Changed Perspective: Abe

Abe and the group slowly walked up to the gate getting their identity verified before walking inside, they continued walking before reaching a wide 3-story building.

Abe looked at the sign outside the door, the sign read “Kat’s Mercenary Corps”, the letters had a multitude of colours and “Uniquely” styled text, below the text on the sign there showed a cute black cat’s face with the left eye being green and the right being blue. Abe sighed, God damnit she put the sign back up, Gwen who was walking beside him saw this giggled quietly to herself as they walked into the building.

When they opened the doorbells rung notifying staff that someone had come, the first thing they saw a short girl with red hair and hazel eyes sitting behind a wooden desk. On the desk there was three signs, one pointing to the right which led to a bar and the left pointed towards “Commissions” the third was on the side of the desk and said “Opened”.

“Welcome to Kat’s Mercenary Corps! Are you here for commissions or just for a dr-… Oh it’s you.” The girl said, her tone of voice and facial expressions had changed from polite and cute to begrudged and annoyed in an instant, seeing this Abe and Harrold had a cold chill go up their spines.

“Hey Veronica, anything happen while we were away?” Abe said trying to be as politely as possible while majority of the group tried to sneak towards the “Commissions” area to get to their rooms but then realised that they still had to report their findings, specifically David.

“Other than the usual dumbasses nothing much.” Veronica said while looking at the group, “Where’s Klein?” She said in a subtle threatening tone. “A bit outside the city, actually it would probably be good to have another perspective. Could you come with u to report to Kath, we need to have a discussion.” Abe said causing the rest of the group to look at him with faces that could only be described as a mix between shock, understanding and reluctant.

“Oh, another discussion? Seeing as you’re the one asking it’s not going to be something that makes me question your intelligence and cause destruction.” She says as she thinks back to the previous debate, before getting frustrated and letting out a sigh, “That shit lasted for 4 months, 4 MONTHS, and I’m not dealing with it again.” She said looking at the rest of the group who promptly flinched and looked away.

“Anyway, let’s go, I assume it’s something at least somewhat important” Veronica says as she flips the sign on the front side of the desk to “Closed”.

Changed Perspective: David

While David and Klein waited for the rest of the group, they started talking about numerous things. David talked a bit about his world, Klein took interest in the fact that apparently mana was not something people could use but noticed David’s face when he talked about Earth and decided to change subject.

“So, anything else you want to know?” Klein said causing David to revert back to his gleeful, excited and child-like wonder, “Oh definitely!” David said and quickly shot out multiple questions. “Okay first, to what point has the system been explored?” David asked excited at the limits of the system, Klein however thought for a moment with a stoic face, then sighed.

“No idea, could be that every single existing sapient species collective progress might only result in 1% of the system explored. Or maybe collectively we have nearly explored every possibility, there is so many different series of things that can appear in someone’s status, for example people can create skills. People who create a skill have a new section in their status, “Unique skills”, often extremely strong, stronger than most of their skills and class skills. The Unique skill is something which only that person will have, nobody else will have that skill and instead if they tried to teach the skill to someone else or someone tried to make a skill similar to the unique skill, they will get a worse version of the skill that will appear in “General skills” though usually its still decent.” Klein explained as David was processing the information.

“Okay that actually crosses out more than one of my questions, so in summary, there are possibly a infinite or near infinite number of classes, skills and titles?” David asked which Klein responded with a nod.

“Wait, can classes be created? I assume so but then would the skills created for that class be classified under “Class skills”? Or under “Unique skills”?” Klein stared at David, lost in thought, until a few minutes later he responded. “Well, I’m not quite sure, there are a few different possible answers to this question, possibly a new selection called “Unique Class” might open up allowing people more than one class? Maybe if you tried creating a new class and succeed somehow without creating the skills than the system would make skills for the class putting it under a new section such as “Unique class skills”. I don’t know enough people higher up, neither have I heard of anyone ever talk about this so there might already exist people with these scenarios currently.” Klein said interested by the thought. “Oh, before you ask, Race skills are just skills races are able to use from birth, can be extremely powerful though usually aren’t anything extraordinary.”

That is a lot to take in, David thought but was happy since that meant that there was a near infinite possibilities to look forward to.

I should probably take this time to think a bit about whether, assuming I get the chance, to go back to Earth. David thought but soon shook his head, well it should not matter for now, in all honesty if I’m given the opportunity I’ll probably stay here. However, I have not experienced this world enough yet so I shouldn’t decide now. David sighed but was still in a good mood.

