Novels2Search
[Alter Ego: A Star In The Shadow]
[Chapter 1:] System's Star

[Chapter 1:] System's Star

Click...

...

Underneath that covered stage, a growing number of crowds entered the spacious area. Despite the huge capacity, within a few seconds, vacant seats were already being filled by the incoming people.

...

Click..

...

Haven't even gotten closer to the agreed-upon time, yet the filled stadium was enough to decide.

...

In unison with each other, the constant clicks and echoing voices increase as the blinds for the platforms slowly open.

A figure steps out from the shadows, their silhouette blending seamlessly within the darkness.

Surrounded by loud screams and flickering lights, that lone individual was still enough to illuminate the surroundings.

----------------------------------------

The front door creaked as I pushed it open. The apartment was empty, just as I left it, and like usual,

Thud —

"Ugh, finally, home!"

Another end to a tiring day at work after those agonizingly long hours of performance. In my mind, I still curse that boss of mine, to start 'early' he said—as expected, you couldn't even decline.

Hanging my fist towards the air, I vowed to those who watch over me.

Just wait! In a few more years, when this 'idol's' popularity dies down, don't worry; I'll bring you down with me!

...

After a moment of reconciliation with the 'welcome home' sign on the front door mat, I kicked off my shoes and continued on my way, my footsteps echoing through the empty halls, and made my way to the bedroom.

Today is a special day, after all—it's to commemorate the final release of the webnovel '...', yes, that's the name—'catching', I might say! Seeing that they made the title completely'mysterious,' even the author made sure to do the same to their name.

Other than those aspects, the storyline of the novel itself holds me in high regard, to be honest—at first I've got no clue what it's about~ thus, it shocked me to think how such a peculiar find led me to support it till it's last chapter.

Was it really' that good? You might ask, and I'd likely reply with something closer to special, you see.

...

In those five years, I waited for each chapter. It's a short journey, yet it saddens me to see how it ends, and sure, I could wait and take my time for as long as I like; it's not like there are others reading it.

Nevertheless! Now that it comes to this, I'll see it to the end!

...

So, I briefly scrolled through my phone.

...

In a matter of a few minutes, I watched myself from afar and instantly reached those last two pages.

...

Soon after, only one remained.

----------------------------------------

Reaching that epilogue, I watched the movement of time slowly return; afterwards, I kept the phone open. Let the overflow of notifications pile up on display before steadily letting go.

...

Uh huh,

...

Uh huh! So that's how it ends.

To be honest, I did anticipate this kind of development. Well, now that I've seen it, I clasped my hand.

...

I guess it's time.

...

In a dark corner of the room, where a slight light shone, after it ceases, a dazed individual comes out. He walked into a closed room, only to walk out after, and following that, he entered another.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

..

...

*[Notice:] Taht od t'nod.]

----------------------------------------

In an enclosed chamber surrounded by wooden furnishings, the room felt warm as the morning rays entered the open space with the gentle rustling of the curtains as a soft breeze hit my face.

Far off in the distance, I could hear the faint chirping of birds, and as always, what follows is my slowly opening and rubbing my eyes.

Stretching my arms above my head, I took a deep breath and slowly sat up in bed.

Now, now~ what should I do?

...

It has already been some time since I arrived here to think that I'd actually be transported to this kind of world, and not just any, to be exact.

Yes, it seems I'd actually ended up in that 'dot-dot-dot' world.

----------------------------------------

An event that ain't foreign; though I've read about this kind of occurrence, not once has it struck my mind to actually dream of it happening. First and foremost, for all I know, I could be tasked with 'saving the world' or something.

Taking that into account, if I did manage to, presumably, I'd prefer a more 'peaceful' encounter.

Hence, I'd perfectly take on the role of a minor character—even mob A or B wouldn't cut it; in that manner, mob C would be the ideal.

But in this world, in this body, it'll be close to impossible for me—"Ah! Good morning to you."

