One day the system appeared moulding reality into that of a game. Indiscriminately it converted all humans on earth into players, granting them access to the system and new untold powers.
For some this was a fresh breath of relief, whilst for others this was nothing short of hellish. The oppressed Otaku's and Gamer's who were once opposed to for their passions slowly began gaining more traction in this new world.
To them this was nothing more than a dream event which always ended in victory, but alas this mindset wouldn't stay much longer. The more time passed the stronger the monsters became and in turn the harder they were to defeat.
No longer able to see this as a game the players formed guilds with three sole purposes… To defeat all monsters, ultimately quell the threat once and for all, and to protect the lives of those who couldn't fight. This is known as the main quest. With this new decree the players drove the monsters into dungeons the system created forming raid's
With these new raid dungeons, the ranking system was born, ranking players strength and sorting players into three main categories:
Class, Subclass and Rank.
And two different archetypes:
Combat and Life Skills.
Most worked hard to reach the fruitful higher tiers of this scale, others struggled to scratch the surface of what was possible, but some were yet to see the potential they possessed inside.
One such player was Bojing Feng, who ultimately was ranked
Dead last…
No matter how hard he would try, he could never reap the fruits of his labour. Whilst most other players were born with a class and subclass, he was unique in this front. He didn't posses any. He like all other humans was a player, yet he didn't have access to skill trees or stat growth like his peers. The only thing that proved he was a player was his status window and uncanny natural health regeneration.
This prospect of his life earned him the nickname " The useless player ". No matter how hard he tried he never grew stronger, not even his level or stats would increase, and so the name stuck throughout his life.
Despite this fact, he continues pushing forward, attending every raid he possibly can attempt to grow even the slightest bit stronger. Today was no such exception. Approaching the perimeter gate around the dungeon he passes the guards with a hopeful smile on his face.
" Ah, if it isn't Bojing Feng, you never skip a beat do you. " ( Guard )
" Hahaha, yeah, I'm sure today is the day. " ( Bojing )
" That is a possibility, stay safe, were rooting for you. " ( Guards )
The guards were always nice to him. After all they themselves weren't high on the leader boards and he gave them some level of comfort, of hope. It wasn't just the guards, but all the lower ranks regarded him as a hero. You see it is quite rare for such a low rank to consider attending raids.
This hasn't sat well with those of higher rank. They see it as pitiful and pointless. Walking past he couldn't help but follow the stairs that rose to the massive stone dungeon with his gaze. Beyond that point lied yet another dungeon. Although the same dungeon externally, the thought of the interchanging layout always managed to fire him up. Every dungeon run was a new adventure in its own, and with that always comes a chance of growing stronger.
Lost in his excitement he continued walking forward unaware of the figure standing there
*Bump
" Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention, are you ok? " ( Bojing )
" … " ( ??? )
The towering figure slightly nodded, brushed himself off and continued walking towards the exit.
" ( Damn, I really need to focus on what I'm doing. I wonder who that was. I've never seen them here before. ) " ( Bojing )
Snapped back to reality he began to walk up to the massive crowd in front of the staircase. It was nearly time and he had yet to find his party. Looking around he quickly noticed a group of players waving wildly in his direction. They never were ones to fly under the radar. Reaching their location, they quickly greeted him. The group consisted of:
Bo Bao the A Rank Healer Mage.
Ciao-xing Chen the A Rank Warrior Explorer.
And Daiyu Fan the A Rank Rogue Tracer.
The Ranks start at the bottom Rank of E and climb to the highest Rank of SSS placing them in the higher-class range, making them all well-known players in their respected communities. They also gained further notoriety by being in a party with the " Useless " Player, the only F rank in existence.
This party is famous in both the lower and upper ranks, and with both positive and negative viewpoints, it comes with the turf.
" Geez, you nearly missed the address. Why are you always so late for? " ( Bo )
" Hahaha, sorry. I zoned out. " ( Bojing )
" You always zone out. " ( Bo )
" Hahaha, you guys never change. " ( Ciao-xing Chen )
" … The address is starting… ." ( Daiyu Fan )
" Alright everyone, listen up! Today's raid is almost ready to begin, please prepare yourselves for what may lie ahead and follow me " ( ??? )
As soon as his booming voice filled the air all were silent, and the atmosphere instantly changed from casual to intense. Beginning to walk, the group proceeded to walk towards the stairs.
" That's strange, isn't there usually more of a keynote involved in the address. " ( Bojing )
" … I agree, this is most unusual, ready yourselves anything … ." ( Daiyu Fan )
" Come on you guys lighten up, it's our 1000th time doing this raid after all. What could possibly go wrong? " ( Ciao-xing Chen )
" Don't jinx us dammit! " ( Bo )
Walking up the stairs someone brushes Bojing's shoulder purposely pushing him out of the way. As they pass, they mockingly utter-
" Move you useless lump. " ( ??? )
Turning to face them it wasn't any surprise who it was.
