Scroll down until you see a lot of breaking line if you want the consciousness type of writing.

New Origins Online

Volume 1 – The Town of Beginning, Démarrer.

Ch 3 – What a Pain. I Hate Pain.

nim walks along the street of the town Démarrer she takes a look at the ancient like feeling of the town. nim thought that the town is really beautiful and peaceful. The stone like pavements had been treaded by the people. People would talk to each other while showing the smile on their lips. Stone houses stands beside flat stone road. And there is me who is also walking in that stone pavement. So peaceful, yet it is also busy.

Two duelists are clashing each other. Sparks flies all over the place as they clash at each other.

The street became a business place for crafters, performers, artists and duelists. It became their lingering place. Naturally, people would also want to hang out in the street to watch this people. It is easy to gain attention in the middle of the street thus gaining more clients, viewers and fellow duelists.

She thought that she hates walking in the street. But this game changed it all.

After her tour in the street, She then took the alley. Unlike the busy street, it is quieter, dirtier and scarier. If one will enter the alley, it is only natural that they will feel scared. Movies and animes usually depicts this scenes as the lingering place for thugs. This made nim scared but she still enters the alley.

nim quickens her walk so she was able to arrive fast at the shop. It is easy to identify the Potion Shop. Above the door, it has a sign board with an image of a flask which is almost displayed in some games.

Even though she found the shop, she is still reluctant to enter. Its wooden door and sign board were aged which makes it scary to enter. Almost like a haunted house. It is not stated but nim hates ghosts and other scary stuffs.

nim gathers her courage to enter.

'I have endured the scary alley so I can also endure this one.'

She opens the door slowly and checks the interiors of the shop. Although, the door and the sign board are old, the insides are somewhat new. She felt embarrass that she got scared.

“Welcome” She was greeted by a female voice.

She look at the source of the voice.

A human with a braided green hair with a dress the same to a village girls in the old times. The resemblance of her face from the olden times can be seen.

“Are you here to buy some utility items?”

“Ah…yes”

“Hehe, you have a nice face” she giggled.

nim felt irritated that every people she meets notices her face.

“Healing items.” nim then comes closer to her counter.

“Hnnn? Ah, so what healing items do you want?”

And then a window popped up.

~Ping~

>

Item Name Lv Price

1. Healing Potion 1 5 G

2. Hi-healing potion 5 15 G

3. Blue pot 10 50 G

This stupefied nim. An organized list is displayed in front of her. She did not meet this kind of list during her transaction with Mr. Dwarf so she is not aware at all.

'How lazy of him'. nim complained.

“Is something the matter?” worried.

“…What does the Lv do?” nim shake off her anger and ask something else.

“Ah, that is the required lvl to use them.”

These are level restrictions. Most games which nim played have them. They were made to prevent some players using strong items which do not correspond to their strength. If a low level player suddenly uses high level items then they will be able to grind level at monsters 3x higher than their level.

“… 10 healing potions” I requested

“Ok, 10 healing potions. Anything else?”

 ~Ping~

>

Do you want to buy ‘10x Healing Potion’ for ‘50x G’ from Martha?

[Yes] [No]

This stupefied nim again. She was expecting a which she and the dwarf invoked. But she instead meets a which she does not know. This makes nim angry because Mr. Dwarf made her invoke those words in front of him. does not need each party to invoke.

“Is there something wrong again?”

“…Nothing” she wants to keep the matter to herself.

nim is curious. To be able to make the , one must have made it before hand and set it up. If that so, she wants to at least know the procedure to make one. She now have a reason to re-read the booklet.

While nim in in the middle of her thought, Martha took notice of it as something else.

“I knew it, you have a problem. Please tell me, do you have a problem with a man?” She asks with glittering eyes.

nim do have a problem with a man but, it is not what she thinks it is. nim merely hates Mr. Dwarf because of his irresponsibility and he made nim invoke those words in front if him.

“…None” She answered while pressing the [Yes] button.

And explaining it to her is what nim finds tiresome.

"Don't be shy~ A girl as cute as you should have a boyfriend."

"........And why should you care?"

"Because I'm curious." She smiles.

"....Are you.....jealous?"

"Gah!...no no I am just......curious." says Martha while dejected.

nim knows that Martha is lying but she doesn't want to pursue the subject. So she just left it behind.

"I see. But I still don't have one."

“Hmmph, if you don’t want to tell me then fine.” She started to pout.

“Just a little bit would have been good.”

nim hates how she pesters things. But, she is a good girl. She is worried for her even though everything is a big misunderstanding.

“Then....I will tell you if I ever find one.”

"Oh! Then tell it to me right now. What happened between you two?"

"I have none as of now."

As always, nim finds it a pain to explain the misunderstanding. She hate explaining.

“I already heard it three times. As of now, you can’t bring yourself to open up. Although I’m an NPC, I still have feelings” She smiled at me.

For the third time, nim was stupefied. She have thought that she is a crafter player, like Brutos the dwarf. She then thought that in every game there are NPC since every games has an NPC to communicate with the players. But it is just hard for her to recognize which is a player or NPC because NPCs has an intelligence also.

“Once you are ready to open up, just let me know.”

*Sigh

 “I will"

And then I left.

~Creak~

~Thud~

Sigh.

Martha thought that nim is carrying too much burden. This made her sad. She thought that nim should have at least opened up her heart to lighten her burden. But, forcing her would only have a reverse effect which is why she will wait for her to open up.

~Creak~

Two men came in.

