System Fall

 

"Nick? That Nick Vandal?"

His question reverberated through the crowd, amplifying the tension that permeated the air. All gazes swiftly converged upon me. I could hear the murmur of recognition ripple through the crowd.

"Isn't that him? The same guy from..."

"Indeed, the one who took out the Zombies in Times Square..."

Their recollections hung heavy in the air as they painted a vivid picture of my past achievements.

"I've seen him in action. He's good. So, have you cooked up a plan then?" An attractive woman queried, her gaze locked onto mine. She was garbed in a business suit, the creases and stains telling the tale of her recent struggles, but her voice carried an undertone of warmth.

"I've thought of a way where none of us would have to play martyr against that monster," I replied.

The bustling murmur that shrouded the crowd instantly hushed. All eyes were locked onto me, as if I had become the center of their universe.

I had made my name by charging headlong into peril, time and time again, only to emerge victorious on the other side. Many had witnessed my abilities and the way I grappled with the monstrous threats. Their faith in me didn't seem misplaced.

"Really? We've seen you fight, but do you genuinely believe you can slay that monstrosity solo?" The woman spoke again, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Would you?" Jason's inquiry sliced through the air, carrying with it a palpable earnestness. 'If it is him, I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to do this on his own.'

"Absolutely," I confirmed, deliberately dragging out the 'y' in a playful drawl.

"Wait, you're not joking?" The woman darted her gaze between Jason and me, incredulity etched on her face. "Aren't you signing up for certain death?"

"If I harbored even the slightest doubt in my victory, I wouldn't have stepped forward," I assured her.

"And if you charge into the fray and fall within moments, what happens to us?" The man with whom she'd been previously arguing retorted.

"You would face the same outcome, because if I can’t conquer it, none of us can. However, fear not, my strategy is sound," I responded, my tone unwavering. "It simply requires a a minor investment from everyone."

"What are you implying?" Someone else asked, their voice harboring a hint of hostility.

I chose to ignore the hostility,

 instead providing a clear answer. "It means I’m offering my services as a professional, and in return, I expect a collective contribution from everyone here. This isn’t charity. I'm asking for everyone to pull their weight before I step into the Octagon."

“I’m talking about payment for my services.” My blatant admission ignited a fierce uproar within the crowd.

It seemed like May had an eye for the unfolding pandemonium, understanding the stagnant situation wasn't progressing anywhere useful. From our shared experiences, she knew I wasn't the sort to kick the hornet's nest for no good reason. But when the swarm was out, I was the one who'd step in and deal with it. To me, combat was as natural as breathing.

Even during our joint operation at the Zoo, I'd interrupt our chats to end a skirmish, capture a beast, or deflect an attack, only to resume our conversation as if nothing had occurred. There was no sense in idling around for someone else to muster the nerve to accomplish what I could already handle.

"Nothing comes without a cost. We all understand that. So, what exactly are you asking of us?" May questioned, standing firmly among the restless crowd.

The business-suited woman shot May a pitying look. "Aren't you his partner? Do you think you'll be exempt from his demands?"

"We're not an item, we just teamed up for a mission," May retorted. The crowd's reaction was a mixed bag of snickers and uncomfortable grimaces.

I cleared my throat.

"In response to your question," I raised a hand to hush the crowd, brandishing my blade to underscore the power I held. "I need Points. Not an outrageous amount, just enough to elevate me to a level where I can take on that Minotaur on a nearly equal footing. I'll settle for one point per person, and if you can't spare that, I might even consider half a point."

"But not all of us can contribute that much!" A ripple of protest surged through the crowd.

"Then find a way to earn it. Or be my guest and challenge that beast yourself," I shot back. I wasn't in the business of offering free passes.

"If everyone pitched in a point, we'd just be replacing one threat with another. What if you decide that points aren't enough? Would anyone stand a chance against you then?" A man hollered from the crowd, trying to weigh the risks and benefits. "Put yourself in our shoes."

I shook my head, a dry chuckle escaping me. "I don't need to empathize to know the truth. That creature is set to slaughter you all, and none of you can withstand it. Those are the cold, hard facts," I gestured with my blade again.

"Make no mistake, if I wished, I could take all your points right now. I have the means. But that's not my style. This point transaction is non-negotiable. Everybody pitches in." I wasn't just anxious about battling the Minotaur. It was the aftermath that worried me, when I'd be at my weakest. The fight was bound to take a toll, and I didn't doubt that someone might seize the opportunity to snatch a precious item or clear reward from me.

A while back, I always managed to avoid the raging minotaur until the countdown hit zero. Aria and James had adopted a similar strategy. Selene, though, chose to battle the monster during her Intermediate Stage. It was a fight that left her barely hanging onto life. Others decided to face even tougher fights just to buy some extra time.

Yet, there was one person who accomplished what no one else dared to dream about.

