Short AN: There will be gaming elements on this chapter, this will not be a major thing on this story, at most it will mimic danmachi's way of tackling gaming stats. So please bear with me for now, THANK YOU!
-=&
"Oh, and as a final advice, take your time, effort will never betray you!"
Looking at my interface while still feeling irritated at the comment below my karmic points. 'Can't really decide if this number of points is actually my karmic value or if the evil god is just doing whatever.' as I ponder this while thinking of scratching my currently non-existent chin with my non-existent hand.
As I scroll through the list of things that I can "purchase". "This is a disorganized mess!". I and a few others serendipitously ended up shouting that outloud in frustration.
Right after my outburst a search bar manifests. As I look around, many of the souls around me seem to react at the same time. It looks like everyone got the same upgrade on their interface; and as I looked at our "evil" benefactor he was sitting arrogantly on his throne with a taunting smirk while looking at me.
Ignoring him I turned my focus back towards the interface. 'Hmmm… if I think of typing options. Oh.. this is pretty responsive and intuitive.'
'Looks like there's no options interface, then why did it respond to wanting to sort my selection. Hmmm… maybe sort?' As the search was completed " Auto-Sort Skill " and " Manual-Sort Skill" remained.
'Wait, sorting is a skill and it costs points. 37 points for the auto and 5 points for the manual.' Judging by the amount of skills listed on this it would take me weeks to complete the task of just sorting.
"Excuse me!" Someone from the myriad of souls exclaimed out loud, interrupting Zelretch's babble about moving an infinite amount of guests into rooms related to a prime number and their seat number. "What if there's a skill that you want but it's not available on the list?"
While he says this I completed my first purchase of 37 points and the word "Auto-Sort Skill " goes to a different column titled "Purchased'. Upon purchase everything on the list got summarized into categories though I do wonder why this isn't alphabetized. 'Maybe this is sorted to my preference.' Since I see Inheritance on top of the list and as I click on it.
"Inherit Previous Body's Skills" - 69 points"
"Inherit Previous Life's Assets" - 80 points"
"Inherit Claimable, Unclaimed Inheritance" -150 points"
'Damn it, Zelretch might actually be a good for nothing evil god if he's selling me things that I already know and own. Though that last thing intrigues me'
"You want skills that aren't on the list? I don't mind! Go ahead tell me what you want. I'll add them if they seem reasonable." As if on cue a cacophony of noise explodes around us providing a myriad of suggestions. As a new category pops on the top of my sorted list. "New Skills" As I clicked on this. 'Woah, this list is pretty crazy!'
As the list grows in number I confusedly look at the skills being added. "Plunder -80 points, Copy-skill - 100 points, Heroic Aptitude - 120 points, Demon Lord Aptitude - 110 points, Sage Aptitude - 130 points.." 'Wait, you even get EXP modifier skills?!'
I furrowed my non-existent brow confusedly. 'Will our next life actually be game-like? And I thought there aren't going to be cheat-skills.' a s I ponder this I scrolled towards the end of the list that's still growing but it looks like it's beginning to slow down. I deadpan stare at the two floating souls beside me when I spy at the end of the list " The Kaleidoscope - 999,999 points" and " Heaven's Feel - 999,999 points" written down in bold letters.
"Oh and," Zelretch suddenly interrupts everyone out loud and again in our mind. "To those unfamiliar with this trope of a gamified prequel to your next life. I'll provide a help guide."
"Help Guide " flashes at the bottom of my list. "This benevolent god will also add a small basic and tiny description on each skill but if you need something more in depth I suggest you purchase the Help Guide. "
I resisted the urge to shout-out loud ' You should have added that at the start, you useless god!'
As I clicked on my purchased skill it now says. "Auto-Sort Skill : Sort things by preference. Non-refundable." 'Looks like I was correct on my assumption on how the skill works.' I scrolled up towards the top as everything resorted to my preference. The top two skills taunting me, Heroic Aptitude and Copy-Skill.
