Chapter 14: I Did My Best

“Ding! The host has identified a personal flaw and actively sought a solution. Task issued: acquire abilities. The host may use initial points to purchase skills. Upon completion, reward: Sonic Blade.” While Yechen was contemplating how to strengthen himself, the system suddenly issued a task.

Upon hearing that the reward was the Sonic Blade, Yechen’s enthusiasm waned. The Sonic Blade was Kanade Tachibana’s skill—he had seen it in action just last night. Two blades would form on the back of the hand. For someone who had no weapon before, it might have been useful, but now his own divine weapon, the Illusory Twin Swords, was nearly complete. The Sonic Blade was superfluous.

Still, it was necessary to check if the system offered any abilities suited for him. Yechen’s goals were only swordsmanship and star-related abilities. He was well aware of his own talent—his greatest strengths lay in mastery of the sword and understanding of the stars. Rather than learning other, perhaps more powerful but slow-progressing abilities, it would be better to specialize.

He focused his mind within the system and found a dazzling array of skills and equipment, almost overwhelmingly luxurious. Yechen ignored everything else, searching only for what suited him. “Riftcleaver Sword Technique: An elective sword art for controlling space. Mastery allows easy manipulation of space, close-range attacks via spatial folds, and even redirecting others’ attacks.”

A cursory glance was all it took for Yechen to spot a sword technique that suited him. But the price—10,000 virtue points and 10,000 vice points—was another matter. With only 100 virtue and 100 vice points to his name, he felt a pang of helplessness.

“Ruocheng, can you recommend an ability suitable for me and within my means?” After a while, Yechen decided it would be best to ask for help. The moment he spoke, the interface before him twisted and changed, displaying only those abilities he could currently afford.

Yechen immediately noticed one: “Draw Slash: A basic sword technique, allowing the fastest possible draw-and-strike (can be self-upgraded through comprehension). Price: 100 virtue points and 100 vice points.” Just enough for him to purchase. Having started with advanced sword techniques after comprehending the Shadow Star Sutra, he had never truly practiced the basics. But Yechen understood well the importance of a solid foundation.

Without hesitation, he chose to buy it. Instantly, the memories of countless hours of practice flooded his mind: how to control every ounce of strength in his body, how to adjust his posture for the fastest draw—all covered. Satisfied with the Draw Slash, Yechen exited the system’s realm.

Suddenly, he felt two hands grasp his shoulders, one on each side. He glanced sideways to see Hinata and Yuri Nakamura, whom he’d met the previous night, standing behind him, smiling with a hint of mischief.

“Hey, newbie! You agreed to join the SSS last night, right? We’re here to introduce you to the rest of the team!” As she spoke, Yuri glanced at Kanade, who was diligently studying at her desk. Seeing no reaction, Yuri promptly pulled Yechen up from his seat and headed out of the classroom.

“There’s really no need for this. Even if I wanted to escape, you two couldn’t stop me. I already said I’d join, and I don’t go back on my word.” With Hinata and Yuri flanking him, as if afraid he’d bolt, Yechen replied with his habitual gentle smile.

“Uh, well, you see… In the past, a lot of newcomers didn’t have the best impression of us. To prevent those we finally managed to lure—er, convince—from running away, we started doing things this way,” Yuri explained awkwardly. Most new arrivals, seeing them armed, were already being charitable by not calling them terrorists.

“Hey, you’re pretty impressive, newbie! Last night I saw you grab Angel in one move. Even Shiina only ever manages a draw with her in close combat!” Hinata, ever the friendly type, slung his arm around Yechen’s shoulder.

This, however, displeased Xiao Bai, who had been perched on Yechen’s shoulder. With a light leap, she landed atop his head. Her nine tails whipped out like lashes, striking Hinata’s face with fierce blows. Yechen and Yuri heard nine crisp smacks and a heavy thud—Hinata had been sent flying into the hallway wall, becoming a human mural.

“Oh no! Hinata’s down!” Yuri exclaimed, feigning sorrow as she looked at Hinata, now seemingly lifeless. Her gaze then settled on the now-quiet Xiao Bai atop Yechen’s head. Only now did Yuri notice the adorable little creature.

If not for Hinata’s sorry fate, Yuri would have already reached out to hug the little fox. Who’d have thought such a cute creature could hit so hard? But something was off: since when did animals appear in this afterlife world? She’d been here a long time and seen other animals, but never a fox—especially one who was so clearly Yechen’s companion. The more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed.

Forcing a smile, Yuri asked, “Um, newbie, what’s that on your head?”

“Oh! Her name is Xiao Bai, one of my closest friends in life. Now she’s here with me in this world.” Yechen gently picked Xiao Bai off his head, stroking her fur as he introduced her.

“So it really is a pet—and from another world, too!” Yuri clutched her head in disbelief. In this world, meant only for 'children who left their previous life with regrets,’ had an animal guest finally arrived? She was beginning to doubt her own theories about this place.

“Are you alright?” Yechen asked, looking at his two so-called companions—one plastered to the wall, the other clutching her head in distress. He could already sense the misfortune his future held, and his tone was tinged with resignation.

“No, nothing’s wrong. I just thought of something odd. Let’s go to the principal’s office!” Yuri forced a laugh, dragging Yechen away and ignoring Hinata stuck in the wall.

As they approached the principal’s office, Yechen saw from afar a boy standing at the door, about to open it. Yuri spotted him as well and shouted, “Hey! You over there!”

“Huh?” The boy, hearing someone call out, placed his hand on the doorknob and turned toward Yuri. Yuri immediately covered her eyes, unable to watch.

And then, Yechen saw a giant hammer descend from the ceiling, smashing down on the boy and sending him flying. Yuri, wiping at imaginary tears, said mournfully, “Sorry, I did my best!”