-Ozpin-Identifying potential students from all applications would be a simple endeavor if all of them had graduated from combat schools. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Almost half of the applicants came with no formal schooling due to various reasons, and even those who cimed to have training probably had forged transcripts.

  But he couldn't really fault them for trying.

  Joining the ranks of hunters, defenders of humanity, would provide them with new opportunities and a better life. After all, being a hunter had the potential to bring fame and riches, at least that's how society perceived them.

  The hardships and horrors of a hunter's life were often unknown to those who aspired to join their ranks and the popution in general, and many didn't even survive their first mission. He had witnessed many teams break and disband after experiencing a death of a member. Unfortunately, such occurrences were far too common throughout the world.

  As much as he would have liked to accept every potential recruit into the academy and join in the fight against the impending darkness, the truth was that they couldn't afford it. The cost was simply too high, both in terms of resources and morale. It was a difficult bance to maintain, selecting only the best of the best, but it was a necessary one for the survival.

  Despite the rigorous screening process for his academy, Ozpin refused to give up on those who had been rejected or came from dubious backgrounds. He devised a clever strategy, pnting 'tips' and 'rumors' throughout the city where young hopefuls were likely to gather.

  Over the years, his unorthodox approach had proved highly successful. It had helped him to discover hidden talents who had never had the opportunity for formal education but possessed the innate ability to become proficient hunters.

  All done in a controlled environment, of course.

  A fruitful discovery being the pair of Miss Valkyrie and her companion. At first gnce, they would have been deemed unfit by the traditional screening process. Yet they proved themselves with his method and Lie Ren's sembnce was too powerful to be ignored.

  Despite his focus on the past and his dedication to training the next generation of hunters, he couldn't ignore the present. He maintained his gaze locked on the screen, watching as his hidden cameras through the forest captured the sight of a very unique faunus boy.

  Civilians wandering off in the forest were always a possibility, in those cases, he would send a teacher to help them before anything would happen and he was about to do the same, but that line of thought died quickly when he saw the boy materialize a pair of cws.

  His eyes widened as he believed that was an instance of magic at first, but he shot down the idea. The forest was retively close to his office and if it was magic, thus he would have felt it without a doubt. Storage sembnce, while not common it wasn't unheard of and each sembnce had a unique way to manifest itself. That alone gained his interest, as the faunus teen wasn't applying to his academy despite having his sembnce unlocked.

  Unless he was already part of the other hunter academies and was just practicing his skills against the local Grimm as a personal test of sorts. However, it wouldn't hurt to deliver him a cordial invitation.

  Despite this, Ozpin knew he had to keep a close eye on the situation and be prepared to send help.

  Nevertheless, he had to remain vigint and be prepared to offer help if necessary. As he continued to watch the boy, he was suddenly jolted from his seat in shock when a group of ant-like Grimm emerged from the ground and attacked the young hunter. He had never seen this species of Grimm in all his decades overseeing Vale.

  Ozpin knew he needed to unch an urgent investigation across all of Emerald Forest and Forever Fall. The emergence of a new type of Grimm capable of burrowing themselves and setting up an ambush was concerning, especially since he had only known mature Deathstalkers and Centinels to employ that tactic. If these ants were able to move underground, it could lead to disaster if they appeared in the heart of the city.

  Even then, he kept watching the situation develop. And was pleasantly surprised when the young hunter could overcome the unfavorable situation with retive ease, killing all of his foes. Yet he couldn't celebrate as more of those Grimm emerged from the ground and unched themselves with reckless abandon.

  Even if those monsters were young and the teenager showed how capable he was to hold his ground, it would be a matter of time before he was overwhelmed. He needed to analyze the situation with utmost care for the faintest show of weakness or exhaustion and send help.

  Doctor Oobleck could be a good choice.

  But then the Grimm stopped coming, giving the boy a moment of respite. However, this peace did not st long as a pack of Beowolves surrounded him from all sides, only to meet the same fate as the ants.

  He quickly switched camera channels to monitor the surroundings and was taken aback by what he saw. Packs of Grimm were on the move, all heading in the same direction. Though the numbers weren't rge enough to consider it the start of a tide, it was still more than enough to overwhelm a young hunter in training. This was ample reason for him to act and contact the only one who could respond quickly to an emergency.

