The Immortal Player

Dinner came, and as expected, Pedro was scolded by his father. Thanks to his mother, things didn't escalate too much. His father calmed down and they were able to finish their dinner.

"Young man, to your room! We'll talk!" His father pointed with a serious look. His mother nodded to him as if saying to just follow his dad and not to worry since she is there.

~~~~~~~

'I didn't think it would be this hard! Fortunately, I was able to make that last-minute presentation. I have to thank Glogol for the information. Hehe.' He shook his head as he went first to his room.

Minutes later, his father and mother entered his room. His father's glance was locked upon the VR Box beside his bed as if he was a missile aiming for its target.

"Now. Explain this to us." His father pointed to the VR Box as both of his parents looks at him, waiting for his explanation.

"Uhm, Dad... First, I have to thank you for this chance to explain my self. Also, I apologize for purchasing this without your consent." Pedro started smoothly.

"Good, you still have your manners. But, I am more interested to hear about your explanation!"

"Then... Please see this father." Pedro moved the mouse of his computer that activated its screen.

"This is called VR Box. It's that thing." Pedro pointed to the VR Box.

"It is a new technology developed, specifically for gaming. Based on the specifications, it required a huge amount of energy to operate."

"Why are you telling me this? What's this gotta do with you?" His father frowned as he thought that Pedro was just playing him around.

"It has got to do with me. Allot! In the future, I would inherit our Energy company. And as the future inheritor, I must do everything I can for it to succeed." Pedro answered in a straightforward but still respectful manner.

His father was astounded for a second. He was prepared to scold Pedro thinking that he bought this thing for his enjoyment.

To think that he did it for their company. He was wise and quick wited. Hence, his anger was replaced with curiosity.

"If that's the case..."

"According to XDXDXDX Survey, There are approximately 2 Billion VR Helmet owners as of today. If... Just if, father. If this VR Box replaces all VR Helmet in the future, wouldn't 2 Billion VR Boxes would be sold? If... we are to supply the component that provides it efficient energy, then~"

At this moment, his father held his forehead and signaled Pedro to stop.

"I get your point. Still... If this was your goal from the start, why didn't you approached me or your mom instead? Why buy this thing yourself? Without informing us."

'Trully worthy of the title as the first boss that I face.' Pedro was rendered speechless for a second. He sighed and smiled back at his father.

"This... This was because it was the only way I can obtain a VR Box for you to personally see."

"All right... All right! I'll take what you said into consideration. Also... I'll let you off the hook this time. But remember this young man, If your grades suffer... Don't blame me for being ruthless!"

His father gave up. He even thought that was he really the son of his? Though, He knows that the things Pedro said were merely a cover-up. Pedro's points are something that he can consider.

"Thanks, father! I will not let you down." Pedro bowed sincerely as his father left his room. His mother followed his father and send Pedro a wave with a smile as if saying 'my son... he has grown up.'.

~~~~~~~

Days passed, Pedro's excitement grow and grow much larger.

'I will make sure to be the best player, this time around... no... I'll be the best player'

Determined and full of excitement, he comfortably lied down on the VR Box as he waits for the opening of the Closed Beta of Bearth.

[The Servers of "Bearth: Closed Beta Edition" is now open!]

[Start the game now? Yes or No?]

"YEEES!" Pedro shouted.

'[email protected]! That might have been too loud! Father might come and slap me!' Pedro feared that it might occur, so he prayed hard that it won't happen.

[Log in successful! Player welcome to Bearth!]

[Character creation Initializing! 3!]

2!

[Appearance Editor Initializing! Note that only a few facial details can be changed and all real-life body specifications will be retained!]

This is a way so that players would be most comfortable when playing. It would help them ease problems in the movement and maneuverability of the players.

...

[Say "confirm" if Appearance Editing is done!]

"Confirm!" Pedro said in a low voice.

'Now! The first part... The "IGN" selection!' he grinned.

[Character appearance successfully generated! Proceeding to Name Editor!]

[Enter your Name! ]

...

After a week of waiting and analyzation of what he needs the most. He typed in the name he wanted to use.

...

[Say "confirm" if Name Editing is done!]

"Confirm!" He uttered as he waited for the system to give his first skill.

[Welcome to Bearth, Player "Death"!]

~~~~~~~

Pedro decided to go for the safer choice.

He chose the name "Death" to gain a skill that allows him to avoid death for an instance and give him a chance to be able to escape such predicaments.

His decision was also brought by his experiences in his past life, especially when they were killed instantly by the dragon.

More importantly, his goal in this Closed Beta phase of the game was to gain information that he wasn't able to come across during the official launch in his past life. This included quests that were gained by other players before him.

Also, This was the perfect skill he needs. With his lifelines increased, the greater the information he can gain from the Closed Beta phase.

[Congratulations Player for choosing "Death" as your name! The God of Death was pleased with your actions and granted you a legendary skill ~Undying~. The God of Death hopes that you would put this name into glory around the whole Bearth!]

A bright light appeared bellow Pedro's feet as he was teleported to the teleportation platform in the middle of the Newbie Village. Other players started to appear near Pedro as he regained his vision.

[Congratulations on being the first player to gain a legendary-rate skill! Would you like to announce your name to the world? Yes or No?]

"No" The risks gained from announcing your names in such achievement is higher than the benefits he will gain. Fame is a double-edged sword. You may get supporters, but you may also get haters. Hence, Saying 'No' was the Ideal choice.

[Sever Announcement!]

[Congratulations Player @@@@@@, for gaining the first legendary skill in the game!

Your rewards are:

+5 Luck attribute points

100% boost on village reputation points gained.. 1 day ]

The players beside Pedro went into an uproar. The Closed beta phase has just opened. Players were still being teleported after their character creation when the system announced that someone has already got a skill, legendary-rated at that!

"@@@@, how did he got it?"

"Is this some bug? Quick! Quick! Report this to the GM." The other players around Pedro got rowdy and lively.

Unlike the other players who were in an uproar, some professional players sneakily left the teleportation platform and roam around the village to find quests.

Looking at the system announcement, Pedro's excitement rose another level.

He also left the teleportation platform and went to an isolated area to safely check his skill and the rewards he gained.

He opened the interface and checked the information on the skill he got.

Skill: ~Undying~

Rarity: Legendary-rated Skill

Skill Type: Passive

Effects: Instead of dying, the Player will gain 1HP instead. It only works once until the cooldown condition was met.

Cooldown [Special]: The skill resets only when the player's HP returned to its 100%.

[A skill that is only one of its kind]

"OP! but I need to find a new suitable skill to solve the cooldown condition of this skill and maximize its use!" Pedro pondered for a bit and decided to view his overall stats.

Name: Death

Level: 1

HP: 50

MP: 50

Stamina: 20

Attack Damage: 0

Magic Damage: 0

Attributes

Str +0

Int +0

Vit +0

Dex +0

Crit +0

Agi +0

Special Attributes

Luck +5

Charisma +5

Instinct +0

The "+5 Random Attribute" that he got was allotted to his "Charisma". The main goal of special attributes is to enhance player abilities which go beyond their physical body capability.

However, special attributes can't be increased by the free attribute points everyone gets by leveling up. It can only be increased if the player got specific attribute points or 'a luck' from random attribute points from rewards.

"I should do some labor quest and gain more skills. Any skill would do."

He walked to the village chief's office.

Having no combat skills yet. Accepting hunt quests would simply be suicide.

In his past life, a group of arrogant players accepted a hunt quest on a Level 1 Wild wolf just after their character creation. The Result?? Complete annihilation. This incident became a sensation and it emphasized the importance of having a bronze-rated offensive skill, at least, before accepting such quests.

[100% boost on village reputation points Activated! Duration: 0 days 23 hours 59 minutes]

"Oh?" Pedro smirked while walking towards the entrance of the village chief's office.

"Bhaag!"

The door shot open just as he was about to enter. The villager in armor scanned him from head to toe. After that, he ignored Pedro and left the area with haste.

'What's with that villager? I need to be careful! You'll never know when will trouble strike.' Pedro became more vigilant after encountering that villager. Pedro proceeded to enter the village chief's office.

"Who are you?"

A middle-aged man spoke. He was seated in a chair behind a table filled with papers. A nameplate was located at the center of the table. 'Village Chief'

"I am Death.." Pedro respectfully replied as he bowed slightly as a sign of respect.

"Excuse me?!" The man stared at Pedro with a wary and irritated expression.

'Did I do something wrong? Oh!' Pedro realizes that his introduction looked inappropriate or disturbing.

'what can I do? It's my IGN?'

"My apologies! I am an adventurer named Death. Regardless of my name, I came with good intentions. In fact, I am here to ask if the respected village chief has any work to offer to this humble adventurer?" Pedro skillfully explained his intentions for coming while bowing again, slightly.

'Man, years of playing AVR games really come in handy on such unprecedented situations.' He nervously waited for the response of the village chief.

"I see. It's not your fault young man. Your father must have been drunk when you were born! Please take a seat. You came at the perfect time!" The village chief consoled Pedro not knowing that it was Pedro that named himself for the skill.