My mind seized up, freezing in place. Mother, in a coma? What had just occurred? What in the world had happened to her? I was completely in the dark, blindsided by this inexplicable turn of events. I've never encountered anything like this in my previous experiences. Did the future take an unexpected twist? I haven't been involved in anything that could harm my parents. My focus has been squarely on my game, and my pursuit of earnings for the days to come. But why is it affecting this as well?
"What happened to Mother? Is she going to be okay?"
"No," Father's voice trembled as he spoke. "She suffered a severe head trauma that led to a blood clot in her brain. We'll need to spend a significant amount to remove the clot. The doctor also mentioned that even after the surgery, she might remain in a coma for an uncertain period. There's even a chance she could suffer from amnesia if the accident damaged her brain extensively." The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, mirroring the deep sadness etched across his face.
I clenched my teeth in frustration. Just when I thought everything was settled, and I could finally rescue my parents from their troubles, fate had other plans. In my previous timeline, my mother had never experienced such an event, so how did it come to pass now? Had I unwittingly set off a chain of events I shouldn't have? No, that couldn't be right. Everything I'd done had been within the confines of the game and its virtual world, not the real one.
"What could have caused Mother to end up in the hospital?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and concern.
My father was silent for a moment, his sigh heavy as he began to recount the harrowing incident.
"I'm not entirely sure," he admitted, his voice strained. "I only found out about it when the police called me after your mother's accident. According to witnesses, a speeding car recklessly ignored a red traffic light, barreling through the intersection. Unfortunately, your mother was in the wrong place at the wrong time, crossing the street. Before she could react, the car struck her, sending her flying through the air. The driver didn't stop, it was a hit-and-run. Your mom lay on the ground, bleeding. If it weren't for the people nearby, your mom..." My father's voice broke, and he wept on the other end of the line.
I clenched my fist, my imagination conjuring a vivid scene of my helpless mother on the road, the car speeding away. The reckless driver responsible for the crash ignited a fire in me, a burning anger that whispered of revenge.
"How much do we need for Mother's operation?" I inquired, my voice unwavering. "I'm heading to the hospital as soon as possible."
"No, Manato," my father's voice crackled with worry through the phone. "You need to stay in Tokyo and continue your studies. We'll manage here. Don't burden yourself."
A soft-spoken nurse or doctor's voice interrupted, "Sir, your wife can now receive visitors."
"Alright, I'll be there for her," Father's voice can be heard, answering the voice before, then his focus on the conversation returned to me, "But for you, Manato, focus on your studies. Your classes start next month. I'll hang up now. Call us occasionally, but don't stress yourself too much. I can handle things here. Just pray for your mother's recovery. Later." The phone beeped, silencing my reply.
I sighed and shook my head. My father was as secretive as ever, just like in the past. If not for our neighbors, I would be in the dark about their situation. I needed to do something to help. It was already good that Father voluntarily told me right now on Mother's condition but not knowing what is happening to Mother can be a bit disheartening.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I channeled my magic, fortifying my body and vowing to aid my parents in their time of need. With their medical bills looming, I knew I had to amass gold quickly. The dungeon beckoned – a place where I could solo clear, monopolizing its wealth and treasures.
After preparing and enjoying my lunch, I decided to stay indoors and return to the game. The more time I squandered, the more dire the situation became for my parents. I couldn't bear the thought of them resorting to loan sharks for a substantial amount of money. This time, my top priority was to secure the funds we needed. What was the point of returning in time if I couldn't save my parents?
...
Upon waking up, I retrieved my Versatile Weapon. My inventory also contained an assortment of weapons I had acquired from Lina's stash for the purpose of enhancing my Versatile Weapon. I remained uncertain about the changes my Versatile Weapon would undergo once I had devoured all the weapons. To gain clarity, I first inspected the stats of my Versatile Weapon to verify the improvements it would receive after the devouring process was complete. It is also my own way of memorizing them and taking notes on what improved and remained the same.
-----
Name: Versatile Weapon
Weapon Level: 0
Type: Weapon Equipment
Rarity: God Tier
Usable at Level 0
Usable by: The Versatile
Strength: +12
Agility: +10
Dexterity: +12
Endurance: +10
Intelligence: +10
Special Abilities:
1. Devour - Capable of consuming other weapons and armor to enhance its own power. Its appearance morphs to match the consumed item, and it can even assimilate select artifacts and souls. This process of devouring is akin to a divine alchemy.
2. Shape-Shift - Can seamlessly transform into various weapon forms currently available.
[Additional abilities remain undiscovered; please allow the weapon to consume a few items with unique abilities.]
Notice: Forged from a mysterious material, of an unknown civilization's origin, this weapon adapts and evolves according to its wielder's desires. Legend has it that it was crafted for deities, but fate led it into the hands of mortals.
Restrictions: Impervious to dropping, unyielding to sale, impervious to trade. Forever bonded to its rightful owner.
Bound to: Bladeheart
Durability: Infinite
------
Laying down all my weapons, I made the daring decision to offer them up to the insatiable hunger of the Versatile Weapon. Grasping it firmly, I directed its menacing maw toward the hapless arsenal.