“Welcome. Oh, Kyle”

“Yo Martha, as usual, 30 blue pots for me,” says the male human while smiling.

“Tch, for me to be forced along,” complains a male draconican.

“My, you brought a friend along, Kyle.”

“Hehehe, well he is kind of scammed by a player.”

“Tch, the pricing are lower when crafted by players” He tries to defend

Players can put price on their own so players try to lower their pricing from the NPCs so that they will be sought after by players.

“But easier to be scammed,” Kyle teases the draconican.

But there are some players who take advantage of the to scam some players. In the , players will be able to pick the one of the choices they want to buy from the NPC. But as for , both players will put their trading material which makes it easy to scam by putting an item that has the same material name with lower quality while they keep on speaking to revert their attention. If they were found out, they will just say sorry and say that they make a mistake.

 “It is because you were in a hurry that I have to press the confirmation button!”

 “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I already brought you here. So Martha, additional 20 blue pots for this guy. My pay”

“Ok~”

“I’ll be back again” while waving his hand.

“I’ll be sure to burn him alive”

~Creak~

~Thud~

‘Youths this day are so amusing. I hope they find their happiness within this world, especially that girl.’

In front of nim stands a gigantic iron gateway. Its hugeness allows people to walkthrough it freely without stumbling at each other. What is more gigantic than the gateway would be the wall.

There’s also a big monolith that stands beside the gateway. Its color is black and there are some runes inscribed at its flat corners. Its runes will glow when touched. Monoliths are used as a transporting service to teleport them at the last touched monolith other than this monolith.

After nim take a look at her game watch, she still has 2 hours left to play. That is still a lot of time to level grind. She was about to walk through the gate when one of the guards stops her.

“Ummm, miss. Are you new here?” says one of the guards.

This makes nim nervous. She does not know if she had made any violations. Or she still needs to take a tutorial, if there is one. Making the answer long will make things awkward so she answers the guard.

“…Yes”

“It seems so. Here, a map. It will be hard to travel without it.” And then he hands over the map.

nim is relieved that the guard only wants to hand over a map.

“… Thanks” she then receives the map.

~Ping~

>

You have received the ‘Démarrer’s Forest Map’. ‘Démarrer’s Forest’ has been added to your

-You now have a full view of ‘Démarrer’s Forest’

In every game, there are maps that help the players to navigate in any of the four corners of the screen. Players will get lost if they don't have a map and they will get angry because they will have to return with a logout.

Now that nim learns about the map, she felt stupid for not using it during her first entry.

“Never go out without a map. Ask one at the other outposts if you want to venture out at their gates”

“I will”

And then she went out.

nim always heard that forests are a dangerous place when alone. But, nim find it rather beautiful. The forest is being sheltered by its green roof with lights that pierces through. Its brown column supports the building. It is mesmerizing.

And then she was interrupted.

~Plop~

~Plop~

nim looked at the origin of the sound. The monster that she sees is a semi-liquid monster with a color of light green with a core at the middle. She recognizes it as a slime which she usually encounter as a beginning monster for rpg games. She is still not spotted so she hides behind a bush.

~Plop~

If it is to be describe it will be gross. Its semi-liquid body makes it slimy to touch and disgusting to look at. If possible, she will confronting it. But, it is her first monster encounter. Instead of disgust she feels excited. It is her first monster battle which had been her dream to be able to feel the battles itself. She is envious to its game characters.

~Plop~

~Plop~

It still hasn’t detected the presence of nim. So she is planning to sneak attack it. nim found it rather dumb for people to shout whenever they encounter an enemy. Their shout will surely call their attention. It would be rather easy if they would just sneak attack.

~Tip-toe~

She then starts to walk silently and closes the distance between her and the slime. As she get nearer, she felt more and more impatient. Even though she is already near to her target, she still feels that the slime is still too far because she couldn’t reach it with her dagger. So she still has to get closer but she is in a rush because the slime might walk away or suddenly turn around. But she still has to walk silently which makes it hard.

She never thought that sneaking is this hard.

After a couple more tip-toes, she raised her dagger. And then swings it as hard as she can

~Shiiing~

~SPLOSH!~

>

-‘Slime’ took the surprise attack! Slime received ‘42 Damage’

-Slime has 8 / 50 life remaining.

-Slime now noticed you and now in offensive.

This surprises nim because she put everything she had for that sneak attack but it is still alove. While nim is in daze, the slime lowered its body, and it then plunge its self to nim. She could not react fast because she is still in shock that it survived. So she instead falls on her butt.

“Woah” She yelled softly.

>

- Bad landing. Nim took ‘7 damage’

- nim has 193 / 200 health remaining

The bad landing makes her more panic. She could not think at all even when the slime went pass through her head. It starts lowering its body again after it landed. She could not dodge the attack so she instead close her eyes and raises both her hands to block the attack out of reflex.

~Thud~

>

- nim takes the attack! Nim received ‘21 damage’

- nim has 172 / 200 health remaining

"Ow"

'It hurts.'

nim hates pain. Ever since she was a child, she hated pain. Which is why she got scared when the slime landed near her after the impact. And every scared person will randomly attack to scare away the attacker. But she instead killed it.

~Shiiing~

~Splosh~

>

- ‘Slime’ takes the attack! Slime received ‘29 Damage’

- ‘Slime’ has 0 / 50 life remaining.

- ‘Slime’ has died.

- ‘nim’ gained 26 (+26) exp.

- ‘nim’ has 52 / 100 for next lvl up.

The slime dispersed in the air after its life hits zero. After nim makes sure that the slime did die, she fall flat.

