ALL NOVEL Chapter 41 - The Big Two
The next morning rolled around with its usual lustre as my eyes fluttered open and a bout of derealised confusion hit me dead-on.
[System]: Rest completed. Time rested: 08:00:00
[System]: 600 rested XP added to available Bonus XP.
Shaking my head to regain some semblance of focus, I started preparing myself for the day ahead. While I did so, I checked the leftover System Notifications from the previous evening.
[System]: 200xp gained for [Meditation] Skill.
[System]: 300xp gained for Intuition Attribute.
[System]: 100xp gained for Ego Attribute.
As I attempted to tame my unruly hair, reflecting the unique skyless-cyan and abyss-black hues of my recent hairstyle change, that were now looking more like an abstract piece of art than a hair-style, I couldn't help but muse over the slow progression of my [Meditation] skill.
‘Levelling up to 5 is going to take absolutely forever, god damn,’ I thought, while trying to manage the wild strands into something resembling order. The apartment was quiet, with Gabriel already gone for the day, allowing me to monopolise the mirror by our door.
While idly arranging my hair, I pondered aloud about my plans for the day. "Mr. Stirling doesn't need me today or tomorrow, so what should I focus on?"
The answer seemed clear: more experience, more Skills, more Perks.
It was the driving force behind my relentless pursuit since arriving in this world. I hadn't taken a real rest day since my arrival, yet I felt surprisingly energised.
‘Is it just my gamer's grind mentality, finding thrill in skill advancements? Or is the [Rest Function] playing a part in keeping me fatigue-free…?’ I wondered, as I finally got my hair to a somewhat satisfactory state. With the most important part of the day out of the way, it was time to get into the daily groove once again.
Throwing on my usual exercising wear for the morning routine, I got to work…
After completing my daily run around the floor, I hopped into the shower, eager to wash away the day's exertion. As the warm water cascaded over me, I called up the day's workout gains on the System Interface to review today's progress with a broad grin on my face.
[System]: 200xp gained for [Contortion] Skill.
[System]: 100xp gained for Reflex Attribute.
[System]: 600xp (+300xp Bonus) gained for Body Attribute. Available Bonus left: 400xp.
[System]: 600xp gained for [Athletics] Skill.
[System]: [Athletics] has reached level 3. Gained one [Athletics] Perk Point.
[System]: 400xp gained for Edge Attribute.
[System]: Edge Attribute has reached 3.
[System]: 600xp (+300xp Bonus) gained for [Stealth] Skill. Available Bonus left: 100xp.
[System]: [Stealth] has reached level 3. Gained one [Stealth] Perk Point.
[System]: 300xp gained for [Acrobatics] Skill.
The reason for my great mood was immediately apparent: I had finally unlocked two additional Perks—and not just any at that!
It was [Stealth] and [Athletics], which, unless you were trying to go for a supremely strange build, were two of the most important Skills in the entire game—or now, my life.
Eager to get a headstart on trying to figure out which one I wanted to go for, I pulled up the [Athletics] Perk Tree first.
[Endurance Runner] (Athletics)
Never tire again! You gain the ability to conserve stamina during movement, allowing you to walk, run, sprint, and jump for significantly longer durations without tiring.
[Wall Runner] (Athletics)
How is that even physically possible?! You gain the ability to wall run, allowing you to traverse vertical surfaces for brief periods, opening up new pathways and unexpected angles for attacks.
[Steady Breather] (Athletics)
Have they actually ever taken a breath? You gain the ability to have your body's oxygen efficiency reach remarkable levels, enabling you to hold your breath for extended periods and thrive on minimal amounts of oxygen.
[Cat’s Grace] (Athletics)
Land like a feather, even from great heights! You gain the ability to expertly manage the impact of a fall, significantly diminishing the damage incurred from high drops, provided you are agile and able to manoeuvre your body during a portion of the descent and upon immediate impact.
[Combat Slide] (Athletics)
Slippery like an eel! You gain the ability to execute a low-friction slide after sprinting, enabling you to swiftly and smoothly evade danger or reposition yourself strategically in any situation.
