Fanfiction by: Final_Order
Delusional Multiversal Travels
Disclaimer: I don't own anything
Chapter 1
- - -
"See... I always thought I was different. No, perhaps it's the world around me that was different."
Following a brief pause, I settled back into my chair, allowing my back to rest against the backrest.
[Time until otherworld transfer: 00 days: 00 hours: 30 minutes: 49 seconds]
For a long time now, I've had this strange hologram-like screen floating in front of me.
And according to my brilliant detective work, also known as talking to myself, I'm the only one who can see it.
"Miyamoto-kun, you look dashing today~ Kya."
"Haha, you flatter me."
My eyes trailed to the source of the noise, but, ignoring those people—
This world is weird.
Not in the "everyone's quirky" kind of way, but in the "maybe I'm the only one with a working brain" kind of way.
It's been like this for a while, and honestly, I've started to feel like I don't belong here at all.
My recollections are somewhat disordered—though perhaps that is merely my perception.
If I had to put it into words, I'd say this world resembles something out of a manga, as if everything operates under some ridiculous logic.
It goes way more than just me seeing a futuristic panel in front of me.
For instance, my parents are no longer alive, and I'm left with their inheritance, while strange events occur at least twice a month.
Those kinds of cliché scenarios you read about in novels happen here as if they are completely normal.
And of course, there's this as well:
[Time until otherworld transfer: 00 days: 00 hours: 30 minutes: 24 seconds]
Or am I overthinking things?
I don't believe so.
But good luck explaining that to the psychiatrists.
They were sure I had schizophrenia.
I even visited a therapist once.
What did they suggest?
"Whenever you feel like you're losing your mind, just repeat: 'It's all a delusion. It's just my delusion.'"
Right, as if that was any help.
But then, I reconsidered. What if I'm not the one with delusions? What if it's the world that's truly messed up?
Am I saying that my parents in this world are crazy?
Yeah, I mean, what kind of parent leaves their eight-year-old child alone for a six-year business trip?
Haven't heard from them since, and somehow, I am left with an insurance money without any explanation.
Unbelievable, right?
That's what I thought too.
[Time until otherworld transfer: 00 days: 00 hours: 03 minutes: 23 seconds]
I let out a sigh, reclining in my chair.
As I glanced toward the entrance of the class, near the sliding door of the classroom, I spotted the guy everyone adores,
Miyamoto Naoki.
Ah, as usual, that guy can't help but be surrounded by his group of giggling girls.
"By the way, Miyamoto-kun, what are your plans after this?"
"Hmm...? Let me think."
Miyamoto Naoki.
He's the type of person who always draws attention—the "cool kid" with blonde hair, tall and athletic, who somehow manages to win over all the girls.
Yeah, that stereotype.
'But,' On my lips was a long, drawn smile as I narrowed my eyes at him. 'That guy's not what people think of him...'
In any case, I wouldn't say I'm overanalyzing it. He just looks like the type that loves attention.
Again, I've seen him jealous of another guy more times than I can count.
"Eh... I don't think I'll be free."
"Ah~ No problem, Miyamoto-kun."
Naturally, that other guy is the one seated behind me. Someone who can be said to be as much of a loner as me, an antisocial person.
Well, we don't really engage in conversation but we share a few words occasionally, and that's about it.
Even he seems to regard me as if I'm also a bit off—Guess spacing out randomly didn't help me either—
Jeez, what do these classmates of mine take me for? Not that I bother to clear away their misunderstanding of me, but still…
No matter what they think of me.
"Hey, Nakatani-kun."
I said, facing the other unpopular guy with a serious expression.
"I'd suggest you get ready. We're about to be transported to another world."
I spoke those words in a straightforward manner, reflecting his somewhat dull stare.
"Huh?"
He looked at me, bewildered and clearly skeptical of my statement, giving me that same look everyone else does.
That judging look....
But I didn't need his belief.
[Time until otherworld transfer: 00 days: 00 hours: 00 minutes: 23 seconds]
I mean, who would?
"Don't worry, I don't expect you to accept it immediately."
Everything will be revealed soon enough. Or at least, I hope so.
[Time until otherworld transfer: 00 days: 00 hours: 00 minutes: 03 seconds]
[02 Seconds]
[01 Second]
"Kya! What's going on?"
"Everyone, please calm down."
Just as the countdown on the display in front of me reached its end.
Out of nowhere, a glowing circle formed beneath us, and chaos broke out in the classroom.
As for me, I leaned back in my chair, gripping my bag tightly.
I had been preparing for this for a long time, so I wasn't bothered, but ready.
Heck, I was excessively prepared, and surprisingly, with all I had brought with me, the bag felt lighter than I had anticipated.
"Kya!"
The light would grow brighter before, moments later, it would begin to fade.
