Fate/Wakame Leveling

Shinji Matou POV

I hated my life.

From birth I had been told that I was special that I was the heir of the prestigious Matou family a magus destined for greatness but reality was far crueler. No circuits, no talent, no future just an empty shell of a boy that had everything stolen from me by that damn adopted bitch from the Tohsaka family. 

Sakura got everything his heir status, the magic circuits, the talent, and the family crest...while I had nothing!

It didn't matter how much I puffed out my chest how much I sneered at Emiya who thought he was better than me, it didn't matter how many times I claimed to be a greater mage then Tohsaka who always looked down at me, or how many times I shouted that I was superior to everyone else because deep down I knew the truth.

I was nothing more but a pathetic weakling that only played pretend. 

That all I changed when I woke up one day to the sight of a blue screen 

[You have been chosen.]

[Welcome, Player.]

I blinked "what?" 

[A new path has been granted to you Matou Shinji.] 

[Do you accept?]

My heart pounded in my chest was this some sort of trap by an enemy magus I shook my head no, I may be a Matou but I don't have any magic circuits that I can use so why would someone target me. 

I bit the inside of my right cheek and stared at the screen for a good minute until finally I said "fuck it! I accept," after all I had nothing else to lose. 

[Congratulations! You are now a Player.]

[Your journey begins now.]

A blinding light engulfed my before I could even scream for help. 

When the light faded away I found myself in some sort of cave that lit by a couple of torches suddenly the blue screen appeared in front of me. 

Name: Shinji Matou]

[Level: 1] [HP: 100]

[Class: None]

[Stats:]

 Strength: 3

Agility: 5

Luck: 5

Intelligence: 15

Vitality: 4

Wisdom: 4

[Skill List: None]

[Shop: Locked] [Music Background: Locked]

"This...this is just like an RPG game!" I exclaimed with an excited grin on my face which was soon wiped off when I saw how my stats were so fucking low! I clenched my fists in frustration.

Strength three? Vitality four? What kind of freaking sick joke was this? The only thing that looked remotely decent was my Intelligence stat but what good was brains when I didn't have the power to back it up? 

Taking a deep breath I forced myself to calm down getting mad wouldn't do me any good this was a system right? A video game? And in video games things like stats could be increased.

I just needed to figure out how.

The blue screen flickered again, as if responding to my thoughts.

[Beginner Tutorial Initiated.]

[Objective: Defeat 3 Cave Rats.]

[Reward: +1 Stat Point, Basic Weapon Selection.]

Cave rats? I turned my head scanning the dimly lit cavern. 

My body tensed as I heard faint skittering sounds echoing from the darkness a few moments later three grotesque oversized rodents crawled out from behind a jagged rock. Their red eyes glowed with malice and their sharp yellowed teeth glistened under the torchlight.

My throat suddenly went dry.

Oh.

Oh....Shit.

My first instinct was to run but where? I had no idea where this cave led and with my pathetic agility they'd probably catch me in seconds. I needed a weapon something, anything but all I had were my bare hands.

The rats hissed and darted toward me.

"AHHHHHHHH!" I screamed running deeper into the cave I could hear their claws scraping against the stone floor, gaining on me fast my legs burned my lungs screamed for air but I couldn't stop otherwise these things would fucking kill me. 

I WAS STILL TO YOUNG TO DIE DAMN IT!!

No. 

No way in hell was I going to die like this.

[Survival Instinct Skill LV1 Gained! Activated]

[Sprinting Skill-Created! LV1]

The sudden notification appeared just as my foot caught on a loose stone sending me crashing to the ground. Pain flared through my body as I hit the cold rough surface of the cave floor. The rats wasted no time scurrying closer with gleaming teeth ready to rip me apart.

I scrambled backward my breath ragged, my hands searching desperately for anything to use as a weapon. Then my fingers brushed against something hard and rough a rock.

Without thinking I grabbed it and swung wildly as the first rat lunged at me.

CRACK!