A rumor had begun to circulate about this individual who achieved the seemingly impossible task. Everyone called him The Berserker. He was like a legend amongst us, a force of nature that even I, no stranger to battles myself, found awe-inspiring to witness in action on the front lines.

The Beginner's stage was all about acclimating oneself to the new world and laying the groundwork for major changes. The Intermediate Stage, however, separated the potential heroes from the ordinary.

The Berserker, an ex-marine with a solid background in mixed martial arts, was one of those potential heroes. He stood as a testament to rapid adaptation when System Fall happened. His ability to adjust, to evolve, was more than just impressive—it was phenomenal. He wasn't just an overachiever, but a force of nature, adapting and growing faster and stronger than anyone else.

Yet, despite his fearsome reputation and strength, he carried himself with an air of humility and camaraderie. His signature grin and encouraging words still echo in my mind, "Fake it till you make it, 'cause someone's got to." Even if it sounded corny, it influenced me. His spirit, his will to push through, was as contagious as his wide, confident smile.

It was during this time a soft-spoken girl asked, barely loud enough over the chatter of the crowd, "Can we offer something other than a Point?"

I paused, considering her proposal. "Alright, I'm open to trades. Anyone got anything useful that could help me beat that beast inside? Flashbangs, Single-Use Items, Potions? Anything?" I asked, earnest in my request. "I did ask for points, but if you've got something else that can be of use, I'll take that."

Suddenly, a ripple of hope stirred through the crowd, a spark of unity ignited. A man rushed to me, offering a single Strength point. He barely made the cut as an F-Rank, but I gratefully accepted his generous offer.

I wasn't here to monopolize the situation or drain everyone of their points and power, but I also wasn't going to let myself be trampled over. A few determined teenagers broke through the crowd and made their own offerings.

"You're gonna win, right? We want to do our part too. Maybe next time, we won't need anyone," they said, brimming with youthful hope and determination.

I was about to refuse their generosity, but something in their eyes stopped me. It was a look of acceptance, of understanding the reality of the situation, but also a look that held onto a glimmer of hope. The brother offered an Agility point, while the sister gave a Strength point, both of their eyes filled with determination.

Seeing the determination in the siblings sparked a sense of satisfaction within me. I couldn't help but think, These kids have the potential to make it in this world. They've earned a bit of aid.

"After I'm done, we'll chat," I told them. They nodded and quietly retreated, their footsteps barely a whisper.

Observing their finesse, I could tell they had latent talents waiting to emerge. It made me eager to see their growth. If anyone can become proficient enough for my plans, it's them, I found myself thinking.

With that brief interruption over, I returned my focus to the crowd. One after another, I collected points, undisturbed, until I hinted at the monster's imminent escape. That kicked up a bit of genuine opposition.

Jason, leading a group of higher-point players, approached me with an offer. He held out a strip of red-and-blue-striped gum, a limited-use item I immediately recognized.

"We picked this up," Jason said. "Doesn't match any of our fighting styles, but it's all you're getting from our group."

I countered, "How about a strip per person?" The gum was a pack of [Hot-n-Cold Breath]. Depending on how much Mana you expended, you could exhale a blast of flame or a gust of freezing air. The drawback? You could only use it three times, and couldn't repeat the same type of breath consecutively. It was a potent tool.

Jason's face screwed up with unease. "There are only—"

Cutting him off, I snatched the pack from his grasp. Only two strips. Time was ticking away and the monster's racket was growing louder. It had managed to free almost everything but its neck and limbs from the steel wires. "Looks like there's enough in here. Not sure what you're fussing about."

Jason hesitated, contemplating whether he could reclaim his offer. He seemed to regret his attempt at skimping me. I had been amenable to lesser trades, but not for an entire group.

Honestly, I was ready to wrap this up. Coordinating such a large group to do the right thing and contribute was tiresome and dull.

Having said his piece, Jason backed off. I pivoted back to the crowd. After receiving something from everyone, I studied their faces for signs of hidden anger or resentment, identifying potential future threats. May came up to me, tapping on my shoulder.

"I can offer a service. I'll sharpen any dulled weapons during your fight, and I'll do my best to fix any damage. Even if all I can manage is cleaning the blood off them. Is that enough?"

I nodded in agreement. "That's enough. It's go time."

I took a moment to glance over my stats and skills. I still had pure stats. I didn’t apply those. I had a feeling that to eventually break through the 100 stat limit, I’d need them.

 

STATUS

 

Name

Nick Vandal

Overall Ranking

E

Class

Lone Survivor - The fickle whims of fate have favored you. You have gained the class exclusive skills, Indomitable Will and Tenacious Vitality, which mitigates the effects of stress and other mental conditions, while tenacious vitality allows rapid healing and fatigue recovery. These do not count against your overall skill slots.