  Even if he were drowning in alcohol, he would answer the call.

  -Ma'iq Rakhan-I would describe my current predicament as surreal, unless I find a more fitting word in my limited vocabury. One simply couldn't call popping open a cold one while perched atop a tree in the middle of a forest, surrounded by man-eating monsters, a normal situation.

  And no, it's not really a cold beer, just cold root beer.

  Big difference.

  It was a stroke of luck that my inventory has the power to preserve anything I store within it. How could I not take advantage of such a useful ability? Cold drinks, warm food, or even ice cream at any time, all thanks to my handy inventory. Putting that aside, the asshole of Roman has been paying me generously over the past days, which has allowed me to amass a small fortune to purchase weapons from some true experts in their craft.

  I wouldn't have ventured into Grimm territory armed only with a pair of brass knuckles, after all. Though they are technically weapons, they're only effective against humans or faunus, not Grimm. Thankfully, Neo was 'kind' enough to refer me to a weapons shop that didn't ask questions. Most shops or smiths require a license or ID, and given the… ongoing issues faced by my kin, it would draw unwanted attention to me.

  I take a moment to break away from my thoughts and gnce down at the pack of beowolves gnawing at the base of the tree. The savage creatures bark and growl while extending their long paws up towards me, trying to reach me. One of them, growing impatient with the game, finally leaps up from the ground. Its sharp cws dig deep into the wood to get a grip and not fall. Soon after, others follow the example, slowly climbing the tree and baring their deadly teeth.

  Their red eyes do not betray their actions.

  I should be scared or at least worried, but as a matter of fact, I don't.

  After killing the ants, those bipedal wolves came in droves, but they weren't much stronger, just bigger. I know it is bad to be overconfident, but our brief skirmish provided nothing noteworthy to gauge their level of danger.

  Very soon, the pack leader reaches the branch where I'm perched and unleashes a vicious growl. But instead of panicking, I simply kick it on the snout and send it tumbling to the ground.

  The Beowolf nded on top of another, killing them both.

  The remaining monster, following the demise of their leader, attempted the same approach, only to meet the same fate. Except they didn't die on impact. Instead, they crashed to the ground, cracking their skulls as those who were at the base quickly moved away.

  After several failed attempts to reach me, the Grimms give up and remain at its base, growling and snarling at me from below. They watch me intently until one of them lets out a howl into the sky, and the others soon join in with their own howls.

  I furrow my brows in confusion at the Beowolves' behavior, but decide to ignore it and finish my drink. With a satisfying gulp, I downed the st of it and crush the can in my hand. With no doubt, I toss it at the Grimm below me.

  The metallic cylinder bounced off the snout of a Beowolf, which only made the creature angrier, causing it to cw at the tree trunk, leaving deep gouges in the bark. Soon enough, the rest of the pack follows the lead of their new alpha and begins to attack the tree as well.

  At least they are occupied with something other than me, giving me a moment to be alone with my thoughts.

  But that was short-lived, as I felt the tree give in and tilt forward.

  My eyes widened in arm as I looked down and saw that those bastards had managed to chop down my resting spot. They were putting the finishing touches on their work, making sure the tree colpsed under its own weight.

  Rather than wait, I jump towards the nearest branch and watch as the tree finally gives in and falls to the ground. Crushing a Beowolf and earning a chuckle out of me.

  All the pairs of red eyes locked onto mine and approach with the same intent to bring me down. I sigh in disappointment, realizing that their recent discovery meant I wouldn't have any more time to rest. However, my aura is almost fully regenerated, and my stamina has returned, so I don't feel threatened about jumping back into the fray.

  Once again, the Grimms weaken the tree's foundation enough to make it fall on its own, forcing me to find a new tree to rest on.

  However, this time when I nd on the thick branch, I notice a bird's nest on top. I might have ignored the minor details if it weren't for the fact that the nest not only has eggs, but a bluish crystal lying between them. It glows with the same intensity and has the same shape as the one I found on the beaches of Kuo Kuana.

  I frown at the possibility.

  With the Grimm hot on my heels, I have little time to think. I grab the crystal from the bird's nest and crush it in my hand, bracing myself for the inevitable headache.Which doesn't come.

