My SI Stash #11 - Optimistic Game by Mirlnir (RWBY)

-Da 43rd gamer is clearly blessed by the RNG Gacha Gods/

Synopsis: ???

Rated: M

Words: 56K

Posted on: https://forum.questionablequesting.com/threads/optimistic-game.12817/ (Mirlnir)

PS: If you're not able to copy/paste the link, you have everything in here to find it, by simply searching the author and the story title. It sucks that you can't copy links on mobile (´ー｀)

-I'll be putting the chapter ones of all the fanfics/originals mentioned, to give you guys a sample if you wan't more please do go to the website and support the author! (And maybe even convince them to start uploading chapters in here as well!)

Chapter 1

This is a bad idea. A very bad idea.

​

How so?

What if he rises up to power?

​

No one can be my equal, Game. We both know that.

True, but he can give you trouble once strong enough. And you're not letting just anyone reincarnate, but one with a good alignment.

They annoy me greatly

​

Are they? I find them quite amusing. Definitely more entertaining than evil ones.

What about the previous 41 Gamers?

​

Oh, those assholes were arrogant and got killed. I simply did them a favor by not torturing them. Besides, I have a good feeling about this one.

...I hope you know what you're doing.

​

Trust me; I do.

Query... Why did you meddle with his system? You made his... Weaker in ways yet stronger in others.

​

I got bored. I wanted new things. That's all.

...He can't travel to other worlds until he finishes each of them.

​

Indeed. And his first world is a low-level one, so he'll be fine.

...What will you do if he does reach a level that threatens you?

​

We'll get to that if he does. He's still hundreds of thousands of years away.

...If you say so.​

Man, it's so dark in here. Where am I anyway? I can't remember anything really. Well, that's a lie. I remember... a good chunk of my life, but not what happened to cause this endlessly stretched darkness.

Am I dead? Pfft, what a stupid thought.

Maybe someone knocked me out? Is that why I don't remember my name? Oh god, did I lose my memories? But why would I remember almost everything? I mean, does this even happen? I'm not an expert on psychology, but isn't this a bit weird?

You're asking a lot of questions.

​

Am I? I mean, they are definitely-

...

So... who am I talking to?

The Game.

​

That... Doesn't exactly tell much.

It doesn't have to.

​

...So are you like, God?

Why would you think that?

​

I mean... I'm dead, aren't I?

You are.

​

Well shit. Goddamn it, I wanted to at least age to 60 before that. Hey, God-

I am not God.

​

I've been a good guy, haven't I? I always help old ladies to cross the roads and get cats down from trees, can I have another chance? Or am I going to heaven? If that's the case, then I think dying is fine.

...You know, I thought you would at least show a bit of regret about losing your life.

​

Eh, shit happens and now I'm dead. I mean, granted, I had a lot of stuff I wanted to do, but I can't exactly complain and whine, considering I'm fucking dead. Besides, I lived a good life... I think.

...You had a lot of things to do.

​

Yeah yeah, I get that a lot, so where am I going? Heaven or hell? Please not hell. You know I always believed in you, right?

Reincarnation.

​

...Wait, wait, really? I was honestly joking

As a Gamer.

​

...P-pardon?

You are the 43rd Gamer. Congratulations.

​

Perks gained

[Gamer's Mind]

Your mind will calm itself down when needed.

You are immune to psychological attacks.

[Gamer's Body]

Your body will behave like that of an RPG character.

Does not regenerate your limbs and you are not immune to scaring.

Skill gained

[Observe]

Gain a bit of information about the target

Oh my god, YOU ARE ACTUALLY SERIOUS?!

Now then-

​

YES! HOLY SHIT I'M GONNA BECOME AN ISEKAI PROTAGONIST! THANK GOD I DIED!

Shut up.

​

HAHA!

Now, since a certain someone changed how your system behaves, instead of choosing a class, you'll choose four mastery skills that will grow with you. Two offense, one defense, and production.

Choose wisely.

