Somewhere on a world called Earth, tucked away in the middle of a bustling city, stood a school like any other. Inside one of its many classrooms, students sat quietly (for the most part) during afternoon lessons, eyes glazed, minds wandering. But there was one student who had truly wandered—straight into a handheld gaming console.
Wes Walker, the raven-haired, brown-eyed protagonist of our story, sat at his desk with his nose buried in the glowing screen of his portable video game console. His fingers moved like lightning, thumbs mashing buttons as he shot his way through digital monsters and mayhem. A faint smirk curved his lips as he whispered to himself:
"Boom, headshot! Triple kill combo! Hah, take that, cyber-slime."
He ducked, dodged, and rolled his way through waves of enemies, whispering every move like a sports commentator.
"Okay, last wave... dodge left, switch to plasma rifle, and—YES! Ultimate shot! Eat pixel death!"
Laser beams erupted on the screen. Enemies exploded in 8-bit glory. Wes was totally immersed, grinning wide.
"Wes Walker!" bellowed Mr. Chapman, the grumpy math teacher, who had finally spotted the flickering light beneath Wes's desk. "Put that thing down and pay attention! This assignment will be on the exam!"
Wes didn't even flinch. Still locked in combat, he muttered, "Five more minutes. Just five. I'm almost at the final boss."
The class erupted into laughter.
"This guy's seriously playing during a lecture?" someone scoffed.
"Legend or lunatic? You decide," another student chuckled.
"Kinda iconic, though," a girl giggled.
"Honestly, it's annoying. He never takes anything seriously."
"How's he even passing classes like this?"
"I bet he's got cheat codes for life."
Two rows behind him, a crimson ponytail flicked with irritation. Scarlett Hayes, Wes's childhood best friend, scowled. Her sharp emerald eyes narrowed in frustration. With her prideful demeanor and tsundere temperament, she let out a sigh and muttered:
"Idiot."
Mr. Chapman's face turned red as he opened his mouth to yell again—but then, the final bell of the day rang, mercifully cutting him off.
"Alright, students! That's it for today. Get outta here—and please do some reading at home!"
Chairs scraped and bags zipped as students rushed for the door, chattering away.
"Gonna hit the arcade."
"New episode drops tonight. Gotta watch it."
"Homework can wait."
But Wes? Still glued to his screen, laughing triumphantly.
"You're finished, mutant overlord! BOOM! Head—freakin'—shot!"
Suddenly, a familiar voice shrieked, "You IDIOT!!!"
WHAM!
A balled fist slammed into the top of Wes's head.
"OW! WHAT THE HELL?!" he yelped, jerking around to see Scarlett standing behind him, glaring.
"Idiot," she repeated, before knocking him on the head again.
"OW! AGAIN?! What was that for?!"
"Stop being such an idiot and start paying attention in class, moron!"
Wes clutched his head, whining dramatically. "C'mon, video games are way more important than algebra! I just beat a level that took me three days!"
Scarlett's eyes twitched. A visible red aura flared around her. Her knuckles cracked ominously.
Wes gulped, sweat dotting his brow. He threw up his hands.
"Okay okay, beautiful queen of destruction! Don't hurt me! You're radiant and glorious and very strong!"
"Don't EMBARRASS me, you idiot!" Scarlett snapped, face turning red before she smacked him even harder. He crumpled to the ground.
"IT HURTS! You're a monster!"
Scarlett narrowed her eyes dangerously.
"What did you just call me?"
Wes scrambled to his feet. "No no! I meant you're a beautiful monster queen! I mean, a beautiful queen!"
Scarlett sighed, turning away. "That's what I thought, idiot. Now let's go home."
"Yes, ma'am," Wes muttered, rubbing his head.
They walked out of the school together, Wes stretching and breathing in the fresh city air.
"You ever think maybe the world's just one giant RPG?" Wes asked as they strolled down the sidewalk.
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? We almost got detention and that's what's on your mind?"
"Just saying, math class is like a dungeon raid—except way more boring and the loot sucks."
She rolled her eyes. "Your brain's permanently in anime mode."
"I mean, life would be more exciting if I had a health bar and a sword," Wes said, swinging an imaginary blade.
"You'd trip over your own feet before reaching Level 2."
"Harsh but fair," Wes laughed. "What about you? What would your class be? Berserker tsundere?"
Scarlett blushed. "Don't label me, idiot."
"You'd be powerful, though. Like… Red Blaze."
"Don't call me that," she snapped, but she looked away to hide a tiny smile.
The streets were still alive with the hum of cars and chatter of people. The two kept walking and teasing each other, the city lights reflecting off their faces.
"So what's for dinner tonight at Casa Hayes?" Wes asked.
"Probably takeout. Mom's working late. You?"
"Instant ramen and leftover curry. Bachelor gourmet."
They laughed again.
But neither of them noticed the speeding truck hurtling toward the crosswalk.
Wes turned to her, still smiling. "If this is it… maybe I'll wake up in another world… Hope she's there too…"
Everything went black.
Wes groaned. A cool breeze brushed his face.
He opened his eyes to a breathtaking starry sky. Purple-blue galaxies spun overhead. Two moons glowed brightly.
"Where…?" he mumbled.
Beside him, Scarlett stirred. "Wes...? Are you okay?"
"Yeah... I think so. Are you hurt?"
"No... just sore. What happened?"
Wes sat up slowly, blinking. "Last thing I remember, we were crossing the street... then... bam. Truck."
Scarlett looked up, eyes wide. "This sky... it's unreal. We're definitely not in the city anymore."
He nodded. "Some kind of other world? Dream? Or... did we die?"
"Don't say that," she said sharply.
Wes glanced around. "This place looks like something out of a JRPG. Trees are glowing. The grass is sparkly."
"I don't like this," Scarlett muttered. "Where are we? Why are we here? Who brought us here?"
"Maybe it's fate," Wes said with a smirk. "Or a goddess. Maybe I was right about the RPG thing."
"This isn't a game, Wes."
"I know... but still, if I get magic powers out of this, I'm calling dibs on fire spells."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
Then—
"You two have awakened," a melodic voice said.
They turned sharply.
A stunning woman with glowing eyes sat on a throne of crystal.
Her long silver hair shimmered like moonlight, and her dress sparkled with starlight.
Wes's jaw dropped. "Who… who are you?"
The woman smiled. "Welcome, chosen ones. I am Lady Elyra, Keeper of Realms. Your journey... begins now."
Scarlett and Wes exchanged wide-eyed glances.
"What... journey?" Scarlett asked.
"And can I bring my game console?" Wes added.
Lady Elyra laughed softly. "You'll need more than that where you're going."
Wes and Scarlett stood in stunned silence. Before them stood a woman of impossible beauty—her presence both radiant and awe-inspiring. Ethereal, otherworldly, divine.
She had long, flowing silver-white hair that shimmered like moonlight, and her eyes…
Her eyes were radiant galaxies—gold and violet with a soft, gentle glow that seemed to pull your gaze into infinity. She wore a pristine white and gold gown that floated around her as though spun from celestial silk. Behind her head hovered a slow-turning halo made of shifting light, constantly changing shape and color, like a living constellation.
Then, she giggled—soft and melodic.
"Me? I am Lady Seraphina Lumeria," she said with a graceful curtsy. "The Goddess of Light and Rebirth."
Wes and Scarlett's brains collectively imploded.
"Goddess...?" they both echoed.
They looked at each other with wide, pale faces.
"We're actually talking to a goddess," Scarlett muttered. "A real, divine being… this can't be real."
"So we really did die!" Wes said, hands flailing. "This is totally anime! This is 100% isekai life now!"
"Why are we here?!" Scarlett stammered. "W-We didn't ask for this!"
"Y-Yeah!" Wes added. "Did we do something wrong? Is this punishment? Goddess, was it because Scarlett's a violent monster?!"
Scarlett's eye twitched. "Shut the hell up!!!"
WHACK!
