Chapter 72: Starting Skills, Only Skills

Roy stared intently at the blue panel of information before him.

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[Overall Stats]:

> Physical = 5.0

> Willpower = 4.0

> Attack = 1.0

> Defense = 1.0

> Chance = 1.0

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Currently, he had 2 stat points, and although he could split it into four 0.5s and increase more stats at once, that method just wasn’t his style.

’I already decided before. It’s time to start increasing my Defense.’

With not so much of a thought to spare, Roy spent the stat points on his Defense stat.

Right then, Master Abraham tapped his shoulder and said in a lowered tone, “That reminds me, increase your Willpower.”

Roy’s grin froze, and the C-Class Executioner already knew he had said it too late.

“I increased my Defense,” Roy whispered back.

Master Abe just shook his head.

“Increasing your Willpower would give you more control over your passive skill. At this stage, the smart EXE users specialise in two essential stats to be most effective. You do not have the resources to be an all-rounder.”

Roy just sighed. That was true. The smart choice would be to focus on his Physical and Willpower stats. However, neglecting the other stats just didn’t seem right to him!

’Argh, if I focus on only two, that’ll mean I can’t even increase my Chance effectively!’

Increasing the other stats was like an itch one knew they shouldn’t scratch, but felt good when they did! Only for it to buy them back in the butt later on!

’Dammit, the only solution is to get more stat points. And to do that, I need more Linked Hosts! System!’

[Host…]

’When will I get to increase my [Link] skill? Other system users get their skill upgrade every five levels. What about me?!’

[Host, your skills will upgrade after you clear Level 10.]

’But isn’t that when I’m to get a new skill too?’

[No, Host. Your two starting skills are the only skills you will ever receive.]

Roy’s face froze for a moment, but then he chuckled awkwardly.

’Ah… Ahaha. Good one. I wasn’t aware systems were capable of telling jokes—’

[This is not a joke, Host. <Link> and <2x Multiplier> are your only skills. They upgrade to the next tiers at every ten levels.]

’…Really?’

[Yes, Host. Really.]

Roy didn’t know how long he remained dumbfounded, but only flinched when Master Abraham called his name.

“Are you okay?” Black Zero asked, concerned.

“Y-Yeah.”

“But you’re crying,” Dr. Gretsch pointed out.

Roy faced ahead and cleaned his eyes.

“It’s none of your business, okay?”

Master Abraham took one last glance at Roy and continued fiddling with the console. He was doing that thing again, rewatching the clips recorded by the spy cameras atop the manhole covers.

’Sure as hell this crazy psycho’s coming back for that Fallen Beast,’ Roy commented absentmindedly before recalling his woes.

’Stupid WTF.exe. Always managing to make me teary-eyed. What do you mean, I’ll only ever have these two skills? That’s so damn lame.’

[…]

After sulking for some time, Roy comforted himself with the fact that he didn’t know what would happen yet when Pierre gets his new skill. Who knew what could happen?

Unexpectedly, Master Abraham voiced, “Don’t beat yourself up about the stat points. Increasing your Defense isn’t a bad choice.”

Roy’s eyebrows frowned and his face flinched. Master Abraham, for the first time, predicted wrong due to a lack of information, but at the same time…

“I didn’t mention I increased my Defense,” Roy said, acting as though Master Abraham got it wrong.

The C-Class Executioner just smirked and shook his head.

“You underestimate me.”

“Defense…” Dr. Gretsch muttered and then asked, “Could that be your fortification stat?”

Master Abraham and Roy sharply glared at the man.

“It’s confidential, for now!” Roy retorted.

The black-haired doctor just made a sighing chuckle.

Roy glanced at his mentor a bit warily and wondered if it was okay for Master Abraham to mention the name of his stats in front of a stranger, but he knew the man never made mistakes.

’There must be a reason!’

At the back, Wolfman just returned from freshening up, so Dr. Gretsch went in after him. Meanwhile, Dr. Sally was resting in the health pod.

Roy proceeded to check his current data.

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[Host Data]

Name: Roy Mclloyd

Age: 16

Level: 7

EXP: 940/7000

Stat Points: 0.0

Number of Sign-Ins: 7

Skills: Link (Active), 2x Multiplier (Passive)

Linked Hosts: 1/1

Overall Stats: Physical = 5.0, Willpower = 4.0, Attack = 1.0, Defense = 3.0, Chance = 1.0 >> Total = 14.0

Overall Rating: “Getting stronger, but you’re still an edgy loser who was lucky to be granted a unique system.”

