Harry continued his explanations, going through every detail with patience and clarity. He taught Max about the basics of the world they were from, a few common survival tactics he picked up from books, and even a bit of the geography and political landscape that might be relevant to them. He explained how people typically interact with each other and basic knowledge everyone should know. He also warned Max about the importance of keeping certain things secret.
"Remember, Max," Harry said seriously, "you must not tell anyone about your status or your experience with the tutorial. It's far too dangerous. If the wrong people find out about your abilities and what you've been through, it could put you in great danger. People might see you as a threat or try to exploit you. So, keep this between us, okay?"
Max nodded, absorbing Harry's words. He could sense the gravity in Harry's tone and understood the need for caution. "Got it. I'll keep it to myself."
Harry sighed, leaning back against the wall. "I just wish we had our smartphones here. You could learn everything you need from the internet or just by watching a movie or two. It would make things so much easier."
Max blinked in confusion. "Smartphone? Internet? Movie? What are those?"
Harry chuckled, waving off Max's questions. "They're not important right now. Just something from... before. Not something you need to worry about here."
Harry's expression shifted as he recalled the frantic moments when they first arrived. He remembered the panicked cries of others, the way some had desperately clung to their smartphones, some even crying when they realized they no longer worked. "When we first got here, some of the others were whining about their phones. A few girls were even crying, devastated that they couldn't use them anymore. The internet, movies... they're like a poison. An addictive one. People get too attached to them. Look at me, it has been only a day since we got here, yet I already miss them."
Max tilted his head, trying to wrap his mind around the concept. "Addictive... like food?"
Harry nodded with a small smile, recalling how Max couldn't stop eating at the dinner. "Yeah, something like that. But it's a distraction we can't afford right now. Focus on surviving, on learning everything you can here. That's what's important."
Max nodded again, determined. "Right. Survive and learn. Got it."
"Good," Harry replied. "Stick close to me, and I'll help you as much as I can. No, we'll help each other."
"...Right, help each other." Max nodded, liking the idea.
"Then, let's sleep now. It's already late. We have the program thing tomorrow as well." Harry said and lay down on his bed.
Max nodded again and also lay down on his bed.
Although Harry said this all, he didn't want to sleep yet. He had yet to check his own status properly.
'I'll quickly check it and go to sleep. Yeah...' Harry muttered inwardly and opened his status.
______
[Status Window]
Name: Harry Parker
Title: Unyielding Survivor
Health and Stamina:
• HP: 18/20
• SP: 17/20
Core Attributes:
• Agility: 9.3
• Intelligence: 10
• Strength: 9
• Willpower: 11
• Endurance: 10
• Vitality: 10
Skills:
• Limit Break
• Iron Will
Ascendy Points: 18
______
Since he already noticed the increase in his HP and SP, he directly went to check his title.
Harry tapped on his title, "Unyielding Survivor," curious to see its details. A new window appeared before him, outlining the specifics:
---
Title: Unyielding Survivor
Grade: Standart
Description: You have faced overwhelming odds and persevered where others have fallen. Your resilience and determination have earned you the title of "Unyielding Survivor," recognizing your ability to withstand trials that would break most. This title symbolizes your strength to push through adversity, no matter the cost.
Effects:
- [+15% Endurance]
- [+25% Recovery]
- [+50% Willpower]
Note: The effect will be automatically activated only in difficult situations.
---
Harry read the description carefully, nodding to himself as he realized how fitting it was.
"Makes sense," he murmured. "I did survive that sh*tty situation, even if it was with Max's help. But the effects are really cool. Though it's bad they are not passive. I have to risk my life if I want to activate them. But there is no way a sane person would risk their life. So, this one is a backup card or something like that. Let's continue then."
He returned to his status window, now understanding why these stats were present and their values. Each one reflected his newfound resilience:
---
Core Attributes:
- Agility: 9.3 (improved by 1)
- Intelligence: 10 (improved by 1)
- Strength: 9 (improved by 1)
- Willpower: 11 (unlocked, probably after that situation)
- Endurance: 10 (unlocked, the same reason above)
- Vitality: 10 (unlocked, the same reason above)
---
Harry was pleased to see the improvements in his original attributes—his agility, intelligence, and strength had all seen slight increases. "I guess surviving that ordeal wasn't for nothing," he thought with a wide grin. "Every bit counts." Who doesn't like improvement?
Satisfied with his core attributes, he turned his attention to the two skills listed in his status window.
---
Skill: Limit Break
Grade: Basic
Description: Pushes the user beyond their natural limits for a brief period, allowing for enhanced physical capabilities. This skill can turn the tide of a battle but comes at a cost, heavily taxing the body afterward.
Effects:
- [Increases Strength and Agility by 50% for 10 seconds]
- [Aftermath: Reduces all attributes by 20% for 10 minutes]
Cooldown: 5 minutes
---
Skill: Iron Will
Grade: Basic
Description: Strengthens the user's mental fortitude, providing resistance to fear and mind-altering effects. This skill is invaluable in maintaining focus and composure under extreme pressure.
Effects:
- [Grants 50% resistance to fear and mind control effects]
- [Slightly boosts Willpower when activated]
Cooldown: None (passive)
---
Harry examined the details of his skills, feeling a sense of relief. Both skills were useful in different situations—Limit Break for offensive bursts and Iron Will for mental resilience. "Good to know I have something to rely on if things get tough," he thought.
'Limit Break is similar to Unyielding Survivor, a backup plan. Although the effect is good the aftermath is quite bad.'
'As for Iron Will, this might be the most useful one even though it's basic grade. And since it's passive, it will automatically activate. Heck, I might get to know it if I'm under a mental or similar kind of attack or influence.'
'Well, let's not get too happy. I have an already maxed-out friend beside me...'
With a final look at his status, Harry closed the window. He lay down on his bed, determined to rest. The upcoming "program thing" would demand their full attention, and he needed to be ready for whatever shows waiting for them.