Chapter 1
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 1
Chapter Title: Journey's Beginning
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It's a text-based adventure eroge built on the rising CYOA genre.
CYOA, in simple terms, is a game where you build your character from a bunch of given options.
Basically, it's like an extension of the character creation fetish.
In most CYOAs, character creation is both the start and end of the game there's nothing after. But Fantasy Life stands out because it lets you progress through main story scenarios based on your choices.
Among them, Fantasy Life gets rave reviews for its tightly woven worldbuilding and diverse events.
Of course, that's just for an eroge.
I heard the buzz recently and gave it a shot.
Character: female, naturally.
I've never picked a male character in any RPG.
Even as a kid playing online games, I'd borrow my mom's social security number to roll a female character.
Why play an RPG if you're not going fem? You gay or something?
Same goes for eroge—only ones with female protags.
Next up: stats.
Fantasy Life has six in total.
Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Health, Luck, and Charm.
According to the descriptions, Strength determines damage for cold weapons and physical prowess.
Agility affects evasion, first strikes, movement range, stealth, thievery, and tricky skills.
Intelligence is for magic. Health ties to HP. Luck influences dice rolls in events and choices.
And finally, Charm.
It impacts the character's overall "beauty."
Not just looks—voice, scent, even the embarrassing bits.
[High Charm grants huge advantages in opposite-sex conversations, persuasion, intimidation, and deals. And even minor boosts with the same-sex too. Higher Charm unlocks extra choices—which could help or hurt you.]
I thought about it... then said screw it and dumped all my stat points into Charm.
Charm-maxed female protag? How do you even resist?
Plus, in this genre, most key NPCs are dudes anyway.
Not a bad pick.
As I finalized stats, a warning popped up.
[These stats will shape this character's entire life. Confirm?]
It sounded like it was scolding my flippant choice.
From the earlier read, there are no levels here.
This was my one shot to boost stats without gear or potions.
I pondered, then hit [Yes].
Next: [Traits].
[Pick positive and negative traits here.]
[Positive traits cost trait points as noted.]
[Negative traits grant trait points as noted.]
I scrolled through the traits.
Positive ones mostly boosted stats or skill levels.
Negatives were more varied—like trading max HP for points.
But the "Weaknesses" caught my eye.
'Weakness: Nipples'
[Nipples far more sensitive to stimulation. Penalties in nipple-related actions/events.]
'Weakness: Clitoris'
[Clitoris far more sensitive to stimulation. Penalties in clitoris-related actions/events.]
'Weakness: Mouth'
[Mouth far more sensitive; non-food insertions build arousal.]
'Weakness: Pussy'
[Pussy far more sensitive to stimulation. Penalties in pussy-related actions/events.]
They each gave 5, 10, 15, or 20 trait points.
Stuff I'd pick even without points—and they give 'em too?
I took them all.
Plus:
'Fool'
[Intelligence decreases.]
'Weak Will'
[Vulnerable to mental attacks.]
'Recklessness'
[You sometimes do recklessly bold things.]
'Adventurer'
[Adventure calls! Your heart overflows with pure thrill. Wait, a trap? Oops.]
'Country Girl'
[Raised in a rural village. Ignorant of worldly common sense—pure, in other words.]
'Greed'
[Half a glass? Always feels like it's not enough.]
'Bisexual'
[If you're capable, global warming hits this world too... sadly.]
'Queen'
[You're special. No real basis.]
'Dark Desire: Masochism'
[A way to live more enjoyably... or miserably.]
No magic for me, so low Intelligence is fine.
Mental spells? I could gear up with high magic resist items later.
The rest were just flavor for the character anyway.
Positive traits went to combat skills—swordsmanship, physical boosts, and more Charm.
Final build: "Swordsmanship Genius but a Hothead, weak to mental spells, adventure-loving romantic, greedy, prideful country masochist bisexual cutie."
All erogenous zones are hypersensitive too.
Mmm.
Reading it over got me hard down there naturally.
Fucking hot.
Perfect specs for an eroge heroine.
The game hasn't even started, but I could already imagine her "regrettable" fates.
[Please confirm that you've successfuly completed your choices.]
Whatever, dude.
Hit [Confirm].
Suddenly, intense light burst from the monitor, flooding my vision.
EPISODE 1: Journey's Beginning
[From a quiet rural village in the Zhar Region, you've just come of age.]
[Friends and peers marry or help family for peaceful lives. But not you.]
[The lust for Adventure burns in you, ambition too, no settling is for cowards or small-timers.]
