The Way To Enjoy Youth

Nimin scribbled several things on journal. Words filling the page, pictures hand-drawn appearing occasionally. Tapping the corner with the pencil Nimin thought whilst gnawing on an apple. Having found a relatively quiet part of campus to eat Nimin instead focused on writing his thoughts.

Until someone sat next to him.

His pencil stopped its tapping and Nimin turned to face the newcomer, "Erm, you lonely?"

Starry-eyed the person held a notebook in their hands, "I know you said to meet you at your dorm, but you never said what your dorm was!"

His attempt to avoid the camp press had failed. Closing his journal he fiddled with the apple, "So, who are you?"

"The name is Johanna, I run the camp news."

"Why the news?"

"It's a side class, I've recently figured being a Pro isn't cut out for me. So I'm learning to be a journalist instead. Maybe I can be part of the press that interview Pros!"

"That so? If you ever get an offer I'll let you personally interview me if I become Pro."

"I'll hold you to that!"

Taking a crisp bite of an apple Nimin slowly savored it, "I'll give you some answers for a few questions."

"First, what are you writing?", Johanna wasted no time.

"A plan, not saying more than that."

"You speak like an actual Pro.", Johanna pouted a bit, "Any reason why you picked a fight with the top student of our class?"

"To be fair, he picked a fight first. I didn't intend on challenging him at all."

"You did instigate it with the Aim Rating."

"That was just a bit of fun."

Nimin heard some scribbles and thought of the potential drama that statement might earn him. Taking another bite he chewed carefully before another question was asked, "How do you feel about the upcoming camp ranking?"

"Nervous and annoyed."

"Oh? Care to explain why?"

"I'm not sure I can level to max in the short timeframe I have with the camp classes."

"If you fail to, will you still take on the camp ranking?"

"Naturally, even if I have to fight with a level disadvantage!"

More scribbles. Nimin figured he ought to tone down the confidence a bit to not seem arrogant. This personality was for Critical Shot, he didn't need to make in-person enemies with his statements.

"There was some curiosity when you initially left, what class do you play?"

"Hmmm.", Nimin suddenly had the urge to change his initial thought.

Leaning forward Nimin asked, "Would you like something interesting for your article?"

"Of course!"

"Harrell plays Taoist right?"

"This is correct, I'm surprised you know this so quickly. Isn't it your first day?"

Nimin avoided the question and continued his train of thought, "Taoist, known as the king of dueling. Efficient in kiting your opponent with mid-ranged attacks and decent speed. With that class in the hands of someone with a enough skill, you could easily dominate."

Johanna remained quiet and pointed her pen towards Nimin. Taking another bite Nimin stewed the anticipation for no reason in particular, "I feel this is the very reason why he isn't afraid of challenging people to a duel. Sure, he has some skill, but that class advantage certainly plays a role."

"Are you saying this because you're at a disadvantage?"

"Not at all, having that advantage is a crucial part in Pros. I'm not claiming it's unfair or anything. Just simply stating he knows how to play his cards to his advantage. That in itself I praise."

Nimin's voice turned a tone deeper, "So I hope he doesn't complain when I do the same."

This was good stuff! Johanna's heart soared to the sky. This guy. . . this guy was a treasure trove! There was potential enough to cause the entire camp to stir! Johanna felt the anticipation rising, just what else would this guy do? He was completely unafraid to cause drama and conflict!

Finishing his apple in a final bite Nimin answered, "I play Gunner. The one class claimed to be a hard counter. So I hope there's no hard feelings. Especially when I bully him in the finals!"

Standing up Nimin grabbed his bag, "Of course, that's if he can meet me there. All of this you can quote, you have my word."

Walking away Nimin felt a bead of sweat fall down his forehead. Some big words he just said! If he failed to live up to them then his reputation would quickly fall into the joke category. Perhaps he got a little too into being a hot-blooded youth.

No no, he needed this! Critical Shot was supposed to be like this! The personality needed to be defined now before he joined the Pros! Or maybe this was just an excuse. Nimin found himself smiling as he walked away.

To be young! This was truly a great way to enjoy this newfound youth!

Johanna clicked a hidden button on her pen, "This is gonna be good."

Word was traveling quickly across the camp. While Harrell wasn't the number one in the entire camp, his skill and high win rate in duels was something of note. His name was relatively well known across the camp. Add on a new face who's Aim Rating was among the highest yet, these two's names were lingering in the air.

Two people, both of allegedly good skill, having a bold face off come the camp ranking? Who wouldn't be interested? There was some expecting the new face to be destroyed by Harrell, to have this cocky newcomer be taught a valuable lesson. Others wanted Harrell to be defeated, to show his dueling isn't impossible to overcome.

The hype began to snowball, far too quickly at that. When Nimin walked and people began to recognize him, he felt that his name was gaining too much traction. If they lost interest when the camp ranking came around, wouldn't his efforts be for nothing?

He couldn't take the other classes without some students sneaking glances towards him. His every move being scrutinized. Even as a Pro he wasn't watched so carefully. At least during his professional career he had the benefit of privacy. Now it was like they were watching an animal at the zoo.

Finally, when his other average classes were over, he collapsed onto his bed in the dorm room. He lied there for about 15 minutes before dragging himself back to his feet. Now was no time to rest! He needed as many levels as possible, and a team to help him out!

It was time to go scouting in the Red Zone!

Plugging in his laptop to charge he slipped his account stick into a USB slot and logged in. Critical Shot loaded in and Nimin wasted no time. Throwing out the cylinder Critical Shot then hopped onto the manifested street bike. Thinking for a bit Nimin decided to head towards a Safe Zone first.

He wasn't reckless enough to bring his high valuable items into the Red Zone. One unfortunate mistake would have him lose them. These were part of his build! If he lost them so early he could only weep. There was no getting them back either, these limited edition items weren't obtainable anymore.

His bike hummed as he increased the speed to the max. Taking one of the highways Critical Shot even passed by other players heading the same way as him. The speed difference of a high tier mount was clear to see!

Swiftly dismounting Nimin moved towards the personal storage. Characters had weight on them, but it only served as an inventory cap. Additionally anything in your inventory wasn't guaranteed to be safe. The only way to keep any item or material safe was in the personal storage.

Personal storages had varying amounts of total items they can hold. If you wanted a higher storage, you would have to fork out the money. In-game money that was. The team behind Fractured Worlds may require you to buy accounts, but they weren't money hungry.

When transferring accounts only the items in your inventory would transfer. Thus Nimin's storage was. . . empty and small. Moving into an alleyway Nimin found his personal storage. An old garage door creaked open and revealed a dusty inside. Moving with swiftness Nimin deposited his rare items and left before the door could close.

Now, he needed to buy some low-tier weapons!