**Episode 012: My Ideal Was Here on Earth**

“By the way, have you awakened to your status?”
“Status?”

As I asked the girls, they seemed a bit puzzled, tilting their heads in confusion.

“Do you not know what a status is?”
“I’ve played games before, but how does it relate to our current situation?”

They’ve played games and understand the concept of a status, but they don’t see its relevance now. Indeed, in reality, it shouldn’t have any connection.

“Can you try saying ‘status’?”
“Um… like this, ‘status’?”

Following my instructions, Yuna said the word, but nothing seemed to happen, and a question mark appeared above her head. It seems they haven’t awakened yet.

“Hmm…”

However, something seemed to have occurred, as both of them made small exclamations. It looks like they just awakened. The conditions for awakening are still unclear. It seems a window appeared.

“Did you understand?”
“Yes.”

When I asked Yuna, she nodded emphatically.

“So, what is this all about?”
While they understand the concept of a status, they don’t grasp its current impact.

“In simple terms, this world has become like a game. Your strength varies depending on your job, and as you level up, you get stronger. However, the enemies, like the ones we saw earlier, are real. It’s not just a game.”

“Could it be true…”

Yuna looked incredulous at my explanation. I’ve often wished it were a dream, but this is the reality now.

“I thought the same at first. But this is our reality.”

“I see… Anyway, having a high level significantly increases your survival rate. It’s doubtful whether the country will function properly in the future. To protect yourselves, having a high level is essential. Until we reach the evacuation center, I’ll support you. Will you both fight?”

Although the two looked stunned, it’s better for them to level up for their sake. If they can’t protect themselves by the time we reach the shelter, various difficulties might arise. Enemies aren’t just monsters; there are also bad people. There’s a possibility of them becoming prey to such individuals.

“I… I understand. We’ll do it.”
“We’ll give it a try.”

Both of them, though a bit frightened, bravely nodded.

“Alright then. I’ll give you equipment I haven’t been using. Change into it behind these ruins. I’ve already taken care of all the nearby monsters, so you can relax.”

I handed them some stored equipment for them to change into. Since they are currently not wearing any dropped equipment, it’s necessary to even out the difference. Thanks to my enhanced perception, I confirmed that there are no monsters nearby.

Ahh, I can’t wait to see them. It’s a bit insensitive, but I can’t help but get excited imagining them in those outfits.

“Understood.”
“We got it.”

After receiving the items from me, the two disappeared into the shadows of the rubble. Perhaps afraid of being too far from me, or maybe because they changed right next to me, I could hear the rustle of clothing, making my heart race.

“Hey… What’s the meaning of making us wear something like this?”
Kana returned, her older sister glaring at me while hiding her body bashfully.

“…”

However, I was overwhelmed by the reality in front of me and couldn’t find words. It’s because Yuna and Kana were literally the Assassination Girls. Their bodysuit-clad figures were so stunning that I couldn’t speak. Yuna’s modest chest and slender body were clearly outlined, showcasing her feminine curves.

On the other hand, Kana, despite being twins, boasted two menacing fruits that seemed ready to burst through her bodysuit, vehemently asserting themselves.

“Hey!! Can’t you at least say something!?”

Yuna, frustrated, confronted me, and I was snapped back to reality. I had to come up with an excuse.

“Thank you… You both look beautiful.”

I unintentionally blurted out my honest impression. It was because they were exactly my ideal.

“What!? W-What are you saying!!”
“W-What? I’m sorry!! I got carried away…”

Kana’s older sister blushed and glared at me intensely. I couldn’t find the words, still overwhelmed by the reality before me.

“I-It’s not like I’m happy to hear that from someone like you!!”
“W-Well… yeah, I guess, sorry.”
Yuna turned away with her arms crossed, and I bowed my head. Indeed, it would be uncomfortable to hear such things from an introvert like me…

“Sigh… well, whatever. So, why did you make us wear these outfits? It’s not just because you wanted to see, right?”
“Ah, yeah. Of course, that’s part of it. I won’t lie about the bodysuit. It’s the best-performing equipment among the ones I haven’t used. I swear, I’m not lying.”

After sighing, I explained to Yuna, who was giving me a stern look. Though feeling down, I justified it with a legitimate reason. While it’s true that I wanted to see them in the bodysuits, it’s even more accurate that these outfits have superior defensive capabilities, as they came from a golden chest.

“Ugh… I don’t want to understand, but I get it.”
She reluctantly accepted, wearing an expression of dissatisfaction. It’s understandable that they would be skeptical since the appearance is just a thin bodysuit.

“As for defense, you’ll have to actually face a Shadow in combat to confirm.”
“Shadow?”

When I referred to the monsters as Shadows, Kana, who didn’t know the term, looked puzzled.

“That’s the name for those monsters.”
“Oh, I see. It’s easier to understand with a name.”
“Exactly.”

After Yuna agreed with my explanation, Kana also nodded in approval of the name.

After that, I explained about Shadows and the status system in detail. Facing these two who embodied my ideal, I struggled to keep my face from constantly loosening up. Their bodysuit-clad figures were both sexy and adorable… I wonder if they’d consider being models for illustrations once things settle down… Hehehe.