—Damn it, this is harder than I thought— Mika growled, kicking a rock in frustration.
—I suspected as much. Most groups are forming based on racial affinities or complementary skills. We don't stand out in either area— Nao said, crossing her arms.
I remained silent, observing the surroundings. The larger groups were already organizing into strategic formations. Some had acquired weapons and basic gear from an improvised shop that had materialized after the summoned ones arrived. Before long, the landing zone would begin to clear out, leaving only the stragglers.
—We could try a different strategy— I murmured, drawing my companions' attention.
—What kind?— Mika asked, a trace of hope in her voice.
—Form our own group. Instead of joining an established one, we could attract others like us—people who were rejected but still have potential.—
Nao nodded slowly.
—That's a reasonable idea. There are plenty of outcasts. If we recruit them, we could form a decent team.—
—But most of them are weak,— Mika objected.
—Not all. Some just didn't fit into other groups due to personal differences or racial prejudice. Plus, if we strengthen them, we can build a loyal and reliable team,— I explained.
Mika frowned, but didn't seem entirely opposed. Nao, on the other hand, smiled slyly.
—Interesting. If we do this right, we could become an influential group in the long term.—
—Exactly,— I affirmed. —We need allies. And if we can't join others, we'll form our own force.—
Mika sighed.
—Fine, you convinced me. But how do we find them?—
—With [Analysis], we can evaluate who has decent stats and approach them. The key is making sure they don't see us as a last resort, but rather as a growth opportunity,— Nao said.
Before I could respond, a male voice suddenly interrupted:
—Oh, Nao-chan, that sounded a bit cold. Do you really see me as just a tool?—
We turned quickly. Leaning against a nearby tree was a man with a lean but toned build, short black hair, and deep, piercing eyes. He had an aristocratic air about him, but his relaxed demeanor let him blend into any situation. Mika and I were startled by his sudden appearance, but Nao simply frowned in annoyance.
—Mhm, hello, Jack,— she said with clear irritation.
—Hehe, Nao-chan, you're adorable when you frown.—
Nao scoffed and crossed her arms.
—Cut it out. What are you doing here?—
Jack strolled a few steps closer, his expression curious.
—I overheard your little chat, and as it happens, I've got a proposition that might interest you,— he said with a shrewd look.
—Proposition?— Mika repeated warily.
—Exactly. You need a minimum number of members to be officially recognized as a group, right? Well, turns out I'm groupless too. If you take me in, we've got the numbers.—Nao eyed him suspiciously.
—What's in it for you?—
—Fun, of course,— Jack replied with a mischievous smile. —And protection, naturally. You need me as much as I need you.—
Mika and I exchanged glances. We didn't trust him, but we weren't in a position to reject a good deal.
Nao sighed.
—Alright, Jack. Welcome to the team. But I'm warning you... betray us and you'll regret it.—
Jack laughed, clearly amused by the threat.
—Nao-chan, you're terrifying when you get serious. I love it.—
Ignoring him, Mika extended her hand.
—Okay, then it's official. We're a team.—
Jack shook her hand with his usual charming smile.
—It's going to be very interesting working with you.—
After stepping down from the platform, we headed straight into the forest. Along the way, we noticed many reincarnated individuals hesitating. The fear of the unknown held them back, and though I didn't show it, even I felt a twinge of anxiety about what lay ahead.
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
—Don't be afraid! I will lead you. Join my group, and I'll ensure your safety.—
I turned to see a boy around 18 years old holding an ornate golden sword. He had short, light blond hair and purple eyes. The strangest part was the single angel-like wing on his back.
—I am a Divine-Rank Kamel. I'm on the same level as a minor angel, or even higher. With me, you have nothing to fear. Swear loyalty to the Great Hasu, and I'll keep you under my protection,— he declared with a confident smile.
—Eh?— I frowned. —Who's this clown?—
—Looks like he's trying to start his own cult,— Nao muttered with disdain.
Jack let out a theatrical sigh.
—Tsk, how annoying.—
—You!— the Kamel said, pointing his sword at Jack. —I've seen how those women follow you. Are they your harem?—
Jack blinked, then burst out in mocking laughter.
