Chapter 5: Status
Ace didn’t head straight home. He ducked into the corner restaurant where no one would notice him and ordered a grand supper. Money wasn’t a problem; he still had plenty of allowance and the Chessboard Apocalypse was three months away.
The only hassle right now was the thugs craving payback, but Ace couldn’t care less. One glance at the night sky let him picture them sprawled across a bench—or under it.
An adorable waitress carried over a tray stacked with steak, miso soup, kimchi, and an electrolyte tonic.
"Here’s your grand supper! Enjoy, and wave me down if you need anything else. I’ll be right over."
"Thanks," Ace said.
He dug in, savoring the flavors. After a few bites he whispered, "Status," and a fresh Ranker profile popped up.
[Name: Ace Avalanche]
[Status: Ranker (—)]
[Age: 18]
[Skills: Brawler (II), Sprinter’s Stride (I), Attack Speed (I)]
[Title: The Returner (Legendary)]
[Ranker’s Privileges—None]