Title

[None]

STATS

 

Strength

E (21.3)

Agility

E (22.9)

Endurance

E (28.3)

Mana

F (11.20)

Stat Total

83.7

UNLOCKED SKILLS (0/7)

1. [Magic Resistance]

9.87%

2. [Empty]

 

3. [Empty]

 

4. [Empty]

 

5. [Empty]

 

6. [Empty]

 

7. [Empty]

 

EQUIPMENT

[No Current Set Items]

Cused Valkyrie 

Blood Pact - Berserker Unbound

This ability harnesses the energy from your wounds, converting the damage to your body into a raw surge of power, enhancing your speed, strength, and endurance during combat.

Azure Gleam Knife

Mana Enhanced Blade for better cutting. 

Torn Up Boots

[Empty]

Shredded Jeans

[Empty]

Ripped Jacket

[Empty]

Blood Stained Shirt

[Empty]

QUESTS

 

1. Kill the Administrator

 

Rank

SSS+

Objective

Defeat the [Admin] who wields absolute control over System Fall. To succeed, you must overcome their immense power, acquire necessary abilities, and confront eldritch beings, lesser gods, and reality-altering abilities they employ.

2. The Second Deception of the [Admin]

Defeat the Cursed Minotaur King within the fighting arena. This is an enemy beyond any that you have faced and will require you to surpass your limits. 

Rank

E

Objective

 

3. The First Deception by the [Admin]

COMPLETE

Rank

F

Objective

Eliminate the Undead Horde within the initial tutorial starting area.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. [Essence Apprentice]

Your overall vitality has been subtly enhanced, granting you increased resilience and stamina

2. [Infernal Exterminator]

Amplifies the impact of your first fire-based attack on any foe.

3. [Wendigo’s Bane]

Grants Forsaken Endurance. Resistance to cold and frost-based magic and environments are significantly increased.

4. [Empty]

5. [Empty]

Recipe List

Molotov Cocktail - 1 Bottle, Flammable Liquid, Cloth Strip, Ignition Source

Azure Gleam Knife - 1 Knife (Any), 1 Whetstone, Azure Gleam Solution

Vacuum Tupperware -  10 Plastic Pieces, 1 Vacuum Stone, 2 Shaping Crystals 

CURRENT LOCATION

Manhattan Ruins - Starter Zone - Octagon Outskirts

   

AFFILIATIONS

Solo

 

As I anticipated, climbing the ranks was a slow grind. I would have preferred if my Mana had hit E-Rank, but perfect conditions are seldom present when tackling tough tasks. Once I had finished that, I put to use some of the items I'd gotten that could temporarily lift my basic stats, such as an energy drink that boosted base stamina by 5% and other similar items. If we were still operating under a regular economy, the sheer value of the gems alone that had been handed over to me would've made me wealthy. I didn’t waste time explaining how these gems could eventually be used for enchanting items.

Feeling well-rested and well-fed, I was as ready as I'd ever be.

"Alright, I'm ready as I'll ever be. The Intermediate Stage issue will be resolved," I announced, then set off towards the awaiting Arena and its Octagon.

The very use of intense lights and shadowy entrances in the MMA arena presented another challenge. The notion of stepping into the octagon to take down the minotaur was never intended as a viable solution. The arena's design was to disorient and confound anyone brave enough to enter.

Should the beast go berserk, the same lights would illuminate players as they attempted to flee or hide. Furthermore, if you weren't quick enough to shield your eyes from the glare, the intense brightness could easily blind you.

I had no intention of underestimating the cunning of the [Admin]. There might've been some symbolism behind locking a mythical death creature inside a structure akin to a cultish arena. But was there really time to ponder that when dealing with such a challenge?

As I neared the arena, those nearby whispered among themselves.

"Is he really going for it?"

"He's just going to get himself killed..."

"Quiet! What if he hears us?"

"I can hear you fine," I retorted, glancing back at them. "But thanks for the Mana donation."

I didn't recognize any of them. I didn’t think they'd made it this far in my past life. A mere handful had survived the mayhem the first time around.

As I neared the MMA arena, the devastated landscape surrounding me contrasted starkly with it. The arena was a magical construct, designed purely to sate the [Admin]'s thirst for blood and spectacle. The surrounding ruins of collapsed buildings and charred remains replaced what was once a bustling city. But within the arena, gleaming lights and polished floors awaited me.

Stepping inside, I was instantly awash with blinding overhead lights. In front of me, the Minotaur-like beast ceased its struggles, its vacant eyes fixed on me. Dark pupils bored into me, full of malice. There was an intelligence behind those eyes; it wasn’t merely a mindless beast crafted by System Fall.

"So you do have a mind of your own," I muttered under my breath. In my previous life, it had been a typical monster, bellowing at the sky, wrecking everything in its path, and mauling people to death. I tried to recall those memories, hoping to remember its attack patterns, but too much time had passed, making the effort fruitless.

I started my way forward. 

[System Fall Notification]

Title: Now Entering The Hurt Locker

Within this combat inspired dungeon. You will find one of the creations of the [Admin], this arena is designed to disorient and confuse. It thrives on spectacle and the unexpected and is far more than it appears to be.