Chapter 3
PERK GAINED!
Perk: Arcane Insight
Description: Arcane Insight grants the bearer enhanced perception and understanding of magical phenomena, enabling them to grasp the intricacies of spellcasting with unparalleled clarity. This innate sense of magic allows the user to anticipate and react to magical threats more effectively, as well as discerning hidden magical properties in objects and environments.
Effects:
- Heightened Magical Awareness: The bearer gains an intuitive understanding of magical energies, allowing them to sense the presence of spells, enchantments, and magical anomalies within their vicinity.
- Enhanced Spellcasting Precision: Grants a passive bonus of +15% to spell accuracy and effectiveness, increasing the likelihood of successful spellcasting and reducing the risk of spell failure.
- Resistance to Magical Influence: Provides a passive resistance to magical manipulation and mind-affecting spells, making the bearer more resilient against charms, illusions, and mental domination.
- Arcane Intuition: Allows the bearer to decipher magical runes, symbols, and incantations more easily, facilitating the understanding and replication of complex spells and magical rituals.
As James layed in bed and looked at his new notifications, he couldn’t help but go to bed with a smile.
A few months had drifted by since James's triumphant victory in completing the tutorial quest. With each passing day, he found himself facing new challenges and obstacles on his journey to become the ultimate gamer. James had continued the training that initially increased his stat scores and had good results. However, despite his best efforts, James couldn't shake the feeling that progress was becoming increasingly difficult. The initial excitement of leveling up his stats had faded, replaced by a growing sense of frustration and stagnation. Stat points were hardly leveling up nowadays and the only chance he’s gotten at increasing his EXP were daily quests for the chores at the orphanage everyone had to do.
As he continued his daily regimen of training and practice, James noticed a concerning trend: leveling up his stats was becoming significantly harder, especially once they reached the threshold of 15. No matter how much he exerted himself, progress seemed to come at a crawl, leaving him feeling discouraged and disheartened. The summer months were coming to a close and James would soon be starting Year 2 of primary school. He wasn’t looking forward to sitting in a boring classroom day after day when he could be leveling up his stats and gaining EXP instead.
“Status!” James called out.
**Status**
Name: James Black
Title: Unknown
Age: 5
Level: 4
XP (Experience Points): 525/800
HP (Health Points): 2100
HP Regen (Health Points Regeneration per Second): 0.550 HP/s
MP (Magic Points): 3100
MP Regen (Magic Points Regeneration per Second): 0.5167 MP/s
SP (Stamina Points): 2000
SP Regen (Stamina Points Regeneration per Second): 0.550 SP/s
Stats:
- Strength: 17
- Endurance: 16
- Dexterity: 16
- Intelligence: 16
- Wisdom: 15
- Vitality: 16
- Luck: 22
As James settled into the routine of Year 2, he couldn't shake the feeling of discontent that lingered within him. While his classmates eagerly embraced the structured environment of the classroom, James found himself yearning for the excitement and sense of accomplishment that came with leveling up his stats and gaining experience points. The monotonous lessons and repetitive exercises seemed pale in comparison to the thrill of mastering new skills and unlocking his full potential as a gamer.
Each day seemed to blur into the next, the hours dragging on as James struggled to stay engaged amidst the drudgery of rote learning and standardized tests. While his teachers praised his aptitude and intelligence, James couldn't help but feel stifled by the confines of the classroom, longing for the freedom and autonomy that came with his gaming adventures. The thought of spending his days cooped up indoors, reciting multiplication tables and practicing penmanship, filled him with a sense of restless agitation.
Despite his best efforts to focus and participate in class, James found himself constantly distracted by thoughts of skill points and experience gains, his mind wandering to the exhilarating rush of leveling up and achieving new milestones in his gaming journey. The mundane realities of school life paled in comparison to the endless possibilities and boundless potential that awaited him in the digital realm. As the days stretched into weeks, James grew increasingly disillusioned with the confines of traditional education, yearning for the thrill of the unknown and the promise of adventure that lay just beyond his grasp.
