Pick Me Up, Infinite Gacha

[Abduction – Interlude Story Episode 1]

Episode 1

* * *

There was a mobile game called ‘Pick Me Up’.

The game, which gained popularity with its unique game characteristics and unique system, became embroiled in operational controversy day by day and ended up ending its service.

this is the later story.

The story after the game that no one will know.

* * *

There was a universe called ‘Mobius’.

Möbius, composed of countless multi-dimensional objects, was shattered and disappeared after the end of its cosmic lifespan.

However, there were those who wanted to revive this universe, and they were twin goddesses called ‘Tell’ and ‘Ikar’.

The twin goddesses rebelled against the laws of the universe and brought Mobius back to life, and judgment followed soon after their actions.

However, there was a man who inherited that will.

The man called Issrat gathered his knights and troops to create a new territory and reigned as king, and people called such a land ‘Valhalla’.

This is a story from Valhalla.

It was once called the Boundary, and even now, a war is raging in this land to prevent the destruction of Mobius.

This is in a land of such endless war.

A story about a group of adventurers making a decision.

* * *

Tadak.

Tadadak.

Bonfires burn, lighting up the alleys at night.

Chijik.

The smell of burning meat rose as I put in the grilled skewers with chunks of beef.

“Ugh!”

The woman waved her hand at the smell.

I tried to cover my nose, but the smell was still there.

“smell! Pig Smell! How nasty are you?”

“It’s scaffolding! pork fat. Is it because the meat is old?”

“I can’t possibly eat this. How do you eat this?”

“Then are you hungry? I will eat your portion.”

The woman hurriedly shook her head.

“No, even if you eat a little, let’s enjoy it! Yes this!”

The woman rummaged through her clothes and took out a small bottle.

It was pepper.

“Is there any salt? Have you run out?”

The woman wept.

Can not help it.

I sprinkled whatever pepper I had on the meat skewers.

“Ugyaaaaagh!”

Then, all of a sudden, he screams.

The two people next to me didn’t care if I got used to it.

“why me! Why am I! You’re doing this!”

The woman stomped her feet as she sat down.

The originally gorgeous dress is stained with grime and stains.

Because it is a special fiber, it cannot be cleaned just by rubbing it with water.

“No, I was a court mage in Taoni? You lived in a big castle and enjoyed all the delicious food and fancy clothes? But what is this? What a beggar you are!”

The woman grabbed her hair.

“I, Iolka Rivelle Strashur, why am I here like this!”

shake one’s head recklessly

“Eat here.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Iolka, who was handed a skewer, took a bite.

‘Why… is it delicious…?’

I feel like crying.

It was proof that my appetite had become cheap.

It’s probably because he hasn’t eaten meat in over a month.

“Hehe, good luck. There will be meat left over.”

Yum.

The freckled girl next to me bit into a skewer.

The girl’s name was Jenna Shirai.

“…”

The man in the corner also takes his share of skewers.

The name of the man with the fierce impression was Belquist.

widely.

tadak.

late night.

The campfire burns and the three of them sit around and eat skewers.

“My aspirations when I first came… it wouldn’t have been like this…”

Iolka muttered with wide eyes.

“I did a great job… making everyone praise me… I should have done that.”

Failed.

Failed absurdly.

There was a huge difference between reality and fantasy.

“I can’t help it, sister. This is how things turned out.”

“No, are you okay? Even if you live like a beggar?”

“What is that? Are you okay? There are older sisters and brothers here.”

Jenna smiled.

‘What’s wrong with his mental state?’

but.

Maybe that’s why I was able to adapt well in the waiting room.

ha.

A deep sigh escaped Iolka’s mouth.

Soon, regret turned to anger.

‘It’s really rude!’

I heard that the man is a high-ranking official in Valhalla.

But still, he didn’t come out to meet me.

No, we never said we were coming, so you may not know we are here.

No, but somehow…

“Aaaaaaaaa!”

Iolka held her head back, biting into the meat.

Even with such a reaction, the two of them were used to it.

‘Han Israt.’

Iolka’s memories had returned.

what happened in the past life.

How did you live in the waiting room in the game?

The moment I set foot in Valhalla, the memories came to my mind like magic.

‘The reason I came back…’

What is it?

I don’t know.

Bored of life in Taoni?

Well, he didn’t have a chance to show his genius in that palace.

There are no monsters. There is no opponent to fight.

I’ve been studying or researching all day long.

“Keep it!”

Iolka made a sound of pain.

‘You don’t have to tell that man!’

I thought that when I became famous and no one knew me, I would naturally know!

But what is this situation…

Valhalla.

The world that the three of them reached under the guidance of the fairy was not easy.

It was more than I thought.

In order to grow here, you must fight against fragments and absorb interference from your opponent.

okay.

It resembles the system of the game Pick Me Up.

Loki created a new system to help the hero grow.

The stronger the enemy, the stronger.

When you defeat him, you can gather stronger interference and become stronger.

