Arsen's and Jack's actual goal was to meet inside the game in order to complete the quest and kill the monster together. In their minds, two brains were far better than one, and working together could benefit them. However, a new problem arose. After examining the map that appeared on the screen, they discovered the considerable distance between Riverside Town and Stone Town.
If they guessed correctly, one of these two would need to travel for more than one to two days in order to reach a certain town.
"Fuck..." Arsen cursed.
At this stage of the game, the players should focus on raising their levels to ensure they do not have a difficult time defeating the monster. Two days of travel posed a significant burden for one of them. Why? Because it was evident that it would negatively impact their leveling speed and overall progress in the game.
"What should we do?" Jack asked, acknowledging that he couldn't afford to sacrifice such a significant amount of time. In his opinion, he would be left behind by the other players if that were to happen.
A sigh of disappointment escaped Arsen's lips. "It seems unavoidable, Jack. We have to level up individually and meet once we become stronger," Arsen said before adding, "In the meantime, focus on leveling up your own character. Your progress will depend on your efforts. You can join a party with other players as long as they can be trusted. And when we come across useful information in the game, we should share it with each other."
Jack shrugged his shoulders and let out a sigh. "You're right, Arsen. For now, let's rely on our own abilities," he replied, adjusting his clothes. "We need to get going, as all the other players are already taking action. We can't afford to fall behind since we don't know what will happen next. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Goodbye!"
Jack had played numerous VR games, causing him to question whether Arsen's approach was the best thing to do. Moreover, Jack firmly believed that once a player fell behind by a significant margin, it was difficult to catch up. This wasn't merely a myth; it was a fact that he had experienced firsthand within the game.
After bidding farewell, Arsen opened the function screen and navigated to the settings. There, he noticed a system function that enabled players to adjust color magnification for color-blind individuals. Although his vision was perfectly fine, he instead clicked on the Pain percentage, attempting to increase it.
•Pain Perception: 55%
Just as he remembered, this game had become the second world for mankind, and everyone raved about the remarkable realism of Breakthrough Online. According to popular belief, if a person was stabbed in the game, the pain would be akin to being stabbed in the real world. Players could supposedly experience the chilling coldness and overwhelming emptiness.
The baseline for Pain Perception was set at around 40%, and the highest level Arsen could currently set it to was 70%. Arsen decided to adjust his Pain Perception to 65%. He wasn't increasing his pain reception without good reason. To put it simply, he had come across an article titled "Basic Guide" in which one of the tips suggested that if a Breakthrough Online player wanted to become stronger, they should raise their Pain Perception. This would help the player avoid potential damage by increasing their sensitivity to intense pain caused by attacks. By doing so, they could improve their gaming instincts in the fastest way possible.
Initially, it would be challenging since they discussed the pain. But what options did he have? Despite returning a decade earlier, he remained a novice player with only limited information as his advantage. If he chose not to take risks or make early game alterations, he would likely end up as an average player.
"That's not acceptable! I will do everything in my power to earn a substantial amount of money and provide my parents with the life they've always desired."
After that, he went to the Character's Attributes to spend some of his free attributes.
_______
•Name: Arc Blood Level: 0
•Title:
•Class: Assasin (Unrank)
•Body: Immortal. Body Tempering Stage.
•Mind: Calm Waters.
_______
•Health Power: 120
•Mana: 32
•Stamina: 28
•Mental Strength: 48
•Luck: 6
______
Strength: 9+3 (12)
Vitality: 5+1 (6)
Dexterity: 7 +2 (9)
Agility: 12+8 (20)
Intelligence: 15+1 (16)
Free attributes: 15=0
_______
To survive, Arsen must utilize all his available attributes, with a particular focus on Agility. Being an Assassin, he should prioritize improving his movement speed and attack speed. Additionally, he increased his Strength to ensure effective monster damage. As for Dexterity, the rationale is straightforward: Arsen needs to enhance his handling skills.
Ding!
