Surviving As The Witch
Episode 1 — B Rank Witch
Shikigami
‘You damn game system. You ran away right after the monster came. Useless guide.’
I keep on cursing the game system. It left me alone in this narrow room, trying to not get caught by the monster who was banging on the door from outside.
Shikigami
‘Oh please just let me go home!’
I put my hands together and closed my eyes tightly. This is all a nightmare. I will wake up in just a moment. That's right, I will wake up from this dream.
So please just stop banging on the door! No one's here!
Shikigami
‘Just go away please!’
I continued and continued to pray in a low voice. Not long after, the sound of banging on the door disappeared.
...I opened my eyes and got out from under the bed, still cautious.
Slowly, I walked towards the door of the room. I tried to spy on the situation outside the room through the small hole in the door.
...There's nothing.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
System Admin
[The monster is gone?]
I nodded, still spying on the situation outside the room.
Shikigami
Yeah, I guess it's gone for now.
Shikigami
’...Wait. Who's talking to me?’
Slowly, I turned my head back to try to ascertain who had asked that question just now.
And what appeared before my eyes was...
...A black cat.
Shikigami
...A cat? Are you an NPC?
System Admin
[I'm not. I'm the admin of this game's system.]
Shikigami
I-It's talking! A talking cat! Gahh, nothing's normal here!
I sat down and covered both ears. My eyes looked at the cat and moved, asking for him to go away.
Who knows, maybe I'm so delusional that I'm seeing a talking cat now —
System Admin
[You are pretty dumb for a horror games fanatic. Of course nothing's normal here. This is a game!]
I stared at the cat blankly.
...Did I see it right?
...This cat is flying.
This cat has wings.
Shikigami
Arghh, this cat is an angel from hell!
Out of surprise, I threw everything I could reach at the cat.
I feel guilty because I also love cats, but this cat is so extraordinary that even I'm scared of it.
System Admin
[Don't throw things at me! Listen to the game rules first! I'm trying to tell you about it!]
Listening to this cat's words, I stopped panicking. A sense of realization hit me, and I grabbed the cat's body.
I shook his body.
Shikigami
You! You left me alone earlier! Why don't you tell me the rules before? You ran away first, leaving me with that monster outside!
The cat coughed.
My mind was loading when I saw him coughing. This cat sure can cough exactly like a human.
System Admin
[I'm trying to pick an attractive color for this cat's form.]
Shikigami
...Now, can you please kindly tell me why I got sucked into this damn game? And tell me how to go home! I'm only playing the game for fun! I don't want to experience it for real!
System Admin
[This is the beta version of the newly created gameplay of the game. You're our source for money— I mean, our source for the game's experience. So we thought we could let you be the first ever person to test this new version.]
... This cat's eyes are full of greed.
But I can't deny it. I've been whaling on this game since it got released.
But that's not a perfect reason to forcefully invite me to test this new gameplay. Damn it.
Shikigami
I. Don't. Want. To!
Let me go home!
System Admin
[You can't go home until you complete all the main quests. You know the rules, don't you? Use your good memorization and survive this game. I'll be watching you. Adios.]
And the cat disappeared from my sight. He disappeared just like that, like he's teleporting or something.
Shikigami
The... rules? Well, what's the rules...? I don't quite remember...
I bit my lips and closed my eyes, trying to remember the rules in this game. Other than the rules, I tried to remember the main quests and the important characters.
Because maybe it will be of help for me later.
But.
Shikigami
‘I can't remember anything!’
I thought I had already memorized it all.
Suddenly, a status window like in the games and novels appeared in front of me. And as I thought, it's about the information of my character.
I read all of it carefully.
[ Character Name: Shikigami
Character Type: Witch
Character Rank: B
Character Ability Rank: A
Survival Rate: 30% — 40%
Character Ability: Dark Magic]
...A witch.
Well, that's understandable. I started playing this game as a witch anyways. So that's fine. And dark magic is fine too. After all, I chose witch as my character's type because I like magic.
But, my rank is... B?
Why is my ability rank higher than my character's rank? Is this a new joke?
Shikigami
Why am I a B rank witch?!
