Somewhere on a world called Earth, nestled within the walls of a typical high school, a classroom droned on with the monotone voice of a tired teacher lecturing from the front. Students sat in various states of boredom, distraction, or mild attention. In the back corner, slouched over his desk, sat Wes Walker—the protagonist.
With raven-black hair falling slightly over his brown eyes, Wes had the air of someone who didn't take life too seriously. Goofy, charming, funny, and secretly a romantic at heart, Wes was also smart, sneaky, a hardworking otaku... but right now, all of that was buried under the glowing screen of his handheld game console.
"Boom! Headshot! Haha, take that, zombie boss!" Wes whispered excitedly to himself as he tapped away at the controls, immersed in the shooting game.
"Reload, reload—yes! That was close," he muttered. "Two more to go. Stay focused, Wes. You got this."
"Eat plasma, you ugly mutant!" he grinned, furiously pressing buttons. "Combo multiplier, engage!"
He was completely lost in the game, smiling wildly, muttering nonsense like, "Tactical retreat!" and "Initiating orbital cannon!"
Students started whispering among themselves.
"Is he seriously playing during class again?"
"Unbelievable. Doesn't he ever care about grades?"
"I swear, he must think life is an anime."
"Actually, it's kind of impressive he's not failing."
"It's annoying, but... he's kinda funny too."
"Dude, Wes is literally speedrunning school like it's optional content."
The teacher snapped. "Mr. Walker!" he barked, his voice slicing through the class like a whip. Everyone turned.
Wes didn't flinch. "Just five more minutes. I'm about to defeat the final boss," he mumbled without looking up.
The teacher's eye twitched. "Wes! Put that ridiculous game down and pay attention! We're reviewing the assignment!"
Laughter erupted across the classroom. Some found Wes hilarious, others found him annoying.
"Man, this guy never listens," someone muttered.
"This is comedy gold," another chuckled.
Two rows behind Wes, a sharp sigh was heard. Scarlett Hayes, his childhood best friend, rolled her emerald-green eyes. Her long crimson-red hair was tied into a high ponytail, held by a black ribbon. Gorgeous and fiery, Scarlett was the very definition of a tsundere—protective, proud, and secretly romantic, though she'd never admit it.
"Idiot," she muttered, arms crossed.
The teacher was about to shout again—but then the bell rang.
RRRRRRIIIIIIING!
"Alright, students, class dismissed. See you all tomorrow," the teacher grumbled, clearly exhausted.
Chairs scraped and backpacks zipped as students rose, chatting about what they'd do after school.
"Going to hit the arcade."
"New anime episode drops today!"
"Gotta nap before practice."
Wes, however, remained seated, still engrossed in his game. "Boom! Gotcha, you ugly troll! Who's the king now?!"
Then came a voice—familiar and furious.
"YOU IDIOT!!"
SMACK!
"Aaaagh! What the hell?!" Wes yelled, clutching the top of his head. He spun around and saw Scarlett glaring down at him.
"Idiot!" she said again and smacked him a second time.
"OW! Why'd you hit me twice?!"
"Because you weren't listening in class! AGAIN!"
Wes crossed his arms dramatically. "Video games teach valuable life skills. Class doesn't. Besides, I was about to—"
Scarlett's eye twitched. A dark aura began to rise from her.
"Oh no..." Wes said, sweat forming on his brow.
Crack. Crack. Scarlett cracked her knuckles.
"P-Please, Scarlett! Y-You're beautiful! Gorgeous! Please don't hurt me!" Wes pleaded.
"Don't embarrass me, you IDIOT!" SMACK!
Wes crumpled to the ground. "It huuuurts... You're a monster..."
"What did you just call me?"
"B-Beautiful! You're a queen! So majestic!" he stammered.
"Hmph. That's what I thought, idiot," she replied with a huff.
Wes got to his feet, rubbing his head. "Your punches are getting stronger... Ow..."
"Let's go home already," she said, walking ahead.
"Alright, Red Blaze," he teased.
Scarlett paused. "Don't call me that," she said, blushing slightly. But inside, a small part of her liked it.
They walked through the city streets, chatting as the sun began to dip below the buildings.
