CHAPTER 9: Understanding the Self

CHAPTER 9: Understanding the Self

After a long night steeped in pain and burning resolve, Hideo Takumi opened his eyes to a new morning—but in his heart, he knew he was no longer the same person.

His body might not yet be made of steel, but something within him had shifted. A spark of conviction now flickered inside—a newfound awareness born from wounds, from the brink of collapse, and from a perseverance that defied logic.

He sat slowly on the wooden floor of his study room, fingers still trembling. But this time, it wasn't from fear—it was from a fire that had just ignited in his soul.

With a steady breath, he summoned the Status Screen once again.

"Status Screen"

Name: Hideo Takumi

Race: Human

Age: 17

Job: Warrior (F) | Mage (F) | Assassin (F) | Acolyte (F) | Archer (F) | Alchemist (F) | Summoner (F)

Current Stats:

• Mana: E

• Strength: E

• Intelligence: S+

• Speed: E

• Endurance: E

Skills: Learn (), Memory (), Giving (), Hide ()

Hideo stared at the translucent screen in silence. To others, the words might seem meaningless. But to him… they were a map of his life.

He drew a deep breath, then whispered in his heart, "So this is my path… seven jobs, four skills, and one world I have to conquer."

Each skill he had could be trained and strengthened over time—but what intrigued him more was the possibility of job evolution.

Memories from his previous world resurfaced. He had read hundreds of novels and watched anime where characters started with basic classes like Warrior, Mage, Assassin, and so on. But as they gained experience and honed their abilities, their jobs evolved—into Swordsman, Fire Mage, Thief, Paladin, and more. Entire branches of specialization would open, shaped by their choices and lived experiences.

For example, a Warrior skilled in swordsmanship might evolve into a Swordsman, focused on precise blade techniques. Meanwhile, one who leaned into raw power and resilience might become a Berserker or Tank. Every path was forged through choice, pain, and perseverance.

Now, that world was no longer fiction. It had become real—and it demanded his decision.

He opened the job descriptions one by one, as if outlining his own fate:

"Job Descriptions"

Warrior (F): A frontline fighter relying on physical strength, heavy weapons, and defense.

Specialties: Direct assault, body endurance, and close combat.

Mage (F): A mana user and spellcaster. Studies elements, spatial magic, illusions, time, and runes.

Specialties: Area control, magical burst, and reality manipulation.

Assassin (F): A shadow fighter that uses speed, cunning, and lethal strikes from unexpected angles.

Specialties: Silent kills, poison, traps, and infiltration.

Acolyte (F): A spiritual or healing path aligned with soul energy, belief, or bodily harmony.

Specialties: Healing, buffs, spiritual protection, and exorcism.

Archer (F): A ranged combatant who uses bows, spell-rifles, or spirit arrows.

Specialties: Precision, high mobility, scouting, and magical detection.

Alchemist (F): A magical scientist and tinkerer who brews potions, creates toxins, and crafts magical items.

Specialties: Poison, transmutation, alchemical weapons, and reactive magic.

Summoner (F): A soul-binder who calls forth entities, creatures, or spirits to fight alongside.

Specialties: Companion-based support, temporary summons, or joint combat.

Hideo read each line with full attention, tracing every word as if touching the texture of his future. Each job was a door—and he held the key.

But jobs alone weren't enough. Skills mattered just as much. Every skill grew stronger with time and experience. Some could even evolve into unique powers if one walked the right path.

"Skill Descriptions"

Learn (~): An exclusive ability allowing the user to absorb and comprehend theory, techniques, and experiences through a single observation, sensation, or sound. It not only records—but refines the understanding using the user's inner logic.

Bonus Effect: Can absorb abstract concepts, such as emotion in movement or resonance in spells.

Memory (~): Grants perfect and eternal recall of all information ever received—visual, audio, or sensory.

Bonus Effects:

• Can restructure knowledge into new theories or mechanisms.

• Capable of syncing and comparing two separate sources of information simultaneously.

• Extremely efficient in reading, analyzing strategies, or creating formulas.

Giving (~): Allows the user to imbue an object, living being, or other skills with certain effects, emotions, or resonances.

Hide (~): Conceals presence, intention, and even mana fluctuations and emotions entirely.

Bonus Effects:

• Able to hide status, aura, or even active skills from magical detection.

• Makes it difficult for others to assess true motives or power.

Hideo remained silent for a long while after reading. Slowly, he began to understand—he wasn't the main character in a story written for him.

He was the author of his own fate.

"With these abilities… I can absorb this world."

"But none of it will matter if I keep hiding behind books and status screens."

He looked up. Morning had flooded the courtyard. Sunlight touched his face like a greeting from the real world. And for the first time since his reincarnation, Hideo stood with no hesitation.

"If I want to grow, I need to go out there. I need to meet people, learn from them, and truly feel this world."

He stared at the old wooden door that had always separated him from the outside.

And then, he stepped forward.

The first step of a new journey.

The first step as Hideo Takumi—not just alive, but choosing to live.