ChaoticRonpa

Chapter 2: The Second Player Cometh

Gundham Tanaka read his newest mail he received from his Chaotic account. Other than a code that resembles one found in the cards, there was nothing else on his. The send was from the official website. The high school student stared at the code, finger twitching to enter it. His beloved Dark Devas of Destruction, four adorable hamsters (just don't call them that in front of Gundham) were on his shoulder looking at the red scanner their owner has. They rubbed against Gundham gaining his attention, he looked at them and they nodded. Gundham smiled and typed the code into his scanner. Hitting the enter button, a vortex of pixels engulfed his vision. The vortex moved from his room leading to some place; he had no idea where this place was. When the pixels cleared and he could see properly, Gundham found himself standing on a platform.

"What is this place?" Gundham wondered, looking around his surroundings. The outline of the place was colored silver with people, most of them in their teens. They were eating food, talking, or watching something on the screens. On the TV were creatures battling each other, creatures that resemble the ones in the card game. While absorbing everything that was happening, Gundham's eyes widened. He felt no added weight on his shoulders or the sensation of small claws moving around in his trench coat. He frantically started searching himself, trying to find where his beloved Dark Devas of Destruction had gone. Some many thoughts were running through his mind, did they fly off him and get flung into the vortex, and were trapped somewhere else where they could starve or be killed?

"Hello Underlord, welcome to Chaotic."

Gundham turned around where the robotic voice called him. It was a floating spherical bot with an extended neck and a visor for a head. He grabbed the levitating android and drew it closer to him and shouted, "Where are my Dark Devas of Destruction?" This gained the attention of several Chaotic players.

"That's a new one," the android said. He used to confusion, disbelief, or even denial. Processing what Underlord could be referring to, it came to something, "Are you referring to pets? Pets are not allowed in Chaotic but rest assured they are home with you."

Gundham wanted to roar, this mechanical being dared call his Devas mere pets! But something it said caught his attention. If the Devas were in his room with him, how can that be he here right now? "There is a me at my room and a me here? How?" he asked, drawing his face closer to the robot's visor.

"I'm forbidden from telling any details, but to make sure playing Chaotic doesn't interfere with their daily life, Chaotic manages to make it that while you're here playing, you are also at home doing your daily tasks." Gundham released his grip on the Chaotic serving drone. This was amazing, unbelievable, he heard of such magic but never thought he would see it with his own eyes. What also gained his attention was that he was brought here to play Chaotic. This seemed very excessive for a simple card game.

"I was invited to play Chaotic? I was already playing online and with fellow classmates," Gundham questioned the android.

"Again, not allowed to divulge that information to newcomers, my developers felt it would be better if they experience it for the first time themselves."

Gundham groaned. Of course, just like any adventure someone get when whisked away to a far off land, the one with all the answers has to keep it vague.

"Your first match will be held in the Crellan Drome. Please make your way there and you'll find out why." And with that, the service droid floated away, leaving the newcomer annoyed yet intrigued.

Gundham's scanner buzzed and saw the notification, an image of the Crellan Drome and along with a match waiting. Once again curiosity got to the newcomer of Chaotic and he began making his way there. While walking to the Drome, many thoughts went through Gundham's mind. What is the purpose of coming here to play Chaotic when it could easily be done back at home? Do the creatures come to life and battle like a turn-based video game his class presidents enjoys playing? Or do they became the creatures and battle themselves? With each theory he came up with, Gundham's excitement grew.

When he reached the Crellan Drome, he entered with excitement, hoping not to be disappointed. The attire was dark with few lights to help one see. In the center of the Drome is a holograph of the Chaotic insignia and on the other side was a teen around his age with blue spikey hair.

"Chaotic players, this will be a one-on-one match. Dock your scanner and make your decks."

The two Chaotic players docked their scanners and a large screen popped up in from of them displaying all their respective cards to them.

"Hey, welcome to Chaotic." The spikey hair teen greeted. "Nervous?"

"I'm only feeling excitement."

"I go by Herculeon, you?"

Gundham chuckled as he did a dramatic pose, extending one hand with a gripping gesture while putting his other hand below with the same hand gesture. "I'm the Underlord, the master of all horrific creatures and their Mugic," he declared, boasting his username to his foe.

Herculeon blinked at the bombastic attitude his opponent gave, but his attention went to the username Underlord. "Wait, are you an UnderWorld player?"

Gundam folded his arms and raised an eyebrow. Why the hostility in his voice?

"I indeed use the power of the UnderWorld. Is that a problem?"

Leon huffed staring at the Underworld player. "Yeah, the UnderWorlders are pathetic, just like the players that use them! There is no way you can beat me and my OverWorlders!"

Gundham stayed silent, he never met someone so hostile for simply playing the opposing side. Not in his school, at least. 'Humans can be petty creatures.' "I'm well aware of the history of OverWorlders and UnderWorlders but one has to remember there is a line between reality and fiction; judging one for what tribe they play is foolish."

