Part 3: Choosing a Skill

Level up, it said.

That's what it sounded like, certainly.

Next,

—Please select a skill to acquire.

—1. Swordsmanship (Beginner)

—2. Hand-to-Hand Combat (Beginner)

—3. Hunger Resistance (Weak)

—4. Natural Healing (Weak)

I utter the most straightforward line someone in the same situation would probably say.

"...Huh?"

—Please select a skill to acquire.

――1. Swordsmanship (Beginner)

――2. Martial Arts...

"No, no, no, no! I get that part already! What's this sudden thing?! Swordsmanship (Beginner)? A skill?!"

The voice (??) continued in a flat, mechanical tone, like an automated phone attendant.

――Swordsmanship (Beginner) is a skill that instantly grants the level of proficiency equivalent to about three years of training at an average Japanese kendo dojo.

I tapped my temples gently with my index finger, trying desperately to regain my composure.

"Um... What about 'Combat Technique (Beginner)'?"

――"Combat Technique (Beginner)" is a skill that instantly grants proficiency equivalent to about five years of training at an average Japanese karate dojang.

"‘Hunger Resistance (Weak)’"

――Acquiring "Hunger Resistance (Weak)" allows you to remain active for over a week without food or water.

"The last one."

――Acquiring "Natural Healing (Weak)" means you can fully recover from minor injuries within a day.

"Ah, really?"

Well, that's probably about right.

Wiping the bloodied tip of the blade on the curtain, I easily accepted the situation.

This must be what they mean by a maiden's tolerance. Probably.

In a vague sort of way.

I felt, somehow, that I was the chosen one.

Somehow, inexplicably, by a supernatural presence.

Or perhaps, while I've been holed up playing games nonstop, the entire world has changed, and everyone in it is experiencing something similar.

Well, whatever I choose to make of the situation is up to me.

In a world like this, isn't it better to just pretend I'm the protagonist of my own story?

— Then, let's select the skill we'll acquire...

"Alright then, I'll take《Swordsmanship (Beginner)》, please."

After all, I did receive this katana from my grandfather.

Even though my evil relatives—excuse me—seized it and left me with nothing else from the inheritance, it's a cherished keepsake. They say it could fetch a decent amount of money if sold.

Well, I've already used it—(meaningful pause)—so it's not exactly sellable anymore.

A female swordsman, wielding her grandfather's heirloom to slay monsters.

What do you think?

Don't you find that kind of life inspiring?

――Then, I'll apply the skill effect.

At the same time.

A sudden, unmistakable sensation surged from within my body.

"Phew... Hoo!"

A whistle I've never managed before slips out.

My arms don't look any different—still the typical slender wrists of a gamer.

But it's just... incredible.

It's like, seriously, mind-blowing.

So amazing (sudden loss of vocabulary).

When I tried swinging the sword, it moved with a dexterity I couldn't believe was mine—blade flashing through the air.

Is this what they mean by "three years' worth of skill"?

The girl who moments ago had hesitated, holding the blade with a nervous stance, was nowhere to be seen.

...Well.

Having thought this far, I regained my composure.

So, what should I do now?

If I've been given these strange powers, there must be some purpose behind it.

At least, that's what it felt like to me.

"Hey, Voice-in-the-Air. What should I do next?"

I asked out loud toward the sky. To an outsider, I might have looked like a reckless girl.

For a moment.

I was about to think I wouldn't get a reply so conveniently, or maybe it was a bad idea to call it "Voice-in-the-Air," when—

—Free movement. Level up by helping people or defeating enemies. Recommended.

A response that’s hard to tell if it actually answers anything.

In short, once I realized it was just like a video game, everything clicked instantly.

It’s the kind of thing common in role-playing games.

You level up by defeating monsters or completing quests.

Hmm.

I wish I could just hole up somewhere and spend my days playing games.

But undoubtedly, wherever we go, we'll continue to struggle with power shortages until this turmoil settles down. To be honest, there's also a chance that the new game won't be released at all under these circumstances. That outcome must be avoided at all costs.

"So then... shall we try saving the world? Just for fun?"