That night, Jayden lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The memory of Derek's stunned face still made him grin. For once, he wasn't the joke—he was the one people looked at differently.
But before he could drift into sleep, his phone buzzed.
[System Notification]: Special Trial Mission available.
Jayden's heart leapt. "Trial…?"
---
[Sun Tzu]: It is time. You have tasted victory, but one spark does not make a fire. To grow, you must face a battlefield.
[Alexander the Great]: At last! Send him to war! Let him feel the clash of swords and the roar of conquest!
[Joan of Arc]: Do not overwhelm him too soon. Trials can crush as much as they can build.
[Loki]: Hehehe… oh, this'll be fun. Hope he survives."
[Cleopatra]: Don't frighten him. Trials are opportunities, dear Jayden. Embrace it."
---
[System Mission]: Enter the Trial World – The Forgotten Battlefield.
Objective: Lead a squad of soldiers to survive the enemy's ambush.
Reward: Skill – Tactical Instinct (Lv.1), +2 Strength, +2 Intelligence
Failure: Squad wiped out, -10 Reputation, possible death.
Jayden nearly dropped the phone. "Possible death?! Wait—WAIT!"
Too late.
The world dissolved. His room, his bed, everything shattered into mist.
---
When he opened his eyes, the air was heavy with smoke. Ash drifted like snowflakes. All around him, armored men stood clutching spears and swords, their faces pale with fear.
A bronze helmet rested on his head. His hands gripped a battered sword.
One of the soldiers turned to him. "Commander… what are your orders?"
Jayden's blood froze. Commander?
---
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
[Sun Tzu]: Analyze the terrain. Anticipate the ambush. Act with clarity.
[Alexander]: No need for thought—charge! Break the enemy before they break you!
[Joan of Arc]: Protect your men, Jayden. A leader who inspires can turn the tide.
[Loki]: Or abandon them, run away, and live. Survival's survival, eh?"
[Cleopatra]: Soldiers follow confidence, not hesitation. Smile, speak, command."
---
Jayden's heart pounded, but he forced himself to breathe. He scanned the battlefield—broken walls, a forest edge to the left, hills to the right. His instincts screamed: danger was coming from the trees.
"Archers!" Jayden shouted, surprising even himself. "Aim at the treeline! Hold until I give the word!"
The soldiers snapped to attention, relief flashing in their eyes. They needed direction, and he gave it.
The forest shifted. Dark figures emerged—enemy soldiers, charging with spears.
"NOW!" Jayden roared.
A volley of arrows sliced the air, striking the first wave. Screams erupted. The enemy faltered.
"Forward!" Jayden yelled, charging with his sword. His men followed, their fear replaced with fire.
Steel clashed. The stench of blood filled his nose. Jayden swung, clumsy but strong, his boosted muscles carrying him through. A spear grazed his arm, but he pushed back, striking his foe down.
Somehow… he was winning.
---
[System Notification]: Mid-Trial Objective complete.
Bonus: +1 Strength.
---
As the enemy retreated, Jayden stood panting, sword trembling in his grip. His soldiers looked at him with awe.
"Commander… we live because of you."
Jayden swallowed hard. "I… I guess we do."
The mist swirled again, the battlefield dissolving.
---
He jolted awake back in his dorm room, drenched in sweat, his phone buzzing.
[System Notification]: Trial Mission Complete!
Reward: Tactical Instinct (Lv.1)
+3 Strength (1 bonus included)
+2 Intelligence
[Skill Unlocked: Tactical Instinct (Lv.1)]
Effect: Automatically notices hidden threats and weaknesses in combat or strategy situations.
---
The chat group erupted:
[Alexander]: HAHA! You led a charge! That's my boy!"
[Sun Tzu]: Hm. Not refined, but effective. A good start.
[Joan of Arc]: You protected them. That is true leadership.
[Loki]: Bah, boring. No betrayal, no trickery. I'm disappointed.
[Cleopatra]: Mmm… a commander now? You're becoming more interesting by the day."
[Einstein]: Fascinating! Reality-bending simulation! I must calculate the physics of this…"
Jayden slumped against the wall, exhausted but grinning.
"Commander Jayden Cole, huh? Not bad…"
But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.
---
⚡ All-Eras Chat System – Status Screen ⚡
[Host]: Jayden Cole
[Level]: 3 – Rising Commander
[Reputation Rank]: E (The group recognizes your potential)
---
📊 Stats
Strength: 9 (+3)
Intelligence: 4 (+2)
Charisma: 4
Luck: 0
---
🎁 Inventory
Cracked Phone (System device)
$100 Cash Card
Bronze Trial Sword (Broken – souvenir)
---
🏅 Skills
Conqueror's Presence (Lv.1) – Words carry authority, intimidation boosted.
Tactical Instinct (Lv.1) – Perceives hidden threats/weaknesses.
---
🌍 Chat Members
Sun Tzu (Approving → Interested)
Alexander the Great (Thrilled)
Joan of Arc (Proud, supportive)
Einstein (Obsessed with the system)
Loki (Annoyed, playful)
Cleopatra (Intrigued, playful interest)
---
🔔 Next Mission:
Pending…
---
🔥 End of Chapter 4 🔥