0700 hours.

  Jin paced in front of the RIFT portal an hour early from the designated time. Not because he was nervous, but because old habits die hard. Even as a Cleaner, he’d always been the first to show up, sometimes a few hours earlier.

  Since this was his first foray as a Player, he wanted to soak in the vibes. And vibes were aplenty. Even at this hour, the crossroads buzzed with activity as the others moved in and out of the RIFT, watched over by half a dozen SeComm officials.

  With time to spare, Jin pulled up his Player Status Screen and double-checked his gear. The night before, Old Man Sid had handed him a package containing a pair of knives and a robe, both with stats so low they were almost embarrassing. But it was the thought that counts, and Jin had no qualms equipping them.

  "Better than nothing, I guess," he mumbled as he drew the robe’s hood up. “Not bad, if I say so myself. Fits well. That old coot sure has good taste.”

  He was grateful to his friend. Seven years ago, gears like this would have cost him easily five months’ wages.

  “But fifty grand for a pair of knives that couldn’t even slice off a goblin’s hide? Damn. Inflation’s sure is something else."

  The market had gone to hell. More Players than ever, but the Artisans type far fewer in between. Fewer still that could craft half-decent gear.

  His old mythril scalpels, for example, used to cost less than eighty thousand for a pair, but now sell for two hundred thousand each. Armour was even worse. Get a set, and it’d cost you a house’s mortgage. Survival had always been expensive, but these days, it was downright extortionate.

  “Oh my~, aren’t you early?”

  A familiar voice jingled nearby. Jin didn’t need to look to know it was Instructor Lila, but it wasn’t her presence that made him want to turn away. It was the way she called his name over and over, smiling and teasing him in front of everyone. The onlookers either grinned or laughed at their exchange.

  Jin finally had enough of the second-hand embarrassment. He turned to face her. “Miss Lila,” he said, “what are you wearing?”

  The woman – or girl, as she insisted on being called – stepped back and stretched her arms wide. “Tadaa. What do you think, Frankie? Isn’t this cute~?”

  “A five-year-old girl might look cute in a magical girl costume, Miss Lila,” Jin said with a sigh, shaking his head. “Not an adult. You are older than me, right?”

  Miss Lila pouted. “I’m always a little girl at heart! And no one will say otherwise! Not even you, Frankie.”

  Jin had clearly struck a nerve, but it needed to be said. Dressing like a Pretty Cure was one thing, but acting like one was another. Still, if she could pull it off, who was he to judge? Better than those who thought bikini armour was the best way to aggro a monster. Though, in that case, a different kind of monster might show up entirely.

  “You seem to be caught in Lila’s charm already, huh?”

  Jin felt a nudge from behind. It was Ironshield, followed by the rest of the instructors. There was still half an hour before the appointed time, yet the first to arrive were all the instructors, with Old Man Sid bringing up the rear with twenty Cleaners in tow.

  “So, tell me again,” Old Man Sid grumbled, “who the hell said when the students are ready, the teachers will appear? All I see are eager teachers and uninterested students.”

  “There’s still time, Sid,” Jin said, trying to calm his friend down.

  The old man still looked unhinged, even with the pack of Shadow Wolves now more docile than lambs. “But they'd better make it before eight, or else that’ll be a shit first impression.”

  The first to appear was Eustace Sinclair. When he spotted the group, he sprinted toward them, spouting frantic apologies. “I’m so sorry that I’m late. Please forgive me,” he said, his voice trembling on the edge of tears. For a nineteen-year-old, the freckled blond with glasses was painfully obsequious.

  “Don’t worry,” Jin said, patting the boy’s shoulder. “You’re not late. You’re early by ten minutes.”

  Eustace lifted his head, his smile widening. “Oh. Thank goodness. I thought I was-oh? Aren’t you Frank? The Zero CP guy from the rumours?” His grin grew even broader. “Oh boy. And I thought only the instructors were here. I mean, I knew I was going to get it. I-I didn’t mean to be late, but my siblings-”

  “Alright, alright,” Jin cut in. “You’re early, and that’s good. Now, go get yourself ready. I’ll brief you all once everyone’s gathered here.”

  “Y-you will? Great! Then I’ll get myself suit up!”

  Five minutes before 8 a.m., the rest of the participants arrived – ten boys and girls in total. They would be under Ironshield’s instruction. Jin’s mission, however, was clear: help Eustace, Ka Fei, and Emilia pass their exam.

  As for the rest of the matters, Ironshield would handle them as usual. There might be some bias at play, and there might be those who complained about preferential treatment, but that was the reality of the world. Nothing Jin or anyone else could do about it.

  And then there was Emilia. The biggest beneficiary of that said preferential treatment.

  Usually late, this time the Lowenhald’s princess arrived on schedule, her chauffeur opening the car door in a rush. She stepped out with the usual cocky vigour that made it clear she owned the space and time around her. Her cascade of red hair swung like a banner at full mast, heels clicking against the pavement.

  But unlike their first meeting, Jin noticed that there was a slight edge to her demeanour this morning. As if she were a blade, sharpened to cut upon contact.

  Without so much as a glance, she flicked a hand at her chauffeur. "Move, you useless dog! Next time, I won't just dock your pay for being late." Her voice dropped. "I'll have you and your family stripped of everything and thrown onto the streets."

  The chauffeur’s face twisted, but he bowed and retreated in silence, perhaps used to her poisonous tongue.

  Jin’s jaw clenched as he shook his head.

  Attitude and aptitude.

  Chairman Heihachi’s words from their first meeting echoed in his mind. The instructors around him let out audible sighs, as if they already knew what was coming. Jin wasn’t about to let this slide. Before they even began, she broke one of Jin’s cardinal rules.

  He could tolerate her disrespect. Or lack of humility. She could be irreverent to authorities. Or she could be a foul-mouthed gangster, her every word a curse. But he’d never tolerate anyone threatening another’s family.

  “Hey, Emilia,” Jin called as she sauntered toward the group, acting as if her showing up was her doing everyone a favour. “When you go back, apologise to your driver.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Emilia’s face twisted. The fake smile she’d been wearing slid away, leaving behind a snarl of fury and spite.

  “The fuck did you say to me?” Her voice was sharp enough to slice through anyone within earshot. “You think you can talk to me like that just because Daddy asked the Chairman for a favour? You’re nothing, Zero CP. Less you remember, I’m the one who carries the team. You’re nothing but a glorified errand boy with delusions of grandeur.”

  “Doesn’t matter what you think of me. When you go back home, apologise to him. Else, I’ll fail you on the spot. Before you even take your exam. Got it?”

  “Fail me?! Hah. Funny. Let’s see you try if you know what’s good for you.” She brushed Jin away.

  “Emilia. I’m still talking to you. As your group leader-“

  She turned around and immediately swung a hand at Jin’s face. But this time, instead of overpowering her like the two previous occasions, he would play her game.

  SLAP!

  Blood oozed from Jin’s lips, but the man didn’t flinch. An eerie smile appeared on his face that even made Old Man Sid, who stood nearby, shake his head while silently telling him ‘No’.

  But Jin wasn’t the type to let the transgression go. Worse still, he relished it. As Emilia cracked a smirk – satisfied with finally getting one over Jin – the man retaliated with a slap of his own, sending her crashing onto the pavement, face-first.

  The crack of skin on skin cut through the morning air. The instructors and those around them froze. Ironshield’s mouth actually dropped open. But no one moved to stop Jin. They couldn’t. Or most likely, they wouldn’t.

  He knelt and leaned closer to Emilia, almost taunting her to make the next move. “You’re here because you’re failing. Don’t take it out on others. Remember that,” he said, in a low and cold voice.

  Emilia’s hand caressed her reddening cheek, her eyes burning with fury. Yet, she couldn’t summon enough strength to retaliate physically. “You mongrel!” She scowled. “Not even Daddy would dare-”

  “Then it’s about time someone did,” Jin interrupted, his intense glare was soul-crushing. “Your spoiled brat act ends today.”

