AN: So this is my first fic, hope it meets expectations. Damn think I jinxed it.
Wakey wakey eggs and bakey Player!
Who the heck still says 'wakey wakey'? In fact, who is that speaking? I don't remember installing some weird AI wake up call and HOLY SHIT WHERE IS MY BODY!?
Well that's an easy one, you lost it in your temporary non existant state Player! But don't worry you'll have a new one soon and you'll even get to decide how you look this time! Isn't that wonderful?
Non exist- wait are you telling me I DIED!? I don't remember dying! Last I checked I... What did I do last..? Why can't I remember anything! WHO AM I!? WHERE AM I!? WHO-
[GAMERS MIND ACTIVATED]
A blue screen with large white text pops up in front of me as a cool calming sensation emanates from my head and flows down, while the feeling of panic doesn't fully go away, it's now very muted.
So...Voice? Can I call you Voice? Why did you restore me from...non existence? I mean this all seems semi familiar to me. It's like those Isekai anime I got addicted to watching in high school except for this screen which vaguely reminds me of an RPG skill display. Mind filling me in?
Of course, Player!
[TUTORIAL ENGAGED]
[Congratulations]
[You have been reincarnated to receive an ability called The Gamer and have been gifted with your very own personal system! This system allows for practically infinite growth and strength!]
And here I was thinking all that time playing video games would never help me in life... Well actually it didn't so fuck me I guess.
[Due to complaints about tutorial length this tutorial only covers the bare basics of The Gamer's features the rest will be explained in detail by your system as the features become relevant. Now as you have no mouth to speak with please think STATS.]
Stats?
Name: ?
Age: ?
Race: ?
Alignment: ?
Level: 1 (0%)
HP: 100 {Regens 5 per minute}
MP: 100 {Regens 5 per minute}
SP: 200 {Regens 50 per minute}
STR: 10
VIT: 10
AGI: 10
DEX: 10
INT: 10
WIS: 10
CHA: 10
LUK: 0 {You died}
Points: 5
HP = VITx10
HP Regen = (VIT/10)x5
MP = INTx10
MP Regen = (INT/10)x5
SP = (VIT+AGI)x10
SP Regen = 25% of SP
Welp I'm screwed... while I am curious why stamina has such a massive regen based on my ZERO LUCK it probably means I'm being revived into Nioh or god forbid Dark Souls.
[Now that you are familiar with your stats please create your new avatar!]
What appears in front of me is a faceless featureless clay like body; it has no discernible features to where I can't even tell if it's masculine or feminine in nature. Was I a girl before I died? It's almost annoying that I can remember every game I've played or show I've watched but can't remember if I was a dude or not. But I guess it doesn't matter anymore. I now have creative freedom!
Sometime later
I finish putting the finishing touches on my new body, and if I have to say so myself I look damn good.
Six foot even, with a good amount of muscle, the body looks like it did some cutting but only just enough to get some definition instead of the semi freakish bodybuilder look. It has nice Pecan colored skin which for some reason I immediately imagined as the skin color, guess I was a black guy before? A rounded nose sits in the middle of its face bordered by two big bright lavender colored eyes, a well manicured beard and short midnight black hair round out my face. As for other features of course I made it bigger, who wouldn't?
After I was sure I was finished, I blinked and suddenly I was inside my new body wearing a very familiar set of black and red sport fit underclothes. A couple of stretches confirmed that I didnt fuck up my body in some way, and as I was finishing the system spoke up.
You cut quite the handsome figure Player!
"Thanks system." I blinked. The game didn't really give me voice options so I certainly wasn't expecting the smooth regal voice with an accent I couldn't quite place from what memories I had. Well I'm not complaining.
Call me Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth then. Now don't I still have a bit of tutorial left to do?" I tilt my head at the blank box where the tutorial was communicating with me.
[Now that you have opposable thumbs let's finalize the process. You may now take up to 3 flaws and gain 3 perks to help you with your adventure of course this process is completely optional and you may skip it to name yourself and be sent to your first world which has already been selected for you]
First? So this thing is multiversal then... So I really could get sent to Dark Souls...I'll take a perk then... fuck it, maybe I'll get instant death as my flaw.
