A gasp escaped my lips as I stared at the device in front of me.
"This is my computer... It's him! There's no way I'd mistake it… not after all these years of tinkering with it."
But the real question is—how?
Did the computer reincarnate with me? Impossible...
"Let's not jump to conclusions."
That's right… Maybe it's just a replica or some kind of tool. Though I highly doubt that, considering computers no longer exist in this world. Everything now relies on smart screens powered by Aura…
Either way, I slowly opened the laptop, and its screen lit up instantly, making me freeze in shock.
"Since when did my computer turn on this fast? I mean, it used to take forever back in the day..."
Never mind that. The first thing I saw was the home screen, and the first thing I noticed—was the wallpaper!
It was the same one I used before—Song Jin-Woo from Solo Leveling, wielding his daggers…
"It really is him," I muttered.
If this laptop actually made it here, doesn't that mean there's a way to go back? A way to return to my world?!
A surge of heat filled my chest, and my hands trembled.
"Damn it… don't do this to me… I had already given up hope."
With bated breath, I typed in my password and unlocked the device.
"Maybe I'll find a clue inside… I could only hope."
But those hopes were quickly shattered. There were only two windows on the entire desktop.
The first one—I knew it well. It was the folder where I kept all my novel chapters.
It was packed with over 600 chapters. But right beside it, I saw something new…
The second window sat in the corner, styled in a mocking Joker theme of black and red.
Below it, two words were written: "Author's Tools."
I muttered the name under my breath before clicking on it without hesitation.
What else could I do? There was nothing else on the desktop.
As soon as I clicked, a black screen popped up with the same jester emblem—only much larger.
---
Author's Tools
Congratulations to the author on obtaining the first and finest cheating tool—Author's Tools! We are far superior to any system you've ever seen, offering you incredible perks to make your life easier. And don't worry—we won't fail you. I mean, your life is already at rock bottom, so there's no way we could make it worse, right? Hahahahaha!
"What the hell is this?"
That was all I could say. Was it seriously laughing at me? Who was the idiot that made this? And what's with this cliché background? Did they run out of Google images or what?
"Screw you and your 'Author Tools' or whatever! Who wants a dumb system? All I want is a way back to my world!"
I scrolled down frantically to explore more of this ridiculous interface.
As I kept scrolling, a new heading appeared in bold letters:
Author Perks
1- Novel: 'The land of survival'
The author has direct access to all chapters of 'The land of survival'! Yes, you read that right. You can review the novel's chapters anytime, so no fear of forgetting plot details!
"Well, that explains the novel folder's presence..."
I kept scrolling until I reached the second perk:
---
2- Biography!
Here, the author can view their stats, combat styles, skills, and talents! But is that all? Of course not! Focus closely and scrutinize your strongest perk: The author holds the right to alter their biography! You can add any skill, talent, or ability. Sounds unfair, doesn't it? Sadly, it's not absolute—every addition costs Achievement Points! As long as you have enough points, you can do anything… But don't get too greedy.
(Note: The author cannot modify their stats or invent new combat styles.)
Achievement Points
Earned by completing main/side quests (viewable here) or by leaving a significant mark on the main storyline.
Current Achievement Points: 100
...
...
...
"This system really loves to ramble… But I'll admit—this is a powerful perk. It grants me the right to write any talent or skill I want… Though I doubt it's that simple."
I noted that inventing new combat styles was blocked, which made sense. Combat styles were martial arts practiced by Awakened Ones who had unlocked their Aura. The stronger the style, the higher the realm one could reach—but aside from SSS-Class Beasts from the past, no one had ever invented a new style.
This was a setting I'd added as the author… But again, this wasn't what I was looking for. All I wanted was a hint—or even a clue—on how to return to my world.
~Sigh~
I kept scrolling, pinning my hopes on this tacky system.
---
3- Author's Advice!
We offer our valuable guidance to the author! For a set amount of Achievement Points, the author can request advice on* anything —and freely choose between two options: Random or Direct!
- Random Advice (10 AP)
Provides vague, cryptic instructions—but guarantees the safest path forward (even if you can't understand it).
