Gold which can buy countries. 

A lifespan which will never expire.

All these things desired by humanity can be obtained in the Labyrinth, and more. Of course, not without the risk of death.

Billions have chosen to 'Descend'.  Yet, to date, less than four earned the prizes they sought at the very beginning.   

One day, an amnesiac wakes up in this dangerous place. The only thing which guides him is the single sentence he awakens to:

"The past lies at the bottom."

(Note: This is also being written on RoyalRoad)

Li Du felt that the tour agency was unreliable. However, he had only given the tour guide two hundred dollars and his parents had been happy during the tour. Hence, he did not feel like he had lost out.
Hearing that they were going for a lucky dip, someone asked, "Young man, is that a free lucky dip or a paid one?"
The tour guide smiled gallantly. "Sir, it's a free lucky dip. Our tour agency collaborates with these associations. Anyone can have one chance to take part in the lucky dip for free."
"That's great," An old man and old lady smiled.
One lady was unhappy. "Ah? One chance per headcount? There's only me from my entire family who joined this tour. Some people here have come with their whole family, so this is not exactly fair, right?"
Li Du was stunned. They have not even seen the lucky dip yet and did not know what they might win. Why are they so godd*mn anxious? It seems like they are already vying for the prize.
Li Du's parents were very enthusiastic as well. The older generation people all felt the same about free stuff.
Li Du's mother asked, "Can we participate too? What are the prizes?"
The tour guide shouted, "Sure, sure, everyone with a red hat can go for the lucky dip. No need to be so anxious."
Li Du's mother said happily, "Oh, that's fantastic."
Li Du shook his head and said, "Let's not join these activities. Mum, let's go. Look, this tour agency is very unorderly. There must be some sort of scheme. Perhaps there is some catch to the lucky dip."
Li Du's father nodded his head solemnly. "He's right, let's just go."
Li Du's mother could not bear to leave. "Let's go and have a look. If anything seems off, we don't have to take part in the lucky dip, right?"
Seeing his mother's insistence, Li Du stopped trying to persuade her and decided to give in and go to have a look.
Like a herd of sheep, the tourists rushed into a huge bus. Li Du's Cadillac followed behind.
The location of the lucky dip was not shabby. It was held on the private beach of a luxurious, beautiful big hotel. There were hot air balloons above them, and supervisors maintaining order on the ground. It looked very well-arranged.
After the tourists stepped down from the bus, the tour guide pointed at the hotel and said, "This is the Hilton Hotel. You have all heard of Hilton, right? One of the world's famous five-star hotels. Our lucky dip will be taking place on their beach."
"Hilton, oh, I know. There's one in Shanghai where we come from. My son took me there for my birthday. It must be legitimate."
"The hotel is so huge, you can't miss it. There will definitely be no problem."
"Why couldn't we stay in this hotel? We are staying in that shabby place, just a small lousy guesthouse. There is not even enough warm water at times."
"Didn't they say that a cold shower is an Australian custom in this season?"
The tourists started to bicker and, listening to them, the tour guide smiled and pointed to the side of the hotel. He said, "This is Sydney's police station. Do you see the national flag and police force flag? Our lucky dip will take place right here, in front of the police station."
That helped to reassure anyone who might have had doubts. The people started to queue, getting ready to participate in the lucky dip.
On the stage, a tall handsome host shouted, "Congratulations, congratulations, this lady has got the third prize! Lady, please raise up your ticket for me to have a look, I need to verify…"
"No problem, no problem, you have indeed got the third prize ticket. A rosewood furniture set, a Harley motorcycle or twenty thousand Australian dollars, take your pick!"
The lucky middle-aged lady said happily, "I want twenty thousand dollars!"
A young lady propped up a tray and walked over. There were two thick rolls of fresh banknotes on the tray.
The host handed the money over and said, "Don't leave just yet, Ma'am. You have to go to our staff behind the stage to sort out the taxes…"
The middle-aged lady interrupted cheerfully, "I know, the tax collection in Australia is very stringent. Tax must be paid on all income. I know, I will go immediately."
"Thank you for your cooperation," The host grinned.
Seeing that the middle-aged lady had walked away with money, the tourists looked on in envy and were all eager for their turn at the lucky dip.
After that, someone else got a prize too, but it was not one of the top three prizes. Now people were getting lucky prizes, consolation prizes, participation prizes. There were many prizes of varying value. They ranged from rosewood bracelets and red sandalwood necklaces to luxury bikes, sofas and other furniture.
The tour guide explained, "The sponsor of this event is a luxury company. The prizes they offer include luxury yachts, luxury cars, rosewood furniture, and gold and silver jewelry.
"Let's cut to the chase, give us our tickets quickly, we want to participate in the lucky dip," A middle-aged man was in a hurry.
The tour guide started to give out the tickets. The winners would get their prize based on their tickets. One ticket was entitled to one chance of drawing a prize.
Some ladies held onto the tour guide and insisted on getting more than one ticket. They could tell that everyone who participated in the lucky dip would likely win some sort of prize. The odds were high. The host emphasized from the stage again that this was an event held by a sponsor company.
Li Du was shocked. Could it be that I had been overly suspicious of the event? This lucky dip seems too good to be real. 
A yacht stopped along the beach some distance away. It was even larger than the Sea Star 60 he had bought. The yacht was one of the top prizes and the host announced it was worth 5.2 million Australian dollars. Li Du's Sea Star 60 was only worth about 1.2 million!
Li Du's mother took three tickets and came back to pull Li Du and his father along to queue for their turn in the lucky dip.
The event organizers had split people into two groups. In every group, there was a large lucky dip box. There was a tall, tough security guard looking over each box. Once someone handed him a ticket, they could draw a lot from the lucky dip box once.
There was no shortage of people queuing to have their turn. Li Du noticed that almost all of them were tour groups organized by agencies. They all had different sorts of hats on their heads.
He observed that the tourists were not only Chinese but also Koreans, Japanese, Malaysians, Indians, and people from many other countries. They all spoke different languages.
When it came to the turn of people in their queue, a middle-aged lady who was wearing many pearls stretched out her hand for a look and called out happily, "Ah, I did it, I did it! It's the third prize, I got the third prize!"
Jealous voices rang out all around:
"This lady is so lucky!"
"Aiya, third prize, twenty thousand Australian dollars, that's tens of thousands of Renminbi!"
"I'd be fine just winning a participation prize. Just win a red sandalwood necklace, that is worth a few thousand in China."
Hearing someone say that, Li Du asked, "If it's so valuable, why is it only a participatory prize here? Isn't it supposed to be worth more than the third price of twenty thousand Australian dollars?"
The tour guide explained, "That's because the domestic rosewood prices have increased due to demand. In Australia, rosewood and sandalwood are less valuable."
"That's right. It's just like housing. In some places in China, the price of a square meter has risen to twenty or even thirty thousand. What kind of real estate prices do you see in Sydney? Yesterday we went to check out the housing prices here. Converted into Renminbi, a small villa is worth three or four million," another tour guide added.
The tourists nodded and someone said, "There is indeed something to learn from capitalist states!"


They love gold, and they love silver. Even more so, they love gems that dazzle, like stars across the skies. 
Firearms, jewelleries, and precious metals; A collector’s world will not be complete without antiques.  
Storage auctions, old goods trade, re-estate sales and gold-digging. But the truth is, if one wants to make money, then the supreme way is through searching for the legendary treasures. 
Holding the fort, there’s an ocelot, a wolf, and an Andes condor. At the side, there’s a loyal hound, an irascible ape, and an African honey badger. Who said that you can only rely on humans when treasure hunting?! 

