On the road back to the Instructor, Dave noticed many people "living" their lives as if it were the simplest thing to do.
It was surprising, refreshing, and interesting. How fictional characters "live" in this world could be beyond Dave's understanding, but still, he appreciated the work that the AI put into creating these lives. It was like a god creating a world filled with miracles.
Something that, even if fictional, was still praiseworthy to Dave.
Dave had a long future ahead of him, and with the 7,000 dollars remaining in his bank account, he could spare some time to build up his character's foundations before fully focusing on how to gather as much money as he could.
He had taken a risk, and he had to succeed. Otherwise, Dave's future would have looked grim.
As a young man without proper education, and without a fully functioning body anymore, this was his only way to make a future. Or at least, the only way he had left to make one.
Dave was not a stupid person. No, far from it. Though he never finished his studies, he always had a book in his hands.
It was the year 2069, and most people used only smart tablets and holographic cards to read data.
But Dave always loved the texture and smell of books, especially the old ones. He had developed a habit of reading and researching. Whenever he had time at the gas station where he used to work, there would always be a book under the counter.
Every time he changed jobs, he would always bring his stack of books and read them, especially fantasy books.
So, this world of Conquest was both a blessing for him to truly live in a world of fantasy and to achieve a future doing something he actually liked.
Dave had taken on the attempt to better his life, unlike casual players or even hardcore players.
Dave was betting his life.
And a man who is betting his life can only face one difficulty, and that is to challenge himself to become better.
Thus, Dave was filled with pride, perseverance, and hope.
Hope to make something out of nothing.
When Dave faced the Instructor, he asked,
"I have reached the required strength. Could I now wield a weapon and learn skills?"
"Oh, let me have a look." The Instructor began scanning Dave's avatar.
"Oh, impressive! You have grown strong! Very well! Take this!" said the Instructor as he gave Dave a short metallic sword.
Category: WeaponName: Basic Iron Short SwordClass: Common Weapon
A short sword used for training. Not much of an actual weapon, but at least sharp enough to kill some chickens.
Damage: 15–20Level Requirement: 1Stats Requirement: 15 Strength, 10 AgilityBonus Stats: NoneScaling/Class: E - Strength: E; Dexterity: E
"Oh, a basic sword. What is this scaling thing?" asked Dave.
"The scaling of a weapon is related to its damage or defense output. There are several scaling categories for weapons, ranging from E as the lowest to SSS as the best.
An E-scaling weapon's damage is factored by the related stat it's linked to. This is the diagram of scaling. You'll understand once you read through it."
Scale | Modifier | Stat | Weapon Damage [Finalized Damage over 0 Defense]
E | 0.25 | 100 | 15–25 → 100 + 25 + 15–25 = 140–150 DmgD | 0.5 | 100 | 15–25 → 100 + 50 + 15–25 = 165–175 DmgC | 0.75 | 100 | 15–25 → 100 + 75 + 15–25 = 190–200 DmgB | 1 | 100 | 15–25 → 100 + 100 + 15–25 = 215–225 DmgA | 1.25 | 100 | 15–25 → 125 + 100 + 15–25 = 240–250 DmgS | 1.5 | 100 | 15–25 → 150 + 100 + 15–25 = 265–275 DmgSS | 2 | 100 | 15–25 → 200 + 100 + 15–25 = 315–325 Dmg
(This might be confusing, but the formula is: weapon scale × modifier + stat = damage.)
"Oh, this is more like it. So, the higher the scale on a weapon, the more damage output. And looking at the basic iron sword, it has two scaling stats. I think it would take from both."
Looking at the diagram, Dave made some mental calculations and realized that, with his current stats, he could deal between 280 and 300 damage with the basic sword.
Considering his measly 100 HP, that amount of damage was ridiculous.
However, once he noticed something interesting in the diagram, he couldn't help but ask,
"It says here that Defense Value is 0. How can defense affect the damage output?"
"Oh, before I speak of that, I need to explain defense first. There are four kinds of damage modifiers. Here, take a look."
Defense Type | Value | Weapon Damage | Result After Defense
Magic Absorption | 100 | 280–300 | 180–200Damage Nullification | 100 | 280–300 | 180–200Immunity | 40% | 280–300 | 112–120
"Oh, there are so many! Could you explain them to me, though? Why are there three types of defense reduction values?" asked Dave.
"Let me explain. The three types of defense are related to each other. You can find a shield that has one, two, or even all three types of defense. Immunity is the best of the three, as it works both ways. The maximum a person can have is 40% damage immunity," said the Instructor, explaining in a manner akin to a teacher.
Dave understood that for a tank class, one would need both Magic Absorption and Damage Nullification to be a good tank.
Several weapons deal both magical and physical damage. If Dave focused on only one aspect, he might end up dead.
However, having 40% immunity would help him greatly.
"Alright, that session was interesting enough," said Dave. "It'll take some time to ponder over it. Thank you for your guidance."
He added before finishing with, "Now, can I learn some of your basic skills?"
"Yes, yes, grab your weapon and mimic this move," said the Instructor as he took a wooden sword and slashed vertically toward the ground.
Though the sword was made of wood, it managed to crack the concrete ground with a single strike.
Dave then mimicked the move and achieved similar results.
It was strange. How could a sword damage the earth this much?
Congratulations!You have unlocked your Rage Bar.
Rage enables a character to use skills related to sword-wielding classes.
Congratulations!You have gained a new skill: Destructive Smash!
Skill: Destructive SmashSkill Level: Amateur (1)Damage / Effects: 50% Weapon DamageEffect: Stuns target for 1 secondRarity: Common (E)Cost: 50 StaminaCooldown: 1 minute