Learning a skill. Survival Quest.

[00:09]

[00:08]

Oh, crap. I don't have that much time left. I was running through the train with my backpack.

[00:01]

[00:00]

[The Merge is starting!]

I immediately left the train and get outside. I hope nobody sensed or saw me escaping.

And thankfully the train station was near. I run for about five minutes and arrived near the train station.

Thank goodness I trained and run for 10km every day. I was able to come here without losing any stamina or being tired.

As I was about to enter the station by jumping from the tracks to the platform, my Fear started to activate and it made me stop in my tracks.

I stood in my place without moving an inch with my head down. I tried not to make a sound as much as possible. And I did it. No, I didn't mean I couldn't do it. I was experimenting with something.

[Ding!]

And here it is.

[You have learned a new skill: Stealth Lv1. Congratulations!]

[You have received one skill point.]

[Stealth: A basic skill that allows you to hide your own or others' presence and movements. It is effective against monsters that can detect or observe you.]

It really worked. Nice! Then let's level up this skill.

Then I heard faint sounds of footsteps above, on the platform right above me. Something or someone walking fast but with small steps. I gulped as many ideas flashed through my mind. Could it be other fellow humans? Or... monsters have already appeared?

Anyway, it is best to remain silent and find out the situation first. I think I should stay in stealth mode.

"Stealth." I activated the stealth.

[Ding!]

[Quest name: Survival]

[Quest description: The game world and the real world have merged due to an unknown anomaly. This phenomenon is causing unimaginable changes in both worlds. Monsters and dungeons starting to appear in the real world.

You have to survive and cope with this chaotic situation. You have to find a safe place where you can rest and recover. You have to find a reliable source of information where you can learn more about what is happening. You have to find a way to communicate with other survivors where you can cooperate or compete.

You have 24 hours to complete this quest.]

[Quest objectives:

Find a safe zone

Find an information center

Find a communication device]

[Quest rewards:

100 XP

10 stat points

1 skill point

1 random item]

[Do you accept this quest? Y/N]

Huh? Has it already started? Of course, I'm gonna accept this. This is why I came here in the first place.

Even though I'm afraid, I won't let go of this chance to get so many things. 10 stat points means two level-ups! (Reminder: You gain free five stat points each time you level up until level 10.) And free XP, a skill point, and an item. They will be crucial for my survival.

I moved my hands to press the Yes button and stopped before my fingertips touched the yes. I smiled slightly. You can't fool me!

Why the hell would I do it without checking the penalty first?

"Show me the penalty." I mentally asked.

[Ding!]

[Quest name: Survival]

[Penalty: If you fail to complete this quest within 24 hours, you won't be able to enter a safe zone. You may die.]

This deceiver system!

Thankfully I know this, or else I would have been left in the dark. What if I didn't know and received another quest with a high risk? No way.

Anyway, I am gonna accept this one. Although the risk may seem high, I can do it easily. I know where a safe zone is. It is in of the schools in this town near the station, my little brother studies there.

That's why I'm not worried about him. But I have to go and make sure he is safe. Since he also likes games he will surely be curious. I hope he won't try anything stupid since he is so brave.

I pressed the Yes button.

[Ding!]

[You have accepted the Survival Quest.]

Before I could continue another notification appeared.

[As compensation for the inconvenience and a gift for your survival, I will give you a free weapon and a free skill at the beginning of the merge. You can choose from a list of weapons and skills that are suitable for your future class or preference. You can also choose based on your strategy or tactics.]

Huh? So there was something like this. The system surely is helpful.

[Here are your choices:]

[Please choose your weapon and skill now.]

[Weapons:

Sword: A basic weapon that can slash or stab at a medium range. It is effective against monsters that have low defense or are weak to slashing damage.

Bow: A basic weapon that can shoot arrows at a long range. It is effective against monsters that have low HP or are weak to piercing damage.

Staff: A basic weapon that can cast spells at any range. It is effective against monsters that have low resistance or are weak to magic damage.

Hammer: A basic weapon that can smash or crush at a short range. It is effective against monsters that have high defense or are weak to blunt damage.

Dagger: A basic weapon that can stab or slash at a close range. It is effective against monsters that have low HP or are weak to piercing damage.]

As I was grateful I quickly scanned the weapon list.

Sword? Although swords are cool, I can't handle them that much. A bow? That's the most suitable weapon for a person like me who is cautious. But I'm not gonna choose this one.

Staff? No. Hammer? Definitely no!

The only one left is Dagger. My first choice weapon. I always choose a dagger from the weapons. Besides, only with this could I get the Coward class again. I can get it with the bow too but the chances are low...

And now let's choose a skill.