Chapter 2

"Ah, damn, it's so hot~"

A month had passed since the Aims Japan Grand Prix. Today was finally the first day of the 'Skill Build Online' service. The official service was set to start at noon today, but before that, I had gone to a nearby convenience store to stock up on energy drinks and instant noodles, which would accompany my all-nighter.

Since school had entered summer break from yesterday, I could now play the game without any reservations. I had promised to log in 30 minutes before the official start, so I needed to get home as soon as possible.

"I should probably let Pon know... I'll log in at 11:30..."

I started the AR SNS app and sent a message to Greponmaru. A reply came back immediately.

"Wow! Alright, I'll log in at that time..."

After confirming the message, I started walking home while reviewing the information I had gathered during the beta test.

'Skill Build Online.'

The story is about a protagonist who has lost their memory and embarks on a journey to find their roots with the help of a navigation AI called 'Shadow.' The player takes on the role of a wanderer who uses skills to strengthen themselves and recover their memory.

While the story is interesting, the key feature is the skill system. Players can use skill points, which were also part of the Aims prize, to freely acquire skills and play in a style that suits them. Hence the name 'Skill Build.' It's quite straightforward.

However, what sets SBO apart from typical MMORPGs is its unprecedented system that scans the player's thoughts to generate new skills. Not only that, but the graphics are at a level that seems impossible for today's standards, and the NPCs have independent thinking capabilities. The development cost must have been astronomical. Even in the beta stage, the quality was impressive, so the full version is even more anticipated.

Incidentally, the game's slogan is 'Show the potential of humans.' The system that scans the player's thoughts to generate skills is likely designed to maximize this potential.

With such a provocative challenge, it's impossible for a gamer's spirit not to ignite.

"I couldn't help but laugh when I read that Aims was funding the game's development..."

After watching Raging's gameplay video, the graphics were indeed incredible. The quality was so high that it made sense why they needed funding. Raging, who is known for being a FPS addict, was so interested in an MMORPG for the first time. While the graphics were impressive, what I was most interested in was...

"The system that lets you create your own skills..."

I couldn't help but smirk. While I doubt I can create the 'Ultimate Skill I Imagined,' it should be possible to some extent. The first skill I want to create is...

"Well, I don't know if I can create it, but I'll have to try once I start playing..."

Maybe the skill I want to create is already a default, or maybe it's impossible to create. But I think I can create a simple skill.

"Ah, I feel like I'm going to get hooked..."

With a laugh, I started running home.

◇

"Hey Raging, are you already logged in?"

"I've been in for two hours. Did you call Pon too?"

A few minutes after getting home, I joined Raging in the chat room, where avatars can talk to each other, and started gathering information from the bulletin board.

"Yeah, I think he'll be here soon..."

"Sorry, I'm late! I was preparing!"

Greponmaru—Pon—suddenly appeared with the bulky avatar he uses in Aims. The contrast between his bulky avatar and polite speech always makes me want to laugh.

"Hey Pon. I heard you did the beta test. How was it?"

"It was amazing! It felt like I had wandered into another world! The playstyle is so free, and I can enjoy it at my own pace."

Pon's excitement made me feel more excited too. While it's cutting-edge, you can't really know until you experience it. But from Pon's reaction, it seems like it will be enjoyable even if it's not a masterpiece.

"By the way, Raging, are you going to make a clan with your video game friends again?"

"No, this time I'm glad you're so enthusiastic. I was thinking of making a clan with you. Pon, you should join too."

"Okay, I'll do it."

"Really!? Friends are the best!"

I chuckled at Pon's slightly otaku-like tone while considering the initial job to choose from the bulletin board and information sites.

(...Hmm, I think this job is the best.)

The job I decided to choose is the Hunter (Archer), which is the most unpopular on the bulletin board and information sites. The reason for its unpopularity is the high cost of arrows and the difficulty in hitting monsters. However, after checking the initial skills and the skills gained from leveling up, I thought this job was the best fit for me. While I considered the Swordsman for its high mobility, I ultimately chose the Hunter because it allows for powerful single-shot attacks and extreme mobility, similar to my experience in Aims.

"Hey, what jobs are you and Raging going to choose?"

"I think I'll go with the Dual Swordsman. It has high DPS and mobility, which suits my playstyle, and it felt the most natural during the beta."

"I'll be a Pyromancer. The cost is the highest at the highest level, but I'm all about explosions."

The Dual Swordsman is known for having the highest DPS in this game, thanks to its high critical hit rate and numerous attacks. The Pyromancer uses explosive items like bombs, which are powerful but very expensive, making it the third most unpopular job.

