System Fall

 

 

Jason's gaze narrowed as he watched Nick step into the peculiarly shaped building. Doubts spiraled in his mind, making him question the wisdom of their decision. He noticed how certain individuals had wisely chosen to hold back, opting not to offer Nick their support in the form of points or items. And yet, despite their reluctance, Nick had still managed to get himself an impressive arsenal.

Standing alongside his university companions - Keith, Rosa, and Harley - a group that had dared to venture into the first level of the Hidden Dungeon at 42nd and Penn and lived to recount their harrowing experience. All four held their 18th Century Swords, the weapons showing signs of battle, their edges marred and stained with dried blood. Without Rosa's chance acquisition of the Blade Maintainer skill, their weapons would have worn out far sooner.

Thankfully, with just few strokes on the grinding stone she was able to keep their swords serviceable.

Without warning, every side of the building illuminated with a vibrant glow. Massive screens, composed of countless tiny, shifting lights, materialized on the walls. The survivors all looked on  collectively as the screen flickered to life, revealing a live feed of Nick within the building. The man was moving with a purpose straight down the entryway way towards the arena within. He had a determined gaze and a good grip on his sword. His every move was magnified on the grand screen, drawing the crowd into the reality of the perilous fight he was about to embark on.

Then in one corner of the screen, a smaller picture-in-picture display emerged, showing the towering figure of the Obsidian Minotaur within the very same arena Nick was approaching. Its ominous gaze seemed to bore into the screen, its every muscle rippling with raw power.

"Do you think he stands a chance against that monster?" Keith questioned; his voice edged with uncertainty.

Jason shrugged, his gaze still fixed on Nick. "I’d love to say that he’ll make it but can't bring myself to dismiss that monster either. So, let's wait and see. I just don’t know."

Truthfully, Jason wasn’t sure about the man, Nick was a mystery that unsettled him. Everything about the man was outside the norm, from his relentless disposition to his formidable combat skills. Initially, Nick didn't strike him as a member of any notorious gang or even a martial artist, yet his actions at every turn challenged that perception.

Recalling the way Nick had unearthed that Hidden Dungeon, battled Rail Roaches with a fearless composure that rivaled any career soldiers Jason had ever met and the way the man pressed forward relentlessly, a part of Jason wished he had traveled further alongside him. Despite the dangers Nick seemed to constantly invite on himself, he also radiated a danger of his own.

As the rest of the gathered survivors thought about strategies for surviving the Intermediate Tutorial, Jason's focus remained trained on Nick Vandal as the man’s actions were projected on a screen. The man's eyes flickered with a meticulous rhythm, as if he were continually scanning for potential threats. His weapon, a fearsome sword, added to his intimidating presence.

But it wasn't just the sword. Many around them wielded an array of medieval weaponry - swords, spears, bows, and arrows. Yet, what set Nick apart was the aura of battle-hardened experience he carried, projecting the impression that he was skilled at wielding any weapon in his grasp. At least, that's what Jason believed.

"That's dodging the question, mate," Keith chided, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "I don't see Willow or Alvin around anymore, though."

Rosa piped up, "May?" Her once meek fellow student now stood alone, radiating an air of newfound confidence. Her twin swords hung menacingly at her back. "She's changed quite a bit."

 

"No kidding," Jason murmured, more to himself than to his companions. "She seems more self-assured now, which I think is a step in the right direction. I just hope Willow and Alvin are still alive. It would be disheartening if they hadn't made it this far since I didn’t see them when Zagrid appeared. I didn’t think anyone could skip this part."

Before anyone could protest, Rosa decided to take the direct approach. "Why don't we just ask her?" She gave May a friendly wave, attracting the attention of more than a few onlookers. However, it did succeed in drawing May's attention.

May responded with a warm smile, "Of course, I'll tell you. It's been quite an eventful journey."

"No kidding, Sherlock," Keith snorted, a smirk playing on his lips. "Now, out with it."

"I'll share my story if you share yours," May offered, momentarily pausing to assess the situation. While they were familiar faces, she did have a closer connection to the girls.

"Fair deal," Jason replied, his smile offering reassurance.

So, May began her tale, weaving a broad narrative about her experiences. She tactfully left out the details of her separation from Willow and Alvin, merely glossing over Willow's abrupt departure and Alvin's abandonment. As she relayed the encounter with the other group and how hostile they’d been and Nick's ruthless response, a plain silence fell over the listeners

"That Nick guy sure is full of surprises, huh?" Keith remarked, his tone laced with curiosity. "Do you think he was into video games or something? This new reality might be his dream come true, the whole battling monsters, bad guys, and going full vigilante with no cops around to handcuff him if he goes full 'Dark Avenger' and starts making death threats."

"I won't say I'm proud of it," May retorted, a touch of defensiveness in her voice. "But I have to ask you, would you have acted any differently in that situation?"

The question hung in the air, met with a heavy silence. Their initial notions of being civilized individuals, capable of resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation, had been shattered by many of their encounters since the start of System Fall. The reality of their situation had left a sour taste in their mouths.

Jason finally broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "We can only judge ourselves based on what we've faced. Until we're in Nick's shoes, we'll never truly understand his actions."

His words hit a note with the group, triggering a reflective silence as they continued to watch the arena screens, their eyes full of a mixture of anxiety, anticipation, and a newfound respect for the man they watched on the monitor.

"Your turn," Jason said, nudging Keith with his elbow. "Come on, man, answer her question."

Keith's brows furrowed as he tried to find the right words. "I didn't mean to judge, it's just... It's hard to believe, you know? Even now, with everything he's doing. I agreed to his demands because it seemed like he was going to face that thing head-on, whether we joined him or not."

Jason nodded in agreement. "Exactly. But it's not just about Nick's bravery. We have to consider the possibility that the creature could grow stronger based on the number of people it defeats in combat. Whether we fought it or send others to challenge it, survival is going to be a struggle."

Panic rippled through the surrounding voices, drawing their attention back to the arena. They all turned towards the screen to find that the minotaur-like creature had vanished from its cage and Nick had also disappeared, followed by a notification on the screen, “Stand By”

"Oh, God," May murmured, her worry palpable. "I really hope Nick is alright."