CH 1

December 19, 2022

I look at the time on my phone and see that it is about to be 23:00. When I look back at the train, I see that there are more than twenty passengers on the train.

There seemed to be fewer passengers than usual, perhaps because the Golden Week vacation starts tomorrow.

Nobody talks in the wagon. The only sound is that of the moving train.

Most of the passengers are office workers or ladies returning home from work.

There are five women, all in their twenties. I don't know what they are doing, but all five are engrossed in their smartphones.

Some are typing, others are looking at their phones with their headphones on.

The men seem to be of all age groups. Some look like students, not unlike me, while others look close to retirement age.

Some seemed to be working on their laptops, some were tired and sleeping, and some were drunk and dreaming. About half of them are as engrossed in their phones as the women.

I look at the man sitting closest to me, a drunken forty-something who mumbles through his teeth.

I'm not sure if it's the best idea to do the search here, but there aren't that many people around should be fine . and, if there are, they seem to be drunk, so nothing will happen to me.

I turn on the laptop and remember.

The other girls called her 'Hiiragi-chan'.

She was a pretty girl, wasn't she? It would be fun to date such a cute and nice girl. I know I'm being naive, but my heart flutters when I think of her.

As I wait for my laptop to boot up, I reminisce - the welcome party with other newcomers - and feel a little, no, a lot happier.

It had been a long time since I had talked to a girl for a long time. I think we were alone and talking for more than five minutes.

The girls are talking, which I can hear from next door. They talk about the actors in the big drama. The high-flown conversations were mixed with such unimportant topics as casting who was unsatisfactory or who was a better man than they thought.

One of them was a girl who looked like a reki jo ( NT: for those who don't know reki jo are a kind of otaku, or people obsessed with a particular interest ).

Pretending to grab a bottle of beer, I pluck up my courage and steal a glance at the reki-jo-smelling girl.

What's that, did I see it wrong?

There was a girl with a young face and breasts, holding an orange juice with both hands.

Why is a high school student here?　And she's a beautiful girl. She's right in the middle. Is she someone's sister?

Our eyes meet.

She looks straight at me with big eyes and long eyelashes.

"I'm sorry if I'm wrong in assuming what you're thinking, but I'm also a new employee who graduated from a university and I'm twenty years old."

The first time I saw her, she was holding her orange juice in her hands and staring at me.

In an awkwardly hasty way my words and I say. "Oh, no. I'm sorry, I also like things related to history. I just turned around somehow when the topic of history was mentioned."  I feel a little guilty for dodging the topic, but it's not like I'm lying. If I were holding a cup, I would have been shaking from my nervousness. I wonder if I'm visibly acting strange.

"And then, when you turned around, there was a girl who looked like a high schooler who really stood out." 

She said that in a cheerful tone, but she did it with an enigmatic smile. She wasn't mad at me, but her charming smile worried me. She surprised me with her smile, but somehow it gave me a sense of relief at the same time.

"That's right, I'm sorry." There was really no point in keeping it a secret. After that, I gathered some courage and our conversation continued. I enjoyed my five-plus minute conversation with the spiteful woman Holly-chan.

Given that Golden Week starts tomorrow, anyone can live without having conversations. Not that I had conversations scheduled to start. I plan to start on the VRMMO test server starting tonight. I'm continuing with user registration while I think about those things. 

"TEST SERVER PLAYERS LIMITED TO TEN THOUSAND." 

The text is so small it's hard to read, are the notices usually this small? as I continue reading 

"APOLOGIES AND WARNING INITIALLY, THIS TRIAL SERVICE WAS OPEN FOR A LIMITED NUMBER OF TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE, BUT DUE TO HIGH DEMAND TO REMOVE IT, WE HAVE DECIDED TO REMOVE THE LIMITED NUMBER THAT CAN REGISTER. INSTEAD, WE WILL CLOSE THE REGISTRATION ON APRIL 28TH AT 23:59. WE HOPE EVERYONE WILL UNDERSTAND THIS.

"Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?"

