1 The journey begins.
Darkness was all there was around me.
My senses were extremely muffled. The last thing I could remember was getting home drunk and passing out on the couch after the big party I and some friends threw up. We had finally graduated from college after five years of cup noodles and coupon hunting.
The most bizarre thing is not that I can only remember glimpses of my life, much like a film. Or that I can only accurately recall what I know about anime/novels. Heck— it was not even my seemingly transparent appearance.
This blue screen in front of me is.
[ Akagi Ken. You have been selected to participate in the multiverse program!]
[ Accept: Y/N ]
'Multiverse program?'
'' I have a feeling I know where this is going... Can I at least ask some questions before choosing?" I paused for a few moments to fully take in the strange place I found myself in. There was nothing other than darkness. I was not even sure how I and this 'system' were having a conversation.
[You are now in the space between worlds after dying. The host is lucky that his soul managed to stay conscious despite crossing over! The higher-ups decided that you should be given a second chance!]
'The higher-ups, huh?'
So it is like I thought. I know I dreamt of this scenario a lot in my head before due to the fanfics I read, but I can't help but feel slightly sour that it only happened after I set my life straight.
Despite my inner ramblings, there was no real reason for me not to accept this offer— I was already dead.
Besides, who doesn't want to go to fantasy worlds? I see it as an absolute win.
''Can I choose even anime and novel worlds as well?''
[Of course, you can!]
There was a moment of hesitation, but I ultimately decided to accept the offer— despite the possible consequences.
It was too good of a deal to pass up like that.
[Congratulations host! Since this is the host's first world of many, you get to choose between reincarnation or transmigration!]
''I am tempted to choose reincarnation, it should be better, but I have no wish to relive infancy and childhood..."
"System, can I choose the age at which I will be transmigrated and perhaps my appearance, as well?'' I hopefully asked.
While I had no problem with what little I could remember from my past appearance, it wouldn't hurt to brush it up.
[ The host's age is set at 15 should he choose transmigration, and the host's appearance can be altered as well as the timeline!]
'That is rather generous.'
''Sweet. Can I get a world list?'' said Ken.
[ Here you go, host!]:
D+ rank: Highschool of the dead
B+ rank: Irregular at magic high school
S+ rank: Naruto
B rank: My hero academia
EX rank: Nasuverse/Fateverse
.
.
.
.
S rank: Danmachi]
I could not fully understand the basis upon which the rank was implemented on.
However, I didn't need to worry much. An answer sooner greeted my ears.
[ Good question, host! The rank is based on the danger that may befall the user once in that world. The native residents' strength is not the only underlying justification for the rank. ]
''That does make sense," I muttered.
I sat there for a few minutes mentally scrolling through the list that was given to me. All sorts of thoughts raced in my mind.
At the end of my arduous thinking, I ended up choosing Danmachi as my starting world. It is a pretty straightforward path to power with some mix and mash that will hopefully serve as a good foundation in my long journey. I am honestly not a huge fan of the main cast there, I prefer thick thighs Hephaestus. I want to at least help her out.
[The Host has chosen an S or above-ranked world! The host will be provided with a system.]
''That's.....really convenient. I half-wish I had chosen a higher difficulty world to see if I get other freebies, but I prefer to stay alive.
As for my appearance, I would like to look a bit more muscular and younger version of Gojo Satoru. For the timeline, I would like it to be at around the time the two amazon sisters joined the Loki Familia.'' I concluded.
[The host will be dropped 10km west of Orario! Does the host have any more questions?]
''Nope, you can go and start your magic.'' Said Ken after some thought.
-----------------------
After what I assume a few minutes passed, I found myself laying on the grass in the middle of a forest with the sun high up in the sky.
''I guess that was real, huh. But man, this sure is cliché. What next? A bandit attack? hahaha.'' I chortled.
I should make sure things are in order. Well, first things first.
'System?'
[The host is advised to check his status!]
It was a strange feeling directly getting information straight to your brain.
'Status'
[Status]:
Akagi Ken, The gamer, lvl1
-HP: 100( Vit*10)
-MP: 50(Int*5)
-STR:10
-Vit:10
-Dex:10
-Int:10
Skills:
-[Gamer's Body]-Lvl Max.
Grants a body that allows the user to live in the real world like a game. The holder receives no physical damage from attacks only pain for a few seconds and a loss of HP. The user does not need to sleep or eat.
-[Gamer's Mind]-Lvl Max(Togglable)-ON.
Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through, and provides immunity to all mental attacks and or disorders. (Mental stress can accumulate if not treated).
'Show me the rest of the functions'
[There are two more functions of the system:
-Quests: These are the missions that are issued according to the host's desires to help him stay motivated. The user is encouraged to complete them, but not punished should he fail.
-Inventory: The ability to store and keep items indefinitely and with no limit]
It was simply amazing. Although I can see it's a somewhat simplified version.
'System, is there a way to make my status more Danmachi friendly? I mean somewhat the same as the Falna stat paper?'
[Yes, host! The system can do that. You are advised to re-check your status!]
[Status]:
Akagi Ken
Level:1
HP: 100
MP: 50
STR:10
Vit:10
Dex:10
Int:10
-Strength: I10
-Endurance: I10
-Dexterity: I10
-Agility: I10
-Magic: I10
Perfect Body: EX
-Skills:
-Gamer's Body:
Grants a body that allows the user to live in the real world like a game. The holder receives no physical damage from attacks only pain
for a few seconds and a loss of HP. The user does not need sleep or nutrition.
-Gamer's Mind:-ON.
Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through, and provides immunity to all mental attacks and or disorders. (Mental stress can accumulate if not treated).
-Magic:
-Inventory:
The ability to store and keep items indefinitely and with no limit.
Man, when it is put like this. I sure am busted for a level 1.
'System. I assume there is a beginner or new player package for me? Open it.'
[ Host has opened the new-player package:]
- 10 HP recovery potions.
- 10 MP recovery potions.
- Steel sword.
- Magic training manual
- 50000 Valis
Has been added to inventory.
'Sweet. I should find some shelter and spend a few days getting used to my body. At least Gamer's body makes things much simpler.'
As soon as I swung the steel sword I got from the newbie package a couple of times, I heard.
[Ding! The host has acquired the skill: One-Handed-Sword Mastery-Lvl 1.]
'Ugh. No more Ding sounds, please.'
[Of course, host!]
-------
I managed to find an empty cave which will serve as my shelter for the next couple of days.
Luckily, I had gone primitive camping a couple of times with some hipster college friends. So I was capable of at least setting up a basic wood tent with leaf and branch roofing and a small campfire to ward off wild animals just as the sun was setting down.
It is unsettling how calm I seem to be operating... A thought for another day, I suppose.
I took the magic training manual out of my inventory just as I lay down on the makeshift bed. The first chapter's contents of the manual were fairly basic stuff. It prompted you to feel the way your mana or mind in this world is moving and try to shape it.
'This seems simple enough. Let's try it.' I thought as I sat up.
I then tried concentrating on my anatomy bit by bit, then my body as a whole to hopefully sense something.
After about ten or fifteen minutes of pure concentration, the same voice rang directly into my brain.
[Host has acquired the skill: Elemental Magic-Lvl1.]
'It's true... Gamers do cheat huh.'
I went to sleep despite me not needing it with a satisfied smile decorating my face.
'It's been a good day.'