—Oh wow, someone's got self-esteem issues.—
The Kamel's expression darkened.
—A nobody like you has no right to possess women of such caliber.
Prove your worth!—
Before Jack could respond, the Kamel unsheathed his sword and lunged at him with impressive speed.
—Jack, watch out!— Mika shouted.
But Jack didn't move.
When the Kamel was just a meter away, Jack pulled a bastard sword from his inventory and swung it with a smooth motion. The black steel blade flashed through the air, easily blocking the strike.
—That's it?— Jack asked with a confident smile.
The Kamel gritted his teeth and launched a flurry of attacks. Jack deflected each one effortlessly, as if toying with him.
—Damn insect…— the Kamel growled.
Jack sighed.
—I'm bored.—
With a single motion, he twisted his sword and disarmed the Kamel, sending his golden blade flying. Before the boy could react, Jack kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.
The Kamel coughed, trying to get up, but Jack placed the tip of his sword at his throat.
—Still think you're a divine angel?— Jack murmured with a cold stare.
The Kamel swallowed hard.
—N-No…—
—Good. Now scram before I change my mind.—
The Kamel nodded quickly and ran off, his superior aura shattered.
Jack sighed and sheathed his sword.
—What an annoying guy…—
Mika stared at him in disbelief.
—You've got to tell me where you learned to fight like that.—
Jack smiled.
—Maybe someday.—
Nao watched the Kamel flee, then looked back at Jack.
—So you're not just all talk.—
Jack winked at her.
—Nao-chan, you wound me.—
I just sighed.
—Let's keep moving. We've wasted enough time.—
With a nod, we resumed our journey into the forest, leaving behind the boastful self-proclaimed leader.
As we walked, a window suddenly popped up.
—Damn, that scared me! At least give a warning, someone could die from a heart attack!— Mika exclaimed, goosebumps all over her arms.
—HAHAHAHAHA!— Nao and I were dying of laughter from her reaction while Jack turned away to hold in his chuckle.
—Hmph, I don't like you guys,— Mika grumbled. —Let's just read this.—
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[Optional Hunting Quest]
In this world, many beasts can cause havoc if a monster stampede forms. Among them are the Mykraals—low-class mutant beasts, nomadic and opportunistic predators that threaten the local balance. Known for their erratic movements and exceptional agility, these creatures hunt in small packs and tend to blend into rocky terrains and dense underbrush, making them difficult to track. They are formidable hunters, but their strength lies more in their unpredictability and speed than in raw power.
The Mykraals are dangerous due to their highly adaptable nature. They can strike quickly, exploiting any weaknesses in their prey's defenses, and are often seen as a disruptive force to the ecosystem. Their tough exoskeletons are resistant to many weapons, but they have vulnerabilities—particularly in the joints and abdomen, where the armor is thinner.
If left unchecked, the Mykraals could potentially destabilize the region, disrupting local wildlife and altering the natural food chain. They are not solitary creatures, often forming packs that hunt and fight with a ruthless coordination. If a stampede of Mykraals begins, it can lead to chaos, with smaller creatures fleeing for their lives and the environment becoming a battlefield of survival.
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Objective:
Hunt 5 Mykraals of low rank.
Details on the Enemy:
Mykraals are erratic, fast, and highly dangerous. They are agile and strike in packs, making them difficult to face head-on. They tend to use their surroundings to hide and ambush, utilizing rocks, foliage, or caves to escape into when needed. They have tough exoskeletons but weak points in their joints and abdomen that can be exploited with precision.
Reward:
EXP: +3000
Coins: 5 silver, 50 copper
Possible Loot:
Mykraal Claws, fragmented exoskeleton, weak venom gland.
Tip:
Avoid fighting in tight spaces where you could be surrounded.
Focus on targeting their weak points—joints and abdomen—instead of taking them on head-to-head.
If you encounter more than five, prioritize taking down the weaker ones first and avoid a prolonged battle that could wear you out.
Do you accept the mission? [Yes] / [No]
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—Oh, looks good and seems easy~— Mika said with an excited smile.
