Chapter 6: Growing Pains
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Sorry for the wait, but let me prelude this by saying... I really really dislike scribblehub's table interface and the primary cause of the holdup was attempting to work with it, but having to re-do formatting constantly is grating beyond belief.

This chapter is going to have all system and stat entries in spoilers, I might go back and make some changes later on down the line but in the interest of getting on with the story, this seems to be the best option I can manage on short notice.

“Holy… hell… this has to be some kind of mistake, right...?”


Spoiler

Event Bonuses!

Learned Skill [Throwing] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Dagger] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Danger Sense] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Misdirection] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Ambush] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Knot Tying] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Swimming] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Climbing] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Stealth] Lv 1
Learned Skill [Dynamic Planning] Lv 1

Learned Ability [Lesser Endurance]
Learned Ability [Iron Lungs]
Learned Ability [Adrenaline Kick]
Learned Ability [Cheap Shot]
Learned Ability [Vital Strike]
Learned Ability [Minor Blast Resistance]
Learned Ability [Incredible Leap]

Skill Up [Climbing] Lv 1 ► [Climbing] Lv 3
Skill Up [Misdirection] Lv 1 ► [Misdirection] Lv 2
Skill Up [Evasive Maneuvering] Lv 1 ► [Evasive Maneuvering] Lv 3
Skill Up [Sprinting] Lv 1 ► [Sprinting] Lv 2
Skill Up [Endurance Running] Lv 1 ► [Endurance Running] Lv 2
Skill Up [Simple Martial Arts (Def)] Lv 2 ► [Simple Martial Arts (Def)] Lv 3
Skill Up [Dagger] Lv 1 ► [Dagger] Lv 2
Skill Up [Pain Resistance] Lv 4 ► [Pain Resistance] Lv 5
Skill Up [Swimming] Lv 1 ► [Swimming] Lv 3
Skill Up [Stealth] Lv 1 ► [Stealth] Lv 2

Ability Up [Lesser Endurance] ► [Endurance]
Ability Up [Push Limits] ► [Exceed Limits]

New Title [Fleet Footed]
New Title [Underhanded]
New Title [Born to Kill]
New Title [Army of One]
New Title [One Who Walks With Death]
New Title [Harbinger of Flames]
New Title [Pyromaniac]
New Title [Enduring]
New Title [Goblinbane]
New Title [Death Denier]
New Title [Unknown Quantity]
New Title [Last Hope]
New Title [Blessed by An Unknown Goddess]
New Title [Prodigy]
New Title [Underdog]
New Title [Aquatically Inclined]

New Class Unlocked [Guerrilla Fighter]

New Class Unlocked [Combat Alchemist]

New Class Unlocked [Mad Bomber]

[collapse]

Spoiler

Quest [Run For Your Life!] Complete

Quest [Escape The Fire!] Complete

Quest [Deep Dark Drink] Complete

Quest [Sanctuary] Complete

Hidden Quest [Quickstart] Complete

Rewards and ranking results held pending confirmation

[collapse]

Spoiler

Combat Results!

[Goblin Blackheart Flunky] Lv 18 x 26
[Goblin Blackheart Minion] Lv 20 x 67
[Goblin Blackheart Thrall] Lv 37 x 11
[Hobgoblin Blackheart Mook] Lv 29 x 5
[Ogre Blackheart Bruiser] Lv 50 x 1

Gained 2,182,826 Experience Points

Level Up! Lv 0 ► Lv 61

[Guerilla Fighter] Lv 1 ► [Guerilla Fighter] Lv 56

[Combat Alchemist] Lv 1 ► [Combat Alchemist] Lv 41

[Mad Bomber] Lv 1 ► [Mad Bomber] Lv 34

Health 192 ► 2371
Stamina 250 ► 3347
Mana 256 ► 2117

HP Regen 54/Day ► 698/Day
ST Regen 226/Hour ► 4100/Hour
MP Regen 230/Hour ► 2788/Hour