"Of all the convenient products this civilization copied the creation of without understanding the process or development behind, I'm damn glad toilet paper and hygeine products are on the list." Li Mei clutched her chest and heaved a sigh of relief, her imagination wandering for a moment to imagine transmigrating into a universe without toilet paper.
A dark, dark place.
"This is also a great opportunity," Li Mei muttered, pinching her chin. "I need to see for myself what condition people are living in. This estate really isn't a good starting comparison, it has too many resources available thanks to Faust having a high rank in a big research organization. Otto and Hana won't be much help in terms of information either, considering their backgrounds.
"Capital's important no matter what universe you're in, I can think of some easy modern conveniences that could earn a lot of money depending on how new their concepts are... Condiments for example, mayonnaise and vinegar and even ketchup! And how common are magitech tools outside of a big organization like Oriole? Were they common here because of Faust's connections rather than them actually being used everywhere? But to see it for myself..."
She rubbed the black band around her neck and grimaced. It wasn't obtrusive, but Li Mei was never able to forget its presence. The slavery band ensured she had to follow Faust's orders, including the one forcing her to stay within the forest until he returned.
 He was being kind for the moment with his orders, relatively speaking, but what if he changed his mind? If he decided she wasn't interesting anymore, he could order her to starve to death. 
Or walk into the jaws of a vicious beast. 
Or worse.
He changed the enslavement binding's terms and conditions once before, Li Mei had to assume he could do it again. With such a shaky and imbalanced foundation for their relationship, she really couldn't trust Faust at all. "I need to get rid of this thing first..."
Lina's body flickered, and the world around the two girls dissolved until only a bland metal room was left. "Ah. Our time's up. With what you've learned here you've managed to increase your Rank a bit, but you're still being held back by your own inexperience... Oh well. With time, you'll figure it all out."
"We're done already? It's only been a little while." Li Mei muttered, a hint of disappointment darkening her eyes. 
The copy smiled and jumped to her feet, extending a hand to pull up Li Mei. "It's been longer than you think. I won't be able to do this for you again so do your best in the future to keep getting stronger, okay? Especially magic. Learn all you can about magic, and eventually I'll be able to help you break that annoying shackle."
Li Mei squeezed Lina's hand and smiled. In the next moment, she was alone once more in the familiar mountaintop garden, stars sparkling in the clear night sky.
She exhaled a deep breath, watching the vapor mist vanish into the chilly air.
Hana knew three spells, all derived using her Core's Pyrokinesis ability as a base. It wasn't something Li Mei could replicate with her limited knowledge of magic. Otto didn't know any spells at all, so he couldn't teach her anything either.
"Will I really have to rely on Faust yet again?" Li Mei sighed before turning her attention to a few new Interface windows demanding her attention.
-----
[Rank Up]
★★★★★

Completed!
Rank increased from 0 (100%) to 2 (9%)

Unlocked Lottery! 

Obtained 1 (Lucky★) Spin!
-----
-----
[Lottery]

A roulette wheel that can bring great fortune or sorrow with its Prizes. Spins can be purchased using EXP and mana - more expensive spins have lower odds of unlucky results.

The Lottery can be used once per day.

As your Quest System is lower than Level 3, the Lottery cannot produce tangible products. Prizes are currently limited to temporary effects. Upgrade your Quest System as soon as possible for best results!
-----
-----
[Lottery Spin Types and Cost]

Free spins obtained via Quests or other methods are marked ★, and have a further increased chance of lucky results compared to other spins of the same type.

(Trivial) Spin: 111 EXP and 111 Mana. Prizes as cheap as its cost. Both lucky and unlucky Prizes are less than half as effective as other spin types.

(Risky) Spin: 444 EXP and 444 Mana. A spin that risks it all! 60% chance of unlucky Prizes, but lucky Prizes are twice as effective.

(Lucky) Spin: 7777 EXP and 7777 Mana. Only a 30% chance of unlucky Prizes! But unlucky Prizes are twice as terrible...

(Rigged) Spin: 999999 EXP and 999999 Mana. 100% lucky spin! No unlucky results! Will always produce a convenient and useful Prize appropriate to your situation and needs, guaranteed!

Other types of spins will be unlocked as you upgrade your Quest System.
-----
Another window listed examples of current lottery Prizes. Increased strength, magic power, mana absorption, mana capacity, EXP gain rate... And on the flip side, decreased vitality, lowered immune system, and even damage to a Core were possible unlucky Prizes.
Li Mei let out a long, low whistle. 'I'll hold onto the free spin until I can upgrade the Quest System. No use squandering it now!'
She'd barely closed the windows when she was barreled over by a furious Bao, charging across the garden at top speed to headbutt an off-guard Li Mei. She flew back several meters before slamming into a cluster of crystals, countless fine cracks forming intricate spiderweb patterns at the point of impact.
"What the hell?!" Li Mei gasped, clutching her aching ribs. Such a powerful blow was just enough to knock the wind out of her lungs, which Bao was aware of. The Fera stomped his clawed feet and snorted, all four eyes narrowed into angry slits.
"Big Sis!"
"Boss!"
Hana and Otto gasped as they ran up the path from the mountainside abode, just a few seconds behind Bao's arrival.  Li Mei frowned as she clambered to her feet, glancing at their worried faces then at Bao's furious one. 
She quickly thought of an excuse and forced her expression into one both bland and nonchalant. "I uh. Went and had an... Epiphany? And lost track of time. How long was I gone?"
"Two weeks," Hana said softly. "Otto cried."
"Did not!" Otto scoffed, the tips of his ears turning crimson. He clenched his hands at his sides and stubbornly refused to look Li Mei in the eye. "Bao was still here so I knew she'd be back!"
"Cried a lot."
"Hana, you little-"
"Crybaby."
"It won't happen again," Li Mei promised, ruffling Bao's fur. Bao snorted again, but a single swish of his tail showed forgiveness. Li Mei kept petting his fluffy face until the Fera's whole body relaxed. "Next time I have to go somewhere I'll let you know first. I doubt another breakthrough like that will happen any time soon, don't worry."
She didn't consider the Rank Up quest could take a whole two weeks when she accepted it! The passage of time was hard to track in the training space since there were no clocks, no sunrise or sunset, and unlike the Training Room there was no sense of hunger or fatigue thanks to Lina's magical refreshment ability.
Two weeks gone just like that, but the information and experience she got fighting Lina was well worth the effort.
Li Mei grinned. "I feel like I got a bit stronger, let's celebrate! Who's hungry?"
"It's the middle of the night, Boss..."
"Ah... Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"Bao suddenly kicked up a fuss and charged off, we thought something might have happened..."
"Oh. Since you're all up, let's make food anyway. I feel like I haven't eaten in weeks!"

Li Mei dies unexpectedly, transmigrating into the body of a nameless slave girl who was murdered in her sleep.

With the assistance of a game-like interface gifted to her by an unseen helper, she must fight in a hostile alien world not only for freedom, but for survival - and revenge!

(I will be posting this story on RoyalRoad.com as Kruos soon.)

