6 The shard of Hróðvitnir or How I became a Werewolf?! I
In the Dungeon…
The sizzling wires coupled with the eerie atmosphere could not dissuade Junpei from carefully regarding his approaching opponents.
This is a battle to the death. And while it is true that the power Junpei have obtained is as a result of a game-like System, that didn't make the World around him any less fake.
Junpei isn't an idiot who wouldn't be differentiate between real life and delusions.
So to take any action with puerile notions in mind, and then suffer due to that, would only serve as proof that Junpei didn't deserve the current providence being vested upon him.
[1 to WIS due to an apt decision]
"Heh, seems like the even System agrees with me."
Slowing, the thudding darting footsteps reduced an amble strode as the monsters stepped out into the light. Their unnatural forms quivered in crimson hackles raised as a sign of an aged aggression baptized in madness…
"Whoa… They're huge."
Junpei's cautiousness rose as the monsters stalked forward in unhurried steps.
It was the gait of a hunter… A very dangerous hunter.
The monsters all had the appearance of wolf-like creatures. Though there were noticeable differences between this peculiar creatures and its lupine counterparts.
For one, these monsters were huge. Horse sized huge. Their red furs glistened under the fluorescent light suggesting the fact that their furs contained ferrous elements. With drool dripping from their maws, ruby and black pupils regarded Junpei as one would a scrumptious prey.
With ravenous hunger and desire for raw meat.
Taking on a combat stance, both swords at the ready. Junpei Observed the monsters to get a clear idea on what he was dealing with.
[Name: (Blank)]
[Karmic Alignment: Chaotic Evil]
[Species: Dire-Wolf]
[Level: 10]
[HP: 360/360]
[SP: 190/190]
Despite feeling a bit flummoxed, Junpei Observed the rest of the Dire-Wolves feeling jumbled at what he saw. Before Junpei could ask Makima why the Dire-Wolfs Stats were so low for a Level 10. One of the beasts pounced on Junpei with a bark, initiating battle.
The ground on which the Dire-Wolf landed webbed due to the beast's weight and the tremendous power belied in its frame. Although fortunately, Junpei wasn't there anymore.
'I'll ask Makima, later. I'll just have to test the waters, first.' Junpei thought in midair.
Junpei's explosive Stats shooting him higher than he intended.
Flipping. Junpei drew back his two heavy swords, and spun back down in wheel. The descending velocity turning Junpei into an undiscernible blur. Silver glint crashed against ferrous skin.
And steel won.
*Whine…*
Bastard –Shing- Sword and Houtian Jade Sword ruthlessly cleaved the monster into three parts…
[Dire-Wolf LV10 Defeated!]
Ignoring his bloodstained sword. Junpei's «Danger Intuition» tinged as he quickly retreated back avoiding another Dire-Wolf set to maul him.
'Eight remaining, huh… This time I won't allow them take the initiative.'
Taking advantage of his boosted superhuman Stats. Junpei dug his foot into the floor, tiling up the earth as he did so. A black blur with blue afterglow crossed the distance within a spilt second.
Swords raised forward in an X guard position. Junpei crashed against one of Dire-Wolves sending it sailing away, the beast collided against the battered wall behind it with a sickening crunch.
[Dire-Wolf LV10…-]
"Ei! Makima, disable the System notifications. It's too distracting!"
From the safety of Junpei's armor, Makima bobbed. "Alright, it's done."
"Thanks… Ah, dammit!"
-17
Junpei's momentary pause was capitalized by a Dire-Wolf which bit down hard on his shoulder. A deep feverish pain shot through Junpei's body as he out an agonized cry.
"Argh!"
Discarding his great-swords. Junpei's hands went for the Dire-Wolf's fur tearing its maw away from his flesh. Absentmindedly, Junpei expected spurts of crimson erupting from his bitten shoulder.
Thankfully, there was none of that…
But such cursory speculation wasn't important at the moment…
"Graaah…!"