Constitution 12 ► 64
Dexterity 14 ► 153
Intellect 17 ► 150
Wisdom 10 ► 37
Might 11 ► 86
Charisma 15 ► 27
Vitality 13 ►72
Fortitude 17 ► 69
Spirit 13 ► 14

Agility 9 ► 133
Awareness 11 ► 110
Willpower 17 ► 114
Endurance 15 ► 99
Faith 9 ► 12
Luck 20 ► 87

Phys Def 10 ► 80
Mag Def 7 ► 78
Evs Def 10 ► 141

+190 Attribute Points
+97 Skill Points
+107 Ability Points
+11 Perk Points
+30 Advancement Points

Learned Skill [Camouflage] Lv 1 from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Skill [Crossbow] Lv 1 from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Skill [Simple Martial Arts (Offensive)] Lv 1 from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Skill [Herbalism] Lv 1 from Class [Combat Alchemist]
Learned Skill [Basic Compounding] Lv 1 from Class [Combat Alchemist]
Learned Skill [Triage] Lv 1 from Class [Combat Alchemist]
Learned Skill [Explosives Handling] Lv 1 from Class [Mad Bomber]
Learned Skill [Demolitions] Lv 1 from Class [Mad Bomber]
Learned Skill [Chymistry] Lv 1 from Class [Mad Bomber]

Learned Ability [Engage] from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Ability [Disengage] from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Ability [Size Up] from Class [Guerilla Fighter]
Learned Ability [Poison Resistance] from Class [Combat Alchemist]
Learned Ability [Swift Fingers] from Class [Combat Alchemist]
Learned Ability [Accurate Measure] from Class [Mad Bomber]

[Minor Poison Resistance] absorbed into [Poison Resistance]
[Simple Martial Arts (Offensive)] Lv 1 fused with [Simple Martial Arts (Defensive)] Lv 3
resulting in new skill [Simple Martial Arts] Lv 2

Level Up Sequence Will Now Commence, please remain still and avoid speaking to prevent swallowing or severing your tongue.

[collapse]

"Wait wha-"

My question is 'answered' by the system in the same way that a semi truck 'gently caresses' a possum on the highway.

My muscles uncontrollably spasm and my eyes flutter as my vision fills with spots and a sense of sheer agony comes over me; I don’t even have time to process the information.

I try to scream as my twitching body rolls over, but all that comes out is blood. It feels like I’m being torn apart from the inside out.

As I lose consciousness from the sensation of my insides rearranging, I can’t help but wonder if this is how I die.

One day of life in a fantasy world and I die puking up blood after all that work trying to survive.


A beam of sunlight falls on my face and I find myself unable to keep my eyes closed; not my favorite way to wake up and I’m sticky with dried blood… but considering how I went down, it’s a welcome surprise.

As soon as I open my eyes, I get another menu popup.

I can’t help but glare at it.

Spoiler

System Message

Congratulations on completing the accelerated tutorial. Please enjoy the time you have saved by taking it easy from here on out.

►Confirm◄

[collapse]
 

“I hate you… I hate you so much right now... you cannot begin to comprehend the depths of my scorn for you, you shitty clippy wannabe.”

Apparently professing utter contempt is not the same as thinking ‘confirm’, but its still a little cathartic to say it out loud.

Sitting up, I wipe myself clean as well as I can with that rag and a little water as I can manage with; the cloth being stained a nasty splotchy red… it gives me some time to consider the mystery of why I got so much experience.

“I don’t remember killing that many enemies… I wonder what happened.”

Afterwards, I wipe down the inside of those hide leggings and slip them on, and while its not exactly ideal I think it’s a tits out kind of morning, at least until I leave the church.

“Gonna have to figure something else out for bathing… also need to get some clean water; but first, breakfast!”

Its one of my weaknesses, I can’t think well on an empty stomach, thankfully I have a fair amount of jerky left in the bag and digging deeper I manage to find some sort of journey bread that would’ve been a welcome palate cleanser after the whole pickled lemon fiasco, but that’s in the past.

For now, I need to figure out what made me seize up, scream blood, and then pass out; seems like something to avoid in future and I might as well muse on things while I eat… got enough fuckin time with how long the jerky takes to chew.

