The next day, early morning.
Noa had just finished preparing himself when he heard a 'ding' sound. Their entire guild received a message from the system. He immediately checked the content of the notification.
According to the system, a tournament would be taking place today. It was a recurring monthly event where guild members battled with other guilds one-on-one in open arenas.
All residents of Neo Arcadia's capital city had free access to watch it in person, and the entire event would also be broadcasted live.
Among the android community, this was the most popular source of entertainment. Humans and Androids alike would gather in the central arena to watch the epic battles.
While the event was entertainment for the audience, for guild members, this was their chance to show everyone their strength and skills.
As new members of the Shadow Syndicate, Noa and So-Rin were popular. Their popularity only grew as their status rose after defeating the Boss Monster with only a single veteran coming with them.
The active members of the guild were chatting and talked about sending Noa and So-Rin to the tournament. The tournament was open for everyone, and even newbies could participate. Of course, Noa didn't mind and found it interesting. However, he was a little worried about So-Rin.
Noa sent a private message to So-Rin.
[So-Rin, can you not join the tournament?]
After a while, he received a reply.
[But why? This will be my first time fighting.]
Seeing her question, Noa quickly sent a reply.
[I'm just worried that something bad might happen to you.]
[Oh? You just want the winning prizes for yourself, don't you? Don't be so stingy. Besides, I'll have to take part in the tournament. Look at the guild chat. They're already rooting for me. I didn't take combat training to sit still and look pretty, you know.]
Noa smiled at her response and didn't discourage her from joining. So-Rin was right. She wasn't fragile.
[Then you must win.]
[I know. I don't plan to die at a young age.]
The losers of the tournament would be facing one big risk—death. The Android System might appear humane, but it was no different from a ticking time bomb. From time to time, it would push humans and androids alike to death.
The concept of leveling up as one grew stronger and fighting with others might seem fun, but the consequences of being on the losing end were brutal and real. Death consistently loomed upon everyone, serving as a reminder that they were in reality.
Noa checked the guild chat and saw So-Rin conversing with other guild members. They had been rooting for her to begin with, so if she wanted to join, no one would stop her.
[I'll be signing up for the tournament. Thank you everyone for believing me.]
[Glad to hear that! Take care, alright? Bring your lucky dice and your cute little blue puppy companion.]
[Hahaha. Absolutely. I'll bring them with me. Perhaps my puppy will bring me lots of good luck.]
[Watch out, kiddo. The competition this month is quite fierce. You might even be forced to use your trump card.]
[Don't forget, you might be skilled but you're still a newbie. Don't ever let your guard down, especially around your seniors.]
[Don't worry. I did my research. I'll make sure to train hard and strategize carefully.]
As much as Noa felt proud on behalf of So-Rin, he was still feeling nervous on her behalf. He had heard about the stories of people who lost everything in the tournament, even losing their lives.
Noa will be facing the same risks as well, but he couldn't deny the thrill of the competition. The adrenaline rush from the battle and the addictive feeling of winning. In this aspect, he and So-Rin were similar. They couldn't resist the lure of the tournament and they both felt excited to battle against others.
Noa sent a message to the guild chat.
[I'm also new here, but I also want to join the tournament.]
[That's great, kiddo. We'll be rooting for you at the arena as well.]
The guild leader even popped up to cheer the participants on.
[See you all in the arena. Make sure to bring the grand prize home!]
They proceeded to discuss the time they'd meet up at the arena.
After Noa gathered all the details he needed to know, he exited the chat and checked his own stats. He also checked his Weapon Directory to check all the weapons he had.
The system recorded the weapons Noa had. As long as the weapon was registered as his, every time he upgraded his weapons, their data in the directory would also be upgraded.
[Weapon Directory:
Weapon:
Electrical traps/ Expert craft.
Laser Gun/ Normal.
Shoulder Gun/ Normal.
Cyber Blade/ Rare.
Nutrients:
2 dozen of Algae-based supplements.
2 dozen of Protein bars.
2 dozen of Oxygenated water.
1 dozen of Immune-boosting elixirs.
Additional Items:
Loyal Cleaning Robot.
Cristal Key.
Flying motorboards.
Money: 1600 Nummus.]
Noa got ready. He wore a simple white shirt and leather cargo pants. To store the Cyber Blade, he wore a waist belt and hung the blade's sheath in it.
For the other weapons, he wore a cargo vest and stored them in their pockets. He stuffed his nutrients and elixirs into the smaller pockets.
As for his new motorboard, he simply compressed it and carried it by hand.
After looking at the weapon directory, he checked his stats.
[User Profile:
Name: Noa
Race: Human
Level: Entry-Level
Color: Green
Occupation: Soldier
Rank: Private First Class
Description: A junior enlisted soldier who has successfully completed basic training.
Skills:
• Military Combat ▴
- Description: Mix of martial arts, such as wrestling and Muay Thai, and use of weapons, such as firearms and blades meant to kill.
+ Gun Proficiency: A ▾
+ Blade Proficiency: B ▾
+ Military Martial Arts: A ▾
• Cybersecurity Engineering ▴
- Description: Putting in place the security and protection features that guard against cyberattacks and other digital threats.
+ Malware Analysis: D ▾
+ Security Analysis: D ▾
+ Firewall and Intrusion Detection: D ▾]
"Is it really possible for me to join the tournament with my current stats?" Noa looked at Eden who was preparing himself.
"It's possible. The system can't really record your talent. Low level is not equivalent to a bad fighter. Besides, you have skills from military," Eden answered.
"Yeah. Alright then, let's do it!" Noa declared.
"Are you going to leave me alone at home, Noa?" Cloud the cleaning robot approached him and asked. "I would refuse."
"So you're just gonna follow me all the time just like Blue?" Noa raised his eyebrows. "But you're not a puppy."
"I'm better than that puppy. So please don't treat me as a tool that you only use when you need me to clean your room." Cloud demanded. "I'm a companion, remember?"
"Alright, Cloud. As you wish," Noa said.