Hands clamped tightly on the Dire-Wolf's chassis, as Junpei's « Qi Reinforcement» lit up gloomy subway. Junpei raised the Dire-Wolf high in the air and slammed it back down, shattering all the bones in the beast's body.
The cries of the Dire-Wolf didn't matter as Junpei –still holding the beast- towed the beast using it as makeshift bludgeon against its lupine brethren.
*Bam!*Bam!*Bam!*Bam!*Bam!*
Up and down, the 2700kg Dire-Wolf went. Bashing and clobbering its brethren who were still trying to gobble up Junpei. It didn't take long for the Dire-Wolf to become nothing more than lumps of flesh with pieces of its form littering the area with gore.
Grunting, Junpei discarded the flesh on his hands, and instantly transitioned into a martial stance. One of the lightly injured Dire-Wolves rushed in to bite Junpei's face off, but Junpei ducked and returned the favor with a lethal uppercut.
*Baam!*
The power and momentum behind the blow was sublime.
With such a limited move, Junpei brought out a staggering amount of force. His fist digging into the Dire-Wolf's jaw, and the energy within Junpei's fist spread out shattering the beast's skull as the Dire-Wolf hilariously flipped in the air.
Let out a *hump* Junpei took off to the air once more, catching another approaching Dire-Wolf with a round-kick that produced the force of a shotgun.
*Baam!*
It wasn't of much surprise that the beast's face was entirely obliterated…
While it was true that Junpei's Unarmed Combat Skill were one of the Skills he had trained the most since he had the System. The factual reason for such a magnificent display was because of the Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians…
The technique's essence speaks of turning a human's body into a powerful weapon, while granting the precision to use the said weapon to its greatest effect...
Which in this case means Junpei's body.
In other words. Any punch, kick, or slam thrown by Junpei, contains his full strength in an explosive yet accurate manner...
Huffing -even though there was no sheen of sweat on his body- Junpei furtively glanced around in vigilance only to discover that all his enemies had already been defeated.
But after what had just happened, Junpei still wasn't going to take any chances.
"Makima, can you please go scan up the perimeter. With the way I am now, I don't trust my senses to do the right job for me... No matter how enhanced they are."
Fluttering up, Makima casted a worried glance at Junpei, before faithfully doing as she was instructed too.
Seeing that Makima was on the lookout, Junpei finally breathed loudly and fell down on his butt. While Junpei wasn't feeling tired, the adrenaline from the battle was still coursing through him. Not enough to make Junpei feel fretful but rather he felt like he was in an ever increasing state of alertness.
Looking back at the corpses. Junpei watched as their lifeless bodies vanished in white particles. In their place were miscellaneous items strewn around.
They were the Monster Drops.
Junpei chuckled as he said a bit wearily. "It's like a game… Dammit."
Brushing his pony tail back. Junpei ruminated on his first battle, and concluded that it was a total disaster… The only reason Junpei won in the first place was due to the Chaotic Virtues Combat Meridians.
Looking at his shoulder –the one that had been bitten by the Dire-Wolf- Junpei wasn't surprised to see that there was nary a mark on it. Even the pain was gone.
Although on his Status Screen, Junpei saw a chunk of number missing from his HP number values.
"The wonders of having the Gamer's Body, I guess." Junpei dryly commented.
Pulling out a Health Portion from his Inventory. Junpei chugged down the blue glowing drink that had a mint taste to it. Junpei's HP numbers rising back slowing as he did.
Meanwhile, after making her rounds. Makima descended down, saying. "There aren't any other Dire-Wolves within 500 meters. The ones you took out are probably the grunts. The others will be concentrated within the subway…-"
Before Makima could continue on, the Fairy caught on the contemplative look on Junpei's eyes.
Sighing, Makima seeing the strewn Drops laid around, used the [Auto-Loot] one of the unique functions given to her by the System to put them into Junpei's Inventory.
Makima flew, landing on Junpei's right shoulder, as she said.
"Cheer up, Junpei. This is just your first battle. You aren't supposed to get a perfect score on your first fight. And you can learn from the mistakes you made in this fight in order to get better in the next one."
