My Isekai Life in Hard Mode

Distinct City

RC, short for Reunion Coin, is humanity's official currency managed by the Reunion Corporation in partnership with the Government. In the real world, one RC holds the same value as one USD.

Ryoshu, now realizing his dire financial situation, hurriedly sketches out plans to earn money in the future.

"Only a hundred dollars... But I need much more..."

He's acutely aware that Spiral Academy's tuition fees are exorbitant. To put it into perspective, a loaf of bread costs around 1-2 RC, while basic rent is about 1,500 RC per month...

So, while most assume tuition fees are around 10,000 RC per year, the actual cost is a staggering 80,000 RC annually—eight times higher. It's an insurmountable sum, especially for someone practically penniless like him.

Thankfully, tuition fees are split into two payments: at the beginning and end of the school year. But failure to pay will lead to debt and potential legal consequences.

Without anyone to support him, Ryoshu faces the grim prospect of imprisonment for misappropriation of funds if the Government forces him to sign a loan contract he can't repay, resulting in an 80,000 RC debt—a crime punishable by 12 to 20 years in prison.

Although surviving the sentence seems unlikely, prison is Ryoshu's worst nightmare.

To cover living expenses and accommodation, he must earn nearly a hundred thousand RC within the next year. While a scholarship could reduce this by 30 to 50%, obtaining one in a school filled with monsters is a daunting task.

"That money is a real problem; failing to pay could land me in jail..." Ryoshu's head spins at the thought, unsure of what to do besides lamenting his predicament.

"Why did my character apply to that school without talent or money? Isn't that just foolish? Or perhaps he belonged to a wealthy family...?"

The more he ponders, the more questions arise, but Ryoshu decides to focus on preparing for the future. First, he needs skill books, costing at least 150 RC.

"But right now, I don't even have 150, let alone 80,000..."

After contemplating, Ryoshu considers the black market as an alternative solution.

"The black market, perhaps?"

Despite his dislike for such places, Ryoshu feels he has no other choice.

As he mentioned earlier, the game's map is expansive, almost as vast as the real world. While it centers around Spiral Academy, players can venture elsewhere, participating in the main storyline even without attending the academy.

Players typically choose from three main paths: becoming heroes, mercenaries, or villains. Additionally, they can join or oppose various factions like the Government or Guilds.

Ryoshu will explore these options later. For now, he's focused on his immediate concern—visiting the black market. He changes into a black hoodie, then heads out, grabbing his keys before leaving his apartment.

"I hope I didn't forget anything..." He murmurs, then closes the door and sets off.

Stepping onto the street, Ryoshu is greeted by the sight of a futuristic city. The towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and flying vehicles create a vibrant atmosphere.

"I can't believe there used to be a war here. Humans really progress quickly..."

Before him stands a magnificent building, attracting the attention of passersby.

"That's the pride of Distinct City, maybe even the whole country..."

He overhears people discussing the Solar Guild and feels a sense of awe.

His goal, however, is the nearby police station. Approaching a young officer, Ryoshu asks for directions.

"Excuse me, officer, could you help me?"

The officer, initially confused, quickly changes his tone upon seeing Ryoshu's frail appearance.

"What's up, kid? What do you need?"

"Excuse me, sir, can you tell me how to get to West Soul district?"

He seemed lost, scratching his head in response to the question.

"I thought cops were supposed to know every nook and cranny of the game, right? Or did they tweak the system?"

Another officer stepped out from the station, taking over for his absent-minded colleague.

"Sorry about that, kid. This guy here seems to have forgotten all his tasks for the day. West Soul district, huh? Just keep walking down this road, and you'll reach it." He chuckled at his partner before pointing towards the neighborhood behind Ryoshu.

"Thanks a bunch, sirs," Ryoshu nodded in gratitude toward the two police officers.

Seeing his politeness, both officers adjusted their hats, smiling reassuringly.

"No problem, kiddo."

"Sorry, kid, for not being much help," the flustered officer added, remembering his duty.

As the two colleagues resumed their conversation, the young boy left the police station.

"I look up to you, Justin. Forgetting everything with just a snap."

"Probably had one too many drinks yesterday..."

The other officer rubbed his head, looking somewhat helpless.