"Seriously, you need to stop playing during class," Scarlett said.
"Hey, I was close to unlocking a secret weapon," Wes replied. "Besides, who needs math when you've mastered pixel-perfect aiming?"
"You're going to flunk out one day, and I won't feel sorry for you."
"You'd totally visit me in detention though."
Scarlett snorted. "Only to slap some sense into you."
They passed by a bakery. The scent of fresh bread made Wes pause.
"Mmm... That smells good. Think they have melonpan?"
"You're not getting snacks. You spent all your lunch money on that limited-edition gacha pull, remember?"
"It was worth it! I finally got the Ultra-Rare Catgirl Sniper!"
Scarlett shook her head. "You're hopeless."
"But charmingly so," he said with a grin.
She rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "I swear, sometimes I wonder why I even hang out with you."
"Because deep down, you love me," he teased.
"In your dreams, otaku boy."
They both laughed, lost in conversation as they approached the crosswalk.
A distant rumble echoed.
VROOOOOM!
Neither of them noticed the truck speeding toward the intersection.
Wes's thoughts slowed. Is this it? I wish... I wish I could go to another world... with Scarlett...
Everything went black.
Silence.
Then—
"Ugh... my head..."
Wes opened his eyes. A vast, starlit sky stretched above him. He blinked. "Whoa..."
Beside him, Scarlett stirred. "Wes...? What the hell happened?"
"I... I think we got hit by a truck."
Scarlett sat up, rubbing her head. "Did we... die?"
"I don't know... But this definitely isn't Earth."
They looked around. Strange glowing trees, floating rocks, the air shimmering with magic.
Scarlett stood slowly. "Where are we? This place is... beautiful."
"Like some kind of fantasy RPG world," Wes said, awe in his voice.
She raised an eyebrow. "You're enjoying this already, aren't you?"
"Maybe. I mean, this could be the start of our isekai adventure!"
"Ugh. Don't say that like it's a good thing."
He shrugged. "It might be. No homework, cool powers, epic quests—what's not to love?"
Scarlett folded her arms. "You really think this is a game?"
Wes paused. "...Maybe not. But you're here, so it can't be all bad."
Scarlett blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity.
Before she could respond, a melodic voice rang out.
"You two have awakened."
They turned quickly.
A stunning woman sat upon a crystal throne, her presence radiant and otherworldly. She smiled softly.
Wes stared. "Who... who are you?"
Wes and Scarlett stood frozen. Before them stood a breathtaking woman whose very presence bent reality. Ethereal beauty radiated from her, her long silver-white hair flowing like moonlight in the windless air. Her eyes glowed like galaxies—one a soft gold, the other a deep violet—each holding infinite mysteries within.
She wore a gown of white and gold that shimmered like celestial silk, weightless and glowing faintly. Behind her, a gentle halo of shifting light circled slowly, pulsating like a heartbeat of the heavens.
The woman gave a warm, melodic giggle. "Me? I am Lady Seraphina Lumeria... the Goddess of Light and Rebirth."
Wes and Scarlett's brains exploded metaphorically.
"G-G-Goddess?!" Wes stuttered.
"A real goddess?!" Scarlett echoed.
They turned to each other, eyes wide.
"I'm literally talking to a goddess right now!" Wes gasped.
"We actually died and met a goddess!" Scarlett's voice trembled.
They looked back at Seraphina, then at each other again.
"This is it!" Wes threw his hands up. "This is just like an anime! This is IS-E-KAI LIFE, baby!"
Scarlett's face flushed. "W-Why are we here?!" she asked, still shaken.
"Y-Yeah," Wes added. "Did we do something wrong, Goddess? Was it because Scarlett is secretly a violent monster?!"
Scarlett snapped. "SHUT THE HELL UP!" she screamed and smashed her fist down onto Wes's head.
"AAAAGH! MY SKULL!" Wes howled, dramatically flopping onto the ground and rolling around. "Why do you always punch me?! I swear your fists are harder than titanium! I DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS!"
Scarlett yelled, flustered and furious, "STOP EMBARRASSING ME! STOP TALKING LIKE AN IDIOT IN FRONT OF A GODDESS!"
