(It takes place on the first day of school, after Ayanokouji helped Sudou at the grocery store.)

Before going to the hostel, I decided to go to the mall, where there was an electronics store with an item of interest to me. I was curious about the cost of VR equipment, since I had not previously had to pay money for it, and it was used for "other" purposes. Given the amount of technology invested, its cost must be prohibitive. However, due to the development of mass production technology, hope did not leave me.

As I walked towards the mall, I thought that even though its popularity has fallen dramatically lately, YGGRDRASYL is the only thing that can connect me with my peers. Maybe that would be my only way to make friends among my classmates. If I had said this in the introduction, perhaps the situation would have been different. After all, virtual games are quite popular among teenagers, right? After collecting some information, I found that approximately 27 percent of the country's population has been in virtual reality (a made-up number, if anything), and most of this group were teenagers and young adults.

For many people, YGGDRASIL was a way to kill time and have fun, while for me, it was one of the few things I enjoyed in life along with reading and playing the piano. I appreciated every second spent in this game. However, in two months YGGDRASIL will cease to exist. A huge world that inspired me with its colors. I hoped to spend this game on the last journey, because my peaceful life would be in jeopardy when "that person" starts to make moves.

Thinking about my situation, I came to the entrance of the electronics store. This place was surprisingly crowded. Around were shelves with various goods, including telephones, televisions and other equipment. I saw several classmates choosing different devices for themselves. Most notable were a girl with pink hair and glasses at the camera stand who missed the show, and two guys, Ike Kanji and Yamauchi Haruki choosing a VR helmet. My hope has increased. I was about to approach them for help choosing a VR headset, however, I saw another student from my class. The student had a heavy build and wore glasses. It was my classmate, Sotomura Hideo . It was clear from his introduction in class that he was well versed in modern technology, so I began to approach him.

" Eh.. Mm , Sotomura ?"

"Oh, isn't that Ayanokouji-dono ?" He answered me.

Sotomura had an odd way of speaking for a high school student, but I didn't think that was a bad thing. On the contrary, it gave him a special charisma.

"I'm surprised you remembered my name"

It's true, if you look at my introduction from the outside, it attracted absolutely no attention. Most people will just forget me. However, Sotomura kept a close eye on everyone in the class, or was that another reason?

"I couldn't forget someone who takes the place of the main character. Looks like you've come to choose your own too, Ayanokouji-dono , and you need some expert advice."

Sotomura perfectly understood my intentions, then moved his glasses, causing a glimmer of light. It looked like some kind of special effect.

And what about the place of the main character? What does it mean?

"You're right, uh, I was looking for an inexpensive VR headset but never bought one before, although I've used it for a while"

"Understood, I will help you choose this device, Ayanokouji-dono . For what purpose do you plan to use it? This will help determine the right model."

I have detailed the purpose of use. Sotomura shed tears when I told him about YGGDRASIL , it looks like I'm not the only one who felt like this before the end of the games. He also played this game for a while, although he did not feel affection for it, preferring a different type of game.

I looked at various options, the choice was quite large. Japan was famous for the production of various gaming equipment, including VR helmets, so the prices were surprisingly affordable, I chose a model for 60 thousand points (I know this is too cheap, but for the convenience of the plot I did this). Such a waste seems excessive considering the nature of this school, however I went for it anyway. Watching Sudou and the senpais fight , I realized that there must be many ways to earn points in this school, including blackmail, gambling, or just doing a favor. However, the first option was out of the question for me, even if the chance of losing is small, I cannot risk it. After thanking Sotomura , I walked towards the dorm, leaving him to chat with Ike and Yamauchi .

After analyzing the brochure on various nuances given to me by the head of the hostel, I started my way to my room 401. My room covered an area of 8 tatami mats, not including the bathroom. Looking around the room, I noticed a table with a laptop, as well as a single bed. The government spared no money for this school, which made me very happy.

When I unpacked the box with the helmet, I saw a device that looked like goggles, painted black. I started looking at device parameters out of curiosity. I realized that this model was weaker than the one I used before, this was not surprising and did not bother me. There were no cameras in the room, so you could finally relax. I lay on my back, looking up at the ceiling. Thinking about my life, I was happy. Freedom. In that cold place, I only experienced this feeling in virtual reality, where I spent much more time than in the real world. However, now I can enjoy this waking dream. It was exciting. Unintentionally, I smiled.

(Two months passed, Ayanokouji helped with the study group, discovered Kushida's dark side on the rooftop, and got into a fight with Manabu , borrowing some points from him in exchange for a favor to save Sudo later . Ayanokouji was enjoying his life, spending almost no time on YGGDRASIL )

The results of the midterm exam were announced today. Thanks to the efforts of Kushida and Horikita , the entire class, with the exception of Sudo , managed to score the required points. Thanks to the credits I borrowed from the student council president, I was able to confirm another S -system theory while preventing my classmate from being expelled. However, I did not feel joy, instead I felt a slight melancholy when I returned to the hostel. Coincidentally, today was that day. The world that first gave me freedom will disappear forever. I planned to spend the whole evening in the game, enjoying it for the last time.

