The Darkness Within [Quest: Battle of the Mystics Pt. 3 | Private]

Kenjiro went out of the room only to see Luke speaking again with a staff. The talk didn't last that long or perhaps, Luke has already been talking to his staff a while ago while he's busy testing the game. Upon seeing him, Luke quickly walked towards Kenjiro, gave him his reward for the previous testing and then spoke to him of another favor.

Kenjiro's eyes glittered, hoping that it is indeed another test of the game and to his delight, Luke indeed asked him to do another round of test to the game. Like the previous request, three more characters have been finished with their development so its up for Kenjiro to test the characters for him. Obviously, Kenjiro gladly accepted the request and even went ahead of going to the VR Room without Luke inviting him first.

Putting on the Head Mount Display, the Kenjiro started the game even without Luke's tutorial. He has gotten quite used to playing this now that he no longer gets lost with the controls.

"Hold on!" Before he can press the game start button, he heard the voice of Luke, making him pause at the moment. "I just need to reconfigure some things out. Give me a minute." Kenjiro's excitement only builds up. What could be these new characters be like? Kenjiro can't help but to think as he wait for Luke's go signal to start the game. There's the game start button in front of him, but he can't just press it yet until Luke tells him so. It's kind of killing him inside but he can't just ruin it or he'll lose his reward and the chance of playing this game yet again.

WC: 295/750

"Ok you're good to go!" With Luke's approval, Kenjiro pressed the game start button without any hesitation. The environment around him shifted from a dull white box to a creepy dungeon like surroundings. The dark wall is lighted by few torches, with the walls made out of dark seaweed colored stones. From one end of the room is the only opening that leads to stairs that seems to be leading to another floor up. Kenjiro was about to walk towards the opening when from it, a metallic creature suddenly emerged. It was shaped like that of a man but his appearance is not doubt to be a monster.

Kenjiro quickly saw a sword and a shield that hang on the wall right beside the opening where the monster emerged from. If he can get his hands on those equipment, he would have a higher chance on defeating this one. The monster dashed towards him but his speed is obviously easy to outmaneuver him with. He waited for the monster to come near him and when it was about to bash him with its hands, Kenjiro dodged and arched his way around the monster then towards the sword and shield that hang on the wall. He tried to get the sword and shields but of no luck. He wasn't able to get the weapons for they are securely attached on the wall. Trying to get the weapons did took him some time that his enemy suddenly appeared behind him. Luckily, his agility hasn't failed him yet, enabling him to quickly block the monster's bashing attack with his hand, enchanting himself with the Will of the Phoenix to increase his endurance. A loud banging sound echoed through the room as the monster's fist connected with Kenjiro and threw him to the wall. Kenjiro then got up, ignited his fist with the Phoenix Touch and charged towards the enemy. He hit the enemy's feet causing some bruises and burns on the monster's legs which made it hard for the monster to easily move around. With a couple more blows, the monster finally fell, enabling Kenjiro to easily deal him with the final fatal blow.



WC: 295 + 369 = 664/750

Spells Used:

It was the first victory for this set of game. The victory animation is same as the previous test but at least it's better that having nothing and instantly just switch levels like the first test he helped Luke with. After the victory animation, the environment around Kenjiro shifted to a dark mysterious forest. It all happened so fast when suddenly from the shadows, a creature that almost resemble a wolf but has similarity with how a man moves suddenly emerged and attacked Kenjiro. Still having the Will of the Phoenix, Kenjiro blocked the creature's slashing move with his arm. His arm almost broke but it did give him enough defense. Kenjiro tried to hit the creature with the his fist but it was fast enough to evade. They clashed for a lot of turns, both not giving a chance for the other to land a blow.

Kenjiro's Will of the Phoenix finally wore off with one blow from his enemy however as his defense broke, Kenjiro lounged his fist forward from a previous blind spot leaving no time for the enemy to react. Kenjiro then shot a flaming phoenix right through the creature's chest, burning the enemy with the intensity of the flames. Having mastered his way of the phoenix, Kenjiro is able to deal damage with his skill more than a third of their usual power.

WC: 664 + 232 = 896/750

Spell Used:

Another victory animation quite different from the previous one suddenly played, making Kenjiro fascinated because of seeing something new in the game. It didn't last that long though, for the environment around him shifted yet again. This time, it is in a dark, barren empty cave within the depths of who knows where. There was one opening like the first stage and as expected, the enemy emerged from the opening like during the dungeon stage. A blue skinned giant, armed with a spear appeared before Kenjiro. Wanting to get the battle started, Kenjiro did not wait for the enemy to attack but instead, made the first move himself. Hastily, he dashed towards the monster without any particular plan in mind, nor is with any skill to use in attacking the monster. He was lucky that the enemy is slow this time that it isn't that hard for him to outmaneuver it. The enemy gave him so much challenge though because of its toughness and the power of its blows, not to mention the longer reach of its spear as well as its limbs. He can only maneuver himself to evade the monster’s attack which quite uses much of his energy considering that he’s simply killing some time for him to at least use one of his skills again.

WC: 896 + 222 = 1118/750

Panting at one end of the cave, Kenjiro tried to gather little strength to continue fighting. He had to finish this battle or else, there will be no more chance once his full energy gets exhausted and his enemy helplessly defeat him. His eyes was fixed at some stalactites that protrude from the ceiling of the cave. After staring at them for a few times, an idea began to pop out of his mind. He waited for the giant to come near him as it sway its spear with its powerful arms. It finally got near, aiming to pierce Kenjiro with its spear. Kenjiro jumped, landing at the spear's blade. With the spear to land on, Kenjiro quickly bent his knees then propel himself further up before his enemy can move the spear and then punched a stalactite that hangs just above the giant. The stalactite surprisingly fell with just one jab and landed at the head of the giant. This impact got the giant disoriented for a few minutes, giving Kenjiro a chance to deal several punches to the giant. Because of the blows, the giant finally fell, enabling Kenjiro to ignite his fist once again and deal a flaming blow to the giant.

WC: 1118 + 206 = 1324/750

Spells Used:

The giant is still obviously breathing though unconscious as there is still no victory animation that signifies the end of the game. Kenjiro now felt the exhaustion because of his previous battles. Since the giant lay unconscious at the moment, he decided to rest as well since there is no assurance that he would be able to defeat the giant with his bare fist. He is trying to use the Flight of the Phoenix but it seems that he still cannot generate enough energy to shoot the flaming bird towards his enemy. He sat by one of the rocks, deeply breathing and letting his muscles relax to prepare himself for the second round of their battle. Although he still conscious, Kenjiro doesn’t have enough energy to be swinging his arms around. There’s still the risk the the giant would suddenly rise and he would not be able to do anything. He carefully kept his stare towards the giant for any movement that it would do.

Until now, Kenjiro cannot believe that he is inside a virtual game that he and his playmates have always dreamed of playing. It’s such an exciting experience, feeling the game as real as it is in the real thing. Although a bit exhausted because of the previous fights, Kenjiro’s heart is still bursting with excitement as wait for the giant to regain its consciousness and for his energy to come back to him.

WC: 1324 + 242 = 1566/750

It was a silent period except for some indistinct sounds inside the cave. The giant still lie unconscious and Kenjiro cannot hastily move yet as well for his energy is still yet to be recovered. He hoped that the giant would get back to consciousness once his energy flow has stabilized again and he would be able to use the Flight of the Phoenix again to fight. He would be able to defend himself with a flaming shield however, pure defense would of course not be enough to win the fight.

To his disappointment though, the giant rose once again before he can be able to use an offensive skill yet again. He stood up from the rock he was sitting on before the giant rose, closely observing the giant. It shook its head, perhaps trying to get itself back to its senses. Kenjiro quickly ran to a giant rock and hid himself behind it to prevent himself from being attacked outrightly by the giant.

The cave trembled when the giant started walking around. It’s obviously searching for Kenjiro evident for its heavy steps that is unlike its usual walk earlier. Kenjiro’s move earlier definitely put the giant into rage. He didn’t imagine AI monsters to be actually pissed off of something or perhaps he is really meant to react that way under certain conditions.

Kenjiro took a deep breath, ready to take the risk of exposing himself and again face the giant. He dashed out of the rock which the giant quickly took notice, hence it ran towards Kenjiro in an aim to attack him with the spear. Kenjiro kept on dashing as the giant ran ahead to meet him up at one point. Sensing the giant’s spear that is rapidly approaching, Kenjiro quickly stopped himself and jumped back to evade the giant’s attack.

With the giant now a few inches away from him, Kenjiro didn’t hesitate to shoot its head with his Flight of the Phoenix skill. Another victory animation played and a more grandeur one which highly entertained Kenjiro. The game ended once again, making Kenjiro remove the HMD and exit the room to meet up yet again with Luke.

WC: 1566 + 369 = 1935/750