Yo,

I'm back with the next chapter of The Dragon Gamer. After going through the suggestions and running the possibilities in my mind and with my friend eho has experience in writing Gamer fics, I've decided to continue the story with few changes. You'll understand how things are going to change in detail in this chapter and the coming chapters.

Let me know what you feel and suggest any changes you think can help me better the story.

Before we dive into our newest chap, there is one last thing-

Here's a link to my super private server on discord where I'll keep on updating sneak peeks of the chapters, Character designs and where you can freely talk and ask things regarding my fics directly from me. I'm most active there:

It's a relatively new server, so please show some love 3

Link: discord . Gg / SPsSwAcq4b

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Name: Black Dawn

As always, thank you for your continued love and support.

"Normal speech" people talking.

'Normal thought' people thinking.

"Ddraig" Ddraig or other dragons speaking.

'Ddraig/ Other Dragon thought' Ddraig/ other Dragons thinking.

System speaking

"Jutsu/ Magic" is being used.

Enjoy.

The Dragon Gamer

Chapter 10

The Broken System - 1

In the peaceful setting of Paradise, Aurva, Ddraig, and Elena gathered to hash out their next steps. The calm surroundings are a stark contrast to the storm of strategies brewing among them.

Standing tall, Aurva turned to his companions, ready to lay down his plan. "So here is the plan, we are going to lay low, not revealing too much of m-our power at school. Mainly because of the two Devil Heiresses there. It's crucial for what's ahead," he began, making sure Elena caught up, given her unfamiliarity with the canon details he knew.

Elena, not thrilled about going back to school, voiced her thoughts, "Why not leave town instead, Aurva-kun?" Due to Aurva getting her the same translation ability, she is able to talk and write in any language she wants to. He also gave her some more to protect her better.

Turning to her, Aurva understood her hesitation but explained why fleeing isn't a viable option. "Leaving might offer temporary relief, but it won't solve our problems. The threats we face have a wide reach. Besides, running away doesn't align with our goal. To become strong, we must face strong enemies. The school is a strategic point for this, given the influential figures there and the knack of Dragons attracting trouble.

"This will offer us a buffer while allowing us to deal with all enemies that face us with ease as Rias doesn't care much for anyone intruding on her territory as she has other concerns," Aurva said with a confident smirk.

Though confused by the lack of knowledge, Elena didn't question Aurva's theory as she deemed it her responsibility to follow his every command not because she is his vassal, but as his lover. As someone he can trust to be on his side. Their relationship blossomed into a beautiful love over the weeks, both of them falling for one another.

Ddraig stayed quiet, absorbing everything. Aurva continued with his explanations, but he felt something in the back of his mind nagging at him, warning him something is not right. His tone dulled, and soon, he lost focus to find what's wrong with him.

Seeing the dull tone, Ddraig finally broke his silence. "What's wrong, Aurva? It's not like you to be dull."

Aurva turned to him in surprise. "I don't know, Ddraig. Something seems off. I feel as if there is a hole in my chest, filled with the coldest of ice I've ever felt." Aurva said, suddenly gasping.

"Aurva!" Elena ran to his side, catching him before he fell. Ddraig is taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

"Gamer's Body, activate," Aurva managed to utter, relying on the system to rectify the anomaly.

Request acknowledged. Activating Gamer's Body.

Activation Failed. The system responded, sending shockwaves through Ddraig and Aurva. Aurva's complexion turned ashen.

"What do you mean you can't activate Gamer's BODY!? HE IS THE GAMER! ACTIVATE HIS DAMN SKILL!" Ddraig yelled in Paradise, surprising Elena as she hadn't seen Ddraig this angry before, even when she poisoned Aurva.

Do you wish to enter maintenance mode? The system asked while Aurva's face paled even more, he is unable to speak or even think properly due to the chilly coldness that's spreading through his veins.

Ddraig turned to Aurva for an answer, but seeing the pitiful condition of his partner, Ddraig got enraged, his power skyrocketing in rage. "See here, System. He is the 1st human I have liked in a long time, I'll break you if that's what it takes to set him right."

The serene visage of Paradise is shattered by the sudden onset of Aurva's agony. His frame trembled as the coldness within his chest intensified, morphing into a relentless, gnawing void that threatened to consume him from the inside. The coldness seeped through his veins like icy tendrils, each heartbeat sending shivers rippling through his body. His breaths came out in ragged gasps, each inhale a battle against the bone-chilling cold that sought to engulf his core.

Aurva's face is a mask of torment, his usually calm red eyes now clouded with a storm of bewilderment and pain. The cold was not just physical, but it gnawed at his psyche, creating a chasm of dread that echoed with every throb of his heart.