During his conversation with Parma, Gu Ding found out that the video of his medicine refinement had gone totally viral. Not only did Modican see it, a number of people from the top management of Hermean Alliance saw it as well. All of them now wanted to know if he could join some sort of competition. 
After informing Parma that he would be able to reach Fengyuan in about ten days, and confirming where to meet Modican, Gu Ding hung up the phone.
"I've looked up the Newcomer's Ranking Competition," Neptune also knew that the Hermean Alliance wanted Gu Ding to join the competition. "A newcomer refers to people who have become a pharmacologist within the last three years. It's been less than a year since Sa Ze became one, so he has probably never lost a match. In fact, there are three newcomers that have similar talents to him throughout the entire Dragon Soar Cosmic Nation. Three of them took at least two years to become a pharmacologist. Two of them are already B-grade pharmacologists, and one of them is an A-grade pharmacologist. So, when Sa Ze challenged their sectors, none of them tried to battle him."
"If that's the case, then there's no competition at all. If the A-grade pharmacologist refines a bottle of perfect quality A-grade medicine, then his competitors might as well just pack their bags in advance," Gu Ding did not expect that an A-grade pharmacologist would join a Newcomer's Ranking Competition.
"It's not like that. The competition rules is set so that all contestants are to refine the same type of E-grade medicine. The person who's able to refine the highest quantity, as well as quality, within the specified timeframe will achieve the highest ranking," Neptune explained.
"E-grade medicine?" Gu Ding was stunned when he heard this. "So, F-grade pharmacologists can't join the competition?"
"In theory, all newcomer pharmacologists of Dragon Soar Cosmic Nation can participate in the ranking competitions, either individually or by representing their sector. However, those who cannot refine E-grade medicines will be eliminated in the first round," After Neptune rifled through the records and video materials set over the years, he was able to the competition regulations.
"It's understandable that there are these sorts of limitations since there are far too many F-grades pharmacologists around." Gu Ding had generally understood why the organizers had set this standard. It was probably because the number of F-grade pharmacologists alone outnumbered the total amount of pharmacologists across the various other grades. If all of them were able to join the competition, it might lead to all sorts of confusion due to sheer volume of people. Therefore, it was important for them to eliminate all the F-grade pharmacologists in the first round so that the subsequent events could run smoothly.
In addition to this, the ranking competition itself was aimed at newcomers, with its purpose being to find naturally talented pharmacologists so that they could go on to become apprentices to the senior pharmacologists. Logically, the entire pharmacologist industry would flourish if every senior pharmacologist had a naturally talented apprentice to train. 
Everyone was qualified to participate in the assessment during their first three years. As for those who worked hard for three years and had not been promoted to E-grade pharmacologists, they were assumed to not have a natural talent in pharmacology.
"What's the prize for the Newcomer's Ranking Competition?" Gu Ding cared more about the other things.
His dad taught him that only tangible things mattered, and Gu Ding had always kept that in mind.
"Individual prizes are limited as the bulk of it is allocated to the contestants representing their sectors. For contestants that don't represent any sector, the prizes normally allocated to the sectors will be withheld by the organizers."
"The top one hundred contestants are allowed to choose a bottle of refined medicine from the competition. Hermean Alliance will then refine the same medicine as a gift for the top one hundred ranked contestants. In addition to this, an entire set of B-grade refining equipment will be given to them."
"The top ten contestants are allowed to pick three bottles of refined medicine from the competition, which Hermean Alliance will give to them as the prize. Besides this, they will receive a set of A-grade refining equipment and the privilege of one year of free pharmaceutical material worth up to one hundred million Star Credits from Hermean Alliance."
"For the top three contestants, they are allowed to pick five bottles of refined medicine from the competition. They are also given a set of A-grade refining equipment and the privilege of one year of free pharmaceutical material worth up to five hundred million Star Credits from Hermean Alliance. Also, there is a high chance they might be selected by an S-grade medicine grandmaster to become one of their private apprentices."
"The champion may pick out ten bottles of refined medicine from the competition. They are also given a set of top tier S-grade refining equipment and the privilege of one year of free pharmaceutical material worth up to ten hundred million Star Credits from Hermean Alliance. Besides this, they also get the opportunity to have a one-time meet-up with an S-grade medicine grandmaster." Star Credits from Hermean Alliance. Besides this, they also get the opportunity to have a one-time meet-up with an S-grade medicine grandmaster."
"Of course, each person only gets the prizes from the highest category which they qualify for."
When Gu Ding heard about the prizes, he was shocked. He unconsciously exclaimed, "Hermean Alliance is really rich!"
Excluding the value of the medicines sent, a set of B-grade refining equipment was worth around 100 million Star Credits, and a set of A-grade refining equipment was usually worth between 1 billion and 1.2 billion. As for the top tier S-grade refining equipment, it was basically priceless. It was rarely available on the market and was valued at around 2.5 billion Star Credits. Moreover, there was the free access to hundreds of millions of pharmaceutical materials worth of Star Credits within a one-year period to be considered. Medicine made from pharmaceutical materials were worth at least tens times more in terms of value. If the refined quality was perfect, it was worth at least a hundred times more.
Take, for example, Gu Ding's previously refined F-grade Cell Enhancer. One set of material only required around 100 Star Credits. However, a perfect quality refined medicine would sell for twenty-five thousand Star Credits, which was more than two hundred times its original value. This showed how long Hermean Alliance had managed to get so rich.
However, when it came to or being selected by an S-grade medicine grandmaster, Gu Ding did not care much about going on to become one of their private apprentices. There were only three S-grade medicine grandmasters in the entire Dragon Soar Cosmic Nation, and all of which were really busy people with hundreds of apprentices. Even if he got himself a master, he might only see him a few times in a year. On the contrary, as a top-ranked A-grade pharmacologist, Modican would be more proacctive in being a proper master. According to Parma, Modican was a sincere man with high standards. If Gu Ding could get along well with him in the meeting, he would be Parma's junior fellow apprentice, and there would be no need to get another teacher.
"Besides the Newcomer's Ranking Competition, does Hermean Alliance have any other championship events?" Gu Ding wanted to know if he could participate in other championship events besides the Newcomer's Ranking Competition. Since the prize for the Newcomer's Ranking Competition was so amazing, the prizes for the other competitions might be equally attractive.
"There's also a competition called A Dose in Ten Years. Contestants must have practiced pharmacology for more than three years and less than ten years. They must also be under thirty years old and at least a C-grade pharmacologist. The prize for this competition is ten times than that of the Newcomer's Ranking Competition." Neptune replied, "There is also a top tier competition which is the ultimate competition between A-grade pharmacologists of every sector. It's done via a live broadcast throughout the entire Dragon Soar Cosmic Nation wherein the value of every prize is worth more than tens of billions of Star Credits. It's too bad that you're not eligible to join."
"To be honest, you could've omitted your last sentence..." Gu Ding was speechless about Neptune's final comment.
"So, do you want to join the Newcomer's Ranking Competition? In truth, the prize from the Hermean Alliance headquarters is only part of the story. If you get good results, the Skyriver Sector division will definitely provide you extra benefits," Neptune added.
"Of course I want to! Dad once told me, only fools don't do it for the money!" Gu Ding grinned. "Log me into Medicine King Valley, I have something to discuss with the people of the Skyriver division of Hermean Alliance."


It is an era of artificial superintelligences, interstellar travel, gene medicine, and virtual reality worlds. Far into Earth's future, 15-year-old Gu Ding is a student of Cerulean Military Academy by day, and tavern waiter by night. His ambition: Become the space pirate with the highest bounty offered by the Universal Federation Government. With the help of Neptune, a neonate super-intelligence, Gu Ding finds himself thrust into a galaxy of shadowy organizations, political underdealings, and otherworldly forces that lie beyond human comprehension…

(Hereux Academy, after one week) 
(Eunice's POV) 

ISANG linggo na ang nakakalipas mula nung bumalik si Charlize. Masasabi kong tahimik pa naman ang buhay ko sa Hereux Academy maging sa UESC Condominium. Naging busy siya kasi nung mga nakaraang araw sa clothing business niya kaya nakalimutan na niya yatang pag-trip-an ako. Sana nga ay lagi na lang siyang may pinagkakaabalahan kaysa sa ako ang napagbubuntunan niya ng mga issues niya sa buhay. 

Speaking of issue, ilang araw na akong hindi pinapansin ni Derrick. Kung bakit? I don't know. Basta isang araw, hindi na niya ako kinausap. Ilang beses ko na ring sinubukang kausapin siya pero umiiwas naman siya sa akin. At ang nakakainis pa, palagi na niyang kasama ang dukhang campus scholar na si Laurrie. Bagama't gustung-gusto kong gumanti sa babaing yun ay hindi ko naman magawa lalo pa't maraming mga mata ang nakabantay sa akin, including Charlize and Irene Impakta. Tsaka ayoko nang magalit ulit sa akin si Derrick kaya naman hangga't maaari ay pinipigilan ko ang sarili ko na saktan ang Laurrie na yun. 