The rat let out a high-pitched squeal as the rock connected with its head sending it sprawling to the side my heart pounded in my ears I actually hit it!

[Damage Inflicted! -2 HP]

But there was no time to celebrate.

The other two rats were still coming.

I forced myself to my feet gripping the rock tightly my hands were shaking and my arms felt weak, but I had no choice if I didn't fight I was dead.

The second rat lunged, and this time I was ready. 

I sidestepped barely feeling its wiry fur brush against my leg with all the strength I could muster I slammed the rock down onto its back.

CRUNCH!

[Critical Hit! -5 HP]

The rat twitched violently before going still I stared at the unmoving body chest heaving. I actually killed it.

 I actually—

Pain flared in my calf as the third rat sank its teeth into my flesh.

[HP: 95]

"AGH! YOU LITTLE PIECE OF—!"

I repeatedly stomped down on it with my foot making it release me with a pained squeak. Ignoring the sharp sting in my leg, I raised the rock and smashed it down with everything I had. 

Again and again.

Until the notification finally popped up.

[Enemy Defeated! +10 EXP]

I stumbled backward panting it was over I actually did it....hahahahaha yes FUCK YOU! YOU STUPID RATS THOUGHT YOU COULD ACTUALLY KILL ME BUT NOW LOOK YOUR THE ONE'S DEAD!!!

[Beginner Tutorial Completed!]

[Rewards Gained: +2 Stat Points, Basic Weapon Selection Unlocked.]

The blue screen flickered again showing a list of basic weapons a simple dagger, a short sword, and a wooden club.

My hand hovered over the options my mind still reeling from what just happened.

This was real.

This system whatever the hell it was—was giving me a chance.

 A chance to be more than a failure.

I clenched my fists, ignoring the lingering pain in my body.

Fine if the world wanted to treat me like a game character...then I'd play to win.

I reached out and selected the short sword the moment I did a weight settled in my hand, and I looked down to see a simple but sturdy blade.

I tightened my grip around the hilt of the short sword feeling the rough leather wrap against my palm. It was nothing fancy just a standard blade with a dull metallic sheen but it was leagues better than fighting with a damn rock.

[Weapon Equipped: Short Sword]

 [Attack Power: +5]

"I should use those two stat points to increase my strength and vitality," I said clicking on my stat sheet and distributing the points.

[Name: Shinji Matou]

[Level: 1] [HP: 95/102]

[Class: None]

[Stats:] Strength: 4

Agility: 5

Intelligence: 15

Vitality: 5

Perception: 5

Luck: 5

Wisdom: 4

[Skill List: Survival Instinct Lv 1, Sprinting Lv 1]

A purple shimmer engulfed my body and suddenly I felt a bit stronger and healthier I clenched a fist "woah this is...awesome haha with this I don't even need magecraft!" I exclaimed with a joyful smile. 

My eyes then looked over to my skill list "oh that's right I got those two skills when I was running," I said clicking on them to see their effects.

[Skill: Survival Instinct Lv 1]

Effect: When in life-threatening situations, reaction speed and awareness slightly increase. (Boost: +2% to Agility and Perception when activated)

[Skill: Sprinting Lv 1]

Effect: Enhances running speed and stamina consumption. (Boost: +5% running speed)

I exhaled slowly, my body still trembling from the adrenaline rush this was insane absolutely fucking insane but right now I really need to get out of here before I end up encountering something that's way stronger than me.

I glanced around the cave, wary of any more creatures lurking in the shadows. My leg still throbbed from the rat bite, and I had no way of knowing if this place had any healing items or if I would just have to push through the pain.

[New Objective: Leave the Dungeon.]

[Optional: Explore for Additional Rewards.]

I groaned. Of course, the damn game wanted me to stick around and risk my life even more but... if there were rewards I couldn't just ignore them no risk, no gain after all.

Gripping my short sword tightly and cautiously started going in deeper into the cave. 