“Hey Klein, what do you think I should do after this?” David asked, not quite sure what to do, being in a near completely unknown place. “Not sure, however I do think you should try get as strong as possible.”, Klein said which David nodded to, “If you’re not busy could you help me with trying to figure out how to use the blood affinity? Maybe try ask Harrold if he can teach me how to use a sword properly?” David asked then looked at Klein, Klein thought for a moment and then grabbed out a notebook and started flipping through, “I have the next couple of days free, well assuming no emergency happens, not sure about Harrold’s schedule but I’ll ask him the next time I see him.” He said, David nodded, “Thanks, you’ve been really kind to me.” David said smiling at Klein, which prompted a nod from Klein who smiled back and patted David on the back, then Klein spoke up, “Well I would recommend, if you get the chance to go into the city without your horns being seen, to head the cities public library, might give a few clues on blood affinity. Oh, also have you got identify yet?” David nodded at the mention of a library and then looked at his status, “Ah no, how do I get it?” David asked, “Really simple actually, just looked at me and think about trying to figure out specific information or details, however not much can really be identified, class if someone is really low levelled such as you, however if someone is the same level as you then you will probably get very little information. Maybe a rough idea where the level is however that can be really vague, like 1 – 100, however occasionally it can be extremely useful. Oh! I need to explain the class set it shows when inspecting someone who has the same level as you or that you can identify with the level of identify has.

Its from my knowledge, sectioned into 4 different classes, however the sections are extremely broad and not exactly the most accurate depending on class and skill set of the person getting inspected, anyway getting back on topic the 4 classes are, “Warrior”, “Ranger”, “Healer”, “Mage”. Obviously its easy to guess where it could be easy to guess where problems might pop up, someone marked as a healer but does a massive amount of damage can happen, though unlikely.” Klein explained, whilst David listened in on what Klein said he quickly tried to identify Klein.

*Ding

*You have learned the General Skill: Identify

Name: Klein Erwin

Level: ??

Class: Healer

“Oh neat.” David said but then Klein mentioned something, “Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, the question marks you see, under “Level” are extremely important and basically the main reason I said it would save your life. You see, the question marks show how high above your level something is, for example if you were level 20 and you saw someone with ?? in their identify then that would mean they have a higher level than your identify and level can show, however ??? mean they are above at least 100 levels higher and at max 999, ???? I have never seen neither does anybody I know, however I assume it’s the same, anything above 1000 all the way till 9999. Anyway, if you run into a three-mark monster then run like hell, even more so if you run into anything more than that.” Klein said looking at David with a serious look on his face.

“Got it, got it, if I see any monster that will annihilate me than run like fucking crazy.” David said joking lightly, “Oh yeah, I’m assuming the higher the level of Identify skill goes the higher I can identify people or monsters?” David asked turning to Klein who nods, “Yeah, every level identify gets 3 levels higher you can check, basically level 5 identify at level 10 means you can see up to level 25.” Klein said causing David to nod, “Thanks again for all this.” David said a little teary eyed, “David you’re a good guy and I like you, don’t worry too much and if you ever need help just come and find me.” Klein said winking towards David, “Thanks dude, also same with you, if you need my help at all just come find me.” David said winking back before noticing the group coming back with 2 new added members of the group, one had short red hair and was small in stature, the other had black hair was a little shorter than Abe who was the tallest in the group.

The dark-haired woman walked closer and quickly introduced herself, “Hello! My names Katherine, you can call me Kat or Kath, I tend to deal with the finances and help with the boss setting meetings with people and managing invitations for meetings.” The woman, Katherine happily said, after hearing this however the group had two reactions, one being just a deep sigh, the other being a shock.

“Sorry excuse this dumbass, this is Kath who is basically the leader of our Mercenary Corp.” Veronica said, “Also I’m Veronica, the things I take care of varies, however everything she said, I take care of, or some of the other members do.”

“Ah sorry I forgot to introduce myself, I’m David, nice to meet you two” David said with a polite and respectful tone whilst bowing his head slightly.

“Anyway, getting back on subject, we are here because of the discussion on what to do with you.” Kat said turning a little serious before turning back to her cheerful look before saying, “Though honestly this doesn’t really seem to change the vote, for the most part it seems that everyone agrees with you being safe and a semi-normal person.” Veronica says, “We will be reporting the situation with the city as we are affiliated with it, however we will not mention you being a otherworlder as that could be really annoying to deal with and cause many issues, I would also recommend that when you walk around cities that you wear a hat or helmet of some sort to hide your small horns, though they are barely visible in broad daylight.” Veronica said politely.

David nodded before thanking her, “we will inform some of the guards about your existence and that you’re not hostile, so if you get arrested for your horns or something similar, they should know and will release you soon after.”

“Thank you! Honestly I was starting to get worried about entering cities because of the “Modified human” race and the two horns. I really appreciate this,” David said bowing with a thankful look to her and the group, this caused Veronica to smile and say it was fine.

