The Author's Tools

"This world persists in tormenting me until the very end."

. . .

. . .

. . .

A gasp escaped my lips as I glanced at the device before me.

"This is my computer... It has to be! I can't be wrong... Not after all these years of tinkering with it."

But the question remains: how?

Has the computer been reincarnated with me? Impossible...

"Let's not jump to conclusions."

Indeed, it could be a duplicate or a tool, although I dismiss this possibility as the concept of computers no longer exists in this world. Now, society relies on smart screens operated by Aura.

Regardless, I cautiously powered on the computer, amazed by how quickly the screen lit up, which left me pondering.

"Since when does my computer run this fast? It used to take ages..."

Let's get out of this... The first thing that appeared before me was the computer's interface, and the first thing I noticed was the background!

It was the same backdrop I had set earlier, featuring Seung Jinwo from Solo Leveling brandishing his daggers...

"It truly is." I murmured.

If this computer made its way here, doesn't that imply there might be a way for me to return to the world in the opposite direction? I mean, back to my original reality?!

I felt the burning sensation in my chest as I trembled. "Damn it...don't do this to me...I was already losing hope."

With eagerness, I entered the password and unlocked the screen.

"Perhaps I'll discover a clue inside... that's what I hoped for."

But soon those hopes diminished, as I found only two windows on the entire desktop.

The first one was familiar to me—the folder where I stored the chapters of my novel.

It contained over 600 chapters, but there was something new beside it.

In the corner, there was a second window adorned with a provocative Joker design in black and red.

Beneath it, I read the words, "Author's Tools."

I whispered the name to myself before immediately clicking on it.

After all, there was nothing else on the desktop.

As soon as I clicked, a black screen emerged with the same clown logo, but larger...

Author Tools

Congratulations to the author for acquiring the first and finest cheat tool of its kind—Author's Tools! We surpass any system you've ever encountered, providing advantages that will simplify your life. Rest assured, we won't make it worse, considering your life is already in shambles, right? Ha-ha-ha-ha.

"What kind of curse is this?"

That was all I could utter... was he truly laughing? Who would be foolish enough to create this? And what's with the vulgar background? Did they run out of images from Google or something?

"Fuck you, fuck Author Tools or whatever they're called... Who needs such a ridiculous system? All I want is a way back to my own world..."

Scrolling down, I delved deeper into this absurd system.

As I continued downwards, I stumbled upon a prominently displayed address...

Author benefits.

Here, the author can view their stats, methods, skills, and talents! But that's not all! Pay close attention to the most significant aspect— the author's ability to shape their own path! The author can add skills, talents, or abilities, which might seem like an unfair advantage, right? However, there's a catch. Each addition comes at a cost, in the form of achievement points! As long as you have enough points, you can accomplish anything... but be cautious not to be too greedy.

Achievement points:

They can be earned by completing side and main quests (available here) or by leaving a significant impact on the main scenario.

Current achievement points: 100

. . .

. . .

. . .

"This system is quite intriguing... That perk allows me to write any talent or skill I desire... However, it can't be that simple..."

I realized that I couldn't create a new martial arts style, but that was understandable. Martial arts styles are practiced by the Awakened, who have awakened their aura. The strength of a style corresponds to its level, except for SSS class monsters. Throughout history, no one has managed to invent a new style.

As the author, I had intentionally set up these rules. But once again, it wasn't what I was seeking... All I wanted was a way or even a clue to return to my world.

sigh

With fading hope, I continued to descend, relying on this somewhat tacky system.

3- Tip from the Author!

We provide valuable advice to the author! For a certain amount of achievement points, the author can seek advice on any topic and choose between two options: random or direct!

Random tip (10 achievement points): Random advice offers vague and enigmatic instructions, guiding you towards the best course of action, albeit with difficulty in understanding.

Straight advice (30 achievement points): Direct advice provides clear instructions that even a child can comprehend. It leads you directly to your goal, but with the caveat of placing obstacles in your path. Be cautious, ha ha ha!

"This is it!"

