It took a lot of contemplating. But I eventually got the hang of it. I mean who wouldve thought that Edizon was capable of that. Practice gesture or not, that wouldve gutted my throat in, and I’m more than sure that I won’t be able to counter that thing intime not to mention counter it.
This only says that I still have a lot to improve on. It has been a while since I sparred with someone. Not to mention Edizon himself. I’m not even surprised that he didn’t stopped improving himself.
As to how I was able to counter such a skill fully concealed blow, this only proves those discussions we had. It wasn’t a moment of epiphany, neither a flash of inspiration. That was all too fast.
Almost as if being stabbed is something I’ve been dealing with all my life. As intriguing as it was, the very implication of those abilities only escalated my worries even further.
I shrugged before finally rejoining the others, it's not like we can throughly unprepared this time.
…
… …
We chatted heartily after that very long meeting, now that the barrier between Edizon and the two was finally gone, it finally felt that we were finaly complete as a group. We talked about the things we were doing as of late, shared some of our frustrations, and even laughed out loud to our continuously growing pile of embarassments.
The genuine feeling really helped me get the load off my shoulders. Not just because I know have a direction I can take to combat all of those visions I kept seeing. It’s just that the meeting helped me remind myself that I wasn’t alone.
Being branded as ‘the strongest’ even for just a year or two really did a number on my psyche. At some point I even projected a feeling of lonely to myself. A king that nobody understands but himself.
It makes me chuckle just by thinking about it now.
I have friends and family.
And that’s probably all I need.
…
… …
After tailoring out the details between me and the Zhao Clan, as well as Edizon and Alice’s to the Kingsman family. We all agreed on to just spend the night here at the shop.
The three of us were blown away, upon seeing the office and lodging that Edizon prepared in advance. Admittedly it was even more beautiful than the shop downstairs. At first glance it looked no different from a luxury guest lounge + office space hybrid. But, apparently the large room space itself is capable of projecting interactable holograms in the full area which helps the place double as a ‘Guest Lounge’ rather than a strategy room.
“Your collaboration with Mark?” I almost laughed after touching the Sphere that was projected in the air. The touch even gave subtle feedback, before floating away as if in space.
“What do you guys think?” A subtle smile deeply hidden embedded itself on Edizon's face.
“Awesome!” Alice grinned after grabbing the floating keyboard hologram that Edizon somehow summoned. Isabella looked in awe after seeing all this. She’s probably thinking of ways to ask Edizon install the same system installed for her family’s empire.
“It’s not like buying more properties right now will do us good.”
Edizon easily dismissed as if reading he read Alice and Isabella’s thoughts. While having World Contribution points is a big thing of itself, other than buying properties, there isn't really much to do with the contribution points he managed to stock up. As for selling knowledge for possible turnover of World Contribution points, it would be best if we keep the premium currency to himself. Specially, in anticipation of what's to come...
After a brief pause, Edizon continued…
“Let’s all get settled in our designated rooms for now shall we? Let’s meet up a few minutes before the launch. I still have to settle some affairs as an official adevisor for your family’s upcoming guild.” He looked at Isabella.
“I guess you can start calling me Guild Leader now.”
Edizon only shook his head as we all laughed at Alice.
…
… …
— break —
As soon as the final seconds of the countdown ticked to zero, everything froze.
As if time itself has paused as if waiting for me to choose an option between the two options hovering infront of me.
[Info] A haven for safety and power opens as two realities align. Would you like to Login to NOIM?
-Yes
-No
Excited and scared at the implicstions, I took a few seconds to marvel at what's happening, time really did pause as it awaited my choice, my will enough to control the cursor hovering over the choices in the interface augmented right before my eyes.
Selecting yes, my vision faded as I entered NOIM for the very first time.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
…
… …
[Info] Please select starting location.
The interface narrated by a melodious voice prompted in front of me before disappearing to reveal an interactive map containing the available locations to start in NOIM. Similar to what's hinted by the World Government, each starting location has it's own entrance condition with 'Asgard' having one of the highest difficulty without any of its clear conditions revealed in it's description.
From the expanded 3d view, rather than a world or a universe in itself, NOIM is structured through a spherical design where in clusters of terrain is amalgamated within a hierarchy of an uncountable layers or levels. With each level connected through a unique way. Across the ever developing spherical structure, clusters of levels can be seen expanding higher than others, with each having their own sigil and name to it. Some of the layers claimed by various organizations created from the very first layer like Asgard, others seemingly founded from organizations that only existed in higher layers, and so on.
Naturally, the starting locations available to us were only at the base layer. Scrolling the map to glance over everything for a couple more times, I finally selected Asgard.
'Good luck everyone.'
I mumbled to myself, as everything in sight dimmed, once again.
...
... ...
………………………… …………………………
...
As my vision returned, an interface appeared in front of me.
…………………………
[Info] Please select 2 weapons.
Sword
Short Sword
Bow
Axe
Long Sword
Knuckles
Staff
Wand
Spellblade
Shield
Buckler
Grimoire
Lasso
Spear
Great Sword
Hammer
...
