Choose Your Fighter
Episode 1: Part 1 - Welcome Newcomers
Maripiko's Monologue
I've been working for so long probably for eleven years but still it's just the same.
Maripiko's Monologue
I'm so sicked and tired living likes this, I feel like there's no improvement at all.
Maripiko's Monologue
Damn sorting papers every day, scolded by the boss, and the demanding workmates are getting on my nerves.
Maripiko
"Eh? A new game?"
A fixed confusion and excitement were drawn to his face upon seeing the new game being release.
Maripiko
"Ah, is it an RPG? I love RPG!"
He continued with his excited face but after seeing the name of the game.
Maripiko
"Childen, huh..."
Maripiko
"What's that game about?"
Maripiko
"Hmm... it says here that the player can become the character itself... is that what it is?"
His face became puzzled, he read the information once more and still he could not comprehend it.
Maripiko
"Well, the game is still not out yet"
Maripiko
"Maybe I'll check the forums about this"
Maripiko
"Hmm, it's still early, and it's Friday so why don't I stay up late"
Maripiko
"I'll check the forums first and sleep later"
He said as he went home with excitement and a hint of confusion.
As soon as he reached his apartment, he immediately went to his bedroom and opened his PC, he searched the Reddot about the new game and the search engine led him to a discussion.
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"Hey guys, I was looking at the new game released by the company and I find it pretty weird. There's nothing about the game that makes me excited to play it. It's just the same as other games"
REDDOT'S USER??
"Really? What's the name of the game?"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"It's called Childen"
REDDOT'S USER??
"Haha haha! Are they joking or something? They named the game like a child?"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"No, I mean the name is not what I am concerned. I just want to know about the game since the announcement of the company is quite a secret, only few information were disclosed"
REDDOT'S USER??
"So what is the game about? Maybe that's why it has a weird name, it might be something special"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"It's not something special, it's a RPG type game, and you can be one of the character you choose"
REDDOT'S USER??
"So like an avatar? That's boring. Just like any other RPG"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"Wait, this is the most surprising part. If I'm reading the info right, the players will be transported to the game world itself and the player cannot log out unless the condition is met"
REDDOT'S USER??
"Huh?! What kind of bullshit is that? How could they transport people? Is the game a virtual reality?"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"That's what I want to know too, but there's no information regarding the game, they say it's a new technology, and they won't disclose further details"
REDDOT'S USER??
"Well, that's kinda weird but still exciting"
REDDOT'S USER [NB]
"I know right? I really want to try the game when it is released, but we should wait for the update about the game and the release date"
REDDOT'S USER??
"Yeah, I agree. Let's wait for the official announcement"
After reading the forum posts, his excitement was gone and replaced with confusion and doubt.
Maripiko
"Is it even a game?"
He thought and decided to go to sleep and check it again when it is available.
Maripiko
"Well, it's still early to think about. Let's just sleep for now"
The next day, the same scenario was present, a normal day at his workplace, the same boring paperwork, the same scolding from the boss and the same demands from his workmates.
He is really pissed and irritated, but he had no choice but to continue his work.
Maripiko
"Ugh, this is annoying. Why can't I have an easy job"
He kept on doing his work until the boss announced the release of the new game.
The announcement was sudden, he didn't expect that the game will be released this month.
He downloaded the app and registered.
Maripiko
"Wh-what is happening? Why did it turn white?"
His panic and fear grew stronger, suddenly, he was falling in the sky and when he was about to scream, everything turned black.
A soft mumbling sound was heard.
Maripiko becomes a young man and turns into his early 20's, and woke up in an unknown place and a little dazed, his body was aching all over and he felt a little weak.
He tried to stand up and as soon as he stood, he immediately fell down.
His body was not listening to him, he felt like his whole body is not his, it is like his body was separated from his consciousness.
Maripiko
"What is happening? Am I dead?"
A mysterious voice spoke.
Maripiko
"Huh? Who's there?!"
He said, a little startled.
？？？
"Relax, I'm not going to hurt you."
？？？
"In fact, I'm the one who brought you here"
Maripiko
"Brought me here?"
Maripiko
"What do you mean?"
？？？
"Well, it's not a long story, but I'll explain"
Karma
"Foremost, welcome to the world of Grim and my name is Karma"
Maripiko
"The world of Grim?"
He was confused by what the mysterious voice was saying.
Karma
"Yes, this world is a world where the strong can have anything they want, the weak will always suffer"
Maripiko
"Wait! Am I inside the game?!"
Karma
"You're not inside the game"
Karma
"You are inside the game itself"
Karma
"And I'm the admin of this game"
Maripiko
"This is too much"
Maripiko
"How can I log out?"
Karma
"You can't. No one can. Once you have entered the game, you can never exit it"
Maripiko
"Die? What are you talking about?"
