Chapter 3: Relationships Unlocked

Help

You can open up the [Menu] or different windows in the [Menu] by simply thinking of the name and a blue window should appear in front of you as a result.

These blue windows will only be seen by you and no one else.

You can either tap, or focus on a field to get more information or use a certain item in the [Inventory].

Killing Outsiders or Players will yield experience points, item drops, G Points, and more.

You can use G Points to exchange for certain purchases in the store.

The stores will be randomly scattered throughout the world and would appear as a floating orb.

To enter the store, you must be within 5 meters away from the orb and simply think of entering.

You will then be transported to a separate dimension where you can purchase safely.

Battles are prohibited inside the stores. Failure to comply will lead to immediate death.

By opening the [Leaderboard] window, you will see your ranking in the whole world.

Every month, everyone will receive a reward according to their rankings.

You can advance a rank by leveling up or killing a person whose rank is higher than you.

...Damn, it didn’t say anything about why this thing happened at all...but it’s good that there’s a [Help] window.

Even if they didn’t mean to, once others scream or think of the word ‘help’, this window will appear and they would be able to understand some things.

It was a right decision to tell everyone about the [Inventory]. Otherwise, they are bound to know about this anyway and would be problematic for me.

I’ll stop exploring Broken Reality, BR, here.

“Ah, right. How are we going to get dinner?” (Nicholas)

...I completely forgot about that.

It was one thing after the other and I actually forgot to eat...explains why my stomach's hurting for a while now…

“I’m going to go down to the nearby convenience store to grab some food. Electricity still works so we can just heat it up with the microwave here. Anyone coming with me?” (Will)

“I’ll go. I’ll also grab some necessities for women while I’m at it.” (Ryza)

I nodded and told Brook to keep guard while we’re out.

“Be careful.” (Sam)

I gave Sam a comforting smile and head out with Ryza.

There were no Outsiders in the hallway but we still kept our guard while looking warily at the broken doors of the other offices.

I kept my [Logs] window opened up and settled it on my lower left vision while minimizing it so I can immediately know if there are monsters that appeared.

This was Ryza’s suggestion as she already begun to take advantage of the windows.

We didn’t take the elevator but took the stairs.

“There doesn’t seem to be any corpse...did everyone evacuate safely?” (Ryza)

“Maybe it’s part of the system...” (Will)

I imagined bodies disappearing into white smoke when killed. The monster before was completely devoured so I didn’t know if there are any gimmicks like that.

It’s kinda scary how there you won’t even have an intact body when you die.

“Right, Ryza, what’s your weapon?” (Will)

If it’s her, then she’ll probably have an ice staff, or ice sword, or ice dagger, or ice something.

She’s an ice queen after all.

“[Energy Blasters MK IV] a rank C+ weapon which is basically a laser handgun.” (Ryza)

Ryza made a futuristic looking gun appear in her hand.

…It’s not ice based…well, at least it isn’t a flamethrower or something.

But it seems that BR not only use fantasy themed items/equipments. There are also sci-fi stuff like this…

Well, the blue windows itself are already sci-fi I guess. But these kinds of things often happen in fantasy novels so I just naturally thought it was normal in a fantasy.

Then again, this is reality...Broken Reality...I think I kind of understand how the name came to be…

“So it’s a Star Wars gun.” (Will)

“...” (Ryza)

“*Cough*, any limitations I should know? Like, ammo or overheating?” (Will)

“It doesn’t have any ammo so I can shoot it indefinitely. It also doesn’t overheat. If it’s something to watch of, then the energy blasts seem to bounce off shiny surfaces.” (Ryza)

...Seriously!? It bounces!? What kind of logic is that!?