~Fuuuu…..haaa~ She inhaled and and exhaled.

nim got scared at that fight. She was not prepared for a battle. She thought that it will die in one strike so she got surprised when it survives. She also hates jump scares so she instinctively backed away at that time.

But, it did not lower the morale of nim. Instead, she got more excited. It was a good experience for her. She thought that it was because it was her first fight which is why she got scared. What’s more, she was able to kill a monster with her own hand.

She then lifted her dagger and tries to recall the battle and the feeling when she killed the slime with the dagger in her hand. She wants to engrave it in her mind.

Afterwards, she stands up.

was it?

~Ping~

>

- ‘Slime’ took a surprise attack! Slime received ‘42 Damage’

- Slime has 8 / 50 life remaining.

- Slime now noticed you and now in offensive.

- Bad landing. ‘nim’ took ‘7 damage’

- ‘nim’ has 193 / 200 health remaining

- ‘nim’ took the attack! nim received ‘21 damage’

- ‘nim’ has 172 / 200 health remaining

- ‘Slime’ took the attack! Slime received ‘29 Damage’

- ‘Slime’ has 0 / 50 life remaining.

- ‘Slime’ has died.

- ‘nim’ gained 26 (+26) exp.

- ‘nim’ has 52 / 100 for next lvl up.

She was not prepared for a fight earlier because she believes she can one hit the monster before but it did not. This led her to panic and not able to think properly. So, she needs to analyze the battle itself so that she can find some possible ways to handle the situation if she will ever meet one again.

Earlier, she was able to deal a damage of 42 at her first strike when she sneaks attack and 29 for her second attack. It can be deduced that surprise attacks deals more damage. This can be taken advantage then. Although, slimes has a life of 50 so she couldn’t kill it instantly but reducing its health will lead her to concentrate for the last attack. Either ways, she will still need two more attacks even with normal attacks.

The attack trait of the slime is also noticeable. Every time it will attack, it will lower its body then it jumps at its enemies. This is a good warning that it will attack providing enough time to dodge, block or kill during its preparation for attack. Though nim had already received one and doesn’t want pain so she will just dodge it if possible. There is also the bad landing to consider. It triggered earlier when she fell down. It can be assumed that having a bad landing or stepping can cause damage since it says bad landing in the

In the , nim was able to take 2x the experience when she killed the slime. She is thinks that 2x experience she received came from Alshaira’s, the goddess, gift. But she still thinks of it as a beginner’s buff.

~Plop~

~Plop~

>

- Slime now noticed you and now in offensive.

It is lowering its body to strike.

'Give me a break.'

nim was surprised from the sudden appearance of the slime so she has no time to react and dodge the attack. So, she raised her hands again out of reflex to guard herself. After the impact, she gripped the handle of the dagger hard. And she slashed the slime while in mid-air.

~Shiing~

~Splosh~

nim is now walking casually within the forest. Earlier, she drank a potion after she killed the slime. Its taste is bitter but it revitalizes the 150 missing health of nim. Afterwards, she continues the lvl grinding.

During her lvl grinding spree, she took 2 more potions during her encounters with the slimes. She was then able to grasp the movements of the slimes which enable her to receive no more damage by dodging thus allowing her to save her remaining potions. Also, she has raised her lv. to 5 but raising it further is hard. Like what Mr. Dwarf told her.

Entering deeper within the forest, nim then meets a new monster, a horned-rabbit. Just like how it is named, it is a rabbit monster with a horn in its forehead. This monster is much faster, more agile and worst more attentive thus sneaking it is impossible. It can easily pin-point its opponents location. They are stronger than the slimes.

But, its attack pattern is the same with the slimes. Before leaping, it will lower its body then plunges its horn. nim already know how to deal the slimes so having the horned-rabbit’s attack be the same makes thing easy for nim. Though easy, she is still scared to receive its horn. She hates pain – and blood also. Also, killing horned rabbits does not spill a blood. Their wound will glow but not spray blood. It was developed to be like that since a lot of people are afraid of blood. nim also hates blood.

She is alredy exhausted after hunting for a long time but she was able to raise her level to 9. It is still 10:27 after she takes a peek at her game clock but she has no energy left to continue grinding level. So she put a halt for her level grinding. She will also meet her new teacher soon so she thought of it as a good choice.

~Ping~

>

You have not saved a settle point yet. Once logged out, you will return to the cathedral when you log in.

Do you still wish to log out?

[Yes] [No]

She was able to recognize the term the 'settle point'. It allows the players to respawn at your designated or settled place. It can be at the player’s house or territory.

'How amusing'

She then pressed the confirmation button.

Her consciousness was slowly pulled in.

“Good morning. You must be Lyka?” She is greeted by an unfamiliar woman.

This took Lyka by surprise. She did not expect a visitor in her room.

“… Yes….. That’s me….and… who are you?” while she removes her virtual gear.

“Oh my, what a cute child”

Lyka is starting to hate her.

“I’m… already 14”

Lyka wants to correct her that she is not a child.

She giggled and then she introduced herself afterwards.

“I’m Rhea. I will be your home tutor starting today.”

Lyka already has a vague idea that her visitor is her private teacher. The only one that will come at around this time is her new teacher. It still surprised Lyka that she arrives a little bit early. It is still only an assumption that she will arrive at 11:00 am.

“Oh, a silent type I see” she giggles again.

This makes Lyke more irritated.

“I love silent students.”

'While I hate you.'

