I was excited. After about six years, the most desired function was finally unlocked, at least partially. The power of the Gamer was intriguing to me in my previous life. It originates from a Manhwa, the Korean equivalent of Manga, and was one of the most followed series.
This power made reality feel like a game. While the original specifics of this power are unknown to me, that doesn't really matter. After all, my power is not identical to the original.
People might assume that the essence I consumed was the Essence of the Gamer, and I could understand their thinking. However, it's not. The essence I drank was the Essence of the Gamer System Dungeon, and its effects differ slightly.
Its main effect is to create a system for me that draws from various inspirations, with the Gamer System being the one I chose as a foundation. It also includes a [Shop] that sells everything—and I mean everything.
I added a [Gacha] feature simply because it seemed thematically appropriate; in my previous life, they were almost everywhere. The functions I liked from other systems, now under the [Unique Skill] section, include [Setting Creation] and [Dungeon Creation]. These features solidified my choice. The latter allows me to create dungeons, a superior version of ID creation from The Gamer Manhwa, while the former enables me to create worlds—referred to as settings—which are essentially other worlds.
"Anyway, let's stop stalling and get started. [Dungeon Creation]" I said as I activated the skill, and a menu appeared in front of me.
//
Registered Dungeons: 0(Max 3)
//
The mechanics of this skill are straightforward. I can use it on any physical object, and it will generate a list of possible dungeons that I can enter. Once I select one, I will be teleported inside.
To create a specific dungeon, I need the corresponding item. However, there is another option. For each level I have, I can register a dungeon, allowing me to enter it whenever I wish.
Moreover, a single item can produce multiple dungeons, and that is the case with what I am currently doing, as I am targeting myself with this skill.
//
Dungeon List(Masachika Kuze)
Empty Dungeon
Zombie Dungeon
...
//
"Well, that's quite a long list! Since I'm basically the Gamer, there's a rundown of all the dungeons created in that series. Actually, it's even more extensive than that.
The skill allows for dungeons to be formed based on various aspects of specific items, so some dungeons might even stem from my abilities or my life experiences.
Another important point is that the names of these dungeons are color-coded according to their difficulty. Unfortunately, I'm still quite weak; the Zombie Dungeon, which is the most basic one in the series, is marked in red for me.
"Fortunately, it's not time to start the grind just yet. There are still some other experiments I need to conduct.
"Let's enter the Empty Dungeon."
---
The dungeon was exactly as its name suggested: a white space filled with nothingness. At least I could distinguish the floor from the ceiling; otherwise, I might have felt vertigo.
"Well, let's start with the basics..." I began to meditate, and yes, I had the skill for it.
One thing I hadn't mentioned was that while I appreciated the Gamer for its powers, I had my doubts about the world I would reincarnate inside's magic system. That's why, during the customization of my Essence, I made some modifications.
Since I could travel to any universe I thought of, thanks to [Setting Creation], I wanted to incorporate their power systems. So, I created a unique skill called [Fantasy Adaptation]. With it, I could use the magic system of any universe I entered, as long as I was within that universe. However, it still wasn't enough.
I wanted to ensure that I could access the magic system of my own universe as well, just in case. Even with that, it still felt lacking. I could end up in a world with a magic system I didn't like or one that was overly limited. That's when I made my favorite decision to date.
I chose to have my mana adhere to the rules of a novel I found particularly intriguing right before my death: "Hell Difficulty Tutorial". This web novel was written by an American author(I think) and was just being adapted into a physical light novel. It featured an interesting power system, complete with spells, skills, traits, and its own in-universe mechanics.
I drew inspiration from that for my system, but let's stop there. In that novel, anyone who was awakened by their system could use mana; there were no particular rituals or strange limitations for its usage. Since that was the case...
[You've obtained the skill: Mana Sense]
"Wow... that feels strange..."
Now that my mana was no longer restricted, I sensed something within me. With this skill, that subtle feeling became much more pronounced. As I sat in a meditative posture, I focused on moving it, and to my surprise, it responded exactly as I intended.
[You've obtained the skill: Mana Manipulation]
It felt strange but refreshing. I continued to move it until the skill leveled up twice, and as I started to try to create a ball or orb...
MP: 0/100
I exhausted my mana pool.
"Well, there's nothing I can do about it, and I need to wake up early tomorrow..."
I went to bed and woke up as if nothing had happened.
Kyoya and Shinoaki noticed I seemed a bit too happy, but when they asked, I just said something good had occurred and left it at that.
Eiko also looked at me suspiciously, as if she thought I had done something terrible, like kicking her puppy, but without any evidence.
As long as my mood doesn't affect our upcoming exams, I'll keep my spirits up.
I must admit, the feeling of mana was enough to make me burst with joy. Yes, I think I've become a mana enthusiast, just like you, Nathaniel.