Phase 45: Phase 1 Complete

The announcement came out of nowhere.

After finishing breakfast and idly strolling across the rooftop,

——The required conditions have been met.

——As of this moment, Phase 1 is concluded.

The voice in my head suddenly spoke up.

"…Huh?"

——With the completion of Phase 1, the following skills are now unlocked.

——Skill Assessment

——Karma Assessment

——Achievement Condition Reference

――Skills for "Ultimate Techniques" at Level III and above

――Skills for "Magic" at Level IV and above

――Some unique skills

――Some job-specific skills

"What... what...?"

The usual catchphrase I'd planned to use later was suddenly spoken out at this moment.

Unfazed by my confusion, the voice in my head continued.

――With the transition to the next phase, the behavior of "hostile lifeforms" will mutate.

――The ability of "zombies" to detect "humans" has increased.

――Some "zombies" have improved mobility.

――The behavior pattern of "zombies" now includes "concealment."

――Previously inactive "hostile lifeforms" are now activated.

"Wait, wait, wait—hold on! There's too much information all at once, I can't keep up!"

Of course, the voice in my head pays no attention to what I'm saying.

――All players have been presented with a "Quest."

――Players who fail the "Quest" will permanently lose all skill effects they have acquired thus far. Please take note.

...Ah.

If only I had paper and a pen on hand.

But in this situation, I have no choice but to rely on my own memory.

――Additionally, players may now "seize" another player's skills by killing them.

――The special effects of achievement reward items can now be used by anyone, not just the player who obtained them.

――Permanent transformation into an extraterrestrial life form is now possible.

――All players will now receive the achievement "Phase 1 Complete."

"……W-what was that?"

It feels like a bargain sale of information I can't possibly ignore.

"………………Is it over?"

I ask into the sky.

There is no reply.

Anyway, I decide to go back to Class 3-3 for three years.

To document the current content as accurately as possible.

"Senpai? Is something wrong?"

I ignore Asuka-san, who passes by midway.

Returning to the classroom, I quickly pull out my notebook.

"Um... 'Skill Assessment'... 'Karma Assessment'..."

I'll think about what these skills actually do later, at my leisure.

I rapidly scribble down important points with my pen.

"……Phew"

I hadn't even a moment to catch my breath after successfully outputting...

First, I must calmly analyze what the hallucination user just said.

"First..."

What I needed to consider first.

The phrase "all the players" that the hallucination user mentioned.

That meant there were others besides me who possessed abilities.

Takamata-kun was talking about levels and such right before he died.

Does that mean he was also one of the "players"?

And there's one more thing.

A system where you can "seize" a skill by killing another player.

That means people with skills other than your own aren't necessarily allies.

Of course, not everyone is necessarily a villain, so there are probably some conscientious people out there (yes, like me, of course!).

"Then...

It must be related to the unlocked skills."

However, no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't get beyond mere speculation.

For example, even something as straightforward as was completely unclear.

After all, I already have a detailed explanation of my own skills—why would I need to inspect them at all?

Or perhaps the ability to understand other players' skills?

Or maybe the capacity to gain further information about currently acquired skills?

Are there any other points that stand out?

Hyoucho used the term "unique skill."

Putting all my gaming knowledge to use, this essentially means a "distinctive" skill.

Then, I suppose I must already have acquired some unique skill or another...

Hmm.

Hatesate.

But you can't just keep worrying about it forever.

There is one thing I must prioritize above all else right now.

That is,

A "quest" was presented to every player.

Players who fail a "Quest" will permanently lose all skill effects they have acquired thus far. Please note.

This one.

No matter how you look at it, this.

It's too late to go back to being an ordinary girl.

Without power, no one can be protected.

Swallowing hard, I ask.

"Um... uh, Phantom, my... that is, my quest... what exactly is it?"

Then, as if it had been waiting for my question, an answer came back.

—Head toward the "Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park," located northwest of here.

—There, you will find a "malevolent slave master."

—Kill him, or subjugate him.

"Wait, Tokorozawa...?"

I let out a half-smile upon hearing a familiar-sounding place name.

I've been to Tokorozawa a few times before. I think there was a good dan dan noodle restaurant near the station, right?

Probably not open anymore, though.

I let out a deep sigh.

One thing's for sure—I have to get out of here.

I'd prepared myself for it, but this is still a heavy burden to bear.

Seriously, how can they tell me to "subjugate a stranger" like that?

And they even call it "evil"...

"Master of slaves"...

Isn't that already a clear enemy flag being raised?!

No way!

"Huh..."

Just when I thought I'd finally secured my ideal slow-paced life space...

It seems my suffering isn't over yet.