The morning light filtered through Ryota's apartment window as he stretched, feeling the ache in his muscles from the hours spent playing the night before. His mind was already racing, focused on the task ahead. Today was the trial run with Shadow Fang, and whether he liked it or not, this was going to determine his future in Vanguard Genesis. It was more than just a test of his skill, it was a test of his resolve.
He hurried through his morning routine, barely taking the time to eat breakfast as his thoughts drifted to the upcoming dungeon raid. Sakura noticed his tension but said nothing, though the concerned look in her eyes spoke volumes.
"Good luck today," she said quietly as he prepared to re-enter the game. "Just… don't push yourself too hard."
Ryota nodded, giving her a brief smile before slipping on the VR ring. He lay down on his bed, making sure his body was in a comfortable position before activating the device. In an instant, the world around him shifted, and he was back in Vanguard Genesis.
The familiar hum of the game's atmosphere greeted him as he appeared in Asgard, the bustling virtual city. His avatar, Raijin, stood in the plaza, fully armored and ready. He opened his menu, checking his gear and stats one last time before heading toward the meeting point.
He was nervous, but he wouldn't let it show. This was his chance to prove that he could stand alongside some of the most experienced players in the game.
As Raijin approached the rendezvous point just outside the city gates, he saw Kaito, Hana, and the rest of the Shadow Fang team waiting for him. The group was smaller than last night, but still formidable. Kaito and Hana stood at the front, both of them decked out in high-tier gear, while the others Riku, Akira, and Mei prepared themselves for the dungeon.
"Glad you're here," Kaito greeted him with a nod. "Ready for your trial?"
Raijin nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Yeah. Let's do this."
Hana gave him a once-over, her sharp eyes assessing his readiness. "We're going to start with a mid-level dungeon, The Obsidian Ruins. It's not too difficult, but it'll test your ability to work with a team. Remember, communication is key. Stick to your role, follow orders, and we'll get through it."
Raijin clenched his fists, mentally preparing himself. This wasn't just about surviving the dungeon. He needed to impress them with his skill, his ability to adapt, and his strategic thinking. There was no room for error.
Kaito stepped forward, addressing the group. "Alright, the goal here is simple. We're going to clear the Obsidian Ruins and take out the boss at the end, The Stone Titan. Raijin, you'll be on damage dealing, but stay alert for any opportunities to support the team. Hana will lead, and I'll provide backup where needed. Everyone knows their roles. Let's move."
The group activated their mounts, sleek futuristic motorcycles that zoomed out of the city gates and across the vast landscape of Vanguard Genesis. Raijin had only been to The Obsidian Ruins once before, but this time felt different. There was more on the line.
The ruins came into view after a few minutes of travel, the broken pillars of a long-lost civilization jutting up from the ground like the bones of a fallen giant. The entrance was shrouded in darkness, giving off an eerie, foreboding aura.
"We're here," Hana announced as they dismounted their vehicles. "Get ready."
The group approached the dungeon's entrance, and Raijin felt the weight of his weapons at his side. The Katana of Tempest, his prized sword, glowed faintly in his hand as he drew it. His heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was clear.
The entrance of the dungeon shimmered with a magical barrier, and as soon as they stepped through, the familiar darkness of the virtual environment surrounded them. The temperature seemed to drop as they ventured deeper into the ruins, with the air thick with tension.
Hana led the way, moving silently, her blade at the ready. Kaito followed closely behind her, scanning the area for potential threats. Raijin took up his position near the back, his eyes sharp as he waited for any signs of danger.
It didn't take long.
Suddenly, a loud rumble echoed through the ruins, and several stone golems emerged from the walls, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. The group sprang into action instantly.
"Positions!" Hana barked, her voice cutting through the tension.
Raijin's grip on his katana tightened as he rushed forward, his mind focused. This was his chance to show what he was capable of. He weaved between the golems, his blade flashing as he struck at their weak points. Stone crumbled beneath his attacks, but the golems were tough—each hit required precision and timing.
