Suspicious

The Boss will respawn in the next 10 seconds

I examine the dropped items scattered in the floor

Ten Silver Coins, Skill Scroll , 3 Level 2 Potion, 3 Energy Cards, Bronze Tier Chestplate.

I gathered the Items and I opened the [Skills Tab] and learned

A light entered my body then a notification was sent.

[System Notification] You successfully learned

After that I checked the Chestplate's status, I couldn't help but smile.

Gotham Armor (Bronze Tier)

Ability: ,

, An ability to be unscathed in battle. (only applicable to physical attacks)

, An ability to resist attacks with 100 attack power.

I didn't waste any time and immediately equipped the chest plate and my Bronze Shield.

My status changed as expected.

HP : 7000/7000

Exp : 85,000

Attack : 650 (+115)

Defense : 350 (+250)

Energy : 850

Equipped Weapon : Bronze Sword (Bronze Tier)

Tamed Pet : Brown Rock Snake (Superior Type - Normal Tier)

I looked at my avatar and it made a Roman Warrior - without the helmet - feel. But I didn't like heavy armors, but rather cloth type armor like cloaks, to utilize my speed. However, I'm not too picky not to like some upgrades. What I'm saying is that I'll stick to what I have for now, after all it did increase my defense.

A few seconds have passed, and the King finally respawns. "I congratulate you," Shoti-jin remarked proudly with a bit of sarcasm.

I nodded and looked at him sharply, implying the Gotham Gem.

"Ah right," he expressed worriedly, "Honestly even as the King of Gotham City, I didn't have the Gotham's Gem, but rather Gotham himself. It has been said that after he died his loyal subordinates hid the Gem in his Tomb, just outside the northern border of the city. That's all I know, take this key, it will open the tomb."

[System Notification] You just received a key

[System Notification] Would you like to accept this Quest [Retrieve the Gotham's Gem]

I clicked

I looked at Shoto-jin one final time and bowed to His excellence. "It is an honor to have finally met you," I said and smiled. He was obviously confused but interpreted the thought as a friendly gesture.

As I left the Castle, the Castle's Gate Guards approached me and handed me the Golden Quest Stab, it is a premium stab gifted to the first player to conquer the boss. It is not much of an achievement given that I'm literally a walking cheat code.

"Congratulations on being the first player to conquer the King of Gotham, allow us to grace you with a one of a kind gift!"

[System Notification] You have received a

After retrieving the Quest Stab, I went down the steps and suddenly a mysterious player, a young boy with the name [Shin Zhou] floating above his head made a quick glance towards me.

Just from that moment I knew that he was a one of a kind player. I tried to approach him but he disappeared from my sight.

"That kid sure is weird," I said to myself.

I continued my journey for a couple of days and I'm able to get to the northern border of the city. "Now, comes the hard part."

In order to maximize my success rate, I need to avoid leveling up as much as I can. The boss I'm going to face has a major drawback I want to utilize— it will be heavily nerfed when you encounter it below level 30.

The lower you go, the weaker it becomes.

Despite knowing the location, being low-leveled became a burden as I continuously hid myself from high-leveled monsters. That worrisome journey went for almost a week.

After camping in a cave, morning came so I went outside.

I checked my map and made sure it was at the end of the cliff. I started heading Northwest.

After killing a couple of low-leveled monsters on the way I finally arrived at the tomb.

As I approached the gate, the key I brought out started to vibrate as if reacting to the Tomb.

[System Notification] You have used the Key

I successfully opened the Gate and cautiously walked inside. The place is old and dark, the ceiling is filled with cobwebs, large cobwebs. Suddenly a huge black Spider blocked my way.

Black Dyed Spider - Lvl. 50 (Normal Tier)

Health : 30,000

Attack : 500

Defense : 150

Skills : , , ,

Chi-Chi-Chi!

I immediately countered its fangs and released my along with which made it unable to defend himself. I slashed it a couple of times, but it seems unaffected. He's vulnerable to physical attacks. It released above me and I manage to counterattack by using

Then it binds me using and attacks using but he doesn't manage to break through my defense making his attack useless.

I got out of the bind and attacked using my energy started to envelope the sword.

Chi!

Its health was now just about 2%.

I run towards it and activated my finishing move and killed it. It dropped a couple of potions and energy cards, but not a single item.

