Defense specialization and first login.

Maple completes the initial setup of NewWorld Online, consulting notes in one hand. Thanks to the notes, the process proceeds smoothly.

— Hoo… is this alright…

She is about to dive into the cyberspace world. A long-forgotten sensation. She closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she is already within the game world. Yet, a few settings remain. She cannot immediately appear in the town.

— First… a name. Hmm, using "Kae-de" would be too close to her real name… what should I do…

After some hesitation, Maple settles on the name "Maple" and confirms her choice. The floating panel in the air changes its display. Next, it seems she must decide on her initial equipment.

A greatsword… a one-handed blade… a mace… a staff… hmm… not much good at moving around… and I don’t want to be hit or attack… so maybe a staff—magic user, then.

Maple examined the few available gear options. One item caught her eye. She paused.

A large shield and a short blade? Attack power is low… but defense is number one… wait! If defense increases, does damage just vanish?

Maple read the description. She selected the large shield and short blade as her initial equipment.

In truth, the ability to nullify damage by raising defense only applies in the early stages. Within the game’s system, this is rated poorly—better to focus on offense. The short blade also scores low for usability.

Thus, this combination is considered unpopular gear.

Few players in the game choose gear designed specifically to withstand attacks. Even those who cannot wield a large shield may still equip a smaller one, opting instead for a one-handed sword or a mace.

Those who prioritize handling ease outnumber the others by far.

"Next, stat points... all into defense."

A classic build. With such a setup, a large shield’s already poor attack power becomes even more negligible. Speed is not allocated at all, leaving the character moving at real-world pace.

How many high school girls in reality could prevail against an oncoming beast?

The girl herself did not consider this.

"Ah... can't adjust height... wished I were taller..."

Maple’s height was barely at one hundred and forty-five centimeters.

Slender and delicate in form, her appearance and figure are secretly admired at school, though Maple knows nothing of it. Height remains a source of self-consciousness, but altering her actual body, height, or weight would disrupt gameplay—there is no choice but to accept it.

"Then, this should be okay. Good!"

Maple's body is enveloped in light.

When she opens her eyes again,

she stands in a bustling marketplace square of a castle town.