When he reflexively opened his eyes, a world unfolded before him. The places is one that is more modern than whatever Akari described to him over the years. There were massive buildings and digitals things around them.
Despite wearing a blindfold, it have a special ability which let the user able to make the decision whether they wanted their blindfold see through or not. He decided to make it see through to look around to see if he could find where Akari is since she have mention to him before that her appearance will have an amaryllis flower on her coat.
His eyes scanned around and couldn't see anyone with an amaryllis flower on their coat. Just before he was about to sigh, someone suddenly pulled his coat abruptly which makes him stumble back a bit.
When he turned his head around, he saw a woman who have long pale gold, silken hair flowed in soft waves. It framed a face that was delicately sharp, refined features balanced by an effortless grace. Her eyes, dark and steady.
She wore a tailored black coat that fluttered lightly with her movements, revealing a crisp white blouse beneath. A flowing white skirt brushed against her legs, its thoughtful cut allowing freedom in every step, paired with simple sneakers. Slender ribbons trailed behind her, dancing with the wind, adding a sense of motion even when she stood still.
But what caught his gaze is an amaryllis flower pinned to her coat.
"Akari?" The word slipped out his mouth without a thought. She grinned and nodded.
"Yes, it is me. What do you think? Am I beautiful—wait, I forgot. You're blind." She says with a sigh as if disappointed.
"Actually, I'm not blind anymore. The system gave me an offer to give me the ability to see." He says with a shrug.
"Really?! That's good. But why are you still wearing your blindfold?" Akari ask with a tilt of her head.
"Because I don't want people to think that I can see. Besides, I'm used to using my other senses so I will use my eyesight when necessary." He explained while thinking that it will make it easier for him to check anyone who approach them.
Akari nodded as if understanding his reasoning.
"So keep it a secret, okay?" He ask and Akari quickly says yes. There's no way she would tell anyone.
A strong wind came and an angel showed up in the air. It's the same angel as before. She gave a smile to everyone.
[ Greetings, humans of the earth. I, Ravielle will be assisting you throughout the games. But first of all, I will explain some things first before we can proceed to the game. ]
[ First of all, say the word 'status' in your mind. ]
Everyone followed the Ravielle's instructions with curiosity, thinking that it wouldn't hurt to try.
"Wow!"
"What is this?"
Moments later, there were sighs of amazement coming from all around. Everyone was gaping at the empty air because the status window wasn't visible to others.
Hirotsuka also recited the activation phrase like the others.
'Status.'
In an instant, a status window appeared in front of him.
[ Status Window ]
└ Name : Hirotsuka Kyoutsu
└ Age : 24
└ Class : None
└ Sponsor : None (A few of Constellations has taken interest in this person)
└ Exclusive Attributes : None
└ Exclusive Skills : Soul Reflection Lv. 1, Alluring Vision Lv. 1, Drown in Illusion Lv. 1
└ Overall Stats : Physique Lv. 40, Strenght Lv. 50, Agility Lv. 50, Magic Power Lv. 15, Endurance Lv. 20
└ Owned Gold : 0
└ Remaining Stat Points : 0
Hirotsuka read the status window and was surprised that they will be given a sponsor and he have a notification where it says that there were 10 constellations connected to his chanel.
His eyebrows furrowed. Which means that everyone is in their own channel and the constellations will watch them as if they are characters in a drama.
[ Now we will be having a scenario where you can earn a class, sponsor, attributes and skills ]
[ The one who is originally is a hunter from the real world can still keep their skills and class though you can change into something else if you want. ]
Hirotsuka thought for a moment before glancing at Akari who is thinking so hard for some reason.
"What are you thinking about?" Hirotsuka asked, since Akari was never the one to be thinking of something so hard.
"Nothing, it's just that there are constellations already wanting to be my sponsor but I don't know whether to accept it or not." Akari sighed. She turned to Hirotsuka, obviously asking for an advice.
"You should wait until you have a class and skills. Then you can pick which one of the constellations that suits you the most." Hirotsuka suggested since he knows that she shouldn't just accept any of them carelessly.
[ The constellation 'Nameless Astra' is pleased by your suggestion. ]
Hirotsuka raised an eyebrow at the notification. He almost forgot that the constellations are literally watching them.
[ Let the scenario starts now. We will wish you well, humans of the earth. ]
Ravielle disappeared along with the strong wind and a window appeared before everyone's eyes.
[ The main scenario has arrived!]
[ Main Scenario #1 – Validation of Worth ]
Category: Main
Difficulty: F
Conditions: Kill one or more living things.
