Hell_Writer

Binge-watching anime until his heart gave out wasn’t how Ren expected to go but death wasn’t the end.
A mischievous goddess gives him a second chance in a world of swords, magic, and monsters… along with a unique skill:
[Rewarded for Inaction]
The less you do, the stronger you become.
Sleep in? Stats rise.
Lounge around? Defense boosts.
Play dead? Power skyrockets.
While heroes train and kingdoms wage war, Ren naps his way to legendary strength. But as demon lords stir and gods take notice, even the laziest Overlord might have to get off his back eventually…
Or maybe not.
After all why fight when you get stronger doing nothing?

The AFK Overlord: Rewarded for Doing Nothing

The world blurred in and out like a badly tuned radio.

Ren wasn't sure how long he'd been out. Could've been minutes. Could've been hours.

He was vaguely aware of the sensation of being carried, though Aria wasn't exactly gentle. Every step jostled his battered body, and his head smacked against her shoulder more times than he cared to count.

His mind floated somewhere between reality and unconsciousness until the system chimed.

[New Passive Skill Acquired: Indomitable Slouch]

[Effect: While unconscious, regenerate HP and MP by 5% per minute. Gain +10% Defense. Enemies who see you assume you're already dead.]

[Bonus Effect: Any complaints from allies are automatically ignored.]

Ren's eyelid twitched. He couldn't help but smile.

His voice was a barely audible croak, but Aria still heard him.

"You're awake?" she grumbled. "Good. I was considering dropping you."

"Don't… tempt me with a good time…" he muttered weakly. His head lolled to the side again.

Garth snorted from behind. "Honestly, I think we should let him sleep. Seems like he's more dangerous unconscious anyway."

Aria grumbled something under her breath but didn't stop walking.

Ren let his eyes shut again. His body was wrecked but the system wasn't done with him yet.

[Hidden Reward Unlocked: Sloth's Spoils]

[Reward Options: Choose One]

Option 1: Hero's Recovery Instantly restore HP, MP, and Stamina to full. Gain +30% All Stats for 1 hour.

Option 2: Lazy King's Compensation Gain an exclusive, permanently passive Legendary Skill.

Option 3: Mystery Box???

The system chimed louder, like a satisfied bell.

[You have chosen: Lazy King's Compensation]

[New Legendary Skill Acquired: Absolute Recline]

[Effect: By refusing to stand, all incoming damage is reduced by 80%. All attacks made from a reclined position gain +500% effectiveness.]

[Bonus Effect: Enemies are inflicted with "Mental Damage" upon realizing you're not taking the fight seriously.]

Ren couldn't stop the laugh from escaping this time. It came out more like a wheeze.

"Yeah," Aria growled, hearing him again. "We figured that part out."

Ren didn't respond. He let his mind drift again, the system notifications still echoing in his head.

Somewhere in the fog of his mind, he heard Garth's voice. "We're almost at the next camp. Just hang on a little longer, Ren."

Ren didn't reply. He was too busy basking in his new skills.

80% damage reduction while lying down?

500% attack boost if I stay reclined?

It was perfect. He didn't even need to try anymore.

[New System Mission: "Throne of the Idle Emperor"]

[Objective: Remain seated or lying down for 24 consecutive hours without participating in combat.]

Ren stared at the message through his half-lidded eyes. He grinned lazily.

He let his body relax completely, embracing the dirt and Aria's increasingly annoyed grumbling.

Let the world figure itself out for a while. He was busy doing nothing.

Chapter 14: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing