There were many ways to master a game.
The first method that usually came to mind was the "Subsequent Playthrough," where one played the same game repeatedly. However, that was merely the entry level of true dedication.
True mastery only began when a player conquered every scenario and ending across multiple routes, meticulously collecting every event and item the game had to offer. Some took it further, grinding their party members to the maximum level and securing the ultimate equipment for every slot. Using those perfectly developed characters to crush the "Secret Bosses" was another hallmark of the hardcore gamer.
Among the more specialized styles was the "Time Attack Play," where players competed for the fastest clear time. While records varied wildly depending on whether glitches were permitted, the pursuit of absolute efficiency was a respectable form of mastery in its own right.
And then... there was the style where the player imposed their own restrictions on the game.
Using only specific skills. Refusing to use healing or stat-boosting items. Foregoing weapons entirely. This style was known as "Challenge Play." For certain elite gamers, the sense of accomplishment gained from overcoming these self-imposed hurdles was their very reason for living.
Isao Aritou was one such gamer, a man who worshipped the Challenge Play as the ultimate form of gaming. He had spent his life clearing every game he touched under one specific, unwavering restriction: Solo Play.
He played without ever forming a party, clearing entire games with only the protagonist. He discarded the camaraderie and character interactions that were the supposed heart of Luminous History, waging a solitary war without ever consulting the internet or strategy guides. To an observer, it was a style of play that defied comprehension—a joyless, lonely slog. Yet, it was the only way he knew how to play.
Even after being reincarnated into this world, his commitment to the challenge remained unshaken.
His name was now Isaac Area. Clad entirely in black and wielding dual swords, he cut a figure that seemed strangely familiar as he diligently pursued his Solo Play conquest of this world.
At that moment, Isaac was at the workshop, speaking with the brown-haired boy who had recently been arguing with Yugo's group. While requesting maintenance for his twin blades, Isaac reported that his latest assignment was complete.
"That boy, Hex... I took care of him just like you wanted. He won't be moving for a while. I doubt he'll be bothering you again."
"That’s a big help, Isaac," replied Neid Garn, the aggressive magic item engineer. "That guy was a real pest. Kept whining at me to make him a magic item even though I told him I didn't have the materials. He just wouldn't give up."
"He was a hopeless case, going so far as to cause a scene in the workshop. If I’d been there at the time, I would have cut him down on the spot."
Isaac let out a low, dark chuckle as he agreed with Neid. However, deep down, he felt a small flicker of pity for Hex.
This guy is talented, but he’s a nightmare to deal with while his Affection Level is low. He’ll rip you off for materials every time, Isaac thought.
In the world of Luminous History, the "Affection Level" system was vital. High affection with party members provided stat bonuses and unlocked character events that granted new skills. However, party members weren't the only ones with affection stats. Artisan characters like Neid had them as well.
Since they didn't join the party, their bonuses took the form of discounts on purchasing, enhancing, and producing magic items, as well as unlocking rare equipment tiers. Neid was unique because he granted massive bonus stats to items from the very beginning, but his service fees and material requirements were astronomically higher than any other artisan.
He was a top-tier magic item engineer, but an amateur trying to hire him without preparation would end up exactly like Hex. Conversely, once his Affection Level was maxed out, Neid offered some of the best discount rates in the game. Until then, one had to be prepared to be extorted.
Normally, no one would dream of hiring him in the early game when resources were scarce. His prices were simply too high to outfit a protagonist and a full party.
But Isaac was different. He was a Solo Challenge Player. He only had to maintain his own equipment.
While other reincarnators were busy running around trying to recruit allies, Isaac had prioritized raising Neid's Affection Level above all else. Since he was conquering the world alone, powerful gear was his only lifeline. He had decided that securing Neid was his fastest route to becoming a true hero, and his efforts had paid off; the two now shared a solid rapport.
His ultimate goal was to make Neid his exclusive engineer. Just as Melt had been rendered unavailable to other parties, Isaac wanted to ensure Neid would eventually refuse work from any other reincarnator.
"...Here, Neid. A little something for you. Use it for your prototypes."
"This is...! Ha! Thanks! I’ll put these to good use!"
When Isaac handed over the materials he had plundered from Hex, Neid accepted them with a grin. A mental notification echoed in Isaac's mind, confirming that the artisan's Affection Level had increased. He smirked, savoring the steady progression of his plan.
Everything is going well... though there are still a few concerns. If I can clear those up, I'll be set.
Despite his progress, two things weighed on Isaac's mind.
The first was the butterfly effect caused by the incident Zenon Ash had triggered at the very start of the story. Events were shifting—some subtly, some drastically. For a Challenge Player like Isaac, who limited his information gathering to the bare minimum, these deviations were a significant variable.
The second concern was that he had yet to encounter Anhel Amber, the only magic item engineer who could rival Neid.
Meeting the capricious Anhel required triggering specific random events. Only after catching her interest would she agree to take on work. Like Neid, she could produce and enhance almost any magic item, but unlike him, she charged standard rates. She was a critical resource Isaac wanted to monopolize.
Technically, she can be recruited as a combatant... but I don't care about that. I just need to make sure the other players don't get their hands on her.
Isaac had no intention of letting Anhel fight. He only required her technical expertise and her role in maintaining his own "unit." But he hadn't found her yet. To secure her services and start grinding her Affection Level, he needed to track her down as soon as possible.
Well, those other guys won't be coming around the workshop for a while. If I keep showing up here, I'll definitely be the first player to run into her.
With that confident thought, Isaac left the workshop as Neid saw him off. He had no inkling that another man had already beaten him to her.
Isaac remained blissfully unaware that this single oversight would soon begin to derail his perfect Solo Play. For now, he simply walked away, naively convinced that his meeting with Anhel was just around the corner.