MMORPG: Surviving a Death Game with a Glitched System

[You have reached level 2!]

[Skill slots: 3 ➜ 4]

[Base STR: 10 ➜ 13]

[Base AGI: 10 ➜ 13]

[Base DEX: 10 ➜ 13]

[Base INT: 10 ➜ 13]

[Base CON: 10 ➜ 13]

Ash tuned out the voice rambling in his head. He could mull over it later. For now, the encounter with this strange woman took priority.

’Enemy... or ally.’

Despite not witnessing the attack, Ash was well aware this woman was the one who had killed the panther. Even more, he was certain she was an NPC because he’d gotten the kill credit.

Though Ash had discovered something crucial... he didn’t need to use [Focus] for the game to recognize him as being in combat.

But that was a discovery also destined for another hour’s reflection.

Easing up slightly, or at least pretending to, Ash stared the naked goddess in the eyes — the woman who’d spoken as if she’d been waiting for him.

’I don’t know what she meant when she called me the Tyrant of Ash, or if I’m truly the person she sought, but I don’t doubt she’s a goddess.’

"Hello..."

The goddess swayed, nearly knocking aside her long hair, which draped over her chest, hiding her breasts.

"Darling, you seem confused. Though I suppose that is only natural."

The Goddess of Spring chuckled before adding:

"Time does have a way with things."

Casting a gaze over his shoulder, Ash scanned the open surroundings.

"I’m Ash Grave..."

"I know that, silly."

A seed of unease took root in Ash, but he stifled it with a light gulp.

"Is there a reason you’ve appeared before me, goddess?"

The stream of water flowing over her hips bobbed up and down as she chuckled.

"Impertinent as ever. To talk so callously to a goddess... you never change."

’Alright... she’s a lunatic. Good to note.’

Talking as if she knew him and all.

"But, to answer that question... it is you who’ve appeared before me, is it not?"

’Oh... I see.’

Ash looked past the goddess at the basin.

’This area is your domain, then.’

"I’m afraid I was unaware this was your home. If you wish me to leave—"

"You’re planning to establish your race’s Holy Land here, are you not? You came to check the inhabitants of this here basin. Well, they are a stable food source. You needn’t worry about that."

Ash’s eyes widened for only a moment before a slight frown etched itself into his expression.

’How much does she know...?’

This goddess... was weird. She knew what he wanted and acted like she knew him.

Was this enigmatic behavior par for the course when dealing with one bearing such a lofty title? Or was there something grander at play?

But as much as he would have loved to overstep even more boundaries and sate his curiosity...

’The how of this situation is currently irrelevant.’

"Then I have permission to lay claim within your land?"

With a slight blush, the goddess looked to the side, then said:

"You seem to have garnered a misunderstanding, dear... It is not my land you tread on, but my body."

After closing her silver eyes and letting out a quiet cough, she added:

"But, yes, you have my permission."

Ash took a deep breath, then exhaled as he spoke:

"I see."

Slowly opening her eyes, the Goddess of Spring laid a hand over her heart, then laughed again.

"Still not saying thanks... What a bold mortal you are."

’To a god, goddess, demon, human, or whatever...’

Those who gave thanks acknowledged their inferiority and reliance upon others.

"I’ve been told I lack a certain sensibility. Trust me, I don’t mean to look down on you."

’But I will never look down on myself.’

Which, paradoxically, meant looking down on others... but it was a leap of illogic Ash clung to.

"Oh, I know, dear Tyrant of Ash."

"My name is Ash... not Tyrant of Ash."

"So you say..." The Goddess of Spring folded her hand over her mouth, then added, "But I do have one request in exchange for allowing your residence..."

"What would that be?"

After a long pause, she replied:

"Keep me company every now and then... and call me Demitra."

Ash thought for a moment while scrutinizing the contours of her expression.

’...’

No matter how he looked at this woman, she was a complete anomaly. She’d even tolerated his disgraceful behavior despite being titled a ’goddess.’ Ash couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a catch he wasn’t seeing.

’But if that’s truly all she desires...’

"That is acceptable."

"Perfect! I look forward to our chats, Ash Grave..."

As the last syllable of his name slipped from her mouth, her entire body burst into mist and disappeared, leaving Ash alone on the edge of the basin.

’That was weird...’

A little too weird to consider this place safe.

Not that unease was going to sway his decision...

’I’ve made a promise.’

Plus, the area had sustainable food and water sources.

’But I would like to check it firsthand.’

For the next ten minutes, Ash paced around the area. He was trying to gauge both what types of monsters inhabited the area and the layout itself.

Though that wasn’t the only thing he did during this time... He thought.

He thought and thought and ruminated and thought.

’Why was she naked...?’

***

Éloi jumped back and threw his hands up in wild motions.

"Whoa! Nora, I didn’t expect you to say something like that! Especially after—"

"...Is that outlook really so surprising?"

Éloi cried out:

"Yes!"

"Shh... don’t draw enemies to us."

"Ah, I’m being chided again... First Epitome and now you... oh, woe is me."

Claude had been standing at the edge of the protection range, staring down into the forest for nearly ten minutes.

"Come on... where is he?"

Claude and the others had certain words for that man.

After all, they’d all suddenly leveled up.

Eventually, a man with olive hair and black horns stepped out from the foliage.

Cracking his knuckles with a wild smile on his face, Claude spoke through his teeth:

"Welcome back, Ash."

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