  Emilia, despite being shaken, curled her hand into a fist. She lunged, but Jin caught her wrist and shoved her back. She stumbled, now sprawled on the sidewalk.

  Jin sighed and shook his head. No point talking any longer. He stood and walked away, yet before he could take a few steps, a burst of laughter erupted nearby.

  “The wench finally got it coming. About time!”

  A pale-looking man with green hair emerged from the crowd. His colourful shirt was unbuttoned halfway down his chest, swaying as he staggered forward.

  “A bitch’s mouth should stay shut! Get it, Emi-bitch?! When you open that hole of yours, it’s either for you to eat or suck my-”

  He faltered mid-sentence as Jin’s shadow loomed over him. His arms crossed and his eyes – cold and unblinking – locked onto Ka Fei like a predator sizing up prey.

  “Not only are you late,” Jin said, his voice low, measured, and terrifyingly calm, “but you dare to insult your team member?”

  Ka Fei’s Player Status Screen flickered to life in his hands, but Jin didn’t even glance at it. He exhaled, slow and deliberate, as if the man he faced wasn’t worth the effort.

  “Don’t. If you cherished your life.”

  The silence that followed between them was heavy. Ka Fei’s smirked wavered as the crowd, including the instructors’ attention, fell on him, anticipating his next move.

  “Heh. Whatever bigshot. Won’t dirty my hand here.” He shoved Jin out of the way. “A word of advice. Inside, watch your back.”

  “Ironshield, you heard that?”

  He sighed, rubbing his temples. “Yeah, Frank. I heard it. Loud and clear.”

  “Good. Then can I fail him on the spot?” Jin said while still keeping Ka Fei within his sight.

  “Oi, oi. Don’t you do that,” Ironshield called out as he stepped forward, playing mediator. You agreed to-“

  Jin cut him off with a wave. “My way or highway. Else, forget about the whole damn thing.” He then left out a long, deep sigh, yet his gaze remained stone cold. “And you, Ka Fei. You got two minutes. Suit up and get ready. Or don’t. I don’t care anymore.”

  Ka Fei opened his mouth, but Jin had already walked away, leaving him standing there like an idiot.

  Even before the mission officially started, Jin was exhausted. These three were supposed to be on the verge of failing for the same reasons – attitude, entitlement, lack of discipline – but now that he’d seen it firsthand, he realised the truth was worse.

  They weren’t failing because of their flaws.

  They were failing because no one had bothered to stop them. The world simply let them do whatever they pleased.

  However, inside the RIFT, things were different. The realm inside was brutal, relentless and unforgiving. If he was not careful, someone would die under his watch. And Jin was not going to let that happen.

  ***

  But he got his work cut out for him.

  The moment they stepped through the portal, the world transformed. From the cold morning air, it was now thick with sweltering heat, dry enough to crack lips in seconds. Jin tasted sand on his tongue, gritty and bitter.

  The homely and familiar cityscape of Ward 4 turned into a stretch of an endless sea of dunes, waves of golden sand rippling under a sun, replacing asphalt roads. No buildings. No clouds. No shade. Not even a single tree in sight.

  In the distance, the horizon danced. An oasis. That was their next destination, where Players contracted by the SeComm had set the command base.

  “Welcome to the Ward 4 F-Rank RIFT,” Ironshield grunted, adjusting the strap of his canteen. “I’m calling this one, Sand Maw. Don’t let the quiet fool you. This place eats the unprepared.”

  Old Man Sid whistled. “So, you’re giving it a name now?”

  “I like it better that way. Always hated how the HQ named it,” Ironshield said as he checked his Crystalus Communicator – Cryscomm for short – a device used by licensed Players to communicate with each other. “NTW42090-21135F.”

  “Make it two of us,” Old Man Sid. “I can’t even be bothered to remember all those numbers.”

  “Three,” Jin added as he tapped on Ironshield’s shoulder. His eyes were already locked on what lay ahead of them. “Will you do the usual headcount?”

  Forty-three people. Twenty-one Cleaners, led by Old Man Sid. Four on Jin’s side and the rest, instructors and examinees alike, formed Ironshield’s raid team.

  “Lila, take your team of four and move to our right. Hanma, take the left. Cho, lead the scouting team. Frank, you know what to do. Sid’s group ain’t protecting themselves.”

  For now, there was no voice of open dissent. Only muffled complaints as they trudged forward, up and down the dunes toward the command base.

  Emilia, for once, was silent, busy tying her hair into a bun, her neck now flooded with sweat. But the other two boys on his team weren’t able to keep their mouths shut.

  “Yuck! I got sand in my boots,” Eustace grimaced every time he walked. “I hate this already.”

  Ka Fei burst into a mocking laugh. “So much for being a scout. Always the useless one, aren’t you? Unlike the rest of your siblings. Are you really related to the famous Sinclair family of Neo-Tokyo’s finest scouts? One look at you, and others might think you’re adopted.”

  Eustace was on the verge of tears as he scuttled toward Jin. “I hate him,” he muttered under his breath.

  Jin didn’t respond. His eyes were locked on the command base – if you could call it that. It was nothing more than a cluster of tents huddled together like survivors of a storm, their roofs flapping under desert wind. A single flag with SeComm’s insignia hung limp from a pole half-buried into the ground.

  “Instructor Ironshield!” Someone wearing a robe ran for them from the command base. “I thought you were not coming.”

  “We came on time, give or take a few minutes.” The man cracked a bitter smile. “Or have you forgotten how the time here works? It’s less than a year since you passed, and your lessons have already gone through your head?”

  “Hehehe. You got me. Anyway, like they say, don’t sweat the small stuff. Come, come. Make yourself at home. Or whatever that is left of it after that stupid sandstorm.”

  “Where are the others?” Ironshield asked as he entered one of the larger tents alongside Old Man Sid, Jin and the other instructors.

  “At the pyramid,” came the answer. “Still working on that puzzle.”

  “What? So, you’re alone all this time?”

  The Player nodded as she pulled her hood down. “Been here myself, hmmm… what? Three RIFT days and nights?”

  Ironshield sighed, shaking his head. “I told you and the rest to stay together. Always. Anyway, enough about that. What’s done is done. What’s the report so far?”

  The girl sent the information through Ironshield’s Cryscomm, which he then forwarded to Jin and Old Man Sid. Even as a Cleaner, Jin carried one of these devices, the only reliable means of communication inside the RIFT. Real-world gadgets like smartphones failed beyond the portal, but the Crystal Communicator worked without so much of a ping delay.

  Like the real world’s holopad tablet, Jin tapped the device, and a holographic screen appeared, similar to a Player Status Screen. It displayed critical information that Players usually kept private or between their party members. Achievements logs, team chats and RIFT’s mapping.

  But this girl was different. She was under SeComm’s payroll, and her information belonged to the headquarters, which Ironshield could freely access.

  After reading through all the information, Ironshield spoke once again. “Judging by the distance, they’re supposed to still be in communication range. So, it had been three RIFT days since then? No news whatsoever?”

  The girl nodded.

  Ironshield contemplated his next moves. “Lila, Hanma, Cho. Get your boys and girls prepped up. We move in fifteen.”

  The instructors filed out of the tent immediately.

  “Sid and Frank. Our mission changes somewhat, but the two of you continue as usual.”

  Old Man Sid nodded before he left the tent to gather up the Cleaners. Jin was the last to leave.

  “Frank,” Ironshield called out as Jin parted the tent’s door halfway. “Consider it a veteran’s intuition, but I do hope nothings happen. If worse comes to worst, then-“

  “Then I’ll scoot away. Pronto. With the rest, right?”

  Ironshield cracked a smile. “Good that you understand. Now, let’s get on with it.”