As I perused the extensive array of options within the [Athletics] Perk Tree, I felt the daunting weight of decision-making. ‘I want all of these,’ I mused internally, giving myself a brisk cheek slap to refocus. ‘Okay, focus. What Perk do I genuinely need, not just want?’
Having the Perks mirror those from the game Neon Dragons was a significant benefit, as I had already contemplated which initial Perks would be most beneficial in my current circumstances.
Yet, standing before the actual decision proved more challenging than anticipated.
The [Athletics] Perk Tree was notably abundant, evident from its offering of five choices instead of the usual two to three, or even the less common four options I had encountered in other Skills. This variety only intensified my dilemma over which path to choose.
The initial five options in the [Athletics] Perk Tree presented themselves in two distinct categories: Universally applicable Perks and action-specific Perks.
The first category, encompassing general utility, included [Endurance Runner] and [Steady Breather], while the latter category, focusing on specific actions, comprised the remaining three choices.
[Endurance Runner], despite its seemingly mundane nature on paper, emerged as the potentially optimal choice for delivering consistent benefits. Its ability to extend my running endurance would not only enhance my daily training regimen but also furnish me with crucial escape capabilities in emergencies, as it extended the duration I could sustain a full-speed sprint as well.
On the other hand, [Steady Breather] offered broad applicability with a particular focus on hazardous environments. This Perk could prove invaluable in life-threatening situations such as strangulation, suffocation, or drowning, offering a chance to outlast and potentially overcome such perilous scenarios, given the right strategy.
While I obviously didn’t intend on getting into a situation that required this Perk, I didn’t exactly have the benefit of hindsight should I get into one. This was the main issue with this being my real-life rather than a game. I had to assume that there were no reloads, no second chances, at all times and make my decisions based on that.
[Wall Runner] was an interesting one, in that it quite literally defied physics in strange and unexpected ways—at least in the game. I could only assume that it would work similarly in this reality, as just about everything else had been a rather 1:1 or 1:X>1 conversion so far. The only things that hadn’t been the exact same had been vastly improved in this world, so it was prudent to assume that this Perk would be similar.
It allowed you to walk, run and sprint on walls for a certain time period. In the game, this time period was determined by a combination of your [Athletics] Skill and [Body] Attribute, meaning that it would grow alongside you, to a certain degree.
I could only assume that this also applied to the two aforementioned Perks as well, as they all had a duration-based element to them.
On the other hand, [Cat’s Grace] and [Combat Slide] were categorised in my head as critical "oh shit" Perks. Given my medium-term objective to become an Operator, these Perks held significant potential value. While their immediate utility might not be evident, they promised an added layer of security in various scenarios, potentially tipping the scales in life-or-death situations.
Both Perks offered distinct advantages: [Cat’s Grace] enhanced agility and balance, potentially saving one from mortal falls or slips, while [Combat Slide] provided tactical mobility in combat situations.
These features could prove indispensable in the unpredictable world of an Operator and the myriad of different tasks that they had to be ready for.
As I pondered the various options in the [Athletics] Perk Tree, my frustration only seemed to grow. I found myself unable to eliminate even a single Perk from consideration, let alone decisively choose one.
"Why is this so difficult? Why can't I just select them all at once? What's the rationale behind this three-level restriction for a single Perk, System?!" I muttered in exasperation.
Unsurprisingly, the System offered no response to my vexation.
Deciding to take a break from the [Athletics] dilemma, I switched my focus to the [Stealth] Perk Tree. This change of pace felt necessary as I stepped out of the shower, beginning to prepare for another day assisting Mr. Shori.
Maybe exploring a different set of options would provide a fresh perspective or at least a temporary respite from the challenge of choosing an [Athletics] Perk.
[Camouflage] (Stealth)
Like a chameleon! You gain the ability to seamlessly blend with your environment when you stay motionless, greatly reducing the chances of being detected by others.
[Quick Disguise] (Stealth)
And for my next trick, I shall become this guy! You gain the ability to rapidly identify which parts of an attire is important for a disguise and dress in the garb of defeated foes, enabling you to seamlessly integrate yourself among them.
[Lightfoot] (Stealth)
Where the hell did they go?! You gain the ability to move without leaving any tracks or traces on standard terrain. In challenging terrains like marshes or mud, your presence is significantly less discernible, leaving only faint traces behind.
[Escape Artist] (Stealth)Houdini would be proud! You gain the ability to escape from most bonds or restraints with ease—only high-tier equipment resists your escape attempts.
Under my breath, I let out a frustrated "Fuck," feeling overwhelmed by the difficulty in choosing from the [Stealth] Perks. I had wanted something easy to choose from, but had completely forgotten how good the [Stealth] Perk Tree actually was.
They were reminiscent of those from the game, each with proven worth in a multitude of scenarios, intensifying the challenge of deciding which one to leave behind.
As I contemplated my options, a thought struck me, offering a potential solution to narrow down my choices. 'It's almost certain that [Escape Artist] is part of the [Contortion] Skill as well, isn't it?' I pondered, hoping to eliminate redundancies in my decision-making process.
Yet, this consideration only led to further uncertainty. 'But what if the [Contortion] Skill offers even better options? What if I miss out on something absolutely game-changing?!' This line of reasoning did little to ease my choice paralysis, leaving me still mired in indecision.
As I contemplated my choices, I decided to methodically analyse each Stealth Perk, hoping it would clarify which ones to prioritise and which to defer to a later level.
[Camouflage] was remarkably straightforward: Stand still and become significantly less visible. This Perk had the potential to be highly effective in evading danger or infiltrating restricted areas. Despite its simplicity, its utility in various situations made it a strong contender for either an immediate choice or a future investment.
[Quick Disguise], however, seemed more specialised and less immediately useful.
It relied on acquiring a uniform or attire, typically from an incapacitated adversary, to be effective. While it offered enhanced infiltration capabilities compared to [Camouflage], the prerequisite of needing specific clothing rendered it less versatile.
This limitation made [Quick Disguise] a less appealing option for my first choice in the Stealth Perk lineup, given the constraints and situational nature of its application.
[Lightfoot] in the [Stealth] Tree clearly paralleled [Endurance Runner] from the [Athletics] Tree in its constant, unrestrictive benefits. This Perk would make my movements quieter and less detectable, a significant advantage in avoiding detection or trailing.
"This would have been incredibly useful during Mr. Shori's task," I thought, as I finished dressing for work. Though the decision was tough, my commitment to Mr. Shori and the promise of the day's tasks, and experience rewards, awaited.
Exiting my apartment, the door locking securely behind me, my mind lingered on the final Perk, [Escape Artist].
This Perk stood out as particularly game-changing; it promised the ability to escape from any restraints considered below high-tier—specifically, anything below a tier 6, if the designations of tiers were the same as in the game.
The implications were immense, suggesting near-certain escape from most scenarios where I might be captured. Considering the unlikely scenario of facing someone with access to high-tier restraints, [Escape Artist] presented itself as an incredibly powerful tool for ensuring my freedom and safety in a multitude of situations.
There were only two potential downsides of the [Escape Artist] Perk that immediately emerged in my mind: Firstly, the Perk's utility hinged on being restrained, an eventuality I hoped to avoid to begin with.
Secondly, there was a possibility that the [Contortion] Skill Tree might offer the same or a similar Perk. With just 200xp needed to unlock the next tier of [Contortion], which would allow me to check the entire first-tier of Perks it had to offer, this left me in a state of uncertainty about whether to choose [Escape Artist] for the [Stealth] Skill.
My shift at Mr. Shori's wouldn't allow me to gather the needed experience immediately, so a decision on [Escape Artist] would simply have to wait.
In the interim, my inclination leaned towards either [Lightfoot] or [Camouflage] as my preliminary choices for the [Stealth] Perk. These seemed the most immediately beneficial, assuming [Escape Artist] was also present in the [Contortion] Skill Tree. If it turned out not to be, I would then have to reassess and choose among those three options.
[Quick Disguise], despite its potential uses, didn't strike me as immediately necessary or fitting with my current needs and plans. For now, it was off the table as a primary choice for the Perk.