  Instead, my scroll is ringing louder than I remember.

  I check the Beowolves' progress first, raising a brow in surprise at the resilience of the tree, which isn't even half cut, before I pull out my scroll to check the unordinary ringing.

  [Thank you for updating the system!]?Excuse me, what?

  [Library and Online Store are now avaible.]?Just as I finish reading the new messages, two strange apps appear on my screen with the same names. With my curiosity piqued, I take a quick gnce on the Grimm and notice they are halfway done, probably enough time to check out at least one.

  I click on the Online store icon and it opens on a blue screen, listing only two items.

  A bag of chips and a can of Pepsi?

  And why are they so damn expensive?!

  The chips cost almost the same amount I gain from tips, and the 'Pepsi' costs three thousands!

  But I don't have time to wallow in my outrage as the bastards below achieve their objective of chopping down the tree, bringing me back to reality. My scroll returns to my inventory.

  Without bothering to search for another tree, I jump off the branch and nd on top of a lone Beowolf, crushing its skull under my weight. With the momentum still on my side, I deliver a swift kick under the chin of a lunging Grimm, sending it flying backwards and crashing into another beast. This catches the attention of the rest of the pack, who turn their full murderous attention towards me, causing me to smirk.

  Nora was right.

  Smashing Grimm is fun.

  As I raise my fists, I notice my ck of weapons. However, with a single mental command, my brand new cws materialize in my hands, ready for battle. But as I look at them, I can't help but admit that I prefer my older cws.

  The Grimm waste no time charging me, their open mouths and cws ready to eviscerate me from every direction. But just like I have practiced many times before, I propel myself into the air and let them crash into each other.

  Using the pandemonium to my advantage, I let gravity do its job and take me towards the lone Beowolf that was smart enough not to follow the group mentality.

  As soon as it notices me, the Beowolf angrily barks and leaps from the ground, its cws thirsting for my blood. But its thirst will never be quenched, as I quickly avoid its swipe attack and use its body as a footstool for a second jump to get away from the group below and safely nd on the ground.

  My mockery only pisses that specific Beowolf even more, and it recklessly charges with a long, arching attack, leaving its chest completely exposed. Generously providing me with a perfect spot for a single thrust attack, where I stab my cws deep where its heart should be before kicking it away and watching it dissipate, confirming another kill.

  I smirk as I turn my attention to the group, which is out of their entanglement of bodies, and slowly stalked around me, blocking my escape supposedly. They slowly circle me, blocking my escape and adopting a stance ready to pounce on me at any moment, their deep growls trying to shake and instill fear in my heart.

  A pointless tactic since I charge at them first, focusing on a single Grimm standing on two legs.

  However, my target blocks my twin attack with shocking ease, causing my blood to run cold and my smirk to fade. In those precious seconds, I take note of my opponent's size, which is significantly rger than the others, and its more savage appearance with even rger spiky bones sticking out from its back and fangs. In those short seconds, whatever this abnormal one is, he forces my arms wide open while I fail to stop it no matter the strenght I exert. The bigger Beowolf keeping me pinned down opens its maw wide and tries to bite my head off.

  My instincts kick in immediately and I duck under the killing bite before breaking away from its grip and rolling away. It was a very opportune escape because seconds ter, another Beowolf crashed into the rger creature. I take advantage of the distraction and quickly deliver a punch to another charging Grimm and shattering the jaw. I twist my cws deep into its head, ensuring its demise.

  And another monster met my foot in a spin kick to the head before I can finally have a moment to check my surroundings again.

  There are still a lot of them and only one me.

  My little slip up put me in a dangerous position that thankfully I recovered retively fast.

  As I notice the pack grouping up, a pn forms in my mind. With a mischievous grin, I summon a pair of grenades, feeling their weight in my hands. I remove their pins with practiced ease, my thumbs flicking them away in one fluid motion.

  The Grimm start to close in, salivating to kill me. But I don't retreat, instead holding onto the grenades as they cook in my palms. I wait for just a moment longer before throwing them at the group with all my might, the explosives arcing through the air and nding amidst the snarling beasts.

  As I turn to run, I can't help but chuckle at the sight of the rger Grimm catching one of the grenades between its teeth, its expression one of pure confusion and rage. But I don't stick around to watch the coming explosion, already sprinting away and leaving the chaos behind me.

  Seconds ter, the explosion resounds across the woods, the shockwave almost catching my tail as I hide behind a tree. I take a deep breath as I wait for the smoke to clear.

  Slowly, I step away from my cover to see if the Grimm are still alive or what's left of them. If they could bleed, then it would have been a gory scene. Around the mini-crater that my grenades caused, the trees are charred and broken; the ground scorched and bckened. It's surprising the explosive power of concentrated fire dust. No wonder it had a high price tag. But it was still a good way to spend Roman's dirty money.

  I know it's anticlimactic, but I can't afford to take any chances with those bastards. I don't have Ren's sembnce to get away or Bke's clones. I came to gain experience points, not to become a martyr.

  I take deep, calming breaths before scanning my surroundings in search of any stragglers, but to my relief, I find none. This is a good sign, as it means that I have earned a much-needed break.

  Once again alone, I climb the nearest tree for safety and sit down to rest. I store my cws in my inventory and summon back my scroll to continue checking the new unlocked features. However, my anger returns as I see the ridiculous price of the so-called Pepsi on my screen. It's frustrating to think that this shop wants me to spend so much money on such a trivial item.

  But maybe the price has to be for a reason, right?

  And it's not like I wouldn't recover the money after doing another delivery for Torchwick.

  After a moment of deliberation, and against my better financial judgment, I click the 'buy' button. A message immediately pops up, thanking me for my purchase.

  [Pepsi has been added to your inventory.]?Wait what?

  I didn't expect that to happen, or maybe I did subconsciously, because I am not freaking out about how something just appeared in my inventory.

  I call out for this pepsi and watch it materialize in my hand. A blue metallic can with a tri-color circle on both sides, a brand symbol I presume.

  And this cost me three thousand lien?

  It looks too simplistic in design and is slightly taller than the average drink I buy in stores.

  I sigh in annoyance as I pce my scroll on my leg to free my hand and crack open the overpriced drink.

  I paid for it, better well enjoy it.

  I push down the tab and hear the fizzling sound of a carbonated drink begging for a sip, but I resist the temptation and instead pull it closer to smell it. Once again, there is nothing out of the ordinary.

  I shrug and take a quick sip.

  Almost immediately, I recoil and scrunch up my face in disgust. This Pepsi tastes too good, disgustingly good. I want to spit the fizzing drink out of spite, but I cannot find the mental strength to do so. It simply tastes so fucking good.

  Addictive even.

  Three fucking thousand lien gone in an instant.

  I regret buying that shit. Now all canned drinks will taste like shit from now on and I only have myself to bme.

  The tin can soon become the target of my frustrations, turning into a metallic ball before being thrown away like trash.

  If that was only a drink, then I fear what the bag of chips could ruin for me.

  But my train of thought soon becomes secondary as my ears perk up, catching the growing echoes of roars in the distance. I frown and turn in the direction from which they came. Once again, my break sted barely a few minutes. Good grief I didn't take any significant damage or I would have bolted for safety.

  My focus returns to my ears as they keep track of whatever is coming closer by the second, until I recognize the sound of trees tumbling down.

  But why are they falling in the first pce? What is causing them to fall?

  My questions are soon answered when I turn to the right and witness the trees falling as a colossal bear with spikes all over its back makes its presence known with a thunderous roar. If my memory doesn't fail me, then that Grimm should be an Ursa, an Ursa Major.

  The ursa doesn't give me time to think as its red glowing eyes lock on my position and charges with another thunderous roar.

  "Oh, shit!"

  The speed of the creature surprises, but rather than ram my tree, it cuts the trunk with a single clean swipe from its enormous cws, the abrupt change almost causing me to lose my bance. Narrowly avoiding the danger by jumping away from the falling tree.

  But this Grimm isn't done yet. Unlike its lesser brethren, the Ursa doesn't wait or watch me. It uses its hind-legs to leap from the ground with its mouth wide open in an effort to catch me mid-air, forcing my body to twist at a weird angle to barely avoid the deathly bite.

