Terror Infinity - Side B

Chapter 5, Btooom

The morning of Day 2.

On the second day of the real world Btooom game, Shin and Hikari were staying in and not going out immediately to hunt for chips.

Today was the day that the mysterious Btooom Soldiers and Btooom Commander would appear, so they couldn't carelessly go out as they did not know what time they would be arriving. The mission only stated that one unit would appear per day starting the Second Day and up to the Sixth Day..

Shin had already suggested a realistic plan to get the remaining of their chip requirements, so they also weren't in a rush to go out. Taking a morning to rest their bodies and minds for the future battles to come, each did whatever they liked. Afterwards, once they have gotten a grasp of the enemies abilities and movement patterns they would avoid them today and gain their remaining chips. They both agreed to deal with the enemy tomorrow.

Hikari who loves computers and wanted to do something productive, tried to borrow deeper into Tyrannos Japan's system covering the island. She hoped that she could get real time information on the NPCs rather then just an hourly location update.

Shin on the other hand was relaxing in a different way. The otaku who had acquired the power of Ki Energy was doing his morning training exercises.

Later, once Hikari finished up her own business on her laptop she decided to watch what Shin was doing... And if asked, the fact that he didn't have a shirt on and was sweating in the morning sun had nothing to do with her decision to watch him for over an hour.

Shin thinking to himself recently that long as it didn't wear him out, he should train as much as possible. Not only does training increase stats like in certain Virtual Reality themed novels ( The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor ), he has found that since becoming a One-eyed Goul, it allowed him to recover quickly.

To sum it up, no matter how much Shin wears himself down he can recover in no time, and this allowed him to increase his training time and push his body further then what is recommended for the normal human body. It was a effective training straight out of fiction like Biscuit Krueger's advance Nen training in HxH, the wonderland from the Witch Hunter Manhwa, or just the daily in the Tokyo Ghoul Re manga itself.

Shin had also recently discovered that for whatever reason, his ghoul mutation and Ki Energy matched up well together since his Ki's recovery speed after being used up has become noticeably faster. He knew that he was no martial arts genius, so before they left for the mission he asked Aqau what the reason could be ( And maybe to see if I really am a genius ).

Aqua said that some abilities turn out to be extremely compatible together. Then she went on to tell him that although it was a mistake on her part on how she discovered it; her Wolverine genetic mutation, Werewolf genetic mutation and Nen/Aura whole enhancement worked almost too well together.

According to Aqua it was to the point that when she transformed imto a full wolf, all of her mutations and enhancements would automatically melded together and give her outrageous power. The power was amazing to say the least, but she would go out of control and has to basically self brainwash herself to get herself to do a simple task.

Shin then learned from Aqua that though not to the same extent, his own One-eye Ghoul mutation and Ki Energy compliment each well, so he gained a boast of power when he used Ki, and when the day comes he can truly use his ghoul side's power he will see a noticeable spike in his ability.

Hearing this, Shin has become even more adamant about his Ki training which is all well and good, yet from an outsiders prospective like Hikari, he just looked foolish. In silence, she watched Shin punching the air, stomping on the ground, doing spinning back flips... And what she can only describe as him trying to preform the Kamahameha.

When it got to the point that Hikari felt compelled to speak up, she couldn't hold back her insults. Thirty minutes later and four of her creepy/gross comments already used up for the day, Shin began to tell her his reasoning for what he was doing.

Shin: All of those moves weren't just me trying to look cool ( 49% true ) or playing around ( 20% was ). There was a purpose behind it.

Hikari: Other then looking like you caught your second wind of Eighth Graders Syndrome?

Shin: How did you know about the first-, no never mind. I was trying to see if I could use Ki techniques.

Hikari: Ki techniques? You mean from the exchanges?

Shin: Not exactly. I have been been trying to learn Ki based skills without exchanging points or rewards for the skills from God.

Hikari: Without exchanging points... Is that even possible?

Shin: I don't know. I asked Aqua, but she wasn't certain either.

Hikari: Then why are you even trying? Isn't it a waste of time?

Shin: I wouldn't call it a waste and I have two reasons for attempting this. The first is because although they are fictional techniques from literature, I am now in possession of the power called Ki, which comes from the same fictional world. By that logic and not even bringing up being a half ghoul into the mix, I am now very close to a fictional character right now. And as such-

Hikari: You should be able to learn techniques and other skills from books just like the characters.