I played this game until I ascended as a SSR character!
Shikigami
You can't just make me play through all of it again to be a SSR!
Shikigami
You damn game developer!
How am I supposed to survive now? Even my survival rate is low, as if saying that I won't live for too long.
...I feel like my soul is sucked out of my body.
...It seems I'll die soon.
And after I get out of this damn game, I will rate this game as 1 star.
But, well.
I'm an experienced player. I know everything about this game.
I just need to kill monsters, obtain the EXP materials, and level up myself!
Shikigami
There's still hope for me!
I looked at my hands. I tried clenching my fists, and a thick, black aura appeared.
I smiled.
I just need to keep practicing. Since there's no controller or keyboard here, I need to think of this magic as real.
Shikigami
But magic is hard to use in reality... How do I learn how to use it?
The door fell onto the floor. I froze, looking at the 'thing' that got inside this room.
...A monster.
A monster!
Shikigami
W-Why should you come when I just tried to learn how to use my magic— aghh!
The big thorny roots reached out to me, trying to capture me. I dodged the attack and opened my fists.
Only a small black flame was created.
...Damn it. My level is low.
As an act of defense, I reached for a wooden sword nearby.
I don't know how to use a sword though.
A bloody red eyes, like a reptile's eyes were staring at me as if I was a delicious meal.
I tightened my grip on the wooden sword.
The thorny roots wildly went towards me.
Just when I was about to defend myself from the roots,
Bang!
I stayed still as I looked at the monster that turned into ashes.
The sound... Is it a bullet?
Tap. Tap.
I can hear footsteps. I raised my head.
And at that moment, my eyes are locked with the grayish brown irises that were fixated on me.
Shikigami
‘...Who is this man?’
Luka
How come you're so stupid?
We just met and you're already being rude! I smiled widely and tried to soothe my boiling anger.
Episode 2 — A Demon
Shikigami
...I'm not stupid.
Luka
You are. Why are you just standing still when that big bastard tried to eat you?
Shikigami
That's because I need to defend myself.
The corner of his lips was raised, as if he found my answer funny.
He shrugged his shoulders and turned around to leave this room.
Luka
Whatever. I can't bear to deal with an idiot.
My words stopped when I saw a status window appear beside him. I read the information written on the status window.
[Character Name: Luka
Character Type: Assassin
Character Rank: SSR
Character Ability Rank: SSR
Survival Rate: 100%
Character Ability: Guns, Snipers, Swords]
Bam!
The wooden sword in my hand fell on the floor. Hearing the sound, he looked back at me with an annoyed face.
Luka
What. What's wrong with you? Don't you know when you make loud sounds, you are attracting those creatures to come here?
Luka
If you really want to die, die alone.
Luka
? Hey, why are you silent? Don't you hear what I'm saying?
Luka
Hello? Excuse me, are you deaf?
I grabbed his hands with sparkling eyes.
And of course, he was startled. The cookies in his mouth fell on the floor.
Luka
W-What the hell? Who's your master? Have you lost your mind?
I smiled bashfully.
He's an SSR character, with a 100% survival rate.
That means, if I stick to him, there's a higher chance that I won't die early! I can use him as my shield until I level up to the SSR rank.
You're smart, Shikigami, you're smart!
Shikigami
Master, where are you going?
Luka
Who the hell is your master? And does my destination have anything to do with you?
Shikigami
Of course. Master, can I follow you?
Luka
...You're crazy. No way! Why would I bring you? You will just be a burden to me.
Shikigami
I won't. I will be of help for you.
Luka
And why should I trust you? You can't even protect yourself from that weak monster.
Luka
I don't want to bring a weak person along with me.
How arrogant. I tried to keep calm.
In order to gain his trust, I need to be his trusted subordinate.
Shikigami
From now on, you're my master. And I will be your loyal subordinate.
Luka
I don't need a subordinate.
Luka
Stop spouting nonsense.
He rolled his eyes and turned around, trying to leave.
I hurriedly grabbed his clothes. This dude is so rude. But what if I don't meet any SSR characters anymore? It would be dangerous and risky for me to continue alone.