”They may not speak that much but they are more attentive to the discussions.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Lessons starts tomorrow so you can still enjoy for today”

That’s a good news for Lyka.

And then Rhea fixes her sitting position

“With that said.” she became serious

“Can you tell me what happened? The one reason I was called in.”

This saddened Lyka. She recalled her past mistake which she hated and tried to forget.

“It’s ok. You don’t have to tell me. I pretty much know the story”

This statement angered her.

“Why ask…then?” with angry voice.

'Don’t ask if you know.'

 “As you know, judges have to listen to the testimonies of every person involved. Why is that? It is because every claim holds a different story and perspective. If he were to listen to one person only then he is no judge but a prosecutor”

…Good point. But I still hate how you pry.

“It is also good to open up. It somehow alleviates the heavy weight in your heart.”

“But if you are not ready yet then it is fine also. I will wait until then”

And then she stands up

“I will burrow the kitchen” she went beside the doorway

“I will prepare for our lunch” and went out of the room.

'Am I that pitiful? for NPC to notice it also?'

She hang her head down and grips her skirt for a while before she decided to leave the room also.

“Hmmm, I couldn’t find the salt”

Rhea is right now preparing for their lunch.

“Oh, good timing, do you know where your salts are.” She asked

Lyka took the salt from the cabinet and hand it over to her.

“Here”

“My, how sweet of you” and she pinched her cheeks.

“Aw…”

“I’m sorry. You are just too cute”

She then took the salt and went back to prepare their meal.

'I hate you.'

Lyka then remember that her teacher is also the teacher of her mom before. She might know her mother since she had been her student. So she asked her.

“Does… mom hate me?”

Rhea then looks at Lyka and then stares for a while before speaking.

“Your mom does not hate you. In fact, she loves you.”

Lyka did not believe those words because she believed that her mother never bats an eye on her when she was a child and only did when she made a mistake.

“Mothers will never hate their child. They can get angry or sometimes hurt their children. But, they will never hate their child. Why is that? Because their children became a part of their body for 9 months before they were born. And then, they came out alive but were very fragile so mothers will do everything to raise their children well. Your mother’s anger is not hate but love”

“Have you…hated your parents…before?” asks Lyka

Still not believing.

“Hmmm? Well I do have. Everyone at least have been in the rebellious age”

“Rebellious…age?”

“Your mom, your dad and everyone else had been in that stage. Including you and me of course.”

“In that stage, children start to hate their parents. They do not want how they were treated. May it be good or bad.”

“I remember back then, how I hated my parents for forgetting to bring the flowers I like so I threw the vase I bought to them. But I then cried after I realized that I lost my favorite vase. It was humiliating before. But it was funny when I remember it” she laughed.

“How can you laugh?”

“Why? Because I look ridiculous. My hate is so shallow.”

“……….”

“Past is not something you should contemplate with. No matter how many times you fixed it in your mind, the reality is not. Past is not something that can be changed. So we can only move forward and expect the future. Of course, you should bring your experience from the past to prepare for the future. It provides an experience like how rpg games provide exp. You get stronger as you receive some. Which is why, it is fun to recall them because they are the one who shaped me.” She smiled

“Oh , it is almost finished” and went back to stir the pot.

I gripped my skirt but harder this time.

“Thank…you”

She looked at me.

And she smiled.

“Don’t mind it dear. It is our job to take care of our children’s problem”

“Your…children?”

She giggled.

“Do you know that we the teachers are your second parents?” She asked.

“No”

She sat down in front of me.

“And now, you are my child” while she points her index finger to me.

She is my 2nd mother. And I am her child.

“Not your 2nd child?”

“Ahhhhh, I still have no husband you know.” She said it with least interest.

She is funny.

“Then… should I call you…mom?”

She giggled.

“My my, just call me ma’m Rhea. Ok?”

“Yes……

-ma’m Rhea.”

She smiled.

“Lunch is ready. Can you prepare the table?”

They have a lot of conversations, though Ma’m Rhea is the one talking the most. She mostly talked about her student’s achievements, mischiefs, and their fun times. Lyka’s mother was also included. She described Lyka’s mother to be very serious at everything. She is so conscious to her grade that she cried when she has five mistakes in the exam. Ma’m Rhea is amusing to listen with but also scary when she talks about her break-ups with her boyfriends. Their topics mostly stray away but they enjoyed it nonetheless.

~Ping~

…

..

.

She then sits up after her consciousness settles.

She is sitting at the stone bed at the same spot. It still holds the same scenery and the same amount of people. But unlike before, it is now more silent without those two noisy men. nim finds it satisfying at how peaceful the cathedral was.

She then goes out.

nim wants to level up as early as she can. She wants to become a swordsman and starts adventuring but she must be level 10 before she can choose a job. Beating low level monsters will take her a long time to level up. So she decided to kill a level 5 monster. This excites nim with the idea of encountering a stronger monster after she felt that slimes and horned-rabbits are already too weak for her.

After roaming around at the deep part of the forest, she was able to find one. It is a monster called ‘Mr. Cricket’, a grasshopper that stands in two feet. It still hasn’t seen nim yet so she unsheathed her dagger and sneak at its back. But its antenna suddenly twitched. Afterwards, nim is kicked in the stomach.

Out of anger for being kicked, she throws her dagger. And the dagger hits the head.

>

- 'nim' took the direct hit! 'nim' received '97 damage'

- 'nim' has 253 / 360 life remaining.

- 'Mr. Cricket' took the CRITICAL HIT! 'Mr. Cricket' received '102 damage'

- 'Mr. Cricket' has 0 / 100 life remaining.

