In a spacious room bathed in a gentle warmth that seemed to defy the cold outside—where snow blanketed the streets and cloaked the city in a suffocating white silence—I sat on a comfortable chair beside the window, staring outside with a vacant look, like someone in dumbfounded awe.
To anyone else, I probably looked like I was staring into nothingness—lost in a void.
But to me... I was seeing something strange. Something bizarre.
┃ Status Screen ┃
Name: ####
Identity: Supporting Villain – Rank C-
Reputation: Pathetic
Mental State: On the Verge of Breakdown
Energy: 3%
Unique Skill: Master of Matter (Unstable)
Combat Experience: 17%
Current Quests:
– Stay alive until the end of the month (Recurring Quest)
The screen floated before me with sleek black edges, not reflecting what lay behind it, but displaying something entirely different.
This was the system... the entity supposedly meant to help me survive.
I read what was written on the screen in front of me, then kept staring at it, lost in thought.
There was no indication of mana within me.
No magic energy, no mana measurement, nothing.
In the original novel, even though the body's previous owner was a failure, at least he had mana.
But what exactly is this "Master of Matter" ability?
I tried touching the screen floating in front of me, but it wasn't real... my hand passed through it like light.
Ding!!
[Host, you can control the system through thought.]
Ah, so that's how it works.
I closed my eyes and focused on "Master of Matter."
Sure enough, a new screen appeared.
Even with my eyes shut, it remained visible.
┃ Master of Matter ┃
This ability allows you full control over the composition, movement, shape, and state of matter around you within an 8-meter radius.
Activating the ability requires at least 10% energy.
Energy consumption varies based on the size and complexity of the material altered.
You cannot affect matter inside the human body.
Any attempt to do so will backfire on the host.
You cannot manipulate materials within enchanted weapons or anything that contains mana.
The host must maintain mental stability... as losing emotional balance may cause the ability to go out of control.
I read the text over and over, making sure I wasn't dreaming.
What I'd just read meant I possessed one of the strongest abilities in this world... almost.
Despite the conditions and drawbacks, if I used it wisely, I could survive—maybe even excel.
In Heir of the Sword Master, the protagonist had a similar system, though it was far more straightforward.
His system showed stats, growth, even hints.
But my system... only gave me a strange list: energy, mental state, skill, identity, combat experience.
What does "energy" even mean? And why is it only 3%?
Should I ask the system?
Ding!
[Due to the host's situation, three question tokens have been granted.
You may use them to ask questions.
A token is only consumed if the system answers.
If the system cannot answer, the token will not be used.]
A new window appeared confirming I had only three chances.
Three questions... no more.
Should I ask how to return to Earth? Or about my current condition?
Too many questions, too few answers.
I decided to save the tokens for critical moments—but I'd use one now.
"System... can I return to Earth?"
[Unable to answer.]
[Token not consumed.]
[Remaining Tokens: 3]
Just as I thought...
Whoever brought me to this world clearly doesn't want me to return until I've fulfilled my purpose.
No hints, not yet—not until I start moving.
I took a deep breath, then asked the second question.
"System... what does 'energy' mean?"
Ding!
[Due to the host being an anomaly in this world, you cannot use magical power.
Therefore, "mana" has been replaced with the concept of "energy."
Energy includes physical strength, mental clarity, planning ability, intelligence, focus, etc.
In short, the host cannot use magic.
However, by developing energy through completing quests, the host can become superhuman.
At high energy levels, additional abilities may be granted—
But these will require a strong body and high mental control.]
After reading the message, I was hit with an overwhelming urge to jump out the window.
Lacking mana in a magic-driven world is a disaster.
I'll be shunned, cast aside—maybe even expelled from the family.
The original owner of this body despised the poor to a sickening degree, and worshipped wealth and noble blood.
No wonder I'm feeling uneasy.
But that doesn't matter now.
What matters... is keeping anyone from discovering that I have no mana.
If they find out, I might be kicked out—or worse, killed.
Run away?
Pointless... I'm not allowed to leave.
There are restrictions placed on the original owner due to his past behavior.
One of them is being confined to the family's territory—specifically the estate.
And even if I did escape, I don't have the strength to survive.
My ability is locked until my energy reaches at least 10%.
And right now, it's only 3%.
Damn it...
This world wants me gone.
No time to sulk.
I need to find a solution—fast.
If I don't, I'll be erased within a week... maybe two.
As I was lost in thought, someone knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock...
"Sir Sisyphus."
A female voice came from behind the door.
"Lord Hendrik requests your presence."
***
If you're reading this right now...
Leave a comment, even if it's negative.
I just want to know—
Is anyone actually reading what I write?