(You are now oathbound to Veronica Sanders)
Veronica leaped to her feet and picked James up in a hug as she swung him around in a circle.
"Oh James, you've made me the happiest Ascendant ever!" She laughed happily.
James face scrunched up as her words sunk in. 'How did I not notice, I've been staring at her lower half all day.. I've been fooled..'
James let out a strained, "Oh wow.. I didn't know you were an Ascendant, I didn't even notice.." James said a little bitterly.
Unaware of James's distress she replied, "How else would I be at such a high level? I'm only 20 years old you know.."
"How would I know what level you are? I don't remember asking you yesterday." James said, confused by her words.
"Through [Identify] of course? Everyone knows- Ah, I completely forgot! You wouldn't know something basic like that with your memory gone. While it's considered rude to [Identify] strangers, most people do it anyway. I assumed you had already used it on me. Sorry."
"That's okay Veronica, but [Identify] seems pretty useful. Thanks for the information."
Veronica paused suddenly, "The goblins just died, I just got the exp alert! They must've bled out while we were talking.. I'm so stupid."
James looked at her downcast expression and said, "It's alright, I assume there'll be more for us out there so let's put it behind us and start hunting."
That's when Emily butted in with, "No more goblins for today. We need to head back a little bit, seeing goblins means we've already left the range Lady Justine set."
Saying this she grabbed James from Veronica's hug, then started walking back the way they came. James panicked in her arms as his mind raced.
'Emily is so stingy, how can I convince her otherwise.. wait I don't need to convince her.' An evil gleam sparked in James's eyes.
"Stop" he commanded.
Emily froze on the spot, "But James, Lady Justine said-"
"I don't care what she said and if I'm remembering correctly, you're oathbound to me, not her."
James saw internal conflict war inside Emily.
"She won't find out about this either, I forbid you two from telling her about me breaking my promise, understood?"
James stared at them both until they finally nodded in acknowledgment.
"Okay then, let's get this party started." He said while rubbing his hands together.
——————
Veronica had just pinned two goblins into the ground, giving James the go ahead to finish them.
Walking to about 15 paces away from the creature's, James was struck at their humanlike appearances.
'I feel like I'm about to murder children.. green stinky children.'
James stared until he remembered Veronica's words and said [Identify]
(Skill: Identify gained)
———————————————————
[Name: Riff] [Race: Goblin] [Age: 3 months]
Level: 3
Skills: Bite, Sratch
———————————————————
'Hmm that's pretty different from my character sheet, I wonder if it's because they're monsters? Also no attribute or perk information as well.'
The goblins thrashed around on the ground while James looked for his weapon of choice, a nice thick stick. Finding a good one he picked it up and said, "This'll do, I guess."
Walking back over to the goblins, James hefted his stick over his head and brought it down all the strength he could muster.
His aim was a little off as the weapon met the goblins jaw, shattering teeth. Trying again he hit its nose flattening it, blood and mucus shot out into its open mangled mouth.
'This is so gruesome, I think I'm gonna be sick'
The goblin was still breathing, wheezing gasps sputtering as it tried not to choke on its own blood. James hefted his stick one last time and brought it down. A distinct crunching sound was made as the goblins skull caved in.
(70 exp gained)
(640/1000 to level 2)
(Skill: Improvised Weapon (Level 1) gained)
James feeling like a monster turned to the next goblin who had gone completely still. The goblin brought its hands together in a prayer and started crying.
'I just wanted to farm exp, this is nothing like a video game..' James stopped as he realized exactly that, this wasn't a game and his actions had real consequences.
Looking over to Veronica and Emily who seemed fine with the brutality, James wondered if what he was doing was okay.
James shook off the thought. 'It doesn't matter if what I'm doing is right or wrong and if I'm not strong enough, someday this might happen to me.'
He used [Identify] on this one as well.
———————————————————
[Name: Raff] [Race: Goblin] [Age: 4 months]
Level: 5
Skills: Bite, Sratch
———————————————————
Walking over to the helpless goblin, James repeated the process with efficiency.
[90 exp gained]
[730/1000 to level 2]
[Improvised Weapon in now level 2]
Remembering his new skill, James focused on it as a description appeared.
[Skill: Improvised Weapon (Level 2)
Description: Grants user the ability to inflict damage with random objects.
Skill bonus damage: +10% (Level 2)
SP: 4/50 to Level 3]
'I wish I read the description when I first got it, I wonder how much the bonus is per skill level.'
Done inspecting his new skill, James turned to his 2 companions. Trying to get used to a life of 'skills and levels', James used [Identify],when a notification popped up,
(Users level is too low, partial identify activated)
———————————————————
[Name: Veronica Sanders] [Race: Human] [Age: 20] [Class: Scout]
Level: 48
Skills: (Information Hidden)
Perks: Oathbound(Servant), (Information Hidden)
———————————————————
Veronica's information was quite a bit different as well, but he noticed she had a perk section.
'Still no attributes, huh? Well I guess that makes sense you can't see everyone's exact build.'
He then looked at Emily and once again used his skill.
———————————————————
[Name: Emily Dell] [Race: Human] [Age: 20] [Class: Assassin]
Level: 49
Skills: (Information Hidden)
Perks: Oathbound(Servant), (Information Hidden)
———————————————————
James was shocked to see Emily was an assassin, he looked up and studied her.
'I'm kind of an idiot I didn't realize sooner.. those daggers at her waist and lack of armor were dead giveaways. My brain just didn't put 2 and 2 together, also it's hard seeing these 7 foot tall women as nimble and stealthy.'
