated. . By finding a glitch in the system you have been awarded with two titles:
[Mana Overloaded]
Description: Your mana pathways have been overly extended before system initiation and have caused it to be set at a certain production speed.
Effects: Mana Regeneration will be permanently set to 1/sec. This effect may be modified.
[Glitchbane]
Description: You are the natural predator of glitches caused by the system errors. This titled is awarded to the first person to discover a glitch in a [Fused World].
Effects: You will gain 20 stat points and a skill book every time you report a glitch.
[Remnant]
Description: [HIDDEN}
Effects: Increases mana capacity by (INTx50).
Grants increased adaptability to the [System].
[LOCKED].
[Sole Survivor]
Description: [HIDDEN]
Effects: Increases mana capacity by (INTx100).
[LOCKED].
[LOCKED].
With that my dreams of using the system’s error against itself vanished. However, I learned of two new interesting things. First [Remnant] and secondly [Sole Survivor], why and how the heck it ended up there was confusing.
The fact that titles have locked effects was surprising and yet not at the same time. It was the same as expecting something but got something a bit more well than what you expected. From there I simply sat and waited for something to come up in the television that I left open due to rushing to school.
I even had the time to view the previously peaceful neighborhood through the window. The apartment rows that looked eerily the same as well as the small flower I grow in front of the house. It would have been a very peaceful scene if not for the constant screaming and growling from the background. I was just about top stand up when something came up in the television.
“We are sorry to interrupt your favorite show for this important newscast. The global community has been in chaos as of this morning due to the sightings of various flesh eating monsters as well as the several gigantic corpse eating plants. Residents are advised to stay at their homes or head to the nearest evacuation centers that will be shown in the map.”
The report of the newscaster dashed away all my remaining hopes. I was naively thinking that this must have only happened here and not all around the globe, but it seems that was unfounded. The reporter rattled on about something not important when something out of place happened.
“Holy shit! Mike, they got in here, grab the axe!” And someone from behind the camera was heard scuffling about, and it all ended with static. Followed by the words ‘Please Standby”.
My television quickly followed after that, my brand new television which cost me a few thousand pesos. All gone with a single puff, this must have been the neutralization these floating boxes were talking about. I wonder how many died already from plane crashes.
After deciding that my house isn’t safe anymore considering it is made of mostly wood with some foundations made of cement, I grabbed my pack and put all things necessary for me to survive in there. I decided to use a physical bag since it seemed to be the most convenient way to do at that time. I could use the inventory to store the heavies items I find and the lightest I keep to myself, to avoid cramped inventory.
Just as I was about to set my put out of the gate I checked my items again. A few canned goods that would probably last a day or two. Two more knives I pocketed from the other apartment block, as well as my trusty butcher knife. Flashlights and batteries that didn’t turn into various chemicals, plus the first aid kit Mr. Jack stores in his house. And my diary, to keep note of discoveries and my skills.
I set out for my school; the most fortified place I know and the biggest evacuation area in the vicinity. Hoping that nothing would go wrong on my long journey.
-Timeskip (1 HR)-
During the hour that past I encountered about a hundred zombies on the road, another hundred in the houses, and a little more than two hundred in the passageways between buildings. This number might be considered small but our community only has a dozen or so thousands of residents so it was nice enough, for me at least.
I even considered going in house by house but found that idea unappealing. Well, that was after a [Zombiefied Human LV.2] tried to bite the shit out of me literally. Its first target was my butt! What’s worse is that the zombie was fat, as in very fat. I managed to outrun this one due to its weight hindering itself.
By now I was already three- fourths of the way to school so I was getting more and more carefree, a bad habit of mine. I kept myself to the sidewalks looking back and forth to avoid being a meal. Just as I was about to pass the final bridge on the way I found someone crying and tried to approach her.
“Hey miss, are you alright? You do know that this is the apocalypse right, crying there won’t do you good!” I quipped with a hint of concern as I tried to approach the crying lady.
Who suddenly lashed out at me with claws stretched out? What the fuck?! This isn’t Left 4 Dead, what is a witch doing here?! This thoughts processed in my head as I grappled with the monster trying to eat me when I saw its name.
Weepy Zombie LV.4
HP: 150/150 MP: 20/20
So that’s why it was crying, it’s weepy after all. Time to test my new skill then! I managed to throw off the [Weepy Zombie] damaging it for at least a few points. Unfortunately, it stood up immediately giving me as large as a second for breathing time. I took out the knife from the inventory and brandished it against her.
