The person in front of me is much larger on second glance. He must be almost a foot taller than me. The mask he’s wearing is completely black with a red hexagon engraved on its center. The other two men aren’t wearing masks and haven’t moved yet.
I swallow a mixture of saliva and vomit coating my throat and mouth. “Uh, who are you? What the hell is going on?”
The man with the mask is unresponsive. His head is still resting in a halfway tilt. I tilt my head back at him in confusion.
“Hello?” I decide to get up and walk out of the circle of candles that surround me. They look to be the only source of light in this cave.
I walk to the right of the person with the mask. He is completely non-reactive to my movements. I wave my hand in front of his face, but he refuses to move. The other two are the same way. Even their faces are still like statues.
I furrow my brows “What’s going on?”
“I’m what’s going on!”
I swerve my head to look at where I was once standing to find a.. Uh, ‘person’ standing there. This thing is in the shape of a human child and they're not wearing any clothes. Its entire body is the same matte gray color, but its eyes are pitch black throughout. A big goofy smile rests on its face opposing its terrifying form.
“What are you?”
It responds with the voice of a massive crowd all whispering the same thing at once. “I was going to ask you the same thing, mystery woman!”
It vanishes and reappears right in front of me an instant causing me to fall back in shock. My mind reels trying to make sense of what’s going on. It stands over me. Its face is covered in shadow as the only source of light is behind it.
It snaps its fingers as hundreds of little balls of light fill the room.
“Wh- what are you doing?”
It frowns at my question “I was just giving us a little more light to see. Say, you ask a lot of questions, but I have questions too. So, how about this. You answer one of my questions, then I answer one of your questions!”
“Uh, okay.”
It gives me a big goofy smile it did previously and puts me at ease slightly. “Great! I’ll go first. Who are you?”
“Tiffany, Tiffany Day.”
It closes its eyes and nods for a bit like it’s savoring the answer. It opens its eyes and speaks. “Hi there Tiffany Day. It’s your turn now!” It sits down in front of me, cross legged.
It has the body of a child and wearing a slight grin and wide eyes, I could almost say it’s cute. That, if not for it having voids for eyes.
I sit up to meet its mystical gaze “Who are you then?”
“That’s a loaded question, so for starters, I’m just gonna say my name is Ydri.” It nods while saying this before perking up again. “Okay! My turn! Tiffany, are you human?”
I tilt my head at it “Uh, yeah. Isn’t that obvious?”
It immediately jumps up, but before I can make a break for it, Ydri squeaks “Yes! I knew it! And to answer your question, It is really unclear looking at you.”
I stop for a moment. ‘Unclear?’ I look down at my body, but I look and feel pretty normal. I look back up at Ydri “What do mean ‘unclear?’”
It wags a finger at me “nuh- uh -ah. It’s my turn to ask a question.”
I roll my eyes at it. Ydri’s demeanor completely diffuses any tension that was left. “Okay, whatever. Ask away.”
Ydri grins “So, I was going to ask, where are you from?”
I think for a moment. I’m not sure if I'm on earth anymore. Judging from the magic circle dragging me here and the mention of demons. And don’t forget whatever the hell Ydri is. I can guess I’m in some sort of weird isekai situation.
“I’m from earth.”
Ydri’s jaw drops, but not out of shock. It looks very confused. “Like- like the- dirt? Wait, is there a place called earth? Why would someone name their home after dirt? You’re not lying, are you?”
I raise an eyebrow at Ydri. “It’s actually my turn to ask a question.”
It looks at me dead faced for a moment before pouting. It walks back over to me before sitting down again grumbling. “Better not be lying.”
I give Ydri a mischievous smile before collecting myself. “So, what did you mean by ‘Unclear?’”
Ydri’s face turns contemplative and it puts a finger on its chin. “My perception, or field of view, is extremely large. Infinite actually. So, for the first time in my life there was something I couldn’t see. Saying you're unclear is a bit of an understatement. You're more like a gap to me.” It grin’s again. “And the best part is, I have no idea what you’re going to say or do next because of it.”
