Evening settled over Tokyo High, the courtyard bathed in a soft golden light. James Lee stood atop the rooftop, the faint glow of his QuestSim interface illuminating his jacket. Today wasn't just about observation or simple training. Today, he would initiate his first Dungeon Run—a controlled simulation designed to push him and his recruits to their limits.
[QuestSim Dungeon Available – Level 1: Rooftop Combat Simulation]Objectives:
Defeat simulated opponents to gain experience.
Navigate tactical challenges.
Unlock new perks and skill cards.
Demonstrate leadership and coordination.
James Lee activated the system, and holographic projections flickered to life around him. Multiple floating Quest Cards appeared, each detailing a challenge or reward.
[Card 1: Combat Simulation – Defeat 5 AI opponents]Reward: Strength +2, Combat Awareness +1, "Quick Reflexes" Perk
[Card 2: Tactical Maneuvers – Navigate rooftop obstacles]Reward: Agility +2, Observation +1, "Eagle Eye" Perk
[Card 3: Leadership Drill – Coordinate recruits under pressure]Reward: Charisma +1, Leadership +2, "Aura of Authority" Perk
[Hidden Card: Observation Mastery – Secret quest for noticing hidden threats]Reward: Intelligence +2, "Tactical Vision" Perk
Yamagishi and Kazutora joined him, standing at attention as James Lee briefed them. "This dungeon is designed to train your body, mind, and perception simultaneously. Each card you complete will strengthen not only you but also the network around you. Pay attention—your actions and decisions will be evaluated."
The simulation began. Holographic opponents sprang to life: five AI figures, varying in size, speed, and attack patterns. James Lee demonstrated first, dodging, countering, and striking with precision.
[Card 1 Complete – Combat Simulation]Reward Collected: Strength +2, Combat Awareness +1New Perk Unlocked: Quick Reflexes
Next came the tactical maneuver card. Rooftop obstacles shifted in real-time—rails, walls, gaps—forcing recruits to plan each move carefully.
[Card 2 Complete – Tactical Maneuvers]Reward Collected: Agility +2, Observation +1New Perk Unlocked: Eagle Eye
Finally, the leadership drill. Holographic versions of the recruits were tested under simulated threats. James Lee directed Yamagishi and Kazutora in real-time, their decisions affecting the simulation outcome.
[Card 3 Complete – Leadership Drill]Reward Collected: Charisma +1, Leadership +2New Perk Unlocked: Aura of Authority
A hidden card triggered mid-dungeon: subtle threats appeared at the edges, testing James Lee's awareness. He reacted immediately, spotting and neutralizing each.
[Hidden Card Complete – Observation Mastery]Reward Collected: Intelligence +2New Perk Unlocked: Tactical Vision
The simulation ended with a soft chime. James Lee's system updated in real-time:
[Level Up: James Lee – Level 8]Stats: Strength: 8 | Agility: 8 | Intelligence: 9 | Charisma: 7Skills: Observation +8 | Strategic Analysis +6 | Combat Awareness +5 | Tactical Influence +2Perks: Quick Reflexes, Eagle Eye, Aura of Authority, Tactical Vision
Breathing lightly, James Lee turned to his recruits. "Today, you've seen how strategy, skill, and perception work together. Every card you complete is a step forward. Every perk you gain gives you an advantage others won't notice until it's too late."
He glanced toward Takemichi and the friend group in the courtyard below. Though they were loyal to Toman, every movement they made, every action they executed, was data for Valhalla. And every step James Lee and his recruits took in the dungeon was preparing them for the challenges to come.
"Valhalla grows," he murmured softly, "and nothing in this timeline will stand in our way."