- Direct Advice (30 AP)
Offers clear instructions even a child could follow. However, while it leads directly to the goal, it always places an obstacle of some sort in your path. Proceed with caution! Hahahaha!
---
"This is it!"
The moment I read about the advice feature, a thread of hope emerged. *I could ask the system how to return to my world, right?*
"Yes, this'll work! How many of these stupid Achievement Points do I have again?"
I scrolled up hastily and found the system had granted me 100 AP.
More than enough.
Without hesitation, I chose direct Advice. Screw randomness.
I typed immediately: "How to return to my world."
The words "Direct Advice" glowed, and I waited breathlessly—only to be crushed. What appeared was simply:
???
Three massive question marks filled the screen. I clenched my fists and tried the Random Advice option instead—but the result was identical:
???
The same answer. Bitterness flooded me as I realized this system was toying with me. It dangles hope, then snatches it away. Do I look like a game character to you?!
"No… Calm down…"
I took a deep breath. I haven't lost hope yet. Think logically: If there were no way back, the system would've answered with a flat 'No'—not cryptic question marks. Right?
"Let's test this again…"
I immediately typed: "How to defeat the Demon King."
This was an entity whose power surpassed even SSS-Class Beasts. Not even I, as the author, had figured out a way for the protagonist to defeat him. So I was certain…
My expectations were confirmed when the Direct Advice yielded the same response:
???
I was right! The system's advice had limits—it wouldn't answer everything. Thinking about it, this made sense given how cheap the feature was.
It'll probably respond if I ask something within its capacity… Yes, it's too early to despair.
I forced myself to stay calm and kept exploring the Author Tools.
---
4- Image
*Future Snapshot!* For a set amount of Achievement Points, the author receives an image of a future event. The farther the event, the higher the cost.
"This is useful… but not what I'm looking for."
I ignored it and scrolled further, only to be met with cruelty—the interface now showed only Quests. Nothing else.
I laughed bitterly. "So… it's useless."
I slammed my fist on the desk, frustration boiling over.
"Useless."
I'd been given a system like those cheesy protagonists in web novels… But what's the point? It won't grant my real wish.
With hollow eyes, I skimmed the quests list dismissively:
Quests were divided into three categories:
- Side Quests: Low AP rewards, easy tasks—"Harass a maid," "Punch that guy," "Achieve this…"
- Main Quests: Completely empty.
- Final Quest:
I glanced at the Final Quest—and froze at what I read:
"Win the Victoriad."
Two simple words, but I could only laugh.
"Win the Victoriad? Heh…"
This quest was nearly impossible… If not outright impossible.
Why? Let me explain:
The Victoriad was like a final exam held annually in the "Temple." A massive competition gathering all first-year students to determine the strongest contender. A tournament-style battle royale broadcast worldwide, featuring the most powerful individuals from every faction.
And this system wanted me to win it? To defeat the story's protagonist, "snow," and the other main characters? Practically impossible—even with a system like this.
As I read the quest details, my eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets:
Quest: Win the Victoriad
Deadline: 2 years
Failure Penalty: System sealed for 1 year .
Success Reward: 10,000 AP
System Question:
The author may ask one question to the System Architect, who is obligated to answer—no matter what.
---
When I read that last line, I leapt to my feet, feeling like my eyes might pop out.
"This is it! This is IT, you bastard!!!"
I found myself screaming madly again, as if my soul had finally reignited.
"Why did you bury such a crucial detail at the end, you cursed system?! Tell me upfront next time! Fuck your 'Author Tools'!"
I have hope! A chance !
That final line changed everything. **The System Architect**—there was another entity behind this screen. *From them, I'd get my answer: how to return to my world.*
Win the Victoriad? I'd walk through hell if I had to.
Guess what, you bastard… *I'm the author here, not you.
I built this world… And I'll tear it apart if I must.
I rose from my desk with renewed resolve. Gears began turning in my mind.
I never intended to meddle in this world's events… But they're forcing my hand. So brace yourselves_
"I'm coming!"