"Your words as a preacher are impressive... but didn't you enjoy fireworks in Aims...?"

"I kind of expected that from Pon, but what about you, Mercenary?"

"Hey, you almost said your real name, that's bad manners... I'm going to be a Hunter (Archer)."

"Hey, stop it. It's the most difficult job to use... Well, it's pointless to say. If you can use a sniper rifle in Aims, you'll probably mess up in this game too."

"Mess up? I'm just enjoying it. I just have more passion than others."

"People call that a hardcore player. Well, you are the kind of guy who would kick off a world tournament... Don't come crying to me later."

"I know. Oh, can I ask about the skill generation rights?"

During the beta test, only one skill generation right was given, and sub-accounts were not allowed to prevent server overload, so it couldn't be tested. There was little information on the information sites, so I thought I'd ask Raging, who is familiar with the game.

"Hmm? Oh, the generation right. It's valuable, so don't use it recklessly. You get one at the start, but using it without knowledge is a waste."

"Does that mean if a skill is too powerful, the required skill points become too high to obtain?"

"Exactly. For example, a skill that causes a massive explosion across the world would require millions or tens of millions of skill points. Since you get only a small amount of skill points from leveling up or completing difficult quests, it's essentially a waste."

"Was there someone who tried to get such a skill...?"

I sighed in exasperation, and Pon looked away. It was you, wasn't it?

"Is that all? The service is about to start, so I want to start the game."

"Okay, thanks Raging. Send me a message when you've progressed a bit. It would help if you could designate a meeting place."

"The fountain square in the starting town... but it will probably be crowded. I'll decide based on everyone's situation."

It was 11:45. While the game couldn't start yet, character creation was possible. Since I prioritize gameplay over appearance, I can log in at this time and still be ready for the service start.

"See you in SBO."

"Got it! Have fun!"

After watching Greponmaru and Raging leave the VR chat room, I launched Skill Build Online. After a few seconds, the grand title screen appeared with an epic BGM.

"Let's start the game!"

As soon as I touched the 'New Character Creation' option, my consciousness faded.

◇

"...S..."

I heard a voice. It felt like someone was whispering in my ear.

"...Start..."

The voice became clearer. It sounded like a mechanical voice.

"Master!"

I fully regained consciousness. The mechanical voice was coming from a small floating robot in a spherical shape. ...Huh? A robot in a fantasy world? This must be... 'Shadow'?

"I'm glad you've regained consciousness... Do you recognize me?"

"Ah! Did I lose consciousness!? Oh no, did I make it in time for the service start!?"

Ignoring Shadow's words, I quickly checked the time. It seemed I had only been unconscious for a moment. I was surprised; if I had lost consciousness for longer, the game might have been halted for safety reasons.

"...It seems your memory is a bit hazy... Are you alright?"

Ah, crap. By ignoring him, I triggered a different route. I need to role-play, role-play...

"Ah, sorry Shadow. I'm fine. But, where am I...?"

Looking around, I saw that I was in the middle of a vast grassland. It must be the tutorial area.

"This is the 'Starting Plain.' It's the closest plain to the starting town, 'Faust.' In your current state, you won't be recognized by the townspeople. Let's revive you first."

At this point, the character creation screen finally appeared.

Ah, so this is where I create my character. Most games have you create your character before starting, but it's rare for a game to have you do it after starting. I felt a bit refreshed as I started manipulating the window in front of me.

"Whoa, what's with all these options!? Seriously, with this many options, there's no way characters will overlap... Even I, who usually don't spend much time on character creation, feel guilty about making a character carelessly..."

This is 'Skill Build Online,' which is so well-made that it's said to have been funded by the ultra-popular FPS 'Ruin Gear,' which has over 5 million players in Japan and 20 million worldwide. Despite its straightforward name, the quality is incredible.

"Ah, I can't change my gender... I was thinking of playing as a female to troll Raging..."

A popular male streamer with a parasitic female player... It would definitely cause a stir, but since I can't change my gender, it's not possible. ...Then.

"Hmm... How about I try to make my character as close to my real self as possible?"

In real life, I, Hiyama Nagisa, am often told I have a gender-neutral appearance. Since I can only play as a male, I might as well go for a gender-neutral look.

"Hehehe... Raging, you'll pay for using me to get the game's bonus in Aims!"

Laughing maniacally, I spent a lot of time on character creation. It took me an hour after the service started to finally complete my character.

Raging and Nagisa respect each other but also tease each other to the extreme.