Off Limit System

"Terry's eliminated!" Dane shouted hoarsely.

Ethan flinched, suddenly feeling guilty. That was difficult to miss, even though he believed he had calculated everything. Unless the primary colors were ordered alphabetically: Blue, Red, and Yellow. The fourth door would most likely be purple, the fifth orange, and the final green.

Could it, however, be based on color? What if it was something else entirely?

Ethan regretted having jumped to conclusions so quickly. His badass demeanor necessitated the elimination of someone from the game. Yet he’s unsure if Terry will be able to play the game again. But what if he doesn't? What would happen?

Dane knelt and sobbed gently. "This is a nightmare.”

Ethan approached Dane and sat on his knees before the young man. "Trust me, Dane, everything will be OK. I know I was wrong, but I’m going to try to figure this out."

"How?"

"I'm not sure, but one of these doors is the answer."

"Maybe the color thing was wrong, Ethan."

"We can't stay here forever, Dane. We have no idea how to get out of this game."

"I'm tired, Ethan."

"So am I. But if you don't work with me, we'll be stuck here forever."

Dane nodded weakly, then he stood up. They eventually approached door number six, the last door opposite the one they had entered earlier.

"Are you sure this is the way?" Dane said cautiously.

"If I'm wrong, we'll meet again here." Ethan attempted to console Dane but instead became sarcastic.

"If we meet here again, Ethan, it’s my last chance.”

"Then perhaps you'll live long enough to be the winner, Dane."

"I like that idea," Dane nodded.

Both of them took a deep breath. They then entered the last door together.

Nothing happened once they entered. The two proceeded, their pulses beating, until they reached the tenth step when they heard a crunching sound and a stone door slammed behind them. It got completely dark.

"Looks like there's just one way in," Ethan observed.

"I can't see anything," Dane grumbled.

"Keep going straight ahead."

"Well, we have no idea which direction is straight." Dane's tone was slightly sardonic.

Then they hurried about a little, praying for no more nasty surprises. When there appeared to be a light at the end of the corridor for around ten minutes, they hastily quickened their pace.

When they glanced at the brilliant sunshine in the sky, their eyes felt slightly stinging. There was the chirping of birds and soft music in the distance.

A route ahead led to a city with beautiful medieval-style buildings.

Dane stared in disbelief. "Ethan, we did it. We can get past The Beacon."

In front of their eyes, a holographic screen emerged. Ethan carefully read the caption.

[Lobby: THE MEDIEVAL]

[Name: Ethan Mannon]

[Classification: Tank]

[Status: Greenhorn]

[Gold: 1400]

[Armor: Shield level 05]

[Item: Claw]

[Power: +20]

[Buff: None]

[Skill: None]

They had successfully passed through THE BEACON and gained another 500 more gold. That was something Ethan was starting to grasp quickly. Unfortunately, the area they arrived at needed a level and instead provided another description.

"Do you know what 'the lobby' means?" asked Ethan.

Dane shrugged. "This is my first time reaching The Medieval. You remember I'm stuck in the forest, so I don't know anything."

"We had better get there and see what's going on."

They exited with glee after completing stage two with the previous chaotic feeling. The sound of music from the violin made them feel calmer as they came closer. They passed through a majestic gate with alabaster-white stone towers and entered a city bustling with people.

Several of the city's key areas had many types of buildings. There were obviously ironworkers, followed by businesses with initials engraved on wooden boards.

"It feels like we have entered old history," Dane added.

Ethan gave the nod. "Yeah, you’re right.”

"I don't think my gun suits this period," Dane said. "Maybe I should use a bow and arrow," he added.

"Like Chloe?" asked Ethan.

"Ah, the chick who’s always following Ulrich around? Nah, I don’t think so." Dane shook his head quickly.

Ethan looked around, noticing that most of the individuals present were aligned in at least two groups. Several of the groups were large, and they looked to be strategically placed. Individuals in big groups appeared to be cooler than the other participants. Ethan is still determining their status because their weaponry is so good.

They circled half of the city, which was rather vast, simply to take in the sights. There were other park areas, which were obviously crowded with other gamers. Suddenly, Dane tried to hold Ethan's pace.

"Speaking of which. That is the guy we should have avoided.” Dane whispered.

Ulrich and his gang of approximately nine or ten followers, of course, Chloe was constantly by his side, that blonde hair caught Ethan's attention. Ulrich adjusted his concentration and moved his head, as though noting Ethan's and Dane's presence. That big guy clapped his hands and laughed.

"Wow, I didn't expect to see you here," Ulrich sneered.

Ulrich rushed towards the two young men, making it impossible for them to avoid him.

There was a smirk on Ulrich's face. "Where has the corn-haired boy gone?"

Ethan and Dane just pursed their lips.

"Oh my, was he eliminated? Did you push him into one of the doors?" Ulrich continued.

"Come on, let's go, Ethan," Dane said, half-whispered pleadingly.

Ulrich's arms spread wide. "Ah, you guys are no fun. Come on, everyone does the same thing; something has to give. There's no shame in that."

"You sacrificed the other participants and don't feel guilty about it?" Ethan demanded fiercely.

"It's just a game, Boy," Ulrich retorted.

"I'll keep that in mind," Ethan nodded diplomatically. "For not being in the same game as you," he added firmly.

Ethan turned his body, but suddenly a rugged grip was felt on his shoulder, along with Ulrich's voice, which sounded deep and angry.

"What exactly do you mean, Boy?" Ulrich sneered.

"Ulrich, forget it!!" Chloe warned.

"This kid is always trying to wear out my patience," Ulrich grumbled.

Ethan tried to break away from Ulrich, then moved back. Ulrich's followers looked worried but didn't dare to break up Ethan and Ulrich.

"Hey, Newbie!" called out someone not far from Ethan.

A woman with red hair tied in a ponytail had apparently noticed the fight that Ulrich was about to start.

"You'll be kicked out of the game immediately if you fight here. Physically," she continued.

Ulrich only gazed at the woman who had approached them irritably.

The red hair said something again, "You can argue that it is still permissible. It would be hilarious."

The woman wore green cargo trousers with boots and a large gun slung behind her back with a cynical smirk on her face. She then nonchalantly walked away. It felt as though she was mocking Ulrich and maybe Ethan as well.

"Go hang out with your loser friend, *Boy*," Ulrich said.

"Come on, Ethan," Dane urged.