Chapter 1: Life Changing Contract.
Hello, Anri here!
It’s just me and these Goblin corpses in this F rank dungeon.
What’s that?
Huh? What’s my full name?
Oh, that’s easy. It’s Anri Yei.
What’s a dungeon and why are they ranked you say?
Oh, little person in my head you sure ask a lot of simple questions.
Anyway, Well… Uh… I guess I have to start at the beginning. In 2005 dungeons appeared all around the world. At the same time people at random were given the ability to see a game like screen which displayed information regarding their stats, skills, equipment etc. Those chosen could explore the dungeons that appeared and were called “players“ by themselves and other people.
In dungeons they could level up, gain skills, and find materials, weapons, armor and items that they could sell to other people regardless of rather or not they were players or not. Even if you weren’t a player, you could still use anything from dungeons and use any special effects that they have. Because of this being a player or even someone that deals in dungeon items is extremely profitable.
The irresistible allure of infinite money by basically playing a very dangerous irl MMO was just too hard to pass up so, tons of guilds were made to gather up strong players and raid dungeons for profit. This dungeon is a F rank because the guilds and the government ranks them by how hard they’re to complete. Sounds good right? WRONG! IT SUCKED SO GODDAMN MUCH!
Or at least it did when it all started. When the dungeons appeared, monsters poured out of them like a broken dam and millions of people died and continued to die until around 2010 when the government and players got their shit together. A dungeon happened to appear near my house when I was five in, well funnily enough the year when the dungeons appeared. Both of my parents died protecting me. Oh, poor me. I bounced around from orphanage to orphanage until I turned 18 and was thrown out.
I went from shitty job to shitty job until 2021 when it was discovered that you can become a player if you enter a dungeon. Huh? You thought that you have to be a player to enter a dungeon? I mean I did say that but, there was a workaround. If you have a dungeon item on your person you could enter a dungeon and become a player.
Players and guilds quickly monetized this new discovery and offered a service to loan you a dungeon item and have a player take you in and out of dungeon. Usually, a low ranked one. Sounds enticing right? Well yeah but, it was extremely expensive.
Even though it was expensive, tons of people paid to become a player. Including me. I paid the lowest rank guild 50K which was all of my saving to become a player.
I don’t even remember that guilds name since they’ve long since vanished for one reason or another. Wish that they still existed so I could have someone to yell at.
Huh?
Why do I want to yell at someone?
Oh, no real reason. Just that FOR SOME FUCKING REASON! I can’t increase my level. That’s right, I can’t level up I am just stuck at level 1. It’s already 2025 and even though I’ve been going to dungeons since 2021 I haven’t gained a single level. Though I said I would like to yell at that guild I don’t think it was something that they did.
No one else ever reported being stuck at a level so, it’s something this weird god like system messed up. Now that I think about it, it’s pretty weird that everyone just accepted this weird system that manages the dungeons as normal. It’s just a common thing that everyone bats no eyes at. Maybe it’s human greed or maybe it’s because around 2011 due to players and guilds no dungeons ever had monsters come out of them.
*GROWL!*
Oh, look more goblins. They must be mad at me butchering their fallen comrades for their ears and mana crystals which have a decent value. What are mana crystals you say? They can be used to give you exp and used in crafting items. Hold on while I kill these goblins real quick.
*Enemies killed!*
Gold Coins: 15.
Exp: ̷1̷5̷ *ERROR*
At least I still get gold coins… Speaking of which Gold Coins completely replaced all other forms of currency in the world, which is fun. What isn’t fun, is that I get an error on my exp whenever I “gain“ any exp. Due this annoying bullshit I can’t level up and am forever stuck at level 1 and no guilds would let me join.
Ahh forever level 1 and solo… I wish that the system would at least give me the monsters drops but, no. You have to get the drops manually which entails cutting up enemies for their mana crystals and resources that have value. At least I have a stupidly OP skill called Spacial Storage that I got when I became a player. Oh, you want to see my stats? Sure.
Anri: “Status!”
Name: Anri Yei.
Sex: Female.
Race: Human.
Level: 1.
HP: 50/50.
MP: 5/5.
DEX: 6.
END: 8.
STR: 12.
AGI: 18.
DEF: 20.
Skills: Spacial Storage (S).
