[May 4, 11:00 am, in the game world]
[Danōki's POV]
"Woah... This. Is. Awesome!" Today is my turn to see the world. Seeing this place with my own eyes is a whole new experience, compared to yesterday on the V-Sphere.
Even though the environment looks scary and gloomy, the thought of roaming around in the sky excites me. Like I said, this is a whole new level of experience.
"Alright, if I remember correctly about the gestures, the way to open my stats screen should be like... this!"
Name: Bōji
Lvl: 1
Title: ---
HP: 500/500
MP: 400/400
Stat Points: 5
XP: 0%
STR: 5
RFL: 5
LUK: 5
FRT: 20
COG: 15
Passive Skills:
Well-endowed Lvl 1
Stubby Suspension Lvl 1
Night Eye Lvl 1
Tree Scaler Lvl 1
Active Skills:
Viverrine Ball Lvl 1
Soft Feet Lvl 1
Battering Ram Lvl 1
Vital Snapper Lvl 1
Cool! And if I tap on the terms, the explanation would pop up. Let's see...
[STR: Strength = Physical attack power & speed + Auric attack power & speed]
[FRT: Fortitude = Health + Physical defense + Auric defense]
[RFL: Reflexes = Speed + Agility + Dexterity]
[COG: Cognition = Intelligence + Wisdom]
[LUK: Luck = Accuracy + Crit. Chance + Value]
Okay, so these stats are the sum of these qualities mentioned up. I like the innovative way of useful info getting represented. Keeping this aside, I realized something.
This game hates me.
This is my first time playing this and I got the worst stat build ever. Of all the combinations, why the tank?!
And what's with my strength?! I can't even hurt a flea with my finger!
Luck is something that can be managed whenever.
Now, with my free stat points, it's hard to choose between Strength and Reflexes. Which should I invest...?
"Simple. Bet on Reflexes."
"Aaahhhh!" When did he come here? How long was he behind me?! "Would you mind giving me a heads-up, bro? A holler?"
"I did, but you're too focused to respond, so I took a peep. Nice plane, by the way." Well, my Plateau suits me. I think Jun's plane is much cooler.
[RFL: 5▶10] 'Done!'
Speaking of cool, Jun had a duel this morning. He told me and King to log in first and wait for him. He mentioned about a Jackpot yesterday, meaning that he's gonna show it today, I think.
> "How was the duel, bro?"
>
> "It went good. I was against a honey badger. Tenacious guy, but an annoying braggart. Kept on yelling that he'll be the apex predator or something. The fight went stale, so I put him in a submission hold. Probably because I'm a bit stronger."
>
> "Awesome! Got anything?"
"Two new kick techniques and... an unusual seal. Oh, here's a fun fact. When I switched to PVP mode, the whole system changed. There were grades next to my stats, we were linked with buffs and debuffs. It's like we're untamed animals fighting out in the wild. It was fun the entire time!" Jun's smiling like an elementary schooler.
"By the way, where is King?" We looked around for a bit.
> "He's not here yet. Said that he had something to take care of."
>
> "I see. I wanted to show you both my Jackpot, so... alright, let's wait."
For some time, we were sitting on my Plateau ranting and listening by turns. Jun talked about his artifact and its skills, whereas I ranted about Mama Hibana's retirement and how she's planning on dating my father.
Jun wished her luck with a joke. I prayed they'd just make up and make out already.
Later, Jun tutored me about aura and its basics. His simple teaching got me the skill, fast!
To test my limits, I let out a huge pulse of aura. It stretched somewhere about 200 metres away, which kinda put me on fumes now. But I picked up something that seemed big, fast and hostile.
"Bro, something's coming." Immediately, Jun got into a stance, whereas I hid behind him. I don't think I can take on whatever's coming to us. I'm level 1 after all!
Out from the clouds came a bird humanoid. An Avian, according to the game. For some reason, this guy looks happy to see us when he landed down.
"Hello, Jōbun-san! Where's your cousin? Hasn't he arrived yet?" This voice sounds familiar.
"King, is that you?!"
"Hello!" Oh my god, it's actually him!
"Jun, are you seeing this?"
I thought I was looking at a bronze sculpture. Green eyes shining with confidence, a lean & gallant figure, those gorgeous, gigantic wings; It just screams Majestic! If his bird form is goofy but cute, this form is captivatingly handsome! King, you really are a King!
"Yeah... he looks different. If he didn't open his mouth, I'd have drawn first blood for good measure." His stance softened but his claws are still at open.
"Jōbun-san, no violence, please!" King freaked out a bit. "So, what should I call you then, Tanuki-san?"
"Hehe, call me Bōji!" I know, I know. That dumbstruck look on your faces. I'm such a genius! A name that capitalizes my form, my love for food and my tummy enhancing my cute factor, all in one shot! Go ahead, praise me, pals!
"So, is it short for Botamochi? Figures, since you look appetizing for the bosses." The nerve of this guy!
After a few roasting comments back-and-forth, our argument escalated, until King broke us up.
"Jōbun-san, Bōji-san, I'd appreciate it if we start playing. Dan-san, your name is fine. Never change it. Also, Jun-san, I go by Kingo now. As you can see, my community service is over, hehe."
"Kingo... now that's a name! Fit for a king! Learn a thing or two from him, glutton." I was ready for another fight but seeing Kingo-kun tired like that, it wasn't worth dragging it on. It's best to let it go and forget about it.
After all, Jun's gonna get that Beniken special! I just gotta wait until Saturday.
"Finally... Jun-san, you said you're going to show your Jackpot today."
"Right!" Immediately, his items are segregated on the ground. For each one, Kingo-kun made a lecture about it.
The Stat-a-Gems shown yesterday were of five types.
Rubies give STR, Emeralds for FRT, Topaz for RFL, Sapphires for COG and Pearls for LUK.
Now, the big piece of black rock that made Kingo crazy is called a Dungeon Stone.
This Stone, when fed to a Sky Plateau, will transform that floating island into a sophisticated building, giving that player an in-game home to lounge around. The Stone can also be buried on purified land to claim territory, but that's not possible unless you're affiliated with a large guild to take care of. Also, the lands can be contaminated by Neth-Aura again.
On top of that, it upgrades the Booking power of the island, making the shield stronger but also break into an occupied dungeon.
This mechanic kinda scares me. Imagine getting jumped by invaders when there's a raid going on. Worst timing to get sabotaged, honestly.
Now, with everything clear, it's time to go into a dungeon!
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
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[Kingo/Kingumo's POV]
It took a while navigating around these parts. Especially when there are players stopping and docking around us, to get a glimpse on Jun-san.
Also, he's still hounded by the Idol Trainee rumour, given how he ran yesterday from the restaurant when some people recognised him seperately. It'd be a mental disaster for Jun-san if the public put two and two together.
Even I wonder about it sometimes. Nonetheless, I'm glad I'm not alone. I don't like unwanted attention as well, especially when they're fueled by rumours.
It became a hassle to the point where Jun seperated from us. Finally, we reunited before a dungeon I found for Dan-san.
But there's something strange about this dungeon.
"What's the hold up, Kingo? Is something wrong?" I can't let Dan-san worry about me like this.
> "Actually, we found a rare type of dungeon, even for a White-Star. But don't let your guard down yet. Despite the color, the difficulty must be higher than expected."
>
> "What's so unique about this dungeon, Kingo?"
>
> "Good question, Jun-san. Remember what I said about Assimilation?"
>
> "Yeah. Wait, is this an Assimilated one?"
>
> "No, we call this type of dungeon the Citadel. See how there are two same stars on the wall?"
>
> "Yeah..."
>
> "This means the features and challenges associated with this dungeon are increased. In our case, this is equal to a Red-Star dungeon. But as the phrase goes, high-risk-"
"High-reward!" Looks like the cousins are pumped up. This'll be easy, fingers crossed.
"Let's get in!" Dan-san booked the dungeon, along with Jun-san. After checking one last time, we entered the dungeon.
The portal opened into a spacious area, with a crystal about 10 feet tall, hovering in the middle. Judging by the layout and the aspect of this dungeon, I believe we can manage it.
> "Wow! This place is huge! Kingo-kun, what should we do here?"
>
> "It's simple, Dan-san. We must protect the crystal from an onslaught of waves. The longer we survive, the harder it gets. If the crystal gets destroyed or we die, it's game over."
"Okay, so it's kinda like a tower defense game here."
"You could say that, Jun-san, except we're protecting a crystal." He nodded with understanding.
After some instructions and tips were shared, the floor below flashed with red light, indicating the wave will start soon.
The first wave consisted of Ganger Frogs, led by about 6 Bulldozers. These Frogs are what you call mob bosses. They are like 6 feet tall and wide, look intimidating, barking orders from a safe space, while the subordinates, the Bruisers and Bombers, are sacrificed to us as fodder.
Those grunt workers are small, though. Which is good.
While Dan-san and I were busy defending the crystal, Jun-san was reckless. He dove into the wave, picking out the Bombers and used them against their own. With that strategy, about 5 Bulldozers died. Then, after collecting their clubs and hammers, he practiced homeruns on those Frogs.
Just like any other first wave, this ended smoothly. The loot was collected, funds were splurged on the shops and defensive structures were installed.
The floor flashed red to signal the next wave.
From now on, the real war begins.
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[Jōbun/Junkitsu's POV]
The second wave begins now.
Apart from the Frogs, there were a bunch of new animals that appeared in the mix.
On appraising them with [Cosmic Perception], I learned that they are Bullet Hoppers.
I have only three words to describe them: sleek, strong but brittle. Though they have powerful legs and a strong pointed head, their streamlined bodies are light. This means that a strong, opposite force can break their necks.
Better yet, they can be my practice dummies to improve my weapon skills. Sometimes, I teach Dan in parrying with his shield by baiting those bugs towards him, or throwing at him.
After destroying the enemies left and right, the second wave was over.
"Bro, what were you thinking?! My hands were already full in dealing those critters, without you throwing some into the mix!" An earful from the Tanuki is a small price to pay, considering how much his [Shield Parry] skill grew. A whopping Lvl 16.
Next, the third wave came up. Additionally, there are some new animals that appeared as well: the Hazard Shrews. Venom, venom, more venom.
It's safe to say they are Venom Incarnate. According to these critters' bio, they maintained a diet of poisonous insects and fungi, giving them an evolutionary edge. One graze from their teeth, and it's goodbye.
While Kingo-kun and I dealt with most of the enemies, Dan had it bad. Fortunately, thanks to his skill, the [Viverrine Ball], he held out until we arrived. After the clean-up, he survived with a few cuts and bruises and a new resistance.
But still, you can never be too careful. Time to try out new skill.
'[Aura Pill]'
Alright, these pills look good.
> "Hey, guys, catch!"
>
> "...What are these, bro?"
"It's a gift. Swallow it and use your aura to dissolve it. You're welcome." After that, they both looked ecstatic.
'I see... So whenever I instill an elemental affix to the pill, it generates a random effect or a buff. In case of the Wind Pill, they'll have minor health regen.' That's nice to know. With that much aura, the buff will last at least 10-15 minutes, tops.
Another red light. 'Onto the fourth...'
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[Danpan/Danōki's POV]
"Whew, is it just me or is this dungeon getting harder?"
"Definitely harder, Dan-san." I see, Kingo-kun.
"Oh, boy..." ...Oh, no! "Kingo-kun, it's not like that! I'm sorry, it must be hard on you too!" Can't believe my thoughts got switched like that.
"Hey, Dan. I thought of a bet." Huh? What's he upto now?
"What is it now, bro?" Hope he doesn't make some crazy condition that only he's capable of doing.
"If I win, you better change your name with my suggestion."
"As if I'd let you do that!" Straight with the penalty.
"Tsk, tsk, let me finish. The winning condition is the final blow on the big boss." Okay, that's doable, I think.
Checking around the area, our defense looks pretty solid.
On the North side, Kingo had installed three towers for defense. One shoots out fire bombs, one puffs out storm clouds and the last one makes an earthquake.
On the South-East side, Jun installed a bunch of Icicle Turrets. He covered the blind spots on his territory and reaps all the benefits.
In my side, the South-West, I installed upto 4 Barrier Towers and 3 Hydro-Trident Turrets. With my trusty shields, which grew on me unexpectedly, I looked forward to the fourth wave and also Jun's challenge.
Halfway into the wave, I dealt with few wolves, apart from those frogs, grasshoppers and shrews. With great difficulty, we thwarted the remaining wolves and advanced to the final wave. This is where things got tough, but also interesting.
The final boss is a huge red bear with a huge warhammer, with spears and swords sticking out from his back. Its aura put our instincts on high alert. Its roar rumbled the entire area.
The Blood Ore Bear... this guy means business.
Behind me, the crystal glowed, with threads of light spanning across the area. Those threads connected with the defense towers and us, and pulled us in.
I got scared for a good period of time. To be sucked into an object that you protected for a couple of minutes really makes you think twice about your Tasks.
But upon seeing the bear from a new height, face-to-face, I found that the crystal had morphed into a Golem. In other words, we're riding a fricking Mecha!
"Yeah! Woohoo! I can't believe I get to pilot a Golem! This is a dream come true!"
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm the engine behind this, bro." What did this fox say?!
"What do you mean by that?"
"Apparently, the Golem runs on the actions of the player with the highest contribution rate from this survival game and that means Jun-san is in charge now." Kingo-kun explained.
'Great... now I lose the bet by default.'
With the power of those installed towers and Jun's superior control, the bear was thoroughly defeated.
Anticlimactic, am I right?
But the best part is that I'm getting an artifact! This is the climax to me!
The crystal opened up, revealing a room for me to enter in. It was just like when Jun got his artifact yesterday. After touching the nebula, my entire body shone in a bright light.
[Congratulations! You're bestowed the artifact: The Kettle of Boundless Will]
[This Artifact is Soulbound]
'Damn my life... This kettle look less of an armour and more of a costume.' Is this all my luck amounted to? I even invested 30 points into it!
After exiting the room, I was met with laughter. Jun was cackling just like the fox he is, rolling around the floor, telling me how it suits perfectly.
To be honest, it was a surprise to see him this expressive, which is a far cry from his usual self outside, due to his condition.
While I'm glad he's enjoying, according to Mama Hibana's standards, must he enjoy at my expense? Only God knows...
> "Enough, bro. It's not funny anymore."
>
> "Dan-san, that's a really great armour! You're almost like the Bunbuku Chagama."
>
> "It's not almost. I'm the Chagama. Man, I wish I had something like a hammer. Or a broadsword. Just my luck..."
>
> "I agree with Jun-san here. This artifact really suits you. If it cheers you up, I know some things about the Bestowal."
"Okay, I'm listening." Even Jun stood beside me to hear about this.
"Although the Bestowal takes into your proficiencies and achievements into account, there's an unspoken factor that plays a huge role into this process: Desire."
Kingo-kun further explained that any desire, no matter how trivial, will be taken seriously and the sum of the Bestowal's power turns into a suitable Artifact tailored to oneself.
"It may seem like it doesn't suit you, but the Bestowal never made a mistake. Trust me, there are many players who became Rankers after figuring out the potential behind their 'wrong' Artifacts." He concluded.