On the sideline, Elena is in a swirl of emotions as she witnessed Aurva's ordeal. Her hands trembled slightly as she supported Aurva's staggering body, her pink eyes wide with a blend of fear and disbelief. The strong, composed Aurva she knew seemed to be ensnared in a whirlpool of agony she could neither comprehend nor alleviate.

Ddraig, meanwhile, is a tempest of fury and determination. His draconic aura flared, its fiery tendrils contrasting the icy torment encasing Aurva.

Knowing better than leaping into the unknown terrain of Maintenance Mode, Ddraig sought to understand the implications of it before. His voice, tinged with a blend of urgency and caution, he questioned the system. "System, explain the pros and cons of activating Maintenance Mode."

The system's response is as cold and impersonal as its digital nature. Efficacy of Maintenance Mode is contingent upon the acumen of the technician. It chimed, offering nothing concrete to satisfy Ddraig's brewing storm of concerns. As it only said it will get a technician and nothing else.

Ddraig is thrown into a loop of indecision. The vague answer provided no comfort, only emphasising the gamble that lay ahead. His draconic eyes bore into the interface, trying to decipher any hint of assurance from the digital abyss, but to no avail. He missed the rational comfort Gamer's mind provided at this time.

While Elena's concern morphed into a cascade of questions. "Why the hesitation, Sekiryuutei? Shouldn't we act promptly?" Her voice trembled slightly as she witnessed Aurva's agony escalating with each passing moment.

Unable to bear the sight of Aurva writhing in pain, Elena took it upon herself to initiate the Maintenance Mode. "System, enter maintenance mode!" She said in a firm tone, not doubting her decision.

However, the system promptly rejected her attempt. Insufficient authority. Only the Gamer or the Dragon may override default settings. It responded, extinguishing the flicker of hope that had momentarily ignited within her.

Her eyes, now brimming with a blend of desperation and helplessness, turned towards Ddraig. "Please, do something!" she implored, her plea resonating through the silence that has engulfed Paradise.

Ddraig, too, is battling a storm within. His dragon heart pounded in uncertainty and fear. The bond he has forged with Aurva is unlike any other, a camaraderie that went beyond the realms of human and dragon, a bond forged in the crucible of shared dreams and battles armed with the knowledge of the future.

As another wave of agony rippled through Aurva, contorting his face into a mask of torment, the decision was made. The gamble, no matter how perilous, is a risk Ddraig is willing to take for his companion. He only hoped Aurva's Perks help them in the endeavour.

With a deep breath that seemed to draw courage from the depths of his draconic soul, Ddraig commanded, "System, initiate Maintenance Mode." His voice is a blend of resolve and desperation, echoing through the eerie silence. "Do whatever it takes to rectify this anomaly!" he bellowed, the urgency in his voice resonating through the ethereal grounds of Paradise.

As Ddraig's command resonated through the silence, the atmosphere around them seemed to morph. Request Acknowledged. Entering Maintenance mode. The system replied, everything around them was engulfed in an eerie grey as if life was sucked out of it as time stopped with pixelation momentarily before reassembling, signifying the system's transition into Maintenance Mode. A new interface materialised in front of them, displaying a list of technicians along with a prompt to select one.

As Ddraig approached the screen, to explore the options and make a choice, the system autonomously selected a technician named 'Henry' from the list. In a swirl of code and pixels, a portal conjured before them, and out stepped Henry.

Henry is a figure that seemed to defy logic. His appearance is that of a sophisticated young technician with neatly combed black hair and a pristine white lab coat, with mischievously scrutinizing metallic grey eyes. His demeanour is calm and composed, but the wild grin that adorned his face as he stepped into Paradise is anything but reassuring. Ddraig went on high alert. This character triggered something primal in the Celestial Dragon and he didn't like the feeling.

Henry greeted them with a cheerfulness that seemed out of place in the grim situation. "Greetings! Oh, mighty Dragon and dear beauty. I'm Henry, your technician for today, reporting to duty," he announced with a flourish, his voice carrying an eerie joviality.

Ddraig and Elena exchanged puzzled glances but were swiftly brought back to the grim reality by Aurva's tormented groans. His body is now almost completely paralyzed by the icy agony coursing through him.

Henry, seemingly unphased by Aurva's dire state, pranced over to the struggling figure, his fingers dancing over a holographic console that materialised from the system interface in front of him. "Let's see here," he said, tapping on Aurva's Status screen. It asked for a tech code.

"System, this is Henry, Techie ID: #11619. Tech Code: σ1289ω." Henry said and got an instant reply.

