Somewhere on a world called Earth, nestled within a city of bustle and chaos, sat a school—ordinary in every way. Inside, in the middle of a boring, droning class, sat a not-so-ordinary student named Wes Walker. Raven-black hair flopped messily over his forehead, and his brown eyes were locked on a small handheld gaming console beneath his desk.
"Boom! Headshot! Another one down!" he muttered to himself, fingers dancing across buttons. "Okay, gotta reload—duck, duck, roll, shoot—oh, snap! They're flanking me!"
His eyes sparkled with joy, a goofy grin plastered on his face. Wes was charming, clever, a bit sneaky, extremely hardworking when it came to things he cared about—mainly anime and games—and proudly wore the label of "otaku."
"Dude is seriously playing a full FPS during math class," one student whispered.
"How is he not caught yet?"
"He is caught. Just wait."
"Honestly, it's kind of impressive. But also, super annoying."
"I sit near him—he makes explosion sound effects like a five-year-old."
"Ugh, he's so loud about it too."
The classroom carried on as usual, with the teacher going on about algebraic formulas. Until—
"WES WALKER!" the teacher snapped.
Wes didn't flinch. Didn't even blink. "Just five more minutes... almost done... final wave incoming... can't pause..."
"PUT THAT THING AWAY RIGHT NOW! YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS, NOT SOME VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT!" the teacher barked, voice booming with fury. "You disrespect me, this classroom, and your future every time you pull this stunt!"
"Gotta finish this round or I'll lose all progress..." Wes muttered, still focused.
Wes finally looked up, casually, and smiled. "C'mon teach, five more minutes. I'm just about to beat the boss. You want me to win, right?"
Laughter broke out across the room.
"He's seriously ignoring him again."
"He's nuts. Or a legend. Maybe both."
"It's funny till we all get extra homework for his nonsense."
Two rows behind Wes sat Scarlett Hayes, his childhood best friend. With her long crimson-red hair tied into a high ponytail by a sleek black ribbon, and sharp emerald-green eyes, she looked like she belonged in a fantasy novel. But those piercing eyes were narrowed right now in clear irritation.
"Idiot," she muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.
Before the teacher could explode again, the school bell rang.
"Alright students, time to go home. See you tomorrow!" the teacher announced through gritted teeth.
Chairs scraped the floor as students sprang to life.
"Let's get bubble tea."
"Gonna grind ranked all night."
"Wes is like... a chaotic NPC in our classroom."
Wes didn't move. Still gaming.
"Boom! Monster down! HA! Take that, you ugly goblin overlord! No scope triple shot, baby!" he laughed.
Then—
"YOU IDIOT!!!"
A sharp pain exploded on the top of his head.
"OUCH!!! What the hell?!" Wes screamed, looking up.
Scarlett stood above him, furious. "Idiot!" she growled and knocked him again.
"OW! Again?! What was that for?!"
"Start paying attention in class, dumbass!" she said, cracking her knuckles. An ominous aura radiated from her.
Wes gulped. Beads of sweat formed. "W-Wait... Y-You're looking so beautiful today! Like a crimson queen straight out of a visual novel! Please don't hurt me!"
Scarlett turned red, embarrassed and angry. "Don't EMBARRASS me, you idiot!!"
WHAM!
Wes collapsed to the floor. "IT HURTS! YOU MONSTER!"
Her eyes narrowed. "What did you call me?"
"N-No! You're beautiful! Like a queen! A very, very strong and beautiful queen!"
Scarlett sighed. "That's what I thought. Idiot."
Wes pulled himself up, dramatically rubbing his head. "Your strength... it's grown... I respect it... and fear it."
"Let's go home, idiot."
"Yes ma'am."
They walked side by side through the city streets.
"Why do you always play those games during class?" Scarlett asked.
"Because class is boring and games are life. You can't pause boss fights, Scarlett. That's a universal law."
"You're impossible," she muttered.
"But charming," Wes replied, shooting her a smirk.
"In the same way a raccoon in your kitchen is charming."
