Maids VS Apocalypse

[

Name: Mark White

Race: Human

Rank: Awakened

Stats:

Level 01 → 02

HP: 70/100

MP: 60/100

Strength 6 → 7

Endurance 5 → 6

Agility 5 → 6

Dexterity 10 → 11

Focus 14 → 15

Mind 150 → 151

Soul 115 → 117

AP:

0/30

Equipment:

Abilities:

Force Field.

]

The rift had been sealed so it was time to move to the next one. Soon after getting on the truck, Mark opened his status window to check what had changed.

He was terrified to see his HP having dropped to 70%. It confirmed what Ramsay said about leveling up being dangerous to one’s body, and although the pain had receded a bit, there is no denying the lingering effects.

’Maybe an HP potion... nah, it wouldn’t be that easy...’

If the negative effects of leveling up were that easy to deal with, Mark believed that his superior wouldn’t have berated him as he did. Then again only time was needed to deal with them so it didn’t sound far-fetched for the solution to be that easy.

His eyes moved to the stats next. Most had increased by a single point, except for Soul, which gained two points instead. He felt a bit disappointed at first, but after doing some math, he realized that the change was still quite significant despite what Ramsay said.

That one additional point in Strength meant he was about 16.6% stronger than before. He didn’t seem to notice anything different about himself, though. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

’Does this mean I’m 20% more athletic now?’ He thought while looking at his Agility and Endurance stats. ’I guess that doesn’t really matter since I was below average to begin with...’

The truck started moving and Mark still kept his studying his stats. A while later he decided it was time to bring up the topic they were discussing before Ramsay decided to flame him.

"So, are you going to continue the explanation from before, Sergeant Rider?"

A brief moment of silence passed before Ramsay’s voice sounded in his ears.

[I thought you were tired of exposition, Private White.]

"Listen, I just don’t like info dumps that much, okay?" Mark clicked his tongue. "If you’ve spying on me for the past two years then you should already know I don’t do well with lectures."

[And again, it isn’t my job to teach you any of this stuff.] Ramsay scoffed. [If your stubborn ass just went to the training academy right away neither of us would have had to deal with this.]

"Alright, I get it. I won’t complain anymore." Mark gave in, seeing no point in the argument. "You should know how it feels to be in my place."

[No, not really.] The Sergeant lingered for a while. A tired sigh came through the earpiece not long after. [Alright, I will explain things to you bit by bit. You just have to keep it shut and listen, understood?]

Though he didn’t feel like he could do it, Mark decided to agree anyway.

"Alright."

Though he came to understand how wrong it was for him to think of what was happening as the events of a fictional work, Mark still couldn’t stop himself from doing so.

Learning everything about the System and Awakening was a necessary step in order for him to prepare for what was to come. The sooner he does so, the faster he will be able to grow and free himself from the Peace Keeper’s hold.

Still, learning how the leveling system works in his story was like a whole mountain was dropped off in his path.

Getting stronger was no longer a matter of hunting Fallen monsters and farming AP, and since he would have to undergo some kind of training, it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to avoid going to the Peace Keeper’s academy.

[To be honest, I don’t really know where to start.] Ramsay spoke after a long silence. [Things would have been much simpler if you were a Level 1, but a Level 5...]

"Is there a difference?" Mark raised an eyebrow.

There was no need to say that he was worlds apart from those who Awakened with a Level 1 LRGS, but Mark didn’t know how that related to the Ranks which seemed universal among all LRGS levels.

[Well, for starters your Soul stat is-]

The high-pitched screech of tires skidding over concrete cut him off and the truck made a sharp turn out of nowhere. Mark’s body was thrown sideways and slammed against the door, his head bouncing off the glass.

Before he could ask what happened, a shadow washed over him causing his heart to drop.

Despite everything they went through because of Malarak, Mark didn’t believe that he was traumatized. At that moment, however, fear suddenly gripped his heart and he found himself bracing for the worst.

A strong impact followed something falling from the sky. Lara’s quick reaction saved them from being crushed by whatever it was, but the clouds of dust that arose prevented them from checking whether Ramsay was safe as well.

"Rider!"

[Worry about yourself!] Came a voice from the earpiece. [Just get out of here!]

Lara didn’t hesitate and stepped on the gas pedal right away. The truck swayed and began to move, but before it could make it far a strike to the rear sent it flying and it crashed into one of the nearby buildings.

When the trembling stopped, Mark was once again thankful that he bothered putting on the seat belt. He also noticed that his Force Field had increased its output on its own, which was most likely the reason he barely felt anything from the crash.

"Master!" Lara’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "I’m heading out. Please transfer the enchanted spear back to me."

"Right..."

He did as she said, selecting the spear from the Inventory and transferring it to her. Lara was quick to get out and take a defensive position. With the truck flipped over her door was next to the road, which gave her enough space to move.

Something attacked her soon after she took a step outside. It didn’t seem like she got hit, but the visibility was limited and Mark couldn’t tell for sure.

Checking his MP, Mark saw that it was still at 61/100, meaning there wasn’t much he could do if he were to join the fight. Even with his high Mind stat helping him recover faster it would still be a while before he was back in peak shape.

’I really hate this...’

He could only grit his teeth and crawl in the direction opposite from the fighting, cursing his luck for the screwed progression of his story.

Ramsay’s words rang in his head and he felt conflicted about having those thoughts, but with each tremor coming from the direction his maid went in Mark didn’t think he cared anymore.

’Screw you, author!’ He cursed inwardly just in case. ’Give me some weak goblins to kill for once!’