Chapter 4 - Suspension Monday (2)

"Update? Is that what you mentioned yesterday?"

[-System-]

[Statistics updated]

[Name: Rurik Valtor] - [Level 1]

-> Vitality: 5

(HP: 200)

(Regen: 2 s)

-> Mind: 5

(MP: 150)

(Regen: 1.5 s)

-> Strength: 4

-> Dexterity: 2

-> Intelligence: 18

-> Defense: 0

[Skills]

-> Arcane Perception [Level 1]

- Now that you are aware of the mana within you, your senses have been refined, granting you a better understanding of your surroundings.

[Elemental Affinity]

-> Ice

- Due to your cold and calculating mind, it was decided that ice is the best element for someone like you.

[Class]

-> None

[Subclass]

-> None

[Job]

-> None

'Arcane Perception? I don't remember having a skill like that.'

"Is there anything else, or is that all?"

[-System-]

[Administrator 'Showman' has shown some interest in you, and as a result, he has requested that you be granted three options in exchange for 500 gold coins. These options are limited to 'Skills' or 'Jobs,' which will be at a high level. Additionally, you will also be able to retrieve one item from your former Inventory.]

"Can I choose a 'Skill'?"

In the game, a player's 'Class' determines how their initial stats are distributed and how they will be allocated as you level up.

But the most important aspect of 'Classes' is that they determine what type of skills your character will acquire, which can be either Passive or Active Skills.

There were several 'Classes' in the game, and a player could change their 'Class' at any time by going to the guild and paying a fee. Moreover, apart from the main 'Class,' the player can choose a 'Subclass,' which will be one of the other 'Classes' you didn't choose. This means that as you level up, the stats covered by that 'Class' will also increase, though not to the same extent as if that 'Class' were the main one.

Another thing is that every time your character levels up, besides the points allocated by your 'Class' and 'Subclass,' your character receives [1+ Stat Point], which you can use on any stat you want.

Players are supposed to get a 'Subclass' later in the adventure, but since the area where you get the 'Subclass' has no restrictions due to the high level of the monsters in that area, players can exploit certain design flaws to bypass most of it, easily reaching the shrine where you can acquire the 'Subclass.'

Now, regarding 'Jobs,' they are a very, very inferior version of 'Classes.' The player can unlock and possess all 'Jobs' since they do not affect stats. Additionally, only some of these 'Jobs' grant passive skills.

These 'Jobs' range from [Cook] to [Lumberjack]. Primarily, 'Jobs' are used for things like gathering items and crafting. Also, if you get all of them, you receive an achievement, which means a lot for those of us who aim for 100%.

[-System-]

[Do you accept this request?]

[Yes/No]

Given my limited options, I think the best thing in this case would be to accept. It might even improve my chances of surviving in this world, but we're talking about 500 gold coins, which is more than three months of food.

Considering that the skills I might get could be quite useful for killing monsters, I could make a lot of money quickly, recouping what I lost.

"Yes, I accept the request."

[-System-]

[Okay, choose from the following three options]

[Skill: Blade Master - Level: Max.]

-> With this skill, you will gain great evasion ability, a 75% chance to deal critical damage, 190% critical damage, 45% life steal per attack, and 30% increased attack speed.

[Skill: Arcane Scholar - Level: Max.]

-> With this skill, you will gain great mana control, an 85% chance to deal critical damage, 170% critical damage, 50% life steal per spell, and 45% mana regeneration.

[Job: Mechanic of the Forgotten Era - Master Grade]

-> With this job, you will have absolute mastery over ancient machinery and technology, allowing you to repair and improve any device with ease. Additionally, you will receive all the equipment belonging to this job.

I was left speechless as my eyes scanned the first two descriptions. Those were undoubtedly two of the best skills in the game, acquired when you max out your class.

Having them at the beginning of the game would be like playing in easy mode. Each option shone with a promise of power, each with its own unique appeal. I knew the choice I made now would have repercussions on the future story of the game.

"This is interesting."

The [Blade Master] skill could make me a formidable opponent in direct combat. On the other hand, [Arcane Scholar] could propel me faster toward my goal of being a mage.

Now, regarding the [Mechanic of the Forgotten Era] job, I must assume that this was surely invented by the administrator 'Showman.' That means that mechanical suit probably needs more repairs than I thought.

The best thing would be to leave the mechanical suit aside and choose one of the first two options. It will be a shame to have wasted so much money and effort to unearth this thing, but I don't think there's anything else that can be done in this case.

"Yes, it would be best not to choose the [Mechanic of the Forgotten Era] option."

[-System-]

[Congratulations, you have selected the Mechanic of the Forgotten Era job. Now you have absolute mastery over ancient machinery and technology. May your ingenuity guide you to victory!]

"Wait, what?"

[The 500 gold coins will be deducted automatically.]

"Wait! It's a mistake, I said I wouldn't choose it."

[Sorry, but you cannot change your choice. The decision has already been made, and the reward will be given to you after you choose an item from your former inventory.]

I let out a long sigh of frustration at how I had lost the chance to survive easily in this world. I took a deep breath in an attempt to quell my frustration. Now wasn't the time to be frustrated by this setback; I still had to choose which item from my former inventory I should claim.

Many ideas crossed my mind about what I should choose. First, I considered claiming the [Demonic Core] from one of the final bosses of each dungeon. Then, I considered claiming one of my weapons that took me months to fully upgrade. But in the end, the quintessential item that every [Arcanus Academy] player desires came to mind.

The [Gluttonous Monarch's Bandana]. This item is a black bandana with a drawing of sharp white teeth, which, if worn by the player while leveling up, grants an increase in health stat, health regeneration, and mana regeneration, but at the cost of keeping 45% of the EXP points the player gains from killing monsters.

This item can only be obtained once you start a [New Game +] and have over 60% of the achievements completed. So while obtaining it isn't too difficult, it is frustrating. Moreover, given that this item eats up almost half of your experience points, it isn't widely used.

Still, having this item from the beginning of the adventure could compensate for my 0 in defense stat, maybe not as much as I'd like, but enough not to fear being killed in just two hits.

"I want to claim the [Gluttonous Monarch's Bandana]."

[-System-]

[Okay, this item along with the job you selected will be delivered to you immediately.]

"I want to make it clear that I did not choose the [Mechanic of the Forgotten Era] job."

[...]

[...]

[...]

[We are aware that a mistake might have been made.]

"Might? I think it's very clear that there was a big mistake in misinterpreting my words."

[Administrator 'Showman' found this turn of events very amusing, so as a consolation prize, you will be granted four random jobs.]

"I don't think that's a good prize, but something is better than nothing."

[-System-]

[The jobs you will receive as compensation are as follows:]

-> Carpenter - Grade: Novice

-> Cook - Grade: Novice

-> Lumberjack - Grade: Novice

-> Blacksmith - Grade: Novice

"Well, those are not bad jobs."

[The jobs have been delivered, only the item remains to be collected.]

The system screen pixelated, and arrows pointed to the center of it. Instinctively, I reached out and pulled out the [Gluttonous Monarch's Bandana]. I'll admit it felt strangely moist yet dry at the same time.

"System, can I change my class here?"

[...]

[Yes, you have been allowed to change your class using the system.]

So far, the day had been curious. Things happened that I would like to change for the better, but at this point, I'm not surprised that everything goes horribly wrong for me. So, I would carefully choose the mage class.

I waited for the system screen to show me the multiple classes the game had. I began to scroll through the screen until I reached the mage class. Carefully, I touched the screen and chose that class. Upon doing so, a notification popped up asking me if I was sure about my choice.

"I'm sure. I choose the Mage class."

After changing my class, I checked the system to see what kind of equipment had been granted to me. Since if my only way out was to repair this mechanical suit, I needed to try to fix it as quickly as possible.

The system screen pixelated once again. Squinting my eyes, I reached into it to pull out a wrench, screwdrivers?, a blowtorch, gloves, welding goggles, and other things that I'm not sure what they are.

After retrieving all the tools, the system screen changed to what seemed to be the page of an online store, where I could buy anything in exchange for coins from this world.

I decided to leave that for later. For now, I approached the mechanical suit to see what needed to be repaired. That's where I began to notice the areas that needed fixing.

I think maybe this is the work of the [Mechanic of the Forgotten Era] job. Looking on the bright side, I can say that if I return to my world, I could earn a university degree. Of course, I won't use it, but I'll brag about it whenever I can.

Before starting, I checked the system to see what time it was, only to be surprised that it was already 18:32, so it must be getting dark. This makes me start to wonder how much time I have actually spent in this place.

I decided to focus and redirected my gaze to the suit, which was still covered in dirt in some areas but maintained an imposing and elegant figure despite its condition.

Without wasting any time, I meticulously cleaned every part of the suit, removing dirt using a hard-bristled brush and a special solvent I bought from the system's store. Every movement was precise and methodical. As I worked, I could see how each stroke revealed a bit more of the shiny metal underneath, showing glimpses of the splendor it once had.

Although I now had the knowledge to repair this suit, I must admit that its design is intricate and possesses engineering that defies the passage of time. From my leather bag, I took out the screwdrivers, wrench, and pliers.

I knew well that every screw and every bolt could be the key to restoring movement to that old machine. So, with a steady hand and precise movements, I began to disassemble the most deteriorated parts, being careful not to damage the internal structures, to then replace them with new ones sold in the store.

As I worked, my mind wandered to who the original pilot of this suit was. Did it have one? Who would it have been? What battles would they have fought? What dreams and fears would have inhabited that metal shell? How did it end up in this place? What are those strange markings that were on the suit's extremities? Could it be a language from some race of this world? The history surrounding this suit was as fascinating as the technical challenge of restoring it.

As the hours passed, I had reached a point where I was so focused that I ignored everything around me. Once the external part of the suit was finished, I headed to the cockpit to open it once again.

Now I had to focus on repairing the cockpit. So, after sitting on the surprisingly comfortable and clean chair inside the cockpit, I approached the control panel to dismantle it, all with the goal of installing new cables and circuits, replacing the damaged components, always verifying that the connections were correct.

Each adjustment was a small victory, one step closer to reviving that dormant giant, which I hoped would be my trump card against the enemies that would come later. Since if the story continued as I knew it, the villains of the following chapters would not take long to arrive.

Furthermore, if my knowledge of Web Novels didn't fail me, perhaps my arrival in this world could end up ruining the original story. So if everything went out of control, I would have to intervene in the shadows to correct the course of the plot.

So any external help, regardless of its origin, would be quite good to avoid future catastrophes.

While repairing the cables, one of my tools fell. As I picked it up, I noticed that underneath the control panel, there was an inscription in a strange language, similar to the one on the suit's extremities, which I assumed was the signature of whoever created this thing.

After several hours, I had finished repairing the machine, I even found the energy compartment, which was a circular lid that, when turned and removed, revealed a crystal cylinder where I assume the machine's fuel was placed.

That's where the problem I still had in mind lies, which was that I had no idea what kind of fuel this suit used.

"System, can you give me a description of this suit?"

[-System-]

[You only have access to a simple description of the Mechanical Suit.]

"Anything will do."

["Armor of the Lost Legacy". This armor is a marvel of engineering from a lost era in history, powered by mana cores. This armor is unique in its kind. It was thought that this armor would be the future of war, but things don't always end as one desires.]

"Mana cores? Those things are very expensive."