Level and skill system.

‘But it’s too late.’

Early Valhalla.

The border was infested with infinite fragments.

Enemies were everywhere, and they raided Valhalla every single day to destroy Mobius.

At that time, the majority of the heroes belonging to Niflheim defended Valhalla while maintaining a precarious state on the brink of destruction.

As a result, they became incredibly strong.

It was after the land stabilized that Iolka and the others arrived here.

It was not in the early days of making a life-and-death decision with them, nor was it in the middle of repeating wars of conquest to expand territory.

A review of where Valhalla is located.

in other words.

Even if you try to be strong, there is no chance.

Now the king was concentrating on strengthening internal stability rather than war.

It meant that the place to be active was gone.

No, even if there is, the gap with the early members has widened too much.

Newbies like Iolka won’t be given a chance.

“Nugyaaaak!”

Iolka grabbed her head and shook it.

“Why are you so late! why! why!”

“Eat another one here.”

“Ah, thank you.”

thump

He accepts the skewers Jenna gives him.

There was still plenty of fat from a nearby butcher shop.

‘No.’

I’m upset.

Iolka murmured as she chewed the meat.

It was for this reason that he and his comrades lived in poverty.

In Valhalla, everything is replaced by interference.

In other words, interference is both money and a means to become stronger.

In any case, you have to hunt for fragments.

However, the weak fragments are almost dry.

If you look outside the outer wall, you can sometimes encounter them.

I managed to catch them and harvest their interference power.

‘I can’t even put it in my mouth with that.’

To be strong, you must gather interference, but to gather interference, you must be strong.

Iolka and the others are trapped in this passageless maze, wasting their time.

“It’s okay sister!”

Jenna patted the back of Iolka, who was whimpering.

“Because by my calculations, in about 100 years, you can go to the next level!”

“That’s what you call consolation!”

Iolka flashed her anger.

absurdity.

Yes, it is absurd.

“Isn’t there anything special?”

A man with a knife at his waist said while munching a skewer.

The two of them were calm, but Iolka was the only one making a fuss.

“The original world was unreasonable. If you feel unfair, you can become stronger.”

“So, is there a solution? At this rate, there will be no porridge or rice.”

“I will have to take the risk. If you play it safe, you won’t be able to catch up with them.”

it’s a risk

You just have to deal with a shard that is absurdly stronger than now.

ok

Although I know the theory.

“Or should I ask for a little help?”

“Who will help us?”

“I’m going to tell my brother.”

“what? how!”

Voila.

Jenna took the poster out of her arms and held it up.

[Victory Ceremony]

[Date – Valhalla Calendar X Month X Day XX:00]

[Location – Grand Plaza]

[At the 596th Territorial Expansion War Victory Ceremony…]

Jenna smiled.

“how is it? It was pasted on a nearby poster.”

“A victory ceremony?”

“My brother and his party must have gone out and won big. They say they’re celebrating it in the plaza?”

plaza.

Iolka murmured.

know where near the south gate of the city. That filthy wide place.

The date was tomorrow afternoon.

“You don’t look like a senior. If you win, you win, so why celebrate it?”

“Ah, it’s different from when we were together. There are many eyes to see, so I have to pay attention to the image. To boost morale.”

“It’s not like when we were together…”

Iolka murmured.

“Yes, sister. My brother has changed. He is a different person than when he fought with us.”

“Others?”

“They say he’s the king here! There’s a lot of load. If we pretend to be close, we’ll be cursed and kicked out?”

“Hmm. Somehow I don’t like it!”

Iolka cleared her throat.

“Anyway, I’ll challenge the man. I came because I was told to come, but they didn’t give me a chance and they didn’t give me enough consideration!”

“Are you considerate of beginners?”

“Ah, that’s right!”

He clenched his fists tightly.

There are so many things I want to say.

I could have checked out all day.

Iolka and the others decided to join the victory parade tomorrow.

In any case, the chance to meet the man is only then.

They didn’t have the shame to openly go to the tower and boast about being friends with the king.

so the next afternoon.

The victory ceremony was held in the plaza at the south gate of Valhalla.

Countless crowds gathered in the plaza made of marble.

“What, there are so many people!”

Iolka wrinkled her brows as she got caught among the onlookers.

“Looks like you came to see my brother!”

“Hey, you must be such a good person, right?”

“Of course! Because he is the king.”

you’re the king

Iolka pursed her lips.

“I guess half of the people in the city have gathered.”

Belquist, who was a few steps away, murmured.

Valhalla, land of borders.

At first, it was in the shape of a tower, but as the number of people increased, a city was formed near the tower.

There were quite a few heroes staying here to help them, as well as simple combat positions.

Currently, Valhalla has more than 100,000 people.

At first, it started with less than 20,000 people, but now it was comparable to a small country.

At the center of that growth was Loki, the king of boundaries, and the five knights.

Bam-Bababam-

The marching song played by the wind band began to resonate.

event has begun.

