Unique 'Modern Soldier' Job III
"These skills are indeed impressive. But without weapons, they would be useless," I thought flatly as I stared at my status screen.
I scrutinized the screen with mixed feelings. The abilities listed there seemed impressive, but they could all be futile without modern weapons suitable for their use. Tactical Assault, Advanced Firearm Proficiency, and Adaptive Combat Training sounded enticing on paper, but how could I obtain modern weapons in a world full of magic and mystery like this? Perhaps there was another way I hadn't yet discovered to acquire the equipment I needed.
As I was still caught in confusion, suddenly my eyes caught something new appearing on my status screen. A mechanical bell echoed in my head.
DING!
│Installing Purchase System...│
"What is this?"
Shortly after, a dizzying sensation began to spread in my head, as if my brain was overloaded and about to burst.
│Process 10% 23% 48%...│
The cold, mechanical process inside my head intensified, while I struggled to stagger towards the wall to brace myself against the pain.
There was no one around me; the guards and classmates had left me in the castle corridor as we headed to the knight training field inside the castle.
│Process 70% 84% 99%...│
The pain became unbearable as I leaned my back against the wall, my hands massaging my temples. I was on the verge of screaming when the mechanical voice ended with the words:
│Installation Successful│
│Congratulations, Host, you have been selected by Deus Machina to receive the Purchase System!│
Upon hearing that cold, mechanical voice, I almost spat in disdain at the entity that caused this intense headache. I stood up with a wobbly body, still massaging my temples.
I ignored the earlier cold voice; it sounded too suspicious.
As everything started to improve, I walked with a still slightly dizzy head but gradually recovering. I wandered the corridors, hearing enthusiastic voices from a class to the west.
'Oh my, this is really dizzy,' I muttered to myself with growing annoyance as I approached the source of the noise.
Soon enough, I found a group of students gathered in a spacious courtyard, where a knight instructor in armor was explaining about Jobs in this world.
"So, Jobs in this world define who you are, with some advantages like enhancing your skills. My job example is Swordman, where I can flow energy throughout my body to perform Swordman-like movements without needing much training."
The knight demonstrated his sword movements based on this system. He showcased some impressive moves, leaving the other students looking at him with sparkling eyes.
Including myself, I was impressed to see him perform like that without needing heavy training. But how could they flow energy like that?
However, my attention shifted to my protruding stomach, leaving me uncomfortable with this condition. If I could lose weight quickly, it would be a great achievement in my life.
The instructor said as he reached out, "So, please try it out for yourself."
Waves of discussion erupted among the crowd of students, and they began to split around the field to test their job abilities. Some of them picked wooden weapons like swords, arrows, or daggers.
I picked a wooden dagger as my last choice. After gripping the wooden dagger in my hand, I chose to go to the corner of the courtyard to try my abilities too. After watching the knight's demonstration earlier, I began to understand that the energy mentioned came from within, maybe from the heart. I had to try to imagine how to flow it.
Standing tall, I began to envision how blood was pumped by the heart and flowed throughout my body. Seeing my classmates succeed with the knight's guidance, I felt motivated to try as well. However, after several attempts, it felt like the effort was futile.
Suddenly, a bell rang in my head again, and the cold, mechanical voice sounded once more.
DING!
│Host does not meet the requirements to use Skill! Please check the prerequisites again.│
I shook my head hearing the cold words in my head, as if it were a joke. "Come on! Why is it only me?" I hissed loudly enough to draw the attention of classmates who began whispering with mockery.
They stood there, pointing at me and inserting sarcastic comments among them. "Just look at Johan again. There's no way he can keep up." "Does he really think he can be anything in this world?" "Looks like he's not smart enough to understand how it works."
I felt they didn't understand how difficult it was for me here, trying to find a way to master other skills. But I wouldn't let their words drag me into despair.
I canceled my decision and continued to strive for it in another way.
"Profile" With a low voice sounds almost murmuring.
