Although I have not been here for a long period of time, I am compelled to confess that the human world is quite captivating. They possess a wide selection of vehicles that surpasses the capabilities of horse-drawn carriages, permitting them to visit numerous locations in a short space of time, subject to the distance. As for the food, it is quite exquisite. The variety of spices and combinations they have perfected over the years has me longing for more. I particularly enjoy this dish that involves flattening bread, and then topping it with a red sauce and cheese. Furthermore, you can add whatever ‘toppings’ you desire as it baked to perfection. I think it is called ‘pizza’.

Nonetheless, I am most fascinated by the devices known as smartphones. I was greatly absorbed by the capacity to show pictures on devices that look so ordinary. Despite its minimal size, this device holds an immense amount of information that far surpasses what a book can offer. Accessing such information requires only a finger, a battery, and a connection to this ‘Wi-Fi’. Much to my dismay, these humans have me feeling jealous of their novelties.

The potential drawback of this, however, is that I am not of the same age. Reasonably, I am inept at harnessing such inventions. In light of that, I had to feign familiarity with these devices as if I had been using them my entire life, as I had asserted I was from Earth. If the two simpletons were to learn I lacked knowledge of how to use a smartphone or any of these technological gadgets, then my disguise may be exposed. Truly a predicament I have not foreseen…

“Welcome back to another show of ‘What’s in the box!”

A girl’s shrill voice interrupted my experimentation. I let out a frustrated sigh and placed the smartphone down gently on gray marble.

“For a luxury building, these walls are as thin as grass…”

Those of higher ranks amongst the superhumans are presented with the possibility of owning their own comfortable home in the apartment buildings of their guild. Since Dungeon Squadron is one of the top guilds in the country, their given sizeable earnings. Members of a guild who has taken up their guilds offer live in the same building. The bottom floor is reserved for low-rankers, and the top floor for high-rankers. If I remember correctly, there are only two people so far that are living on the top floor, and that is-

“Hey, Lana! You got a minute?”

A voice just as annoying as Luna spoke beyond the front door. Scowling to myself, I lifted myself off a cushioned stool and shuffled to the front.

“Just act natural… Just act natural…”

After psyching myself up, I abruptly swung open the doors. The boy in front of me jolted in surprise.

“Jesus! Why’d you open it like that?!”

“What do you want, Isaac?”

Isaac peeked over my shoulder and glanced around my apartment. “Not gonna invite me in?”

I furrowed my brow, my annoyance already growing. “…Come on in.”

Reluctantly, I stepped aside and allowed Isaac to enter. He beamed with joy and marched right inside, and I closed the door.

“Yep, looks the same as my apartment,” he said, inspecting the interior. The floor plan of the apartment was 1,200 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The walls were painted white, and the rooms were furnished with common household appliances.

“You can take a seat over there.” I pointed over at the marble table near the kitchen. As Isaac took his seat, I leaned against a nearby wall, staring at him.

“When you stare at me that intensely, I might get the wrong idea,” he chuckled.

I wrinkled my nose with revulsion. “Get-to-the-point.”

“The Second Stage starts soon.”

“And? What of it?”

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“Just wondering if you might have an idea of what it could be.”

This is the reason this fool conversed with me? To talk about the pitiful stages? Don’t make me laugh. Of course I know what these stages consists of. Demos was gracious enough to provide me with a brief overview prior to commencing my mission. I know what to expect, and how many stages there are in total. I am aware of the information, however I have no desire to disclose it. If the mortals are amply prepared for what’s coming, then Demos’ plan will lose its meaning.

“… I am at a loss for what the stages entail. My guess is as good as yours.”

Isaac gazed at me dubiously for a moment and sighed. “Well, it was worth a try. I thought you might’ve gotten a hint or something since you finished first last time.”

While I did not receive a hint from the First Stage, I reaped its first-place rewards. The item I’ve been granted is sitting in my Inventory, and I plan on using it soon. But, for right now, it will collect dust. It is a key ingredient that will benefit me greatly.

“If there is nothing else to talk about, you may leave.”

Isaac turned around on his stool and faced me. “Actually, I got one more question.”

Oh gods, what now?

“When we first sparred, how are you able to fight so well? You fight as if you knew my every move. You have me beat in close and long range. If I somehow got close to you, you’d simply disarm me in one move. Have you been training at dojos since you were a kid?”

Ah, he is curious about my skills. At the very least, this mortal has a good eye. Well, as someone who is 2031 years old, I’ve had ample time to train and hone my skills. I’ve watched many battles and experienced many battles. I even taught a few disciples myself just for the fun of it. Thanks to those experiences, I can hold my own against the other gods, though it pertains only to lower and middle deities. Ah, wait. How should I answer him?

“You said dojo, correct? When I was younger, I have taken part in one for a while. Alas, that dojo shut down because of some higher power.”

Isaac rested his chin on a chain. “Some higher power? Must have run out of money or something. No wonder I couldn’t beat you.”

“Obviously you can’t beat me,” I smirked. “To even compare to my power, you would need thousands of years of training. If I remember correctly, our spar ended in 30 seconds flat.”

Isaac scowled at the gloating. “Acting cocky now, are we? Heh, just you wait. I’ll wipe that smirk off your face and beat you. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re out of my league. Give me a few months and I’ll be the one who comes out on top.”

At his boasting, my eyes widened in surprise. I even let out a small chuckle at the mortal’s confidence.

“I would like to see you try. As it stands, I don’t even need to lift a single finger.”

“So I’m at that level to you? I guess I’ll have to make my way up, one finger at a time.”

Isaac stood up from the stool and sauntered by, his hand on the doorknob. Before opening it, he looked over his shoulder.

“You won’t be on top for long, Lana. There will always be someone who will try to usurp your throne. Ever since I got a taste of what being first is like in the rankings, I felt overwhelmed with joy. I will never allow myself to be number two when first is right there. Once I reach that goal, no one will take it from me. Not even my sister.”

With those words lingering in the air, Isaac shut the door firmly.

“What a disgusting personality. Reminds me of the past. A rank shouldn’t dictate your actions…”

I bid you good luck, Isaac. If your goal is to usurp my throne, then it will be a long and daunting challenge. How can someone with a finite lifetime hope to obtain the wisdom and insight of a god who has existed for thousands of years? You aren’t even sure you will survive the oncoming stages. You are a fool, just like the rest. A dreamer. An ant facing a perilous mountain such as I. No matter what you do, you will not overcome such a hurdle. You will be chained to the floor with the rest of the mortals…

[The Second Stage will begin shortly. Please wait a moment while preparations are finalized.]

And here it is- the Second Stage. The real challenge for these mortals begins. The First Stage can be considered the tutorial, but on a grander scale. Now, the difficulty will spike from here on out. Those unprepared will inevitably meet their demise. Those who are prepared will increase their odds of survival by 10%, at most. Without strength and wit, you are merely fodder. Rushing along headfirst is a simple-minded tactic. The ones who are intelligent survive in the end. Which one is Isaac, I wonder? Only time will tell. Let’s see if you’re all talk…

“Let’s look at my Status before it begins. Status.”

Name: Xalan

Rank: 1st

Points: 4268

Strength: 61 Agility: 62

Durability: 61 Mana: 97

Masteries: Blood Manipulation Lvl 7 Blood Absorption Lvl 4 Mana Barrier Lvl 2 Mana Field Lvl 4 Soul Snatch Lvl 1 Night Vision Lvl 5

I did not get many opportunities to increase my Stats, so it’s been a struggle. I’ve been cooped up in my room, familiarizing myself with technology. Researching is what I spend most of my time, and I’d say it’s been… helpful, to say the least. I must immerse myself with this new age as if I belonged here. Instead of ‘acting’ naturally, I must become a mortal. It’s the same as breathing. You don’t need to think about breathing to commit the action. Body language is something I must work on as well. I am not confident with my ability to use items such as televisions and microwaves. Through repetition and learning, the brain will soak it all up and the actions will become one with my body.

[Preparations complete. You will now be teleported to the Second Stage.]

“Enough dilly dallying now. Let’s get this over with.”

[Teleportation in five…]

[Four…]

[Three…]

[Two…]

[One…]