Off Limit System

"What do you mean?" asked Ethan.

The Mayor's words made Ethan's pupils widen.

"How do you know about my illness? What kind of game is this?? Are you a secret organization? What??" Ethan began to get defensive.

"We're not obligated to explain."

"I have a right to know who developed this game!!"

"And you are aware that every player is bound by every rule we create. You have two options: continue playing or quit."

It meant Ethan had no chance of getting his requests met. He remained silent for a while, unsure what to do.

"Ethan Mannon, you don't have all day to think." The Mayor's voice got lower but sounded frightening. "You don't have that much time."

"I..."

"Decide," The Mayor added.

In Ethan's thoughts, a few possibilities emerged. One, could he survive and be the winner? Second, what would happen if he was eliminated? Thirdly, what could he do if he won and everything was a trick? Lastly, stop thinking about anything and start playing.

Isn't that what he needs?

Play.

More time to make his life "livelier"? While he could only lie weak all this time. In the game, though, he may be anything or anybody. He may be Ulrich or Dane.

Even that attractive red pony tail.

"Your letter terminating the contract is still waiting," stated the Mayor.

"Terminate it."

"We are unable to terminate the contract if you choose to do so. We require your signature."

"I mean, cancel my contract to terminate this game." Ethan locked his gaze on The Mayor's soulless eyes. "I'm staying in the game."

The holographic letter vanished, as did The Mayor's nod. The holographic screen now displays Ethan's data.

[Name: Ethan Mannon]

[Classification: Tank]

[Status: Greenhorn]

[Gold: 1400]

[Armor: Shield level 05]

[Item: Claw]

[Power: +20]

[Buff: None]

[Skill: None]

The Mayor says, "You made the decision to continue in the game. Please respond 'Yes' that you are bound by the game contract."

"Yes," Ethan said, though he had doubts in his heart.

"Due to a system error, you are allowed to modify your weapon classification. Shield is your current categorization. Melee for close combat game. Ranged fighting goes beyond hand-to-hand combat."

"You don't have any healers or magic?" asked Ethan.

"Our game is built on logic, not magic."

"Alright." Ethan simply nodded.

In front of Ethan's eyes, a holographic panel emerged, displaying the different sorts of weaponry he could choose.

"What if I want to keep using the shield?"

"Shield," The Mayor said.

The holographic screen was replaced with a row of shields made of various basic materials, while the colors remained earthtone or monochrome.

"I can equip a level 25 shield?" Ethan was quite surprised.

"Only for the same classification. We’re giving you a special offer." The Mayor gave a chilly grin. "On you, for one."

Should Ethan feel lucky? Or stupid?

"We are just providing you with a shield of level 25 capacity. Nonetheless, buffs, power, skill, and items must be upgraded by the player,” The Mayor added.

"No problem. I’ll take Treachery’s Iron Bulwark.”

*So much for a name. But it is quite cool*, Ethan said in his mind.

"Do you want to keep your old shield or sell it for 20 gold?" The Mayor bid.

"What am I keeping the shield for?”

"You can smelt the shield in addition to the shield you're currently using. When you reach level twenty,"

"Alright, I'll keep it."

Ethan's shield changed in a second. It a much cooler shield that was silver and was not composed of wood. In the middle, there was an engraving of a tree.

The holographic screen appeared again.

[Name: Ethan Mannon]

[Classification: Tank]

[Status: Greenhorn]

[Gold: 1400]

[Armor: Shield Treachery’s Iron Bulwark level 25]

[Item: None]

[Power: +25]

[Buff: None]

[Skill: None]

"Welcome again to OFF LIMIT. May the battle be yours," The Mayor said.

Ethan nodded awkwardly. "Thank you.”

Behind Ethan, a holographic door emerged, and The Mayor's fingers beckoned the young man to depart.

Dane's face was tense as he saw Ethan come out. Dane was met with the same cold stare from The Mayor.

"May I assist you?" he inquired.

Dane simply shook his head. "No, nothing. Thank you very much."

"Come on, let's go," Ethan murmured to Dane.

Still confused, Dane just nodded. His eyes glanced drawn to Ethan's new shield. Dane then stepped hurriedly behind the 22-year-old, who was already walking first.

Once they exited The Mayor’s castle, Dane tapped on Ethan's shoulder. His curiosity was unstoppable.

Ethan turned his head. “What?”

"What's going on in there?" The 17-year-old asked.

"I’m allowed to play.”

"So that's why your shield is newer, and," Dane looked back at Ethan's shield, "it's pretty cool."

Ethan just shook his head. "Not at all."

"You didn’t kick out?”

“Actually, I was allowed to play or to quit. Without any consequences.”

Dane came to a halt. Staring at Ethan in disbelief. And Ethan was compelled to stop walking.

"You knew how terrible this game was from the start. If I'm allowed to stop, I'll quit OFF LIMIT, Ethan," Dane said.

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Yeah, I know that.”

"Are you out of your mind?”

“I think my life is pretty much like yours, Dane. I feel like I’m living in hell too,” Ethan replied. He exhaled heavily. “I just want to enjoy my short life. At least there are memories, even if they have to be in-game terrors," he explained.

"I'm not sure, Ethan. This game makes you feel really desperate. It's not the best option."

"You're in this game too," Ethan chuckled.

"I'm trapped. And like I told you, if I could get out. I'd quit."

"We're doing this together. Take it easy."

"I believe you can do other things in the real world to make your dreams come true."

Ethan grimaced and shook his head. "Unfortunately, no.”

"I'm serious. There has to be."

Ethan didn't have to sell Dane on the drama of his sickness. After all, he was sick of people's concerned looks. It was enough for Dane to realize that OFF LIMIT was the best option for Ethan.

"Dane, in the real world, I'm stuck. And only here am I free to do anything I want, despite the fact that I have no idea what dangers await me in the future."

Dane stared at Ethan, who seemed perplexed. Yet he remained silent.

"And in the real world, I already know what the end of my risk will be. There is no other choice. Do you understand?" Ethan went on.

"Not really." Dane shook his head.

"We're trying our hardest to win at every level, Dane. I'll be with you."

"That's the most heroic thing I've ever heard." Dane smiled widely.

"Shut up.”

"Gosh, I actually mean it." Dane laughed softly. "Thanks, Ethan."

"Come on, let's find out what Newbie can do around here." Ethan diverted their conversation.

"Oh, I've got enough information. There's The Casual for newbies."

"All right, let's head there."

They both rushed towards the location Dane had mentioned. Unknown to them, a pair of eyes was peeking out from behind a home window. The hologram of The Mayor blinks once.

"Ethan Mannon, the player, continued the game without any suspicious indicators. Procedures continue to ensure that he is not an intruder. The warning alert on player Ethan Mannon has been moved to an OFF LIMIT participant."