Theodore was puzzled by Invincible Gladiator’s unexpected rage. The cancelled trade was a no-fuss deal, but the warrior’s outburst hinted at something deeper. Was this the temper of a young gamer, maybe from Japan, desperate to snatch someone else’s loot by any means?
Theo, however, wasn’t caught flat-footed, all thanks to Theodore’s knack for gaming. An avid fan of games like Diablo, he’d angled his camera for a bird’s-eye view, giving him a tactical edge.
As Invincible Gladiator charged, Theodore’s gamer instincts kicked in. He tapped the parry button, and his barbarian avatar skillfully blocked the attack with his club, fending off the massive two-handed sword. A quick glance at the warrior’s profile showed no ordinary foe but a “3rd-level celestial warrior,” a class straight out of fantasy epics.
The celestial warrior Invincible Gladiator struck you with 8 points of air damage.
“Ha-ha!” The scornful laugh echoed, cutting through any language barriers.
Theodore scowled. His club had stopped the physical blow, but a gust of sword-shaped air bypassed his defense, slamming into Theo’s chest. Invincible Gladiator’s spectral strikes were relentless.
“I gotta turn off these combat logs,” Theodore thought, irked by the constant on-screen updates. But what really got under his skin was the threat to his New Year’s plans for his mom. In ‘Rakuen,’ a player’s death meant losing everything. He’d already dodged a few close calls with ambushers, barely slipping away each time. The game’s ruthless economy was built on this cycle of loss and gain. There had to be a safeguard for hard-earned items, right?
But strategic planning could wait. Now was the time to dodge. In ‘Rakuen,’ avoiding an attack was smooth and instant: a quick sidestep was all it took. Theodore’s swift double-tap on the gamepad’s left shift had Theo leaping aside, narrowly missing the warrior’s blade.
Seizing the moment, Theodore switched to Berserker mode and executed an “Overhead Smash.” His club descended with a thud onto the warrior’s helmet.
You inflicted 2 points of physical damage on the celestial warrior Invincible Gladiator.
“Just 2 points? You’re really going all out,” the warrior taunted, the sarcasm clear even in translation. “Come here, joker, let’s see what you’ve got!”
The battle between Theo and Invincible Gladiator raged on. Theodore maneuvered his barbarian with precision, keeping a close eye on their health bars. Invincible Gladiator’s was down but far from out, hovering at 120 points. Theo, nicked earlier by a feisty rabbit, stood strong at 41 out of 50.
The city’s lights, a potential escape, flickered in the corner of Theodore’s vision. But he shrugged off the thought, his resolve hardening. Invincible Gladiator’s demand for a “fair fight” was met with Theodore’s calculated counters.
Adrenaline, bravery, or sheer will? Whatever it was, Theodore realized Theo was holding his own. The air strikes, mimicking the sword’s movements, were no match for his agility. The warrior, bulked up on “Strength” and “Endurance,” couldn’t keep up with Theodore’s swift dodges. What looked like simple maneuvers on his part were throwing off his VR-geared opponent.
Stamina, often overlooked but vital, played a key role. Invincible Gladiator’s heavy, energy-draining strikes were taking their toll. In contrast, Theodore’s dodges were efficient and cost-effective, and the warrior’s actions grew increasingly sluggish.
Another sharp dodge from Theodore, and he struck back. The game registered a “Counterattack”: a critical hit! Eight points of damage were dealt to the celestial warrior. The hunter had become the hunted.
Theodore’s fingers flew across the gamepad with precision. He deftly countered each of the warrior’s moves, tuning out the insults hurled at him and his mother. His focus was laser-sharp, and the gamepad creaked under his intense grip.
In a moment of high drama, Invincible Gladiator went for a sweeping low strike. Anticipating the move, Theodore executed an “Overhead Smash.” Theo leaped, avoiding the blade, and slammed down on the warrior’s helmet. Six health points vanished. A flurry of shoulder hits, dodges, rolls, and jabs followed, each one meticulously timed, shaving off another seven points from the warrior’s health.