With these I can be what I previously dreamt, what I previously gave-up, that promise to my father which I no longer follow, in which in the end nothing really mattered. While the other one will just add to my "Faker" moniker. 'I'm sure goldie would be rolling on his grave by such travesty.' I sarcastically thought. "Once a mongrel, always a mongrel!" That's what he'll probably say.
As I hover over the two skills.
"Heroic Aptitude: Pretty much self-explanatory, what are you, a moron? Non-Refundable - 120 points"
"Copy-Skill: Copies a skill 😐. Non Refundable. - 100 points"
'aARgh..' I frustratingly scroll back to look at the previous skills that I was looking at.
"Inherit Previous Body's Skills: Pretty much self-explanatory. Non Refundable. - 69 points"
"Inherit Previous Life's Assets: Pretty much self-explanatory. Non Refundable. - 80 points"
"Inherit Claimable, Unclaimed Inheritance: Pretty much self-explanatory. Non Refundable. -150 points"
As I focussed on the cost of the last skill my thoughts froze. '150 points wait this is even more expensive than anything on that new list excluding the cost of the 2nd and 3rd magic' "There will be no cheat-skills." 'That's what he said previously, so will there be a catch?' . I scrolled back again where the new skills are now resorted as 3rd on my preference.
"Help Guide : Provides guidance and eases your decision making with your selection. Non Refundable. - 20 points." I instantly purchased this just so I can belay my doubts. My remaining points now went down to 603 and Help Guide is now underneath my Auto-Sort Skill.
As I scrolled up towards the top it now says.
"Heroic Aptitude: Gain the ability to learn almost every light aligned and neutral skill. You'll be a magnet to all the events and trouble that will plague your new reality. It's up to you to save everyone, hero! Non-Refundable - 120 points"
"Copy-Skill: Can only learn new skills through this. Must know the exact name of the skill and its current level, otherwise it'll be locked. Successfully copied skills always start at level 1. You can only learn how to use and level the skill through the person you copied it from. Non Refundable - 100 points"
'The Copy-Skill has potential, though the first sentence implies something troubling. Glad I dodged a bullet with the Heroic Aptitude .' I sigh as I read the troubling descriptions of the other newly added skills.
'He might actually be an evil god.' I confirmed for the nth time today, as I ponder what percentage of the souls here will buy the help guide. Hopefully my companions will purchase at least the guide and hopefully they'll get the auto-sort as well.
"Plunder: Steals skill away from target. You can use and level the skill as if it was originally yours. You need not know the name of the skill you target as it will easily target what you want. Stolen skills and its current level will return to its original owner upon death. The user's life span will be reduced by 4% x the level of the stolen skill, that total amount will be transferred to the target. (Any skill that has no levels is treated as level 5. Any skill with a letter ranking will start at level 5 x the numerical value of their nth place +/- 2.5 for each - or + symbol after. The lower the rank the lower the number.) Non Refundable. - 80 Points."
'I will be scared of the person who willingly buys this skill despite having the Help Guide '. As I finish browsing the list of the new but dangerous skills, checking if there's anything there that has some potential like Copy-Skill . I concluded that Magic Aptitude: Omni is the only other thing I'll consider as it at least guarantees that I can learn other magic outside of my current elemental alignment.
Even with the caveat that every magic, implying even the one I am currently aligned to, will have their difficulty of learning increased greatly. 'Anyway before I proceed, I must gather information.' .
As I backed out of the list of "New Skills". I first thought of information while looking at the search bar. On top of the list in this category is General Knowledge.
"General Knowledge: This is the aggregate average knowledge known by sentient beings in your reality. Non Refundable. - 15 points"
After purchasing General Knowledge I suddenly learn that the reality or at least the part of reality we'll be transported to is a large-scale galactic empire, governed equally by both nobles with a Grand Emperor who leads the noble side and a Grand Chancellor leading the democratic side, unfortunately this galactic empire isn't the only governing body in this massive galaxy that can easily swallow 150 Andromeda galaxies with enough room for a few dozen of Milky Way as dessert.
