"How can I not believe it, bro? Everything you said happened exactly like that! From now on, I don't think anyone could ever separate us!"
Toraman was hyped. But I couldn't help wondering about the book he said he took—where was it now? I didn't see anything in his hands.
"Toro, you said you got a book. Where is it? Show me."
"Max, bro, I opened it right after I woke up. I got a skill from it."
This lazy guy… the moment he got over the shock, he moved fast. Typical sly type, you can see it from his face. Total street smarts.
While I was thinking all that, I just stared at the big guy's face. He was completely blank—no emotion, no reaction.
"Alright, then tell me—what's your new skill?"
He looked a bit surprised by the question. For some reason, he hesitated, like he wasn't sure whether to tell me or not. I narrowed my eyes, giving him a look. Maybe the previous lesson wasn't enough for this country boy.
Stun
– Level 1
– Freezes a Fallen for 1 second.
– Against higher-level Fallen: 30% less chance of success for each level gap.
– Against lower-level Fallen: Effect lasts 50% longer.
– To reach Level 2: Perform 10,000 successful stuns.
Now we had some control power. Between us, we already had an attack that ignored Fallen defense, a tank, a healer, and now a lazy genius who could help us escape tough spots.
"Nice. Here's the plan: for now, we'll all level up alone in the zones where we're immune. Rimel, just use Purify. You're not built for fighting, so don't die for nothing."
"Chill, bro," she replied. "And maybe don't use your big moves just yet."
After talking to Rimel, I turned to Şükrücük and saw him sweating bullets. The poor guy couldn't figure out his skill and was stuck imagining all the ways it might get him killed.
"Toro, you know what to do."
No need to say more—the big guy already looked like he tasted first blood.
"Rimel, send a party invite!"
"Toraman, you too!"
We were all going to explore separate corners of the village, and if I was right, we could still talk through the party system.
When both invites popped up, I clicked "Yes" along with the others. And just like that, our ragtag party of four was officially formed. I couldn't help but wonder how far we could go together with this odd mix of people.
After we split up, I returned to my zone: the Alcohol Zone. Fallen moved around like dancing cocktails. There weren't many people here—just a few poor souls who had already died in the last round and were now stuck watching from behind the safety shield.
As I passed them, I stepped out from the shield area without even thinking. Some of the dead players who had been defeated by mobs started mocking me right away.
"Guess dying once wasn't enough for this guy!"
"This lion must've eaten a crazy pill!"
When I looked back, I saw them laughing and pointing at me. I wasn't mad. I just memorized their faces. I wasn't planning to forget.
"Listen up! As long as I'm here, I won't lift a finger to help anyone who gives those jerks even a drop of water!"
[Evil Points +5]
Looks like the system didn't like that. Gave me bad karma on the spot.
"Go on, loser! Go die again so they can send you to the Second Floor of Hell!"
There were around thirty of them in the group, and one guy with uneven shoulders kept shouting louder than the rest.
"Don't listen to those mutts, kid."
An older man with gray hair and a bent back gently grabbed my arm and pulled me back inside the shield. He spoke softly, making sure no one else heard.
"What did they say, uncle?" I asked.
He raised one eyebrow and gave me a knowing smile. The name "Headlines" floated above his head.
"Don't act like you don't know. Didn't they tell you? If you die twice in one day, they send you to the Second Floor."
That was the info I didn't have. My eyes lit up like I'd just won the lottery.
"Add Friend: Headlines!"
When I sent him a friend request, he actually jumped in fear. I hadn't even received the usual info pop-up, but the invite still reached him.
"Just click 'yes,' uncle. You're safe now. No Fallen in this area will harm you anymore."
The old guy gave me a weird look, scanning me up and down. Even as I left the shield zone again, I could feel his eyes following me.
"Angel… Oh Angel… you broke my heart… Should I wander the desert for your love, you wicked queen?"
A Drunk LVL 1 had noticed me and stepped into my range. He started with his usual nonsense—charming lines meant to trap you in conversation until he could kill you.
Time to test my skill. I activated Unstoppable Fist, blocking out his silly words.
My right hand began to burn, like it was on fire. I actually felt powerful—maybe for the first time in this game. I pulled my arm to the side, fist up, in a stance I recognized from somewhere.
As the drunk staggered toward me, I drew my left arm in front for balance and launched my right fist straight into his chin.
[Unstoppable Fist – Success!]
– Level 1 (1/10,000)
– Reminder Options: Notify every hit / every 100 hits / every 1000 hits
The Fallen broke apart. If I hit him a little faster, he might've exploded. Now that the system recognized the skill, it was officially mine.
I picked the option to notify every 100 hits. I didn't want to hear that message every single time I punched something.
The punch itself was strong—probably a basic karate punch form. But no time to think more. The dead mob's friend spotted me and charged.
I landed one more hit and down he went. I picked up the loot they dropped. That's when I felt a bit let down. When I first hunted here, I got a skill book. Now? Just a couple copper coins. But still, I pocketed the money. Waste not, want not, right?
I headed back to the safety zone. The same people who mocked me earlier were now watching me nervously. I sat down and opened my status screen.
Status Screen
Name: Max
Title: Sinner
Level: 1
Life Points: 10
Magic Points: 10
Energy: 6
Attack: 10
Defense: 10
Power: 1
Stamina: 1
Agility: 1
Wisdom: 1
Skill: Unstoppable Fist
Profession: None
Good Points: 15
Evil Points: 15
Two new titles appeared, but something stood out: When I helped the old man, the system didn't add any Good Points. But when I threatened the others, it gave me Evil Points instantly.
Meanwhile, my energy was already low. Since each punch cost 2 points, I could only throw five hits before I'd need to rest again.