Perk Added!
Death From Above
Those that believe themselves to be at the apex only believe they can be struck from those below them, as such, they rarely look up.
Attacks that hit an opponent from above now do 100% more damage of all damage types in the attack.
Flaw Added!
Sin of Wrath
Rage is a weapon, one that we all try to keep controlled and in its sheath, not letting the little things push us into drawing it. You however...you lack a sheath to store your weapon in the first place.
"Well that isn't ominous in any way shape or form. Why can't it just be clear instead of giving me some stupid metaphor?" My new face contorts in a scowl as I stare at the text for my new flaw. Does it mean I'll just try and kill someone over some stupid misunderstanding because I can't control my rage? Or am I just easier to anger than any normal person? Screw this, if the flaws are going to be so vague I can't even tell how bad they are. I don't want any more of them.
[Enter your name to end the tutorial}
Name: Magnus Marigold
I have no idea why, but that name feels right somehow... Maybe it was a nickname but I'll never know now because of however the hell I died.
Congratulations Player Magnus! Now we can begin The Game. I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I will!
Skills Added!
Gamers Mind: Passive [Level Max]
Prevents overwhelming panic and sadness, and makes you completely immune to mental and psychological attacks.
Gamer's Body: Passive [Level Max]
Gives you a body similar to that of a video game character. Eating or sleeping is no longer strictly necessary and you can not be dismembered or permanently scarred in any way while this skill is active.
The screens disappear as I begin to black out, all I can hear is a light ticking sound and... the crashing of waves? I don't think I like the Ocean...
[Multiversal Travel Gate Initializing]
[Travel for Player: Magnus set]
[Admin access detected]
[Notice: Admin Shiro E. has changed details of destination Universe]
[Travel in]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[Welcome to the World of Monster Hunter!]
[You've slept on a comfy bed. Your HP, MP, and SP are filled]
KNOCK! KNOCK!
Huh? Who the hell is knocking so damn hard on my door? Don't they know I'm sleeping? And why in God's name is this bed rocking so much!?
KNOCK! KNOCK! BANG!
I shoot up as the door slams open, a rather burly looking man barges into my room and stares me down. He doesn't look happy that I was sleeping in my bed but what the hell else was I supposed to be doing?
I don't know why-
Memory assimilation complete!
Oh...so I know where I am now...this is Monster Hunter. Specifically Monster Hunter 3 if my memories about me and my Hunter being assigned to a 'Moga Village' to investigate a disturbance are anything to go by. That's also a novel idea, MY Hunter. The game didn't even make me a Hunter! I'm a godforsaken Handler, I'm classed the same as the annoying little gremlin from World who steals your Palico's love!
Apparently the man, who I now know is a crew member of the ship taking me from HQ in Loc Lac to Moga Village, doesn't appreciate me taking time to sort out my memories and gets closer to start yelling at me. "Are 'E deaf Boy!? The captain said he needed you on deck! Now get yer arse up there before you end up swabbing the deck till we reach Moga!"
I glare at the man in contempt but he doesn't seem to care as he stomps out of the room leaving my door open. I growl in frustration. Is this my new flaw in action making me overly aggressive? No, I think that guy was just an ass.
Hopping out of the bed, I notice that I'm already dressed in what seems to be the starting Leather Armor, which leads me to wondering how in God's name I ended up sleeping in full armor? I look myself over and that question only sounds off again and again in my mind as I see the various pouches, pockets, and even the full backpack that comes with the set.
[By using your powers of observation you've created a skill]
Skill Added!
Observe: Active [Level 1/100] 0%
Using your immaculate powers of observation, you can identify objects, people, and foes among other things and view their abilities, stats, and other information. Note that the amount of information gained is based on both your strength compared to what you're observing and the level of Observe itself.
My scowl returns as I stare at the screen for the new skill.
"Elizabeth, are you mocking me?"