" God Jinjing, must you be such an ass. " ( Bo )
" … I'll kill him now, just say the word … . " ( Daiyu Fan )
" Tch, whatever nobodies. " ( Jinjing Da )
Jinjing Da, Rank A Archer Conjurer. One of the strongest A ranks out there. If there was one thing he hated the most it would be lower ranks. To him they were just scum beneath him. This was only amplified towards Bojing and anyone he associated with.
Walking past further ahead with his party he disappears into the sea of players.
" What an ass. Just because he is stronger than us doesn't give him the right. " ( Bo )
" Don't worry about him, one day he will learn his lesson.
" ( Ciao-xing Chen )
" … I hope I'm the one who teaches it to him … ." ( Daiyu Fan )
" You never beat around the bush much do you Daiyu, it's a great trait to have, although unnerving to say the least. " ( Bojing )
" ( I'm glad she's on my side, id hate for her to be my enemy ). " ( Bojing )
Touching the door of the Dungeon a see of blue flashes out engulfing the players, mass teleporting everyone inside. After the flash disappeared it revealed a dark, desolate hallway corridor.
" Alright, let's go! " ( ??? )
Thrusting his sword out from his shield he begins to charge, with all the players following suit. Each monster found is quickly cut down by the raid party of 32 players. From the back Bojing and his group fought the leftovers, providing aid to adventurers whenever needed.
" Bojing, I need you and your group up front ASAP! " ( ??? )
" Got it, were on our way Xiao! ( Bojing )
Pushing through the gaps of players the group reaches the front of the party where some members, including Jinjing Da were struggling to hold back some inferior monsters. One of the monsters took a lunge at Jinjing but was ultimately blocked by Bojing's body.
" Arrrrggghhhh! " ( Bojing )
As quickly as the wound was made it vanished.
" Now! " ( Bojing )
Bo raised her staff into the air, gathering energy into a spiralling, blazing ball of flames before pointing it at the beasts in their way.
" Die, and turn to dust, Spinning Fireball. " ( Bo )
The fire exploded forth from the end of her staff forming a long blazing trail, piercing through each monsters' heads, and turning them all to ash.
" … You didn't have to chant you know, idiot … . " ( Daiyu ) "
" Who cares, I just felt like it ok. I killed them all anyway. " ( Bo )
" Tch... . " ( Jinjing Da )
" Quit your whining . " ( Bo )
" Guys, not the time. " ( Bojing )
" Bojing is right, these stronger monsters came out from nowhere, we must be close to the boss room, stay alert. " ( Xiao )
Surely enough the more they pressed on the uncannier the monster's strength became. They thought the dungeon couldn't get any more difficult, until they reached the boss door.
" Alright everyone, there is no time to waste. Let us enter quickly and make waste to the boss. " ( Xiao )
Reaching forth and placing his hand onto the runes on the door the door proceeds to swing open revealing a dark room, only lighting up when he made his way in. Flames on pedestals began lighting up one by one until finally reaching a single throne situated at the far back. Upon its seat a fierce red gaze shone over them. At this point the flames turned red, creating a crimson hue encasing the room
" Crap, that's not the usual boss, we aren't prepared for this, everyone retreat! " ( Xiao )
Turning the group dashes for the door, but alas it was for naught. The monster raised one of its hulking arms commanding the door to close.
" Not so fast, Jinjing, now! " ( Xiao )
Without skipping a beat Jinjing raised his hand encasing it in a warm glow. From the centre of the closing door spears of light conjured into existence bared the doors apart allowing for the party to slip through. One by one they escaped as the door slowly but surely edged it's way to closure.
At the back of the group Bojing and his party were dashing for the door dodging the bosses' skills and minions appearing in their path, ultimately slowing them down one by one. Etching ever so nearer to the door Bojing and his party were almost at the door.
" Damn, were not going to make it! " ( Ciao-xing Chen )
" … Oh yes we will… . " ( Daiyu )
A sinister grin spread across her face as mana engulfed them all, significantly increasing their speed. First through the door was Daiyu, Next was Bo and after her was Ciao-xing. All that was left was Bojing. Just as he was passing through the door a breath of relief passed through him, he had made it. At least that's what he thought.
An unseen force of energy crashed into him forcing him back into the boss room. reacting, Ciao-xing tried to grab onto his arm but missed.
" Bojing! " ( Daiyu, Bo and Ciao-xing )
It was hopeless. All they could do was sit and watch the door close before their very eyes, unable to do anything to stop it. Raising back onto his feet he dashed towards the door, slamming onto it but it didn't even budge.
" The runes on the door aren't activating, wait there we will find another way to get in there. " ( Xiao )
" I'll be fine, go on without me. " ( Bojing )
Turning around he felt the gaze of the boss simmer down along with the flames. The boss looking completely calm lowered their hand back onto his thrones arm rest and grinned a malicious grin
" So, it seems you were left to die human, let us have a chat. " ( ??? )
Chapter End