New System and Information
Harem Protagonist: CHYOA
Chapter 17
· original author:
alphadragon
Trembling with excitement, you tapped on the system window and opened up the items.
"What's up with that description?"
The last item on the list drew your attention.
Unlike the proceeding items, whose effects were a must for your current self, the last sounded much closer to a cursed object in an RPG. You shuddered as you remembered picking something similar in a game you played. The ring boosted all your stats but had a nasty hidden effect that permanently decreased your max HP with each battle. Grinding as you had been at the time, it had been too late for your character when you noticed the drop and he ended up having less health than a goblin.
What happened after...well, let's just say it wasn’t one of your finest moments.
Which is why you're wary of anything with the (?) in its description. Dealing with something like that is like playing with a landmine.
'And yet it's worth as much as all the other items combined. Is there some hidden effect that's not listed in the description?'
It had your curiosity the least. The name sounded useful, but like you mentioned earlier, names were deceiving. That and the price of it put it out of your reach. You shook your head. Better not to dwell on it too much for now as you'll have plenty of time to do it later. Right now, you needed to see what else was available.
"...Skill Store."
Having finished your item browsing, you muttered the name for the next section. The window fizzled for a moment before a new list presented itself.
"Ohhh." Your excitement rose as you read through the skills, especially seeing the last one.
(((Uh-huh. The Core skill possessed by every Romcom Harem Protagonist since the dawn of genre. The ability to turn the mundane into the perverted, to overturn both fate and destiny in the pursuit of the erotic, and to experience the other gender like no one else. The lucky pervert.)))
"Are there anymore?" You asked hopefully. "This can't be all of it right? I thought you said I could buy anything here?"
(((Of course, you can, but there are few things you must do first.)))
"Such as...?"
(((Spend your skill points first.)))
"Really?"
(((Yeah. Simple right? It's because the Store operates on a accumulation system. When you gain Skill Points and invest them into the system, the Store's point total will accumulate and start generating the higher grade items and skills in return. Think of it like an RPG. You start off with the low rank "growth" items before moving up to the more powerful "cheat" stuff. Didn't you notice how the current roster is perfect for you right now?)))
"Well, yeah."
(((Well, it was set up that way so that you can enjoy the full-experience. There won't be any speed-runs or shortcuts here. Our company wants you to enjoy your journey as the Harem Protagonist to the fullest. It may not be enjoyable at the start, but our studies have shown this was most fulfilling method for our clients.)))
"Huh, so how many points to I need to use up before the Store updates its items?"
(((After you've spent about 10 or so points, then the store will have accumulated enough points to release some new stuff.)))
"I see." You nodded, "So what's this "???" tab? The store isn't letting me access it."
(((Oh, that's a surprise.)))
"Can you at least give me a hint?"
(((Hehehe...only when you make a worthwhile achievement.)))
"Tease." You shot back, but in good humor. So far, the store hasn't disappointed.
You tapped on the last option, "Information."
What came up was completely different than the "Item" and "Skill" tabs.
"Ok. Let's look up Izumi."
"That's....a lot of question marks."
(((Of course, most of the information is going to be blank, you haven't even met the girl yet. So, unless you're willing to spend some points or cash, you're gonna have to get out there and socialize to learn more about her. And don't worry, anything you find out will be automatically saved in her profile, this includes any...cough, "hands on" interactions.)))
"I like the sound of that...hang on." You looked up where the Narrator's voice seemed to be coming from. "What do you mean by "spend cash"?"
(((Oops. I forgot to tell you that you can substitute cash for points didn't I.)))
"Yes. You left that bit out."
(((Well, I don't recommend using it. The conversation rate is really shitty.)))
"How bad is it?"
((($100 bucks per point.)))
"Seriously? That's a complete rip-off." You snapped, then stopped for a moment. "Unless you're throwing in some gacha girls with it."
