The concept of nothing, of void, of absence, is hard to comprehend. It’s even more difficult to observe, since there was nothing there to actually observe. It was a little surprising that it hadn’t driven me insane already, given I didn’t know how long I’d seemingly floated in this endless expanse of nothing.
Being dead was odd, it was something I realized after the first few… However longs, I’d spent here. I’d been relatively normal in my life, just an average guy doing average things. I couldn’t quite decide if the endless nothing was heaven, hell, purgatory, or just genuinely nothing. Nonetheless, the endless nothing made it quite clear when something appeared.
Greetings, Deceased!
You have been selected for the Game!
Now, it had my attention. I’d read quite a bit of fanfiction in my time alive, so the concept of a ‘Game’, was simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. If it was a benevolent or even apathetic Game, then it was amazing and beyond incredible. If it was a Game controlled by others though… Then I was deeply in trouble. I could feel my mind racing as I tried to voice my questions and concerns and do anything, but like always in the void, nothing happened.
Due to assessed compatibility, you have been selected!
Stand by for initialization!
0%
1%
13%
27%
49%
83%
98%
Welcome, Gamer! Begin Creation?
“Holy shit!” The words ripped from my mouth almost involuntarily as my body suddenly reformed and I became aware.Looking down, I let out a massive sigh of relief as I swept my hand across my chest and legs, relieved to find myself, well, existing again. Glancing back at the still floating words, I licked my lips nervously. “What type of Game is this? Who runs it, how does it function and where does it’s power come from?” I asked the four most important questions I could think of at the moment, not wanting to act rashly.
Instead of a reaction, the words just floated there, unmoving and unchanging. I waited longer, glancing around to see if maybe answers popped up elsewhere or when I looked away. But no, there wasn’t any change. “Okay…” I said slowly, “I think, that’s a good sign…” The complete lack of response was making hope surge in my chest, “Apathetic system is the best system, please let it be true…” I paused for a moment, “Begin Creation.”
Instantly the words melted away into nothing before a status screen popped up.
Name: Cato Emrys
Title: None
Race: Human
Class: Unchosen
Level: 1
Health: 250/250 (0.10/Sec)
Mana: 150/150 (1.00/Sec)
Str: 10
Dex: 10
Con: 10
Vit: 10
Int: 10
Wis: 10
Cha: 10
Lck: 10
Free Points: 0
“Ohhh, yes. That is good…” I murmured to myself. This had all the signs I wanted to see. The Title section meant particularly impressive actions could garner specific rewards, something that could readily be abused. The Class was separate from the Level, suggesting multiple classes could be chosen, meaning I couldn’t accidentally overspecialize myself into a hole. The mana indicated magic, which is always, always a plus. And most importantly, the Free Points line. I could be able to minutely control my own stats, something that was a godsend to someone who knew what they were doing.
I flicked through the individual stats, reading the small descriptions that popped up with each one. Strength and Dexterity seemed relatively straightforward. Constitution was the base of my health and resilience, while Vitality was the base of my regen and healing. Intelligence was mana and Wisdom was regen. Charisma was a bit of a letdown, with it apparently making it easier to interact and acting as a group modifier, but I was completely distracted by the description of Luck. Luck affected the rarity and rate of drop items and Gacha Rolls.
I was having to forcibly resist doing a little dance and jig upon reading that. Drop items suggested that I would have access to instant dungeons, something that would help me get very powerful, very quickly, and almost certainly the most powerful tool of a Gamer. Gacha rolls on the other hand, were the most random tool. I could get a rotten egg from Hollow Knight, or I could get the equivalent of a nuclear bomb. Sometimes literally.
Grinning madly, I said, “Class.” The status screen melted away and I noticed two bars of red and blue appear on the edges of my vision. Replacing the center status window, was something new. Four bolded words hovered in my vision.