Herculeon was taken aback. Was this guy, this guy dressed like an anime character and calling himself Underlord, telling him to get a reality check? The viewers in the Chaotic main lobby started laughing, finding the conversation hilarious. Three friends, however, just observed. Makoto was drinking a soda alongside Tom and a newcomer, Tom's closest friend Kaz. The three were watching the television displaying Gundham's match. Kaz, who battled Herculeon before and lost continuing the latter unbeatable win record, felt pity for the newcomer for having Leon as his welcoming match.

"So does anyone know why Herculeon detests the UnderWorld tribe and people that play them?" Makoto asked his two new friends.

Tom simply shrugged and Kaz pondered for a bit, but couldn't think a reason other than Leon taking the game a bit more seriously than the others. Gundham and Hercluleon started to create their boards. Looking through his creatures, Gundham chose Rothar, an UnderWorld Commander. While it had no Mugic counters, his abilities made up for it: lowering its foes power discipline as soon as the battle started. It also had high energy. He wasn't going into battle with no Mugic, so he added Mugician's Lyre as his Battlegear, a piece of gear that grants a Mugic counter. And for Mugic he picked one that only UnderWorlders can use that heals the user and damages a target: Melody of Malady. Finishing his selection, Gundham waited for his opponent to be done. Once Leon was done, they locked their decks and showed their respective boards. Leon was going with Raimusa, an OverWorld Warrior that was skilled in earth and water attacks, had better wisdom than his creature, and already had a Mugic counter ready.

"Underlord, as the newcomer, you can attack first."

Gundham spun the location randomizer and landed on Underworld City He smiled as he tapped the board. "Rothar, my UnderWorld Commander, attacks the lonely OverWorld Warrior Raimusa."

Then it happened. Pixels started to surround both players as they became their respective creatures. Herculeon gain the appearance of a blue samurai with a monstrous face. Gundham became the Minotaur of the Underworld, horns, hoofs with orange fur and leather armor. Gundham looked at himself, seeing what he became and smiling. Before Herculeon could say the iconic line Gundham interrupted with, "Yes, let us begin!" as the drome became engulfed in light.

Wandering around the UnderWorld City, Herculeon was on guard having his laser whip sword out. He smirked; he had been in many battles in this location, so it was very unlikely he would lose. In the distance he heard the sound of something being ripped off from its rightful place and when looked around, a chimney was being hauled at him. Gripping his sword Herculeon sliced the chimney in half, smirking. "Did he really believe that was going to work?" As the chimney debris fell to the ground, a Rock Wave slammed into Raimusa, sending the samurai creature flat on his back.

'Did the newbie just use a feint on me? Did the newbie land the first hit on me?!' Herculeon thought to himself. Hearing footsteps heading towards him fast, he looked and saw Rothar charging towards him. The Minotaur was right above the Overworld Warrior raising his hoof ready to slam into Raimusa's face. The Samurai unleashed a Rip Tide, a blast of water being shot from his fingertips. Rothar had to roll to the ground to avoid getting blasted. Herculeon tried to get up, but Gundham recovered quicker than expected and rammed into his opponent, dragging him to the wall and pinning him as he delivered blow after blow with his fists. Leon managed to kick the Underworlder away he tried gripping his sword, but it wasn't on his side. He looked and saw his Battlegear on the ground where he got tackled. Before Herculeon could make a move to retrieve his energy sword, a green fist of energy from a Power Pulse blasted the weapon, destroying it.

Gundham laughed. "Finally, I can use the power I always dreamed of! This is one of the greatest days of my life!" The UnderWorlder player paused, realizing what he just said. "I- I mean, tremble in fear, Herculeon, for you are the first foe in ages that has the misfortune of battling me at full power."

The undefeated OverWorld player stared at his foe before sighing as he clasped his hand in front of his face and shook his head. "Just drop the act, you're not fooling anyone."

Gundham clenched his fist and snorted. "Silence, whelp! Pebblestorm!" he shouted as he opened his palms and raised his arms towards Herculeon, unleashing a blast of sharp gravel. Raimusa dodged the attack and countered with another water attack, but Gundham leaped into the air and used a Vine Snare. Vines grew from his fingers and ensnared the samurai creature, crushing and binding him. Landing on top of the OverWorlder the minotaur repeatedly slammed his first onto his advisory, denting the armor Raimusa naturally wore with a smirk befitting any UnderWorlder.

The audience watched in both awe and fear. Someone new to Chaotic was holding the advantage over Herculeon, one of the best players in Chaotic, at the same time the viciousness he displayed and enjoyment sent chills down their spines. Klayotic, an infamous scammer, and his partner Krystella silently agreed not to try anything with this newbie. People were discussing if this will be the end of Herculeon's win streak, but Kaz just stayed silent as he watched. Kaz is an UnderWorld fan - his screen name is KidChaor after the ruler of the Underworld - but he noticed a fatal flaw in Underlord's battle that could cost him the match.

