My leg jittered restlessly, bouncing up and down as I sat hunched forward, my hands tightly clasped together. Anxiety gripped me, squeezing the breath from my lungs. I was far from okay—so far, in fact, that the pain stabbing through my chest should've taken me out. But I was still hanging on, driven by the sheer force of adrenaline.
Beep… Beep…
The sound of the hospital machines echoed in the room, their monotonous rhythm tightening the knot in my stomach. I hated this place, hated the sterile scent of disinfectant that clung to the air. I had grown used to it over the years, but it still churned my insides. Across the room, Vincent sat slumped in his chair. A bandage wrapped around his head, his arm stiff with plaster, and a crutch leaning against the wall beside him. He looked as battered as I felt.
Damn those bastards.
They had ganged up on us, not even giving us a fighting chance—just to make a point. My fists clenched tighter, nails digging into my palms. I wished, desperately, that I was stronger. That I had the power to protect them—my friends. What was the point of becoming a bodyguard if I couldn't even keep the people I cared about safe? What would happen to my clients if I was this weak?
Those questions swirled endlessly in my mind, gnawing at me, making me bite down hard on the inside of my cheek until I tasted blood. A scream was building in my chest, clawing its way out, but I forced it down. Anger simmered beneath my skin, ready to erupt.
Damn it!
Damn it all!
Why am I this weak?!
The door to the emergency room creaked open, and the doctor emerged, flanked by two nurses. Their expressions were unreadable, but their faces carried the grim weight of bad news. I knew that look. Still fresh from surgery, they carried the heavy scent of antiseptic and exhaustion.
"The operation was a success," the doctor said with a calm detachment that did little to comfort me. His words, though meant to reassure, felt hollow. There was more coming—I could feel it. He paused for a moment, and then it came. "However, your friend's right leg is beyond repair. The damage is too extensive. Even with rehabilitation, he won't regain full mobility."
The words hit like a hammer. I watched as he bowed slightly before walking away, leaving us to process the devastation he'd just laid at our feet. My chest tightened, fury bubbling up inside me. Without thinking, I slammed my fist into the nearest wall, the impact reverberating up my arm. The pain didn't register; all I felt was the burning anger, the deep ache of disappointment that clawed at my throat.
If only I had been stronger…
I forced myself to look at Marc, lying in that hospital bed, bandages covering most of his body. His right leg was suspended, completely immobilized, wrapped tightly in layers of gauze. His arms were similarly bandaged, his face bruised and swollen beyond recognition. They had done a number on him. The machine beside him beeped steadily, a cold reminder of his fragile state.
I stood there, unable to speak, unable to say anything that would make this any better. All I could do was stare at my broken friend, the guilt gnawing at me from the inside.
Later, Vincent and I sat outside, sipping coffee, the hospital garden stretching out before us. The air was heavy with unspoken words, the silence only broken by the distant sounds of traffic and the occasional chatter of patients.
"I'm quitting," Vincent said, his voice low. He stared down at his cup, his eyes tired, defeated.
"Is that so?" I asked, taking a slow sip of my coffee, though it tasted like ash in my mouth.
"They won't stop," he continued, his tone carrying a hint of resignation. "To be honest, I knew from the start that bodyguarding wasn't for me." His voice wavered slightly, as though the words pained him to say. "When Marc wakes up, I'm pretty sure he'll quit too."
I tried to joke, weakly. "Maybe he'll go back to that hacker job he's always talking about."
Vincent chuckled, but it was hollow. "At least he'll be sitting behind a desk, not getting his bones broken."
The silence that followed was heavy. We both knew the truth—Marc was done, and Vincent wasn't far behind.
"And you?" Vincent turned to me, though I kept my gaze fixed on a group of bodyguards standing at the far end of the garden. "Are you going to stay? After what they did?"
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his question. "They have to pay. Somebody has to make them pay."
Vincent sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I figured as much. You've never been the type to let things go." He stood, clapping me on the shoulder as he did. "Good luck, man. If you graduate and land a decent gig, drop by my clinic for a check-up. I'll give you a discount."
"Discount?" I smirked, despite myself. "Come on, man. I'm your friend—shouldn't I get free treatment?"
He laughed as he walked away, his voice fading. "It's business, man. I gotta eat. Plus, I'll probably have a wife by then, and she's bound to be expensive!"
I watched him go, the laughter quickly fading as the reality of the situation settled back in. They had won this time, but the next time? Things would be different.
Finally, a smile broke through the tension that had gripped me for so long. I had managed to protect both my friends, and I couldn't shake the feeling that after this, any of them dared to cross me would think twice.
Suddenly, a system alert flickered to life, casting a red glow in my peripheral vision.
SYSTEM ALERT!
The user has leveled up… You may now jump to the main story…
Accept… Decline…
I hesitated, my mind racing. ELL, please explain.
The main story revolves around fulfilling your dying wish: to become strong enough to protect your client, Isabella. Since you have gained enough stats, you may proceed.
Aah, I see….
I glanced over my stats, feeling a surge of pride. They looked promising. Yet, there was still one lingering issue—I couldn't access the shop tab.
ELL… Not yet? I am still lacking. The intermediate level is still low. Facing an expert in all stat will be insane and I might end up using my return credit.
Yes, I understand…
Decline....
A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I mulled it over. Despite how breathtaking it was to gaze at my profile, the reality of my situation weighed on me. I realized that while I had made progress, I still wasn't as strong as I needed to be—not even close. More importantly, I was missing reliable allies. The last time, before I was assigned to protect Isabella, I had been told that a support group would be formed to aid me, but those bastards attacked far too quickly. I need to trace that group sooner rather than later. But first, I had some decisions to make.
[Bonus Points: 30,000]
Hey ELL... I inquired, my curiosity piqued, Can I use these bonus points to purchase a skill?
Of course. Which skill would you like to acquire?
I pondered my options, knowing that I needed something that would significantly aid my growth.
Let's see… I want a skill that will be useful in enhancing my abilities. Is that possible?
"Loading… Achievements…"
"Analysis complete… Skill found: [Simulation 3D]."
Simulation 3D? What sort of skill is that?
Per your request, this was the skill that went according to your demand…
Detail it.
[Skill Simulation 3D]
[It's a skill that allows an individual or a system to create highly detailed, interactive, and immersive three-dimensional environments or models. It involves generating a virtual replica of real-world objects, spaces, or processes, enabling users to observe, manipulate, and analyze scenarios in a controlled digital space.]
[Simulation 3D can be an invaluable tool for a bodyguard, offering realistic training and preparation for high-stakes situations. By using this skill, bodyguards can immerse themselves in lifelike simulations of various security scenarios, such as navigating crowded areas, responding to sudden threats, or conducting safe extractions. The simulations allow them to anticipate real-world situations and hone their skills without any actual danger.
For example, a bodyguard might enter a virtual 3D environment simulating a high-profile event where they need to protect a VIP. The simulation would include dynamic factors like crowds, potential attackers, and unpredictable elements, enabling the bodyguard to practice situational awareness, crowd control, and rapid response tactics in real-time. Additionally, they can replay and analyze different scenarios, improving decision-making under pressure.
Through Simulation 3D, bodyguards can elevate their training to handle real-life situations more effectively, boosting both their confidence and tactical expertise.]
This was amazing. Creating a scenario, just like the quest world.
No really, in the quest, the user can not manipulate it but in the simulation 3D, the user will is a major contribution. For instance, you could bring out your current state and face a predicted version of yourself in maybe five years for now. The system will bring out the estimated modeling.
Oooh... Sorry, but I don't really get it. It sounds like a good skill.
Would you like to give it a try?
Of course, purchase it.