Of course not! That's just the text from when I copi- retrieved the skill from my predecessors, now shouldn't you be getting to the deck?
The scowl morphs into a raised eyebrow. "We'll talk about this later, but for now I guess you have a point, I might punch that guy if he yells at me again. Oh and before I forget."
[Observe]
Leather Armor [Common]
Leather Armor supplied by the Hunter's Guild to new recruits. It offers protection from most basic monsters but fails to hold up against stronger breeds and the elements. Comes with extra pockets that assist with gathering and shock absorbent plates that may reduce damage.
Defense: 50
Skills: Gathering +1, Spirits Whim, Speed Gathering
Resistance: -5 Fire, +5 Dragon
Good to know that even though this world is now more or less 'real' now the armor system still works. I yawn and finally get moving, though at a rather sedated pace as from what past memories I have and the new ones from this body, I know I hate boats.
Making my way onto the top deck the daytime sun blinds me after being used to the darkness of the lower deck. I cover my eyes with my arms until the glare dies down, to be greeted by a deck of busy sailors running around doing everything from carrying crates of who knows what to adjusting the sails. Spotting a relatively well dressed man and the brownish yellow of someone else wearing Leather Armor, I make my way forward doing my best to avoid the sailors, some of whom are sending me looks of...is that pity? I feel like my Luck stat just gave me a metaphorical kick in the balls for some reason as I get within earshot of who must be The Captain and my Hunter.
Call me a pervert if you'd like but the first thing I noticed once I got close enough was my Hunter's ass and how well the female version of the Leather Armor emphasized it, I mean I know the armor is primarily made of leather and all but the shorts on her set looked practically skin tight. I now know why no one plays male characters in Monster Hunter and feel foolish for questioning them.
The second thing I notice is the massive ass Iron Hammer she's leaning on, truly I could never appreciate how large Monster Hunter weapons are from the player perspective. The thing is literally taller than she is and from what I remember of the Hammer move set she can swing it around like it's made of paper mache!
[Observe]
Iron Hammer [Common}
A Hammer of tremendous power, its heavy blows wear down and knock out prey.
Attack: 350+STR
[Requires 50 STR to use.]
[Observe leveled up!]
Observe Active: [Level 2/100]
Of course as soon as I was done admiring her implement of monster annihilation, The Hunter and Captain notice me.
"So this is your Handler Fara? Honestly he doesn't look like much, if he's what the Hunter's Guild considers field worthy my crew and I might as well give up sailing for hunting!" The man laughs, right in my face as if I'm not standing over him. He's short, barely coming up to my neck in height and wearing this stupid looking purple captain's coat that makes me want to toss him in the monster infested sea just from looking at him.
The woman, my assigned Hunter, now known as Fara rolls her eyes at his observation but gives me an up down look that lets me know she pretty much agrees with him. "I honestly don't even know why he was assigned to me. This investigation doesn't need two people and I definitely don't need a Handler." She practically spits the word at me while speaking to the captain
My scowl, which has almost been permanently affixed to my face since I woke up to this world, switches to Fara. She's a relatively tall woman, almost as tall as me, with brown Chestnut hair and features that would deny her bitchy personality. A roundish face and high cheekbones almost make her look happy even though she clearly isn't, her olive, slightly tanned skin is unmarred by any scars or cuts and from what I can see she's decently muscular not that the strength requirement for that hammer didn't make that little fact obvious.
"Look." I practically snarl at the two, their point blank insults really grating on my nerves. "Can we just discuss whatever you called me here for? I'd rather not stand here while you two talk about me as if I wasn't."
"Oh! The Jaggi has claws then! Well far be it from me to take up the time of a Guild employee." He chuckles. He's fucking with me on purpose now. "As I was telling our lovely Hunter friend here this is a one way trip to Moga Village. I believe there is a ship that regularly does trade between Loc Lac and Moga but we ain't it so you're stuck there until you can either flag that ship down or the guild sends retrieval."
Of fucking course...it never made realistic sense why you could just travel between Moga and Loc Lac at your whim. It's a shame, early visits to Loc Lac can get you materials that aren't available till later on if you know who to talk to.
Fara, or until she stops looking at me like a damn ant; Bitch, starts to open her mouth likely with a follow up to the Captain's Jaggi comment is interrupted by a frantic crewman.
"Captain! Ludroth off the port side! They're swarming!" The man is freaking out quite a bit for the monster he named, Ludroth are pretty low tier monsters all things considered. I take a look off the left side of the ship and my scowl evolves to a look of pure rage.
FUCKING ZERO LUCK KILL ME NOW! There are at least 20 Ludroth heading straight for the ship!
[Observe]
Ludroth
Level 5
HP: 150
MP: N/A
SP: 300 (450)
STR: 20
VIT: 15
AGI: 15 (30)
DEX: 5
INT: 5
WIS: 5
CHA: N/A
LUK: 5
DEF: 50
But no, that's not why I'm pissed at my luck score right now no, no, no. The reason I'm pissed is the 'rock' behind the Ludroth. To casual observation it appears to be a jagged boulder or a large piece of ruins bobbing in the sea but to a Monster Hunter 3 Veteran I know damn well what that thing is.
[Observe]
CEADEUS, ELDER DRAGON OF THE OCEANS
?
My knuckles turn white with how hard I'm gripping the ship's railing, which is a feat unto itself. That's the tip of a Ceadeus horn... The games really don't have any sense of size scaling for anything do they? The official length of a Ceadeus is 5,832 centimeters which is over half a football field in length. They make fucking Blue Whales smaller than one of this thing's horns! I hope the Ludroth didn't do anything to piss it off because if they did we are fucking dead.
Internally I want to scream, I'd rather jump into the water and feed myself to the Ludroth than even encounter that beast in battle, there's just something about an animal that massive that instills primal fear in other living things.
[GAMER'S MIND ACTIVATED]
But of course I can't...I shouldn't even know what a Ceadeus is. Let alone show primal fear for it to a ship full of people that already think I'm some sort of useless pansy. But I know what I can be, and I know what I can do. I can be pissed at these damn Ludroth for potentially dropping the end game boss on us, and I can tear at least one of them a new asshole for it.
The Captain strides up next to me giving the swarm of yellow salamander like monsters an appraising look before turning back to his crew. "Well boys you know what to do! Let's not embarrass ourselves in front of the Guild workers, I'd better not see a single one of ya die to a damned Ludroth!"
"AYE CAPTAIN!" Words from their captain seem to have mollified the crew, even the young sailor who was freaking out over the approach of the Ludroth seems to be determined now. The larger burly man who woke me up carries a massive crate and slams it in the deck. Another sailor comes up with a crowbar and leverages the lid off revealing jagged iron blades of all shapes and sizes that are quickly snatched up by the seven crew members. The Captain himself pulls out a cutlass, the generic friend of sailors everywhere, and they all line up near the rails, three of them on the port side along with the Captain, four on the starboard side.
Bitch scoffs and picks up her hammer, giving it a twirl and setting it on her shoulder, she quickly steps up to the port railing and full on throws me away from the edge. "You stay put! I'm not getting in trouble with the Guild on my first job, just because some useless Handler decided to study a Ludroth from the inside!"
I think that the only thing stopping me from getting up, stomping over to her, and starting a fight I know I can't win is the sight of a Ludroth leaping out of the water only to instantly have it's face instantly turned into a red mist by a single home run swing from Fara's hammer. Yeah no. My intelligence may only be a whopping ten but it's enough to tell me I can wait to start a fight when she doesn't have the spiked bludgeon in her hands.
The battle for our lives begins in earnest as several of the remaining Ludroth hop onto the deck, at least four engaging Fara, not that it'll help them, and five others engaging the various crew members and Captain who appear to be rather good at dealing with the aquatic beasts. Smaller sailors with old shortswords and daggers drive the beasts around the deck into their larger counterparts who skewer the Ludroth with long blades. The Captain himself moves around with surprising agility, making debilitating strikes to assist his crew with their kill boxing. Quick cuts near the base of the Ludroth's yellow scaled tails ensure their usual quick, whip like motions are slowed and painful to attempt. Attempts to bite his crew are only met with bloody slash marks on the inside of their mouths, and body checks just end up with shish-ka-bobed salamander on the menu.
