When one thinks of power, the answer is to those with it. Billionaires, politicians, warlords, syndicates, etc. Because to us normal humans, the ones who can control their destinies are the ones who are the most powerful.
They clawed their way into their current positions through willpower and intellect, which allowed them to change their lives and those of others for the better or worse.
Though their actions prove to be beneficial to their closest, they do bring out unintended consequences. In the view of the few, they are grateful. In the view of many, they are angry.
So what does it all mean?
Power Reigns Absolute.
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Power is universal. It is the language everyone knows, understands, and fears. The power to do whatever you want and to defend your ideals, views, alignment, and so on.
Crush your opponents, threaten the weak, defend against the strong. Those who do not seek power seek destruction.
And even after attaining all the power you want, it still falls under those with greater might.
"Haa... it seems that I am now part of the many transmigrated souls to another world."
Those were the first words Rex Harlow, a transmigrator from another world, spoke. He was in a simple apartment, the windows open, and the morning light shone through them.
Rex, curious about where he was, checked outside to see the bustling city he didn't recognize. "Where am I? And are those black holes in the city?"
The faint buzzing of a device caught Rex's attention as he picked it up. It was a sleek smartphone, but one he didn't recognize. He opened the device to see it was a message that seemed to detail his current condition.
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"Dear Transmigrated Soul #11118905
If you are reading this text from your new phone, then congratulations! A ROB (Random Omnipotent Being) has decided to grant you a System and a new world to live in.
As standard for all Transmigrated Souls, you will receive the following:
Inventory: A simple pocket dimension in which you can store any non-living item. Time does not work, so any item placed will be kept as fresh as you stored it.
Map: Focus on where you are, and a map will appear. It is similar to the games you are familiar with, along with waypoints and markers of your choosing.
System: A multiversal power granted by ROB. It can be any system the ROB desires, but it will all be powerful and beneficial to you.
Multiversal Phone: It works like your normal phone. It has infinite charge and service, so you can call and text from outer space and still get quality calls.
With this, the introduction letter has been accomplished. Till next time, Transmigrator!"
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It is as Rex surmises. He truly is in another world, with memories from his past life mixed with his new one. "I'm just glad this Rex is the same as me. As well as confirming what world I'm in. I'm in the world of [Zenless Zone Zero.]"
Zenless Zone Zero. The newest gacha game from HoYoverse that Rex honestly really liked. He played the other two games, but ZZZ is the only game he ever liked because of how fun the gameplay is.
The world is just as expansive as any of their games, and he is glad he took the time to know the world and its complexities.
The world of ZZZ is a post-apocalyptic one. Hollows, an unknown void of space that warps space and time, suddenly appeared. It swallowed entire cities, leaving humanity on the brink of despair.
Where Rex lives is currently known as the last bastion of humanity, New Eridu. He'd been living the life of an orphan until he got a good job and got this apartment. Until he got fired yesterday.
"Just like Cyberpunk, corpos ruin everything." Rex can see the resemblance of ZZZ to Cyberpunk with how most people make money, especially with combat experience.
Hollows are the bane of humanity, but also the reason why it evolved and expanded. Because within the Hollow is the energy crystallized.
Ether. Processed correctly, it became New Eridu's power source for everything. Cars, houses, buildings. Everything is powered by Ether, even weapons.
Because of the lucrative materials, people often venture into Hollows to mine Ether to be sold to corporations. However, that in itself is a dangerous task.
Normal people who stay too long in the Hollow turn into what is called Ethereals. Crystalized monsters that attack anyone in sight. Those who turn into Ethereals can never turn back.
But there exist a few who can tolerate long ventures inside Hollows. If one has High-Ether aptitude, then one can explore the inside of the Hollow for long periods before succumbing to its effects.
Hollow Investigators. People employed by the government with high aptitudes enter deep into the Hollows to complete missions designated by the HIA [Hollow Investigation Association].
However, there exist organizations that aren't legal but are willing to pay top-dennies for those willing to venture inside Hollows.
People who venture inside Hollows but are not from the HIA or the Military are called Hollow Raiders. Illegal mercenaries that will kill anyone, Ethereal or Human, to complete their tasks.
And Rex signed up to try and become a Hollow Investigator. His Ether Aptitude is high enough to be considered an agent, but his skills need some work.
But that was the old Rex. The new one has something that can bridge the gap of skills and experience.
Rex pulled out his newest phone and activated the system there. The icon flashed for a bit before it showed Rex what kind of system ROB had given him.
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"Welcome to the [Ability System].
Here's what you should know:
The [Ability System] draws powers from other universes you may or may not know. These abilities are not limited to simple powers but can range to different masteries.
Example: [Dragon Ball - Ki - Master Proficiency]
The tiers for abilities are simple: Beginner, Intermediate, and Master.
Also, you might get random items from the gacha. These can be good or bad, depending on how you view them.
To get more rolls, complete tasks set by the system. You have your Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and so on.
There are even special tasks that can grant you more points. The System will display to you what is needed to complete them.
Any items gained from the gacha are stored in your inventory.
Any abilities gained will be inserted immediately. Pain will be quick, lasting only a single second.
That is all. Good luck in your new life, Transmigrator!
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After the introduction, the gacha wheel was formed for Rex. "Even in a new life, the gacha still followed me. Well, at least it is something useful meant for me instead of picture characters."
Suddenly, an alert came in on his phone. Rex opened another app and saw it was his inventory, and inside was a gift.
[Welcoming Gift for "Rex Harlow"]
[Accept?]
Rex opened the gift from his inventor,y, and a message appeared on his phone.
[Congratulations on becoming a Transmigrated Soul! Here's a little something for yourself!]
[Free 10x Rolls - Guaranteed Ability]
[1,000,000 Dennies]
"YES!" Rex shouted to himself. This truly is a gacha system as it provided a gift for first-timers such as himself. "A guaranteed ability from the multiverse. I want to know what it is. Let's do it!"
With no hesitation, Rex went to the gacha wheel as it showed a myriad of colors. He then rolled his first-ever gacha as the wheel spun rapidly. It glowed a bright purple, then changed into a golden color and showed Rex what he won.
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Gacha Results:
1. [Hunter x Hunter - Nen - Intermediate Proficiency]
2. [JJBA - Hamon - Beginner Proficiency]
3. [Martial Arts - Beginner Proficiency]
4. [Marksmen - Beginner Proficiency]
5. [Programming - Beginner Proficiency]
6. [Spider-Man - Web-Shooters]
7. [God of War - Blades of Chaos]
8. [Borderlands - The Companion]
9. [Red Dead Redemption 2 - Lasso]
10. [Horizon Zero Dawn - Focus]
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"YES!" Rex screamed once again as his first-day luck came in on his gacha rolls. "They all are so good, but my main ability is [Nen] and I got another ability, [Hamon]."
Just then, Rex's body underwent its change, and Rex silently writhed in pain. The process of integrating the abilities into him felt so painful and agonizing that Rex wondered if it would stop.
And just like it, it did. Rex caught his breath as the ability integration finally ended. "Haa... haa... ouch. But worth it."
Rex lifted his fist, and in his eyes, translucent yellow energy surged forth from within him. His [Nen] and [Hamon] combined and instantly felt his body becoming stronger.
"This is my ability. My power." Rex grinned at his newfound power and gazed at New Eridu. "I can't wait to try them out inside the Hollows."
Rex then went to his kitchen to fetch a glass of water. He then surged his [Nen] onto the glass to see his compatibility.
Nen is categorized into six categories. Most Nen users are proficient in one of them, which makes them their greatest strength and what type they are.
The best way to figure out what type of Rex is is by using the Water test. By simply surging their Nen into the water, they can figure out what kind of Nen they have.
As Rex surged his [Nen], the water began showing its signs. Black objects began floating to the top, and the leaf on top began moving to the side and onto the edge of the glass.
"Conjuration and Manipulation. Very nice, as expected from an [Intermediate Proficiency] ability." Rex is already thinking of ways to use this on the battlefield, and one of them caught his eye. "I wonder if I can use the [Blades of Chaos] with my [Nen]. That way, they can act however I wish."
Conjuration allows Rex to create materialistic objects from his own [Nen]. These objects have to follow the laws of physics but can take whatever shape Rex can imagine. With this, he won't have to worry about ammo since he can create it if his imagination is clear enough.
Manipulation allows Rex to move objects touched by his [Nen]. Depending on his controls and mastery, it can be considered a form of levitation.
Combine the two and Rex can effectively manipulate his weapons into doing the work for him. He doesn't need to move as his Manipulation allows him to wield his weapons with ease.
Rex decided to start by levitating the glass of water to float. His [Intermediate Proficiency] of [Nen] allowed him to do it easily enough. Making it float without spilling a single drop.
"Nice. Now for [Hamon]." While Rex would have liked to gain a Stand, Hamon is just as good if trained properly.
Hamon, or Ripple, is a martial art that stems from breathing and gaining energy from the sun. A Hamon user can use Hamon to enhance their strength and durability, and even heal others by sharing their Hamon. It can also manipulate minor objects to do its users' bidding.
As Rex concentrated, he did notice his peculiar breathing. All of a sudden, Rex began breathing deeply and naturally, as though he'd been doing it his entire life. Energy crackled in his arms as a sign of Rex's usage of Hamon.
"Because the sun is currently up, I can feel my strength getting more powerful. I don't know how effective this can be against Ethereals, but more strength is always welcome."
Rex then proceeded to check out the rest of the items granted by the system. The Web-Shooters and Lasso were niches to Rex but given the situation, could easily capture his targets without worry.
According to the info on his phone, items from the Gacha never run out of ammo. Any items gained from the gacha are exclusively used by Rex or anyone else he gives permission.
The [Web-Shooters of Spider-Man] fit easily underneath his wrist and, with [Marksman Proficiency], can aim accurately. The same goes for the Lasso.
[RDR2's Lasso] seemed never-ending and was strong enough to handle a strong human with relative ease. And with Rex's proficiencies, aiming is not an issue.
Now the [BL3's Companion] is where it gets interesting. Resting on Rex's hand was a beautiful revolver, with a wooden handle and a large barrel. It was a Jakob's pistol so any critical shots would always deal the maximum damage, and with this specific legendary means, it could ignite them on fire as well.
The gun felt right to Rex. It had the perfect weight and balance to use comfortably in his hands. "This will be good for my emergency weapons. In case I need to quickly shoot someone."
Now all those items Rex had were honestly good. But the real main star is the Focus from [HZD].
In his hands was a small, triangular device with a single line. It may look like nothing, but as Rex placed the Focus next to his head, the device came to life with bright lights surrounding Rex's vision. The HUD appeared before him as it synched with his thoughts, memory, and the phone.
Now Rex doesn't need to use his phone constantly. The screen is before his eyes and doesn't diminish his ability to see.
"The world of ZZZ is considered technologically advanced. Not the same as Star Rail but advanced enough to have literal AIs in actual bodies."
Rex checked the time, 9:30, and noticed when his due appointment was to become an agent. With only 30 minutes left, Rex did a check-up of his equipment that he would likely use whilst in the Hollow.
He summoned forth the [Blades of Chaos], as the chained short-swords materialized in his hands. Instantly, the chains came to life and bonded to his arms. Unlike in the original game, where it seared the flesh of Kratos, it just tightened itself to his arms. Rex called forth the flames, and the blades answered by releasing fire from them. He waved the blades to get a feel for it and felt they were good enough.
With a thought, they went away, and Rex set off into the new world of [Zenless Zone Zero.]
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Becoming an agent requires two things: High-Ether Aptitude and adequate combat skills. Even if you have low aptitude, there are many devices and outfits meant to protect humans from Ether as long as possible.
Doesn't make the job any less terrifying. If you don't die from fighting Ethereals, you ultimately turn into one.
Still, it pays well and is one of the most requested job types for those with high aptitudes.
"Next, please."
You can't just send applicants with moderate combat experience into Hollows all of a sudden. Not only would it be a waste of time, effort, and resources but the HIA's reputation would be smeared to the ground.
"Begin the test."
So the better way to check a person's ability is to send them on an ultra-advanced VR machine that simulates Ethereals and see their abilities.