I ultimately decided to consider my Perk choices over the next few hours, while I worked my usual shift at Mr. Shori’s, then return home and level up [Contortion] to its first level, in order to gauge the necessity for [Escape Artist] to be chosen right away…
After I finished my shift at Mr. Shori's, which ended up being very uneventful, I found myself heading home, eager to embark on the plans I had formulated earlier.
During the ride up to the 43rd floor, my thoughts drifted to Aki.
I had inquired about her with Mr. Shori, curious about any interactions they might have had.
True to his character, Mr. Shori shared that Aki had been inquisitive about me, a fact that piqued my interest given her behaviour during our encounter.
Mr. Shori hadn’t really told her much, just that I was a good worker and kind friend—which definitely hadn’t ended up making me blush—and that she should stop by again if she ended up being hungry or had any other worries. He had encouraged her to visit again if she ever needed food or support, a gesture that felt very typical of his uncommonly generous nature.
Aki had simply thanked him for his kindness and generosity and disappeared into the crowd.
As the elevator continued its ascent, I couldn't help but hope for Aki's well-being.
‘I really hope she’s alright… The way she was absolutely terrified of me, simply because I offered a free meal, makes me feel like she has a seriously troubling past. Maybe even issues at home that might make Valeria’s treatment look like child’s play to her… There’s definitely worse things parents can do to a child than feed them non-lethal poisons,’ I reminiscenced, a cold shudder running down my back and sending a lurch through my stomach. ‘Wouldn’t I know that to be true, huh…?’
Shaking off those unsettling thoughts, to try and focus back onto the issues at hand, I slapped my cheeks once again. They were really getting a workout today.
‘Alright, back to the matter at hand: Perks. Let’s see what I can come up with,’ I re-focused, as I stepped out of the elevator and quickly made my way back to the apartment.
On the way, I also quickly checked my gains from the shift.
[System]: 200xp gained for [Knives] Skill.
[System]: 200xp gained for Reflex Attribute.
[System]: 300xp gained for [Cooking] Skill.
[System]: 300xp gained for Tech Attribute.
[System]: 100xp gained for Intuition Attribute.
The anticipation of nearing the next level in both Intuition and [Cooking] buoyed my spirits as I stepped into the apartment. The prospect of [Cooking] reaching its third level was particularly thrilling, as it promised another upcoming Perk selection.
A spontaneous giggle of excitement bubbled up from within me, my mood lightening at the thought of acquiring more Perks in the days ahead. "This is very much addicting," I mused, comparing the experience to getting hunting to 99, "but this time, it's my actual life that's levelling up!"
Without delay, I shed my work attire and slipped into my workout clothes. I was determined to push [Contortion] over the finish line to its first level. As I contorted my body into various stretches, each movement felt strangely purposeful rather than simply trying to warm up my muscles in the morning as it drew me closer to my goal with each stretch.
After about twenty focused minutes of stretching, the familiar and gratifying chime of a level-up resonated in my mind, bringing a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
[System]: 200xp gained for [Contortion] Skill.
[System]: [Contortion] has reached level 1.
As the [Contortion] Skill reached its first level, I was instantly flooded with an array of basic yet vital information crucial for a budding contortionist. The knowledge seeped into my understanding seamlessly, as if I had always known it, yet knew its novelty.
Firstly, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the importance of joint health and flexibility. The System detailed techniques for safely increasing the range of motion in key areas such as the shoulders, hips, and spine. It emphasised the balance between flexibility and strength, teaching me exercises to maintain joint stability while pushing the limits of flexibility.
This was critical to prevent injuries that could arise from overextension or improper technique, but also offered avenues to increase difficulty for increased exp/hour rates.
Another fundamental aspect was breathing control.
I learned how controlled breathing is integral to contortion, not just for relaxation, but for enhancing flexibility. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing techniques were outlined, which could help in easing into more complex poses and holding them longer without discomfort.
Strangely enough, parts of this knowledge had already been covered with the recent [Meditation] upgrade, but for a wholly different purpose. Breathing itself seemed to be a lot more in-depth of a topic than I had ever given it credit for. Maybe the fire breathing technique wasn’t just Unlimited Budget Works showing off once again, but actually had a real use…
Lastly, I was introduced to the concept of progressive stretching—exactly the type of thing I had been looking for, in order to make sure I wouldn’t hurt myself during my rigorous exercising on the daily!