Scarlett's fist collided with the back of Wes's head. He let out a dramatic yelp, tumbling to the ground, rolling in exaggerated agony.
"MY HEAD! That hurt so much! It's like getting smacked with a spiked club! I deserve it, but still!"
"STOP EMBARRASSING ME IN FRONT OF A GODDESS!" Scarlett shouted, her face burning.
"I'M SORRY!" Wes snapped back. "But you are kind of terrifying!"
"And you're kind of an idiot!"
"I said I was sorry!"
"Say it with meaning, fool!"
Scarlett grabbed him into a headlock, grinding her knuckles into his skull. Wes flailed.
"OKAY OKAY I'M SORRY I WAS WRONG!!!"
She let go, huffing. "Idiot."
Wes rubbed his head, groaning. "Where were we again?"
A polite cough echoed through the air.
They turned quickly to see Lady Seraphina watching them with amused eyes.
"Are you two finished?" she asked sweetly, a teasing smile on her lips.
"Oh right! The goddess thing!" Wes said, straightening up.
They both went pale again.
"WE'RE SO SORRY!" they said in unison, bowing. "Please don't smite us!"
Seraphina giggled. "I won't hurt you. In fact… I'm the one who brought you here."
Scarlett blinked. "You… brought us here? Why?"
"Yeah, why us?" Wes added. "We're not… anything special."
Seraphina smiled warmly. "I brought you both here for two reasons. First, I'm giving you a second chance at life… in a new world."
Wes gasped. "Like… a real second life? A whole new world? This is totally isekai."
"Second," Seraphina continued, "I saw something in both of you. A potential... even I cannot fully see."
Scarlett looked down, confused. "What kind of world are you sending us to? And what… power could we possibly have?"
"The world is called Luminalis," Seraphina said, her voice echoing like wind through chimes. "A realm of magic, swords, monsters, kingdoms, and ancient secrets. As for your power… I don't know. Even my divine sight cannot pierce what lies dormant inside you."
Wes tilted his head. "Wait, wait—how are we supposed to get these skills or powers or whatever?"
Seraphina smiled and lifted her hand.
With a snap of her fingers, a giant glowing violet screen burst into existence above them. Symbols swirled, names and glowing icons scrolled across the translucent surface.
Wes's jaw dropped. "WOAH… it's like a character select screen!"
He moved closer, reading the glowing text with excitement.
"Mage… Knight… Beast Tamer… Summoner… Dragonborn… Shadow Archer…" he muttered. "This is insane…"
Scarlett stood beside him, eyes locked on the screen.
"So we're… choosing our new selves…?"
Seraphina watched them with quiet joy.
Wes stared at the glowing screen with eyes wide in wonder. His hand moved almost on its own, reaching out to touch one of the swirling class symbols. As his fingers brushed the sigil, the icon pulsed with light.
"Magic Gunslinger."
The screen glowed brighter, encasing Wes in a light that shimmered like stardust. A surge of heat and excitement flooded through him as a new name appeared across the screen: Wes Walker – Magic Gunslinger.
"Woah… This class is perfect," Wes said, voice trembling with awe. "It's like my video game OC, but real. Guns and magic? I'm basically unstoppable."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Of course you'd pick the magic gunslinger. It's literally what you always play in those games of yours. Predictable."
Lady Seraphina giggled, hands folded gently in front of her. "I knew you would choose that class. Both of you were always meant for the ones you chose."
Wes blinked. "Wait, what? How could you possibly know that?"
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "Yeah. You said you 'saw potential.' What exactly did you see?"
Seraphina's eyes twinkled. "Enough to prepare gifts that would recognize your souls."
"Gifts?!" Wes and Scarlett exclaimed at the same time.
"Real, actual divine gifts?!" Wes practically bounced.
"What kind of gifts are we talking about?" Scarlett asked, intrigued despite herself.
With a serene smile, Seraphina clicked her fingers.
Two radiant beams of light appeared in front of them. Slowly, the light solidified into weapons—beautiful, otherworldly weapons unlike anything they had ever seen.
