Terraforming Epilogue

"Hoo..."

Now that Terraforming was complete, the number of novels I could enter had increased by one. No need to agonize over it right now. It wasn't urgent.

I opened the shop window.

"Aha. So that's why Anzelli called it a loophole."

Just as she said, it clicked instantly. The Completed Worldview Time Ratio Adjustment only cost a measly 10 Karma. No hesitation—I bought the function right away.

Only 10 Karma spent, and I'd unlocked a new function. One that could speed up time flow up to fivefold. Not sure where fast-forwarding time while I was away would come in handy, but having it wasn't a bad thing.

I adjusted the system window and locked the ratio at 0:0. It was the most convenient option.

"Can't afford Inventory Consolidation just yet... Way too pricey."

This was a function that'd be useful immediately if unlocked. No changing that it was something to look forward to. Slowly saving up Karma, I'd definitely hit 50,000 someday. I'd gathered that much once before already.

"Plus, the completion reward boosted regular quest rewards by 50%."

While the shop was open, I checked the new items added. Disappointingly, not many sundries or consumables had been added. Terraforming's backdrop was fantasy, but the society built by modern Earthlings explained it. A few armors made from monster hides stood out, for instance...

"White Ape Monkey Leather Armor being the priciest means it's the best, huh."

I already had White Ape Monkey Leather Armor, so there wasn't much worth buying. But that disappointment soon turned to satisfaction.

Thanks to the new skills in the skill shop.

"...Fucking expensive, as expected."

True to their fantasy flair, the skills commanded sky-high prices. Especially Subspace—I'd pinned big hopes on it, so not being able to buy it right away stung. Chris used it, and it looked insanely useful...

Three of the four skills were ones I knew well. Checking their details confirmed they matched what I remembered perfectly.

But one was brand new.

"Dash?"

The description made it clear what kind of skill it was. I hadn't seen it myself, but I realized who had it.

"Tom, the youngest staffer at the Northern Training Camp—he had a skill like this, right?"

It didn't kick in instantly, and the cap was just 1.5x, so it seemed kinda meh... But at 10,000 Karma, it was worth considering. Plus, 1.5x might sound low on paper, but in reality, it'd be huge. From 50 km/h to 75 km/h, say. And who knew what leveling up would add?

Take Subspace—even at 0Lv, it didn't seem that great. I had Inventory as a solid substitute. But through self-application and upgrades, it evolved into something ridiculous.

I had about 28,000 Karma now. A bit more saving, and Fireball was mine.

"...Putting it on hold for now. Neither's urgent... Might as well save for Subspace first."

Brainwash needed more thought. Its base effect wasn't amazing, but the real issue was no level-ups possible. It'd never evolve beyond this, no matter the time. And at 70,000 Karma, it was a no-go in my broke state.

"Never say never—might come in handy later."

But was this all the unlocked skills? Just four? "Doesn't add up... The Shelter's got over ten thousand people?"

Even for rare skill awakenings, four was too few. But there was hope. All four were skills I recognized. Meeting someone new and learning their skill would likely register it here.

"Thought finishing the novel meant I'd barely come back here anymore... Changes things."

I'd have to patrol the twelve districts, checking for skill users. Awakenings seemed more common among Combatants with fast ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠mana awakenings. Shelter residents needed a thorough sweep too, plus watching the hundred monthly newbies for ability awakenings.

"Shop unlock list seems sorted. One thing left..."

Finally, check the completion reward: Party Member Designation.

The name gave it away. From my chat with Anzelli, it was for bringing novel characters to Earth.

That had to be it.

No detailed explanation puzzled me at first. Then a familiar chime brought up a system window with the info.

"As expected... Lucky this came as a completion reward. It was top priority to unlock."

No question who to designate: Chris. Couldn't keep entering Terraforming just to see her. No one more trustworthy, and she was strong enough to pull her weight. Even if she came at me with her abilities full throttle, victory wasn't guaranteed.

She'd be a huge help going forward.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Completion reward had shifted from 30,000 Karma to this unlock. Party Member Designation 1Lv probably cost at least 50,000—maybe 60,000. Unbuyable otherwise.

'Gotta find Chris.'

Actually perfect. I'd agonized over explaining dimension travel—showing her directly minimized talk. Of course, keep secret that she's based on a novel character. She was real, flesh and blood. No need to confuse her identity.

Just say I travel dimensions and know basic lore of those worlds. Should be convincing enough.

'Even if not at first, experiencing it will convince her.'

Oh. Almost forgot. Prep on Earth before fetching Chris.

I returned to Earth, finished preparations, then re-entered Terraforming to find her.

*

The Shelter was still chaotic in the battle's aftermath... Chris, top Combatant in District 11, rushed about everywhere. Seeing her so busy pricked my carefree conscience a bit.

Still, even swamped, she could spare a moment for her lover. Non-Combatants were busier anyway.

I flagged down the bustling Chris and headed to her room. No eavesdroppers—everyone seemed distracted.

I spoke softly to Chris gazing at me.

"Hey... Battle adrenaline's still got me hungry too, but everyone's busy now... How about another day?"

"...What're you talking about?"

"Huh? Isn't that why I asked to your room? For, y'know...?"

"That? ...You mean sex?"

"N-no?! Ugh... I was so sure..."

"...Totally off base."

I gave Chris a baffled look. We'd had our most intense sex yet last night—pre-battle, she'd demanded it fiercely. From her view, not even 12 hours since we tangled hot and heavy...

"Hungry? Chris, you saying you wanna now...?"

"Eek...! Enough—get to the point! So what's the point?!"

Tempted to pry, but the real talk was serious, so I let it slide. Opportunities to tease my soft-spot-filled Chris were endless anyway.

"Chris."

"Yeah?"

"You trust me?"

"...Outta nowhere, what?"

"Answer?"

"...O-of course..."

-

Stroke. Slooow stroke.

Her shy, creeping reply was adorable—I rewarded her by neatening her hair. Was it from repeating this so often to train her? Early on, Chris barely reacted to the affection. Now, she visibly lit up at the gentle touch.

"Wh-what...?"

I manipulated the system to add 'Chris Bennett [Instructor]' as my party member. No immediate change.

Hm... Leveling Party Member Designation might add whispers between members or crisis alerts from afar. Didn't expect much from 1Lv.

For now, seeing her on Earth was enough.

"You know I have secrets I haven't told you?"

"...The leg wound healing back then, and having two abilities?"

"Yeah. Time to spill."

"How huge a secret to hide this long?"

"Not hiding—just complicated to explain. Not anymore."

"Huh?"

"Wanna go back to Earth?"

"Duh... Yeah? Dangerous aside, too inconvenient. Kinda used to it now, though."

"Right?"

-

Stroke.

I took Chris's hand gently, so she wouldn't panic. Puzzled but firm, she gripped back.

'Told Anzelli, so should be fine.'

Just back from Earth, I'd warned her Chris was coming. Invisible to other humans, probably.

With my free hand, I opened the status window for the return portal.

-

Tilt?

Chris cocked her head at me poking thin air. Sadly, the protruding window blocked the cute sight quick.

I switched [Not Selected] to [Selected]. Hitting [Yes] would take us back together.

"Whoa? S-suddenly feels weird..."

"It's fine. Don't freak."

The familiar dizziness enveloped us. I squeezed Chris's hand to reassure her.

Soon, darkness claimed my mind.