[Melee]

Sword Mastery

Dagger Mastery

Martial Art Mastery

Axe Mastery

Spear Mastery

Scythe Mastery

Mace Mastery

[Magic]

Fire Mastery

Wind Mastery

Water Mastery

Earth Mastery

[Ranged]

Bow Mastery

Crossbow Mastery

Gun Mastery

[Armor]

Light-Armor Mastery

Medium-Armor Mastery

Heavy-Armor Mastery

Shield Mastery

[Production]

Engineer

Alchemist

Enchanter

Blacksmith

Runesmith​

So many to choose from...

First, I'm obviously choosing swords. I mean, how many legendary swords are out there? Excalibur? Muramasa? If I get my hands on one of them, then I basically win.

Mastery Skill gained

[Sword Mastery] (LV 0/100)

Your skill in the sword is that of a novice

Increase sword damage by 1%

Alright, so magic.

...

...

...

FUCKING MAGIC!

Oh my god, I can use magic?! How cool is that?! It's any boy's dream to shoot fire out of their hands! Sucks there's no Ice magic though, I mean, I could freeze time as Esdeath did!

2 Reputation with ? [2/100]

Huh?

Don't worry about it.

​

Oh, well, okay.

If it's no ice magic then Fire. It's the next best thing after all.

Mastery Skill gained

[Fire Magic Mastery] (LV 1/100)

Your skill in fire magic is that of a novice

Increase fire damage by 1%

Skill gained

[Fireball] (LV 1/10)

Throw a fireball that deals 50 fire damage

Costs 25 MP

Armor... in games like Skyrim, I usually take Heavy Armor and play a paladin-like class, but this isn't Skyrim, and I think dodging shit is better than absorbing damage. It'd definitely hurt less...

[Light-Armor Mastery] (LV 1/100)

Your skill in light-armor is that of a novice

Increase light-armor effectiveness by 1%

And finally production... I'll admit, all of them are useful on their own. With Engineer, you could make a lot of useful gadgets. Jetpacks, plasma rifles, and probably an Ironman suit, but Alchemists could probably save a lot of lives, and they're much easier to produce...

Enchanter is amazing as well. I could probably make a legendary weapon if I'm skilled enough... Same with Blacksmith and Runesmith though...

...I probably should choose Alchemist. I could fix a lot of problems with it. I could one day maybe cure any terminal illnesses, Like cancer or AIDS. Who wouldn't want to do that?

Also, money.

Lots and lots of money.

[Alchemy] (LV 1/100)

Your skill in alchemy is that of a novice

Increases potion effectiveness by 1%

Finally done. Now choose your race.

[Human] [?]

​

And the question mark is...?

Who knows. Care to take a risk?

​

...You know, when I played FGO, I got three five stars in a row once... So I have faith in the Gacha Gods.

Question Mark!

[Human/? Hybrid]

A perfect breed between a human and a ?

Your mastery skills gain 10% more EXP

Your ? side gives you double gain in STR and VIT. You start with 50 CHA

Discover your heritage to unlock more of its powers.

Okay, okay. At least I am not a goblin or something. A part of me almost regretted choosing it.

And a 50 charisma right off the bat? That's definitely not a goblin.

One more thing before you go. You have the option of getting three perks for a single flaw that will haunt you for a long time. Would you like to try?

​

Three for one? That seems... Incredibly unbalanced.

I don't want you to be telling me that.

​

Um, okay. I guess I'll do it.

Perks gained

[Blessing of the Fire God]

Fire spells deal x2 damage and cost 50% less

Fire will bend to your will, as you control what is burned and what is spared

You can change the color of your flames to whatever suits your taste

[Haki]

You have the ability to use the three Haki powers.

[Chaos Conversion]

Receive a progressive boost to your movement speed for each point of mana spent and receive a progressive boost to your physical damage for each point of fire damage done.

0.1% Movement speed boost per mana point spent.

0.1% Physical damage buff per point of fire damage dealt.

Movement speed boost and physical damage buff cap at x2.0 (200% increase)

Dissipates after leaving combat.

Skills gained

[Haki: Armament] (LV 0/10)

Coat your skin in tough armor, strengthening your defense, and increasing your striking power. You are able to his intangible beings with this active

Increases your DEF by 0. Increases by 50 for every level

Increases your Hand-to-Hand damage by 0%. Increases by 10% for every level

Requires 50 STR for every level

[Haki: Observation] (LV 0/10)

You have a powerful sixth sense, making you aware of attacks before they even happen.

