Jaune Arc
Titles: [The Gamer], [The Grimm Hunter]
Level: 9
Exp: 50/9000
HP: 695 (*Author note: Mistake spotted, 1 Endurance = 10 hp, forgot to apply to HP, my bad)
AP: 1475
SP: 205
Stats:
Might: 6 [21]
Vitality: 13
Endurance: 7
Dexterity: 20
Speed: 16 [31]
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 6
Charisma: 7
Luck: 20
Points: 30
Inventory:
1200 Lien
Hunter's Bow
Perks:
Arc Bloodline
Runner
Skills:
Gamer's Mind
Gamer's Body
Observe: Level 5
Tracking: Level 5
Sneak: Level 10
Sneak Attack: Level 4
Axe Mastery: Level 3
Expert Survivalist
Physical Conditioning: level 1
Aura Manipulation: level 6
Aura Reinforcement: level 8
Swordsmanship: Level 9
Shield Mastery: Level 8
Abilities:
Shield Bash: Level 4
Equipment:
Sword and Shield
Grimm Mask (Beowulf)
Locket of Mana Regeneration
Jaune had been grinding.
Descending and ascending through the never-ending tunnels, his sword rose and fell like a weight of iron, as his skills improved, his level increasing.
He had gathered a hefty sum of lien, 3 levels, and vast skill improvement to boot!
Even sneak and tracking had improved, as he clung to the shadows of the cave, stopping his light on rare occasions, tracking them by following the trail left by the skill, and leaping forward at the sound of their mandibles clicking against each other. It was truly a novel experience.
But after killing so many ants, it seemed like the hive was producing a counter-reaction, by sending something else.
It was heavy, and far larger than anything before it. It was huge compared to it's brethren, with 3-4 meters in length, and was quite wide. It had red markings on it's head, with black streaks appearing at it's joints.
He instantly fell into a basic sword-stance, and readied himself.
Myrmecia
Class: Soldier
Level: 12
Special Condition: Armored
HP: (300-base amount) [865-Vit and END included]
SP: (50) [260]
Might: 24
Vitality: 17
Endurance: 14
Dexterity: 6
Speed: 18
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 2
Luck: 3
It was no longer an easy fight, no, it looked like things were starting to heat up. It was still considerably weaker than him, but the thing was not something to be careless around. That special status warned that much, it was his first time encountering something like that. Not to mention it had both wisdom and intelligence, which lead him to believe that it had gained intelligence over a long period of time.
It was most surely a stronger fighter than the beowulf.
It was only an easy to medium fight because he had aura, and nothing else.
Raising his shield high, the sword was readied to swing, an improvement to how he attacked earlier, basing himself on nothing but counters.
It was still crude, but slightly better.
The grimm stared him down, not daring to make a move. It's gaze was so intense, that Jaune felt like it was looking for something special.
And after a few more seconds, it seemed like it found it.
Kicking it's back legs, it snarled and roared, before taking off. Jaune reinforced his body and blocking arm, ready to take the charge head-on.
The grimm ran forward, towards him, at top speed, crossing the distance between them, a measly 5 meters, in a few seconds, and slamming into his shield.
The mass of the grimm, along with the speed that it crashed at, and it's might, caused a huge amount of force, a force that Jaune heavily underestimated. And as a result, he felt his shield digging into his chest, his arm squashed under it, as he was launched into the cavern wall, shaking it heavily.
Blinking rapidly, he tried to regain focus, as he saw the grimm shake it's head from the impact and prepare a second charge.
Gripping his heater shield strongly, seeing it dent ever so slightly after the impact, he made a quick realization.
He had underestimated the being.
Checking his aura and hp fast, he noticed instantly a problem.
Since he was lighting up the room with aura manipulation to his sword hand, and reinforcing himself, his aura wasn't regenerating, but was neither degrading, which meant that the impact taken wouldn't be regenerated.
And an impact it was.
HP: 695/695
AP: 1131/1475
Gritting his teeth at his own arrogance, he pushed the heater shield onto the ground, and lifted himself, his eyes never leaving the form of the grimm.
He decided that he would need everything he could muster to win this, and so he took off the lighting on his arm.
It faded away in mere seconds, as complete darkness shrouded the cave. Blinking, as his eyes started adjusting to the dark, he finally decided that it might have been a bad idea.