In this galaxy skirmishes are common in frontier space between governing bodies, syndicates, pirates, neutral systems, and beings that can't be reasoned with. At the center of all this a neutral party which consists of cosmic space monks try to mediate between everything for the greater good of the galaxy.
While other information keeps flowing into my mind and is being integrated as if it was always naturally there. While thinking on my options. I then went straight to the 3 skills I have been hovering over since the start. With just a few moves my previous balance of 588 karmic points just went down to 289.
'Wait, I don't know how my previous purchase affected me?!' While scrolling around I see that my list shifted again. Upon reaching the top I see Status Screens.
"Basic Status View: A basic summary of your status is tattooed on your back. Through a basic blood ritual your status can be copied to a physical medium for your viewing pleasure. (Your status is written in runes and symbols that are only readable by the same souls who are getting transported to the same reality as you. Your tattoo disappears over time and will reappear on your next blood ritual and other special circumstances. While you are in between realities you can view your current status on screen) Non Refundable.- 2 points"
As I quickly scanned the other options for status screens, I cringed at the price of even the next level as it starts at 30 points for just the basic augmented reality status screen. 'I guess I don't really need a convenient way of viewing my skills.' As I purchase the Basic Status View at least I can view it right now through a screen. 'Well according to my newly integrated knowledge I could get AR implants later that can show me information on my current health.'
Anyway, as I went back to the main menu, my interface screen was now updated. Instead of the column where it shows my purchased screens it now provides a lot more information.
Name: Shirou Muramasa-Emiya (Updated)
Age: 25
Race: ??Processing??/Sword Incarnation (Updating)
Element: Sword
Origin: Sword
Magic Circuits: 27 | Total output of 270 units.
Magic Crest: Muramasa Family Crest - 91 | Total output of 637 units. (New)
Emiya Family Crest - 10 | Total output 80 units. (New)
Phantom Arm - Partially Integrated | Increase output of circuits on left
arm by 100%| Total additional output 230 units. (Updated)
Avalon - Integrating (Updating)
Total Od Output: 947 units (Updated)
Skills:
Dual-Wielding: Lv. 48
Melee Weapon: Lv. 33
Close Quarters Combat: Lv. 25
Unarmed Combat: Lv. 20
Bajiquan: Lv. 21
Marksmanship: Lv. 73
Archery: Lv. 90
Magecraft Aptitude: Lv. 20
Gradation Air Aptitude: Lv. 36
Alteration Aptitude: Lv. 46
Tracing Aptitude: Lv. 68
Reinforcement Aptitude: Lv. 73
Bounded Field Aptitude: Lv. 7
Runes Aptitude: Lv. 5
Alchemy Aptitude: Lv. 3
Reality Marble: Externalized - Lv. 6
Internalized - Lv. 1 (New)
Magecraft: C- (Updated)
Magic Resistance: D Rank (New)
Mind's Eye (True): B Rank (New)
Clairvoyance: C Rank (New)
Muramasa Magecraft Aptitude: Lv. 1 (New)
Emiya Magecraft Aptitude: Lv. 1 (New)
?Processing? Magic Aptitude: Lv. 1 (New)
Auto-Sort Skill (New)
Help Guide (New)
General Knowledge (New)
Basic Status View (New)
Equipment:
Bag of Temporary Holding (Expires within 18 galactic months.) (New)
'Looks like my investment in the inheritance skills bore fruit as I now have almost the same output of Od as Rin. Yes!' As I did a mental fist pump. Looking back at the list of skills as I still can't decide what I want to do.
Centering myself to assess my current situation. First, hopefully when I get my second life Illya and Rin are still with me. In the event that we get separated I need the necessary skills for me to explore the galaxy in search of them.
