Utopian System
Chapter 147 - 147: System's Humor

The training field, designated for preparing recruits to face the book's second challenge, buzzed with activity as new recruits lined up to receive their equipment.

In recent weeks, this had become the most sought-after training, packed with women determined to secure better lives for their families with double the usual mana.

But this was leaving the new regime short on instructors...

Kriz and Brok, recently appointed instructors by Elio, had already demonstrated their teaching skills and perhaps had nothing more important to do... So they supervised the organized chaos.

"Alright, rookies!" Brok shouted, his voice booming across the area. "You've conquered the first level, now it's time to overcome the second and gain some muscle!"

Kriz, at his side, couldn't suppress a grin. "Another day, another chance not to die," he quipped, stretching his arms above his head. His rabbit, Mirror Shot, leaped from his shoulder to land on the ground with a crystalline tinkle.

Brok shot him an exasperated look, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Focus, joker. We've got work to do."

As they distributed the equipment, max-level daggers, resistance cloaks, armor, and oxygen stones, Kriz noticed four familiar figures approaching.

Aria, Mei, Lila, and Valeria, the girls who had been hovering around Elio lately.

"Well, well," Kriz muttered to Brok. "Looks like Elio's number one fan club decided to join the party."

Brok grunted, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Watch it, Kriz. Last time you tried to flirt with a girl, your rabbit melted from embarrassment."

"Hey!" Kriz protested, feigning offense. "Mirror Shot and I have moved past that... He now understands my unique charm."

Brok grunted. "Behave. Remember, we're instructors now."

"Oh, come on," Kriz playfully elbowed him. "Where's your sense of humor? Did your muscles eat it?"

The girls approached, nervousness etched on their faces.

"We've decided to level up to level 2," Aria, the redhead of the group, announced.

"Excellent!" Kriz exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically. "Welcome to the new normal, 10 points isn't enough, right? We want 20 and 'Who needs a salamander when you can have a frog?'"

Mei, the amber-eyed one, frowned. "This is serious. We want to contribute to the city."

"Oh, I'm sure you want to 'contribute'," Kriz air-quoted with his fingers. "Especially if that contribution involves alone time with a certain dreamy-eyed leader, eh?"

The girls blushed.

"Is... is it that obvious?" Lila asked.

Brok let out a deep laugh. "Nah, Kriz is just being dramatic. As always."

"You wound me, Brok," Kriz said, clutching his heart. "I, who have been your faithful companion through so many battles..."

"The only battle you've fought is against common sense... Alone," Brok retorted, eliciting laughter from the girls.

Valeria rolled her eyes. "Is he always like this?"

"Since the fateful day I met him... Always," Brok confirmed with a resigned sigh.

Kriz began handing out the equipment.

"Ladies," he announced with an exaggerated flourish, "I present to you your new best friend: the 'Don't-Die-Today' kit. It contains everything a young lady needs for a romantic date with a killer frog..."

"We have max-level daggers here, one for practice and four for the big day. A water-resistant cloak, because no one wants to be wet in front of their deadly date. A max-level armor, which besides saving your lives, does wonders for the figure. And last but not least, an oxygen stone, because breathing is great and you should keep doing it... The spear, oh the spear, that..."

"Enough, Kriz," Brok growled. "Let's start the training. You four, take your equipment and head to the practice area."

Despite their initial irritation, the girls couldn't help but smile at Kriz's infectious enthusiasm. Even Brok, though feigning seriousness, seemed to be fighting a smile.

As the girls walked away, Kriz couldn't help but notice the way they exchanged glances, as if having a silent conversation.

"Hey, big guy," he murmured to Brok. "Don't you think there's something... different about them today?"

Brok nodded slowly. "I've noticed. They seem... conflicted."

♢♢♢♢

An 8-year-old Kriz was doing a silly dance in front of his stepsister in the Alarien house's living room.

"Kristoff, wasting time again? You should be studying God's teachings."

"But Aunt Mara, I'm just..."

"No buts. In this household, there's no room for nonsense; the energy you waste fooling around costs mana."

♢♢♢♢

Years later, in the kitchen...

"That joke was terrible, Kris," Lina burst out laughing.

"Yeah? Well, your face when I told it was priceless, sis."

"Never change... Your sense of humor is the only thing that makes living here bearable."

♢♢♢♢

The night before joining the army, Kriz faced his aunt once again...

"Enough with the jokes, Kristoff! Don't you understand the seriousness of our situation?"

"I understand perfectly, Aunt. That's why I'm trying to lighten the mood."

"Life isn't a game. Tomorrow you join the army. It's time to grow up."

"Maybe it's my way of staying sane in this horrible home!"

♢♢♢♢

Kriz's first day in the army, looking at the sea of monsters...

"How can you smile at a time like this?" asked a tall, muscular boy.

"If I can't laugh, what's left for me? Fear isn't going to scare away the monsters," Kriz replied, forcing a smile.

"Surprisingly, he has a point," interjected a serious-looking young man. "I'm Ren, by the way. And the big guy is Brok."

"Kriz," he responded, feeling strangely relieved. "Or maybe I'm just laughing out of nerves, should I stop?... I don't know. Do you guys also feel... conflicted about all this?"

Brok nodded slowly. "Truth is, seeing you laugh makes me feel better... thanks."

"You're welcome," Kriz murmured, "I guess I'll keep doing it then..."

♢♢♢♢

"Are you ready?" Brok asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Oh, yes," Kriz replied, rubbing his hands together with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Prepare for the most ridiculously safe training in the history of safe trainings."

"Ridiculously safe?" Lila asked.

Brok nodded. "Since Elio implemented the new system, no one has failed level 2. You're more likely to trip over your own shadow than fail the level 2 challenge."

The training began in earnest. Brok directed the physical exercises, testing the recruits' endurance and agility. Kriz, for his part, was in charge of teaching the art of dagger throwing.

"Remember," he shouted as the recruits practiced their throws, "the key is style. If you're going to be defeated by a giant frog, at least do it with grace."

Despite his jokes, Kriz was a surprisingly effective instructor. His humor helped ease the tension, allowing recruits to relax and focus better.

During a break, Kriz approached the four girls. "So, ladies, what brings you to these parts? Decided that seducing Elio required more combat skills?"

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