Requires 50 DEX for every level

[Haki: Conquerer's] (LV 1/10)

Impose your will on others, intimidating them to the point of freezing in fear or outright knocking them out.

Requires 50 CHA for every level

Flaw gained

[Battle Manaic]

You live to fight, and you'll do anything for a good one.

HAKI! YEAH!

Fuck, I've always wanted to knock out others with a glare.

OH! Am I going to One Piece?! If that's the case, then fuck Luffy! I'll become the Pirate King!

You don't seem to be very worried about your flaw.

​

Eh, I can handle it. I have Gamer's Mind to help me out.

...Very well.

​

So, where am I going?

You'll know when you get there. I take it you're ready?

​

Yup! Beam me up, Scotty!

...I have no idea what she saw in you.

​

What?

You will be reincarnated in 5

​

Wait, hold up, what do you mean she?

4

​

Uh, God?

3

​

Yeah, okay, fine. Don't respond, that's cool.

2

1​

My eyes shoot wide open as I gasp. That... Wasn't very pleasant, holy crap.

I take a quick glance around the area, thick dark bushes and huge trees surround the place. Slowly getting on my feet, I get a feel of my face.

...Yeah, I definitely look different. Too bad there's no mirror around.

...Er, I think I look different? I... can't seem to remember what I look like. Oh well.

So, where are am I? It's a forest obviously, but what world? Is it a place I know? Hopefully.

I should walk around. Maybe I could find something that will lead me to a nearby town or something.

Let's see... Status?

Name: Reid Astera

Age: 16

Race: Human/? Hybrid

Alignment: Neutral Good

Level: 1 (0%)

HP: 500 [Regens 50 per minute]

MP: 500 [Regens 50 per minute]

AP: 250 [Regens 25 per minute]

STR: 10

VIT: 10

DEX: 10

INT: 10

WIS: 10

CHA: 50

LUK: 10

Points: 0

HP = VITx50 (Hybrid Bonus)

HP Regen = VITx5

MP = INTx50 (Hybrid Bonus)

MP Regen = WISx5

AP = 250 AP per Level

AP Regen = 10% of AP

500 MP at level 1? Could it be my hybrid race? But what could give me increased STR, VIT, CHA, and extra MP? A vampire? That's the only thing I could think of...

And my name is different from my old one. I don't remember it, but I know it's something else.

And what's AP? That's the only clue about what world I'm in I have now.

Hey, uh, God, or Game? Can I have a plain sword or something? I don't feel safe here...

Iron Longsword added to Inventory

Thanks!

I take out the weapon and use my first ever observe.

Iron Longsword

Deals 50 + STRx1.2 Physical Damage

Nodding to myself, I keep walking forward, wondering what I'm gonna do once I find civilization. I probably should grind until I'm strong enough and not worry about sleep or food since Gamer's Body didn't really mention either of these things, but I need to at least know what I'm dealing with here. Information is the most vital thing you could get after all.

At the corner of my eye, I spot two red spots glaring at me. I stop my movement to stare it back, gripping my blade tightly. For a silent minute, a black beast leaps at me. I back off and shoot a fireball on instinct.

...So RWBY? That's a relief.

Observe

Young Beowulf

Level: 5

HP: 400/500

This shouldn't be too difficult. I think I can take it.

It snarls and rushes me, causing me to roll out of the way as I shoot another fireball. It recoils a bit and I use the chance to get close, getting a good three hits on it before backing away.

It roars and leaps again and I duck under it, slicing its leg off and throwing four fireballs, burning it to ashes.

+25 EXP

That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

And as soon as I thought that, two more Beowolves jump out and attack me. I evade them by rolling out of their way and shooting a fireball at the first one. The second growls and charges. I side-step and slash its shoulder. The other one managed to land a hit on me, reducing my Aura by 83 points. I grunt and blast its head with fire, knocking it away. I smirk a little and rush the one I slashed and narrowly dodge a bite attack, then slice its head off with a swing.

