1 Chapter 1: John Smith
John's eyes fluttered open, confronted by a world of pain, his body burdened with a weight that threatened to plunge him into the depths of unconsciousness. Blurred images danced before him, revealing the sterile confines of a hospital room. The harsh symphony of medical apparatuses invaded his ears, while the unmistakable scent of antiseptic hung heavy in the air.
Amid the clinical surroundings, the faces of his loved ones materialized like apparitions in a dream. His father, a pillar of strength, clasped John's dying hand, a silent but powerful connection that transcended words. The lines of worry etched on his father's face spoke volumes of the love and concern he held for his son.
Beside him, John's mother wept, her tears a poignant testament to the anguish she felt. With a mother's instinct, she sought solace in comforting her grief-stricken husband, the pain etched across her features mirroring the deep bond they shared.
Even his sister, with whom he sometimes clashed, stood there, tears streaking down her face. In that moment, their petty disagreements faded into insignificance, and he recognized her as an integral part of his existence.
A complex blend of emotions swirled within him as he chuckled inwardly, contemplating the irony of life's conclusion unfolding in the presence of those who mattered most.
"This is it, huh? This is the end."
As the specter of mortality loomed, fragments of happiness flickered across John's mind like a slideshow. Simple, yet profound memories of a life filled with contentment surfaced. In the tapestry of his existence, he found peace, realizing that even in the face of mortality, the richness of a life well-lived could not be diminished.
John, a seemingly ordinary 18-year-old, navigated through the corridors of his average school life with little excitement. However, hidden beneath the façade of mediocrity was a fervent passion that set his heart ablaze—playing gacha games. The mere mention of it was enough to whisk him away from the torment of his present struggles.
In the midst of his anguish, he found solace in the virtual realm of chance and fortune. The allure of summoning rare characters and acquiring coveted items momentarily eclipsed the pain that besieged him. The thought of a heavenly existence devoid of gacha games pierced his soul, prompting him to muse in the depths of his contemplation.
"Unfortunately, heaven lacks the thrill of a gacha game," he lamented with a tinge of longing, his deepest thoughts echoing the void left by the absence of his cherished pastime. A poignant question lingered in the recesses of his mind, casting doubt upon the certainty of an afterlife. "I'm unsure if I'll reach heaven or if it even exists."
Amidst the uncertainty, the concept of reincarnation emerged as a flickering beacon of hope in John's contemplation. Pondering the possibility, he mused aloud, "Upon some thought, I'm wondering, is reincarnation really a thing?" The prospect of a new life sparked a yearning for a fantastical existence—one where the tantalizing allure of gacha games awaited his arrival.
"If so," he declared with determination, "I wish to be reincarnated in a world with captivating gacha games." The fervor in his voice mirrored the intensity of his desire, as he envisioned a future existence intertwined with the thrill of chance and the joy of virtual conquest.
In the twilight of his existence, he reveled in contemplating the seemingly insurmountable feats he believed were beyond the realm of possibility. Doubt lingered, challenging the very fabric of his understanding.
Yet, in the surreal quietude, a sonorous "Ding" reverberated through the recesses of his mind, eclipsing the mundane symphony of the hospital room. The resonance possessed an uncanny serenity, hushing the ambient noises into near insignificance.
A dispassionate woman's voice pierced the veil of his contemplation, declaring, "Congratulations, you have been chosen as a player." The proclamation echoed, a surreal proclamation dancing on the fringes of reality.
A wry smile adorned John's face as he dismissed it as a mere hallucination, a figment of his imagination spawned by the peculiar circumstances. Humoring himself in the face of the inexplicable, he continued to entertain the unfolding enigma.
"What unique skill do you want to acquire?" The voice, persistent and detached, queried, compelling John to confront the paradoxical proposition of choosing a skill as if plucking a desire from the ether.
In his waning moments, John's mind echoed with an unexpected fixation on skill. "Skill, you ask? Is this some kind of RPG?" he mused with a faint smile, summoning the last reservoirs of his fading energy. "Even on my deathbed, the singular thought dominating my mind is engaging in relentless gaming."
Summoning the strength of his whims, he declared, "In this imagined realm, I desire a Fusion Skill that allows the merging of skills or weapons for the creation of remarkably potent combinations." A soft chuckle escaped him as he laughed at his own musings. "I understand my desire may seem foolish, but allow the dying man to indulge in his ultimate wishes."
Then, in a mystical twist of fate, as if the universe granted his dying wish, a voice resonated within him, proclaiming, "Skill Acquired: Gacha Fusion." The proclamation reverberated, and suddenly, everything went blank.
Contrary to the expected surge of fear, a profound calm enveloped John. Instead of a disorienting montage of memories flashing before his eyes, he found himself in a serene void, a departure from the anticipated chaos.
In this blank canvas of tranquility, the weight of existence lifted, and John marveled at the unexpected peace that accompanied his journey into the unknown. It wasn't a harrowing descent into the abyss; rather, it was a serene departure that defied the conventional narratives of one's final moments.
