I walked slowly through the woods. Tall trees loomed around me, some thick with age, others wrapped in dangling vines. The forest stretched endlessly in every direction—dense, quiet, and untouched.
It definitely feels like I've wandered deep inside.
'In the end, he didn't know anything about the undead,' I thought calmly, brushing aside a low branch.
'Anyway… System,' I called out in my mind.
A soft blue glow appeared before me.
[ How can I help you? ]
'I'm glad I can talk to the system mentally. I can't imagine saying everything out loud like anime protagonists do… What if someone's listening?' I grimaced at the thought.
I let out a quiet sigh.
'I remember Kai said you were... programmed? Or maybe created is the better word? Anyway, he said you were based on a butler—like Sebastian. But you've been pretty quiet this whole time.'
[ Forgive me, Master. ]
'Master? That's sudden.'
[ That is the standard form of address for butlers in this world. If you are uncomfortable, please let me know how I should refer to you. ]
'No, it's fine. If that's how it works here, I might as well get used to it.'
[ As you wish, Master. ]
[ As for why I've been passive—Lord Kai provided me with your memory data. I assumed, based on that information, that you would enjoy exploring the world without interruption, Master. ]
[ You tend to go deep into things when curious. Calling your attention to the system too early might've pulled you away from experiencing the world firsthand. ]
'You're not wrong. I probably would've just sat somewhere safe and explored every system function while letting the shield handle monsters.'
'Calling you "System" feels weird though… Since you're based on Sebastian, how about I call you Sebas?'
[ As you wish, Master. ]
'Sebas, do you have any information about the other heroes?'
[ Yes, Master. Lord Kai has granted me access to permitted information—enough to help you strategize for the future. ]
'Do you know their powers?'
[ Not all of them, but I have data on a few. Some gods are widely worshipped, and their churches often boast about their chosen heroes, which reveals details about their abilities. ]
'Smart deduction, Sebas—figuring things out from scattered info.'
[ That wasn't me, Master. ]
'Hm?'
[ It was Lord Kai. He may act lazy, but he's sharp. Unlike most gods who just empower individuals, Lord Kai evaluates the world's state and picks abilities based on long-term strategy. That's how he played such major roles in the past. ]
'So that's how he had such a massive divine reserve... he's no average god.'
'He's quite the strategist. I wonder if he planned something behind giving me these powers too?'
[ I don't believe so, Master. While he's intelligent, he's also extremely lazy. Every time he's summoned someone, it's been for entertainment—not balance. ]
'But smart, no doubt about that.'
'Alright then, tell me about the heroes you do know.'
[ I currently have confirmed information on two. ]
'Out of how many?'
[ At least ten have been summoned, Master. ]
'…That's a lot. Go on.'
[ First is a native of Numen—a Saintess, raised within the Holy Church of Catia. ]
'So she uses holy powers, I assume?'
[ Correct, Master. That's what Goddess Catia has publicly revealed. ]
[ The second is a demi-human—specifically, a minotaur. Born from a chimera experiment, his body was created by fusing a barbarian's strength with demonic traits. Initially rejected by both humans and demons, he was granted freedom by his creator and wandered the world. ]
[ He was attacked by humans and monsters alike—until he encountered the barbarian tribes. There, he proved his strength by defeating their champion and was accepted. That's when the God of War, Leontis, chose him and granted his blessing. ]
'So he's not a mindless brute. He thinks, fights, and adapts. A rare minotaur indeed.'
[ Correct, Master. The blessing also increased his intelligence to human levels, giving him better speech and understanding. ]
'He doesn't sound like a typical battle maniac though, right?'
[ No, Master. Despite his power, he values survival over carnage. His instincts and experience are his greatest assets. ]
'I see. Definitely not someone I want to meet unprepared.'
[ Wise choice, Master. ]
'Tell me important stuff I should know about this world, Sebas.'
[As you wish, Master.][The world of Numen has one continent, divided into several kingdoms.][First, the Human Empire—the largest, since humans have the biggest population, though not everyone is a soldier.][The Human Empire contains multiple kingdoms and worships multiple gods.][There are also kingdoms of elves, dwarves, and finally, demons.]
'Where are we then?'
[...]
'...?'
[Forgive me, Master, but Lord Kai forgot to tell me where you will start your journey.]
