14 Game World 1: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (2)

Aectaeon's first instinct was to lay as flat as he could on the ground.

He was curious of what was going on outside of the barn, but he was too unprepared to see the action for himself. Foolish was what he would be if he went outside without a weapon. It was clear as day that he would be confronting armed individuals.

'I have no clue of what f*cking game this is about! Why is there already a fight when the system hasn't given any instructions yet!'

The man gritted his teeth as he searched for the countdown panel.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 09 M ; 26 S ]]

'There's still nine minutes left?! Are you even kidding me?!'

Having had enough of complaining, Aectaeon just went on to cover his ears with his hands and buried his face on the low stack of hay. He couldn't stand the boisterousness of the gunshots, coupled with the pained groaning and screaming of people, echoing within the area.

Although he didn't believe in any God, Aectaeon began to pray to be spared from the consequences of someone else's faults. He couldn't possibly imagine being thrown in the middle of the fray. Even the mere sound of bullets sharply cutting through the air managed to instill anxiety in him.

'To whoever is listening to me, can you stop this nonsense once and for all?! Look, I'm an innocent man who was suddenly double teamed by a clown and a little girl! Cut me some slack!'

If Aectaeon's voice while praying could be heard, it would drown out whatever noise was coming from the shootout.

For a while more, Aectaeon tried to keep up with the happenings outside solely through his hearing. He was even surprised that nobody was sensible enough to enter the barn to take cover. It wasn't like he was waiting for someone to enter.

If anything, he was more than glad to have the place all to himself.

Aectaeon raised his head and looked at the panel once more.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 03 M ; 48 S ]]

'Seriously? They haven't stopped running around and shooting for more than five minutes?! Don't tell me…'

At that moment, an idea struck Aectaeon's mind. It was an idea that he didn't want to welcome, yet it only became more plausible the longer he thought about it.

'This game, can it be… It's one of those that have warzones as a setting?'

He wasn't the least bit delighted of his discovery. A frown slowly made itself known on Aectaeon's countenance, bearing the foreboding that he felt. His heart began to beat erratically as he attempted to reason with his circumstances.

'There are a lot of games like that, mostly fps and battle royales. More usually than not, a player should be given a time period for gathering some items. However, I don't see any opportunity for that when there's a G*dd*mn shootout outside!'

Aectaeon was starting to lose his composure, but was saved when he heard the voices of two men talking nearby. It seemed to him that they had taken refuge behind the barn's wall. He could hear their voices distinctly since he was only a meter away from the said wall.

"When are they planning to stop? Isn't this supposed to be our territory?

"Are you stupid or what?! It's already evident what they're trying to do! Look at those warships! We will be blown into smithereens if they decide to fire one of their cannons!"

"They're invading the island?!"

"Finally! Took you too long to understand!"

"But aren't we in the middle of relocating the supplies to this island?! Why are they invading us?!"

"How in the hell would I know of that?! Ask yourself just this once, won't you?!"

After their brief, insightful nonetheless, conversation, the two men returned to their positions. The area where the main battle was transpiring wasn't that far from the barn. On the other side was a vast field bordering the ocean.

However, that ocean was riddled with giant warships. Hence, even if they wanted to get away, they wouldn't be able to unless they're daredevils.

Unfortunately, they weren't.

As for Aectaeon, he remained silent even though the two men had already left. It wasn't because he was afraid of being discovered. It was because he was made aware of his position.

'I was caught up in an invasion? Really? This early in the game?'

He was the most bewildered he had been in his entire ordeal with the Obelisk and the system. Never in his life did he expect to be sent to a warzone.

'How much did I sin in my past life again? I assume that it resulted in the downfall of humanity if the punishment I'm getting is to this degree.'

In the midst of his fruitless contemplation, the ruckus outside of the barn had died down all of a sudden. Aectaeon only noticed after a few seconds had passed.

'Why did they go quiet? What? Recess? Did they decide to take a break now?'

While he was questioning the situation, Aectaeon's eyes naturally searched for the panel.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 42 S ]]

Upon remarking that he had less than a minute, Aectaeon immediately shut his eyes. In that fashion did he stop from thinking. He liberated his mind from all the unnecessary thoughts that could distract him from his goal. It wasn't time for him to act like a helpless mob.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 33 S ]]

As cautiously as he could, Aectaeon took a stand. He could feel his legs cramping, so he began to stomp on the ground repeatedly. Once he was on his feet, he relaxed all of his muscles.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 21 S ]]

Aectaeon took a deep breath until his lungs were filled. He then slowly exhaled through his mouth.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 10 S ]]

With every inch of his being, Aectaeon strove to prepare for what was to come.

He had no ally to share his burdens with. He had no friend to lean on. He had no one he could put his trust on. Most saddening of all, he didn't have his mother by his side.

At that very moment, Aectaeon accepted that he only had himself. The blame was solely on him. On the bright side, the glory also was.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 03 S ]]

Without hurrying, Aectaeon opened his eyes.

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 01 S ]]

[[ 00 D ; 00 H ; 00 M ; 00 S ]]

[[ Welcome, Player Igor Vali ]]

[[ Mission ]]

[[ Complete the Title of the Current Game World ]]