Basic as all hell, right? Oh the (S) is the rarity. Not many people have an (A) rank rarity skill let alone an (S) rank. I know what you’re thinking. Couldn’t I just tell a guild that I have this super OP rare skill and join that way? Well yeah but, I doubt they’d treat me fairly and my life would also be in constant danger if people knew that I had such a rare skill so, the solo life for me.
Since I’ve finished dismantling these Goblins whilst talking to myself in my head, I guess I’ll stop for the day. Oh? You’re wondering why there’s a race section in my status? Well after the dungeons appeared at random women would give birth to a different race then themselves and still do to this day. Those races being various Elf races, Fairy’s, and Beastmen. No dwarfs though. Non-human races are players by default on the day they’re born. Anyway, I’m almost out of the dungeon.
Anri: “How much longer can I do this?”
I say to no one in particular. After leaving the dungeon I make my way toward the Blossom Guild which, is the most powerful guild in the world not just Japan. Because me being stuck at level 1 is common knowledge most guilds don’t let me sell my drops to them. Those that do, pay me basically nothing for them. Despite this, the Blossom Guild graciously buys my drops and at the market prices as well.
Anri: “Hello Lana.”
Lana: “Ahh, Miss Anri. Good to see you.”
Lana is the receptionist that always seems to be the only receptionist around when I go to the guild to sell my drops.
Anri: “Likewise.”
Lana: “Here to sell your drops?”
Anri: “Yup.”
Lana: “Let me guess… Goblin Ears, Teeth and small mana crystals?”
Anri: “Bingo!”
Lana: “It’s not really hard to guess when you’ve been selling the same drops for years you know.”
Anri: “Hey, it isn’t my fault that the only unclaimed F rank dungeon is the one that only has Goblins.”
Lana: “True.”
Lana: “I know that you can’t level up but, what happens to all the exp you get?”
Anri: “Beats me, whenever the ”Enemies killed!“ screen pops up the amount of exp is crossed out and there’s an error message next to it.”
Lana: “An error huh… I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone reporting an error message before.”
Anri: “Me either.”
Lana: “Have you done any research on figuring out how to fix it?”
Anri: “Yeah but, I found nothing.”
Lana: “That’s a shame…”
Anri: “I just hope that all of the exp I’ve gained over the years has been banked and when whatever godlike being that manages this system fixes my exp and I get it all in one shot.”
Lana: “How much exp would that be?”
Anri: “Let’s see… According to the system I’ve killed 58,875 Goblins. Each Goblin is worth 5 exp so almost 300K exp.”
Lana: “That’s quite a lot of exp…”
Anri: “Right? I wonder how many levels I would gain?”
Lana: “Looking for insider information I see.”
Anri: “I’m willing to pay of course.”
Lana: “Haha! No need. Such information is free for my dear Anri.”
Anri: “Oh, are you flirting with me?”
Lana: “Not really, I just think you’re cute.”
Anri: “Darn!”
Lana: “Anyway, the amount of exp required to level up is different for everyone so, it’s impossible to figure out how many levels you’d gain.”
Anri: “That so? Well, thanks for the info anyway.”
Lana: “No problem. I’ve also finished with you drops so, here’s the money.”
Anri: “850 Gold Coins? Oh Lana, you spoil me so.”
That amount of Gold Coins is enough to pay the rent for my apartment for a year. Keep in mind that it’s a pretty high-end apartment.
Lana: “This isn’t special treatment. A new low level health potion recipe was discovered that uses Goblin ears as one of the ingredients so, the price shot up quite a bit.”
Ahh, so that’s why I notice more players at that dungeon than usual. Stupid pricks kept kill stealing so I wasn’t able to kill as many Goblins as I do most of the time I go there.
Anri: “Good for me!”
Lana: “That it is.”
Since I’ve known Lana for quite a long time, maybe I can ask her something I’ve always wondered.
Anri: “Hey lana.”
Lana: “Yes dear?”
Anri: “Can I ask you a question about the Blossom Guild?”
Lana: “Of course.”
Anri: “Alright, why does this guild allow me to sell my drops and even at the market price?”
Stolen novel; please report.
Lana: “T-that…”
Anri: “What’s wrong?”
Lana: “I am not aware of the reason why.”
Anri: “Really?”
