Let me introduce myself, My name is Prana Takada, 25 years old this year and I am what you called a NEET. But it is not my own desire that I become like this. Two years ago, I was a great salary-man that can live and adapt to society, I even got a pretty girlfriend for myself. When it is time for the company anniversary, my boss decided to promote one of his workers as a general manager, and fortunately, I have been picked as the candidate. I was surprised and happy at the same time. But, one day later after the party, I heard the news that the CEO's son wanted to gain experience in our company as the general manager.
I was upset, and try to ask my superior. "Boss, why my promotion is being revoked? I think it was already set in stone a few days ago?"
"Unfortunately, it is not your luck, Takada. You know our CEO wants his son to get experience, and our company has been picked" as my boss explained.
I saw that my boss did not have many choices in that. Thus, I just tried to let it slide and forget it since even my girlfriend console me that it might be not my luck. I worked and fulfill my assignment as usual. Until I saw and heard my girlfriend going in to love hotel district and badmouthing me right in front of me. I called her phone,
Dii Dii Dii
"Prana, what's wrong?" she answered "Rena, can we meet tonight? I need to talk about something important"
"Umm ~ can we talk tomorrow at the office? I am quite busy right now, Prana"
'Bullshit, you just want to climb his bed right now' "Uhh, Okay then, Rena" I quickly hanged up the call, since I felt like to curse at her. I regretted it, broken-hearted, my chest felt heavy like being crushed. I regretted did not listen to my best friend's advice regarding her. I felt broken-hearted since the woman I loved dearly could throw me aside just for money.
After that, I just holed myself in my apartment for the following day. But, after taking a day off and coming back to the office. A lot of rumors were flying about me, Rena, and the CEO's son. The men and women looked at me with pity, mockery, even sometimes they laugh in front of me.
'I know I just a regular salary-man, I know I can't compare with him. But, can you just hide it, it even better if you could talk behind my back.'
A week passed, the mockery still prevailed and even escalated. My clients have been robbed from me, My colleagues and my boss were fanning over him. Some of them even tried to influence him to fire me. Until I couldn't hold it anymore and just resign from this shitty company.
I tried to join another company, but not a single company accepted my application. I wonder why, until my best-friend messages me.
"Hey, what's wrong with u dude?" Hiro asked me, "Huh? What?"
"I mean what did u do recently, u know my company, and even my clients are blacklisting your name you know?"
It clicked to me, why I couldn't get a new job. It must be her since when I quit the company I threw an insult at her. It must be her, him, her, him, that FUCKING ADULTEROUS BITCH.
I sighed 'haiihh, what should I do? I can't go to work, my saving only enough for half a year at most if I just eat instant noodles. I don't have anywhere to go.'
Thus, at that moment, I thought that just follow the flow. Maybe, I can live at home without any difficulties and without going out and still being fulfilled.
Back to the current time
He woke up from his sleep and saw a different ceiling above.
'Tsk delusional, maybe my soul still do not gather in my body. Hmm, that must be it, but I can't feel the bed. Let's try to stand and look around'
'Heeuummppp, The HELL!! I can't get up'. His body could not move, it was like being chained and held tight by the chain in place.
"Young man, it is not hell you know". Suddenly he heard a voice, and try to look out the source.
'who's talking?' His body jerked around, but he could not sit or stand in his condition.
"Ah, you can't get up, so you can't see me. Wait let me adjust the gravity first"
'finally' I look around and saw a white light behind his body, it looked as if it was scrutinizing me.
"Sorry to interrupt, but who are you, and what are you? A light that can talk?"
"You see, I am what you called GOD, Allfather, or even Being-X"
'God? Being-X? I die or it is only a dream?'
"You already die young man, here let me show you something"
I saw myself sleep on the bed, but suddenly there are two-person fully clad in black tight attire and holding weapons or guns opened my apartment's window. 'the fuck my apartment is on the third floor. How?. Ahh, I know this going it is going to be like an anime, died – reincarnating – wish – getting system – isekai'
"Oh you are a quite calm young man"
"What could I do? I died already. So, just reincarnate me old geezer, and grant me wishes already"
"Hohoho, so you want to reincarnate huh. Okay, that's one wish. I give you two more wish young man"'
"No!No!No!, I don't want to reincarnate; I want to transmigrate" I thought that 'It is too troublesome to become a baby again after all.
"For my second wish, I want a system of course. And let me ask you a question before I tell you my life with."
"Okay, System accepted. And what is your question?"
"Are you the strongest being or just some kind of administrator like in some novels I read?"
"Hmm..... you could refer me as the strongest being since I only have one or two equal right now"
"Okay, then my last wish is I want to live, travel in any world freely. Without any objective like helping you fight this fight that, and helping you repel this or that. Buuuttt, I can accept some request for you if it matches my mood and of course the reward"
"Quite confident young man, aren't you? Do you believe the great me need your help?"
"Maybe or not, but what I am sure is I can achieve great thing if I have the system"
"Wish granted then, Farewell, young man"
"Farewell light-old-man"
I couldn't wait for the adventures that children dream of.
**
'Ummhhh, it is nice to be awake once again' it's been a while since I was woken up. 'where am I?'
[Ding.. activating the system. Please wait a moment]
'what! system?'
[Good evening, Host. I am your new assistant, you may call me Ai]
'Ai as artificial intelligence?'
[Yes]
'Then Ai, can you explain the situation briefly?'
[Yes, do you want me to talk about it or directly imprint it to your mind?]
'My mind please'
[Okay, commencing the relay of information]
'Shhh, my head feels heavy'
I watch myself assassinated, then met the so-called god or being-X who gave me several wishes. 'I see I see. So basically, I transmigrated and right now I am in ...….'
As I look around, I can see a green forest with several 'strange' birds fly away.
'Ai, what is your function actually?'