As the weeks passed and James struggled to reconcile the mundanity of school with his insatiable hunger for growth and progress, an unexpected discovery reignited his sense of excitement and curiosity. It was a rainy afternoon, the dreary skies casting a somber pall over the schoolyard as James and his classmates huddled beneath the shelter of the playground equipment, seeking refuge from the relentless downpour.
As James watched the raindrops cascade down the window panes, his gaze drifted to the far corner of the playground, where a weathered building stood nestled amidst the trees. It was the school library, a forgotten relic of bygone days, its doors rarely opened to the curious minds that roamed the halls of St. Titus’. Yet on this particular day, something seemed different, a faint glow emanating from within the dimly lit interior, beckoning James with an irresistible allure.
With a sense of anticipation coursing through his veins, James ventured out into the rain, his footsteps quickening as he made his way towards the library. As he pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside, he was greeted by the musty scent of old books and the soft murmur of pages turning in the dim light.
Rows upon rows of books lined the shelves, their spines cracked and faded with age, yet pulsating with an otherworldly glow that seemed to beckon him closer. As he picked up the first glowing book he saw, it was a textbook about basic algebra.
YOU HAVE FOUND A SKILLBOOK!
Skillbooks are tomes infused with magical knowledge, containing a wealth of expertise on various subjects and disciplines. When a skillbook is read or studied, its contents are magically transferred to the reader's mind, granting them instant proficiency in the skills and abilities detailed within. Each skillbook is tailored to a specific skill or area of expertise, covering a diverse range of topics such as languages, mathematics, sciences, arts, and more. However, skillbooks are finite resources – once used, their contents are fully absorbed by the reader, rendering the book inert and unable to be used again. As players explore the world and discover new skillbooks, they must choose wisely to prioritize their acquisition and invest their time and resources strategically to maximize their growth and development.
With trembling hands, James thought it would be so amazing to learn whatever was in the Algebra book! As he opened the book and began to read, he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, his mind expanding with each passing moment as the knowledge within flowed into his consciousness like a rushing tide.
Skill Created: Algebra!
In that moment, James knew that he had stumbled upon something extraordinary, a hidden treasure trove of skills and abilities that promised to propel him to new heights of mastery and achievement. With renewed determination and a sense of purpose burning within him, James delved deeper into the secrets of the skillbooks, eager to unlock the untold wonders that lay within their pages.
As James continued to explore the library, he unearthed a treasure trove of skillbooks, each one offering a new opportunity for growth and discovery. With each book he read, he felt a surge of exhilaration as he unlocked new skills and abilities, expanding his mind and enriching his understanding of the world.
Determined to explore further, James moved on to the next glowing book on the shelf. It was a primer on English grammar and composition, its pages filled with rules and guidelines for effective communication. With eager anticipation, James delved into the book, absorbing the intricacies of language and syntax with each passing page.
Skill Created: English Grammar!
As he read, James felt a sense of empowerment washing over him. The skillbook had bestowed upon him the knowledge and expertise needed to communicate effectively, to express himself with clarity and precision. With newfound confidence, he eagerly sought out more skillbooks, eager to unlock the secrets of the world hidden within their pages.
The next book he picked up was a guide to basic biology, its pages teeming with illustrations and diagrams of the human body and its intricate systems. As he delved into the complexities of cellular biology and anatomy, James felt a profound sense of awe at the marvels of life unfolding before him.
Skill Created: Biology!
With his newfound knowledge of biology, James gained a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, understanding the inner workings of living organisms and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Eager to continue his journey of discovery, James turned his attention to the next skillbook on the shelf. This time, it was a primer on world history, its pages filled with tales of ancient civilizations and epic battles fought on distant shores. As he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of human history, James felt a sense of connection to the past, gaining insights into the struggles and triumphs of generations long gone.
Skill Created: World History!
