Coding Error [OFF x Reader]

12. Finding Purpose

Zacharie pulled out his sword, recognizing it as the one in your room.

While you tried to hold Batter with one hand, you used the other to look at his competences, eyes growing wide at the variety of attacks he has at his disposal. They aren't many, but it was more than the ones he had previously. The furious athlete slipped from your hands, forcing you to grab him with both arms.

"I leave it in your hands for now." you gave Zach the heads up. Placing him on auto.

The masked man felt his joints loosen up, rolling his neck with a pop as he stood in position. It's the opponents turn to move, the glitch took the opportunity to perform a basic swipe with it claws but Zach dodge it by crouching below him, giving his legs a quick swipe.

"Short stack."

He stood back up to cover his ears, having the glitch screeching at him just like before but not enough to induce fury. The glitch tried stomping in Zacharie but he's too slow, easily predicting his moves and having the young man roll out of the way. Another distorted screech was sent his way, barely covering his ears on time.

"Let's get rid of that annoying ability of yours for a moment," Zacharie skillfully twirled the sword in his hand, positioning the blade vertically before taking a good slash at the glitch. "Cut off."

The glitch open his mouth to screech once more, but not a single noise came from him. If his facial features were visible, you know he would look shocked.

You spare the opponent a quick glance, noticing how it's opacity was becoming more and more transparent. But as the enemy grew weaker, you noticed how Zacharie's competence was lowering too. "Zach, watch your cp!" you exclaim, keeping your arms wrapped around Batter's torso. The athlete was struggling in your hold, cursing up a storm that would put any sailor to shame.

Comically enough, his curses came out in windings symbols.

"Relax (y/n) I got this in the bag, in fact we can play a gamble," Zacharie spoke calmly while the glitch walked around him. "If I finish this guy off after this attack you have to wear my shirt for the rest of the bathhouse."

"And what if you don't?"

"Then I'll show you what I have under my mask."

You grew excited at the aspect for knowing how he looks like, but the thought of having to wear his shirt felt a little odd and even embarrassing, though you would be lying to yourself if you didn't admit he has a cute taste in clothing.

"Fine, it's a deal!"

The corners of Zacharie's eyes raised a bit, evidence of a smile at place.

The glitch stopped walking around Zacharie and lunged forward, but the

"Quadrille."

His performance is quick and clean, delivering an array of four stabs with the tip of his blade in the center of the glitch else's body, keeping him inmobile and on the spot. "Save the others..." he whispers. Disappearing as he faded away out of existence.

Memories of the burnt came flowing back. It wasn't their fault, they are just victims, not enemies. The victory left a bittersweet flavor in your mouth, trying to distract yourself from the implications. But if there are more glitch out Elsens out there, then you'll make it your purpose to help them out.

Batter's fury died down along with the glitch, becoming relaxed in your hold. The athlete lowered his baseball hat to cover his face. "That was embarrassing."

You removed your arms from the young man with a light hearted laugh, patting his back in reassurance. "For a second I thought you would be foaming at the mouth any second." you laugh.

Zacharie came up to the two of you, securing his sword in its sheath.

"Zacharie! You were amazing out there!" you compliment the young man. "And here I thought you were the pack mule of the group. Looks like you have quite the trick up your sleeves." you playfully bump his shoulder.

"It's the least I could do since your hands were, full." Zach eyes landed on the Batter.

The athlete didn't respond, just avoiding his glance. "You did great handling the situation Zacharie, you shown yourself dependable in dire situations."

"Enough for you to trust him~?" you nudge an elbow at Batter.

The man nods.

"That's good enough for me," Zacharie says nonchalantly with a shrug. "Speaking of sleeves, player I believe we have a deal."

You groan. "Fine, let me have it." you extend an arm.

Zacharie lowered his backpack, pulling out a spare t shirt of his. You order the both of your add ons to turn around, changing your outfit and slipping on Zach's merch.

"Huh, this isn't so bad," you fold out the wrinkles on the shirt. "Why did you want me to wear this anyway?" you ask.

"Well, if everyone sees the prominent protagonist of this world carry my merch I'm sure it will bring in lots of costumers." Zach replied with a sly eye, rubbing his hands together.

"Your sales tactics are bizarre Zacharie," you shook your head with a smile.

"Well that, and also because I like seeing you wear my clothes." he admits softly.

Batter rolled his eyes while you scratch your neck sheepishly. "Oh come on Batter, no need to get jealous. In fact, you can give me your pants to complete my fly outfit."

"I'm not giving you my pants!" Batter exclaims. He ponders for a second, removing his baseball cap and placing it gingerly on your head. "There, happy?"

You smile at the two of them, beaming with joy. "I am actually~"

Your attention went back to Zacharie. "So, you name your competences after poker and gambling?"

The masked man nods. "To be a master in a game of poker you need a keen eye and bucket of confidence."

"Sums you up pretty easily."

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A/n: Here's a quick rundown of Zacharie's competences, game wise I don't know if they are effective, but they fit the narrative I'm going for.

Cut off: Vertical slash, 50% chance of keeping the opponent from using their previous move for 3 turns.

Short Stack: Slash to the lower parts of the body, induces slowness.

Quadrille: A flurry of four stabs with the tip of the sword.

(Costs alot of CP, he'll gain it later on as he levels up) Royal Flush: Gives Zacharie the "Luck" status effect which doubles his attacks for 5 turns. If your team has the same number of hp/cp Zacharie's attacks are tripled.