│Profile│
Name: Johan Anderson Age: 17 years
Occupation: Modern Warrior
Statistics:
Health (HP): *****
Strength (STR): ***
Defense (DEF): ***
Speed (SPD): ****
Intelligence (INT): ***
│Skills│
Tactical Attack: Allows users to plan structured attacks, increasing accuracy and effectiveness.
Advanced Firearms Proficiency: Master the use of modern firearms with a high skill level, providing an advantage in long-range combat.
Adaptive Combat Training: Allows users to quickly adapt to various combat situations, enhancing survival skills and responses to threats.
<Qualification for skill activities, the host must be in a real battle situation>
│Additional features after the installation process is complete!│
│Host can now use the installed purchase system│
│Store feature added│
Startled in confusion, I didn't expect to have so many messages under my status window. After that brief notification, those words disappeared and the shop feature with a shopping cart logo was added below the capabilities.
Although I was surprised, there was annoyance in reading the requirements needed to use such a skill. It felt like I wanted to slam my head against the wall if I couldn't hold back my emotions. But curiosity overwhelmed everything. I made sure the surroundings were safe from the attention of others before clicking on the transparent window that only I could see.
│Shop│
│Weapon Name│ Description │ Credit Points │ Availability │
Glock 17 Pistol: Semi-automatic 9mm pistol - 1,000 Credit Points - Available
M4A1 Assault Rifle: 5.56mm assault rifle - 25,000 Credit Points - Available
Barrett M82A1 Sniper Rifle: .50 BMG sniper rifle - 50,000 Credit Points - Available
M67 Fragmentation Grenade: Fragmentation grenade - 5,000 Credit Points - Available
Kevlar Bulletproof Vest: Bulletproof vest - 15,000 Credit Points - Available
And there are still many items that I can buy, with the exchange rate of goods in Credit Points. Because I didn't know what Credit Points were even though I was stunned by the exclusive cheat I got, the system told me what Credit Points were.
│Credit Points: Is an exchange system used by this purchase system. To earn points, the host can complete missions given by the system. The point value is obtained depending on the mission given.│
I read the explanation attentively. Now I understand that Credit Points are the key to acquiring the weapons and equipment I need. However, I know this journey won't be easy. I have to complete missions to earn points and prove myself as a true Modern Warrior.
I observe it with deep curiosity. "When I'm pondering the solution, the solution appears," I think to myself, feeling somewhat pleased and entertained by this coincidence. Curiosity and hope begin to surface, pushing aside the previous dominance of worry.
With cheats like this, I shouldn't worry—or maybe I still should worry because there's magic here. This means I could settle the debate about modern weapons versus magic, but that's for another opportunity.
My blue eyes shift towards the group of classmates who hold the job of Majus. They have their own Majus instructor who explains how to use magic through mantras. The instructor, a man in his mid-40s with a long purple robe and a carved wooden staff, appears charismatic and authoritative.
Since everyone is ignoring me, I slowly approach the group and listen carefully to the Majus instructor's explanation.
"The basic mantra we will learn first is 'Ignis,' which means fire in ancient language. This is one of the most fundamental elements and very useful in various situations," the instructor says loudly and clearly. "To pronounce this mantra, you must focus and direct the energy from within yourselves to the tips of your fingers."
I watch my classmates enthusiastically try to utter the mantra. Some of them succeed in producing small flames at their fingertips, while others appear frustrated with their unsuccessful attempts.
The Majus instructor then gives more instructions and demonstrations, showing the correct hand movements and intonations for the mantra. He makes it look so easy, with a bright flame blazing in the palm of his hand with just one word.
"Oh, Eternal Spirit of Fire, embodiment of universal power, Hear my praise, hear my plea. From darkness, You create light, Illuminating the world with divine warmth. I submit to Your majesty, Eternal Spirit of Fire, Grant me a spark of Your light to grasp. Let this fire be a sign, Divine Power always guiding me."
