That 9: A Cheerful Skill Distribution

"O-oh, thank you so much. I really appreciate it."

The female teacher bowed slightly, trembling as she looked down at the defeated "zombie."

I gave a small nod, then turned my back on her.

"W-what's wrong?"

"Let me double-check if there are any others around. If you'd like, you're welcome to go back first."

Keeping a polite distance from the teacher while faking a casual response, as expected, I heard a voice requesting skill acquisition.

――1. [Swordsmanship (Intermediate)]

――2. [Super Maintenance]

――3. [Hand-to-Hand Combat (Beginner)]

――4. [Hunger Resistance (Weak)]

――5. [Natural Healing (Weak)]

"...Um, what exactly is [Super Maintenance]?"

[Super Maintenance] automatically repairs equipment degradation by up to 80% over time, and also increases the rate of repair over time.

Ah, that's clear enough.

It's essentially an upgraded version of the [Auto Maintenance] I obtained previously.

I place a hand on my chin and ponder for a moment.

Just now, I heard a voice announcing that the achievement "First Safe Zone" had been obtained.

In other words, it seems safe to assume this place will remain secure for a while—though I have no idea how long this "safety" will actually last.

Safe zone.

And nearby, a convenience store perfectly suited to our needs.

...Hmm.

At the very least, I can safely rule out the option of "Hunger Resistance (Weak)."

That leaves us with either a combat-related skill, or "Natural Healing (Weak)."

Hmm, for now, I don't feel any shortage in combat power.

So, I've decided to prioritize the stability of my own life.

"Option five: Natural Healing (Medium)."

— Please choose your skill to acquire.

— 1. Swordsmanship (Intermediate)

— 2. Super Maintenance

— 3. Martial Arts (Beginner)

— 4. Hunger Resistance (Weak)

— 5. Natural Healing (Medium)

— 6. Skin Reinforcement

I see.

The voice I heard twice earlier about leveling up wasn’t just my imagination, it seems.

I’m fairly sure I remember being told a little while ago—

— You may now act freely. We recommend gaining levels by helping people or defeating enemies.

—

It appears that leveling up is possible not just through combat, but also by helping others.

And even better—there’s one more thing I’ve realized.

Since coming to school, I've dealt with quite a few "zombies."

And this time, it's as if two levels have been raised at once.

The rule of "level," as inferred from this.

Helping others is a more profound experience than killing a zombie.

...

In short, the more difficult the problem solved, the greater the experience points needed to increase the level as a reward.

Well, it's nothing surprising if you're playing the game, really.

"Effect of the fifth and sixth abilities"

-- Obtaining "Natural Healing (Medium)" allows full recovery from moderate injuries (such as fractures or dislocations) within one day.

-- Obtaining "Skin Reinforcement" increases skin durability, making injuries less likely. It also enables tolerating moderate cold even when completely naked.

Wow.

I'm starting to feel less and less like a human now.

I mean, saying "you can withstand cold even completely naked" is one thing, but I don't plan on running around bare-assed in the freezing weather.

I've been worried.

Personally, I do want to boost my defense with "Skin Reinforcement," but I have no idea what kind of changes this might bring to my body.

What if I end up with some super bulky, rough physique or something?

When I eventually offer my precious [censored] to the prince who may one day appear atop a white horse, will I be utterly repelled by the feel of his skin?

Well, such a person probably won’t show up anytime soon, and even if he does, there’s no guarantee he’ll appear at all—worrying about the distant future is pointless anyway.

After hesitating once more, I finally said,

"Please, let it heal naturally again."

I chose someone with relatively little physiological aversion.

――Then, applying the skill effect.

In the next instant, a strange sensation emerged within me.

As if vitality surged through me, or perhaps as if my cells had become activated?

I had felt something similar when acquiring《Sword Technique (Beginner)》, but this sensation is a bit hard to describe.

Still, I was certain that some change had occurred within my own body.

I thought the level-up process was complete...

――Please select your reward for the achievement “First Safe Zone.”

……Huh?

It seems there’s still something left.

――1. Healing Potion

――2. Antidote

――3. Revival Water

“What’s this?”

Upon inquiry,

――“Healing Potion” restores minor injuries instantly upon consumption.

――“Antidote” neutralizes poison if consumed after being bitten by a “Zombie.”

――"Saisui" makes it harder for zombies to approach you if sprinkled on your body for a few minutes.

He answered politely and thoroughly.

Huh.

It's getting more and more like a game, isn't it.

"Accomplishments" are likely titles or trophy-like rewards earned by meeting certain conditions.

It seems you can unlock these "Accomplishments" by fulfilling some kind of requirement.

And apparently, by unlocking those "Achievements," you can receive specific rewards.

I see.

In that case, the conditions required to obtain those "Achievements" naturally become interesting.

It might be possible to check them somehow, but for now, it's probably best to just treat any rewards as a lucky surprise.

After a brief moment of thought, I decide on my answer.

"Then, 'Dokukeshi'."

And after a few seconds of waiting, with just a hint of excitement.

Then, I'll issue the items.

The next instant the voice came, a rough, "Well then, here you go," and a small bottle flew straight into my chest.

He hastily takes it.

Its origin remains unknown.

It came flying in from outside my field of view—suddenly, out of nowhere.

The bottle size is just a bit smaller than that of a sports drink.

"Huh...?"

It was almost as if a hollow voice had just escaped from somewhere.

The entity that appeared before me—“Dokukeshi”—held two meanings for me.

First, the mysterious voice I’d been hearing intermittently since this morning.

That voice wasn’t merely a delusion confined to my mind, but something supernatural capable of exerting physical influence.

The fact that I, who had lived my entire life devoted to gaming, could skillfully wield a sword was already quite puzzling, but this recent incident has provided concrete evidence.

And one more thing. This is important.

That something supernatural, it seems, speaking to me.

Moreover, there is some kind of causal relationship to the current situation unfolding.

Otherwise, how could they possibly come up with a convenient item like "Dokukeshi"?

This is quite a hassle.

As I gazed at the bottle of "Dokukeshi," a bitter feeling filled my heart.