Shin: Correct. If my guess is correct then all the skill exchanges that God offers us are just a way to skip the learning and practicing phase of acquiring techniques. Basically, we skip the training arc in mangas for learning new moves or power ups, and directly learn the techniques no matter how difficult they would be to learn in real/fictional life.

Hikari: I see. Then... If I ever tried to learn magic... Long as I had magic power like Mana or something, I could learn different spells?

Shim: It is a possibility yes, yet so far I have come out short on this cheat, no, I mean breakthrough.

Hikari: What is the reason?

Shin: The reason is that I was a normal person before all of this. As you know the practical concept of Ki and Magic is unfortunately lost in the real world that we hail from. They are foreign elements that we have acquired here in another dimension and our doing our best to master.

The best comparison that Shin can come up with are Warlocks from the Witch Hunter Manga.

In that world, magic exist alongside Ki and other supernatural powers, but in this world only females can gain the power of Mana and use magic. Mana in that world is considered a type of poison that drives people mad along with being dangerous to the body, but only the female body can withstand Mana to some extent. Warlocks are male witches who have by chance gained the power to use Mana, but there is a major difference between Witches and and Warlocks. While Witches know how to manipulate Mana and use Magic from the start, Warlocks start at zero and takes hundreds of years of practice to get at the level of a beginner.

Shin: Maybe it really is like teaching someone to breath. Humans just breath and it doesn't matter if one doesn't know the technical steps of breathing. We can still breath just fine in the end.

Hikari: So it's that difficult? If it's that hard then maybe you can only rely on the skill exchanges from God, but you said that you had two reasons for trying this out, right? What is the second?

Shin: The second reason is simply cost efficiency. All skills cost at the very least a D rank reward and offensive or any other skills that vastly improve combat ability cost C rank rewards and higher. Soul Crushing Strike and Instant Movment would be useful for me to have, but they both need C rank rewards. I would need a windfall of Points and Rewards like in my first mission to to properly go down the path of martial arts ( And god knows how much for magic and other powers ).

Hikari: And what about that embarrassing Kamehameha sequence from before? Do you think that you can replicate that kind of move as well?

Shin: Maybe ( And it isn't embarrassing, but cool! ). I have High Level Ki after all, so it should be possibe to emit Ki. I wasn't trying to replicate it essentially, but trying to emit Ki outwardly as opposed to just strengthening the body internally as I have been with Ki.

Hiakri: Why do you need to learn that now?

Shin: I don't really for this mission, but this is preparation for the future. I felt that I would like to have a long range anti spirit/magic attack. My Na Ring and Ki are close and extreme range atracks, so are basically useless if I can't get close a my opponent. This is a counter measure.

Hikari: Are long range atrack skills expensive?

Shin: Oh my god yes. The powerful ones lile Kamehameha, Ryuseiken and Hadoken are very powerful skills, yet need C and B rank rewards and tons of points. If I can I want to do everything in my power to avoid that kind of spending for a single attack, I will.

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There were many exchanges for skills in the support category.

They were all amazing, but were expensive as buying a sports car while having college loans just so you could impress women. To master the path of the martial artist and reach almightyness, I would need a fortune of points and rewards just for the low level skills.

Ki Blast -

Rating 60.

The basic Ki blast from one's hand that shoot outward from the palm. 1000 Points and a C rank reward.

Spirit Gun -

Rating Rating 70.

A concentration of energy channeled into the index finger and shot out like a bullet. Requires Spirit Energy or Ki. Requires 2000 Points and a C rank reward.

Spirit Wave -

Rating 94.

The user turns the entire body into a catalyst of energy, creating a powerful flow of power within the body and released as a devastating wave of energy, or focused into a single punch or kick. All of the body's energy is used up afterwards. Can also be used to heal. Requires 4500 Points, B rank reward and B rank energy or higher.

Seikuken -

Rating 60.

Combining physical martial arts and Ki to control the space around the user into a spherical shield. Requires 1500 Points and a D rank reward.

Ryusui Seikuken -

Rating 77.

The advanced form of Seikuken. Reduces Seikuken inwardly into a thin layer above the skin to dodge enemy attack at the last possible second. While active, greatly increases Reaction Speed and reduces stamina consumption. Requires 2600 Points and two C rank reward.

Feathered Steps -

Rating 70.

Ki is circulated within the body in a special path that makes the body lighter. Requires 2000 Points and C rank reward.

Zamaken Ni-no-Tachi -

Rating 80.

