Luke stood atop a ledge, looking down on a cavern. Behind him, Aaz’Tala was humming to himself while rocking from side to side. Within the cavern dozens of shambling dead were stumbling forward, approaching a group of orange humanoid creatures. Amongst the dead, there were humans, beasts, and even a few of the orange creatures as well. They moaned as their skin scraped against the rocky ground, leaving bits and pieces behind. “A symphony of terror and despair,” Aaz’Tala said and licked his lips. “How pleasing to the ears, don’t you agree?”

Luke ignored the priest-like man standing behind him. He mumbled an incantation underneath his breath, his gaze locked onto the largest orange creature in the back. It had two heads and four arms, a large necklace of skulls hanging from both its necks. The orange creature let out a cry and pointed at the approaching undead, and the creature’s minions charged forward, disregarding their lives. The undead were numerous but weak. Within the first few seconds of clashing, the orange creatures had already destroyed a quarter of the undead.

“Hell’s Embrace,” Luke said and raised one arm. The cavern trembled as red lines bulged outwards, crisscrossing and illuminating ground. The giant orange creature let out a shriek and turned to run, but lava and black flames poured out of the red lines, engulfing the cavern in a firestorm.

[Quest complete!]

[The demi-god tribe is no more! Your territory has been blessed by Jax.]

[Rewards: 250 Achievement Points, Title: Jax’s Favored.]

“You burned my darling creations,” Aaz’Tala said, looking down on the cavern. All that remained was ash.

“I’m sure you’ll get over it,” Luke said. “We’ve secured the mine. Let’s go back.”

Aaz’Tala chuckled as he followed after Luke. “Where’s Khrx’Lrvnjl? You promised to let me meet him.”

“He’ll be here soon, I’m sure,” Luke said. “But it’s not like we can slack off just because he isn’t here. We have to develop this settlement. When he arrives, we can start raiding other countries.” His brow furrowed. “Probably.” Khrx was a genius beyond geniuses. A talent beyond talents. No matter what that dragon did, he’d always figure out the most efficient way to do it. It should be the same for a game.

But there was something Luke hadn’t expected. He shook his head and sighed, opening up his status screen.

[Name: Lukroix Adveign Desrigard]

[Title: Master of Magic, Heartless, Jax’s Favored]

[Strength: 7]

[Constitution: 7]

[Intelligence: 877]

[Spirit: 877]

[Dexterity: 7]

[Perception: 7]

[Charisma: 7]

[Luck: 777]

[Active Skills: ??? (M)]

[Passive Skills: Magic Mastery – Mythic (M)]

[Master of Magic]

[Are you the reincarnation of the demon lord? No, seriously. Are you? Intelligence and Spirit +100.]

[Heartless]

[Damage increased by 25% while committing murder. Charisma -5.]

[Jax’s Favored]

[Damage increased by 25% for any spell as long as you finish the incantation with ‘for Jax!’ Charisma +5.]

His stats were high, but the only problem was … they should’ve been higher. Much, much higher. The strength of his demon form should’ve been on par with, if not greater than, his intelligence and spirit. But the VR drive hadn’t recognized his strength during the scan. If that was the case, would Khrx suffer from that as well? Perhaps he shouldn’t have played a prank on Khrx, telling him to assume the form of a child. Wouldn’t it be hilarious, though, if Khrx had started with one strength? He’d probably quit if that were the case. Well, Khrx was an amazing being. Something as simple as low stats wouldn’t stop him from excelling.

[A new leaderboard has been opened up! Would you like to see? Y/N]

“Hmm?” Aaz’Tala raised an eyebrow.

“You got it too?” Luke asked. He pressed Y.

[Leaderboard of Deaths]

[1. Khrx’Lrvnjl – 2]

[2. (GT) Jackson – 1]

…

[1,000. JetFuel – 1]

[Only the top 1,000 places are displayed.]

A strange expression appeared on Aaz’Tala’s face. “Say…”

Luke’s expression darkened. “Yes. Let’s pretend we didn’t see anything.”

***

Khrx sat up. “Mom?” He looked around. He was back in his personalized room, the sound of flowing magma calming his thoughts.

“Were you referring to me?” Boba asked. “I’m pleasantly surprised, but I’ll have to correct your misunderstanding. I am an A.I.. My children would be able to do basic arithmetic the instant they’re born.”

“Are you making fun of me?” Khrx asked, narrowing his eyes at the dark ceiling.

“No. I was merely stating facts,” Boba said. “If you think I was insulting you, then it’s a result of your insecurities.”

Three portals appeared in front of Khrx, and Lorin, Monika, and Nelson tumbled to the ground as if they were thrown through from the other side.

“W-where are we?” Nelson asked, his face paling at the sight of magma.

“Oh? You’ve obtained two new companions in the short time you were alive,” Boba said. “I’m impressed.” Sparse applause echoed throughout the room. “But do try staying alive longer, would you? Every time you die, the mana drain on the VR drive is a bit overwhelming. How come it costs so much mana to revive you? Perhaps your battery is faulty. That being said, please leave until your VR drive is fully recharged.”

“Huh?” Khrx asked. “What do you—”

“Forced disconnection in … now. Goodbye.”

Khrx’s vision disappeared. The sound of shifting metal was accompanied by an influx of light. Khrx squinted and raised his hand to cover his eyes, but his wrist crashed against metal sticking to his chin. He groped around his neck and removed the helmet he was wearing. He was back in his cave, the letter still hanging on the wall. “I sweat that stupid Boba interrupts me on purpose.”

Khrx snorted and threw his helmet off to the side. His eyes widened as he stood up. He burst into laughter as he raised his arms over his head. “My strength! It’s back!” His hands dug into the wall and ripped out chunks of rock, grinding them into dust. “Do you see this, you stupid floating voice!? What part of me is weak!?”

“Your VR drive will finish charging in two days. Time remaining: [47:59:34].”

“That’s not what I asked,” Khrx said, glaring at the helmet. He frowned as his foot tapped against something cold. There was a phone on top of a letter. “What’s this?”

The letter read, “Keep this phone with you at all times. It’s your proof of identity. It holds your money. You can use it to contact me even outside of the game. Your best buddy, Luke. P.S. if you’re reading this because you died and left the game, I’m going to starve Fufu.”

“Don’t you dare starve my Fufu!”