It was about 5 pm, with a slight sad smile, I took out the key card from my room. However, a very unpleasant surprise awaited me. The door was not locked, opening it, I saw several pairs of shoes at the entrance. There were three idiots in my room, Horikita and Kushida . Chip bags and bottles of soda were strewn across the floor. It seems that my plans failed, I sighed slightly in annoyance.

"What are you doing in my room?"

"Oh, Ayanokouji ! we are celebrating the successful passing of exams!" Ike said this with a joyful look.

"That doesn't answer my question, why in my room? And how did you even get here?

"Since your room is clean, we decided to take it until late tonight! I asked that we make copies of your room key card," Yamauchi answered proudly .

So it was possible? This is a violation of privacy. Is this considered normal among teenagers?

"I have plans tonight in my room, so please take other rooms, like Horikita 's room. " After my words, I felt a sharp look in my direction and shuddered.

"Unusual to see you so annoyed, what happened?" Horikita noticed subtle changes in my behavior. Not that I'm hiding.

"Like I said, I have plans for tonight and you are ruining them. Don't forget to return the key cards when you leave.

"If it causes discomfort, I will return it, Ayanokouji -kun . But what are those plans for tonight? Have you invited a girl? Kushida chuckled playfully.

I bet she likes to inconvenience me now, especially after I discovered her dark side.

"I won't return! I paid 5,000 points for it!" Sudo yelled .

But who made you buy it? I paid 50 thousand points for you, and I do not demand anything in return. However, I kept silent.

"And how does such a gloomy bastard have a girlfriend! It's so unfair!" Ike and Yamauchi were in agony.

Sigh. This is starting to get troublesome. If things go this way, I will never kick them out of my room. Even on the first day, Sotomura showed me respect and compassion after explaining the situation. Perhaps by telling the truth, I can look convincing to at least three idiots who are also into games. After all, it is normal for a teenager to play virtual games. Having made up my mind, I sighed again.

"I'll tell you my plans"

I began my story effectively mixing truth and lies. I told them that I had strict parents who used my time effectively. When they bought me a virtual immersion device for my studies, I discovered YGGDRASIL . A place where I could do what I wanted, a game with a big world for me to explore. For persuasion, I showed my diving helmet. And today was the last day of the existence of the game and at exactly midnight the servers will be closed. After finishing my story with information about my plans for the evening, I looked around. As expected, the three idiots shed tears. Horikita looked oddly interested. She seemed to be paying attention to part of the story about strict parents. Kushida looked happy. She was glad to know someone's secret, especially the person she hates. I didn't have any concerns about it.

"Dude, this is so sad!" Yamauchi spoke through his tears .

"Sorry Ayanokouji ! We didn't think of it that way." Sudou sympathized .

"Fine! I have an idea!" Ike suddenly screamed .

When all attention turned to him, he voiced his thoughts.

"How about we all go into this game together as an apology? Sudou and Yamauchi , do you still have your VR headsets?" Many students in our class sold expensive items and received 0 private points.

"It's okay, I'll be comfortable alone, but thanks." I quickly replied.

"That's a great idea, Ike . I'll join too." Sudo said . Yamauchi nodded in agreement.

"So be it, I don't mind wasting one evening"

After these words, everyone widened their eyes, including me. It was so shocking to hear those words from Horikita , who was blindly devoted to her studies. Moreover, I did not expect that she would also have a VR helmet.

"What's happened? I use immersion for martial arts training." Horikita noticed our glances and immediately responded.

It seems that Horikita subconsciously began to see me as a friend, I was a little happy.

"Well, since Horikita - san will be joining, I will be with you too! True, I have to go to the mall in the gaming area, but I'm glad! Kushida replied with a dazzling smile.

Honestly, I did not expect such enthusiasm. Maybe today will make us much closer as friends. I smiled a little and looked at them.

"Thank you"

Upon entering the game, I found myself in my room on the 9th floor of the Great Tomb of Nazarick , the base of the Ainz Guild oal Gown . My room contained a rich double bed, an oak-coloured nightstand adjacent to it with patterned gold handles. It also had expensive wardrobes with various clothes, shelves with equipment and a door to the bathroom. The game interface and the inscription "AYANOKOUJI LV.100" appeared in front of me.

Before leaving, I am my world subject . As I leave the room, I'm still amazed at the beauty of this place, from the NPCs that were created to the environment design, comparable to the world's finest masterpieces, though it pales in comparison to my first impression. This place was created by talented designers and programmers with great enthusiasm. Being inside these walls, I saw the hard work in every detail, even though my contribution was small. Around me were several maids in rich costumes, each with a high degree of protection.

"Eh.. Hi." I awkwardly raised my hand.

Using the ring, I teleported to the Hall of the Round Table, where forty-one ornate chairs stood with particular grace around an obsidian table. Sitting on my chair, I began to expect a connection with my classmates, to whom I reported my connection data. Starting to look around, my eyes fell on the wall to my left. There was a symbol of Ainz's guild oal Gown , "the staff of Ainz oal Gown ". It was a beautiful golden staff, richly decorated with various designs, as well as seven multi-colored divine grade stones in the mouth of snakes, created not only for beauty, but also giving the staff great strength. Unfortunately, it is beyond my control, since only the head of the guild can use it.

All of a sudden I got an in-game notification to join a group voice chat. Without hesitation, I accepted it.

"Hello Ayanokouji !" I heard Ike 's cheerful voice .

Looking at the list, I saw a list of seven nicknames and levels, including mine. There must be six of us, right?

AYANOKOUJI LV.100 _

professorRR LV.100 _

YAMAGOD LV.23

Kushida LV.1

Horikita LV.1

Soodog LV.34 _

Boober LV.41 _

Based on the levels, it can be concluded that Horikita and Kushida entered the game for the first time. Sudo , Ike , Yamauchi tried the game but didn't play it as often. Perhaps they were constantly killed, which led to the loss of levels. The last person was a good player who was able to reach the maximum and keep this result, and I knew who it was.

".. Hello everyone." I awkwardly greeted Ike and the rest of the people.

As they greeted me in turn, I heard the last, expected voice.

"Greetings, Ayanokouji-dono . I could not help but stay with you until the end at this sad hour.

It was Sotomura Hideo , my classmate nicknamed "Professor" and the second highest level player in the group. He helped me choose the equipment and I was a little glad that he also decided to join.

"So where can we meet? Let's have some fun together." Ike asked the right question.

After a little consideration, we decided to meet in the large city of Helheim , which was located at the starting location. It was usually used for trade. In this place, it was impossible to harm each other regardless of race, it was easy to get to, so it was perfect. We had to help Kushida and Horikita get to their destination as they had little information about the game. As we gathered in the center of the city, I looked around at my companions.

Based on my observations, Kushida and Horikita chose the most popular race of people to play without spending time customizing appearances, choosing their own. Their clothing was a leather jacket and pants, as well as a pouch on the belt. Such equipment was issued to beginners.

While Ike chose a heteromorph , a brain-eater, an ugly monster with tentacles. He was wearing a strange, tattered purple robe. The girls distanced themselves from him, I bet their faces were twisted in disgust.

Yamauchi chose a race of goblins that belonged to demi-humans. To be honest, he looked like he was in the real world, but with green skin. The coincidences can be weird.

The character Sudou was of a werewolf race, having a human appearance with red wolf ears added, wearing leather armor with metal inserts. I rated it as a rather severe sight.

The professor was human in appearance, wore an expensive tuxedo, black gloves, and a fancy rifle on his back, his eyes were green with a cross, and he wore goggles over them. Perhaps he belonged to a semi-automatic race.

At the moment, my character had the same appearance as the body in the real world, a little taller. I chose a thin beige leather coat with golden elements of clothing. My collar was decorated with precious stones with magical properties.

Looking around, you can see creatures of various races walking around the city. Only a few of them were players. We spent time participating in various activities organized by the developers in honor of the closure. They visited taverns, shops, communicated with other players, bought various trinkets. Kushida entertained everyone with gossip and various stories from our school. Despite my silence, for the first time I felt like an ordinary teenager at the festival, enjoying every second of the time spent.

With only a few minutes left before the servers closed, we bought fireworks, then I teleported us to a free zone closer to Nazarick , where players are afraid to wander. Our strange company had fun, launching fireworks into the sky, shouting out various wishes. We stayed until the server went down.

There were 15 seconds left after the server closed, so I decided to ask Horikita about her impressions.

"Did you enjoy today?"

"..." She turned her head the other way.

five.

4.

3.

"I enjoyed today..." She murmured softly. I smiled a little under the helmet.

2.

one.

0.

"What?"

Character Profile

AYANOKOUJI , LV .100 (40 + 60)

Racial levels:

Spirit lvl 10

Spirit of magic lvl 5 .

Etc. (25)

Professional Levels

Worldmind lvl 5

Soul Mage lvl 15

Blacksmith lvl 5

Enchanter lvl 5

Etc. (thirty)

CHARACTERISTICS

Health Points (HP) (85 for the physical body, 100 for the spiritual)

Magic Points (MP) Over Limit (approximately 150)

Physical attack 50

Physical protection 90

Agility 50

Magic Attack 90

Magic Defense 90

Resistance 95

Special Over Limit (approximately 1 2 5)