Pero kung inaakala ng babaing yun na basta ko na lang ipapaubaya si Derrick sa kanya, nagkakamali siya, dahil gagawin ko ang lahat para lang mawala siya sa landas naming dalawa. 




(IV - A Classroom, 7:30 am) 
(Eunice's POV) 

ABALA ako sa pagbabasa ng libro nang mapansin kong pumasok sa classroom si Charlize at ang dalawang bwisit na alipores niya. Unfortunately, she's my classmate, kaya kahit na labag sa loob kong makita siya araw-araw ay wala naman akong ibang choice kundi ang pakisamahan siya. 

Aside from Charlize ay kaklase ko rin sina Ate Courtney, Kuya Kyle, Raffy, Wade at si Rachel. Nasa second section naman sina Derrick, Timothy at Clarissa. 

Natigil lang sa pagtsitsismisan ang mga kaklase ko nang biglang pumasok sa room ang adviser namin na si Ms. Gregorio kasama si Dean Amorsolo. Agad na tumayo ang buong klase para magbigay-galang sa kanila. 

"Good morning, Dean Amorsolo and Ms. Gregorio!" sabay-sabay na bati ng buong klase. 

"Good morning, class. Take your seats." sagot naman ni Dean. Agad na nagsibalikan sa mga upuan ang buong klase. 

"Bakit po kayo naparito, Dean?" tanong ni Raffy. 

"Because I have some important announcement to make. May I?" paalam ni Dean na agad namang pinayagan ni Ms. Gregorio. Saglit na tumabi si Ma'am para bigyang daan si Dean. 

Nung nasa harapan na si Dean ay may idinikit siyang poster sa board. 

"Teka, yan ba yung Hereux Prime?" 

"Oo. Nakita ko na yan sa bulletin board kanina." 

Pagkadikit ni Dean sa poster ay muli siyang humarap sa amin. 

"I'm sure alam nyo na ang tungkol sa Hereux Prime Student Award." sabi ni Dean, dahilan para ma-excite ang buong klase. Pero kung sinuman ang pinaka-excited sa aming lahat, walang iba kundi ako, because I'm pretty sure na ako ang mangunguna sa award na yan. Wag nga lang akong haharangin ni Raffy. 

"Hereux Prime Student Award is for the top twenty students na bukod sa matataas ang grades ay nagpakita rin ng mabuting asal sa loob ng academy na ito. Aside from that, sila rin ang mga estudyante na may kanya-kanyang ipinaglalabang advocacy. Pwedeng related sa education, youth empowerment at self-development." paliwanag pa ni Dean. 

"I see." narinig kong sabad ni Charlize. "Sinu-sino naman po ang mga qualified?" 

"Kahit sino ay pwedeng maging qualified, Ms. Lazaro. Walang pinipiling section ang award na ito. Basta pasok sa mga nabanggit naming criteria ay automatic na kasali na sa listahan ng mga nominee." sagot pa ni Dean. 

"Katulad pa rin po ba ito sa naging nomination process last year, Dean?" sabad ni Alice. 

"No, Ms. Vidal. Hindi na ito katulad nung nakaraang taon." sagot ni Dean. 

Marami pang ipinaliwanag si Dean sa amin patungkol sa screening, nomination process hanggang sa awarding ceremony. 

"Once na manalo ang isa sa inyo bilang Hereux Prime Student sa taong ito, there's a lot of prizes awaiting for you." at may ipinaskil ulit na poster si Dean. Halos mapanganga ako sa pagkalula nang mabasa ko ang mga sumusunod na prizes na matatanggap ng mananalo. 


--- 

HEREUX PRIME STUDENT AWARDS PRIZES 

For Top 20 (20th to 11th Placer): 
- P 100,000 cash prize (tax free) 
- P 50,000 worth of GC's from Escudero Mall 
- 1 year internship program from Escudero Group of Companies 
- A crystal trophy from Hoya Jewelries 
- A plaque of recognition 

For Top 10 (10th to 4th Placer): 
- P 300,000 cash prize (tax free) 
- P 70,000 worth of GC's from Escudero Mall 
- 1 year internship program from Escudero Group of Companies 
- A crystal trophy from Hoya Jewelries 
- A plaque of recognition 

For Top 3 and Top 2 (3rd and 2nd Placer): 
- P 500,000 cash prize (tax free) 
- P 90,000 worth of GC's from Escudero Mall 
- 1 year internship program from Escudero Group of Companies 
- A crystal trophy, silver and bronze medals from Hoya Jewelries 
- A plaque of recognition 

For Top 1 (Grand Winner): 
- P 1,000,000 cash prize (tax free) 
- P 100,000 worth of GC's from Escudero Mall 
- A brand new condominium from Escudero Estate Corporation. 
- 2 years internship program from Escudero Group of Companies 
- A five year tertiary scholarship program from Universidad de Escudero 
- 3 days and 3 nights vacation in Maldives 
- A brand new Lamborghini 
- A crystal trophy and gold medal from Hoya Jewelries 
- A plaque of recognition 

--- 

"OMG! Ang dami namang prizes para sa magiging Hereux Prime Student this year?!" 

"Gusto kong sumali! Malay mo, manalo ako diba?" 

"Asa ka pa. Sa tingin mo ba matataas ang grades mo?" 

"Oo naman noh! Pakita ko pa sayo!" 

Napailing-iling na lang ako sa narinig kong mga side comments mula sa mga kaklase ko. Hindi rin naman masyadong obvious na gustung-gusto nilang manalo sa Hereux Prime Student. Pero sorry na lang sila dahil ako ang mananalo sa award na yan. Makikita nila. 

Maski si Charlize at ang dalawang alipores niya ay nalula rin sa prizes na matatanggap ng mananalong Hereux Prime Student sa taong ito. 

"Do you think, makakapasok ako sa leaderboard despite on the fact na transferee ako?" ang narinig kong tanong ni Charlize kina Alice at Stephanie. 

"Oo naman, Miss. Like what Dean Amorsolo said, walang pinipiling section at estudyante ang Hereux Prime Student Awards." sagot naman ni Alice, dahilan para mapailing-iling ako. 

Tsk. As if namang mananalo ang isang tulad niya sa Hereux Prime Student. Marami pa siyang kakaining bigas bago mangyari ang sinasabi niya. 

Matapos sabihin ni Dean ang lahat ng detalye tungkol sa Hereux Prime Student ay kaagad na rin siyang umalis para pumunta sa iba pang section. Naiwan na sa room si Ms. Gregorio para magturo. 

Habang nagtuturo si Ms. Gregorio sa amin ay ramdam ko pa rin ang excitement ng mga kaklase ko. Hindi ko sila masisisi. Sino ba naman ang hindi ma-e-excite sa mga ganung klaseng papremyo? Maski ako ay matutuwa rin kung ako ang mananalo ng award na yan. Ang kaso lang, mukhang mahihirapan ako dahil bukod kay Raffy ay siguradong makakalaban ko rin sina Kuya Kyle, Ate Courtney, Rachel and even Charlize and her two warfreak friends. 

Nung matapos nang magturo si Ms. Gregorio ay agad na rin silang nagpaalam sabay alis sa classroom namin. Dahil walang teacher ay naging usap-usapan ng buong klase ang tungkol sa Hereux Prime Student Award. 

"Sino kayang makakapasok sa leaderboard starting next week?" 

"Siguro sina Young Master Raffy at si Miss Eunice. Diba sila namang dalawa ang naglalaban for the top position in this academy?" 

"Tama ka. Sila ngang dalawa ang naglalaban sa pagiging top 1. Wish ko lang na sana'y manalo si Young Master Raffy. Baka kasi mas lalong yumabang si Miss Eunice oras na siya ang manalo." 

"Sinabi mo pa." 

"Sana makapasok si Miss Charlize sa leaderboard." 

"But she's a transferee. Baka ma-disqualify siya dahil dun." 

"Wag naman sana. May potential pa naman siyang manalo." 