"Mistakes, huh..." Junpei said, eyeing Makima. "Well, my first mistake was not getting a Sword Mastery Skill. I mean, did you see how I had been fighting back there?! Like a total idiot! The first thing I did when I lost my sword was to use my fist... Why did I pull out those swords in the first place?"
"And is there anything else?"
"Anything else… Well, there's the Class Seed. I've been meaning to get one of those, but because of the money cost and I'd been overconfident in my Stats, I assumed that wouldn't be an issue… Boy was I wrong."
Smiling, Makima nodded. "There's also the issue of you not using your ranged Abilities, and my Battle Assist but…"
"But they both use Mana." Junpei said, finishing her sentence. "Mana, I would want to use against the bigger fishes… But you're right. I should be more liberal in using them."
Standing up. Junpei stabbed his swords into the earth, opening his System and selecting the Shop option.
There are changes to be made starting from now…
Loading…
[Shop]
[Miscellaneous Items] [Weaponry] [Buff Accessories] [Machinery] [Bloodlines] [Pills and Portions] [Qi-Abilities Books] [Mana-Abilities Books] [All Runes] [Seeds] [Resources] [Skill Books]
Selecting the Skill Books sub-section, Junpei scrolled down till he reached the Skill he needed.
[Sword Mastery: The basic requisite for any Swordsman to be called a Swordsman. Teaches Sword Moves and Katas needed and increases expertise and dexterity with swords.]
[Active Leveling Skill Book, 'Sword Mastery' buy (6700 dollars): Yes/No?]
Selecting the 'Yes' option, and buying the book. Junpei pulled out the said Skill Book which had been promptly dumped in his Inventory and absorbed it.
With a static sound, there was a download of information into Junpei's brain. Slashes and swings, correct movement of feet, tilting of body… All small intricacies which would enable Junpei to use the sword better were being revealed to him.
"Huh, maybe I still don't need to use my Skill Points, yet."
According to Makima, a single Skill Point could be used to increase any of his Leveling Skills by 10 LVs. It is quite a jump. But Makima told him to save those Skill Points, as someday, Junpei might soon come across a Skill that would be very hard to Level.
Shaking his head, Junpei still not finished went back to his Store. This time, Junpei selected the Seed subsection.
[Seed]
[Upgrade/Edit Seeds] [Familiar Seeds] [Qi-Class Seeds] [Mana-Class Seeds]...
Selecting the Qi-Class Seeds, presented to Junpei the many Jobs within the Cultivation realm.
[Body Refiner] [Blacksmith] [Poisoner] [Talisman Crafter] [Puppet Refiner] [Corpse Refiner] [Sword's Master] [Sword Dancer]…
And they all were beginning Class Seeds.
According to Makima, the Seeds would be planted inside a segregated portion of Junpei's sub-consciousness. The Seeds would later grow into a Tree, giving Junpei more Job options, Skills, Abilities and even items.
The Mana Class Seeds were much more diverse than the Qi Class Seeds, but the Qi Class Seeds felt more... Concrete? Or at least that's how Junpei felt.
"There, that one." Makima said pointing at a particular Class Seed that glowed a fiery gold-like aura. "Choose that Class Seed."
Junpei hummed, reading out the Class Seed. "Energy Martial Artist... This one?"
"Yes, this Class Seed will synergize with your Qi Cultivation Technique."
Selecting on the Class Seed. The screen expanded, giving Junpei a rudimentary explanation on the Class Seed.
[Energy Martial Artist: Pow! Boom! Bam! This Class Seed enables one to utilize his body Qi as a means to increases his physical Stats and increase the potency of his ranged ability. Emphasizes, on All Stats aptitude with exception of LUCK]
[Requirements: 25 to STR, VIT, AGI, and 30 to INT, WIS]
"Well, seems good enough." Junpei commented.
[Class Seed, 'Energy Martial Artist' buy (30,000 dollars): Yes/No?]
"30,000 dollars?!"
At the price, Junpei hollered. That's more than half of his money gone in a flash. Glancing at Makima who was looking expectantly at him, Junpei sighed.
