I pushed through the tangled underbrush, each branch and leaf clutching at my clothes as if trying to hold me back. The forest was a tangle of shadows and whispers, and my heart hammered against my ribs, with the eerie howls still ringing in my ears. Desperation drove my gaze across the dense forest. My eyes landed on a tree with invitingly low-hanging branches, its bark smoothed by weather and time.
“Okay, dude, climb,” I murmured urgently to myself. The wind carried another chilling howl, and I knew I had little time. I grabbed the lowest branch, trying to pull myself up. My hands, slick with sweat and trembling with fear, slipped off the bark, causing me to tumble back onto the ground with a jarring thud. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs, but I couldn’t afford to rest. I scrambled to my feet and made another attempt, my muscles straining with the effort.
“Ugh, come on!” I groaned, my voice barely audible above the pounding of my heart. Once again, my hands slipped, and I fell, the rough forest floor scraping my palms. Each failure chipped away at my resolve, the relentless underbrush seeming to mock my attempts.
“Who am I kidding?” I muttered, brushing off the dirt. Memories flooded back to me of my kindergarten days when I played hide and seek with Mai and the other kids. I remembered trying to climb a tree back then too, thinking it would be the perfect hiding spot. But just like now, I failed miserably. Mai taunted me, calling me weak and predicting that I would never be strong. Her words sometimes haunted my dreams, even now.
I shook off the memories and refocused on finding another hiding place. As I spotted a thick undergrowth nearby, I decided it would have to do. I crawled into the dense foliage, hoping it would conceal me from any wandering monsters. It would be a few hours before nightfall, and I decided to wait until then to find a better place.
As I crouched in the bushes, my mind drifted to the circumstances that had brought me to this strange virtual world. I recalled my orientation session, where the system had meticulously outlined the game’s mechanics. It was explained that the players would undergo a tutorial phase first before entering the live game, where they would compete together. Questions lingered in my mind—why had I been chosen for this? Was it because of my previous life-ending car accident, now granted a second chance in this virtual realm? Were the other players here for similar reasons, survivors of their own tragic accidents?
Lost in contemplation, the rustling of leaves nearby snapped me back to the present. Instinctively, I froze, holding my breath and praying that whatever was causing the disturbance wouldn’t notice me. Time seemed to stretch as I waited, my heart drubbing in my chest, straining to hear any further movement. After what felt like an eternity, the sounds faded away, leaving only the whisper of the wind through the trees. I decided to check my player status again. The familiar blue screen appeared, displaying my information.
***
Akira Sakamoto (Aoi Player)
Level: 2
Class: Marksman
Subclass: Gunner
Title: Lover of Peach
Health Points (HP): 40 — 100%
Mana Points (MP): 300 — 100%
Strength (STR): 1
Dexterity (DEX): 2+1
Wisdom (WIS): 2
Charisma (CHA): 1
Intelligence (INT): 30
Luck (LUK): 1
Free Stats Points: 2
Overall Prestige (P): +120% (Max 1000%)
***
I pressed my lips tightly, pondering why my Intelligence (INT) stat was so high. Shouldn’t my DEX and WIS stats be higher, given my ninja reflexes and perceptiveness?
I wandered back to the time when I saved the lady and her daughter from being run over by a speeding car. My reactions were sharp then, but my INT stat didn’t seem to align with that aspect of me. I always assumed that high INT was better suited for a Mage or Support class. So, why was I given a high INT stat? Did I choose the wrong class? Did I get screwed again by the system?
My eyes fell on the information regarding one of the elements associated with INT.
Craftsmanship: Measures skill in crafting and artisanal pursuits, influencing a character’s ability to create weapons, armor, magical items, or other objects of value. Characters with high craftsmanship are skilled artisans and can produce high-quality goods sought after by others.
Understanding dawned on me, recalling my time in woodwork and metalwork classes at school. I excelled in those lessons, my hands deftly crafting anything my sensei assigned to me. From simple birdhouses to intricate projects like small furniture and garden tools, I honed my skills. These hands-on experiences not only sharpened my technical abilities but also fostered problem-solving and creativity, making me the top student in class.
Those classes taught me more than just technical skills; they instilled a deep sense of confidence in my abilities. Whether carving wood or shaping metal, I learned to adapt and innovate, turning raw materials into functional and sometimes whimsical creations. It was this mindset that now guided me in this strange new world, where survival depended not only on physical prowess but also on ingenuity and resourcefulness.
I vividly remembered one particular project—a hand-sized figurine of Mai, crafted as a playful birthday gift. With exaggerated, busty features, it was meant as a lighthearted joke. Her reaction had been unforgettable; Mai had hurled the figurine back at me in mock anger, leaving a bump on my head. My lips blurted a chuckle while recalling the memory as I absentmindedly rubbed the spot where the lump used to be.
A movement caught my eye. A creature resembling a rabbit but three times the size stared at me, its long ears twitching with every sound. Its pristine white fur had patches of iridescent blue, shimmering like delicate frost under the sunlight. Its eyes, a striking red, seemed to glow in the dim light, adding an otherworldly aura to its appearance.
“Well, this is new,” I whispered to myself, intrigued by the rabbit’s unusual appearance. The creature didn’t seem hostile, but I knew better than to assume safety based on looks alone. I summoned one of the marble-like rocks, ready to defend myself if necessary. My eyes locked on the creature, and I watched its every move.
The rabbit twitched its nose, tilting its head in curiosity. It took a tentative step forward, then another. I held my breath, fingers tightening around the rock.
Is it friendly? My mind raced through potential scenarios. As the creature inched closer, I thought maybe I could tame it or at least avoid a fight. I extended my hand, palm open, trying to seem non-threatening.
“Easy now, buddy,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The rabbit-like creature sniffed the air, its red eyes studying me intently. For a tense moment, neither of us moved. Then, with a cautious hop, the creature approached my outstretched hand. My heart beat faster as I brushed its soft fur against my fingers. The sensation was like touching a cloud, its fur incredibly soft and warm.
I exhaled slowly, relief washing over me as the rabbit nuzzled my hand gently. Its ears twitched with every sound in the forest, but its eyes never left mine.
“Maybe this world isn’t so bad after all,” I thought, a warm smile forming on my lips. The creature’s calm demeanor and friendly approach gave me hope that not everything here was out to harm me.
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