"That's hurtful, but fair."
Scarlett sighed. "I seriously worry about you sometimes. What are you gonna do if you fail out of school?"
"Easy. Become a pro gamer. Or a voice actor. Or maybe start a podcast about anime girls and honor."
"I'm surrounded by delusions."
Wes chuckled. "You love it."
"I tolerate it. Barely."
"You tolerate it because I'm your best friend."
"You're my burden," she said with a small smirk.
They laughed and talked as the sun dipped low. A few minutes later, they were crossing the street, still lost in conversation.
Neither of them noticed the truck speeding down the road.
HONNNNK—
In that final moment, as headlights bore down, Wes thought, Maybe I'll wake up in another world... and maybe Scarlett will be there too.
Darkness swallowed everything.
...
Wes stirred. He groaned.
Stars. A breathtaking night sky unlike anything he'd seen on Earth.
"Scarlett..."
She lay beside him, slowly opening her eyes. "Wes...? What... where are we?"
"Not... home. Definitely not the city."
They sat up and looked around. Lush grass. Towering trees with glowing leaves. Floating islands in the distance. It looked like the opening cutscene to a fantasy RPG.
"This... this looks like something out of Celestial Odyssey 3," Wes whispered.
"What happened to us...?"
"The truck. We got hit. I think we died."
"Don't say that!"
"Then how do you explain that?" Wes pointed to a massive crescent moon with purple light hanging over a crystalline mountain.
Scarlett stared, speechless.
"Are we dreaming?" she asked.
"Maybe. But it feels... real."
She touched the grass, her fingers running over its silky texture.
"It's warm. Smells sweet too. This is definitely not Earth."
"Which means..." Wes stood slowly, his eyes wide with realization. "We got Isekai'd."
"You're not serious."
"Think about it—dies saving no one, wakes up in fantasy world with anime skybox, surrounded by mystery... It's textbook!"
"You're the worst person to be stuck in another world with."
"You say that now, but wait until I get overpowered magic."
Scarlett groaned.
As they stood in awe, a serene, melodic voice rang out.
"You two have finally awakened."
They turned.
A woman sat upon a radiant throne, surrounded by light and mystery.
Long hair like moonlight, elegant robes adorned with celestial symbols, and eyes glowing with cosmic energy.
Wes blinked. "Who... are you?"
She smiled softly. "I am the one who summoned you. And your journey begins now."
Wes and Scarlett stood frozen, still reeling from the shock of waking up in a world that looked like a dream.
In front of them stood a breathtakingly beautiful woman—an ethereal vision. She had long, flowing silver-white hair that shimmered like moonlight, and her eyes were radiant galaxies of gold and violet, softly glowing. She wore a pristine white and gold gown that floated like celestial silk, and behind her head, a halo of shifting, colorful light hovered gently, radiating divine energy.
Her very presence made the air feel lighter.
Then, with a voice as smooth as wind over water, she giggled softly and said, "Me? I am Lady Seraphina Lumeria, the Goddess of Light and Rebirth."
Wes and Scarlett's minds collectively exploded.
"G-Goddess?" Wes sputtered.
"Did she just say—Goddess?!" Scarlett whispered, her eyes wide.
They looked at each other, both trying to process what they'd just heard.
"Are we really... talking to a goddess?" Wes muttered.
"Does that mean we... actually died?" Scarlett asked.
Wes dramatically staggered back, placing the back of his hand on his forehead like a stage actor. "This is it! It's happening! This really is anime! This is full-on Isekai life, baby!!"
Scarlett slapped her hand to her forehead. "Wes, shut up."
Then she turned to Seraphina and asked, stammering, "W-Why are we here?"
"Y-Yeah," Wes added, nervously. "Did we do something wrong? Was it because Scarlett is secretly a violent monster?"
Scarlett's eye twitched.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!!"
SMACK!
Wes was launched to the ground, clutching his head. "OWWWW!!! WHY IS IT ALWAYS MY HEAD?! I DESERVE THIS BUT STILL—THAT HURT!"