David overheard a few whispers from the group while all of this was going on, hearing things such as, “Funny how Kat completely avoids saying the full name to not be too obvious” and “How come Veronica is such an asshole to us but is kind and respectful to Klein and David?”. However, Veronica heard this, walked over and punched Lilith, she collapsed on the ground coughing and then stopped moving.

“Told them not to talk about her literally right next to her but hey don’t listen to the guy who has been a part of this Corp and known her the longest.” Abe said sighing before picking up Lilith and carrying her, Princess carry, David thought while Gwen watched in a subtle but noticeable anger, not showing on her face when David looked at her. “Hey Abe want me to carry her?” Gwen asked trying to not show her anger, “Can you carry Lilith?” Abe asked causing her to flinch and say, “I have been working out more…”, Abe sighed walking over to her with Lilith in his arms before passing Lilith to fall into Gwen’s arms, then immediately both falling to the ground, causing Lilith to wake up and get up from Gwen who was laying beneath her.

Lilith wondering what happened suffering from temporary memory loss asked David and Klein happened, which caused Klein and David to laugh, then Gwen stared at both, David and Klein gulped and looked at each other, “Not much happened.” Klein said before trying to change the subject, Lilith noticed this and looked at Gwen, smirking at her starting to guess what had happened.

Klein walked over to Harrold while this was going down and asked him, “Hey would you be okay with teaching David how to wield swords better?” Klein asked which got a nod from Harrold, “I have a few days off this week, I’ll tell him my schedule when I check it.” Harrold said.

Abe walked over to David, “So any ideas on what you will be doing now?” Abe asked, David responded saying, “I was just talking to Klein about that actually, I plan to try and learn how to use my blood affinity and asking Harrold to teach me how to wield my longsword better, possibly switch weapons, who knows.” Harrold nodded at what he said, then David mentioned, “However other than that I don’t know, maybe go out find a few dungeons, clear them, maybe find a team to explore with, or just stay solo.” David said.

Harrold looked at him for a moment, “Dungeons can be extremely dangerous, however its not impossible to dive solo, just be extremely careful. You probably asked Klein about the experience difference between solo and group hunts, right?” Harrold asked which David shook his head to, “Forgot to ask, I assume it splits the experience based on how much someone contributes to a fight, while solo you get all of it.” David said which prompted Harrold to nod, “Yes, except there is one tiny detail you didn’t mention, danger, the more danger you’re in the more experience you get for overcoming it, it should be obvious but when you kill something a higher level than you, you don’t get to that level immediately, you killed a level 19 demon, but your level is 9.” 9? Oh, right the wolves, I need to check my status more. “Think of the experience you get from enemies as a percentage, if you kill a monster in a group the group might get a total of 5%, then its experience is split, while if you kill that same monster solo you might get 15%, maybe lower or more, of the experience.” Abe explained, Man I need a notebook or something to memorize all this information that’s getting dumped on me, well I guess I literally asked for it.

Getting back on topic once the group calmed down, Kath walked over to David and said, “You’re a good kid, don’t let this world change who you are. Maybe once the group gets to know you more you can become close friends, who knows? Life is full of possibilities, so try to enjoy yourself while you’re in this world.” Kath said looking at David with a cheerful smile and patting him on the shoulder.

Veronica walked over and said to David before they left, “Also it might take a day or two to get all the officials that we are going to be reported to and the city guard to understand the situation, so in the meantime you will probably have to camp out here.” She said giving an apologetic look, “its fine, you all have given me a lot of kindness and didn't immediately kill me on sight, so I appreciate that, especially since Klein is helping me out with the blood affinity.” He said looking towards Klein who nods and gives an OK gesture and pointed to Harrold who nodded, Ah what a legend, He thought before his thoughts were interrupted when Kath said, “Blood Affinity?! Wow that’s a first for me!” She said excitedly happy to see someone with a new affinity, she wanted to learn about his affinity but was sad when he mentioned that he had not learned to use it, “Well if you ever need help learning to use it come find me, also show me it once you learn how to use it!” She said emphasizing the last part, which caused Abe, Lilith and Veronica to all sigh simultaneously.

Klein and Harrold had quickly come over to David to mention his schedule and where to meet and at what time, “Okay let’s meet around 7 am tomorrow, sound good?” Klein said look at the two, Harrold and David both nod, “Alright well Harrold lets go back to the base.” He said as he walked off waving his hand behind him while Harrold quickly caught up.

The rest of the group was also leaving, just before they left, they said goodbye and when they started to walk away David heard Abe whisper something to himself, “I’ve been sighing a lot recently haven’t I?” he said causing Lilith and David to chuckle.

Alright, what the hell do I do now? David thought as he realised, he had literally no equipment and couldn’t tell the time so he wouldn’t know when was 7 am. Ah, shit.