Techie ID and Tech code matched. Initiating command control transfer to Technician.

Transfer successful. The System said.

Suddenly, a powerful voice resonated from the console, reverberating through the tranquil setting of Paradise. "Techie Henry, take care of the maintenance. I expect nothing less than exceptional results," the voice commanded, authoritative and demanding.

Startled by the abrupt intrusion, Ddraig and Elena exchanged bewildered glances, while Henry immediately snapped to attention, responding with a deferential, "Yes, Master."

The authoritative command cast a new light on the situation, showcasing a higher echelon of control beyond Henry. The realisation that there is a higher authority overseeing the maintenance sent a ripple of concern through Ddraig and Elena.

As the control transitioned to Henry following the commanding voice, a palpable shift occurred. Aurva suddenly froze, his body going rigid as if an unseen force had put him in stasis. His eyes, which have been darting between Henry and the console, now stared blankly ahead, a reflection of the eerie calm that has enveloped him.

As a result, Henry's stroll towards Aurva seemed to defy the urgency of the moment. His pace is unhurried, his demeanour relaxed, almost whimsical. As he made his way to Aurva, he turned to Elena and Ddraig, deciding to spice things up.

"So, how do you find the virtual ambience of the game?" Henry inquired, his tone light and conversational as if they were gathered for a casual chat rather than a critical intervention.

Ddraig's response is terse, his patience wearing thin. "Our friend is in distress. We need you to address that immediately."

Henry chuckled, "Oh, we shall. But first, let's talk about remuneration, shall we? After all, a craftsman must secure his dues."

His casual banter is infuriating yet disarming at the same time. Elena, trying to steer the conversation back to the pressing matter, interjected, "Please, can we discuss the payment after you've looked into the issue with Aurva-kun?"

Henry wagged a finger playfully, "Ah, but my dear, discussing terms post-service is a bad business model. Now, let's see…" His eyes scanned Aurva's interface, finally settling on a tab labelled 'Skills'.

Status Window

Name: Issei Hyoudou (Stark D Aurva)

Age: 17

Titles: Stray Slayer, Celestial Dragon, Oppai Baka

Race- Human-Fallen (8 Winged)

Job: The Gamer.

Level: Lvl 35 (12.89%)

HP: 28,675/28,675 Regen: 35% pm.

MP: 10,332/10,332 Regen: 35% pm.

CP: 8,134/8,134 Regen: 35% pm.

Control: 52%

STR: 130

VIT: 115

DEX: 150

INT: 123

WIS: 128

CHA: 150

LUCK: 69

Stat Points: 0

Money: $590 Million

Skill Window

Gamer's Mind. Passive. Lvl Max.

Gamer's Body. Passive Lvl Max.

.

.

.

Arondight

Celestial Blessing

Perks

Lover of Luck

Intelligent

Flaws

Sinful (Oppai Baka)

"Ah, here we are. I'll take payment in the form of skills. A fair exchange, don't you think?" Henry asked with a knowing smirk.

Ddraig and Elena are aghast, it's more in the case of Ddraig than Elena. He knew he was in no position to bargain, and the nature of the payment was beyond unorthodox. Before he could voice his objections, Henry continued, his tone now carrying a hint of sincerity.

"You see, the beauty of Maintenance Mode is that it places the Gamer in a state of stasis if you didn't notice. He won't deteriorate further while we chat. It's a pause button on his predicament," he explained, his wild smile never faltering.

His explanation did little to quench their anxiety, but it did explain why Aurva's agony seemed to have plateaued.

Henry's eyes are now fixed on the skills interface, his grin widening as he scrolled through the list. "Ah, the skills of a Gamer... a funnel of potential. I'll take a few (?) skills as payment for my services. Fair, isn't it?"

His casual demeanour masked the gravity of the demand. Skills are a core aspect of Aurva's capabilities, and parting with them is no trivial matter. Yet, the choice is hardly theirs to make.

Ddraig clenched his fists, the reality of their helplessness gnawing at him. Elena, too, felt a cold dread settling in as Henry finally turned his attention towards the paralyzed Aurva, his whimsical facade giving way to a focused, methodical technician.

"Oh, what's this? Seems like he didn't use his 3rd wish. Guess I can't push everything on you 2. Since he got himself a ticket, I'll fix him up and continue our chat." Henry smirked, now this makes things interesting.

As the System technician, he is God, at least for the moment. Of course, the Master can always overwrite his commands, but Henry knew the Master trusts them enough to not interfere and he won't say no to some fun. And so with that thought in mind, Henry delved into diagnosing the anomaly afflicting Aurva, Ddraig and Elena could only watch with bated breath, their hopes now hinged on the peculiar, perplexing figure that is Henry.

