Chapter 7: Trudging Along
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Cryci - Mortal of dimension f1 - Palos
It's been a day since the game began, and I've gotten used to how things work. I chose to specialize in technology and alchemy because I'm interested in becoming more powerful. Even though I'm strong where I come from, I've realized I'm just a small player in this huge world. I want to get stronger, but I'm careful not to become obsessed with it. I'll work hard to boost my strength, but I won't do anything crazy.
I looked at my status:
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Tribe:
Races: Werewolf
Number: 14
Believers: 14
Faith: 22
Priests: 1
Total Combat Value: 24
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Getting followers is tough in this game. Your priest is the only way to reel them in, besides using your one descent. If you started with a lousy priest, you're basically doomed.
Since arriving here, I've encountered two other tribes, both already occupied. It's clear how close-knit everyone is, at least within the forest. About two hours ago, I sent out four scouts, each in a different direction. Only two returned, which likely means the other two are dead. But at least I gained valuable intel from the survivors, and I now know there are formidable races out there from the way the others perished.
"Hmm," I muttered in frustration. This is tough. I'm vulnerable from all sides, even within our own territory. I glanced down at the tribe of furry humanoids. This is risky. Then suddenly, a plan formed in my mind. First, I'll absorb the weaker tribes to boost both my own and the tribe's power. Then, I'll tackle the stronger ones. If I don't do this, I'm pretty much screwed, aren't I?
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Cain
So far, things are unfolding smoothly. The spectators are thoroughly entertained, with a giant system window in the center of the coliseum always displaying the most captivating moments. Each spectator also has a mini screen, allowing them to focus on their preferred players with a mere mutter of their names.
It's been a day since the game began, and already, standout talents have emerged, including a surprising number of mortals among them. Players are employing innovative strategies, aiming to catch their enemies off-guard. The deadline for placing bets is in two days, and while many have chosen to abstain, a significant number have placed their bets. Notably, most bets are on the most promising talents among the players, indicating keen observation among the spectators.
The hub for the gods to convene will open in a week, providing them with the opportunity to exchange information, form alliances, and identify potential enemies. Each god will have a designated "mailbox" to receive sacrifices from their tribes, whether they be items or bodies. These offerings can be kept by the gods or exchanged for faith, which serves as both a god's power and a currency in this game.
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??? - Unknown Dimension - Unknown World - Unknown Domain
Seated at the head of the oval table, I surveyed the gathering before me. Each being, with their unique silhouette, seemed to embody the essence of the universe itself, woven from its very fabric. A profound silence enveloped the room, dispelling any notion that this was an ordinary meeting.
Finally, I spoke, my voice echoing with a dark and raspy timbre, brimming with power. "...Something disrupts the flow of power, so much so that its essence permeates into our realm..."
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Wukong - Independent God-King of dimension d12 - Earth - Foresight
"HAHA, FUCK YEAH!" I exclaimed with vigor. This was undeniably enjoyable, diverting my thoughts from any lingering concerns. I've successfully conquered numerous tribes by now, both unoccupied and those already under the sway of other gods. It was time to check the status of the tribes:
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Tribe:
Races: Monkey, Poisonous Wasp, Tempest Wolf, Viper
Number: 331
Believers: 331
Faith: 904
Priests: 3
Total Combat Value: 141
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It struck me that reaching 1000 faith might earn me a domain tailored to my actions and personality. I hoped it would be advantageous for the challenges ahead.
My next step was to establish an altar for my followers to make sacrifices, knowing its importance. I contacted my head priest, Iro, and tasked him with creating it. Now, I waited patiently for the hub to open, knowing that much awaited us there.
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Iro - Head priest of Wukong
Sitting in the central hall, surrounded by our village's best structure—a shabby hut made of sticks and intricately woven straw—I was suddenly overtaken by a sound that enveloped my mind. It was a language I couldn't recognize, yet somehow understood—it was our god speaking to me. Instructing me to build an altar in the village center, our god emphasized the importance of offering items and hunted game for miracles.
After our initial briefing with our deity, I realized that the gods were competing with different tribes, and it became clear that we were lagging behind in construction.
I immediately dispatched other monkeys as scouts, relying on our swiftness and ability to blend into the foliage to gather information and keep us ahead in the game.
The poisonous wasps were on their way to conquer other tribes, their deadly stings ensuring swift victory. Their hit-and-run tactics made them perfect for the job, instantly incapacitating enemies. However, their effectiveness would diminish over time, as the potency of their poison weakened with age.
The wolves were divided into two groups: one half focused on hunting for food, utilizing their superior teamwork and hunting skills to ensure success. Meanwhile, the other half served as gatherers, using their keen sense of smell to locate valuable herbs and treasures from afar.
The Vipers were stationed as the village guards, strategically positioned to watch for threats from both the air and the ground. Their ability to conceal themselves in trees and grass made them ideal sentinels. With their venomous fangs, they could execute silent surprise attacks, swiftly neutralizing any intruders with minimal struggle. Their presence ensured a safe and peaceful atmosphere in the village, where weapons were conspicuously absent.
There were no skilled builders among us, just us monkeys, and construction wasn't our forte. Yet, somehow, we managed to erect this humble structure, even if it's a bit crude. It's nothing short of a miracle that we were able to build it at all.
Startled, I rose from my seat, visibly shaken. "What... was that?"