As I ventured deeper into the cave, the dim torchlight barely illuminated the jagged stone walls. The air was damp and carried a faint, foul odor probably from the rotting corpses of whatever had died down here before me.

My grip on the short sword tightened as I moved forward each step echoing against the cavern walls.

A sudden flicker of movement in the distance made me freeze.

[Perception Check: Success.]

My eyes locked onto a shadow shifting along the far wall another rat? No... the shape was different larger. My heartbeat quickened as I crouched behind a nearby rock holding my breath.

A new notification popped up.

[Enemy Identified: Lesser Goblin (Level 2)]

 [HP: 15/15] [Status: Alert] [Threat Level: Low]

A goblin?! I gritted my teeth of course there were fucking goblins.

The creature was short barely reaching my chest, with sickly green skin and a crude wooden club gripped in its clawed hands it sniffed the air its yellowed eyes scanning the cavern warily.

I wasn't sure if it had spotted me yet but I couldn't afford to hesitate.

I took a slow breath and raised my sword if I was going to win I needed to strike first.

[Skill Activated: Survival Instinct Lv1] [+2% Agility and Perception for the duration of combat.]

I surged forward, keeping my steps as silent as possible. The goblin barely had time to react before I swung my short sword straight at its neck.

[Critical Hit! -10 HP]

[New Skill Obtained! Presence Concealment LV1]

Blood sprayed across the cave wall as my blade tore through flesh the goblin let out a wet gurgle clutching at its throat as it staggered backward.

It wasn't dead yet.

The goblin snarled, raising its club with trembling arms, but I didn't give it the chance. With a wild cry, I lunged forward and plunged my sword straight into its chest.

[Enemy Defeated! +15 EXP] 

[Level Up!]

[Obtained Loot: Leather Goblin Brown Jacket, Low Quality Goblin Club-DEPOSITED INTO BOUNDED INVENTORY GATE]

A rush of warmth flooded through my body. 

My muscles felt lighter, my mind sharper—I had leveled up!

I quickly pulled up my stats.

[Name: Shinji Matou] 

[Level: 2] [HP 95/104]

[Class: None] 

[Stats:]

Strength: 4 → 5

Agility: 5 → 6 

Intelligence: 15

Vitality: 5 → 6 

Luck: 5 → 6

Wisdom: 4 → 5

Perception: 5 → 6

[Skill List: Survival Instinct Lv 1, Sprinting Lv 1, Presence Concealment Lv1 ]

[Stat Points Available: None]

I tapped on the new skill.

[Skill: Presence Concealment Lv1]

Effect: Reduces noise and presence detection when sneaking. (Boost: +5% to Stealth and Perception while undetected.)

I exhaled slowly, my heart still pounding from the fight this was real I had just killed something. A goblin sure but still it had been alive, moving, breathing and now because of me, it wasn't.

I should've felt disgusted. 

I should've been horrified that I had taken a life but instead... I felt exhilarated.

I clenched my fist a grin creeping onto my face. 

The system had given me power teal, tangible power I wasn't just some pathetic loser pretending to be strong—I had actually won.

I wasn't a failure anymore.

I quickly accessed my Inventory Gate, an ethereal blue gate screen appearing before me. I reached in placing the Leather Goblin Jacket which was better then my current school jacket. 

[Equipped: Leather Goblin Jacket (+2 Defense)]

The Low-Quality Goblin Club on the other hand was complete garbage even my short sword was better but I left it in my inventory because loot was loot. 

Plus, infinite inventory so I don't have to worry about space capacity.

"Alright," I muttered to myself gripping my short sword tightly "let's see what else this place has to offer."

I carefully navigated the cave my movements now quieter thanks to my new Presence Concealment skill. The tunnel twisted and turned, the air growing colder the deeper I went it didn't take long before another notification popped up.

[Perception Check: Success.]

[Hidden Passage Detected.]

I blinked hidden passage?

I turned my head and sure enough there was a small gap in the rock wall barely noticeable unless you were looking for it. 

