Tortured, Humiliated, Disgraced
For months, Natsuki Subaru experienced it all, tenfold.
And Return By Death certainly didn't give him any advantage, rather only made things worst.
He begged, pleaded, cried and even prayed.
But none of those made things easy. Especially with the Begging and Pleading part.
His torturers, Felix Argyle and Julius Juukulius, were better off deaf. As his words didn't even reach their ears as they inflicted pain far worse than the Sizable Rabbit.
Don't they realize he's been tortured for MONTHS!? No one can go for so long like that without spilling out what they have.
But Subaru chalked it up to him being labeled "Insane". But still, they should have considered that at least.
Reinhardt never even came once to his cell, his Divine Protection could at least give Subaru a chance to really talk to these people.
But too late. That was one of the ideas that was lost after 2 months of torture, which is already a year for Subaru, RBD sucks.
Subaru never really cared anymore how long he was in his cell. It doesn't matter, he gave up.
Yes, HE GAVE UP.
The boy who fought against the odds, who prevailed against multiple uphill battles. The one who deserves the title "Hero" more than anyone. Even the Sword Saint.
That boy, finally slumped in defeat, inside of his cold and dark prison.
Seeing as there is no end, as even death only brings him to the first month in the cell, he closed his eyes and accepted it.
This was his fate, to be tortured over and over and over again, until his mind finally breaks and collapses.
But...Fate wasn't planning for that to happen.
...
...
Technology, such a wonderful thing.
With it, people can make their lives easier.
They use it for their work, transportation, medication and even, Entertainment.
One such form of Entertainment is called Video Games.
RPG, FPS, Tabletop, you name it.
In order for these Games to be played, technology made something called "Systems".
These Systems follow rules, patterns and execute their designated programs.
One such System is in a game called "Ascension Online".
An FPS game with RPG leveling system in it.
The System, follows a certain pattern. First, was to accommodate any "Potential Players" whom downloaded the System into their own "PC".
Then, the System follows the rule, "Integrating the Player into network". Where it will acquire any information that the "Player" inputs, and then allows the Player info to be truly integrated into the network.
Finally, execution of "Start Game". Where the System gives the Player its own different Rules, Pattern and Programs.
After the System finished with the three, it then moves forward to...
Character Creation Player Name Game Guide New Game.
An additional steps provided by the System as it was programmed.
From then on, will be the Player's move. The System stays back and only steps in if one of the three were violated.
Yet, it isn't perfect as many oddities such as Hacks, Glitches and Bugs always confuse the System.
But today, the System experiences an oddity that no other Systems encountered, nor even what technology could decipher.
This day, the entirety of "Ascension Online" has shut down due to unforeseen situation.
A glitch, unknown to any programmer or even A.I., has removed the games System.
Where did it go? No one knows.
Not that it matters as the programmers can always make a new System.
But not after being spooked by a message. One that gave them a sense of dread despite how seemingly unrelated the message was to the Game.
Save Him.
...
...
*Potential Player found
-IP Address: Error
*Integrating Player Info
-Warning: Network Not Fou#@!
...
-Warning: Network Nooo@}@~%ΒΆ22$#
...
-Warning: @#_#SaveHim_#_LoveHim#6@$#LOVEHIMLOVEHIMLOVEHIMLOVEHIMLOVEHIM*$$#@2$
...
*Commencing "Start Game"
...
Press to Start
...
...
Subaru jolted awake.
"Huh? wha- huh?" looking around, he found himself on the corner of the same old cell he was in, without his chains.
"Oh." was all he could croak out, as this meant only one thing.
He died, in his sleep nonetheless.
Once again, his eyes watered. But before he could wallow further in despair, he noticed something different.
At the very center of his vision, was a cross-like white lines with a similar white circle around it.
Subaru blinked, then again, then rubbed both of his eyes.
That cross was still there, even when he looks around.
Being a Gamer, he knew damn well what Cross Hairs on FPS games when he sees one. But the question on his mind right now was...
"What the hell?" his voice still sounded rusty, but he didn't care.
Something is going on and he needs to know what it is. For all he knows, this could be something that will finally save him.
He looked around, trying to find something else, until his eyes dropped on his left wrist.
It was a good thing that he wasn't wearing his signature tracksuit, as it was stripped off of him when he was put in his cell.
For on his wrist, were 3 words that were written in metallic silver color.
Press To Start
...he pinched his cheeks, hard.
"Eh?" a dumbfounded expression appeared as he felt that all familiar sensation. Pain.
Then, as if still not believing what's happening, he did as he read.
And pressed Start.
...
A.O. Systems Install Initiating
As soon as he heard that Robotic and Feminine voice, Subaru hissed in pain as a sudden soreness invaded his brain.
19%
"Hkh!" Subaru held his head, a sign that the pain was elevating.
36%
Subaru bit his lips, soldiering through the ache.
62%
He curled while holding his head with both hands.
91%
It took all of Subaru's will to not scream in pain, as he took notice of how much longer the pain will last.
He hoped that it will when it reaches 100%.
100%... Installations Complete.
. Prepare to Ascend, Player.
...
...
Subaru groaned as he groggily sat up. Shaking his head to clear out the slight dizziness lingering.
He had to blink over and over as his eyes adjusted.
When fully adjusted and already opened, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
On the Top left of his vision, was...
Name: Subaru Natsuki
Level: 1
HP: 38/38
SP: 45/45
EFP: --
Credit: 0
Below his vision were 8 slots, with one slot on the left separated and another on the right. On it was an Army Knife.
As soon as the Cross Hair landed on the Knife, a description appeared.
Combat Army Knife (D Grade)
-DMG: 12
A wave of realization hit Subaru, along with a glimmer of hope.
Subconsciously, he looked to his left. And what he saw gave him a boost in morale that he desperately needed.
On his left were three rectangles stacked together, with words on each of them.
First box has "Log In Reward", the second box has "Equipment Shop", and the last one has "Install/Upgrade".
And without even realizing it, tears flown down his cheeks.
This was it, the Isekai Trope he needed in this cruel world.
A Leveling System.
He sobbed, as hope filled his heart.
He sobbed, as he started remembering all his trials.
He sobbed, as he felt bitterness at the lateness of this newfound power.
And he Glared at the prison entrance, as rage and hate started to bubble.
Enough is enough.
...
...
...
...
This is my first fic so please expect some...problems.
Also, for those wondering what SP and EFP mean, it's "Stamina Points" and "Energy Field Points".