I shout causing several people to look back. A young man sitting in the back of the train shouting to himself looks awfully suspicious.But there's no time for that, what time is it? It's 11:56 at night. It was barely eleven when I started.I finish the user registration in a hurry and move on to character creation. A text appears.

"Your name in this world. the Kanji cannot be used. Use 20 characters or less."

I don't think there's much point in giving too much thought to my name, I'll simply choose the name of a historical character close to my own. However, I will do it in katakana so that it will be "Michinaga Fujiwara".

"Choose your gender. Sorry, but only Male or Female genders are available."

Of course I'm going to set myself as male. I wonder if there have been people who choose anything other than Male or Female.

"Pick your age. In this world the age of an adult begins at fifteen."

I will choose the age of eighteen. I think considering someone an adult at fifteen is a bit harsh, but there's no point in complaining.

"Choose from among the skills that can be used. It will be the skill that you can use in the world. Magic is also included as a skill. The skill will be maximum. There are different magic attributes available."

This can take a while if you have the time. There are a large number of skills available that fall under the categories of "Magic kills", "Martial arts based skills" and "Production skills" When you click on "Magic skills" the familiar magic attributes of earth magic, water magic, fire magic and wind magic appear. There are no descriptions for these attributes.

Specialized skills

The skill systems are only listed. If you click on the magic skill to test it, the known magic attributes, such as earth magic, water magic, fire magic and wind magic, are listed in addition.

After all, there is no explanatory text. Hmph, don't lick a geek.

Earth magic (50)? What are these numbers next to it, is it a level?　Never mind, let's move on.

What I'm interested in are the special abilities.

When I clicked on it, about fifty skill names popped up.

A quick glance reveals three skill names that interest me.

Skill Steal Skill Type A (5).

Ability Theft Type B (4).

Skill Steal Skill Type C (5).

I knew it would be this one. I don't know the details, but which one will I choose? I think I'll choose all three and think about it later.

What is it about?　When I chose [Ability Robo Type A (5)], the number next to it changed from (5) to (4). Could it be that this number is the maximum number of ability holders in the game?

I hasten to select the remaining two [Robo Skill Type B] and [Robo Skill Type C].

Almost, as soon as I was able to select them, the number changed to (0).

Check the skills just in case.

Skill Theft Type A.

Ability Theft Type B.

[Skill Steal Skill Type C]

The three skills I checked were reflected in the status. good!　They have been acquired.

Now it's clear, the first one to acquire a skill wins.

Next.

And wait?　

I don't want to risk getting cut off in the middle of the game.

I decided to get off the train and get serious about making characters.

◇ ◇

I think it would be interesting to try subterfuge - monster taming, but I can't do it. Let's go easy.

Also, is dark magic grayed out, does this mean I can't get it?

In the description I just read, it said "The number of magical skills and attributes that can be chosen depends on the player", is that it?

Are there inadequate attributes from the start?

Well, never mind. I can't help but think about it. First of all, space magic. It's a standard cheat.

However, when I go to the space magic selection screen, it already shows up as (0) and grayed out.

Too late.

Next, recovery magic. Recovery is essential, so let's do light magic. The rest is life and attack means.

As soon as I picked up light magic, earth, water, fire and wind magic were grayed out. No, that's not all. All the other skills are grayed out.

Maybe there's something like one point for each skill that you just can't see.

It makes sense if you think about it that way.

A stealing skill is usually a cheat skill. It would be reasonable to spend more points.

◇

◇

◇

---- All right!　Let's put it all on the stealing skills. And light magic. I prefer to be able to use as many attributes as possible and cope with any situation, even if it seems a bit dexterous.

Magic skills:.

Light magic

Special skills:.

Stealing with skill Type A

Stealing with skill Type B

Stealing with skill Type C

I feel I could have gotten more if I had removed one of the stealing skills, but the stealing skills are absolute. I want them for myself, but the risk of giving them to others is greater.

The skills should have had levels - but so far I haven't found any settings or notations about levels. Don't tell me all the skills are at the starting level?　I wish they would have let me choose at least the skills I was good at.

