An old apartment building on the 5th floor on the outskirts of the city lies Alan Walker's home. Alan finds the key to his door and enters nevertheless.
'It's quite dark nowadays.' With a plastic bag filled with only two cup-o-noodles and water, Alan turns on the lights of the house and heads towards the kitchen. The routine of his food, cups-o-noodles and a water bottle. That's all it is. Nothing special as the usual.
He prepares his cups-of-noodles and places them one at a time into the microwave. While Alan waits for the timer to go off he softly mumbles. "Status Window."
Name: Alan Walker
Level: 21
Class: None
Title: Wolf Slayer (0.23/100%)
HP: 2442
MP:2160
Fatigue: 4
[Stat]
Strength: 50
Stamina: 22
Agility: 22
Intelligence: 21
Endurance: 22
Perception: 22
(Avarible attribute points: 0)
[Skills]
Passive Skills:
– (Unknown) Lv. Max
– (Overcome) Lv. 1
Active Skills:
– Dash: Lv. 1
"Holy crap, that's some new upgrade right there!" Thanks to all that level back in the dungeon, he's now level 21. His strength has already reached 50 while his other stats have significantly improved as well. Alan wonders how strong he currently is if his Strength is at 50.
"Despite all that leveling, I've found myself a useful weapon now." Alans summons his new weapon from the inventory. "Although it wasn't a sword or a spear, or maybe perhaps a dagger. I didn't think a gun would've been one of the rewards I'd received from the dungeon. In fact I think a gun is a perfect fit for myself."
Sure, it might not be a fancy weapon like those protagonists you see in cartoons or comics or webcomics but a gun shouldn't be underestimated as well. Regardless of its long range, it's quite good in close combat if someone knows how to use it correctly.
[Double-Forged Flintlock Revolver]
A revolver containing incredible grip, When shot, paralysis will be bestowed incredibly fast as well as Bleeding. The status effect will last 30 minutes or more depending on the user's accord. 5% chance of activating. This can be stored in your Inventory or can be sold at the Store.
Status Effect 'Paralysis': the target will be unable to move. Effects have been added.
Status effect 'Bleeding': the target will be inflicted by 25%/50%/100% based on your attack damage.
'No, in fact it's quite better than a sword or dagger.' The chances of not only controlling the effects are incredibly broken but will also depend on the user's wish. Although the chances of it activating are extremely low. Along with the target being inflicted by 25% or more is really good as well. The moral in reality, in fact, it's an outstandingly good weapon in necessity.
'Still, I feel that a sword or a dagger would've been much cooler.' Disregard a new 'special' key he received, the conquest Alan has taken at the dungeon was definitely a success.
Ding!
Noodles were ready.
***
Around the same time, Alan, while slurping his noodles, turned on the television which represented the daily news. As expected, they interviewed most of the people and heroes who were presented at the scene. Although Alan wasn't able to retrieve the loot that was dropped, it's better to be unknown throughout the city as it'll cause an uproar if he claimed he defeated the monster.
"I was far away from the battle that took place. I was heading back from buying groceries for my mother until suddenly I heard a loud shock wave!"
"While the heroes were trying to keep us safe. All of a sudden, that 'thing' shrieked at us loudly, I don't know maybe? It made my eyes bleed and my body frozen as if death was near! One of the heroes was able to give me this warm blanket for comfort, however I don't think I'll be recovering from this new experience...."
"That son-of-a-b*tch was f*cking terrifying as sh*t!"
"I don't know anything about it, so don't ask anymore questions."
"…I don't feel like talking about it…."
"I pledge the fifth."
"I'm with him as well."
Of course, their reactions were obviously tense. While some tried to avoid the reporter's interviewing, it was certainly clear that someone else had defeated the monster.
"I don't think these heroes were able to pull it off if that person didn't step up to help. No, I'm not saying that the heroes defeated it. I mean come one! Clearly there was someone among us who was either a hero or someone who's an exceptional without being registered as a hero."
One of the individuals who were currently present on the news shared their response. However it seems it didn't stop there just yet. "Not only were the heroes struggling to defeat one single monster, but they almost allowed one of their comrade's get killed in battle. Then all of a sudden, BAM, an object gave it a critical hit! This not only allowed the heroes to use their full power to conquer this foe. But as well guide the people safely. I'm quite grateful for being alive here today to tell the story."