Karma
"This is a game of survival, if you are strong enough, then you can live longer. You need to gather 6 heroes and defeat the Medusa"
Karma
"If you succeed, you will be able to exit the game"
Maripiko
"This is unbelievable"
Maripiko
So basically, this is a death game"
Maripiko
"Who will even want to join this game if there is a possibility that you can die"
Karma
"There will always be someone who is willing to take the risk"
Karma
"And for you, you don't have a choice but to join and survive"
Maripiko
"What? How can I be part of the game?"
Karma
"Because you're already inside the game"
Maripiko
"But how can I move and stuff like that? I can't even control my body"
Karma
"Because your soul has not yet connected to your body. Once your soul is attached to your body, you can move it freely"
Karma
"But there are things that you can't do once your soul is attached to your body"
Karma
"Such as logging out and dying"
Maripiko
"Are you telling me that if I die, I can never come back?"
Karma
"Yes, but the good thing is that you will not die in reality"
Karma
"The death inside the game is considered as a death in reality"
Karma
"But there is no guarantee that you can return"
Maripiko
"How can you tell me that it's a guaranteed way to return!?"
Karma
"That's why I'm telling you, there is no way to return, and you must defeat the Medusa"
Karma
"And that is not the end"
Karma
"You have to choose 6 companions to join the party"
Maripiko
"That's quite a lot"
Karma
"It is, and they will be your responsibility. If one of them dies, you can never revive them"
Maripiko
"Then, how can I revive them if one of us dies?"
Karma
"YOU CAN NEVER REVIVE YOUR DYING COMPANION!!"
Maripiko
"Okay! Okay! I get it!"
Maripiko
"But wait, if the 6 heroes died, what will happen?"
Karma
"No, I'm already finished explaining"
Karma
"And there's no time to waste"
Karma
"You have a quest to do"
Maripiko
"Wait, I'm not done asking questions"
A blue screen appeared in front of him.
------------------------------------
Quest: Defeat the 6 Colossi and the Medusa
Task: Register in the Kingdom of Tojo and gather 6 companions
Rewards: Flute of Eternity
Additional Rewards: ∞ XP
-------------------------------------
Karma
"I will issue a gift for you after the quest completion"
Karma
"And if you're wondering about the use of that reward t'was a secret, it's for you to find out"
Maripiko
"Hey, what's your deal?!"
Karma
"Just go ahead and do the quest"
Karma
"I'm not here to entertain you"
Karma
"Just get out of my sight, this is already an eyesore"
And then, the voice faded away.
He was left alone with a question.
Should he accept the quest or not.
Maripiko
"It's either I accept the quest or not but there is no other way out so, I guess I'll accept it"
He tapped the 'accept' button and a new window appeared.
And then, a bright light enveloped him.
~ 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓮𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓮 1 ~
Chapter Two: Part Two - Welcome Newcomers
He opened his eyes and the scenery was different. There was a huge gate and a castle in front of him.
Maripiko
"Was I teleported?"
He stood up, and tried to walk, his body was now moving and his balance was stable.
Maripiko
"This feels weird but not bad"
Maripiko
"I better do the quest"
He looked around and there were a lot of people.
He looked and signs, it says:
"Welcome to Kingdom of Lojo"
Maripiko
"Kingdom of Lojo? So this is where probably I'm going to form my first 6 party"
He walked through the crowd and there was a big line outside the gate.
Maripiko
"What is the line for?"
Civilian
"You're a newcomer, aren't you?"
Maripiko
"Huh? Uh yeah, I'm a newcomer. I'm here for the registration"
Civilian
"You should stand at the end of the line, they will check your identity before entering the kingdom"
Maripiko
"My identity? Do they need to check it?"
Civilian
"Of course, there are spies from other kingdoms, and they might try to attack us"
He noticed that they're an unusual NPC falling in line, but he's wrong it was a player who has the same status screen like him.
Civilian
"I'll be going now"
The player left, and the line was getting smaller.
After a few minutes, he was already at the front of the gate.
Guard
"Identification card"
Maripiko
"Uhm... I'm a newcomer"
The guard led him to a room and there was a woman sitting behind a desk.
Server
"I'll be your guide for the registration process"
Server
"Can you tell me your name?"
Maripiko
"My name is Maripiko"
Server
"Now, I need your age, gender and birthday"
Maripiko
"Should I enter female?”
Maripiko
"I don't see why not"
Maripiko
"I'm 23 years old, and I was born on March 17"
Server
"Alright, I got everything I needed"
Server
"Do you want to change your name, gender and birthday?"
Maripiko
"Hmm... can I change my name? But not that much"
Server
"Sure, you can change it”
Maripiko
"Then, please change my name to Mari"
Server
"Okay, Mari. Do you have any preference for your gender and birthday?"
