The Distinguished Mr. Rose Chapter 7: Chapter 7: What Do You Mean, Tetanus?

Read chapter 7 of The Distinguished Mr. Rose by QuiteTheSlacker on NovelPedia.

Chapter 7: What Do You Mean, Tetanus? Marco let out a tired groan and rubbed his eyes. “The hell does it mean, tutorial? You tellin’ me after all that we’re not even at the starting line?” “These strange windows did say this was a screening, Mister Bernardi,” Lucius said. “A preliminary culling, so to speak. They thin our numbers, filter out the dispensable, until only a select few are left to participate in their sordid game.” He was still unaware of their intentions, those masterminds out of sight. The little Mari’s unfortunate death showed they cared not for the young: deemed them too worthless to even consider giving a chance. No, they only cared for the able-bodied, those with minds fully developed. They sought to change humanity’s preconceived morality. They forced flagellation upon them, confession, and granted powers beyond rational comprehension. These mysterious figures did not desire to eliminate mankind; no, this all seemed to Lucius like one big test. But for what? “Competition… competition…” Lucius muttered to himself. “The Competition of the Stars. That was what the screen called it, if I remember correctly. Just what do Stars mean? Perhaps they are akin to gods? Oh dear, I suppose this revelation will cause many a breakdown for those of religious beliefs.” Well, the specifics weren’t important. All in due time as Lucius liked to say. If heaven existed, then that was just swell. If the cycle of reincarnation was true, then even better to continue his trade. Lucius was a man who lived in the moment, and right now, he simply wished to see through this amusing adventure to the end. >[As a reward for the three players who underwent the Orientation’s challenges, a random weapon box will be gifted. Please take a moment to prepare yourself. When you are ready, step through the door and enter the Tutorial]< Soon, a curious floating box with a question mark appeared in front of Lucius. This day truly had no shortage of excitement. “... Wait, what?” Jack said, voice stuttering as he waited for a box that would never come. “Why didn’t I get one?” “Is it not obvious?” Lucius said. “You were the only one spared from partaking in the trials. I assume these rewards are meant to serve as a condolence for the mental anguish we suffered.” Lucius didn’t really suffer at all though, save for some stark disappointment in nipping a potential bud so wastefully. “How was I supposed to know that? If I did, I would’ve…” Jack’s voice trailed to a whisper, and his demeanor grew stiff. Lucius had to hide a chuckle before the sight. Would you really? The answer was no. Jack did not have the same resilience as Marco, nor the innocence of Mili, nor the classy can-do attitude of Lucius. The squeamish man had to come to terms with it: if it were not for his fellows, he would have never passed the test… except maybe the first one. Lucius doubted he’d come out mentally sound, however. But nevermind him now. Lucius had some gambling to do! He touched the floating box, and soon, a charming visual of a roulette spun past his eyes. On and on it went, playing a most catchy jingle, before eventually slowing down and landing on his fateful implement. *(NEW!) Obtained [1] Rusty Knife Description: A rusted knife made of poor quality material. The blade is corroded and is unlikely to inflict much harm, but you may be able to get a few slashes out of it before it breaks. Has a 0.01% chance of inflicting Tetanus upon dealing damage. Lucius had used many a knife over the course of his life, but this one was by far the most wimpy of the lot. Still, he didn’t complain. The weapon itself mattered little compared to how one used it; anything can be a treasure in the right hands. Lucius looked over to the others. Contrary to his poor luck, Marco obtained a pair of high-quality brass knuckles - a fitting weapon for the old mobster. Mili on the other hand held a sturdy spear made of steel. It was tall, taller than the lady herself, but she had no problem wielding it: