"1500 credits! dude cut me some slack" shouted Alan.
"I'm sorry my brother but this type of skill book is very rare and was found on the mountain of Tyer and it took many peoples effort in obtaining it" replied the salesman.
Alan was deeply demotivated to find out that the only thing he liked was out of his budget and decided to be clever by asking Barry for some but to his surprise, Barry was coming at him with two full bags and a hotdog in his hand.
Alan had the most disappointed look on his teacher's and was stunned to find him spending all his money away.
"What, I was hungry" answered Barry to Alan's look.
Barry also handed him an Onigiri and they made their way back to the house.
As they made it back Barry immediately plugged in his console, inserted a game, and indicated Alan to sit and join him.
At this point, he had given up and decided to join him as well.
Some time passes by and they don't even realize that it's evening until a messenger knocks on their door.
"You have been summoned to the Training Center please report immediately"narrated a man.
"Uh, what a bummer, I could have completed the level anyway let's go" replied Barry.
They both got up took their swords and were on their way.
As they were walking Alan got a notification in his head.
[User's Potential Adapted]
(assigning daily tasks)
[Task: Run 2 kilometers]
[Task: Fight until no energy left]
[Reward:200XP]
[Required to level up:500XP]
Alan noted down the info in his head and was destined to achieve level 3.
He saw the first task and thought of something in mind.
"Let's race, loser gives a treat for dinner", said Alan to Barry while running off in the distance.
"Oh no, you don't "Whispered Barry while putting all the might in his feet and dashing past Alan while teasing him.
They both reached the destination with Alan being late.
[Task 1 completed]
[100XP Rewarded]
Barry stood at the gates looking at his exhausted face with a taunting face.
Nevertheless, they entered the facility and were met with a huge crowd of people who were murmuring constantly.
However, their whispers were put on hold when a person stood on the stage to announce something.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Our facility has announced a new grading and training system for the various teams".
He pressed a button and a projector popped up containing some content.
In that projection, there were multiple teams listed and they were graded according to their missions completed until now.
".....10th!!" shouted Barry
Turns out Barry's team was on the tenth team mainly due to their lack of missions and the only reason they were placed tenth out of twenty is due to their strength. There were many teams listed on the screen but nothing rang a bell in Barry's mind except one.
Another person got up to the stage while adjusting his mic ready to announce something important.
"I'd like to add one more thing to this Event our facility has finally introduced the dueling system and from now on any team can challenge other teams to a duel if they win they may take their rank but if the team is lower ranked then them, then they will be compensated with a reward" narrated the man.
The teams were provided with tablets that had info about other teams but not too much as that would ruin the fun, it had the option to duel with anyone randomly.
Barry being the curious guy he is decided to press it.
"ARE YOU CRAZY, I'm not even prepared what if we lose we'll lose our rank" shouted Alan.
"Don't worry my guy, you've got me" said Barry while showing off.
Alan was at this time questioning his life and how he got an irresponsible yet confident teacher, nevertheless he trusted him so he decided to play along.
The tablet stopped rolling as it landed on the only team they knew was "The Casters".
"Surprised again" came a voice from behind and like previously Alan was still not able to realize her presence.
"She's fast, I've got to improve my perception" pondered Alan.
"You little, accept our duel request" yelled Barry in an annoyed manner which made Alan laugh.
Hazel just giggled and decided to just walk by triggering Barry even more.
"Meet us tomorrow in the arena don't be late" taunted Hazel.
"I'm so gonna wreck her tomorrow" whispered Barry which was loud enough that Alan was able to hear it.
Both of them were walking back to their home when curiosity hit Alan hard.
"Why do you hate Hazel so much?"
"I don't hate her, it's just she and I were the only students of the master and as we grew up she got a student before me and she was able to prosper while I was still not advancing since I've found you It's my life goal to beat her, My Rival!" explained Barry.
Alan was inspired by his story and wondered if he too needed a rival to progress.
They reached back home and Barry gave him "that look".
"So what are we eating tonight" Taunted Barry.
Alan looked at him with a face of disgust but he knew he won fair and square so he had to fulfill the deal.
Barry handed him his computer through which he was able to order.
(20 min passes by)
There's a ring on the front door and Alan stepped out the door to pay the bill.
[250 credit has been transacted]
Alan carried in the food while resisting the temptation to start digging right away he placed the bag on the countertop and started to reveal the amazing dishes.
the aroma of the food hit the boys' noses, causing them to inhale deeply and immediately salivate.
First, Alan revealed a plate of crispy vegetable tempura, followed by a bowl of steaming hot miso soup. Barry's stomach rumbled as he watched him lay out the rest of the dishes: succulent slices of teriyaki chicken, savory beef gyoza, and a beautifully presented sushi platter.
The boys couldn't contain their excitement any longer and eagerly dug into the food. The taste was just as incredible as the aroma had promised.
After they had finally eaten everything their faces had the expression of satisfaction.
"Welp, I'm gonna go complete that level wanna join" asked Barry.
"Sure, But I have a request, can you please train me tomorrow morning because I want my feats to be better than yours" replied.
"Sure kid but I'm not sure about the last part, You'll never get ahead of me," said Barry in a boastful manner while laughing.
Alan also laughed at the joke and decided to join him in the game.