The conversation with him had been a rollercoaster of emotions, each word he spoke was a blend of whimsy and sharp reality, a trait that kept them on edge as they ventured into the unknown territory of restoring Aurva's stability.

As Henry approached the tormented figure of Aurva, his whimsical demeanour shifted. His eyes narrowed, and his movements became deliberate and methodical. The chaotic whimsy that defined him seemed to morph into a focused determination. The holographic interface around Aurva buzzed to life as Henry's fingers danced across the virtual keys and screens that appeared around him.

The strings that flashed across the interface were incomprehensible to Ddraig and Elena, yet every keystroke by Henry seemed to resonate with an orchestrated precision. The nonsensical nature of his previous banter seemed to have transmuted into an astute expertise.

With each passing moment, the tension in the air thickened. Ddraig and Elena watched with bated breath as Henry delved deeper into the digital abyss that held Aurva captive in a cloak of icy torment.

Suddenly, a torrent of dragons burst forth from the interface, swirling around Aurva. It is as if Henry had struck at the heart of the anomaly. The swirling dragons as they weave around Aurva, started erasing a fragment of the icy shroud that had enveloped him.

Henry's fingers moved with a rhythmic cadence, each keystroke resonating through the digital realm, peeling away at the layers of the anomaly that gripped Aurva. The space around them seemed to vibrate with the energy of restoration.

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the flurry of activity ceased. The swirling Dragons dissolved into the ether, the holographic screens faded away, and a profound silence engulfed the scene.

Henry stepped back, his wild grin returning as he observed the fruits of his labour. Aurva's form seemed to relax, the agonising tension that had gripped his frame dissipated, replaced by a serene composure.

Aurva slowly awakened, his eyes now clear and full of life. He took a deep breath, finally free from the torment he had endured. The relief was tangible as the icy prison that had held him dissolved, leaving him with a newfound sense of freedom.

Sitting up, Aurva found himself face to face with Henry, who wore a smug smile. The eccentric technician had successfully resolved the anomaly that threatened to trap Aurva in eternal suffering.

The stark contrast between Henry's whimsical demeanour and his precise expertise left Ddraig and Elena utterly amazed and relieved.

With Aurva now in a state of recovery, the atmosphere lightened, but the whimsical persona of Henry didn't fade. He looked at them, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous spark. "Ever wondered why Dragons share an equal authority on the Gamer System as the Gamer?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

The question caught all of them off guard. Aurva relaxed in Elena's lap while Ddraig sat beside his now-recovered partner. They had never pondered on the structural intricacies of the system that Aurva wielded.

Seeing the perplexed expressions on their faces, Henry chuckled and decided to unravel another layer of the mystery surrounding the system. "Oh, the tales that the System holds," he mused, his voice carrying a tune of ancient secrets.

"The creator of the Gamer System is no ordinary entity. He was a Dragon, a majestic creature with an insatiable thirst for power and knowledge. However, he found the limitations of his dragon form restrictive in the pursuit of ultimate power," Henry began, his tone now carrying a touch of reverence.

"He reincarnated as a human, melding the essence of a Dragon with the limitless potential of a human mind. This fusion led to the birth of the Gamer System, a perfect blend of draconic might and human ingenuity," he continued his words painting a vivid picture of a transcendental endeavour.

"The Dragon-human, our Master harboured a soft spot for his dragon lineage, hence he granted Dragons equal authority on the system. A tribute to his origins, a bridge between what he was and what he had become," Henry elaborated, his words resonating with a depth of understanding that seemed to transcend the whimsical facade he wore.

His explanation cast a new light on the unique partnership between Aurva and Ddraig, an embodiment of the dual essence that the creator of the Gamer System had envisioned.

With a smirk, Henry looked at Aurva and Ddraig. "Your partnership is not an accident; it's a legacy," he said, the smirk morphing into a knowing smile, with a flick of his wrist, he summoned the holographic interface once again. The air seemed to buzz with a latent tension as he prepared to delve into the cause of the anomaly that had nearly ensnared Aurva in a void of icy torment. As everyone is ready to reason now.

"Your system," he began, his tone carrying a hint of critique, "is in a chaotic mess of contradictory energies. You have skills from different origins and different realms. Magic and chakra, for instance, vibrate at different frequencies, and follow different rules. Combining them without a harmonising protocol can cause... well, you've just experienced it," he said, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

As Henry navigated through the numbers, the screen displayed a barrage of error messages that had accumulated over time. It is a testament to a system stretched thin by the conflicting energies it housed.

