"What are we going to do with Bahamut?"
"Well we managed to trap him at the top of the Tower."
"But that is not a permanent solution."
"I know! I know! But what else we could''ve done? His power rivals ours.
"I have an idea... Although i don''t like it and i know the rest will like it even less."
"Talk Chronos, time is not on our side. You should know...."
"The Tower at the moment remains empty but what if we fill it with worlds?"
"Those worlds you speak off are in the midst of war with the dragon king forces."
"Not all of them and the ones that he already invaded could be saved. As long as Bahamut doesn''t escape, which is not a guarantee, of course.
"Stop. I still don''t understand how putting the worlds that are being invaded and the ones that are still free from Bahamut''s influence will resolve this."
"There is a planet, Earth were as entertainment the people there play games of all kinds."
"Games?"
"Yes! Games! I want to create and integrate a System within the Tower that will treat the worlds like a game. With dungeons, quest, abilities and levels. We don''t even need to use monsters because Bahamut already has them on his side.
"So you want to turn every inhabitant of every world into a game character?"
"I want to make them Players. Being capable of growth according to the System. The System will be incharge of giving quests to the Players in order to let them climb the Tower.
"CLIMB?! You want them to climb the Tower?! Bahamut will be at the top. They''ll die! We''d be handing him everything in a silver platter!"
"A lot of people will die, yes. But Bahamut is the one with the advantage here. We may not be able to kill him. But we can make sure others have a chance." Said Chronos while looking at his comrades.
"How are we giving them a chance this way?"
"Because we will give them our powers."
Everyone at the same time.
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"WHAT?!"
"Chronos have you gone insane?"
"Wait a minute Gaia. That doesn''t sound like a bad idea."
"Chaos you can''t be serious. Mortals with our power? What if Bahamut gets to someone that has our power? What if they still can''t defeat him?"
"Then allow me to ask you this then Gaia. Would it be different from what will happen if we just do nothing? Do you or any of you for that matter has a better idea?" Chronos asks.
"Tsk..." Gaia doesn''t come up with anything. No one did.
"Very well, i am convinced, i think we should do this. It would be better than just doing nothing and Bahamut sooner or later will escape so i choose to put everything on this gamble."
"Thank you Osiris. So how does the rest of you feel about this?"
Year XX00
A century ago the Tower appeared on Earth and from within riches and power await the Players, thats the name given to those that would climb the Tower. A
message would appear in front of those chosen to become Players and would enter
the Tutorial. That place served to prepare the Players to venture in the Tower. The arrival of the Tower changed everything. We''d soon learn there were
countless worlds that were connected to the Tower, people from different races
came from such worlds through the Tower. In the span of 100 years Earth changed drastically. With the birth of Players, conflict soon followed in the
planet as people started to being oppressed by the stronger, faster Players and that
led to conflict between the Players themselves. With the help of P.A.G (Player Association Guild) and the four guilds, that became the major guilds that
are today, the conflict was resolved and order was established. The guilds
relinquished any authority to the P.A.G becoming entities focusing on taking requests from people outside and inside the Tower or clearing quests, going up
the Tower among other things. While the P.A.G became the new and sole
goverment, since the old ones crumbled, handling new Players and problems that citizens may have. They aren''t that concerned with going up the Tower they
are just like any goverment.
Puertorican Wastelands (PW)
Baya Valley
*Yawn* "Another day in the wastelands, another day of deliveries. So early in the morning too." He''d ponder as he got ready for work. Loose shirt, shorts
and running shoes, the valley may not be that hot, but it is quite the run.
That''s how begings the day of this young man, the one blessed by time and chosen by space, begins. Now in mid route and half a truck worth of deliveries in
his van the unexpected happened. A blue window popped in front of him.
-DING-
You have been chosen to be a Player. Congratulations!! You will be transported to Laugh Maker in 5 seconds.
"Oh DAMN IT!!-- *FWIIIISH*
-DING-
You have been blessed by time.
"Where i''m i?" So dark. "How the hell did i get here and what was i doing before?"
-DING-
You have been chosen as a Player. Please say your name
Player? Like a game? Name? "My name is....." I don''t remember.
Is your name {My name is}? Y/N
"No! I just don''t remember"
Please say your name
*sigh*
-DING-
No name was given. A random name will be given.
-DING-
Welcome Sol Broyack! Here in Laugh Maker you will undertake the Tutorial. The Tutorial is where you will learn how the Tower works but before you go to the Tutorial you need to choose a class.
"Wait so my name is Sol now?" What the hell is happening?!
Please choose your class
Huh? Several options lay in front of me in the form of a blue window. "Kinda like a game..." The options where:
Warrior- melee based class. Can use swords, shields, axes, lances and clubs. Every level up +1 in STR, AGI and DEF
Mage- magic based class. Magic users can hit from long distances and can use AoE (Area Of Effect) and DOT (Damage Over Time) spells. Every level up +2 in WIS and +1 in Mana
Dark Mage- magic based class. Magic users with knowledge of dark magics and can use AoE and DOT spells along with hexes and necromancy. Every level up +2 in INT and +1 in Mana
Archer- range based class. Archers can hit from long distances without making a sound. Every level up +2 in AGI and +1 in WIS
Gunner- range based class. Gunners can shoot targets from afar or up close depending on the firearm. Every level +3 in AGI
Priest- support based class. Priests can cast healing magic and provide support, great vs undeads. Every level up +1 in HP, +2 in INT, +2 in WIS
Yea this is defenitely like a game. "Ok what to choose, let''s think this through." I don''t want to get "physical" with anything during a fight. I think an [Archer] or [Gunner] since both are ranged and magic sounds complicated.
Hmmm the archer doesn''t seem to has that much diversity in weapons. The gunner gives me options to be able to adapt to most situations. "Then its settled."
-DING-
You are now a [Gunner]
You will be now transported to Laugh Maker. Once there you will be given explanations about the Tutorial and the facilities at your disposal.
I hope i can ask them something at least. A flash blinded me and my ears were throbbing a bit from the loud bang that rung before.
"Hef-fo!"
Is someone there? "Hello?" I can''t see and i hear strange noises. Soon i could start open my eyes and my hearing got clearer and i saw a blue slime with huge silly eyes saying hello to me.
"Slimes? Where am i again?"
"You are in Laugh Maker." .......
"Ok... so who can i talk to here? I have some questions i think?"
"Oh... Oh! I''m sorry i doze off for a moment there hehehe" The slime was a bit embarassed.
"With your eyes open?"
"Uhm...Uhm... Ah! I am the guide that can help with finding locations around Laugh Maker, explaining about the Tutorial and showing new Players the ropes. Please call me Slime."
"Right so you better start at the beginning Slime."
"Okey first, say "Status Window"
"Status Window"
Sol Broyack
Lvl-1
Class:Gunner
Subclass:N/A
Title(s):1
HP-15
STR-1
DEF-1
AGI-6
INT-1
WIS-1
Abilities:0
Skills:0
"A [Gunner] huh? and with a title already. It''s been a while since a special one appeared."
When did i get a title?
"Okey so now you know how to see your stats, your level and class/sub class. Now if you want to see your abilities, skills and titles you just need to *click* on them in the window using your hand. Since you are a gunner you need a
gun. These are the 3 shooting ranges in Laugh Maker.
Hawkeye''s Gun Club
Mad Salvador''s Gun Club
Bullseye Gun Club
"Now, they offer basic target practice, offer skills as rewards and you can promote your class. Okey now we will cover the stats."
HP- Determines how much you can endure in battle.
STR- The higher the STR the stronger your physical attacks will be.
DEF- The higher the DEF the less damage you take.
AGI- Determines your speed and jumping ability. You get less tired the more AGI you have.
INT- Helps with magic casting. The higher the INT the more spells can be cast.
WIS- Helps with magic casting. The higher the WIS the more powerfull your spells.
"Okey now let''s talk about the city. Here in Laugh Maker only rookies are allowed until level 10. Once you reach level 10 you will be automatically transported to the Tutorial. There are stores thats sell basic skills like the gun
clubs, i''ll give you a map which will help you get around. Lodgins and food are free til you reach level 5, after that you need to pay."
-DING-
You have received a map of Laugh Maker.
"You can use the map through the status window. Give it a try."
I press the [Map] button and a small 3-D hologram of the city appears in my hand. I can zoom in and out and it marked where i was.
"Okey now, any questions so far?"
"Uh.. yes i do have a question, a few actually is there lodging near any of the gun clubs? Where exactly is Laugh Maker located? And what exactly means being a Player?"
"Well yes the Poe Inn is very close to Mad Salvador, this place is at the basement of the Tower and that''s all i can say on the matter. Being a Player gives you a chance to obtain power and riches beyond your wildest dreams by
climbing the Tower."
"What if i don''t want to?"
"Well it is not mandatory that you have to climb. You could go to any of the worlds that are connected to the Tower and settle there or inside the Tower or even settle in your own home. The important thing is that you will always be a
Player. Players posses strength regular humans can never achieved."
"I see..."
"Okey about the Tutorial it would be better if you get used to your class first before entering. You can come to the plaza whenever you want to head into the Tutorial. All details will be given then. Now good luck!"
Since the slime said that the Poe Inn and Mad Salvador were close let''s head there first. "Let''s see... aha found you. I''ll go to the gun club first and see what its like.
A big neon sign kept me from entering. a blue haired man was shooting a masked shirtless man with two different weapons whith a big smile on his face.
"This place looks like a bar or a strip club." I mumble as i enter. The place is deserted and half a man on a table drinking with his back towards me.
"Eh?" He turns his head and sees me over his shoulder. "You ever shot a gun before?" He asks without giving pleasentries.
"Ehm... no that''s why i''m here"
"Go away cabron" Turning his head once again. "I don''t have anything to teach to rookies. This is an advanced gun club."
"Is it? In the Tutorial?"
"Someone''s got a mouth and some attitude huh. Why do you think this place is so empty then? Because no one can complete my challenges. So once again, go away cabron."
"No, i want to learn how to use a gun and you are the only place near an inn."
"Hpmh! Mierda! Just when i was enjoying my beer. Ven! I''ll take you to where the practice area is." He says while getting up from the chair. We go from the entrance to another room with some altars on it.
"Well i know you won''t do it but it is gun club policy to issue it to anyone
-DING-
You have received a quest!
Quest:Gunner''s Challange
Details: Salvador the owner of the gun club issues challenges to anyone that practices in his shooting range with hopes to pass on his skills.
Win requirements: Beat Salvador''s time in every training course.
Sidearm- 0/1
Hand cannon- 0/1
Shotgun- 0/1
SMG- 0/1
Sniper Rifle- 0/1
Auto Rifle- 0/1
Rewards: ???
"Empieza with the sidearm." He says while gulping down what remains of his beer.
"Huh? Aren''t you going to teach me how the gun works first?" Is this midget for real?
*JAJAJAJAJAJA* "Este cabron! You know what they say no better way to learn than doing. Approach the altar of the sidearm and you will get all the information about the weapon. It''s easy just point and shoot." *JAJAJAJAJAJA*
*sigh* I hate you...
-DING-
Basic Sidearm
Impact:AGIx5
Range:30
Stability:55
Handling;50
Reload Speed:35
Rounds Per Minute:300
Magazine:20
"Wow...ok let''s start from the top."
Impact:Guns don''t have the STR considered when dealing damage instead they use AGI hence the damage of the gun (the impact the rounds will have) will depend on the Player''s AGI stat. The higher the stat the more damage it will do.
Range:It determines the range of the shots. A higher range means you can shoot from farther away and still hit.
Stability:How much recoil you will experience when firing.
Handling:The speed with which you can aim the weapon. A higher number means faster aim.
Reload Speed:The speed at which you reload the weapon. A higher number means faster reloads.
The last ones are self-explanatory. "Point and shoot huh?" Asshole... I grab the gun and a message pops up
-DING-
Sidearm target practice
Destroy 10 targets as fast as you can.
Best Time: 00:03:00-Salvador
"3 seconds?! I''ll be here forever!!"
My firsts attempt where horrible. It took me 15 minutes to destroy every target. *BAJAJAJAJAJA* I can hear that fucker laughing in the back, he is enjoying this too much.
"Hey! Why don''t you teach me something instead of just laughing your ass off you asshole!" I snapped. Salvador stopped laughing and got serious all serious while teared eye.
"You want me to teach you? Fine." Salvador came up to me and grab the gun from the altar.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
-DING-
A new record!
Time: 00:02:99-Salvador
"Want me to teach you something again?" Salvador asks with a grin on his face.
I hate him so much. "No! Stop! i''ll keep practicing... *tsk* this will be more difficult than i thought."
Six months later
*BAJAJAJAJAJAJA* "You did it! I thought you would give up, but you broke every record. Good job cabron!" Salvador was way more excited than i was. What i was feeling was a sense of accomplishment. I can handle six types of firearms with
pinpoint accuracy.
I looked at the screen that appeared in front of me.
You have completed a quest!
Quest: Gunner''s Challange
Details: Salvador the owner of the gun club issues challenges to anyone that practices in his shooting range with hopes to pass on his skills.
Win requirements: Beat Salvador''s time in every training course.
Sidearm- 1/1 Time:00:02:98
Hand cannon- 1/1 Time:00:03:99
Shotgun- 1/1 Time:00:04:90
SMG- 1/1 Time:00:04:50
Sniper Rifle- 1/1 Time:01:00:00
Auto Rifle- 1/1 Time:00:05:85
Rewards: [Gunzerker] job
"Uhm whats a gunzerker?"
"You know what a berserker is?"
"Yes"
"Now imagine instead of a berserker using a melee weapon, he''d use a gun."
"So, i would get the buffs of being berserk but with guns. Did i get it right?"
"You got it cabron! Great, isn''t it? Plus, gunzerkers are the only ones who can dual wield."
-DING-
You have become a [Gunzerker]
Gunzerkers love the sound of a gun being fired. Excellent marksman able to hit targets with guns in both hands. When in gunzerk mode AGI is doubled and DEF is decreased to 0 for five minutes. Every level up +6 IN AGI, +1 in STR
and DEF will only raise every two levels.
-DING-
You have acquired an ability.
Dual Wielding (Passive)
Description:Let''s you dual wield.
-DING-
You earned a title!
Glass Cannon
Description:You pack a punch, but your body can''t handle one. Your AGI is ten times your DEF. +5 in AGI
"And this is from me, consider it a gift." Salvador added.
-DING-
You have recieved basic weapons x6
"Thanks Salvador." Gotta admits, the reward is making me feel smug.
"Don''t thank me yet! *BAJAJAJAJAJAJA* Now comes the real training kid." What''s that supposed to mean? Salvador approaches the sidearm altar and grabs it and turns to me. "You''d really think i would take all those taunts lying down?"
*JA!*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
"No fucking way...." No fucking way he did that so fast.
-DING-
New record!
Time: 00:02:50-Salvador
Oh wow... Then he went for the hand cannon...
-DING-
The shotgun...
-DING-
The SMG...
-DING-
The sniper rifle...
-DING-
The auto rifle...
-DING-
He broke all my record by a 40 second difference. That''s insane! It took me six months to break his records by one second!
-DING-
You have received a quest!
Quest: Gunner''s Challange (2)
Details: Salvador has shown you what he can really do now break his records again!
Win requirements: Beat Salvador''s time in every training course.
Sidearm- 0/1
Hand cannon- 0/1
Shotgun- 0/1
SMG- 0/1
Sniper Rifle- 0/1
Auto Rifle- 0/1
Rewards: ???
"Wait wait wait you want me to do this again without teaching me anything? You broke every record by 40 seconds."
"Fine! Fine! You know there are two more-gun clubs, right? I''ll contact the owners so that they''ll let you take their courses."
"You must suck at teaching since you avoid it so much." This guy really...
"I don''t suck at teaching pendejo! But what you lack right now is actually using your gun. Hitting targets just lets you get used to firing it. You need experience. I don''t have that here. So, i send my students, if i had any, over.
there so they''d get the experience they need. You spent 6 months getting used to firing and hitting targets, now it''s time to put it into practice. Now go rest, tomorrow you can head to Hawkeye''s, he''ll be expecting you."
As soon as i got to my bed at the inn i checked my stats. During those six months i saw my AGI go up a couple of times.
Sol Broyack
Lvl-1
Class:Gunzerker
Subclass:N/A
Title(s):2
HP-15
STR-1
DEF-1
AGI-23
INT-1
WIS-1
Abilities:1
Skills:0
I''m fast... but that''s about it. Well, there isn''t a real need to worry about my other stats, i still haven''t leveled up either and i''m already at 23 AGI. I doubt there be any level 1 faster than me. "I wonder what the training over at
Hawkeye''s will be like."
Next day...
"So, you are Sol, Salvador''s student huh? How''s the old midget doing?"
"Insufferable..."
"Same old same old, well in any case. Welcome to my gun club son, name''s Hawkeye." Now that''s a gunslinger right there. Looks freaking cool.
"Can i wear gear like yours even though i''m not of the same class?" My question came out eager, i like the look a lot.
"Sure, weapons and equipment don''t have restrictions. Only skills and very few at that. Why? Liking the look?"
"If i''m going to be shooting i should look the part, right? And what i have on right now feels plain." I said while looking at my clothes
"I''ll say. Can''t believe you broke anything looking like that. Tell you what, you do the challenge and i''ll see if i throw some gear, deal?"
"Deal."
-DING-
You have received a quest!
Quest: Salvador''s True Challange
Details: Defeat 10 targets faster than Salvador using your gunzerker skills.
Win requirements: Beat Salvador''s time. Time:00:06:00
Targets-0/10
Rewards: ???
"True challenge? What about the one i took at his place then?"
"Don''t you find it a strange that a guy like Salvador, a gunzerker, has a simple target practice?" Hawkeye asks as in leading me into something.
"Wasn''t it the purpose of that to get familiar with the guns?"
"Yes, but that''s because no one could do his original challenge. He came up with the idea of switching his two trials with Bullseye and myself. This here is his first challenge. Now, i''ll do you a favor, i recommend you do my second
challenge first. Your choice."
"Take me to Salvador''s challenge please." I''m curious and a bit anxious. I guess it''s not normal for me to want to go towards danger.
"Gotcha, this way son." He took me to a big room, half a football field. The wall next to the door had a panel. Hawkeye used it and pointed towards the center. "You can go stand over there. The simulation will begin shortly."
There was a mark on the floor and as a i reach it 10 dummies appear.
"Shit"
Without giving it much thought i took the sidearm and fired three shots towards the closest dummy. He dodged all three shots without moving from that spot. All the while another dummy had charged at me and kicked me in the stomach.
*THUMP* I land on my back.
*PIIIUUUUU*
The dummies disappeared.
"Wanna take my challenge now son?" Hawkeye had a grin on his face.
"Yes...." I fucking hate Salvador.
-DING-
You have received a quest!
Quest: Hawkeye''s Challenge
Details: Neutralize five boars.
Win requirements: Defeat
Boars-0/5
Rewards: ???
The simulation started i shoot the closest boar with the sidearm. Of the three shots fired the first one made it charged towards me, the second was a miss and with the third i got it in the eye, which made it madder, and it went even.
faster towards me. Next thing i know i''m in the floor again and Hawkeye is over me with a dumfounded look on his face.
"Aren''t you supposed to be a little faster than that?" He asks.
"What?" I heard the question but maybe due to the tackle from the boar i was still out of it a little.
"Your speed. I was under the impression that you were fast."
"I am that''s why i use guns to do more damage."
"Yea but you can only hit targets that stay still. You can''t hit a moving target with the same precision can''t you, plus you can''t react to another enemy attacking while you are dealing with the other. You "died" twice by doing the
same mistake. Alright let''s start from the beginning. I know that midget teacher wannabe of yours didn''t said shit. But for refference do you know how to use each gun? And i don''t mean shooting them so don''t be a wise ass, think this
through."
Ok ok i can do this. I died by making the same mistake twice, that''s easy. Both times i shot at the head with the sidearm. The dummy dodge all my shots easily while the board endured it costing me my life. Was the problem the gun?
My choice of weapon? Then which one? "Uhm other than shooting them no, but was it my choice of weapon, did i chose wrong?" I ask.
"Correct! Each gun works fundamentally different from each other. It''s not just *pew pew pew* for example a sidearm doesn''t work well from a distance and if shot to someone "expecting" to get shot they''ll most likely evade it or even.
if they are fast enough, they could. sidearms are for more close range. So, let''s go through them real quick alright?"
Sidearms-close range. Doesn''t penetrate armor.
Hand cannon-close to mid-range. Can penetrate armor.
Shotgun-close range. Can penetrate armor.
SMG-close range. AoE,doesn''t penetrate armor.
Sniper rifle-long range. Penetrates armor.
Auto rifle-mid range. Doesn''t penetrate armor.
"I should have used the shotgun or the hand cannon."
-DING-
Your understanding of guns has increased.
You have acquired an ability!
Gun Knowledge (Passive)
Description: You feel guns becoming a part of your body. Your understanding of guns increases the more you use them. Increased reload speed, handling and stability.
Level:1
"Ok i want to try again."
"Atta boy! Here let me help you up."
The simulation started once again. The five boars spawned. This time i waited for them to make the first move. The two boars at the front charge at me and i take my hand cannon out.
*BANG*
*BANG*
The two boars fall and slide through the floor passing me by as i turn my gaze toward the remaining three to see one was already about to reach me. I cartwheel jump over him and while in the air upside down i take out the SMG and
sprayed the boar.
*RATATATATATATATA*
Boars-3/5
I faced the remaining two. I think i can get the one in the back with the hand cannon.
*BANG*
Boars-4/5
The last one bolted straight at me at great speed.
*BOOM*
Boars-5/5
"Well, i''ll be damn."
-DING-
You have completed a quest!
Quest: Hawkeye''s Challenge
Details: Neutralize five boars.
Win requirements: Defeat
Boars-5/5
Rewards: Eagle Eye (Passive)
-DING-
You have acquired an ability.
Eagle Eyes (Passive)
Description: You have the eyes of an eagle. You can see from very far and can zoom in on targets.
"See how easy it was when using the right kind of gun? And those were some moves out there. You are as fast as the old midget said."
"Thanks, can i go again?"
"Huh? What you mean again? Don''t you want to head over to the other challenge?" Hawkeye was caught by surprise.
"I want to keep practicing with the boars. I basically used the same strategy to win. Against intelligent opponents strats like that won''t work. I want to keep practicing before heading to the other challenge."
"Hmm... I like you son, you got spunk. I can do you one better."
-DING-
You have received a quest.
I spent four months repeating Hawkeye''s challenges again and again. The boars and goblins helped me to get use to battle and killing. It took me a while but i finally manage to do them faster than Hawkeye himself and i even leveled up
three times, i wasn''t expecting to level up in the first place.
"Status Window"
-DING-
Sol Broyack
Lvl-4
Class:Gunzerker
Subclass:N/A
Title(s):4
HP-19
STR-7
DEF-2
AGI-41
INT-5
WIS-6
Abilities:4
Skills:0
The real reward were my stats and abilities. I gained two abilities Lizard Eyes which lets me moves my eyes independently and i can see even better than with Eagle Eyes. As soon as i got it the system combined both the Lizard and
Eagle Eyes into the Panoptes''s Eyes. Now both effects stack which means i can focus into a target while zooming, basically i don''t need a scope anymore, I may need to hide the fact that i don''t need them so i''ll probably end up using
them. The other one is a passive that increases the critical damage i give out. And thanks to Panoptes''s Eyes i can hit weak points easier. There are two titles as well, Boar and Goblin Hunter. Pig and Goblin kind beware!
"So, are you ready son?" Hawkeye asks, hiding his excitement. He saw me for four months nonstop. Day in night out, Boars and goblins.
"Yes sir." Let''s do this!
The dummies appeared in front of me. Ok i''ll go all out! I dash towards the dummies with both SMG at my right and the sidearm at my left. First thing is to make them scatter. Gotta takes them one on one if possible.
*RATATATATATATATATATATATA*
*BANG*
*BANG*
The dummies start to move and a couple stumble making others fall.
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
Dummies-3/10
I quickly stowed my fuming hand cannon back and took out the SMG once again. Four dummies are coming after me from all directions. I spin around spraying them around the knee area. Three fall down and the one that got close enough.
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
Dummy drops to the floor.
Dummies-4/10
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
Dummies-7/10
Three left... No need to slow down now. "Let''s end this." As i take my shotgun out i rush the nearest dummy.
*BOOM*
Dummy-8/10
Without stopping i was already headed to the next one.
*BOOM*
Dummy-9/10
The last one didn''t even stand a chance. I was fast enough to move around his back and blast him.
-DING-
You have completed a quest!
Quest: Salvador''s True Challange
Details: Defeat 10 targets faster than Salvador using your gunzerker skills.
Win requirements: Beat Salvador''s time. Time:00:06:00
Targets-10/10 Time: 00:05:00 NEW RECORD!!!
Rewards: Gunzerker abilities(2)
-DING-
You have acquired an ability.
Digistruct(Passive)
Description: You now have four slots to equip guns and you can cycle through them without having to open the inventory.
-DING-
You have acquired an ability.
Auto-loading Holster (Passive)
Description: Guns will reload over time.
I won''t have to worry about reloading and have quicker access to my guns. Not bad.
"Gotta say son i''m impressed. You really are a hard worker and it bore fruit today. Congratulations Sol, you deserved it. Oh, and a deal is a deal i had it custom made just for you. The least i could after watching you son, enjoy."
Hawkeye says and two windows pop out.
-DING-
-DING
You have earned a Title!
Hard Worker
Description: You take hard work and make it look like homework. Once you set your mind at something you will give it your all. All stats +2
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Hat (Rare)
DEF:3
AGI:4
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Boots (Rare)
DEF:6
AGI:10
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Gloves (Rare)
STR:1
DEF:1
AGI:2
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Pants (Rare)
DEF:8
AGI:9
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Shirt (Rare)
DEF:9
AGI:10
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
You got a Gunslinger gear set (Rare)
Gunslinger Coat (Rare)
DEF:5
AGI:7
Makes it easier to learn the skill [Trick Shot]
Trick Shot (Passive)
Description: Allows you to perform difficult shots with more accuracy.
"Trick Shot huh? Sounds interesting."
"I''m glad you think so because you got a knack for it. Watching your movements just now confirmed it too. Keep practicing son, you''ll be going places. Now you have two choices; Going to Bullseye''s to continue your training or testing
your luck against Salvador once more." Hawkeye says while wondering what Sol would do.
"I''m in no rush to go back. I''ll be heading to Bullseye''s next."
"Then a piece of advice son. Just because you have new gear and new abilities don''t mean the next challenge will be a cake walk. if anything, Bullseye has the worst challenge, so don''t get cocky and don''t let your guard down."
Now i can say i really have a teacher.
A few days later at Bullseye.
"So, you are Salvador''s student Sol huh? And you even did Hawkeye''s challenges and everything, impressive. Call me Vladof." The owner introduced himself.
"I thought your name was Bullseye."
"Why?"
"Well Hawkeye and Salvador used their names for their gun clubs. I thought you did the same." Now that i say it out loud, it is a stupid reason. "I''d figure NPCs would behave the same i guess."
"What''s an ENPISI? Vladof asks confused by the word.
"Don''t worry about it it''s something people in my world say. So uh, i take it you have a challenge from Salvador? But if possible I''d like to take the challenges from your club first."
"You want to do my challenges first? Are you sure? If you did the one at Hawkeye''s then this one will be a breeze, it''s basically the same challenge."
"Are your challenges unavailable or something?" Why so persistent i do the old fart''s mission first?
Vladof remained silent and with a blank stare. Was it what i said? He starts to talk suddenly and by the sound of it, he may be angry.
"Hmph! You are no fun. Ok smarty-pants you want to do my challenges first then? You got it. But i have a condition."
-DING-
-DING-
You have received a quest!
Quest: Hit the Bullseye!
Details: Bullseye is the name of the game! Eliminate enemies by shooting their weak points.
Win requirements: Defeat 10 dummies with critical hits
Dummies-0/10
Rewards: ???
You have received a hidden quest!
Quest: Vladof''s Personal Challenge
Details: Vladof wants to test you. Complete his challenge "flawless".
Win requirements: Complete the challenge flawless.
Rewards: ???
"Woah! A hidden quest?" Two rewards. It still feels sketchy but both quests seem doable. "Bring it Vladof."
Pretty soon i was waiting for the dummies to appear. The moment they did i take out the hand cannon(R) and the moment it took for me to aim at a dummy and shoot.
*BANG* CRITICAL
*Hiiiisss*
Dummies-1/10
An arrow flew very close to my cheek. If i moved even a second later i would have died. But there wasn''t time to be thinking about that. A dummy had reached me with an axe and was about to swing it.
*BANG* CRITICAL
Dummies-2/10
"Damn it! They have weapons now?!" I look over the rest of the dummies. Bows, swords, lances and axes. No magic casters, good. Archers at the back and lances at the front with swords and axes in between. "No defenses either." Can i do
it? Can i hit multiple targets using that method? Let''s find out.
Sol''s eyes turn to a deep purple and their gaze became sharper with each eye moving on its own. He was getting used to this new sensation. He was using Panoptes Eyes to be able to see and pinpoint the dummies'' heads and while dual.
wielding reducing numbers. That''s his plan at the core. His problem on that plan were the lances at the front. He wasn''t sure how to handle an enemy that had reach. But that wouldn''t stop him. Sol dashes toward the gap between the two
dummies holding the lances while dodging arrows, which turned out not to be that difficult for a level four with 85 in agility. With his hand cannon on his right hand, he shoots the lance and switches the gun to the left hand and shoots again.
*BANG* CRITICAL
*BANG* CRITICAL
Dummies-4/10
The arrows aren''t stopping and now the remaining axes are here slashing at him. An opportunity showed itself and rushes to the three swords. Two of them rush to meet him giving him little to no time to properly aim. So, he dodges the
slashes *SLASH* *SLASH* and in that moment a sidearm was at pointblank from the dummy''s head.
*BANG* CRITICAL
Dummies-5/10
The gunzerker instantly turned his head to the left and fired twice in different directions. He fired to the left and at his back.
*BANG* CRITICAL
*BANG* CRITICAL
Dummies-07/10
One axe and one sword went down.
Now only one sword and two archers remain. The archers were now shooting two arrows per shot and were shooting a lot faster than before. He needs to get to the archers before the sword. Sol rushes toward the dummy holding the sword.
The dummy keeps his position but prepares to defend. The moment Sol gets in reach it would slash sideways at him. Sol figured jumping would put him at a disadvantage with the archers being so close that the moment he saw the dummy.
starting to move, he slides. The sword passes very close to Sol''s face, his heart was beating fast, but it wasn''t the time to be taken aback by such things. While getting up Sol''s hand cannon goes off twice.
*BANG* CRITICAL
*BANG* CRITICAL
Dummies-9/10
Now only one dummy remains.
*huff* *huff* *huff*
Sol was catching his breath; his body was shaking from the adrenaline without realizing he had a smile on his face as he pointed at the dummy with his hand cannon.
*BANG*
Dummies-10/10
-DING-
You have completed a quest!
Quest: Hit the Bullseye!
Details: Bullseye is the name of the game! Eliminate enemies by shooting their weak points.
Win requirements: Defeat 10 dummies with critical hits
Dummies-10/10
Rewards: [Target Lock]
-DING-
You have completed a hidden quest!
Quest: Vladof''s Personal Challenge
Details: Vladof wants to test you. Complete his challenge "flawless".
Win requirements: Complete the challenge flawless.
Rewards: [Batlle Focus]
Target Lock (Passive)
Description: Can target body parts with more accuracy. Increased damage on weak points by 2%
Battle Focus (Passive)
Description: While in battle your ability to focus increases and all senses become sharper.
-DING-
You earned a title!
Flawless
Description: You came, you saw, you conquered. No enemy can touch you. All stats +3
"Wh... what are you? Are you a monster?" Vladof was in shock. "My best student did this in 20 seconds. Yet you did it in half the time how?"
*huff* *huff* *huff* *huff*
"Hey Sol, you alright?"
Vladof noticed right away something was amiss. Salvador came to mind at that moment, Vladof put his left hand on his holster. "Hey Sol i''m talking to you. You doing ok? I''m coming to you ok? I''m walking real slow towards you ok?"
FUCK ME! FUCK SALVADOR! FUCK HAWKEYE!!! FUCK GUNZERKERS!!! None of them told me he had never faced enemies with weapons before. His adrenaline must be through the roof, look at that bastard shaking. I have to make sure he doesn''t.
trigger his gunzerking in here. UGH! Salvador must be having a laugh about this, the bastard!
