Amazon Apocalypse: Chapter 3 (Patreon)

‘Some discomfort’ was a damn lie.

That’s what I probably would have been thinking if I could think about anything except extraordinary, excruciating pain. Every cell in my body was being ripped apart, scanned, and reassembled again. I couldn’t move, breathe, or even think about anything other than the pain. It was an unnatural kind of agony, like it was the kind of pain my mind knew it shouldn't ever experience. I felt like a ghost, as though my body wasn't even there.

I thought about waving my arms and legs, but nothing happened. I couldn't sense my breathing, and when I calmed down and tried to feel my heartbeat it wasn't there either. None of the little tremors and functions of life were present. I wasn’t sure how long I stayed in that state. Nor was I sure when it faded. But when my mind returned to me again, I wasn’t in Sakura’s office anymore.

The room I was in was completely white and featureless. Light emanated equally from all directions, and there were no shadows anywhere to be found. I was naked as I floated in this formless void, unable to touch, see, or feel anything. Was this the afterlife? Had I died? Somehow, that didn't feel right either.

Suddenly, a weight sprouted into existence on a thin ribbon strung around my neck. I looked down, but I already knew what it was.

It was the token Myrina had given me. The token that was my warning of the apocalypse to come.

My form seemed to solidify, and I dropped to the ground. It was spongy, sort of what I thought walking on a cloud might feel like.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” I asked.

“Welcome, Carter Smith of Earth.” A voice echoed out from all directions. Like the light, its sound came from all directions at once. The voice it spoke with was both male and female, completely indiscernible. It had a smooth sense of absolute certainty that I might expect from a god, though this was no heaven I’d ever heard of.

“You have survived integration, and your mind and body will remain intact,” the voice explained.

“Integration? Is that what that was?” I asked.

“Yes. Welcome to the Multiverse.”

“Multiverse?”

“A term used to describe the many universes that exist within the greater universe. Some believe they are merely different manifestations of reality, while others consider them separate realities altogether. To us, however, such distinctions are meaningless. You are now integrated into the system-recognized multiverse, and all realms within its bounds can be freely accessed by those with the power to do so.”

There was silence between us. As far as I could tell, there was absolutely nothing in this place. Nothing but space. Space that stretched forever until it reached infinity.

“What about the people who didn’t survive integration? What happens to them?” I asked.

“Their minds, bodies, and spirits will be disassembled and recycled to create unique monsters to challenge those who survived.” The voice was as cold as clinical as before, even when talking about tearing people to pieces and putting them back together as monsters.

“This is the apocalypse Myrina talked about. The System Apocalypse. That’s you, isn’t it? The system?”

“Yes,” the system replied.

“How do I stop this?”

“You cannot stop the inevitable. Your integration was prepared sixty-five million years ago.”

“When the dinosaurs were wiped out...”

“To make room for sentient life,” the system explained. “Your people are the result of a cosmic genesis seed created to bring about your existence through natural evolution. Your integration is merely the natural progression of events as planned.”

“Fuck...” There really was nothing I could do for Earth. The apocalypse had come and claimed everything I ever knew with it.

“Affirmative. There was a considerable amount of fucking involved.”

I had to laugh at that. For a genocidal, all-powerful voice capable of manipulating the destinies of entire planets, the system had a half-decent sense of humor. Assuming it even intended that to be a joke.

“Alright, system. What am I here to do?”

***

Besides wiping out a good portion of the planet, the reason for the system presenting itself was rather simple.

It had brought me here to confirm that the new reality I was about to experience wasn’t a dream. And it wasn’t going to end. This was what life would be from now on, and I had to adapt.

I wasn’t sure if it was messing with my thinking, but I felt that realization settle into place like it had always been there. Our conversation hadn’t been long, but it would be the most important one I ever had.

“Do I get any tips?” I asked the system.

“Utilize all resources and available methods to ensure survival and prosperity,” the system replied. “Favor independence and self-reliance over security.”

I was surprised to get anything out of the system. It felt like it had the cold dispassionate disposition of a machine. But it seemed like asking the right questions could win me some vaguely helpful advice. “So I should be willing to do whatever it takes and only rely on myself. Sounds rather ruthless, doesn’t it?”