- 'Mr. Cricket' has died.

- 'nim' gained 193 (+193) exp

- 'nim' has 2712 / 2600 for next level up.

- 'nim' has level up! from 9 to 10

- 'nim' has 112 / 3100 for next level up.

Mr. Cricket fell sideward and dispersed in the air. But nim did not notice it at all. The pain which she just received is too painful. She is writhing in pain as she crouches on the ground. And then a realization came to her.

If I became a swordsman,

Then I will have to tank some attacks.

Tanking will receive damage.

And damage means pain.

I hate pain.

New Origins Online

Volume 1 – The Town of Beginning, Démarrer.

Ch 3 – What a Pain. I Hate Pain.

Striding along the brick path

While viewing the archaic town,

I find it amusing to do so.

It is so peaceful.

Yet, so busy also.

The street became a business place.

Money flows well within this place.

A lot of people walk in the street

so it became the lingering place for crafters, performers, artists and duelists.

It is easier to acquire customers.

Naturally, other people also hang around the street to watch.

This is the reason which makes the street so noisy.

But I do not hate it.

I have always hated to walk outside.

But this game changed it all.

A couple more walks and then I face an alley.

Unlike the busy street, it is quieter

and more intimidating.

The place is dirty, dark, and scary.

I hate scary places.

I want to avoid it

but I don’t know the other shops for potions.

I hate asking so it is not an option.

I pondered for a bit but I gave up.

I took the alley despite being scared.

Nothing happened while walking in the alley.

But it is still not good for my heart.

I hasten my pace until I sees a shop.

I am able to identify it as a Potion Shop.

Above the door, it has a sign board with an image of a flask.

Almost like the potions in some games.

But I still have doubts entering this shop.

Its wooden door and sign board were eaten by time.

Making it almost like haunted.

It is scary to enter.

But, I have endured the scary alley

so I can also endure this one.

Slowly, I opened the door.

And then I look around to check the store.

Although, the door and the sign board are old.

The insides are somewhat new.

“Welcome,” greeted by a female voice.

“Are you here to buy some utility items?”

I am surprised by her sudden call.

 “Ah…yes”

A human with a braided green hair.

Her dress is the same to a village girls in the past.

“Hehe, you have a nice expression” she giggled.

I hate how everyone notices my face.

Is it that fun to tease my face?

“Healing items.” Trying to avoid the subject.

I walk closer to the counter.

“Hnnn? Ah, so what healing items do you want?”

And then the windows popped up.

~Ping~

<>

Item Name Lv Price

1. Healing Potion 1 5 G

2. Hi-healing potion 5 15 G

3. Blue pot 10 50 G

I was stupefied.

“Is something the matter?”

What I expected is a which I had known from the Dwarf.

But instead, a list of items popped out.

Is this something you manage?

How come Mr. Dwarf have no like this?

How lazy of him.

I asked another question instead.

“…What does the Lv do?”

“Ah, that is the required lvl to use them.”

I see, level restrictions.

Some items need a certain level to be equipped or consumed.

It's a prevention for players to burrow strong items from high lvl players.

If a low level player started to use the strong items with additional effects.

They will be able to grind level at monsters 3x higher than their own.

“… 10 healing potions”

“Ok, 10 healing potions. Anything else?”

 ~Ping~

>

Do you want to buy ‘10x Healing Potion’ for ‘50x G’ from Martha?

[Yes] [No]

No need to invoke for trade?

I hate you Mr. Dwarf.

You made me spout those words

when it is not really needed.

I will skin you alive.

I hate you.

“Is there something wrong again?”

“…Nothing”

I am curios.

How to set up a ?

It doesn't seems to be that simple.

The items are being listed accordingly

and also, when I asked for healing item, they popped out.

It means that they are also classified.

“I knew it, you have a problem. Please tell me, do you have a problem with a man?”

She asked with glittering eyes.

I do have a problem with a man.

But it is not how you think it is.

I am actually angry with him.

“…None” I then pressed the [Yes] button.

~Ping~

>

You have received '10x Healing potion'

“Hmmph, if you don’t want to tell me then fine.” She started to pout.

"It is good that you understand"

“But sometimes, it is better to open up. Fighting your pain all alone is hard. Having someone knows your wound will relieve you.”

".....Understood"

She is a good girl.

Though I hate how she pesters.

Everything is a big misunderstanding.

“But, I really…don’t have any…”

What a pain.

I hate pain.

“I already heard it three times. As of now, you can’t bring yourself to open up. Although I’m an NPC, I still have feelings” She smiled at me.

That was a big surprise.

I didn’t know she is an NPC.

She is like Ashaira.

They both have intelligence and emotions.

They were like a real person.

This game is really something.

“Once you are ready to open up, just let me know. I will hear it out and hug you tightly while crying”

Even though I hate how she pester.

I find her personality to be good.

“Will do so” I smile.

And then I left.

~Creak~

~Thud~

What a poor girl.

She should have opened up first.

She is someone who carries a lot of problem.

And kept it all to herself.

It makes me sad seeing her like that.

But forcing her will only have a reverse effect.

Let’s just wait for her to open up.

~Creak~

Two men came in.

“Welcome. Oh, Kyle”

“Yo Martha, as usual, 30 blue pots for me,” says the male human while smiling.

“Tch, for me to be forced along,” complained by the male draconican.

“My, you brought a friend along”

“Hehehe, well he is kind of scammed by a player.”

“Tch, the pricing are lower when crafted by players”

Players can put price on their own.

