Abstract: A computer system determines that a player character is in a preparatory state for executing an external function (close-range attack) toward a target character (e.g., enemy character). Furthermore, the computer system determines that the player character satisfies an executable condition that enables execution of the external function. When the player character satisfies the executable condition, the computer system causes the player character to execute the external function. Then, the computer system executes protection control for protecting the player character from another character while the player character is in the preparatory state.