[Transitioning to Shin}
Slowly opening his eyes, Shin found himself back in reality, lying under the warm covers, just as he had been when he fell asleep, still in his pajamas.
He picked up his phone from beside his pillow and glanced at the screen: 6:00 AM.
In other words, he had actually slept for 12 hours since going to bed yesterday—a long rest, which explained why he felt so energetic now.
"But that exit was way too simple… I thought there'd be some kind of results screen or something."
Sitting up from under the covers, Shin stretched and couldn't help but complain.
Based on how systems in the novels he'd read usually worked, leaving a mission world should come with some kind of summary screen, right?
It would recap what he had done in the mission world, any changes that occurred, how many points he'd earned, and then unlock a bunch of shop items…
Unfortunately, after calling out to the system, Shin found it unresponsive—completely and utterly dead.
His idea of getting some points and maybe a starter pack from the system was shot down, so he could only get out of bed, ready to wash up and head to school.
This apartment was one Shin rented. After arriving in this world, he found he had a decent balance in his account, which, if used reasonably, could last him until the end of high school. So, there was no need to rush to find a part-time job.
As for his parents, Shin hadn't heard a thing about them. His phone's contacts list didn't even have any numbers for them, so it seemed like this identity truly was that of an orphan.
Stepping into the bathroom, Shin, as usual, picked up his toothbrush and rinse cup. But soon, he sensed something was off.
"It feels like… I'm stronger… no, not just a bit stronger. I'm way stronger."
He furrowed his brow slightly, looking down at his hand gripping the toothbrush. Unlike in novels where people crush things because they can't control their strength, he hadn't snapped the toothbrush.
Still, this sudden surge in strength was real. Not only the toothbrush, he vaguely felt that if he wanted, he could crush the wall next to him as if it were made of tofu.
"Could it be…?"
Realizing the change, Shin quickly opened the system(game), checking his stats.
[Mission World: "Dragon Ball"]
[Main Mission: Defeat 100% Power Frieza]
[Player Kobold's Strength Synchronization: 0%]
[Please strive to advance the main mission to unlock strength synchronization.]
"Still at 0%, no progress? Then where did this strength come from?"
Seeing the big zero on the screen, Shin was stunned. After thinking for a moment, he made a guess.
"Could it be that this 0% actually has decimals? Like 0.5% or something? And since the panel doesn't display decimals, it just shows 0%?"
Though it was just a theory, Shin felt this was likely—otherwise, he had no way to explain why his strength had increased so much.
Moreover, the level of power boost was pretty impressive. Apart from Saiyan synchronization, he couldn't think of any other possibility.
"If I remember right, according to Dragon Ball, a regular adult has a power level of 5. Based on this, my power level should be around 20… meaning I probably synchronized about 0.5% of my power?"
Clenching his fist, Shin sensed the strength within him, along with the faint "Ki" he could now feel inside. He estimated his current power level.
Having previously experienced a power level of 4000, Shin could make a rough guess at his current power, which, though it might not be exact, wouldn't be too far off.
Sure, a power level of 20 might be trivial in the Dragon Ball world, but in a modern, city-centric mixed anime world like this, it made him a small superhero.
"With this power… what should I do?"
After washing up, Shin returned to his bedroom, packing his schoolbag as he pondered.
So far, he hadn't noticed anything unusual about this world. Other than a mix of some daily-life manga characters, everything seemed quite peaceful.
No man-eating ghouls, no zombie crises, and no superheroes across the ocean keeping world peace.
After thinking for a bit, Shin made a decision…
Given the situation, he'd just go to school for now.
Yes, he really couldn't think of anything to do in the real world. He was a person who preferred to avoid trouble, and while this strength could bring fame and wealth quickly, it was also a hassle.
He was someone who went with the flow; a power level of 20 was strong, but still within a martial artist's scope. It could stop bullets, but maybe not cannonballs.
At least it was far from letting him do whatever he wanted. Given that, there was no need to worry about it now; he'd rather keep building his power and synchronization in the dream world.
Compared to enjoying life in the real world, his focus was still on the main mission in the Dragon Ball world.
Defeating a 100% powered Frieza… Even though the main mission didn't state what constituted failure, if he didn't keep pushing forward, his synchronization rate would probably remain at 0%.
"Though… it seems I can use Instant Transmission."
Picking up his bag, Shin tried out the Instant Transmission skill in his mind. In the next instant, he teleported from his bedroom to the living room.
Since his synchronization was only around 0.5%, the Instant Transmission wasn't perfect, and the distance he could travel wasn't far. But for Shin in the real world, it was enough.
"Plus, this 'Infinite Terror VR Game'—since it's called Infinite Terror, it should have other mission worlds to explore too. I wonder how to unlock them."
Leaving home and walking to school, Shin continued to ponder his system.
After all, compared to the mundane life of the real world, the mission worlds were far more exciting. Even though he enjoyed a peaceful life here, it didn't mean he couldn't seek thrills in the mission worlds.
Becoming stronger was something every man desired, and Shin was no exception. If he got the chance to become a Super Saiyan and take down Frieza in his full power, just imagining it was thrilling.
"Does it unlock automatically over time? Or do I have to complete a world's main mission to access the next one? If so, then the Dragon Ball world is probably going to block me for quite a while."
With that thought, Shin couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Sure, the Dragon Ball world was great, but if the main mission there stopped him from unlocking other worlds, he'd find it rather unfortunate.
To be continued…
(T/N: Shin refers the game prompt to as system)