"WELL STOP HITTING ME IN FRONT OF A GODDESS!"
"THEN STOP BEING A MORON!"
Lady Seraphina covered her mouth as she giggled again. They're... lively, she thought with amusement. So much energy. So much emotion. These two are quite the pair...
Scarlett growled and pulled Wes into a tight headlock. "SAY YOU'RE SORRY!"
"OKAY OKAY! I'M SORRY! I WAS WRONG! I AM DUMB AND YOU ARE STRONG!"
Scarlett released him with a huff. "Idiot."
Rubbing his neck, Wes sat up. "Right, where were we?"
Ahem.
Both of them froze and turned toward Seraphina.
She smiled serenely. "Are you two done?"
Wes straightened. "Oh right! The goddess thing!"
Their faces turned pale in unison.
"We're so sorry for disrespecting you!" Wes yelped.
"Please don't smite us!" Scarlett added, bowing slightly.
Lady Seraphina laughed gently. "I have no intention of hurting you. In fact... I'm the one who brought you here."
Scarlett blinked. "You... brought us?"
"Why us?" Wes asked. "We're not exactly... you know, special."
Seraphina's glowing eyes sparkled. "You may not see it, but I do. First, I brought you here to give you a second chance at life. And second, because I see great potential in both of you."
Wes's jaw dropped. "Second chance... in a new world...?" He paused, then his eyes lit up. "Like a real isekai protagonist?!"
Scarlett folded her arms. "What kind of world are you sending us to? What do you mean by 'potential'?"
Seraphina nodded. "The world's name is Velandria. A realm of swords, magic, ancient monsters, and kingdoms. But as for your potential... Even I, a goddess, cannot fully see it. It lies hidden, dormant... waiting."
Wes tilted his head. "So... how do we unlock this power?"
Seraphina's lips curled into a playful smile. "Allow me to show you."
She raised her hand and snapped her fingers.
FWWOOOOSH!
A giant violet screen appeared before them, glowing and hovering in the air like a fantasy game interface. It flickered with names, symbols, stats, and mysterious icons.
"WHOA!" Wes yelled. "It's just like a menu screen! Look at all these names!"
He leaned closer, his eyes scanning the options.
Scarlett looked cautiously at the screen, still suspicious but curious.
"Woah... what is this?" Wes stepped closer to the glowing violet screen, eyes scanning its endless lines of text, images, and symbols.
Lady Seraphina Lumeria smiled gently, her soft voice echoing with an ethereal warmth. "These... are the classes. Every soul reborn into Velandria is granted the choice of a path. A class that shapes your power, your destiny, your very way of life."
Wes's mouth opened wide in awe. "Like, actual RPG classes?"
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "There's... so many of them."
They both stared at the screen as names began to shift and glow one by one.
[Knight] [Assassin] [Elementalist] [Beast Tamer] [Cleric] [Battlemage] [Archer] [Shadow Monk] [Dragon Caller] [Swordswoman]
Scarlett's emerald eyes locked onto one in particular. Her hand hovered slightly, as if drawn to it by instinct.
"Swordswoman..." she whispered.
Wes looked over. "That one caught your eye?"
Scarlett nodded slowly. "Yeah. It feels... right. A balance of power and grace. Discipline and force. I want to fight up close. Protect people. And maybe," she added, crossing her arms, "crack a few idiot skulls if needed."
Wes smirked. "Well, you've already got the cracking part down."
Scarlett shot him a glare. "Exactly. It suits me."
She touched the glowing class tile. The word [Swordswoman] pulsed with energy, then faded slightly—bound to her.
Wes watched, impressed. "Nice pick. Totally fits your whole 'I'll protect you but also murder you' vibe."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Whatever, otaku."
Now it was Wes's turn. He scanned the massive list, eyes darting from title to title.
[Guardian Monk] [Runesmith] [Reaper] [Chronomancer] [Spell Archer] [Paladin] [Gun Dancer]
He murmured to himself. "What should I choose...? Something cool. Something... me."
His gaze drifted further down. The list flickered, and a title caught his attention.
[Magic Gunslinger]
The words shimmered in a strange light. A grin slowly crept across his face.
Scarlett noticed. "Why are you smiling like that? What do you see?"