“So… what the hell was that last night… I got the alert, looked at the menu, leveled… up…”

“Oh.”

“Of course leveling up is gonna hurt like a bitch, getting stronger requires your muscles being damaged and healing… I just did a whole bunch of that at once."

With a bit of focus, I open a window specifically to display my attributes; after that business yesterday I figured out that the menu shows me the information I want or expect to see.

I wonder how much influence my mindset has over it.


Spoiler

Status (Truncated)

Name: Amber ?????
Age: 27
Race: Human (?)
Gender:

Level: 61
Allegiance: ?????

Primary Class: [Guerilla Fighter] Lv 56 - (7052/112507 EXP)

Secondary Class: [Combat Alchemist] Lv 41 - (4573/44192 EXP)

Secondary Subclass: [Mad Bomber] Lv 34 - (15726/25223 EXP)

Attributes

Health: 2371/2371
Stamina: 3347/3347
Mana: 2117/2117

Hp Regen: 698/Day
St Regen: 4100/Hour
Mp Regen: 2788/Hour

Constitution: 64
Dexterity: 153
Intellect: 150
Wisdom: 37
Might: 86
Charisma: 27
Vitality: 72
Fortitude: 69
Spirit: 14

Agility: 133
Awareness: 110
Willpower: 114
Endurance: 99
Faith: 12
Luck: 87

Phys Def: 80
Mag Def: 78
Evs Def:
141

Attribute Points: 190
Advancement Points: 30

[collapse]

So I have some points I can apply to the stats, two types even... I wonder why?

I could investigate only... I'm not quite keen on experiencing the feeling of having my insides rearrange themselves again so soon after last night.

Besides, I think I might be alright with what I have currently.

I take a second to flex… and it isn’t pathetic. I’m not chiseled or anything but I have actual muscle definition. This is going to come in handy for clearing up the smashed pews and making this place presentable.

I do feel like I’m thinking more clearly now too. That is... somewhat frightening actually, does leveling up fuck with my brain?

...

Not gonna think too hard about that right now, I have pants on and I made a deal with that goddess so as silly as it is I’m gonna clean the place up; either she’s real and I’m following through, or she’s fake and I have a slightly cleaner place to sleep.

“Yeah, this is all a bit too much to think about first thing in the morning… lets clean the place up a bit and take stock before I make any big decisions; maybe I can use the time to read up on all my new acquisitions.”

And so I do.

The chapel is a monolithic structure, but the bare basics are fairly simple; I go about and gather the remnants of the broken pews into a pile and shove them in next to the inset hearth on the left side of the structure.

Looking more closely, it seems like these were used for cooking in the past, an old pot hangs from a metal support rod and a number of implements dangle from hooks. Oddly enough, they seem to be in fairly good condition despite the filth built up on them, I would’ve expected they’d be rusted to nothing.

An even bigger surprise comes when I check the door on the left side of the building, down a set of stairs is what looks like a bedroom, probably a fairly well appointed one in its time; the bed frame remains but whatever bedding was set on it seems to have rot into a heap of cloth scraps much like the clothing clinging to the bones in the main room.

Other than the bed, the room contains a shelf with some crumbling papers and an old wardrobe with one door hanging open, clinging on desperately by a corroded hinge.

I don’t really bother digging through things too much, it feels a bit too much like intruding even if it’s owner is long dead. I’ll… deal with it later… maybe after I bury those bones.

An identical passage leads down past the door opposite in the main hall of the chapel revealing something more like a bunkhouse, but I feel less like an intruder here. Maybe I’m just being weird but the fact that it was a communal space makes me feel more welcome.

Bedframes line either wall and a dusty chair and table adorn the rear corner... they lived simply here it seems, either that or everything else rotted away with age or was packed up when the residents left.

Weirdly enough, there’s an intact broom in the corner; how it’s survived up until now is beyond me, but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

As I set about gathering burnable debris in the hope of a campfire tonight I order the menu to give me some information about my new classes, the names seem pretty self explanatory but it never hurts to get all the info.


