Realm of Myths and Legends Chapter 2 Breaking Parameters

Welcome to Realm of Myths and Legends. Please stand by for a moment as your character is being generated.

"According to the manual I reviewed during my 12-hour wait, the system scans your physique and then fashions a character based on its inherent traits. Thus, an individual who has diligently trained in real life will possess a significant advantage over those who have not. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to cultivate the Heavenly Golden Body physique. Although it has not yet been perfected, it is more than sufficient to grant me an edge."

Izroth was contemplating inwardly as the game neared the completion of his character's creation. The character bore an exact resemblance to Izroth – well, Jin, but since they were now one and the same, he wouldn't trouble himself with constantly differentiating between them. Character customization was possible to some extent, but drastic changes to gender or appearance were not permitted, a measure implemented by the game to ensure player safety and prevent fraud.

Beep Beep! Character generation complete. Please select your class. RML offered numerous special and hidden classes, but the initial class options were restricted. However, do not mistake this selection as unimportant; it fundamentally determined your character's role within a party, whether for dungeons or raids. Izroth was aware of all this due to the memories he had absorbed.

Without any hesitation, Izroth chose the Combat Master class. There were nine distinct starting classes available in RML: Warrior, Rogue, Mage, Cleric, Summoner, Shaman, Ranger, Fighter, and Combat Master. These classes could further branch out into a multitude of different or hidden classes. The Combat Master class was often looked down upon due to its stringent requirements. Beta testers reported it as an unplayable class, incredibly difficult to manage for a single reason: it mandated the creation of one's own skills!

This might sound simple, but it necessitates devising logical actions that the AI recognizes and registers as skills. Should you concoct subpar moves, you would end up with a class considered trash. The beta testers provided a substantial amount of negative feedback because a skill from this class would never achieve a grade higher than D. In RML, skills are ranked by grades from strongest to weakest: SSS, SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, F. One was expected to aspire to obtain an A-rank skill, not a C-rank skill!

Consequently, any player who became a Combat Master would likely be rendered useless in group settings. This information spread rapidly throughout the gaming community, as everyone intently focused on the advice from beta testers, aiming to secure even the slightest advantage in the race to become the strongest player or guild. In fact, some prominent guilds and gaming clubs outright prohibited their members from choosing to be Combat Masters!

However, what others perceived as impossible and worthless, Izroth viewed as boundless potential.

"If only I could recreate the Boundless Emperor Void Perfection heavenly law here..." Izroth's mind was already racing with the possibilities before him. As he was lost in thought, a 'ding' sound echoed.

Character creation complete... Generating Stats...

Ding! Due to your strong Constitution, you have received an HP boost!

Ding! As your HP cannot exceed the game's starting parameters, it is capped at a maximum of 100!

Ding! Because your Constitution far surpasses the starting parameters, your character's parameters have been increased!

Ding! Due to your strong Physical Strength, you have received an Attack boost!

Ding! As your Attack cannot exceed the game's starting parameters, it is limited to a maximum of 20!

Ding! Because your Physical Strength far surpasses the starting parameters, your character's parameters have been increased!

Ding! Because...

System alerts flooded Izroth's vision, causing a slight dizziness as he tried to keep pace with them. Ultimately, his character's profile appeared as follows:

Name: Izroth

EXP: 0/100

Level: 1 (Stat Points: 0)

Title: None

Class: Combat Master

HP (Hit Points): 200/200

Energy: 100

ATK (Attack): 40

DEFENSE (DEF): 20

AGILITY (AGI): 20

MAGIC (MAG): 0

Gear Equipped:

None

Skills: (Skill Points: 0)

Breaker of Limits (Passive) Level: MAXED (S Rank)

Inventory: (Gold: 0 Silver: 0 Bronze: 50)

Empty

Fame:

World Fame: 0

Had anyone, even the game developers, witnessed these stats, their eyeballs would have surely popped out of their sockets! Such statistics were not even supposed to exist at level 1! Parameters had been established to prevent players from exceeding limits, halting them until they advanced further in levels, even if they slightly surpassed the boundaries. However, Izroth's level of transcendence was so far beyond these limits that the game made an exception, shattering those parameters to grant him an additional boost and a unique passive skill! He was likely the world's only and first player to acquire a skill at this stage.

"Breaker of Limits? A passive skill that allows me to surpass my limits. I did not expect such a benefit after having only cultivated the Heavenly Golden Body for a few hours. It’s a shame I could not cultivate the Boundless Emperor Void Perfection technique... Or else I may have broken the game."

Izroth laughed, but it was filled with joy for the power he felt flowing through his entire body. Even though it was only a video game, it was fully immersive and one would feel as though it were no different from reality itself!

Izroth’s vision became entirely white before seeing an entire world that seemed endless, that was the world of RML. Massive mountains, endless abyss, monstrously large forest, huge deserts, all kinds of monsters and beast! This was a small cutscene to give players a taste of the vastness of RML!

