Saber stood in his room, packing his bag while wearing black pants. The system's really handy, it even has storage, sweet, he thought as he packed the bag and threw it into the screen.
Now then, before I go, there's still something that I wanna see, he mused, opening the system. I'm at level 1, huh? That's gonna be a pain in the ass to do it alone. By the way, what even are my skills?
"System? Show me skills," Saber commanded, eager to see what abilities he had at his disposal.
SKILLS
Dash- 10 U
Arm- 10 U
Saber sat in his room, packing his bag while wearing black pants. The system's really handy, it even has storage, sweet, he thought as he packed the bag and threw it into the screen. Now then, before I go, there's still something that I wanna see.
Opening the system, he saw his current status. I'm at level 1, huh? That's gonna be a pain in the ass to do it alone. By the way, what even are my skills?
"System? Show me skills," Saber commanded, eager to see what abilities he had.
Both are seriously weak. What am I even gonna do with my 'move' sets, huh? he thought, folding his arms in contemplation. Maybe I'll get moves gradually through leveling up? But if I don't get any at all... God have mercy.
"At least I'll check these two before going," Saber decided, wearing his complete outfit. Hmm, black, huh? I think I'm starting to like black now, he mused as he started walking in the street.
The screen showed the map and navigated him. This thing has a navigation function too? That's handy, he thought as he reached the guild.
"Oh hey!" Tina greeted him.
Saber looked at her and approached. "Hey," he replied.
"You're alone today? Where's the gang?" Tina asked.
"What gang?" Saber responded, disturbed.
"Your group, silly," Tina clarified.
It's unsettling how I'm able to hold up a normal conversation with this receptionist. I'm not even feeling uncomfortable. So why Chloe? Maybe I haven't adapted to Chloe's shenanigans yet, Saber thought.
"Hello? I asked where's your group," Tina repeated.
You were about to repeat gang, weren't you? Saber thought. "Don't you know?" he said aloud.
"What?" Tina asked.
After Saber explained, Tina started fake crying. "It's sho shad… sniff sniff."
Are you actually crying or mocking me? Saber wondered.
Another receptionist interrupted. "Hey Tina?"
Tina, tears instantly gone, replied, "Yes?"
"YOU WEREN'T EVEN CRYING!!!" Saber exclaimed.
"Got me, huh. Ehe…" Tina admitted.
Saber sighed. "Oh, and by the way, if you want to kill some time, I suggest you go and check the training ground," Tina offered.
"The training ground? Here?" Saber asked.
"Well, most people kill their time there because they're waiting for their comrades, but who are you going to wait for?" Tina teased.
Saber was pissed. "Alright, alright, it was a bad joke, but do check it out," Tina said, giving a thumbs up. "And don't forget to write a positive review and give a 5 stars rating."
Is this a paid promotion? Saber thought as he entered the grounds. The ground was a medium-sized field, and the yellowish-brown dust reflected the sunlight straight into his eyes.
"So!... bright!" Saber exclaimed. "Hey screen, turn the view darker if you can." The view adjusted to Saber's eyes. It can do this too? What other stuff can it do?
Standing at the side of the field, Saber decided to try out his skill. "Let's see… Dash, huh? Alright then." Taking a stance, he bent his knees and bowed a bit, looking up-front. "Dash," he whispered. His legs vibrated, and the dust flew as he felt a strong push behind him.
Saber screamed in fear, frictioning his legs and screeching a distance before finally stopping. Looking back in surprise, Saber thought, Did I do that? N-No way, those are my traces. This 'dash' is amazing! I can run a mile away with it, and they won't even be able to touch me. I thought this was some kind of enhancement bullshit, but… this is addictive.
Chloe ran towards him, excited. "Waah! That was so cool! Were you hiding it?"
"What? You don't have this?" Saber asked.
"Absolutely not?!" Chloe exclaimed.
"Hey kiddo, how are you doing?" Marco greeted.
"Great," Saber replied.
"Hey, I don't see the clothes we bought together?" Chloe asked.
"I… changed it last night before the shop was closing," Saber admitted.
"Why?!" Chloe demanded.
"Do you know she forced me to buy an entire pink set?" Saber explained.
Marco laughed. "So Chloe's shenanigans even caught you too?"
"Yeah," Saber said, disappointed.
"Glad to know those words didn't hit you hard," Marco taunted, smirking. "Unlike a certain someone who couldn't sleep due to guilt."
Lead hid behind the wall.
"Is he really?" Saber asked.
"Yes, and he wants to apologize for what he said back there. Forgive him now, he admitted he was a bit harsh on you," Marco said.
A bit? The dude just cooked, roasted, and deep-fried me then tossed me into the furnace for a nice, clean burned taste, Saber thought.
"Hey fellas!" Ergo called out, coming with Argil.
"Hey dude," Saber greeted.
"Hii," Argil blushed, hiding behind Ergo.
"Don't take it personally, he's just shy," Ergo explained.