Mage, Fighter, Rogue, Crafter
“Oh hells yes!” I exclaimed. I was a little worried over what classes would be available to me, but the presence of the crafter category blew those concerns from my mind. Crafting was the number one underrated method to victory. After I’d built myself up and was relatively comfortable with my strength, I would be all over the crafting classes, making myself as invincible as I could.
Looking over the choices, I thought for a moment before sighing and selecting Fighter. Most Gamer stories I’d read went for Mage, and I was genuinely tempted. However, I also knew that Mage’s were incredibly weak early on, and I had no idea where I would be heading. I could wind up in a world solely consisting of level 20 farmers, or one full of level 1000 monsters. I needed the safety a fighter class would give me. Not to mention how underrated those classes tended to be.
My smile was wiped away a moment later,as the class selection screen dissolved away and the status screen replaced it once more.
Name: Cato Emrys
Title: None
Race: Human
Class: Fighter 1/50 [0%]
Level: 1
Health: 250/250 (0.10/Sec)
Mana: 150/150 (1.00/Sec)
Str: 10
Dex: 10
Con: 10
Vit: 10
Int: 10
Wis: 10
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Cha: 10
Lck: 10
Free Points: 3
Fighter wasn’t a category of classes like I’d assumed, it was a class itself. “Gods damn it…” I muttered, looking at the new class. On the bright side, I reasoned with myself, I now know that classes go up to 50 and that I get three stat points per level!
I snorted in dark amusement, laughing at my own attempt at cheering myself up. I could only hope that this was a class system that would branch out from the beginning classes once I’d finished at least one, otherwise… I chose not to think about it. Almost glaring at the status screen, I reluctantly accepted the situation and allocated my point where I wanted them. One each in strength, dexterity, and constitution. A moment later, I received two notifications in the corner of my vision, reading them revealing three new skills, two general skills and the other a class skill if I read it right.
Skill Gained!
[General] Observe (Novice): Detect the Name, Level, or Description of objects or beings.
(Powerful Beings or Sentient Objects may be able to detect or block this skill’s usage)
Skill Gained!
[General] Create/Destroy ID (N/A): Create or Destroy an Instant Dungeon. The Instant Dungeon generates enemies to gain experience and loot drops. Currently available dungeons include:
* Undead (Lvls. 1-25)
Skill Gained!
[Fighter] Weapon Mastery (Novice): A General Weapon Mastery, this skill will evolve to match the desired Weapon Mastery upon the user’s desire.
+10% Damage with Chosen Weapon
“Well, at least there’s that,” I said softly, thinking quickly. The weapon mastery skill evolve’s to match the one I desire? Is it a one time evolution, as in it becomes a sword mastery and its done, or does it continuously evolve? Because one is clearly better than the other and I want to know which it is. Unfortunately, my trail of thought was cut off as the Game broadcast again.
Randomizing Starting World…
Processing…
…
…
World Selected!
Welcome to Remnant!
Oh. Oh my… This is… This could be very good, or very bad. RWBY is a world I was very split on when it came to the Game. On one hand, it has inbuilt infinite enemies to grind against, but on the otherhand, there are only about four places in the entire world that are definitively safe. And depending on what time I enter the world, there might be even less…
Before I could consider the matter anymore, A swirling blue light burst into existence before me. I hissed in pain and whipped my head around, covering my eyes from the blinding burst of light. A moment later I tried to look forward again, squinting to see as I felt myself slowly get dragged towards it. A moment later, my arm touched the light and I felt a heavy impact.
“Owww…” I groaned, planting my hand on the ground and slowly pushing myself into a sitting position. Squinting against bright light, I raise my hand to shield my eyes as I glance about. I sat on the floor of an expansive forest, hundreds of tree trunks stretched in every direction as far as I could see. Crowning the tree trunks and hanging from branches, were crimson red leaves. I sighed, “Forever Fall Forest, huh?” I stood up with a grunt of effort. Looking around again, I grimaced.