"There's always the Dungeon Rewards to look forward to... Uhm, just remember that you're doing it for that, Junpei."
With such consolatory thought in mind, Junpei clenched his teeth and selected the 'Yes' option.
Pulling out the orange glowing orb from his Inventory. Junpei rubbed the small, yet expensive Class Seed with his fingers.
[Qi Class Seed, 'Energy Martial Artist' absorb: Yes/No?]
"Of course, yes!" Junpei said. Affronted that the System could even ask such a question after the huge amount of money Junpei had spent to buy it.
Junpei had wanted to buy a gift he'd been eyeing for his parents with that money…
The orb glowed. Scattering into motes of flaming light, which promptly vanished into Junpei's psyche.
ᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪ
With a thought, light bloomed illuminating the dark expanse. Concentrating, Junpei built the mental image of a fertile piece of land within his sub-consciousness.
His will and Qi bringing it forth to reality.
The sun which represented Junpei's Qi hung in the Sky, while he brought out a golden orb. It was his Class Seed. Planting it into the fertile land. Junpei expressionlessly watched as a small stalk immediately sprouted out.
It was of a little larger than a finger, but that was the natural course of things. And better yet, the Junpei could already feel the effects already...
And as of this moment, Junpei was a gardener.
A gardener of Class Trees…
[Class, Energy Martial Artist obtained!]
ᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪᴪ
[Skills]
[Mana Manipulation] {Stage 1}(LV 90/100)
[Combat Sense] {Stage 1}(LV 5/100) NEW!
[Abilities]
[Flaming Fist Barrage] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 0%) NEW!
[Qi Explosion] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 0%) NEW!
"… This's really something else. Thanks for the advice, Makima." Junpei said after the usual stream of information being inputted in his head…
"It's nothing, Junpei... So how do you feel now?" Makima asked.
Rather than replying, Junpei picked up the long swords and performed a short series of moves. But Makima could already pick up that there was a noticeable difference between how Junpei had been using the swords before and now...
Now, Junpei felt a lot more dangerous with those steel weapons in hand.
Smiling, Junpei finally replied. "I finally feel prepared to dive into the Dungeon."
A golden glow suddenly enveloped Junpei.
[Congratulations Gamer! You have Leveled Up!]
[Congratulations Gamer! You have Leveled Up!]
"Heh, it's about time."
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥJunpei's Statusᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
[Name: Junpei Asahi]
[Karmic Alignment: True Good {40%}]
[Job: The Sole Gamer]
[Species: Human] (Progress: 0%)
[Ascension Stage: 0] (Progress: 0%)
[Level: LV 10] (Next Level: 21%)
[Title: Mommy and Daddy's Boy/Delusionist]
[HP: 790/790]
[SP: 790/790]
[MP: 630/630]
[QP: 630/630]
[STR: 81 (2 {Armor ATK UP})]
[VIT: 81 (8 {Armor DEF UP!})]
[AGI: 69 (0)]
[INT: 65 (0)]
[WIS: 65 (0)]
[LUCK: 35 (0)]
ФффффффффффФ
[Stats Points: 50]
[Skill Points: 20]
[Evolution Points: 0]
[Karmic Points: 0]
ФффффффффффФ
[Class Seeds]
{1st Seed} [Energy Martial Artist] (LV 1)
ФффффффффффФ
⸢Passive Skills⸥
[Gamer's Body] (MAX)
[Gamer's Mind] (MAX)
[Icon of Sin {Pride, Envy}] (MAX)
[Physical Endurance] {Stage 1}(70/100)
[Mediation] (LV 35/100)
[Body-Fitness] (LV 40/100)
[Danger Intuition]
[Low Mana Affinity] (MAX)
⸢Active Skills⸥
[Observe] (LV 29/100)
[ID Creation] (13/100)
[Unarmed Combat] {Stage 1}(29/100)
[Skill: Mana Manipulation] {Stage 1}(LV 90/100)
[Sword Mastery] {Neophyte Stage 1} (LV 2/50) NEW!