The cacophony of the hospital, marked by the anguished cries of John's loved ones, seamlessly gave way to the tranquil symphony of nature. The rustling dance of leaves whispered secrets in the air, accompanied by the melodious chirping of birds that painted the atmosphere with a newfound serenity. Nearby, a river contributed its soft murmur to the natural orchestra, creating a calming background for the unfolding scene.
In the distance, the wilderness asserted its presence with the primal sounds of creatures. The haunting howls of wolves echoed, blending with the deep rumble of bears, adding an untamed rhythm to the ambiance. Amidst this wilderness symphony, John found solace.
Gone were the pangs of agony that had gripped him moments earlier. Instead, he experienced the gentle caress of the wind, a comforting embrace that contrasted sharply with the harsh realities of the hospital room. The transition was profound, as if stepping into another realm where pain dissolved into tranquility.
Suddenly, a voice resonated, not from the external world but within the recesses of John's mind. The words echoed with authority, declaring, "Welcome to the world of Eteria, Player number 42069." The once chaotic whispers coalesced into a focused message. "Build your base and conquer others. But beware, for they will come for you." The directive hung in the newfound calm, leaving John to grapple with the mysterious shift from the hospital bed to a realm of challenges and conquests.
"What do you mean by others?" John's eyes snapped open, confusion etched across his face. The hospital room, with its sterile white walls, had vanished, replaced by the immersive embrace of a dense forest.
The foliage was lush, towering trees reaching for the heavens. The sky above painted a brilliant blue, a vivid contrast against the vibrant green grass beneath his feet. The sun, akin to Earth's, cast its warm glow upon the woodland scene, positioning itself as a silent timekeeper—high noon.
With a slow realization, John rose from where he had been lying. A cautious glance around revealed the sheer beauty of this mysterious forest. Yet, his attention turned inward as he examined himself. The sterile hospital gown was gone, replaced by a brown tunic top, thin pants, and the sensation of bare feet against the soft earth.
Despite the disorientation, a flicker of joy illuminated John's face. The burden of illness, once heavy upon his shoulders, had dissipated. He was cured, and his body had reclaimed its robust, healthy state. The transformative power of the unknown landscape left him both bewildered and grateful for the newfound vitality coursing through his veins.
John sported a cascade of black, wavy hair, with rebellious bangs casting a shadow over his left eye. His jet-black eyes, though lazily expressive, consistently lacked enthusiasm, giving an air of indifference. His lips seemed to perpetually harbor a smug, adding an extra layer to his enigmatic demeanor. The canvas of his face, a palette of white skin, served as a contrasting backdrop to the darkness in his features.
Despite standing above the average height for his age, John's physique lacked muscle mass, rendering him with a lanky appearance.
His attention was captivated by a floating status board positioned right in front of him. The board, tinted in a captivating blue hue, possessed an almost transparent quality, creating an ethereal presence.
Comprising four distinct sections, the status board unfolded a narrative of John's existence. The foremost section, immediately visible, divulged John's personal information and statistics, providing a glimpse into the complexities veiled beneath his intriguing exterior.
•••••
Player#42069
NAME: John Smith
PLAYERS ELIMINATED: 0
ASCENSION ORBS: 0
HP: 10
MP: 10
•••
[STATS]
VITALITY: 1
STRENGTH: 1
INTELLIGENCE: 1
AGILITY: 1
DEXTERITY: 1
AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0
•••
[SKILLS]
PLAYER EXCLUSIVE SKILL: Gacha Fusion.
COMMON:
UNCOMMON:
RARE:
SUPER RARE:
LEGENDARY:
MYTHICAL:
SUPREME:
•••••
The status board presented an intriguing spectacle, deviating even from the eclectic norms of RPGs. The second segment boldly proclaimed itself as the "Skill Gacha," while the third bore the enigmatic title of "Equipment Gacha." However, it was the fourth part, capturing John's undivided attention, that declared itself as the "Character Gacha."
Gacha prize pool: Skill, Equipment, and Character.
Common.
Uncommon.
Rare.
Super Rare.
Legendary.
Mythical.
Supreme.
Each of these gachas wielded its own unique currency for the draw, creating an air of mystique that surrounded John as he absorbed the information. Placing a pensive hand on his chin, he muttered, "It is precisely what I believe it to be." With a theatrical flourish of raised hands, he exclaimed, "A god has heeded my desires, reincarnating me into a world adorned with the captivating concept of Gacha!"
In a spontaneous burst of jubilation, John found himself dancing like an exuberant fool for a fleeting moment.
The monotone voice, seemingly detached from the excitement, disrupted his revelry, stating matter-of-factly, "You have at your disposal one Skill and one Equipment draw." The words echoed through the atmosphere, setting the stage for John's exploration of this newfound Gacha-laden realm.
"Thank you very much, Miss Unknown Voice," John said with a smile, glancing at the status board. "Now, for a moment of truth."
