Apocalypse - World Of Zombie Games!

004

Closing the status screen, Memphis didn’t expect much, the apocalypse game, before merging with the real world, based its numbers on average human stats. For Memphis, if the apocalypse merged, these stats would be far higher. But this version of the apocalypse was just a trial. These numbers helped humans adapt to the end times; you couldn’t expect to start with some heaven-defying talent or superhuman physique.

Every town had guides to help new players in designated areas. Memphis casually asked a passerby for the way to the training area; first, he’d need to start with sword training. The sword was the weapon he was most familiar with, and the one he’d used throughout the game, so the first thing he needed was a refresher. He also wanted to get a feel for the situation here.

In truth, Memphis didn’t know much about the game at this point. When it was most popular, he hadn’t cared; after all, he lacked for nothing, loving parents, a comfortable life. He didn’t need a virtual world to escape to. But now things were different. He needed to prepare for the future, so he had to get ready in advance.

Memphis stopped before the sword training area, opened the door, and stepped inside. He saw several people practicing strikes on dummies while others sat in the courtyard chatting. Memphis warmed up a bit, grabbed a convenient sword in the training area, and began his training.

In the apocalypse game, there are two ways to acquire skills: one is through self-training, either by learning from certain NPCs or by inventing your own moves and having the game recognize them. The other way is by killing monsters and having a chance for skill books to drop.

The first method seems arduous, so most people don’t choose it, after all, who wants to grind and train hard in a game? At this stage, players haven’t yet seen its benefits. But when the game descends, it will assess which moves players are actually capable of using, and that’s when the importance of training becomes apparent.

The second method is what most people go for. After all, while the drop rate for skill books isn’t very high, it’s still common for beginners to get skill book drops. But once the game merges with reality, skill books become quite rare. The special thing is that they’re available to every class, but at that time, the drop rate is extremely low.

Take Memphis, for example: even though he was the last person alive in the world after Round 1 ended, he hadn’t killed that many monsters, and skill book drops were extremely sparse. In other words, if you really want a good skill, it’s easier to figure things out and master them yourself than to just rely on luck.

So why didn’t Memphis spend more time in-game early on to pick up more skills? The answer is that you have to have the corresponding ability to execute a skill. You might have a high-level skill, but if you don’t have the physical aptitude to use it, then that skill is nothing but scrap. Although Memphis lost some memories due to being sent back, he still retained many skills he’d practiced regularly. What he needed to do now was simply to readjust to his body and refresh some of the skills he’d let lapse.

He picked up his sword and walked over to an empty straw dummy. Memphis began with the basics: drawing the sword, swinging, thrusting left, right… As the memories of those skills rushed back, he gradually recalled the techniques he’d once mastered.

[Ding…]

[Player has comprehended “Basic Swordsmanship”]

[Basic Swordsmanship – LV1 (Passive Skill)]

Effect: When using a sword, player’s damage increases by 5%.

“A good start.”

Memphis kept repeating the movements. During this time, notification sounds would occasionally chime, but he ignored them. In the distance, a middle-aged man stood with his arms crossed, watching Memphis. The man was tall and burly. He walked slowly toward Memphis.

“Your foundation isn’t bad. Interested in learning my sword technique?”

Memphis looked up at the man, thinking to himself that this was a training area, so this must be one of the instructors here.

“I would be honored, sir.”

The man nodded, seeming to size Memphis up. He looked quite pleased with the response.

“I’m an instructor in Ballin Town. My name is Steve.”

Memphis responded politely, “My name is New Player, I’m Apocalyptic Reality.”

Steve was a bit stunned, surprised by Memphis’s chosen name. He gave him a meaningful look and nodded. NPCs in the apocalypse world weren’t just data; they had their own thoughts, albeit with certain restrictions. When the apocalypse game came to reality, these NPCs would appear in certain key locations, or basically everywhere, but Memphis hadn’t met them all.

“That’s a good name. Very original. Not everyone can learn my skill. I see you have real talent, a good seedling. I’ll give you a task, do you accept?”

[Training Mission Triggered: Show Me Your Ability]

Difficulty Level: LV. 3

Brief: Steve, a seasoned sword instructor, has recognized your talent. Fulfill his expectations.

Mission Info: Go outside the city and eliminate 20 zombies.

Time Limit: 1 day (Note: Completing the mission early may result in additional rewards.)

Failure: Steve will be disappointed and will never pay attention to you again.

…

Memphis didn’t think much of it and accepted right away, killing zombies wasn’t that hard for him.

“I’ll complete the task as quickly as possible.”

Steve thought for a moment, then pulled a sword out of his inventory and handed it to Memphis.

“I’ll lend you this sword, the one you’re holding isn’t quite suitable.”

It wasn’t an outstanding sword, but it was far better than what Memphis had.

“Thank you, sir. I’ll finish the mission and return it to you.”

[Obtained Kusanagi Sword (Temporary)]

Kusanagi Sword (white rarity)

Type: Equipment

Durability: 32/32 (Durability decreases with use)

Attack: 5-12 (Calculated based on strike location)

Requirement: 3 Strength to wield; under 3, speed and attack power will be limited.

Attribute: While holding this sword, player’s susceptibility to negative mental states (fear, panic) is reduced.

Note: The sword Steve used back when he was just a novice swordsman.

Rating: 10 (Note: White-rarity equipment is rated from 1–10 points.)

Looking over the sword’s info, Memphis felt it was perfect for him at this stage. Taking the sword, he ran to the eastern city gate, where a small group of zombies tended to roam.

Hiding behind a bush, Memphis picked up a rock and threw it at the nearest zombie. Since this was still in the game, zombies hadn’t evolved yet, so luring them was easy.

Once he’d estimated the right position to kill the zombie, Memphis gripped his sword tightly and recalled a sword move he’d used many times before.

“Wallace Sword.”

[Player has comprehended “Wallace Sword”]

Wallace Sword – LV1 (Active Skill)

Requirement: Sword-type weapon. Each use consumes 2 MP; with less than 1% MP, skill will deactivate.

Skill effect: Increases sword speed by 10% and grants a small chance to break enemy armor.

[Player has slain Zombie (common)]

[Player received 1 “Crystal Shard”]

[Player has slain 1/20 Zombies]

He consumed the crystal shard, and a wave of energy surged through his body. He estimated that after killing five more zombies, he’d level up. Off to a good start, Memphis continued searching for his next targets to finish the quest as soon as possible.