Spoiler

[Guerilla Fighter]

A [Rare] ranked class with a combination of Abilities and Skills common to the [Fighter], [Rogue], [Assassin], and [Ranger] classes.

[Guerilla Fighters] are known for their hit-and-run tactics and capability to operate in territory held by hostile forces. Rarely found as front line fighters, they tend to prefer delivering crippling blows before evading enemy forces by moving in ways difficult to follow or predict. 

If you want to fight a war with honor in mind, bring a [Fighter], if you want to fight a war with victory in mind bring a [Guerilla Fighter].

Special Trait [Strategic Placement] - [Guerilla Fighters] gain a bonus to their Evs Def based on Intellect

Health
Stamina
Mana

HP Regen
ST Regen
MP Regen

Constitution
Dexterity
Intellect
Wisdom
Might
Charisma
Vitality
Fortitude
Spirit

Agility
Awareness
Willpower
Endurance
Faith
Luck

Phys Def
Mag Def
Evs Def

[collapse]
Spoiler

[Combat Alchemist]

A [Rare] ranked variant of the [Alchemist] class with a greater focus on immediate combat benefit over production, fantastic in both assault and support roles.

[Combat Alchemists] refine the art of Alchemy into a deadly pursuit, focusing on seeking enlightenment in the crucible of battle rather than the stuffy trappings of a laboratory. While perhaps not as erudite as an average [Alchemist] or as capable of producing tonics of immense potency, they are skilled in working in the field under severe time constraints and dangerous circumstances.

Why go to an [Alchemist]’s shop to buy potions when you can bring a [Combat Alchemist] into the fray?

Special [Field Alchemy] - [Combat Alchemists] gain a 50% bonus to the effectiveness of simple potions made in the field.

Health •
Stamina • •
Mana • • •

HP Regen •
ST Regen •
MP Regen •

Constitution 
Dexterity •
Intellect • • •
Wisdom •
Might •
Charisma 
Vitality •
Fortitude •
Spirit 

Agility • •
Awareness •
Willpower •
Endurance
Faith 
Luck

Phys Def
Mag Def
Evs Def

[collapse]
Spoiler

[Mad Bomber]

A [Very Rare] ranked unique class difficult to compare to any others in existence, using the volatile mixtures even trained [Alchemists] shy away from, they rain down fire and death on the battlefield while somehow coming out on the other end nearly unscathed.

[Mad Bombers] tend to be fine watching the world burn as long as they reach their goal. Unfortunately for the world, a great many of them have the ability to make that vision of fire a reality. From Alchemical Fire to Black Powder Bombs; If it ignites, explodes, bursts, or otherwise destroys in a wide range, you can expect a [Mad Bomber] to be familiar with or at least capable of using it. Unlike most classes, the [Mad Bomber] is fairly unbalanced in progression and most notably gains Luck very quickly... if they survive; after all there are two sorts who handle volatile elements so regularly: the lucky and the dead.

Bring a [Mad Bomber] if you want to destroy something and then blow up the crater it leaves behind for good measure… just make sure you stand back.

Special [The Lucky and The Dead] - [Mad Bombers] gain a bonus to all their defense attributes based on their Luck.

Health •
Stamina • •
Mana • • • •

HP Regen • •
ST Regen •
MP Regen • •

Constitution • •
Dexterity • • •
Intellect • •
Wisdom 
Might 
Charisma •
Vitality •
Fortitude •
Spirit 

Agility • •
Awareness • •
Willpower • • •
Endurance •
Faith 
Luck • •

Phys Def • •
Mag Def • • •
Evs Def • • •

[collapse]

I read through everything while sweeping up the old bunkhouse, nodding along. The output is pretty convenient, it seems like the information is being presented specifically in a fashion that I can understand.

It takes a moment for my brain to process the exact meaning though.

What?

“I mean I guess it makes sense… I… sorta Rambo’d a bunch of goblins and I was… a bit cracked by the time I was throwing bombs, but these make me sound like some kind of expert.”

“While I’m on the subject, those titles were pretty… intense.” 

“I don’t even know what titles are about, so suppose I should try and get some info; hey menu, think you can help me out here?”

Spoiler

[Titles]

Titles represent some significant facet of who you are or what you’ve done that makes you stand out from the crowd, they may not always be unique to you but collectively they paint a picture of what makes you different from others.

You can gain a title by doing something amazing, silly, unique, or otherwise notable, by having it bestowed on you by a higher power, or by the collective influence of what others call you.

Titles are more than just bragging rights, your Titles will impart certain bonuses or benefits relating to how you earned them or what they mean to the world at large and Titles you choose to equip will have an even greater effect.

By default you may equip a total of 11 titles, a primary title which provides the greatest bonus as well as 10 others. As you grow in fame or infamy, this number will increase accordingly, so do your best to make a name for yourself.

Choose wisely which face you show the world as it may influence how others perceive you. Your primary Title is automatically made known to anyone you meet and finding out the others you have equipped is easily done by those with the right tools or abilities.

[collapse]

“Huh, so they’re sort of like… achievements, only you can choose which ones to display and get a bonus for it, your main one has more of an effect but everyone can see it.”

I feel like I’ve seen something like this before, but I can’t think of where.

“Alright, lets get the readout on the titles I have now.”


Spoiler

[Child at Heart]

The world has tried to take from you the simple pleasures and open mindset of youth, but you have refused to yield. You still dream, feel wonder, and desire to see all the world’s sights with fresh eyes. Deep down you’re still truly young at heart.

Obtained by: ??????

Effect: You are more likely to receive quests from The System and gain bonus experience when fulfilling a childhood dream.

-

[Child of Strange Fortune]

Odd happenstance surrounds you at every turn, throughout your entire life fate has seemed to play dice with you. You have a whole lot of luck, but not all of it is good.

Obtained by: ??????

Effect: You gain a massive increase to your Luck attribute and ≤̵̢̞͓̈̈Θ̷̢̠̰̇̽͐╫̶͙̗̮͊̏U̵̡̝̪̒̈ͅC̵̖͝╩̷͎̤̫̎̑̄̐♫̶͍͑∩̵̡̢̟̖̈́√̵̦̓͒͒̏5̸͉̓̄̔̓ͅ6̷̧̲͙͉̉ù̴̞̋͗́̇

-

[Irrepressible]

It seems nothing can keep you down, fear has little hold on you and adversity makes you stronger. 

Obtained by: ??????

Effect: You gain resistance to negative mental status effects and binding effects

-

[Unconventional Thinker]

Your mind just doesn’t move in straight lines and inspiration comes to you often; you can look at the world through odd angles and that sharpens your intellect more than any conventional education could.

Obtained by: ??????

Effect: You gain an increase to your Intellect attribute.

-

[Fearless Explorer]

You have a bold ‘Devil May Care’ attitude and a desire to see the unknown regardless of the inherent danger.

Obtained by diving into the unknown without concern for safety or consequences.

Effect: Your random wandering will almost always lead you to your desired destination, with a few interesting pit stops along the way.

-

[Fleet Footed]

It may not be elegant, it may not be graceful, but you sure know how to move when you need to.

Obtained by successfully keeping ahead of a pursuing enemy for two hours.

Effect: You gain an increase to your Agility attribute

-

[Underhanded]

A straight fight is for suckers, you know that, lets just hope the other guy doesn’t.

Obtained by luring five enemies into a devious trap rather than facing them head on.

Effect: You gain a bonus to damage dealt with ambushes and traps

-

[Born to Kill]

When you first drew breath, you knew what you were meant for, you were made to kill.

Obtained by ending a life less than six hours after first drawing breath on Aonus

Effect: You gain an amazing bonus to critical hit chance and critical damage

-

[Army of One]

Rambo has nothing on you; superior forces? Not likely. You’re an army of one.

Obtained by destroying a vastly superior force without backup or support.

Effect: When you’re outgunned or outnumbered, you gain a proportional bonus to all attributes.

-

[One Who Walks With Death]

You walked side by side with death and didn’t falter, after all, why fear something so familiar.

