After we completely annihilate a horde of goblins, fanfare resounds in my mind. The system's voice activates, reporting our achievements.
[Zephyr has leveled up]
[Zephyr's Dark Magic has leveled up]
[Zephyr's Darkness Creation has leveled up]
[Zephyr's HP auto recovery has leveled up]
[Zephyr's MP auto recovery has leveled up]
[Liora's Scythe Technique has leveled up]
[Liora's Agriculture skills have leveled up]
[Liora's Dark Magic has leveled up]
...Oh?
There was a slightly unnatural announcement just now.
In "Phantom Heroes Online," skills level up through use. This implies that if you don't use them, they won't level up, paradoxically.
However, Liora's agricultural skills leveled up in the recent battle.
Could it be because she used the sickle?
If so, it might be quite an abnormal situation.
As levels increase, the basic power of attacks also strengthens. So, if Liora's Scythe Technique and Agriculture coexist, the power of her scythe could potentially double.
Could this be cheating?
Well, my theory's evidence is still insufficient. It's just a possibility for now.
"You're doing well. There shouldn't be any problems with goblins of this level."
"Y-yes, sir. God."
"...Now, Liora. I think it's about time for me to log out—take a break. Staying in this world for too long could become burdensome even for a god."
"?"
Liora tilts her head cutely.
She probably doesn't understand logging out. I repeat my explanation carefully. As a result, tears well up slowly in Liora's eyes.
She prostrates herself desperately right there.
"P-please don't abandon me, God..."
"Oh no, I really don't intend to abandon you. It's alright, Liora."
"B-but..."
"See, it's like this."
I log out for a moment.
Then I immediately log back in. Time in the game world seems to advance three times faster than in the real world.
Even in that brief moment, several seconds have passed for Liora.
Seeing me return, Liora bursts into tears.
"You've come back, right? I'll be back after a while, you know."
"Y-yes... God."
"...In six hours... I'll return eighteen hours later, so in the meantime, focus on leveling up your Dark Magic. Don't attack goblins in groups; kill the ones wandering alone."
In "PHO," it seems NPCs continue to grow even when players are not logged in. It's like self-training.
Automatic leveling up even when not logged in—how convenient.
The automation of games these days has both supporters and critics, but I'm pro if it fits the game system. Convenience is better than inconvenience.
Before logging out, I set the logout settings.
When I log out, my spirit hovers around Liora. It operates automatically as I've set.
"Liora, when I'm not here, if you chant 'Darkness Creation,' the vessel will release magic. With this, defensive darkness will appear to protect weak points."
"Yes, God. Thank you once again."
"Use Appraisal as you like too."
With this, I've logged out.
In that moment of disappearance, I meet Liora's gaze like an abandoned puppy. It pains my conscience, but this is just a game.
Real life takes priority for me.
▽
I eat chicken biryani that I bought.
I live alone, single, and sad, so I can eat what I want whenever I want.
I won't be scolded for looking at my smartphone during meals.
I'm looking at the "PHO" bulletin board.
Apparently, everyone is struggling with the first field boss. There are many character losses.
Players contracted with knight captains and saints are frustrated because they can't challenge the field boss due to work commitments.
Even if they are strong, NPC status prevents them from acting rashly.
Currently, the most popular contract targets are "strong individuals," like mercenaries.
Next in line are "reasonably strong adventurers."
Some are contracting artisans to help with their production.
Some even contract with their favorite pretty girls or handsome guys.
Contracting children like me are extremely unpopular. Initially, lolicons and shotacons rushed to contract, but... if they take children out for leveling, they become intimidated by monsters and can't move, ending up brutally slaughtered.
Although Liora is 15, she is an exception and has the mental fortitude beyond anyone's imagination.
"PHO" depicts child corpses matter-of-factly.
There are even cases where parents won't allow children to go to leveling areas.
"It seems I'm going to become quite a unique player."
I mutter and crush the leg piece with my teeth. I enjoy the popping sensation and then savor the meaty taste that lingers in my mouth.
It's delicious.
I open the "PHO" app synced with my smartphone.
There's a "cash out" page. I haven't been active enough to cash out much.
"Oh, I can cash out goblin corpses for ten rupees."
Some might think that's just ten rupees.
However, I feel like "even ten rupees" is something. After all, I don't need ten thousand rupees for goblin corpses.
Still, I'll cash out just in case.
Even ten rupees is money. If I can sell off unwanted items, it's nothing but profit.
"But how does the cash-out system even work? It seems like there's a catch in 'PHO'... but if I can earn money happily, it's not a big deal."
After finishing the meal, I dive into bed.
From today, I'm unemployed.
I'll indulge in lazy sleep. Freely! Without being tied down by anything!
...Well, I'll set an alarm so I don't neglect Liora.