When Izroth opened his eyes once more he was in a small village, it was the starting village where all players start known as Opal Town. It was a nice little village situated in a relatively safe zone. Izroth looked around, the game interface was helping him to navigate more smoothly as he used the minimap to follow the beginner tutorial quest. A few players had already run off and started to try out fighting monsters with their bare hands and got slaughtered.

Izroth saw this scene and shook his head, those players obviously had not bothered to read any guides or manuals. It was clear that it would be near impossible to defeat monsters or beast without first obtaining your class weapon. That was unless you were in a similar situation as Izroth who had a major stat boost or someone who was highly skilled. But someone highly skilled would not necessarily make things harder for themselves on purpose, or else Izroth would have also just gone straight to fighting monsters.

Soon enough, Izroth arrived in front of a small rundown building. Even though Opal Town was a small village, it was only small when taking the entire RML world into account. But, if compared to something on Earth it would be about the size of a small country!

Izroth stepped into the building and inside was an old man sat up against the wall snoring away with an empty flask in his hand asleep. It was obvious that this man was a drunkard, but the tutorial started here for sure, Izroth knew this because the system would not have guided him here otherwise.

"Hello, I am Izroth a Combat Master. I have come to seek the guidance of you, honored elder." Izroth was very respectful. After all, he never sought to make enemies but was never afraid of those who wanted to bully or offend him.

The old man’s snoring suddenly stopped as his eyes slowly opened, "Honored elder...?" the old man let out a small laugh. "I have been called many things before, but that one is a first..." the old man stood up wobbling a bit constantly looking like he was about to fall over. He moved the flask up to his lips to take a drink before realizing it was empty and tossing it aside. He then pulled another flask from his inner coat pocket and started drinking. While doing so, he took the time to size Izroth up.

"The path of a Combat Master is not for the light-hearted, it’s only for those with true determination and will... Are you sure this is the path you want to choose..?" for just a brief moment the old man seemed to release a mighty and oppressive aura as to test Izroth.

"As I thought, he’s not just a drunken old man..." Izroth thought to himself as he felt that oppressive aura, although it did not affect him it, could make those with a low willpower quake in fear and run away. Without hesitating, Izroth made his decision.

"I am sure this is the path. Determination? Will? If I said that I was second best at having those traits then no one would dare say they were first!" Izroth eyes showed the look of an unshakable will.

The old man was slightly surprised for a moment before suddenly bursting out in laughter, "Hahaha! Good! Good! It has been a while since I have actually been somewhat excited! Since you are sure then I will give you the quest, it’s simple really. Just come up with your own skill that is at least C rank, and you can become an official Combat Master." the old man took another drink from his flask but still kept his attention on Izroth to see his reaction.

Izroth was honestly impressed with the AI function of this game, they were similar to life puppets back in his world but there was always a feeling of no life from those. However, one would be hard pressed to believe that they were not actually talking to a real person in this game! Though this might be a small problem... At least a C rank skill and he had to create it from nothing! It was no wonder that players said this class was trash, most players could not create a skill past D rank and yet the tutorial for the class to get a weapon made it so you had to create a C rank skill at the very minimum!

Izroth was lost in contemplation, wondering if any of the cultivation techniques he possessed would be effective in this unfamiliar realm. After all, this world bore little resemblance to his own, and it was, in essence, a video game. He closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts for a moment before slowly opening them again. He glanced towards the old man, who had resumed his slouched posture against the wall, flask in hand.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance," Izroth expressed, cupping his fist towards the old man. He then departed the dilapidated structure, eager to put his newfound understanding to the test.

"Even if I'm uncertain of its success, I won't know for sure unless I try!" Izroth mused to himself as he sought out a secluded spot. Finding such a place proved challenging amidst the constant stream of players traversing the area.

"I must delve into my memories to find a suitable technique to learn. If it's too weak, I won't be able to progress further. However, if it's too profound, it might not even function at all." Izroth took his time sifting through his recollections before a sudden realization dawned upon him.

"Of course! How did I not consider it sooner! The heavenly law I must pursue is the Three Baneful Swords!"

Izroth took a deep breath, focusing his intent on recalling the precise movements of the Three Baneful Swords. It was a potent sword technique he had acquired during his early cultivation years. The legend states: Three Baneful Swords, one sword to destroy, two swords to kill, and three swords to annihilate! It was a truly dominant heavenly law!

"The lingering question remains: can I manifest this technique without wielding a physical sword?"

The answer eluded Izroth, yet he resolved to attempt it nonetheless. With his arm and body, he executed the exact motions ingrained in his memory from the first of the Three Baneful Swords – the sword of destruction. For a true sword master, the sword is merely an extension of the arm. Izroth had long since mastered the sword; it was simply a matter of familiarizing his new body with its essence.

Time seemed to warp and stretch as Izroth became fully absorbed in his technique. A few passing players cast him peculiar glances, perhaps mistaking his actions for a connection issue or him being AFK. Some even speculated he was merely a peculiar individual attempting to provoke others. However, Izroth remained oblivious to them, his entire focus centered on his sword.

The game's internal clock operates on a 10:1 ratio, meaning ten hours within the game world equate to just one hour in reality. Izroth spent five hours completely immersed in his sword technique until, at last, an alert chimed.

