8 Aaron Williams

Aaron Williams, the African-American teenager standing in front of Liam, spoke up. "Why are you here, a hero like you? Why would someone so powerful be in the Tyrant's Mighty Tower?" But Liam didn't have time for questions; he knew that every second lessened their chances of survival. "We don't have time to talk," he said gruffly. "Not when we're not done yet with this Pre-trial."

Liam and Aaron ventured further into the forest, encountering monsters of various sizes that had spawned in anticipation for them to battle. Liam was aware of his ability to take them down one by one, but he chose to be careful not to draw more attention than necessary. He stole glances at Aaron to his side, longing to ask questions but convinced this wasn't the appropriate time. They had to defeat the monsters quickly so they could move ahead to the next level.

The forest was dense and dark, but Liam could sense the presence of the monsters waiting for them. He primed himself for any potential attacks and used his knowledge of the map's terrain and his skills to his advantage.

The moment the Players stepped into the Yellow Zone, a loud beeping filled the air, and the monitors displayed a warning that hostile monsters would randomly spawn in their vicinity. The messages on the screen also stated that only the Player who last hit the monster would receive credit for the kill, but all participants will be rewarded with loot.

As they moved deeper into the Yellow Zone, Liam's heightened senses picked up on an odd sound in the distance. He listened closely, and it dawned on him that they were not alone. Another player was nearby. Liam wondered if they were looking for an easy kill unlike the others earlier.

As they made their way through the dense woods, Liam could hear the clanging of metal and shouting coming from ahead. He motioned for Aaron to follow him as he crept around a large oak-like otherworldly tree to get a better look. In the center of a small clearing stood a figure in full armor, defending herself against three enemies. Her skin was a mesmerizing blue, and her brown hair cascaded down her neck in thick ringlets. She spun around with grace and strength, her short swords connecting firmly with each strike. Liam knew she would be difficult to best, but he also knew that this was not why they had come here; rather than confront her, he motioned for Aaron to remain quiet and backtrack until they found monsters away from prying eyes.

Once inside the deeper parts of the Yellow Zone, they saw an abandoned city sitting at the lowest part of the map. Its streets had become channels for rushing waters. Some of the buildings were submerged, and river vegetation sprang from their windows. Otherworldly plants that looked like water lilies and red lotuses blossomed on a cliffside, spreading their leaves to intercept wave after wave. Other buildings still stood above water level, and their roots ran into it, pushing against its currents. Trees reached out over the street on endless vines, sprouting with hanging fruit or spilled a drink-like syrup as they swayed. Roots clutched at crumbling foundations while ferns sprawled over walls.

As Aaron stood atop the towering skyscraper, the bustling city below him seemed to blur away into a distant haze. However, his moment of peace was abruptly shattered when a deafening splash broke the surface of the murky swamp waters ahead. In an instant, a monstrous creature, a Giant Swamp Serpent, lunged from the depths, its rows of razor-sharp teeth glistening in the harsh sunlight.

Panicking, Aaron froze in terror as the beast came closer, its gaping jaws opening wide, aiming straight for him. It was then that a figure darted past him, kicking the creature's head with a decisive thud. Instinctively, Aaron turned and saw his mentor, Liam, standing resolutely beside him. It was Liam who had saved his life once again.

The beast recoiled, temporarily stunned. "Prepare yourself for battle!" Liam commanded, his voice booming with authority. Aaron reached for his goggles, but even as his fingers fumbled with them, he knew he was outmatched. He knew nothing of combat, and the creature they faced was a formidable foe.

Liam saw the fear in Aaron's eyes and scowled slightly. Aaron hesitated for a moment, but then reached into his system screen and pulled out a pair of boots. "These are for you," he said, tossing them to Liam. "Put them on, and use them for combat."

Feeling a curious weightiness, Liam looked down at the boots and saw what appeared to be glowing lights beneath them. As if on their own accord, the boots took on a life of their own, wrapping around his ankles and securing themselves tightly around his feet.

Suddenly, Liam felt a strange surge of power within him, and he noticed that he was moving faster than he had ever moved before. His senses heightened, and he could see every detail of the surrounding landscape with vivid clarity. Before Aaron could utter another word, he charged toward the giant serpent.

With the boots, Liam's movements were fluid and graceful, and he managed to dodge each of the serpent's attacks with ease, as if the boots were amplifying his power and speed. However, he also noticed that each dodge sent ripples of magic-like energy surging through the air. Liam was surprised. He was a peak human back on Earth but he couldn't move as fast and strong like this before. And he wasn't certain if the magic-like energy that he felt came from him or the boots that Aaron gave him.

In a desperate move, the Giant Swamp Serpent launched itself at Liam. With a swift kick, he sent the beast tumbling backward, defeated.

As the creature withered into nothingness after its Health Points got drained, Aaron turned to Liam, who was staring at him in awe.

"How did you do that?" Aaron asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"I should be the one asking you that question. Where did these item came from? The inventory feature is locked during the Pre-trial. We shouldn't be able to equip an item right now," Liam replied.

But his attention was quickly got stolen by the system.

*Ding!*

[You received an item!]

[Novice Boots]

Grade: F

- Functional in <Brawler Mode>

- Additional 2 Attack Damage

- Additional 2 Attack Speed

- Additional 1 Armor

*Ding!*

[You've killed a monster!]

- 1/10 creatures.

- You've received 3 bronze coins.