Miscellaneous: [Apple]…

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’Sigh…’ Roy couldn’t help but be reminded of the line of information that was no longer there. He had no Abyss souls; Greymane was gone.

Deeper into the night, Roy stirred on the bed he lay on and felt a gentle warmth in his chest.

He opened his eyes, and before him, the neon-blue cube was already there, spinning leisurely on its axis.

~Tap to sign in~

Roy drowsily got up from the small bed and went over to the restroom.

’Tsk. Signing in this late, destroying my perfect sleep. I’m gonna kill you one day, Pierre,’ Roy lampooned inwardly, not realising that he went to bed far too early and it wasn’t even midnight yet.

One second, Roy was standing before the water closet, and the next, he had disappeared into blue squarical fragments.

[Sign-In Successful!]

Roy stood barefoot in pajamas on the blue-edged black tiles of his Nullspace.

Above, in the sky, was the number ’60,’ once again.

[Welcome, Host.]

Following that, the world of LOVE.exe materialized over the empty space, and the usual pink-themed virtual panel appeared before Pierre.

[Welcome back, Host, to Highschool Re:Date to Live, Live to LOVE.exe! It’s another day to fall in love again!]

Roy, however, wasn’t paying attention to the antics of the handsome brat named Pierre.

He had his eyes set on more important things, like the new panel before him.

[Null Archive has been updated. Do you wish to view it?]

“Of course.”

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[Null Archive]

1. Code Injector Module

Module Description: “This module permits the host to inject code in the linked host’s executable, enabling communication between the host and linked host.”

Cost: 5 error points per line.

2. Performance Ratings Module

Module Description: “Evaluates the performance of the linked host after clearing a level and returns an estimated star rating.”

Cost: 10 error points per level.

3. Manifestation Module

Module Description: “Appear in the executable environment of the linked host as a background character.”

Cost: 30 error points per level.

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“Only one new module?! That’s some bullshit!” Roy pointed at the panel as he yelled.

“And what the hell am I going to do as a background character?”

[Help the linked host, Host.]

“You want me to be a goddamn EXTRA?! Do you think this is one of those slop books?!” Roy screamed at the panels. Saliva spewed out from his mouth but easily passed through the panels.

[…]

“And let me guess, I’m gonna be a fat loser nerd that sits at the back that helps Pierre get the girls from the shadows. That’s pathetic!”

[…]

Roy folded his arms and tapped his foot repeatedly.

“Well? Say something!”

[Something.]

“Ahhh!” He grabbed his head in frustration and began throwing punches at the panels.

Meanwhile, Pierre had already continued the sign-in from his last checkpoint.

Roy grew tired at some point and just sat down and watched Pierre attempt the Hidden Story once again.

The LOVE.exe protagonist had a different fire in his eyes this time. And his actions up until the Occult Club performed the ghost-summoning ritual were methodical and precise, as though he had figured out the entire level already.

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[Hidden Story #1 — The Weeping Ghost]

Current Stage: Occult Club Room — 1st Semester, 2nd Year.

Target: [Unknown].

Story Description: “Rumours say a ghost haunts Aoi Private High School, appearing as a red-gloved shadow to students when they’re alone. The ghost is said to be looking for its killer to avenge itself, but the Occult Club seeks to uncover its true motives. The club members perform an ancient ritual meant to commune with the dead, but nothing happens. However, you notice the shadow of a girl following you closely anytime you turn. For her soul to be free, find out what is keeping her tied to this realm.”

Difficulty: HARD.

Objectives:

1. Take her out on a date.

2. Make her fall in love with you.

3. Find out her final wish.

4. Set her free.

Rewards: +1.5 Stat Points, +100 Love Points, +1 Secret Item.

Final Remark: Love can transcend even the material plane. Good luck, Host!

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Pierre grinned and said aloud, “Watch what I’m about to do closely. If I win this… you must tell me your name.”

Roy raised an eyebrow and covered his face with his hand.

“Interesting…” he muttered and chuckled, then looked through the gaps of his fingers, wearing a devilish smile like an over-the-top anime villain.

“Deal!”

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