(((Nope. Sorry, Bud but there's a good reason for that. While we're here make money, we can't have you skipping progression by splurging all your cash. You becoming OP at such an early stage will cause some "issues" with the system. Besides, given that you're a minor with no job or income, you'd end in a pitiful state if you did that. The option is just there if you need it.)))
"Well, damn." You leaned back, "Looks like I'll need to be careful with my points then. Is there any other way to earn points, other than leveling up?"
(((There is, but you'll have to wait till you're at least Level 5 before you can use it.)))
"So, it still boils down to me doing it the normal way."
(((Uh-huh.)))
Swallowing everything you've learned so far, you fell silent as you mulled over your options.
The Inspect Orb item and the Fated Encounter skill looked like the standard beginner combo for encountering and figuring out the Heroines. The Training Set though was definitely a must, as you desperately needed to raise your Shapeshifting's rank. It'd especially be useful if the effect worked for the later stages after your EXP gain slowed down. The Stat Crystals you could ignore for now as you had no need to improve yourself yet. The only option left within your range was the Protagonist Intuition skill, which you were only one point away from. It'd definitely help progress your relationships, especially for the unknown Heroines like Mio and Aki.
"Urgh." You groaned, wracking your head.
The Narrator was right, most of these item/skills were necessary for you right now, especially the Lucky Pervert skill. That one was the one you wanted most. As cliche as it was, you were horrible jealous of all the protagonist that got to see, feel, and sometime even taste the hidden parts of the hot girls. It's so unfair! All they had to do was be near a girl, and the universe will literally throw the girl at them while the rest of us normies in reality would never get the chance to do even iota of what a romcom protagonist did on a daily basis.
It's utter bullshit.
Hence, after some internal struggling, you finally came to a decision an bought the Inspect Orb.
'Information is Power,' or so the saying went.
So any info that you can acquire at this early stage can mean the difference between having a good relationship with the Heroines or spending countless hours redeeming yourself for saying/doing something that put you firmly in the "This Bastard" category.
With that message, you heard a DING and a translucent, glass ball attached to a chained necklace suddenly appeared and dropped into the palm of your hand. It looked about as non-descript as jewelry went, which was probably the point. It'd look creepy if you went about holding onto a basketball-sized crystal globe and started whispering to it.
Thankfully, it seemed like the folks running the Store had a decent head on their shoulders.
You quickly put the necklace and tucked it underneath your shirt.
A quick glance at the clock told you there wasn't much time till your next class started and you were still in your P.E. uniform.
You weren't going to be late for a third time.
[Store/Beginner's Items]
-Stat Crystal (1 Point)
Description: A fragile crystal that increases one of your stats. Three per purchase. Purchase Limit: None.
Description: A fragile crystal that increases one of your stats. Three per purchase. Purchase Limit: None.
-Inspect Orb (1 Point)
Description: Displays a target's mood, affection, and status. Can only be used once a day. Purchase Limit (1/1).
*Attention! Additional Information must be purchased from the store.*
Description: Displays a target's mood, affection, and status. Can only be used once a day. Purchase Limit (1/1).
*Attention! Additional Information must be purchased from the store.*
-Training Set (2 Points)
Description: Increases EXP gain when using Esper ability. Purchase Limit (1/1)
Description: Increases EXP gain when using Esper ability. Purchase Limit (1/1)
-Incognito Hood (4 Points)
Description: A hoodie that temporarily conceals your identity. One use per day. Purchase Limit (1/1)
*Warning! Incognito Hood's effect only lasts for 5 minutes.*
Description: A hoodie that temporarily conceals your identity. One use per day. Purchase Limit (1/1)
*Warning! Incognito Hood's effect only lasts for 5 minutes.*
-Ring of Good Fortune. (8 Points)
Description: It may or may not bring good luck to the wearer? Purchase Limit (1/1)
Description: It may or may not bring good luck to the wearer? Purchase Limit (1/1)
Current Skill Points (2)
"What's up with that description?"
