Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons - Chapter 163

Chapter 163: James
Arthur headed back to the inn, his steps slightly hurried. His daily limit was nearly up. He had maybe a few minutes left before the system forcibly logged him out.

There was no point rushing to turn in the mission now—twelve hours in reality would pass before he could return, which meant twenty-four hours would pass in the game world. He would submit it the next time he logged back in.

As he entered his room, a notification flashed before his eyes.

[System Notice: Daily Playtime Limit Reached.]

[Logging out in 10… 9… 8…]

Arthur exhaled as the world around him shattered like glass, pixelated fragments dissolving into nothing.

When he opened his eyes, he was no longer inside the inn’s room.

He was back in his dorm room, seated on the couch where he had logged in.

Arthur blinked away the lingering immersion, adjusting to the dim lighting of his room. A quick glance toward the window revealed morning sunlight creeping in, leaving a golden hue over the military base outside.

Another day begins…

Sitting up, he stretched before rubbing the back of his neck. It wasn’t the battles in-game that bothered him—it was the fact that he was in enemy territory.

Every move he made was being watched.

Arthur knew it.

If they hadn’t already planned on questioning him about what had happened in the mayor’s office, they soon would.

The thought made him sigh. It’s only a matter of time.

But first—

He needed a shower.

Arthur stripped out of his casual clothes and stepped into shower, letting the hot water cascade down his body.

For a moment, everything felt… normal.

Just the steady rhythm of water against tile.

But that moment was fleeting.

His mind refused to shut off, already running through his next moves.

The city of Caldera was huge, filled with opportunities and dangers alike. He had barely scratched the surface.

Then there was the military, watching him like a hawk.

He had lied to Adam. Framed the mayor. Manipulated the system so he could operate freely while Adam rotted in a cell.

Would they suspect him?

Would they find out?

Arthur’s jaw tightened. He couldn’t afford to slip. Not now.

He had so much on his plate, that his body almost shut down due to overload. He had to plan for the military and its old monsters, whilst also worrying about his presence in the city being leaked. He also had to find a cure for his sister, and for that, he needed to get strong. Incredibly strong.

‘The world will merge soon, I can’t afford to be weak when that happens. Death will most likely become true death at that time.’ Arthur thought, with a grim look on his face.

After drying off, he dressed in a fresh set of clothes—a simple black shirt, black pants, he had bought with Charlotte when he first earned a decent amount of money from Armageddon.

Then, without hesitation, he stepped outside.

The corridors were silent, save for the distant sound of voices echoing through the halls.

Arthur walked heading toward the exit.

As he neared the exit, he passed by the front office where Raymond, the dormitory guard, was stationed.

Raymond glanced up from his desk.

“Good afternoon.”

Arthur gave a polite nod. “Good afternoon.”

Although he despised him, just like Adam and Donald, he had to act like he was respectful. He couldn’t show outright hostility, otherwise, things will become more complicated than they were already.

He was about to keep moving—

But Raymond stopped him.

“Wait.”

Arthur’s brows lifted slightly, but he turned to face him.

“Yes, Sir?”

Raymond leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Donald told me you’re new here. Said you don’t know the base layout yet.”

Arthur remained silent, waiting.

Raymond continued, “It’s easy to get lost if you don’t know where you’re going. So, instead of letting you wander blindly, I figured I’d have someone show you around.”

Arthur fought the urge to roll his eyes.

But he played along. If he could get someone to show him around then why not. It’s not like an extra person spying on him will make a difference.

“Alright.” He nodded. “Thanks.”

Raymond smirked. “Sit tight for a few minutes. I’ll call someone.”

Arthur sat down on one of the chairs nearby. The room was sparse—only a desk with a computer, a couple of chairs, and a few shelves with military files stacked neatly in labeled folders.

He waited.

Then—

Footsteps approached.

A young man stepped into view.

His hair was red, and long, and his expression held a permanent mischievous grin. His build was lean but athletic, and his casual demeanour made him immediately stand out from the other stiff, no-nonsense soldiers. (Mentioned in Chapter 11, briefly)

Raymond’s tone shifted, more relaxed, as he addressed the newcomer.

“James.”

The redhead gave a mock salute, grinning. “Raymond.”

Raymond chuckled. “This is Arthur. He’s new here. Donald assigned him to this dorm, a first-class room more specifically, so he’ll need someone to show him the ropes.”

James turned toward Arthur, his grin widening as he extended a hand.

“Nice to meet you, bro. My name’s James.”

Arthur studied him for a second, then reached out to shake his hand.

“Arthur.”

James’s grip was firm, but not aggressive.

“So, you’re the new guy, huh?” James leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. “So, tell me, Where do you want to go first? Any ideas?”

Arthur shrugged. “Whatever,”

James chuckled. “Alright,”

Raymond waved a hand. “Alright, you two can go. James, don’t get him into trouble.”

James grinned. “Me? Trouble? Never.”

Arthur exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.

As the two of them walked down the corridor, James glanced at Arthur with amusement.

“So, tell me, Arthur… you got any idea what you just signed up for?”

Arthur smirked. “Kind of but not really. But I have a feeling you’re about to tell me.”

James laughed. “Damn right, I am. Let’s get started.”

Meanwhile…

“Go, Lupin!”

Jasmine’s excited voice rang through the clearing as the silver-furred wolf leapt forward.

Lupin’s Howl of Fury, had given her a boost that she enjoyed.

The unfortunate targeted wolf barely had time to react before Lupin lunged, jaws clamping down on its throat.

Jasmine grinned, already nocking another arrow.

Thwack!

Her shot landed right between the creature’s eyes, the impact sending it crashing lifelessly to the ground.

Jasmine let out an excited laugh.

“Hehe!” she smirked, stretching her arms. “Leveling up is sooo fun. If I knew it felt this good, I would’ve been doing this my entire life!”

Lupin paused mid-stride, giving her a long, unimpressed side-eye.

“…What?” Jasmine blinked at him. “Don’t give me that look. Meanie!”

Lupin sighed through his nose and shook his head.

This human…

The poor wolf had been running, biting, howling, tanking, and doing 98% of the work for hours. Meanwhile, Jasmine had sat back, loosed a few arrows, and celebrated like she had personally wrestled a dragon to the ground.

Lupin looked around the battlefield, counting.

Ten wolves.

He had fought ten level 5 wolves, whilst also protecting Jasmine and making sure she got the last hit to get more experience.

The wolf resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

Jasmine, however, was blissfully unaware of his judgment.

She jogged over, picking up the loot, humming a tune. “Oh wow! This one dropped a Rare equipment! What do you think, Lupin? Should I sell it or keep it?”

Lupin said nothing.

Jasmine laughed. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I should focus on leveling up.”

Lupin still said nothing.

Mostly because he couldn’t talk, otherwise…

Lupin sighed.

Why did his master leave him with this human again?

Even though, he internally complained. Still, he crouched low, preparing for the next hunt.