Honestly, I don't know what that younger guy from earlier was worried about, they know what they're doing, with a Hunter assisting, and no signs of The Ceadeus coming back, this is a minor inconvenience at best.
Why did I have to think that? The second I do, I see it. The young guy from earlier is running right towards me with a rather pissed off looking Ludroth right behind him. I am almost instantly engaged. Why in the ever loving fuck would you draw it over here!? I'm the 'useless' Handler you stupid piece of shit!
I slide backwards slightly from where I landed on my ass and bump into the crate from earlier. I glare at the dumbass still running towards me before flipping over to look inside the crate and luckily enough there are two short blades inside, just as shoddy as the ones the rest of the crew were using but it's better than nothing.
Grabbing the blades and holding them akimbo, I stand up, turning to face the Ludroth only for the stupid motherfucker to run right into me and throw off my balance letting the Ludroth body check the both of us.
[20 damage!]
HP: 80/100
That body check did a fourth of my health! Isn't my armor 50? Does that mean that attack hit for 70 damage!? I am really under leveled for this world and it's becoming very apparent! Wait, this idiot on top of me has no armor on, is he even alive?
[Observe]
Ezekiel the Cabin-Boy
Level 1
HP: 35/100
Huh…no full character sheet guess Observe is modular in only giving me the info I want, which in this case is telling me if this idiot is dying which, based on his HP he isn't so…
"Get the hell off me you dumbass!" I shove him off top of me and stand, turning quickly to face the Ludroth who has also recovered from its body check. Steeling my nerves I breath in deeply and assume the dual swords stance from the game facing the Ludroth with my now signature scowl.
It gashes its teeth in return and charges, skidding to a stop just before me to whip its tail up at my face.
Expecting another check, I clumsily roll backwards which fortunately lets me avoid the tail whip but unfortunately puts me well out of counter range.
[By using your superb dodging ability you've created a new skill!]
Skill Added!
Dodge Active: [Level 1/100] 0%
Cost: 50 SP
The art of avoidance, if you don't want to get hit get the hell out of dodge! 15% chance of completely avoiding damage. 30% chance of partially avoiding damage.
SP: 150/200
My eyebrow starts twitching at the game's annoying messages before I refocus on the Ludroth who starts coming at me again. This time I accurately predicted the tail whip and used [Dodge] to get to the side of it before stabbing down onto it's head.
CRACK! SHATTER!
The moment my short blade hits the scaled skin of the Ludroth a crack forms along the chipped metal and then the blade shatters completely as if it was glass. I am stunned. What the fuck just happened!? I glance at the second sword just to discover what fuckery just occurred.
[Observe]
Iron Shortsword (Broken)
A shortsword in extreme disrepair, it's almost to the point you could snap it with your hands. Attacks will do no damage while this weapon is in this condition.
Damage: 45 (0) +DEX
Oh. So the weapons I grabbed turned out to be the shittiest, most broken weapons in the box. That's. Just. Great.
The Ludroth, not having any care for me and my thoughts, eyes the arm still holding the hilt of the shattered weapon, opens its mouth as wide as it possibly can, and bites down with the force of a bear trap.
[50 damage!]
Despite having Gamer's Body, I can feel my arm being crushed, my flesh being shredded by the monster's teeth. It feels like hell, no hell isn't apt enough, I don't have a word for how having my arm destroyed and reconstituted over and over in the beast's mouth feels. I had never felt pain like that before. So, I snapped.
"LET GO OF MY ARM!" I scream in pure fury. Even though the pain couldn't overwhelm Gamer's Mind and its protections from panic and fear, I could still feel anger. And Gods help that poor Ludroth I was feeling downright wrathful.