Before Scarlett floated a longsword.
Its sleek, double-edged blade shimmered with a soft glow. The crossguard was shaped like twin wings—one feathered and one ablaze. Crimson-tinted silver flowed through the metal, carved with the sigil of the goddess. The grip was wrapped in rich, red dragon-hide leather.
Scarlett's eyes widened. "This… this sword… it's incredible."
"It is forged from Embersteel," Seraphina said. "A mythical ore that can only be shaped in the presence of a warrior's unspoken resolve. It responds to your will, Scarlett."
"Embersteel…" Scarlett whispered. "That's… poetic."
"You were meant to wield it," Wes said, impressed. "It looks just like you—sharp and fiery."
Scarlett gave him a sideways glare, but her eyes softened.
Seraphina then turned her gaze to Wes. "And for the Magic Gunslinger..."
The light before him pulsed again, forming into a sleek revolver unlike anything he had ever seen.
It was silver and midnight black, etched with celestial runes that faintly glowed. The barrel was long, inscribed with markings like dragon wings and elemental sigils. Its grip was smooth obsidian, wrapped in dyed fire-leather. In the center of the cylinder sat a single core, dimly glowing a muted blue.
"This… this is…" Wes began.
"This is Reveria," Seraphina said, her tone suddenly more solemn. "The first and only of her kind. Crafted not by hands… but by divinity and desire. She is your partner, your weapon, your will made manifest. Speak to her. Respect her. And she will answer with power the world has never seen."
Wes and Scarlett stared in disbelief.
"Wait, what?! My gun has a name?!"
"You named your weapon after a goddess?" Scarlett asked.
Seraphina's eyes gleamed. "No. That weapon you see floating before you… is not just a tool, Wes Walker. Her name is Reveria. And once—she was a goddess."
Both of them went pale.
"A goddess?!" they shouted in unison.
"You gave me a sealed goddess as a gun?!" Wes squeaked.
"Why would the gods seal one of their own in a weapon?!" Scarlett asked.
Seraphina's voice grew softer, more distant. "Long before kings ruled or adventurers roamed… before even demons clawed from the abyss… there existed Reveria, Goddess of Judgment and Balance. She was not cruel, nor kind—but exact. Every war, every hero, every beast… she ended them with a pull of her divine trigger."
Wes whispered in awe, "Judgment made manifest…"
Seraphina nodded. "The other gods feared her. Not because she was evil… but because she was final. No redemption. No trial. Only truth. So they sealed her—compressing her divinity into a weapon. Her soul has watched the world for eons from within. Now, she stirs—not because you chose her… but because she chose you."
"I'm… chosen by a forgotten goddess…" Wes muttered.
"If you fail to use her with clarity and heart…" Seraphina warned, "she will fire without you."
Scarlett crossed her arms. "So you're saying she has a mind of her own. Like a divine partner."
"Exactly," Seraphina confirmed. "And Wes… you also wield the power of the elements. You can shape bullets of fire, frost, storm, shadow... as your will strengthens."
Wes grinned. "Elemental magic gunslinger?! That's awesome!"
"You would love that," Scarlett teased, but even she smiled.
The weapons began to glow, their lights lifting off and streaming into Wes and Scarlett's bodies. They both gasped.
"They're… merging with us?!" Wes said.
"It's like they're becoming part of our hearts," Scarlett whispered.
"Exactly," Seraphina said gently. "They are more than weapons. They are your bond, your echo."
Wes fist-pumped. "Sweet!"
Scarlett steadied herself. "So… what now?"
Seraphina stepped forward. "Now… you begin your new lives."
Wes and Scarlett looked at each other, then nodded.
"We're ready," they said in unison.
Seraphina smiled. "Good. I'm glad. I hope to see you again… someday."
"Thank you, Lady Seraphina," Scarlett said softly.
"Yeah… goodbye, beautiful goddess lady," Wes added with a grin.
"Good luck… my Wes and Scarlett."
She snapped her fingers.
In a burst of light, they vanished.