ФффффффффффФ
⸢Traits⸥
[Juggernaut II] «STR»
[Regenerator II] «VIT»
[Fleet II] «AGI»
[Eidetic II] «INT»
[Thought Acceleration II] «WIS»
[Golden Hands] «LUCK»
[Abilities]
[Qi Body Reinforcement] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 30%)
[Mana Bolt] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 18%)
[Platform] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 15%)
[Fireball] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 10%)
[Lightning Fists] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 18%)
[Flaming Fist Barrage] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 0%)
[Qi Explosion] {Stage: Acolyte Stage} (Progress: 0%)
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥJunpei's Statusᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
Twenty minutes later…
"Be careful, Junpei. They're eight Dire-Wolves and four Lycanthropes around the corner."
Makima informed Junpei who nodded.
"Are they heading this way?"
"No. But it's only a matter of time before they smell us."
Placing his back against the wall, Junpei moved slowly while his –enhanced- eyes peeked around the corner. On his right hand was the Houtian Jade Sword while the other was devoid of bladed-steel.
No, not devoid, Junpei needed his other hand for his spells.
A pale bluish flame enveloped Junpei's hands. Counting to ten, Junpei assigned his strikes and attacks to the appropriate enemies… He would need to time this right.
Go!
Rushing out, Junpei's Thought Acceleration II Trait, slowed down his perception. Raising his left arm, while the other was set for a bisecting slash, Junpei called out.
«Mana Bolt»
Around his outstretched palm, the pale flames –Mana- congregated into a bright blue orb the size of an orange. With a speed faster than even Junpei's enhanced could see, the «Mana Bolt» shot forward, targeting the lone Lycanthrope farthest behind its pack.
*Boom*
The «Mana Bolt» smashed against the Lycanthrope's head exploding it into chips of bone and brain matter…
'Ugh, once again, thank heavens for the Gamer's Mind.'
Letting out an aggressive growl, the Dire-Wolves and Lycanthropes turned to react at the foreign elements that had come to kill them. Unfortunately for the lupine beasts, the reaper had already descended within their midst…
A sliver glint tinged with green slashed the nearest Dire-Wolf into two. Crouching, Junpei watched as its brethren sprang in tandem with a Lycanthrope.
Thought Acceleration II Trait coupled with Fleet II kicked in as both beasts inhumane speed slowed down a notch. Two flashes of silver crossed both lupine's head, and the two unlucky creatures fell without their heads attached…
"Junpei. They're all attacking together…!" Makima called from her ariel vantage.
"Got it!"
Both hands gripped the Houtian Jade Sword tightly as Junpei angled the weapon towards the earth.
«Qi Reinforcement»
A circuit light enveloped Junpei's form as he brought out his most utilized Ability. Seeing their already diminished speed slowed down to a crawl. Junpei dug his back-foot into ground and shot forward, leaving behind a thunderous roar and an erupted earth.
This wasn't breaking the sound barrier by any means. But Junpei was quite sure that he was close to doing that.
The Houtian Jade Sword lit up as Qi suffused it. A wavy like steel stream sinuously moved pass the lupines forms. By the time Junpei was at the other side, the monsters all simultaneously exploded in gore…
Swishing his sword, Junpei felt his stomach churn at what he did before the Gamer's Mind promptly canceled the feeling out…
"On one hand, I'm seriously thankful for this calming Skill… But by all good that's in heaven. I hope this doesn't make me a psychopath."
"No, it wouldn't, Junpei." Makima said, descending as the Fairy landed on Junpei's head. "The Gamer's Mind is there to help you not to feel overwhelmed by your emotions and to grant you immunity to all sorts of mental Status Effects. Your actions will only be decided by you and you alone. That's why you have your Karmic Alignment in your Status."
"Right, thanks for me reminding me of that..."
"It's my pleasure and my duty, Junpei. Remember, the Myriad Realms System is here to make you become whatever you wish. All that's left for you to do is to desire for it."