Potions made by players have a cheaper price.

So that, it can sell better than the NPCs.

“But easier to be scammed,” teasing the draconican.

Which is why of NPCs are safer.

In the both players put their trading items.

Both parties can have a look at the items being trade.

But there are still a lot of players being scammed.

With some little play on words and friendly talks.

“It is because you were in a hurry that I have to press the [Yes]!”

 “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I already brought you here. So Martha, additional 20 blue pots for this guy. My pay”

“Ok~”

“I’ll be back again” while waving his hand.

“I’ll be sure to burn him alive”

~Creak~

~Thud~

Youths this day.

They are so amusing.

I hope they find their happiness within this world.

Especially that girl.

After a couple of steps.

I was able to arrive at the gateway.

If I were to describe it, it would be titanic.

Several people can past through the giant gate at once.

Probably, made to reduce people cramming

At its small gate.

There’s a big monolith just beside the gateway.

Its color is black with some runes etched on it.

Its runes glow

When the monolith is touched by players.

Monoliths serve as a saving point for players.

Players can transport to other monoliths which they have touched.

I still have 2 hours left.

Let’s start the level grinding.

But this gate sure is big.

I am almost like being swallowed.

As I pass through its mouth.

“Ummm, miss. Are you new here?” says one of the guards.

This made me nervous.

Have I done any violations?

“…Yes” I answered nonetheless.

“It seems so. Here a map. It will be hard to travel without it.” And then he hands over the map.

“… Thanks” I received the map.

~Ping~

>

You have received the ‘Démarrer’s Forest Map’. ‘Démarrer’s Forest’ has been added to your

You now have full view of ‘Démarrer’s Forest’

I was relieved that he only wants to hand out a map.

Right now, the issue is the .

In every game, there is a map in any of the 4 corners of the screen.

This is to prevent players from getting lost.

I invoked it.

~Ping~

<>

How useful.

Everything in Démarrer has been mapped.

At the far right of it is the ‘Démarrer’s Forest’.

I should have used the during my first entry.

“Never go out without a map. Ask one at the other outposts if you want to venture out at their gates”

“I will”

And then I went out.

The forest is being sheltered by its green roof.

With the support from its brown columns.

Small lights pierced through

Producing a beautiful scenery.

I always heard forests as being scary.

But I don’t see it as such.

~Plop~

~Plop~

Hnnn? What is that…?

A semi-liquid monster

With a color of light green

And a core at the middle…

…A slime?

I immediately went to the nearest bush to hide.

~Plop~

I have already seen one a lot of times in games.

But, it is my first time encountering one in a VR.

It is so slimy

And so disgusting to look at.

It is also a monster.

So, it will attack me, pain is to be expected.

But…

I felt excited.

This is my first monster encounter.

I have always wanted to be the character I play.

And feel their battles myself.

So, I will take out that slime.

And feel the battle.

~Plop~

~Plop~

As of now it doesn’t know I’m here.

I’m not like those players who shout out for no reason.

I don’t understand why they have to shout.

They would only draw the attention of the enemy.

Which is obviously bad.

I then neared the slime.

Silently.

~Tip-toe~

Even though I’m already near.

I still couldn’t reach it with my dagger.

Why is it too far?

So I have to get closer.

Is this how sneaking is?

It felt easy when I look at it

But is actually hard.

Every step has to be light

But has to be fast also.

If I walk too slowly,

The enemy might look around or walk away

Just a little bit more.

After a couple more tip-toes

I raised my dagger.

And swing it as hard as I can.

~Shiiing~

~SPLOSH!~

>

-‘Slime’ took the surprise attack! Slime received ‘42 Damage’

-Slime has 8 / 50 life remaining.

-Slime noticed you and now in offensive.

It is still alive!?

The slime lowered its body.

And then it plunged onto me.

This surprised me.

And fell on my butt.

“Woah” I yelled softly.

>

- Bad landing. Nim received ‘7 damage’

- nim has 193 / 200 health remaining

The sudden damage made me more panic.

It passed through my head when I fell.

Oh no!

It is lowering its body again!

What should I do!?

What should I do!?

And then the slime plunged again.

Out of reflex,

My arms protected my face

While I close my eyes.

>

- nim took the attack! Nim received ‘21 damage’

- nim has 172 / 200 health remaining

It huuuurts!

I hate pain

After the slime landed beside me

I did not let it lower its body again.

So I slashed it immediately out of fear.

~Shiiing~

~Splosh~

>

- ‘Slime’ took the attack! Slime received ‘29 Damage’

- ‘Slime’ has 0 / 50 life remaining.

- ‘Slime’ has died.

- ‘nim’ gained 26 (+26) exp.

- ‘nim’ has 52 / 100 for next lvl up.

The ‘Slime’ stopped moving.

And then it dispersed.

After I make sure that the ‘Slime’ died,

I fell flat.

Fuuuu, I inhaled and exhaled.

That was scary.

It was for the first time for me to get scared like that.

I hate jump scares.

It was a good new experience for me though.

I had always killed them within the games.

But they were actually this hard.

So this is what it feels like to fight monster.

It feels good to kill a monster with your own hands.

Although, I got scared mostly.

I then lifted my dagger.

This is my first fight.

I should not forget it.

After I engrave it to my mind

I stand up.

Now then, time to analyze the battle earlier.

was it?

~Ping~

>

- ‘Slime’ took a surprise attack! Slime received ‘42 Damage’

- Slime has 8 / 50 life remaining.

- Slime noticed you and now in offensive.