It was then that the creature took advantage of the situation, and while he couldn't see it, he could surely hear the cracking of rocks, it's loud steps filling the room with a disturbing sound. He waited, based on the closeness of the sound and it's earlier demonstration of speed. Tightening his leg muscles, he prepared for the jump, until he felt the perfect moment.
'NOW!'
Jumping into the air, right when it came below him, he smashed his head into the ceiling of the cave, sticking into the wall. Placing his hands on the walls, he pushed and hit the ground like a rock. Groaning, he got up, only to fall back down, when the monster hit the wall and made the cave shake.
He got up again, staring into the direction he heard the sound, turning his body fully against it.
It was then that his ability decided to make it's bullshit presence known.
Due to fighting in the dark for an extended period of time, you have gained a new skill:
Night vision: Level 1
Due to your performance in avoiding enemies, you have gained a new skill:
Acrobatics: Level 1
Grinning, he suddenly could see better into the veiled environment, not much, barely make out a few shapes close to him, but it was still improvement. And his body also felt slightly more relaxed
Then he realized one thing, and that was that this was the perfect place.
To grind his skills.
The thing couldn't hit him, and he could keep fighting for as long as he wanted, meaning that his skill would rise endlessly.
Due to your careful planning, your WIS has risen by one.
'Yup, that's some quality planning right there.'
And so, a cycle of repeating actions was formed.
The grimm would charge, he would dodge, it would crash into the wall, and his skill would rise.
Night vision has risen to level 2
A loud crash resounded.
Acrobatics has risen to level 2
Acrobatics has risen to level 3
Night vision has risen to level 3
Night vision has risen to level 4
Another series of crashes.
And this continued until...
...
...
...
Night vision has risen to level 49
Acrobatics has risen to level 31
His skill had reached the point where he could see the thing's health bar, at 20 meters away after crashing into the wall.
It also apparently took 3 damage from the crash into the wall.
'3 FUCKING DAMAGE!'
Sighing, he guessed he found out what that status meant, the thing was as tough as a tank.
He guessed, that he had spent about 2 hours or more grinding these skills.
It was interesting to see them rise, feel himself getting better, and watching the improvement himself in such a short period of time was just another plus.
Finishing his grinding routine, he decided to end it.
Flourishing his sword in hand, his aura having long since reaching full, his shield held high, he dashed forward, his superior speed coming into play. Reinforcing his body, to further advance his advantage, he reached the ant almost instantly, and the something happened.
All he wanted was to kill it, but however, his swordsmanship skill, his shield mastery, and his acrobatics skill all merged into one, to pull of something incredible.
The ant rose it's head slightly, preparing to smash into the ground, it's feet raised towards him.
He twisted around the sharp legs, diving deep inside, under it, using his shield to deflect the right mandible while dodging the left, and striking the grimm in the underbelly, ramming his sword as deep as he could.
The result span around his head for a short time, as he launched himself backwards, the grimm retreating ever so slightly at the sudden aggressive advance.
'How, and WHY did I deal 9 damage!? This is BULLSHIT, by the time i attack again it will be full HP!'
Staring back at his opponent, he tried to find something to base his attacks on, a weakness in the enemy.
Narrowing his eyes, he smiled.
He had found it.
Dashing again, this time, far more confident, his mix of skills came into play yet again, he dodged the defenses of the thing, and instead of going for the underbelly, he hit the joints of the thing.
It proved super-effective, as under the force, the joint was cut apart, the rest of the leg that had been struck falling to the ground.
Casting a quick observe, he looked back at it.
HP:726/865
Satisfied, was the only word to describe Jaune's expression.
The beast continued it's continuous stream of attacks, alternating between quick swings of it's head, ground smashes, and charges, all aimed at Jaune's weak spots in his stance, a testament of it's intelligence.
But however, the superior speed and dex were far too much for it to hit, as only light blows landed on Jaune, who, in return, showered the larger monster with attacks at the joints.
It wasn't long until all of it's legs were cut off, and the creature was left with under 100 hp.
Figuring that the fight was mostly over, Jaune force opened the monster's maw, and stuck his heater shield inside, and then, drawing back his sword, split it's jaws from the inside with brutal movements, since sheer might wasn't enough.
He nudged the sword deep, moving it and tearing the grimm apart.
It died, half drowning in it's own life essence.
It was terrifyingly simple to do, and Jaune felt nothing, because he had finished the job.
The mutilation of the grimm was nothing but a needed action.
