Okay, first things first, I need to know exactly what my aids are.
It's been 30 days since the 'Miracle' happened. Today is the 24th of January... Looks like I missed the New Year celebration as well... Yayy...
I was in the Sacred Hall for quite some time, and even though we didn't spend much time talking to each other, I knew quite a few things about that God guy.
Knowing the geezer, there was no way he would say something if he didn't mean it.
"Since he brought me to this world and gave me advice, it must mean that I have a chance at surviving... and I'm definitely taking it!"
Currently, I possess the Divine System, a window that contains information about myself.
The world is now like a game, and I'm a player. Just like in RPGs and fantasy events, I have access to a special panel that displays my current status and abilities.
Every Gifted in this world possesses this System, and along with it comes the power to 'Level Up' and increase one's overall abilities.
Other than that, there were also memories of the time I spent in the Sacred Hall. While this would do me no good in a direct fight, it still gave me advanced knowledge of the state of the world, as well as strategies made from an objective standpoint.
Upon realizing these things, I decided it would be best not to waste any more time and begin preparations.
To do that, I needed to unwrap my present. The Gift bestowed by God himself, [Subspace].
"Subspace," I called out to the empty room.
Immediately, a blue window appeared in front of me. This blue window, different from the Golden Display of the general Divine System that showed my stats, glowed and displayed 10 empty boxes in the panel.
"Ah, those must be my empty slots," I mumbled.
Currently, my [Subspace] Gift was in Level 1, and it was also an F Rank skill.
It was quite clear why everyone left such a Gift behind and went for more glamorous and powerful ones which would aid their survival and grant them amazing abilities.
"I can store 10 objects within Subspace, for now. The number of objects it can contain will most likely increase when I advance to a higher level. But, how does that work exactly?" I asked myself, rubbing my fingers on my chin in puzzlement.
There's no better way to answer my question than to experiment.
Within my room, I have stockpiles of food that can last me days without needing to leave at all. I also have a bathroom compartment connected to it. While I'm sure there's no running water available, I should still be able to get some leftovers from the house's tank.
"It'll be limited though, so I'll have to manage it..."
Upon mumbling those words to myself, I decided not to leave my room until I figured out the basic nature of my Gift and its stats, as well as how to apply them in the chaotic world I would be living in from this moment on.
I couldn't exactly stay in my room forever.
[Day 1]
The first thing I did was strictly observe my status.
"Status Window," I called out.
Immediately, a Golden panel buzzed and appeared before me. It was vertically long and displayed all the features I had that were relevant to my ability.
[STATUS INFORMATION]
- Name: Damien Thompson
- Level: 1 – Exp: 00.00- Race: Human – Job: None- Age: 16 Years- Sex: Male- Height: 5" 3' – Weight: 115 pounds- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral- Karma Points: 100- (G) Karma Points: 10
[Stats]
- HP: 100/100- MP: - -- Strength: 50- Agility: 300- Vitality: 100- Intelligence: 500- (G) Factor: 90- Gift: [Subspace]- Items Equipped: None- Allies: None[Additional Information]
A human with the last Gift. Possesses the interest of God.[End Of Information]
I studied the information displayed there keenly, taking note of several elements that were foreign to me.
"Just like a video game," I chuckled.
However, unlike games, death here meant the end!
There were no do-overs, no respawning, no retries. Game over meant being permanently cut off from the world of the living.
I don't want that!
"Karma Points? As in luck?" I questioned.
And what about the other one, (G) Karma Point... This was definitely strange. Looking further down, I wondered if it had something to do with me gaining the interest of God. In any case, I couldn't be too sure.
The only route to certainty was if I could get to see the Status Information of another. I doubt that will happen though. I've read enough novels and seen enough anime to know how private such things are.
I also don't know whether my stats are abnormally high or low, or whether they are normal. My intelligence seems to be the highest, while my strength is the least... As expected.
The (G) Factor was also bothering me, but there was nothing I could do about it for now.
"I'll just chalk it up to one of the things I want to discover as I progress."
Most Gifted who have survived this far in this world would have leveled up quite a bit. After all, some time has passed since the 'Miracle' happened. I may actually be the oddball out of everyone out there.
To ensure that I'm not left behind by others, I need to level up and fast. The problem is how to go about that. I'm at a major disadvantage since my Gift is in no way battle-related, and I'm far too weak to fight.
"There has to be a way... Let's keep looking," I said to encourage myself.
[Day 4]
It's been 4 days since I returned to this world. For the last three days, since I checked my Status Window, I have been experimenting with my Divine System and [Subspace] Gift.
I have discovered a lot of interesting things about my little Gift. Contrary to my earlier notion... This Gift could actually be the best kind I could possess.
First of all, I learned that my [Subspace] does not merely contain 10 objects. No, instead, it can contain more than 10 items if two or more are similar.
I was surprised at first, but I slowly understood.
After calling out [Subspace], the blue window appeared, as usual. I had already brought out many materials I wanted to experiment with.