Just before my head started to frustrate, a very crazy idea came to mind. I climbed down from the control cabin and searched through my belongings for the 'DragonWing' shield. In the eye of the dragon emblem was a 'jewel' that, in reality, was the 'runic core' that gave magical capabilities to the shield. So, using some tweezers, I removed the jewel from the shield.

After taking it out, I hurried back to the cabin while in my head I begged for this to work, because if this worked, I would save a lot of money by not having to buy or create mana cores.

With delicacy, I placed the 'runic core' in the crystal cylinder. The jewel began to glow and spark while staying static in the center of the cylinder, before starting to move erratically.

I close the energy compartment and cross my fingers. For a few seconds, there was a moment of complete silence that invaded the dungeon entirely, which was followed by a soft hum that grew in intensity. The panel lights started to flicker and emit a slight crackling.

The machine automatically stood up without me pressing anything, as if it were announcing that the dormant giant had awakened from its slumber. A smile spread across my face, as I had managed to bring that technological marvel back to life.

[-System-]

[The mechanical suit has been activated. All operational systems are functioning correctly. Perform a test to determine the armor's level, its statistics, and abilities.]

"This is better than I expected."

That the armor has its own level and statistics means that bringing it to its maximum capacity must take a lot of time, but that only means that the advantages this suit gives you must be worth the sacrifice of leveling it up.

Following the system's orders, I decided to test the capabilities of this armor. In front of me, I appreciated the control panel full of buttons and switches. On the sides of the machine were levers that, along with the flashing lights, brought out my inner child.

The first thing I did was press the red button in the center of the dashboard. When I did, the dome closed quickly, demonstrating a design flaw in this suit. This design flaw was that when the dome closed, absolutely nothing could be seen.

I press the button again to open the dome. The next thing I did was press the pedals under the control panel. I started with the right pedal. When I pressed it, the suit advanced with heavy steps forward, each step resonating like thunder on the ground.

Excited, I now press the left pedal, causing the machine to walk backward. Every press and release of the pedals translated into smooth and controlled movements, as if I were walking on my own feet, but amplified by the power of the suit.

A small laugh escaped my mouth, while with a determined movement, I grabbed the two main levers that controlled the suit's arms. Pushing the right one forward, the suit's right arm extended, the servomechanisms softly sounding as they moved. The left lever worked similarly, controlling the left arm.

I noticed that by turning the knob on the lever, I could rotate the wrists. Not only did I notice that, but depending on how much force I applied to the lever knobs, the hands would react differently. If I didn't put much force, the hands remained open, while if I put a lot of force, they closed.

The combination of levers and pedals required constant synchronization, which I had achieved in all my hours dedicated to video games. I felt ecstatic to see how both my feet and hands worked in harmony to maintain balance and direction. It was a complex dance, a choreography of metal and muscle, where every mistake could have disastrous consequences.

But I cared very little about that, as I was in my element. I felt every vibration, every adjustment of the hydraulic actuators, like a mechanical symphony directed solely at me.

Suddenly, an obstacle appeared in my path: it was a huge rock, perhaps the remnant of some ancient destroyed structure. Without hesitation, I adjusted the levers, raising both arms of the suit to balance it while gently pressing both pedals, causing the suit to come to a halt. With a precise twist of the levers, the suit's arms moved to clear the rock from the path. Each metallic finger gripped around the rough edge of the rock, lifting it with a force that only the suit could provide.

With the path cleared, I pressed the pedals again, and the suit advanced with heavy steps, each footfall resonating like thunder on the ground. The combination of brute force and technical precision gave me an undeniable advantage on any terrain.

My smile only grew wider as laughter bubbled from my mouth, relishing the sensation of absolute control. With each step, the mechanical suit became an extension of myself, a bridge between the human and the mechanical. Every movement of the levers and pedals was a testament to human ingenuity and my ability to master this machine. In that moment, within the cockpit, surrounded by metal and technology, I realized that I wasn't just piloting an ancient mechanical suit; I was rewriting a new chapter in the history of this world.