...

Just as I entered the room, a gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. It was the baroness, Lady Ipse, who found me deep in the forest.

Let's go way back~ before I actually became aware of what happened, regardless of the darkness of the surroundings, I found myself afloat in this space-like dimension—as expected after what I did.

Nevertheless, was this even included?

I tried to ransack my brain—all the possible theories and ideas that came to mind. Yet no matter what I do, I can't think of one where a crystal orb is included.

...

In a situation with nothing but the spreading silence, what else to do other than hopelessly stare at one another?

To think this is the ending~

I come into contact with an undefined substance. Oh! It matches directly to its appearance. An icy-cold surface—wait, can a ghost even feel anything?

"..."

Hmm? It seems like there's a sound emanating from it. What is it? I tried to close the gap between us and lean in closer to the ball.

"..."

Ehh? Are you supposed to be the one who tells me my life's story? Before I could properly hear in—instantly, the place was basked in a blue brightness.

*[Notice:] Ydaer ton era ouy.]

----------------------------------------

Afterwards, when I see myself surrounded by tall trees, I am almost in a state of unconsciousness. The last thing I saw was a woman calling out to me.

It wasn't in the least fair! For starters, shouldn't a 'summon' be treated with care?

Starting point set in a forest, To be exact, it was a dangerous one. That's not all; they even made sure to transfer me in the middle of the night!

Therefore, based on the clues I gathered, it's not difficult to say that I'm by no means a hero! let alone a character.

For all I know, I could be here because of a systematic mistake. Though I don't mind being exact, I'll gladly thank them for the offer!

----------------------------------------

Currently in my room after that delicious breakfast~

Lady Ipse sure is a fantastic cook! Ah, as a barony located in the far east of the kingdom, not to mention near a forest, it already has trouble—particularly with workers.

Hence, Lady Ipse is an all-rounder~ a noblewoman who manages affairs, including and excluding her territory—thus was the description of her in the story.

...

Let's get back on track! Let's see~ including today, I've now reached a one-week login streak. Of course! since I've been given quite the time for reflection. In the end, I've finally settled on a solution.

It is.. to go with the flow! It was a hard decision. Now that I've already come to terms with the first problem, it's time to face the second—so, what should I do with this?

[Status Window]

...

A pop-up blue screen blocked my vision; it only started to appear recently; given enough time, it fades away naturally; even so, every time I'd ignore it, it would return—the duration considerably longer than the last.

----------------------------------------

It's like it's actually forcing me to open it—there's no way I'd do it! Rather than 'fear' I am more likely to experience that, but it's the opposite!

In spite of that, isn't it offensive to keep someone waiting? Well, well, I probably shouldn't stall for much longer—welcome! My 'OP' life

Hm?

...

Ehhh—!?!

..

Isn't this just pure discrimination?!?

[Status Window]

[Profile Summary:]

[Name:]???]

[Age:]???]

[Title:]???]

[Abilities:] In The Spotlight, Stage Immersion, Crowd Persuasion, Steps Mastery, Max Charm, Instrument Proficiency, System...

I can disregard the use of those questions mark, HOWBEIT—I won't overlook the insult that directly damages my name!

...

I'll say it once more—I'm screwed!

I probably won't even last a second in a fight!

It won't be easy, but I could do it—basically, it's like this: when worse comes to worse, I could charm my way through!

I wouldn't mind taking the other route too.

...

Still, I shouldn't judge easily! In every storyline, even an 'npc' had acquired something close to an overwhelmingly unique talent.

...

It's just me, I see~

...

These definitely are deemed 'unique' though~ hmmm? What else do we have?

Wait.. What is that—quite a unique color that contrasts with the screen—bloodied red—an abnormality?

[Abnormality:]

>System's Aeternitas<

*[Notice: To obtain what was wanted, one must first reach an alternate ending.]

So.. It's like that.