Cut a demonic spirit behind a person without injuring said person. Requires 3000 and two C rank rewards.

Soul Crushing Strike -

Rating 71.

Matching physical moment and Ki circulation to create an exceptional powerful Ki strike. A ki strike that can deal internal damage as well as crush bones. A proper SCS cause a small sonic boom when unleashed, an explosion directly in front of the extended fist. 1500 Points and C rank reward.

Ki Injection -

Rating 84.

Allows Ki to be concentrated in the Palms and injected into a particular spot on another person's body. This enables treatment of most wounds to a certain extent and an temporary increase in life energy. Requires 1600 points and a C rank reward.

Ultrapowerful Violent Palms -

Rating 83.

Concentrate your current ki within your hands, then you can utilize your hands to performs palm strike. A palm strike has enough power to rupture your opponent's Ki/other internal energy itself. Requires 1500 points and two C Rank Rewards.

Invincible Divine Body -

Rating 89.

Condenses and concentrate all your ki into your body and release a tremendous aura. The aura protects you heavily from attacks even strong as an lightning bolt. Your body not only become more endurable, but your body also strengthen to the point when your body can break through steel. Requires 1900 points and two C Rank Reward.

Penetrating Force

Rating 71.

Rather than an attack itself. It's a technique to transform and condense to enable your Ki to easily penetrate to the hardest of defenses. Support technique. Requires 2200 points and C Rank Reward.

Linear Drive -

Rating 80.

Concentrate Ki in the body to rush forward and deliver impact or move to an area within sight in an instant. Requires 2100 points and two C rank reward.

Instant Movement -

Rating 78.

Is a basic foot technique to move from one place to the next with high-speed movement. Ki or magic power is used to jump from point A to point B as quickly as possible. 1700 points and two C rank rewards.

Ki Contract -

Rating 42.

Inject Ki into an object or living thing, forming a contract. The contract grants wisdom, and can increase attributes of strength, agility, speed, and will power and allows the user to temporarily control said object or being. If contract is formed with a being with strong enoug willpower, they have the chance to reject or rebound the effect, weakening or controlling the user. 1000 Points and two D rank reward.

Shin believed that he was strong enough to defeat any NPC on the island as he was, but if the Btooom Soldiers and Btooom Commander that are to appear today were especially strong, he would have liked to be prepared as much as possible. If he could just learn one skill manually before the inevitable clash he could face them in his best condition.

Hikari: Well, keep it up. Had any luck on unlocking your ghoul abilities? The Kagune?

Shin: None at all. I don't even have the faintest idea of how to use my Kagune. If not for my great healing factor, I would have begun regretting my choice of this genetic mutation.

Hikari: Alright then. It will almost be noon soon, so... How about we go out and hunt for chips? Or... Are you fearful of the Btooom Soldiers and Commander that should be arriving today?

Shin: Not really. Have you found any trace of them on your computer?

Hikari: Not yet.

Hikari kept checking the laptop for clues, but nothing.

They could only assume that they weren't here on the island yet, or that maybe they just wouldn't show up on the system. Whatever the case, it was almost Noon and they would soon enact Shin's plan.

Shin's plan was simple.

Many if not all the NPCs on the island need supplies to survive on the island. That is why NPCs will flock towads the supplies being dropped down by parachute. This will even include those who already captured their own yesterday.

Just one case isn't enough for even one person to survive on for a week. That was why there were going to be many NPCs for them to pick off and acquire the remaining Chips that they need for the main quest.

Hikari: This is a good idea. There is also a chance that we could reunite with the other Players as we are hunting for Chips around the supply drops.

Shin: That's what I am also hoping for too. In the event that the Btooom Soldiers and Btooom Commanders are too strong for the two of us to handle, joining up with Aqua, Misaki and the rest and combining our powers together will give us the best chance at taking them down with the least risk.

Hikari: That is our best solution to survive this mission. We will be able to leisurely defeat them at our own pace. But first, we need to gain our NPC Chips first and foremost. Especially you Shin.

Shin: Me?

Hikari: You need five more Chips while I only need three. You need to work hard if you don't want to die, so hurry and catch up with me.

Shin: ...So annoying.

Not having the energy to even waste on Hikari, the two of us left the cave. Once the planes that pass over the island drops the valuable supplies by parachute and touch down on the island, the fighting, the killing and death game will restart.

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At noon at and right on schedule, multiple airplanes flew over the island.

