Chapter 3
Gotham - 2007 - March 3
The day after the battle with the demon that attacked Jason Blood, I found myself still thinking about everything that had happened. I forgot the demon's name, but the fight, the power, and the strange magic that surrounded me were still fresh in my mind. It was strange, being so close to something so ancient and powerful. But today was a new day, and it was time to focus on something else—the gym.
I had decided that I needed to get stronger. The power I had gained from that encounter had awakened something inside of me, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized I didn't truly understand it. Not fully. The power was different from what I had seen before. It was like a game, an experience system that kept track of everything I did. I had been reading a Korean manga a long while ago, something called The Gamer, where the protagonist was able to level up, gain skills, and essentially live his life like a game. I hadn't recognized it at first, but now, as I looked at the notifications that kept popping up, it clicked.
There were some major differences though. In the manga, the main character could create alternate dimensions, realms where he could farm experience points and train away from the real world. I figured I could do something similar, so I tried to recreate what I remembered from the story. I gathered energy into my hand, focused, and imagined a different dimension forming just like in the manga. I tried to bring it to life, but all that happened was my hand glowing a faint blue for a few minutes.
Then, the notification popped up:
{A skill has been made through special action.
The skill: Energy Bolt has been made.}
I stared at it for a moment, confused. Energy Bolt? That wasn't what I was trying to do. I wasn't trying to create a skill. I was trying to create a dimension, a place where I could train and gain experience without any interruptions. But instead, I had a basic energy attack now. The bolt was something simple—just a blast of energy I could shoot from my hand. Useful, sure, but not exactly what I had hoped for.
I sighed and tried again. This time, I focused harder on my intention, trying to force the dimension into existence. But once more, the only thing that happened was my hand glowing briefly before the notification appeared again:
{Skill Gained: Energy Bolt (Active, Lv. 1).
Mana Cost: 5 MP per use.
Effect: Fires a blast of concentrated energy.
Cooldown: 5 seconds.}
Great. Just great. This was getting frustrating. I kept trying to focus, attempting new variations of what I had read. I tried to picture a field, a place where I could fight monsters, where I could grind for experience points. But every time I did, the world around me stayed the same. No new dimension, no alternate world, just an empty room and me standing in it, trying to make something impossible happen.
I wondered if I was missing something important—maybe a key part of the process that I wasn't getting. Maybe I wasn't ready for that kind of power yet. Or maybe it was just a skill I had to level up. Either way, it was clear that the path to gaining experience here wasn't going to be as easy as I thought. The Gamer power had potential, but it was as if it was testing me, making me prove that I could handle the responsibility of this strange, game-like reality.
I stood up from the chair I had been sitting in and walked over to the window, looking out over Gotham. There was something hauntingly beautiful about this city, even as it was so flawed. I thought about how the people lived here, how they fought, how they survived. It was a survival game for them too, in a sense. And like them, I would find my way. Maybe I couldn't farm for experience just yet, but I could learn. And if I needed to, I could just learn how to live here.
Tomorrow, I will try again. Today, I will focus on the gym. Maybe getting physically stronger would help with the mental side of things. I didn't know what the future had in store for me, but for now, I would keep pushing forward.
After all, I had a long way to go.
As I opened the door to my apartment, it was locked with five separate locks. I had gotten used to the extra security in Gotham, but it still felt like a small nuisance each time. Once I was inside, I grabbed my gym bag and set out. The gym was only five minutes away from where I lived, but with Gotham's winding streets and unpredictable areas, I wasn't about to take any chances. I pulled out my GPS to guide me, not wanting to risk getting lost in a city that seemed to have a mind of its own.
When I arrived at the gym, the place was relatively quiet, with a few people scattered around. I headed straight to the front desk to sign up for a membership. It cost me $15 a month, which wasn't bad considering the benefits. I paid up and got a quick tour of the facilities before heading straight to the treadmill.
I hopped on and set the pace to a brisk walk, aiming to get a feel for things. I spent 30 minutes walking, keeping a steady pace, trying to push myself a little more than usual.
{Due to exercise, you have gained 1 VIT.}
The notification popped up, and I smiled a little, feeling the satisfaction of progress. That was when I decided to take it up a notch. I increased the speed from walking to jogging, gradually building my momentum. I kept going for another 20 minutes, my body slowly adjusting to the steady rhythm of the treadmill.
{Due to exercise, you have gained 1 VIT.}
Another notification, and pushed me to go even faster. Something felt different this time. I wasn't sure if it was the 10 points I'd added to my VIT the day before or if it was just the way my body was adapting, but I had far more stamina than I normally did. I pushed myself into a full-on run.
{Due to exercise, you have gained 2 VIT and DEX.}
I grinned to myself as I ran, feeling the energy flow through me. I wasn't getting winded, and it felt like my body was more than capable of keeping pace. I ran for an hour, constantly checking the notifications that popped up. The longer I ran, the more my body seemed to adapt, as if every step was making me stronger.
When I finally stopped and hopped off the treadmill, I was out of breath, my body covered in sweat. I grabbed a paper towel and wiped my face, feeling the burn in my legs, but also the satisfaction of progress. As I caught my breath, I noticed the final stats of my workout:
{You have gained 4 more points in VIT and 2 in DEX.}
{Skill Gained: Running (Passive, Lv. 3).}
Effect: Increases movement speed by 13% while running.
Bonus: Improved stamina efficiency during prolonged running, reducing fatigue.
I smiled at the skill I had gained. It wasn't much, but it would help in the long run. My stamina felt significantly better, and I was moving faster than I ever had during a run. It felt good to see that kind of progress.
I then moved on to weight training, where I spent the next two hours pushing my limits with various exercises. The burn in my muscles was intense, and though it hurt, it felt like a necessary challenge. By the time I finished, I was exhausted but satisfied.
{You have gained 6 STR and 3 DEX.}
I was sore everywhere, but it was a good kind of sore—one that told me I had pushed my body further than before. The main character from the manga I read had two skills that made his body respond like a video game, so he wouldn't feel the pain for long. I didn't have that kind of ability. When I hurt, I felt it through—no shortcuts or cheat codes to make it go away.
As I left the gym, I could feel the exhaustion weighing on me, but I knew that it was all part of the process. I had leveled up my strength and stamina, and now, I had to learn how to use it. Gotham wasn't an easy place to live, but it seemed like I was getting a little closer to being able to handle it.
As I dropped into my chair at home, the exhaustion from my workout settled into my muscles, but there was a sense of accomplishment that kept me awake and alert. I took a moment to check the notifications I had ignored while walking home. I hadn't wanted to look like an idiot, but now that I was safely home, it was time to see what progress I had made.
The first notification made me grin.
{Achievement Unlocked: Strengthen Muscle}
Requirement: Reach 20 Strength (STR)
Reward:
Skill Gained: Muscle Mastery (Passive, Lv. 1)Effect: Increases muscle density and power, enhancing your overall physical strength. Gain 20% more strength in all combat situations and physical tasks. Additionally, your muscle fibers regenerate faster, allowing for quicker recovery after heavy physical exertion (recovery time reduced by 15%). Bonus: Your carrying capacity is increased by 25%, and you can lift heavier objects or perform feats of strength with greater ease.
I couldn't help but smile at the new skill. This was exactly the kind of thing I needed. The boosts to strength and physical tasks would pay off, especially in a city like Gotham where everything could be a fight. Plus, the faster recovery after exertion would allow me to keep going when others would have to stop.
The next notification flashed up, and it was just as rewarding.
{Achievement Unlocked: Agility Master}
Requirement: Reach 20 Dexterity (DEX)
Reward:
Skill Gained: Evasion (Passive, Lv. 1)Effect: Increases your chance to dodge incoming attacks by 10%.Bonus: Reduces the impact of missed attacks, allowing you to recover faster from dodging.
The thought of dodging attacks more efficiently, especially in combat, was a welcome addition. And the bonus to recovering faster meant that I wouldn't be left vulnerable after a miss. It was exactly what I needed to handle the unexpected dangers of the city.
With those two accomplishments in mind, I decided to open the status screen to check my progress.
Name: David
Level: 6
Class: The Gamer's Legacy
Title: None
Attributes
Strength (STR): 22Vitality (VIT): 28Dexterity (DEX): 23Intelligence (INT): 17Wisdom (WIS): 19Luck (LUK): 10
HP: 280/280 (VIT x 10)
MP: 188/188 (INT x 10 + WIS x 2)
I had made some solid progress. My strength and dexterity were well over 20, and my vitality had gotten a nice boost too. It felt good to see the numbers, but I knew that these were just the building blocks. Now I had to figure out how to make the most of them in a place like Gotham.
Getting off the chair, still feeling the soreness from earlier, I made my way outside. Despite the pain, I was motivated to push forward. I spotted a large board of metal lying nearby, probably from some old discarded project, and dragged it back inside. Hanging it on the wall, I stepped three feet back, raised my arm, and focused.
"Energy Bolt," I commanded.
A ball of energy formed in my palm, shooting out towards the metal. It struck, leaving only a tiny dent.
It wasn't much, but it was a start. I knew that if I wanted to improve, I needed to understand how to summon and control this energy without relying solely on the system. Focusing, I activated Arcane Awareness and tried to sense the energy within me. Closing my eyes, I stayed perfectly still, letting myself feel the flow.
It took about a minute, but then I felt it. Energy coursed through my body, originating from my stomach and flowing outward like veins of fire. Concentrating, I directed the energy into my hand, forming another Energy Bolt without the system's guidance.
{Due to using the skill Energy Bolt without system help, you have gained 3 levels in that skill.}
I opened my eyes to see the notification and smiled. Progress. But I wasn't stopping there. Compressing the energy further, I formed a smaller, denser ball of energy.
{Skill Mana Bullet created.}
Still not satisfied, I increased the energy output, shaping it into an arrow.
{Skill Mana Arrow created.}
Taking it further, I spun the arrow rapidly, the energy swirling like a vortex.
{Skill Spinning Mana Arrow created.}
By now, I was grinning like a madman. Reforming the energy into a sphere, I spun it even faster. The result looked eerily like the Rasengan from Naruto, a move I never thought I'd recreate.
{Skill Spinning Mana Bolt created.}
Just as I was about to try something else, the energy fizzled out. My MP was completely drained. I looked at my status screen, realizing I'd pushed my limits. Another series of notifications popped up.
{Due to constant manipulation of mana, you have gained the Mana Manipulation skill.}
{Due to training in controlling mana and creating 3 new skills, INT has increased by 3.}
**{Achievement Unlocked: Brainiac
Requirement: Reach 20 Intelligence.
Reward:
Skill Gained: Mental Acuity (Passive)
Effect:
Increases problem-solving speed and analytical thinking by 15%.Grants a 5% chance to instantly discern a solution to complex puzzles or riddles.Enhances memory retention for learning spells, skills, and knowledge.
Witty Note: "You've leveled up your brainpower! Just don't let it go to your head... or do—you're the Brainiac, after all!"}**
Seeing the achievement was satisfying, but it was the "Witty Note" that got me. I laughed out loud, the sound echoing in the room.
For a moment, I forgot about the soreness, the danger of Gotham, and the weight of the powers I was learning to wield.
Getting up from my chair, I felt the exhaustion settle in. My body still ached from the day's training, and my MP was completely drained. I decided to take a nap to recover some energy.
4 hours later.
I woke up to the sound of my stomach growling loudly.
"Guess I haven't eaten since morning. I should get something to eat," I muttered to myself.
Leaving my room, I grabbed my coat and keys. Heading to the front door, I unlocked and then locked the five heavy-duty locks behind me—standard practice for anyone living in Gotham. It was a necessary inconvenience; you could never be too careful in this city.
The grocery store was just three minutes away, conveniently located near the bookstore where I'd bought the karate and strategy books. As I walked, I thought about stopping by the bookstore to finish the quest chain I'd started.
The streets of Gotham were as dreary as ever, shrouded in a perpetual grayness from the thick clouds that hung overhead. The dim, uneven glow of streetlights barely illuminated the cracked sidewalks, and the occasional flicker from a neon sign was the only sign of life. The air carried that familiar metallic tang—an unsettling blend of pollution, rain-soaked concrete, and something faintly chemical.
Walking into the store, the brightness of the fluorescent lights hit me all at once, making me blink a few times to adjust. The stark contrast between the well-lit store and Gotham's gloomy streets was almost jarring.
I wandered the aisles, grabbing a pack of ground beef, some rice, and noodles. The total came to $18.99—more than I'd expected, but I paid anyway. Gotham's food prices weren't exactly competitive, but this was survival.
With my groceries in hand, I left the store and headed for the bookstore. It wasn't just about finishing the quest chain; I genuinely wanted to learn more. If I was going to make it in Gotham with the abilities I had, strategy and technique would be just as important as raw power.
Entering the bookstore, I was greeted by the familiar sight of shelves packed with all kinds of books and the warm smile of the owner behind the counter. He recognized me immediately.
"Welcome back! Here for more books?" he asked with a friendly tone.
"Yes, sir," I replied, nodding. "Do you know where I can find martial arts books?"
"Ah, yes. Just head to the other section in the back of the store. You'll find them there," he said, pointing toward the far corner.
"Thank you," I responded politely before making my way to the back.
Following his directions, I found myself standing in front of three shelves packed with books on fighting and martial arts. I grabbed the first book I saw—a guide about monks and their way of living. Skimming through it, I put it back on the shelf. It wasn't quite what I was looking for.
The next book I reached for was about Qigong Meditation. As soon as my fingers touched its cover, a notification popped up in front of me:
{You have acquired the skill book: Qigong Meditation. Would you like to learn this? Y/N}
The prompt surprised me at first, but then it clicked. This was just like in games where you could learn special moves by finding and using books. Of course, the gamer abilities I'd been granted would include something like this.
Ignoring the notification for now, I started systematically touching every book I could find in the martial arts section to test if similar prompts would appear. Most didn't, but I managed to get five skill books from the martial arts section.
Curious, I decided to explore other parts of the store. In the home section, I found three more skill books, and in a miscellaneous section, I discovered another five.
When I returned to the front counter, my arms were full of books.
"All of these?" the old man asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes," I replied with a grin.
He totaled up the cost, and it came to $250. It was steep, but considering I'd effectively gained 13 new potential skills, I saw it as an absolute win.
After paying, I left the bookstore with a bag full of knowledge and a growing sense of excitement. Each of these books represented a new opportunity to grow stronger and more capable. This was the beginning of something big—I could feel it.
I made my way home, still buzzing with excitement from the bookstore and the skills I had just acquired. The journey back felt different now—there was a sense of purpose that hadn't been there before. Reaching my old library, I unlocked the door, tturnedthe five locks as I always did, and set the groceries on the kitchen counter. The food was meant to be a quick fix, but I couldn't help but feel the weight of everything else I'd gained today—the books, the skills, the knowledge, and the possibilities. I was no longer just an ordinary person; now, I had a path laid out before me, one that could lead to greatness or ruin, depending on how I walked it.
The kitchen, though familiar by now, still felt a little foreign. The staff who had worked here before had left their mark—cabinets stocked with supplies and electricity and water, something I was eternally grateful for after spending the first two days without power. Those days were not fun.
I pulled the books from their paperback covers and began touching them one by one. The instant I touched the first book, the skill it contained flooded into my mind. The information was overwhelming. My mind blanked for a moment as it all rushed in, and then a notification popped up:
[You have gained the skill: Qigong Meditation lv1]
Effect: A basic inner ki{MP} technique. It purifies ki and allows the user to store it within their ki [MP] center, enabling the user to freely manipulate the power. Passively increases STR, DEX, VIT, INT, and WIS, and can permanently improve them further through training. Actively increases STR and DEX, and Ki Strikes can be used when active.
I rubbed my eyes, still processing. That was incredible. But there was no time to linger—I had more books to go through. I touched the next one, and another rush of information flooded my mind.
[The Principle of Qigong Three Skills]
Effect: This skill allows Chi to attack. Passively increases STR by 10%. Passively increases AGI by 10%. Passively increases VIT by 10%. When active, STR and AGI increase by 30%.
The next book wasn't much different, and I continued my pattern.
[Che Bu Swordsmanship]
Basic swordsmanship technique. In the passive state, sword striking power increases by 10%. In an active state, Chi attacks are possible. If you master the Che Bu Three Skills, striking power increases by 20%.
I kept going, the notifications popping up faster than I could read them.
[First Control from the Three Skills]
The basic martial art of the fist. Comprising three fists: Heaven, Earth, and Man. In the passive state, bare-hand striking speed increases by 10%. In the passive state, bare-hand striking power increases by 10%. In an active state, a Chi attack is possible. If Three Skills are mastered, striking power increases by 20%.
[Foot Control from the Three Skills]
Basic foot technique developed by the Cheon Bu Guild. Increases movement speed by 5%. When active, movement speed increases by 50%. Increases movement speed by 5% when Chunbu Spirit Technique is learned.
Each book added more skills, and I felt stronger with every notification. By the time I finished with the martial arts books, I was flooded with abilities.
{You have gained 5 martial arts skills related to K{MP}i. You have gained 10 points in STR, VIT, DEX, INT, and WIS.}
And yet, I wasn't done. Another notification appeared:
[Achievement Unlocked: Wise Beyond Years]
Reaching 20 Wisdom has unlocked this achievement. Skill Gained: Sagacity (Passive).
Effect: Increases magic regeneration by 10%. Boosts magical resistance by 10%. Enhances sensory perception by 5%.
A witty note appeared: "You've got the wisdom to know when to fight and when to run... but with your new magic resistance, you might just stand your ground a bit longer."
The flood of new skills and knowledge became almost too much to handle. My head throbbed with pain, and I could feel the weight of the information pressing down on me.
{Due to an overload of information, you have gained the status condition: Dazed and Headache.}
I chuckled, despite the pain. There was so much to process, but it was exhilarating. I left the remaining books on the table, deciding to tackle them another day when my head wasn't ready to explode.
Still grinning, I decided it was time for a well-deserved break. I went to the kitchen and started cooking myself a meal—a proper one, not takeout for once. As I cooked, I realized this would be my first homemade meal since arriving here. It felt... good.
{You gained the skill of cooking.}
I smiled to myself, knowing that not only had I grown stronger, but I was also starting to take care of myself in ways I hadn't before. Though I have grown fast, that's how it happens in games. In the beginning, you get power fast but once you reach a certain point it will slow down fast.