“Statistical analysis suggests the path to true power in the multiverse is a difficult and lonely road.”

“What if I want to bring someone along with me?”

“Methods can be provided for the strong to elevate the weak or to allow them to catch up in levels.”

I nodded. “I see. So if I want others to survive, it’s possible to take them under my wing. Alright, next question. What’s going to happen after this?”

“You will be returned to your physical body on the remains of Earth. Your objective will be to survive the disassembly of your planet.”

Disassembly? That didn’t sound good.

“Don’t I get a tutorial or something?” I asked.

“All system rewards must be earned, including tutorials.”

“Damn. I guess I don’t get anything for free.” But that turned out not to be true.

“As a reward for surviving the integration of a world, you have been given several unique titles and boons. These will prepare you for survival in the multiverse and mitigate the disadvantages of not growing up within it.”

“Sweet! How do I view them?”

At the mental command, a screen appeared before my eyes.

Title: Forerunner of Earth (Legendary)

You were present when the planet Earth was integrated into the multiverse and have been granted the permanent title Forerunner of Earth. Your success or failure will determine the future of your world.

All experience rewards round upward in your favor.

Universal Translator unlocked for all humanoid species.

Title: Integration Survivor (Legendary)

Your body survived the integration process, restoring you to full health and preparing you for the apocalypse. You have been granted the permanent title of Integration Survivor.

You will retain the species designation: “Human (Earth)”

Rare skills and titles will be easier to obtain until full integration is complete.

Temporary Title: Blessed of the System (Unique. Expires in 3 days.)

As a survivor of the integration process, you have been given this temporary boon to assist in your survival.

All disabilities and physical impairments will be healed. All sicknesses will be cured. Age-related debuffs will be removed.

All experience rewards will be tripled while this title is active.

+1 stat point in all stats for every four hours you survive.

Wow... that was actually better than I expected. I had thought the infirm and elderly would be dead in an apocalypse for sure, but it seemed like the system had other plans.

In one line, it cured disabilities, sickness, and aging. Millions of humans who would otherwise not have stood a chance in this apocalypse had suddenly been granted a new lease on life.

And on top of that, everyone who survived as long as the title lasted would have an additional eighteen stat points across the board. I didn’t know how much a stat point was worth, but it looked like getting those bonus points would triple my current totals.

Carter Smith (Human, Level 1. Rank F)

Strength: 5

Agility: 3

Perception: 4

Vitality: 3

Intelligence: 7

Willpower: 6

Charisma: 5

Luck: 0

I asked about each of the stats, but there were no surprises. They all seemed to do just about what I expected from my gaming experience. I was pretty sure that wasn't without accident.

“What does ‘Rank F’ stand for?” I asked the system.

“There are thresholds where gaining a new level is many times more difficult than normal, and the power granted for crossing that threshold is also many times more difficult. These are called grades, ranks, or bottlenecks. Colloquially, F Rank has been most commonly titled the ‘Fodder’ rank because it is usually only seen on the weakest of creatures suitable for training children to fight.”

“Gee, thanks. So I’m just fodder. What about what comes after it?’

“At level 10, you will be given the option of performing a quest to achieve E rank. Upon completion, your stats will increase dramatically, as will your class options. E rank is considered the standard rank for an individual or modest means and status in the multiverse, as well as most ordinary non-sentient monsters.”

“And let me guess, E rank is colloquially known as ‘Embarrassment to your Family' if you come from a larger force.”

“Incorrect. The colloquial title for E Rankers is ‘Everyone’s Bitch.’”

“Fantastic...” I grumbled. It seemed like I was going to need to level sooner rather than later.

“Integration initialization is nearly finished. Yours is completed, but others require more extensive analysis. You have two minutes until the estimated task completion. Be sure to ask any remaining questions in that time.”

“Shit! Don’t I get to choose a class or something?”

“Class availability will be awarded based on performance when the temporary Blessed of the System title expires or by attending tutorials,” the system explained. “You will be awarded a class. However, classes within integrated space can be changed, so do not worry if you find yourself on a path not ideally suited for you. Your primary objective should be to survive and adapt to your new world.”

“What about starter equipment? Can I get a sword? A bow? A handgun?” I asked.

“You must improvise your initial weapons from your initial surroundings.”

I cursed again. “Well, what can I get?”

“Nothing further will be provided from this unique event. Your mind has been deemed sufficiently pliable to adapt to the multiverse without further tampering due to previous realizations.”

My eyes went to the only thing I was wearing. Myrina’s token.

“So she’s part of the multiverse...” I wasn’t really asking a question, but the system confirmed it anyway.

“Yes. Myrina of the Ironfallen Clan of Amazonian Warriors has offered you a patronage token. Completing its activation quest will provide you with certain boons, including a system integration tutorial hosted by the Amazonian Empire, along with level-appropriate starter gear and instant unlocks for classes suitable for the empire’s skills,” the system replied.

I suddenly realized something. “This tutorial, would it happen to take place in the Amazonian Empire?”

“You will be temporarily relocated to the Amazonian Empire under certain provisions that will ensure your survival and return to your integration location.”

“But... I could look for someone from the Amazonian Empire, couldn’t I?” I pressed.

“Yes.”

Well, how about that? Maybe I’d get to see Myrina again sooner than I thought.

But until then, I had an apocalypse to survive.

“Integration initialization has been completed. You will now be returned to your former location on Earth,” the system said.

And before I could give it either thanks for the words of wisdom or curses for destroying my planet, the room around me vanished.

***

<Note>

Updated. I ended up ditching the mental modification and boost, since you guys were right that it might be interpreted negatively when combined with the romantic and sexual aspects of this book.

So you’ll notice I modified the stats a little. Originally we were just using DnD stats, but I went through like a dozen of the most popular litrpg novels, found the stats people were most familiar with, and then culled that down into that list, figuring that would be what you guys were most familiar with.

This was originally part of the section, but I cut it because it’s all pretty similar to stuff you guys probably already read. I’m not reinventing the wheel here, and I think a lot of people will get bored if I do lengthy explanations of what these stats do. But you guys can read it here.

“Okay, quickly explain what my stats do, please.” Some of them seemed to match what I would expect from a video game, but I wanted to be sure.

“In general terms, strength represents raw physical might. It is most useful for those fighting as warriors or working in physically demanding crafting professions. Agility was previously known as dexterity in an earlier skill build, and it represents fine motor skills. Assassin’s classes make great use of the agility stat.

“Perception is the combined ability of all senses. Archers are the archetypical perception-focused stat, but all combat classes would do well to have enough points in perception to resist sensory disabling attacks.

“The vitality stat represents the ability to recover from physical damage. For example, a healer class would have high vitality.

“Intelligence has some impact on the user’s ability to recall raw information, but its primary use is reflected in magical workings, both for crafting and for combat. A high intelligence also provides additional raw mana for use in spellcraft. Mage classes make great use of intelligence.

“Willpower, also known as wisdom to some species in the multiverse, defines the ability to guard and control one’s own consciousness. Priests and warlocks require high willpower to invoke the power of creatures greater than themselves while maintaining their own sanity.

“Charisma is representative of the force of the wielder’s personality, and it can influence all non-combat interactions, either positively or negatively. An individual with exceptionally low charisma for their level is unlikely to be tolerated in civilized society, whereas an individual with high charisma for their level will find themselves floating to the top regardless of what they do. Charisma thresholds can serve as a prerequisite for leadership classes, such as general or king.

“And lastly, luck enhances the probability of successfully avoiding danger, perceiving hidden threats, and generally tiling the odds ever so slightly in your favor. Luck is favored by con artists and treasure hunters.”

From the sound of things, each state had its own class that focused on it.

I suspected there were other classes that might use two or more, though that had the clear disadvantage of needing to split your focus between two stats.

Luck is something I only might use. I might just delete the stat entirely, or it might become a major feature. It really depends on how things go in this draft. Sorry, I’m doing things so fast and lose guys, but it worked well funneling productivity in Long Live the Emperor, and I’ve found I work quite a bit faster if I prevent myself from taking my novel too seriously during the drafting stage. I’ve gotta let myself relax a bit more than I have been, or the words don’t come. So, nothing is firm until I send it to the proofreader!

We’ll see what I do with it in time. Once I figure out how the first chapter is going to work, I’ll think about this again and get things settled. For now, I’m just glad that we’re actually moving along in this story.