Friends From Another World

As Master Roshi prepared to unveil the intricacies of the training camp, every genius, including Mo and his companions, eagerly tuned in, ready to absorb every detail.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Roshi, the Branch Elder of the Adventurer's Guild in the Balrog Kingdom," Master Roshi calmly stated. "I am not only the creator of 'Isla De Hielo' but also your referee for this six-month training camp on this island."

"Before you can step through these three ancient doors, you must first pass the qualification test. These doors, known as 'Πίστη πίστης' or 'Faith Passage,' are believed to have been crafted by a Legendary Realm expert from an ancient civilization. They exist independently of the island but were integrated into its design," he explained.

"These doors harbor distinct spatial zones, and only those fated and blessed may reap the benefits within."

Master Roshi continued, "As for the qualification test, there is a single challenge: a battle tournament."

Surprisingly, it was Shao who voiced the question on everyone's mind. "How do we fight?"

"Excuse me, Master Roshi, but I believe I know him," interrupted Qian, pointing respectfully at Shao Tan before Master Roshi could respond. The atmosphere hung with anticipation as the connection between Shao and Qian piqued curiosity among the gathered geniuses.

##

"And?" Master Roshi replied nonchalantly without shifting his gaze.

"Uhh... Ahem... He's the illegitimate son of a criminal from the Tan Family. Would it be acceptable to hand him over to us?" Qian awkwardly continued, met with Master Roshi's casual response.

"This training camp is for ALL younger generation warriors of Balrog," Master Roshi stated casually.

"I understand," Qian replied with a regretful tone.

"To address your concern, young man, we'll need to wait for the geniuses from the other two cities. Ho yo yo yo yo!" Master Roshi chuckled towards Shao.

"Two days from now, geniuses from Dawn City, Amethyst City, and Brook City will gather here again to commence the tournament. The tournament comprises two ranks: White and Blue ranks. Participants must align with their respective ranks based on their Brand Level. Specific details will be provided after two days. For now, find rest anywhere but here!" Master Roshi concluded, his form suddenly blurring and vanishing. The block of golden ice above also disappeared without notice.

After Master Roshi's departure, a haughty young man from the Tan Family stepped forward. It was the rotund Ron Tan, whose bellowing voice captured the crowd's attention. "Shao, come here and face your punishment!"

"Where did this ugly piggy come from?~" teased Kim, who stood beside Shao.

"Son of the 4th Elder of the Tan Family, Ron Tan," Glenn calmly stated, albeit a hint of fear in his voice.

"You want a beating, fatty? Come here to daddy! I'll shove your head into your fat ass! How dare you call me a bastard, bastard! Screw you!" Shao retorted, his hostility undisguised and simmering.

In response to the insults hurled at him, Ron, with a notoriously short temper, erupted in rage. His white aura surged towards Kim as he began to chant, "Sword of..."

"Chant one more word, and I'll blow your head off." Mo materialized beside Ron, brandishing a sizable silver pistol, its barrel pointed threateningly at Ron's head.

Confusion swept over Ron, his sweat pouring as fear gripped him, the specter of death staring him down.

"I... I... I'm... So... Sorry!" Ron stammered, raising his hand in surrender.

"Audacious savage!" a proud voice roared. "Dragon Claw!"

A colossal dragon claw, wreathed in flame, hurtled towards Mo, aiming to obliterate him. Yet, Mo stood unfazed, calmly observing the approaching threat.

"Arma Orgullosa - Proteger!" Suddenly, a resolute voice thundered. A robust shield materialized, intercepting the fiery claw and preventing it from advancing.

Infuriated by the interference, Qian prepared to strike again when a cold gaze met his. Sing drew his bow, aiming directly at Qian's head.

"Why are the two of you meddling with my business?!" Qian bellowed, his anger palpable as he felt bullied by opponents who weren't even his match one-on-one.

"Friend," Xiu and Sing replied in unison.

"Hmph! Lucky pest! Ron! Get the hell over here!" Recognizing the disadvantage, Qian snorted and summoned Ron to return. Mo shrugged and walked back to his companions.

The Marine Lieutenant Commander observed the confrontation leisurely, having fulfilled his role in securing their journey to the island. Now, all that remained was to wait for the conclusion of the training camp.

After Qian and the Tan Family members departed, Lei and Xiu instructed their respective families to prepare their living quarters.

"Long time no see, little Mr. Emperor~" teased Sing with a smile.

"Have you been well, Mo?" Xiu inquired calmly.

Shao and Glenn's eyes widened as they finally grasped why two of the Trinity Heroes had intervened during Qian's assault.

"Long time no see, Senior Sing and Brother Xiu," Mo greeted with a smile.