With his newfound understanding of history, James gained a broader perspective on the world, seeing beyond the confines of his own experiences to appreciate the vast tapestry of human civilization and the forces that shaped it.
The next skillbook he discovered was a guide to basic first aid, its pages filled with practical advice and step-by-step instructions for handling medical emergencies. As he absorbed the knowledge within, James felt a sense of empowerment knowing that he had the skills to help others in times of need.
Skill Created: First Aid!
With his newfound expertise in first aid, James became a beacon of hope and support for those around him, ready to lend a helping hand in times of crisis.
Determined to continue his quest for knowledge, James moved on to the next skillbook on the shelf. This time, it was a guide to astronomy, its pages filled with breathtaking images of the cosmos and explanations of celestial phenomena. As he gazed up at the stars through the library window, James felt a sense of wonder wash over him, marveling at the beauty and majesty of the universe.
Skill Created: Astronomy!
With his newfound understanding of the cosmos, James gained a deeper appreciation for the mysteries of the universe, pondering the vastness of space and his own place within it.
James continued grabbing skillbook after skillbook. He was on a roll! He gained skills in Geometry, Creative Writing, Essay Writing, the English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Genetics, Geography, History, Politics, Music Theory, Nutrition, Spanish, French, German, Latin, and even typing.
As James delved deeper into the world of skillbooks, he found himself consumed by a voracious hunger for knowledge, each new discovery igniting a spark of excitement within him. With each skill he acquired, he felt himself growing more confident and capable, his mind expanding with boundless possibilities.
As the rain continued to drum against the windowpanes, James lost track of time amidst the rows of glowing tomes, eagerly absorbing the wisdom contained within their pages. It wasn't until the bell rang, signaling the end of recess, that he reluctantly tore himself away from the library's enchanting embrace.
Reluctantly leaving the library, James's mind buzzed with newfound insights and skills. However, as he stepped back into the dull confines of the orphanage, a sense of restlessness gnawed at him. The limited resources within the school's meager library paled in comparison to the wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered beyond its walls.
Determined to quench his insatiable thirst for learning, James set his sights on a new goal: gaining access to the public library in the heart of London. With its vast collection of books and resources, he knew that it held the key to unlocking even greater depths of knowledge and understanding.
However, convincing the matrons to grant him permission to visit the public library would be no easy task. The strict rules and regulations governing the orphanage's residents made it challenging to gain approval for such excursions. Yet, James was undeterred, his determination fueling his resolve to pursue his passion for learning at any cost.
Undeterred by the obstacles before him, James formulated a plan to persuade the matrons to grant him permission to visit the public library. With meticulous attention to detail, he crafted a persuasive argument, highlighting the educational benefits and opportunities for personal growth that awaited him within the library's hallowed halls.
Armed with his proposal and a determined spirit, James sought out a private audience with the head matron, Mrs. Jenkins. Presenting his case with eloquence and conviction, he outlined his reasons for wanting to visit the public library, emphasizing his commitment to expanding his knowledge and furthering his education.
To his surprise, Mrs. Jenkins listened attentively to his impassioned plea, her expression softening with each word he spoke. Though initially hesitant to grant his request, she was impressed by James's earnestness and sincerity, recognizing the importance of fostering his intellectual curiosity and thirst for learning.
After much deliberation, Mrs. Jenkins relented, granting James permission to visit the public library under strict supervision. Overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, James could hardly contain his joy as he thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely, his heart brimming with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead.
With permission secured and a newfound sense of freedom coursing through his veins, James eagerly counted down the days until his first visit to the public library. Each moment felt like an eternity as he eagerly awaited the opportunity to explore its vast collection of books and resources, his mind buzzing with anticipation for the boundless knowledge that awaited him.
Arriving at the library, James saw even more skillbooks. He furthered his rampage in absorbing skillbooks. As he stepped through the library's imposing doors, James was greeted by the musty scent of old books and the hushed whispers of patrons lost in the world of literature. Ignoring the distractions around him, he made a beeline for the nearest section, his eyes alight with anticipation for the treasures that lay in store.