*whispers* "Can i go again?" Sol asks.
"Huh? What was that?" Valdof didn''t vaguely hears him.
"Can i go again?" Sol turns to face Vladof and his face was covered in sweat, his hands were shaking, and his smile was a bit concerning.
As soon as Vladof lays eyes on him he got even more nervous, his fear came true. Sol was at the verge of going gunzerk. He answers slowly and softly, after all he didn''t want to deal with the mess that would follow. Vladof still
remembers the first time Salvador went gunzerk, it was a nightmare, luckily no one can truly die in Laugh Maker. It was still something he didn''t want to go through again.
"Yes, you can go again. But i need you to breathe in and breathe out. Can you do that for me huh?"
*inhale* *exhale*
"There we go Sol. One more time please."
*inhale* *exhale*
"Great. One more time?"
*inhale* *exhale*
"Excellent. How are you feeling?"
"Calmer... I had never done anything like that before. It felt so natural, so thrilling. I want to go again."
"Woah woah calm down first. You almost exploded and didn''t even realize it."
"What do you mean?"
"You almost went gunzerk." Vladof replied.
"Is that a skill?"
"It is and a very dangerous one too. You can no longer distinguish enemy from friend. You could hurt someone in your party or worse. That''s why gunzerkers aren''t that popular to begin with."
"Did Salvador ever kill someone?"
"Ask him next time you see him. Maybe he''ll tell you. Speaking of which. That bastard''s challenge. Are you ready for it now?"
"No. I want to get used to dealing with enemies using different weapons first and i need to learn to keep myself calm during battle. By the end, when i jumped over the slash. That was more of a reaction. I didn''t really thought to
just do it like."
"You just reacted? Seriously? A reaction?! Are you really a monster? Salvador sure lucked out with you huh. Fine keep going at the dummies until you feel ready."
And just like that, two months went by. Sol completed Salvador''s challenge in that time. A battle against 50 dummies equipped with swords,lances,bows axes and shields done in six minutes when his first teacher did it in seven minutes.
The reward was a gun set of the [Uncommon] rarity, an upgrade from his [Common] ones. The only thing now was to return to Salvador.
"Hey, come to Amy''s tonight. We gotta celebrate you "graduating" from here." Vladof extended his hand for a handshake.
"Sure, thing Vladof." We shook hands. "See you tonight."
Later that night.
"So, this is Amy''s huh?" Can''t say i see the relation between a hammer and alcohol but whatever its not like i care.
When Sol enters the pub, a blonde middle-aged man dressed like soldier and a gunslinger signal him to their area at the bar. Vladof and Hawkeye already drinking reminiscing about their past.
F
"Hey, kid you made it!" Hawkeye greets Sol.
"So, what''ll you have Sol?" Vladof asks.
"Uuum water"
"..."
"..."
*ahem* "Barkeep! 3 shots of tequila!"
Fuck...
"Look kid you can''t just drink water in a night of celebrating. You may think this is not a big deal, but you are about to be the only one to complete Salvador''s challenges. That guy is no joke. Have you decided when you''ll head
back?"
"In a couple of days. I want to rest for a bit and then warm up before heading over."
"Good enough for us. Here."
"Make good use of it son."
They both game me money $1k. "Not that i''m ungrateful. But why?"
"Oi Hawkeye, he didn''t hear you the first time so i''ll tell him again. Look Sol if and when, because we think you''ll pull it off, you break Salvador''s records again. You''ll have to face a simulation of us back when we were Players.
That means a younger me, a younger Hawkeye and a younger crazier Salvador. So, the money is for you to get whatever you can afford with that and prepare yourself as much as you can."
Somehow i don''t feel that threatened maybe I''m missing something.
"You know i never did asked and i think i have Hawkeye figured out but what''s your specialties when it comes to guns? I know Salvador is a gunzerker so he knows how to shoot every gun. Hawkeye i believe focuses in hitting targets with
precision. Meaning critical hits. But what about you Vladof?"
Vladof drink his first shot. *HAAAAA* "Well are you aware there are different types of ammo that gives properties to the rounds. For example, penetrating rounds, ricochet and elemental rounds just to name a few. You know what? Here a
gift."
-DING-
-DING-
You have acquired an ability.
Penetrating Rounds
Description: Your rounds can penetrate shields and protective gear.
Costs 2MP per round when applied.
You have acquired an ability.
Ricochet Rounds (Passive)
Description: Whenever a bullet is reflected it will hit the nearest target or enemy.
"Oh, and don''t worry about the mana stuff, you''ll unlock the Mana stat when you enter the 1st floor of the Tutorial. You''ll understand then."
"Well thank you. I''ll go and find something that may be useful right now." I say as i get up and walk towards the door.
"Hey, you never drank your tequila!" Hawkeye shouts at me angrily.
End of chapter 1