Whatever, it was dumb of me to even think of using normal logic when it comes to things BR made…

“...I was joking. It doesn’t seem to have any disadvantages other than its range of 10 meters and the user’s own aiming.” (Ryza)

“I-I see...sorry, I’m really not used to you joking or actually, you just have an awesome poker face...” (Will)

“...Then, I won’t joke again.” (Ryza)

“No! No no no! I didn’t not like it, I was just not used to it! In fact, I think it’s kinda cute and uhh...” (Will)

“I was joking.” (Ryza)

Ryza let out a rare mischievous smile and continued to go down the stairs while leaving me there, blinking.

After a while, I laughed wryly and followed her.

I thought I already knew her personality but it seems I was wrong. She seems more laid back than I originally thought but still pretty cold at times.

“...Cute huh?” (Ryza)

“Hn? Did you say something?” (Will)

“Nothing. Right, you said you can only do that attack before once every 3 months. Is there anything else?” (Ryza)

When I caught up with Ryza, I heard her mutter and thought she was talking to me so I asked.

Sure enough, she was asking about my weapon. Well, it’s only natural for her to ask since I asked about hers.

Figured it’s fine to tell her, I brought out [Blackest Heart].

When I brought it out, Ryza seemed to be entranced at it’s black luster which gave out a mysterious aura.

“This guy’s called [Blackest Heart]. The description said that it’s made from a dragon’s heart or something. I can use its strongest skill [God Devourer] once every 99 days which can insta kill even gods but I won’t get any item drops. Though, I’ll gain a random skill from the devoured. I can also use [Devour] to insta kill those 5 levels higher than me but it takes a lot of my mana.” (Will)

I didn’t say anything about the other skill, [Blackest Might] since I thought it could be my trump card when things turn for the worst.

“Isn’t that too powerful? What rank is that? A+?” (Ryza)

“Erm...SSS...” (Will)

Ryza’s eyes went wide in shock. I guess even the ice queen would show an emotion of surprise when hearing about this.

“...It seems I made a right decision to follow you.” (Ryza)

“Hm? Why?” (Will)

“I don’t believe in luck. I believe in destiny. You having an SSS rank weapon at the start meant that you are destined for something great. I think I saw you get a crown and a cape as well? And your name...you having no relatives alive means that you are the only King and the true [King]. This new world...this Broken Reality has already made that decision the moment you got these three items.” (Ryza)

Hearing her say all that made me stupefied.

I didn’t think she thought of it that way...things like destiny or becoming a King...is that really what’s in store for me?

“And I, Ryza Moore, whatever you wish, be it to be your slave, servant, maid, concubine, or your Queen, I shall be yours and only yours.” (Ryza)

“E-eh? Hold on, Ryza, this is...” (Will)

Not even mentioning the weird comments like being a slave or concubine, I was still too surprised by the way Ryza is acting!

She’s even half-kneeling!!!

This, this...what the hell is going on!?

“Do you accept? If you don’t accept, I won’t stand up.” (Ryza)

“Okay! Okay! I accept!” (Will)

You have unlocked the Relationships feature

You can now see the names and status of those who pledge their loyalty to you in your Relationships window.

Relationships will also be categorized accordingly.

The loyal relationships’ names would remain green when loyal but will turn red once they start to harbor malicious thoughts towards their master

It is also possible to see what state your Relationships are in.

Ryza Moore has been added to Relationships.

More windows popped up but before I can even retort on the previous ones, new ones showed up which nearly stopped my heart in shock.

Ryza Moore has proposed to be your slave. Do you accept?

Yes

No

“No!” (Will)

Ryza Moore has proposed to be your servant. Do you accept?

Yes

No

“No!” (Will)

Ryza Moore has proposed to be your maid. Do you accept?

Yes

No

“No!” (Will)

Ryza Moore has proposed to be your concubine. Do you accept?

Yes

No

“No!” (Will)

Ryza Moore has proposed to be your wife. Do you accept?

Yes

No

“Yes!” (Ryza)

“Yes! Eh? Wait! I mean no! No! Hey! Undo! Undo!!!” (Will)

Ryza Moore has been categorized as Wife.

“What!!!???” (Will)

Eh!? Eh!!?? Eh!!!???

