I stop the armor after testing what it was capable of. As I do, I can feel my heart, which had been racing wildly until a moment ago, begin to calm as I bring the armor to a halt.
[-System-]
[We have examined the armor in detail, which increases some of your stats while you are using it. Below, we will show you the stats and abilities this armor adds to the user.]
[Name: Rurik Valtor] - [Level 1]
(+ [Armor: Level 1])
-> Vitality: 5 (+13) > 18
(HP: 200 (+400) > 600)
(Reg: 5 s)
-> Mind: 5
(MP: 150)
(Reg: 1.5 s)
-> Strength: 4 (+15) > 19
-> Dexterity: 2 (+10) > 12
-> Intelligence: 18
-> Defense: 0 (+25) > 25
[Abilities]
-> Arcane Perception [Level 1 - Passive]
[Abilities - Armor]
-> Chain [Level 1 - Activable]
- You can fire the right arm of the armor, which is attached by a durable chain. Upon pressing the corresponding button, the arm will launch with impressive force, extending towards its target. If the arm embeds in an enemy or an object that weighs less than the armor, the chain will tighten, mercilessly dragging the unfortunate opponent or object towards you, inflicting an amount of damage proportional to the distance traveled.
Conversely, if the arm embeds in an enemy or an object that weighs more than the armor, the chain will tighten, dragging you towards your opponent or the object to which the arm is attached, dealing damage to your opponent upon impact. This amount of damage is proportional to the distance traveled.
{Range: 10 m}
{Damage: 70}
{Distance as Damage: 15%}
{Cost: 35 MP}
{Cooldown: 10 s}
-> Immutable Wall [Level 1 - Activable]
- When you close the armor's cockpit, you gain additional Defense but lose Dexterity. Additionally, you gain a barrier that absorbs a certain amount of damage. When the barrier breaks, you need to spend some time without taking damage for it to fully restore. You can close and open the cockpit independently of the barrier's restoration.
{Additional Defense: 5}
{Lost Dexterity: 5}
{Barrier: 15%}
{Barrier HP: 200}
{Cost: None}
{Barrier Cooldown: 10 s}
"..."
My body remained still, and I couldn't even form words. As excitement coursed through me like an electric current, I could hear my heart pounding with intensity.
This completely changes my opportunities, especially because my defense was no longer zero. On the contrary, I could even take on the role of a tank if I managed to join a group.
"And this is only level one."
Before I could do anything else, I heard my stomach growl with hunger. I climbed out of the machine to look for the bag of bread, only to find crumbs. It was clear I needed to leave here and find something to eat.
I gathered all my belongings and tossed them into the cockpit. Seeing that everything was collected, I climbed back into the armor and headed toward the dungeon entrance.
I recited the runes once more. Upon exiting, I could appreciate the full moon hanging high above, bathing the junkyard in a pale silver light that illuminated the desolate landscape.
I began moving as stealthily as possible, which wasn't much considering the mechanical suit I was moving in stood nearly 3 meters tall.
I was fortunate that no guards were in this area. This left much to be desired about the academy's security.
Now that I had what I sought, my mission was clear: I had to get it out of there without being detected. Every noise was an enemy, every shadow a potential betrayer.
My breathing was measured, controlled. My senses, sharpened by my new ability, were my best tool for this task.
Each step was a battle against the noise it produced. The possibility of being caught had my nerves on edge.
Given that when I arrived, I had run into Darius, the likelihood of encountering another main character was very high.
I paused for a moment, lowering the armor behind one of the fuller shelves. I used my enhanced vision to scan the surroundings.
The shadows danced with each breeze, and the wind made the debris whisper as if they were alive. There were no signs of life, but I couldn't let my guard down. Every second that passed, every minute, could be crucial.
I moved again, each step meticulously planned to avoid making too much noise. I passed by a nearly empty shelf. My entire body froze when I caught sight of two academy students out of the corner of my eye. They were chatting, not paying attention in my direction.
"Then he hit him with his sword, Rurik fell to the ground all confused, and then he told Darius he had something in his mouth. We all laughed seeing Darius so embarrassed."
"What happened next?"
"Darius gave him another punch in the stomach, and he passed out. It was quite a show; you can't imagine how many couldn't stop laughing."
"I wish I had seen that."
I tried not to think too much about what they were talking about. It was a bit embarrassing to admit that I had messed everything up. I would have liked to have made a better first impression.
When the students were out of sight, I let out a sigh of relief, but the warning was clear: I had to be even more careful.
The junkyard entrance was close. The clear night allowed me to see the dark line marking the transition from chaos to the relative safety of the outside.
My cautious steps and slow movements were filling me with increasing anxiety.
I felt adrenaline coursing through my body. My determination had grown with every meter I advanced. In a nerve-induced impulse, I quickened my pace.
I must admit that my impatience, combined with my hunger, made me act more recklessly.
The noise I was making was considerable, but my anxiety about being discovered made me forget caution. Moreover, my mind could only think about what I should have for dinner tonight.