As I surveyed the area, it was clear that our environment had transformed.
We found ourselves in what appeared to be an underground chamber, with light streaming through a door that seemed to lead outside.
With caution, I glanced around and noticed several robed figures standing with their hands clasped together.
'Mages?'
Then, as I looked even higher, I spotted what seemed to be the king.
Yes... everything is starting to come back to me. This is a familiar scene I've seen numerous times in mangas.
And then, there it was:
[Ayakafurushi Retsu Lv. 1]
[Special ability: Night-Walker]
[Favored ability: Accelerated Processing (+), Analysis, Traveller (Locked)]
[Traits: is a completely a normal person, self-proclaimed schizophrenic patient, is a completely ok patient, slightly delusional]
Looking at the attribute panel, I couldn't help but fall silent, simply staring at it, perhaps speechless.
Then—
"Ahh...! It has been a success!!"
I looked up to see a regally dressed man with a crown atop his head. The king of this kingdom that summoned us, I presume.
"Eh?"
Ignoring the panicked state of my classmates, especially Nakatani, who looked in horror at the king, I continued analyzing.
Now that I look at it, the chair I was sitting on traveled to this world with me?
How delightful.
"Welcome... Welcome, Heroes," the king declared with a broad smile and a look of satisfaction.
However, in stark contrast to his demeanor:
"What!? What on earth is this?!"
"Why are we here?! Weren't we...?"
While I maintained my calm and collected demeanor, the rest of the class was spiraling into chaos.
Probably because of their confusion, I'm sure they can't see the hostility in the minister's gaze standing behind the king.
'Interesting. Let's try this.' I thought, activating the [Analysis] skill listed under my attribute.
[Name: Unidentified]
[Status: King. Mastermind(puppet)]
Most of the names of the other ministers remained unidentified.
Was it because my skill proficiency was lacking?
No, I doubt that's the issue, but whatever the reason may be.
That [Status: King. Mastermind(puppet)] gave me a serious foreboding.
I felt like this was one of the scenarios we should tread carefully on, however…
"Guys! Calm down!"
Called it. Bringing me out of my thoughts was the hero, Miyamoto, of course.
"For now, we need to understand the situation we're in. Calm down first, then let's talk to these people."
As expected of the hero, at this point, I think he's earned that title, no?
Of course, I couldn't help but use [Analysis] on him too:
[Name: Miyamoto Naoki]
[Status: Heroic Strength]
[Traits: Fake Hero. Faker. Chick Magnet. Black and white insanity. Arrogant. Glory Seeker. Attention Whore +9]
There were numerous other traits listed, which now completely changed my perception of him.
I'd always had that feeling, so I wasn't completely as far gone as I thought?
Ahh… now I don't know if I should be happy or sad.
Just as I was thinking that, perhaps it was the instincts my skill granted me, but I felt eyes begin to turn toward me.
"What?"
I said flatly, not bothering to move from my chair. I saw the king and, no, everybody was looking at me.
"Hero Miyamoto, who is he?"
The king asked while shifting his gaze between me and Miyamoto. Was my calmness that shocking?
Uhh. I see why now.
Not only was I at the farthest back, I was also sitting on a chair, leg placed above the other while contemplating.
But in my defense,
After seeing a blue holographic screen follow me around for ten years and realising I was living in a supposedly unreal world.
You could say I became numb to it all. As a result, this situation.
"Don't mind him, he's... just a delusional—ahem, strange person."
Miyamoto shrugged me off with a smile, and several classmates joined in.
Their expressions varied—some even looked at me with disgust;
take, for example, Onizuka, the violent, delinquent-looking high schooler.
But I ignored them. Now, I can't help but be more convinced after this interaction.
"Fuu."
With a gentle sigh, I leaned back even more, tuning out most of the class as the king started to explain the world-building, skills, and other details.
"Uhm, Aya-san, how did you—"
Unpopular kid number 2 approached me.
I merely glanced at him, placing my index finger near my lips.
"—Hush now, Nakatani. I've always been the odd one, haven't I? Let's just leave it at that, okay?"
Now that I'm looking at him, why don't I.....
[Nakatani Yuto]
[Special Powers: Absorption (Sealed)]
[Traits: Hero. "I can copy your power" ability. Dark is not always Evil. +10]
I narrowed my eyes at his status. Hero? Wait, what is going on?
Wasn't Miyamoto the one with the Hero skill? Wait, something isn't right.
Could it be that the Hero skill itself has no relevance? No, in the first place, what's the prerequisite for becoming the hero?
Simply having the skill?
No. [Heroic Strength] was the name of the skill, no?
'Ah… I see. Interesting.'
I could come up with several hypotheses, but I feel I'd end up with more questions than answers.
And most of them lie in.