[For embracing your flaw {Sin of Wrath} you have achieved a special state]
[Wrath] 0:29
?
The pings of the game didn't register, nor did the fact I no longer felt pain from the Ludroth eating my arm. The only thing on my mind was tearing this insignificant insect to shreds.
Wiggling my arm around in its mouth I manage to grab onto something soft and squishy inside of the Ludroth's throat, drawing a squeak from the pathetic beast. I lock eyes with the Ludroth, my lavender orbs boring into its animalistic soul. My grip on the other useless dagger tightens as I take my partially eaten arm and pull.
.
"I SAID LET GO OF MY FUCKING ARM!" As I snatch my right arm backwards the thing I was gripping,which turned out to be a slimy red tongue, came right out with it. Along with various sharp teeth, blood, gore and the hilt of the broken blade.
0:15
I spin the blade in my left hand with dexterity I shouldn't have and ram it straight into the Ludroth's eye. Pushing it deeper and deeper until I was sure I pierced through the pathetic creature's brain, I relish in its wails and spasms as it dies.
[Fatal Strike!]
Not stopping or missing a beat I rip the now broken weapon out of its skull, splattering my once clean armor with blood and viscera before I take both of the now broken blades and start eviscerating the limp corpse.
[Ping!]
[Ping!]
"NEXT" SHINK. "TIME" SHINK. "LET GO" SHINK. SHINK. "THE FIRST" SHINK. SHINK. SHINK. "TIME!" My vision tunnels as I keep up my mutilation of the Ludroth corpse, I didn't know the progress of the battle around me and frankly I didn't care. The object of my ire was in front of me and it still had an identifiable body.
0:10
A hand lands on my shoulder and grips it rather firmly before whirling me around, revealing it to be the Bitch.
0:09
"What!?" I spit in her face, upset at her interruption.
0:08
Fara scowls before grabbing me by the front of my bloody collar, lifting me slightly off the ground despite her being a head shorter than me. The entire battle seems to be over as the crew is now staring at me facing off with The Huntress.
0:07
She pulls my face real close to her's before she starts angrily hissing at me."Listen to me you crazy bastard, I didn't want nor need a Handler for this job but you're here anyway! But while you are here you are going to listen to me and you definitely aren't going to fly off the handle like some deranged lunatic because a little monster came after you!"
0:06
I snarl at her, and against every shred of intelligence I could still muster at the moment, I pull my head back and slam my forehead directly into her nose with a satisfying, Crack!
[5 damage!]
0:05
Another growl wells up from my throat as she staggers backwards, her nose slightly bloody.
"Listen you high and mighty Hunter bitch. Since I woke up this morning I've been having a shit time. That Ludroth came after me because this idiot here," I point to the younger sailor. "Ran it towards me! And if you didn't fucking notice the thing was deepthroating my arm with teeth! You're The Hunter so maybe next time if you don't want me fighting the monsters do your fucking job!"
[0:04]
...
[0:03]
Fara glares at me as she holds onto her nose. There's a bit of shock and a lot of anger in her eyes that makes me chuckle.
[0:02]
"What? You didn't expect the weak Handler to be able to hur-"
CRUNCH!
[0:01]
She one handedly smashes her hammer straight into my fucking skull, which by all accounts should've killed me. Instead I lie still awake with my head embedded in the ship's deck wondering how the fuck I'm alive.
You got lucky Player Magnus! The Wrath buff is still active and you cannot be killed by mundane means while it is.
Oh...thanks Eliz-
[0:00]
[Wrath is Sated]
I black out for the second time today, head still embedded in the deck.
AN: Alright how'd I do? Good? We good? Nice. I hope yall enjoyed it, I am a new writer and as such this fic won't have a clear update schedule for a while, I'll be sure to let y'll know when it does though.
I'd like to thank everyone over on the DarkWolfShiro discord they were really helpful in planning this fic out and even getting me to write it in the first place, be sure to check out the discord and the fics of those in the 'Shiroverse' as it were. Thank you Raven also for being super supportive as well almost like a mother...huh.