"Hmm? Why does this person recite such a long mantra just to produce a small flame at their fingertips?" I think, confused and slightly disappointed.
It turns out I'm not the only one who feels this way. Those watching the demonstration also seem disappointed. However, there's an explanation for it.
The Majus instructor smiles, noticing our disappointment. "I know some of you may be wondering why this mantra is so long just to produce a small flame," he says. "The real reason is, this lengthy mantra serves to help you build focus and connection with the element of fire. Over time and practice, you'll be able to shorten the mantra and strengthen your magic powers. For now, this long mantra helps you understand and feel the flow of energy within yourselves."
He continues confidently, "Magic is about control and understanding. With each word and gesture, you direct and concentrate energy. When you become skilled, you'll be able to manipulate elements with just your mind and intent."
Hearing this explanation, I begin to understand the purpose of the lengthy mantra. It's not just about the end result, but also about the process of learning and self-mastery. Though it feels slow, this is an important first step in their journey to become great Majus.
I watch my classmates who are starting to repeat the mantra more seriously, trying to understand the flow of energy within their bodies. Some of them begin to show improvement, with larger and more stable flames at their fingertips. This gives me some understanding, seen from the Majus instructor's explanation, it seems there aren't many gifted Majus due to the lack of adequate facilities and various constraints. Therefore, public interest in the world of magic is declining, so only a few people are interested in plunging into the world of magic.
Even with the help of the system, there is still a long process to become what is thought of by classmates who have a job as a mage. They must have imagined a fictional character in Japan who could fly magic from just one word. However, reality is cruel. Magic in this world requires dedication and hard work, unlike in fiction where everything seems easy and instant.
I can see how frustrating some classmates are trying to master those mantras. They concentrate all their attention, repeat hand movements and words diligently, but the results are still not as fast as they hoped. Sweat begins to drip on their foreheads, showing how tiring this learning process is.
Seeing all this, I feel it's to my advantage. If reciting their mantras takes so long and requires breaks, then firearms have an advantage in terms of speed and effectiveness. I can use the firearms available in my cheat system to fill this gap. With modern firearms, I can deal with enemies quickly without having to memorize and recite complex mantras.
As my blue eyes return to the group of classmates who are still struggling hard to master their magic, I feel more confident in my decision. In a world where magic is difficult and time-consuming to master, having the ability to use modern weapons can be a significant strategic advantage.
However, I must not underestimate them either. Although their learning process seems slow and difficult, their magical potential could be very strong if they succeed. I have to remain vigilant and continue practicing, ensuring that I not only rely on weapons but also develop the skills and tactics necessary to survive and excel in this world.
I stand there without anyone noticing me and continue to observe the other groups. While there are some who know I am approaching and listening, they immediately give me a sneering look that makes me move away.
After the demonstration is over, we are directed to rest and digest all the information given. We are each given a room in this palace, small but comfortable with soft beds and minimalist furniture. I feel somewhat relieved knowing that I will have privacy to consider my next steps and perhaps try some experiments.
Lying on the bed, my mind wanders. While everyone may be excited about their future in this new world, I feel skeptical. Honestly, I still don't want to risk my life for a country or kingdom that I don't know or understand. It feels like being asked to pay for someone else's meal that I don't know at all; it's absurd. How can I risk my life for such vague reasons?
I sit at the edge of the bed, staring at the window showing the view of the expansive and beautiful palace grounds. 'I need to find a new purpose,' I think. To do that, I have to start by understanding the Deus Machina system more deeply and find an effective way to earn Credit Points.
But before I can begin, I need to understand the environment around me. This palace is vast and complex, with winding corridors and various rooms that may hold secrets. There might be a library or training room that could provide more information about this world and how it operates.
The silence in the room makes my mind work faster. I decide to explore the palace, using this spare time to search for information that could help me. I rise from the bed and open the door to the room, stepping out into the quiet corridor. My steps echo along the marble floor as I begin to navigate the winding corridors, searching for clues.