—Don't get cocky,— Nao warned, looking thoughtful. —They're fast and move in groups. Without strategy, we could get surrounded.—Jack clicked his tongue.
—Tsk, annoying. But I guess earning some cash and EXP isn't bad.—
—Plus, we might get useful materials,— I added, reviewing the potential rewards.
Mika smacked her fist into her palm, pumped up.
—Then let's go hunt some Lupinacids!—
Without hesitation, we pressed [Yes] and prepared to face our first prey in this new world.
As we finished the preparations, a question popped into my mind.—By the way, Mika, would you mind if I check your stats?The goat-like girl tilted her head curiously before answering.—Mmm... only if we can all check ours too. We left in a rush and, to be honest, we have no idea what our abilities are or what race we were given.—Good idea —I nodded and opened Mika's status window.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Mika
Race: Caprinae
Class: Druid
❤️ HP: 1050
🔵 MP: 1800
💪 Physical Strength: 90
⚔️ Attack: 120
🛡 Defense: 150
🛠 Constitution: 180
🧠 Intelligence: 285
🔥 Magic Power: 360
🏋️♂️ Physical Resistance: 165
🔮 Magic Resistance: 330
⚡ Agility: 210
🏃 Speed: 195
🎯 Evasion: 240
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Skills
📖 Analysis [H]
Protection: Creates an invisible wall to block attacks.
Offensive Skills
Lightning: Summons a lightning bolt that stuns or kills the enemy. Can chain, increasing damage by 5% per additional target. Power multiplies by 10 when in contact with water.
Piercing Frost: Creates ice spikes in a 3-meter area or launches them up to 7 meters. Can block enemy attacks.
Firestorm: Summons fireballs that orbit around Mika before launching at enemies.
Living Vines: Controls vines to attack and trap enemies. Some are poisonous.
Passive and Support Skills
Language Comprehension: Allows understanding and speaking of any language.
Healing Skills
Minor Healing: Generates a healing circle. When it disappears, it damages nearby enemies.
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Equipment
Adventurer's Set
Oka's Knife
Hermit's Staff: A staff made from bone and teeth, enhances spells.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
—Oh, so that's why Nao calls you "Lamb." You're a druid with both healing and mid-range magic abilities —Rowena commented enthusiastically, smiling as she reviewed Mika's stats.
—Yeah... that surprised me too. I guess I was lucky… though not as lucky as Nao —Mika replied, frowning and shaking her head, as if an uncomfortable thought had crossed her mind.Her tone piqued my curiosity.
—Mhm, what do you mean by that? —I asked, leaning slightly toward her.
Mika gave me a playful smile, her eyes reflecting a mischievous glint, before nodding toward Nao.
—Better check her stats —she suggested in a teasing tone.
Instinctively, I looked at Nao. The expression on her face said it all: a wide grin, eyes full of confidence and anticipation. It was as if she had been waiting to see my reaction to what her numbers revealed.With a mix of intrigue and a faint sense of dread, I opened her status window.
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Nao
Specie: Werewolf
Subspecie: Demon Wolf Rank: Psi (Ψ) Novice
Class: Tank / High-Impact Fighter / Military Strategist
❤️ HP: 3150
🔵 MP: 1050
💪 Physical Strength: 270 (Can crush steel and lift vehicles with ease)
⚔️ Attack: 240 (Her bayonet can cut through armored creatures)
🛡 Defense: 360 (Can withstand explosions and light artillery fire)
🛠 Constitution: 390 (Can fight for days without rest)
🧠 Intelligence: 210 (Tactical experience and military survival, plans in seconds)
🔥 Magic Power: 120 (Uses lycanthropic energy to enhance her body and attacks)
🏋️♂️ Physical Resistance: 420 (Can keep fighting with mortal wounds)
🔮 Magic Resistance: 225 (Resists mid-level spells and impact magic)
⚡ Agility: 900 (Moves faster than a normal human can visually follow)
🏃 Speed: 750 (Can run at supersonic speeds in hybrid form)
🎯 Evasion: 675 (Dodges gunfire and magic attacks with inhuman reflexes)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Skills
Analysis [H]Instantly evaluates the environment, enemies, and strategies. Allows her to detect weak points and anticipate enemy moves with surgical precision.