"Tama. In fact, mas deserving siyang manalo kaysa dun sa dalawa." 

"Sssh. Tone down your voice, Gilana. Baka marinig ka ni Miss Eunice at Young Master Raffy." 

"The hell I care about that arrogant prince and that Bad Queen Bee. I hate them to the nth level. Masyado silang mayayabang, eh hindi naman sila ganun katatalino." 

What the hell did she said?! 

Susugurin ko na sana ang grupo ng mga tsismosang classmates ko nang pigilan ako ni Rachel. 

"Don't mind Gilana, Miss. Inggit lang sayo ang babaing yun kasi siguradong makakasama ka na sa leaderboard ng Hereux Prime Student samantalang siya, hindi." sabi sa akin ni Rachel. Hmp! Pasalamat ang babaing yun at wala ako sa mood na makipag-away, dahil kung hindi, baka kanina ko pa nabalatan ang pagmumukha niya. 

Natigil lang sa pagtsitsismisan ang mga kaklase namin nang pumasok na sa room ang Science teacher namin na si Mr. Baltazar. Saglit silang nag-check ng attendance at agad na nilang inumpisahan ang klase. 




(Corridor, lunch break) 
(Eunice's POV) 

PAPUNTA kami nina Rachel at Clarissa sa cafeteria nang makasalubong namin si Derrick. Dali-dali ko siyang nilapitan. 

"Hi, Derrick!" bati ko sa kanya pero nilagpasan lang niya ako. 

"OMG. Hindi ka na naman pinansin ni Young Master Derrick." sabi ni Rachel. 

"Oo nga. Panlimang beses ka na niyang inisnab." dagdag pa ni Clarissa. 

"For sure, nilalandi-landi na siya nung dukhang scholar na nakaaway mo sa cafe ni Stephanie o 'di kaya, sinusulsulan na siya ng mommy niya na iwasan ka." 

"I know." sagot ko. "Pero malakas ang kutob kong hindi lang sina Laurrie at Tita Eloisa ang dahilan." 

"Kung hindi lang sila ang dahilan, eh ano?" tanong ni Clarissa. 

"O di kaya.....sino?" - Rachel. 

Napabuntung-hininga ako. "Hindi ko alam. That's why I'll do everything para malaman ko ang totoong dahilan sa pag-iwas niya sa akin."

Three girls.

One school.

Three different stories.

ONE UNCONTROLLABLE CONNECTION.

Ryan accesses System's Storage and looks for his Rank-Up Packages; he becomes wide-eyed from what he's gained from the packages.
The list of the things he's obtained from the packages are like this:
1★ Harem Novice Package:
- 100 SP
- Limited Max Affection Ticket x1
- Unlimited Max Affection Ticket x1
1★ Harem Junior Package:
- 100 SP
- System's Base Starting Kit x1
- System's Base 50% Discount Ticket x1
1★ Harem Senior Package:
- 100 SP
- System's Shop 10% Discount Ticket x5
- System's Shop 25% Discount Ticket x3
- System's Shop 50% Discount Ticket x1
1★ Harem King Package:
- 1000 SP
- System's Lottery 1★ Ticket x9
- System's Lottery 2★ Ticket x7
- System's Lottery 3★ Ticket x5
- System's Lottery 4★ Ticket x3
- System's Lottery 5★ Ticket x2
- System's Lottery 6★ Ticket x1
1★ Harem Emperor Package:
- 1000 SP
- System Creation Package x5
1★ Harem Sovereign Package:
- 1000 SP
- Low-Rank World Ticket x1
- Intermediate-Rank World Ticket x1
- High-Rank World Ticket x1 
- Extreme-Rank World Ticket x1
1★ Harem God Package:
- 10,000 SP
- A Free Privilege Ticket x1 
For the details, the Limited Max Affection Ticket allows Ryan to max out the affection of girl/woman but only a girl/woman per ticket. However, there's a limit for this ticket. For example, the target needs to have no experience in falling in love, in other words, "an innocent maiden." Meanwhile, Unlimited Max Affection Ticket allows him to forcefully max out the target affection. It's within the realm of feeling manipulation, and Ryan feels put off because of his moral.
However, Ryan will be lying to himself if he denies that he's tempted to use it on Miya Asama. After discovering how breathtakingly beautiful Kochou in real-life, he is very interested in the Pillar Sekirei. It's said that she is an absolutely gorgeous woman. She's beautiful as she's deadly with her blade. He doesn't even mind that Miya isn't a virgin. In fact, he's curious of the taste of an experienced woman. Miya is surely experienced due to her widowed status.
'No, this Unlimited Max Affection Ticket is too precious. I'll keep it for later.' Thinking that, Ryan made up his mind and left the rare, precious ticket in his storage. Although Ryan was tempted to use it on Miya, he believed that it would be useful later. 
There is also the fact that he is able to visit the real Sekirei world in the future. He is able to get Miya at that time, when he visits the real Sekirei world. For now, he holds his desire.
Afterward, Ryan checks the Base Starting Kit and finds it's a package consists of 10 cubic meter room to be installed in his Base, endless air, water, and electric circulation for his base, and some furniture.
When he finds out about that, he can't help but check out the Base Interface and discover he must spend System Points to expand the living space inside his Base or/and modify it. He smiles helplessly as he realizes that the system is contradictory; it is very generous in giving him SP but also burning out his SP to provide him with resource and support he needs.
'At least, I have the 50% Discount Ticket. I can use it later when I'm building my base. For now, I'm going to install the Base Starting Kit first.' After making up his mind, Ryan installed the Starting Kit and left it for the time being. He also left the discount ticket in the System's Storage for the time being.
Ryan checks the next items; the shop discount ticket. When he sees them, he wants to look into Shop Interface; he accesses the interface and finds that he's scammed by the system again.
"This is bullshit! Why must I pay for unlocking the higher-ranked item shop?!" Ryan roared in rage when he saw the locked Shop Interface. Other than 1★ Shop Interface, everything else is locked and he needs to unlock them with his System Points and in Divine and Genesis rank shops, he needs to enter a certain rank too.
For the price, it goes like this:
- 2★ Shop: 100 SP
- 3★ Shop: 1,000 SP
- 4★ Shop: 10,000 SP
- 5★ Shop: 100,000 SP
- 6★ Shop: 1 million SP + 1★ Harem God Rank
- 7★ Shop: 1 million SP + 1★ Harem God-King Rank
"Ryan-sama, what's it? Why are you shouting all of sudden?" Because of Ryan's outburst, Kochou has paused her works and asked him that with a worried look. 
Ryan immediately tells her, "Don't worry! I'm just annoyed by the system!" 
Ryan adds a reassuring smile for Kochou.
In the end, Kochou nods her head in understanding before returning back to her project. On the other hand, Ryan proceeds with his own thing; he puts aside the shop upgrade and focuses on the contents of the last package.
Ryan accesses Lottery Interface and sees an interface that looks like a slot machine in the screen in his field of vision. He discovers that a single spin costs him 1,000 SP. For 10 spins, he'll obtain a 10% discount, meaning that he only needs to pay 9,000 SP. However, he's wary at the Lottery that reminds him of the pocket-burning gacha from Fate/Grand Order he'd played in his previous life. Remembering that accursed gacha almost gives him a stomach cramp.
'Heh, I won't get fooled! There's no way I'll squander my SP on you! Oh, well, at least, I have these tickets that allow me to have a 100% chance for the ranked items. Okay, let's use them!'
Ryan uses all Lottery Tickets in his possession without any hesitation.
There are several categories of prizes the Lottery dispenses:
- Consumables
- Items
- Skills
There is no need to explain these categories because it is clear from the name of the category alone. For the prizes rate, it's like this:
- 1★ prizes have a 50% rate.
- 2★ prizes have a 30% rate.
- 3★ prizes have a 10% rate.
- 4★ prizes have a 5% rate.
- 5★ prizes have a 3% rate.
- 6★ prizes have a 1.5% rate.
- 7★ prizes have 0.5% rank.
From 5★ and above, it's going to be hard to obtain because of the low rate. Ryan needs a stroke of heaven-defying luck to acquire a good prize from the Lottery Interface.
Although he can be considered very lucky to be the holder of a System, he needs more luck to pull out 5★ and above prizes. Even so, he's very excited to the point of busting out into crazed laughter when he sees his prizes.

Normally, death will be the end, but it's just the beginning for Ryan Maxwell. 

With the privileges he acquired as the host of a System that evolved into the Supreme Harem System due to his wish, can he stay true to his desire? 

Or will his obligations become the hindrance in his attempt to be the Harem Supreme? 

Let's find out, shall we?

———
Release: Sunday, Tuesday, & Thursday at 00.00 AM GMT+8
———
Image Copyright: myhilary (Deviantart)
———
If you like this story, consider supporting me at:
- P*treon.com/crazysnail
———
Author's Thought: I'm Indonesian, so English isn't my main language. Sorry if you find out some mistakes in grammar structures and punctuations and typos. I write this story to exercise my writing skills before I'm confident enough to release my original story. Thank you.

Inside the storage ring was many various types of dishes, from meat to veggies to ice cream, the ring had it all. The food was already prepared in plates along with one set of cutleries for Felix.

After deciding which dish he wanted, Felix took two portions out of the ring with a pair of knife and fork for him and placed it on the bed. The dish that Felix chose looked to be a simple steak from a simple cow, but contrary to his expectations of it being just a normal steak with sauce, Felix was proven wrong when he took his first bite.

RRRIP!! AHH! Exclaimed Felix in shock as he went to another world full of flying angel cows in the sky. While his muscles flexed, ripping his clothes in the process in the world he was in.

Felix was hallucinating as a result of his foodgasm. 

In a rapid succession of words, Felix praised the dish, "The meat is tender, but - No! This sauce, this full bloodied flavour must be from red wine added during the steak was cooked! The Godly chef must've leveraged the burnt soy sauce to enhance the flavour! What is this! Each component builds upon the other's flavour!"

Meanwhile this was happening, the little guy had already finished the dish. On the side of its mouth was sauce, raw sauce, it wanted some more as it eagerly looked at Felix for seconds. But Felix did not notice this, he was still enraptured by the taste of the meat, he was still in his own world of flying angel cows. 

Rrrr! It called out to Felix.

Getting no response, it then focused its attention on the meat on Felix's plate, snatching it while Felix was distracted. It was if it was thinking, "well if he isn't eating, then I will."

Returning to the real world, Felix found his plate empty. Directing his gaze at the little guy, the amount of sauce increased around its mouth. "You want some more? Of course you do," said Felix before taking a few more plates of the same dish and storing the previous plates in the ring. 

Knowing that the first dish was already this good, Felix decided to save the other dishes later. He didn't want to go through another foodgasm.

With that in mind, Felix ate normally, he did not go to another world this time, he was thinking while eating. "I have not given this guy a name yet? Is it even a boy? Maybe its a girl? Whatever, I'll assume its a guy and I'll just give it a gender neutral name?

Alex, Blake, Taylor..... No, no, no, those are human names. What about Blue? Yeah, blue will do,"

Averting his gaze from his plate, Felix look at it, "Hey I haven't given you the name yet, what do you think of the name Blue?" asked Felix while he took out more of the same dishes, seeing that Blue had already eaten half of the dish previously taken out. 

Rrr! Blue let out a low roar to agree as he happily ate. 

"Blue it is," said Felix. 

Blue had an high level of intelligence, considering that he had just hatched, Felix was a tad bit surprised. But he didn't mind, he actually preferred things this way as it would be stressful taking care of a beast with no ability to think for itself. 

After a while, Felix and Blue had gone through 50 pounds of meat combined, with blue eating the most. Their stomachs were bloated, with Blue immediately falling asleep on the spot. 

Felix wanted to go out today as it had been a few hours since he had woken up. He wanted to see where he was, to see if any humans were nearby. He wanted information about this world without drawing too much attention. But with Blue sleeping, he could not leave him behind. 

"I guess, I'll just have to wait...." thought Felix, "While I wait, I should check that special prize, what was it again? I think it was the wheel of fortune."

With so many things happening at once and With Blue asleep, the tree is gone and nothing else could distract him, finally, Felix could check the item he had gotten from the ad. He wasn't sure of what it was, all he knew it sounded cool. 

Taking out the Wheel of Fortune, a prize wheel the same size as him appeared right in front of him. Looking at it, Felix was intrigued, "I can only use this once every 5 years? Mhhh, let's see what are the prizes," thought Felix.

[Jackpot] [Legendary Weapon] [Legendary Pet Food] [Free Spin] [Random Beast Egg] [Free level up] [Fail]. On the prize wheel was different types of prizes, with the jackpot being the lowest chance, whereas fail to be the highest chance. 

Right after checking what prizes were available, Felix was disappointed, he was expecting for more prizes, he wanted a more options. "I either want the jackpot or the weapon," thought Felix before spinning the wheel as hard as he could.

DK! DK! DK!

"Come on, come on, come on, land on something good. Yes, yes, yes, almost there, come on....

...

..

.

F***ing useless!"

Felix was furious, the arrow was an inch away from landing on the [Jackpot], but that was not why he was angry, it was the fact that the arrow landed on [Fail]. He couldn't help but kick the wheel of fortune.

BANG! A sound was created with Felix's kick.

"AH F*CK that hurts," said Felix as he fell to the ground, but he had forgotten that Blue was sleeping behind him. As result he was impaled by Blue's horn.

A sudden event caused by one individual left the world in a state of change. 

With a snap of a finger, Earth had changed and along with it was its residents. 

Animals, humans, plants, metals and anything alike, rapidly evolved making a world where money, power and fame was dictated by one's strength.

I'm illiterate and its my first proper. So, chapters will be about 800 to 1000 words.

The arena wasn't terribly large. In fact, aside from a few free-floating platforms, the only place to stand was a plain large white stone bridge. The air was thick and heavy, scorching heat distorting the area. Below the bridge was a pool of molten lava, bubbling loudly as it continued to flow underneath the platforms. Occasionally steam would hiss out of the molten pool, causing a scorching blast to one of the neighboring platforms. The sky was dyed orange, with no clouds in sight. The whole area smelled of sulfur and smoke.

On the bridge stood two figures. One was a giant of a man, with two bulky swords attached to his back. His armor was sinister, with decorative black horns encircling it. From time to time, an active flame would erupt from one of the two swords, betraying their magical nature. The man stood nonchalantly, as if this were simply another day in the world.

The other man had a slim figure, and was wearing light leather armor. Strapped to his waist was a thin rapier, and his head was adorned with an intricate hat. On the brim was a single blue feather. He looked like a righteous swordsman from medieval times. His stance was on guard, but his face had a cocky grin, and his right hand rested on his rapier's hilt.

The two stared each other down, neither saying a word. After a moment, the giant of a man reached into a pouch strapped to his waist and took out a vibrant red vial. Even at a distance, it seemed to glow with healing properties. He looked at it through the slits in his black metal helmet, then promptly threw the vial into the lava of the arena.

The slim man nodded, and pulled out a similar vial from his own pouch. It flashed in the light of the sky for just a moment before the lava swallowed it as well. Both men had discarded such an item without a second thought. After confirming the vials were gone, both men took up fighting stances. The giant of the man grabbed both his swords, and prepared by swinging them around experimentally. The smaller man pulled out his rapier and stiffened his shoulders, his grin disappearing as he focused on his opponent.

Another minute passed. And then two. Finally, the giant man roared and lunged forward, swiping both swords at his opponent.

The smaller man swiftly dodged the heavy swords and slashed at the large man's armor, causing a tiny about of damage. The giant countered with another swipe of his swords, but the smaller man was too fast. He dodged again and slashed once more. They exchanged blows like this several times before any effect could be seen.