"The emergency protocol that kicked in when you took on a partner," Henry continued, his eyes scanning the errors, "is an attempt by the system to rectify the contradiction. But alas, it spiralled into a cascade of errors, each trying to fix the other, yet pulling the system further into an abyss of anomalies."

His explanation unveiled the delicate balance that maintained the system's functionality, a balance that had been disrupted by the influx of contradictory energies.

As Henry spoke, Ddraig and Elena found themselves drawn into the intricate web of codes and protocols that defined the system. However, Aurva's reaction is starkly different. His eyes narrowed, a wary expression taking over as he pieced together the implications of Henry's words.

Henry stopped and looked directly at Aurva. The malicious glint in his eyes sent a shiver down Aurva's spine. They both knew what this meant. The knowing look that Aurva wore is met with a sinister smile by Henry. It is a smile that carried within it an understanding of the storm that loomed on the horizon.

Henry's ominous smile seemed to stretch wider as he revelled in the dawning realisation on Aurva's face. The playful facade had given way to a menacing clarity, a clarity that hinted at the tumult that awaited.

But suddenly, Henry's demeanour turned somewhat contemplative as he navigated through the cascade of data on the screen. The malicious smile faded, replaced by a look of genuine intrigue. "Aurva, you've achieved something quite remarkable," he began, his tone carrying a note of admiration. "You're the first successful Gamer to fully awaken and utilise the system to such an extent in this world. It's... unprecedented."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The Paradise seemed to hold its breath as Henry delved deeper into the anomaly that had nearly crippled Aurva.

"The system was designed to adapt and evolve with the Gamer, to learn and grow from every experience," Henry explained, his fingers dancing across the screen, sifting through strings of code. "However, your rapid ascension, the assimilation of contradictory energies, threw the system into uncharted territory. It didn't know how to interpret this sudden surge of power, the blending of chakra and magic, among other things."

He gestured to the screen where a graph displayed Aurva's exponential growth in skills and power. "The system responded by ballooning your growth, unlocking a multitude of skills in an attempt to harmonise the conflicting energies. However, this only exacerbated the issue, creating a feedback loop of errors and contradictions."

Henry's words painted a clear picture of a system struggling to keep pace with Aurva's unprecedented progression, a silent battle waged in the depths of code and protocols.

He looked at Aurva with a mix of admiration and caution. "You've ventured into realms that the system was not prepared for. The skills you've acquired, they're not just codes. They are the essence of different worlds, different realities. The way you've merged them, it's... fascinating, yet perilous."

The room went silent as the gravity of Henry's explanation settled in. Aurva had not merely been levelling up in a game; he had been weaving the fabric of different realms, melding energies that were never meant to coexist. And the system, despite its sophisticated design, had been overwhelmed by the magnitude of Aurva's exploits.

Henry's eyes met Aurva's, the earlier maliciousness replaced by a respectful acknowledgement of the uncharted path Aurva had carved. "You've pushed the boundaries, Aurva. The anomaly is the system's desperate attempt to reconcile with the realm you've ventured into," he said before the interface flickered.

As the interface steadied once more in the ethereal space, Henry's expression turned solemn. His playful demeanour from earlier seemed like a distant memory now as he prepared to lay down the truth before them.

"Your extraordinary journey has unfortunately caused a fracture in the system's core," he began, his words carrying a sense of gravity. "The system, in its endeavour to adapt to your ascent, overreached and ended up tearing at its own fabric. It's like a glass that's been filled beyond its capacity, threatening to shatter. A Broken System."

He paused, letting the implication of his words simmer in the room. The uneasy silence is broken only by the hum of the system as it continued to operate in maintenance mode.

"And while we're on the subject," he continued, "you should know that you're still in System Maintenance Mode, Aurva. The anomaly has been stabilised, but the core issue remains. The conflicting energies within you along with the ballon of skills still pose a threat to the system's integrity."

His words painted a grim picture, one that hinted at a lurking danger ready to surface at any moment.

"And now, for the price of the repair," Henry said, his gaze fixed on Aurva. The playfulness is gone, replaced by a cold business-like demeanour. "I had initially thought of few core skills as a fair trade. However, given the extent of the anomaly and the effort required to stabilise the system," he paused, a dramatic tension building up in the room, "I will need..."

And Cut.

That's it for this Chapter, folks. Hope you all liked it. Tell me what you think of the chapter and story in general.

Hope to see you in the server.

Link: discord . Gg / SPsSwAcq4b

Remove the spaces

Name: Black Dawn

Any suggestions are welcomed.

See y'all in the next chapter.

Black Infinity 1289,

Ja Ne.