The last item on the list drew your attention.
Unlike the proceeding items, whose effects were a must for your current self, the last sounded much closer to a cursed object in an RPG. You shuddered as you remembered picking something similar in a game you played. The ring boosted all your stats but had a nasty hidden effect that permanently decreased your max HP with each battle. Grinding as you had been at the time, it had been too late for your character when you noticed the drop and he ended up having less health than a goblin.
What happened after...well, let's just say it wasn’t one of your finest moments.
Which is why you're wary of anything with the (?) in its description. Dealing with something like that is like playing with a landmine.
'And yet it's worth as much as all the other items combined. Is there some hidden effect that's not listed in the description?'
It had your curiosity the least. The name sounded useful, but like you mentioned earlier, names were deceiving. That and the price of it put it out of your reach. You shook your head. Better not to dwell on it too much for now as you'll have plenty of time to do it later. Right now, you needed to see what else was available.
"...Skill Store."
Having finished your item browsing, you muttered the name for the next section. The window fizzled for a moment before a new list presented itself.
[Store/Beginner's Skills]
-Fated Encounter (Passive) (1 Point)
Description: Increases the likelihood of encountering a Heroine or Heroine-Candidate.
Description: Increases the likelihood of encountering a Heroine or Heroine-Candidate.
-Protagonist Intuition (Passive) (3 Points)
Description: Slight increase to Charisma. A hint will be provided during events to earn additional Affection.
Description: Slight increase to Charisma. A hint will be provided during events to earn additional Affection.
-Lucky Pervert (Passive) (10 Points)
Description: Significantly increases the likelihood of a Lucky Pervert event occurring at random.
*Warning! Depending on the Subject and your current Relationship, Affection loss and Punishment can occur.*
Option to toggle on and off available after purchase.
Description: Significantly increases the likelihood of a Lucky Pervert event occurring at random.
*Warning! Depending on the Subject and your current Relationship, Affection loss and Punishment can occur.*
Option to toggle on and off available after purchase.
"Ohhh." Your excitement rose as you read through the skills, especially seeing the last one.
(((Uh-huh. The Core skill possessed by every Romcom Harem Protagonist since the dawn of genre. The ability to turn the mundane into the perverted, to overturn both fate and destiny in the pursuit of the erotic, and to experience the other gender like no one else. The lucky pervert.)))
"Are there anymore?" You asked hopefully. "This can't be all of it right? I thought you said I could buy anything here?"
(((Of course, you can, but there are few things you must do first.)))
"Such as...?"
(((Spend your skill points first.)))
"Really?"
(((Yeah. Simple right? It's because the Store operates on a accumulation system. When you gain Skill Points and invest them into the system, the Store's point total will accumulate and start generating the higher grade items and skills in return. Think of it like an RPG. You start off with the low rank "growth" items before moving up to the more powerful "cheat" stuff. Didn't you notice how the current roster is perfect for you right now?)))
"Well, yeah."
(((Well, it was set up that way so that you can enjoy the full-experience. There won't be any speed-runs or shortcuts here. Our company wants you to enjoy your journey as the Harem Protagonist to the fullest. It may not be enjoyable at the start, but our studies have shown this was most fulfilling method for our clients.)))
"Huh, so how many points to I need to use up before the Store updates its items?"
(((After you've spent about 10 or so points, then the store will have accumulated enough points to release some new stuff.)))
"I see." You nodded, "So what's this "???" tab? The store isn't letting me access it."
(((Oh, that's a surprise.)))
"Can you at least give me a hint?"
(((Hehehe...only when you make a worthwhile achievement.)))
"Tease." You shot back, but in good humor. So far, the store hasn't disappointed.
You tapped on the last option, "Information."
What came up was completely different than the "Item" and "Skill" tabs.
[Please Enter the Heroine's Name.]
"Ok. Let's look up Izumi."