Alan's eyes opened wide, he was impressed with this person's report. They were right on track without a doubt.
"He's clearly clever no doubt about that." Those were the only words that popped out of Alan's mouth.
"Do you have anything else to say sir?"
"No… there's nothing else for me to say."
The news reporter soon asked a personal question. "Excuse me sir, but can you perhaps tell us what your name is? For the sake of the report, we'd appreciate it if you could tell us your name."
They stood in silence for just a moment. They opened their mouth hesitantly. "Arno Dumas. That's my name."
The cameraman placed the live view towards the woman who interviewed. "Well there you have it folks! It seems that someone earlier was behind this accident! We would like to have a small chat with the per—"
Alan quickly turns off the T.V. 'That's not possible.' Even if he tried to convince people that Alan, himself, who's a non-user, beat a magical monster? They'd tell him to stop spouting bullsh*t! On the other note, there was already news that adults weren't able to awaken super-natural powers. If others were to find out, he'd cause a sudden uproar.
"I should probably go to bed already." Alan quickly finishes his last cup-o-noodles, brushes his teeth and gets himself confort into bed. The night was quiet and peaceful, just how Alan likes it.
***
The next day, early in the morning. Alan seemed to be the only person jogging around the park as it's usually filled with people.
"Haah, haah, haah…." Alan breathed heavily as he continued to jog another set. He kept running until he stopped by a bench and sat on it with heavy breaths.
"Confirm rewards."
Tt-ring.
[You have completed your Daily Quest: Daily Routine Exercise.]
[Would you like to confirm your rewards? (Y/N)]
"Yes."
Tti-ring.
[The following rewards are available.]
Reward 1. Full recovery of the physical body.
Reward 2. Three additional Stat points.
Reward 3. One random box.
"Accept first reward." A very warm and cool breeze of energy filled Alan's both whole body and presence. It's as if he whole was petrified once more leaving no traces of dirtiness. It didn't take long before Alan could feel his body once more. He still couldn't believe it.
'Incredible.' Alan's leans on the bench legs spread. The event that had happened, all of them are entirely beyond bizarre. After the incident with the ex-heroes, Alan's fate quickly shifted after accepting this game-like play system. Then there's the incident with the recent news. One-shotting a monster that easily? That's a complete breakthrough from before!
Alan smirks a bit.
"I still can't believe this is happening in front of my eyes." He stares at the floating blue digital screen. Just a few weeks, almost a month, when he received his first Daily Quest, as a quest for him to complete in order for his body to improve, he even passed out and vomited several times! Although he may not have completed them in less time, the development is definitely changing.
Of course Alan may not notice, his body was quickly adapting to the fatigue and pain he experienced from the Daily Quests and torture.
"Alright, next up are the additional attribute points. Confirm the second reward."
Tt-ring.
[Stat]
Strength: 50
Stamina: 22
Agility: 22
Intelligence: 21
Endurance: 22
Perception: 22
(Avarible attribute points: 3)
"Nice, now which stats should I add my attribute points to?" Regardless of the fact that strength is already a good choice to begin with, how should he use up his points for the rest of the stats?
"From games I've come across. A brawler requires strength, a swordsman requires stamina, an assassin requires agility, a tanker requires endurance and a sharp-shooter requires perception, or possibly a mage. I don't know the details for intelligence but it could possibly be related to a mindreader." Alan takes a deep breath. Even if he hasn't played too many video games, Alan knows a bit of the basics when it comes to choosing your stats.
"I know for a fact I'm not a brawler, swordsman, assassin or any other type. Aside from the fact I was rewarded a firearm, I feel that the attribute points should go to perception." Alan says. "Perception is not only good for your senses but increases the ability to see and hear. This would be great for a sharp-shooter, however I am not one."
Alan taps his finger on the back. "Then there's agility. If a sharp-shooter combines ability with perception, then it could easily be an overpower class."
Alan takes several deep breaths. Three attribute points may not be enough but it can surely guarantee one's stats.
"D*mn it…" Alan bits his lower lip. It was a hard choice that's for sure, but Alan still couldn't wrap his head around. He needs to choose carefully. "Endurance that's something I don't need at the moment so we could take that out. Next with intelligence, I doubt it means your IQ level. Perhaps magic? "
Alan thinks for a moment before learning forward and sighs to himself. He shakes his head. "No, maybe I should wait a bit until I have enough attribute points. Although having three is something I should be grateful for. I shouldn't be rational. I'll wait until I receive more"
Alan closes the Status Window and focuses on the last remaining reward from the Daily Quest. Even though it'll be something random at most. To be precise, the percentage of receiving something good is limitless. Alan's hands start to sweat.
