Chapter 3 - Master of basement survival...

Satoru surveyed the newly activated functions, checked the new user manual, and gained a general understanding of the system's capabilities.

The core feature is the simulation function, which simulates an alternate timeline where real events occur. The simulation runs once a day. If an unfavorable outcome for the host is simulated, a mainline mission appears momentarily to change that outcome. Rewards are given based on completion, method, and comprehensive rating.

For example, if the result of being imprisoned in a basement occurs, the mission would be to change that outcome. The completion, method, and overall rating determine the rewards.

The achievement system is a special system that awards medals for unique, interesting results, processes, or even the host's own traits.

[Achievement: c- , "My life simulation turned out to be basement imprisonment!?": You are proficient in various survival skills in the basement. You understand how to use handcuffs, leg irons, and other restraints. You know how to adjust yourself in the darkness and confinement. You are a master of basement survival...]

Satoru's mind settled slightly as he browsed through the system's functions. It goes without saying that neither a mission nor his own self could accept being imprisoned. Therefore, the immediate priority was to solve this problem!

It was an urgent matter, especially since he had an invitation from Mirai in the afternoon after school. The system didn't recommend drastic changes to the simulated plot, as the unknown developments were unpredictable. Satoru naturally didn't plan on rejecting outright either. But how should he handle this event?

Prevention is better than cure.

He checked the time, realizing he had to hurry back to the classroom as class was about to start. He already had a rough idea in mind.

The classroom is a magical place where, as long as you concentrate and listen attentively, you can keep up with the teacher's thoughts and breeze through the class. It also helps to calm your mind.

Satoru poked the back of the girl sitting in front of him. Every class has those gossip-savvy individuals who are well-informed about everything happening in the grade. She was one such person, knowledgeable about who did what in the class. She was like a walking encyclopedia.

"What's up, Yagami-kun?" The girl in front turned around and looked at him with a smile.

"I want to ask you about something." Satoru got straight to the point.

Why did Miyano Mirai make up her mind to drug and imprison him? It must be because of an obsession, an infatuation with these intense emotions. So, in turn, Satoru could use her infatuation and obsession with him to save himself, guide, influence and even walkthrough her, and ultimately turn her into an ally. If he could completely make her "his person", then the crisis would be resolved effortlessly.

He had a rough idea of how to handle the situation at night after pondering over it. After all, he had accumulated a rich experience in his past life. He had watched countless movies and animations while lying on a sickbed, which had nurtured his knowledge and thinking abilities.

However, he was puzzled about why Miyano Mirai, who had always been quiet and gentle, suddenly took such action. Their interaction had been natural and harmonious, steadily progressing to the point where they might openly be together.

Well, Satoru was a scumbag, so there was no certainty, but he would definitely take responsibility. Maybe Miyano Mirai didn't even know about it, right?

"What's the matter?" The girl's eyes dimmed slightly, but she still had a smile on her face.

"Do you know Miyano Mirai from the next class?" Satoru lowered his voice.

"I've heard a lot about her, but I wouldn't say I know her. She's quite... special in her class," the girl said, her eyes growing even dimmer. She remembered his unusual reaction during the morning recitation time and felt a pang of jealousy.

"Special?" Satoru hurriedly asked, leaning forward with a sense of urgency.

He was trying his best to control his emotions, but the scenes of paralysis and helplessness from his past life kept replaying in his mind. Panic continued to engulf him. Was there any difference between the basement and the sickbed?

This panic tormented him and forced him to squeeze out any useful information that could help him find a way out. Any helpful news made him feel a little more composed.

"Well, how should I put it?" The girl was organizing her thoughts.

"She's from out of town and has a rather introverted personality. Because she's close to you, Yagami-kun, it has led to her..."

"Err, being isolated..." The girl found an appropriate term.

"Being isolated?" Satoru furrowed his brow.

"That's probably it. I don't know the details either..." She shrugged her shoulders.

Satoru exchange a few more words with the girl in front of him, bringing the conversation to an end. Lost in thought, he decided to temporarily focus on refining his plan for the evening. Dealing with the immediate situation was of utmost importance.