"So, an Artifact doesn't necessarily turn into a weapon. It can become into an armour, accessory or any other stuff." Jun understood, I guess.
"You're right, Jun-san! Even my greaves are an Artifact, you see." Kingo-kun's right. His greaves are no joke. While fighting those waves, his kicks unleashed tornadoes and caught many bombs in the air, then returned back to their senders. But he's a Mage first, so his Wind attacks might've been boosted by the greaves. Might be enjoying an agility boost too.
After we cleared the dungeon, the Tallying began. Since I'm the first booker, I went through it. I received 1 Dungeon Star and a few Stat-a-Gems.
Jun and Kingo-kun got their share too.
After all this, I went up by one level. But so what? My debut went well and I enjoyed it, compared to Jun's debut. His felt like a web novel moment, where he got cursed being trapped inside the toughest dungeon.
> "Jun-san, have you picked out the name?"
>
> "Oh, right... You bet I did!"
>
> "Why, Kingo? Why?!" Why did it have to be now?!
>
> "To be honest, Dan-san, you have a lousy sense of naming. Jun-san is better at this sort of business."
"Even you too, Kingo?! Awww..." I feel so betrayed...
"Well, the usernames are changeable in the first 24 hours, right, Kingo?"
"Yes, Jun-san." Seems like they won't let me go.
"Alright, a bet's a bet. I'll change my name. But no stupid ones or the bet's off!" Though I know him fully well that he won't keep it. After all, he's a fox!
"I heard you. Now, your name is....." Oh, I'm so gonna bench-press this fox with my kettle if he suggests something idotic.
"Danny!"
...I'm sorry? What?
"What's wrong, Dan? Don't like the name?"
"Huh? No, I just, I'm caught off guard, is all." In hindsight, Danny is pretty generic but it's better than some lame name.
"Wanna give you something else?"
"No, thank you! Danny's good, bro. I am Danny, happy?" Jun sure looks happy about it. It got me wondering.
"Bro, why were you so hell bent on changing my name? It's not like it's cringey or anything."
"Dan, are you listening to yourself? That cutesy name will get you hounded by savage girls who want a piece of your belly! Can't you see the suffering you'll face in the long run?!"
Oh... I see... Looking at his tensed face, I was reminded about the kind of guy he used to be.
Jun is undoubtedly eccentric, but he's deathly allergic to romance. My experiences of being bullied by girls did not help change his outlook. Ever since then, he started being overprotective of me.
In fact, it was so bad that he was nicknamed as the 'Handsome Ogre', in my neighbourhood. But that all changed when she met him.
Thinking about the past, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm happy he's changed, thanks to her, though his blunt attitude still need work.
"C'mon, bro! Have you forgotten our promise? Bros before Does, and that won't change. Not now, not ever." Jun became so happy that he started dancing. Kingo-kun and I joined in too.
It's safe to say that I enjoyed playing. Can't wait for tomorrow.
> "Dan-san, I need to ask you something."
>
> "What's it, Kingo-kun?"
"Is Jun-san a... you know... a..." I knew what it's going to be.
> "Nah, he doesn't swing that way. He just hates entitled, mean girls in general. Still hates them even now. I know he acts like it but he's not."
>
> "Oh... understood. My bad."
We couldn't help but smile at the assumption. Welp, all's well that ends well. Status screen, here I come!
[To be continued]
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[Skills used]
[Viverrine Ball: Curl up to turn into a stone ball, enjoying invulnerability for a certain period of time. The longer the supply, the longer the effect lasts. MP: min. 50, CD: 90s]
[Aura Pill: Focus a random amount of aura into a point to condense into a pill. The Elemental affix grants a random effect.
The longer the focus, the better quality of the pill and longer the duration. MP: min. 120, CD: 15s]
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[Techniques used]
[Shield Parry: Deflect any oncoming attack or projectile with your shield.
Depends on RFL
Slight chance to stun enemy.]