'Ugh. Don't you have a map function?'
[No, Master. Lord Kai didn't have enough divine power left to create a map function.]
'I guess my demands were a bit extreme.'
[About the residents of this world][Everyone can use a status panel to check their information: name, class, stats, active and passive skills.]
'Wait, that's the same as me!'
[That's because you're still viewing the brief summary version of the status panel, Master.]
'Huh? Like the brief info button in games?'
[Would you like to see the full details?]
'…Yes.'
[Understood. Here's the detailed view:]
────────────── STATUS PANEL ──────────────
Name: Zero Level: 15
Class: None Title: None
HP: 250 / 250 MP: 300 / 300
Stats:
STR: 10
INT: 15
AGI: 10
Bonus Points: 45
Traits:
• Wind Magic Affinity (Basic)
• Cold Insight
• Cunning Veil
Active Skills:
• Wind Blade
Passive Skills:
• Reversal Field
──────────────────────────────────────────
'That's a lot.'I looked at the bonus points with a confused face.I glanced sideways and asked,'Didn't you give me level-up notifications so I could enjoy this world?'
[Yes, Master.]
'What if I was in danger? I would've died!'
[Don't worry, Master. I'm linked with you, so in dire circumstances, I allocate points for the best possible outcome and use your skills to help you survive.]
'Huh. You can also control or use my skills? Like an AI?'
[Yes, Master.]
'Can you make different angles of the shield so attacks reflect back without me trying?'
[If you wish, I will.]
'Since I have basic wind affinity, can you control air? Like make a sword using air?'
[Forgive me, Master, but right now you're using Wind Blade from system skills. You have no understanding of mana itself, which is required to control elements. I can't do anything besides Wind Blade. Even if I know multiple applications, you can't use them without mana manipulation.][I recommend getting the magic package as soon as possible.]
'That's what I thought. It can't be that simple.''Sebas, I want high mana, then speed, then stamina. Allocate points like that.'
[As you wish, Master.]
'Seems I get 3 points per level.''From now on, put 2 points to INT and 1 to AGI twice, then 2 points to INT and 1 to STR, and keep repeating until I say otherwise.'
[Understood.]
────────────── STATUS PANEL ──────────────
Name: Zero Level: 15
Class: None Title: None
HP: 350 / 350 MP: 700 / 700
Stats:
STR: 18
INT: 40
AGI: 22
Bonus Points: 0
Traits:
• Wind Magic Affinity (Basic)
• Cold Insight
• Cunning Veil
Active Skills:
• Wind Blade
Passive Skills:
• Reversal Field
──────────────────────────────────────────
[What's your first goal, Master?]
'First, I'll clear the orc village. Only if they attack first or eat other species—otherwise, it's not right to attack anyone incrementally.'
[You're absolutely right, Master.]
'Then I'll find the undead as soon as possible.''After that, I'll start my own country—or kingdom, should I say.'Sebas, strength alone won't cut it. I need political power. Going solo means being torn apart by schemers and lies.''No one cares about the truth —only who spins the best lies.''I can't just massacre everyone. That's a sh*t plan only a fool would think of.'*
[You're right, Master.]
'So I'll raise my kingdom with every race. The kind and innocent heroes will leave me alone or even help me. The annoying ones will give me a reason to attack or kill them.'
[A well-thought-out plan, Master.]
A bright light shone in the distance. It looked like the end of the deep woods.I stepped out and saw a cliff.Below, a settlement of orcs sprawled as large as two human villages.
'That's huge...'
I scanned the area and spotted a hulking orc standing apart, gripping a staff topped with a cracked skull. His robe hung in tatters, stained dark with dried blood and dirt.
His bald scalp was scarred, and deep crimson eyes burned with cruel intelligence. Bones dangled from a necklace around his thick neck, and arcane runes, faded and smeared with grime, were inked across his muscular arms.
'Is that an orc shaman? Mage? Something else?'
'That's not good. I can't handle magic yet.'
I'd taken down some orcs and lesser beasts on the way here, but magic was a different nightmare.
I was still short on points to get that magic package.
I checked my points.
[Store Points: 250]
'I recovered what I used on the language skill, but I need a lot more.'
'Tch! I can't go there yet,' I said, frustration rising.
Suddenly, an idea struck.
'I've got a great idea.'