[KH 417, 7.62x51mm, mid-range DMR]
[N200, .408 SheyTac, long-range bolt-action sniper rifle]
[SWD, 7.62x54mmR, mid-range DMR]
Dags knew what these were. While they were still from a generation before his, they were from a part of history that he liked to read about. Since even more time had passed since his death, most probably weren't interested in the historical aspect of these. Still, he was a bit excited to see them.
"Mr. Dags, which do you think suits me best? I feel like any of them would work pretty well for me right now." Cynthia scratched her head asking the question. Dags agreed in his head that any of them would probably work just fine, but he also had his own preferences.
"[Take a look at each of the stats first before so I can make a decision. They'll be important in how you play.]" Dags urged her.
She nodded and began opening up the stats of each side by side for comparison.
[KH 417]
Caliber: 7.62x51mm
Effective Range: up to 600m
Bullet Velocity: 750 meters per second
Damage: 75-125
Rate of Fire: Medium
Magazine Size: 20 rounds
Attachment Slots: 5
Level Requirement: None
Stat Requirements: None
Price: 15,000 credits
A relic from the past era. This is a basic semi-auto DMR made for mid-range engagements, but can optionally be kitted for use in close quarters. While outdated by today's standards, it is able to quickly and precisely put down effective fire down range with moderate-high stopping power. Multiple attachment points for upgrades.
[SheyTac N200]
Caliber: .408in
Effective Range: up to 2000m
Bullet Velocity: 910 meters per second
Damage: 450-550
Rate of Fire (RoF): Very Slow (Manual Bolt-Action)
Magazine Size: 5 rounds
Attachment Slots: 2
Level Requirement: None
Stat Requirements: 6 Strength and 10 Dexterity
Price: 20,000 credits
An icon from a past age of history and gaming. While now considered a relic, it still retains a significant amount of power for a weapon of the past. As a long range weapon, it is ill-advised to get close to your enemies unless you have a backup weapon. On a successful hit, the incredibly high stopping power will take down enemies with ease.
[SWD]
Caliber: 7.62x54R
Effective Range: up to 800m
Bullet Velocity: 830 meters per second
Damage: 200-250
Rate of Fire (RoF): Slow
Magazine Size: 10 rounds
Attachment Slots: 1 (scope only)
Level Requirement: None
Stat Requirements: 5 Strength
Price: 18,000 credits
Originating from a long defunct regime, this classic piece was used widely across the globe in its time. Although it lacks modularity, it makes up for it in high stopping power and good range. One will need to be quite skilled to use this weapon to its fullest potential.
Dags was torn on what to choose for Cynthia. Two of them required her to invest her stats to wield them, so it was a good thing she hadn't spent them yet. All of them would work well in different scenarios, but he didn't know what kind of situations she would encounter. Of course she could always upgrade again in the near future, but as her first proper weapon the choice would determine her style.
As Dags was debating with himself of the pros and cons of each of them, Cynthia was getting impatient. She shuffled from foot to foot, waiting for him to make a decision. Eventually, she got tired of waiting and decided for herself. Before Dags could say anything, she went ahead and pressed [Purchase] under one of the weapons.
[-20,000 credits]
[SheyTac N200 Purchased. Thank you for shopping at Krimshaw's!]
[1x SheyTac N200, 1x N200 magazine, 1x complementary 1-8x variable scope, and 30x .408 ammo added to inventory]
Dags was astounded. He knew he was taking a while, but still didn't expect her to make a sudden decision. He let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders.
"Well there's no going back now. I guess there wasn't really a wrong choice, and ultimately she should choose what she wants anyway." If Cynthia was happy with it, then so was he.
"[Sorry for taking so long. That weapon will surely serve you well. What made you choose it?]" Dags was curious as to why she chose that one specifically.
"I want to stay far away from the battle, and this has the longest range." She gave such a simple answer and Dags didn't have the heart to refute her. It indeed had the longest range, but not all engagements went in your favor. Some would definitely end up at a distance where you'll be up close and personal.
"[Well, I hope you'll like it. I'll also teach you how to use it at the shooting range later. Just make sure you get some extra magazines and ammo for both the N200 and your pistol. You also still need some gear for yourself.]" Dags reminded her of the other stuff she had to buy, dampening her enthusiasm for her new rifle. She only had 6,750 credits left, and there was plenty more to purchase. She would surely be broke after this.
