BCST 06

chapter 06

The last place to allocate points was… physical abilities.

Specifically, the [Senses] stat.

Of course, I could have aimed for noticeable changes by raising stats like [Mana], [Strength], or [Agility].

But now that the game had become reality, I needed to understand the altered rules in a new way.

Just as “Chain Shock” reflected in reality and removed the participant limit,
and “Arcane Blast” wasn’t just a shockwave—it had diverse applications in battle.

Now that this world had become real, the value of growth I should pursue had to change as well.

[Senses]

“Hmmm…”

A path I had never walked before.

Yet, as a gamer, my instincts told me this was the right path.

No need to hesitate any further.

I invested all remaining points into [Senses].

[Do you want to save the changed stats?]

Yes.

[It will take a short time for the new stats to reflect. Have you confirmed that the surrounding environment is safe?]

Even in the game, when I increased stats, it took some time to adapt.

I had invested a total of four points.

Which meant that I might be stuck here for the next few days.

Confirming the system message, my vision then plunged into darkness.

Soon after, a terrible pain surged through my body.

It felt like every nerve was being fried by an electric current.

At the same time, foreign information forced its way into my mind through external forces.

This is insane.

Is it always like this?

Do I have to endure this pain every time I increase a stat?

The thought made my head spin.

“Ah, I’m telling the truth!”

“You expect me to believe that? Do you even have a conscience?”

Kin scratched his head at the comment, then downed his Old Fashioned cocktail in one gulp, glaring at the man.

The man waved his hand apologetically.

“Sorry, sorry. You just… tend to exaggerate a lot.”

Kin’s expression twisted, and he snapped back.

“You’re the one I’ve saved multiple times, and this is how you treat me? Unbelievable.”

Scratching his head, the man replied,

“Well, that may be… but what rank is he?”

“Second-rank magician. At the very least!”

The man’s expression shifted to one of barely restrained laughter.

“Pffft! What? A second-rank magician freelancing?”

“Really! I’m not lying. I even checked just to be sure—he’s not affiliated with any office. And I approached him!”

“But the fact you caught a vampire is… a bit…”

“No, damn it! I told you, a magician of at least second rank! So it’s possible!”

Despite Kin’s passionate explanation, the man remained skeptical.

At that moment, the bar’s wall-mounted display flickered on with the news.

[Breaking news: Traces of a mutant, known as the “picky vampire,” which should only exist outside barriers, have been discovered in Arkham City, District 56. Further details…]

The serious-faced anchor displayed images of the ruined factory and the “picky vampire.”

The man’s jaw dropped.

“Th-that’s real? Crazy… what kind of lunatic does this?!”

Kin finally grinned with satisfaction.

“Heh, see? I told you it was real.”

“Alright, you win this time. I owe you a drink. Here!”

From the opposite bar station, a white hand reached over the counter.

Sliding it forward was a cocktail.

An Old Fashioned—the same one Kin had just finished.

As Kin and the man looked on, puzzled, a familiar voice spoke:

“First, as a token of appreciation to our excellent salesman, I’ll buy the first round.”

Recognizing the voice and appearance, both men were startled.

“Ah, Mia!”

Under the bar lights, pristine hands interlocked as short, glossy hair bounced atop them.

Kin nervously kept glancing at her, clearly feeling cornered.

The woman called Mia smiled faintly at him.

“So, troublemaker Kin. Care to tell me about that magician again?”

I thought I was done for.

Three days had passed, sprawled out.

Those three days were nothing short of a nightmare.

Yes.

Nothing in this world comes free.

Still, I should be grateful that there’s a way to truly grow stronger.

Ignoring the phantom pains still coursing through my body, I checked out of the motel.

Stepping outside, a rare sunny day greeted me.

On days like this, the chances of a cyber psycho appearing are lower.

As expected, passersby and nearby street vendors all seemed unusually cheerful.

Drawn by the mood, I stopped by a vendor. The owner greeted me warmly.

“First time here, huh? How many do you want?”

“What do you sell here?”

Looking at the stall, there were white and red sausages.

The vendor sliced a white sausage and explained,

“We sell hot dogs. Never had one before?”

Impressive attitude.

I nodded, pointing to a picture on the stall.

“One of these.”

“80 credits.”