"Level 48 and 49 huh.. I got a lot of catching up to do." James said thinking out loud.
The two women laughed as Emily replied, "Oh wow, that's a good one James." As she bent over clutching her side.
"Yeah James, that was hilarious." Veronica said wiping tears out of her eyes. "I'd pay to see a man pass level 10 and get a [Class]."
James face blackened as a slowly building rage started inside him.
'I get no respect around here.. I'll make you eat your words one day..'
James thought about walking over and kicking their shins but he didn't want to embarrass himself further.
"I'm glad you thought my joke was so funny. Now then, can we find some more things to kill."
Veronica regained her composure and said, "I'm on it, I'll be back in 5." With that, she darted off into the forest using her skills as a [Scout] to find more exp for James.
—————
A few hours passed until James received the prompt he had been waiting for all day.
(60 exp gained)
(30/2000 to level 3)
(Level Up)
Happily, James opened his character sheet and assigned his stat points.
________________________________________
(Player: James)
[Race: Human] [Age: 14]
Level: 2
Exp: 30/2000
Attributes
Str: 12
Int: 10
Wis: 10
Con: 10
Spd: 10
Unallocated points: 0
Skills: Entoxicating Scent (Disabled), Improvised Weapon (Level 3), Identify
Perks: Male, Unblocked, Oathbound(Master/2)
———————————————————
Now James was avid video game player, but his minmaxing abilities always fell second to his desire of having his stats look pretty.
'Thank god I leveled, looking at my character sheet was such an eyesore before.'
"Good job James!" His companions praised.
"You must've been close already because we've only been at it for less than a day." Veronica said, clearly pleased at James's accomplishment.
"I wouldn't say that I was close, but I was already halfway there actually. Those goblins give me so much more exp than slimes."
"EEHHH!?" Both woman exclaimed.
"Why're you guys so surprised? I was getting over 50 exp per goblin, sooner or later I was gonna hit the 1000 exp requirement." James said confused.
The two let out another surprised gasp as a flury of questions assaulted his ears.
"How! Only 1000!?"
"But you're a man!?"
"Over 50 exp PER goblin?"
"Are you lying to us right now?!"
James put up his hands in a calming gesture, "Whoa whoa whoa , one at a time. And I'm not lying, is this something you really need to freak out over?"
Another response came in unison as the two said, "Yes it is!"
Startled, James pondered there outburst before remembering a certain perk he had.
________________________________________
Perk: Unblocked
Description: Removes exp limitions imposed on the male sex. Grants full exp amount on quest completion and slain enemies. Exp required to level skills lowered to other sexes default.
———————————————————
'Is this actually overpowered or something? No, it can't be. I would only be better off against other men. I just share the same starting point as women and Ascendants.'
"Can you use [Identify] on a perk to read its description?" James asked.
"Yes, but most wouldn't bother doing so as most perks are personal and the person getting inspected would have to agree to the request." Emily supplied, she then started back up again with, "But what does that have-"
James cut her off, "[Identify] me and look for the perk [Unblocked], I'll give you guys permission."
The two went silent as their eyes glazed over slightly, then both of their mouths fell open.
"This.. this is unheard of.." Veronica said with a trembling voice.
"…." Emily was just to stunned to speak.
"Is this really that big of a deal? I just have the same starting point, it's not like I have a real advantage." James said.
"That's where your wrong.. males get an additional 5 attributes per level.. at level 10 your stats would rival a level 20. You are twice as strong as a woman or an Ascendant of the same level.. holy goddess above." Emily said, voice cracking.
"Oh…" James said dumbly, unable to find a response.
'That means I wasn't completely abandoned by Myen'tal, she actually granted me something super overpowered. It seems I really am a typical isekai protagonist..'
'I should've kept this to myself though..'
"I think it goes without saying, but this is strictly between us." James spoke with authority.
"O-of course James, our oathbinding would prevent us from telling anyone. Regardless, I promise not tell a soul about your perk." Emily said with certainty.
"Me as well, I promise this on my life." Veronica stated just as intensely.
Trying to lighten the mood after the sudden revelation James said, "Though if another woman as beautiful as you two appears, I don't know if I could keep my lips sealed."
His joke did not seem to land as Veronica and Emily stared daggers at him.
"Haha I'm just messing around…"
'Well sorta..'
Seeing that the sun was starting to drop down behind some of trees, James group walked back towards town.
They had another dinner at Mama's Tavern, once again spooking the serving girl. The trio was about to leave when a random woman called out to James.
"Um Sir? Could I have a moment of your time?"
Turning around from the door he was about to exit, James put his hands on his two protectors. They both had instantly placed their hands on their weapons and were beginning to draw them.
"Don't be so hasty, let me see what she wants."
"Hello Miss? What can I help you with today?" James said with a smile.
The woman looked to be about her mid thirties and blushed at his attention. She seemed to be a regular woman as well considering her height was only a few inches taller than his own.
"I won't ask for a spot on your quota or anything like that… but Sir, could you please take this handkerchief?" The woman pleaded.
"Um sure.. but what for.. exactly?" James said reaching out his right hand this time.
"Well umm… I'll give you 5 no.. 10. I'll give you 10 gold if you take that handkerchief and wipe the sweat from your armpits and balls and give it back to me."
The woman started breathing heavily and James saw a little drool escape her mouth.
'Have some shame woman! Someone come get their freaky mom!'