Project Anima : A Virtual Reality / Reincarnated Tale

Chapter 4: Path of the Ace

Although Raiden hated the cheesy, rhyming introduction, he greatly appreciated the kind gesture.

He stretched his body, feeling his virtual bones pop. As soon as he left the cell, his gear returned to his inventory. Clicking on the menu, he equipped back his full outfit, still dazed at this sudden turn of events.

Why would someone even bother spending money and bail a random NPC like him?

"Raiden," he introduced himself, feeling the rogue clothes flutter and envelop his body. He turned towards the player named Slater. "Thanks. Why did you do it?"

Slater scratched his neck. "Let's just say, I saw some potential in you."

Potential? But he hasn't undertaken any quests yet, nor has made any appearance or joined any events that would grant him any semblance of prestige.

There was a heavy silence as Raiden scrutinized him. Finally, Slater raised his hands, conceding.

"Okay, no need to look at me like that," Slater said. "Truth is, I was back there when you defeated those players."

Raiden arced an eyebrow.

"It's not what you think!" Slater said wryly. "I was, you know, among the crowd when you first started to argue with them. I knew what was going to happen, and I felt sick about it. It was only a moment later that I got the courage to help out. I bought a smokebomb and I was going to save you guys...

"But when I arrived, I saw you with some shadowy aura. And then you stabbed the bad player! I've never seen such a scary and awesome bot like you before."

"I'm not a bot," he said.

"But," Slater pointed at the sphere icon above him. "You are."

"How do you think I was able to damage the player?"

Slater paused. "Now that's a good question..."

"Thanks anyway." Raiden began walking away. "I really mean it."

Slater quickly reached for him. "Hey, hold on! You're my investment! You can't just leave without joining my party."

"I don't think you'll want a Lvl 1 in your party."

Slater chuckled. "What are you saying? Of course we're going to level you up!"

Raiden stared at him, and opened his menu. He navigated through the elements, and spun the hologram towards Slater. "Take a look."

Slater leaned over. His jaw dropped. "N-ninety nine thousand?! What the hell is this!" He squinted his eyes, but the daunting digits remained the same. "And yet I thought my 500 EXP Debt was too unfair!"

Molsie glanced at the screen, and drew back. She looked down with pursed lips.

"When are you levelling up then?" Slater said, still pale.

Raiden closed the menu. "I've computed it. I'll be about 30 levels behind."

Slater collapsed to the ground, clutching his head. "My investment...all for nothing..."

Raiden stared at the pitiful state of the player. He paused. "Don't worry. I'll pay you back."

"How? By picking herbs forever?!"

"My level curse isn't really a problem."

"What do you mean?! You're stuck with low stats, few skills, and limited equipment. What else can you do when you're locked to Level 1?"

Raiden smirked. "I'll show you what's possible."

Note1: Pardon for the delay in updates! My work has lightened recently, so I'll try to keep up this month :)

Note2: The Guidebook has also been released! You can read it to look up/recall some info about the virtual game in this story. Click the external link attached to this chapter, or check it out in my profile works ^_^