Prologue
Prologue
January 1st, morning of the new year.
The protagonist was just finishing their convenience store part-time shift and heading home.
I am Lee Asuda.
'Sigh... I need to get home quickly, eat, and sleep.'
While others were enjoying the New Year's atmosphere from the start of the year, unfortunately, I had to work until the early hours of New Year's morning.
Crash!
It seems I just got hit by an isekai reincarnation truck.
Because I clearly remember the truck charging at me, but I have no memory after that.
And then, text began to unfold in the empty space before me, just like the introduction of a game.
Ding.
[You have been reincarnated into Earth No. 6974, filled with super-powered individuals, and must prevent the world's destruction.]
[All minors in this world grow up in Academy City and can only leave once they become adults.]
...I wish I had realized something was strange at this point.
[You have just become an adult and are about to leave Academy City's outskirts. Once you decide your ability settings, the transfer will begin.]
Before my eyes, various options had suddenly appeared. However, it seemed I couldn't choose every minute detail of the abilities.
'Hmm... First, should I choose [Transformation Type] for my ability? Since I don't know what the future holds...'
If I end up in another world and, due to unavoidable circumstances, become a villain, I need to protect my human rights.
Next appeared the settings for difficulty and ability grade.
[Difficulty (Cannot be changed): HARD]
[Recommended ability grade: S-Rank]
[Current grade: B (※Warning: The grade is low for the difficulty. Set restrictions to strengthen your ability.)]
Following the warning, I began setting various restrictions.
'It seems I can raise the grade by one level for every two restrictions. First, I'll add [Growth Type] and [Increased Quest Difficulty]... But won't this make things too hard?'
After choosing the most manageable-looking options, the remaining choices were only restrictions that endangered my life, turned me into a villain, caused mental strain, or were random restrictions.
'Choosing ones that are too dangerous or make me a villain feels a bit... And the mental restrictions that might give me depression—I can't guarantee my mental state.'
Lee Asuda was fairly good at self-objectification.
'The ones that seem somewhat doable are [Random Special Constitution], [Random Emotion Removal], and [Optimized Custom]. Let's go with these.'
[Optimized Custom] stood out because, unlike the others which had brief one-line descriptions, its description was uniquely detailed.
[Optimized Custom]: Utilizing cutting-edge algorithms that actively reflect the user's preferences, we provide abilities and restrictions perfectly tailored to you! Others might find it a significant restriction, but you will likely adapt to it without much difficulty. Be sure to check out this special benefit, which is practically free compared to other restrictions.
It felt suspicious, as if it was urging me to choose it, but I selected it anyway. After applying 5 restrictions, I checked the grade.
[Current grade: S+ ]
'Having a grade slightly higher than the recommended one should make it easier to survive, right?'
To enjoy a happy and safe isekai life, I needed insurance, and it seemed this grade was necessary. Thus, I finalized my decisions.
And so, my second life began.