Clenching his fist, he blew into it—a sort of ritual that preceded his actions. Rubbing his palms together, he prepared for what lay ahead.
"This is my very first pull," he declared, pressing the blue draw button. The room resonated with the sound of rolling, and anticipation hung in the air.
After a few tense seconds, a triumphant "Ding" filled the place, signaling the outcome. "Skill Acquired: Slash (Common)," the mysterious voice announced.
"Slash the target to deal damage," it continued.
John nodded, a tinge of disappointment on his face. "Why am I not surprised that I only got the lowest reward?"
"But fear not," the voice reassured. "For obtaining a Common skill, you have received 5 stat points."
"Oh, so that's where the stat points originate. I receive a certain number of stat points based on the rarity of my pull," he mused, fixating on the Equipment Draw section. "I assume it's the same principle for other draws."
The gacha wheels commenced their hypnotic spin, a melodic symphony for enthusiasts.
The reels whirled for a suspenseful moment, halting abruptly.
"Ding."
"Equipment Acquired: Sword (Common.)"
"A mundane sword. Nothing noteworthy," elucidated the system voice.
"Can't you at least inject a hint of excitement?" John exclaimed.
Out of the blue, a sword materialized before him. Iron forged, a handle adorned in brown bronze. Glistening. Keen-edged. Its ethereal sheath hovering beside it.
John marveled at the levitating sword he now wielded. "Impressive; it surpasses my expectations. I anticipated encountering a lackluster and impractical blade." With a practiced motion, he sheathed the remarkable weapon.
"As a reward for obtaining Common Equipment, you have earned 5 stat points," announced the ethereal voice.
John's gaze fixated on his status board, specifically on the allocation of his newfound stat points. Each stat held profound significance, and he comprehended their pivotal roles with utmost clarity.
Vitality, the cornerstone of survivability, now beckoned for reinforcement.
Strength, the bedrock of physical prowess, demanded augmentation for formidable capabilities.
Intelligence, the key to unlocking magical potential, required nurturing for enhanced capabilities.
Agility, the linchpin of speed and evasive maneuvers, warranted attention to fortify his dodging abilities.
And Dexterity, a vital force in combat, molding weapon mastery and precision for formidable prowess.
John's affirmation was resolute. "I am well-versed in all these features and stats, courtesy of my extensive experience as a dedicated gamer in my previous life," he declared with a confident smile. "I was destined for this."
With purpose, John advanced to the status board, strategically allocating his 10 available stat points. He distributed them evenly, bestowing 2 points upon each of the 5 stats. The immediate sensation of change coursed through his body, a tangible transformation signaling newfound potential.
"Balancing your stats is paramount for a novice," he asserted, nodding in agreement with his own deduction. "If gacha pulls are the primary avenue to strength, mastering the art of stat equilibrium is key. But how do I maximize my draws?"
A commanding voice resonated from the system, breaking the silence. "Notice."
"Quest."
"First Kill: Eliminate one unit."
"Rewards: One Skill Draw, one Equipment Draw, and one Character Draw."
"That provides clarity," John remarked, a smile playing on his lips as he beheld his exclusive skill. "Oh, I almost forgot about it. I've just recalled—I possess a unique skill. What does this one do?"
"Gacha Fusion," the system voice elucidated.
"It upgrades a skill or equipment received from gacha rewards to create one tier higher by sacrificing a certain amount of skill or equipment of the same tier."
[Sacrifices are necessary to elevate a skill or equipment to a specific tier. Gacha equipment looted and skills acquired from eliminating other players could also be upgraded and used as sacrifices.
Common: 0
Uncommon: 1 Common.
Rare: 5 Uncommon.
Super Rare: 10 Rare.
Legendary: 10 Super Rare.
Mythical: 10 Legendary.
Supreme: 10 Mythical.]
John's eyes widened in surprise. "This sounds great," he murmured. "A little bit too great."
After a brief contemplation, John decided to focus solely on the present matters, setting aside everything else.
John vigorously slapped his pants, brushing away the stubborn dirt and grass leaves that clung to them. "Judging by the cryptic voice's message, it appears that fellow participants might converge upon my location. This suggests I've become embroiled in some form of survival game," he mused, securing his sword at his hip. "While I'm not inclined to inflict harm, the prospect of my own demise is a fate I won't accept without a fight. I must find a means to defend myself."
With a determined mindset, John extended his body, lifting his arms and emitting a resonant groan. "This second lease on life is a precious gift, and I won't squander it easily," he declared, casting his gaze over the expansive forest surrounding him.
Taking a confident step forward, John harbored hope in his eyes, anticipating the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. A bright smile adorned his face as he embraced the unknown, declaring, "World of Eteria, here I come."
•••••
HP: 30
MP: 30
•••
[STATS]
VITALITY: 3
STRENGTH: 3
INTELLIGENCE: 3
AGILITY: 3
DEXTERITY: 3
AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0
•••
[SKILLS]
PLAYER EXCLUSIVE SKILL: Gacha Fusion.
COMMON: Slash.
•••••
