Lyn
Age: 17
Level: 2
Race: Human
Strength: 3
Agility: 4
Intelligence: 7
Constitution: 3
Basic Skills
Intermediate Housework Proficiency: 901/1000 Beginner Potion Crafting: 90/100 Beginner Surgical Ability: 20/100
Skeleton Coins: 100
Reputation: None
Introduction: An obscure helper at the Blood Chainsaw Apothecary, a frail but sharp-witted human teen. He's survived in this world for two years—but death could come at any moment…
Lyn calmly examined the panel that had suddenly appeared.
Over the past two years, he'd trained himself not to show a flicker of emotion, so he could stay composed no matter what.
He studied it for a moment.
Roughly, he understood some of the system's functions.
So… as long as I keep completing tasks given by creatures in this world, I can earn rewards and improve my abilities?
If that was true, his chances of surviving just got a bit higher.
Right then, his teacher's hoarse voice and footsteps sounded from inside.
"Lyn, I'm heading out. I'll be back in about two days. Keep the shop secure, lock up tight at night, and don't let those annoying little thieves take anything."
Shhhk-shhhk—
The sound of dragging echoed down the hallway.
Ding! Your teacher, Bloody Chainsaw Man, has issued a task: Guard the shop. Reward: Skeleton Coins x50, Basic EXP x100, Special Reward x1.
Task failure penalty: The apothecary might need more 'collections.'
…
Lyn immediately returned to the main room.
By the front door stood his teacher, dragging a blood-soaked sack that squirmed inside.
At over two meters tall, with a dark-red, cyst-covered body, this was unmistakably his teacher.
A panel popped up before Lyn:
Bloody Chainsaw Man
Race: Patchwork Creature
Level: ???
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Combat Ability: Do not try to provoke him.
Introduction: Owner of the Blood Chainsaw Apothecary in Wandering Soul Alley. Skilled in all kinds of surgical procedures—and often takes on some "interesting" side jobs outside the OR…
Lyn's heart jolted, but his face gave nothing away.
"Teacher, while you're gone, is there anything I should watch out for?" he asked.
He knew he had to ask—otherwise, he might end up dead.
Bloody Chainsaw Man slung the sack onto his back and rasped, "Those who can pay, pay. Those who can't trade with something of equal value. If they won't trade and have nothing, cut it yourself."
Slap—
A bloodstained boning knife landed in front of Lyn.
Ding! You obtained a special item: Bloody Chainsaw's Boning Knife x1.
Bloody Chainsaw's Boning Knife
Grade: Fine
Level: ???
Exclusive to: Bloody Chainsaw Man (Authorization granted)
Introduction: The apothecary owner's usual surgical blade. Extremely sharp—cuts through flesh and ghosts alike. Rumor says, the longer you use it, the more you'll feel the urge to slice something…
"Remember," Bloody Chainsaw Man said, shouldering the dripping sack and striding out, "no matter what noises you hear outside, don't step beyond the Soul Lamp's range.
If anyone asks you to treat patients off-site, ignore them.
At night, shut the doors and windows tight. Anyone who enters, kill. Anyone who calls out, don't answer!"
Lyn nodded, memorizing every word.
"Yes, Teacher. I understand."
Under his gaze, the towering Bloody Chainsaw Man soon vanished into the thick darkness.
Time passed quickly.
Lyn began his daily routine: wiping up blood, adjusting common medicines for various ailments, then sitting behind the counter, boning knife in hand, eyes closed, letting time pass.
Then—
Knock knock knock—
Three knocks at the door.
Lyn looked up. At the entrance stood a filthy little girl clutching a doll, knocking gently.
Her face was pitiful. "Is the shopkeeper here? My doll's arm broke. Can you save my doll?"
Ding! Blood Puppet issues a task: Treat the injured doll. Completion reward: Skeleton Coins +50, Surgical Ability EXP +50, Special Reward +1.
Lyn glanced at the Soul Lamp outside. Its flame flickered.
The chaotic flicker indicated the visitor's strength. Under the lamp's protection, they couldn't enter unless invited—unless they were overwhelmingly powerful.
A panel appeared for the girl:
Blood Doll
Level: 5
Race: Flesh Horror
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Combat Ability: You can afford to provoke it a little.
Introduction: Carries a doll, wanders Wandering Soul Alley looking for Mommy. Whoever tries to take her favorite doll will be eaten by it…
Lyn's skin crawled, but he stayed calm.
"Come in."
Working in Wandering Soul Alley, he knew the rules—these spirits and monsters weren't purely murderous unless you crossed their taboos. Business could still happen.
The girl sat before the counter, cradling her doll pitifully.
Lyn saw the doll's entire left arm was torn off, oozing crimson blood and gunk, as if bitten clean off.
"Doctor, please save my doll. Her arm's broken, and we can't find it. She's my favorite. If this goes on, she'll die."
Suddenly, her mouth stretched unnaturally wide, pulling toward the back of her neck, revealing a bloody grin.
"You can save her, right? Big brother?"
Lyn SAN -5
Lyn stayed composed, examining the doll's severed limb.
The system spoke:
Ding! Wound shows tooth-tearing marks. Initial match with the target's family teeth. Blood composition aligns with the doll's. Preliminary diagnosis: Family member ate one of the doll's arms.
Lyn: "???"
So the system could auto-diagnose too. That made things easier.
Ignoring the bloody smile, he asked, "Have you eaten anything recently?"
Her grin vanished instantly, reverting to a harmless, pitiful look. Hands clasped, she said, "I haven't eaten in days. I'm starving. But last night, in my dream, I had a huge feast."
She licked her lips and giggled like a bell. "It was delicious."
Creak—creak—
The doll on the counter echoed the same eerie smile, repeating:
"Delicious! Delicious! Heeheehee!"
Lyn SAN -10