  Another brush with death, and I feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I nd safely on the ground. The massive beast turns its head, revealing its sharp teeth and growling in frustration at having missed me. I tense up, ready to jump away, but the ursa rises up on its hind legs and steps closer, making full use of its size advantage. Its enormous cws gleam in the sunlight, and I can feel the danger they pose even from a distance after watching it cut full-grown trees.

  In response, I jump to the left and roll away, trying to maintain a reasonable distance while attempting to formute a pn or at least weigh my options. Should I run away like I did with those Grimm monkeys with long arms back in Menagerie or face this beast head-on?

  I can't even test the strength of the Ursa's attack because I know for a fact it will cut me in half if any of the attacks connect.

  And my choice of weapon is practically useless. I would only poke the beast with a stick if I tried.

  Just how can I kill this thing?

  A grenade to the mouth would have been ideal, but I only bought two from the weapon seller. Now I regret wasting both against those stupid mutts.

  My rational mind screams at me to turn around and run towards the city safely, but another part demands to stand my ground and face it head on.

  Yet my thoughts are interrupted, not by the rge Ursa in front of me, but by a pair of beowolves jumping from the bushes in a frenzy behind me.

  Where do they even come from?!

  They don't even give me time to react as one of them sinks his cws in me and chomp hard on my shoulder while the other gets my right ankle, causing me to cry out in pain despite my aura preventing the teeth from sinking.

  "Get off me, you bastards!" I roar as I call forth my weapon to stab the one on my shoulder right through the eye and force him to back off. Using the window of opportunity to grab the other chewing my leg and break free from its vicious grip.

  I wanted to kick it away, but a better idea filled my mind, making me smile with malicious glee as both hands got a hold of the upper and lower jaw. Just like the ants mandibles, I exert force in different directions.

  I can feel the Beowolf desperately trying to close its mouth while using its rge cws to attack me, but missing every time. I ignore my surroundings as I watch with sadistic glee; the mouth expanding further than it should until I hear the satisfying crack, successfully tearing off the jaw of this bastard.

  The smaller grimm colpses on the ground writhing in agony, but I don't give it time to suffer as I grab it by the tail and lift it off the ground before throwing it against the other, successfully getting rid of a minor annoyance and focusing on the bigger threat.

  Just in time, as I barely avoided another deathly bite but with the monster so close to me, it used the opportunity to swat me with his head. Both arms blocked the swift attack, but the sheer difference in size and weight showed. My body was sent sprawling across the ground until a tree stopped my trajectory, knocking the wind out of me.

  I gasp a mouthful of air before jumping on the tree and using its rough surface to propel my jump even higher, enough to reach the spiky back of the bear and get a strong grip around those spiky bones before the Grimm trashes and jumps to push me off.

  Testing my strength again, I let out a roar as I put all my effort to snap the bone, getting another roar from the Ursa who quickly charges against a tree and purposely crashes head first against it.

  A terrible mistake from the monster, as it gave me the opportunity to use physics in my favor and snap the bone in half.

  Knowing the bone will soon disappear, I do not waste time and drive my new big piercing weapon deep into the exposed neck of the Ursa, instantly colpsing on its own ridiculous weight.

  I remain on high alert for more seconds before I see the body losing shape and becoming mist, indicating my successful kill of the beast. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, followed by a groan.

  It is finally over.

  Probably this is the time to let out a cry of victory, that I bested my enemies but I had a bit too much of near-death experiences for my liking which I don't want to repeat in the foreseeable future, at least until I am sure of my strength surpasses any of them.

  I check my body for any marks or bruises, but it is as healthy as I arrived, except for my shirt that was torn open by those sneaky bastards. I love my aura so much. If it wasn't for it, I would be bleeding heavily from my shoulder or have a mangled leg, assuming I survived the attack at all.

  After all, I can fix a ripped shirt in a matter of minutes back home with my weaver skill.

  'Status'

  Ma'iq RakhanRace–Feline FaunusAge 17Css: The pugilistLevel–6 (83%)Mentor – Bke BeldonnaApprentice–NoneHP – 405/430 [45 regen per minute]MP – 1003/1730 [350 regen per minute]SP – 1235/1900 [200 regen per minute]STR–28END–34DEX–33INT–31WIS–26CHA–26LCK–10

  That's an... interesting discovery I guess. If I don't increase the level of my jobs before I level up, then all my stats slightly increase by default. It kinda makes sense, but I decided to not put much thought into trying to give a reasonable expnation.

  "That was too much. Way too much. I must leave." I comment as I rub the back of my neck with a pained expression.

  A quick look around reveals the same empty forest, free of enemies and my cue to return home. Except it now has a new road of fallen trees.

  "That's a good choice there, kid."

  My body acts on instinct and spins around with weapons ready.

  The newcomer raises both hands in surrender. "Woah woah, rex. I'm here to help."

  "Don't sneak up on me like that, geez." I groan in annoyance and lower my weapons.

  "Can't bme you. I forgot how jumpy people get after being attacked." He rubs the back of his head in embarrassment.

  "So, who are you and why are you here?" I take a closer look at the taller man standing in front of me, and he doesn't stand out compared to the average adult from Vale. With graying spiky bck hair, faded red eyes and a well-defined jawline. But the comparison dies when I notice his weapon hanging around the waist level and the red tattered cloak fitting for his semi formal attire perfect for clubbing.

  "You can call me Qrow. And for the second question, I had to deal with a few groups of Beowolves and Ursas coming your way. Nasty buggers know no end."

  His reply froze me momentarily and frantically checked my surroundings. "What? There are more coming?!" If only one Ursa gave me that challenge, then what would be left of me with two or more of them?

  He quickly shakes his head. "Not anymore. That one slipped, but you took care of it pretty well."

  "Thanks goddess…" I pce one hand above my heart and sigh in relief, knowing that no more waves from the endless horde will attack me.

  "Yeah, I know. But that's not entirely why I am here. The old man wants to speak with you."

  "The old man?"

  He shrugs. "Oz, Ozpin, old man, the headmaster of Beacon academy. He sent me to help you after noticing the danger headed your way."

  So someone has been watching me all this time. And that someone is no other than the headmaster of Beacon Academy. I guess I should be honored, but that leaves the question of how much he watched. My concern is mostly at my use of the inventory, even if I can excuse it as a storage sembnce. But another look at the hunter in front of me tells me that I shouldn't worry since they don't mean ill.

  At least that's where my hopes lie.

  But most of my encounters always led me to wrong choices and situations, and I really don't want my connections to Torchwick known or using more things against me. Even more, the big guy who practically leads the city security forces.

  When my brain finally came up with an excuse, I bit my lip. "I… I will pass. I'm pretty exhausted from this entire ordeal and I want to go back home to sleep. And I look like shit. I don't want to be disrespectful to the headmaster."

  "Oh… well, don't worry, kid. At least let me escort you back to the city." He grabs his weapons and with a flick of his wrist, it transforms to its full length of a broadsword before resting the edge on his shoulder and taking the lead which I follow without question.

  Qrow was the silent type or I believe he is since he spoke little on our short trip except when the Grimm returned and jumped us with full intent on killing. However, that was the moment when I noticed the difference in skill and strength against a full-fledged hunter.

  He didn't even bother to turn or look in their direction as he sliced entire groups in half while I looked in awe. When would I reach that level? Or at what level is it attainable?

  I will have to reach it first to know the answer. But his flex in strength and my st battle also showed me my dire need for a mechashift weapon that works with my system.

  Qrow stops when we reach a crossroads outside the forest and turns to look at me. "I know you want to be polite, but I know Oz. He won't mind a little dirt on his office. Maybe Glynda would, but that's who she is."

  I only shake my head in response. I want to go home.

  The older hunter sighs, but still gives me a faint smile. "The door is always open, just be a little mindful of the time. Say… What's your name?"

  "Ma'iq Rakhan."

  His expression shows slight surprise and leans closer. "Ma'iq… huh, I thought you were from Mistral." I groan in exasperation, getting a short ugh from him. "I will tell the old man to keep his door open, be safe out there."

  I roll my eyes and fold my arms together. "I will think about it after a nice long sleep."

  "Can't argue with that." He chuckles as he turns around to leave wherever he needs to go.

  In my case, I follow the road.

  I don't think I will keep that promise, though.

  -Qrow Branwen-"He refused?" The headmaster asked in surprise.