"[Devour!]" I commanded with resolve.
In response, the Versatile Weapon unleashed a sudden, menacing drool, and the ominous black-red shadow of the sword emerged once more. In a single, sweeping motion, it consumed every weapon in its path, leaving nothing behind. The Versatile Weapon shivered as if trembling from the overwhelming influx of energy it had absorbed. I clutched it with both hands, ensuring it didn't escape my grasp. Fortunately, the tumultuous moment didn't endure for long.
Once the storm subsided, the weapon fell still, its form transformed into a weapon adorned with crimson engravings and adorned with mysterious runes along the hilt. No further details of the weapons it had devoured mattered to me; my sole focus was the astonishing outcome.
-----
Name: Versatile Weapon
Weapon Level: 2
Type: Weapon Equipment
Rarity: God Tier
Usable at Level 0
Usable by: The Versatile
Strength: +20
Agility: +15
Dexterity: +21
Endurance: +18
Intelligence: +19
Special Abilities:
1. Devour - Capable of consuming other weapons and armor to enhance its own power. Its appearance morphs to match the consumed item, and it can even assimilate select artifacts and souls. This process of devouring is akin to a divine alchemy.
2. Shape-Shift - Can seamlessly transform into various weapon forms currently available.
3. Vampiric Lifesteal - With this enigmatic power, the blade hungers for the life force of its foes. Each of the weapon's standard attacks replenishes the wielder's vitality, restoring 10 hit points with every successful strike. This mystical ability remains dormant when skills are employed, solely awakening in response to the rhythmic cadence of regular attacks. Its influence extends across all combat forms, ready to sustain the warrior in any battle scenario.
[Additional abilities remain undiscovered; please allow the weapon to consume a few items with unique abilities.]
Notice: Forged from a mysterious material, of an unknown civilization's origin, this weapon adapts and evolves according to its wielder's desires. Legend has it that it was crafted for deities, but fate led it into the hands of mortals.
Restrictions: Impervious to dropping, unyielding to sale, impervious to trade. Forever bonded to its rightful owner.
Bound to: Bladeheart
Durability: Infinite
-------
A newfound skill had just unlocked; it promised to be a lifesaver amidst the swarming mobs. The prospect of regenerating HP and gradually healing my wounds had me nodding in approval. Not too shabby, I thought, as I noticed a slight bump in my stats as well.
Despite my weapon's impressive evolution to level 2, I couldn't revel in happiness. The weight of my mother's ongoing troubles bore down on me. I faced the daunting task of amassing a colossal amount of gold and converting it into real currency, a perilous journey that lay ahead. The urge to grow stronger gnawed at me, but I couldn't simply abandon my parents. I needed a swift solution.
My thoughts raced as I considered alternative means of earning money, apart from the confines of the game. And then it struck me: the Guild Tokens...
Guild Tokens are highly sought after by users for guild expansion and submission to headquarters. Selling them at auction is the most practical choice for me since I have no use for them, and guilds have proven to be more of a hindrance than anything else. I have a different plan in mind, one that's both more efficient and trustworthy, but that's a matter for the future. The players have yet to cross and reach this city so for now, I will have to hold off selling the token until the players start swarming this place. It won't take too long but not now at least. For now, my priority is to head to the headquarters, accept the quest to unlock the dungeon and start earning some much-needed coins.
After giving my weapon a firm shake, I reexamined my stats. With the recent upgrade to the Versatile Weapon, I expected to see significant changes.
------
Name: Bladeheart
Level 21
Experience: 25/20000
Health Points (HP): 10800/10800
Mana Points (MP): 5700/5700
Attributes:
Strength (STR): Poor
[AP Bar: 105/200]
Agility (AGI): Poor
[AP Bar: 102/200]
Dexterity (DEX): Poor
[AP Bar: 115/200]
Endurance (END): Poor
[AP Bar: 112/200]
Intelligence (INT): Poor
[AP Bar: 117/100]
AP left to spend: 0
Title: Memento Mori
Skills: Click here to Open the skill trees
SP left to spend: 148
Equipment:
Head: Beginner Hood
Face: White Fur Wolf Mask
Upper Body: Green Armor
Lower Body: Beginner Pants
Shoes: Beginner Boots
Gloves: Beginner Gloves
Necklace: None
Left Arm: None
Right Arm: None
Ring: None
Weapon: Versatile Weapon
------
Apart from the marginal increase in my HP and MP, along with a few stat boosts, everything else remained unchanged – a rather modest improvement. I let out a sigh and rose from my seat. It was time to embark on some grinding for gold. Given that no players had yet managed to bypass the formidable Gate Guardian, I decided to bide my time before attempting to unlock the dungeon.
I quietly left the inn, leaving Lina undisturbed in her slumber. This was a challenge I needed to face on my own; no one else could lend a hand, and no one would dare stand in my way. For the sake of my mother, I was determined to do whatever it took to save her life. As for the person responsible for the hit-and-run accident involving my mother, they better be prepared – they needed to ensure I wouldn't be able to learn who they were or I would be coming for retribution sooner than they expected. Just wait...