The entry is complete, is that correct?

Looking at my watch, it's 23:51. As I thought, it took quite a while.

I don't know what's going to happen, so let's not do anything at the last minute. Okay, now it's time to register.

I clicked the register button.　

◇

◇

◇

Huh?　I was supposed to be on the station platform, wasn't I?

When I looked around, I saw that it wasn't an empty space ...... but a blank space with lots of people.

A blank space does not mean that there are artificial objects like walls. It was as if a thick fog was hovering over the whole area, but the people in the distance could be seen clearly without any haze.

It was hard to get an idea of the distance, and there were 70 to 80 people scattered around the blank space in all directions. Some clustered together and chatting, while others, like me, looked around on their own.

I'd say 60% male and 40% female. Men in their 20s and 30s seem to be the most numerous.

Many of them are dressed in shirts with only the tie removed, like office workers on their day off.

Although they were of different ages and dressed differently, they all had one thing in common: they were surprised and bewildered.

All expressed surprise and confusion. Not a single person seems to have adjusted to the place.

It can be assumed that the people speaking in groups of several have arrived here at least before me. Their expressions show surprise and confusion, but not panic.

I should join the group there and ask them if they know anything.

If they suddenly came in here like me, I wouldn't have much hope of getting information.

What are the chances that they know anything?

But what is this space without a view? It's too far removed from reality.

It's like one of those VRMMO death games or otherworldly transfers you see in web novels and novels. Such a far-fetched and unrealistic idea crosses my mind.

I started walking towards a group of several men my age who were clustered together.

On the way to the group, there were some men shouting alone and others cursing each other, but I ignored them and kept going.

The walking speed is slow.

It's not that gravity is too great or that I can't go fast enough.

It's my own problem. I keep feeling afraid.

My feet are a white mist on the outside.

It makes me imagine that if I step out, I will fall.

The soles of your feet feel the sensation that something is there.

However, its appearance - it's just a white fog - which prevents you from walking faster.

I observe my surroundings while walking cautiously.

Little by little, small groups are forming.

Interestingly, there are few mixed groups. There are noticeably more people of the same sex gathered together. This is especially true of the women.

It is mostly older men who are alone and confused, while women, or the younger they are, form more groups.

Women are much younger than men. Those who appear to be in their twenties seem to be the most numerous, although here and there there is the occasional student bordering on adolescence.

Are they twentysomethings living alone?　I can't help but notice the rather coarse or scantily clad women.

Huh?

Suddenly, the group of lightly dressed young women disappear from my view and a large white object jumps out in front of me.

The large white object was an old man in his underwear. He suddenly appeared between me and the group of lightly clothed young women.

What!!! A person just appeared right in front of me! I see, that's how I got here.

Where am I?

And how did you get here?

Why are you here?

The questions I had been repressing until now suddenly rise to the surface of my consciousness.

"You too just arrived, didn't you? "

A man dressed comfortably in a T-shirt and sweater spoke to me. Was he about the same age as me?

"Eh?　Yes, that's right, you too?"

For a moment, I was confused and almost distressed, but thanks to this man speaking to me, I was able to keep my composure.

'It's not so much that I'm the same, it seems like everyone here is.'

He signs my question out loud and looks at a small group of people nearby.

" Is that so then?"

"I'm sure it is, I can only assume it's because of that match."

I hear them arguing with anxious expressions.

So is it, as they say in web fiction, a deadly game?

"I wonder, could it be a reincarnation or a journey, judging by this space?"

Anyway, our first priority now is to gather information and find a way to get back to where we were.

Just by paying attention to your surroundings, you can get all kinds of information or speculate. But it's important information at this stage.

On closer inspection of the small group, the women seem to be huddled together and sharing their concerns rather than talking to each other.

Many of the men talking among themselves are businessmen in their 20s and 30s. The group of women don't so much talk as they huddle and share their anxieties.

"Is it because of that game after all?"