With a sigh she went ahead and bought a couple magazines for both of her weapons, 30 extra bullets for the N200, 44 extra bullets for her USP 2145, a gray tactical vest to carry her rifle's and pistol's extra magazines, a sling for her rifle, a high-powered flashlight, a gun cleaning kit to restore durability, and a couple smoke grenades. All in all, it cost her 6,500 credits. Unfortunately, she couldn't get a plate carrier and armor plate. It was just too expensive for her current budget.
Cynthia stared at her credit balance, agonizing over how she was once again back to being nearly penniless in the game. Dags, noticing her sorrowful demeanor, gave her a reminder.
"[Now that you have a much better weapon, you can surely take on tougher enemies without getting close to them. That N200 of yours packs a punch. It'll be much easier to finish some elimination jobs from Resolute or other such quests you find. Also, don't forget to distribute your stat points so you can actually wield that beast of a gun.]"
Cynthia's face visibly brightened when she heard that, realizing that he was right. She'd definitely be able to make that money back and more now that she didn't have to rely on her weak sidearm. She no longer had to face the enemy close anymore!
Quickly, she opened her menu and distributed her stats and equipped her new items. She filled her extra magazines as well, but had a leftover of 35 N200 ammo. Looking at her stats and equipment now, she was quite happy with what she has gotten this early into playing.
[Formless Mist]
[Class: Marksman]
[Subclass: None]
[Credits: 250]
[Level 2: 120/200XP]
HP: 40
Mana: 0
STR: 6
DEX: 10
END: 3
INT: 4
AGI: 5
PER: 7
Free ATP: 0
Skills:
[Sharpshooter Lv.1]
Steadies your breathing and takes aim for 2 seconds. Shot will have 100% accuracy for where you wish to aim. Bonus 50% critical damage if a weak point is hit. Lasts until the next shot is taken.
-2 second charge time
-100% accuracy for 1 shot.
-+50% crit damage on weak spot hit.
Cooldown: 5 minutes.
[Cold Blooded Lv.1]
Hides your presence as much as possible. Though not invisible, you may be difficult to detect if an enemy's [PER] is low or if others don't use any detection skills or equipment. Utilizing camouflage of your own will further decrease chances of detection.
-Drastically reduces presence to others.
Active: 5 minutes
Cooldown: 15 minutes
[Desperate Escape]
When in dire straits, add on a burst of speed to escape pursuit. Being able to live another day is more important than dying with the enemy. Cannot be leveled.
-+40% AGI
Active: 5 minutes
Cooldown: 4 hours
Main Weapon: Sheytac N200
Sidearm: USP 2145
Other than distributing the required point to even wield the N200, Cynthia had also added 1 point to endurance which increased her health by 10. She didn't like having so little health. If anything powerful hit her, she'd be in danger of dying instantly. Even 40 was too little, but she could fix that later.
"[Now that you have your equipment, go back to Resolute and practice for a little while before taking a mission. You wouldn't want to miss all your shots and waste your precious ammo.]" Dags let her know the next plan of action.
"Mm you're right. I don't really have any money to waste right now." She nodded her head in thought, getting a little down at the mention of her current financial situation. She wished she could convert some of her real money to use in the game, but it didn't work that way. In-game money could be converted to real cash only, not the other way around.
Having settled everything she needed to do here, she slung her M200 over her shoulder and made sure her pistol was secure in her belt holster and made her way out of the store. While it was dark out, there were still a considerable amount of people out and about. Most of them seemed to be players since there didn't seem to be any need of sleeping in the game for now.
"[You know, it seems that the 'Marksman' class isn't all that popular. I've only seen a few others with DMRs and sniper rifles. Perhaps most other's just want to be in the thick of the fight.]" Dags noted as he observed the players Cynthia passed by. The class seemed like it could be pretty powerful, but it wasn't as flashy and useful as some of the others perhaps.
"Hm, that could be it. Guys like that kind of stuff after all." She didn't really mind that she picked an unpopular class. To her, it was the one that most suited her.
Once Cynthia reached the Resolute mercenary guild again, she went ahead into the shooting range. She passed by all the loud players and NPCs who were still excitedly chatting about the city-wide quest. Although most had already left to search for the hoard of [Giant Rats], some more cautious ones decided to wait until it was daytime before they undertook the quest. Lots of things could go wrong by rushing into the unknown.
When she entered the shooting range, it looked to be entirely empty. No one was down here anymore with that huge quest happening. Since it was just her, she went ahead and set up in the closest room. Until daybreak, she decided she would practice with Dags' help in improving her aim and coordination.