A moment later, Wes and Scarlett reappeared—knees buckling slightly—in the middle of a vast, glowing forest. Sunlight streamed through the canopy of sparkling leaves, and magical creatures fluttered in the distance.
Wes looked around, eyes wide. "This place is insane…"
Scarlett took a deep breath, then smiled at him. "Ready?"
Wes cracked his neck, stretched his arms, and grinned wide.
"Oh yeah. It's time to start my life… as a Magic Gunslinger."
As birds chirped in the enchanted forest around them and the magical air shimmered faintly, Wes stood still, lost in thought.
"You know," he muttered, eyes scanning the sky, "if this really is a fantasy world… then… do I have a status screen?"
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "What are you rambling about now?"
Wes grinned. "C'mon, it's classic isekai setup. Every otherworld story has it. Let's test it out."
He stood tall, raised a hand slightly, and said, "Status."
With a chime and a pulse of light, a violet-hued screen shimmered into existence in front of him, filled with scrolling text and intricate runes.
Wes gasped. "It worked! Oh my god, it actually worked! I HAVE A STATUS SCREEN!"
Scarlett stepped back in shock. "Wait… what?! That's a real thing?! You're not just some otaku dork making this up?!"
Wes ignored her jab, eyes wide with excitement as he started reading aloud:
Name: Wes Walker
Age: 17
Race: Human (Reincarnated Soul)
Level: 1
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Titles: Otherworlder, Reincarnated Soul, The First Gunslinger, Unknown Connection [Sealed]
Blessing: Blessing of Lady Seraphina – Divine Protection from Goddess of Rebirth
Health Points (HP): 200
Magic Points (MP): 300
Strength: 14
Agility: 26
Endurance: 18
Mana: 40
Luck: 120
Charm: 22
Normal Skills:
Quick Draw: Instantly equips and fires your revolver with +10% crit chance
Combat Roll: Dodge skill that grants brief invulnerability
Focus Fire: Increases accuracy and damage while standing still
Double Tap: Fires twice in rapid succession; second shot has +20% crit chance
Tactical Awareness: Temporarily highlights enemy weak points
Appraisal: Reveals information about items or enemies
Ability Skills:
Mana Channeling: Temporarily boosts MP regen and bullet elemental power
Instinctive Reload: Reloads instantly once per battle when near-death
Mark of the Gunmage: Increases elemental damage scaling with INT
Elemental Switch: Swap elemental ammo in real time without delay
Kinetic Flow (Passive): Converts movement speed into bullet power
Magic Bullet / Gun Skills:
Flashbang Shot: Blinds enemies in radius for 2 seconds
Mana Shot: Basic energy bullet; scales with MNA
Smoke Blast Round: Creates a smoke screen for 5 seconds
Magic Shot: Fire: Launches a fire-infused bullet (burn chance)
Magic Shot: Water: Launches a high-pressure water shot (armor breaker)
Ricochet Round: Bounces between enemies, gaining damage per hit
Charged Bullet: Hold to increase damage output, drains more MP
Gravity Shell: Fires a heavy bullet that pins enemies to the ground
Shock Burst Round: AOE stun bullet – 3s paralysis to nearby enemies
Freezing Point Shot: Slows enemy movement by 50%
Piercing Spiral Round: Ignores 30% of enemy defense, can pass through walls
Bullet Craft: Basic: Allows crafting of elemental bullets using MP + materials
Unique Skills:
Soul Link: Reveria (Locked): Allows communication with Reveria (Unlocks at Lv.25)
Gunslinger's Code: Nullifies recoil and grants +30% accuracy
Revolver Resonance (Locked): Increases Reveria's spiritual sync (Lv.25)
Reincarnator's Adaptation: Grants increased EXP gain from new monsters (x1.5)
Bullet Reaper Mode (Locked): Requirement: Level 100 + Spirit Awakening
Rewrite Caliber – ??? (Affects fate of fired bullets?)
Sealed Skill: Divine Chamber – ??? (Requires Level 100 and Reveria's full awakening)
Weapon: Sentient Revolver – "Reveria" [Sealed: Stage 0]
Type: Mythic-grade
Affinity: All Elements (Locked)
Spirit Bond: Dormant (Unlocks at Lv.25)
Items: 10,000 gold coins
Wes stepped back, his jaw practically on the ground.
"Okay… This. Is. AMAZING. I'm stacked with skills, Scarlett. I mean, look at this—Gravity Shell? Tactical Awareness? Kinetic Flow? I'm the main character, no doubt."
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. "You've always thought you were the main character."
"Because I am!" he grinned. "And I haven't even unlocked the Soul Link with Reveria yet!"
She crossed her arms, but curiosity got the better of her. "Let me try. Status!"
Another violet screen blinked to life in front of her.
Her eyes widened. "W-What the hell… it's real. It's actually real. I have stats. Titles. Skills. Titles."
Wes leaned over. "So? What's your class info?"
"None of your business, idiot," she huffed—but there was a smile on her face.
Wes clenched his fists with excitement. "Alright! We're ready for this world. Ready to level up, face monsters, and become legends."
Scarlett nodded, eyes glimmering with confidence. "Then let's stop standing around and start walking."
With one last glance at their status screens, they dismissed the glowing windows and stepped forward into the forest, leaves rustling beneath their boots and sunlight filtering through enchanted branches.
Their journey had officially begun.
Wes and Scarlett walked side by side through the glowing forest of Luminalis, leaves rustling gently beneath their feet. Sunlight filtered through the canopies in ethereal shafts, while faint magical motes drifted in the air like floating fireflies.
"Man," Wes said, breathing in deeply. "Fresh air. Real sunlight. No smog. No homework. I could get used to this."
"You mean no tests to fail," Scarlett said, rolling her eyes. "You really think you'll survive long without school rules holding you together?"
"Rules? Please. This is isekai life, baby! We travel, find epic loot, join a guild, take down monsters and bandits—maybe even save a kingdom or two." He struck a heroic pose. "All while being insanely good-looking."
Scarlett snorted. "You're delusional. But... traveling sounds kind of nice. Might be fun."
"Right? Missions, quests, guild points... anime stuff come to life!"
They both laughed, teasing and nudging each other as they strolled through the lush forest.
But after a few more minutes of walking, something broke the calm.
Rustle... rustle...
The sound of shifting branches and leaves.
Wes stopped. "You hear that?"
Scarlett tensed. "Yeah… Something's moving."
They both looked around cautiously, their eyes scanning the trees.
"That didn't sound like a bunny," Wes said, his voice quieter now.
"Whatever it is, it's not small."
BZZZZZZZZZTTTTT!!!
Out of the dense woods, ten dark, buzzing figures burst into the clearing—large insectoid monsters with glossy black stingers, razor-sharp wings, and glowing red eyes.
Wes's eyes widened. "Flying… killer wasps?!"
"They're huge!" Scarlett said, stepping back instinctively.
"Nope! Nope! This is officially terrifying. I knew bugs would be a problem in fantasy worlds!"
Wes quickly activated his Appraisal skill. A violet screen popped in front of him.
Appraisal: Killer Wasp (F-Rank)
Level: 4
HP: 60
MP: 20
Strength: 15
Agility: 28
Endurance: 10
Abilities:
Sting Shot: Fires venomous stinger at high speed
Piercing Jab: Close-range physical strike with chance to bleed
Swarm Agility Buff: Temporarily boosts all wasps' speed when near allies
Description: Aggressive forest-dwelling insects. Weak individually but deadly in swarms. Extremely territorial.
Wes gulped. "Okay... yep. These things mean business."
Scarlett drew in a deep breath. "We'll have to fight smart."
"Split 'em up. Five for me, five for you."
"Let's see who finishes faster."
Suddenly, one of the Killer Wasps lunged straight for them.
"Move!" Wes shouted.
Both of them dove to the side, narrowly dodging the stinger strike that gouged into the ground where they'd stood.
Wes jumped to his feet. He held out his hand. "Come to me—Reveria!"
With a burst of violet light, his revolver materialized into his hand.