["Izumi" has been selected. Please wait as the relevant information is retrieved...]
[Thank you for your patience...]
[Thank you for your patience...]
Izumi:
Age: 18
Height: ???
Weight: ???
BWH: ???/??/??
Cup Size: ???
Likes: ???
Dislikes: ???
Affection: ???
Esper Ability: ?????????
Age: 18
Height: ???
Weight: ???
BWH: ???/??/??
Cup Size: ???
Likes: ???
Dislikes: ???
Affection: ???
Esper Ability: ?????????
"That's....a lot of question marks."
(((Of course, most of the information is going to be blank, you haven't even met the girl yet. So, unless you're willing to spend some points or cash, you're gonna have to get out there and socialize to learn more about her. And don't worry, anything you find out will be automatically saved in her profile, this includes any...cough, "hands on" interactions.)))
"I like the sound of that...hang on." You looked up where the Narrator's voice seemed to be coming from. "What do you mean by "spend cash"?"
(((Oops. I forgot to tell you that you can substitute cash for points didn't I.)))
"Yes. You left that bit out."
(((Well, I don't recommend using it. The conversation rate is really shitty.)))
"How bad is it?"
((($100 bucks per point.)))
"Seriously? That's a complete rip-off." You snapped, then stopped for a moment. "Unless you're throwing in some gacha girls with it."
(((Nope. Sorry, Bud but there's a good reason for that. While we're here make money, we can't have you skipping progression by splurging all your cash. You becoming OP at such an early stage will cause some "issues" with the system. Besides, given that you're a minor with no job or income, you'd end in a pitiful state if you did that. The option is just there if you need it.)))
"Well, damn." You leaned back, "Looks like I'll need to be careful with my points then. Is there any other way to earn points, other than leveling up?"
(((There is, but you'll have to wait till you're at least Level 5 before you can use it.)))
"So, it still boils down to me doing it the normal way."
(((Uh-huh.)))
Swallowing everything you've learned so far, you fell silent as you mulled over your options.
The Inspect Orb item and the Fated Encounter skill looked like the standard beginner combo for encountering and figuring out the Heroines. The Training Set though was definitely a must, as you desperately needed to raise your Shapeshifting's rank. It'd especially be useful if the effect worked for the later stages after your EXP gain slowed down. The Stat Crystals you could ignore for now as you had no need to improve yourself yet. The only option left within your range was the Protagonist Intuition skill, which you were only one point away from. It'd definitely help progress your relationships, especially for the unknown Heroines like Mio and Aki.
"Urgh." You groaned, wracking your head.
The Narrator was right, most of these item/skills were necessary for you right now, especially the Lucky Pervert skill. That one was the one you wanted most. As cliche as it was, you were horrible jealous of all the protagonist that got to see, feel, and sometime even taste the hidden parts of the hot girls. It's so unfair! All they had to do was be near a girl, and the universe will literally throw the girl at them while the rest of us normies in reality would never get the chance to do even iota of what a romcom protagonist did on a daily basis.
It's utter bullshit.
Hence, after some internal struggling, you finally came to a decision an bought the Inspect Orb.
'Information is Power,' or so the saying went.
So any info that you can acquire at this early stage can mean the difference between having a good relationship with the Heroines or spending countless hours redeeming yourself for saying/doing something that put you firmly in the "This Bastard" category.
[Thank you for your purchase...]
With that message, you heard a DING and a translucent, glass ball attached to a chained necklace suddenly appeared and dropped into the palm of your hand. It looked about as non-descript as jewelry went, which was probably the point. It'd look creepy if you went about holding onto a basketball-sized crystal globe and started whispering to it.
Thankfully, it seemed like the folks running the Store had a decent head on their shoulders.
You quickly put the necklace and tucked it underneath your shirt.
A quick glance at the clock told you there wasn't much time till your next class started and you were still in your P.E. uniform.
You weren't going to be late for a third time.
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March 23
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