Suddenly, the giant man switched stances and thrust one of the swords forward, catching the smaller man off guard. A visible cracking sound could be heard, and the man's free hand was now hanging limply at his side, covered in blood. He had used it at the last second to block the attack, but the cost was severe.

The giant man did not have the upper hand, however. In multiple areas, where the armor had gaps, blood seeped out and fell onto the white bricks of the bridge. The multiple blows from the rapier had caused significant damage.

Realizing that they were equally matched, the two retreated slightly and surveyed their opponent as they made preparations. The giant man switched to only one sword, his other hand freed up. The small man pulled out a bow and knocked an arrow, aiming at the armored giant's weak points.

The arrow flew out, but the giant man dodged it before it made contact, his black armor a blur as his hulking figure moved out of the way. He pointed his free hand at the smaller man, and a thin line of crackling energy shot out, punishing the man with the rapier and charring a patch of skin where it made contact. The smaller man cried out in pain and looked down at his knee where the spell had hit.

"A holy spell?" the smaller man muttered, a grimace painted on his face. It was as if he had just witnessed a fish sprout wings. "Such a stupid... why would you learn a spell that goes against your natural affiliation?!"

The giant man shrugged mockingly, his hand pointing at the small swordsman once more. This time, anticipating the attack, he dodged nimbly, the spell hitting the white bricks of the bridge harmlessly. 

The swordsman abandoned his bow and ran at the giant man as a third spell was aimed at him. The rapier flicked out expertly, and stabbed through the gaps as the small man dodged once more. Because the giant had freed up his one hand to do the magical attack, he couldn't react as quickly to the attack, making it the small man's advantage.

Before the giant could counterattack, the swordsman ran out of range once more. While the giant groaned in pain, he couldn't reach his target, and no retaliation could be had.

"I'll finished this in one more pass." the swordsman remarked, his grip on the rapier hardening as he focused and waited for the giant's response.

The spellcasting hand went up again, and the swordsman made to dodge while also moving forward to claim his victory. The spell missed once more, and the rapier moved to the giant's chest...

And the giant sword the giant was still holding with his other hand slammed the small swordsman down, crushing him with the weight and simultaneously causing a mortal wound. In an instant, the rapier-wielding man's victory was snatched from his grasp, and the giant stood there victoriously.

The arena and the combatants faded into nothingness, and a victory screen showing stats appeared. As that too faded, a chat notification popped up.

[Mod] Chimera-mera: Why would you make a character with dark affiliation, then equip it with a holy spell?! That's super cheap.
[Challenger] Barroco: The challenge was to defeat you without either of us using healing items. At no point did you say I couldn't use holy spells...
[Challenger] Barroco: Lightning might be weak for my character, but it casts super fast. And my character could do it one-handed with his dark affinity magic skills. It made sense to use it to close the gap between us.
[Mod] Chimera-mera: … I just don't get it. Whatever. You win. Grats.
[Challenger] Barroco: So about that prize... when do I get "A lifetime supply of ice cream?"
[Mod] Chimera-mera: …
[Mod] Chimera-mera has left the chat. Close window?

Barro sat back in his computer chair and sighed loudly. Another challenge beaten, another unfulfilled promise. He was used to it by now, but why did they keep making those promises if they never kept them?

The room was dark, save for the glow of his computer monitor. A gaming headset sat lazily on the desk next to the keyboard. Next to that was a game controller with considerable signs of use. Barro's clock showed it was nearly 3am in the morning, but he could care less. He was used to grinding the night away with his games.

Barro had always been a gamer, but he liked to specialize in unique challenges. Defeating overlevelled opponents, or beating a fighting game one-handed, these were things he lived for. For the past week, he had been obsessing over a message board where a group of mods handed out these challenges.

While the challenges alone were entertaining, the thing that had initially drew him in were the mentions of "prizes." Each challenge set up to be completed had a unique prize attached by one of the mods. Sometimes it was something unusual but not overly exciting. Other times, the prizes were clearly impossible to expect. Among the ones Barro had played for, there were prizes like "The Devil's Luck," "The Ability to Master Any Skill," and "Harem Dimension." The list of prizes was getting quite lengthy, but every time he brought the subject up, the mods would go silent and disappear for a while. It was honestly pretty frustrating.

[Administrator] The Bored God: You seem to have done a fair bit of my coworker's challenges. Well done!

Barro noticed the chat message pop up, and he leaned forward. This was a name he was unfamiliar with. An administrator? Did that mean he was above the other mods?

[Challenger] Barroco: Yeah, it's been fun. Though not a single one of them has given me the prize they listed. Are they just listed for fun or something? Some kind of joke?
[Administrator] The Bored God: … I see. One moment please.
[Administrator] The Bored God: Ah, that is a problem. Seems they've been quite sore losers. I apologize for the inconvenience...
[Administrator] The Bored God: Though while I have you here, could I ask a favor of you?

Barro tilted his head to the side. A favor?

[Administrator] The Bored God: Ah, don't act like that. I've got my own challenge, you see. If you can take that on, I promise you I'll get you each and every prize you were promised. As well as others, of course.

"... Am I being watched?" Barro said aloud, feeling puzzled. Why had the chat message been written as if in response to his facial expressions? It felt creepy.

[Administrator] The Bored God: Right, right. Chat messages. I forgot, this world doesn't need faces to communicate over the internet. Don't think about it too much.
[Administrator] The Bored God: Anyway, what do you think of taking my challenge?

Barro wasn't sure about half of what had just been said, but he knew he liked to take on challenges. He yawned and wondered when he should go to bed. The sun would be out in a few hours.

[Challenger] Barroco: Sure, what do I have to do?
[Administrator] The Bored God: It's simple, really. I have been wondering what's stronger recently - stats and level, or skill and resourcefulness. I just need you to prove that skills can overcome any power gap.
[Challenger] Barroco: Okay. What do I need to do?

A sudden wave of tiredness assaulted Barro. The chat screen seemed to warp and distort in front of him. It was like reality had ceased to have meaning.

"I'll explain it when you get there," a mournful sounding voice informed him as his head slumped down on the desk.

Barro Gaia is a bored gamer who likes to take on bizarre challenges. One night he finds himself on a gaming web board where multiple administrators hand out challenges with outrageous rewards. After completing several, he is approached by a persona calling itself "The Bored God" and is given the challenge to "Prove skills can overcome any gap in power."

After accepting, Barro finds himself in another world, and quickly realizes the world operates on principles reminiscent of an RPG. He also finds out he is stuck at level 1, and that even a small accident could result in his death. In this world, where being a low level is akin to being as weak as a newborn, can he use skill to overcome his weaknesses?

Join Barro as he gains companions, builds up his reputation, and becomes the infamous Venomous Rabbit to overcome the Trial of the Bored God!

"9...!"

Hello there, my name is Tsuyo Kurosawa. I'm 184cm tall and I have light brown skin, black hair, and ice blue eyes. I'm actually pretty handsome, but there's one bad thing...

"10...!"

I'm incredibly skinny and weak.

I'm incredibly underweight. I'm 6'0" tall and yet I only weigh 60kg. I'm practically skin and bones. I also have a terrible immune system, so I always get ill during winter, and this was only exemplified by the fact that I have an overprotective aunt who always wants to protect me from the world.

Luckily she's away, otherwise I'd never be able to do what I'm doing now.

"11...!"

Exercise.

Push-ups to be specific.

You see, I'm not the original Tsuyo Kurosawa. I'm one of those transmigrators you read about all the time. I came here from the year 2019, and it's currently 2018 right now, and I was born in England, London, in 1999. But right now I'm in Japan.

"12...!"

Just like any transmigrator, I came with a cheat; A Gacha System.

I've had the Gacha System for over 2 weeks now. That should have been enough time to get some decent skills and prizes and take over any ordinary world, right?

"13...!"

