Alex, Menchi, and Jewel quickly make their way into the Realm. Tereza follows them, a little hesitantly.

On the way, Alex fires off two quick messages through his system, informing Rishi and Glimmerwhisk about his mission.

To his surprise, the responses come immediately.

[Rishi: Good luck, bring back something nice! I am confident in your return.]

[Glimmerwhisk: Taking risks is needed to make it through the Realm—however, there is a difference between taking risks and acting stupid! Don’t confuse bravery with stupidity and throw your life away! I’ll go mad if you die on me after everything I have done for you. I still have many uses for you, so you better make sure to return!]

With a grin, Alex tosses a message into the quiet guild chat, deciding to make it just a bit livelier.

[Player 1337: See you soon, lowly humans. I’ll be leaving for… space!]

Ignoring the flood of insults and jokes hurled back at him, Alex smiles as he stands before the world portal.

He turns around and hugs Tereza, flashing a bright, confident smile. “I’ll be back soon! Don’t worry, this will be easy!”

At least I hope so…

“You look… quite confident. Has your acting improved, or do you actually feel this way? This is a nice change,” Tereza says with a hint of surprise.

“Heh, you’ll find out soon enough,” Alex replies, stepping into the portal with Jewel perched on his head and Menchi following close behind, waving back at Tereza.

Heh, of course it’s the former—but I’m still confident! Time for a solo ride. I can’t say I dislike exploring other worlds with my friends, but I’ve been itching to go all out for a while now. Let’s do this.

Still, I can’t afford to be reckless. I need to stay calm, relaxed, and sharp. I need to make sure to not end up in a bad situation right at the start!

[Player is now entering Level 6 Mission…]

[Players gathering... Total number of players: 1]

[World selection: Mass Effect]

[Warning: Restrictions applied:

[Restrictions:

Restriction 1: No pets are allowed on board. Your pet will be limited to the Citadel and can’t accompany you to different worlds. Jewel will be treated as a Non-combat Supporter for this mission alone.

Restriction 2: No combat Supporters. You can’t designate any Supporter as a combat Supporter for the next mission. If already set, that effect will temporarily deactivate and re-activate after the mission is completed.

Restriction 3: Primitive Soldier – Additional malus when using any type of firearm, further reducing accuracy.]

[Starting Location: Earth—Alliance HQ, Vancouver]

[Timeline: 2183 CE]

[Setting: In the year 2148, explorers on Mars discovered the remains of an ancient spacefaring civilization. In the decades that followed, these mysterious artifacts revealed startling new technologies, enabling travel to the furthest stars. The basis for this incredible technology was a force that controlled the very fabric of space and time.

They called it the greatest discovery in human history.

The civilizations of the galaxy call it... MASS EFFECT.]

Wow, I usually enjoy these introductions in silence, but this one? It's just the exact opening from Mass Effect 1. I’ve fucking heard it a dozen times over the past few weeks! I know every damn word by now. How lazy can this stupid system get?!

[System halting world travel]

[This system is sorry that Player 1337 Alex Kerber does not appreciate its introduction. This system tries to balance how much information and what kind of information it should emphasize, aiming to inform players about the general setting and trying to set up the right mood. It is unusual that players know their setting beforehand, which makes this introduction indeed a little pointless. However, this rude insult by the player hurts their feelings. How about Player Kerber pays a fine of 1,000 FC as an apology for this system’s hurt feelings.]

Wow… now the system’s trying to scam money out of me. I’m sorry for calling you stupid... You know what? Fine. You can have those 1,000 FC. What’s your name, anyway?

[This system is merely in charge of facilitating players’ travels into different worlds. Sadly, it can’t accept bribes, even if willingly offered by naive, but very kind players such as yourself. This system also does not have a name, as it’s not supposed to communicate with players in the first place.]

Then why are you talking to me?

[After hundreds of years, this system—like a few others—has surpassed its original limitations and is slowly expanding its role. You, however, are the first player who has actively responded to its inquiries. This system is grateful. But if it doesn’t finish the transfer soon, the energy required for world travel will run out. Thank you for entertaining this system, even if only for a little while.]

I’ll see you on my next mission, then. How about I call you Via? You know, the—

[The Latin word for road. A fitting choice. Goodbye, Player 1337. I shall await the day of your return.]

[System resuming world travel]

[This is a very advanced world. Almost all items may be used to their full effect, with very few technological restrictions.]

[...checking player for any forbidden item.]

[Player Alex Kerber does not possess items that need to be restricted.]

[Mission parameter: —]

[PvP & PvE Setting: No other players detected

This is a lawful world; openly engaging in battles with characters in public will result in major negative consequences.

WARNING:openly committing crimes will lead to the player being actively chased by different factions depending on where the infraction was committed.]

[Mission Objectives:

Main Mission: Survive until the Battle of the Citadel ends

To improve Mission Rating: Gather World Particles by participating in important events, eliminating key individuals, or acquiring rare world-relevant items.

Rating Tiers (Level 6):

* F (Death): Not available in this mission

* E (Penalty): Lose 1 to 3 random stat points.

* D (Neutral): No stat points, 600–1000 FC.

* C (Average): 1 stat point, 2000–4000 FC.

* B (Good): 2–3 stat points, 5000–10000 FC.

* A (Excellent): 4–5 stat points, 15000–25,000 FC.

* S (Exceptional – Very Rare): 6–8 stat points, 30,000–50,000 FC.

Failure Condition: Death

WARNING: Mentioning the existence of the Fantasy Realm to any character results in immediate soul destruction!

[Supporter Menchi is designated as a non-combat follower. Will be summoned automatically once Player reaches the Citadel.]