Kaito moved beside him, covering Raijin's blind spots while Hana dealt with the larger threats. The other members of Shadow Fang were just as efficient, coordinating their movements perfectly. It was like watching a well-oiled machine in action.
"Watch your right!" Kaito shouted, and Raijin barely had time to dodge as another golem swung its massive arm at him. He rolled to the side, slashing at its exposed core before leaping back to avoid the next attack.
It was intense, but Raijin found himself falling into a rhythm. The group moved together, covering each other's weaknesses and capitalizing on their strengths. For the first time, Raijin truly understood the value of teamwork in a game like this.
After what felt like hours, the group cleared the room, the last golem collapsing into rubble. Raijin wiped the sweat from his brow, though it was a virtual environment, the intensity was real.
"Good work," Hana said, glancing at Raijin. "You kept up."
Raijin gave a curt nod, trying to catch his breath. He could feel his confidence growing. He wasn't just surviving, he was contributing.
But this was just the beginning.
As they ventured deeper into the ruins, the challenges increased. Traps were hidden in the stonework, puzzles blocked their path, and waves of enemies ambushed them at every turn. Raijin's focus never wavered, and each time he adapted, he felt his skill growing sharper. The team moved as a unit, and Raijin felt like he was becoming part of that unit.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they reached the inner sanctum of the dungeon. The massive stone doors loomed ahead, their surfaces covered in ancient runes. This was it the final room, where The Stone Titan awaited them.
"This is the real test," Kaito said, looking at Raijin. "The Stone Titan isn't just a brute. He's got a second phase, and if you're not prepared for it, he'll wipe the floor with you. Stick to the plan, and don't try to be a hero."
Raijin nodded, gripping his katana tightly. "I'm ready."
Hana gave a signal, and the doors creaked open, revealing a massive chamber lit by molten lava flowing beneath the stone floor. In the center of the room stood the Stone Titan, a towering figure made of rock and molten fire. Its eyes glowed with an ancient, destructive power.
"Let's do this," Hana said, her voice steady as she led the charge.
The battle began in an instant. The Stone Titan roared, its massive fists slamming into the ground, sending shockwaves through the chamber. Raijin darted to the side, avoiding the attack, and closed the distance, his katana flashing as he struck at the Titan's legs.
But the Titan was fast for its size, swatting Raijin away like a fly. He barely managed to roll to his feet before another fist came crashing down. The team moved in unison, each member playing their part, but the Titan's power was overwhelming.
"Phase two incoming!" Kaito shouted as the Titan's body began to glow brighter, the molten veins running through its rock form pulsing with energy.
Raijin braced himself, knowing this was where the real fight would begin. The Titan let out a deafening roar, and suddenly, the floor erupted in pillars of flame. Raijin barely had time to dodge as the heat seared the air around him.
"Stick to the plan!" Hana called out, her voice strained as she focused on leading the attack. "Raijin, now!"
Raijin didn't hesitate. He saw the opening an exposed core at the Titan's back. With a burst of speed, he launched himself forward, his katana slicing through the air as he aimed for the weak point.
The Titan staggered as Raijin's attack landed, its massive body crumbling under the precision strike.
But the fight wasn't over yet.
The Titan roared again, thrashing wildly as it tried to recover. The team pressed their advantage, each member attacking in perfect sync. Finally, with one last coordinated effort, the Titan fell, its massive body collapsing into a pile of rubble.
The room fell silent, save for the sound of the lava bubbling below. They had won.
Raijin stood there, breathing heavily, his heart racing from the intensity of the battle. He had done it. He had fought alongside Shadow Fang and held his own.
Hana approached him, a rare smile on her face. "Good job. You've earned your place with us."
Raijin nodded, feeling a surge of pride. This was the moment he had been waiting for a chance to prove himself worthy of standing among the elite players of Vanguard Genesis. The trial was over, and he had passed. But the weight of the future still pressed on him. This was only one step toward his ultimate goal: winning the Grand Tournament and securing a better life for his family.