Scarlett yelled, "STOP EMBARRASSING ME, YOU ABSOLUTE IDIOT!"
"I'm sorry I'm sorry I was wrong!" Wes yelped as Scarlett grabbed him in a headlock.
"WHY DO YOU ALWAYS SAY STUPID STUFF?!"
"BECAUSE I PANIC WHEN I'M SCARED!"
Seraphina watched them, a gentle smile on her face, and giggled softly. They're lively. It's been centuries since I've seen such fire between two souls... how amusing.
"Okay okay! I'm sorry! I was wrong!! I take it back!" Wes cried.
Scarlett finally let go and huffed. "Idiot!"
Wes stumbled to his feet, rubbing his head. "Where were we again?"
Ahem.
The goddess gave a small cough.
Both Wes and Scarlett instantly snapped their heads to face her.
"Are you two done?" she asked, her voice sweet and slightly amused.
"OH RIGHT! THE GODDESS THING!" Wes shouted.
They both went pale.
"We're so sorry!" they cried in unison, bowing. "Please don't smite us or anything!"
Seraphina giggled again. "Relax. I won't hurt you. I brought you here myself."
Scarlett blinked. "Why would you bring us here?"
Wes nodded. "Yeah... I mean, we're not exactly... special."
The goddess's smile deepened. "I brought you here for two reasons. One, to give you a second chance at life. And two... because I saw something within both of you. Something powerful."
They both froze.
"Wait," Wes said slowly. "You're giving us... a second chance? In another world?"
He began pacing, muttering to himself, "Second chance... magical world... this really is a true Isekai situation..."
Scarlett crossed her arms. "What kind of world are you sending us to? And what power did you see in us?"
Seraphina nodded slowly. "This world is called Luminalia. A land of swords and magic, monsters and myths. A world reborn from darkness... and you both hold something hidden even from my divine sight."
Wes leaned in. "Wait. You're a goddess... and you can't see what powers we have?"
"Indeed," she replied. "Whatever lies dormant within you is beyond celestial detection. That makes you... fascinating."
"So how are we going to get these powers? Do we level up? Get a system? A stat screen? A blessing? Do I need to scream a special word like 'STATUS!'?" Wes asked eagerly.
Seraphina smiled mysteriously. She raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
WOOOSH—
A massive, glowing violet screen appeared before them, floating in midair. Names, symbols, and stats scrolled across its surface in shimmering letters.
"WOAHHH!!" Wes gasped. "This is so freaking COOL!"
He leaned in, eyes darting over the list. "Wait, these are abilities? Classes? Oh man, do I get to pick?! Do we roll for stats? Scarlett, check this out!"
Scarlett stepped closer, eyes scanning the screen.
"So... this is real. All of it. We're really going to start over... in another world."
Seraphina gave a gentle smile. "Yes. Your adventure begins now."
Wes stared at the massive glowing screen, eyes darting over the countless class options. His fingers hovered above it before finally pressing against the words: Magic Gunslinger.
A swirl of light surged into his body.
"Whoa!" Wes shouted, nearly stumbling. "This... this is perfect! This class... it's like my video game character back home! Magic guns, elemental shots—YES!!" He spun dramatically. "I've trained for this moment my whole life!"
Scarlett rolled her eyes with a small smirk and reached for the screen herself. Her hand gently tapped: Magic Swordswoman.
A graceful wind wrapped around her. Power radiated from her core.
"Huh... this feels right," she muttered. "Elegant but powerful. Fast. Sharp. Balanced."
"Scarlett with a sword... Oh boy," Wes said. "You're already scary without a weapon. Now you've got a magic one? We're doomed."
"Says the idiot who picked a class just like his favorite overpowered character from GunRealm V," she shot back.
Lady Seraphina giggled.
Wes turned to her. "What's so funny, Goddess?"
She gave them a knowing smile. "I already knew you would choose those classes. It was written in your aura the moment I summoned you. You were always meant to be those warriors."
Scarlett tilted her head. "How could you possibly know that?"