Passive Skills
Language Comprehension: Can understand and speak any language. (Granted to all summoned individuals.)
Offensive Skills
🔹 Weapon Mastery: Expert in all military and melee weapons.
🔹 Bayonet Mastery: Can fluidly attack and defend with her adaptable weapon.
🔹 Lycanthropy: Transforms into a hybrid or full beast form, drastically enhancing physical abilities.
🔹 Frenzy:
Mode 1: Strength and speed x2, lasts 5 minutes.
Mode 2: Enters a state of controlled madness, ignores pain, lasts 3 minutes.
Mode 3: (Full Demon Wolf Form) Becomes a massive beast, all stats x5, but lasts only 1 minute.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Equipment
🛠️Enhanced Adventurer's Set (Flexible armor that withstands extreme physical and magical attacks).
"Garou – The Hunter's Blade" (Evolving Weapon)
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Jack and I stared at Nao's stats with furrowed brows and slightly open mouths.
—No way... —I muttered, still processing what I was seeing.
Nao wasn't just a tank—she was a damn combat monster. Her stats were on a whole other level, and to top it off, her gear was superior too. Not even my best mental projection of her abilities had prepared me for this.
As if she had been waiting for our reaction, Nao let out a satisfied chuckle before smoothly drawing a black sword. The weapon was stunning: a bastard sword with a fierce design and an almost intimidating presence.
My analysis ability triggered automatically, providing detailed information.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
"Garou – The Hunter's Blade" (Evolving Weapon)
Rank: Unique
Description: A living weapon that grows with its user, forged from unknown materials and tailored to Nao. It is said to be made from the fangs of an ancient demon wolf.
Features
Transforms into different weapons depending on combat needs:
Bayonet → Fast and precise, perfect for lethal close-range strikes.
Bastard Sword → Balanced between speed and strength, adaptable to various situations.
Axe → Powerful and destructive, designed to cut through armor and armored creatures.
Assault Rifle with Blade → Allows ranged attacks without losing melee effectiveness.
Becomes sharper and more durable over time.
Self-regenerative: Repairs itself within minutes if damaged.
Bonded to Nao: Only she can use it. If anyone else tries, it becomes unusable.
Blood Absorption: Grows stronger by feeding on the blood of fallen enemies.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
A chill ran down my spine.
—You've got to be kidding me... —For a moment, I really thought my stats were impressive. But compared to Nao, I felt almost… normal.
I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. While her power was overwhelming, there was something interesting about all of this. I noticed that everyone already had an assigned class, while my analysis skill was more advanced. Thanks to that, I could see more details and even some hidden descriptions.
But one person was still missing.
I cast a quick glance at Jack, who was still distracted, checking something else.
—You've got to be kidding me... —Without wasting another second, I activated my analysis and looked at his stats.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Jack
Race: Human
Class: Assassin
❤️ HP: 2,7█0 🔵 MP: 8█0
💪 Physical Strength: ██0
⚔️ Attack: 7█0
🛡 Defense: ██0
🛠 Constitution: 6█0
🧠 Intelligence: █2█
🔥 Magic Power: ██0
🏋️♂️ Physical Resistance: ██0
🔮 Magic Resistance: ███
⚡ Agility: ██0
🏃 Speed: ██0
🎯 Evasion: ████
[ERROR: Corrupted data. Incomplete read.]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Skills
• Analysis → [Not Authorized]
• Stealth → ████• Shadow Dance → [Encryption Detected... Error 0x0F3A]
Passive Skills
• Language Comprehension → [Information Inaccessible]
• Hunter's Vision → ???
• Survival Instinct → [Unknown. Request higher-level access.]
• Perfect Execution → ████
Offensive Skills
🔪 Shadow Strike → [Unreadable fragment]
⚔️ Moon Dance → [Interference Detected]
🩸 Silent Cut → ████
🛡 Phantom Parry → [Access Denied]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Equipment
• Bastard Sword → [Encrypted Data]
• Abyssal Rift → [This information is censored.]
