The Gamer's War

Well Adjusted, Part III

"What's the matter?" I wasn't able to answer him immediately as I processed in my mind what happened.

The next phase was only increased by five percent capacity, why is it being difficult like this? It's worst than my first time handling the first phase. Maybe I should try again?... then maybe I could adjust myself accordingly.

I shook my head. "I'm fine, I just have to try again." I told 113.

This time, I mustn't lose touch with the circuit. "Mm, okay. Go ahead." He replied.

Deeply taking a breath, I reached for the circuit again and repeated my command. "Twenty percent, fire." Then as the extraction began, the pressure of the artificial effect became more heavy.

My body started shaking, and my legs wobbled. My hands were about to part with the circuit. If I just keep this for longer... if i just get used to this I'll-- "Aah!" I failed again.

"Maybe try with sixteen percent? Your body must be struggling by the sudden increase." He suggested.

"B-But if I increase training phases by 1 percent each time, it's going to take too long for me to finish this enduring test!"

"Then that's how it is for you, Max. You can't train the same way Delsyian does." I couldn't argue with it because it was true. I just sighed and thought of this as a challenge that can help me improve.

Then I stood again to touch the circuit. "Sixteen percent, fire!" I commanded. I was able to withstand this phase of extraction this time, because it was only increased by one percent.

Seriously though, I didn't like this kind of training. It's like they're training me to become a masochist. Well nevermind, I'll get this over with soon enough.

Then it became like that for days, it took me about two days to pass sixteen percent then I headed for seventeen percent. And so it goes on like that, until I reached twenty percent. I breathed in before commanding the circuit.

This is it. I hope it goes well.

"Twenty percent, fire!!" Unlike before, this time I could bare the extraction. It took twenty minutes when I lose touch with the circuit. A smile appeared on my face as I realized that I can get to tier 2 sooner.

"You seem happy." 113 commented.

He's still the one who's been guiding me 'til now. I've rarely seen 023 these days and I'm kinda worried, but I'm way more focused on my training right now so it distracts me from my thoughts. I just shrugged it off and talked to 113.

"Of course, this phase frustrated me before. Now I think I can surpass this damn phase and reach tier 2." Thinking that I can operate a spine ceptor soon excites me. Call me a sci-fi dork, but I really think that I'll look like an awesome cyborg when I get my hands on a spine ceptor.

"Yeah, I hope you finish this test soon as well. There's a few more that you have to take."

"Then I have to get started with this phase now."

"Mm, good luck." Then I continued my training. I was adjusting so well with this training that I began to think that I'm like in one of those games: the ones that requires ridiculous tasks in training to increase their stats. In my case, its very similar. That's why it pumps me up.

I got to a few more rounds before something happened.

Something made a noise like an alarm then 113 had his communicator out of his pocket and checked it. "What is it?" I asked.

He had a scowled look on his face. "Looks like you'll experience to help us out in the battlefield right now."

My eyes widened. "Really!? Why?"

"023 called me, he needs our help with this mission."

It was unbelievable for me. I thought it would take long before I step in to battle. This is going to be a good experience for me. The training was dismissed and we headed back to the quarters. We equipped our gears though even the smallest size of equipments are still too large for me.

"Let's head to the station of deployment." 113 said.

"Yes, sir." I answered.

As we got there, there were three people waiting for us. "Sir, your shuttle is ready to be deployed." Said by the guy who seemed to be in-charge here.

"Thank you. Max, let's go." He ordered. And when we got in the shuttle, I was overwhelmed by how the shuttle looks. It's small, but enough to contain atleast five or four Delsyians. Since I'm small, it's still spacious. "Sir, what can I help you with?" I asked him, thinking that I can do something here.

Ever since he received a message from 023, he looked very frustrated and bothered. So as he had his eyes on me, his eyes were as sharp as a knife that can cut through anything. He's really pissed off at the moment. "Just take a seat, I'll handle everything else while we fly to 023's location."

I just nodded, feeling a bit terrified by his expression. While we were travelling, it was dead silent. And I would glance quickly to see his face if it was still wearing the scary expression. When it softened, I gathered the courage to ask the pissed 113.

"Uhm, so, why do you look so angered by this?" I asked.

I heard him clicked his tongue. "They have been assigned a mission to get rid of the F-ranked Veldenes. But unfortunately, they f****d up." I was surprised by his sudden swearing. It was the first time I heard him say vulgar words.

I have always seen 113 calm and composed like a real leader, but 023 always manages to ruin his image. Hearing him talk like this, I shut my mouth and submitted myself to silence. Maybe it's better if I really shut up.

"Argh! That i***t! He can't really be trusted in leading the squad alone, I swear if I get there I'll--" but unfortunately, he opened up and talked to me about how disappointing of a leader 023 is while we were travelling.

Chapter end.