... ...
Rather than a class choice, the next to appear was an interface to select a weapon. It seems that I'm allowed to carry two of them.
I contemplated to myself as I took a look at the options. Aside from allowing me to scroll through a wide variety of weapons, the interface flexible enough to have it's own reroll and search function though the choices seemed to be limited.
Of course there weren't any balance breaking weapons similar to the guns we have in reality. Being in the lower levels, that would of course be 'too lethal' for the scenario. Though I have a feeling that it would only be a short while before those became obsolete as well.
Continuing browsing I noticed that there were options for entirely 'fantasy' or 'magical' options like wands, staves, and even spellblades and variants of alike. Easily confirming that we do have magic as one of the core mechanics of NOIM.
Having no time limit, I made sure to take my time and weigh in my options.
Although the concept of magic in itself is exciting in itself, the options that rely entirely on magic like staves, wands, and grimoires could not operate without mana.
Also, with high 'Mana conductivity' like spellblades, arcane gloves and alike have a noticeable deficit when compared to the stats of it's physical counterpart.
With the 'Heroic' figure, I am tasked to establish the ideas of having a hybrid mage-archer and pure caster, I immedietly flew out of the table.
A combination of spell blade and a grimoire looked cool as well but I eventually scratched it off as being 'too mana reliant'.
Going for a pure physical sword and shield didn't cut it either. While I'm not sure what degree magic is able to affect fights in this level, I'm pretty sure having none of it would lead me to a disadvantage. That or I'm simply having the fear of missing out.
Also, I imagine that carrying a shield would only deter my movements. It was the safe option, yes, but not exactly up to the heroic tier that I'm looking for. Gloves, although I have a lot of hand to hand combat experience, didn't really appeal that much when you are to face enemies with both swords and magic alike.
In the end I chose a combination of a Sword and a Spellblade. Admittedly, it barely passed the criteria I was aiming for, but having no other info, this is the most flexible mellee hybrid combination that I could think of. With the spell blade being only slightly longer than a traditional long sword.
Locking in my options, I awaited the response from the system.
[Info] Weapon of choice acknowledged.
Sword
Spellblade
[Info] Please prepare yourself.
[Info] Sending you to the trial in 5...
4...
3...
2...
1...
...
... ...
……………………………………………………
1...
"Raaaa!"
*Ting!*
Jusr as my vision faded back in, a loud clang reverberated as I subconsciously blocked the incoming blow from an armored attacker using the sword in my right hand.
Sparks flew over, charges of electricity transfered somehow disabling my control over my arm before an arrow shot across from behind my attacker, the arrow aimed directly towards my head. I let my instincts took over as bent my body backwards, twisting my body to position myself to kick the soldier in front of me in his unprotected jaw.
Not having time to close the gap, I threw the spell blade towards the Archer, barely missing her vitals, throwing her off balance on one knee, before dashing towards the fallen soldier in front me.
*Splash!*
I already did it, even before I had the chance to think things through... In front of me lay the solider, unmoving. His neck, neatly sliced apart by the sword I was holding.
[Info] You have killed Richter, An Infantry Soldier of the Woles Empire, Level 2. Current Experience points: 45%/100% till Level 1.
A sound popped in my head, as a non intrusive notification augmented in my vision.
...
"Richter!"
The archer screamed hoarsely, tears falling out from her eyes. Around me similar battles waged on, soldiers wearing armor with the insignia with the head of a wolf devouring a world against people who wore white leather shirts and brown pants... People who similarly just got transported into the trial now forced to deal with a situation that dictates life and death. By the sound of it, the pain was as real as it gets.
From time itself stopping, to materializing objects, and to putting us up with soldiers who are real enough to have tears and mourn for their fallen. Even the screams of pain and horror of all around is real enough for me.
If I'm right then... those visions are likely to be real as well...
'A possible branch of the future huh...'
I stood there uncaringly relaxed. Watching the soldier in front of me as she tried her best to knock the arrow despite the pain brought by the spell blade embedded in her shoulder. Her eyes maddened with fervor.
She must be close to the one I just killed. I mumbled to myself as I continued to watch the female archer. Her stubbornness somehow reminded me of Alice.
By the looks of it, the trial purposely separated those who know each other in order to create a fair environment. Which means she's all alone right now. Still, even though NOIM is a game... Or rather a separate reality from us, I could tell just from the screams around me that all of this is a traumatic experience for all of them. And, not even the training she underwent through would be able to help her with that.
Goodluck there Alice. Everyone.
'I will also do my best.'
I mumbled to myself as I dashed towards the wounded archer, closing in on her, I took three large leaps, the speed as to which I had close in on her painting her face in horror.
Not a single moment passed by before her head came rolling. A pool of blood appeared on the grass as her decapitated body also fell to the ground.
The sounds of notifications rang in my head, if I focus enough, I could feel subtle changes happening over my body. It was hardly enough to cause a small change in my abilities, but I could see the advantage piling up over a dozen levels into.
Suddenly, time slowed to a halt as the interface completely took over my vision.
...
... ...
To be continued.