Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 33: Making a friend - IT'S TIME TO DUEL!

Alex continues to walk forward, his eyes locked on Gilgamesh as the strange figure approaches. "Gilgamesh, unlike his counterpart in other Final Fantasy games, looks more or less like a normal man... well, except for the four hands part," Alex muses.

"I should be careful, though. He's not just a small-time treasure hunter but an all-around thug, known for not shying around theft and even abduction. He's also supposed to be a famous card player and swindler."

Alex, who carries only his [Solid Marine Saber] and not his revolver, keeps a close eye on him. His gil is stashed safely in his inventory. "Not like I have anything on me he could take besides the necklace and sword."

They pass each other, seemingly without incident, but Alex suddenly feels a slight vibration. Instinctively, he checks his status. Everything seems normal—until he notices one line:

Fantasy Coins: 300 Soul Crystals: Small x1 Gil: 200

"MOTHERFUCKER!" Alex roars as he immediately spins around and sprints after Gilgamesh, who's only managed to get a few meters away. Surprising the man before he can react, Alex doesn't bother with words. Instead, he throws a vicious punch straight at Gilgamesh's face. His [Navalia Fur Gauntlets] absorb most of the impact, but Alex still feels the burn in his knuckles, evidence of a solid hit.

You have dealt 7 x 3 = 21 damage to Gilgamesh
You have stunned Gilgamesh for 2 seconds

Gilgamesh crashes into a nearby building, toppling over a stack of old wooden boxes. He's stunned but not entirely out of the fight.

Fueled by rage but still cautious, Alex knows Gilgamesh is no ordinary thug—small-time perhaps, but likely skilled in combat. Without hesitation, Alex draws his newly modified [Mr. 5's .44 Caliber 6-Shot Revolver], cocks the hammer, and aims it directly at Gilgamesh's face. "One move, and you're dead."

Gilgamesh just laughs, his expression unfazed as he eyes the strange weapon. "What is wrong with you, my friend? Have I done something to offend you?"

Determined not to fall victim to this petty thief, Alex suddenly feels a strange sensation emanating from his necklace. "I can't kill him," Alex thinks, realizing Gilgamesh is a story character—minor but still involved with Zidane and Vivi. "How would I explain a dead body on the street anyway? Someone's bound to see it, and I already look out of place."

The tug from the necklace grows stronger, but Alex channels the emotion into something more productive. A red flash crosses his vision as he makes his decision. With steady hands, Alex shifts his aim toward a pile of boxes a few meters away and fires.

Instead of just punching a hole through the wood, the shot erupts in a small explosion. Wooden debris flies in every direction, some of it striking Gilgamesh, who uses all four hands to shield his face from the shrapnel.

[Mr. 5's .44 Caliber 6-Shot Revolver] effect activates: Explosive ammunition!

Alex, still seeing the world in a shade of red, silently and calmly says, "Return my gil or... DIE!" He cocks his revolver again, this time sending a shockwave of fear through Gilgamesh, who hurriedly tosses a small bag of gil toward Alex.

Player Alex Kerber has received 2,800 Gil

Alex grins in satisfaction. "Well, looks like rent money is no longer an issue!"