So I need to get his approval no matter what.
Shikigami
Master! I promise I will be of big help for you! Just bring me with you, please...
I don't want to die yet, you brat. Why can't you understand my consequences?!
Luka
I told you, I don't want to bring a burden along with me—
Suddenly, he's silent. His eyes became sharp, and he looked at our surroundings.
Watching his actions, I tilted my head in confusion. What's wrong? Is there any more monsters? But I can hear anything though?
Don't monsters usually make loud noises as if announcing their arrivals?
Luka
Whatever you say, I won't bring you along with me.
Luka
I hate companions, moreover if they're weak and useless.
I closed my mouth and glared at him quietly.
Shikigami
‘This jerk. Should you really say terrible things and hurt someone's heart?’
Luka
I've said everything I needed to say. Now, get out of my way. I still have a lot of things to do.
This guy sure is tough. What else can I do to make sure he will let me go with him?
This is for the sake of survival. I need to stay alive and complete all the main quests to get out of here!
So, I need to go with him no matter what—
...Huh?
I swallowed bitter saliva. What the hell is that thing on the ceiling?
I'm not sure what that is, but once I looked carefully, I realized.
Demons in this game eat characters as their meals. Some demons will forcefully suck the characters into the darkness, and some of them will directly eat them.
And this type of demons, if I can be sure, is a demon that swallows characters into darkness and brings them into the dark realms.
And... everyone wouldn't want to know what would happen next.
I looked at the demon quietly so that I wouldn't be attracting them to come to me.
And then I looked at Luka. When I exchanged glances between Luka and the demon, I was stunned.
I realized, that the demon is targeting Luka!
Shikigami
‘Why doesn't he realize it? You're a SSR rank character, bruh.’
I guess even SSR rank characters have weaknesses.
...That is, to be dense.
Ah, whatever. I guess I should save him right now.
Luka
Stop screaming! Are you crazy?!
Luka
I told you to die alone!
If it's not because I need him to survive, I would have let him be eaten by the demon already.
Shikigami
Master, can I follow you?
Luka
I told you my answer is no.
Oh God please grant me patience.
Shikigami
Master, I promise I will protect you.
From sweet talking to honest talking.
I think I might need to protect him. All the characters I found in this game usually have subordinates or friends. But why's he alone?
And why haven't I seen him in this game before? Is he a new character for this new version?
Luka
Stop calling me Master.
Shikigami
Then, should I call you Luka?
Shikigami
What's wrong, Luka?
Luka
I never told you my name. How did you know?
Shikigami
A-Ah, that's... Uhh...
Oh damn it.
I'm screwed. This damn uncooperative mouth of mine.
He stared at me without blinking.
I looked away and glanced at the ceiling.
Oh my God I almost screamed.
The demon is now looking at me.
I tried to act as if the demon isn't there. My body is trembling.
Shikigami
Y-You see, I'm just guessing! I don't know your name? If you're not Luka, then maybe you're Adrian? Hans? Goldie? Bobby?
The words I uttered are starting to be nonsense.
I'm scared! Why is the demon looking at me so intensely? Look somewhere else!
I hid my right hand behind my back, trying to gather as much magic as I can as a counterattack if the demon is targeting me.
He shook his head and tilted his head, staring at me.
Luka
How did you guessed my name correctly from the first try %¥¢^€&$@#!?
I can't hear anything he said anymore. The demon started saying something, as if directed to me.
— “Hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry.”
Forget the counterattack. I raised my hand and started attacking it first. The ceiling started to rumble, as I attacked the demon who's on the ceiling.
Luka, realizing something, looked up at the demon.
The demon started screaming, and I retracted my hand and closed my ears.
Luka, also closing his ears, spoke.
Luka
Why don't you tell me there was a demon here?!
I swallowed those words and shook my head.
Shikigami
I just realized it was here!
Even if I told him the truth, I doubt he would trust me.
He bit his lips and grabbed his sword.
Shikigami
Wait, don't go near it!
Shikigami
If you get near, it will swallow you. This room is dark, so it has an advantage. Just... attack from afar.
I looked at him in surprise.
