-Congratulations on discovering the 'RESPAWN' function, Now every time you die, you will revive wherever you've last visited. ( Last visited in an hour )-
Hmm... was this the power of the system?
I dismiss the thought of it as I focus on my survival.
I walk silently and carefully as far as I can do to avoid the Monsters attention.
I carefully trudge as I search the area, there are occasionally demons here and there but I carefully avoid them. having a green armour suit isn't really an ideal camouflage at the desolate area of hell so it was kinda hard. at least there aren't many demons wandering around compared to my... last life?
I walk for hours without rest as I felt my throat dried as it begs for water. and feet hurt as they demand a rest.
I crouched beneath the fleshy ground when I heard a large stomping noise and let it past by before I continued my search.
... a few hours later...
I finally found what I'm looking for. actually, I'm pretty lucky that the hell has a cave system in the first place.
A cave that has an entrance of 3-metre diameter, now... I can finally check my 'System' and analyse my arsenal.
opening my system. A blue holographic screen appears in front of me as I manually clicked the shopping.
-Shop----- ----- Exp: 621-
Weapon Category
Techniques Category
Technology Category
Miscellaneous Category
Augmentation Category
---
Selecting the weapon category, I selected the Bombs section.
And selected the Poison Grenade.
--
Poison Gas Grenade- Grade- Low Tier
Similar to the smoke grenade, this particular bomb releases a hazardous smoke for a minute that can attack a person's respiratory system etc, mainly used for weakening the enemy or giving them a slow death depending on their resistance and mass or situation.
Approximate time to kill a normal human - 45 min.
Amount selected= 10
Price = 15 Exp
Remaining Exp = 471 exp
are you sure you wanna buy this?
Y/N
---
Selecting the Y button, I waited for the P.G Grenades to manifest in my hand or in front of me, yet nothing happened for the last minute.
I shuffle at my hiding spot as I felt my frustration building up.
feeling cheated that I might've been scammed, I curse silently as I checked my system and... yes, my exp has been Deduced yet where's the item I bought?
Did I somehow misunderstand its function? why did that damn A.I without leaving a reliable information in the first place!
I let out an exhausted sigh.
'Was this an another hidden function? like that 'respawn'?'
I grumbled at my unfortunate luck as I active my Night & Thermal vision.
My vision change as my surrounding colours turned green and occasionally red and blue mist that indicates the temperature of the surroundings.
but what I really need to see is if there's a body temperature inside the cave. and I was right.
there was a hazy red mist of silhouette that clearly sleep as I turned it off.
' Probably a sleeping or hibernating animal version of hell...' I warily thought as I hope tha it isn't a bear demon. It would've been a shame if my future base is destroyed.
I sat at my hiding spot as I think of my game plan.
"Muu... this should have been easier if that A.I didn't give me a fake manual for my Sci-fi armour's function, and a manual for my system... did they expect me to know this shenanigan?"
I sighed and closed my eyes as I can't help but complain.
"Inconsequential," I muttered with finality as I think.
'Where would my Items go if I bought them? to my starting point? or was it inside my armour's pocket? wait... pocket?' I instinctively switch my gaze as I stared at my spacial ring beneath my gloves.
" Was this some sort of pocket Dimension? wait... if I remember correctly... Didn't I gain an Eye Augmentation?" I muttered as I remembered my encounter with that damn god. ' Hmm... I may have forgotten it when I caused a huge ruckus earlier... I was busy dealing with those demons after all...'
he frowned when he remembered his unstable emotions. even though his performance has been affected badly by it, it didn't deny that the additional adrenaline rush and enhancement was helpful though.
Ajax was a child soldier with a year worth of training, he was considered average by his pears and nothing noteworthy. and then there's a sudden war out of nowhere. sending him prematurely into the active military because of the lacking manpower.