Wes added, "Yeah! That's kind of freaky. Are you reading our minds or something?"
Seraphina smiled softly. "No, not your minds. Your potential."
Both Wes and Scarlett stared, confused.
"And now," she continued, "I have gifts for the both of you."
Wes gasped. "Gifts?! For real?! What kind? Like, enchanted items? Armor? Legendary loot?!"
Scarlett raised a brow. "Why are you giving us gifts, exactly?"
Seraphina gently raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
FLASH!
Two radiant lights bloomed in front of them. From the first, a gleaming longsword appeared. Sleek and double-edged, the blade glowed faintly with power. The guard shaped like twin wings—one feathered, one made of fire. The blade shimmered crimson-silver, engraved with the goddess's sigil. Its grip was wrapped in red dragon-hide leather.
Scarlett's eyes widened. "Whoa... this... it's beautiful. It feels like it belongs to me."
Seraphina smiled. "It was forged from Embersteel, a mythical ore that can only be shaped in the presence of a warrior's unspoken resolve. This sword knows your strength, even if you don't."
Wes whistled. "Dang. That's some epic fantasy-grade lore right there. Embersteel? That sounds like a boss-drop item!"
Scarlett touched the blade. "Unspoken resolve... huh."
Seraphina turned to Wes. "And now... for the Magic Gunslinger."
The second light intensified. In front of Wes, a sleek revolver materialized. It was a six-shot revolver, silver-and-midnight black. The frame glowed faintly with ancient celestial runes. The longer-than-normal barrel bore arcane dragon-wing markings and elemental sigils. The grip was obsidian, wrapped in soft fire-dyed leather. A glowing core gem pulsed softly in the center.
Seraphina spoke with reverence. "This is Reveria, the first and only of her kind—crafted not by hands, but by divinity and desire. She is your partner, your weapon, your will made manifest. Speak to her. Respect her. And she will answer with power the world has never seen."
Wes and Scarlett gawked.
"That revolver... it has a name?" Wes asked.
"You're giving him a gun that talks?!" Scarlett blinked.
Seraphina's tone turned serious. "Yes... but there's something more you must understand."
Wes looked curious. "What's that?"
Seraphina gave a wide smile.
Scarlett and Wes flinched.
"That weapon before you, Wes Walker... is not just a tool. Her name is Reveria... and once, she was a goddess."
Everything went still.
"WHAT?!" Wes shouted.
"You're joking... right?" Scarlett said, stunned.
Seraphina shook her head. "Long before this world had kings, before adventurers drew blades or demons rose from the dark, there existed a goddess of judgment and balance. Reveria, Lady of the Final Word. She was neither cruel nor kind—but exact. Every war, every hero, every beast that crossed into chaos... she ended them. One pull of her divine trigger, and balance was restored."
Wes staggered back. A goddess... that ended entire wars with a single shot? he thought.
Seraphina continued, "But the other gods feared her. Her power was too absolute, too final. There was no trial, no redemption—only truth. So they sealed her not in tombs or chains, but in form. Her essence was compressed, bound, and forged into the very weapon you now hold."
Scarlett whispered, "That's terrifying. Sealed into a gun... for being too powerful."
Wes stared at Reveria. "The gods were scared of her... and now I'm holding her?"
"She has slept for eons," Seraphina said. "Watching worlds rise and fall. She now stirs—not because you chose her... but because she chose you. You are her wielder now. But remember this: Reveria is judgment made manifest. If you cannot wield her with heart and clarity... she will fire without you."
Wes gulped. "Okay, so... no pressure. Just don't disappoint the sealed goddess of balance and death. Cool cool."
Seraphina's eyes twinkled. "Also... Wes, you now carry the power of elements. You will forge elemental bullets—fire, ice, wind, lightning—all born from your intent."
Wes lit up. "That's AWESOME! Elemental bullets?! I'm a walking fantasy sniper mage!"
Scarlett smirked. "Just don't shoot your foot off."
The weapons shimmered, then transformed into beams of light and entered their bodies.
"WHOA!" Wes gasped.