[Host, I can help you in your life ahead. I have several functions such as STATUS, SHOP, INVENTORY, MISSION, and as a guide. But, later on, I would be silent when you already a day in this world. Besides, the tutorial period should be expired in a week. Also, please keep in mind that in your STATUS you can only have 5 main abilities and 5 support abilities. Also, if you travel to a different world, your STATUS will be reset and you could only bring 2 skills with you to your new world. Any question Host?]
'Let's see. So basically, I can travel to a different world with some limitation right, and should I pay for the travel, Ai?'
[Of course, you should, Host. The expenses would be deducted from your points, and you can earn points, and experience by defeating your opponents. Some mission will be issued when the tutorial phase ended]
'Okay, I get it. So, now what should I do?
[Host, you can try to open my function and there are some novice starter packs in your inventory]
'STATUS'
+ NAME: Prana Takada
+ AGE: 17 years old
+ BLOODLINE: Pure Human
+ STR: 50
+ AGI: 78
+ INT: 55
+ SKILLS :
+ EQUIP : Crude Dagger (C), Crude Leather Armor (C)
+ POINT : -
'Emm, Ai about my parameters, is it normal to have it in a teenage body?'
[Yes, Host. In this world, that kinds of a parameter are quite common for adventurers]
'Really?' Ai's revelation really shocked me. I reincarnated in a fantasy world and take a body of an adventurer. It seems that my journey in this world will be quite arduous.
'Ai, can you bring up this body memory for me? I want to know my and this world background'
[Yes… The memories have been assembled into a crystal and can be used directly in the Inventory]
"Inventory"
[1xStarter Pack, Memory Crystal]
Huh, there is a starter pack? Is it a gift from that being? 'Ai, use the Memory Crystal and after that open the starter pack'
[Okay, please wait. The host will be pulled to the dream state]
Based on this body memory, I concluded that this is an anime world. Since I can see that Dungeon Tower and he worship a certain goddess and become her children in the Familia.
Unfortunately, this guy's luck was terrible. After he joined his Familia and checked his status, it resulted in below-average stats. Thus, his Goddess Familia tossed him aside and did not pay him attention. Then, one of the senpai in the Familia introduced him to a certain fishy job. Since this guy did not have any perk, he became engrossed in this fishy job and become a slave trader and robber.
As I saw his memories, I can foresee that his reputation is at rock-bottom in this world, not to my surprise, his comrades claimed his life and throw him in this forest to be eaten by the monster.
I sighed, "Ai, do you think you can erase the Familia's mark on my back? Also, do you think you can do plastic surgery on my face?"
This cowardly person, I, do not want to face difficulty at the beginning of my new life.
[Host, right now you do not use this body's face but your face from the original world and the mark already has been erased after you transmigrated into this body]
"OHH, Great then. Even though my original face is not handsome, it can be considered a bit higher than average. It is better than assuming this guy's infamous face. For now, Ai open the starter pack"
[Ding.... you get the following item; 1. Heart to Study skills(7-days), 2. Support skills lottery ticketx1,
3. Supreme Grade Healing Potion]
'WOW, THAT'S GREAT. Studying skill, not sure if it is the best skill for adapting in every life. Ai, does it consider a skill or support skill? And what about the lottery? I seem to remember there are no tabs for this function?'
[HtS will be considered as support skills, Host, and regarding the lottery the function only available if you have the tickets. FYI, it can be obtained in random until the end of the tutorial phase]
'Nice. Then, the potion seems a great deal for the name. Ai, use the lottery ticket..'
[Ding..... You obtained Breath of Lightning, from Demon Slayer verse]
[HtS activated]
[Activating the breathing]
I feel my body become lighter all of sudden. Is it the effect of breathing? Let's ask Ai about the details.
"Ai, what is the function of this breathing?"
[Lightning Breathing Technique is one of the techniques used by Demon Slayer. It is originated from one of the protagonist characters in the canon. It allows the user to strengthen their bodies especially in the legs and cultivate lightning energy. This breathing accompanied by 6 sword techniques for the user to master, in which each technique have different usage]
From the name 'lightning', it seems this breathing focus on speed to deliver destruction, and since it is using a sword should I use a western sword or a katana? But I don't have the point to buy it, 'hmm, robbing people?'
[Mission Alert! Vengeance!!
{Kill the villains that kill host previous body}
Follow the red indicator on the map to locate the culprit.
Rewards: Lightning Sword Technique, French bread x10, Skill Stone x 2, 50.000 valis, Lottery Ticket x 1]
"Ohh, the rewards are luxurious, isn't it? Any reasons?"
[No, it just one of the benefits in the tutorial phase]
'Hmm, one of the benefits, huh' It means that there are still other benefits, can't wait to get it.
Okay, get to the mission. A red dot in the map showed that it is on the way to the north. Let's see, they are going to the Orario city and still 1 kilometer away from me.
"Then let's start running, and complete the mission"
__Later__
Finally, I caught up to them. It seems that they are resting near the riverbank. From what I see, three men should be my target. From their attire, one of them seems to be a warrior type class, mage, and a ranger.
'Hmm, it is hard if I just blindly charge at them' Then, I see that the ranger seems to be detaching from the group.
'I can kill him if It is a surprise attack. Since this guy's defensive equipment doesn't cover his neck and back head' From the way he is walking, it looks he is going to pee.
He walked slowly to the ranger, avoiding the target detection. He blended in the tree's shadow and waited until the chance presents himself.
I grip my dagger and take a deep breath to focus on myself. 'He takes down his pant… Now'
He dashed toward the target in one leap, but the sound alerted the target and the ranger turn around to shot the crossbow in his right hand in Prana's direction. He crouched down avoiding the arrows and slid in the ground to kick the ranger lower region. The ranger did not expect the sneak attack and did not pull up his pant and armor were getting kicked squarely. However, before the ranger could shout in pain, Prana slithered to the back of the ranger and held the ranger's mouth to keep it from screaming and alerting his friends. For the finishing move, Prana stabs the ranger in the back of his head and slice it up till the white brain spilled in his face.