And their base was obliterated by a Nuclear bomb, and he was lucky he was away in a recent expedition. but unlucky enough to still get caught by Nuclear radiation that mutated his entire body. turning him into a bloated monster, which made him retire.
with no source of income and such an inconvenience mutated body he has, he is doomed to die alone in that cruel world. but that is Inconsequential, as more nuclear fallout happening around the world. from the U.S.A, China, etc. and that's just the beginning.
things went from Bad to Worse.
World Wide Famine, Economic crisis, Agricultural crises, Pandemic and many more, but most importantly is that the fall of governments and many more.
but the most terrifying event is the new Viral virus which was named Coronavirus.
because of the lack of food. animals such as Rat, Snakes, Bat etc and even grass and dirty water became substitute sustenance in the Worldwide fallout, unaware the danger of it.
and since there's no government taking care of us, the Virus was spread far faster than they least expected, people ignore it as the common cold and by the time it was discovered, Millions are badly infected already. with little to no materials and manpower.
Humanity WILL go to extinction.
this entire event which almost wipes out humanity- ( he died so he wasn't sure what happened next. ) would've written in the history and would've been known as-
F.A.P or WW3.
Or... the First Apocalyptic Phenomenon and World war 3.
shaking my head as I try to forget it. I gritted my teeth as I fail to hide my Disgust and Raw rage.
what Important is that he lacks any battle Experience towards the wild. much less, demons or mutated monsters. or whatever they are.
True, he can shoot and kill. but his skills are rusted, while his survival skills are good, he was not THAT good.
shaking those thoughts away. I glared at the cave where the demon is while trying to remember how to use my Augmented eyes.
[You're doing surprisingly good for a newbie, and an inexperience one at that. ]
I almost jump from my hiding spot as I curse at her.
' You! your that-' I stopped halfway as I consider my words carefully, it's no use to curse, after all, it might even backfire.
' ...Why are you here?' I calmly send a telepathic message as I watch the holographic words in front of me.
[ Well your pretty calm real quick. ]
' State your business A.I, or whatever you are.'
[ I don't really care about what you call me. oh and I'm just here to inform you on how to use the rest of the functions. I have an Impression that all Terrans knows about the gamer system, that's why I left you earlier. ]
' Do you now?' I ask menacingly 'I guess the Terrans means humans. huh? or are you saying that we're not the only ones, anyway? can you at least give me a proper Info?' I kindly ask to the monotone A.I.
[ Just think that you're going to grab something and it'll manifest at your right hand.]
'...That's it?'
[ What else do you expect? ]
I did what she said, It took me a couple of minutes to fully grasp what she meant as time seem slow down as an array of futuristic weaponry arranges neatly in front of me in a circular manner, and I somehow fully grasp the knowledge of their Names and functions.
I ignored them As I quickly choose the Poison Gas Grenade.
Bluish particles appeared in my right palm as it manifests a 7-inch rectangular Grenade.
' That's... actually easier than I thought, and did my perception of time slow down?'
[ Correct, now that you know how to do the inventory, I suggest you swallow the soul of Doom slayer before we move to the next topic. ]
' Doom what now?'
A man in similar armour appeared in front of me struggles as he's Body is bound on chains.
'I'm guessing that man is the Doom slayer?' I inquire thoughtfully as I examine his clothing that is near identical to mine.
[ Don't worry, he is bounded by the chains of hell, I suggest you absorb his soul in order to gain more strength. ]
for a moment. the two of us stare each other as I respond to the A.I.
' While I have no problem with absorbing his soul to gain more power to survive, I sadly don't know the means to do that. and what benefits would I get if I absorb him? ' the man struggled more than before as he uselessly tries to escape the shackles.
[ You surprisingly have a little amount of morality, are you an unrighteous man and just simply Immoral?]
' What do you mean? is it wrong to live? I know what you mean by that, it's just that this Dimension is a dog eats dog world. if I gain more powers by absorbing his soul then so be it.'