This...this…...EHHHHHHH!!!!????

“Hn, I only kept count and didn’t know which windows appeared on you in order but I should have been either the maid or concubine but...well, wife is also good.” (Ryza)

“Wait wait wait wait! What just happened!?” (Will)

“I don’t really know myself. I suddenly received a message whether I wanted to have a relationship with you...after that, I was given a list on which Subject I want to be and proposed those that fit me. Just in case, I listed a lot since you might reject immediately. Sure enough, you rejected everything. So I confused you buy saying yes and I managed to be your wife.” (Ryza)

No no no no, I already know that it was something like that but I’m asking why you’d want to be my slave, servant, maid, concubine, or wife!?

I don’t remember having much contact with her before this!

How did I raise the ice queen’s flag!?

Without even noticing it, I was already in the Ryza route!? And even completed it unknowingly!? What the hell’s up with that!!!???

“That...Ryza, do you...really like me?” (Will)

“Yes.” (Ryza)

“B-but why?” (Will)

“...Hn, if you still don’t know, then it’s a secret. Don’t worry about it husband, if you think I’m going to betray you, just see if my name turns red on your Relationships window.” (Ryza)

Hah? Secret!?

Ughh...these are why women are so…why does every girl I know all have weird secrets about me!?

Come to think of it, Sam seemed like she was going to say something to me before this...could she be also…

“How rude, you’re thinking of another girl in front of your wife.” (Ryza)

Are you psychic!? How did you know!?

“Muuu...are we really sticking to this husband wife thing?” (Will)

“Do you prefer dear? Honey? My love? Or my royal husband?” (Ryza)

“Will is fine! Just call me Will!” (Will)

I swear...if she really called me royal husband...I’d run off to the window and jump over.

“Then, call me Ryz. My father used to call me that.” (Ryza)

“Eh? Uhh, okay then...Ryz.” (Will)

Ryza smiled and nodded before stepping off the stairs.

I didn’t notice it but it seems we already reached the first floor already…

It took longer than expected since we kept stopping along the way.

We were also very loud...so it seems this building is already abandoned. Or that the survivors were too afraid to come out to check the noise.

“Hn? Ryz...could it be...you have a father complex?” (Will)

Caught off guard, Ryza tripped over nothing and looked back at me with a flustered look.

“W-wha-!? I’m not!” (Ryza)

I was a bit surprised at her reaction but I was soon smiling.

“Hehe, it’s my first time seeing you blush like that. The cold look is definitely beautiful but a blushing Ryz is a hundred times cuter!” (Will)

“...I wasn’t always cold you know?” (Ryza)

“Hm?...Then...can you tell me why?” (Will)

“Some other time. Maybe after you grew a backbone and kiss me.” (Ryza)

I laughed wryly and shook my head.

I must say, seeing this new side of Ryza is very refreshing...maybe being lovers with her isn’t that bad…

“Alright, alright. I’ll stop. Look, the convenience store is just across the road.” (Will)

There were none in the lobby in the first floor as well. As for outside...the road was already dark but the lights are still on in the convenience store.

There may be people there or it has been left on from the start.

“Put on the rest of your equipment and be ready.” (Will)

Ryza nodded and bright light covered her body from the waist up and left eye.

She was originally wearing a light blue buttoned shirt and a black jeans for a semi-formal outfit but once the lights disappeared, she gained another piece of clothing.

It was a long sleeved jacket which was joined together from the bottom to half of her body, which was under her breast and it only served to emphasize its bountifulness.

The jacket was a deep dark blue with metallic shoulderguards and glowing blue lines running across it. Very sci-fi-ish.

Her left eye also changes as her iris turned into light blue which seemed to glow and...I think I can see a crosshair on her eye as well...must be a contact lense for aiming.

It seems she got a set of sci-fi equipments huh?

Noticing my look, Ryza explained.