Without wasting any time, I rush the stunned one and stab its belly. It howls in pain but I shut it up as I shoot a fireball down its throat, burning it from the inside.

+50 EXP

Whew, that was fun.

But RWBY huh? I guess I'm safe then. I mean, I was kinda worried that I spawned in DC or Marvel.

If that is the case then I can now think about my next course of action.

Obviously, my goal here is stopping Cinder and her goons from destroying Beacon. But how? I don't exactly know when I revived. She could've already destroyed it after all.

But let's say that I'm like a week away from canon. That gives me enough time to get Beacon and stop here from there. It will be difficult, with her half-maiden power, but If I train hard enough, I don't think I'll be having trouble with her. Probably get Qrow's help with her minions too.

...Or, if maybe I was revived even earlier, like a month or something, then I could probably derail all her plans by saving Amber. She would know Cinder's face and Miss Fire Bitch will never set foot on Vale.

New Quest

[In Shining Armor]

Objective: Save Amber from Cinder and her goons

Rewards: 1 Gacha Token, 1000 Credits, 5 Random Stat Crystals, Greatly Increase Reputation with Amber, Increase Reputation with Ozpin's Circle, Canon starts earlier.

Time Limit: 7 Days, 7 Hours, 51 Minutes

So I can save her, but it will be very difficult. Doable though.

Alright, so, get strong enough then find Amber and tail her. Once they attack, ambush them when they least expect it.

But the first thing I should do is find out where I am-

I spot a gravestone, and once I read what's on it, I instantly know my location.

"Summer Rose. Thus I kindly scatter..." I mutter quietly.

In Patch then.

That's... shit, that's bad.

Patch is an island surrounded by water. How the hell am I gonna get to Vale?

I... think I should worry about that later. Right now, I'm nowhere near as strong as hunters, and I need to be strong enough so I can handle Cinder and those two morons.

And hopefully, I don't run into Ruby or Yang. Why? Well, easy.

Meeting Ruby/Yang = them telling Qrow about me = might get him interested = most likely meeting Ozpin when I don't want to.

It's probably my paranoia speaking, but I really don't want to tell anyone that this world is actually an anime.

Not even a good one at that.

Well, I think I overstayed my welcome here. I should go now.

With one last glance at Summer's grave, I go back to the forest.

(A day Later)

Name: Reid Astera

Age: 16

Race: Human/? Hybrid

Alignment: Neutral Good

Level: 15 (61%)

HP: 2000 [Regens 200 per minute]

MP: 1250 [Regens 125 per minute]

AP: 3750 [Regens 375 per minute]

STR: 40

VIT: 40

DEX: 25

INT: 25

WIS: 25

CHA: 65

LUK: 25

Points: 70

Okay, so, I learned a lot of things in the past 24 hours. First, when I level up, I get one stat point in all stats, but because of my hybrid race bonus, I get two in STR and VIT. I also get 5 extra points wherever I want, so I think those ones are if I want to focus on a fighting style. I'll be balanced of course, but I'll keep them for now.

Second, I don't get a perk once a stat reaches the 50 mark. I don't when I'll be getting a perk if even I do, but I hope it's soon.

Third, my theory was right. I don't need to sleep, eat, or drink. I kept killing and fighting every Grimm I saw non-stop. That is useful to have.

And finally, the Grimm.

I duck under a Beowulf's swipe and slice it's arm off, then blast it with fire, incinerating it completely.

10 EXP

There are not many powerful Grimm here. All of their levels range from 2 to 10. Why don't I have ID create or something?

It was taken away.

​

By whom?

Someone you don't want to mess with.

​

...You like being cryptic, don't you? Whatever.

What about dungeons then? Are there even any dungeons?

Yes. You must find them first. Once you do, you must kill anything in close vicinity to the dungeon. That will give beings the chance to drop the key.

​

Is that so? How many dungeons are there?

There are currently 565 dungeons throughout the world, with 71 in Vale and 2 in Patch.​

That doesn't seem like a lot. Unless you're telling me that Remnant is smaller than Earth?

It is not. They are the same size.

​

Hmm... Well, no point in thinking that far ahead. I'm sure I'll find one eventually.

Now that I leveled up my Sword Mastery and Fire Mastery to 10 each, I think I should focus on Alchemy now. There is a chance that I fail, and if I do, then healing potions could help Amber stabilize.

I already gathered a lot of stuff. Flowers, wild berries, tree leaves, and other plants. I just need Alchemy tools.

Can I get some?

No- ... Very well.

​

Basic Mortar and Pestle added to inventory

Glass Vial added to inventory x10

Basic Mortar and Pestle

You can make first Tier potions with this.

Thank you.

Now, let's try adding a few of this with a bit of that, mix them together, and...

... ... ...

Nothing is happening.

Mix your Mana with it.

​

Ah.

Vial of Poison - Tier 1

Coat it on your weapon to deal + 20 Poison Damage for 5 hits

So it takes a bit of mana too? That makes it hard to replicate then.

Let's try it again, but mix other things...

Health Potion - Tier 1

Heals 2% of your max health

Alchemy leveled up

Only two percent? Well, I guess I could understand. I'm still a beginner after all.

Hold on, I have an idea.

What if I use the same ingredients... but mix it with Aura too?

Aura Potion - Tier 1

Heals 2% of your Max Aura

It worked!

If I sell this then... oh fuck yeah, I'm gonna be rich. Selling something others can't replicate is a sure way of getting easy money. I'll probably get Ozpin's attention but who cares? He can't drag me to his side.

The SDC? Get out of here. I'll be richer than you, just you wait.

All I need is a bit of time...

I spent the rest of the day using all of my vials for potions and leveling up some more. I'm currently level 20, which means I can use Armament, and I made 1 Mana potion, 5 Health ones, and 1 Aura pot. My alchemy is level 4, while Fire and Sword Masteries are 13 each.

A quick glance at my quest tells me that I only have 5 days until Amber is attacked. I don't have enough time...

I need to get out of Patch and search for Amber. I know she's in Vale, but I don't know where exactly. Finding her in five days will be difficult but I can do it.

I already found the town, so that problem is out of the way. I just need money for the fee to Vale. From there, I could travel around the continent. Call it a hunch, but I don't think Amber was attacked far away from the city, so I should start my search from there.

And how am I gonna earn money? Well...

"Come and try out my magical medicine! A small Vial can heal a cut to your skin instantly!"

Making me a makeshift stall out of cardboard boxes was kinda annoying, but I did manage to sell two HP vials for now, and that got me 400 Liens. Too much? Not really, a Dollar is 100 Lien apparently. And a fee requires 500.

I think people gave this try because of my CHA stat.

By the way, I look hot. Like holy hell, this is not normal. I got that badass white hair, deep blue eyes, and fair skin. I look like a damned prince.

A prince selling crude potions on a cardboard stall.

sigh

I wonder what I looked like in my past life?

"You sir!" I point at a random man. He looks at me and points to himself in askance. "Yes, you! Would you like to try this magical medicine? It's only 200 Liens!"

"I-I don't know-"

"Please, I insist!" I press on. "I promise you it's 100% legit!"

He grimaces while looking between my grinning face and the vial. He takes a whole minute before sighing. "Fine."

"Excellent choice my good sir!"

Charisma stat for the win.

+200 Lien

"Thank you, come again!"

And that is enough for a ride.

But I stayed for a while more, selling the rest of my health potions and getting an extra 600 Lien. It should be enough for now, since I don't exactly need food or sleep. If I need anymore I could just buy more vials and make more potions.

I probably shouldn't sell my shit here very close to Ozpin and Qrow, but the moment they get here, I'll be gone.

Now! Next stop? To the city of Vale!

Or back to the forest.

The docks close at 8 apparently. Kinda inconvenient, but I can finish the quest in four days...

Hopefully.

I'll spend the rest of the night killing Grimm and leveling up. I still doubt I'm even a match to Cinder, but I'll at least be able to stall them until Qrow arrives. After he does, then run away. I'm not getting entangled with Ozpin's group.

Whatever happens though, I'm sure it will be just fine.

(Ruby)

"Hey, mom." She greeted, a sad smile on her face.

How many times has she visited now? Too many to count.

