Wei had a sudden thought. "Crap! Do I really need to be that strong to get back to our world? Why didn't my mom ever tell me about this? Maybe Dad didn't tell her either? All I know is that Dad came to our world using a portal scroll—that's just what Mom told me. She never mentioned that Dad was a super-strong warrior. So that's it! Dad probably used some other method besides a teleportation scroll to get to our world!
"Wait! I just want to ask—is there another way to get back to the human world without fighting that guardian?" Wei asked, hoping John Gun would offer an answer that would at least give him some hope.
"There is, and I'd be glad to tell you if you accept my duel invitation," John Gun replied firmly.
Wei felt that John Gun was genuine, which gave him a glimmer of hope and a sudden urge to fight. Determined to uncover more about returning to the human world without battling the high-level guardian, he said, "All right! Then I'll accept the duel!"
The two headed to the other side of the plaza, an open field where warriors and sorcerers typically gathered to trade, buy items, or test their skills in friendly duels—not fights to the death, but battles to practice and refine their abilities, especially for those who had recently levelled up and acquired new skills.
"Don't worry, kid. This isn't a duel to the death. I'll just beat you until you hit the ground, then I'll take you to our station," John Gun said arrogantly, his tone dripping with overconfidence as though he already knew the outcome of the battle.
"Thank you for letting me know. At least I don't have to worry about killing another loser like you," Wei retorted coldly, glancing at the ranger's level. "Level 20? Where the hell does he get the confidence to think he can beat me?" Wei thought.
"You're probably sizing me up based on my level," John Gun sneered. "But wait until my bullets pierce your weak body! I may be a Level 20 Marksman, but I can gun down any Level 30 monster!"
"Good for you, but I'm not like those monsters," Wei replied, remaining calm and composed.
"Oh, really?! Enough of this nonsense! Eat these bullets!" John Gun shouted, enraged by Wei's unbothered demeanour. He pulled out his pistols and started firing at Wei. "Just like raindrops touch the ground, so did John Gun's bullets when they hit Wei's chest. These bullets turned to liquid and spattered upon impact with Wei's body. John Gun was stunned to see that his bullets had no effect on Wei's body. "What?! So you're some kind of sorcerer or magician?! No problem! If physical bullets don't work on you, then I'll fill your body with magic bullets!" he raged, as massive, drone-like objects armed with guns but lacking rotor blades began materializing and floating around him. Wei reacted swiftly, smashing his blade into the ground. The blade transformed into liquid, splashing outward. "Gun Storm!" John Gun bellowed. The drone-like objects opened fire on Wei. However, just as Wei's blade turned to liquid, the liquid morphed into giant monsters that shielded him, blocking every magic bullet fired from John Gun's weapons and drones. After five seconds of relentless firing, John Gun was astonished to see the monsters protecting Wei still standing strong. His drone-like weapons began to vanish, one by one. The monsters moved swiftly, running to surround John Gun from a distance. He looked around, confused. "I took all your bullets. Now, can you handle all our fists?" Wei asked, his voice calm but menacing. John Gun gulped, his confidence waning as anxiety crept in. Suddenly, Wei and the monsters charged toward him. In a flash, Wei delivered a powerful punch to John Gun's stomach, while the monsters struck him simultaneously across other parts of his body. When the onslaught ended, John Gun collapsed to the ground, his life points reduced to a mere ten percent. Wei carefully observed John Gun lying on the ground. He didn't want to be caught off guard and wanted to ensure that John Gun was no longer capable of fighting back. As his liquid monsters began to dissolve, his sword started materializing back into his right hand. John Gun, sensing that Wei might finish him off, tried to speak despite his weak voice. "Hey… if you spare my life, I can recruit you into the Fenix military as a captain, just like me." "What are you saying? This isn't a duel to the death, right? So no, I won't take your life," Wei replied with a smirk. "But you'll have to tell me the alternative way to get back to the human world. "John Gun, still weak, said, "Allow me to heal first." A glowing screen appeared on his chest, displaying his available potions. Although dizzy from the punches he had received from Wei and the liquid monsters, he managed to lift his hand and select a healing potion from the menu. Gradually, his life points began to recover, and he raised his upper body slightly off the ground. "You would need permission from the king of Fenix to grant you a scroll for safe teleportation back to your world. However, you can't simply ask the king for such a favor. You'll need to win his approval first," John Gun explained.
"And how would I do that?" Wei asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I suggest you join the military and participate in the fighting tournaments."
"When do these fighting tournaments start?" Wei inquired.
"Probably next year," John Gun replied.
"Crap! I can't wait until next year to get back to my world. You're just wasting my time! I'll go ahead and explore outside Fenix. Maybe I can level up and find someone more sensible who can tell me how to get back instead of waiting for your stupid king to grant me a scroll!" Wei retorted, visibly frustrated with John Gun's suggestion. John Gun smirked slightly and issued a warning. "Let me tell you something. Our magic radars have already detected you. You likely have records in our enchanted database by now. If, after twenty-four hours, you don't have a proper status in our system, you'll be classified as a Rogue or a fugitive. That means there will be a bounty on your head, and people like me—or other bounty hunters—will hunt you down for gold and experience. Do you really think you can survive that kind of relentless pursuit?"
"I don't care anymore! All I want is to return to my world as soon as possible," Wei snapped.
"Even if it means not finding my dad and bringing him home," Wei thought bitterly.
He realized there was no joy in being stuck in Fenix City, especially after what he'd done. He had just killed four Fenix military members. If the military found out, his troubles would only multiply. Leaving Fenix as quickly as possible seemed like the safest option.
"That was a good fight, Mr. Ranger, but I'll have to leave now," Wei said, feeling sad and disappointed after learning the answer about returning to the human world. Leaving John Gun behind, Wei headed to the marketplace near the plaza to buy food pellets for the wild bird. He also planned to purchase some food, a tent, and a sleeping bag for his travels to the outskirts of Fenix. "Yeah, right. I'll also need to rest after fighting monsters, so camping materials are a must," Wei thought aloud.
After gathering the goods from the marketplace, Wei returned to the armor shop where he had left the wild bird. He gently petted the bird and began feeding it. "Sorry, my friend. It took me a while to get back to you," he said with a warm smile. As soon as the bird finished its meal, the two teleported to the outskirts of Fenix. Sitting on the bird's back, Wei gazed at the vast expanse of grasslands stretching out before him. Swiping his fingers through the air, he summoned a translucent screen.
"Wisdom, can you tell me where the next city is located after Fenix?" Wei asked. Moments later, a chat window appeared on the screen.
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THE NEXT CITY AFTER FENIX IS LOCATED TO THE NORTH. YOU WILL
NEED TO CROSS THE FENIX RIVER AND PASS THROUGH BESTIA SALVAJE
ROCKLANDS TO REACH LENOR CITY.
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"All right then, let's head north, wild bird!" Wei said, his voice brimming with energy. The wild bird sprinted across the grasslands, its wings flapping before it lifted off into the air.
"All right! Up, up, and away!" Wei exclaimed, his joy evident as he rode on the bird's back. "You might not fly as high as other birds, but you sure are fast in the air," he added, patting the bird affectionately. As they soared through the sky, Wei's gaze sharpened. He noticed several figures approaching from the distance. His instincts kicked in, a familiar sense of unease washing over him. It was as if he already knew what was coming.