System Fall

With a mixture of frustration and determination, I yanked the sword free from its ornate container. The searing pain coursing through the left side of my body reminded me of the time I attempted to assemble furniture without reading the instructions. James' sarcastic words about welcoming the new "Do Everything Yourself” of System Fall echoed in my mind, a comical reminder of our current situation.

Setting the weapon aside, I forcefully kicked open the chest. Nothing leaped out at me, but I realized that my pain was clouding my judgment. What if something had emerged, like a Mottled Imp or a Potion-Spewing Goblin?

Inside the chest were two small bottles, resembling miniature versions of Jack Radcliffe, a popular whiskey brand. The liquids inside were distinct – one was a vibrant red, while the other shimmered with a calming blue. It was a scene straight out of a video game, a classic health potion versus mana potion.

Even without my experience from my prior life, I didn't need an instruction manual to know their purpose. It was a universal gaming rule ingrained in the hearts of anyone who’d ever played a videogame. Red potions were the go-to for restoring health, while blue potions were the key to replenishing mana.

My attention was immediately drawn to the red bottle, its color representing vitality and rejuvenation.

[System Fall Notification]

Title: Items Acquired

 

Congratulations Nick Vandal, you’ve gained Healing Potion Type I

 

Description: A highly sought-after commodity in System Fall, the Healing Potion Type I is a medical marvel that speeds up recovery from injuries. This magical red liquid, tasting vaguely of cherries, offers a revolutionary solution to ailing survivors. Once consumed, the Healing Potion Type I works in a top-down manner, prioritizing the most severe wounds and healing them first. Any remaining potion effect will then be utilized to mend lesser injuries.

 

These potions were highly praised miracles of System Fall. Before their existence, healing even a single injury could take months, but with these potions, it was as if our bodies tapped into an ancient source of magical rejuvenation. It was like having a personal team of healing mages at your disposal, allowing you to recover from severe wounds and push beyond your physical limits. It was the equivalent of an Olympics where all performance-enhancing substances were allowed because the ultimate antidote for any side effects had been discovered. Enhanced Strength or Mana notwithstanding, these potions allowed us to mend our bodies and inflict damage that would have otherwise shortened our lifespans.

Healing potions were rare treasures, spawned only by the most severe injuries. I hadn't anticipated one appearing, but I wasn't about to question my good fortune. After all, the Obsidian Minotaur had been a formidable adversary.

Even a grade I healing potion was potent enough to mend severe injuries, so I uncorked it with my teeth and downed it in one gulp. The taste, a blend of cherries and cough syrup, was an acquired one that many found unpalatable. However, I savored the flavor, to the point that I would have consumed these potions like fizzy drinks if it weren't such a waste. The full dose had to be consumed for its magical effects to take hold; a mere sip would render the remaining potion useless.

As I emptied the bottle, I felt the familiar signs of a healing heat coursing through me. Waves of warmth cascaded down my spine as the potion's magic worked its wonders, leaving me slightly woozy and clammy. The healing spells within the potion focused on repairing the most severe damage done to my body, and if any potency remained, they would address other minor injuries.

Gingerly, I rotated my left shoulder, finding the pain significantly reduced. While it hadn't vanished entirely, my bones and muscles had miraculously knit back together. Without the luxury of an X-Ray, I put my healing to the test with a couple of cautious boxing jabs, only encountering a faint twinge of pain.

I would adapt until the pain was gone. All my other minor injuries had vanished completely. My cuts were now scabbed over, evidence of their healing progress. I was ready to face the challenges ahead. I turned my attention to the container of blue liquid, curious about its mystical properties.

 

[System Fall Notification]

Title: Items Acquired

 

Congratulations Nick Vandal, you’ve gained Mana Elixir Type I

Description: Contained within a petite, sapphire-hued vial is the coveted Mana Elixir Type I of System Fall. This magical concoction is known for its astonishing mana-restoring capabilities, providing a crucial boost to mana reserves for all. The elixir swiftly restores significant portions of depleted mana and slowly recovers less severe energy losses, aiding the consumer in regaining their magical prowess

 

Casting a cautious glance around, I assessed the gap between me and the warehouse's exit. The massive arena, designed like a maze of MMA cages, was eerily quiet, promising a quicker exit than the time it took me to penetrate its labyrinthine interior.

Approaching the center of the main chamber, I noticed a pair of boxing gloves and a sword—rewards I'd won from the Intermediate Tutorial.

The gloves were eye-catching in their simplicity—a sleek silver hue, the edges trimmed in sharp obsidian black with a matching leather grip. They felt unexpectedly light as I picked them up. They were dubbed, Champion's Touch, yet no description accompanied their name. I tried to put them on.

The moment I slipped on the Champion's Touch gloves, they underwent a fascinating transformation, morphing into something reminiscent of the protective gear weight lifters used during their grueling training sessions. The gloves adapted perfectly to the contours of my hands, providing a snug yet comfortable fit, and a sense of rightness washed over me.

[System Fall Notification]

Title: Items Acquired

 

Congratulations Nick Vandal, you’ve gained the Champion’s Touch gloves

Description: A pair of gloves forged in the depths of System Fall, their simplistic design belies their extraordinary nature. They are capable of adapting to their wielder's needs, providing unparalleled hand protection. Once donned, these gloves change shape to offer optimal comfort and functionality, akin to the secure and snug fit of high-quality weightlifting gloves.

Passive Ability: "Cannot be Cut or Severed" - This ability ensures that while wearing these gloves, the wielder's hands are virtually invulnerable to cuts or severance, an invaluable advantage in the heat of combat

 

Next, my attention turned to the sword that awaited me. It was a magnificent weapon known as Legender, a Claymore-style blade that glowed with an enchantment and radiated power. The sword sported a gleaming silver and black blade that stretched three feet in length, with a slender fuller, and its edges were rimmed in the same obsidian black as the gloves, complemented by a matching leather grip. A matching leather grip adorned the hilt, providing a secure hold and adding a touch of luxury to the weapon.

As my fingers wrapped around the handle, I was surprised by its weightlessness. Legender felt balanced and nimble in my grip, despite its imposing appearance. The quillons at the end of the cross-guard, with their delicate points, added an extra layer of sophistication to the sword's overall aesthetic.

I strapped the sword alongside the Cursed Valkyrie and left.

 

[System Fall Notification]

Title: Items Acquired

Congratulations Nick Vandal, you’ve gained the sword Legender

Details: Legender is a Growth-Type weapon. It evolves with its wielder, becoming more powerful with each use. But Legender's growth goes beyond mere power scaling—it adapts to your story, incorporating your experiences into its essence.

 

With Legender, you're not just wielding a blade, but an extension of your will within System Fall. It absorbs your journey, reflecting your victories, struggles, and resilience. As you carve your path, so too will you empower this sword. .