This time however I was the first to strike. Opening the battle with [Retaliation] I immediately smashed a third of its life and casted the debuff [Limp Arm] on it. The happiness was short lived as the monster whipped out its arms in an inhuman way. The joints might have well been dislocated with her throwing her arms at full strength from her back. I pulled out the knife along with me as I jumped back to dodge which surprisingly was easy, probably due to [Retaliation] making it sharper.
The final attack took out 32 HP from me and left a huge gash in my arm. Granting me the [Minor Bleeding] status that took out 2 HP every 5 seconds until it was cured. I countered with an overhead strike with my butcher knife that caused 20 damage. That left me wondering why the damage became so low, is it because of the critical or something else?
I spent another five seconds dodging the crazy swipes from the previously human monster. Trying to get my skill cooldown finish as well as find an opening. I watched as it whipped out its arm again noting a minor lag on its positioning. Luckily I dodged it again and countered with [Retaliation].
That became the final strike as it severed the upper part of its body from the armpit to the head. I panted after the final strike trying to catch my breath before a new screen popped up again.
You will be awarded for slaying a/an:
<1> Weepy Zombie LV.4
Rewards Received:
· 1 Mediocre Crystallized Voice
· 2 Tattered Skin
· 4 Copper Coins
· 43 XP
[Mediocre Crystallized Voice]? I didn’t know that a voice could be crystallized nor it would look this beautiful. I brought up the description of the item from my inventory. It looked like a shiny rock vibrating very lightly.
Mediocre Crystallized Voice
The encased voice of a creature that uses its voice as a form of combat. This may be used as a consumable in the form of a grenade letting out a very loud noise once shattered. The rank of the item will affect its effect.
You have levelled up x2!
Wanting to check what I got, I immediately opened up [Status].
Name: Constantine (Remnant)
Riposte
Class: Champion of Vengeance
Level: 3 (6/50)
Stamina: 110/110
Health:46/105
Mana: 1396/1500
Titles Equipped: Remnant, Sole Survivor, Glitchbane, Mana Overloaded
STR:8
VIT:6
AGI:8
SPD:8
INT:10
WIS:9
CHR:2
LUK:9
STATPTS:15
MNAREG: 1/sec
HPREG: 0.0006/sec
STAREG: 0.006/sec
[Retaliation Beginner Lv.1 3.3%]
[Book Comprehension Beginner Lv.6 75.6%]
None
The travel must have increased my vitality while the battle increased my strength. Sighing dejectedly I put my butcher knife in the inventory when I noticed something strange. My regens have increased! They have increased by 0.0005 and 0.005 respectively that means lower down time and safer travel. Of course it would increase along with the stat, it was game like, after all.
I forgot to bandage myself, man that could have killed me. After bandaging myself I checked the stats of my trusty knife stored in my good old inventory.
Cutlericious Butcher Knife
Damage: 0-50 Durability: 17/25
A stainless steel knife commonly used for chopping slabs of meat. This particular one has been used for constant battle with the aid of a magic infusing skill. This knife has gained a small amount of magical properties.
Effects: [Jagged]: Each time this weapon is used to counter there is a higher chance to inflict [Minor Bleeding] status.
My knife is badass! It turned magical after being used with [Retaliation]. That was a big plus for me in information but it probably wouldn’t help me now. What could a bit more blood loss to a walking dead? Irritation maybe?
Since the encounter with the [Weepy Zombie] I stood clear of places with distinct crying sounds. I don’t even care anymore if it is a genuine person. Risking my life for something like that isn’t even reasonable, a cry means a zombie and zombie means possible death. So it is a big no.
The journey to the school became even easier after that. There were obvious signs of fighting around the place signified by lying zombie parts and blood smeared weapons. I encountered at least 3 more [Zombiefied Human] along the way which earned me a few more [Tattered Skin] as well as a few coins. The most valuable loot however was the XP.
Thankfully, I was able to deal with them easier since they were underneath large debris of walls and cars.
If what the system said about status points able to be used as currency, then I would save up my status points and earn them the hard way, grinding. Another hour has passed and I was standing in front of the school already. The smell of blood, sweat, and grime evident in the air. Just as I was about to open the gate I was halted by a person in police uniform.
“Stop! Who are you?! Are you here for refuge?! Be advised, everyone inside is armed don’t do anything harsh or you would face the consequences!” After his rant he then opened the gate allowing entry to my high school. It seems that I would end up here again even after the apocalypse.
A/N: Sorry for a few grammatical errors, that is what I hope at least. Note it when I made a few errors in the plot or the information, I am new to this after all.