That'll probably be the worst case scenario that's actionable as the scenario where we'll either get reborn without our previous memories or the scenario where we'll be reborn in different realities are situations where I can find a solution to, notwithstanding my other promise to endlessly search for her; 'I can do that with Rin, Illya, and Sakura as well if the second unactionable scenario occurs.'
'Now what would be my goal in general in this upcoming new life?' I pondered this as I have been all around confused on what to do ever since I rejected a major part of myself. During that time in that mannequin Illya constructed for me, before they were able to hire Touko Aozaki for a new body, I was actually conscious and still connected to Archer.
Having to witness everything he; or should it be I, experienced, feeling every emotion he felt as all his ideals got perverted. Plus the endless cycle of self hate just so he can undo his mistake. That put a lot of things into perspective, unfortunately upon waking up I felt really lost.
It was through the support of Rin and Illya and the goal of earning enough for Illya and Sakura's new body, was what anchored me. I'm really thankful to them realising how hard it was to keep up with me, as I was already a broken person ever since that great fire and when the Holy Grail ended all of my ideals, the thing that basically defined me, got shattered.
So while we did a lot of missions for the Clocktower, The Wandering Seas, Atlas, and even the Church, I was also encouraged to find myself. So I balanced magus lessons, with trying to find hobbies, taking up culinary classes, taking missions; I even had a rebellious phase, 'of WHICH WE SHALL NEVER SPEAK OF.. EVER'.
So with that thought provided that the people whom I consider as family are with me. I would like to complete my goal of reaching her, fixing Illya's body, and finding a proper vessel for Sakura now that the Touko option is gone. Other than that I would like to enjoy my new life in this new reality.
'Experiencing an adventure as we explore the vast galaxy we'll be thrust upon sounds like a really good goal.' Is what I finally thought.
'Speaking of which," as I peaked at the two souls beside me. 'Hopefully Rin sees the inheritance tab, as she's the one who wears the jewel where Illya transferred Sakura's essence to.'
'Well hopefully if she doesn't the jewel can be classified as Inherit Claimable, Unclaimed Inheritance .' I thought this as I clicked on the Temporary Bag of Holding where a list of items popped-up.
'Woah, even some of the groceries that were in our rented apartment are here.' As I kept scrolling some of my worries suddenly evaporated as I see written underneath Thompson Contender is Tohsaka Family Jeweled Necklace.
'Hopefully that's the jewel which holds Sakura's essence.' While I feel a tiny bit lighter, doubts still persist at the back of my mind.
Mentally shrugging as I exit the list of items, I scrolled over to the list of magic aptitudes; as I hover over the Magic Aptitude: Omni, the purchase button has been greyed out.
'Hold on a second.' I freeze, as I quickly scroll through the other elemental alignments, actually even the icon of these abilities are slightly greyed out. I back tracked to my main screen and checked the list of categories. 'The icons for race, sex, elemental magic, mana source have now been greyed out.'
As I looked at my status again, 'I understand sword incarnation, but what's that "Processing" written in my race and 2 other instances in my status? And am I no longer considered human? I'm not even going to bother with Muramasa appearing on my name, well for now. '. My General Knowledge is not providing any information on what is happening.
'I guess my inheritance did have some down side.' Looking at my new name, I guess Muramasa was my family name before the fire; while I shall never forget being Kiritsugu's son, I probably should look into my family especially now that I somehow inherited their crest.
Rin did say that a magus family's crest contains not only family spells but the knowledge, wisdom, and history of the family. A practical failsafe in the event disaster strikes a family, like what happened to Rin's.
'Anyway, that's future me's problem.' I scrolled around what else is available, thinking if there's any other magic aptitude skill I can learn. My list reorganized again to show 3 skills. Since each Lv. 1 of these magic aptitude costs a total of 37 points I quickly purchase, Non-Elemental Psionic Aptitude, Non-elemental Magic Aptitude, Cosmic Force Aptitude.