[You learned swordplay from a wandering swordsman who visited once. Defying all, you launch your grand plan: become an adventurer.]
[You snuck out at dawn, stealing emergency funds. It was not much, but it'll do.]
[Youre parents will rage, but if you return a success and you'll be forgiven.]
[Your journey begins. Destination: Adventurer's Guild HQ in the capital.]
When I came to, I was in some tavern.
I blinked a few times.
"How did this... happen...?"
I muttered on instinct and grabbed my throat in shock.
The voice from my mouth was familiar yet alien.
I knew it was mine, but my rational mind rebelled.
Glancing at a glass bottle nearby, my reflection clicked it into place.
The face staring back was stunningly beautiful.
Sculpted perfection that made "beauty" sound humble.
Like the world's greatest artist poured every ounce of skill into it.
I'd possessed my creation.
Lia.
This would be something to love... if I hadn't min-maxed her for doom.
"Damn... there was no warning about this in the fine print...!"
I clutched my forehead, sighing.
What now?
Recklessness
[Irrational confidence surges.]
Maybe there is no need to despair.
Me—er, Lia—is a sword genius.
And has devilish Charm to wrap any man around her finger.
So what if she is a hothead, greedy and reckless? Those are just her flaws, not mine.
Whew. Calm down.
I rubbed my temples, muttering inwardly.
To sort the situation out i'll need to plan ahead.
Calm, rational, smart. I'm not Intelligence 3 IRL.
From Lia's—my—memories: she stole funds, fled home, and is heading to a nearby city.
It's late night, she rented a room here—haggled the innkeep from 6 silver down to 3 with Charm.
Not a bad call for Int 3. Props to myself.
Hell, Int 3 might be high here.
"Hey."
Lost in thought, someone approached.
A sleazy-looking guy smirked down at me.
"Are you in trouble? You were sighing like the world's ending. Spill it, I'll help."
His shitty vibe was obvious.
My ex-dude intuition read his eyes: play hero and I can score.
Guys like him get—
Greed
[Excitement boils at fleecing this mark.]
On the flip side I could use Lia's Charm to bleed him dry.
Yeah, definitely.
His obvious sleaze means I'll no guilt stripping him.
Perfect.
Practice run?
"Just words?"
He blinked, surprised.
He didn't expect me to flip the script?
But he grinned quickly.
"Nah. Have you eaten? If not, dinner and drinks are on me. For the company."
"That's it?"
"What else?"
"I blew most my cash on the room. I'm worried it'll crimp my travels."
"Tough break. I can spot you that—for a cutie like you."
It was easier than expected.
This ain't even a tutorial.
"Thanks, then."
"No biggie. I spoil girls I like."
He sat across, oily as hell.
We ordered food, and then started prying.
I mixed truth and lies smoothly.
Words flowed easily —it even surprised me.
IRL I'm no silver tongue.
Right—Charm boosts dialogue.
All-in Charm pays off.
The food arrived soon.
"I'll grab it. Stay put."
The guy—Id, he said—went to the counter.
I watched him fetch the tray.
Perception: Agility
[Agility check: Success.]
[You notice the target's suspicious move.]
He pulled something from his pocket, dumped it in a glass.
White powder.
It was a quick move— I would of missed it if I was not watching sharply.
What? Drugging me?
I thought he was just horny— but he's a total scumbag.
"Sorry for the wait."
He sat, and slid the spiked glass my way.
"A toast before eating?"
He raised his.
I glared, pissed.
Thick-skinned bastard— he just acts like nothing happened.
Fine.
Scum like you—
Greed
[Intelligence check: Fail. Greed overrides judgment.]
Queen
[Intelligence check: Fail. Greed check: Success. Greed intensifies richly.]
[You get duped? Nah. He's a pathetic mark—who thinks he's hot shit. Call him out publicly? Might earn grudge-born resentment. Then no wallet. Play along smart—you saw his trick, not weak enough for cheap drugs.
Plus, his "generous" food/drink? Priciest on the menu.]
I paused mid-retort.
Wait— I an't fleece this idiot then.
What if he bolts and the Innkeep bills me?
Plus I made a solid Health investment— with decent resistance.
If the resist check passes, there is no issue.
If I fail? It is still easy to drop this weak-looking trash mob.
Okay.
Let's squeeze him dry, then punish him.
"What's up?"
"Nothing."
I flashed a sweet smile, and lifted the glass.
"Cheers."
"Cheers."