My consciousness slowly began returning to my body as I felt my head and body heavy, as though I had just slept for an entire week. Don't ask if I've ever had that specific sensation or how I know what a week of sleep would feel like—it's just a random comparison.
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself staring at a light blue ceiling adorned with white paintings that seemed to simulate clouds, and, to top it off, a conventional ceiling lamp.
My hands felt the soft, smooth texture of the surface I was lying on, and I quickly assumed I was in a bedroom—a room I didn't recognize as my own.
It took me a few seconds to process what had happened and how I had ended up in this situation. The last thing I remembered was being on the bus heading home and answering that questionnaire...
"No way…" The words escaped my lips, and I realized even my voice was different—softer and more melodic than my old one.
A slight panic began to rise in my chest, but I quickly pushed it down. After all, no matter the situation, panic wouldn't help me at all.
I took a few deep breaths to calm my racing mind and heart. Once I felt a little more composed, I slowly lifted my aching body and sat on the bed. Looking around, I saw a typical teenager's room with pastel-colored decorations. The owner of this room had certainly put effort and dedication into decorating it.
I got up from the bed and began exploring the room. On the desk, I saw some notes, though nothing seemed particularly relevant. The furniture looked newly purchased, and in the corner, I noticed some flattened cardboard boxes, indicating that the room's owner had recently moved.
On the wardrobe door, I spotted a mirror and walked toward it. When I finally stood before it, the reflection staring back at me made my eyes widen. A stunningly beautiful girl with dark skin and white hair gazed back at me. Her face was delicate, with hypnotic golden-honey eyes completing the look.
Seeing my drastically different appearance, a wild thought crossed my mind. Many people my age, both older and younger, read stories and fanfics. The classic isekai, where someone is transported to another world, was hugely popular. Considering my current situation and appearance, I was almost certain it had happened to me.
The only thing that snapped me out of my thoughts was a "ding" sound, followed by a translucent blue screen appearing in front of me.
[System initializing...]
[0% ... 17% ... 49% ... 72% ... 100%]
[System installed. Welcome, Host.]
After seeing this, the reality of my situation finally sank in. Just like in the stories I had read, fiction had become reality for me. The questionnaire I had answered earlier came to mind, and with a deep sigh, I accepted the situation.
"System? Can you tell me what exactly happened?" I asked softly.
[Ding! Of course, Host.]
[The questionnaire you previously completed was, in fact, an experiment by a higher deity who found you intriguing. Unfortunately, your death was imminent, so an opportunity was offered to you. Just like the fictional stories from your world, this is the same concept.]
[As per the questionnaire, you have been reincarnated into the world of High School DXD with the Longinus Sacred Gear you designed. Following this world's rules, the Longinus Sacred Gear: Solomon's Decree was created. Additionally, I have been assigned to assist you as a system.]
"I see… so I really was going to die…" Tears welled up in my eyes. Even though my life had been mundane, I still had a father I loved and a few friends I genuinely cared about. I hoped they would live well.
Patting my cheeks lightly, I tried to regain my composure. With a sigh, I decided to focus on the present. I had been given a second chance at life, and even though this world was dangerous, it seemed I had tools to survive.
"System, could you explain your functions to me, please?" I asked as I sat back down on the bed.
[Ding! Certainly, Host.]
[I am a utility-based system, meaning I don't have overpowered purchase features. My main functions are: Status, Inventory, Missions, and Store.]
[Status]: A screen displaying the Host's detailed statistics. You can allocate stat points into desired categories, which are earned through missions.]
[Inventory]: A pocket dimension where the Host can store items, with current restrictions on living beings and very large objects.]
[Missions]: Missions provided randomly, triggered by interactions, combat, daily activities, or acquired knowledge.]
[Store]: Unlike stores in fictional system stories from your world, this store only contains resources from the High School DXD universe. It does not include Sacred Gears, unique weapons, or undiscovered knowledge.]
"I see… that makes things a bit more challenging, but first, let's review everything available. Status!"
[Ding! Status Open.]
[Name: Illya Von Albrecht]
[Age: 16]
[Titles: The Reincarnated, Second Coming of Solomon]
[Class: ---]
[Race: Ascended Human]
[HP: 1000]
[MP: 10000]
[Strength: 600]
[Agility: 700]
[Endurance: 400]
[Intelligence: 900]
[Luck: 900]
[Charisma: 900]
[Stat Points: 0]
[Sacred Gear: Solomon's Decree]
[1st Ring - Ring of Wisdom]: Grants the user vast knowledge and unparalleled strategic insight in any situation.][2nd to 10th Rings: Locked.][Balance Breaker: Locked.]
[Skills:]
[Reincarnated]: Blessed by a higher deity, you have a second chance at life. You learn and grow more quickly than average.]
"Interesting. All my information has been altered… High Human… according to the system, that's an evolved human with some divine traits. Both the first ring's ability and the Reincarnated skill are incredibly powerful for a starting point. With some dedication, I can grow strong enough to unlock the other rings."
I shifted my gaze to my fingers. On my thumb, a golden ring stood out against my dark skin. Simple yet elegant, it was truly beautiful.
"System, can you tell me more about my persona in this world? I want to avoid future mistakes."
[Ding! Certainly, Host.]
[You are a German national who spent most of your life in Berlin, Germany. Recently, your father received a new job opportunity in Japan, so your family moved here. Due to your parents' busy work schedules, you opted to live in the quiet town of Kuoh for a more peaceful life, as your parents rarely return home. Today is Sunday, and tomorrow your classes at Kuoh Academy begin as a mid-semester transfer student. This coincides with the start of the plot.]
"I see. So I've reincarnated right at the beginning of the anime's storyline. Ideally, I would've arrived earlier to prepare, but it's fine. First, I need abilities to suppress my aura and conceal my thoughts about my past life. I don't want any of the demons here catching onto me before I'm strong enough. After that, I'll focus on acquiring utility sub-skills… ha… this is complicated."
Setting my thoughts aside for a moment, I decided to explore my house. Exiting my bedroom, I noticed it was on the second floor. There was another guest room and a large bathroom. Heading downstairs, I found a living room and a kitchen. The house was relatively large for one person but perfect for me.
According to this body's memories, money wasn't going to be an issue, so I didn't need to worry about that.
I headed to the kitchen and prepared something to eat. Glancing at the clock on one of the walls, I saw it was still quite early. After eating, I planned to start getting ready.
A few minutes later, I finished eating, washed the dishes, and left them to dry. Then, I moved to the living room, lay down on one of the sofas, and closed my eyes. I tried to clear my mind and focus on the power of the first ring… and eventually, a single thought surfaced, followed by a flood of ideas and concepts related to the magic of this world and how I should organize myself and create the things I needed.
This was going to be a long day.
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