"What just—?" Scarlett placed a hand on her chest.
Seraphina spoke softly. "Your weapons are now bound to your hearts. They will answer when called."
"Sweet!" Wes shouted.
Scarlett turned. "So... what now?"
"Now," Seraphina said with warmth, "you will go to your new world and begin your second life."
Wes and Scarlett nodded slowly.
"Are you ready?" Seraphina asked.
Scarlett took a breath. "I'm ready."
Wes cracked his knuckles. "Let's go. Magic Gunslinger, reporting for adventure!"
"Good," Seraphina smiled. "I'm glad. I hope to see you again someday."
"Thank you, Lady Seraphina," Scarlett said.
"Yeah," Wes nodded. "We'll do our best... and maybe see you again. Don't forget us, alright?"
Seraphina raised her hand. "Good luck, my Wes and Scarlett."
She snapped her fingers.
FLASH!
In a blink, they were gone.
...
The world shifted.
Wes and Scarlett appeared in a breathtaking forest. Giant trees with glowing leaves, waterfalls cascading in the distance, strange floating stones dotting the sky.
"Whoa..." Wes whispered. "We made it."
Scarlett looked around. "This place... it's beautiful. Magical."
She turned to Wes, a spark in her eye. "Ready to start our new life, partner?"
Wes smiled, breathing in deeply. "More than ready. This... is gonna be awesome."
Just before they could begin their journey into the new world, Wes suddenly stopped walking. He stood there, deep in thought, his eyes scanning the canopy of glowing leaves above.
"Hmm..."
Scarlett blinked. "What now? You look like you're trying to remember if you left the stove on."
"I was just thinking..." Wes muttered. "If this really is a fantasy world, like an actual isekai setting... then... what if the status screen is real?"
Scarlett tilted her head. "Status screen? What are you rambling about now?"
Wes gave her a mischievous grin. "Only one way to find out. STATUS!"
PING!
A glowing violet screen appeared in front of him with a soft hum, floating midair like a digital hologram.
Wes gasped. "IT WORKED?! Holy pixelated plot armor—it ACTUALLY WORKED!"
Scarlett's jaw dropped. "Wait… that's… real?! The whole status screen thing is real?!"
Wes smirked triumphantly. "Told you! Not just some otaku dork anymore!"
He eagerly began reading:
Name: Wes Walker
Age: 17
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Level: 1
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Titles: Otherworlder, Reincarnated Soul, The First Gunslinger
Blessing: Blessing of Lady Seraphina – Divine Protection from Goddess of Rebirth
Health Points (HP): 200
Magic Points (MP): 300
Strength: 14
Agility: 26
Endurance: 18
Mana: 40
Luck: 120
Charm: 22
Normal Skills:
Quickdraw – Increases speed when drawing weapon.
Dodge Roll – Grants a fast evasive movement burst.
Basic Parry – Deflects light attacks (if armed).
Pain Suppression – Keeps calm under minor injuries.
Basic Cooking – Can cook basic meals (won't poison allies).
Parkour Movement – Improved climbing, vaulting, sliding.
Camouflage – Reduces visual detection when standing still.
Appraisal – Analyze basic information about objects/beings.
Ability Skills:
Sixth Sense – Detects incoming danger (ambush, sneak attacks).
Gunslinger Instinct – Reacts faster to surprise attacks.
Gunslinger's Focus – Boosts accuracy under pressure.
Bullet Vision – Slows perception while aiming.
Bullet Crafting – Allows basic crafting of elemental bullets.
Eagle Eyes – Enhances distance vision.
Flashstep – Short-range teleport burst.
Gun Channeling – Infuses mana into the next shot.
Magic Bullet / Gun Skills:
Mana Bullet – Pure mana projectile.
Arcane Bullet – Basic non-elemental magic shot.
Fire Bullet – Explodes on impact.
Ice Bullet – Slows or freezes.
Lightning Bullet – Armor-piercing, chance to paralyze.
Wind Bullet – High knockback, silent.