As I read about the author's advice, a glimmer of hope appeared before me. Could I ask the author for advice on how to return to my world?

"Yes, that should work! How many pointles

Achievement Points do I have again?"

I swiftly ascended to the top and discovered that this system had granted me 100 points.

More than enough!

Without hesitation, I opted for direct advice... forget the randomness.

I immediately wrote, "How can I return to my world?"

The words "direct advice" lit up, and I anxiously awaited the result. However, it left me disappointed... all that appeared on the screen was as follows:

???

Three massive question marks stared back at me. Frustration welled up within me, and I clenched my fist, attempting random advice, but the outcome remained the same.

???

The same response... bitterness consumed me as I realized that this system was toying with me. It gives a glimmer of hope only to snatch it away. Am I just a pawn in this game?

"No... calm down..."

I took a deep breath, refusing to lose hope just yet. If there truly was no way to return to my world, the system would have straightforwardly answered with a 'no' instead of playing these mind games with question marks, wouldn't it?

"Let's test it again..."

Without hesitation, I wrote, "How can I defeat the Demon Lord?"

It was an entity whose strength surpassed even the SSS class, but as an author, I had devised a way for the hero to overcome him. So, I was confident...

And to my satisfaction, when I used the straight advice, I received a similar response:

???

"You were right! The author's advice has its limits and won't provide answers to everything. It makes sense considering its low cost."

Most likely, the system will only answer if it's within its capacity. It's too early to give up hope.

I tried to convince myself forcefully and proceeded to explore the author's tools.

4- Photo

A glimpse into the future! For a certain amount of achievement points, the author can obtain a picture of a future event. The further the event, the higher the cost of the picture.

"This is a useful ability, but it's not what I'm searching for..."

I disregarded the image and continued descending, but the outcome was harsh. The only thing remaining in the system interface were the tasks. There was nothing else.

I slammed my fist on the desk, letting out a sigh.

"No benefit..."

You present me with a system akin to those found in novels and comics, but what's the point? In the end, I won't obtain what I truly desire.

With empty eyes, I skimmed through the tasks, lacking any interest in them whatsoeve

The tasks were divided into three categories. The side missions were easy and didn't offer many points.

They included trivial tasks like bothering a maid or achieving simple objectives.

The main tasks, however, were completely empty.

And then, there was one final task.

As I looked at the final mission, I was amazed by what I read...

"Win the Victoriad."

I couldn't help but burst into laughter. How absurd! " win the The Victoriad? Ha-ha."

This task was nearly impossible, if not outright impossible.

Let me explain why...

The Victoriad was like the annual final exam held within the 'temple'. It was a massive competition that brought together all first-year students. The event was broadcast worldwide, showcasing a tournament where the strongest individuals from each category participated and followed an elimination system.

And now, this system wanted me to win it. It wanted me to defeat the hero of the story, Snow, and the other main characters. This was practically an insurmountable challenge, even with a system like this.

As I continued reading the rest of the mission instructions, my eyes widened in astonishment.

The task: Win the Victoriad.

Deadline: Two years.

Penalty for failing the task: System sealed for one year.

Reward for completing the task: 10,000 completion points.

System question: If the task is completed, the author can submit a question to the system engineer, and they will be obligated to answer any question.

When I read the last sentence, I jumped in excitement, feeling as if my eyes were about to pop out of their sockets.

"This is it! This is it, damn it!!!"

Once again, I found myself screaming in madness. It felt as if my soul had finally returned to my body.

"Why did you leave such an important thing for last, you damn system? Tell me from the beginning! Damn author's tools!"

But now, I had hope. A chance.

That last sentence changed everything. The system engineer. Another party involved in this screen.

From them, I would find my answer. How to return to my world.

Winning the Victoriad... Damn it, even if it meant going through hell, I would do it.

Guess what, you son of bitch... I am the author, not you.

I am the one who built this world, and I am the one who will destroy it if necessary.

With renewed determination, I rose from my desk. Thoughts spun in my mind.

I never intended to become entangled in the events of this world, but they were forcing my hand. So, wait for me.

"I'm coming!"