Theodore could only imagine the frustration and disbelief on his opponent’s face. He backed off to a safe distance, gearing up for the next round of this unexpected, yet thrilling, duel.
As they fought, a crowd of virtual onlookers gathered, transforming the duel into a public spectacle. The circle of spectators effectively sealed off Theodore’s escape routes, turning the fight into an impromptu arena battle.
Invincible Gladiator, clad in imposing armor that looked almost standard yet boasted impressive defense, seemed to thrive on the attention. “Think you’re tough enough to take me on?!” he taunted, oozing scorn. He viewed Theodore’s character, decked out in basic barbarian gear, as nothing more than a minor nuisance. “You’re still just a small-time player!”
Theodore initially chuckled at the Gladiator’s exaggerated bravado, but his amusement quickly faded. Sensing a shift in the battle’s momentum, the Gladiator started mimicking Theodore’s tactics, becoming more strategic. He then pulled out a high-tech health vial, quickly restoring his health to full. Theodore’s spirits dropped; all his hard work chipping away at the Gladiator’s health was undone in an instant.
“What a cowardly move!” shouted a spectator, their voice a mix of disdain and frustration.
“It’s all fair in virtual combat!” another shot back, their tone indicating possible support for the Gladiator.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Undisturbed by the audience’s mixed reactions, the Gladiator boasted, “I’ll tear him apart and dance on his digital grave!” With a renewed frenzy, he charged at Theo, shouting, “He’s going down!”
The crowd’s varied reactions and snide remarks fueled Theodore’s strategy. The Gladiator, blinded by anger and a desire to impress, lost his tactical edge. He lunged at Theo with reckless fury, cycling through an array of flashy skills. One move—a swift, armored shoulder charge—caught Theo off guard, stunning him momentarily.
Theo’s health dwindled, hovering dangerously low. Theodore’s mind raced as he watched the Gladiator gear up for another charge. “Two... one... Dodge!” he mentally timed the warrior’s vulnerable moment—the split second when he couldn’t alter his course.
The calculated gamble paid off. The Gladiator’s charge missed, leaving him temporarily defenseless. Seizing the moment, Theodore activated ‘Berserker’ mode, his fingers a blur as he commanded Theo to unleash a brutal counterattack on his exposed opponent.
The Invincible Gladiator was on the receiving end of Theo’s ‘Overhead Smash’, but the assault was far from over. Theo, capitalizing on the momentum, twirled his club and unleashed a flurry of blows on the Gladiator’s back, bringing him to his knees.
‘Counterattack’: +25% damage! Critical hit! You dealt 9 points of physical damage to the Invincible Gladiator!
You’ve unlocked a new skill: ‘Barbarian’s Wrath’!
‘Barbarian’s Wrath’: Your character delivers a lightning-fast series of crushing blows (at least three or until blocked by the opponent) with double damage.
You dealt 37 points of physical damage to the Invincible Gladiator.
Amid the ensuing silence, a girl’s voice rang out, awed: “Wow, this Theo... he’s incredible...”
The Invincible Gladiator’s fury peaked, his tactics devolving into predictable patterns. Theodore, bored yet focused, dodged and countered with ease. The Gladiator’s lack of healing options spelled his doom. Theo, still in fighting shape, made the warrior’s attempts to land a blow seem futile.
“You can’t touch this!” Theodore taunted, sidestepping another clumsy attack and striking the Gladiator’s back. He glanced towards his mom’s room, hoping his excitement hadn’t woken her.
The Gladiator’s retort, lost in translation, was a mere distraction for Theodore, who was focused on his imminent victory.
The final strike landed with a thud—a fatal blow. The Invincible Gladiator crumbled to the ground.
You inflicted 3 points of physical damage on the Invincible Gladiator, a 3rd-level celestial warrior.
The Invincible Gladiator, a 3rd-level celestial warrior, is defeated: +10 experience points.
‘First-Rank Brawler’ achievement unlocked!
By winning a duel against another player, you’ve proven yourself as a skilled warrior to be reckoned with.
To reach the next rank, achieve 9 more victories in player battles.