Earth Bullet – Heavy impact, breaks barriers.
Water Bullet – Piercing shot, bypasses soft armor.
Gravity Bullet – Slows and pulls objects inward.
Charged Bullet – Hold to increase damage.
Unique Skills:
Bullet Reaper Mode (???): Awakens in combat duress.
Reveria Link (Dormant): The revolver speaks to its wielder.
Bullet Sync (Locked): Dual-element fusion bullets.
Echo Shot (Locked): Fires phantom shot after real one.
Weapons:
Reveria – Sentient Revolver (Sealed)
Elemental Affinity: All (Locked)
Unlocks at Level 10 or higher emotional sync.
Items:
40 Gold Coins
x5 Healing Capsules
Communication Crystal (Linked to Scarlett)
Goddess Token (Seraphina's Emblem): Glows when danger nears
Wes stared, wide-eyed. "I have SO many powers! And skills! AND LOOK AT THAT LUCK STAT! I'm built different!"
Scarlett leaned over. "You've got... Parkour and Basic Cooking? Wait, Quickdraw, Bullet Vision—Bullet Crafting?! You can make your own magic bullets?!"
Wes beamed. "Yup! I'm like a fantasy John Wick with elemental rounds!"
Scarlett pulled up her own status screen. Her eyes scanned the list, and she looked impressed. "This is... unreal. Everything's quantified. Even my sword style. I've got 'Blazing Wind Cut' and 'Mana Reflection Counter'. This is way more intense than I expected."
Wes turned to her with excitement. "We're stacked. This is it. We're so ready for this world."
Scarlett nodded. "Let's go. Our story starts now."
With weapons sleeping in their hearts and the screen fading into soft light, the two stepped forward into the unknown. The forest shimmered under the golden glow of twin moons above.
Their footsteps began the first chapter of a legend.
Wes and Scarlett walked side by side through the enchanting forest, the warm breeze brushing against their faces. The sunlight filtered through the leaves in soft golden rays, painting the mossy ground with a gentle glow.
"This air is way too fresh. I'm not used to not smelling car fumes," Wes said with a wide grin.
Scarlett chuckled. "Try not to inhale so dramatically. You're gonna choke on a leaf."
"You say that like it'd be the worst way to go. But honestly, dying in a beautiful fantasy forest? Not the worst fate."
They laughed together, occasionally swatting branches away as they moved deeper into the woods.
"So, what do you want to do in this world?" Scarlett asked.
"Oh, easy! Travel the world, find work, fight monsters, join a guild, take on epic missions—y'know, the whole isekai deal," Wes replied, eyes twinkling. "Just like in anime! Hunt down bandits, save villages, maybe even get a cool nickname like 'The Phantom Bullet.'"
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "You've already written the anime script in your head, haven't you?"
"Episode one: The Idiot Arrives. Episode two: The Idiot Gets Smacked By His Tsundere Partner."
"You're asking for it."
They continued bantering for a few more minutes, laughter echoing softly between the trees.
Suddenly—
Rustle. Snap.
They both stopped.
Wes's eyes narrowed. "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah... something's moving in the trees."
They turned their heads, scanning their surroundings, nerves beginning to build.
"Please tell me it's not a squirrel the size of a bear," Wes muttered.
"No movement on the left," Scarlett whispered. "Wait—there!"
From the thick trees, dark shapes emerged, buzzing aggressively. Their wings vibrated with a horrible whine.
"Oh, hell no," Wes said, stumbling back.
"Killer Wasps! Ten of them!" Scarlett shouted.
Wes activated Appraisal. A screen popped in front of him.
F-Rank Monster: Killer Wasp
HP: 85
MP: 10
Speed: High
Skills: Needle Jab – Fast thrusting sting attack.
Toxic Sting – Inflicts venom, slowing magical flow.
Group Swarm – Coordination ability in groups for ambush.
Description: Aggressive flying insect monsters known to attack in groups. Their venom can numb limbs and disrupt magical flow.
Wes grinned. "Perfect. Time to try out my shiny new skills!"