I let the Implications of that sink in for a minute. It can see everything? “Are you God?”
“I’m not gonna answer that!” Ydri stands up again and sighs “It’s my turn anyway. And I don’t feel like asking a question right now.”
It walks over in front of the masked cultist and looks up at him. “What I would like to know is how this one summoned you. Ehh, I can already hear what she has to say.” Ydri throws up its hands and puts on a mocking tone “I was just trying to summon a demon! I don’t know who this chick is! Please spare me! Ahh- plsh- Splat.”
I walk over behind Ydri and we look at the frozen cultist for a moment. Ydri has a strange presence, but the way it acts is oddly disarming. I’m still contemplating the fact it just casually mentions that it can see everything and then brush it off in the same breath. I mean, if Ydri’s telling the truth then that would mean he’s a god, right? Also, look at what he did to these cultists!
“Um, Ydri? What did you do to these guys?”
Ydri turns and gives me a blank stare for a solid 10 seconds. Finally it decides to break the tension with a lite smile. “Hey, I wanna try something. I don’t know if it will work, but sit still, okay!”
“Huh!” I feel something twist within me. Followed by the feeling you get when you're right about to fall asleep only to have your body jolt you awake. Every muscle in my body mildly starts to ache. A blue window appears in front of me.
Attempting System integration
13%
39%
78%
94%
99%
100%
Integration successful
-
Past feats detected / Evaluating now
You have slain a (Human/level 0)
-
Moderate experience rewarded
You have slain a (Human/level 0)
-
Moderate experience rewarded
-----
You have slain a (Human/level 0)
-
Less experience rewarded
You have leveled up! (0 → 1)
-
You have earned (5) stat points
-----
You have leveled up! (5 → 6)
-
You have earned (5) stat points
Congratulations, you have received a trait
-
(Serial Killer)
Congratulations, you have received a trait
-
(Interloper)
Congratulations, you have unlocked a skill
-
(Obscene Presence)
Congratulations, for reaching level (5)
-
(6) classes are available
“What the fuck!?”
“The fuck indeed. You did not give off the impression of a Serial Killer!” Ydri chuckles to itself, then looks back up at me “Your other trait ‘Interloper’ is interesting as well.” Its eyes widened “Surprising actually.”
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
I continue to stare at the screen full of notifications. Oh man, this is an isekai situation. It was kinda obvious from the beginning, but seeing a screen full of game-like notifications just hammers it home.
I’m also fully convinced that Ydri is some sort of god, seeing how it integrated me into this System or whatever. After the initial shock subsides I find myself smiling. An idea sets itself into my mind as I look at the notifications.
I could have a lot of fun with this.
“Status.” The notifications disappear and are replaced by a larger window. “This is so cool.”
Name (Tiffany Day) / Age (23) / Race (Human)
Alignment (Chaotic Neutral)
Class (N/A) / Level (6)
Stats / Stat Points (30)
Strength (5)
Durability (5)
Agility (5)
Endurance (5)
Intellect (5)
Soul (5)
Intrinsic Status
Vitality (100%)
Stamina (100%)
Sanity (78%)
Mana (100%)
Traits
(Interloper)
(Serial Killer)
Skills
(Obscene Presence) Level 1
[Class Selection Available]
Looks like I took a hit to my sanity. Makes sense, I did pick up and drop the whole serial killer thing like a phase. I’m going through a lot right now too I guess.
The second thing I take note of is that I have an alignment. Chaotic neutral, seems kinda fitting. I wonder why the system keeps track of something like that. Also, soul stat? Maybe it has something to do with magic.
I look down at my new traits. As soon as I focus on the Interloper trait, a new screen pops up.
Interloper / Rarity (Unique)
(You are an intruder from outside of creation itself. An unknown variable hailing from outside the machinations of the gods. What the hell are you?)
