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LEVELING UP WITH MY A-RANKED PARTNER
Chapter 2: The Orientation and First Combat Test
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[Scene 1: A City That Breathes Power]
The sun rose over Dragonstone City like molten gold spilling across crystal towers. Jason stood at the edge of his balcony, staring at the impossible skyline—floating platforms, shimmering runic bridges, and airships drifting like whales in the clouds.
"This… isn't Earth anymore," he whispered, gripping the rail.
His system chimed.
> [Notice: Mandatory Orientation – Grand Hall of Tactical Meetings]
Location has been marked on your map.
A holographic map unfolded in his vision, revealing Dragonstone's sprawling districts—combat arenas, weapon forges, arcane libraries, and the Grand Hall at its heart. A glowing trail marked his route.
"Convenient… and terrifying," Jason muttered.
From the living room, Lucy's voice drifted over.
"You're still gawking? Move it, rookie. We're going to be late."
Jason glanced back to find her in a sleek black jacket and combat boots, her crimson hair tied in a high ponytail. Even dressed casually, she radiated danger like a drawn blade.
He swallowed.
"Y-Yeah. Coming."
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[Scene 2: The Grand Hall of Tactical Meetings]
The hall loomed like a cathedral forged from obsidian and light. Towering spires pierced the clouds, runes pulsing along their edges. Inside, hundreds of recruits gathered, their voices echoing against the marble floors.
Jason slipped into the crowd, feeling the weight of their excitement—and his own anxiety.
Then silence fell.
Click. Click.
Nicole Sonya ascended the altar again, her silver robe flowing like liquid moonlight. Her golden eyes swept over them, sharp as blades.
"Good morning, initiates." Her voice resonated like a hymn. "Yesterday, you were reborn. Today, you learn how to survive."
The hall dimmed. A colossal holographic interface flared behind her, displaying [NIVA SYSTEM OVERVIEW] in radiant letters.
"I am Nicole Sonya—your guide, master, senior inspector, and instructor in Dragonstone City," she said, her tone absolute. "For as long as you draw breath here, my word is law. Understood?"
A wave of nervous affirmations rolled through the hall. Jason mumbled along, his palms clammy.
"Good," Nicole continued. "Now, let's begin with the foundation of your existence here—the NIVA System."
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[Scene 3: The NIVA System Explained]
The holographic board fractured into sections: [Stats | Skills | Classes | Ranks | Shop | System Points].
Nicole gestured, and the first panel expanded.
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1. STATS
"Your body and soul are quantified into six core stats:
Strength (STR): Physical power, melee damage.
Agility (AGI): Speed, reflexes, dodging.
Endurance (END): Health, stamina, resistance.
Intelligence (INT): Magic power, mana control.
Willpower (WIL): Resistance to fear, mental assaults.
Luck (LCK): Determines chance-based effects."
She raised a hand, and six bars appeared above her palm.
"Each recruit begins at Level 1 with base stats of 10. Leveling increases your stats, but you may also invest System Points to boost them."
Jason stared at his own interface.
Level: 1
STR: 10 | AGI: 10 | END: 10 | INT: 10 | WIL: 10 | LCK: 10
Points: 20
He grimaced. Everything's… average. Perfect for dying early.
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2. SKILLS
Nicole's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Skills are abilities purchased from the NIVA Shop or earned through combat. They range from Common to Mythic. Some are passive, others active."
She snapped her fingers, and a recruit gasped as a glowing menu floated above his hand.
> Skill Purchased: Flame Burst (Rank: C)
The boy grinned like he'd won the lottery—until Nicole's cold voice followed.
"Remember: every skill costs points. Spend wisely, or you'll regret it."
Jason checked his shop tab, heart sinking at the prices.
Common Skills: 10 points
Rare: 50 points
Epic: 200 points
Legendary: ???
He had 20 points. Barely enough for a basic ability.
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3. CLASSES
Nicole turned, and the screen shifted to silhouettes of warriors, mages, assassins, and archers.
"Classes specialize your growth. You may remain unclassified or choose a path at Level 5. Choose carefully—once locked, it cannot be undone."
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4. RANKS
"Your power is recognized through ranks, starting from F and ascending through E, D, C, B, A, S, and SS. Beyond that lies the realm of legends… but none of you are ready for that conversation."
Her golden gaze swept over them, sharp as a blade.
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5. SHOP & POINTS
"Your NIVA Points are your lifeline. Earn them through quests, victories, and survival. Lose them… and you lose more than power."
Nicole smiled faintly—a smile that promised pain.
"Questions?"
Silence.
"Good. Then allow me to introduce an ally."
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[Scene 4: System Bots]
Nicole reached into the holographic interface—and pulled out… something small.
Gasps rippled through the hall as a tiny creature floated above her palm. It looked like a plush dragon the size of a kitten, with glowing eyes and translucent wings.
"This is a System Bot—your assistant, guide, and occasionally… your savior," Nicole explained. The little creature chirped adorably, spinning midair.
"It can analyze monsters, calculate odds, and even manage your interface hands-free. Treat it well. Or don't. It doesn't care. But you will."
She tossed the bot into the air, and it zipped around recruits like a curious bee before vanishing back into a screen.
Jason exhaled slowly, his head spinning with information.
Stats, skills, ranks, bots… and I'm sitting here broke with nothing but 20 points.
He glanced at Lucy across the hall. She stood calm and unreadable, arms folded, her crimson hair catching the light like blood under fire.
Her lips curled in the faintest smirk as their eyes met.
Welcome to the game, Jason Walter, her gaze seemed to say.
Jason swallowed.
Game? More like a death sentence.
Nicole's voice boomed, snapping him back.
"Orientation ends here. Now… we test your worth. Follow me to the combat arena."
The hall erupted into nervous murmurs as the recruits moved. Jason's stomach sank.
Combat test?
He glanced at his empty skill list and nearly groaned aloud.
This day was about to get worse.
[To be continued…]
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