[Name: Unidentified]
That person. Sniff! Sniff! Can you catch that scent? "That's the scent of plot."
I whispered to myself. Anyway... I turned back to Nakatani.
"Listen, your special ability is currently sealed. Get ready to be the outcast of the class."
This is after I reached my own conclusions. You see, Miyamoto has always been envious of Yuuto.
Naturally, this involves a certain girl. But I find it quite amusing.
Knowing that faker, he'd probably try to put him down while glorifying himself in the process.
How vain.
Not like I'm one to talk, haha.
Still, the so-called holy saint the boy's chasing is, in turn, chasing after the underdog.
What a cruel twist of fate, wouldn't you agree~?
After all that, I turned away from him.
"W-wait, what do you mean by—"
"—Hush, again." I looked at him groggily. "Do you want to bet?"
I stared at him until he shivered, then subconsciously stepped back.
"Good. Now, just carry on."
I shooed him away, refocusing on the other people of the kingdom.
CRACK!
CRUMBLE!
As I regained my focus, my eyes were instantly drawn to Miyamoto, who was crouched down, gripping a sword tightly in his hand.
The pillar behind him had been sliced cleanly in half.
"Wow! G-Great job, hero."
Just as expected from a hero.
I suppose even a phony like him has some merit, somewhat impressive, right?
However, as for the true hero himself, his current skill does nothing more than attract.
I could try tampering with my analysis skill to help him, but I feel if I do that now, a lot of fun things will be missed.
Not that I've ever been one to really rely on intuition this much, but if this is happening, I believe I can trust it.
My lips curled up into a smile as I crossed my legs, looking at my classmates.
"You got it, Naoki! He's elite no matter where he goes."
"Haha, don't make fun of me, Akane."
[Akane Sajo]
[Special Power: Observation Sight (Locked)]
[Traits: Manipulative Bitch. Obfuscating Stupidity.]
[Extra Note: Your typical gyaru type character, ignore her quirks and she'll be a perfect match for you. A match made in deception.]
Ah, yes, this girl.
How could I forget about her? She's always been way too good at reading the room.
No—it goes deeper than that. Even in our limited interactions, she seemed to understand me.
But now, she has an analytical skill similar to mine?
Who in their right mind would grant someone like her such a skill?
Yet, given her type, I reluctantly acknowledge that it's the perfect arrangement for her.
Anyways…
"What was that?"
"Incompetent."
"You're gonna be the first to die."
"Wimpy! Hahaha!"
I noticed several classmates glaring at Nakatani with icy stares and venomous words.
Yes, they were giving him the usual failure MC treatment, except for a few—four in total, including me.
I caught Nakatani stealing a nervous glance my way as I allowed a faint smile to escape.
As I did this.
Suddenly, a voice called out to me.
"Hey, Ayaka-kun, by the way, what kind of skills do you have?"
I spotted her, that girl making her way towards me.
'Tsk. That girl… she's doing this on purpose.'
I thought to myself.
She approached me with a smirk. That annoying girl had likely already seen my abilities.
The moment she spoke, I felt everyone's gaze shift to me.
Even Miyamoto, the king, and practically everyone else in the room were focused on me.
For a moment, I stared with a blink, before slowly feeling my expression turn serious.
"Haah."
With a sigh, I rummaged through my bag, and as I did, I activated it.
[Accelerated Processing (+)].
In simple terms, you can treat it as a game mechanic, QTE or Time Slow.
At the very least, that's how I interpret the description. However, there might be other ways to look at it.
One possibility is that my body is moving at an incredibly fast pace, causing everything else to seem slow.
But that's beside the point.
As I activated it, I could sense the mental strain it was placing on my body, it would only last just over three seconds.
Keeping this in mind, I swiftly retrieved a sharp object from my bag.
Then, using another skill of mine [Night Crawler], which also enhanced my base speed, I appeared behind her.
In quick motion, I held a knife close to her neck as I felt time slowly returned to normal.
"Are you satisfied?"
"W-what?"
"Huh?"
"How did he get behind her?"
"I couldn't see him."
Similar murmurs along those lines could be heard from the background.
I removed the knife from her neck and calmly placed it back in my bag.
Then I turned my attention to the king.
"Your Majesty." I said, mockingly bowing slightly. "If it's not too much to ask, may I be shown to my quarters?"
I asked with a fake smile that I was sure didn't quite suit me.
"A-ah... yes. Yes! Knights, take him to his quarters," the king ordered, clearly unsettled.
Two knights hurried over to me.
"Please, this way."
As I followed them, I glanced back to see Miyamoto glaring at me as if I were his enemy.
Seeing his face, I frowned slightly.
'Ah, that's right, I could use this too...'
I thought, allowing a somewhat sadistic smile to cross my face.