Any attempt to read your mind or predict your actions will fail.
Grants the skill (Obscene Presence)
I raise an eyebrow. That has to be very strong, because even the system is confused by me. Is this why Ydri said I look like a gap? And it also gave me this skill. What does Obscene Presence do?
Obscene Presence / Level (1)
(You're able to change your aura to appear malignant. When activated, your aura will make you appear as if you're a parasite festering in an open wound of reality, causing confusion. This will affect both friend and foe.)
Deals moderate (Psychic) damage
That last bit sounds like a warning. I gotta be careful when I use this if I don’t wanna hurt any allies I might have. Although I have a feeling this won’t affect Ydri. All that’s left to look at is Serial Killer and then figure out this whole class selection thing.
Serial Killer / Rarity (Uncommon)
(You have slaughtered over at least a dozen people of the same race for no other reason than for your own sick enjoyment. You are disgusting. That said, you have gotten very good at it.)
You are 25% more effective at dealing damage against humans
I was not really looking forward to reading this description. When I first saw that I got it I wanted to ignore it. I don’t feel bad for doing what I did, but it feels like my mom just walked in on me doing something I'm not supposed to.
When I did read it I did not expect it to outright insult me though. I think that makes me feel a little worse. Actually, no, this does make me upset. I sigh, it's not like I can do anything about the description though. I’m just gonna drop it and take the 25% more damage.
I was never good at rationalizing my actions anyway. That’s probably why my alignment is Chaotic Neutral. I wonder if I develop morals at some point, will my alignment change?
Before I could move on and find out what the class selection is all about, I hear a voice coming from behind the screen.
“Yooo! Ydri too Tiff! You there?” The screen vanishes to reveal Ydri pouting at me with its arms crossed. It sighs when I meet its gaze. “There you are, you completely zoned out when you pulled your system up!”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I just got a bit excited. That's all.” A grin breaks my face. “I have a few questions about the system, actu-”
Ydri cuts me off “Nope, you're gonna have to figure it out yourself!” A smile forms on its face as my smile slips off mine. “It’s more fun this way.”
I frown at it for a moment before shaking my head “I guess I can sympathize with that.”
“Good!” Ydri teleports to my side and slaps my back. “I had an idea of what to do next, but if you wanna have a moment to figure out the system, I can wait.” It teleports back to the cultist with the mask and looks up at him.
Ydri seems to be planning something. The fact that a being like it is plotting sends shivers down my spine. I shake my head again. No point in worrying about powers completely out of your control. I'm just going to focus on the task at hand.
I pull up my system and look at the message near the bottom.
[Class Selection Available]
“I would like to select a class.”
All the text on the screen vanishes and the usually blue screen fades to an inky blackness. The dark screen rapidly expands, completely filling my field of vision. For a moment I’m left in total darkness. Six blue screens appear surrounding me.
“Narly.” I cringe inwardly. I hope Ydri didn’t hear that. I look ahead at the first screen directly in front of me.
[Blacksmi-
“Nope.” I am vehemently against having a non-combat class. Unfortunately the next two are also non-combat, Cook and uh… Whore? Who the fuck would pick that? Why is that even an option in the first place? I scoff at the option and move to the next one. This time the class caught my interest.
[Assassin]
Requirements -
Kill at least 3 of the same race as yourself
Have a (Chaotic) alignment
(You have already proven your efficacy at taking the lives of others. This class specializes in that very task. You will use stealth to ambush your opponents and you will fight to kill as quickly as possible.)
+1 to Intellect, Agility, and Strength every level
Ah, I see now why my alignment is displayed in the system. It seems that your alignment determines what kind of classes are offered. The other requirement unnerves me slightly. Not for the reasons you might think but, what it implies. My eyes widen as I shift my gaze to a previous class I glossed over.
Requirements -
Sleep with at least 3 diff---
“You gotta be fucking kidding me.” I groan wildly. Note to self, the system is an asshole.