I hesitated for a moment debating whether or not I should risk it.

No risk, no gain the mantra repeated itself in my head.

Squeezing through the narrow passage I found myself in a small chamber. A few bones and broken weapons were scattered across the floor but what caught my eye was a simple wooden chest sitting at the far end.

Jackpot baby.

[Would you like to open the chest? Y/N]

"Hell yes!"

The chest creaked open revealing its contents.

[Obtained: Mystic Code: Azoth Dagger, 10 Gold Coins, Basic Healing Potion.]

An Azoth Dagger?

I've read about these in the Matou Study they're typically used as a tool for performing magecraft amplifying the user's magical energy to assist with spells and strengthen them. 

Filling it with magical energy allows for it to be utilized as a magic wand at any time to form magic circles and affect physical divine mysteries

I reached into the chest and picked up the Azoth Dagger feeling the smooth, polished handle fit snugly in my grip. 

I snorted to bad I couldn't fucking use it since I didn't have any circuits. 

Next, I grabbed the ten gold coins, weighing them in my palm currency like this wasn't too common in the modern world but I am sure I could sell them in a pawn shop or something. 

I grabbed the healing potion last, my leg still aching from the rat bite. Without hesitation, I uncorked it and downed the liquid in one gulp. A soothing warmth spread through my body, and the pain dulled almost instantly.

[HP Restored: +10] [HP: 104/104] 

I exhaled sharply feeling the lingering pain in my leg completely vanish.

 This potion was the real deal not some cheap knockoff if the system was giving me access to items like this then I needed to find more.

Shoving the empty vial into my inventory I turned my attention back to the chamber aside from the chest there wasn't much left of interest just the scattered remains of what I assumed were previous players who had the system or maybe NPC's. 

Suddenly the cave suddenly trembled a deep guttural growl echoed through the tunnels, sending a shiver down my spine.

[Warning! Tutorial Boss Encounter Initiated!]

[Enemy Identified: Cave Troll (Level 5)] 

[HP: 250/250] [Threat Level: High]

My blood ran cold as heavy footsteps reverberated through the cavern walls. 

From the shadows of the room a towering figure emerged gray, mottled skin stretched over thick muscles, jagged teeth bared in a snarl, and glowing red eyes locking onto him with predatory hunger.

 "A freaking troll?!" I gasped instinctively gripping the short sword tighter "are you kidding me?! I am only a level two! There's no way I could take that thing on!" I exclaimed with wide eyes of fear. 

The Cave Troll let out an ear-splitting roar its massive club slamming into the ground sending dust and debris flying. I stumbled backward heart pounding as a new notification popped up.

[New Objective: Defeat the Cave Troll!] 

[Reward: +5 Stat Points, Mystery Items] 

Damn it! I thought gritting my teeth so tightly that I thought they might snap. 

I....I can't die here....God please! I thought with a faint whimper. 

Slowly as the monster came closer I remembered something that my shitty father once told me "remember Shinji magus have to at least be slightly fucked over in the head in order to even be a magus because to be one is to walk alongside with death and only those who are even slightly crazy can accept this mentality." 

I chuckled which soon turned into full out mad laughter damn it I can't believe I am about to do this. 

[New Skill Obtained-Madness Enhancement LV1]

[Effect: When activated all physical stats receive a temporary 5% boost but rational thought is gradually overridden by primal instincts]

"HAHAHAHA! YOU THINK YOU CAN KILL ME, YOU UGLY PIECE OF SHIT?!" I howled my voice echoing off the cavern walls. My entire body vibrated with energy, my muscles no longer feeling the dull ache of exhaustion. It was as if a switch had flipped inside me I wasn't afraid anymore. I was ecstatic.

The Cave Troll lunged swinging its massive club down with the force of a wrecking ball. My body moved before my mind could even process it I dodged to the side narrowly avoiding being turned into paste. The impact sent a shockwave through the cave shaking the ground beneath me.