Wes's eyes gleamed. "Something that matches me perfectly."
She tilted her head. "Well? What is it?"
He turned to her, confident. "Magic Gunslinger."
Scarlett blinked. "...You want to fight using guns and magic?"
Wes nodded. "Fast, flashy, long-range, clever. It's stylish. Tactical. Totally me."
Scarlett crossed her arms. "Or totally reckless."
Wes laughed. "Maybe both."
As he reached toward the glowing words, the air thickened.
Lady Seraphina's expression changed—just slightly.
Is this the moment where he finds his path... or the moment that leads him to ruin? she thought silently.
Wes reached out to choose his class.
Wes reached out and touched the glowing name: Magic Gunslinger.
The screen pulsed. A warm light enveloped him.
In that moment, something clicked deep within his soul.
"I'm... a Magic Gunslinger now," he whispered, feeling the strange, powerful warmth swirl around him.
"This is insane," Wes added, his grin growing. "It's perfect. Just like my character in that shooting fantasy game."
Scarlett crossed her arms, smirking. "Of course you picked that. You always went for that flashy class with the high damage and chaotic energy. Just like you."
Lady Seraphina giggled, her celestial voice soft and knowing.
Wes looked at her. "What's funny, Goddess?"
"Oh, nothing," she said playfully. "It's just that I knew you two would choose those classes. I saw it in you. It's written in your potential."
Scarlett blinked. "You knew?"
"How could you possibly know what we'd choose?" Wes added.
The goddess smiled. "Because your hearts already chose long before your hands did. Now then... I have gifts for both of you."
Wes and Scarlett gasped.
"Wait, you're giving us something else?" Wes asked, eyes sparkling.
Scarlett's voice was more controlled, but her eyes gleamed. "What kind of gifts?"
Seraphina snapped her fingers.
Two radiant lights shimmered into existence before them.
The first light shifted and solidified into a magnificent longsword.
Its sleek, double-edged blade glimmered with crimson-tinted silver. The guard formed the shape of twin wings—one feathered, one made of flame. Subtle divine sigils adorned its surface. The grip was wrapped in red dragon-hide leather, pulsing faintly.
Scarlett stepped forward, stunned. "This... this sword..."
Seraphina smiled softly. "It is forged from Embersteel, a mythical ore that can only be shaped in the presence of a warrior's unspoken resolve."
Scarlett reached for the sword, her fingers brushing the hilt. "It's beautiful. Powerful. It... feels like it's been waiting for me."
Wes whistled. "That's epic. You're basically a fire-winged sword queen now."
The goddess turned her gaze to Wes.
"And now, for the Magic Gunslinger."
The second light shimmered and formed into a striking revolver.
A sleek, silver-and-midnight black six-shot revolver hovered in the air. Its frame glowed faintly, etched with celestial runes. The barrel was longer than modern revolvers, carved with arcane markings shaped like dragon wings and elemental sigils. The grip—smooth obsidian—was wrapped in fire-dyed leather. At the center of the cylinder pulsed a gem-like core, muted blue in color.
"This," Seraphina said reverently, "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 both stared in awe.
"She has a name?" Scarlett asked.
"Wait... Reveria? That sounds... sentient," Wes said slowly.
Seraphina gave a slow, knowing smile.
"There is one thing about Reveria you must understand," she said.
Wes tilted his head. "Yeah? What's that?"
Seraphina's smile widened.
Scarlett's brow furrowed. "Why does that smile make me nervous?"
"Same," Wes muttered.
"That weapon," Seraphina said, her voice now a touch more solemn, "is not just a tool. Reveria... was once a goddess."
The color drained from their faces.
"E-Excuse me?!" Wes yelled.
"You mean that gun... is a sealed goddess?!" Scarlett echoed, stunned.
Seraphina nodded. "Long before this world had kings or empires, before adventurers drew blades or demons roamed freely... there existed a goddess of judgment and balance. Reveria—Lady of the Final Word. She was neither cruel nor kind, but she was exact. She ended wars. She silenced tyrants. She brought balance with one pull of her divine trigger."
Wes stared at the revolver floating before him, wide-eyed. "So she just... ended people? Just like that?"