But no. Apparently this Gacha System can only be used by--

[The Gacha System can only be used by those who can do at least 20 Push-Ups, 10 Sit-ups, and 20 Squats! Only the 'strong' get to take the prizes, Host!]

"14...!"

Complete bullshit, right?

Well it wouldn't have been a problem if it weren't for the fact that I'd been transmigrated into an ABSOLUTE WEAKLING!

"15...!"

Status!

As I internally called, a blue screen with white text appeared in front of me, showing me how dreadfully weak and meager I was.

[Name: Tsuyo Kurosawa}
[Age: 17]
[Race: Human]

[Physical Ability: 3 (Average Human: 5)]
[Vitality: 2 (Average Human: 5)]
[Essence: 2/2 (1 Essence = 1 Vitality)]

...See what I mean?

"16...!"

I was pretty much half a normal human. And that's why my name was so ironic. 'Tsuyo' means strength, and I'm everything but strong right now. I'm pretty sure some 12-year-olds could beat me up right now. But I'd be damned if I didn't try to do something about this.

"17....!"

I'd already done the sit-ups and squats, they were easy enough, even for this weak body.

But push-ups?

"1...8...!"

They were a real hassle for such weak arms and shoulders. I was doing them right now, actually. For the last two weeks, I'd been pushing myself to complete the challenge. Why? Because it was currently the summer holiday for high schoolers like myself and I needed to change myself before I get back to school because any changes in my appearance can be explained off as growth spurts or exercise.

Why was I so sure about my appearance changing when I gain access to the Gacha System? Well, I'm not. It's just blind hope at this point.

And secondly, working out couldn't be a bad thing for this weak body, so I decided to do it consistently from when I got here and onward anyway.

"1...9...! Haah!"

I felt my arms lock up and the muscles scream in pain, the joints creaking and cracking like they were about to break. It hurt and the exhaustion was exactly that; exhausting.

But I carried on and pushed through it, doing the last push-up.

"2...0!!"

With one final exertion, I collapsed to the ground, practically paralyzed if it was anything to do with my arms or shoulders. The pain was gone now, but the exhaustion was even worse. I wanted to go to sleep. But one thing kept my eyes open, while forcing a smile to spread across my face.

[Congratulations, Host! You've completed the quest to gain access to the Gacha System!]

"Thank...god..." I huffed, feeling elation alongside my exhaustion.

[You have 10 free Gacha Tickets, do you wish to use them? Or do you wish to trade in the 10 Gacha Tickets for 5 prizes that are guaranteed to help you in this world you're in? Pick (Option 1) for the former, or (Option 2) for the latter.]

[(Option 1)/(Option 2)]

While I was lying there, on the cold floor of my apartment, I thought about the cons and pros of each of the options.

Option 1 gave me more potential prizes, and I bet if I was really lucky I could get some really good stuff. Even then, 10 decently rare things are better than 5 rare things, right? But along that same line of thought, I realized that if I had terrible luck, I'd get some terrible Gacha prizes.

Option 2, however, would give me 5 Gacha prizes that are guaranteed to help me. Allegedly, anyway.

Option 2 is obviously the safer route, and after getting reincarnated as such a poor soul as the previous Tsuyo Kurosawa, I don't exactly trust my luck enough to pick Option 1.

Lifting my hand with great difficulty, I pressed Option 2, only for another screen to pop-up in front of me.

[Good choice picking Option 2! Now, what kind of Gacha Prizes do you want? Pick a Job from the list below to focus the Gacha prizes you'll gain!]

[List of Jobs:
-Cultivator
-Mage
-Scientist
-Hunter
-Martial Artist
-Warrior
-...
...]

The list went on and on and on, but I already had my answer and pressed the Job that interested me the most.

[You've picked the Job 'Cultivator', is this correct? Y/N]

Pressing the 'Y', another screen popped up.

[Good! Then are you ready to undergo the preliminary alterations to your body to allow you to become a cultivator?]

"Eh? What?" I asked to no one in particular. I was thoroughly shocked by this information, yet honestly, I should have expected it. Systems love to put their Hosts through a lot of pain. It's the way of the world, or system, I guess.

I closed my eyes shut, awaiting the pain...yet it never came.

All I felt was a warm buzzing traveling alongside my limbs and internal organs. It actually felt pretty comfortable. The warmth kept getting hotter but it was never painful. It was like having a hot bath; it was soothing and that was it.

My earlier exhaustion was washed away like it didn't even exist, as I felt some sort of energy appear in my lower stomach where I'd guess my Dantian was.

[Host, before the System continues further, System has a serious question for you, so pay attention.]

A screen brought me out of my reverie, and I focused on the text box as it emptied and re-filled itself with words.

[You have to choose whether you wish to be a Qi Cultivator or a Body Cultivator. What do you wish to pick? This will change both the energy given to you, the body restructuring process, and the Gacha prizes you gain. Pick wisely.]

[Body Cultivator (sub-Job)/Qi Cultivator (sub-Job)]

Once again, I went deep into thought and tried to remember every Xianxia and Chinese webnovel I'd ever read, trying to come up with reasonable pros and cons to both of the sub-Jobs offered to me. I'd say that Body Cultivation is harder and longer, though it probably requires much less talent than Qi Cultivation. Or at least that's how ti usually goes in the novels. It also takes rarer and rarer herbs to supplement the cultivation of the body, but they usually end up stronger than Qi Cultivators, and they usually end up being extremely hard to kill.

Qi Cultivators, however, train quicker, and they can train easier. They sit down and meditate while absorbing Qi - it's much easier than pushing your body to the peak every time you wanna have a break through.

But...I already know what I'm gonna pick seeing as it was my favorite Cultivation to read about.

[Host has picked the sub-Job 'Body Cultivator'! You gain +3 Physical Ability due to this job, alongside the +2 from the Job 'Cultivator'! 'Cultivator' also gives +2 to Vitality. Prepare yourself for the increase in parameters!]

This time it was a little painful.

Like ants crawling and adjusting my muscles, bones, and organs, while injecting them with a sort of energy. I closed my eyes and tried to think of other things as the uncomfortable and slightly painful sensation kept going. I continued to do this until the pain and whatnot died down. Unfortunately, this took a while.

Which is to be expected, it was restructuring my body.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the sensation stopped and I opened my eyes again, only to roll them as soon as I looked down at myself. Covered in black goo. Impurities.

Anyone who's read even a few Chinese Cultivation webnovels knows what this is.

Somehow this shit slipped my mind when I picked the Cultivator job...

Getting up, I jogged to my shower, being careful not to flick any of the stinky black slime onto any of the walls in the apartment. That'd be annoying to clean, after all.

Stripping myself of the ruined clothes, and resolving myself to burn them after my shower, I practically jumped into the shower before turning on the water at full blast, and as hot as I could take it. Which was damn near boiling right now because I wanted the goo off of my body and down the drain where it belongs.

As I scrubbed away, I saw that my skinny and practically malnourished body, was now toned and full of a decent amount of muscle. I wasn't ripped or however you want to put it, but it was leaps and bounds ahead of what I used to look like. Now I bet I weighed enough to not count as underweight.

Hell yeah.

Even my little brother had grown after the cleansing of impurities.

Hell yeah x2.

My brown skin hadn't lightened and I didn't want it to, but it had taken on a nicer complexion, and any acne or blemishes on my body had disappeared.

Overall, I looked decently athletic, and very handsome, if I do say so myself.

[Is Host ready for his Gacha prizes? Y/N]

Shocking me out of my vanity, I quickly turned the shower off and dried myself off before sprinting to my room where I quickly pressed yes, wanting my prizes as soon as possible.

Transmigrated into the body of a poor soul, who was ironically named, the MC of this novel discovers he has access to a weird Gacha System that focuses around Jobs. This would easily make him an OP existence in any normal world if not for...

"Why am I in a world full of Anime Characters!?"

Join him as he tries to get by in a world full of anime.

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