The disciples quickly form ranks, some invoking protective barriers, others preparing offensive spells. Zi Xuan stands in front, drawing his legendary sword and repelling the demonic spirits' most immediate assaults.
Shoi-Ming can only turn to him as if trying to understand what could be going on, yet what he says is like a dagger thrust into his heart.
"Concentrate your attacks on the spirits' weak points! Remember, they feed on fear and despair. Your willpower is your most powerful weapon!"
What had happened? Had he forgotten this event? He remembered that their group of adventurers had arrived after an unprecedented catastrophe, was this it? Was this where it all began?
Shouldn't he know that in any campaign there are problems? That you always have to deal with them? What did he believe, that everything would turn out wonderfully because luck was on his side? He doesn't have the status of an unkillable protagonist - at any moment, his life is in danger.
No, it has to be his fault.
His gaze dropped to the screen and panicked.
"What do you mean, Zone PVE? You can't be serious! I got no skill and I do zero damage! I'm gonna get One Shot! You can't do this to me!! I....I'm not going to hide like a rat, am I?!"
Just saying those last words to the GM had made his stomach churn and his throat feel so dry he couldn't swallow.
He doesn't want to. He doesn't want to be weak. Please, it's too hard. Seeing everyone fighting while he had to retreat. What merit would he have? He was going to disappoint everyone so much.
He glances at his dagger. It's not even sharp, it's all battered up like it's been used some time. Pretty sure he must have stolen it but never used it. It will be ineffective.
"He's useless."
"He's so weak and ridiculous."
"I don't give a shit about that NPC, he can croak for all I care."
"Look at him, licking our boots and giving us all his info for free, isn't he ashamed?!"
"I don't think he's funny, besides, he doesn't seem to mind being stepped on, so don't be surprised afterwards!"
"Basically he's just a troll character with his insolent luck, I don't see the point!"
"Aren't we supposed to be in a serious rpg? He doesn't belong! Where does a guy like that get to be the right-hand man of a sect leader?"
Taking his head in his hands, he collapses.
What he hears in his mind...is his own voice criticizing Shoi-Ming. Everything he said, everything he thought comes back to bite him in the ass. Yes, he thinks it all, but so what? Where's the harm in that?! It's true!
He's got a headache, his head's spinning, for God's sake, it's all his fault! It's got to be his fault everything's gone wrong! He even hears the laughter of the disciples as if encircling him, and the falsely innocent remarks of this famous best friend, the deeply disappointed look on Zi Xuan's face.
"Chao, what are you going to do with your life at this rate?"
"Good for nothing!"
"Instead of fighting, you'd better study. Look at your results, mediocre!"
"Are you going to come up with that excuse again about not being born under a lucky star?"
"Maybe you need to figure out where you want to go next."
"Choice? My boy, I don't think you really have one, forget studying, you're a complete idiot."
Now it's the remarks he took himself that he seems to be reliving. It's all so stupid. He never wanted to be that guy. He never did. He always said he'd rather die than be in his skin.
Yet, given the choice...he'd certainly rather live.
It's at this thought that he feels as if lashes are coming down on his frigid, fragile body. But what is it? These aren't his memories. Are they Shoi-Ming's memories? Has he been tortured? He hears his own weak but determined voice mumble:
"No matter what you do to me, I'll be like the weed you don't want. I'll grow back against all odds. Come rain or shine, I'd survive."
Who'd have thought that this determination to get up would not be his but the character's own, like a last will of this body which is now his.
He stands up with a grimace. He himself doesn't seem to understand and remains silent. Is he the one who saves him? The GM who takes pity on him and gives him a chance to fight against this invisible force? Is his survival instinct that strong?
As the battle rages around him, Shoi-Ming seems to enjoy invisible protection, deftly dodging the attacks directed at him.
Every movement is fluid, every step calculated with a precision not his own. He's impressed, his self-esteem rising a little, so this is how he manages to keep up appearances. His opponents seem to strike into the void as he dances between them, sidestepping each assault with grace.
Despite his insolent luck in dodging blows, Shoi-Ming still struggles to inflict any damage on his enemies. His attacks slide across their skin, his strength of zero not enough to pierce them with his dull dagger.
Nevertheless, from the outside, you'd swear he was fighting. Like in a deadly dance.
You might think it's futile, but at least it's more honorable in his eyes than running away or shying away from conflict. He holds his head high, yes, that's how he likes it!
His speed and agility eventually create openings, enabling his fellow sect members to deliver decisive blows to the demonic spirits. His graceful movements and counterattacks impress even Zi Xuan, who observes his disciple's skill with admiration.
Gradually - thanks to everyone's combined efforts - the balance seems to be restored. The demonic spirits are beginning to retreat under the pressure, their ranks shattered by the perseverance and power of the Ethereal Clouds sect.
He sighs with relief, dagger in hand, and is almost alarmed to see the GM screen reappear before him.
[ You have effectively repelled the onslaught of demonic spirits.
Dexterity: +5.
Charisma: +2.
Strength: +1.
Respect earned from Zi Xuan: +10. ]
Leaning forward, a smile appeared on his lips.
Not bad, not bad, well one point in strength is still ridiculous, but it's better than nothing. His dexterity has increased to dodge like this, and he's looking forward to spending hours training to increase his stats even further.
Hello, two for charisma? Is that all? Didn't he have class just now? This GM is so difficult!
Well, at least having some respect from the sect leader consoles him. With all these emotions, he'll be able to go to his quarters and rest....
Or not.
Demonic energy continues to flow from the altar, fueling incessant assaults by enemies. Zi Xuan, aware of the gravity of the situation, calls for volunteers to visit each of the other four sects to discover the source of this corruption.
[ If you don't volunteer: Protagonist satisfaction -1000. ]