"Ugh, the blood and the brain matter smell are fishy. I am going to puke…"
My first kill is quite violent, huh. I think this body still remembers his hatred toward this man and his group. For the next plan, I should kill the mage first.
[Ding! Congratulation to the Host for creating new skills.
1. Instant Strike (MAX). Active skills, should be changed. Blink to the side or back of the target location in a range of 5x5 meters. Cooldown: 1 minute]
2. Camouflage (MAX). Passive skills. Blend yourself into your surroundings. The effect takes effect if you stand still in the darkness, shadow, bush, or anything which cover your body for 3 seconds]
"Wow. A tutorial phase is sure convenient, with these skills I can sneak up to the mage and one-shot kill him. But it is still going to be hard in killing the warrior."
[Host, for a tip-in killing the full-plate warrior. You can stab in the openings of the armor, something like the eyes will be useful in this situation]
The distance from the mage and the forest is 4 meters, I can't cover it by using one leap, thus I need Instant Strike to cover the distance and Camouflage to blend in the tree shade. Then, about the warrior, should I try to goat him to went to the forest? But, from their position, it is as if they want to protect the carriage from any harm. Thus, the warrior can't follow me inside the forest.
"Hmm, don't have a choice. Then, a battle of endurance and waiting for the Instant Strike cooldown"
'1…2…3…. Camouflage'
He walked slowly to the edge of the tree's shade. From the body proportion, the mage seems to be a frail man, since it could be seen from his skeletal hands.
'Instant Strike'
He chanted the skill name in his mind, and instantly got behind the mage without any sound and kill him in one strike in the side of his head.
The warrior found some slight disturbance in the air, and blood's smell in the air, asked his comrade, "Hey, are you okay there?" As he was waiting and did not get an answer from his comrade, he stood up and walked and saw two silhouettes in the side of the carriage with one of them dropping in the ground.
Alerted, the warrior quickly unsheathes his sword from his waist and leaps to his comrade's direction, and saw a man with black hair, and strangely with the clothing of his recent victim.
"Who are you?" The warrior asked uncertainly.
"Your Reaper" The youth answered casually and run around in the circle while firing crossbow bolts at the warrior.
Unfortunately, the bolts did not pierce any of the warrior plate armor and gaps in between. But, for the youth, it was enough since he needed to stall the time for one minute only.
The warrior felt infuriated by being constantly shot by weak cross bolts even though it did not do any damage to him. He sprinted toward the youth and swing his sword at him. The youth evaded the sword but the next attack kicked his stomach and send him flying to the tree. The warrior gave him a chase for giving the last hit to the youth. Fortunately, the youth was put awake by the warrior's thunderous war cry and managed to deflect the sword by sacrificing his dagger. The warrior who pleased by himself started to laugh and dropped his guard seeing his opponent is weaponless, injured and only wearing a leather guard.
However, for the youth, Prana, he was smiling right now in his mind. Since the skill already passed its cool-down time, and he was able to perform a technique that might able to kill him. The youth put a serious expression on his face and chanted voicelessly 'Instant Strike. He was instantly teleported to the back of the warrior and quickly lock the warrior in a hug. The warrior's hands and legs are tied by the youth leg to keep it from struggle too much. His head was being splintered to the side, and the warrior felt that the plate armor in his head was helping the youth in twisting his neck.
"CRACK" and the warrior was gone.
After twisting the warrior's neck, I stand and go to the side carriage to rest and mitigate the pain in my stomach and my ribs. However, for someone like me who lives in the modern world, this pain is really unbearable.
"Ai, use the Healing Potion quick. I am dying right now"
[Host, FYI, your pain right now can be mitigated in one hour and healed completely in one night of rest when continuously activating the breathing. Besides, it is kind of a waste to use the highest potion for this]
"NO! In ONE hour, I should be already dead if I bear this pain. So, USE IT NOW!"
[Roger That]
[Ding! Congratulation on completing the mission!
Rewards: Lightning Sword Technique: First Style, French bread x10, Skill Stone x 2, 50.000 valis, Lottery Ticket x 1
Additional Rewards in killing the culprits: 3 persons x 1000 points]
"Ohhhh!! There are additional rewards, even though by killing people" (-_-)
Okay, for now, let's loot this warrior since I think he is quite wealthy to keep such a full-plate armor like this. 'Hmm, the sword is a one-hand sword with two sides of blades, I can use it but I should be careful with the blades that point at me. Next is the armor, I should keep the left wrist guard and the leg guard only since a full-plate armor will hinder my mobility. Last is money – money… but where are they? In carriage maybe.'
I walk to the back of the carriage and open the curtain and the view inside really surprises me. I can see a sack that is likely filled with money. But the thing that astonishes me is there is a cage inside the carriage and there is a beast woman asleep inside the cage.
'She is a beauty, a yellow hair with a pair of the ear on her head, and I see a tail with the same of color as the hair, and I feel that the tail might be fluffy to touch, her body is still undeveloped but I can assure it that one or two years later it will greatly blossom. However, her face is so scrunched up in her sleep, it looks so uncomfortable. She has a bad dream, huh.'
For now, let's pick her up and bring her out of this cage first.
My name is Sanjouno Haruhime, I am a beast woman that ahold the traits of a night fox. I live in the East Country.
My life was peaceful, I was surrounded by loving parents, had friends that care for my being. However, it came to an end when I was eleven. I was framed for taking the god's offering in the temple. The clan head, my father, was furious. He exiled me from the country and disown me. Later on, a certain pallum took me on a journey to a city in the west. But once again, misfortune came after me and my surroundings were affected by it. The caravan was being attacked by bandits and annihilated. I, as a beast woman, was being caged and chained to sell for money to the slave trader.
It took three years to cross the Eastside to the Westside. There were many attempts that the bandits want to take my body. However, every time they want to take me, I felt so much dread and despaired then fainted. Also, I heard one of the men said that 'being a virgin sold for much better valis. In this year, one by one the bandits took captives for the village and caravan they met on the way. I started to think to myself that there was no way out of this predicament.