The information laid out a structured approach to gradually increase my flexibility over time. It started with basic stretches, emphasising the importance of consistency and patience, and gradually moved to some slightly more advanced poses.
This foundational knowledge of [Contortion] felt like unlocking a new realm of physical capabilities, allowing me to explore movements and poses I had never even thought possible. Especially considering my old body’s state, I never would have even attempted this to begin with. But with Sera’s body and my ever-increasing physical Attributes, I honestly couldn’t wait to try all of this out.
That, however, would have to wait for later, as I needed to finish up my current main goal: Choosing Perks for both [Athletics] and [Stealth].
Quickly, before I managed to get side-tracked again, I pulled up the [Contortion] Perk Tree, to take a look at what would be in store once it reached level 3.
[Coil Spring] [Requirement: Level 3 [Contortion]]
Cobrastriiiiiike! You gain the ability to contort and compress your body in unique ways, significantly enhancing the height and distance of your jumps from a crouched, coiled position.
[Narrow Twist] [Requirement: Level 3 [Contortion]]
Dear god, they’re like a fucking slime! You gain the ability to twist and contort your body to slip through the smallest of openings, navigating spaces others would consider utterly impassable.
[Slippery Body] [Requirement: Level 3 [Contortion]]
Nobody can keep you locked down! You gain the ability to wriggle free from nearly any physical restraint or hold actively placed upon you by somebody else.
[Escape Artist] [Requirement: Level 3 [Contortion]]
Houdini would be proud! You gain the ability to escape from most bonds or restraints with ease—only high-tier equipment resists your escape attempts.
Upon reviewing the [Contortion] Skill's Perk Tree, a wave of resigned acceptance washed over me, accompanied by a long sigh. "Haaa..." I exhaled, both overwhelmed and excited by the unique Perks that lay before me, none of which were part of the original Neon Dragons game.
The first Perk, [Coil Spring], immediately caught my attention. It promised an enhanced ability to access hard-to-reach places without extensive [Climbing] training. The potential synergy with [Cat’s Grace] from the [Athletics] Perk Tree was particularly intriguing, hinting at a combination that would significantly expand my mobility and exploratory capabilities, without the risk of accidentally falling to my death.
Next, [Narrow Twist] presented a fascinating prospect. It seemed to offer a kind of flexibility that would allow me to navigate through extremely tight spaces, much like a cat squeezing through any gap larger than its head. The thought of being able to infiltrate or escape through seemingly impossible routes was both thrilling and daunting.
The last Perk, [Slippery Body], seemed to be the perfect complement to [Escape Artist]. It suggested an almost supernatural ability to evade physical restraint. The idea of being nearly impossible to hold down or confine, unless faced with extraordinarily high-level restraints, was an empowering thought.
This Perk could potentially make me one of the most elusive individuals around—by a lot.
Together, these Perks painted a picture of a highly agile, almost untouchable individual, capable of feats that would defy common expectations. The only limitation seemed to be the ever-present, mysterious threshold set by the System to maintain some semblance of balance in the later stages of the game.
Even Vega would likely be impressed!
The main issue, however, was that this meant that [Escape Artist] was now an even more enticing option for the [Stealth] Perk Tree, rather than eliminating it from the options, as I had hoped.
I would have to choose something, that much was certain.
‘Fuuuck, I really need some extra Perk Points… Makes sense, since they’re incredibly powerful, but come on. You really don’t have to make this so haaard,’ I once again complained to the System, as I threw myself on the bed—after taking off my workout clothes, of course. Nobody wanted a sweaty bed.
‘I’ll just have to do some serious thinking, I guess. What Perks do I need right now and which ones can wait for level 6 or later…?’
As I considered the importance of each one and weighed them against each other to try and make a decision, I also returned to an old Skill that I hadn’t trained or done anything with since the first day of me being in this world: [Juggling].
It helped keep my body moving and, at least I wanted to believe so, helped me make a decision. The infinite supply of sockballs that original Sera had in her drawers were once again coming in handy.
Like that, I spent the next hours carefully considering my Perk choices…