034 The Cause of Hardship
Three months of leveling in the Netherworld.
It’s about time I talked about stats.
Stats are numerical representations of a character’s strength.
This includes level numbers, as well as physical strength, magic power, attack power, defense power, and other abilities necessary for playing a game, visualized and expressed as numerical values… that’s what stats are.
Stats are an indicator of strength, and they also serve as the basis for my constant statements like, “A character at level X is about mid-game strength in the original work.”
So, what are my stats like? The truth is, I don’t really know.
If I focus, I can get a sense of “it’s roughly around this much,” but I can’t express it as an accurate numerical value that I can show to others.
I clearly know my own level and the levels of the skills I’ve acquired, so maybe it’s because I’m not that interested in stats myself, but that’s just how it is right now.
And if I judge based on that “vague” feeling, I’d say my stats are inferior to the original main characters at the same level.
Do you remember how I mentioned before that my level cap was 50?
Now I’ve increased my level cap using Star Seeds, but 50 is ridiculously weak compared to the original main characters.
So, what is the level cap for the original main characters? That number is a whopping “100,” twice my own.
Considering that I’m a mob with a cap of 50, there’s a cruel reality that there’s a two-fold difference in potential from the start.
By the way, Higaki is also a main character, so her level cap is also 100.
Some of you might be starting to realize it, but the difference in levels is a difference in talent.
In line with that, my stats are not just one, but about three levels lower than the original characters in the same level range.
That difference feels like a 30% reduction, meaning my stats at level 100 would be equivalent to a level 70 original main character.
That’s including equipment, so if we compared us barehanded, the difference would be even greater.
“(My current level is 75. That means my stats are equivalent to about level 50 compared to the original characters… no wonder I had such a hard time fighting Babi…)”
My level was 57 when I first entered the academy, but my stats were equivalent to 40.
Higaki’s level was probably around 30 when she first entered, so while I was certainly stronger in terms of raw power, it seems the difference wasn’t as big as I thought.
The difference in stats will have an impact later on. If possible, I want to close that gap as much as possible.
“So, I was thinking of having Mr. Thoth do some human modification as a reward, but apparently that’s a no-go.”
“What you’re saying makes no sense, but you should really change that lack of hesitation, you idiot!”
“Ouch!”
I tried consulting Iris to see if I could get help persuading Mr. Thoth and God Anubis, but it seems like it’s impossible to get their help at this rate.
While Iris was poking me with a stick in anger, I turned my gaze to Higaki, seeking help.
When she noticed my gaze, she put down the juice she was drinking on the table and gave me a cold stare.
“Why does your thinking always go to the other side of ethics?”
“Because I want to get stronger right now.”
“You were just saying that ‘strength’ isn’t something you can acquire overnight…”
That was about skills, not stats. Please don’t misunderstand that.
Acquiring skills and leveling up are things that can be achieved through effort, but the increase in stats is not something that players can solve on their own.
“So, if human modification is a no-go, then I have to take legitimate means.”
“Please do that from the start.”
“And what’s needed for that is an item called a ‘Seed’.”
“‘Seed’… ah, you mean the magic gems that are said to allow you to surpass the limits of the human body if you consume them. But those are quite rare, and finding even one is a struggle, right?”
As Higaki says, the “Seed” series, which are items that can permanently enhance stats when used, have limited acquisition methods and numbers even in the original work.
If they could be obtained in large quantities, it would destroy the game’s balance, so it’s a perfectly natural measure.
“So, I’m having God Anubis look for ‘Seeds’ as a reward for the prize. We’ve found a few so far, but if you two see any, please keep them without using them.”
“Not to give them to you?”
“They’re quite valuable. Of course, I’d be happy if you gave them to me, but it’s human nature to want to use them yourself, right?”
“That’s true. If I have a chance to increase my power, I’d want to use it myself.”
“As expected of someone who stole someone else’s weapon!!”
“Hey, we settled that issue!”
Oops, since there was a chance to provoke, my automatic taunting skill as a competitive gamer activated reflexively. My bad, let me apologize.
“I’m sorry, Aoi-chan!!”
I got whacked with the stick I stole from Iris. That hurt.
Anyway, getting back to the point, I want the “Seeds,” but there are things I want to confirm before returning to the real world, so I want you to keep them without using them.
If it goes well, it’ll save me the trouble of getting stronger, and if nothing happens, then that’s that.
If it’s a no-risk, high-return situation, there’s no harm in doing it.
I got the two of them to agree for now and ended the conversation.
Since the halfway point of my stay (vacation) in the Underworld is approaching, I need to start thinking about returning soon.
“Heh… heh heh… heh heh heh.”
“You’re thinking about something bad again, aren’t you?”
“Huh? No, I’m not thinking about anything?”
“When Sakurai-san laughs like that, it’s always when he’s thinking about something terrible.”
“That’s ridiculous. Believe my words, everyone will surely be happy.”
So, could you two stop sighing at the same time?