"Let's start with books," I muttered.
I picked one of my many light novels stacked on the floor where I sat and placed it on the Blue Window. Immediately, it touched the Subspace Panel, it vanished, turning into light particles. The particles ventured into one of the 10 <Empty> icons in the [Subspace] panel.
"Whoah!" I beamed as I witnessed such an unbelievable sight unfold before my eyes.
Excitement began to build within me, I could feel my heart beat faster with thrill. I had to know more.
The previously <Empty> slot now displayed the <Overword Vol 3 Light Novel> Icon.
With nine unassigned slots left, I decided to place another book inside.
I picked the second volume of the same book, repeating the action I had performed before.
The next slot beside the already assigned one changed to <Overword Vol 2 Light Novel>.
I smiled as I watched the two stacked beside each other. As I turned to pick up another book to try the process again, a beep suddenly sounded. I sharply turned and looked at my screen.
[Subspace Alert]
<Similar Contents Found In Two Slots><Stack Function Available><Stack Contents In A Single Slot?>[Yes] [No]This surprised me. However, curiosity took over at that moment, prompting me to tap on the [Yes] icon.
Immediately, the window brightly displayed its blue light, and by the time it returned to its original brightness, only one assigned slot existed.
The single assigned slot had a different name now. <Overword Light Novels (Vol 2&3)>.
"A-Amazing!" I beamed.
This meant I could store similar materials in a single slot, leaving room for other things.
"I have to try even more things!"
Deciding to experiment even further, I learned newer things.
To extract already placed items in the Subspace, all I had to do was to tap on it. In the case where I already stacked more than one item within it, once I tap on the Panel, it would bring out sub-panels.
I decided to try something else.
<Jar Of Water ×5>
I looked at one of my panels that displayed this and smiled nervously.
"Here goes nothing."
I rapidly tapped on it three times. Immediately, three Jars of water appeared before me.
"I don't need to start selecting Sub-Panels. If I rapidly tap on the panel, it just brings them out instantly!"
Through experimentation, I also realized that I needed physical contact with whatever I wanted to go into the [Subspace Window].
Also, despite my intentions, the items I summon from [Subspace] cannot appear from a distance of more than 5 meters from myself. If I choose to exceed that limit, it will just appear exactly five meters in the direction I focus on.
"Looks like this is the current limit," I muttered.
There was still something that kept bugging me.
"Let's see if it has a size limit " I grinned excitedly.
My eyes darted in the direction of my bed.
"Can it take something of that size? Only one way to find out…"
<Damien's Bed>
It fit into the [Subspace], surprising me. I couldn't help but chuckle as I performed other experiments.
I stored food, water, books, my bed, my television, my shelf, my chair… I stored whatever I could, satisfying my unending curiosity.
[Day 6]
I have performed all the experiments I can, for now. Any further research required me to venture outside.
My body trembled at the thought of that. I'd be endangering myself and encountering creatures like the ones I saw earlier.
However, I had something greater than fear to spur me on. Despite the ongoing destruction all over the world and the feeling of despair accompanying it, I had already made a resolve within myself.
The reason for painstakingly researching and learning all I could about my Gift and its Abilities, the reason I could take the steps I'm taking… these were all for a single reason.
"I will survive in this world… no matter what it takes!"
It was finally time to leave this place, and begin my journey for survival!
In the profound silence of the celestial palace, the resonant voice of God echoed, "It's about time he left." The gravitas of his words filled the divine expanse, each syllable reverberating in the still air.Ensconced on his monumental throne, his eyes were drawn to a large golden screen suspended before him. This screen was no ordinary construct, but an extraordinary device reflecting a vast multitude of events unfurling across his divine dominion. His gaze swept over the flickering images, taking in the realities of the mortal world below.Observing the unfolding circumstances, his voice rang out, "Would you just look at this... What a mess!" His utterance carried an amalgam of surprise, disappointment, and a poignant frustration.The spectacle of the world beneath was enough to stir even the most composed deity. Witnessing the callous disregard for life by humans, the ease with which demonic entities invaded and overran once majestic cities, a sense of profound irritation welled
It had been six days since I returned to this world, and 36 days since this madness began... My body still trembled at the thought of leaving this haven I had made for myself, but I refused to allow the fear within to shake my resolve. "Urgh… I stink…" I gagged, after taking a whiff of my odor. Being so preoccupied with learning as much as I could, I spent little time doing anything else. Other than eating and sleeping, my undivided attention was dedicated to learning as much as I could about the System and formulating strategies while preparing for the inevitable time I would leave. After six days of such an unhygienic lifestyle, I needed an intense bath. I brushed my teeth as hard as I could, making sure I got everything right since I would not be doing anything like it in a while. Also, using the water that was left in my bath, after putting enough in my [Subspace] I had a thorough shower. Now feeling refreshed and full of vigor, I picked the clothes I had decided to wear, af
My body quivered, trembling with an unfamiliar sensation, a disconcerting numbness spreading through my limbs like a silent, creeping storm. It was a moment that hung in the balance, teetering between survival and demise, an instant that would decide if I could find my place in this world, or be discarded like obsolete flotsam in the face of an era that was alien and daunting in its savagery."As a rational person, should I fail to kill a Demon during our first encounter, what hope could I possibly harbor to explore the chaotic world that lies in wait beyond these walls?" This grim realization sank like an anchor in the sea of my thoughts.With an unwavering grip, I clutched the sharpened metal rod that was my only line of defense, a pitiful shield against the brutal realities of my existence. With measured movements, I tilted the rod, aligning its razor-sharp edge towards the direction of the ascending staircase."Skraakiiiikk!" The eerie sound resonated in the cavernous silence, the
With a resonating "Skrreaeeek!", the cavernous hallways of the forsaken edifice reverberated with the guttural cries of otherworldly creatures, malicious echoes snaking their way through the labyrinthine pathways that had once offered the promise of escape. But it had become glaringly clear that the maze now only led to dead-ends.An eerie realization dawned on me, chilling me to the core yet oddly sparking a determined resolve in my heart. There was no path for flight, no possibility of escaping the hellish scenario I found myself ensnared in. The only victory lay not in evasion, but in confrontation. I had to suppress these demonic creatures, overpower every single one of them lurking within the decrepit walls of this forsaken structure. It was a daunting task, to say the least, but one that could not be avoided. The only way to gain an upper hand was to anticipate their attacks, strategize against their strengths and weaknesses, for my resilience against their unexpected onslaughts
The gruesome squelch of monstrous flesh under force echoed throughout the confined hallway, marking yet another victorious battle against a wave of demons. "Skriiiiikkk," the creatures wheezed, issuing their final, feeble death cries as the life seeped out of them.I surveyed the bloody aftermath, an odd sense of satisfaction washing over me. "This marks the third wave," I gloated, casting a scornful look at the pathetic beasts now lying lifeless at my feet.As if in response, an unexpected message rang through my mind, a voice both alien and intimate simultaneously.[You Have Leveled Up][You Have Leveled Up]My eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. Leveling up twice in quick succession? I had expected a more substantial boost, given the formidable opponents I had just laid low.The slain demons were a group of three, and each of them held an impressive level. One was at Level 6, the remaining two at Level 5. Considering my level was at 4 when I killed them, I had been hoping for more e
An earsplitting wail erupted, the horrific sound slicing through the air as the demons leapt forward, their bodies crouched, ready to pounce on me. It was a hideous sound, one that echoed the darkness and despair that had consumed my existence. Without a moment's hesitation, I voiced out, "[Subspace]!" The word, a command to the unknown, pierced the air like a beacon of hope in the suffocating despair.As though materializing out of the fabric of reality itself, a shimmering blue window appeared before me. I reached out, extending my hand towards it, aiming to select an item from the list that displayed itself before me. However, even as my fingers neared the translucent screen, I felt a sudden and overwhelming crunch. One of the monstrous beasts lunged at me, its gnarled fangs sinking deep into the soft flesh of my arm. The immediate pain was piercing, the beast's sharp fangs gouging out a chunk of my skin, its teeth burrowing into my flesh with ruthless force. The agony was almost
It was amidst the buzz of cosmic energy that a golden-hued interface flickered into being, its luminescent presence serving as a beacon amidst the tumultuous chaos that had so recently gripped my existence. The inscribed details on its screen revealed the stark reality of my current circumstances and the significant progress I had made since my last ordeal.Before the debacle involving a menacing swarm of demons, my experience had peaked at Level 6, and now, having ascended four levels during the fray, I felt a surge of expectation ripple through my being. The lure of greater prowess, reflected in the numbers on the golden panel, was a tantalizing promise of the potential growth that lay within my grasp.[STATUS INFORMATION]- Name: Damian Stark- Level: 10 – Exp: 10.30- Race: Human- Job: None- Age: 16 Years- Sex: Male- Height: 5” 3. – Weight: 115 pounds- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral- Karma Points: 100 – (G) Karma Points: 10[Stats]- HP: 600/600- MP: - -- Strength: 140- Agili
"Jackpot!" My heart throbbed with exhilaration as I surveyed the sight before me. The apartment I had stumbled upon, formerly inhabited by an unlucky soul, was much neater than anticipated. Everything was meticulously arranged, offering a contrasting image to the grim realities of my own living quarters.The stranger’s home was similar in size to my own, with two well-kept rooms. Still, it bore no resemblance to the house I grew up in. Life had a way of playing tricks, and this seemed like an unusually lucky draw in the lottery of this apocalyptic world.Opening the fridge, my eyes widened at the variety of foodstuffs. From a copious amount of meat and fish to eggs and veggies, it was fully stocked. I couldn't suppress the smirk that crept onto my lips, "This guy certainly knew his nutrition."A dozen bottles of milk stacked together caught my eye, and without a moment of hesitation, I seized one. Twisting off the cap, I downed the whole bottle in a few satisfying gulps. I let out a s