Lana: “Before I met you, I was told by the Guild Master to buy your drops and at market price.”
Anri: “Guild Master?”
Lana: “The Guild Master is miss Kirari Oteme. The reason why I am always the one to help you is because it’s easier than explaining to other receptionists about you.”
Anri: “Oh so that’s why but, Isn’t she the strongest player in the world?”
Lana: “That’s correct.”
Anri: “I’ve never met her before. Why would she help me out like this? And for so many years at that…”
Lana: “That I do not know… Maybe she heard about you and got curious?”
Anri: “I don’t think curiosity's lasts for that many years...”
Lana: “Then. Maybe she finds you cute?”
Anri: “That’s a good joke.”
It’s not that I’m degrading myself or anything. As for my looks. I’m 5’4 with short brown hair and oddly enough deep gold eyes. I also wear glasses. And my breast size is a c cup. I’d say that I have a pretty common appearance besides my eyes. Especially compared to Lana who, has long green hair, big breasts, with emerald green eyes she is probably at least 6’2. On top of that she is very beautiful.
Lana: “Don’t be yourself down like that. Anri you’re extremely cute!”
Anri: “Thanks but, not when compared to you Lana.”
Lana: “W-well thanks for the compliment but, you should know that everyone is beautiful in their own ways.”
Anri: “Meaning?”
Lana: “Your version of cute and beautiful is different from mine and different people will prefer different kinds of cute and beautiful.”
Anri: “That does make me feel better about myself.”
Anri: “Thank you ever so wise Lana!”
Lana: “Anytime.”
Lana: “Do you have anything else planned for today?”
Anri: “Huh? Not really I was just going to grab some food and head home.”
Lana: “Is that so? Then would you like to get some food with my instead?”
Anri: “Oh, are you inviting me out on a date?”
Lana: “Nope! My shift is about to end so, I figured that we could…”
Anri: “Hmm? Lana what’s wrong you cut yourself off mid-sentence…”
Lana: “G-Guild Master! What can I help you with?”
I turned around to look at the mentioned Guild master and GOOD LORD! She is beautiful! Me and Lana can’t even compare to how beautiful she is. I’ve seen Lana stood up before so I can tell that Kirari is even taller than her. Her breasts are also bigger, probably an F cup, how does she even fight with those... Anyway, she has deep black long hair that she has put up in a pony tail. Her eyes are blood red and she has red framed glasses. As for her outfit, she is wearing an expensive looking black suit with a black skirt and stockings.
Kirari: “Nothing, Lana. I’m actually here for miss Yei. Your shift should be over now, right? Have a good rest of your day.”
Lana: “That’s right, thanks…”
I thought I heard Lana say “Goddammit I missed my chance” quietly before she walked away but, it must have been my imagination.
Anri: “Whatever I’m being accused of I’m innocent!”
Kirari: “You aren’t in any trouble miss Yei. I just want to ask for your help with something.”
Hnng! Her voice is like silk. If I wasn’t already a lesbian, she would have made me one at this exact moment. I wonder if she noticed that I keep stealing glances at her breasts. Too be fair she is so tall that I have to look up at her so, I have a good excuse if I need one.
Anri: “My help?”
Kirari: “That’s right. Miss Yei if you would, please come to my office with me to explain.”
Anri: “Sure, I don’t mind.”
Saying that, Kirari lead me to the elevator which took a solid silent 5 minutes to reach the top floor which apparently where her office is. Her office is huge and very luxurious.
Kirari: “Please sit on the couch, one of my maids will get us some tea and then we’ll talk about why I need your help.”
Anri: “Sure and thanks!”
Dammit! She even has really beautiful maids…I WANT BEAUTIFUL MAIDS TO SERVE ME GODDAMIT!!! Despite my inner turmoil I sat down on the couch and damn… It feels so soft! I could easily fall asleep on it.
Kirari: “Miss Yei.”
Anri: “Yes?”
Kirari: “Do you have a storage skill?”
Anri: “I do. It’s called Spacial Storage and it’s rarity is (S).”
Kirari: “That’s quite a useful and rare skill but… Miss yei, why would you admit to having it?”
Anri: “I doubt you’d ask me if you didn’t think that I had such a skill.”