"The gods feared her," Seraphina continued. "They called her power too absolute. No trials. No redemption. Just truth. And so they did not chain her... they sealed her. Compressed her essence. Bound her divinity into the very weapon you now see."
Scarlett was quiet for a moment. "That's... terrifying. To be feared by the gods themselves."
Wes looked uneasy. "So now I'm carrying a sealed goddess? What if she... doesn't like me?"
"She has slept for eons," Seraphina said gently. "Her soul has watched worlds rise and fall. And now, she stirs—not because you chose her... but because she chose you."
Wes swallowed hard. "That's... a lot of responsibility. But it's also kinda badass."
"And," Seraphina added, "as Magic Gunslinger, you wield the power of elemental bullets. Fire, frost, thunder, wind, light, and shadow—each shot a spell cast through will and intent."
Wes's expression brightened again. "Elemental bullets?! That's awesome! I'm basically a walking spell-shooter!"
Scarlett smirked. "You're loving this way too much."
The weapons pulsed once more—then dissolved into glowing light.
The lights shot forward and sank into Wes and Scarlett's bodies.
"Whoa!" Wes gasped, holding his chest. "It's inside me now?"
"It's... warm," Scarlett whispered.
"These weapons are now part of you," Seraphina explained. "Bound to your hearts. Summoned by your will."
Wes grinned. "Sweet."
Scarlett turned to the goddess. "So... what now?"
"Now," Seraphina said gently, "you will enter Velandria. Your second life awaits."
Wes and Scarlett looked at each other, then nodded.
"We're ready," they said together.
Seraphina beamed. "Good. I hope to see you again one day."
"Thank you, Lady Seraphina," Scarlett said softly.
"Yeah," Wes added with a grin. "We'll try not to screw it up."
"Good luck, my Wes and Scarlett."
Snap.
A flash of light consumed them.
In the blink of an eye, they were gone.
The light faded.
Wes and Scarlett landed gently on a mossy forest floor. The air was crisp, the trees tall and glowing faintly with bioluminescence.
They looked around in awe.
"Wow..." Scarlett breathed. "This place is... incredible."
Wes inhaled deeply, stretching his arms. "Fresh air. Blue sky. Magic in the air. I love it already."
Scarlett turned to him with a small smile. "Ready, Magic Gunslinger?"
Wes smirked. "More than ever. Let's start this adventure."
Just as Wes and Scarlett were about to take their first step into the unknown forest, Wes paused.
"Hey... you think status screens are a real thing here?" he muttered.
Scarlett blinked. "Status screen? What are you rambling about now?"
Wes grinned. "Only the most classic isekai feature of all time."
He raised a hand and confidently said, "Status!"
FWOOSH!
A violet-colored screen materialized in the air before him, floating gently like a hologram.
Wes's jaw dropped. "It worked. It ACTUALLY worked!"
Scarlett's eyes widened. "Wait... you're telling me this really is one of those worlds? Like actual stats, skills, and menus? You're not just being a delusional otaku dork?"
Wes ignored the insult, grinning from ear to ear. "Read it and weep, Tsundere Queen."
