Coding Error [OFF x Reader]

17. Puzzles

You find it strange how there isn't a tutorial at the start of this world (or even the sight of the judge in that matter) to introduce you to how this game will function.

It just tossed you in completely blind.

But it makes sense, can't teach you about something that hasn't shown up yet.

"Zacharie, how much do you know about outside?"

"Hmm, not much. All I know is the concept of a video game and that we're in one,"

"Alright, so you know this one is a rpg with puzzles?"

Zacharie nods, only pausing mid-way to think and raising his hand in a so-so gesture.

"Basically it's the turn based fighting we've done, add some storyline and you're set. But let me tell you a bit more of your game," you start. "It's made with this tool called rpg maker, which the name alone says it all. It's easy to use but it has limited game play and visuals, however most games make up for it by creating clever puzzles," you continue to explain, even with Batter one-shoting a wall of sludge spiders so you three can pass. 

"I see, though we haven't stumbled into any puzzles besides the one with your laptop and the maze... If that's considered a puzzle," Zach notices. "Does that mean this game wasn't made in the rpg tool?"

You give a quick glance at the detail on Zacharie. "I'm not sure. You guys alone look high def, but I don't know if it's due to the game engine or because I'm here too,"

Batter gave the last sludge spider a splat, clearing the walkway for the team.

"Let's keep moving," he says sternly. 

You remove yourself from the wall you and Zach were leaning on, walking over the leftover sludge.

"Puppeteer, are you bored?" Batter asks all of a sudden.

You look up at the Batter.

"What makes you think that? It's not everyday you get isekai'd into a video game, I'm having the time of my life," you reassure the athlete.

"But this world- game, isn't of your liking. You said it yourself, it's game play and game design is lackluster," Zacharie finishes Batter's sentence, almost as if the two of them where thinking the same thing.

"True, but I'm happy enough being here with you guys~"

A noise got caught in Zacharie's throat while Batter lowered his cap over his face.

"I have an idea," Batter states sternly. Without warning, he scooped you on his shoulders and giving you a height boost.

"Batter what are ya- whoa, you're taller than you look-!" you held to his head, trying to keep yourself balanced.

"Let's look for those secret pages or a secret passageway," he announced, scampering off towards the walkway.

Zacharie catches up, glad to see some of your personality rubbed off on the 'ever so stoic' Batter. It's confusing at first, but with the way you're bobbing on Batter's shoulders was starting to feel kinda fun. You start giggling in delight when the man picks up speed, jumping over a few crates and barrels, it's like riding the back seat of the bus when it goes over a speed bump.

"See anything player?" Zach asks, barely catching up to the baseball player.

"Nope, not yet-" you giggle, eventually catching sight of a wall up ahead. "Wait I do see something!"

Batter slowed down his pace, lowering you to the ground as you study the wall. It's an elevator but it doesn't have a number pad, there's a switch but it doesn't do anything when you flip it. As in, you can hear mechanics shifting but nothing visible seems to happen.

There's no way around the wall, and backtracking only leads back to the pedalo ride you just got off from. You did the only thing you can do in these situations, you continue to explore. 

"Alright, I think I have an idea on how this works," you sit down and draw an imaginary map with your finger. "Remember those archways we saw before stumbling into the sludge spiders? Well there are fourth distinct ones that look like switches, two need to be activated at the same time while one needs a specific attack to turn on."

"In short, that means...?" Zach asks. 

You crack a smile. "It's a puzzle, and I'll need one of you to help me solve it."

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A/n: Next chapter is a pick your character one~