[ Do you not have any empathy for this man? ]
No. No, I don't. Empathy is nice. For my sanity and any sake of my humanity, I need empathy. But I won't base my actions off it. I remember dozens of scenarios where I and the others tried to 'make things better' in the apocalypse. but It won't work, I can't force the world to my perspectives and morals. Can't guide them to peace or prosperity...
besides.
If there's an opportunity to grab then you gotta grab it. don't let it escape from your grasp especially if it's highly beneficial.
And why would I? It's so stupid and thoughtless to save someone just because of your selfish ideals. my survival is far more important than the others. and I don't care if others look down on me because of my logic.
I'll live. They die.
It's very simple really. If you don't have the guts to kill then how would you survive in the literal hell itself?
I would help others if it's not a drag, but that doesn't mean I need to be a hero.
I don't care about Slavery or Murderers as long they don't disturb me.
In fact. I might've even helped them as long they benefit me.
And if they have something that benefits my survival in a life and death situation, I would wrestle to death for that boon.
' That depends really. also, are you going to teach me or not? I have more things to do after all.' I am honestly annoyed by her attempts about morality stuff or... "Are you trying to say that I should've saved this guy." I stated.
[ ... ] A pregnant pause between us as she finally spoke [ No not really, I'm just testing you, and your mindset is perfect for our experimentation. It would've been a waste of our resources if you save everyone on your way.]
" wait a minute..." I paused. " Does that mean there are sentient or sapiens being on this hell? if course there are, I mean... morally good ones? I doubt it, this is hell. where paedophiles, Murderers, Rapist, Thieves, and Monsters in the inside out met each other. Do you expect me to what? 'save' them? don't make me laugh." I said in a matter of fact. does this A.I think of me as an idiot?
[ Hahahahaha, so you ARE capable of making decisions etc, I've reviewed your earlier stunt with the demons and Imagine my surprise and scepticism when the God chose you to bear the Mark.]
" So... you watch my earlier actions huh. Does that mean you have your means of watching me from afar, magic perhaps? or Godly powers? and also, what mark are you talking about. " I then send her my last question in telepathy ' And Why are my armour's functions different from the one you send me.'
[ Yes I do have my means to watch you from afar, and the Half mark etched inside your soul is a must if your supposed to enter here with a physical body, and the demons aren't exactly happy to have a mortal living with them so they'll kill you. your lucky that God gives you the power to revive your self which is triggered upon death. ] I then heard her hummed thoughtfully. [ And as for the armour? I seemed to give you the wrong one. My mistake, that's not a Mjolner armour, But a Praetor suit. I'll send you the details about it after you consumed the Doom slayer's soul. ]
I sigh tiredly, " Finally..."
I then Focus my eyes at the hologram.
" But Once I finish learning how to absorb beings soul, can you teach me how the system works?"
[ Sure, I'm gonna do it later anyway, and its the best for you to learn it earlier than later. I don't particularly enjoy placing more Divinity on you just so you can live again. ]
" So we've established my proposal is sound in principle, we're just haggling over the price," I say with a sly grin, prompting a single blink from the hologram as a surprise monotone voice ask.
[ ...Did you just... quote Jack sparrow on me?]
Now it was my turn to blink in surprise.
" You know that movie?" and thought. 'Well... it was the only movie I've ever seen... I didn't even know it's that popular.'
[ There 'Are' movie theatres in our version of heaven, you know sometimes we Angels have a night out just like everybody else, we're not exactly building a boring paradise for the righteous souls you know. ] The A.I says with slight amusement in her voice, And I can tell that the tension is broken.
" Huh" Really, what else can I say. " Well... glad to hear it. "
[ Hahahaha, I like you human so I'll give you a helpful reminder before I give you the knowledge of eating/absorbing souls.] the Amusement and Laughter stop as I can tell that the Angel Slash A.I turned serious.
[ Unlike most Angels who loved to use lies -Big or small- to lead their victims into their own services with a delusional idea, and after that used them for a "Higher purpose"- Most of the times Sacrificing their "Protected" ones in the process - Demons usually told the truth. ]
I blink in surprise.