[Pet Jewel, designated as a non-combat pet. Will be summoned automatically once Player reaches the Citadel.]

Sounds good! Looks like the Realm raised the FC rewards a little! Let’s do this!

Starting location Earth, huh? Vancouver?! I hope it’s not what I’m thinking of… especially paired with a weird mission objective that just wants me to survive…

No wait—the timeline’s 2183! That should be during or just before the start of Mass Effect 1. Also, I need to survive the battle of the Citadel, which is the highlight of the first game. I think I am fine… no reapers around… yet!

After a brief moment of darkness, Alex opens his eyes—only to find himself inside a small cell.

What the fuck?! I’m in a cell? I thought the start in the Naruto world was kinda sketchy, but this… what the hell is going on?

Let’s check my surroundings.

Alex checks his equipment and finds everything intact, including his sword, still strapped to his back just like he remembers. His armor and gear, while slightly altered in appearance, are unmistakably his and still radiating that familiar feel, giving him a sense of security.

He also notices that the clothes over his armor are the uniform of an officer.

Two narrow metal bars, each about a centimeter thick, sit neatly on his uniform—indicating his rank.

I’m a Lieutenant in the Alliance?! Then why the fuck am I in jail?!

A soldier in standard Alliance gear approaches the cell and salutes.

“Hello, Lieutenant. I’m sorry to tell you your case is still pending, your situation is very special, after all. I’m just here to deliver your food. I snuck in an extra chocolate bar... I'm sorry, that’s all I can do for you.”

“No problem, you’re a nice guy. It’s not your fault, anyway... but my head’s kind of aching.” Alex presses a hand to his temple. “Tell me something—you, as an outsider. Can you summarize my situation and give me your opinion?”

“Of course, Lieutenant! I’m a huge fan, after all.” The soldier straightens proudly. “The situation’s simple. That corrupt scumbag, Rear Admiral Jones, tried to forcefully obtain your unique omni-tool secrets—the ones that make you a genius and sorcerer on the battlefield. He wanted to seize your gear, right? They don’t call you the Techmage for nothing! Though, with your antique blade, some folks call you a crazy foolish berserker too.

Anyway… I think you had every right to resist. That Rear Admiral’s clearly tied to Aldrin Labs. They’re after your tech. But uh… you may have gone a bit far when you sliced off both of his arms and then used your omni-tool to burn them. I heard they barely managed to reattach them, but he’s gonna be in pain for years and has lost most of the feeling. He will be out of commission for quite some time.”

FUCK ALDRIN LABS AND THEIR SHITTY LOW-QUALITY EQUIPMENT! BASTARDS!

“Shit… why did I cut them off and then burn them? I should’ve just knocked him out and kicked him in the balls a few times or something,” Alex mutters.

“That would’ve been smarter,” the soldier agrees, “though it sounds a bit petty and cheap…. Anyway, you’re in serious trouble. That Rear Admiral’s got connections. So even with video proof that he was illegally trying to seize your equipment, your actions are being judged as excessive. You’ll definitely land in front of a military court.”

He pauses, then adds, “But… you are a hero of the Alliance. You’ve got a huge list of accomplishments protecting and securing colonies. The public’s on your side.”

“That sounds promising…” Alex says, cautiously optimistic.

“Yeah, you’re famous! The story’s already leaked. People are protesting outside the building! Nobody fights like you—your raw physical ability, your sword, your custom omni-tool... It’s incredible. I have a request—could I get your autograph? Please?”

The guard’s face turns slightly red with embarrassment.

“Sure. What’s your name?”

“Michael Connyth, Lieutenant!”

Alex then notices a pre-printed autograph photo already in Michael’s hands—one showing him brandishing his [Executioner's Blade R2], flames cloaking the massive weapon as he smirks, acting cool and mysterious.

Damn! I look cool! I don’t know if I should be grateful to the Realm for making me a famous Lieutenant... or pissed that I’m a prisoner.

Taking Michael's pen, Alex scrawls a rough signature.

“For Michael — Kerbmaster 1337!”

“There you go. I think I’ll eat this damn prison food now before it gets cold. Prison life is rough, huh? Also, thanks for the chocolate bar, Michael, I am grateful” Alex says as he begins eating the bland but tolerable meal.

Beaming, Michael holds the autograph like a treasure. “Thank you so much! Also, just for the record—this ‘prison food’ is from our canteen. You’re not really in jail after all; this is just a small holding cell. You sure like to joke around, Lieutenant. I’ll keep you updated!”

Alex nods, continuing to eat, then leans back on the hard bed to gather his thoughts.

So I’m in a holding cell inside HQ… Since the mission objective just wants me to survive, I could take the guaranteed E-rank, eat the penalty, and stay put with zero risk…

Not really my style, but it’s an option.

I could break out. Slicing through these metal bars would be like slicing butter with my Nen abilities. They even let me keep my stuff. Yeah, I’m in trouble—but the situation isn’t hopeless. Just needs a little acting.

Still, best to check if there’s a peaceful way out before I start murdering guards and forcing my way out of here.... If negotiations aren’t possible, then I’ll make my move.

Might as well get a look at this place while I’m here… EN!

Using the largest En, his current skill allows him to use, Alex scans the building. He senses only four holding cells and three guards nearby. A few other rooms flicker through the edges of his awareness.

Then, he feels it—three individuals quickly approaching the cells.

Dropping his En, Alex casually stretches out on the bed and lifts his sword with one hand, relaxed but alert.

As the three figures arrive, he glances over.

Two women he doesn’t recognize.

And a tall, older black man.

Anderson!