"What the hell is wrong with me? This hunger isn't normal."
I looked at the [Bandana of the Glutton Monarch], wondering if it had something to do with my condition.
I decided to focus as I saw I had already crossed the junkyard's boundary. Now I just had to enter the forest and reach my 'home.' With the mechanical suit safe and freedom ahead, I allowed myself a brief moment of triumph.
*********
Once I arrived at my 'home,' I set the armor aside, removing the 'runic core,' causing the armor to power down. I took out my coin pouch, my weapon, and my lantern.
Since this area isn't very frequented, I wasn't afraid of someone stealing the armor if I left it here. Besides, that thing must be extremely heavy; not just anyone could haul it away from here.
Without wasting any more time, I set off toward the town. I was still bewildered by this overwhelming hunger that was gradually taking over my head.
For someone who could go almost a day without eating because they were stuck on a video game level, this unbearable hunger was something new. I suspected the culprit was the [Glutton Monarch's Bandana].
It literally has "Gluttony" in its name. Maybe this was a side effect of wearing it, which made me reconsider whether carrying this thing was worth it. Which, in the end, it was, as I could still appease my hunger at any time. Plus, it ensures I don't skip any meals because I'm focused on something else.
I try to ignore the hunger by focusing on the road. Getting to the town from the forest wasn't complicated, and at a certain point, you could see a winding trail that made it easier to locate the town.
Something that surprised me was that this trail was visible, considering the forest was bordered by tall, centuries-old trees whose branches formed a natural canopy that let in little light.
As I walked, the sounds of the forest surrounded me and forced me to sharpen my senses even more. But all I could hear was the crunch of leaves under my feet, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the distant murmur of a stream rushing over rocks.
Each step brought me closer to civilization, where I could enjoy a delicious meal, making me wonder if the meals they serve will be the same as those sold in the game. If that's the case, I should buy something that isn't too expensive and fills my stomach.
After a long walk, the vegetation began to thin out, and the ground became firmer. In the distance, between the treetops, the roofs of the town's houses could be seen.
As I reached the first houses, I received greetings from the guards protecting the town's entrance. I'm surprised they didn't ask me for identification or something similar, but now that I think about it, perhaps my bracelet served as one. Maybe that's why they didn't stop me at the entrance and let me in without saying anything.
If that was the case, I was in trouble because I had left mine at home. I scrutinized the guards carefully to confirm if they were the same as last time. Seeing that they were, I decided to continue on my way. If they stopped me, I should already have an idea of what the reason was.
When I was close to the gate, one of them examined me closely, looking for what I assume was my bracelet. After confirming that I didn't have what he was looking for, he stopped me, extending one of his hands.
"Where is your guild identification card, boy?"
"I forgot it at home. Look, I came yesterday, and you let me in."
"Yes, because you had the bracelet that the academy students wear."
The guard looked at me with a tired expression, implying that this wasn't the first time something like this had happened to him.
"I know, as I said, I forgot it at home. Please, just let me in this time."
"Fine, I'll let you pass just this once."
I breathed a sigh of relief hearing that the guard would give me permission to enter. Honestly, I would have gone crazy if I had to make a second trip just to get that bracelet.
"Thank you very much."
"Remember, next time I won't let you in unless you have that bracelet or your identification."
I don't know why, but I can't help but wonder: How much does this guy get paid? I hope enough if he has to deal with annoying people all the time. Plus, you have to consider that I was polite, but I'm sure other people would have behaved like complete idiots with him.
I decide not to dwell on it anymore, focusing on heading to the adventurers' guild, a sturdy building with large oak doors and a hanging sign depicting a sword and shield crossed. It didn't take me long to find the place, as it was almost like the heart of the town. Plus, here they sold large portions of food at low prices.
'Okay, I need to eat something now.'
Upon entering, the bustling voices and the smell of hot food greeted me. In the game, the guild was a meeting place, where stories were shared and missions accepted. But what mattered to me right now was the food they served here.
The guild offered hearty meals at good prices, especially for those returning from missions or passing through. In the game, these meals granted the player certain temporary enhancements.
I approached the counter, where a waitress with a warm smile and bright eyes welcomed me.
"Welcome! What would you like to order?"
"I think I'll have the beef stew."
After placing my order, I paid the waitress for the meal, who asked me to take a seat while she turned to go to the kitchen.
While I waited, I began to look around. Adventurers of all ages and levels of experience mingled in the hall, exchanging stories of their latest exploits. Some were checking the mission board, while others simply enjoyed a moment of rest.
That's where my eyes widened. I returned my gaze to the mission board, seeing that one of them was to subdue goblins in a nearby cave. I remembered that mission; it was part of the 'Act I' of the game, where you could recruit the main heroine to your group.
I wonder when Darius will come here to pick up that mission. While this is an optional mission, not completing it will affect the behavior and attitude of this heroine. Besides, this heroine, besides being the main one, also happens to be Darius's childhood friend.
So it's to be expected that, even though this is no longer a game, certain aspects of the story should remain the same, although now that I think about it, I am a variable that shouldn't exist in this world, which may greatly affect what happens in the future in this world.
Honestly, I hope that in the end, Darius completes this mission. While this heroine is not one of my favorites, that doesn't mean she should have a bad ending because of me.
'Why do I care about those NPCs?'
"Huh? What was that?"
I was confused by what had just happened, but before I could continue thinking about it, I saw the waitress, who returned soon with a steaming plate of beef stew and a freshly baked piece of bread.
When I put the first spoonful in my mouth, I could feel my taste buds react with pure happiness. With every spoonful I put in my mouth, I enjoyed the warmth and flavor of the food, feeling how it replenished the energy I had spent repairing that armor.
Once my stomach was full, I got up and headed to the other counter in the guild. Where requests and formalities were handled under the watchful eyes of the guild administrators. Upon reaching the counter, I was greeted by a burly man with a beard as red as blood. That man gave the impression of having seen and heard all kinds of things in his time there.
"How can I help you?"
The voice of that man was firm but at the same time friendly. I didn't think I would meet him so quickly. That man was Aldwyn Steelwill, the head of this guild and one of the most important characters, because he assigns us important missions that end up 'involuntarily' unfolding the story of the game.
"Is this your first time in the guild?"
Aldwyn asked me as he pulled out a form and a pen from under the counter, as if implying that he already knew what I was here for.
"Yes, it is. I wanted to get an adventurer's card."
"I'll need you to provide some details: your full name, age, place of origin, and your specialization if you have one."
"Rurik...."
Right, Rurik's father disinherited him, so I'm not sure if I can still use his last name. Besides, that family is famous and infamous. If the information about my disinheritance hasn't spread, they could rob or kidnap me to ask for a ransom.
"Just Rurik, I'm 17 years old I think, I have no idea where I come from, and I'm a mage."
Aldwyn looked at me puzzled by my answers, which I admit were horrible and very suspicious. This obviously won't end well, so I have to backpedal and say it was all a joke, but I still have to answer his questions so I have to make up the answers.
"Alright, we'll put Rurik as your only name. As for your place of origin, we'll put Iron Haven, and regarding your class, I must say it's good to see more mages in this guild."
"Eh?"
Aldwyn began filling out the form with the few details I provided. Does he know who I am and what my condition is?
"Kid, you're not the first one trying to run away from your past. Many here came to this town to have a fresh start."
"Really?, but it seems fine for you to let me be part of your guild without knowing who I am or what I once was."
"This town is close to several dungeons, so monsters abound around here. That's why this town needs powerful adventurers and those with a big heart, but above all, it needs adventurers even if they used to be scum."
"I... I didn't know that."
"Even so, if it turns out that such an adventurer is still scum, I personally kick them out of my guild. Of course, before I make them regret putting the town's inhabitants in danger."
I remained silent at Aldwyn's words. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of his story, but I know it's full of tragedy. He's a man with a strong sense of justice who always tries to see the best in people.
But if these people turn out to be irredeemable trash, Aldwyn shows his other side, one that I subconsciously created as a defense mechanism, to prevent others from going through what he went through.
I would like to remember that fragment of the game's story to get along with him as best as possible, as I don't want this man as my enemy because of how terrifying and powerful he can be.
Aldwyn looked at me as I sank into my thoughts, then took his pen and began to write carefully. His handwriting was clear and meticulous, reflecting his determination and attention to detail. As he did so, Aldwyn watched me with interest but at the same time with a melancholic expression.
"Here you go, you'll start at rank F, so you can only take missions of rank F and D."
"Thank you."
"Now I need you to stay still for a moment."
"For what?"
Aldwyn held up what appeared to be a camera with a glass where the flash should be. Before I could react, that strange machine emitted a flash of light that blinded and disoriented me for a few seconds.
"Pfff hahaha, here's your card, you're now officially a registered adventurer. You'll have access to missions, resources, and support from the guild. Remember to keep it with you at all times and take good care of it."
I look at the card and quickly understand why he was laughing, it seems that both in this world and in mine, I am very unphotogenic.
"Can I..."
"Renewing it costs 5 silver coins."
"I guess that's fine then."
I observe the card with a mixture of pride and wonder. On it, my less-than-flattering image and my name are engraved with precision, surrounded by delicate runic designs that ensure its authenticity and protection.
Aldwyn gave me a pat on the shoulder and an encouraging smile, as if he were commiserating with my misfortune or perhaps enjoying it, who knows.
"Cheer up, you're not the worst in your ID photo, you're just in the top 5."
"Thanks?"
"I'm sure you'll do great things, kid. Now go and show what you're made of."
I leave the guild after hearing Aldwyn's final words. I can say that today was a very productive day, but also extremely long, exhausting, and frustrating. For now, I'll just focus on going back home to rest.
Tomorrow will be a new day, which I must make the most of, to repair what's left of my armor and to learn some magic. I must at least know a spell, even if it's the most basic one, to be able to take my first guild mission.