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
On my screen, lines of text flickered and distorted. It was the first time something like this had happened while using analysis. Not only was the information hidden, but the system seemed to be actively rejecting any attempt to reveal it. Something was off...
Jack looked at Rowena with curiosity.—Do you have a weapon?
—Yup! —I exclaimed proudly, raising a hand. In a golden flash, a massive amber axe appeared, nearly as tall as I was.
Jack and Nao stared at it in disbelief.
—What the hell?! —Jack gaped, stunned. —That thing's not normal… I can feel something strange just by looking at it.
—Ha, ha, ha! I'm amazing, right?! Right?! — I grinned confidently, holding the axe with both hands and puffing out my chest.
Nao leaned in to examine it more closely. —That axe looks incredibly powerful… What rank is it?—
—Epic Rank, Class A — I answered proudly, but as soon as I tried to lift it… nothing. It stayed put. My smile twisted into a strained grimace as I tugged with all my strength, not moving it an inch.
Jack crossed his arms. —...You can't lift it, can you?—
—Yes I can! I-it's just that…— I clenched my teeth and pulled even harder, but the axe didn't budge. —I don't have enough strength to use it... yet—
Jack sighed, bringing a hand to his face. —Want me to try?—
—You can't. Didn't you pay attention to what that beautiful angel said?— Mika scoffed.
I snapped my fingers, storing the axe in my inventory.
—You mean that idiot Zesael?— Jack asked sarcastically.
Mika frowned and shot him an annoyed look. —Don't call him an idiot, hum!—
Jack raised an eyebrow. —Oh? Do you like that angel? Teenage crush?—
Nao stepped in before the conversation could go further off track.
—Alright, what exactly did he say? I didn't pay attention—he talked too much, it got boring."
—Seriously?— I stared at him in disbelief.
Jack shrugged.—I only paid attention when he mentioned the gifts and magic—
Nao sighed and rubbed his forehead like he had a headache.
—Fine, I'll explain. This world works like an RPG, so we have systems similar to a game—
Jack nodded.—Yeah, I figured that part out.—
—He also said that the items we were given are bound to us. We can't trade or steal them from each other.—
—Ah, so that's why—
—Plus, the system also works as a universal translator. We'll be able to understand any intelligent race's spoken language.—
—Oh, I kinda figured that too. Anything else?—
—Yes. We can choose professions like blacksmithing, tailoring, and other trades—but only after reaching a certain level.
Jack nodded with interest.—That could be useful long-term—
That part caught my attention since I'd ignored most of the explanation due to the system glitch.
—And the most impressive part!— Nao raised a finger excitedly. —We can evolve up to five times or more, depending on our race!—
I narrowed my eyes.—Evolve? Like a class change or upgrade?—
I opened my status interface and stared at it.
—Could evolving mean more than just stat boosts…?—
If I could really evolve, then it wasn't just about getting stronger. Could I gain new abilities—even change what I was entirely? How far could this evolution go? It made no sense to overthink it without more info, but the idea wouldn't leave my mind.
The group kept talking about the system when suddenly, a deafening scream echoed through the air.
¡¡GWARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
The roar was deep and terrifying, followed by a loud crash and the blood-curdling screams of people fighting.
Mika felt a chill run down her spine.
—What the hell was that?
The sound of battle was growing louder, accompanied by cries of pain and the clash of weapons.
—Should we go check it out? —Nao asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Jack looked in the direction of the noise, his brows furrowed.
—Yeah, but we're not getting involved. We'll just watch to learn how the beasts of this world behave.
Nao swallowed hard and nodded, while Mika gripped my forearm tightly, trembling slightly.
With careful steps, we slowly approached the source of the noise.
When we arrived, we peeked out cautiously… and what we saw froze us in place.
A group of people were fighting desperately against a colossal creature. Some warriors lay on the ground, screaming in pain, with severed limbs and grave injuries. Others didn't move at all, surrounded by pools of blood.
Mika felt her heart race.
—W-What are they fighting…?
The answer was right in front of our eyes.