He focused on the glowing text before him as the screen unfolded with detailed information:
Name: Wes Walker
Age: 17
Race: Human (Reincarnated Soul)
Level: 1
Class: Magic Gunslinger
Titles: Otherworlder, Reincarnated Soul, The First Gunslinger, Unknown Connection [Sealed]
Blessing: Blessing of Lady Seraphina – Divine Protection from the 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:
Quick Draw – Instantly equips and fires revolver with +10% crit chance
Combat Roll – Dodge skill with brief invulnerability
Focus Fire – Boosts accuracy and damage while standing still
Double Tap – Fires twice quickly; second shot has +20% crit chance
Tactical Awareness – Temporarily highlights enemy weak points
Appraisal – View stats and details of items, creatures, and objects
Ability Skills:
Mana Channeling – Boosts MP regen & bullet elemental power temporarily
Instinctive Reload – Reloads instantly once per battle when near-death
Mark of the Gunmage – Elemental bullet scaling increased with INT
Elemental Switch – Change elemental ammo in real-time without delay
Kinetic Flow (Passive) – Converts movement speed into bullet power
Magic Bullet / Gun Skills:
Flashbang Shot – Blinds enemies in a radius (2 seconds)
Mana Shot – Basic energy bullet; scales with Mana
Smoke Blast Round – Creates a 5s smokescreen
Magic Shot: Fire – Inflicts burn chance
Magic Shot: Water – High-pressure shot; reduces armor
Ricochet Round – Bounces between enemies, increasing damage
Charged Bullet – Hold to power-up shot (drains more MP)
Gravity Shell – Pins enemy to the ground with force
Shock Burst Round – AoE stun; 3s paralysis
Freezing Point Shot – Slows enemy by 50%
Piercing Spiral Round – Ignores 30% enemy defense; penetrates walls
Bullet Craft (Basic) – Craft elemental bullets using MP & materials
Unique Skills:
Soul Link: Reveria (Locked) – Speak with Reveria (Unlocks at Lv. 25)
Gunslinger's Code – Nullifies recoil; +30% accuracy
Revolver Resonance – Boosts sync with Reveria (Lv. 25+)
Reincarnator's Adaptation – +1.5x EXP from new monsters
Bullet Reaper Mode (Locked) – Requirement: Level 100 + Spirit Awakening
Rewrite Caliber – ??? (Affects fate of fired bullets?)
[Sealed Skill: Divine Chamber] – ??? – Requires Level 100 & full Reveria awakening
Weapon:
Sentient Revolver – "Reveria" [Sealed: Stage 0]
Type: Mythic-grade
Affinity: All Elements (Locked)
Spirit Bond: Dormant (Unlocks at Lv. 25)
Items: 10,000 Gold Coins
Wes chuckled in disbelief. "This is beyond insane. I've got elemental shots, tactical awareness, and I'm literally holding a sleeping goddess as my revolver."
Scarlett activated her own status screen with hesitation, then gasped as hers appeared in similar detail.
"Wow... I have title bonuses, elemental resistance, sword combos, aura techniques... This is real. This world really is built like a fantasy game."
Wes nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We're seriously ready for whatever this world throws at us."
Scarlett gave him a sideways glance, smirking. "Just don't get cocky, Gunslinger."
"Wouldn't dream of it, Crimson Blade."
They both looked ahead. The forest loomed like an untouched canvas.
"Let's get moving," Scarlett said.
Wes took a deep breath, the forest wind brushing against his face.
"Time to start this life right. Magic Gunslinger mode—activated."
The air was fresh, clean, and laced with a faint sweetness as Wes and Scarlett walked deeper into the lush, bioluminescent forest. Leaves shimmered in the light, and beams of sunlight pierced the canopy like spotlights.
"Man, this place is gorgeous," Wes said, arms behind his head as he breathed in the breeze. "No pollution, no screaming teachers, no homework. Just us, trees, and possibly magic deer."
Scarlett walked beside him, smirking. "Don't forget monsters. We did just get weapons, remember?"
"I'm counting on that!" Wes laughed. "I can't wait to join a guild, do quests, crush some bandits, take down a few dungeon bosses—you know, full-on anime adventure mode."
Scarlett rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd want to live like it's your favorite RPG."
"Hey, you've got to admit... it's kind of awesome," Wes said. "We're in a new world with cool powers and mystical weapons. If this isn't peak isekai, I don't know what is."
Scarlett chuckled softly. "Fine. It is a little awesome."
They laughed and bantered as they strolled through the trees, leaves crunching underfoot.
Then—rustling.
Both of them stopped.
Wes narrowed his eyes. "You hear that?"
Scarlett's hand moved near her hip. "Yeah. It's coming from the trees..."
The rustling got louder. Wings buzzed.
Suddenly, ten dark, menacing shapes burst from the trees above.
"Are those...?" Wes's voice trailed off.
Scarlett tensed. "Killer Wasps!"
Ten massive, winged insects circled above them, each the size of a basketball, with razor-sharp stingers and glowing red eyes.
Wes muttered, "This world really is out to kill us."
Scarlett groaned. "They had to be giant bees. Why is it always bugs?"
"Appraisal!" Wes called out.
A screen popped up in front of him:
Name: Killer Wasp
Rank: F-Rank Monster
HP: 55
MP: 10
Attack: 18
Defense: 6
Agility: 30
Skills: Venom Sting, Group Swarm, Wing Slash
Description: Aggressive forest predators known to swarm their prey. Favors distraction and quick, repeated strikes. Typically travel in flocks. Dangerous when underestimated.
Wes grinned. "Let's see what these new powers can do."
Scarlett matched his grin. "Finally."
"How about I take five, you take the other five?" Wes suggested.
"Deal."
One of the Killer Wasps screeched and charged.
"Move!" Wes yelled.
They both dove aside as the wasp's stinger slammed into the dirt, carving a small crater.
Wes rolled to his feet. "Come to me—Reveria!"
In a swirl of energy, his revolver materialized in his hand.
Scarlett stood, her eyes flashing. "Come to me—Crimson Steel!"
Her longsword appeared in a gleam of red light, humming with power.
Wes smirked. "Let's separate the swarm!"
"Right!" Scarlett replied.
Wes aimed his gun. "Magic Shot: Fire!"
A shockwave of flame and wind blasted forward, scattering the wasps into two groups.
Scarlett dashed left. Wes went right.
"Mana Shot—times five!" Wes shouted, unleashing five glowing bullets.
Three of the shots hit, while two were dodged mid-air. The hit wasps were knocked back, but not killed.
Scarlett swung with "Arc Slash!" but her first swing was deflected by the hard shell of a wasp.
"Tch! These things are fast!"
One wasp dove for Wes with blinding speed.
"Combat Roll!" Wes shouted, flipping out of the way just as the stinger grazed his jacket.
Another two came at once.
"Focus Fire!" He planted his feet and shot both down, but a third grazed his shoulder.
"Ah! Damn! That stings!"
Scarlett was slashing fast and blocking stingers with her blade, but the wasps kept darting in and out of her range.
"They're not just mindless bugs—they're coordinated!" she said through clenched teeth.
"Double Tap!" Wes shouted, firing twice in rapid succession. One shot missed, but the second landed square in a wasp's face.
Scarlett spun and shouted, "Sword Flare!" sending a burst of red energy from her blade that knocked three wasps back.
Still, both were breathing heavier now. Their first real fight in a new world wasn't easy.
One of the wasps tried to sting Scarlett from behind.
"Watch out!" Wes shouted.
Scarlett spun and cut it in half. "Thanks!"
They regrouped briefly.
"Ready to end this?" Wes asked.
Scarlett nodded. "Let's finish it together."
Wes pointed his gun at the five remaining wasps and shouted, "Ricochet Round!"
The bullet bounced between the remaining targets, hitting three and disorienting two.
Scarlett charged in. "Flame Slash!" Her sword ignited with fire as she cleaved through the last of hers.
Wes unleashed "Shock Burst Round!"
An explosion of lightning stunned the final wasps. He followed up with "Charged Bullet!" and ended it.
Silence fell.
Smoke rose from the scorched forest floor, insect limbs twitched around them.
They had won.
Wes and Scarlett looked at each other—wide-eyed, breathless, and exhilarated.
Then—DING! DING!
Two bright blue screens appeared before them.
LEVEL UP!
Wes Walker – Level 2 → Level 3
Scarlett Hayes – Level 2 → Level 3
Wes blinked. "We leveled up... TWICE?"
Scarlett's mouth fell open. "That was... fast."
Wes fist-pumped. "This world seriously loves me."
Scarlett chuckled. "You mean, us. I'm the one who took on five at once."
"Please, my explosions carried us."
"Your aim was garbage."
They high-fived.
Their weapons vanished in twin glows, fading back into energy.
They stood over their first battlefield—bruised, sweating, hearts pounding—but smiling.
"We actually did it," Wes said. "First fight, first win."
Scarlett nodded. "Yeah... and it won't be the last."
They looked at each other, teasing grins forming.
"So who did better?" Wes asked.
Scarlett shrugged. "Obviously me."
"Lies. I had way more style points."
"Pretty explosions don't count if half of them missed."
"Excuse me, Princess Critical!"
Their laughter echoed through the trees.
They were ready for what was next.
To be continued...