"What about me?... Old fellows... Don't even say hi..." Kim interjected, pouting and muttering incoherently.

"Ohh~ isn't it little sister Kimmy~ big bro Sing is sorry, I wasn't able to recognize you quickly," Lei responded with an amused tone.

"Hello, little sister Kim, sorry I didn't recognize you either," Xiu added, offering his greetings.

"Alright, alright, Kim, forgive them. We haven't seen each other for a long time, that's why," Mo explained.

"Since big bro said so, Kim will forgive the two old men," Kim replied with an innocent face.

"Hahaha~ funny kid~" Sing chuckled leisurely.

Xiu remained silent.

"By the way, let me introduce my friends. Shao Tan from the Tan Family. Glenn Cross, son of a respectable man," Mo hastily changed the topic.

"Glenn, Shao, meet Lei Sing, Captain of the Super team '9th Cloud' from my previous world, and Mei Xiu, uhh... he was also a captain... nevermind. But in this world, I think they are known as two of the Trinity Heroes of Dawn," Mo concluded.

After introducing their companions, Shao and Glenn decided to give them some privacy, stepping away from the group of fellow reincarnators.

"Is it safe to reveal that we're reincarnators?" Xiu inquired.

"Don't worry, we can trust them," Mo assured.

Casually seeking a place to sit, Sing asked, "So, how did you two meet your demise?"

"Big bro was killed by the ugly Blazers Team," Kim replied with a pitiful voice.

"Blazers? Those kids know how to kill now?" Sing remarked casually.

Turning the question to Xiu, Mo asked, "And what about you, little sister Kim?"

"M-me? I... I died because I missed big bro," Kim stuttered, blushing and lowering her head.

"Depression," Mo explained with a sigh.

The duo expressed understanding, and the group proceeded to share stories of their current situations and adventures. Xiu, whose life was saved by the Xiu Family patriarch due to his "Abstract" innate tattoo, was improving day by day. Sing, originally the son of the 2nd Elder in the Sing Family, was well taken care of. Despite being in "Tattoolandia" for only 2-3 months, Sing and Xiu, who had died 3 and 2 years ago on Earth respectively, had adjusted to their new lives.

As the conversation shifted, Sing teased about the upcoming tournament. "Mr. Emperor and Kimmy are only at White Brand, so you can't join our Battle Rank, right?"

"That's true. I've only played one game in my entire life, but I always wanted to have a match with you, Mo," Xiu added.

Kim chimed in, "I'll breakthrough Blue Brand after this training camp. Don't think of running away, old man Sing!"

Amid chuckles, Mo responded, "I'll be in your Battle Rank. I'll try to breakthrough Blue Brand in 2 days for a match."

Sing provocatively declared, "You may be the Emperor of games, but in this world, I'll be better."

Kim defended her brother, shouting, "No one can beat my brother! You ugly old man!"

Mo defused the tension with a chuckle, "Trash talk is his specialty, but he never won against me."

Sparks flew as their competitive spirits soared. Xiu intervened, "Let's save that for the tournament in 2 days. I have something important to discuss."

##

"Sing and I encountered an 'Abstract' reincarnator—Jon Andrei Vaughn, a former member of the French national team. He's remarkably strong. Also, we stumbled upon a pirate ship resembling those in manga, the Big Lip Pirates, one of the '4 Yonkos.' I suspect these 'Yonkos' might be reincarnators as well," Xiu explained with seriousness.

Mo, grasping Xiu's implications, remarked, "It's strange how many 'immortal' gamers are being killed and reborn. They're turning their fantasies into reality here. I believe something is happening on Earth after my death."

"Perhaps the Gamer's Pod just wants more souls to store," Sing suggested with a chuckle.

"Big bro, I read about it on Earth before I died. There were rumors that after your death, major forces discovered something, leading to underground forces hunting 'immortal' gamers for profit. It was an unverified article, though," Kim added skeptically.

Mo frowned briefly but then eased. Indifferent to Earth's affairs, he stated, "I'm no savior or saint. My enemies and friends are here. I couldn't care less about Earth."

"Who cares!" Sing exclaimed. "It's a chance for us to face our enemies in this world and make them pay."

"True," Sing agreed, casting a glance at Xiu.

Sighing, Xiu expressed his concerns, "By the way, how do you plan to break through without an Awakening Pod or something?"

"I have my ways," Mo replied cryptically. After some discussion, Mo and Kim bid their farewells and returned to their secluded living areas. Sing and Xiu began preparing for the upcoming tournament.

In a simple tent, Mo sat cross-legged, deep in concentration. He was about to test a hypothesis that, if successful, would propel him straight to the Blue Brand.

"Hoo..." Mo closed his eyes, exhaled, and summoned his system.

"Let's begin," Mo muttered. "Combo function."