Watching as Makima went back to pick up the Monster Drops with her [Auto Loot] Ability. Junpei turned back, keeping watch for any approaching monsters while his mind went back to what Makima just said.
'All this talk of the Myriad Realms System helping me become whatever I want… The problem is that… I don't even know what I want.'
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
Eight hours later…
Junpei's sword impaled the barely surviving LV 15 Lycanthrope that had survived being charred to death from his «Fire Ball» Around Junpei were over forty of its 8ft. ilk, all sporting slashes or clean holes that had been blown through them.
[Congratulations Gamer! You have Leveled Up!]
"We've finally reached the end of the Dungeon, huh." Junpei commented, pulling Health, Mana, and Qi Potions from his Inventory.
Not all the fights were easy. In some, Junpei had been slashed across his back and face. In another, he caught a powerful blow from an Elder Lycanthrope, lobbing Junpei for over fifty meters before he collided painfully against a wall with a crater producing force…
Even though Junpei knew that he now possess an enhanced body. Junpei still wonders how he is still alive after all that?!
A normal human being would have been an unrecognizable pile of tomatoes by now!
And that was one, if not the major factor that knocked down Junpei's sympathy for this beasts down a notch… So Junpei's feeling vengeful, sue him!
Junpei had enough of being treated like shit in by other people in his life!
"Yes, this is the entrance to the Boss Room." Makima said.
Set before the duo was a giant black gate. It was much larger than the Dungeon door Junpei had used to get into this Dungeon, and most notably there were motifs on the black gate.
Werewolves… No, rather the motifs depicted only one Werewolf, and unlike its fellow ilk, Junpei could feel it. Something about this humanoid lupine was different. Contrasting the Lycanthropes Junpei fought, this Werewolf felt stronger… Hilariously stronger. But the most shocking thing in all this is that…
"This is only the gate and I can already tell that I'm in for the fight of my life. What about the Boss inside?"
And for the first time, Junpei wondered if this was the perfect time to book it…
"Makima, what happens if I decide to leave the Dungeon now without completing it?"
The Fairy flew to Junpei's face, looking bemused as she replied.
"If you decide to do so, there's no serious repercussions. To you that is. Though, you will lose all rights in retrying this Dungeon. This is an Inheritance Dungeon Type, and unlike its common counterpart, this Dungeon is more like a Chain Mission. So, to fail one means no more retries."
"That means failure isn't an option."
Closing his eyes, Junpei contemplated whether or not he should just say 'screw this' and leave. While losing out the rewards is heart-clenching. It isn't by any means the end of the World…
Though, it was at that particular moment, Makima decided to inform Junpei about something very important.
"Oh, and by the way, Junpei. You don't need to worry about dying. I've got the [ Re-spawn] Skill from the System, so I will be able to bring you back, if you die at any point in time. With the cost of your EXP and temporary Stats reduction."
Blinking owlishly, Junpei's line of thought came crashing down.
"… … … And you didn't bother to tell me about this obviously important Skill, before we began this Dungeon?"
Feeling like she was in trouble, Makima replied while looking away.
"I didn't think you would worry about your safety to this level, and also the Skill is a weekly rechargeable Skill that can only bring you back 3 times in succession before the Spawning dries out."
Junpei's mouth opened and closed. Whatever he was about to say clogged in his throat.
"Alright, when we get home, you better tell me about all the Skills, you got."
Bobbing, Makima flew and landed on Junpei's shoulder pad.
"I will, Junpei… But does that mean that you'll be completing the Dungeon?"
Huffing, Junpei replied. "But of course. Now that I know that I can't die. Around 60% of my fears are quite nullified. But first… I need to get some goodies from the Shop."
Loading…
[Weaponries] [Buff Accessories]
Smiling, Junpei's said. "I've decided to bet my all in the Dungeon Rewards. And I'll start by buying the items that'll help me in this upcoming fight… Makima, I'll be counting on your advice to help me pick the right items."
Makima entire form brightened, as beautiful smile spread over the Fairy's face. Butterfly-wings flapping erratically. "Of course, Junpei. You can count on me!"