Ryoshu paid no mind to the two men and continued on foot. He chose to walk to save his precious resource - money. Sorting out his finances could wait until later, but for now, he needed to toughen up to avoid getting expelled once he got into school.

Though he could drop out to save money, the perks of being close to the main characters were priceless.

Thankfully, at Spiral Academy, they provided enough funds for students to buy food and other essentials. And despite having dorms, the school ensured students had more options and felt as comfortable as possible.

"That's why I say these academies are filthy rich..."

"Oh, I'm here."

After walking and mulling over his plan, he arrived at a modest bar compared to what he had seen in the city. But that made it stand out even more.

It was adorned with vines, emphasizing its old-world charm. The entrance was sturdy oak with intricately carved details in swirling patterns.

"Here we are! Angels' Whisky!"

This place was one of the main branches leading to the Black Market. Ryoshu had dressed discreetly from his "apartment" to prepare to enter one of the most dangerous places in Distinct.

Ryoshu reached into his pocket and started entering the bar. As the door swung open, the dampness and scent of ancient oak filled the space, reminiscent of the forest buildings he used to play in when visiting his grandparents' house.

"The game's scent feels so real... makes me miss my grandparents. Haven't visited their house since they passed away... I'm such a failure..."

Thinking about that, he felt even more motivated to escape from this cursed game.

Stepping inside, the house's living space was reminiscent of the Victorian era. The high ceiling with long-lasting pillars made the place airy and nostalgic.

Contrary to the solemn atmosphere, there was a daunting and somewhat eerie air, as most people here stared at newcomers. Ryoshu felt shaky under their gaze but had to pretend to be as calm as possible.

He gently approached and sat down on a nearby chair. The server glanced at him quickly before asking,

"What would you like, sir?"

Confidently, he remembered the first code because it was almost the command to initiate conversations related to the Underground World:

"I'd like a glass of Joel's Madam."

"...Please wait a moment," the server replied without changing his expression or showing any extra reaction, earning Ryoshu's admiration for his professionalism. But that also eased his mind a bit:

"Thank goodness, the password hasn't changed."

The server poured him a glass of expensive-looking wine. After serving, he continued,

"Would you like anything else, sir?"

"Now it's easy."

"Give me a plate of sweet and sour Dragon Ribs."

"I'm sorry, sir, but we're out of that dish today."

"Oh no! Damn, did I get it wrong?"

It had been a long time since Ryoshu had been to this place in the game, so now all the codes were jumbled in his head. Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. If he made another mistake, he'd be permanently kicked out of the bar.

"No problem."

"Then give me a plate of Sichuan-style Tofu."

Although his voice sounded very calm, inside, he felt like he was in a battlefield. Two burly men in vests stood guard at the door, glaring at him like bullets, which didn't help the situation.

"Those two must be at least Rank D or higher... meaning they can punch through walls without scratching their hands."

In this world, Ryoshu was almost an average person. But this feeling of helplessness and weakness wasn't new to him, as in the real world, he had always been weak and shameless.

He had always had to beg others to help him. But in this world, just one mistake and he'd truly be dead, unable to do anything.

"Begging might just get me killed... because the aristocrats here really hate the Black folk..." - He could only imagine the scene of accidentally bumping into an aristocrat, and that made him shudder at the brutality of this new world.

Although there were laws in place, people like him, from the Black community, had almost no place in this society.

"Please, don't mess up again!"

"Will you pay directly or through your bank account, sir?"

Ryoshu breathed a sigh of relief, his voice less anxious now.

"I'll pay directly."

The server signaled with a wave, and another female attendant approached, bowing respectfully. Her demeanor exuded professionalism, and Ryoshu, with his gamer intuition, sensed she might be even more capable than the owner he had just spoken to.

Ryoshu simply nodded in acknowledgment of her greeting.

"Alright then, sir, please follow me," she said.

He rose from his seat and trailed after the new attendant.

After a short walk down the hallway, the girl halted and swung open a nearby door.

"Please step into this room, sir," she gestured, indicating for him to enter.

Ryoshu entered the room without hesitation and reached for the complimentary mask on a nearby table.

The mask bore a Kitsune design reminiscent of those he had seen at Japanese festivals. However, this mask appeared enchanted, much like in the original game.

"Wishing you peacea nd prosperity, sir," she bid him farewell.

And with those words, he was teleported away.