A boy standing in front of a gym stared at his appearance reflected in the door, his pale skin with red hair and dark sunglasses. His coming to the gym wasn't for aesthetic reasons —
Not only that, this guy had bought a one-million device, something unheard of in the community.
"Hpmh. He may even have a Zeny 17, but who cares, the Ape 13 does the same thing!"
Henry didn't want to admit they weren't equal, one was worth millions with a built-in AI while the other was the cheapest — The important thing was that they showed where bosses would spawn for you to defeat.
"Found it!"
After passing through the door, what he saw scared him, the guy was gigantic in size with muscles almost bursting through his coat. With strange tattoos on his face and arms. Everyone surrounded him.
"He seems charismatic..."
A small envy grew in his chest, however what the big guy did surprised Henry.
"Guys, I've already talked with my friends, so I'll be heading out, but before that I'm giving you a surprise, one month of free gym paid by me."
Everyone burst into praise and joy for that guy, including Henry who was applauding more than anyone.
"Gentlemen, enjoy it, and one more thing, I'm looking for capable people to help me on my journey to become a King rank."
Silence took over the people, including Henry who was stunned, nobody shouted anymore — For others it was too risky, but for him this was his chance to change his life.
"Choose me, sir!"
The muscular man searched the crowd for whoever said that, he was surprised that someone had actually accepted. What his eyes found was a red-haired boy with a skinny appearance, almost like someone starving...
"Hu-hum... Anyone else?"
Everyone stayed silent and some started leaving since their gym reward had already been worth the long trip.
"Okay, since no one volunteers, I'll be going."
Henry was shocked, he had spoken out loud, and when he tried to repeat it again he felt a gust of wind pass by him. The big man had vanished, but a sound passed by his ear.
"Good luck, kid, check your pocket, I left you a nice surprise for your courage."
Hearing that, his forehead vein popped out, that guy had run away and still wanted to bribe him with a cheap gift, so Henry left the gym looking down while the crowd drifted away.
**
The world changed when monstrous beings called Calions attacked humanity, they were something impossible to defeat until one person manifested power beyond atomic bombs.
That person disappeared along with the technique used, but an engineering student ended up discovering it and created a device called Zony 17 which soon became a historical milestone and allowed access to your body and the viewing of status hidden from humanity.
Soon the Calion slayers known as Million emerged and this battle continues to this day.
Abilities classified as basic, intermediate and top tier are difficult and highly sought after. Facing a Supreme rank Calion is something humanity still dreams of.
**
"Let's see what he said he gave me."
When he opened his pocket something truly scared him, it was a black and heavy device that looked like a round-shaped phone with an interface on the screen.
[Welcome to Zeny 17]
Real tears streamed down his face, the son of a bitch was actually a good guy, that's what Henry thought.
"Hahaha! One day I'll help you, my friend."
When accessing it, a notification sounded on the device.