Today, I heard that they were going to trade me for valis and transport me to the buyer caravan. They were no different men from before, they lust me in their eyes like I was no different than toys. Until hours later that, I heard a fighting sound. When the sound receded, I saw a young man that was rooted on the ground after seeing the things inside the carriage. I hide, since I did not want him to see me, and lust after me like the other men. He approached me and took a look at my face, I saw his face and I did not see any lust in his eyes. It seemed that it was his first time looking something like me, he was curious and something like appreciation was in his eyes.
**
This was his first time seeing a beast woman. It really resembled the anime and manga he saw on the billboard and poster.
"Hi, are you okay? Let me help you get out of the cage" He asked the young girl inside the cage.
The young girl seemed to tense up and fainted again hearing his voice. 'She is scared of me huh.' He thought that this girl might have traumatic experiences with men.
He ignored the girl's reluctance and opened the cage, then he carried her in princess carry to get out of the cage.
'I should run, from this girl condition and appearance I can assure that there will be another reinforcement who will take away this girl'
He carried the young girl and run at his fastest speed in the forest.
**
I should find a cave and waterfall to shelter us. It is already dusk, and I think this girl also needs rest for a while.
After running for at least fifteen minutes, I hear the sound of water. I follow the sound and found that it is a waterfall. The water is clear, but no vegetation can hide us here. I try to look at the map and am surprised that there is something hollow behind the waterfall. I walk to the side of the waterfall and see a cave-like hole in it.
'There is no stepping stone that can help me jump up there.' I need something like a line or anything that can attach to the wall.
'Ai, have something like that in the shop?' I asked Ai since she can select the items quickly.
[Yes, Host. I recommend for grappler for your need. Do you want to buy it now?]
'Yes, buy it now, asap'
[Done.. deducting the balance 100 points for buying the grappler x 1. You may use it]
'Great' I think 'grappler' and the object appeared in my hand.
The grappler design is like a crossbow, and it is quite easy to use. I equip the grappler in my right hand and take an aim to the ceiling of the cave wall.
The hook launches to the ceiling with vigor and manages to pierce the wall and attach itself to it.
So, for now, I should press the mechanism so that it can pull me up there.
I place the young girl on my back, and slid the air for a moment. 'sssrrrttttt' the sound that the grappler makes when pulling me up.
After I safely landed inside the cave, I put down the young girl on the ground and put a command to Ai to buy me two blankets.
[ Common Blankets x 2 = 20 points are deducted]
Then, I see that the 'blanket' is in my hand and cover her body to warm her.
*
'Status'
+ NAME : Prana Takada
+ AGE : 17 years old
+ BLOODLINE : Pure Human
+ STR : 90 (I-)
+ AGI : 119 (I+)
+ INT : 75 (I-)
+ SKILLS : Instant Mastery (SSS-Support/passive) (6 days 6 hours), Lightning Breathing Technique (S-Support/passive), Instant Strike (A-active), Backstab (C-Active), Camouflage (C-Support/passive)
+ EQUIP : Warrior's Sword (Uc), Left-Hand Plate armor (R), Leg Plate Armor (R).
+ POINT : 2880 points
+ INVENTORY : Book of Lightning Sword Style: First Style x 1, Skill Stone x 2, French Bread x 10, 250.000 valis.
'Umu Umu, I have five skills with one of them being limited only in the tutorial phase. For my stats there are some indicators in them, what is that Ai?'
[That is the ranking that the system make according to this world power]
'According to those stats, how strong am I in this world?' as I am quite interested in what kind of ladder I am right now.
[Host currently equal to Lv.2 adventurers in this world]
I am kind of disappointed that I only have this meager strength. 'Then, the strongest being in this world at what level Ai?'
[The strongest being in this world at an lv.9, which is a dragon]
'Usually, dragons will be like a final boss strength at Lv.99 or Lv.100. It seems that this world level cap only at Lv.10 which likely held by the gods and goddesses.'
With this low-level cap, I don't need to hurry in increasing my strength. Since most of the human might be not too far from my level.
'For now, let's check my rewards. hehehe' "Inventory".
[Book of Lightning Sword Style: First Style x 1, Skill Stone x 2, French Bread x 10, 250.000 valis.]
'Not bad, the bandits seem to be a rich man. First, I should eat the pieces of bread. Ai, what is a skill stone? And why the techniques only for the first style? It is a book right; shouldn't it be a complete set of style?'
[Skill stone: can be used to make a new kind of ability that the host can imagine. Then, you can save it in the skill stone and train after the skill you invented. The techniques will be sold separately also sometimes the techniques or skill you buy inside the shop are not compatible with your body]
'Really? What with this limitation? Then what, the system will be stopped after the tutorial phase?' I ask in self – mocking tone. But, Ai's response to this is kinda unexpected.
[Exactly, Host. The system's service will be suspended until the Host complete the main mission of this world and able to journey to a different world]
I look up and curse this petty god. 'Then, Ai what is the main mission?' I want to know what should I do to continue my journey into different worlds out there.
[Wait 'till the tutorial phase ended]
'Okay, Okay. Then, for now, use the book first'
[Yes]
Book of Lightning Sword Style: First Style – Thunderclap. The user dashes forward and slashes at their opponent with incredible speed. There are three stages in using this technique. Six-Fold Dashes, when the user dashes six times within one use of this technique. Eight-Fold Dashes, the user dashes eight times within one use of this technique. God Speed, is the pinnacle of this technique when the user able to use the techniques as they please.
With HtS passive skills active, I manage to comprehend the techniques easily. It is just the body of mine become my limitation. Since with these stats, I can't even use the Six-Fold Dashes only Four dashes at my limit. But I think that's still great. I can make a feint in between the dashes if it one-on-one fights, and it can be used as an AoE attack if there are quite a number of the enemy.
"Yosh, let's try it on the forest outside, the trees might help me"
I stand up and leave some slices of bread on the floor for the girls to eat, and leave some notes 'train' in the cave's wall.