I focus my sight back onto the assassin class. I can still feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I wait a few moments in silence as I wrestle my emotions back under control. This is a big decision and I won’t let my thoughts be clouded by… That. I take a few deep breaths and reread the class description a few times.
I kinda wish it gave me more information. The ambush style of fighting is familiar to me. It’s kinda nostalgic looking back on it. I also remember it’s an extremely boring way to fight. Planning weeks on end to find the perfect opportunity to strike is exhausting and is not worth the satisfaction of pulling off a murder.
I’m not really satisfied with this class, but I’m gonna put a pin in it and see what the other classes have to offer.
[Bard]
Requirements -
Have the ability to play at least 1 instrument
Have an innate desire to explore
Have a (Neutral) or (Good) alignment
(You have already proven your ability to inspire others with your music. This class specializes in that very task. While playing music, your allies will become empowered upon hearing it. Different music will provide different effects and some sounds will even be able to damage opponents.)
+1 to Soul, Intellect, and Agility every level
This class makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. This is basically confirmation that I am a good musician. ‘You have already proven your ability to inspire others with your music.’ It gives me goosebumps every time I read it.
The ability it gives is very interesting as well. I get an image in my mind of me sitting in a massive battle field. I’m just there playing my drums as hard as I can as war rages around me. The idea is very appealing to me, but there is one small problem. I don’t have an instrument.
That- that is unfortunate. Even if I did have my drums, moving around with them is not exactly convenient. That puts a bit of a dour sauce on my mood.
I let out a very audible sigh and went ahead on checking my last class. This one, however, was very surprising.
[Monk]
Requirements -
Have a competent understanding of hand-to-hand combat
Have the ability to create an aura
Have a (Neutral) alignment
(You have already proven your ability to manifest your aura. This class specializes in that very task. You will be able to fight more effectively with your aura. Use your aura to strengthen yourself, heal yourself, or in your case, drive others into insanity.)
+1 to soul, durability, and strength every level
Monk? That’s weird. All the other classes, Including that one, made sense on some level. It was like I got these classes because of the accomplishments I’ve had in life. But I got this class because ‘I have the ability to manifest my aura.’ whatever that means. It’s confusing. It’s a requirement to get this class, but I never created an aura.
Wait.. or did I? Rereading the description it clearly says that my aura drives others into insanity. It clicks. It’s my Obscene Presence. That has to be it.
I have already been itching to try out that skill and seeing a class that synergizes with it? It makes me very excited. This is also an overtly magical class which is, obviously, very intriguing. I like this class a lot. Thinking of myself as a monk is kinda weird, but the more I think about it, the more I like it.
“Sounds like fun.”
You have chosen the [Monk] class
-
I felt something surge within me. A power explodes from my chest and coats my whole body. Just as soon as it comes it dissipates.
Congratulations, you have unlocked a class skill
-
(Magical Aura Perception)
As I receive the notification the world fades back into reality. However, I was too distracted by the sudden power that flowed inside me. It felt amazing. The closest thing I can think of to describe it would be relaxing in a hot tub.
Before I can try to bring my power back out, my eye catches it. And that ‘it’ is Ydri. its sprawled out on the floor and its face is completely expressionless.
“Uhh. Ydri?”
Its eyes light up as it turns to me. “Finally! You’re back!” Ydri shuffles its way to its feet. “Alright, you ready?”
I furrow my brows “Wh- Ready for what?”
It gives me a terrifying smile “A gift and a favor!” Ydri outstretched both its arms “Entertain me!” It claps its hands and in the same instant disappears. The cave went dark and a notification followed.
Congratulations, you have received a trait
-
(Ydri’s Jester)
Before I can process what's happening a different voice interrupts my thoughts. “H-How did you?!”
I lift my head to see all the cultists staring directly at me and I receive yet another notification.
New Objective / Entertain me!
-
Cultists slain (0/3)
-
Reward / You get to live! Duh!