Chapter 3

The promotional video ended, and before I knew it, I found myself in the sky.

You probably think I’m talking nonsense… I don’t understand it myself. Wait, is this still in the game? It’s not heaven, right?

"Welcome, Coexistence Being."

A deep, gravelly voice came from above, and I looked up. There, seemingly having arrived at some point, floated a bird with beautiful crimson wings, resembling a phoenix.

It was so fluffy. Each feather of the large bird swayed gently whenever it moved. I bet touching it would feel so soft, sinking into the fluffy feathers. I wanted to touch it, but I restrained myself and shook my head.

Well, it seems to be the game world, properly. I didn’t expect to end up in the sky, though. Maybe it’s just the setting?

"Um, Phoenix?"

"Aye, my name is Phoenix! Now, let’s create your avatar in the Divine Beast Village. You can create your appearance as you like. However, you can also leave it to the heavens."

As I pondered the avatar, the words "Create your avatar!" appeared before my eyes. When I thought about leaving it to the heavens, the "Random Select" option in the choices glowed faintly. Ah, random. Like a gacha system, I guess.

I want to make my avatar cute, but if I change my height too much, it will take time to get used to it, and the difference in leg length between reality and the game can cause confusion. I guess I’ll keep this low height.

For now, I chose the crimson hair color because the Phoenix looked beautiful. I made my eyes a peach color. When I checked in the mirror the Phoenix provided, the hair I usually tied up in a half-up style at the back had changed color.

"Choose a name."

"Katakana for 'Keika.'"

"Understood. Keika, do you have a preferred job and weapon? Choose wisely."

I scrolled through the list of jobs and weapons that appeared before me.

I’m not good at carrying heavy things, and I’m not particularly athletic. I thought my partner would handle combat, so I didn’t expect to fight myself.

Oh no, what should I do?

"Can I choose a support job and weapon? I want to pick from those."

"Sure, a support job it is."

With Phoenix’s words, the list updated, and a few support jobs and weapons appeared before me. This is it, the weapon and support job. The promo mentioned 'dance' too!

"Job: 'Dance Princess,' weapon: 'Fan.'"

"…Coexistence Being, are you sure about this?"

"Um, are there any drawbacks?"

Phoenix seemed to think for a moment but shook his head.

"No, choosing this can also help strengthen the divine beast early on. However, if you become a target for enemies, you’ll be in trouble. Also, when using the initial dance skill, you must perform the dance yourself. Many find it embarrassing."

I see, that makes sense.

A Dance Princess is the embodiment of beauty, and I don’t mind dancing in front of others. I love Japanese dance too! I’ll think about how to handle the paper-thin durability later!

"Okay, this is fine. Phoenix, what’s next?"

"If that’s what you want, it’s fine. For the Dance Princess’s equipment, which initial outfit do you choose?"

When Phoenix spread his wings, two mannequins and outfits appeared. One was Western, and the other was Japanese, both cute dresses. The Dance Princess equipment even includes a Japanese option. This is a no-brainer!

"Japanese!"

"Understood."

With a red glow, my outfit changed. A beautiful Japanese dress in crimson and white, fitting the Phoenix’s theme. The Divine Beast Village Online is amazing to give such initial equipment!

"The Dance Princess has one initial skill, and you can choose three more from the free slots. Take as much time as you need."

"Hmm…"

The list went on and on. It’s an online game, so the freedom is quite high. My head started to hurt from reading.

"Random."

"…What?"

"Random."

Phoenix looked surprised, his eyes wide. So cute. I want to hug him. But I’ll hold back.

"Is that okay? Depending on the combination, some skills might not work or require multiple skills to be effective. They could be randomly combined."

I appreciate the warning, Phoenix is so kind.

"Well, 'No regrets before trying' is my childhood friend’s catchphrase. Basically, no matter how much you think, you won’t know the result until you try!"

"No, I think your childhood friend meant it in a different way…"

"That’s why!"

I said it with a bit of a bite, and Phoenix looked a bit taken aback.

"Jump in before you think!"

"Got it. If that’s what you’ve decided, it’s fine. Random select it is. The skills will be determined last. Even if the skills aren’t good, you can still learn them through your actions, so don’t worry."

Phoenix folded his wings, seemingly giving up on me.

"Now, allocate your status points. Here are the categories."

- Strength

- Defense

- Agility

- Dexterity

- Spirit Power

- Luck

Oh, it’s Spirit Power, not Magic Power…!

And there’s Dexterity. I checked the skill list again to see what Dexterity affects. It seems the dance skills are better with high Dexterity and Spirit Power…

Ah! I noticed…!

The Brushing category!

The result changes with Dexterity! It’s essential for appreciating the divine beast!

I have to do this! I already chose random skills, so I’ll max out Dexterity! I’m the type who goes to extremes in raising games! Now it’s my own status, so I’ll do as I please!

"I’ll put all my points into Dexterity."

"…Are you sure about that?"

"Yes."

I decided with a smile that could have had a heart at the end.

Phoenix’s eyes were dead. Sorry, Phoenix. But I’m here to love the divine beasts, not for battles.

A pale red glow enveloped me.

I made a victory pose when I saw the glowing 100 next to Dexterity in my status.

"This pouch is your item box. As initial equipment, it can hold up to 50 items. If you need more, you can go to a market or have another Coexistence Being make one for you."

"Okay!"

As I said this, Phoenix stepped to the side, revealing a pale door-like object.

"Keika, the divine beast that will follow you will be determined when you take a step beyond this door. The souls of the divine beasts have been watching your interactions with me. The one that will become your first partner will be drawn to your character and choose to follow you. Take good care of it."

"Okay!"

"In our world, if a Coexistence Being succumbs to negative emotions, even their partner can fall into a demon. Do not forget this. I expect good behavior from you, Keika."

"Okay!"

One of the divine beasts that has been watching me will follow me. And it chose me after observing me! That’s amazing. It means it chose me from among countless players!

I will definitely love it! I will definitely take good care of it!

Wait for me, my partner!!! I’m coming to get you!

"I am glad to have this connection with you, Coexistence Being Keika. Welcome to our beloved Divine Beast Village."

As I passed through the door, I heard Phoenix’s voice one last time.

Then, my consciousness sank deeply, deeply.