"He really likes you, huh," Saber noted.
"Exactly, who can ignore my beauty?" Ergo said.
All of them started talking among themselves.
"HEY!" Ergo shouted.
"So Saber, did you find a party yet?" Argil asked.
"No, I'm planning to go solo. Is it really that difficult?" Saber replied.
"WHAT!?" all four exclaimed.
"Are you serious? You wanna die?" Chloe shook Saber wildly.
"That's pretty daring, even for a pro like me," Marco said, surprised.
"Um… hey Marco, how long is he going to keep staring at us?" Saber asked.
"Oye Lead, are you going to come out or should I spill your worst secret none of them knows? Your wish," Marco taunted.
Lead came out running. "Heyy!!!"
"Oh hello there kid, didn't see you there," Lead said, trying to maintain his posture.
"Yeah, as if," all five replied.
"Hey, I overheard your conversation and I must say, you're the dumbest creature I know to date," Lead said.
"Why?" Saber asked.
"Planning to challenge a dungeon alone? That's the sound of a suicide mission. Are you planning to commit suicide?" Lead questioned.
"No!" Saber replied.
"There's no time left now. Even if you form an unauthorized party, the dungeon would still randomly drop you alone," Lead explained.
"But why?" Saber asked.
"It's all about filling the application form. They give cards accordingly or update it, which is infused with a contract spell that works for a certain period of time. So that, when you're entering the dungeon, it thinks that the group is a single person and can be manipulated easily. You've screwed up big-time, kid," Lead said.
"Hey Lead, look at the tracks," Marco said, watching the traces of Saber's Dash.
"Is this done by you, kid?" Lead asked.
"Y-Yeah," Saber replied.
"Impressive," Ergo commented.
"Does your ability revolve around speed?" Argil asked.
"I'm not sure right now, I'll discover it later," Saber said.
"Judging by the looks, this can be a form of physical enhancing skill or something to do with speed itself," Lead noted.
"But look at the speed, this is not a beginner's speed even if they have speed-related abilities," Marco said.
"Maybe it's a defense mechanism," Lead suggested.
"A defensive type?" Marco asked, confused.
"Yes, where you have to simply flee from the scene. It's the best skill for thieves and lower-level gangs," Lead explained.
"What does he think I am?" Saber wondered.
"A thief?" Chloe guessed.
"A bully?" Ergo added.
"I don't know what to say," Argil said.
"Anyways boy, all I can say is just be careful. That's all there is. And if you're stuck in a sticky situation, then just use that speed of yours. Come on, it's time to assemble, only 15 minutes on the clock," Lead instructed.
The colosseum was filled with an audience, cheering for the individuals present in the arena.
"Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen! I am the Announcer of this year's 'Gem Dragon' event!" the announcer said excitedly.
Just how excited even is he? Control that excitement, dude. And now that I'm looking at the crowd, this is a huge event they hold dear, huh, Saber thought.
"Now I'm going to explain the rules, folks!" the announcer continued.
I can feel the exclamation mark at the end of every sentence he speaks, Saber thought.
"The rules are simple," the announcer began.
"There are going to be drones following you…" the announcer began.
Saber exchanged a glance with a nearby drone, feeling uneasy.
"To keep track of your progress. If you will eventually die—" the announcer continued.
What's wrong with this guy? He makes it sound like a death battle, Saber thought, disturbed.
"—because it is!" the announcer interjected, as if hearing Saber's thoughts.
Did he just hear me? Saber wondered.
"Absolutely not!" the announcer clarified.
I'm gonna stop thinking, Saber decided.
"That can be a great choice!" the announcer agreed, leaving Saber pissed.
"Players cannot kill each other, or they will end up in jail," the announcer continued. "The dragon's egg is not an easy task; you'll have to defeat the gem dragon herself to claim her egg in victory. Remember to be on high alert all the time, as there are many beginner players. Don't forget to prioritize what's most important for you… and that's you! Also, don't let your emotions take over your body, or you'll meet death himself!"
This is getting ridiculous. At this point, it's not advice anymore; it's a goddamn speech from the principal's backstory, Saber thought, glancing at Chloe, who looked tired of standing through the boring speech.
She's clearly melting in boredom, Saber noted.
Heartbeat!
What's this? Why am I feeling excited all of a sudden? This feeling, it's like I want to crush whatever's inside there, Saber thought.
The circle portal began to open slowly.
Heartbeat!
Again? I'm suddenly getting the urge to rip apart through the minions, Saber thought as a black aura circled an orb.
Whatever it is inside, be ready, he thought, a black flame lighting up in his eyes.
"Remember, this is a death gamble, so be safe!" the announcer warned.
Oh, this is gonna be fun! Saber thought with a devil's smile.
As the sphere completed its opening, the announcer shouted, "Now GO!!!"
Participants rushed to the gate. Saber jumped forward at the sphere with a devilish smile, his sword drawn in his hand.