Moments late, supplies were dropped by parachute over different locations on the island. The NPCs saw that and began to race after them.

The first one to find and keep one would have an advantage over the others. That mentality was also exploited both Players and NPCs alike. Both needed eight chips for there purposes, so this large gathering of chips was an ideal time to hunt.

Among this group of hunter, Shin and Hikari were lying in wait.

Hikari: They are starting to move. I see at least four NPCs heading to a supply case to the East, and the supply case to the West I see five NPCs already battling it out.. Which should we go after?

Shin: ...Lets start with the East group, and then if the battle for the case to the west is still going on we will head there next. This is our chance! Even if each one of them has just one Chip we will both have enough to complete one objective of the Main Quest!

Hikari: Ok then. Let... Shin? What's wrong.

Hikari was getting ready to move, but she saw Shin not moving and gazing up at the sky.

Shin: There is another plane flying over the island. The rest of the planes dropping off supply cases have already left. What's this plane trying to do?

It was then with my enhanced vision that I saw it. The door of the plane up above in the clear blue skys opened and something other then supplies were dropped out of the plane. Soon after the doors were opened, a six man team had parachuted down to the island.

Hikari, using binoculars she had taken out from her pack saw the team parachuting down and making it to the island and before she could get out a word, I was pulling her by the arm and running away. Hikari kept asking me what was wrong and to stop, but I wouldn't.

I absolutely wouldn't.

Shin: Fuck what the hell is this!?

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Shin and Hikari returned to the cave not long after leaving. Hikari had tons of complaints towards Shin who dragged her off like a little child, yet Shin stayed quite the whole time, so seeing this Hikari left it alone for now.

An hour later or so later...

Hikari: ...No good. An hour has already passed and the Btooom Soldiers and Commander are not showing up in the system. If they don't show up on the security system, then that means that Tyranno Japan might have anticipate that someone might hack into their system. I will have to be extra careful for when I dive into the... Shin! Are you listening?

Shin: No. I'm not. I need time to... Just leave me alone for a while, ok?

Hikari: ...Fine. Still, I wish you tell me what's wrong.

Shin: ...

The reason why I dismissed Hikari like that wasn't because I wasn't interested in what she had to say. I just wasn't calm enough to discuss ideas. Even now, I was still drawn to the direction where the Btooom Soldiers and Commander.

No matter how hard I tried I couldn't look away. I could feel their presence. The reason for this was simple... Fear.

I could barely make them out, yet the exact moment that they touched ground, I was overcome with a almost crippling level of fear to the very core of my being. The best way I could describe it... It was like how people react to a strong spiritual pressure in Bleach.

It was such a certain fear of death coming from that group that it left me nearly unable to breath. If not for the fact that Hikari was there, I would have been paralyzed where I stood till the moment that they found and killed me if I didn't feel the immediate need to get her to safty.

I had never felt something like this from the undead in H.O.T.D or from any of the NPCs that I've fought so till now. Those battles weren't easy and I nearly died a few times, yet they were opponents that I must have knew subconsciously that I could defeat even without Hikari's assistance... But not these guys. They were genuine agents of death.

The only time that I had ever felt such a strong sense of death was from the time in the H.O.T.D mission when Aqua transformed into a large wolf, yet even then, it wasn't like she was activity trying to kill him. At that time it felt like madness rather then killing intent and it was aimed at everything around her, but not this.

Though not as powerful, their killing intent wasn't random like Aqua's at that time... Theirs was solely focused on me and all the humans on the island. Whether Player or NPC, I knew that they were all going to be killed if nothing was done soon.

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Tyrannos Japan: Game Planner Gemu Shusaisha's Report 8.

Real World Btooom Game, Hard Mode - Day 2.

1:19 PM

Players Alive: 11/15.

NPCs Alive: 98/150.

Btooom Soldiers Active: 25/25.

Btooom Commanders Active: 5/5.

Ryota Sakamoto, Btooom Lord Inactive: 1/1.

Daily Minutes -

1. The Unit 1 composed of the elite Btooom Soldiers and Commander have arrived on the island on schedule at noon.

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Authors Note:

Rate/Follow/Favourite/Comment.

For the Ki skill ideas I would like to mention the following. Cruxio, LegendaryDolphinman, Jondarme and Sederance. Keep them coming please if you have more.

The skill Feathered Steps is the nameless moment technique Zheng got before the fifth mission. I named it since the author had not.