As I walk to the forest, I couldn't help to praise this world. "The green lush of the forest and the night sky in this world is great, stars lined up lighting up the sky. But I can't see the moon right now."
Boom!! Duar!! *Lightning sfx*
S. Haruhime was awoken by the sound of the rumbling thunder outside. She sat on the ground and try to recollect her memories of the place.
"Where is it?" she thought out loud. She did not remember coming to this place, and the last thing she remembered was when a young man arrived at her cage.
'Is he the one who brings me here?'
She looked around the place and concluded that it was a cave and possibly near the waterfall since she heard the sound of water.
She saw one more blanket near her, and she could confirm that he was here before. Also, Haruhime thought that her savior this time was quite a good person.
Since he did not only cover her with a blanket to keep her warm but also leave her some slices of bread. 'but where is he right now? Did he leave me alone in this cave?'
She stood up and saw some scribbles in the wall near the exit. It almost looked like a written language in East Country. But somehow, she couldn't put her hand on the meaning behind it.
When she wanted to go outside, she became stupefied by what she saw. She saw a large portion of water coming down from above, and it could crush one body if they wanted to cross it. Furthermore, there wasn't any alternative that could become her stepping stone in the sidewall.
She sat down and felt like being in a cage again. She couldn't go anywhere.
Boom!! Duar!! *Lightning sfx*
She had heard the sound of rumbling thunder for a while now. Even though the sky was clear, and there was no indication that there would be rain. The sound of thunder still echoed. She thought that it was strange.
In the forest.
Prana sat and leaned his body near the large tree. He was quite exhausted after training the technique for two hours straight. Fortunately, the training was fruitful. Even though, he felt that there were several limitations to the technique itself.
'The sound of a thunderclap, it was like giving your enemy a sign that he would attack.'
'Then, when doing the Four-Fold Dashes, he needed to get into the stance first. It would become a limitation if the battle came to an abrupt stop in the middle. Since I could foresee that in this world killing were the common occurrences.' he complained inside.
'For now, I couldn't do anything to it, but for the second weakness I might solve it once I attained the Godspeed mastery' Prana positively thought.
In the middle of training, the system informed Prana that the system's guide would be silenced. Thus, everything would be done independently by Prana.
'Shop'
-Ability: +
-Consumable: +
-Item: +
Points: 2880 | Ticket: 1
He saw that he still had a random ticket unused. He wanted to use it right away since he thought that everything in the tutorial phase would give him something good in developing his strength.
He clicked the tickets, and press the 'use' button right away. If someone saw him right now, they would likely think that Prana was insane to tap the air and mumbling something incomprehensible.
[Ding… Congratulation you get an ability, Doctor Blythe]
[Doctor Blythe is a skill where the user can conjure a phantom of Dr. Blythe. The phantom can heal disease and injury according to the conjurer's mana. When conjuring the phantom, the conjurer cannot move more than 20 meters before the target, also the conjurer cannot use any abilities or performing any actions inside the range. A dead person cannot be revived from using this technique. Cooldown: 3 hours]
'Geh' Prana thought that this ability was really suited to live in this world where you can hurt every time, but Prana already had 3 support skills in his personal.
He thought, 'if it always became like this, I might not have any attack and defend skills in my personal. haahhh. Maybe I could create some combat techniques using those skills stone and also try to make some techniques related to the breath of thunder'
The plan already formed inside Prana's head.
The training and the evaluation are already completed. Prana stood up and walked in the cave's direction. On the way, he also did not forget to catch some wild game inside the forest that might satisfy his hunger and breakfast.
When he walked to the cave, he also explored the shop. After that, he came to the conclusion that the price was simply ridiculous and also it was too generalized. For example, if he wanted to buy a cooking skill, the price would be based on the user pool points. If the user pooling 1000 points, the user might get the appropriate cooking skills permanently or in the trial phase-only according to the price. This rule also applied to other skills and items in the item section. Fortunately, the consumables did not follow this rule, only the price was simply a rip off for the potion's consumables.
On the way, Prana bought the Stamina potion for 500 points. He thought that he needed this potion, and store it inside the Inventory.
---Waterfall---
Prana placed the wild games and some dry woods on the ground. He wanted to grill the wild games but did not know-how. Thus, he sat up and went to the cave to get the young girl. Since he thought the girls must be know how to cook and grill something.
He chanted 'grappler' in his mind, and the grappler directly appeared in his right hand.
*SRRTTT*
When he landed in the cave's mouth, he saw that the girl was awake, tidied the blankets, and already eat the bread.
Prana walked to her, and said: "Excuse me". Then he scooped her to his embrace, and bring her out from the cave.
The girl was so terrified about what he would be done to her. When he hugged her, the girl's body tensed up and unconsciously shed a tear.
Prana who was not aware of this already jumped and safely landed on the ground. He dropped the girl gently on the ground and said, "Jouu-chan, could you help me skin the wild game while I preparing the fire?"
He did not wait for the answer and directly preparing the fire leaving the girl with a dumbfounded expression.
'Eh?' The girl thought that it was a joke from him. She thought that she would be forced by him when he hugged her. But seeing his back, and the wild game, she understood that these should be her job for now.
The two persons did not talk much when grilled the wild game. It was so awkward. The man did not speak too much, the girl still confused with the recent event.
Finally, the man tried to break the ice. He said, "You're free"
A simple sentence, but it meant a lot for the young girl.
Unfortunately, it just gave her another problem. 'what should I do when I am free?'
"Mist… Mist..er, can I… can I follow you?" she asked timidly. Since, as he already saved her from the bandits, she couldn't bear asking another favor to her savior.
Prana showed a difficult expression on his face. He still did not use to be with a woman, since it was still recently that he was betrayed by a woman.
"Why?" Prana asked
The girl was scared since her savior showed a troubled expression.
"Ehh… I don't have anywhere to go" she muttered slowly.
Her parents disowned her, and she was exiled. If she traveled to a town alone, it might possible for her to be kidnapped and sold to some brothel.