- Bad landing. ‘nim’ received ‘7 damage’

- ‘nim’ has 193 / 200 health remaining

- ‘nim’ took the attack! nim received ‘21 damage’

- ‘nim’ has 172 / 200 health remaining

- ‘Slime’ took the attack! Slime received ‘29 Damage’

- ‘Slime’ has 0 / 50 life remaining.

- ‘Slime’ has died.

- ‘nim’ gained 26 (+26) exp.

- ‘nim’ has 52 / 100 for next lvl up.

Earlier I was not able to think.

I was not prepared for combat

I thought I can 1 hit the ‘slime’

But it survived so I panicked.

If I want to hunt monsters

I must first know my enemies.

And know my possible ways to handle the situation.

Earlier, I was able to deal a damage of 42 at my first try

But I deal 29 for the second attack.

It seems that a surprise attack gives bonus damage.

I should take advantage with it.

‘Slime has a life point of 50 and my normal attacks deals around 29.

It will take me 2 shots to kill an opponent.

It will still take me 2 shots even if I sneak in.

But it will be easier to deliver the 1 hit if I sneak in.

Thus, leaving me with the problem of the last hit.

Also, every time the slime attacks

It will lower its body

This will warn me enough that it will attack.

I can dodge, block or probably kill it while it readies for its attack.

Receiving it hurts

So I’ll just try to dodge it.

I hate pain.

I also received damage when I fell on my butt.

I should probably be careful not to fall down.

It was painful also.

I really hate pain.

And, my exp seems to be doubled.

It must be because of the beginner’s buff

Which Alshaira gave me.

~Plop~

~Plop~

- Slime noticed you and now in offensive.

It is now lowering its body again.

Readying its attack.

Give me a break.

I have been surprised by its sudden appearance

And I could not react fast enough to dodge.

Out of reflex again, I raised my 2 arms again to receive the attack.

After the impact, I gripped my dagger

And did my first slash to it

While it is in mid-air.

~Shiing~

~Splosh~

After the battle,

I took some potion.

It alleviates 150 hp of my life.

Though the taste is bitter.

I then went on to continue the lvl grinding.

I recieved a lot of attacks during my exploration.

Which made me drink additional 2 potions.

But after being able to grasp their movements.

I was able to kill them efficiently.

And dodge their attacks.

So I received no more damage.

After I killed a lot of ‘Slimes’

I was able to raise my level up to 5

I can now 1 hit the slimes if I sneak at them.

Though, it got harder raising it further.

During my explorations,

I was able to confront some horned-rabbit.

Like what the description says, it has a horn.

This one is much faster, more agile and more attentive.

Sneaking at them seems impossible.

It easily pin-pointed my location

Which made them harder

But, it has the same attack pattern of a slime.

It lowers its body and plunge forward.

I already know how to deal the slime.

So I was able to deal the horned-rabbit also.

But I still hate to receive its horn.

I am still scared to confront the horned rabbit’s horn.

I hate pain and I hate blood.

Speaking of blood,

Killing horned rabbits does not spill blood.

Their wounds only glow but not spray.

It was good for me.

I hate blood.

I then continued my hunting.

After hunting for a long time, I was able to raise my level to 9.

I am so tired.

I hate this feeling.

I then looked at my game clock.

It is already 10:27 am.

But I have no energy left to hunt for the remaining time.

I guess I will put the lvl grinding on halt for now.

I then invoke the .

~Ping~

>

You have not saved a settle point yet. Once logged out, you will return to the cathedral when you log in.

Do you still wish to log out?

[Yes] [No]

I see.

So this is like the other games.

They call it as a settle point.

It allows the players to respawn at your own built house or territory.

How amusing.

I then pressed the confirmation button.

My consciousness was slowly pulled in.

“Good morning. You must be Lyka?” I was greeted by an unfamiliar woman.

I was taken by surprise.

Who is this woman sitting beside me?

Why is she in my room?

And how did she know me?

I still answered nonetheless

“Ah, yes….. That’s me….and… who are you?” while I remove my virtual gear.

 “Oh my, what a cute child”

I’m starting to hate her.

“I’m… already 14”

She giggled and then she introduced herself afterwards.

“I’m Rhea. I will be your home tutor starting today.”

I thought so.

She is the only I can think to arrive.

But she is early

Which made me surprised when I was greeted.

Well, it is only assumption that she will arrive at 11 am.

“Oh, a silent type I see” she giggled again.

She is getting on my nerves.

“I love silent students.”

While I hate you.

”They may not speak that much but they are more attentive to the discussions.”

“Ah, don’t worry. Lessons start tomorrow so you can still enjoy for today”

That’s good news.

And then she fixed her sitting position

“With that said.” she became serious

“Can you tell me what happened? The one reason I was called in.”

She knows.

Mom and dad probably told the reason.

But she could not grasp the full detail.

And that is why she is asking me instead.

Somehow, I feel down again.

“It’s ok. You don’t have to tell me. I pretty much know the story”

“Why… ask then?” with angry voice.

Don’t ask if you know.

I was so down when I try to recall them.

“As you know, judges have to listen to the testimonies of every person involved. Why is that? It is because every claim holds a different story and perspective. If he were to listen to 1 person only then he is no judge but a prosecutor”

“It is also good to open up. It somehow alleviates the heavy weight in your heart.”

“But if you are not ready yet then it is fine also. I will wait until then”

And then she stands up

“I will burrow the kitchen” she went beside the doorway

“I will prepare for our lunch” and went out of the room.

Open up…

It is the same as what Martha said.