I collected the drops and continued my quest. After killing a couple more spiders, I suddenly rose to Lvl. 19. Then I killed another batch, after drinking a Lvl. 2 potion my health comes back to full.

I went down in the underground staircase and the air got colder and colder as I went down. I reached the lowest point and found myself inside the catacomb, lots of skeletons wearing warrior armor scattered on the floor.

Going deeper the floor began to be filled with broken bones across the area.

"It's quite scary," I said, slowly regretting the fact that I made the game so realistic.

After a long walk I arrived at the tomb and there I saw a skeleton wearing a Blue Cloak embedded with Gold Stitches of a Bird on the back and Gold infinity-like swirls around the hems.

On its head, he wore a fancy Battle Helmet, where at its center lay peacefully a Gem as clear as Ice.

I approached the Gem and tried to get it, but as expected it was not that easy, the skeleton suddenly moved on its own and released a blue aura and the air started to get colder and colder.

"Well, now I'm screwed," I said.

Ice Warrior Gotham - sama - Lvl. 1 (Element Tier)

Health : 20,000

Attack : 950

Defense : 850

Skills : , ,

Well, even if it is only 1/8 of its original power it is still scary, I can't waste any movements and kill him instantly. I activated and hit it in his head and he grunt, I know everything about them including their weakness, so I didn't worry much.

He crouched and made an uppercut sending me flying in the ceiling, "Damn, that hurts," I muttered.

He then activated and shards of ice scattered on the floor suddenly floated and pierced me.

"Sheesh! That's a frightening technique!" My health was reduced to half. I immediately drank a bottle of potion, and my health almost went full. I continued to attack and activated accompanied by

A combo was successfully executed, his health was no more than half.

My smile suddenly stopped when he activated and an Ice Spear materialized in his left hand. It hit me like a needle forcefully making a big hole in my gut.

My health was reduced to critical, so I drank another bottle of potion to maintain my health. I attack him with a couple of times and finally use 2 energy cards, to prepare for the final blow.

Finally his health was now only 5%

I countered his with an and attack him head on

I activated successfully then an unexpected thing happened.

My head instantly felt cold making my concentration blur. My body started wobbling like I was hazed. Soon, I noticed that he activated his skill which caused mental distortion within my cranial nerves.

I need to focus to counter this skill, I concentrated my mind using the energy from the and a blue aura started to envelope my whole body, I feel my rationality returned to normal and attack him full force,

In a desperate attempt, my body rammed him as I stabbed using my Bronze Sword and he let out a dying scream. He fell down and a lot of items scattered on the floor, but one item gave a Bright Icy Glow, Gotham's Gem.

I manage to get the items and then I collapse.

[System Notification] Player [Shirachi] have defeated [Ice Warrior Gotham - sama]

[System Notification] You are the first player to defeat a [Element Tier] Monster, You have received a level Up and .

[System Notification] You obtain the Ice Gem of the 5 Treasures of Dralpha.

—

When I woke up, I realized that I was in some unknown bed inside a mountain cottage. "Where am I?" I looked at the surroundings and noticed I'm in the mountain border of the 2nd adventurer's City, Black Iron City.

"How did I get here?" I asked myself.

"Oh, you're finally awake," a voice droned.

I frantically looked around and saw a Girl was standing in the door, with the name [Yumi] on her head. She wore gold-tier arm Guards in both hands, a plain white shirt with a gold-colored sachs - like cross wrapped around her waist. She also wore a white short roman skirt with gold hem and Gold-tier Booths, boasting an overall saintly aesthetic.

Despite having a good sense of fashion and efficiency, she lacks one major thing, HEIGHT.

"Less than 5 feet… or so," I concluded. However, her silver hair extends down until her waist. She looked at me, as I sat down on the side of the bed. "How did I get here?" I asked.

She went closer and started to explain, "My older brother and I were leveling up in the northwest side of the forest before we went back to Black Iron City. That time, I was fighting a Lvl. 60 brown skinned - Boar (Normal Tier) when I heard a rumbling sound nearby, I walked where the sound was coming from and noticed a tomb collapsing. I saw you getting out of the tomb then suddenly collapsed in the entrance, I met with my brother and recovered your depleted energy. By the way I'm a Bronze Tier Healer and also have an ability that I recently learned. Fortunately, that allowed me to replenish your energy, still I wondered why you healed so fast, your wound quickly disappeared just after a few heal buffs.

I clenched my fist knowing that it was the lingering effect of the invulnerability buff, perks that come along my GM I.D. It also made me level up faster than normal players. Unknowingly so, this whole world is protecting me from grave dangers and smoothing out my journey as much as possible. If not for the obstruction code, I would basically be unbeatable in any circumstances.

"I-I think I must go," I said, fearing that my secrets would slowly be revealed.

"But your body is still weak, maybe you could stay a couple more days? Yes! you must stay, after all you're my first patient!" She said worriedly.

I tried to stand up but I could still feel the backlash from Gotham-sama's attack. No wonder my body still felt heavy. I lost the will to resist and just follow along with her wishes.

"Oh before I forgot, you dropped this when you collapsed," She said and I saw an ice - like gem was floating in her small hands.

"Wait! That's mine!" I warned her.

"I checked its status and some information about it was still question marked," she said and held it away from me.

"Please give it back! I need it!" I said, as my fears began to increase.

As she was about to give it to me, she suddenly stopped. "Wait, is this really important to you?"

"Yes, it cost more than my life!" I said. Since, this is an important item that would eventually help me clear my name. "If that's the case then I will give it back after you recover completely," She grinned.

"Wah! Why?" I asked. "To make sure you will not leave until you completely recover," She answered nonchalantly.

.

"That's a bit unfair, don't you think?" I reasoned. "Hahaha, bleh!" she laughed and stuck her tongue out. I looked at her mysteriously. I guess I have no choice but to recover quickly.

I tried to stand up but my body was in pain, and I fell. I told you not to force yourself, looks like this thing is really important to you. "Here you go!"

She then handed me the Gem.

I didn't hesitate and snatched it away from her. Just like that I intimately stored it in my inventory. I went to properly stand up this time, now with her help. "Thanks, Yumi-san......"

"Yumi......... Just call me Yumi," she said shyly.

I nodded and repeated her name, "Yumi…"

Just like that she began to smile. For some reason, I suddenly had the urge to pat her head like a little sister. "Eh!" She wondered, questioning my actions.

"Oh, I just reacted on my own, you seem to be like the little sister I've always wanted," I said honestly.

Her face turned red, "But I'm already 18! How could you say such an insensitive thing," she began shouting. "So-sorry, I just thought… because you looked younger, well you're kinda small," I replied..

Without warning, she suddenly activated a certain skill.

Soon after, a white pentagram appeared on her left hand. "Go Die!" she said and released an energy blast.

Due to the force, I was pushed back and hit a wall behind. "That hurts!" I uttered.

"Don't you dare try calling me that again!" She complained and ran away.

As soon as Yumi made her exit, a slightly older man appeared and asked from the door, "What's the commotion?"

"...."

"Oh, you seem to be awake now," he said and squinted, "Oh, let me guess… you called her small, aren't you?" He said and gave me a gentle smile.

I tried to stand up after being thrashed at a wall. "What's with her!" I said.

"I'm sorry if she acted that way." Her brother apologizes, as he helped me maintain my footing. "By the way, I'm Yumi's older brother, [Toujou]. Call me whatever you want."

"How about Brother Toujou?"

"Well, that's fine. Would you like to train with me? It looks like you're almost to lvl. 20, it's a waste if you'll stop leveling up, once you're at level 20 I'll give you something I've got earlier.

I was worried at first, but seeing he meant no harm I nodded and started following him.

I watched Brother Toujou as he attacked a level 50 Bronze Tier Monster

He let me be his experience baby, he will reduce the monster's HP and I will give the final hit in order to get all the experience, it's like kill stealing but you have the permission of the other party. When it's health was reduced to less than 1% he instructed me to attack it with the final hit.

I activated and killed it with just a single attack.

"Wow, you did it with just one hit." He sure was surprised. He easily got over it though, "Now that you have seen its attacks, it's better if you do it yourself, meet me here after you level up."

We parted ways and he headed to a more dangerous part of the mountain.

I killed a couple of Bronze Tier Bear and successfully level up to 20.

[System Notification] Player [Shirachi] reached level 20, You are now promoted to Bronze.

