[Current World: Supernatural Horror All-Stars (a fusion of hundreds of horror films)]
[Plot Divergence: 34%]
[Purgators: 50 participants]
[Mode: Survival (kill other Purgators to claim half their reward points)]
[Restriction: All supernatural abilities and items are sealed while in this world. Only twice the strength of an average human is retained.]
[Story Role: Exorcist]
[Main Objective: Kill any 10 monsters within 60 days — Reward: 3,000 Points]
[Optional Objective 1: Eliminate an F-rank monster — Reward: 500 Points]
[Optional Objective 2: Eliminate a D-rank monster — Reward: 1,000 Points]
[Optional Objective 3: Eliminate a C-rank monster — Reward: 2,500 Points]
...…
After scanning the mission list, Orsaga turned his attention to the surrounding environment.
Hmm…
He stood on a long, straight highway.
The scenery wasn't bad—flowers, grass, blue skies.
The sun was shining brightly.
But there wasn't a single house, car, or even a dog in sight. Not a soul around.
Frankly, it was desolate as hell.
As the hot desert wind blew against his face, Orsaga—his powers and gear sealed—felt deeply annoyed.
"Are you kidding me? Not even a basic vehicle to start with? What is this, a marathon training simulation?"
Annoyed as he was, a man under someone else's roof must still lower his head.
So Orsaga had no choice but to start walking along the highway.
Though his powers were suppressed, his body remained the same as always.
There was no need to adjust.
Each step he took was perfectly efficient—no wasted motion, no unnecessary effort.
His heart, lungs, and stomach maintained a steady rhythm, working in sync with his movements.
Under such optimized conditions, he could maintain a consistent walking pace for a full day and night before needing food.
---
Over half an hour later.
Orsaga was still walking.
At the roadside, he finally spotted his first road sign:
"United States – Briarwood County – Route 9 – A Delicious Burger King Awaits You in Just 60 Kilometers!"
"Great… America again."
Muttering under his breath, Orsaga kept moving.
At his current pace, it would take roughly two hours to reach that Burger King.
It wasn't that he couldn't go faster—it just wasn't necessary.
Moving too quickly would only drain his energy faster, which could leave him vulnerable in case of an ambush.
Another ten minutes passed.
While continuing his solitary road trek, Orsaga suddenly heard the rumble of a vehicle behind him.
He turned to see a yellow school bus steadily approaching.
Without hesitation, he stepped to the side of the road and raised his arm, thumb pointed upward.
In Western countries, this gesture usually meant: "Hold up, give me a lift."
And let's be honest—good looks help. If you're handsome, the odds go up. If you're not… well, you might get ignored.
Orsaga, fortunately, was very much in the "bonus" category.
His pristine white suit also made him stand out.
Sure enough, the bus gradually came to a stop beside him.
As the doors creaked open, a mustached middle-aged man leaned out and asked, "Can I help you?"
Orsaga casually pulled five crisp bills from his pocket.
"Mind giving me a lift to the next town? I'll pay you $500."
The Matrix Purgatory had supplied him with $3,000 in cash, along with an ID, passport, and other essentials.
The moment the man saw the stack of green in Orsaga's hand, his attitude shifted immediately.
Money has its own kind of charm—one most people can't resist.
After a brief second of hesitation, the man snatched up the bills.
He pocketed four and handed one to the bus driver, then turned back to Orsaga with a grin.
"No problem, hop on board!. At Grint High School, hospitality can't be measured in mere money. Even if you didn't have any cash—we'd still help you out!"
With that, he gestured for Orsaga to board the bus.
Once inside, the man introduced himself:
"I'm Harris, head coach of Grint High's basketball team. Everyone else on this bus—teachers and students alike—are part of my crew!"
Then he turned back to Orsaga, asking curiously:
"If you don't mind me asking… why were you walking alone in the middle of nowhere like this?"
Seriously, who would just be out here wandering around?
Orsaga answered honestly:
"I'm Orsaga. An exorcist. As for why I'm here—honestly, I have no idea."
The truth was, the Matrix Purgatory had just dropped him here without explanation. No warning, no reason.
"..."
Harris immediately felt like he was being messed with.
But the calm sincerity in Orsaga's face gave him pause.
The guy didn't seem like a liar—and judging from years of dealing with people, Harris could tell this man meant no harm.
'What kind of nonsense is this guy talking…'
Still, Harris was left scratching his head.
Pushing aside his confusion, he turned toward the rest of the bus and called out:
"Alright, everyone, listen up!"
The passengers all turned to look, their eyes soon drawn to Orsaga.
Good looks have that effect.
As for Harris? Just background noise now.
The background noise then pointed at Orsaga and announced:
"This gentleman here is Orsaga. According to him, he's an exorcist—and he'll be riding along with us for a bit. Let's give him a warm welcome!"
A nearby student gasped in awe.
"Whoa~~ An exorcist?. That's actually kinda badass!"
Excited chatter broke out immediately:
"Honestly? That's cool as hell."
"It's got personality…"
"I don't even care what he does—I just want his Facebook or Twitter handle…"
Amid the buzz of conversation, the coach pointed to an empty seat.
"You can sit there."
Orsaga nodded and made his way over.
But before he could reach the seat, a figure suddenly flopped down into it—clearly trying to claim it first.
Looking over to where that person had originally been sitting, Orsaga saw a well-proportioned, pretty blonde girl waving at him.
She called out cheerfully:
"Hey! Sit here!"
The girls in the seats ahead and behind her immediately began to tease and cheer her on.
One after another, they all began inviting him over with big smiles.
Faced with such enthusiasm, Orsaga simply raised an eyebrow and walked over without a word.
No need to be polite.
As soon as he sat down, a group of girls swarmed him, asking eagerly:
"Hey, are you really an exorcist?"
Orsaga nodded with a smile.
"Of course. 100% legit."