Well according to the help guide, aptitude means that you have an instinctual understanding on how these works and will develop it over-time as long as you work hard on it. Aptitude level is also like a muscle the more you use it the more it goes up. Of course if someone teaches you properly, learning might come easier.
'Hmmm..' Though I currently have a problem, even with General Knowledge I don't really know what other skills do I need to survive in this new reality. 'While I currently have loose ideas as goals, I do really want to see and explore the galaxy.' and with that thought my screen reorganized again to show just one option.
"Hint: Your benevolent evil god will provide you proper guidance so you can achieve success! Teehee.. - 2 points. (Doubles in cost after every purchase.)
'What's this "Teehee" in the end? I'm not looking up, I'm sure he's taunting me again.' Even with that thought I still purchased the Hint as the Help Guide and General Knowledge so far has been pretty helpful, and the only troublesome things that I've seen are the skills added by request.
After the purchase a message bubble suddenly pop-up to my right. "The best way for you to be able to explore the galaxy without much problem is to be either in the military or become an adventurer/mercenary/bounty hunter. I assume that you value your freedom so we are going with the latter option. The skills and equipment for being an adventurer, mercenary, or even a bounty hunter aren't really that mutually exclusive. So here is what I recommend."
My screen reorganized again into 3 categories. "Transfer Process", "Knowledge and Learning", and "Other Skills".
'What's this transfer process?' As I clicked on this I almost screamed out loud in frustration.
"Reborn as a blank slate: You get randomly reborn into a new life with your potential but without your previous life's memories. You will be reborn x years in the past where x is your current age multiplied by a random value between 0.01 and 1. (You might get random flashbacks and the possibility of unlocking your previous memories is not 0%) - 0 Points. (This is your default choice.)
'I really hope they see this option.' Slightly panicking on what I shall do if they get reborn as a blank slate. 'Scouring the whole galaxy for them will be such a pain.' As I look at the only option that appeals to me.
"Direct Transfer: You'll physically appear in a randomly selected place that'll give you the best opportunity, though success isn't guaranteed. (You'll not have any official records but getting that eventually will not pose any too many problems.) Non Refundable. - 20 points.
Going back to the previous menu screen where "Knowledge and Learning" and "Other skills" is what remains. 'Please display all recommended skills under both categories.' I nudged the interface with this thought and it easily acquiesced. At the same time I requested that the text bubble to my right moved. "Since you will be directly transferred to your new reality, acquiring skills that aren't just at the basic level isn't recommended."
As I ponder this recommendation I have been mentally rearranging the recommended skills by order of importance, well at least this is what I believe is the correct order since auto-sort seems to tap into my preferences.
"Adventurer, Mercenary, and Bounty Hunter Knowledge Bundle: Rank E | The knowledge, wisdom, tactics, and the skills needed in these professions. Non Refundable. - 5 points"
"Riding: Rank E | The innate ability to use any mount/vehicle. As long as it moves and it's controllable falls under this purview. Non Refundable. - 5 points"
"Weapon & Armor Smith Aptitude: Lv. 1 | The aptitude to build and maintain modern weapons & armor. Non Refundable. - 4 points"
"Engineering Knowledge: Rank E | The knowledge, wisdom, and skills needed by someone who is a non-specialized engineer. Non Refundable. - 4 points"
"Flora, Fauna, and Fungi Knowledge: Rank E | Non-specialized knowledge on flora, fauna, and fungi around the galaxy. Non Refundable. - 4 points"
"Learning Aptitude: Lv. 1 | The ability to learn new things. (As this covers everything, your ability to learn will be half as slow as a specialized aptitude. This stacks with other aptitudes.) Non Refundable. - 4 points"
"Modern Computer Knowledge: Rank E | The ability to navigate modern softwares around the galaxy. Non Refundable. - 4 points"
"Monster Knowledge: Rank E | Specialized knowledge on monsters. Non Refundable. - 2 points"
"Adventurer, Mercenary, and Bounty Hunter Aptitude Bundle: Lv. 1 | The ability to improve on your knowledge, wisdom, tactics, and the skills needed in these professions. Non Refundable. - 2 points"
"General Economics Knowledge: Rank E | General knowledge on the production, distribution, consumption and value of goods and services. Non Refundable. - 6 points"
'My problem with this system is that I can't just hover points before purchasing it, I'm a little afraid to over commit when upgrading these skills. I guess we'll just need to take things slow'.'
After 227 karmic points, much stress, too many escaped sighs and with 7 points to spare this is what I came up with.
"Adventurer, Mercenary, and Bounty Hunter Knowledge Bundle: Rank B - 34 points"
"Riding: Rank B - 34 points"
"Weapon & Armor Smith Aptitude: Lv. 16 - 32 points"
"Engineering Knowledge: Rank B - 30 points"
"Flora, Fauna, and Fungi Knowledge: Rank C - 25 points"
"Learning Aptitude: Lv. 13 - 24 points"
"Modern Computer Knowledge: Rank C - 20 points"
"Monster Knowledge: Rank D - 11 points"
"Adventurer, Mercenary, and Bounty Hunter Aptitude Bundle: Lv. 6 - 11 points"
"General Economics Knowledge: Rank E - 6 points"
'Before I finish, what do I do with my remaining 7 points?' As I do this I again mentally nudge my interface to show skills that cost 7 or lower. As I look at my top choices.
"Cooking Aptitude: Lv. 1 | The aptitude to prepare edible dishes around the galaxy. Non Refundable. - 3 points"
'Why didn't I think of this?' Mentally smacking myself in the head. 'The food and ingredients might be vastly different in this new reality. So in my opinion this is a must buy.' Looking at the 2nd choice.
'What do you recommend for my general actions in the first 2 years of my new life?' I thought this as I purchased my 2nd hint from our "Benevolent" Evil God.
"Times-up!" Zelretch stood-up while raising his right arm above his head and with a snap of his finger more than half of the souls vanished. "Those are the ones who either didn't set their transfer process or intentionally wanted a clean slate without their previous life's memories."
I sighed in relief as my two companions were still here. 'Wait who's that orb tinged with flecks of purple?'
Another snap was heard around as 3/4 of the remaining also vanished. "Like the previous batch, those are the ones who want to be reborn old-school-style but with their memories intact."
With a shit eating grin Zelretch gestured to the remaining souls. "That'll give the rest of you a goal if you get separated from your friends, families, and or loved ones." He paused for effect. "Don't fret as generally the souls near you will be sent to the same realities, so the possibility of a reunion is not 0%."
I breathed a non-existent sight of relief as my companions didn't choose to get reborn from scratch.
"Again generally your destination has already been set but souls closest to you will be transported into the same place in the other reality so bunch-up." As Zelretch raised his hands, ready to snap his fingers he began counting down.
10….
Me and my companions plus the one with the purple tinge began to huddle-up.
9…
Then as I looked behind my companion's soul I saw what looked like a silver soul herding a group of 3 towards our group.
8…
7…
6…
As this happens I try as hard as a small floating ball of light to gesture to my companions away from the group of 4 barrelling towards us so I too begin herding them.
5…
4...
3…
Unfortunately I didn't see the group of 3 who were remaining stationary huddled together in the direction of where I was trying to herd my group trying to avoid the group of 4.
2…
In the end 2 more souls from opposite directions came crashing behind the group of 4 and the group of 3 beside us.
As I resign myself to this fate 'I do hope these new people won't be trouble'.
1…
'HEY! I PURCHASED A SECOND HINT!' That was my last thought before everything turned dark.
"Develop the frontier planet. Your adventure will begin beneath the bottom of the dungeon. Register your team at Tarmein Prime."