[Madness Enhancement Activated - Strength +5, Agility +5, Vitality +5]

I charged forward cackling like a lunatic and slashed at the troll's massive calf. My blade barely cut into its thick hide only managing to carve out a shallow wound. The beast roared in fury, swinging its club sideways I leaped back just in time but the sheer force of the wind pressure knocked me off balance.

"MORE!" I screamed my eyes wide with unhinged glee "FIGHT ME HARDER, YOU FILTHY BEAST! MAKE ME BLEED!"

The troll snarled clearly pissed off at my taunts and raised its club for another devastating strike but I was faster I ducked low sprinting beneath its legs and slashed upward with all my might.

[Critical Hit! -15 HP]

A satisfying spray of dark blood spurted from its inner thigh and the troll howled in pain but I wasn't done not by a long shot.

I spun around, dodging another wild swing and climbed onto the troll's back using the wounds I had already inflicted as leverage. 

My fingers dug into its flesh as I climbed higher laughing maniacally.

[New Skill Obtained - Bloodlust LV1] 

[Effect: The more damage inflicted, the stronger the user becomes temporarily.]

 (Current Boost: +5% Strength)]

The troll flailed wildly trying to shake me off, but I clung to it like a rabid beast raising my short sword high above my head I drove it into the back of the monster's skull with every ounce of strength I had.

[Critical Hit! -30 HP]

The troll staggered letting out a guttural choke but it still wasn't dead its massive hand reached up and grabbed me yanking me off its back and slamming me into the ground with bone crushing force.

[HP: 47/104]

For a moment, everything went black. 

My lungs screamed for air, and pain exploded through my entire body my vision flickered but I forced myself to my feet spitting out blood.

"IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO?!" I roared wiping my mouth with the back of my hand "COME ON! KILL ME IF YOU CAN, YOU STUPID FUCK!"

[Madness Enhancement LV1 has evolved into Madness Enhancement LV2] 

[Effect: Physical boost temporarily increases to 10%, but further loss of rational thought is imminent.]

Something inside me snapped. 

My mind felt like it was burning logic, fear, restraint all of it melted away into a singular, all-consuming hunger for destruction.

I rushed forward ignoring the pain and hacked at the troll's knees, severing tendons and slicing through muscle.

[Enemy HP: 80/250]

The beast collapsed to one knee its pained roars fueling the inferno inside me.

 I leaped onto its chest raising my sword high.

"DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" I screamed, stabbing my blade repeatedly into its grotesque face.

 Blood splattered everywhere, soaking my hands, my clothes—my vision was stained red.

[Critical Hit! -20 HP]

 [Critical Hit! -25 HP] 

[Enemy HP: 35/250]

The troll's struggles weakened its eyes, once filled with murderous rage now gleamed with fear. It knew.

It knew that I wasn't just some weak little human.

I was a predator.

With one final bone-snapping thrust I buried my sword deep into its skull shattering it in half.

[Enemy Defeated! +100 EXP] [

Level Up!]

A deafening silence filled the cave as the troll's massive body slumped forward lifeless.

 My breath came in ragged erratic gasps while my body trembled, not from exhaustion but from the intoxicating rush of battle.

I had won.

I threw my head back and laughed a wild, triumphant sound that echoed through the cavern.

[New Title Obtained: Mad Berserker]

[Effect: Increases combat effectiveness when HP is below 50%]

[Congratulations! You have defeated the Cave Troll!] 

[You have gained 1000 EXP! For Defeating The Tutorial Boss] [You have leveled up!]

A rush of energy coursed through my body as the wounds I attained tingled and while my fatigue faded slightly.

Name: Shinji Matou

Automatic Equipped Title: Mad Berserker

Level: 4

HP: 104/104 → 108/108

STR:8

AGI: 8

VIT: 8

INT: 17

WIS: 7

LUC: 8

Perception: 7

[THREE SKILLS HAVE LEVELED UP!]