“The jacket is called [iSuit]. It’s lightweight and could stop an anti-tank bullet with impact absorption installed as well as change its temperature depending on the climate. Rank B++ The contact lense is called [Shooter’s Eye]. It connects to my neuro system to slightly guide me in my aim. Rank B.” (Ryza)

I nodded and also wore my equipment and explained them.

When she saw the crown and cape, I swear I heard her stifle laugh…

“Then, can you use that [Soul Eyes] to look if there are any people or Outsiders behind a wall?” (Ryza)

...Why didn’t I think of that?

Come to think of it, I haven’t really used any of my other skills…

Other than my weapon, the others didn’t need any MP to use, I wonder why?

Oh well, let’s see what [Soul Eyes] do.

Instantly, the world in my vision turned into black and white. However, it is not completely colorless.

Looking up, I can see six different colored lights. Or, well, it looks like a ball of smoke? Gas? Aura? Anyway, it was a ghastly glowing thingy...I guess this is what a soul looks like.

One of them is black...even though it should be hard to see in this black and white world, somehow, I can still see it.

There’s also one that was colored pink, one which was light pink,

The other three are blue.

I looked back to Ryza and saw her soul was pink colored as well...uhh, is the color supposed to represent what they feel about me?

But if that’s the case...then...why is there another pink? And there’s also a light pink one…

The black one though...I think that’s Van. It seems he hates me that much.

The two pink...are those Sam and May?...It’s not the guys...right?

A-anyway, I’ve looked around and there seems to be a few more people inside the building. Their souls were colored white.

That should mean they’re strangers or something.

“It seems I can really see through the walls but all I see are their souls. I have no idea who they are but there seems to be other people still in this building.” (Will)

“What does my soul look like?” (Ryza)

“Umm, it’s pink and comforting.” (Will)

“I see...” (Ryza)

For some reason, Ryza looked proud but it might be my imagination.

I then looked outside to see if there are any people alive outside.

I saw a bunch of white souls standing still, probably hiding in the buildings. Other than that...there’s a weird red...spikey...soul?

Human souls were round and occasionally changing depending on their mood. But this one...it was bright red and feels really dangerous...this should be the soul of an Outsider.

...No, looking closely, it doesn’t look that much different from a human soul, but I somehow felt that it’s from an Outsider…

The size is also bigger than human souls.

I looked at my chest and saw my own soul. It was golden and also bigger than normal but still smaller than that Outsider.

This means that the Outsider’s level is bigger than mine…

There are also several more smaller Outsiders around it. It seems they’re surrounding a group of humans.

“Be careful, there’s an Outsider which has a higher level than me outside and six more smaller ones which should be around my level. I can use my [Devour] four times and [Flame Aura] one time for a minute with the remaining MP.” (Will)

I already explained my skills to Ryza earlier while I explained my equipment so we can coordinate better.

If the red Outsider soul corresponds to their element, then my [Flame Aura] would help a lot.

Not to mention I still have my [Phoenix Cape].

Seeing Ryza nod, I continued by describing her the vague locations of the Outsiders and the plan.

The plan was simple. First, I’ll deal with the Outsiders while Ryza grab everything she can in the convenience store. At the same time, I’ll lure the Outsiders away to let the people evacuate in the building.

I already looked around and know that there aren’t any more Outsiders besides these ones so as long as I take care of these guys, we will have a lot of freedom to roam around.

I don’t understand why there’s so few Outsiders but I can’t think about it now.

If I can’t kill the Outsiders, I can just fly back to our place.

But if the big one’s just 5 levels higher than me, then everything’s going to be smoother.

The plan was in the case that it was 6 levels higher than me or more.

“Are you ready?” (Will)

Ryza nodded, and we both darted out of the front door.

Ignoring the incident earlier, this is my first official battle with the Outsiders.

Now...how will it be?

Status

Name

William King

Level

10

Mana Points

420/420

Ranking

5

Strength

15

Wisdom

32

Agility

24

Stamina

12

G Points

100

Status Points

0

Skills

Flame Aura