Scarlett smirked, mirroring his move. "Crimson Steel—let's dance."
Her longsword shimmered into existence, gleaming in the sunlight.
"Let's separate the swarm!" Wes shouted.
"Right!"
He aimed his revolver at the group and focused his mana. "Magic Shot: Fire!"
A fiery bullet blasted forward, bursting in midair into a flaming shockwave that forced the swarm to split into two, sending five wasps left and five right.
Scarlett dashed at hers. "Come on then!"
The wasps buzzed louder, agitated by the fire.
Wes charged forward. "Mana Shot!"
BLAM!BLAM!BLAM!
Three of the five wasps scattered, dodging at the last second. One took a hit but remained in the air. Another launched itself toward Wes with blinding speed.
"Whoa!" Wes ducked and rolled aside, activating Combat Roll. A stinger narrowly missed his shoulder.
"Fast little freaks!"
He raised his gun again but was forced to dive again as another wasp spiraled toward him.
Meanwhile, Scarlett swung her sword upward, attempting an Arc Slash, but her timing was off. One wasp zipped past and clipped her side.
"Tch!" she hissed, backpedaling. "They're faster than they look."
The wasps around her began circling. One dove in from above. She blocked it with her blade, sparks flying.
"Gotta adapt quickly...!"
Wes activated Tactical Awareness. A flicker of light highlighted weak points on his targets.
"Alright… now we're talking."
He aimed at the closest one and used Double Tap.
BLAM! BLAM!
The second shot hit the wasp directly in the thorax, sending it crashing into the ground. One down.
Scarlett focused and her sword ignited faintly as she slashed horizontally, catching a diving wasp mid-flight. Its wings tore and it spiraled to the dirt.
"Two down!"
Another wasp behind Wes launched a Sting Shot—a venomous projectile that grazed his leg.
"Ow! Okay, that actually stings!" Wes hissed.
"Focus, idiot!" Scarlett shouted.
"Right, right!"
He swapped elemental rounds using Elemental Switch.
"Let's try water. Magic Shot: Water!"
The high-pressure water bullet blasted a wasp backward, tearing one of its wings. It flailed helplessly in the air.
Scarlett activated Appraisal mid-fight and realized something. "They lose control when they're separated from the swarm!"
Wes grinned. "Then let's break their formation!"
Scarlett burst forward with Combat Dash, slicing through another wasp. Wes followed suit, using Focus Fire to lock onto one more.
BLAM!POW! A critical hit.
In another flurry of slashes and bullets, the last two from each group tried to escape.
"Oh no you don't!" Wes used Ricochet Round—a glowing bullet bounced between the two wasps, taking both down.
Scarlett performed a vertical Charged Slash, splitting her final target clean in two.
The battlefield was now quiet.
Wes panted. "Okay… that was way harder than I expected."
"We need to work on teamwork," Scarlett said, brushing dirt off her shoulder.
"Yeah... but we still won."
Then—ding! ding! Two shimmering screens popped up in front of them.
LEVEL UP!
Wes Walker – Level 1 → Level 3
Scarlett Hayes – Level 1 → Level 3
New Skills Unlocked!
Wes: Gravity Shell (Unlocked), Instinctive Reload (Unlocked)
Scarlett: Crimson Dance – A multi-hit sword technique (Unlocked)
"No way!" Wes shouted. "We already leveled up?! And I got two new skills!"
Scarlett blinked. "That XP bonus of yours is broken. But... this feels good."
They both high-fived, smiling like they'd just beaten a raid boss.
Their weapons shimmered and vanished as they relaxed.
"So… who did better?" Wes asked, raising an eyebrow.
Scarlett smirked. "Obviously me. You were almost impaled twice."
"I call that 'tactical dodging.' And I landed that ricochet shot. Come on, MVP right here."
They laughed, the tension finally leaving their bodies.
Wes looked ahead. "Let's keep going. If that was the tutorial fight... we've got a wild ride ahead."
Scarlett nodded, smiling. "Bring it on."
To be continued...