Scarlett smirked. "Could use a warm-up."
Wes cracked his knuckles. "You take five, I'll take five?"
Scarlett nodded. "Try not to get stung, hero."
Suddenly, one of the Killer Wasps zipped forward, straight at them.
"Watch out! MOVE!" Wes yelled.
Both rolled to the side, the wasp's stinger slicing the air where they'd just been.
"Come to me—Reveria!" Wes shouted.
A pulse of light swirled into his palm as the revolver materialized in his grip.
"Crimson Steel Longsword—come!" Scarlett commanded, and her weapon blazed into her hand.
Wes grinned. "Let's split 'em up."
"Right."
Wes raised his revolver, pointing toward the swarm. "WIND BULLET!"
With a thunderous BOOM, a shockwave burst forth, splitting the group of wasps apart, scattering them into two groups of five.
Wes and Scarlett locked eyes and nodded before dashing toward their chosen foes.
Wes took position and fired a Mana Bullet at the nearest wasp. BANG! It struck the creature's wing, causing it to spiral but not drop.
"These things are tougher than they look!" Wes called.
One of the wasps dove at him. "DODGE ROLL!" he shouted, tucking into a fast roll that barely let him escape the sharp stinger.
He pointed his revolver mid-roll and fired again. Fire Bullet! The projectile burst into flames, but the wasp zipped away at the last second, singing the forest floor instead.
Meanwhile, Scarlett clashed blades with her group. One wasp dove from above—she leapt up, slashing it across its side. Green ichor splattered, but the creature retaliated with a jab.
"Tch—Pain Suppression!" she winced as her shoulder was grazed.
"You alright?!" Wes shouted, taking a hit to his arm from another wasp.
"Nothing I can't handle! FLASHSTEP!"
Scarlett blinked forward and spun, slicing two wasps mid-air with a graceful arc.
Wes groaned. "Okay, these guys are not playing around! Let's dial it up!"
"Agreed!"
Another wasp dove. Wes activated Gunslinger's Focus. Time slowed slightly as he lined up his shot. Lightning Bullet! The electrified shot tore through the air and struck its target—BOOM—and the wasp exploded in a flash of sparks.
Scarlett activated Mana Reflection Counter, parrying a stinger and following with an Arc Slash that left a glowing trail through her enemy.
"Two down!"
"Three more on me!" Wes yelled.
He pulled out all the stops: Ice Bullet, freezing one; Earth Bullet, smashing another into the ground.
Scarlett flipped over one of her wasps, impaling it from above with a downward thrust.
"Let's end this!" Wes shouted.
"On it!"
Wes charged his revolver. "Mana Bullet x5!" Five rapid-fire shots lit up the air like fireworks.
"ARC SLASH!" Scarlett shouted once more, spinning through her remaining foes.
The forest exploded with blasts and insect screams. Green smoke and light faded.
Silence.
Bodies of ten defeated Killer Wasps lay around them.
Wes fell to one knee, panting. "Okay... that was intense."
Scarlett wiped sweat from her brow. "Not bad for our first fight."
DING!DING!
Two glowing screens popped up before them:
LEVEL UP!
Wes Walker – Level 1 → 2
HP: 200 → 230
MP: 300 → 340
Strength: 14 → 16
Agility: 26 → 28
Endurance: 18 → 20
Mana: 40 → 45 Scarlett Hayes – Level 1 → 2
HP: 220 → 250
MP: 180 → 210
Strength: 20 → 23
Agility: 22 → 25
Endurance: 19 → 22
Mana: 35 → 40
Wes's eyes sparkled. "We actually leveled up already?!"
Scarlett grinned. "Guess fighting for your life really does wonders."
They high-fived, beaming.
Their weapons faded into light and vanished.
"We're officially adventurers now," Wes said proudly.
Scarlett gave him a playful glare. "I still killed mine faster."
"Pfft, please. I wind-blasted them into next week. You just did fancy sword twirls."
"Those 'twirls' saved your behind."
They laughed, their rivalry blooming.
To be continued...