[Shirachi] lvl. 20 - Human (Bronze Swordsman)

HP : 11486/11500

Exp : 45,000

Attack : 1100 (+115)

Defense : 800 (+250)

Energy : 1300

Equipped Weapon : Bronze Sword (Bronze Tier)

Tamed Pet : Brown Rock Snake (Superior Type - Normal Tier)

After leveling up to 20, I messaged Brother Toujou and arrived at the rendezvous point. While waiting I checked the items I've got after the quest, since I didn't have the chance to check it cause I collapsed.

Well, a few potions and energy cards are stored inside my inventory, once I've got to the Weapons and Attire section I notice a blue cloak.

Immediately checked its status, and I froze.

Icicle of a Golden Bird Cloak (Element Tier)

Ability : , , , ,

Ice Barrier can materialize an Ice Shield in front of the user when being attacked

Ice Attribute enables the user to use Ice Type Attacks.

I also found an Element Monster Pet Capture Card and 5 Teleport Crystals that enables the user to teleport to any city that they have visited. It could also be used to escape from unknown threats, like high-leveled monsters. Surely, this is a must have item for adventurers.

I grabbed the cloak and a notification appeared in front of me.

(Notice : You are currently unable to equip this item)

(Requirement : Lvl 55 and above to equip)

After checking the cloak I checked the Gem and just like Yumi said some info is still unknown.

Gotham's Gem (Unknown)

[Notice: This item is a "Special Item"]

[Requirement: Learn Ability to see its information]

The ability will only be available in the 3rd Adventurer's city (Academia City) where you could earn a license for a bunch of new things.

On a side note, as I created the game, I scattered the 5 items of Dralpha, the Dragon Goddess of God Realm, if one are able to collect all the items they will be able to create the that can rival the which is currently in the hands of the Demon Realm's Boss. I need this invincible sword to easily defeat that Boss. Even a God Tier Pet or A God level warrior will not rival its unbelievable defense. However, if you have certain skills you could still defeat it through normal means.

After checking all the items Brother Toujou arrived. Looks like you are not that weak to be able to manage defeating a Bronze Tier Monster without my help, he said and patted my shoulder.

"I even managed to kill an Element Tier Monster before," I said to myself.

"As promised, I'll give you this. Treasure it, because I originally planned to give it to Yumi. However, after meeting you I immediately changed my thoughts. Don't worry, she seems fond of you so I believe it is better to give it to you instead.

After that a red scroll materialized in his right hand.

"A Gold Tier Blacksmith Orc dropped it after I killed it," he explained.

"Why didn't you just use it, it'll benefit you greatly if you did, after all Black Iron City is a Blacksmith City. If your worried about the success rate, you just need to find out the right combinations to increase the efficiency—"

"Nah, I don't like forging metals, I just fight with this fist to get an awesome item or weapon instead of forging it."

I don't know if he was just being polite or he genuinely thinks that, in any case he entrusted this to me, so better not be rude and refuse such a wonderful offer. After all, I do have extensive knowledge about great material combinations. "Then, in exchange, allow me to forge you an item." I said and received the skill. "That's a great idea!" He grabbed me by the shoulders.

After he gave it to me I immediately learned the skill. "I'll buy metal in Black Iron City to practice." I said to myself.

After that we got back to the cottage, and saw Yumi cutting some herbs and meat. "What are you doing?" I asked

"Can't you see I'm cooking!" She said annoyingly.

It reminded me that I did program the game like the real world, maybe it also enabled us to learn an ability like , I didn't realize that it was in the game that I would be able to eat homemade dishes after long years of being unable to.

"Haven't you eaten anything in this game yet?" She asked.

"No honestly. I guess I didn't feel hungry," I said, realizing that I was too focused on achieving my goal.

"That baffled me, how can this game manage to make us full, because I ate bread one day and it did satiated me," Yumi asked.

"Yumi, that's a silly question. Perhaps no one will know the answer to that aside from the creator itself," Brother Toujou concluded.

"Uhm..... I think I know the reason," I suddenly said without thinking. As expected, they both looked at me suspiciously.

"Well, I've read something about it in an article. I was so seriously interested in Hashirama-san that perhaps I studied too much, I guess......" I explained, "You see, the NeuroSuit can send satiety signals to the brain through hormones. Remember how the Genesis Cube works by replicating any kind of organic compounds. Using that principle, it tricks the brain by releasing artificially produced Peptides and Leptin, specific hormones that normally are produced in the gut. These hormones were injected in the body through the NeuroSuit and were sent to the brain, reducing the feeling of hunger. Every time we eat something in this world, these signals will be appropriately released, heightening our gaming experience."

