Choosing A Monster

"Are you kidding me? Do you want us to get killed or what?" I scolded Bob.

He had shown me a Super Rare card with a picture of a black-armored humanoid figure with wings.

One glance was enough, I knew this thing spelled catastrophe.

"Why don't we try the lower rarity ones first? We don't even know how strong these monsters are compared to the creatures in this world," I said.

Bob sighed. He put the cards away, then held my shoulder and looked straight into my eyes. It made me a little uncomfortable.

"Look at me, Alan. We've been in this world for nearly two weeks now. And since then, we've gone up against all kinds of monsters, even elite ones. Three elites, in fact. Not to mention those black, oily things in that cave. And we beat them all. Don't downgrade yourself. Believe in your ability. You're stronger than you think you are," he said.

Suddenly, I was getting a lecture about self-esteem from the last person I wanted to hear it from.