The Gamer's War

Training With The Northern Squad 2 Leader 023, Part IV

"Aaaah!" Pain strucked my body.

It was so hard to endure that I removed my hands away from the circuit. But as I left, the pain was instantly gone as well. "023, what the hell!?" I felt irate as I faced 023.

He was grinning and looked as if he had been successfull with the prank he pulled. "Don't misunderstand, it was meant to do that." He explained.

"What do you mean it meant to do that!? I thought I was gonna die from what that simulator afflicted!"

"I forgot to tell you that it actually replicates the pain that the real weapon will inflict onto the user. So what you felt was an artificial pain that is made by this simulator." So this device also tests pain endurance? Delsyians must've like to torment themselves!

"But why let me experience it that way?! We could've gone on an easier step first. I'm still new to this, remember?" I reasoned.

"Yes, I just wanted to see how you would react."

"I'd be in tremendous pain, of course! That was so horrible."

"I'm sorry. I was just also curious about how you'll react by its consequence. The time you used the cannon, I thought you really died. It was a weapon of the highest class, highest tier. I, myself couldn't use it well because my compability with it isn't good." He said. I could tell him that I actually died and a witch had revived me, but it would be unbelievable.

"Y-Yeah..." I suddenly felt uneasy about it. I think 023 is overestimating my endurance.

"Very well then, I'll explain further more about how the circuit works so that you understand well..." then he continued to talk about circuits.

"...circuits are the most essential part of any weapon that anyone will wield. Though through every use of it cost a price, and it depends on which tier the weapon is on. There are exactly four tiers for weapons, the highest would be tier 4 and the lowest is tier 1." I kept nodding to show that I'm really listening.

"For tier 1, the weapon's circuit extracts about fifteen to twenty percent of your stamina to convert it into any kind of energy or force to unleash to your target. For tier 2, the extraction of the stamina increases to twenty-one percent to thirty percent. Then for tier 3, the extraction increases to thirty to forty percent."

"What about tier 4?" I asked because of curiosity.

"Tier 4, it cost more than just stamina. And it's hard to harness a weapon of highest class just like that."

Then I wondered about the cannon I used before. "The cannon?... is it a tier 4 weapon?"

He nodded. "It is. And it extracts your life force and unleash a very dangerous force that can result to an enemy's instant death."

"I was able to operate the weapon. Don't you think I'm capable enough to use any weapons?" I can't hide my excitement about it. I'm a bit of a fanboy when it comes to weapons.

"You did but... the way you used it was actually against the law. Using weapons requires compability, practice, skill, and understanding limits."

"In my case, wouldn't I be able to use any weapon due to my compability? I heard it a lot of times from D138 before." I said.

"You do, but still, you have to go through proper training and process so you can grasp it better. And that's why we're here now! You have to learn much about enduring because of the consequences the circuit gives." Losing stamina really causes a body to weaken, so enduring is really a must for them.

I sighed knowing that this is going to be hard. "Then how long would it take for me to finish this test?"

"Depending on your situation. Since you're not Delsyian and that D138 informed me about your weak physical strength, it will take a while."

I sighed again, but after, I regained energy and determination to take things seriously now. "Okay, I'm ready to start!" I announced.

"Okay, let's start with tier 1 with moderate maneuvering!..."

As we started, 023 guided me through it all. We started with tier 1 with moderate maneuvering, and I thought I could handle it easily but I admit I've gotten a bit too arrogant about it. When I felt my stamina was slowly getting drained, my arms weren't able to hold up well and my knees gotten weak until I wasn't able to stand.

Whenever I would lose touch with the circuit, I regain back my stamina as if I wasn't affected at all. Then I go back to re-enduring the same level again. 023 said it's a matter of how long I can endure it before we go to the next level.

It took us all day, and I still wasn't getting the hang of it. "...I'm tired... this is impossible!" I said.

"It feels impossible, but if you take your time then you'll get the hang of it. This is just your first day, and don't worry, slowly there will be progress soon if we keep this up." I can't keep up with his optimism but I'll hold on to it.

Then after that, we called it a day. We went back to the main quarters, and the others weren't there yet so the two of us have our dinner early than the others. "I... can I ask you something?" I asked while we were in the middle of eating.

"Yes?..."

"I've been wondering, other than your code '023', don't you have a name?-- don't all of you have one?"

He slightly frowned but immediately changed his expression as he answered. "I, I don't know how to tell this but... as of now, I only rely on my code because it's what I'm called, it's my identity."

"And as for your name?"

"I.." he shut his eyes and sighed. "I can't tell you that."

"Oh, okay. It's fine." Perhaps I shouldn't have asked that. 023 felt uneasy but shrugged it off. Maybe it's better to stop spoiling my curiosity because it doesn't do good that much.

Then we continued to eat, after finishing, the others came back looking exhausted. I had a few chat with some of them then I was dismissed by 113 early so I can rest up for today.

Chapter end.