Maripiko
"Hmm, I don't mind being a girl"
Maripiko
"As for my birthday, I'll make it the same as my real birthday"
Server
"Okay, then let's change it to that!"
Server
"Now, you can proceed to the next step"
Server
"Please, follow me"
Maripiko
"Wow! They got every (equipments), tomes and armor"
She stood up and opened the door, he followed her and there were a lot of people in a hallway.
Server
"These are the other newcomers"
She started to walk, and he followed her.
After walking for a while, they reached a large door, and she opened it.
Server
"This is the final step of the registration"
Server
"Please, follow me inside"
She entered the door and he followed her.
The room was spacious, there were tables and chairs.
Server
"The next step of the registration is your skills and vocation"
------------------------
Choose one:
Flying Kick
Acrobatic
Backflip
Slapstick
Cartwheel
Hand Stand
Sword Dance
Dance of the Dead
Cone Head
Tumbler
Hula-Hoop
Bag of Tricks
-------------------------
He chose acrobatic as his skill.
Server
"You have chosen acrobatic"
Server
"So base on your skills your class was Jester.”
"He was a little surprised by the class that he was assigned to.
Maripiko
"No hell way I would be a Jester!"
Maripiko
"Let me choose again!"
Server
"I'm sorry we can't afford to that, as per our rules said that:"
Server
"1) Adventurers only choose one skill and it will be their permanent skills"
2) Your job doesn't mean it useless but hone it"
Server
"Now for your last registration"
Server
"You need to choose six companions for your journey"
A list of 50 companions was shown, and he was amazed by the variety of classes.
He searched the list and found the ones that he wanted.
Maripiko
"This will be hard. I have to choose carefully"
After a few minutes, he made his decision.
Maripiko
"I have chosen my companions"
Server
"Okay, then we are finished. Please, follow me"
They walked towards a gate, and he was confused.
Maripiko
"Excuse me, where are we going?"
Server
"We are going to the outside of the kingdom"
Server
"Because the final part of the registration is outside"
They walked towards the gate and there was a huge crowd outside.
Maripiko
"Wow, there are a lot of people here"
Server
"Yes, there are many newcomers, and they are all looking for a group"
Maripiko
"So, they are the ones who haven't chosen their group?"
Maripiko
"So this is real?"
Maripiko
"Hmm, how can I acquire my six party?"
Server
"It's easy, just stand on that blue panel and the monitor will give you freedom to choose your members"
Maripiko
"Monitor? Is that the thing on top of the stage?"
Server
"Yes, it is. Now, go up and choose your members"
He ran towards the stage and went up.
There was a big screen above him and there were two buttons.
One is to accept the member and the other one is to reject the member.
He pressed the 'accept' button and a new screen appeared.
---------------------------------------------------
Accepting Member: 0/6
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Please, choose your members.
---------------------------------------------------
Maripiko
"Let's see, I should start with a magician, an archer, a thief, a swordsman and a healer"
He rethinks for a moment for he wants to choose another class and not the generic ones.
Maripiko
"Let's be unique this time! I should choose a summoner, a priest, a knight, a lancer, a druid and a merchant"
He searched the members, and he found the perfect members.
He accepted the 6 members and a window appeared.
---------------------------------------------------
You have accepted 6 members.
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------
Do you want to proceed? Yes or No
---------------------------------------------------
He pressed 'yes' and another window appeared.
---------------------------------------------------
Do you want to distribute their skills?
---------------------------------------------------
He looked at the skills,, and he was amazed.
He distributed one skill for each class he chooses.
After choosing the skills, he pressed the confirm button.
The screen disappeared and the sound of people chattering echoed through the air.
He looked around, and the crowd was cheering.
Maripiko
"Wow, everyone is happy. It's like a festival"
He got off the stage and the woman approached him.
Server
"Congratulations. You have passed the final part of the registration"
Server
"The next step is to create your group name. The name must be unique and cannot be used by others
Maripiko
"Oh, it's like a guild name"
Server
"Yes, the name of the group will be displayed during the battles and tournaments"
Maripiko
"Okay, I'll think of a good name"
He looked around and tried to think of a name.
Maripiko
"Hmm, a good name. Jorojoro must be the group names hehehehe"
He laughed, and the woman looked at him with confusion.
Server
"Why are you laughing?"
Maripiko
"Nothing, I was just thinking of a name"
Server
"Okay, so what is your group's name?"
Maripiko
"The Jorojoro group"
Maripiko
"Okay, The Jorojoro group is the name of your group"
Server
"Congratulations and good luck"
The woman went back to the stage, and he was alone.
Maripiko
"What should I do now? And doing the quest is pointless, now that i'm broke"
He sat down on a nearby bench and started thinking.
Maripiko
"Hmm, there's nothing else to do. I'll just stay here for a while and wait for the party members I requested"
He rested his back on the bench and closed his eyes.
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