I really would have preferred being dropped in a city, but I suppose I’ll have to make do. “If I remember right, Forever Fall wasn’t that far from Vale… Maybe if I…” I muttered quietly before reaching up and grabbing a low hanging branch. With a quick hoist and grunt, I yanked myself up and began climbing upwards. I slapped a few leaves and branches away from my face as I reached the crest. A moment later, I felt a breeze wash over my face as my head broke out above the tree tops.
I couldn’t help but let out a small gasp. It was beautiful, more than beautiful, gorgeous. The red leaves swayed musically in the wind like a swirling blanket of color into the distance. The sky was the most vivid blue I’d ever seen, making it a stark contrast against the trees. And there, in the distance, I could see the high walls of Vale, and the even higher plateau where I could just barely make out the buildings that I could only assume were Beacon.
For the first time, it really struck me what was happening. Staring out over the picturesque scene I’d only ever seen in animation before, I felt a hole open in my stomach. I had been dead, and I was only here due to the whims of fate. I felt my back sag until it rest against the topmost reach of the tree I’d climbed, just barely supporting my weight as I stared motionlessly across the landscape. It was only the sudden sound of the Game that startled my from my stupor.
Quest Received: Lost in New Lands!
You are in a new world, and while you might know where to go,
it won’t be easy getting there! Make your way to safety and civilization!
Objective: Make your way to Vale alive!
Rewards: 500 Lien and 1 Gacha Token!
Shit, that’s right. This is fucking RWBY, Grimm exist and I’m not safe here. I don’t even have a goddamn weapon right now. Only a second after the thought of Grimm crossed my mind, I saw three shadows glide through the air a short distance away. “Nevermores…” I grimaced before hurriedly climbing back down, carefully keeping myself pointed in the direction of Vale.
Letting out a long breath upon reaching the ground again, I warily glanced around. Now that the shock had worn off, I couldn’t help but be wary of Grimm. Without waiting, I set off in the direction of Vale at a slow, loping jog. As I ran, my eyes flickered all about, watching for even the slightest sign of danger.
Almost an hour passed with me running, albeit at a slow pace so I wouldn’t wear myself out. I was almost starting to wonder where all the Grimm were, and if their danger was perhaps overblown in RWBY when a massive impact sent me flying to the side.
I groaned in pain even as I scrambled to my feet, almost a full quarter of my back pulsed with pain. Glancing back quickly, I looked just in time to see the shadow-black form and white mask of a Beowolf racing towards me. “Shit!” I yelped out as I dove behind a tree on instinct alone.
The monster’s claws ripped through the bark of the tree, making me thank every god I could think of that I’d somehow avoid being mauled by them. My heart was pounding as I glazed around frantically for anything I could use to fight back. I’d already seen how fast it could move, I wouldn’t be outrunning it.
My eyes caught a slight glint of white on the tree at the same time I heard a snarl of pain from the Beowolf. Somehow, one of its claws had gotten stuck in a knot of the wood and been yanked free. The barebones of a plan formed in my mind as I watched the grimm snarl at me. When it leapt at me a moment later, I was ready.
I threw myself forward along the ground, rolling on the hard terrain in a bid to pass underneath the leaping monster. I’d almost made it all the way when a burning pain exploded across my back. The very tips of the Beowolf’s claws having scored long, lightly bleeding gashes on my back.
Pushing through the pain and ignoring the way my health bar dropped in my vision, I launched myself to my feet as I came out of the roll and yanked the errant claw out of the tree. The razorsharp bone was barely long enough to be considered a knife, but I gripped it in a whiteknuckle grip as the grimm rounded towards me once more.
This time, instead of leaping, it lunged towards me. Again, I threw myself to the side, barely avoiding the raking claw that was sent towards me. I almost let out an exultant shout when I whipped the bone claw forwards and carved apart the grimms shoulder, making one of its arms dangle uselessly.