Time Limit: 1 hour
Compensation: 300 coins
Failure: Death
Everyone were surprised when they saw the quest of the main scenario.
"Kill living things? Are they telling us to kill each other?"
"Are they insane?"
Whispers filled everywhere. Even Akari seems a bit hesitant about the whole situation.
"Hirotsuka, do we really need to kill other people in order to pass this scenario?" Akari asked hesitantly. She obviously didn't want to do it.
"Did you not read the scenario carefully? It says living things, not human. Let's get out of here and find some animals to kill." Hirotsuka says before walking ahead first. Akari quickly followed him behind as people starts arguing about the matter.
Close to them is a forest where their first destination will be. Hirotsuka look into his inventory where the angel have explained where there will be weapons there.
Surely, there is.
[ Inventory ]
└ 1. Sword
└ 2. Dagger
└ 3. Sycthe
└ 4. Bow
.
.
.
└ 10. Orb
There were a lot of options even for beginner. He decided to pick the dagger since he preferred lighter one. He turned to Akari.
"Which one do you choose?"
"Hmm... I'm still thinking. Should I pick sword or gun?" She asks him.
Hirotsuka thought for a moment, he remembers that she have been taking swordmanship lessons and gun lessons ever since she were little though the gun lessons starts when she is in highschool.
"I guess you could start of by using a sword for this scenario. Since it would be hassle to wait for the ammo to be refill if the ammo be use for small amount." He says and Akari nodded quickly. It's clear that she didn't thought about it.
Hirotsuka deactivated the ability that allowed him to see through his blindfold, surrendering himself to darkness. Slowly, he closed his eyes as well, cutting off the last thread of sight.
Silence wrapped around him.
He steadied his breathing and focused, letting the world reshape itself through sound. The faint rustle of wind brushed against the trees. Somewhere nearby, something shifted.
Then—
A sharp crunch.
The unmistakable stomp on a crusted leaf.
Hirotsuka didn't hesitate. In one fluid motion, he hurled the dagger toward the sound.
A heartbeat later, a notification flashed before him.
[ Congratulations. You have passed the scenario! ]
He smirked to himself.
[ 300 coins have been awarded for completing the scenario. ]
[ You have achieved the 'First Kill' achievement for being the first to kill in under 10 minute! ]
[ 100 coins have been awarded as additional compensation for being the first to kill. ]
Hirotsuka raised an eyebrow when he saw the achievement. He had never thought that this game have hidden achievements. He then turned to Akari.
"You should start killing right now. I have passed the scenario." Hirotsuka says while ignoring the notifications that keeps popping up in front of him.
[ The constellation 'Nameless Astra' is surprised by your skill. ]
[ A handful of constellations admire your skill. ]
[ Constellations have sponsored you 500 coins. ]
Hirotsuka decided to pay no mind to it.
"How did you kill it so quickly? I haven't even spotted a single animal," Akari sighed, frustration slipping into her voice. Still, she couldn't help but admire Hirotsuka's skill. How he pinpointed his target without seeing it and ended the hunt in a single throw.
"Keep your ears peeled," Hirotsuka replied calmly, walking ahead to retrieve his dagger. "Focus on the sounds around you. Nothing else. Let everything unnecessary fade out."
He could have simply summoned the dagger back to his hand, but he chose to pick it up himself. He wanted to see what creature he had struck.
Behind him, Akari remained where she was. She closed her eyes and drew in a slow breath, forcing herself to block out her nerves. The forest slowly came alive through sound. The whisper of wind through branches, the faint hum of insects, the distant shifting of leaves.
She waited.
Then—
A soft crackle. Something moving nearby.
Her eyes snapped open. Without hesitation, she struck.
A second later, silence returned to the forest.
A notification window appeared before her eyes.
[ Congratulations. You have passed the scenario! ]
She smiled excitedly since she have finally completed the scenario.
[ 300 coins have been awarded for completing the scenario. ]
She lowered her weapon, staring at the spot where the creature had fallen. A small forest hare lay motionless among the leaves.
"I… I did it," she murmured, half to herself.
Hirotsuka returned, dagger in hand. He tilted his head slightly toward her direction.
"You hesitated less that time," he said calmly. "Better."
Akari straightened, a small spark of confidence flickering in her chest. "It's harder than it sounds," she muttered, brushing dirt from her sleeve. "The forest is noisy."
Hirotsuka just nodded.
A faint breeze passed between them, stirring the leaves once more. They decided to go back to the centre.