Actually, Prana has kinda pitied the girl. When he first carried her to the cave, he heard her mumbling 'I'm sorry, father', 'It's not me, father' accompanied by crying with a pained expression.
However, he also came to distrust women since the accident. But he also knew that since he saved her, he should be responsible to bring her to safety first.
[Ding... "Bring her to the Takemikazuki Familia"
The girl still has relative that care about her whereabouts. The relatives live in Orario City.
Reward: 50 Free Stat point, Lottery Tickets x 2]
'Eh, a quest to escort her, huh. And Orario is quite far and will take some days if we did not have any transportation means' Prana sighed.
While Prana looking at the map to figure how to go to Orario City, the girl was already in tears with an inaudible sobbing. She thought that she would be abandoned.
Prana, who finally aware of her, turned his head to her and was shocked to see her crying again. He thought that she just had a river or a skill in the water category to always shed her tear again and again.
Prana approached her and patted her. "Come" It just one word, but the girl felt very happy.
Thus, the two strangers started to travel together
It had been three days since Prana and Haruhime were traveling. The travel was considered smooch if he did not think about Haruhime being too slow and easily tired, also being constantly ambushed by wild beasts and monsters on the way.
On the first day, he discovered that traveling alone was suited for him. Since he easily became annoyed when Haruhime was asking to stop. Without other choices after being constantly interrupted, Prana crouched down in front of Haruhime and directly forced her to hug his back.
After that, the travel progressed a lot faster. Besides, he also discovered that by placing mana in his sole legs as a cushion, he would accelerate faster.
After dinner, he would train the techniques at his disposal. With the aid of 'Heart to Study,' he was able to incorporate the mana inside him into any part of his body. For example, when he was using the sword and the mana was incorporated into his arms and coated to the sword, the burst strength his arms generated increased and the sharpness of the blade was upped to another level.
On the second day, the view of a woman piggybacked by a man who was running at a full speed was quite common in the forest. Somehow, Prana was able to talk normally and did not feel any discomfort being around her. Maybe, he thought that the girl was quite innocent to scheme and betrayed him, or it could be her cheerful nature that eased the atmosphere.
As usual, Prana was training in the deep forest at the night. This time, Prana wanted to use the 'Skill Stone' in helping him creating a technique complimenting his breathing. He wanted to create a technique similar to radar since after using the lightning's breathing, he could feel that his sight and hearing were sensitive to electricity. And from his knowledge, every living being had a spark of lightning inside their body.
In addition to 'radar', he also wanted a skill that able to block any attack in certain numbers. He imagined that he was in the center of a circling zone, in this zone his reflex was amplified by the lightning energy his body cultivated and reached an apex height and able to deflect, slice, parry any attack aimed at him.
After confirming his imagination and the way the technique operated, the 'Skill Stone' glowed and successful progress appeared. Fortunately, he had an 'Instant Mastery' skill. Thus, the progress in learning the techniques. Furthermore, the system acknowledged the second skill as an active skill.
[Defensive Blade, A zone where the user can block any attacks aimed at him. There are two modes available of use;
System aid-mode: The user chanted the skills name. The number of blocks; 5. Consumption: 25% of user mana. Cooldown: 5 minutes
Independent mode: The user executed the skill based on the experiences and parameters. The number of blocks; 2. Consumption: Undefined Stamina. No Cooldown.]
After seeing the notification, Prana hurriedly stocked the Stamina Potion and had a headache seeing the price. Since, after each training, he would consume the Stamina Potion to regain his vigor before went to sleep.
Thus, facing the point's crisis, Prana actively searched the nests of the monsters and farming points. Unfortunately, approaching the dusk of the third day, he only managed to buy 10x bottles of Stamina Potion.
'10 bottles, huh? I think this will do for now' He thought.
Prana ran to the forest and went to the campsite.
At the campsite, he could see Haruhime was roasting the meat and making a soup. "I'm back" He greeted Haruhime.
"Welcome back, Mr. Prana (Prana-sama). Do you want to eat right now?" she asked Prana for confirmation. "No, I will wash first" Prana answered curtly.
Haruhime followed his direction, and couldn't help but muse, 'The clothes Mr. Prana used were always the same, but whenever I near him it did not smell at all. Moreover, it is kinda has a sweet smell.'
--- Dinner ---
"Haruhime, tomorrow we might exit this forest. When we arrive in the Orario, do you have any plans for?" Prana asked.
Haruhime who chewed the meat happily became frozen. 'I did not think about it.'
Realization dawned upon her, Haruhime became too attached to this kind of lifestyle with Mr. Prana. She thought this would last for a long time, and eventually forever.
Seeing Haruhime stayed silent, Prana followed with another question, "If by any chance, in the Orario you meet with your relative or the one who cares about you, what would you do?"
"Do you find me troublesome, Mr. Prana?" Haruhime asked with a tinted uncertainty in her voice. She was scared that the Mister she adored find her troublesome and did not want with her anymore.
"No, I am not. It just.. How do I say it?...." Somehow Prana becomes nervous and embarrassed when being faced with a face that she expressed 'Why?' with kinda puppy (fox) face.
He sighed, "The thing is, Haruhime I want you to follow me, for the reason I can't talk right now. But I heard that in the Orario there might be your relative and a god with Eastern background. Therefore, if you want to, you can come back to your family again."
Haruhime being informed that there might be a relative in their destination, couldn't help to tear up once again. She thought that she couldn't come back and meet her relatives. She was happy hearing this information. But, in her heart, she also became anxious.
'Am I will be separated from him? Do I can live without him?' She couldn't help question herself and lowered her head.
Prana being an understanding person, left her out alone and cleaned up the dinner site. He left her to think alone since he did not want to disturb her and blanketed her.
--- Morning, Fifth day ---
The sky was already bright outside.
Prana woke up as usual in trying to sit up.
However, he felt that he was being held down.
'Déjà vu?' He thought that he was being killed again and met some god for the second time.
Until he felt someone nibbling his shoulder.