'that's... I have no words... so basically, the angels of the lords are hypocrites. and she just said 'version' of heaven meant that there are various of Heavens... huh... looks like you do learn something every day.' I hummed thoughtfully, signalling her to continue.
[ They were bound to tell the truth most of the times by either their contract or their deceiving nature which incited them to twist words. ] She paused to let the words sink in, seeing that I wouldn't interrupt her. She continued.
[ They loved to tell the truth to others, obvious truths that others might deem mere taunts and disregard them. Obvious truths that lead to their downfalls eventually. ]
" ... "
[ Don't get me wrong, most demons were terrifying opponents, not out of their infernal powers or prowess, but because of their otherworldly Intelligence and sly characters, if possible, that you encounter a rational one, It'd More likely to chat with you and cheat on you. offering an unfair deal which at first sounded entirely fair and square. just to realize later you were stripped from everything. even from your soul and in return received nothing. ] she paused to let her words/text sunk into my very being.
' This... this is actually a helpful tip... why... why is she helping this much on me...' Most people would disregard her help out of arrogance or simply dense because of their ideals. but he was not most people as he clearly understood the threat and unconsciously clenched his hands into a fist, as he warily looked around.
Ever since he was on the apocalypse. he knows the value of information as this would evaluate your success and survival.
If the prewar World's Motto was "Money is power".
Then Apocalypse is "Information, Sustenance and Weapons".
And here in Hellish Dimension values both "Expand Knowledge" into one's survival. if he was naive. he would die far earlier than he can think of, if there is a rational demon walking in this desolate area, then he would've been miserable for the rest of his life and that's not a laughing matter you can just ignore.
besides. he can barely even hold his magnified Emotions.
[ And even if the demon is physically weak like you've fought before, It could outwit stronger opponents, only the Demon benefits later, rarely from the other side. count yourself lucky that all you've ever face are nothing but Brutes... I'm Speaking from experience in case you haven't noticed, and remember. this would've been the last time we met, I will send the detailed information on how to use Soul absorption and how to use the Gamer system along with the Praetor Suit. Goodbye- ]
"WAIT!"
[ ??? ]
" ...Thank you... you clearly didn't need or have no obligation to say anything to help me further survive in this Hellish Dimension. and I should be thankful for the second chances instead of facing the Eternal Abyss." I said sincerely.
[ ...Your welcome and Goodbye, Eternal Gamer. and be careful about adventuring the Multiverse. I hope that our conversation would make you realise the dangers of Deception and trickery. ]
"..." I closed my eyes before opening them with a glare "...Okay, I'll bite. Your obviously hiding something from me, you can't just change your personality. and don't even deny it. while it's true that you're giving me a helpful conversation. I can't help but feel suspicious... no... you are definitely suspicious. and not to mention, your crude way of manipulation almost made me fall from it. do you actually see me as a guy who is drunk in an attachment to the point I'll just trust you very easily? and you said it yourself. Angels DO lie to get their victims into their service."
[ ... ]
"..."
A heavy silence filled the area as Ajax throbbing heartthrob even faster.
Ba-bump Ba-bump Ba-bump.
of course, he was filled with dread. who wouldn't?
I already have enough beef with the demons, and now I almost fell from the A.i's Deception.
[ Ha.. ha... hahahahahahah ~ ] The laughter is different this time. if earlier was a monotone voice that is boring to listen to. now was a sultry feminine that is very enticing for him.
" What are you laughing at?" I sneered at the hologram before me as she spoke mischievously.
[ It's simple my child, It just shows that you aren't a blockhead or a dunce that would fall into a trap easily, that you are Sharp enough to understand the situation. I didn't even expect you to discover my harmless ploy. ]
" ... "
[ I Even read your mind earlier, let's create a scenario, that I'm a victim of XXX... ] She hummed and said. [ If you have power over me. And I see that you'd hesitate to abuse it, then I would decree you as an imbecile. Power is all that matters in whatever and wherever world you'd drop in, Whether Political, Magical, Economical or any other kind. you have it over me, it would be nothing but foolish if you don't take advantage of it. ] She says bluntly as she continues. [ If I am at your Mercy and all you did was set me after an enemy, I wanted to know what kind of a Gamer you are. ] She suddenly changes her tone. oh, she's still mischievous but with a hint of curiosity this time.
[ So I've been watching you, Both here and your last life. you change how you act from person to person, using whatever would better suit that person. it's a skilful act, but it made it difficult to see the real you. ] She pause and let her words sunk in.
" ... " I was dumbfounded. Speechless... nobody and I mean NOBODY ever read me this far... " I... How..." I praise myself that I didn't make any gibberish words.
[ No wonder you've been titled as one of the most successful businessmen in the Apocalypse. you are deceitful and sly as a devil. it made me wonder how you died pathetically. ]
She's taunting me.
I know I shouldn't be angry at her low blow but...
But it did its job.
A tidal wave of sheer FUCKING rage slams into my every fibre of my being, my Mind, Body and Soul. shaking underneath this veritable onslaught of hatred rolling off me like a fiery tornado.
on the outside's perspective. his hands are kept loosely at his side, his face underneath the helmet is completely and utterly blank. Ajax doesn't move nor even care about it.
but the A.I knew that she pick the right words and left satisfied.
And before I realise. tears already trickled down In my cheeks as it reaches the underneath of my helmet as I quickly blink them away...
" What am I doing... I'm not easily provoked by other people so easily... so what change?"
He Blamed his magnified emotions.
Remembering his pathetic wail as his 'Friends' fester in his flesh and stab his head made him angry to the point he almost revealed his position via rampaging.
but first... he really needs something to drink before he die in dehydration.
preferably an apple flavoured water.
------
AN : AAAAAAAND CUT!
Now... who said that I put a useless chapter? let's see what my imaginary comments section shall we?
---
Karl_bayson: I do think it's bad. it's sucks, future me. there are a lot of holes and a bit confusing.
AN: @Karl_Bayson well that's just your opinion ain't it? thx for the tip.
OA_Guy: So Over dis pandan mick! letter really Guna dye frum boar dum!!! thanks 4 da chap Author.
Hairy_Potter: Expecto Nex Chapterum!
Random commenter: This shit gives me cancer.
FBI: its Okay, We're just looking.
Goody 2 shoes: FBI? You have no power here~
Immortal Chief: Relax, this is only the beginning. but let's see what happens next.
Shipping_captain: My potential bitch detector is going crazy! I better ship this! Ai x Ajax 4 the win.
Master_Chef: Shit went from 0 to 100 real fucking quick!
Morgan_Free_Man: He's right, You know.
Black_Spade: Damnnnnnnn~
Breathing Dragon: Brethren before wenches thy friend.
Simple reader: I... I'm still confused. can anyone explain something to me?
Master_Chef: Then understand it.
Ho-Lee Fuk: Hory sheet... Omoshiroi Boner-kun!
Random commenter: there are no GF or lemon at all. what the heck are you guys making a fuss about? ( Amused Face )
Neapolitan : 🤭🤭🤭
Watcher 619: Well... there are few mistakes. and I can tell that a LOT of scenarios are missing. ruining the story in the process.
is this what you mean by... 'Unwritten' scenarios because they're hard to write due to your lack of Vocabulary and Poor Grammar?
---
AN: Right... anyway let's cut the jokes here.
Im is sorry that you found the quality of my vocabulary and grammar's lacking. honestly, there's a lot of missing scenes in here just because I can't write the appropriate words.
English is like my... what? 3rd or 4th language.
my country has more than 181+ languages ( We still have tribes etc. )
And they totally differ from one another.
if you wanted a reference it's like Spanish and Japanese trying to talk with each other.
Also, I have Internet problems.
...damn quarantine.
3911 words.
( / >• × •<)/
Uwwuuuuuu~