"I can do this. I can do this. I can."
Kazi had been casual about it. He didn't force her, he didn't urge her, he suggested an opportunity and Marta accepted. School was over for the day. She did her homework and, well, she didn't have anyone in the way of friends so socialization wasn't needed.
Marta Kowalski stood before Gate 23, her prosthetic legs knees quaking, her grip on her staff tight. The Server Room had people come and go. This was one of those gates. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her heart raced with anxiety. She had not stopped inside a gate since Gate 10—since the loss of her limbs three months ago. Three months of no XP. She was Level 23. She was under leveled.
'I'm under leveled. I'm too weak. God, why am I—why am I even trying? I'm going to die. I'm going to actually die.'