As the dust settled and the Stone Titan's remains slowly disintegrated into the ground, a system message appeared in front of the team.
Dungeon Cleared!
Rewards Unlocked: Rare Titan Armor Set, Obsidian Gem, 5000 XP
The team members exchanged nods of approval as they collected their loot. Raijin hesitated for a moment before picking up the Obsidian Gem, a rare crafting material that could be used to forge powerful weapons. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental to him.
Kaito clapped Raijin on the back, his wide grin breaking the tension. "Not bad for your first trial, Raijin. You've got potential."
Raijin smiled, his mind still buzzing from the adrenaline of the battle. "Thanks. It was intense, but I learned a lot."
Hana stepped forward, her usual stoic demeanor softening slightly. "You did well. Shadow Fang doesn't take just anyone. You kept up with the team, followed orders, and didn't panic when things got tough. That's exactly what we need."
"I appreciate the opportunity," Raijin replied. "I know I have a lot to learn, but I'm ready to work hard."
Hana nodded, her sharp gaze assessing him once more. "Good. We'll see how you handle yourself in the upcoming missions. This was just the beginning."
Kaito chimed in, leaning against the ruined stone wall of the dungeon. "And don't forget, the Grand Tournament is just a few weeks away. We need to sharpen our skills and solidify our teamwork if we're going to have a shot at the top ranks."
The reminder of the tournament sent a rush of determination through Raijin. This was what he had been aiming for from the start. The prize money from the tournament would change everything for him and his family. It wasn't just about glory or recognition, it was about survival.
"I'll be ready," Raijin said firmly.
As they made their way back to the dungeon's entrance, the team engaged in casual conversation, the tension of the trial now behind them. Raijin listened quietly, absorbing every bit of information he could about their strategies and their thoughts on the tournament. He was part of something bigger now, and he couldn't afford to fall behind.
When they exited the dungeon, the warm sunlight of Asgard greeted them. Raijin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. This was just one trial, but it was a critical step forward.
Kaito turned to him as they reached the city gates. "We'll have more dungeons to run before the tournament, so stay sharp. We'll be in touch to coordinate the next raid."
Raijin nodded. "I'll be ready whenever you are."
Hana gave him a brief nod of approval. "Rest up. You'll need it for what's coming."
As the group dispersed, Raijin lingered for a moment, staring at the sprawling cityscape of Asgard. He had made it through the first hurdle, but the road ahead was long and full of challenges. His family's future rested on his ability to keep improving, to keep pushing the limits of what he could do.
With a final glance at the towering buildings of the city, Raijin opened his menu and logged out, the familiar pull of reality drawing him back.
Ryota blinked as the virtual world dissolved around him, his apartment coming back into focus. He lay there for a moment, his body stiff from being in the same position for hours. The glow of the city outside his window cast long shadows across the room.
Sakura was sitting at the small dining table, her schoolwork spread out before her. She glanced up as Ryota sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"How did it go?" she asked softly, a hopeful note in her voice.
Ryota smiled, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "I passed the trial. I'm officially part of the guild."
Sakura's eyes lit up. "That's amazing! I knew you could do it."
Ryota nodded, though the weight of everything that still needed to be done hung over him. "Yeah. But there's still a long way to go. The tournament is coming up soon, and if I want to help Mom, I have to win."
Sakura's expression softened, and she stood up, walking over to him. "You're doing everything you can, Ryota. I know it's hard, but you're not alone. We'll get through this together."
Ryota gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Sakura."
He stood up, feeling the stiffness in his legs from lying down for so long. His mind was still racing with thoughts of the game, the tournament, and everything he had to do to make it all work. But for now, he needed rest.
"I'm going to get some sleep," Ryota said. "I've got a feeling tomorrow's going to be another long day."
Sakura nodded, returning to her studies as Ryota headed toward his bedroom. As he lay down, his thoughts drifted back to the game, to the feeling of fighting alongside Shadow Fang and the looming challenge of the Grand Tournament.
For his family, for their future, he couldn't afford to lose.