P.O.V. Cristóbal Xehanort
After locking myself in my room, I pick up the notebook containing various stories. They aren't in any specific order, and the information is somewhat vague—just key details I noted down in case I ever wanted to adapt them to this world to make some money. However, just reading a few paragraphs is enough to trigger my memories of the most important data.
I'm in a hurry. I need something that can grant me strength quickly before the two weeks are up. I pull out a calculator and start doing the math. If 24 hours in my world equals 240 in the place I'm going, and if I plan to go daily during my 8 hours of sleep to avoid suspicion... that translates to a total of 80 effective hours per night. In other words: 3 days and 8 hours of training for every night I sleep.
With that problem solved, it's time to find worlds where I can grow strong fast. I immediately rule out worlds that are too dangerous or have power systems that take years to master. Dragon Ball is out; it would mean training in martial arts and Ki manipulation for too long just to get a decent baseline of strength.
I keep browsing and crossing out options. Bleach is out; its powers are soul-based, and it takes a Soul Reaper centuries to gain enough strength to even stand out. Overlord? No... I'm not suicidal. Naruto is another no; that world is too militarized, filled with ninjas who are professional assassins. I'd be easy prey.
I discarded more than I'd like to admit. Most have power systems that are either too complex, too slow, or simply revolve around third-party technology. In the end, I'm left with five viable options. From these five, I must choose one or two to find a way to power up before the rookie tournament.
I analyze the stories one by one:
KONOSUBA: A world entirely based on comedy where major fights are rarely taken seriously. A well-equipped rookie can kill toads and level up. The Adventurer class would allow me to learn any skill as long as I have the points and a willing teacher.
The main issues: slow point gain, lack of initial funds, and the risk that a goddess like Chris/Eris might discover I'm a world-hopper and try to deport me.
DANMACHI: The Falna system is straightforward; even at Rank I-0, you're already stronger than a normal human. The Dungeon is easily accessible, and a Familia could provide support.
The downside: the gods. I can't lie to them, and I don't know if I can trust them. They might try to use me as a gateway to my world, putting it at risk. Plus, I'd be totally dependent on a god to update my status, and no god would like their "child" disappearing for days on end.
DEMON SLAYER: Breathing techniques can technically be learned by any normal human; it's not real magic, just high-level swordsmanship. It would be easy to apply as a student.
The main problem: the war against Muzan. The last thing I want is for that demon to find out about my world. Furthermore, breathing techniques take years to master; even a natural talent like Tanjiro took a year to master Water Breathing.
BLACK CLOVER: Getting a grimoire is relatively easy, and there are many treasures to be found in dungeons. I could learn techniques like Mana Zone, Mana Skin, or the Ki used by Yami and Asta.
The risk: luck. A grimoire could grant me useless magic or something extremely powerful; it's a total gamble. And as an unknown commoner, nobles would likely try to abuse their status against me.
ONE PIECE: A vast open world where I could be a bounty hunter. Devil Fruits and Haki are brutal power systems. Precognition and body hardening would be vital.
The problem: Celestial Dragons who could enslave me, or actual pirates who raid and kill. Plus, a bad Devil Fruit could be a death sentence of uselessness.
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After sitting on my bed and weighing my options, I come to a decision. There are two worlds that offer the immediate utility I need: Danmachi and Black Clover.
In Danmachi, I have three possible leads. Hestia would be easy to convince if I catch her right when she's kicked out of Hephaestus's house. Hephaestus herself might accept me if I offer rare minerals from other worlds in exchange for the Falna. But my biggest bet is Loki. Her Familia is large, with elite resources and teachers. How to win her over? Entertainment. My world still has consoles and video games; while they aren't like the ones from the original Earth, I'm 100% sure Loki would enjoy them like never before. Books, junk food, and gadgets—she'd be willing to trade for a "ghost member" like me.
As for Black Clover, it'll be a "hit and run" location. I can set the arrival to two or three years before the canon starts, on a day when grimoires are handed out. I'll get mine and leave, not returning until I'm strong enough to raid dungeons. I'm not interested in the war against demons or being anywhere near Wizard King Julius and his double personality.
I check the time. I grab my console, a few interesting books from this world, some snacks I had saved, and some raw minerals from my father's forge, just in case. I pack everything into a large backpack. After one last meal with my parents, I tell them I'm heading to bed early and lock my room from the inside.
I look at my card one more time. Vagabond... I guess I never really belonged anywhere. But I like this world, as crazy as it is. And my friends... I'm not letting a jerk like Brandon ruin everything. Get ready, you bastard; I'm going to give you a public beatdown.
I extend my hand and pronounce the words:
"—Wander: World Danmachi. Location: 100 meters outside the city. Date: Loki Familia recruitment, one year before Bell Cranel's arrival."
A sparking distortion appears before me. My card now shows 1/2 world slots filled. With a smirk, I step into the portal, ready for whatever lies ahead.
[End of Chapter]