Reward: +1% damage dealt to players.
‘First-Rank Resilient Spirit’ achievement unlocked!
You have triumphed over a player whose level is higher than yours!
To reach the next rank, achieve 9 more victories in battles against higher-level players.
Reward: +1% defense in battles against players.
Theodore swiftly snagged the loot sphere that popped up, securing the fallen gladiator’s goods before any opportunistic onlookers could claim them. The Invincible Gladiator’s avatar, now reduced to virtual underwear, dissolved into nothingness. The distinct chime of his crystal balance increasing rang out: +360! Theodore’s eyes widened, and a grin slowly crept across his face. Over three hundred dollars in one night! Visions of a thoughtful gift for Mom, her favorite chocolates, perhaps even a new pair of shoes, danced in his mind. But priorities first.
He tuned out the surrounding chaos and fumbled through his inventory, his hands shaking as he tried to click on the ‘Crystal Withdrawal’ button. The cursor wobbled erratically, and through the semi-transparent interface, he could make out the crowd gathering around, buzzing with chatter about the recent showdown.
A level 6 mage named Fireball Fred, clad in a dark blue cloak, strutted over, a menacing fireball swirling in his palm. “Hey! You messed with my buddy, the Invincible Gladiator, and you’re gonna pay,” he sneered. “You’re gonna regret crossing us, punk!”
Theodore’s heart raced. He finally managed to hit the withdrawal button, hastily agreeing to the terms and hurriedly scrolling through the lengthy agreement. He entered the maximum withdrawal: three hundred crystals. The virtual sound of banknotes fluttering echoed in his ears as the crystals disappeared from his account. It was a pity he might lose the rest, he thought ruefully, hurriedly skimming through his inventory for the pickaxe.
Pickaxe
Unidentified Item.
Would you like to identify for a cost of 100 Crystals?
Theodore confirmed his decision. The identification bar filled swiftly in just three seconds.
“Listen up, you’ve got two choices, buddy. Stand your ground like a hero, or go down yelping like a cornered mutt!” Fireball Fred’s impatience was palpable. “What’s it gonna be? I’m counting down... One!”
The slot with the pickaxe shimmered, transforming into a radiant crimson glow. An item description materialized:
Primeval Pickaxe of the Copper Mountain Mistress
Type: Tool | Two-Handed Weapon | Pickaxe
Quality: Primeval Mythic Item
Damage: 1–2
This miner’s pickaxe, seemingly unremarkable, can dismantle any item, potentially absorbing one or more of its attributes. Existing attributes will stack if similar.
Properties absorbed: 0
Durability: 999 / 999
“Two!” Fireball Fred bellowed, his voice resonating with the crowd’s echo.
Theodore’s pulse quickened. “A primeval item?!” Realizing the potential value of such a rare find, panic set in. Could he lose it now, just like that?
“Three!” Fireball Fred declared victoriously, hurling a fireball.
As Theodore watched his character, already battered by the Invincible Gladiator, about to be consumed by flames, he miraculously managed to hit the “Auction” button. He dragged the “Primeval Pickaxe of the Copper Mountain Mistress” into the auction window.
Set the starting bid for the item: …
A virtual keyboard popped up. Theodore, in a frenzy, clicked on the nearest number, hammering “X” on the gamepad: 555555555555555555. Ignoring the warning that flashed briefly, he confirmed: “List item for sale at 555 555 555 555 555 555 crystals”—mere moments before another fireball struck. Or so he thought.
The screen faded to black, with bright red letters slowly appearing and then dissolving:
Fire Mage Fireball Fred inflicted 12 points of fire damage on you.
Your character, Theo, a Level 2 Barbarian, is dead.
Resurrection available in: 00:59:59… 00:59:58… 00:59:57…
This is your first death today.
Would you like to resurrect your character in the nearest town now for 5 crystals?
Your current balance: 0 crystals.
Would you like to top up your crystal balance?
Theodore declined. A heavy weight settled in his chest as he silently rose, turned off the TV, and, with a deep sense of loss, staggered to bed.