Kays Translations

Chapter 62: Takumi’s New Skill

　I remember when I came to this world.

　Back then, I was feeling my way through, but now things are different.

Before developing skills, let’s confirm the rules of this world.

・Skills are composed of “Skill Elements”.

・You can only acquire skills that are related to your “occupation”.

・The performance and effects of skills are greatly influenced by the user’s imagination.

　The third “hidden rule” is especially important.

If you think something is impossible for yourself, it will also be impossible with skills.

On the contrary, if you believe you can do it, the skill will have that effect.

Next, let’s confirm my “Skill Elements.”

・’Contact/Touch’ Increases the effect on the target being touched.

・’Change/Alteration’ The effect of alteration.

・’Letter/Character’ The effect of the character.

　Looking back now, this abstract explanation must be the key.

How should I interpret this explanation?

Should I take a broad or narrow approach?

For me, who knows the “hidden rules,” it’s like divine settings, but for those who don’t know, it could be a trap.

I’m going to become an idiot from now on.

Don’t think logically. Think with nonsense logic.

Aliens exist! You can’t prove they don’t.

There are demons, dwarves, and elves too.

Even monsters exist.

…Thinking like that, anything really is possible.

Alright! Let’s go.

Keep up the pace, don’t think too deeply.

I’ll learn from Arthur.

The first thing that comes to mind is…

　The basic of basics, “ping”.

　It’s a tool used to check if there’s a response from a computer or smartphone connected to the network.

I’ll think of the Demon King as a computer.

His movements are too fast to follow with the naked eye.

So, while activating the “Ping” skill, I’ll be able to sense where the opponent is.

Alright, let’s go with this image!

Hmm… What about the IP address?

When using “Ping,” you need to specify the IP address, which can be called the computer’s address.

There’s also the option of name resolution, but network scanning seems more appropriate.

　It is a tool to check the IP address of PCs or computers on the network.

　First, I’ll use the “Scan” skill to gather information about my surroundings.

The “Ping” skill will be used on the obtained information to target the opponent.

So far, these ideas are related to my occupation as a “hacker.”

Next, I’ll connect the “Contact,” “Alteration,” and “Character” elements of skill, which are the basis of my skills.

I’m not sure if it’s necessary to involve all the skill elements in the skills, but it feels like the more they are related, the better the performance of the skill becomes.

First, I’ll associate the network imagery with the “Contact” skill element and consider it as contact through the ground.

While using the skill, it won’t have any effect on opponents in the air, but that can’t be helped.

I also thought of the brilliant idea of Wi-Fi, but it deviates from the concept of “Contact,” so I won’t use it.

　The result of “Scan” is to obtain information about targets connected to me.

The information will be displayed using “Letter.”

As for the range… If it’s broad, it will take longer to gather information, while if it’s narrow, the gathering time will be shorter.

　It feels quite fitting. I’ll make this range a skill that can be “Altered.”

“Ping” sends a communication request for a response to the target obtained through “Scan.”

The response time will be displayed using “Glyph.”

If the response time is short, it means the target is nearby, and if it’s long, it means the target is far away.

Just displaying it as text won’t be useful during combat. There won’t be time to read it.

So, I’ll “Alter” it in my mind and change it to colors.

For example, a deep red for close proximity and a light red for a distant target.

If the opponent appears right behind me, I’ll imagine a strong red display in my mind, indicating their presence.

The image has solidified.

Phew… I take a deep breath and close my eyes.

　I focused my attention on the soles of my feet that were in contact with the ground.

　The target is people.

　I’m searching for a person on the network called the ground.

I let my consciousness spread in all directions from my center.

　——After 5 minutes, the results of the ‘Scan’ were displayed in front of me.

[Range] Within the compartment

[Target number] 1

[Target] Mia

　Ohhhh! did it. It’s been a while I felt this way!

　But calm down. The next skill needs to be used consecutively.

I focus on the target mentioned in the target field, “Mia,” and imagine using “Ping.”

I also envision the ground as a network.

Then, I close my eyes and send a response request to Mia in my mind, waiting for a reply.

　——Five minutes passed. Inside my head, a dark red blur appeared in front of me.

　When I opened my eyes, Mia was standing in front of me.

“I did it! I did it. Mia!”

“Hey, calm down. What’s going on? I felt a strong presence from Takumi and came here.”

“Huh? How about now?”

“Ah, it’s gone. The strange feeling I had earlier is gone.”

……It seems that “Ping” somehow reveals itself to the target.

I explained it to Mia, telling her that I would summarize everything later.

Right now, time is crucial for both of us.

Let’s check the status right away.

——

Name: Arai Takumi

Occupation: Hacker

Level: 45 (New)

HP: 450/450 (New)

SP: 448/450 (New)

Elements of Skill: Touch, Letter, Change

skill:

　Analysis, Tampering, and Spoofing

　Scan (New), Ping (New)

——

　Alright! They’ve been properly added to the skill list.

I want to test various things, but for now, I’ll wait.

While I was thinking about the “Scan” skill, another skill came to mind.

“The Router.” Its main function is used when connecting to different networks.

When leaving the home network and accessing the Internet, the “Router” guides the way.

Kukukukuku. It’s not like I’m imitating the laughter of a demon king, but this skill is quite useful.

　And I even have an image of it evolving.

　——After a while, I acquired the skill “Router.”

I also need time to verify the skill and the “Pomegranate Stone.”

For now, I’ll stop developing skills.

I should also check on Mia’s condition.

“Mia, how are you doing?”

Huh? Where did she go?

There was no response when I called out to her.

I can’t find Mia anywhere. That’s ridiculous.

I searched the area where Mia was.

Then, I noticed something strange.

　……It wasn’t like that until a while ago.

　I was at a loss for words at the sight.

In front of me, there was a huge crack, one so vast that I couldn’t see the bottom.

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