"It's been a while." She said. "But training with uncle Qrow and dad has been hectic lately. I think they're getting Yang ready for Beacon and dragged me into it."

She looked down at her feet. "Sorry I don't visit you as much. It must be lonely here, huh?"

She frowned a bit. "...We miss you."

A moment of silence.

"My dad told me that you got to Beacon a year early." Ruby changed the subject. "How cool is that? I wish I could be like you. You must've been an amazing huntress."

So why did you leave us? Was left unsaid.

Ruby shook her head. "I-"

It was then that she heard the howl of a Beowulf.

"Huh?"

She looked to her left, where the voice came from and a hand slowly gripped her weapon.

That was strange. Beowolves don't just howl at midnight. They never howl unless they were attacked or attacking.

Is someone there?

Another howl, but this one was cut short abruptly.

Ruby narrowed her eyes and ran to the place, skillfully evading whatever was in her way while using her Semblance. She stopped to see a ball of fire hitting a Beowulf and incinerating it.

She turned her head to the source of the attack and spotted an older boy dodging the Grimm coming from behind him and killing it with a stab to the head.

"That's the last of them..." He muttered. "If that's all of the Grimm here I'm gonna be seriously pissed. They barely gave any EXP..."

What?

He sighed. "Well, if that's it, then I should probably focus on Alchemy."

What is he talking about? EXP? Alchemy? Is he talking about a video game?

Ruby backed away a slowly, remembering Yang's words about not hanging around weirdos. Just a bit and she can just go home. No need to-

Crunch!

Darn it!

He whipped his head to where she was and his left hand burst into fire. He smirked. "Guess there's still a few here."

"W-wait! I'm a human! A human!"

She got out of the bushes and flailed her arms around in panic. The boy widened his eyes, the flames in his hand sizzling out.

Ruby let out a sigh of relief. "What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing? What are you doing?" He responded.

She winced slightly. "I-I was hearing Beowolves and I thought someone was being attacked."

"Is that so?" He sighed, rubbing his neck. "God, you scared the hell out of me."

"Sorry..."

"It's fine." He waved it off. "I've been simply getting rid of Grimm top close to the edge of the forest. Pretty annoying but it works up a sweat, so there's that."

"At midnight?"

He smirked. "It's more challenging this way."

She could... kinda understand what he means. It is fun fighting strong Grimm sometimes.

Still very dangerous.

"By the way," He started. "Could I interest you in some special medicine?"

Aaaaand that's her cue to leave.

"W-wait hold on!" He stopped her. "It's 100% legit! I promise!"

"My dad told me not to talk to strangers. Bye."

"Look, I know it sounds very suspicious but I swear there's nothing weird about it!"

She stopped and regarded him with narrowed eyes. "What's this medicine you're talking about?"

"Glad you asked!" He grinned widely and pulled out a small vial with a golden liquid inside. "This little thing here once gulped up, will regenerate a small percentage of your Aura. And it is completely harmless."

He gave it to her and she inspected it. He continued. "And no, they don't taste bad."

She looked between him and the vial repeatedly. He doesn't seem to be lying, and if what he's saying is true then...

"I don't have any money on me."

"That's fine!" He assured her. "You can have this one for free, but I want you to promise me to visit my store once it's open. Fair?"

(Reid)

Ruby looks a bit conflicted.

Aw, she's so adorable. I definitely didn't want to meet either her or Yang at this time, but looking at her face makes it almost worth the risks.

Almost.

She doesn't exactly trust me, but my CHA stat is making this a bit easier for me, getting her to at least give me the benefit of the doubt.

"Okay." She agrees, pocketing the Aura potion in her pocket.

Yes!

"Thank you for your patronage!"

"Right..." She says. "I'll be going back home now. Take care."

"Hope to see you again!" I say my goodbye as she leaves the forest.

Nice job me! Now you got a customer that will most likely tell her team about your future shop.

Besides, Ruby will be in a team with Weiss, and Weiss will probably give my place a try.

Making connections currently is a smart move. SDC won't see me as a threat for a long time, and getting Weiss on my side will protect me from anything bad coming from them.

Man, I'm such a genius.

Now, back to grinding.