About 3,200 won—not a bad price. I handed over the cash.

The owner rolled a red sausage on the grill to heat it.

“This one’s real pork, not over 45% artificial meat. Needs some fat melted to taste good.”

I opened my mouth.

“Do you know where ‘Edge Line’ is?”

Edge Line was the detective agency I was heading to.

I had Kin’s business card, so it was about time to find it.

The vendor tilted his head. Apparently, he didn’t recognize the name.

Of course, the name wouldn’t be familiar to ordinary citizens.

I rephrased using something he might know.

“Mia’s Nest Bar. Do you know it?”

Finally, he recognized it.

“Ah! The bar run by Mia Dunlevy! Judging by your visit, you must be a troubleshooter.”

I accepted the finished hot dog and took a bite.

Delicious. Nothing like the sludge nutrition packs I’d been eating.

As I savored it, the vendor waved his hands in the air.

“Can’t search for you, huh? Let me see… send location info. Huh? What’s this?”

He seemed to struggle for a moment, then looked at me embarrassed.

“Your neural link isn’t picking up at all. You’re… a pure body?”

A “pure body” is someone without even basic cyberware.

I nodded and took another bite of the hot dog.

“Why, is that a problem?”

“Well, it makes giving directions a bit more troublesome.”

Without complaining further, the vendor drew a simple map on a scrap receipt.

He seemed much more considerate than expected. I should remember this stall.

“Come again next time.”

I nodded lightly, taking the map.

According to it, Edge Line wasn’t far—if I used the alley marked on the map.

The alley had a skull symbol with an ‘X’—definitely dangerous.

The vendor also drew a longer, safer route along the main road.

But…

“Is this it?”

The alley from the map appeared before me.

Even on such a sunny day, it looked dark and grim.

A silhouette moved in the shadows, and several vending machines blinked, tempting passersby.

[Protein intake spiked? Perfect instant meal. 100% artificial meat. Solved here!]

[Eco-friendly condom! Dissolves instantly upon use, but very effective! Protect yourself and the world!]

Alright, let’s go.

After handling a gang, this alley was nothing.

No one here could pose a real threat; it’s just a shortcut.

No reason not to take it.

But soon, I regretted that decision.

“What the hell! Out for sightseeing?!”

“Damn. We were just starting to have fun—what’s with the interruption?”

A pink-haired girl, small and slight, was being held by thugs.

A knife pressed to her neck.

Protecting myself wasn’t hard.

But a hostage situation wasn’t in the plan.

“Please, help me!”

Seeing her here was unexpected as well.

Unaware I recognized her, she continued her dramatic performance.

“They’re trying to assault me! Like in an erotic BD (Brain Dive)!”

“Hehehe! Time for heroes to shine!”

“Got it? Scram! Or if you bring alcohol, you can join in!”

The thugs’ words were crude, but knowing the situation made it strangely entertaining.

“Ahhh! Please save me!”

…Knowing it was an act made it feel a little cheesy.

Still, since I was heading to the agency anyway, it was a good opportunity to create a positive impression.

Also, I wanted to test a new skill.

Without hesitation, I drew on my mana.

Arcane Blast?

No, that would draw too much attention due to the noise.

Better to use something else.

[Pick and Blink]

A spell that teleports randomly within 30 meters.

Normally, I wouldn’t even know where I’d end up.

But my sharpened senses allowed me to roughly estimate my landing point.

Flash!

“What—what?!”

“Gone!”

My surroundings shifted in an instant.

I could see all the thugs’ heads, and gravity’s effect hit quickly.

Using my enhanced senses, I balanced in midair and twisted my waist.

Smash!

My heel drove into the temple of the thug holding the hostage.

Thud.

The thug’s eyes rolled back.

Landing, I immediately tackled the second one.

Thump!

“Ugh!”

I mounted him and punched his face repeatedly.

Pow! Thwack!

“G-ghhh…”

Both were subdued in moments.

I slowly stood and lowered the shield I had deployed.

Slide.

The girl murmured softly, watching blue particles disperse from my neck.

Better to prepare for anything.

Tap, tap.

I brushed the dust from my body and turned to her.

“Alright, Mia Dunlevy. Your first impressions of seeing me in person?”

“…!!”

My casual tone made her eyes widen.