Wow!

Citizens gathered in the square cheered in unison.

Iolka, on the outskirts of the crowd, didn’t even know what was going on.

“what? What happened?”

“My brother must have appeared!”

Jenna nimbly cut through the crowd.

Skill like a flying squirrel. Iolka was absent-minded and soon followed after Jenna.

“Ugh!”

I’m dying to die!

“Who is this boss!”

“Keep order!”

Passing by people complaining and complaining.

Where are you?

My eyesight started to open.

Iolka turned her eyes and surveyed the plaza.

Soldiers in black uniforms are marching.

‘Oh over there!’

A familiar look.

But it’s a bit strange.

Iolka’s eyes widened.

‘Are you riding a horse?’

A splendid uniform and cape.

In addition, he is riding a well-bred warhorse.

He looked completely different from the man she knew.

‘Others?’

No, it was clear from the back of the man.

Behind the man, several men and women who seemed to be subordinates were walking behind him.

You can’t see it from behind!

Iolka hurriedly made her way through the crowd.

You should see it from the front.

As if running after being cursed at several times, I headed towards the north side of the plaza.

After bumping someone’s shoulder, stepping on, and stepping on someone, Iolka was able to see the man’s face.

‘Oh yes.’

every time.

Under the march, a man rides through the square on horseback.

As soon as she saw the man’s face, Iolka smiled.

‘It sucks!’

It looks like it’s about to die

I really don’t want to do it, but I’m reluctant and forced to do it.

Iolka could recognize that man’s expression.

Because it was a colleague who lived and died together.

‘Looks good!’

I was always just getting beaten up.

It was refreshing to see a man like that.

‘Han Israt knew that.’

one israat.

It was a man’s name.

“Oh brother!”

suddenly.

Jenna poked her head out from behind Iolka.

“brother! Can you hear me?”

Jenna waved her hand and shouted, but her call was overshadowed by the cheers of the crowd.

“I can’t hear you.”

“That person is funny. What are you doing over there?”

“So they’re having an event!”

“Why are you here? I guess you don’t want to.”

Jenna smiled.

“Because he is the king here! I do it even if I don’t like it to boost the morale of the people here. Uh, showmanship?”

“It’s showmanship.”

“Did you say image making? Mmm. Earth language is difficult. Anyway, by showing a cool and colorful appearance, you increase loyalty! Dictators on Earth often do it!”

dictator?

Iolka blinked at the various terms that came out frantically.

“Anyway, it’s one of the things my brother does to manage this place smoothly.”

You really don’t seem to want to do it.

Being a king is a very tiring job.

Han’s lips twisted mercilessly.

Eyebrows bent at the same time.

It looked like he would beat anyone up right away if he got into a fight.

‘Oh, that woman…’

Right behind Han was a silver-haired woman in uniform.

She was smiling at the king in front of her who was marching in splendor.

A look of complete satisfaction.

The contrast between the two faces was stark.

“Oh, poor brother.”

said Jenna.

“I wouldn’t be able to do that. Incredible.”

“Are you sorry?”

“Because in many ways it is tied to responsibilities and things like that. I think it will be frustrating.”

“It’s tied up…”

Then you should just throw it all away.

I wish I could live naturally.

“But I can’t. Because that is the king.”

“It’s complicated.”

“I don’t like it.”

Belquist appeared behind him before he knew it.

“Oh, what a surprise. If you come, please tell me! I was surprised.”

“I don’t like it. You must have become weak.”

Belquist’s eyes widened.

“The senior I knew was a man who wouldn’t put up with anything that bothered him and would kill him. Why is it so harmful? If you were a senior in the past, you would have destroyed this place saying everything would go away.”

“No, it wasn’t even that much in the past… It’s your delusion…”

“It’s noisy.”

Belquist’s gaze turned to the subordinates behind Han.

They are five knights with a high reputation in Valhalla.

However, two people were empty at this event.

“Did the authors stick together and blur the senior’s eyes?”

“No, it doesn’t look like a betrayal…”

“Hmm.”

Belquist turned his head.

It was a look I didn’t want to see.

“Anyway, let’s get closer and talk…”

Iolka, who was about to move forward, hesitated.

It was because I met eyes with an Israt.

“…!”

ran into

definitely met.

The man’s eyes weren’t looking the other way, they were looking perfectly at Iolka.

But even for a moment, Han turned his head and looked straight ahead.

And never looked here again.

As if we didn’t know each other at all.

“…”

Oh.

Iolka’s eyes went blank.

“Sister? Sister?”

“Ah yes!”

Jenna waved in front of Iolka’s eyes.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing…”

Our eyes just met.

Nothing happened.

‘Wouldn’t I be able to greet you with an eye?’

At least nod your head.

But it didn’t do anything.

Like we didn’t know each other from the beginning.

“…”

Iolka suddenly became depressed.

“I’ll go back.”

“sister?”

trudge.

Iolka left the plaza with her back turned.