His Purpose

Lying in bed, Admin groaned, his back a symphony of aches. He began to assess his limitations. Simply summoning items with his phone wasn't a reliable long-term defense. He needed to be stronger, tougher. Improving his defenses was not simply an option, it was a priority.

He pulled up his stats on his phone, the familiar screen materializing before his eyes. But as he studied the numbers, a strange anomaly caught his attention. He mentally tried to add points to Strength and Defense, stats that should be improving with some effort, but they wouldn't budge.

What gives? he muttered, his brow furrowing in annoyance. He prodded at the screen again, mentally willing the numbers to change, but they remained stubbornly fixed. He couldn't increase those stats.

Something wrong, Admin? Mirai asked, noticing his frustration from across the room.

I can't raise my defensive stat, Admin said, his voice laced with rising annoyance. Or my melee attack stat either. It's like they're stuck.

Mirai frowned, concern etching her features. Let me take a look. She moved closer, peering over his shoulder at the stat menu. That is odd. What about other stats?

Admin scrolled down the list. Agility, Intelligence, Charisma… all were responding normally. Then, toward the bottom, he saw it. His Luck stat was off the charts.

Whoa, Admin exclaimed, his eyes widening. My Luck stat is crazy high! Only my Ranged Attack stat is better!

What's that mean? Eyrie asked, tilting her head in confusion.

This means, Mirai explained, Admin is lucky. He’s more likely to succeed when chance is involved, discover hard to find items, and avoid the bad stuff.

So, I'm good at winning the lottery, Admin said, unimpressed. That's just what I wanted.

Don't think little of your luck, Admin, Mirai countered. It may be a good resource when used correctly.

Okay, I could still use some more strength, Admin said. Let's see your stats.

He shifted his focus to Mirai, visualizing her stats. As expected, they showed incredible Strength and reasonable Defense, but very poor Ranged Attack capabilities.

Right on track, Admin said. You're a close combat fighter, but you can't do much at range.

Next, he examined Tundra's stats. She was well-rounded, with good scores across the board, but her Luck stat was the lowest of their group.

You're the jack-of-all-trades, Admin remarked. Good at everything, master of none. Maybe a little more luck would help.

Finally, he checked Eyrie's stats. Her most dominant stat was Magic, naturally, but her second-highest was… Defense?

Wow, Eyrie, Admin said, startled. You're actually really tough. Guess that must be why you use defense magic really well.

Am I? Eyrie asked, her eyes shining with excitement. I'm strong?

Strong and cute, Admin said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

This stat check sparked a lively conversation. They realized each had unique pros and cons in their build that would make teamwork essential.

So, how do we handle this? Mirai inquired. How can this help?

This means, Admin declared, we use our best skills. I use ranged attacks and support, while you fight up close. Tundra, you give support and know where to go, and Eyrie, you magic everything. We're a good team.

What of your stuck stats? Tundra inquired. What can you do for that?

Admin sighed, irritation evident on his face. I don't know. There still might be a way to fix it, or I'm stuck as range fighter. One thing is certain, I need to keep myself safe. Even if I need to use my smartphone.

He couldn't become a tank, so he worked to improve what he could control. He worked on his ranged attacks, items, and hoped his luck would help him.

Knowing his friends were at his side, he knew he could do anything. Even fight demons, goblins, and anything else.

A little later, they sat on a hilltop as the wind blew softly, it carried the scents of pine and dirt while overhead, stars shined down like diamonds. Below, lights gave a warm glow, and this was their safe haven of the wild.

They let the night consume them with their silence, thoughts swirling and comfort high. As Admin let the thought linger for a moment.

He leaned back to look at the sky and stars. I've been thinking lately about… my life.

Mirai, Tundra, and Eyrie turned, ready to listen.

Admin paused for a moment, finding the right words. Before this, he said, while making a hand motion, and then, I didn't have much to do. I got by, and didn't care much. I missed out on things.

He sighed, as a little air left his mouth. I just floated around, I guess. I didn't go anywhere. No goals. I felt like I was missing out.

And now? Mirai asked, sensing difficulty. Did you find it?

Admin shrugged. Not really. Getting there. Being by you and fighting, it gave me a reason to go on. I never had that.

He wanted to say more. I don't see my direction, or reason to be. Though I want to improve the world. And make a difference.

Eyrie's eyes shined. You already do! Admin, you built great stuff, defend us, and are here for us!

Tundra agreed. You show you are good at being a leader, and care about us. The world has improved.

Mirai smiled kindly. I agree. You changed my life, and gave me a goal. I'm not just a failed singer now.

Admin's heart rose from all of that. These women accepted him.

Thank you, he said, in shock. It means so much.

He gazed skyward, seeing resolve. every tomorrow, I will stay by your side. I will see this world, its secrets, its fights. And discover what is my reason, to be better.

He became a lot more trusting of others, ever since his past life left him in the dark...

He held his hand up, palm open, and the others joined him in a circle.

Together, Admin said, voice sure, we learn what to do. We will create a change. We fight onward.

The stars shined, seeing this promise. The world carried their promise, it was heard in the cosmos. They were friends as they looked toward the future and anything else that came their way.