My life kept going on in a normal and dull way. There was nothing particularly outstanding—at least in real life. That's because I spent most of my time playing games instead of going out with anyone.
I mean, who would want to go outside when you can just stay home, right?
To be honest… I don't have any friends. Well, not really—at least the ones I do have are all pretty weird.
It reminds me of my previous life. Back then, I didn't have many friends either. At least there was one junior who was actually worth something… I wonder how he's doing now. I hope he's living a good life.
---
I've been playing the game Yggdrasil for five months now. It's truly an amazing game—the more you play, the more addictive it gets. These past months, I haven't had a moment of rest. Constantly farming materials, leveling up, hunting bosses, exploring the world…
Honestly, nothing too special—oh wait, I almost forgot. I created something absolutely incredible: an item called [Strange Mask Beetle]. It's a piece of equipment I poured my heart into.
It lets me hide my insect-like face, replacing it with a fairly handsome human face. Cracks run from both eyes down to the cheeks, and the eyes themselves resemble the compound eyes of a spider. As for my "hair"… I'm not even sure if I can call it that—it looks more like long spider legs reaching down to my shoulders.
I also created another item: [Shell]. It helps conceal my insect-composed body, giving me a more solid humanoid form. And now I even have a tail like a centipede—looks pretty cool. My original form is about 3 meters tall, but now I'm around 2.5 meters. Yeah… I got shorter.
Oh, right—my extra pair of arms can pop out unexpectedly, either to attack or to wield another sword. Sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it?
And now… I can finally wear armor.
I've been waiting so long for this. The armor I've always wanted:
[Armor of Suffering]
I got it after defeating a level 39 boss—pretty tough one. I almost died during that fight. It had corrosive poison attacks that kept stacking when its HP got low, and it reflected 30% damage once its passive stacked up.
The armor itself is pitch black, like medieval knight armor. I especially love the helmet—it looks insanely cool. Just imagine a knight's helmet… yeah, that kind of cool.
Whenever I go hunting players in the forest, just imagine this:
A figure clad in black armor suddenly appears, glowing red eyes like a notorious villain… constantly farming aura. Just looking at it feels amazing.
Its skills are also pretty solid:
[Pain]: The more damage you take, the more you enter a berserk state, increasing damage by 20%.
[Poison Mist]: Emits a poisonous fog in a certain area. Players or monsters entering it take stacking poison damage over time.
Drawback: If your HP gets too low, you gain the effect [Agony], which reduces damage, reduces speed, and causes continuous bleeding.
A double-edged armor—but for me, the benefits outweigh the downsides. I have plenty of life-steal skills and other equipment, so I can probably negate those weaknesses. Heh.
I'm also somewhat famous in the community. They gave me the nickname [Mad Killer].
I don't think I'm that bad… I've only killed a few players.
Well… a few from the top ranks of the server.
And I don't even have a World Item. Seriously… I don't know if I'm unlucky or what. But I still don't have one.
I need to get one. No matter what.
I'm not part of any big guild either.
Right now, I'm Level 41—one of the highest-level players around. Sounds pretty impressive, right? I had to grind day and night, skip meals, drink coffee constantly…
Honestly, it doesn't sound healthy at all. At this rate, I might just drop dead and get dragged to the underworld for living such an unhealthy life.
---
"Finally… it's over. What a tiring day just to take down this boss…"
I sighed as the monster dissolved into particles of light, fading into the air.
Now I could finally smile in victory.
Yeah… nice.
A Level 39 Forest Lizard.
A boss near a swamp. I was actually looking for a "fat sheep" (you know what I mean), but instead ran into this thing. Thought it would be easy—turns out, it was actually hard.
Its attacks were insanely tricky. I had to use 100% of my strength and focus just to beat it.
And what did I get in return?
Nothing good.
All trash.
Seriously?
Was my luck really this bad?
A difficult boss, and I get garbage loot?
"Maybe I should just hunt some 'fat sheep'… might get better stuff."
With a disappointed expression, I dragged my tired body forward, searching for my next "gift recipient."
I opened the map—a massive world stretching endlessly before me. So many places to go… so many "targets" to find.
On the way, I spotted a group of players lower level than me—a party of four grinding nearby.
Perfect.
I hadn't seen anyone for a while—and now here they were.
I charged at them like a starving wolf, staring at them like juicy steaks. I could practically imagine myself drooling.
"Hey, solo?" one of them greeted me with a friendly face.
Sorry, buddy… today I'm not eating vegetarian.
"Yeah," I replied from afar, with a sinister grin.
"Wanna join us? We're missing—…wait, something feels off… guys, don't you think there's something wrong with this dude?"
Their expressions quickly turned confused as they saw me rushing in like an arrow.
By the time they realized what was happening and tried to run—it was too late.
"AHHH—!"
Their screams echoed through the area.
And me?
A victorious grin.
But just moments ago I was happy… now I'm not.
They were broke.
Nothing good at all.
"…Whatever. Might as well hunt bosses or mobs instead. Sigh…"
"Hmm… can I sell this?"
While walking, I checked my inventory. There was an item I didn't need—it didn't help me at all.
Yeah… I'll sell it.
I listed it on a marketplace system—kind of like a black market in anime. A place where players sell rare or unwanted items. There's all kinds of stuff there, some ridiculously expensive.
"Maybe I should go hunt for a World Item… otherwise I'll fall behind."
I've already come up with an absolutely genius plan to get one.
I have to get one.
Some players already have them and keep showing off—it's so annoying.
I'll get one… then find them… and steal theirs too.
A brilliant strategy by Todo—the tactical genius.
---
Ping.
[Friend Request Received]
I was a bit surprised. A message from a stranger?
Looks like someone wants to buy my item.
Interesting.
Before, I sold an item to a player… then killed him and took everything back. Totally worth it.
Since then, fewer and fewer people have been falling for it.
Then I found out why.
Redo: "Guys, don't trade with player ID [Raiden Tora ZenDo]. He'll kill you."
Bieber: "I got scammed and killed. Lost all my gear. What a jerk."
Zzz: "You too?"
Yeah… I got exposed.
Now whenever I try to trade, people either avoid me or show up in groups.
---
[For those who don't know trading in Yggdrasil]:
This is the main way players exchange items, rare gear, or even World Items. Players send trade requests when standing near each other.
---
The sender's name was "Rin_Archer."
Not scared, huh?
Well… free loot delivered to my doorstep? No way I'm refusing.
I messaged them and gave a location far from where I was. I'm not stupid—I need to check if they come alone or with a group. Plus, I can escape if needed.
After waiting for a while…
I saw a blue slime.
Seriously?
A heteromorphic player.
They seemed to be alone, looking around nervously.
Guess I should show myself.
I jumped out—and startled them.
"AHHH!"
Why are you screaming?
A slime—completely gelatinous, light blue… kind of like pudding or jelly.
"Ah—hello! I'm here to trade for the item you listed."
Oh my god.
A girl.
This is the first time in Yggdrasil that a girl has talked to me.
Her voice is so cute…
Maybe… she could actually become my friend.
This might be the first friend I've ever had.
Just looking at her—I can tell she's a good person.
(I'm not simping, okay?)
---