With practiced ease, James navigated the labyrinthine aisles of the library, his fingers tracing the spines of countless volumes as he searched for his next conquest. Each book held the promise of untold wisdom and knowledge, a gateway to new skills and abilities waiting to be discovered.
One by one, James selected skillbooks from the shelves, their glowing covers beckoning him closer with an irresistible allure. From the basics of mathematics to the intricacies of science and history, he voraciously devoured the knowledge contained within, his mind expanding with each passing moment.
Skill Created: Trigonometry
Skill Created: Calculus
Skill Updated: Biology
Skill Updated: Algebra
Skill Updated: Geometry
Skill Updated: Physics
Skill Updated: Chemistry
Skill Updated:...
Skill Updated:...
Skill Updated:...
Skill Updated:...
Skill Updated:...
Skill Updated: History
James was enthusiastic with just how much he was learning! It was like his brain was a sponge and he was absorbing everything! As James explored the shelves of the public library, his curiosity led him to delve into more niche subjects, uncovering hidden gems of knowledge that promised to set him apart from his peers.
Skill Created: Cryptography!
Skill Created: Botany!
Skill Created: Debate!
Skill Created: Chess!
Skill Created: Origami!
Each skillbook he encountered offered a window into a world of specialized expertise, granting him insights and abilities that few others possessed. With each skill he acquired, James felt a sense of empowerment and excitement, knowing that he was expanding his horizons and unlocking new possibilities for his future.
As he emerged from the library, his mind buzzing with newfound knowledge and enthusiasm, James knew that he was on the path to greatness. With his backpack filled with skillbooks and his heart filled with determination, he set off towards the orphanage, eager to put his newfound skills to the test and continue his journey of self-discovery.
As James returned to school armed with the knowledge gleaned from his skillbook rampage, he found himself approaching his studies with a newfound sense of confidence and ease. Concepts that once seemed daunting now appeared as simple puzzles waiting to be solved, their solutions readily apparent to his sharpened mind.
In the classroom, James effortlessly breezed through lessons and assignments, his hand darting across the page with practiced precision as he applied the principles he had learned from the skillbooks. Whether it was solving complex equations in math class or reading in Language Arts, James seemed to have an intuitive understanding of the material that left his classmates and teachers alike astounded.
His teachers couldn't help but take notice of James' rapid advancement, marveling at his ability to grasp concepts with remarkable speed and accuracy. They watched in awe as he effortlessly answered questions, his responses demonstrating a depth of understanding far beyond his years. It was as if he had unlocked a hidden reservoir of knowledge, tapping into a wellspring of wisdom that set him apart from his peers.
With each passing day, James' reputation as a prodigy grew, earning him praise and admiration from both students and faculty alike. Yet, amidst the accolades and applause, James remained humble, recognizing that while the skillbooks had provided him with a solid foundation, it was his own dedication and determination that had propelled him to such heights of achievement.
With how much he was learning, James was finally earning additional points in his INT stats. His initial plateau of his skill points increase seemed to no longer be a problem as he learned more and more and read enough books to further apply the skills he learnt from skillbooks. Two weeks had passed since he first used a skillbook and his INT score went from 16 to 23!
With each passing day, James's frustration with the limitations of the school system grew. The monotony of rote memorization and uninspired lectures paled in comparison to the excitement of exploring new subjects and mastering complex concepts at his own pace. As he watched the hands of the classroom clock inch agonizingly forward, James yearned for the freedom to delve deeper into his studies and pursue his intellectual passions without constraint. James saw in the newspapers recently that Tony Stark, son of the famous inventor Howard Stark, was set to graduate MIT next year at the age of 17 and couldn’t help but be jealous. He wasn’t the son of someone rich to advance him that fast, nor did he have the resources that even having a parent would give him. He loved learning and exploring his powers, but he hated the confines he found himself in.