Herculeon hated to admit it but he needed to act fast, normal punch and kicks don't do as much damage as standard Chaotic attacks but he was still slowly losing energy from the fury of blows. "Song of Resurgence!" he cried, activating his Mugic and restoring his energy. With his newfound strength he pushed Gundham, shoving the raging UnderWorlder off of him. With a grin still on his face, Rothar unleashed Ash Torrent, a red-hot cloud of ash making contact with Herculeon. Just a few more attacks and Herculeon would be finished. Acting quickly, Raimusa unleashed a powerful Frost Blight, a blast of icy energy shooting out of his mouth and hitting his target. Gundham was sent flying into one of the Underworld City houses, causing it to crumble on him and drop his energy to zero.

The two players return to the Battle Drome the announcer declaring Herculeon the victor. Gundham was shocked; he barely took any damage in the fight, so how did the one move defeat him? "I don't understand. You only got one attack on me, how was I defeated in one move?"

"Rothar's ability, Recklessness, makes the creature lose 5 energy for every attack. In the course of your battle you lost energy during the fight," the announcer clarified. Gundham absorbed all the information and scowled to himself, how can he forget about Rothar's other ability? He gave him Battlegear and a Mugic to counter it.

"Know this! You may have won the battle, but the war is far from over!" Gundham declared. Herculeon scoffed and headed out. He won the fight, he won fair and square. Yet why was there this nagging feeling in his head? Gundham stood looking at the floor for a brief second before leaving the Battle Drome, scolding himself for his oversight. Rothar was one of his favorite creatures and he forgot his weakness. This was his first battle; turning into the creatures he only dreamed of and lost because of a beginner mistake.

"Hey." A voiced called out breaking Gundham from his thoughts. Gundham saw a teen with spiky orange hair approach him, panting a little.

"I know you feel a bit down, but you did an amazing job for your first time."

"I made-"

"When I first battle my Chaor lost to Deenha," the player admitted. "Heck I wouldn't even call it a battle, it was pretty quick."

Gundam was shocked. Chaor, the mighty ruler of the UnderWorld, lost to little Deenha. Gundam chuckled a little.

"Yeah, yeah," the player waved off. "Name's Kaz, my screen name is KidChaor."

"Gundham, also known and feared as the Underlord." Gundham introduced striking a pose, Kaz chuckled at his fellow UnderWorld player's antics.

"I'm sitting down with my friends, why don't you join us?" Kaz offered, shocking Gundham. Most of his life, others avoided him because of his eccentric personality. Someone he just met is inviting him to spend time with their friends?

"Are … Are you sure?" Gundham questioned.

"Yeah! Now come on, they are waiting," Kaz gestured as he headed back to the main room. Gundham paused for a brief moment then accepted Kaz's offer and followed. At the table Gundham spotted Kaz's other friends waving as they approached.

"Hi," Makoto greeted.

"Hiya," Tom followed.

As they sat down around the table they began to converse with each other. Tom and Makoto went over their first match they had which didn't help Gundham feel better; hearing other victories to his loss.

"Sorry," Makoto apologized. "To be fair if the tree didn't fall, I would have been coded."

"Herculeon is one of the best players in Chaotic, it's amazing you were so close to coding him for your first time," Tom continued.

"I appreciate your comfort. I'll be fine. Today I'll take this a lesson and improve and vow to never again make the same mistake."

All three Chaotic players smiled as they return to their drinks.

"Funny ,I actually know a Leon at my school," Makoto brought up.

"Really? What does he look like?" Tom asked.

"Like Kaz, but as a punk rocker."

"Is he the Ultimate Rock Star?" Kaz questioned.

'Ultimate?' thought Gundham, recognizing the title given to students at Hope's Peak.

"No, he's actually the Ultimate Baseball Player," Makoto informed.

"Are you from Hope's Peak?" Gundham asked Makoto.

"Yeah," Makoto confirmed, "but my talent isn't really all that special."

Gundham's eyes widened as sweat started to drip from his face. This feeling, those lines, they were familiar and brought dreadful memories of someone he knew.

"I'm the Ultimate Lucky Student."

Gundham's chair scooted back a good few feet away from the table, Gundham sweating as he looked at Makoto.

"Is everyone okay?" Kaz asked.

Notes: Starpion and I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. There was no question Gundham would be one of the main Danganronpa Characters in this fanfiction, he's a kid in a candy store in this setting. I thank Starpion with the fighting scenes and help with elements belonging in Chaotic game. Hopefully next chapter will be up sooner; not waiting a month and a week for the newer chapter. See you all next time. Apologies for the lack of updates Starpion has made some improvements and we've updated the first two chapters and I am currently working on chapter 3. Hopefully it will be posted this month.