It was only in the reprieve of the Beowolf retreating a moment as it snarled angrily at its arm that I remembered something. Observe, I thought frantically, annoyed that I’d forgotten to use the skill.
Beowolf - Lvl 3
“This is level three?!” I angrily whisper-shouted. Before I could say anything more, the grimm threw itself towards me again.With a shouted curse, I dodged to the side with its crippled arm, swinging down hard with the bone claw. To my surprise, the claw sank deep into the Beowolf’s neck, it’s own lunge making my wild swing hit home with more force than it would have otherwise.
In the next moment, the grimm’s momentum sent it flying past me and I heard it thud as it impacted the ground. Turning to watch it warily, I then felt a grin spread across my face as the body began to dissolve in mist. Feeling my hand clench into a fist suddenly, I noted the claw in my hand had dissipated too and suddenly the pain from the two hits the grimm had landed surged into focus again.
“Mother fucker…” I swore as my back lit up. I froze in the next moment, remembering that other grimm would be attracted to the pain. I may have killed one Beowolf, but only barely and only through luck.
Ignoring the pain once more, I began sprinting away from the sight of the fight in the direction of Vale. Before I knew it, I was bursting out of the tree line and into an open field. Rising from that field almost five hundred meters away were the massive walls of Vale. Looking straight ahead, I could see a gate along with two soldiers who were eyeing me warily.
As I grew closer however, they got a better look at me and one of them quickly opened a small door built into the gate itself. “Come on kid, come on!” The man called out encouragingly. I could feel my lungs burning and my heart racing and then I was through. The open field gave way to the dark interior of a tunnel built into the wall. I managed to slow down before I was halfway through the tunnel, my legs starting to shake and I just collapsed against the side of the wall. The sound of foot steps distracted me from my desperate heaving for breath.
The man in what looked like well-fitted kevlar armor with plates of metal here and there knelt down in front of me, a concerned frown on his face. “You alright kid?” His eyes narrowed as he saw the blood on my back. “By the Brothers, what were you doing out there?”
I let my head lean back against the cool stone wall as I thought about what I should answer with. I eventually decided on using my injuries to help sell my story of the grimm killing my family. I could only hope my state would be enough to convince the guard in front of me.
“I… My family is… Was, a caravan.” I said slowly, getting the words out between breaths, my breathing slowly coming back under control.
The guards jaw tightened before he let out a long breath, “Grimm,” His voice was tired, as he said the word, it clearly spelling out the rest of the story for him. “Fuck, okay kid, I’m… So sorry about you loss. If you can tell me your name and some other info, I’ll run you an ID and let you into the city, alright? I wish I could do more but…” His shoulders slumped as he shrugged.
I took a moment before nodding slowly, making my voice a quiet whisper, “Thank you…”
He smiled sadly, “Sure thing, kid.” He helped me up and guided me down the tunnel and into a larger room that seemed to be a mix of barracks and office. Over ten minutes I filled out a few forms as Grayson, as I’d learned his name to be, finished up getting me what papers and identification I’d need. As he was leading me out, he paused before the door. “I’m sorry, Cato. I wish you the best of luck…” He smiled that sad smile again before walking back down the tunnel, towards the outside once more.
I let out a long breath, feeling the bandages he’d helped me put on shift on my back. I glanced down at the little wallet he’d given me to put my ID in, and then pushed open the door.
The sound and noises of a city instantly met my ears, cars roaring down roads, the background buzz of conversations, and the indistinct humming of power that you only hear when you’ve been without it for a long time. Buildings stretched upwards and hundreds of people were walking up and down the street, despite the day slowly coming to a close. Here and there I could see the odd animal trait that signified a faunus and the colors, oh the colors… I’d always thought the weird color themes of RWBY to be rather arbitrary, but now I understood. Color just seemed more vibrant here.
I took in a deep breath, and saw the message.
Quest Completed : Lost in New Lands!
Rewards Obtained: 500 Lien & 1 Gacha Token!