Re: Apocalypse Game-Novel

Chapter 46 Skill Shop

"Here we are! Skill shop!!" Vicky exclaimed with excitement as the group entered the next building, which was just adjacent to the item shop. Similar to the previous shop, a crowd had gathered around the panel, eager to explore the available skills.

As the panel activated, a comprehensive list of skills appeared, categorized into two sections: [main skills] and [active skills]. Alan noted that, like the item shop, the port town only offered common skills for purchase, at least for now.

[Main skill - Common]

[Sword weapon] [Dagger weapon] [Spear weapon] [Axe weapon] [Blunt Weapon] [Bow weapon] [Throwing weapon] [Hand to Hand] [Small Firearm] [Medium Firearm] [Big Firearm]

The cost of the skills varied based on their level:

[Basic Level: 500 survival points]

[Advanced Level: F rank / 500 survival points]

[Expert Level: E rank reward / 500 survival points]

Using their [Game Link] Players had the freedom to upgrade their skills at any time, but in the shop, they could purchase the basic version of the skill.

Seeing the list of skills, Vicky once again approached Alan and playfully said, "Please, Mr. Teacher, teach us which skill to choose."

Alan, aware of the gravity of their decisions in this dangerous game, was reluctant to make choices on their behalf. Instead, he offered them general advice to help guide their decisions:

First, Alan advised that it was better to focus on mastering one or two skills rather than spreading themselves thin and trying to learn too many. Becoming a "Jack of all trades" might seem appealing, but in "Apocalypse Game" it could be a luxury that led to fatal consequences. Ideally, each player should aim to become proficient in one close combat and one long-range combat skill to cover different scenarios.

Second, Alan pointed out that players should consider their real-life familiarity with the chosen skills. In this game, skills might be more effective if they reflected the players' actual abilities or experiences in the real world. Having real-life knowledge could potentially enhance their performance in the game.

Third, While some players might be tempted to save their survival points and hope to acquire skills for free through continuous in-game actions, like Alan [First Aid skill], he suggested a more proactive approach. He reminded them that time was of the essence in a deadly game like this. It was better to invest in the basic skills they needed right away to start their training and preparation.

Lastly, Alan emphasized the significance of active skills in making a difference in the game. These active skills had tangible effects during combat and could give players a significant advantage. However, he cautioned that to access active skills, players needed to reach the expert level in their main skill.

As Alan accessed the panel, he saw the Active skill options he could buy from his three expert-level skills [Small Firearm], [Sword Weapon], and [Sneak].

[Small Firearm]

[Steady Hand]: Gain enhanced accuracy and reduced recoil when firing small firearms.

[Eagle Eye]: Able to aim distance target and shoot without penalty

[Rapid Fire]: The ability to shoot faster, without affecting accuracy

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[Sword Weapon]

[Swift Blade]: Improve attack speed and dexterity with swords, enabling faster and more fluid movements.

[Power Strike]: Increase attack power on each swing when using a sword weapon.

[Lunge Strike]: Ability that allows the player to close the distance between them and their opponent quickly.

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[Sneak]

[Concealment]: Enhance the skill of hiding in shadows and staying undetected while remaining still.

[Escape]: Increase movement speed in times of danger.

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Each of these active skills had a [Skill duration: 30 seconds] and a [Cooldown: 10 minutes]. They came at a cost of [E rank reward/500].

When reaching the expert level each player should receive one random active skill for free. However, much to his disappointment, his "Rebirth" got him two expert skills but none of the active skills at all.

Understanding the importance of active skills, he decided not to hesitate and made the purchase as planned. He chose to acquire the following active skills: [Eagle Eye], [Lunge Strike], [Power Strike], and [Concealment].

[2000 survival points, 4 x E rank Reward]

As he only had one E-rank reward with him, Alan decided to utilize a function of the game that allowed players to break apart a higher-ranked reward into several lower-ranked ones.

[You are breaking 1x D rank reward to 3x E rank reward, confirm?]

"Yes,"

[Purchase completed]

[Survival points: 4960 > 2960]

[ F Rank reward x1, D Rank reward x 2]

After finishing his own purchases, Alan observed his companions as they made their selections from the skill shop.

Milo, being the one in the party with expert skills, also decided to purchase one active skill, [Footwork Mastery], to increase his speed and agility during hand-to-hand combat. Recognizing the importance of having a long-range option, he also bought [Medium Firearm] to balance his combat capabilities.

Luis, the Mexican man, was excited to follow Milo's lead and chose [Medium Firearm] as well, but his reason was more for the sake of looking cool. He envisioned himself as a real gangster in the virtual world, wielding a firearm with style and confidence.

Daniel thought strategically about his choices. He opted to purchase the [Spear Weapon], a versatile medium-range weapon that could be used effectively in both offense and defense. As a player who liked to maintain distance from opponents, the spear provided an ideal option for him. Additionally, he invested in [Small Firearm], which could serve as a backup weapon when enemies got too close or for situations that required quick precision shots.

Vicky, the charming actress, couldn't contain her excitement as she giggled and teased, "A skill that I know in real life, right!" Her enthusiasm was contagious as she confidently selected [Small Firearm] and [Sword Weapon]. She explained that she had experience using these weapons in her past movie roles.

However, when she was ready to make the purchase, she was stunned in shock. "Is this price right!?" She compared it to the other panel and found her price to be cheaper. In excitement, she said, "A discount, really?!"

[Basic Level: 500 > 300]

[Advanced Level: F rank reward / 500 > 500]

[Expert Level: E rank reward / 500 > F rank /500]

Amidst the confusion, Alan quickly deciphered the reason behind Vicky's lower skill prices. Her unique skill, [Gifted], granted her the ability to learn skills more easily, resulting in reduced costs for purchasing and upgrading skills. It was an incredible advantage that could prove to be invaluable in the later stages of the game.

Upon realizing the significance of her unique skill, Vicky's eyes gleamed with excitement. With a playful grin, the girl responds by purchasing more skills. [Hand to Hand] [Medium Firearm] [Big Firearm] "It's on sale so... a girl must stay true to her principle"

She even gets to upgrade her [Sword weapon] and [Small Firearm] to expert and get herself a free active skill [Swift Blade] and [Steady Hands], spending a total of [3500 survival points, 2x F rank Reward]

She would have bought more if her points and rank reward didnt just run dry.