  "Not entirely. He promised to come after sleeping." He paused and took a moment to think. "Which could transte to days or weeks. You can't predict kids these days."

  "That's unfortunate. I wished to speak with him today."

  "Well, you cannot always get what you want in life." He shrugged. He tried to convince the kid, half-hearted attempts but an attempt nonetheless. "But Ozpin, you know how dangerous my sembnce is. What would have happened if it affected him? The kid could have gotten hurt, or worse."

  "I understand your concerns, my friend. But after my initial observations, I knew he was more than capable of dealing with the situation and his performance didn't disappoint. I see a lot of potential in him."

  He would have argued back, but he knew the old man's mindset. Just let it go rather than face a brick wall head on. He had other things to attend to in Patch. The urgency of the call didn't exactly give him time to tell others. Almost immediately his mind clicked and doubt struck him when Signal came to mind, an issue that not even in a drunken stupor he would forget.

  "You did notify Signal of my absence, right? I think I reached my limit a week ago." Oz told him to come to Vale as fast as possible after all.

  His question got no response.

  The eerie silence quickly took hold of his heart as the worst came to mind, his grip on his scroll threatening to crush the device between hands. "You did, didn't you?"

  The old wizard, gatekeeper of lost and forbidden knowledge and old friend, kept his silence with an unchanged expression.

  "OZ! They will dock my pay for skipping work!"

  "Oops…"

  -Ma'iq Rakhan-"Ugh, home sweet home," I groan as I reach the edge of my bed and colpse onto it.

  Mental exhaustion is always a thing.

  However, I can take a bit of happiness in achieving my original objective of increasing my main level. But next time, I will have to set limits for myself and leave the pce after wiping out only one horde. Just like the jungles of Menagerie, the Grimm get progressively stronger and more dangerous the longer I stay fighting.

  I should put things into perspective: high risk, high reward. But I simply cannot measure my life the same way. It might be slow but safe, and I should aim for that path, not the other.

  At least I have Sunday left.

  I can envision myself tomorrow ying on my bed all day and I find no regrets in doing so. Or I should buy some video games to pass the time. I have put little thought into it to be honest.

  I should check my options and maybe read reviews on the net of whatever is popur right now.

  Or that was the pn until I saw the mysterious apps that installed themselves in my scroll. I click the online store again and get the same screen with the miserable two options. So I go back to the main screen and select the new library app.

  The app opens on a cream-colored screen and a surprisingly vast selection of genres to pick from, except most of that genre selection is inaccessible no matter how many times I click them.

  So that left me only one realistic option, the fantasy genre, and it came with another disappointment.

  Just like the online store, it was almost an empty list, save for two titles.

  'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' and 'The Tale of Davy Jones'.

  By mere curiosity, I clicked on the second title and got a pop up to purchase it for a measly fifteen lien, which I accepted. Compared to the three thousands I spent earlier, that was just spare change to me.

  But soon I learned the reason for such a cheap price as this tale was at most. A page long and a single image took half of the page. An image showing the silhouette of two humans holding hands in front of the ocean.

  "In the day of myth and legend, the beautiful Calypso, daughter of Ats, ruled the wine-dark seas, and all sailors loved and feared her…"

  'I'm bored. Tell me something.'

  And a message notification covers my screen and successfully takes my attention away from my short lecture.

  'Do you mind? I am busy reading.' I text back, annoyed by Neo's interruption. This might be something I should have seen coming after giving her my scroll number, and I'm starting to believe she has nobody else to talk with.

  Neo: About what?

  Me: none of your business.

  Neo: meanie.

  Me: Does Roman want something?

  Neo: I told you already. I'm bored.

  Me: py video games on your scroll? Watch a movie, you know, stuff.

  Neo: boring

  Me: You want to come uninvited again, don't you?

  Neo: :)

  I look away from the screen as a long sigh leaves my lips, along with my growing frustration. A pointless discussion to have with her.

  'Whatever. You will invite yourself in, anyway.'

  I drop my scroll next to my pillow before I use all of my willpower to get up from the bed and take a shower. With a guest coming over, I couldn't be a shitty host, not even out of spite. Well, I could be spiteful and leave my apartment a mess, but I don't want to test that girl's patience.

  At least I have more ice-cream in the fridge to pacify her.