Chapter 6

Chased by monsters, I somehow managed to return to the city and log out. My consciousness returned to the real world. After taking care of things like eating, sleeping, and using the bathroom, I soon wanted to play again.

But I held back a little. I operated my information terminal and started surfing the net. Of course, what I was looking for was information about "Next Stage Online."

It wasn't that I wanted to follow the wiki and progress accordingly. I just wanted to know how everyone was playing. Thinking about it, coming up with my own strategies is fun, but discussing how far you've progressed and how you've progressed with friends is also a joy of gaming.

However, in today's world, it's hard to talk about games in real life. There are so many games, and even among gamer friends, it's not guaranteed that they are playing the same game.

In such times, the internet is a reliable resource. On the internet, there are countless communities where people who play the same game gather.

However, looking at bulletin boards right away is scary. From my biased view, online game bulletin boards often seem to be in chaos. While complaints about the operators are one thing, seeing players pushing their play styles or provoking each other is disheartening.

Maybe I should look at some strategy sites. When I searched for "Next Stage Online Strategy," several sites came up. I decided to check the one at the top.

"...There's not much information."

All the sites were the same. Of course, it makes sense that a wiki for an online game that hasn't even been out for a month wouldn't be well-developed.

However, I did learn something. First, it seems that the "Archer" is really unpopular. Even among the underdeveloped sites, there was particularly little information. There was almost no information about skills or weapons.

Oddly, the boomerang page was well-developed. Is there a fanatical enthusiast? Or is it more popular because it has slightly higher attack power compared to other ranged weapons?

The answer to this question is connected to why the "Archer" is disliked, aside from the issue of stat allocation. It seems that weapons like "bow," "gun," and "shuriken" are generally considered hard to hit enemies with. On the other hand, the "boomerang" can be swung like a sword, so even if it doesn't hit when thrown, you can still fight in close combat in the worst case. That's why it's more popular... but then, it would be better to be a warrior and swing a sword.

Still, there must be fanatical fans who don't mind the effort of updating strategy sites. The world is wide.

Still, I've never thought that bows are hard to hit. According to the comments on the site, it's written that there are no adjustments for bows or guns, and raw skill is required. Is that true?

I've never learned archery, but I could hit the target easily... Is it individual differences or a bug? There are quite a few angry comments. If I left a comment like "I can hit it easily," even if it's true, it would just be seen as provocation. I quietly closed the browser without doing anything.

Well, I did get one interesting piece of information. It's about how to acquire skills. In my warrior days, I obtained the skill "Aerial Wave Slash" by "swinging my sword seriously during combat." However, according to the information on the site, it seems that you can also obtain it by "dealing damage with the wind pressure from swinging your weapon."

In other words, there are multiple ways to acquire the same skill. This game deliberately creates many mysteries around skills. You just have to try different things and explore. Maybe one day, I'll acquire a skill that no one else has. Being the only one... it has a great ring to it.

With my spirits lifted, I'll return to the world of Next Stage Online, Nexteria. To summarize, "It's faster to think for yourself before asking others"... maybe. The information isn't all out yet. I need to have the mindset of gathering information and leading the way. It's just a mindset, though. I have the spirit to be at the top in online games, but not the physical strength, being an older man.

◆ ◆ ◆

Alright, time to resume the adventure. Before that, I need to open a window and do something.

"Oh, it's true. You can acquire skills by reaching a certain level."

It was written in a not-so-obvious place in the status window, so I didn't notice it until I checked the strategy site. I think it was good that I checked the site for this.

Now, this is the reward for reaching level 5 in the initial class. You can't choose the skill. It seems the game gives you the optimal skill based on your play style so far. In my case, it's probably a skill related to bows and arrows.

—Ping! You have acquired the new skill [Bounce Arrow].

◆ Acquisition Reason

"Initial Class Level 5 Reward"

You have reached level 5 in your initial class.

[Bounce Arrow]

An arrow that bounces off objects. It will bounce until it hits a player or monster, or reaches its maximum range.

It's a tricky skill. It will be difficult to handle. However, for me, who aims to be a sniper that doesn't move from one spot, it's the best skill. With practice, I should be able to hit places that are hard to reach from my angle. Additionally, by bouncing, the arrow can mislead the direction it originally came from, which is my position.

"I want to practice this in a field where there are no people."

It's a skill too good to show off in the city park. I'll practice the skill secretly and aim to reach level 10.

There's also a beginner-friendly event coming up soon. Moreover, it's a serious competitive event. I'm a bit hesitant, but if I participate, I'll aim to win!