System: You have acquired new skills!
[Stab] Level 1 (Action-Type)- it could inflict +60 damage with the same level up to +130 once the attacks get critical. Can be used three times.
Skill proficiency: 3.3% (Skill weakened if skill proficiency is under by 5%)
Cooldown: 2 minutes
Do you want to play the skill video representation? Yes/No
[Dash] Level 1 (Action-Type)- dashing within five meters your movement speed will be increased by 15% for two minutes.
Cooldown: 3 minutes
[Blink] Level 1 (Action-Type)- it would allow the player to blink two times within a 10-meter radius. However, each blink could burden the Mental Strength by 5%.
Skill proficiency: 2.3% (skill weakened if the skill proficiency is under 5%)
Cooldown: 5 minutes
Do you want to play the skill video representation? Yes/No
Remember, a Player's mental strength was also connected to stamina. The more mental strength consumed, the faster stamina was depleted.
Moreover, Arsen figured out that the skill in this game can't be cast by saying its name or incanting it. To be more accurate, they have to perform it and watch the skill video on the screen. Plus, give the factor that the player should increase their skill proficiency. If a player has a high proficiency with their skill, they could deal higher damage.
"So that's the case, I can't see the skill's full potential without watching and training it." He said inwardly, didn't expect this game could be hard in the early stage.
Need 1! We are going to hunt monsters inside the forest!
Come on, quickly! We have to level up!
Let's talk about the NPCs we might get any special quests from them!
Indeed, Riverside town become lively because of the players who eagerly liked to hunt monsters, adding to that upgrade their equipment right away. Nevertheless, Arsen took it out slowly, knowing nothing will good happen if he rushed inside the forest.
First, he has to train with his skills and raise their proficiency.
-
Almost five minutes had passed, and all the players disappeared from the town to collect monster cores. Nevertheless, Arsen found an open place where he can train in his skill.
"Let's start with Stab." He clicked the Yes as he played the skill demonstration.
This time a holographic player appeared right in front of him where the target mannequin standing 10 meters away from it. To begin with, the player swiftly dashed to the target while in his grasp was a knife. When the player reached the right distance, he nimbly pushed forward the knife to the target's neck, then changed its location before releasing the two remaining stabs.
Arsen was quite amazed at the skill. "So that was the Stab skill. First, I should maintain my speed and push forward the knife at the perfect distance."
But before he performed the skill, first, he took the Newbie's Dagger inside his bag. This item was granted to him after selecting his class.
[Newbie's Dagger] (Ordinary)
+30 strength
10 durability.
As expected this weapon was not good at all, but it was way better than nothing. First thing first, he consecutively pushed forward his knife, creating a sharp sound in the air.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Then after that, he checked his speed and immediately noticed how much he improved. Nothing was shocking here since he spent half of his free attributes on his Agility.
After settling everything, Arsen stood ten meters away from a tree. Without a second thought, he charged toward it with a swift speed. Just like what he watched, he wielded his dagger after arriving at the perfect distance.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Particles of wood hit his face after creating a hole in the tree's body. Three holes could be found in it. But the downside here was, he can't see the full potential of the skill since he just mimicking the player's movement that appeared on the screen.
Skill proficiency increased by 1!
Seeing this, Arsen waited for another two minutes and immediately did the same thing to increase his skill proficiency. After a few more minutes, the Stab's Skill Proficiency reached 5% as it was now 5.3%. "Let's how strong this skill is."
As soon as he dashed and did the same thing, the word Stab appeared on the screen. At this point, he can feel the power in his arm and could see his veins shape on his skin.
Bang!
Crack!
And all of a sudden, the sound of a ripping tree went to his ears and was eventually followed up by a thudding sound as the tree fell to the ground. Now, the place was covered by a light cloud of dust.
"So strong..." He commented after witnessing the power he showed. Moreover, he quickly played the second video skill representation which was the Blink skill. "This skill is not easy to copy..."