Obtained by surviving on less than 5% of your maximum hp for more than two hours while surrounded by threats to your life in hostile territory.

Effect: You are less hampered by injury based negative status effects.

-

[Death Denier]

When death comes knocking, you merely tell him “Not today.” It seems that icy grip does not have as strong a hold on you as most.

Obtained by rejecting death on willpower alone more than 10 times.

Effect: You gain a powerful resistance to instant death effects.

[Harbinger of Flames]

Fire warms, fire purifies, fire destroys. As a harbinger of flames, only ashes remain in your wake.

Obtained by defeating an entire organized force of over 100 enemies with fire alone.

Effect: You gain a boost to fire damage.

-

[Pyromaniac]

The flames dance so prettily, don’t they? Watch them waltz to your tune, maestro.

Obtained by burning down 7Km^2 of forest or populated land.

Effect: You gain a boost to the duration and defense penetration of any fire damage you deliver.

-

[Enduring]

Nothing seems to be able to stop you from moving, even with your muscles screaming for respite you make them squeeze out every last drop of power they can muster.

Obtained by maintaining maximum physical exertion while below 5% of maximum stamina for at least two hours.

Effect: You gain a boost to your Stamina, Stamina Regen, and Endurance attributes.

-

[Goblinbane]

Goblins fear you for good reason, it seems you have a certain penchant for killing them.

Obtained by killing over 100 goblins or goblinoids in a single day

Effect: You gain a bonus to damage dealt to goblinoids

-

[Unknown Quantity]

No one can plan for you, no one expects you; something about you just puts a wrench in the works.

Obtained by derailing a scheme at least 5 years in the making by happenstance alone

Effect: You gain the ability to be in the wrong place at the right time more often than not.

-

[Last Hope]

Someone has bet the farm on you, so do your best and remember that hopes may be heavy but they’re worth their weight in gold.

Obtained by being recognized as the sole and only hope for someone’s salvation in the face of insurmountable odds

Effect: You gain a bonus to the Luck attribute

-

[Blessed by a Nameless Goddess]

A goddess whose name is long since lost to the passing of time has bestowed her blessing upon you.

Obtained by ?????????

Effect: You gain a minor bonus to all attributes and increased experience gain

-

[Prodigy]

You sure pick things up quickly, no one can say you’re slow on the uptake!

Obtained by gaining more than 50 levels in a single class in one day

Effect: You gain a bonus to experience gained and the speed of skill proficiency growth

-

[Underdog]

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather the size of the fight in the dog; you might be a chihuahua among wolves, but you’ve proved that your teeth are just as sharp.

Obtained by defeating an enemy 50 levels or more above your own

Effect: You gain a bonus to your attributes when facing off against enemies above your level.

-

[Aquatically Inclined]

You’re qualified to live the life aquatic, deep or shallow you surely tread; let no one say you aren’t suited for the depths.

Obtained by swimming more than 5km in one attempt.

Effect: You gain a resistance to pressure differentials as well as an innate understanding of how long your breath will last in the depths.

[collapse]

A cold sweat forms on my back reading through some of the titles… 

“These read like I’m some sort of maniac… and holy shit how close to dying was I?”

It’s hard to express exactly how it feels seeing all of it listed out… but the titles have given me a few hints as to what happened yesterday.

“The fire… I started a forest fire when I was escaping and got credit for killing the monsters it burned. Even so, I don’t really have a good sense of scale for levels and experience… but it was something like two million and that feels like a lot...”

Maybe I’m a lot stronger than I thought I was...

Even if I am, I’m not keen to push myself into another life threatening situation so soon.

“Now… which ones to equip? I’ve got 11 slots so…”

I poke around for a few minutes, slotting in different titles to see what they do to my attributes before I properly deliberate on my choices.

"Alrighty, lets give this some serious thought... what do I need right now?"

So... I'm lost in the woods, probably relatively weak compared to some of the nasty stuff out there if goblins gave me that much of a run for my money... about the only thing that kept me alive is luck and grit and maybe some help from that goddess (who is apparently real) so...

Alright, I'll set [Army of One] as my primary both because it seems like a great deterrent to people who'd wanna fuck with me and because I'm probably always going to be outnumbered or outgunned if it comes down to a fight.

Not sure who I'm the [Last Hope] of, but it gives me a very nice boost to luck, not as much as [Child of Strange Fortune] but the description on that one... concerns me.

As a rule I tend to avoid picking fights I can't win, and while some days I'd like to kick god's ass, I've got no illusions about my odds so I slot in [Blessed by an Unknown Goddess] in the hopes that it keeps me in her good books.

As much as leveling up sucks ass it's probably better than outright dying, so I slip [Prodigy] in next.

Learning that instant death effects are a thing was a convenient side effect of getting [Death Denier] even if the process sucked but knowing about them... I just can't think of any reason not to put that in a slot.

On the same subject, I was almost useless on low HP yesterday, so [One Who Walks With Death] looks like a good choice too, even if the name of it is a bit grim.

Speaking of grim titles [Born to Kill] is up there... but criticals are probably the only way I'll be able to drop anything really dangerous after my head.

Failing killing something, the best option is to run so... [Fleet Footed] is a must and [Enduring] isn't a bad pairing with it.

All that said... what got me out of trouble yesterday aside from luck was quick thinking so... [Unconventional Thinker] gets to go in a slot and...

Fuck it, it was my first title, [Fearless Explorer] gets that last slot.

Spoiler

[Equipped Titles]

Primary Title: [Army of One]
Slot 1: [Last Hope]
Slot 2: [Blessed by an Unknown Goddess]
Slot 3: [Prodigy]
Slot 4: [Death Denier]
Slot 5: [One Who Walks With Death]
Slot 6: [Born to Kill]
Slot 7: [Fleet Footed]
Slot 8: [Enduring]
Slot 9: [Unconventional Thinker]
Slot 10: [Fearless Explorer]

[collapse]

Looking down, I notice that the place is actually beginning to come together, the bulk of the debris is out of the way, the pews are neatly shoved to one side of the room except for one I'm planning to use as a bed and an old table and chest from the communal bunks holds the unpacked contents of my bag.

Spoiler

Event Bonus!

Learned Skill [Cleaning] Lv 1

Learned Skill [Multitasking] Lv 1

►Confirm◄

[collapse]

“Nice… that reminds me, I should check on my new skills and abilities”

While waiting for the printout I go about rearranging the pews and sweeping the grit on the floor into a little pile next to the front door. 

If I weren’t in the middle of a monster infested hellscape of a forest, I might open it and enjoy the fresh air…

While thinking that, the menu finally responds with the information I asked for.

Spoiler

[Skills] (New)

[Ambush]

A skill used in preparing and executing surprise attacks from concealed positions.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Mad Bomber]

[Basic Compounding]

A skill used in the preparation of simple drugs, medicines, antidotes, and poisons extracted from natural sources such as plants, seeds, fungi, or other active ingredients both mundane and magical.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist]

[Camouflage]

A skill used in the art of concealment by use of natural materials or artificial pigments, does not necessarily confer skill in functional stealth, only in visual concealment.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Chymistry]

A skill aiding in the identification of the substances that compose the world, as well as their properties, interactions, combinations and practical uses.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Cleaning]

A skill used when removing dirt, dust, grime, or filth from oneself, others, or inanimate objects.

Related classes: [None]

[Climbing]

A skill used for swift and safe vertical movement with or without specialized equipment.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Crossbow]

A skill allowing for the effective and deadly use of a crossbow.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist]

[Dagger]

A skill allowing for the effective and deadly use of a dagger or similar short blade.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Danger Sense]

A skill granting a sort of ‘sixth sense’ allowing the user almost preternatural detection of approaching danger.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Demolitions]

A skill aiding in the safe and skillful destruction of even the most sturdy structures through the calculated application of force.

Related classes: [Mad Bomber]

[Dynamic Planning]

A skill used for swiftly formulating a plan under pressure, especially useful when facing danger or time constraints.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Explosives Handling]

A skill used for the safe handling and deployment of volatile or explosive materials.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Herbalism]

A skill for identifying and applying the medicinal and therapeutic uses of plants.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist]

[Knot Tying]

A skill for tying knots of varying uses, especially helpful aboard sailing ships or in survival situations.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Mad Bomber]

[Misdirection]

A skill used to divert the attention of others.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Mad Bomber]

[Multitasking]

A skill used to effectively divide ones attention between multiple tasks.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Simple Martial Arts]

A skill composed of a mixture of various offensive and defensive techniques and stances, useful for offense or defense.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Stealth]

A skill used when attempting to avoid detection.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Mad Bomber]

[Swimming]

A skill used to traverse water or other fluids.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Throwing]

A skill used when throwing objects, offensively or otherwise.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Triage]

A skill used when assessing and assigning degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses, especially useful when treating a large number of patients or casualties. The skill has minimal use outside of at-a-glance approximate diagnosis without other complementary skills for treating injury or illness.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter] [Combat Alchemist]

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Spoiler

[Abilities] (New)

[Accurate Measure]

An ability that allows for accurate estimation measures of all sorts including but not limited to distance, volume, weight, number, and temperature. Fantastically useful in a number of careers.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Adrenaline Kick]

An ability that allows the manual stimulation of the adrenal gland for bursts of increased physical capability at the cost of mental clarity. Repeated use may reduce effectiveness and cause long term harm.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Cheap Shot]

An ability for delivering underhanded strikes with an unusual degree of precision, helps to identify the most effective but not the most honorable way to gain the upper hand in battle.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Disengage]

An ability for disengaging from melee combat in the swiftest and least dangerous manner possible.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Endurance]

A passive ability that reduces stamina consumed by physical exertion.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Engage]

An ability for engaging in melee combat in the swiftest and least dangerous manner possible.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Incredible Leap]

An ability that allows for leaping incredible heights and distances.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Exceed Limits]

An ability allowing one to temporarily exceed their natural physical limits, activated passively in times of duress. There is a price to be paid for such power however.

Related classes: [None]

[Iron Lungs]

A passive ability that increases lung capacity and efficiency allowing one to hold their breath longer and breathe easily despite thin air or dangerous gaseous or particulate contaminants.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist]

[Minor Blast Resistance]

An ability that reduces both concussive and thermal damage taken from explosives.

Related classes: [Mad Bomber]

[Poison Resistance]

An ability allowing one to resist the deleterious effects of moderately strong toxins, regardless of delivery method.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist]

[Size Up]

An ability that allows one to roughly compare the physical attributes of a target with their own. Vital when deciding whether one should fight or flee.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

[Swift Fingers]

An ability that allows for fine manual dexterity without sacrificing speed. Popular for any profession that often involves working with one’s hands.

Related classes: [Combat Alchemist] [Mad Bomber]

[Vital Strike]

An ability for delivering devastating strikes to vital areas, massively increases critical chance with the demerit of producing openings in ones defenses the moment before a strike. Best used cautiously.

Related classes: [Guerilla Fighter]

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"My head is starting to spin from reading all of this... I should probably just try these out naturally later, a lot of these descriptions aren't all that helpful..."

“I actually feel a bit more comfortable out here now, maybe I should open the door… I mean, I’ll have to eventually.”

After a little more deliberation, I pull the double doors open. At first I feel stunned by how easy it is to manage and then I remember how beefed I suddenly am and... I gotta say it is awesome.

The breeze sweeping in is actually quite nice and the view of the blue sky from the steps is breathtaking. Everything up until now has been some flavor of nightmare, but looking out over the old village… I feel a strange sense of relief.

This place feels safe.

“I think I’ll have lunch on the steps.”

Whew, that was a big one!

This chapter has more than twice the standard 2k words, granted most of it is buried in the system descriptions an everything, even so there's another on the way soon as well as apology for missing two deadlines!

Hope y'all enjoyed the chapter even if I did end up posting it at a weird as hell hour!

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