NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 2: Going out for a walk
"Man, this situation is way worse than I thought…"
After receiving the rewards, I took some time to check the condition of this body's life.
And well, folks, things aren't easy.
First of all, the apartment Akira lives in is pretty modern, and honestly, a bit luxurious. From what I understand, Akira's parents were financially well-off, enough to provide a place like this for me.
The problem is: how am I supposed to keep living at this high standard working just a part-time job? That's basically impossible.
"Decisions, decisions. What should I do?"
As dumb as it sounds, I took some time to explore the apartment. And what can I say? This place is amazing! For a single guy, this apartment is more than perfect—and I've started to really like it.
"I want to stay here. But… I'll need to work hard to keep this place."
Maybe it's just my attachment talking, but whatever. In the end, the only one who'll get tired from all this effort is me.
But there's another issue that's weighing me down: going back to school.
In my past life, I already went through that—or rather, I survived it. But now, having to face that social hell again just seems insane.
What if people realize I'm not the same?
What if they pick fights with me?
What if they make me into the weird, isolated guy?
Well… I already am.
But what if I just can't handle it?
It might sound pathetic, but one of the biggest problems in my life is dealing with people.
I can't control their actions, their thoughts, or force anyone to like me…
In the end, I'm just afraid of how people will react to me.
It's not like I don't want friends or anything—I just can't fully trust anyone.
"Yeah… I think this'll be the hardest part."
---
[The Host needs some self-help.
Daily Mission – Try to be a better person.
Start by doing something simple, like going out for a walk. It'll help relieve some stress.
Reward: ¥1000]
"Well, talk about ruining the mood out of nowhere."
Still… a thousand yen just for walking a bit? Sounds like a sweet deal. And it might actually help me calm down.
Grabbing a bottle of water, Akira leaves his apartment, heads to the elevator, and steps outside for a walk.
Akira's building is in a great location—a quiet neighborhood with a park nearby.
"Conveniently perfect."
Without paying much attention to the details, Akira goes for a light walk, feeling the breeze softly brush his face and ease his mind.
"Yeah… getting out does help."
It feels like my worries faded away.
It's not like they disappeared, I just… feel lighter? Less anxious?
I don't know exactly, but I think I'm feeling a bit calmer now.
After walking a little longer, Akira receives the reward money from the system.
Then, a question pops into his mind.
"Hey system, where does this money go?"
[The money is transferred directly to your bank account.]
Excellent.
Good to know there's no bureaucracy or weird steps to get the money.
Still, money and school are my biggest concerns right now.
What should I do?
"Overthinking will just make me more anxious. Let's take things easy."
No point in acting without knowing what to do. Worrying won't help.
Still walking, Akira sets a destination in mind—a convenience store.
All this thinking made him hungry, so buying something to eat would only make him feel better.
Just as he's about to reach the store, raindrops start to fall.
"Seriously? Rain now!? Good thing I'm close to the store."
Quickening his pace, Akira rushes inside to take cover.
Looking for instant food, Akira finds a flavor he likes.
"Since I'm already here, I'll buy an umbrella too."
With the store nearly empty, only Akira walks around the aisles—when suddenly a thought hits him.
"Wait a sec… shouldn't I be at school right now?"
Great. More trouble for tomorrow.
Not only do I have social issues, now I also need to explain why I missed class.
Still, thinking about it now won't help. I mean, I couldn't even be at school today—I was literally transported to this world.
It was something completely out of my control.
After paying for the food and umbrella, Akira heads back to his apartment.
Walking in the rain, Akira sees several students making their way home.
Some walking in pairs, some couples, some friends.
Sigh.
The sight makes Akira wonder how nice it must feel to be like that.
But that's not for me. That's not my world.
Picking up his pace, Akira walks the rest of the way in record time.
Just as he's about to reach his building, a surprise pops up.
---
[Help others and you shall be helped!
Help the lonely girl in the rain.
I know this might be a bit tough for you, but maybe… you won't regret it.
Reward: ???]
"Now I have to help others too?
This is really starting to get hard…"