Off Limit System

Ethan nearly fell as he held the branch with both of his hands. He promptly raised his legs and crossed them over the limb so that he could hang from it. Ethan continued to climb steadily until he was able to perch on the branch in spite of the coyote's growls and barking.

The four willing team members refrained from trying to catch up with Ethan, choosing instead to remain silent and act cowardly. How could Ethan expect there to be genuinely honest and reliable numbers in a game full of intense competition? He should have realized it right away, but he had assumed that these individuals would be kindhearted. Really, a big zero. When he was unable to push them, Ethan just turned around and attempted to crawl while seated in order to reach a more sturdy branch.

Ulrich yelled from the direction of the treehouse, "Run, Boy!" with a chuckle that was either amused or disdainful.

While it may have been one of Ulrich's tactics to sacrifice someone in order to prolong the game, Ethan felt as though he could have accepted Ulrich's challenge. Ulrich may have failed on his first try or his second try.

Ulrich therefore took greater care to avoid blowing away all of his opportunities.

Ethan grumbled subtly.

It appeared that Ethan's current state did not allow him to realize his desire to be able to run on a branch like the characters in a fantasy narrative. It was quite challenging. Despite the mossy, slippery tree branches and, of course, the disorienting top-down perspective, Ethan would not transform into an elf right away. Not even a monkey.

Ethan moaned, "Why am I getting into this much trouble?"

One hand clutched the tree trunk as he came to the end of the limb. Ethan looked about for a limb that would provide an exit, leaped, and carefully moved from one branch to the next. The coyote pack was relentlessly stalking his movements, and as they did so, they became more ferocious.

Ethan observed as each player in the game started to gently fall through the rope before running silently to the next journey's path. They were almost in a secure position, but Ethan was unsure of his fate. From above, Ethan could see that the trail ended at a suspension bridge, and farther on, a green beacon could be seen among the woods. Naturally, reaching the beacon was the game's next goal.

He needed a strategy for avoiding the coyotes. From the woods, descend, and cross the bridge. Ethan had to take the chance of fending off some coyotes in order to get to the nearest tree to the bridge. He wasn't sure whether he could, but he had to give it a shot.

As Ethan finally reached the far tree, the bridge leading to the beacon was just a few meters in front of him. He had no clue how long it would take him to complete the first level of the game. Even at the level's beginning, it was already quite challenging and frightening.

A group of coyotes, numbering between eight and twelve, Ethan didn't count, was waiting below. It was obvious that there was a fair amount of it. When the vine got a bit closer to the bridge, it appeared to be strong enough for Ethan to swing from, but he needed a distraction. Even if he only leaped in desperation, a group of coyotes may still take advantage of him.

Ethan noticed two individuals racing back from the direction of the bridge; two young guys. One of them was Dane. A handgun was already in a seventeen-year-old possession. The second friend was toting a sword.

Dane yelled, "Hey, are you okay, Ethan?" in a worried tone.

“What are you guys doing? Those coyotes is going to eat you!” Ethan shouted in panic.

The coyotes were drawn to the other young person as they reached the bridge's edge. The coyote's body, though, bounced off as though it had been touched by an invisible barrier just as it was about to strike.

“They couldn’t cross the bridge. That’s why we’re back.” Dane stated. “We will help you get out of there, Ethan," he added.

Ethan attempted to suppress his need to cry, but he couldn't help it. "Thank you."

The other boy yelled at Ethan and demanded, "What should we do?"

"I’ll jump to you, guys. Distract them." From the top of the tree branch, Ethan yelled.

The two young people on the bridge exchanged glances and nods before preparing their guns and stepping aside.

Ethan inhaled deeply and made an effort to focus. He could certainly handle it. After all, it was just a game, so he had to relax and keep his composure. But put reason and restraint first. Ethan grabbed the tendrils of the plant with both hands and sprinted as far as he could.

The coyote barked as his body flew through the air.

Ethan glided to the earth while his hands were held out in front of him, landing near to the bridge. The dogs rushed in close chase after them. Dane fired a shot, striking numerous coyotes, and it was heard.

“Run, Ethan!" yelled Dane.

Despite Ethan's best efforts, one of the coyotes managed to snag one of his legs. It tore into Ethan's flesh and truly stung dreadfully. Ethan yelled, then pounded the coyote's head with the shield as forcefully as he could to get it to release. Even though it was less than five meters to the bridge, Ethan thought it was too far.

Apparently, Dane and the other teenagers emerged from the protected area to drag Ethan's body after a blade pierced the coyote's eye from behind Ethan.

The coyote snapped its jaws open, showing its pointed teeth. Ethan pulled the angled point of his shield with little hesitation, creating a crushing sound. After briefly freezing, the coyote collapsed to the ground.

Dane kept shooting at the other coyotes with the ammunition in his rifle. Ethan was being taken to the bridge in the meantime. They were eventually entirely secure.

The coyotes were now routinely retiring and reentering the prior woodland area while the three of them gathered their breath.

Dane said, "This is horrible.”

The young man asked Ethan, "Are you okay, buddy?"

Ethan nod. "I'm okay."

Ethan rammed the weapon into the beast's jaw while his eyes were fixed on the bloodstains on the tip of his shield. Ethan had to do it even though it seemed so terrible. The agonizing ache had now made even his legs numb.

In front of Ethan's eyes, a holographic screen emerged unexpectedly.

[Name: Ethan Mannon]

[Age: 22 years old]

[Classification: Tank]

[Status: Greenhorn]

[Gold: 500]

“What is this? I got five hundred gold.” Ethan exclaimed in disbelief.

“You eliminated a level five coyote? Awesome.” Dane commented.

Afterward, another set of facts appeared on the screen.

 

[Armor: Shield Level 5]

[Item: Claw]

[Power: +20]

[Buff: None]

[Skill: None]

 

Ethan kept a close eye. He apparently gained a level, as well as armor. Yet, he was unsure about the purpose of the Claw item on the screen.

One of the other young man remarked, "Come on, we should keep going."

"Thanks for the help. What’s your name?” Ethan inquired.

"Terry."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ethan." They exchanged hands.

Ethan tapped his temple once again, unsure whether they had left the ground. Another caption appeared on the screen.

[Game Level: 2 - THE BEACON]

[Name: Ethan Mannon]

[Classification: Tank]

[Status: Greenhorn]

[Gold: 500]

How can Ethan halt the game and leave? Should he continue playing without pausing at all?