Kirari: “Even still…”
Anri: “Think of it as me trying to repay your kindness for buying all of my drops for all these years. Apart from me, you’re the only other person who knows that I have this skill.”
That’s a lie. She’s so beautiful that there’s no way I could lie to her. I’ve never been good at lying to pretty women…
Kirari: “Thank you that’s quite the honor.”
Kirari: “Is there a limit to how much you can store?”
Anri: “To my knowledge, no. I’ve put tons of stuff into my storage over the years and I’ve yet to reach the limit.”
Kirari: “Why hide it? With that skill you’d be desired by every guild.”
Anri: “I have no desire to make my life harder by letting people know that I have such an OP skill. My life would always be in danger if I did.”
Kirari: “That’s true… And the fact that you can’t level up means you can’t really protect yourself at all.”
Anri: “That hurts to hear but, yeah that’s correct.”
Anri: “If it wasn’t for your help, I’d probably still be doing shitty part time jobs and barely surviving pay check to pay check.”
Kirari: “I’m glad that I could help.”
Anri: “Speaking of that, why did you help me?”
Kirari: “Because I think you’re cute and beautiful also, because you’re special.”
Anri: “Overlooking your joke, Special how?”
Kirari: “That wasn’t a joke.”
She said that without hint of sarcasm. Which means she is interested in me to some degree…Nice!
Anri: “I see… Well, I find you quite beautiful and cute as well.”
Kirari: “T-Thanks!”
SHE BLUSHED AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! GOD, THANKS FOR LETTING ME BE BORN. MY ENTIRE EXISTENCE HAS BEEN FOR THIS EXACT MOMENT! SEEING SUCH A POWERFUL WOMAN BLUSH LIKE A LITTLE GIRL IS THE MOST AMAZING THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!
Anri: “*Cough* Anyway, what do you mean by me being special?”
Kirari: “You’re the only person to not be able to level up. In my opinion even if you’re stuck at level 1 it’s a good idea to keep you close.”
Kirari: “Know that my suspicion of you having the only storage skill in existence, it’s that lucky I got to you before the other big guilds could.”
Anri: “Huh what do you mean? I haven’t noticed any other guild being interested in me.”
Kirari: “Even before you showed up at my guild, I had some of the top players at Blossom watching you and preventing other guilds getting to you.”
Anri: “…”
Kirari: “The small guilds didn’t really care but the other big ones realized that you could be extremely special and were just hiding your abilities.”
Kirari: “In all the years since its been known that you can’t level up, players from my guild has been protecting you.”
Anri: “Even when I’m in a dungeon?”
Kirari: “Yes.”
That would explain why I’ve never really been in danger… OH WAIT!
Anri: “I almost died when I first going to the Goblin dungeon but, I was saved by cloaked player who saved me. Where they from Blossom?”
Kirari: “That was me.”
Anri: “…”
Anri: “I see… Thanks a lot for saving and protecting me for all these years!”
Kirari: “Don’t mention it.”
Anri: “If the other big guilds want me, why didn’t you just have me join your guild?”
Kirari: “To protect new players from guilds abusing them, a law was made where a player must at least level 10 to be able to join a guild.”
Anri: “Then the other big guilds are in the same boat as you right? Then why would they try to get me if I couldn’t join?”
Kirari: “They probably wanted to just keep you locked up until they could figure out a solution.”
Anri: “That’s pretty messed up…”
Kirari: “That it is but, all of that changes today.”
Anri: “What do you mean?”
Kirari: “It took 4 years but, I’ve managed to get that law to exclude you.”
Anri: “How’d you manage that?”
Kirari: “I tried using money for 4 years but, the Japanese government kept saying that it would take longer and they also kept asking me for more money.”
Anri: “What changed?”
Kirari: “Yesterday, I told them that if they didn’t exclude you from that law then I’d destroy the world. It’s hard to tell if the Japanese caved in by themselves or because all the other major countries pressured them.”
Anri: “…”
Anri: “Were you serious about destroying the world?”
Kirari: “No.”
Anri: “That’s goo…”
Kirari: “At most I would have just killed everyone in the Japanese government.”
Anri: “I see…”
Kirari: “They even gave me back all of the money I gave them, with the excuse that they fired the corrupted official responsible.”
Anri: “That’s good. How much money anyway?”
Kirari: “Not much. Just 500 million Gold coins.”
Anri: “…”
Kirari motioned to one of her maids and said maid brought out a stack of paper.
Kirari: “Anyway, Miss Yei. Please sign these papers and you’ll be an official member of the Blossom Guild.”
Anri: “That’s a huge contract…”
Kirari: “That it is. Mostly legal jargon though.”
Kirari: “This contract is the contract that the top players at my guild sign.”
Anri: “Top players?”
Kirari: “That’s correct. You get many benefits.”
Anri: “Such as?”
Kirari: “Monthly Salary of 25K Gold Coins, Access to all of the guild’s facilities such as the gym, spa, restaurant, pool, blacksmith, etc. Access to all of the dungeons that the Blossom guild owns. No number of required hours per month or year. We can’t force you to join a dungeon raid. And many more benefits.”
Anri: “That sounds absolutely amazing but, what’s the catch?”
Kirari: “The benefits have to be amazing or top players wouldn’t bother to join our guild. As for the ”catch” there really is none. Unless you count being unable to join another guild as a downside.”
Anri: “So exclusivity?”
Kirari: “That’s right.”
Anri: “What do you get out of this?”
Kirari: “You’ve heard of porters, right?”
Anri: “Yeah I have. They don’t fight but go into dungeons with a party and haul all of the dropped items.”
Kirari: “Correct. I want you in my guild for one reason.”
Anri: “That being?”
Kirari: “I want you to be my personal porter.”
Anri: “Personal?”
Kirari: “That’s right. I want ask you to go with any other player except me.”
Anri: “Why’s that?”
Kirari: “When I go into a dungeon, it’s usually an S rank. Due to the number of monsters in an S rank dungeon on average I have to have over 100 porters to be able to pick up all of the drops.”
Anri: “And if you took me instead you wouldn’t need any of them?”
Kirari: “That’s correct. Protecting one porter is far more easier than having to protect a hundred of them.”
Anri: “Are you sure about that?”
Kirari: “What do you mean?”
Anri: “I’m pretty sure any monster in a S rank Dungeon could kill me in one hit.”
Kirari: “That may be so but, not with all of the equipment I’ll be providing you.”
Anri: “Equipment?”
Kirari: “Sign the contract and I’ll give them to you. I won’t even ask for them back either. There yours to keep.”
Anri: “It feels like I’m signing a deal with the devil… But I just can’t say no.”
It wasn’t as simple as sign one line unfortunately. I had to sign over 100 different papers. It took a solid 2 hours and copious amounts of tea and bathroom breaks.
Anri: “Oh God. My hand is so sore…”
Kirari: “Here, take your items. It’ll cheer you up.”
Saying that she waved over some of her maids who dumped a bunch of equipment on the table in front of me. Rather than being outfits all of the equipment were one ring, Two bracelets, A necklace, and one dagger. At first, I was a little disappointed but, once I examined them, I nearly passed out.
:Ring:
Athanasia's Ring of Fortune (S).
+EXP: x 50
+Gold Coins: x 50
Special Effects: Item Concealment (S).
:Bracelets:
Bracelet of Hercules (S).
+STR: 9999
+DEF: 9999
Special Effects: Item Concealment (S).
Bracelet of Hermes (S).
+HP: 5000
+DEX: 5000
+END: 5000
+AGI: 5000
Special Effects: Item Concealment (S).
:Necklace:
Necklace of Absolute Divine Protection (S).
+HP: 500
+MP: 500
Special Effects: Absolute Immunity (S). Divine Constant Healing (S). Item Concealment (S).
:Dagger:
Paimon’s Dagger (S).
DMG: 5000.
Anri: “…”
Anri: “I can’t accept all of these.”
Kirari: “Don’t worry about it and just accept them.”
Anri: “But…”
Kirari: “You need these, if you don’t accept them then you’ll be in too much danger when going to S rank Dungeons.”
Anri: “Aren’t these way too OP?”
Kirari: “Not at all. Even with all of them you’d still need my protection.”
Anri: “Fine, I accept them. Thanks!”
Kirari: “No problem.”
Good lord these are really overpowered. Though I wonder what Item concealment mea…
Kirari: “Item concealment means once you put them on you can make them disappear but keep all of the effects of them. You won’t even feel them on.”
Kirari: “It might not look like it but, I’m currently covered in powerful gear.”
Anri: “Can you read minds?”
Kirari: “No. It’s just not the first time someone was curious about the item concealment effect.”
Anri: “How so?”
Kirari: “Only my blacksmith is capable of giving an item that effect. No one else besides me and the top players at my guild have items with it. It’s also a trade secret.”
Anri: “Explains why I’ve never heard of it.”
I put on all of the equipment on and instantly felt like I had gained 100 levels. Well, I assume that’s what this feels like due to the fact I’ve never leveled up. I used item concealment and the items disappeared but, looking at my stats they’re still there even though I can’t feel them. I put the dagger into my storage since I don’t need it right now.
Kirari: “I will be going to S rank dungeon tomorrow and I would like if you could come with me.”
Anri: “Of course.”
Kirari: “Great!”
Kirari: “I curious if you can finally level up.”
Anri: “Why would I?”
Kirari: “You’ve only ever killed Goblins, right?”
Anri: “True… Maybe I’ll level up if I kill something other than a Goblin is what you’re thinking correct?”
Kirari: “Correct.”
Kirari: “Oh, I almost forgot, here’s your guild card.”
Anri: “Don’t these take a few days to make?”
Kirari: “Yes. I made this one for you years ago.”
Anri: “Thanks!”
Kirari: “No problem. I’m sure you’re tired so, I’ll have one of my maids deliver dinner for you in your apartment.”
Anri: “It’s fine don’t worry about it. My apartment is 40 minutes away.”
Kirari: “I meant your apartment here.”
Anri: “Huh?”
Kirari: “I already had my maids bring over all of the stuff from your old apartment as well.”
Anri: “I can’t accept an apartment on top of what you’ve already given me…”
Kirari: “Too late! Accepting ownership of the apartment was in the contract you’ve signed.”
Anri: “…That’s sneaky but, fine. What floor is it on?”
Kirari: “Floor 99.”
Anri: “Isn’t your office on floor 100?”
Kirari: “That’s right.”
Anri: “I see. How many roommates do I have?”
Kirari: “None. The entire floor is yours. The layout is similar to my office. I call it my office but, I actually live here hence why my maids are here.”
Kirari: “I apologize but, one of my maids will have to bring you dinner. The maids I’ve selected for you aren’t here yet. They will most likely arrive before you wake up tomorrow.”
Anri: “Are the maids apart of the contract as well?”
Kirari: “That’s right.”
Anri: “I would like for you to know that you SAID IT WAS MOSTLY LEGAL JARGON!”
Kirari: “Keyword being ”mostly“ haha.”
Anri: “You really got me good…”
Kirari: “I figured that if I gave you all of this without using an underhanded method you wouldn’t accept any of it.”
Anri: “That’s true…God my head hurts…”
Kirari: “Must be hungry.”
Anri: “You…”
Kirari: “Please take miss Yei to her apartment.”
She said to one of her maids. As I got off the elevator and went into my new apartment, I almost passed out… It was so big and luxurious, I think it might be even more luxurious than Kirari’s office… The maid guided me to the dining room table.
Maid: “Please sit here while go pickup your dinner.”
Anri: “Okay. Thanks.”
Maid: “No need to thank me.”
After 15 minutes the maid came back with a steak with mash potatoes. She even got a can of soda. Seems like Kirari knows about my soda addiction…
Anri: “What kind of steak is this? It looks and smells amazing.”
Maid: “Wagyu A5 with a score of 12.”
Anri: “WAGYU? WAIT!”
The maid did not wait for me to voice my un acceptance of this extremely expensive meal, and gave a perfect bow on the elevator I assume until the door closed. I took a bite and felt shivers all over my body… THIS IS THE BEST STEAK I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE AND QUITE POSSIBLE MY PAST LIVES!!!
After I finished savoring my food, I headed to bed and of course the bed was like laying on a cloud. Before I fell asleep I funny thought.
Anri: “Did I just get adopted by a rich and powerful sugar momma?”
Well, I don’t really know if Kirari has romantic feelings for me. Maybe she just wants to use me for my storage skill and nothing more? Either way I don’t really care. It would be amazing is she did like me romantically though. I wonder if I’ll finally be able to level up but, let’s leave that for tomorrows me.