Chapter 4

 Keagan bid farewell to the suffocating confines of his former workplace. With resolute determination, he implored the enigmatic System to guide him to where he was to go next.

“Hello, system?”

“Yes, how can I be of service?”

“You said my task was to begin in 4 hours' time and I had to prepare, so where do heroes prepare for these kinds of tasks.”

“Certainly, I can guide you,”

The augmented materialized in front of him, he walked up to the park benches to have a better look at the interface.

“Navigate through the central hub and select weaponry and equipment, there you will have the option to visit the Hero central hub to purchase and upgrade your items. As you can see as of now you have 0 items. Once you click on one of the shops you will be transported there to make your purchase,”

“Wow, this is like one of those fantasy games I used to play while I was a kid,” Keagan told himself as he selected the nearest shop closest to him.

Through an ethereal doorway that materialized before his eyes, Keagan stepped into an otherworldly sanctuary. His senses tingled with anticipation as he found himself amidst a gathering of remarkable individuals, their eyes fixated on a colossal screen radiating a vibrant spectacle.

Keagan's gaze ascended, drawn inexorably towards the awe-inspiring spectacle unfolding above. Two figures clashed with unfathomable might amidst a sprawling cityscape, skyscrapers quaking and tumbling in their wake. The air vibrated with the reverberations of their titanic struggle, echoing the resolute determination etched upon their faces.

Within the colossal hall, a sea of heroes stood transfixed, their voices resounding in an uproarious chorus of shouts and cheers. The magnitude of the moment was palpable, the atmosphere charged with electric anticipation. Keagan found himself captivated by the scene, unable to tear his eyes away from the mesmerizing display of power and valor.

Curiosity tugged at Keagan's core, compelling him to seek understanding amidst the fervor surrounding him. He turned to the System, his voice brimming with intrigue. 

“System, what’s that?” he inquired, longing to grasp the significance of the clash before him.

The System's response reverberated within his consciousness, “That is the biggest fight to happen in a while, it was a fight between the no.12 hero and the elusive no.8 hero,” the system answered.

As a passerby brushed past Keagan, their hurried footsteps unapologetically jostling him, he stood unwavering. The distraction failed to divert his gaze from the screen, his admiration undimmed as the no.12 hero triumphed over their formidable adversary. The grand hall erupted in a crescendo of cheers, echoing the aspirations deep within Keagan's heart.

At that moment, a profound yearning swelled within him, the yearning to someday stand among those esteemed heroes. He nurtured an unspoken desire to partake in battles of such magnitude, to emerge victorious. 

Though surrounded by a multitude of heroes, Keagan felt a kinship with those who forged their paths through adversity. The resolute determination etched upon their faces mirrored the fire that burned within him, igniting the spark of his own heroic journey.

Guided by the System's voice, Keagan ventured deeper into Hero hub, searching for whatever suited him. 

Taking his place at one of the stalls, Keagan found himself surrounded by an astonishing assortment of weaponry and gear suspended in mid-air along the kiosk walls. Intriguing collectibles adorned the glass case before him, capturing fragments of heroic history. One such item, a torn cape from the battle of the river, caught his eye, a tangible relic of valor that belonged to the former number 6 hero, as it stated on a tag hanging above the item.

Lost in contemplation, Keagan was abruptly jolted back to reality as the shopkeeper snapped his fingers, drawing his attention. "Hey, kid, can I help you?" the shopkeeper inquired.

Caught off guard, Keagan quickly composed himself. "Oh, sorry," he responded sheepishly. "I was guided here by my system. I'm looking to purchase items to kickstart my heroic journey."

The shopkeeper's perplexed expression revealed his lack of understanding. "System? What the hell are you talking about, kid?" he questioned, seeking clarification.

At that moment, the familiar voice of the System interjected, its words resonating solely within Keagan's consciousness. "Apologies, Spectral Guardian," the System spoke, addressing Keagan directly. "I neglected to inform you. Only you can perceive my voice. Within this realm, others remain unaware of my existence. As an outsider, you alone possess the ability to hear and interact with me."

Keagan cleared his throat, seeking to rectify the misunderstanding. "Oh, sorry about that," he replied, his tone shifting to convey his revised intent. "I meant to say that I wish to acquire items for my inventory."

The shopkeeper nodded understandingly. "Do you have a suit?" he inquired, delving deeper into Keagan's needs.

"No," Keagan confessed. "I am without weapons as well. That's why I've come here—to purchase the necessary tools."

Recognizing Keagan's eagerness, the shopkeeper accessed a dashboard, swiftly inputting a series of squiggles that materialized into a holographic display. A vibrant array of suits and weapons materialized before them, each item meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of burgeoning heroes.

"Alright, kid. Let's start with some affordable options," the shopkeeper offered Keagan. he was spoilt for options, making it hard to choose just one, after all, he could buy all of them if he intended.

Amidst the holographic display of suits and weapons, the shopkeeper guided Keagan through the array of options, explaining their features and functionalities. Excitement coursed through Keagan as he examined each piece, imagining the possibilities they held.

As they perused the selection, a faint annoyance danced across the shopkeeper's face. His attention shifted momentarily to the entrance, where a young woman appeared, her expression tinged with impatience. Her eyes scanned the room until they locked onto Keagan, and she wasted no time approaching him.

The girl possessed an air of confidence and determination. Her attire exuded a sense of practicality and readiness for action. She wore a form-fitting suit of midnight blue, adorned with intricate silver trimmings that accentuated her athletic figure. The suit's fabric shimmered under the artificial lights, hinting at advanced technology woven within its fibers.

Her long, flowing ebony hair cascaded over her shoulders, accentuating her striking features. Her piercing gaze held a mix of intensity and kindness, mirroring the complexities of her character. As she moved with purpose, each step resonated with a silent assurance, showcasing the agility and strength she possessed.

"Are you the Spectral Guardian? The Central Hero Hub map tells me it's you" she inquired, her voice laced with irritation.

Caught off guard by her straightforwardness, Keagan hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, that's me," he responded, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

The girl's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Finally, you showed up," she remarked, her tone dripping with impatience. "We're already running late, and I've been waiting for you all day. I can't afford to miss out on my attribute points. Where were you? I thought you received the notification in the morning?"

“Uh, sorry, I was caught up a bit I had some errands to run,” Keagan said, trying to sound manly and firm.

“Errands? Excuse me, but you are a C-class hero, You're not even ranked what kind of errands are so important you can afford to miss your attribute points?” she asked in a sassy tone.

Keagan failed to answer and there was a growing length of awkward silence. She finally decided to interject.

“Anyways, hurry up. Finish whatever this is and let's get a move on,”

“I'm sorry, let me finish up here and we'll be on our way,” Keagan replied. He combed through the selection of suits, occasionally throwing glances at her from the corner of his eye. There was no hiding, there was something about her that he could not point out that was drawing him towards her, she was fiddling with a display device on her wrist waiting for Keagan to finalize his decision.

Among the sea of suits, one particular ensemble caught Keagan's eye. It emanated an aura of sleek sophistication and power, beckoning him closer. The suit stood out from the rest, boasting a vibrant combination of deep crimson and obsidian black.

The fabric shimmered under the ambient light, as if infused with energy. Intricate silver patterns adorned its surface, tracing a web of designs that conveyed a sense of elegance and strength. The material appeared to be a fusion of advanced nanofibers, offering both durability and flexibility.

The suit's design emphasized a balance between form and function. It hugged the wearer's frame, accentuating their physique without sacrificing comfort. Strategic padding adorned the vital areas, providing extra protection without hindering mobility. The sleek lines and contoured edges lent an air of fluidity and agility to the overall aesthetic.

Embedded within the suit were various high-tech components. Thin strips of luminescent material lined the edges, their soft glow pulsating. Hidden compartments concealed an array of gadgets and tools, ready to be accessed at a moment's notice.

As Keagan reached out to select the suit, a surge of anticipation coursed through him. He imagined himself donning the garment, feeling its power course through his veins. It was a bold and extravagant choice, a testament to his ambition and desire to stand out. 

"My guy, that suit is worth 12,000 dollars without its utilities. I don't advise you to spend that much money while starting out," the shopkeeper said.

Keagan glanced back at the girl, Emberlyn, who seemed to share the same sentiment. However, a part of him yearned to flaunt his newfound confidence. He turned to the shopkeeper, determination in his eyes.

"It's fine. This will suit me well," he declared, dismissing the shopkeeper's warning. With a resolute press of the buy icon, he bypassed the cautionary assurance, ignoring any doubts that crept into his mind. Without hesitation, he confirmed the purchase by selecting the "yes" option.

In that instant, a soft sound resonated from deep within him, akin to the gentle chime of a bell hanging from a cat's collar.

DING!

His augmented display materialized before him, the items tab flashing with the newly acquired suit. Keagan eagerly tapped on it, and as if by magic, the suit materialized before his very eyes. Like an ethereal serpent, it slithered up and down his body, conforming to his every contour with a snug fit.

The fabric hummed with power, pulsating with a vibrant energy that seemed to resonate with his own spirit. A surge of exhilaration coursed through him as he marveled at the transformation. The suit felt like a second skin, empowering him with a newfound sense of capability.

Emberylin stared at the suit, with judgemental eyes yet she also felt admiration towards the suit design. 

“Okay let’s go, were done here aren't we?” she said as she turned to face the exit, already taking her first step. Keagan jolted from his seat, thanking the shopkeeper and waving him goodbye, he waved back, still surprised that he had spent that much money.

“That was foolish of you, who are you trying to impress?” she asked as Keagan jogged lightly to catch up to her.

“A C-Class spending that much money on a suit, it's like you want your career to end prematurely,” she said.

“I’m fine, I can afford it,” he said.

“I bet you come from a rich family huh, no wonder you're clueless about this kind of stuff,” she said with disregard, assuming everything.

Emberlyn chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Just remember, it's not the suit that makes the hero, but what you do while wearing it. Fancy attire won't guarantee success rich boy. Come on. Were already late we have to report for the patrol"