"Confirm the last reward."
Tti-ring.
[You have received an unknown key.]
[Item: Unknown Key]
Rarity: Unknown
Type: Key
[The whereabouts of this key are concealed. There is no further information about this key.]
"Unknown eh?" Alan examines the key. Covered in all black it releases a black fog from it. He opens his inventory and takes another key out, but a certain special one. "It's different from what I imagine. The details on it are insane. The appearance of this unknown key… it's giving me an insane feeling while I'm holding on to it." Alan hands tremble. His insides were screaming at an unknown existence that shouldn't even be there in the first place.
His saliva turned dry, with his heart pumping fast and continuously.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, Badump, ba-dump, Badump.
Alan grasps a hold on it tightly while he inspects the other key. "Thankfully, this is just a normal key. Like last time."
[Item: Key of the Apocalypse's Battleground]
Rarity: A+
Category: Key
A key that will let you enter the 'Apocalypse's Battleground'. This key will lead you to a place into another world where the apocalypse is real. Can be used at any uninhabited alleyway.
"A+ rarity?" Alan raised his voice. The rank wasn't what surprised him the most, Alan takes a better look at the description. "'Apocalypse's Battleground'... that's kinda unsettling. Except, can this really take me to another world?"
The power of the system's power is limited, can it surely take him to another world than the one Alan's currently in?
"But it would be the same when I received my first dungeon key from the penalty rewards, right? Certainly that I traveled through different worlds at that time, or was it crossing between dimensions? No, at that time, it was almost similar to my world. A parallel world maybe?" Whatever the case is, Alan will surely find out soon eventually.
Alan closes the window, puts back the items into his inventions and gets up from the bench. He stretched a bit and continued to jog back to his way home, thinking about what the future would look like up ahead.
"I hope I can see Ava soon."
***
The outskirts were freshings and beautiful. Followed by the long trail along with multiple houses, leading inside the big city, revealed a very large and big building. Besides its length and size, the building could contain 700 to 1000 people at least.
"Haah, haah, Haah, haah!!" The streets were full, packed with busy cars and people walking throughout the city. Cars were stuck in traffic as their honks erupted everywhere, and people were on the sidewalks on their phones. Everyone was busy. Everything was in a total rush hour.
"D*mn it, d*mn it! I should've slept early! Uh mom's going to kill me!" Aside from everyone's racket of their daily activities, an unexpected individual seemed to be running full speed through the streets. They continued running continuously without stopping.
"Woah, hey watch it!"
"Sorry!"
"Dude, what the hell!?"
"Sorry!"
"Oi kid watch where you're going!"
"My apologies!"
"You're going to break a leg if you keep up at that speed!"
"Sorry, can't stop right now!"
"Slow down you b*stard!"
"I'm sorry!!"
"Woah!"
"Sorry!!"
"Crazy b*stard!
"Sorry!!!"
While they had caused several misfortunes, they continued to run without looking back. Although his actions seemed to be not on purpose, they couldn't help but feel apologetic and only blame themselves for their 'not being well prepared' enough.
"Crap, crap! I'm going to be late! And on the first day of school!!" They check their phone, 8:05, school starts in session in 5 minutes. With their eyes still locked on their phone, their eyes took a small glance up ahead. "Oh you gotta be kidding me…."
Up ahead of their view, the walk sign had already turned red before the person could have reached the other sidewalk. The person groaned in despair as the cars started to make turns to the side. They clench their teeth and make a full sprint forward. About almost to the end, they jumped as they front flipped which landed perfectly and continued to sprint towards school.
Screech!!
"Hey kid! What the hell!? You could've gotten yourself killed!" One of the driver's cursed at the young teenage boy, unfortunately the child only continued running. They simply took a glance at them and smiled awkwardly.
They waved and only shouted. "Sorry! I'm going to be late for class!" Running towards his destination, the view of the him started to faint the further he ran.
That's right, it was the beginning of early fall in August. Leaves turned their color because of the season, tree's bloom beautifully as the wind blew cold but fresh air in the mornings. School was about to start.