Ding! Congratulations, player Izroth has created a new skill! Please name the skill!

The sound of the alert jolted Izroth from his deep concentration. This was precisely what he had been anticipating!

"It works...!" A wide grin spread across his face. It appeared Jin's gamer spirit had merged seamlessly with Izroth's own; he was genuinely thrilled by this development!

"Name the skill First Baneful Sword: Destruction," Izroth declared, the name coming to him instantly.

Generating skill... Complete!

Skill Name: First Baneful Sword: Destruction

Skill Creator: Izroth

Skill Level: MAXED

Skill Rank: A

Active: Deals 300% of user Attack as damage. Has a chance of causing the ’Fear’ effect in those it targets.

Description: A sword imbued with a concentrated essence of destruction. Beware! A single strike from this sword technique can obliterate all who stand in its path! However, this strike does not represent its full potential.

Special Effect: This skill can be utilized without a sword, though the damage is reduced by 50%.

An A-ranked skill! High damage potential coupled with a chance for crowd control, and it could even be employed bare-handed! For a skill of this magnitude, especially at this early stage of the game, the only fitting description was: overpowered! However, Izroth didn't have much time to savor his accomplishment before another alert sounded!

Ding! Congratulations player Izroth, you have created the first skill in Realm of Myths and Legends.

You have been awarded +1 skill point!

You have been awarded +100 EXP!

You have leveled up to level 2!

You have been awarded +3 stat points for leveling up!

You have gained +100 World Fame!

Name: Izroth

EXP: 0/200

Level: 2(Stat Points: 3)

Title: None

Class: Combat Master

HP(Hit Points): 200/200

Energy: 100

ATK(Attack): 40

DEFENSE(DEF): 20

AGILITY(AGI): 20

MAGIC(MAG): 0

Gear Equipped:

None

Skills: (Skill Points: 1)

Breaker of Limits(Passive) Level: MAXED (S Rank)

First Baneful Sword: Destruction(Active) Level: 1/3 (A Rank)

Inventory: (Gold: 0 Silver: 0 Bronze: 50)

Empty

Fame:

World Fame: 100

System Message: Would you like to announce your name to the world?

Izroth pondered the question for a moment before deciding against it. After all, the current moment was not the opportune time to do so. He needed to establish a more solid foundation in this world before revealing himself.

"No, do not announce my name."

Ding! World Announcement: Player XXXX has created the first skill, rank A! They have been awarded...

The moment that announcement sounded, panic erupted among the players as they scrambled to deduce who could have possibly forged their own skill so quickly! The game had barely been active for an hour in real time; it was utterly astounding! Perhaps it was some renowned professional player from a major guild or a beta tester, but that explanation felt hollow. Typically, prominent guilds reveled in free publicity and this would have been an ideal opportunity!

While the masses were engrossed in identifying the prodigy who crafted the inaugural skill, Izroth had already made his way back to the dilapidated structure. The old man remained in his usual spot, yet as Izroth entered, he appeared fully cognizant.

"Esteemed elder, the task is complete. Please, examine it."

Izroth executed a simple hand gesture, yet it was imbued with a sharp, destructive aura that threatened to engulf all in its path! He had unleashed the technique 'First Baneful Sword: Destruction' without the need for a physical sword!

The old man's eyes widened, his demeanor instantly shifting to seriousness as he stood abruptly in sheer astonishment. That was an A-rank skill! Such abilities were exceedingly rare, and here was this young man, having been gone less than half a day, having devised such a phenomenal technique independently. How could the old man not be flabbergasted?!

"Will this be sufficient to meet the tutorial's requirements?" Izroth inquired with a grin. Naturally, he understood it was more than adequate. After all, the elder had only stipulated a C-rank skill, yet he had produced an astonishing A-rank masterpiece! If even this wasn't enough, then Combat Masters would truly be a laughable class.

"Yes... Yes! Absolutely, it suffices!" The old man's excitement was palpable, akin to a child experiencing an amusement park for the first time.

"Hahaha! Remarkable! Such prodigious talent! I haven't witnessed brilliance like yours in ages, young man! Come, come, you must select a weapon! I also have an additional reward for you, acknowledging your exceptional capability." The old man, swept up in his elation, had even let go of his flask. He guided Izroth toward a rear chamber within the modest building.

Izroth had anticipated a cramped space, but to his surprise, it was remarkably spacious, far exceeding its external appearance.

"My name is Gear. In my youth, I was quite the adventurer. Now, I merely pass my days here, watching them unfold. I never truly believed I would encounter a genius like you in my lifetime." Gear let out a soft sigh, seemingly carrying a weight of acceptance towards his fate, along with a myriad of other unspoken emotions.

Positioned before Izroth was a display rack laden with an extensive assortment of weaponry. Gloves, swords, daggers, hammers, axes, clubs, maces, staffs, spears – any weapon imaginable was present. This vast selection was, of course, a necessity given the inherent versatility of the Combat Master class.

The instant it entered his field of vision, a particular weapon seized Izroth's complete attention.

"That..."