[Skill List: Survival Instinct Lv 2, Sprinting Lv 2, Presence Concealment Lv1, Madness Enhancement Lv2]

[BACKGROUND BATTLE MUSIC TAB UNLOCKED → Bye, Bye, Bye (NSYNC)]

Stat Points Available: 5

I immediately spread the five points into WIS, STR, AGI, LUC, and Vit. 

Name: Shinji Matou

Automatic Equipped Title: Mad Berserker

Level: 4

HP: 108/108 → 110/110

STR: 9

AGI: 9

VIT: 9

INT: 17

WIS: 8

LUC: 9

Perception: 7

"You know....I could get really addicted to this feeling," I said doing a couple of mock punches in the air as more notifications popped up. 

[You have obtained the automatic following loot in you Inventory Gate]

[Troll's Blood (Rare)]: A vial of potent blood can be used in alchemy or as a crafting material.

[Cracked Troll Fang (Uncommon)]: A durable fang that holds latent magical energy.

[Troll Hide Scrap (Common)]: A piece of rough, sturdy troll hide not very valuable on its own.

[Troll Club (Common)]: A massive wooden club used by trolls. Heavy but powerful.

[Skill Book: Time Alter Magecraft (Uncommon)]: Is the ability to separate the passage of time inside a designated space from the "flow of time" in the outside world. It allows for "time adjustment" that can only stagnate the time which has passed and accelerate time in the future rather than something more advanced like "time modification", which has the ability to reverse cause and effect and change the past.

I frowned at that I didn't have magic circuits so....how could I learn this skill! I thought with a bit of anger. 

I opened my Inventory Gate and pulled out the Skill Book it was an old notebook which had cracks on the leather. The moment I touched it a wave of information surged into my mind, forcing me to stumble back.

Then the system chimed.

[System Notification: User lacks Magic Circuits. Compensating...]

[New Ability Unlocked: Magic Circuits (Level 1)]

Your body has developed low-grade Magic Circuits, allowing the use of basic Magecraft. Efficiency and output are extremely limited but can be improved through training and leveling up.

I froze. 

My heart pounded in my chest.

Magic circuits?

It was supposed to be impossible for me but now, I could feel them— aint, sluggish, barely functional, but undeniably there.

Another notification appeared.

[Skill Book: Time Alter Magecraft has been absorbed. 

[Skill Acquired: Time Alter (Level 1)]: Allows minor acceleration or deceleration of movement. High mana cost due to inefficiency.

[Starter Spells Obtained!] 

Double Accel (Doubles movement speed for a short duration any longer and you risk your heart stopping. High mana cost.)

Slow Accel (Slows movements for precision. Short duration.)

A sudden rush of warmth spread through my body as the knowledge settled in my circuits, weak as they were pulsed faintly with energy I tried activating them the way magi did

"Switch Open," I imagined a switch blade sliding open,

A dull hum resonated through my body like a machine whirring to life for the first time.

"I...I can finally use magic!" I exclaimed in joy. 

I didn't care if the quality of my circuits were low only that I can now use the one thing that I've always desired since the day I was introduced to it. 

-end of chapter one- 

Let me know your thoughts because this is my first time doing a gamer fic so don't expect it to be perfect. 

Name: Shinji Matou

Automatic Equipped Title: Mad Berserker

Level: 4

HP: 110/110

STR: 9

AGI: 9

VIT: 9

INT: 17

WIS: 8

LUC: 9

Perception: 7

[Skill List/Abilities]: 

-Survival Instinct LV 2

-Sprinting LV 2 

-Presence Concealment LV1 

-Madness Enhancement LV2

-Time Alter LV1

-Low Quality Magic Circuits (10 circuits)]

Equipment: Leather Goblin Jacket and Damaged Short Sword. 

Inventory Gate: [Troll's Blood (Rare)], [Cracked Troll Fang (Uncommon)], [Troll Hide Scrap (Common)], [Troll Club (Common)], [Mystic Code: Azoth Dagger], [10x Gold Coins], and [Goblin Club]

Three Stages of Shinji Matou: