It’s been about an hour since I started randomly practicing my skill in the courtyard, and I’m getting more and more exhausted. Most of my mental energy is also nearly depleted. The only reason I’ve lasted this long is that I’m using it on myself.
If I had targeted someone else, my energy would have drained much faster.
I rested on a nearby bench for ten minutes, then began walking back to my room at a slow pace, weary from the effort.
I showed my student ID card to the gate guard, and after a quick scan, he allowed me through. I headed up to the fourth floor and into my room, then immediately collapsed onto the comfortable bed. A sharp headache hit me.
My skill doesn’t just drain mental energy; it also pushes my mind to its limits after a short time. As I’ve said before, my weak mind puts up a barrier for me, and unfortunately, the only solution takes a lot of time…
I took a deep breath to calm myself, grabbed a set of clothes, and went to take a shower.
Since it’s still early morning, I’m thinking of going out to find my first movement card.
Because this is a game, there must be obstacles for players from level 1 to level 100.
To familiarize players quickly with combat methods and help them form a bond with the gameplay, there have to be easy or quick ways to access them.
If every move were difficult to obtain, players might leave the game before even trying it.
And for that reason, someone like me can hope to find such legendary items.
I turned off the faucet, dried myself off, and put on my usual clothes before heading out.
First, I went to the kitchen, prepared a quick meal so I wouldn’t get hungry on the way, and packed a bag with enough water and food for at least two days. I added a large kitchen knife for good measure.
After confirming that I had everything, I took a deep breath and left the apartment.
Since the game starts a day before classes begin, most beginner items are either scattered around the city or in hidden places. Not wanting to go into those hidden spots, I decided to search for something else, something more fitting.
As for the sword sweep I mentioned earlier, I’ll find it when I reach level 20; it’s in the same location as the explosion move.
If I manage a one-in-a-thousand chance and am placed near the player in the first test, I might actually get it.
If only it weren’t so hard to obtain right now, I would have gone there immediately, but alas. Today’s goal is a movement-focused skill: Wind Body.
Wind Body, a movement card in three parts. Given my level, I’ll only get the first part. I can save the rest for either the player or myself in the future.
Most moves are usable at all levels, but beginner skills are designed to prevent players from overpowering themselves too soon.
If the game was all about wandering around and easily slaying enemies, no one would enjoy it. It has its fair share of difficulty, after all.
Taking all this into account, I know it will be challenging to improve my offense and defense.
I’ll focus on agility and Zen for now, with mental strength as a side goal.
If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
I looked up at the sky, thinking about how surprising it is to see how much I’ve changed in just one night. My parents wouldn’t recognize me if they saw me now…
If someone else had experienced those memories, they might have handled them better, maybe…
Because it happened to someone with a weak mind like me, some people might face unimaginable consequences.
"Fourth ending… Fourth ending…"
I cut out all unnecessary thoughts and focused on my goal.
I can return to my usual lazy self once I’ve completed the fourth ending. Then I’ll know for sure that my life and my thoughts aren’t just things imposed on me.
They aren’t things someone else controls. They belong to me and only me.
For that reason, I’ll put in every ounce of effort I have, all to prove a point to myself…
Yes, my mind is indeed weak, If I hadn’t gotten those memories… if only…
I exited through the academy’s northern gate and took another look at the high-quality security system.
There are three gates you must pass through to enter the academy, each designed with incredible attention to detail.
Strong warriors guard every corner; even a full army would find it impossible to breach this place easily.
The walls are tall and extremely sturdy, made from unknown — but strong and valuable — materials.
A place like this is enough to make anyone feel safe, but it’s ironic that I experienced the most unfortunate event of my life here.
I left quickly and easily after showing my ID to the guards at the exit, breathing in the air outside the fortress.
"Yes… the air outside is indeed more polluted…"
Even though a new, cleaner energy source, one even better than nuclear power, has been discovered, some areas are still somewhat polluted.
Still, it’s much better than Earth before the catastrophe. I don’t know how people lived with that air back then…
I opened my phone quickly and tapped on the map app.
Since my home is in the western region of the human nation, I’m entirely unfamiliar with places around here.
Although I have the game developer’s memories of this world, he only knew the significant places or those he had to spend time designing.
Of course, he wouldn’t remember where all fifteen-plus train stations are, and that’s just within the central area.
The good thing is I still know where many of the moves are located — too many, really.
Unfortunately, I can’t take them all; otherwise, I might trigger the second outcome I’m trying to avoid.
[Second Outcome: Death of the player due to External Influence: A Disaster Even Perrin Wants to Avoid]
I finally arrived at the train station. I paid via phone, entered, and rested on the seats for a while.
The place I want to reach is one of the natural areas located at the city’s edge, about 17 kilometers from the fort.
The train arrived six minutes later, and I grabbed one of the overhead handles as I boarded.
Despite the significant advancement in transportation and the increasing number of transit stations, it’s still impossible to board a train in the morning without it being crowded.
"What a situation…"
I could barely squeeze out when I reached my stop. Dozens of passengers made it nearly impossible to move at all.
I took a breath of fresh air as soon as I got out, having suffered from shortness of breath throughout that train ride…
I quickly exited the underground station and emerged on the surface.
There was a crossroads:
The first path led to a nearby shopping center and an area filled with hotels for temporary stays.
The second path had some shops and local restaurants, ending at a patch of trees.
A sign warned that the area ahead could be disorienting and difficult to navigate.
It didn’t hold many dangers since city guards frequently patrolled it. And it wasn’t large enough to justify erecting walls or anything. It’s mostly a playground for neighborhood kids.
In the game, the player receives a side quest as soon as they pass through this area, given by a girl worried about her younger brother who went into the forest and didn’t return.
When searching the area and following footprints, the player finds the boy in a hidden cave, trying to solve a puzzle.
The player is supposed to return the child for the experience points (to level up) and can then revisit the cave to solve the puzzle themselves.
Since this quest is due to take place in less than a week and the player isn’t necessarily coming here, it’s all left to me.
Reaching that cave is easy enough: 200 steps forward, then 100 steps to the left.
Even accounting for the difference between my stride and the player’s, I should at least reach the general area of the cave.
Taking a deep breath, I entered the forest.