STATUS WINDOW

NAME: DALE HALL CLASS: JOBLESS TITLE: MR. YOU’RE NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME PATRON: NONE EXCLUSIVE SKILLS:

TRACE OF INSANITY [LV. 1]

??? [ LV. ?] SPECIAL SKILLS:

ADAPTABILITY [LV. 3]

OVER-THINKING [LV. 3]

COOKING [LV. 5]

CLEANING [LV. 5]

OVERALL STATS:

VITALITY [LV. 3]

AGILITY [LV. 1]

STRENGTH [LV. 2]

MAGIC [LV. 1]

VOID ENERGY [LV. 1]

A screen similar to what one would find in an RPG appeared before dale’s eyes. Given how Amy called it a status screen and how the previous text popped in his line of view, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to expect something like this, but expecting and seeing were different things. Looking at his attributes Dale could make sense of a few of them since cleaning, cooking, and adaptability were skills he acquired while living by himself, but how were those supposed to help him fight monsters? Why was overthinking even a skill? What was the ??? Skill and why couldn’t he see it? Why was Trace of insanity one of his exclusive abilities?

[SPECIAL SKILL, OVER-THINKING, ACTIVATED]

Amy smirked — Looks like someone already learned how to use his skills, but it’s not the time yet.

[SPECIAL SKILL, OVER-THINKING, DEACTIVATED]

Dale closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. Over-thinking things right now wasn’t going to help. As he was calming himself down, the old man inquired:

— What’s the meaning of this?

Amy proceeded to answer — What you see in front of you is part of the solution to this world’s problem. The original scholar’s method was a bit too complicated for people from earth to get used to. They’d have to develop themselves for an extended period before they began to be properly useful, so recently a new method was implemented by the upper management.

Given the rise in popularity of games in the last few decades, they decided that a guided system with an exterior interface would help the invited to express their strengths more intuitively, and they weren’t wrong. Thanks to this change, the mortality rate fell by 70% in the first month since the system’s implementation 30 years ago. You should be grateful.

— Mortality rate? — Asked the young man with a slightly pale face.

Amy smiled — You all already expected it wouldn’t that easy, no need to feign surprise at this point. What’s important is that right now you’re all set to make progress in this world, so my advice is to keep your goals in mind so you don’t forget why you’re here.

— So, what are we supposed to do now? — One of the girls who remained silent up to this point finally spoke. Getting a closer looked, Dale realized by the way the girls were dressed, they seemed to have prepared for this world. Army cargo pants, a plain top, a jacket tied around their waist, gloves, and a stuffed easy-to-carry backpack. Looking at his school uniform, he started to regret not preparing before answering the invitation.

— I’m glad you asked! — With a smile on her face, Amy snapped her finger and text appeared before everyone’s eyes:

INTRODUCTION MISSION

REACH THE RECEPTION OF THE BUILDING YOU’RE ON

REWARDS: AN ACTUAL WEAPON (1), PATRON OPPORTUNITY.

TIME LIMIT: 12 HOURS

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

— I hope to see all of you down there — After saying her parting words, Amy’s figure fazed out of existence as if it was just a mirage. Behind the place she was standing was a table that wasn’t there before. Atop the table were five small bags with names written on each one.

Dale approached the table and saw that one of the bags had his name written on it. Looking inside he found that the bag held more things than it should be possible for its size. Inside it, there were several water bottles and simple snack bars, enough to last him several days, but the bag still weighted as if it was empty.

EXCLUSIVE SKILL, TRACE OF INSANITY ACTIVATED

Dale didn’t understand what had happened, but as he looked around he saw the other people who were holding their bags clutching their heads as if they had the same terrible headache.

Startled, Dale asked:

— Are you guys alright?

The young man regained his footing and replied:

— It’s fine. I assume it’s the same headache we felt when the letter arrived. It seems our brains take a toll trying to process information that isn’t compatible with our reality. You seem to be fine, though?

Giving an awkward smile, Dale quickly made up an excuse — I guess I got used to weird things by reading a lot of fantasy.

— I see… I’m kyle, I guess we’re together in this mess for the time being — Kyle said and extended his hand.

— I guess we are — Dale grabbed his hand and shook it and looked at the others.

— I’m Oliver — The old man spoke — I’m not sure if everything that child is true, but if these monsters do exist, joining forces would be a sound strategy.

— I’m Nina and this is Hazel — One of the girls stated.

Dale nodded and looked back at the table, it was then that he saw the box underneath the table. The box was filled with what seemed to be swords, except they were all made of wood.

— I guess this explains the “actual weapon” reward. — Said Dale. He grabbed one of the wooden swords and a screen popped into his view.

Wooden Sword

“It’s dangerous to go without a weapon, take this wooden stick”

— I’m certain this is Amy’s — He thought. After distributing the swords, a beeping sound started to resonate within his mind.

— Do you guys hear this? — He asked.

Everyone nodded.

Looking for the source of the sound, they saw that in front of the door access to the roof they were in was a timer displaying a countdown, there were 30 seconds left.

Dale started walking towards the door and spoke to the others:

— I don’t know what everyone’s situation is, but I take it that we all agree that we’ll have to stick together for the time being — Looking back and seeing the others agreeing with him — Well then, let’s see what this world has in store for us.

The timer ticked down and as it got closer to zero, an eerie feeling rose in everyone’s minds, reminding them this world wasn’t so simple. When the clock reached zero, several horrible screeches could be heard from inside the building. Suddenly, the doors burst openand a shadow could be seen moving towards them.

EXCLUSIVE SKILL, TRACE OF INSANITY ACTIVATED