"You seem to know a lot…" She said.

"Oh, I'm just fond of reading and knowing stuff," I said defensively, "And I read it in a review about Genesis Cube™, I just repeated what they said there."

"By the way, I guess this is going to be your first meal," She asked.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to eating what you've prepared." I sat down comfortably.

"Don't worry, I guarantee that she's a great cook, she'll be a very good wife someday, right Shirachi-kun!" Brother Toujou said.

"Stop teasing me, Brother!" She said with a hint of annoyance.

I just laugh, despite being trapped inside this game they are still able to be happy. I'll do my best to stop whatever's happening in this game. After a couple of minutes the meal was finished.

Yumi handed me a bowl she managed to buy inside the city, it was filled with meat and hot soup.

I used the spoon to sip the soup and it really tasted good. Thank goodness I also developed taste buds in the game mechanics, it even smells like it seems that we are in the real world.

We finished the meal and breathed a big sigh of relief, It feels good to eat again after a long time. "I'm glad you liked it!" She said, smiling.

"Now that we have filled our stomach, and it started to get dark, this will be our Eleventh night in the game."

"I wonder if everyone could enjoy a hot soup like us, perhaps I should share a few recipes in the forums, won't that be great?"

"That's definitely a nice gesture…" I agreed, "Which reminds me this is also a great time to see Ghouls from Luna City eat Human NPCs like the ones in the cities. Tonight, there'll be an event where the NPC's will randomly roam around the forest. By now, they are probably enjoying the hunt. You see, their taste buds are programmed to make NPC Humans taste better than monster meat." I explained.

"That seems gross!" Yumi said. "And isn't it a rehash of that particular thriller anime!?"

"Thankfully, players can't eat each other," Brother Toujou added, "That certainly would be a horrible experience…"

"I see, but it's still gross!" Yumi said.

"I guess it's time to sleep to remove some of our fatigue," I said

"My body feels kinda tired as well," Yumi said. As we tried to say goodnight to the night sky, a stupified dilemma hunted us towards our sleep. There's only one bed. "I guess I'll just sleep somewhere!" I said, "How about you Brother Toujou?" I asked.

"Well I didn't think of that not until now." He said, "I normally just sit down at a wall and sleep…"

"Why not just create a makeshift bed, I'll gather some dried leaves in the forest." I suggest.

"That is a good Idea, let me help you." Brother Toujou said.

We gathered the leaves and piled it up in the cottage and created a bed large enough for both of us. Brother Toujou quickly was able to sleep, as for me, I was so energized that I couldn't seem to rest.

I stood up from the bed and headed out for some fresh air. For a moment I looked at my status and noticed that I have a long way to go. Having the resolve to do well, I tightly gripped the . "You also cannot sleep?" A voice suddenly asked. I looked back and saw Yumi standing behind me.

"Oh, you're there…" I said, although I don't know how to continue. "You seem serious about something, care to fill me out?"

"Nah, it's nothing…" I said.

"Ah, so it's something you couldn't just tell to anyone." She said and stood beside me, then rested her arms on the railing of the cottage. "You're not an ordinary person, are you? I mean, I don't mean to brag but I know a thing or two about rare items in games. That gem is one of them isn't it?" She asked, as if she already knows that it is impossible for a normal player to know rare items' location this early in the game.

"I guess, there is no need to be secretive about it," I said as she got me, "Well, let's just say, I'm on a mission… this world is in a dire state right now, I somehow need to fix it," I said.

"Like how we are mysteriously stuck in here?" She asked. I grinned and laughed a bit, "That's only a part of it. Ah, don't worry it's not something that you should worry about, at least not for now…."

"Is there any way I could help?" She inquired. "I don't want to drag you into my own mistakes, besides, you should have a stress-free adventure, you're suffering enough from being stuck here away from your family in the real world. I'm just speculating, but this world surely has a lot of wonders to offer. Make sure you look out for them," I said and glanced at her.

"Well, somehow, I don't doubt that this place is a world worth exploring."

"Anyway, we are going to have a long day tomorrow. Sleep tight…" I said and went back inside. She went to her room and I returned back to the makeshift bed which was now claimed by Brother Toujou. "I guess I need to spend the night outside." I sighed.