He saw Haruhime was on top of him. She still wore her clothes but the clothes were useless in covering her body at the moment.
He could feel her chest squished in the middle of their body. 'They're soft, and her hair are quite fragrance in the morning'
His thought of process was interrupted by Haruhime body's movement, and he couldn't help to think, 'If Haruhime sees her current position and seeing me already awake, I am sure with her timid attitude, she will be likely faint. Thus, I can't get to eat breakfast. Let's pretend to sleep, to avoid it'
So, he pretended to sleep again.
Haruhime who was woken up was stunned seeing her position.
She was directly stand up, and went out and covering her heated face along with an 'I am happy' expression.
--------
After a little accident in the morning.
Prana got out from the tent smelling the delicious taste of the breakfast.
When he went out and seeing Haruhime expression, he couldn't help to smile. Since he thought that this girl was really cute. He went to sit opposite her for breakfast.
Meanwhile, Haruhime, seeing Prana's smile couldn't help to blush and her face red again remembering the morning.
Both of them did not talk during the breakfast. Prana was waiting for Haruhime's answer, and Haruhime was too shy to talk to Prana after the incident. Thus, both of them finished the breakfast, cleaning it up, and began packing for their journey.
Prana who finally got a 'radar' like technique began to activate the technique.
He took a deep breath, 'Lightning's Breathing: Number Zero, Awareness'
With the technique activated, his perceptions became much sharper and everything around 20 to 30 meters around him became much clearer to identify.
The two of them walked around for few hours until they finally could see the edge of the forest. Haruhime was excited about going out of the forest and might be able to see the city.
In contrast to Haruhime, Prana was tensed. In his Awareness domain, he could perceive four persons outside the forest.
"Haruhime, come here" commanded Prana to Haruhime.
Haruhime who heard the command from Prana was confused since the tone used was quite different. "What's wrong, Mr. Prana?"
"There are four persons outside the forest, I do not know who they are, but It might be the reinforcement to kidnap you again" he continued 'and from Awareness feedback, their body and fighting capabilities might be strong'
"Haruhime use this cloak to cover your appearance and hide your tail. Later on, you will act as my sickly wife, I will piggyback you again" He instructed her.
'For now, Let's check my Status and Inventory'
'Status, Inventory'
[Status'
+ NAME : Prana Takada
+ AGE : 17 years old
+ BLOODLINE : Pure Human
+ STR : 140 (I+)
+ AGI : 220 (H-)
+ INT : 100 (D)
+ SKILLS : Instant Mastery (SSS-Support/passive) (2 days 2 hours), Lightning Breathing Technique (S-Support/passive), Instant Strike (A-active), Backstab (C-Active), Camouflage (C-Support/passive), Dr. Blythe (SS-Support/Active), Defensive Blade (B-Active)
+ EQUIP : Warrior's Sword (Uc), Left-Hand Plate armor (R), Leg Plate Armor (R).
+ POINT : 80 points
+ INVENTORY: Stamina Potion x 9, Magic Stone I x 100, Magic Stone H x 24, Magic Stone G x 7, 250.000 valis.]
'My stats have been improving, but I don't know how it will fare with those people' Prana thought. "Haruhime, get to my back" he commanded her.
After everything had been prepared, he walked slowly out of the forest.
As Prana thought, the people outside the forest came after him and stopped him. There were four women. All of them had tanned skin and a great deal of compressed muscle in their wrist or stomach. They looked like amazons in Yu-Gi-Oh card for him. He avoided them and continued walked in the city direction.
But, one of them tried to block him to talk to Prana, she said "Where are you going?" with a demanding tone.
Prana answered by pointing his finger to the distant city.
Then, one of them sneaked up behind me and tried to open Haruhime's hood. I dodged to the side, but unfortunately, her yellow-golden tail unfurled to the world to see.
The amazoness who already informed about the characteristics of their target, already knew who she was unsheathe their own weapons.
Prana who saw the situation couldn't help to grow nervous and ran to the forest. The amazoness followed behind him like cats who want to catch the mouse.
Prana who saw the situation couldn't help to grow nervous and ran to the forest. The amazoness followed behind him like cats who want to catch the mouse.
"Where do you think you're going, bastard?" Amazoness Two said when running behind him.
"Hand over the Renard" Amazoness Three demanded.
Prana who was ahead of the amazoness was currently thinking of how to get out of this situation. The simplest way would be to hand over Haruhime, but he couldn't do that to her.
[Ding.. Emergency Quest!
Four people have been detected by the system are emanating bloodlust to Host.
-Kill them to silent their mouth. Reward: Lottery Tickets x 1, 10 Free Stats for each person, System Points corresponding their levels. or
-Incapacitate them, and attract future trouble. Reward: Lottery Ticket x 3, 20 Free Stats for each person, System Points corresponding to the trouble given.
*Sweep the battlefield. Reward: 500 System Points.]
Prana instantly knew that there were many amazoness in the Orario, and if he attracted future trouble, He was sure he couldn't sleep and eat easily.
'Kill them, then. First, I should think of how Haruhime can get away from this'
'Shop -Search- invisibility -Pool- 80 points'
[Found; 1. Hades Helmet (3 seconds), 2. Invisibility potion (Bad Quality Defective Product)]
'Get the Helmet'
[Purchased]
"Haruhime, listen. I want you to run and hide away after we reach that large tree ahead. I give you this helmet, it will give you some invisibility for 3 seconds. Run toward our previous camp direction, and go to hide. I will call you after this end"
"But--- Mr. Prana, too danger—" Prana interrupted Haruhime protests "No but, do it, I will count to three, and activate it with your mana"
"1" "2" "3".
Prana stopped running and blocked the pursuers' view for Haruhime to activate the effect.
Seeing the man stopped, the Amazoness Leader said mockingly, "Stop running again Mr. mouse(nezumi-kun)?"
Prana just stayed silent. However, before the leader spoke another sentence, Prana accelerated toward them using Mana Burst as his leg's propeller.