He threw his sword in the air and the sword disappeared. Then he grabbed a sniper.
He holds the sniper, targeting the demon. To make sure he's not disturbed when sneaking attack, I tried to draw away the demon's eyes from him.
Shikigami
Look here! You demon!
When the demon's eyes turned to me, I stuck out my tongue and made fun of it.
...He's at it again.
I guess he likes using the word 'stupid'.
I want to reply to his words, when suddenly I feel like my legs can't move.
Shikigami
Is there a glue here or something?
I looked down.
And dozens of creepy black hands are grabbing my legs.
It's so creepy, and smells bad too. I almost vomit because of the smell. It's torturing my nose.
Why isn't Luka attacking this demon already? Why's he so quiet?!
I looked in the direction where Luka was standing.
Episode 3 — ...I'm Betrayed
I looked around the room, searching for him while trying to get rid of the hands.
When I'm in dire need of help, he's suddenly disappeared?
Leaving me here alone, dealing with this demon?
Is this how it feels like to be betrayed?
I tried to save him but he left me.
However angry I am, I need to get rid of this demon first.
I clenched my fists and closed my eyes, trying to concentrate.
I need to show him that I can kill this demon by myself.
Just when I wanted to feel powerful, a status window appeared in front of me.
[Ability is Unlocked. Level is too low.]
Shikigami
This piece of sh—
Suddenly, one of the hands climbed onto my body and grabbed my neck.
It's as if the demon is trying to crush my neck.
I tried to concentrate on my ability again.
[Ability is Unlocked. Level is too low.]
[Ability is Unlocked. Level is too low.]
[Ability is Unlocked. Level is too low.]
This status window is so annoying!
Shikigami
Just let me use it already!
I can't breathe, and my head starting to get dizzy because my breathing is interrupted.
Why does all of this feel so real?
[Ability is Unlocked. Level is too low.]
I'm just going to die here, and then I will wake up in my bed as usual.
Why don't I think of this earlier?
This is the easiest solution to ever exist.
Shikigami
I will die, and then I will wake up as usual. And then I can continue my normal life.
The demon drew closer to me, and suddenly I felt like I got sucked into something forcibly.
This is the darkness.
I'm the one who wants to die and get out of this game, but I suddenly feel scared and uneasy.
Is this the correct decision?
[You can't leave until you complete all the main quests...]
I can't die, I can't die yet!
Shikigami
Just let me go, you demon bastard!
I struggled not to get sucked into the darkness.
The demon suddenly screamed loudly, and disappeared into ashes.
The creepy hands that were holding my legs also disappeared. Everything of the demon, disappeared.
All of a sudden, someone grabbed my arm and forcefully pulled me to them. I almost fell by the sudden force.
I raised my head, looking at the person.
I don't know why, but I feel relieved that he seems fine.
He tightened his grip on my arm.
I cut his words. He's silent, and I'm guessing that's what he wants to ask.
Shikigami
I told you, I will be your loyal subordinate.
Shikigami
Of course, it includes me protecting you.
Shikigami
You're my master now.
Shikigami
I can't let my master be eaten by some demons.
I'm just saying what I wanted to say, but he's staring at me as if I'm saying something weird.
Shikigami
Uh, only if you accept me as your subordinate.
Shikigami
I won't force you.
But I would still follow you anyways.
So I need to stick with you.
Shikigami
It's fine if you won't accept me.
Do you think I'm happy to go with a jerk like you?
But still, you're my key to survival.
Shikigami
...I guess you won't accept me. Then—
Do you really need to scream?
Luka
It's not that I won't accept you...
I feel like I can see his puppy ears are drooping.
Is this really a jerk from earlier?
Shikigami
What do you mean?
He looked away and gritted his teeth.
Luka
...I will... accept you...
Luka
...I will accept you.
Shikigami
What? I can't hear.
Shikigami
Please say it louder.
Luka
...Are you having fun right now?
Shikigami
Oh, no. Of course not.
I've never been this satisfied in my whole life.
He glanced at me and then looked away.
Shikigami
Thank you for accepting me.
Translation: Thank you for being my shield.
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