I stop and turn to the man who spoke to me.

I can't think of anything else, can I?

"Maybe . It looks like some small groups are forming, so let's go talk to them."

the man also seemed concerned, as he looked around with a somewhat pale expression and made a suggestion.

Yes, I was addressing that group with that intention.

The two walked together toward the group, which consisted of people of the same age.

"My name is Michinaga Fujiwara. My game record is Michnaga Fujiwara'."

I told them my real name and the username of my game registration again, and extended my right hand.

"Sorry for the delay. I am Shimura Seiichi. My user name is Sei Shim."

The man who introduced himself as Seiichi Shimura took my right hand and we shook hands.

"It's time."

Someone muttered. It must be the registration deadline. This was the signal for a flurry of interaction among the group.

"Where are we?"

"I knew it, this is that thing, reincarnation and all that?"

"Maybe it's a deadly game."

The same kind of conversation we had heard earlier began to take place here and there.

Hysterical voices could also be heard, which could be interpreted as anxiety, confusion and panic.

"Ah! Mr. Fujiwara!"

Huh?

Suddenly, a familiar voice calls my name. What is this voice?　I slowly turn around, calming myself, and as I expected, I see a familiar face.

The first thing that comes to my mind is, "I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. What's going on out here in the middle of nowhere?

I was able to look back slowly, but my feelings hadn't calmed down at all. Being reunited with Hiiragi made my heart skip a beat.

"Do you know her?"

"Yes, we are co-workers."

I introduce Hiiragi-chan to Shimura-san, who asks while looking at Hiiragi-chan and me in turn.

The first time I saw her, I was surprised by the word colleague, but after I learned that she was 20 years old, she was chatting with me without showing the slightest sign of surprise.

"Ooooh!"

"How?"

"Who is that woman?"

A crescendo of moans and questions echoes through the room.

I turn toward the louder voice, and on the way I catch something incredible out of the corner of my eye. A woman hovered in the air. And she's beautiful.

She looks like one of those Scandinavian models you see on the internet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be quiet while I explain the situation. "

An inorganic female voice echoed directly in my head. Was it that woman floating in the air?　Well, I can't think of anything else, can I?

"Hey, what do you mean? Give me a satisfactory explanation."

"Is it a kidnapping? Kidnapping?　That's unacceptable, isn't it?".

"What do you want us to do? We're free people. "

"Tell us what's wrong, what's wrong!"

"Let me go! Let me go back to my world!"

Several people ignored the woman's words and began to raise a ruckus.

There were loud, overbearing, complaining men with a smug look at the floating woman, a disgusting sight to those around them. Some of the complaints sound incomprehensible.

There is only the faintest hint of the anxiety and confusion that was there before.

They are optimistic, perhaps because they have found someone to talk to and that person is a young woman.

But the next moment, the men who were making the noise are abashed in reverse by countless abusive and angry shouts. They were then verbally and physically dismissed, followed by silence.

These are all people who understand the importance of listening.

Yes, they do. The priority now is to listen to this woman. Questions can come later. I focused all my attention on the woman's words to make sure I didn't miss anything.

Thank you for your cooperation. I will now begin my explanation."

After saying this, she began to explain to everyone.

"First of all, you will all be transferred to another world." 

"You can't choose which of the other two worlds you will be transferred to. It is completely random.

Both worlds are very similar to the VRMMO you registered for tonight, so we don't need to explain them to you now.

We will make sure that there are no language barriers in the transfers.

You will receive enough money, clothes and armor to survive for a year or so.

The power you need to survive will be what you already have. You will receive abilities: the ability to read your opponent's abilities and the ability to hide your own abilities. We will not give you more powers than you have already acquired.

You can use the skills you have acquired by creating characters on the other side of the world.

The goal is to save the other world and keep it alive.

The mandatory mission is to conquer the dungeon.

The people you fight against are your compatriots.

"Then we will transfer you."

I thought I heard a voice asking a question or protesting, but that voice was replaced by the sound of the wind as the surrounding landscape changed to meadows.