'I should kill the weakest first' Prana locked the amazoness with short hair. The distance between them was roughly 4 meters. It would give the amazoness to prepare and put a defensive posture.
However, Prana knew about it. Thus, in the middle of charging, he was focusing on the Breath of Thunder and using the accompanying technique.
'Thunderclap: Six-Fold Dashes'
Boom!! Duar!! *Lightning sfx*
The amazoness was stunned hearing the loud sound of thunder and couldn't put the proper defensive posture. Her ax was still hanging listlessly.
In a flash after the loud sound of thunder, Prana was already using the first dashes and arrived in front of her. He slashed at her throat and the blood was spilled like a geyser.
Amazement was written in Prana's face, even though he able to kill the amazoness, but the cut was shallow. It did not reflect the strength he put into the sword.
Prana did not delve into the matter. He continued to use the second dashes to the right to reach a tree until he reached the Amazoness leader in the back.
(Note: AL, AMAZONESS LEADER)
The AL who knew his purpose readied her large saber to meet Prana head-on.
*CLANK* The sound of the two metals hit each other rang out.
Prana was taken aback; his strength was outmatched by the opponent. He was sure that his energy was comparable to hers.
He was flung out by the AL to the air. Prana was doing backflips to reduce the damage taken, and rolling on the ground to reduce the fall.
"ONE OF YOU GET THE RENARD GIRL" The AL was roared to her subordinates. The other amazoness was back to their senses hearing their leader roar. One of them, run toward the large tree Prana was before to catch Haruhime.
Prana who was seeing this instantly used 'Instant Strike' to get behind the running amazoness and stab her heart with his sword.
The AL was bewildered seeing Prana speed, 'How come he already there?' She couldn't intercept Prana, and could only watch helplessly seeing one of her subordinates stabbed.
Prana who stabbed the girl felt strange with the sensation, 'Again, before I reach the heart it felt like the muscle was contracting and tried to stop the blade'.
The amazoness three and four were dead and sprawled in the ground listlessly.
'2 vs 1. At least the burden lessened' he thought and prepare the Thunderclap stance again.
'That leader is strong and her experience on the battlefield makes her dangerous. Six-Fold is not enough, the accumulated strength in addition to Mana Burst still results in me being pushed back.'
When thinking about this, both of the AL and Prana already exchanged blows to each other. The amazoness two seeing the fight went to hide for sneak attacking Prana.
Prana who was in full concertation fighting the AL did not notice this.
Blows after blows made Prana's hands numbed. His kicks did not affect the AL a bit. When his roundhouse kick met the opponent's left-hand head on, Prana felt that he kicked steel. He thought, 'even the trees I trained as sandbag did not as hard as her hands'
The AL who saw that Prana was in the air after doing the kick, did not let the opportunity slip. She gathered her strength in her right hand and the saber swung horizontally at Prana's body. She intended to split Prana's body in half.
Prana who see the saber couldn't evade it. He activated one of his skills again 'System Defensive Blade'. The system directly executed the command and Prana felt his mind became clearer and his reaction speed became faster.
When the saber already in range of his sword, Prana quickly parried the strength to mitigate it and deflect the saber downward.
*BOOM*
After deflecting the saber, Prana was landed on the ground, but before he could retreat his stance, the other amazoness already behind him tried to stab in the back.
The AL sneered at this and thought that the battle was ended. But, contrary to her expectation, Prana was already aware of amazoness two maneuvers when she was in his range.
Prana put his sword toward his back, and 'coincidentally' the sword met with the dagger tip.
*DING*
The AL dashed toward Prana and helping her subordinate to getaway. Prana who still has 3 blocks count, disregards his defense to inflict damage and possibly to kill the amazoness two.
He gathered the mana in his right hand, and spin his hand and body to his right. As if he knew the position of the assailant.
*BANG*
Prana's right hand met with the head of the amazoness, the strength behind forced the girl to be flung out of the way and crashed her head to the tree and she went unconscious (died).
While Prana was doing this maneuver, his left-hand also did not stop. His left-hand was full on the autonomous mode, thanks to the system-aide skill. However, he still could feel that his left-hand's bone seemed to have cracked. Feeling the blocks count already used, he hurriedly kicked the stomach of the AL to retreat.
'I can't beat her with this speed. Then, gamble it'
Along with the fight, Prana has constantly scattered his mana around the battlefield. He planned to make a propeller in the air itself, and finally able to make two propellers. Moreover, the propellers were should be perfectly placed, both of them should be respected in the right and in the back of their opponent.
Prana took a deep breath, "Breath of Thunder: First Style, Eight-Fold Dashes" *bang* He launched himself straight to the Amazoness Leader.
In doing so, he felt that his hamstring, ligament, and Achilles heel were going to burst apart. He gritted his teeth, and endure the pain for leading the AL near the propellers.
In the sixth dashes, he put a third of his mana to his right hand to increase his arm strength. The sword and the saber met with each other again, however, this time the saber was knocked back by the sword.
The Amazoness Leader was off of balance and knocked up in the air to the middle of the propellers.
Prana knew that this was his opportunity, he instantly executes the seventh dashes and went to the left side of the AL neck, he slashed at her and managed to land it to her neck cleanly.
However, he knew it was not enough, since the amazoness muscles were tough. He used the eight dashes, and charged toward the back neck, and slashed it again. The amazoness blood was splashed to his face, but he did not care about it. He propelled himself to the last place and put the last ounce of his strength to sever the head completely from his neck.
*Thud* The head was rolling on the ground and Prana flopped to the ground.
Prana who did not have any stamina and mana couldn't get up after dealing the final blow. He crawled toward the nearest tree to take a rest. He couldn't feel his legs, he already anticipated it.
'The burden was too much for my body' He crawled using his right-hand which was still functional to seek shelter in the tree. After he arrived in the tree, he did not have any stamina to stay conscious, his eyelids were so heavy…
"PRANA!!"
Prana heard someone shouting his name, but he couldn't stay awake.