Stretching his back, he looked around for any other enemy, and upon finding none, moved the notifications of his ability in front of him.
You have gained 3000 EXP
You have gained 1500 lien
Swordsmanship has risen to level 10
Swordsmanship has risen to level 11
Shield Mastery has risen to level 9
Shield Mastery has risen to level 10
Acrobatics has risen to level 32
Night vision has risen to level 50
Aura Reinforcement has risen to level 9
Aura Reinforcement has risen to level 10
Observe has risen to level 6
Jaune looked at the number of skill improvements with pride, and joy.
It felt like he could take on the world!
Grasping his sword a little bit more solidly, he decided to take a look at his newest skills, and so pulled out his skill list.
He found some interesting results.
Skills:
Gamer's Body
Gamer's Mind
Observe: Level 6
Tracking: Level 5
Sneak: Level 10
Sneak Attack: Level 4
Axe Mastery: Level 3
Expert Survivalist
Physical Conditioning: level 1
Aura Manipulation: level 6
Aura Reinforcement: level 10
Swordsmanship: Level 11
Shield Mastery: Level 10
Acrobatics: Level 32
Night Vision: Level 50
Observe has surpassed level 5: In-depth description is now available.
'Well that makes it simple.'
Shrugging at the description, he checked the Night vision and Acrobatics skills.
Acrobatics: level 32
The User's ability to perform acrobatic actions. (Balance, Agility, Motor Coordination) It influences all actions linked with grace of movement. (Dancing, Walking on slippery surfaces...) Increases Dexterity gain and unlocks incorporation of acrobatic movement in fighting style based on skill level.
Night Vision: level 50
The User's ability to see in the dark. Only unlockable if the user's has aura. This skill derives small amounts of aura to the eyes to better sight in dark places. Consumption is almost null.
Nodding at the description, he found himself also questioning the difference in level between the two skills.
Night Vision leveled up faster than Acrobatics, and he also saw that the last level gained in Acrobatics came after 4 levels of Night vision.
He guesses that the reasons were probably somewhere among these lines.
Night Vision needed two conditions to be leveled (1: be in combat, 2: be in a dark location), while Acrobatics probably didn't need any conditions to be leveled.
And the fact that Night Vision was an easier skill to master compared to Acrobatics.
It was then that the ability answered.
Acrobatics: level 32
127/740 EXP to next level
100 - Base amount
20 - Experience limit increase per skill level
Night Vision: level 50
17/150
50 - Base amount
2 - Experience limit increase per skill level
Jaune was taken by surprise, the apparition of the blue screen being far more unusual than the rest of the times. It was almost like the game felt his confusion, and tried to answer as fast as possible and to the best of it's ability.
He couldn't help but imagine the ability like a puppy.
The idea made him snicker.
Shaking his head, he pulled out all the other skills that he felt were important to level at the moment.
Tracking was one of them, since he'd need every bit of help in figuring out enemy positions. Crashing head-first into a group of these type of myrmecia, certainly didn't seem like a good idea, much rather a nasty one.
Observe was needed too, since apparently, leveling it up unlocked new information of the ability.
Sneak and Sneak Attack, for obvious reasons.
Aura Manipulation and Aura Reinforcement, because he needed to know more about they way he could use aura. And the need of information for two of his most badass skills.
And finally, Swordsmanship and Shield Mastery, since, by the looks of things, would probably be the things he'd specialize in.
He opened all of the up.
Tracking: Level 5
113/150 EXP
100 - Base Amount
10 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The ability of the user to track the marks left behind by other being, and identify them through them. Leveling this skill also affects the amount of time that can pass before the tracks become unreadable, the ability to identify the species of the target, and how much of the tracks you can read.
Observe: Level 6
361/7000 EXP
1000 - Base Amount
1000 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The ability to obtain information from the target on which observe is used. May it be a rock, a grimm, a human, or the interface of The Gamer itself. Information obtained increases by level of skill.
Sneak: Level 10
1741/3150 EXP
150 - Base Amount
300 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The ability to walk unseen and unheard by various beings. Leveling the skill affects how efficient you are at sneaking.
Sneak Attack: Level 4
236/900 EXP
500 - Base Amount
100 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The ability to attack a target while sneaking, for a suprise attack that deals bonus damage. Is influenced mainly by the level of Sneak. Leveling this skill affects how much bonus damage you deal, and it's usability against alert enemies. (For example, sneak attacking a deer that isn't aware of your presence is much more simple than sneak attacking a huntsman that has been made aware of your presence, and has his guard up.)
Aura Manipulation: Level 6
741/3500 EXP
500 - Base Amount
500 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The User's ability to direct aura in his body for various means. (Such as Reinforcement) It affects all Aura based skills strictly on their cost, lowering it, the higher it's level is. Leveling this skill unlocks new aura-based skills.
Aura Reinforcement: Level 10
1926/3100 EXP
100 - Base Amount
300 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The User's ability to use aura through Aura Manipulation to reinforce muscle tissue, bones, and others, for greater strength and resistance. Leveling this skill affect the amount of improvement gained by using this skill.
Swordsmanship: Level 11
831/2500 Exp
300 - Base Amount
200 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The User's ability to use swords in combat. This skill can be affected by other skills (such as Acrobatics or Shield Mastery, if a shield is being used). Leveling this skill affects the user's ability to use swords, by improving the technique and footwork of the user.
Shield Mastery: Level 10
182/2400 Exp
300 - Base Amount
210 - Experience limit increase per skill level
The User's ability to use shields in combat. Leveling this skill affects the user's ability to use shields, by lowering stamina needed for blocking and deflecting, and using shield based abilities, while raising their power.
He nodded at seeing all of the results, his theory confirming itself. Since tracking needed the most conditions to be used, it also leveled the easiest, Swordsmanship and Shield Mastery being at a medium rate of leveling, while Aura Manipulation was one of the hardest to level, since it didn't need any conditions to be used.
Observe seemed to be a skill that was slightly out of the equation, but still fit the bill, since it was the hardest one to level.
Putting a hand across his jaw, he pushed, his neck making a satisfying crack, as Jaune stretched ever so slightly.
He felt ready, but meeting the creature had humbled him slightly, because he underestimated something that could have been dangerous. If he hadn't given it his full attention, it might have ended bad for him.
'Note to self, overestimation of self and underestimation of enemy will get me killed...and if not killed, just hurt, realllllllllllllly badly. Now, that I got that out of the way, how about spending those stat points of his into something.'
Nodding, he mentally called out his status window, ready to spend them on what was needed.
The blue screen popped out, and Jaune was slightly surprised, not by the quick appearence, but by the way it had been arranged to suit his current needs.
Jaune Arc
Available Stat Points: 30
Might: 6 [21]
Vitality: 13
Endurance: 7
Dexterity: 20
Speed: 16 [31]
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 6
Charisma: 7
Luck: 20
Observe has surpassed level 5: Further stat description has been created.
An eyebrow was raised in curiosity and confusion.
'Wasn't I given the full stat description the first time? So I'm getting more info on the same stats?" He started the string of questions as a thought and ended it as a quiet mutter.
Quickly casting observe on every stat, he received the additional information, all in one screen.
Might is the stat that directly influences one's presence on the battlefield.
Vitality is the stat that directly influences the rate of survival of lethal blows. Theoretically speaking, if one's vitality is high enough, they may survive a decapitation, along with it's after-effects.
Endurance is the stat that influences the mental discipline of a fighter, allowing them to become stronger in mind. The effects of torture and other mind-shattering experiences are reduced.
Dexterity is the stat that influences one's grace, both in day-to-day life and in combat.
Speed is the stat that directly influences one's instincts and reaction speed, along with the tracking ability of the eye against moving objects.
Intelligence is the stat that directly influences one's ability to find new choices. In a situation where a normal person sees only one option, a person with high intelligence may see 3, 4, or even more options. High intelligence unlocks new dialogue in academic domains.
Wisdom is the stat that influences one's ability to make the best choice out of all options present. High wisdom unlocks new dialogue.
Charisma is the stat that influences one's ability to convice other people to share their point of view, may it be minor influence, or even out-right manipulation.
Luck is the stat that, depending on how many points of luck you have, can influence enemies in a negative way. If one's luck is incredibly high, a sniper who has never missed a shot, may miss if he fires onto the person with the high luck, not because of his own mistake, but because of the luck involved.
Jaune blinked at the mass of new-found details that Observe had given him.
So apparently, stats influenced more than just overall strength, that was something to note.
Maybe he should consider spending some more points into intelligence and wisdom.
Shaking his head, he figured he had fought enough for the day, it was probably night by now.
"Night?!"
He couldn't remember the exact time he left his home, nor could he remember how long he stayed, and neither could he estimate.
His family would be worried if it was night, and there was no one in his room after they sent someone to call him to dinner.
Shaking his head furiously, he realised a fairly large problem.
He couldn't remember where was the exit, and neither could he track his steps back, they were too old.
Panic gripped his heart, before a forceful feeling of calmness slammed into his being, as he calmed down.
'Gamer's Mind!' He realised quickly, before sighing, and gathering his wits.
'Okay, so it's an myrmecia hive, right? I remember dad saying that he fought in one back in the day, and that it had a bunch of exits in case the hive was attacked, or they were attacking. That probably means that there must be more exits around here, right?'
Night Vision has risen to level 51
'And, of course, I didn't forget about you, now didn't I? With night vision this high, I won't be wasting aura either! Now then, how do i find the exit tunnels?'
Jaune stood there, unmoving, staring at nothing while trying to find out what to do.
Seconds became minutes, as time moved on without regard of the thinking teen.
Until the teen suddenly opened his status window, and then dumped all 30 points he had gained into Intelligence.
Intelligence has been increased to 33 from 3
AP has been increased to 2225 from 1475
Sitting down, cross-legged, he started to think of a solution again.
What does an exit tunnel present, that a normal tunnel doesn't.
And that's when the thought struck him.
'WIND!'
The wind from the outside, the minor air current, that's what it had, and a normal tunnel didn't.
Jumping to his feet, flourishing the sword, and hoisting the shield from the dead ant's maw, he started sprinting around, trying to catch even a whif of wind.
It was after a few seconds, that he stopped dead into his tracks, and then, his head shot up.
He had felt cold win, brush against his scalp, and climb down his face, so the only way was out.
He stared out, and finally saw why he didn't see the opening from the first time.
With his Night Vision the inside and outside of the tunnels were pretty much the same.
Reinforcing his legs heavily, he tensed his legs, and then, stopped his reading, pulled off his shield and shoved it, along with the sword into his inventory, so he would weigh less.
Regathering aura into his legs, and tensing the muscle, he jumped as high as he could, soaring past the exit of the cave, which had been 5 meters high compared to where he used to be, and went above it by a good 10 meters, before finally starting his descent.
Acrobatics took over, as he span mid air, and landed a tumbling landing, to disperse the impact and cause minimal damage. Rolling, he smoothly got up to his feet in a single motion, and then re-took his sword and shield from his inventory, as he stared at the sky.
Night vision seemed to be still on, because while it was light outside for him, the sun was most surely, not fractured.
Gripping his sword tightly, he turned around, and saw the mountain. It was by pure chance, that the angle from which he saw the mountain had been the exact same as the one that he saw it from when he had arrived.
Not having any time to waste, he pushed his legs to the limit, reinforcing them as much as he could, as he ran towards the general direction of his house, top speed.
It took mere seconds to breach the tree-line, as his legs crackled at the effort.
The scenary around him became a blur.
It wasn't long before he had finally found what he had been looking for, and that was the wall of his village.
He didn't bother to go through the same hole he had last time, that would take too much time.
Instead, he slowed down slightly, and got down to his knees, before launching off. He vaulted over the wall, one hand having been placed to create a better landing.
Crashing into his backyard, he climbed the back of his house, and entered his room through his window.
The moment he entered his house, and placed the sword and shield back into his inventory, he heard the door handle click.
He turned around, and placed his hands on the window ledge, to hide his red face and tried to calm down his rapid breathing.
His little sister burst into the room, Sapphire, to be exact.
She swung the door open, calling his name out cheerfully.
"Jaune!~~~Dinner time!"
He turned around, faking a calm breath, before smiling lightly at her from the window, moonlight shining into the room and brightening his face.
He got up from his position, and started walking towards the door, his sister grinning all the time.
"This is the first time that I find you after about 3 months, not playing games on your computer, but instead, of all other things to do, you're staring out the window."
Her eyes gleamed, filled with mirth and mischief.
"Is it a girl?!" She burst out, excited beyong belief.
Jaune couldn't help it.
He snorted out his answer, a short " I wish!"
His sister burst out into light snickers, before turning around and going down the stairs, with him following closely.
And upon reaching the living room, he saw his family, even his father, smiling at him, and he couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man alive.
But a part of him wondered, just how long will this last.
'But I guess that, for now, I'll make the most out of it!'