Do I look pitiful?

For everyone to take pity on me…

What a joke.

I hang my head down.

And then grip my skirt.

Dawdling here won’t do anything.

So I stand up and went to the kitchen

Where my teacher prepares for our dinner.

“Hmmm, I couldn’t find the salt”

“Oh, good timing, do you know where your salts are.” She asked

I took our salt from our cabinet

“Here” and hand it over to her.

“My, how sweet of you” and she pinched my cheeks.

“Aw…”

She pinched too tightly.

“I’m sorry. You are just too cute”

She then took the salt and went back to prepare our lunch.

I hate you.

I am not a plushy doll.

Even dad hugs me too hard.

Why does everyone treat me like a child?

I don’t understand.

If I remember it correctly,

She is the teacher of my mother.

Does she know my mom?

There is something I want to know.

“Does… mom hate me?”

Out of curiosity, I asked.

Even though, I hate asking.

She then looked at me

And then stared for a while before speaking.

“Your mom does not hate you. In fact, she loves you.”

But mom never batted an eye.

She only noticed me when I had done something wrong.

“Mothers will never hate their child. They can get angry or sometimes hurt their children. But, they will never hate their child. Why is that? Because their children became a part of their body for 9 months before they were born. And then, they came out alive but were very fragile so mothers will do everything to raise their children well. Your mother’s anger is not hate but love”

Was that what mom always think?

If so, I have been a bad girl.

Does teacher hated her parents?

She knows too much.

“Have you…hated your parents…before?”

“Hmmm? Well I do have. Everyone at least have been in the rebellious age”

“Rebellious…age?”

“Your mom, your dad and everyone else had been in that stage. Including you.”

“It is in that stage when, children start to hate their parents. They do not want how they were treated. May it be good or bad.” She explains

“I remember back then, how I hated my parents for forgetting to bring my flowers so I threw the vase I bought to them. But I then cried after I realized that I lost my favorite vase. It was humiliating before. But it was funny when I remember it” she laughed.

“How can you laugh?”

“Why? Because it is funny”

“……….”

“Past is not something you should contemplate with. No matter how many times you fixed it in your mind, the reality is not. Past is not something that can be changed. So we can only move forward and expect the future. Of course, you should bring your experience from the past to prepare for the future. It provides an experience like how rpg games provide exp. You get stronger as you receive some. Which is why, it is fun to recall them because they are the one who shaped me.” She smiled

“Oh , it is almost finished” and went back to stir the pot.

I see.

I have been a bad girl.

I had been self-centered.

I wanted their attention.

So I went to a far school.

It is not because I want to be like them.

But it is for them to miss me.

I really have been a bad girl.

I again gripped my skirt.

But harder this time.

“Thank…you”

She looked at me.

And she smiled.

“Don’t mind it dear. It is our job to take care of our children’s problem”

“Your…children?”

She giggled.

“Do you know that we the teachers are your 2nd parents?” She asked.

“No”

She sat down in front of me.

“And now, you are my child” while she points her index finger to me.

She is my 2nd mother.

And I am her child.

“Not your 2nd child?”

“Ahhhhh, I still have no husband you know.” She said it with least interest.

She is funny.

“Then… should I call you…mom?”

She giggled.

“My my, just call me ma’m Rhea. Ok?”

“Yes…”

“…ma’m Rhea.”

She smiled.

“Lunch is ready. Can you prepare the table?”

We then went to eat our lunch.

We had a lot of conversation.

She is the one doing the most talk though.

She is amusing when she talks about her students.

My mom became one of her students

So she was able to compare me to mom.

She would always describe to me how mom so conscious about grades.

That she had cried when she got 5 mistakes in the exam.

Ma’m Rhea is also scary when she talks about her break-ups with her boyfriends.

~Ping~

…

..

.

After my consciousness settled in, I sit up.

I am sitting at the stone bed again.

It is still the same spot

And it holds the same scenery.

Although there are a lot of people lying on the stone table also.

It is now silent.

The 2 noisy men are not here.

How peaceful.

Then I went out the cathedral

And went straight to the forest.

It will take time to level up

If I keep on beating level 1 mob.

So I have decided.

I will face a level 5 monster.

It is kinda scary.

But I will face one, one day.

So I will kill one.

And be a swordsman once I hit level 10.

Somehow it excites me.

-How I hate myself.

I found a ‘Mr.Cricket’.

So I unsheathed my dagger

And went to sneak in at his back again.

But I was sensed by its antenna.

And was kicked hard at my stomach.

It was too painful.

I was angered so I threw my knife.

And hit the ‘Mr. Cricket’s head

>

- 'nim' took the direct hit! 'nim' received '97 damage'

- 'nim' has 253 / 360 life remaining.

- 'Mr. Cricket' took the CRITICAL HIT! 'Mr. Cricket' received '102 damage'

- 'Mr. Cricket' has 0 / 100 life remaining.

- 'Mr. Cricket' has died.

- 'nim' gained 193 (+193) exp

- 'nim' has 2712 / 2600 for next level up.

- 'nim' has level up! from 9 to 10

- 'nim' has 112 / 3100 for next level up.

Mr. Cricket fell sideward.

And then he dispersed.

I crouch on the ground.

It hurts.

It hurts.

I hate pain.

That kick is so painful.

I feel like dying

Why does it have to be painful.

They have developed the pain too much.

And then a realization came to me.

If I became a swordsman,

Then I will have to tank some attacks.

Tanking will receive damage.

And damage means pain.

I hate pain.