Rex, among the many participants, waited for their turn in the HIA Club within Lumina Square. This is where he would be tested against numerous Ethereals and how to handle most situations inside of a Hollow.
The HIA would periodically test newcomers who wish to become Hollow Investigators and give rewards for a good score. This gives them more data to work against Hollows and Ethereals, and gives something back to the people to make them come back.
Rex checked his number and saw it was his turn next. He double-checked the weapons he would be using and simply waited.
"Next!" That was his queue.
Rex went up to one of the many VR machines used for testing and presented his number to the attendant there, Bertha.
As in most anime games, the character is honestly way too pretty and cute that it wouldn't be a crime to appreciate their beauty.
Bertha is a red-haired beauty, with short pointed ears and an outfit that leaves little to the imagination.
"Welcome to the HIA Club. You are here to introduce your skills against the Hollows and to become an HIA-affiliated Hollow Investigator, is that correct?" Bertha asked, and Rex nodded. "Step into Pod 5, and we will begin your test. Please procure your weapon of choice."
Rex nodded and brought forth his [Chains of Chaos] in a briefcase. Bertha checked the weapons inside and nodded. It was not the first time she handled custom weapons like this and she did not bat an eye and continued.
With his weapon checked, Rex went straight into the large pod we would be in and took in a deep breath.
"Here we go."
Rex stepped in and allowed the machine to do its work. A couple of seconds later, his surroundings changed, and instead of the closed space of the pod, Rex was instead at a large, blocky dimension.
"Wow... So this is the pinnacle of VR technology." Rex slowly walked around. Everything felt quite real too, and if it wasn't for the environment, Rex honestly thought he was somewhere else.
And as Rex finished his staring, pixels began forming before him. Soon, they turned into what truly can be described as abominations.
Having sharp, crystal features and sporting a lanky frame, the abominations with a black hole as their heads screamed at him.
Ethereals.
Just as they appeared, Rex's weapon did too. They materialized on his arms and Rex prepared himself for combat. He felt quite nervous since this would be his first time fighting, and on the first day he came as well. But Rex was confident in his abilities and proficiencies, leaning towards them helping him.
He gripped the blades tightly and took in a deep breath, charging his body with [Hamon].
With a burst of speed, Rex raced against the Ethereals, and they were the same. 3 Ethereals were his opponents, and one of them raised its elongated and sharp arm against Rex.
Rex, using his [Martial Arts Proficiency] and [Marksman Proficiency], used the [Blades of Chaos] to parry the attack. He then thrust them into the Ethereals' core, its black hole. Instantly, the Ethereal died and turned into pixels.
The other two attacked Rex simultaneously, and Rex jumped back in time and launched the blades towards the two. The chained blades wrapped around the two Ethereals as Rex pulled them back violently, bringing along the Ethereals.
Rex then used his [Nen] to enhance his kick against the Ethereals as they flew from his kick. Rex jumped towards the nearest one and let loose a series of attacks before it died once more.
The last one roared once more and tried to land a strike against Rex. Each one missed by a couple of feet. At the last attack, Rex parried the lousy sword and activated the flames from the blades.
The [Blades of Chaos] brought forth the fire as Rex jumped high in the sky with his flaming weapons.
"Incinerate."
He slammed the blades against the Ethereal, and a plume of fire emerged from there. Rex landed safely, and the test was done.
The environment began breaking away as Rex's vision was brought back to the pod he was currently in. Despite not moving at all, Rex felt some fatigue build up from the light exam.
The pods opened up and Bertha, the HIA Assistant, welcomed him with a smile.
"Congratulations, Agent Rex. You have passed and met the requirements to become an affiliated Agent of the HIA. We welcome you to the fight against Hollows, Investigator."
Rex smiled at his newest job. "Thank you. I promise to do my best against the Hollows, Ma'am."
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Hey there, Author here.
I want to make a wheel of games that the MC can roll to have. I'm not just gonna give him something overpowered instantly, but also retain some of the gacha elements.
So comment here your favorite game with abilities you want to MC to have and I'll put them in a gacha simulator.
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