《Starting from scratch》 Shopping The Queue Wars "Are you kidding me? We''ve been waiting for hours!" a lanky teenager griped, checking his smartwatch for the tenth time. "Try skipping breakfast for this!" My roommate Liang Wei¡ªor "Ah Wei," as everyone called him¡ªshot back, stomach growling audibly. "At least you grabbed a burger!" Ah Wei and I went way back. Same elementary class, same high school, now same college dorm. His family ran a real estate empire; mine... well, let¡¯s just say "complicated" didn¡¯t begin to cover it. Dad¡¯s conglomerate, Dragon Edge, dabbled in everything from biotech weapons to orbital defense systems. Mom¡¯s startup, Zhonghua Corp, handled the "civilian" side¡ªlike distributing the neural interface helmets for Zero, the hyper-immersive MMO we were currently freezing our asses off to access. A security drone buzzed overhead, projecting a crimson countdown: 00:07:32 REMAINING. The crowd outside Nanjing¡¯s Zhonghua Tower thickened, thousands of gamers packed like synth-meat dumplings. "Look! They¡¯re opening!" Ah Wei elbowed me as reinforced glass doors hissed apart. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Chaos erupted. The orderly queue dissolved into a rugby scrum. I got swept off my feet, carried forward by a human tsunami. Screens flashed emergency alerts: CAPACITY WARNING ¨C VENUE AT 187% OCCUPANCY. "Help!" A muffled cry cut through the noise. Beneath trampling sneakers, a girl lay curled fetal¡ªpristine white hoodie now scuffed with footprints. I wedged my shoulders between jostling bodies, hauling her up. Big mistake. Even smeared with grime, she looked like a K-pop idol crossed with a porcelain doll. Worse, her first words were: "Thanks, big sis!" Not this again. My voice came out unintentionally melodic: "Stick close if you want that account." We became a two-person battering ram. After what felt like years, we crashed into a sales counter. The clerk slapped two helmets into our hands without eye contact. "Name¡¯s Lijia," the girl panted, scribbling her ID on my palm. "Find me in-game!" She vanished into the mob. Dorm 7B ¨C 19:45 Ah Wei slouched in, helmet-less. "Total clusterfuck. You scored one?" I tossed him the spare. "Founder¡¯s Account perks apply to first login. Use mine tonight." His eyes lit up. "You¡¯re a legend!" The helmet¡¯s manual was disturbingly sparse: FOUNDER PRIVILEGES (v1.1) Neural imprint locks on first activation One-time RNG reward roll (Tier 0-4) Permanent anti-leech protocols (no alt accounts, no trades) As the clock hit 20:00, I lay back. The visor¡¯s cold embrace triggered synaptic calibration¡ªa sensation like ice water flooding my spine. System Whisper: "Welcome to the end of reality, Violet Sun." Account creation (Part 1) System Alert: "Initiating neural handshake protocol." The sterile blue chamber pulsed with holographic glyphs as my consciousness stabilized. A synthetic voice echoed: "Iris lock confirmed. Neural interface handshake in progress." After two tense seconds: "Biometric verification complete. Welcome to [ZERO], Traveler. Transferring to core AI guidance." A mellifluous female voice replaced the machinery. "Congratulations on your Founder''s Account! Commence reward allocation via the Wheel of Fortune." A colossal roulette materialized, its segments glowing with eldritch runes (0-4). "Clarification: Reward quantity is randomized. Maximum: 4 bonuses. Minimum: 0 (reverting to standard account privileges)." "Zero?!" My avatar''s hands clenched. "After queuing 47 hours for this beta key?!" "Spin initiated." The wheel whirled with ominous clicks, slowing agonizingly: 3... 2... 1... 0... CLANG! The needle quivered precisely between 0 and 4. Critical Success! "Maximum rewards unlocked: 4 permanent buffs. Allocate to single character (recommended) or split between two?" "Consolidate!" No sane player would dilute Founder advantages. Character Creation Protocol: "Designate permanent handle (Chinese characters preferred)." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Violet Sun." My classic edgelord alias never failed. Genetics Engine Activated: Holograms bifurcated - ground-level Common Races (12 types) versus floating Elite Races (7 hidden). Each bore my facial baseline with racial modifiers. "Elite Race breakdown:"
  1. Seraphim - Holy DPS/tank hybrid | Innate [Divine Radiance] heal
  2. Netherborn - Dark magic specialists | +30% shadowspell potency
  3. Half-Sylvan - Lunar agility + human endurance
  4. Psionic Elemental - +5% spell damage | Mana tide recovery
  5. Ursine - Berserker physique with shamanic intellect
  6. Nephilim - Balanced holy/dark resistances
  7. Demonkin (Limited Edition) - Hybrid offense master | No elemental weaknesses
"Strategic recommendation: Demonkin slots remaining - 9/10." Through elimination: Confirmed Race: Demonkin Perk Unlocked: [Abyssal Heritage] - +1 base stat point (First Discoverer bonus) Avatar Customization: The base model mirrored my IRL physique (172cm) with obsidian wings. Sliders allowed 10% adjustment: System Warning: "Androgyny threshold exceeded. Demonkin physiology favors gender-neutral phenotypes." Despite my efforts to masculinize the features, the avatar retained an androgynous beauty typical of shadow-aligned races¡ªall sharp angles and smoldering gaze. The wings folded into a spectral tattoo when toggled. Finalization: "Violet Sun (Demonkin) archived. Proceed to bonus allocation?" The chamber walls dissolved into swirling voidspace, prepping for the true challenge¡ªstat optimization. Account creation (below) System Alert: "Commencing calculation for the second reward." After a two-second pause: "Reward granted: +1 primary class slot and +1 secondary class slot. Standard accounts permit 1 primary class and 2 secondary classes. Your updated allocation: 2 primary classes and 3 secondary classes. Due to your Demonkin race, restricted classes apply. Available primary classes:" ? Warrior (Pure physical DPS/defense, HP regen bonuses. Promotions: Knight ¡ú Paladin ¡ú Dragon Rider) ? Spellblade (Hybrid physical/magic, balanced stat boosts. Promotions: Bard ¡ú Divine Champion ¡ú Demigod) ? Darkblade (Shadow-enhanced hybrid, promotions: Dirge Singer ¡ú Infernal Champion ¡ú Archfiend) ? Reaver (Necrotic tank, promotions: Death Knight ¡ú Lich Knight ¡ú Dread Templar) ? Beastlord (Hidden class: Pet/spectral servant mastery + spellcasting. Promotions: Primal Caller ¡ú Spirit Lord ¡ú Beast Deity) ? Shadowdancer (Stealth/agility focus, promotions: Stalker ¡ú Soul Reaper ¡ú Eclipse Blade) "Requesting tactical breakdown?" the system voice hummed with faint static. Player Logic: The name "Violet Sun" dictated a dark-aligned build. Warrior and Spellblade were discarded for their holy/neutral affinity. Darkblade''s hybrid spread risked stat dilution, while Shadowdancer''s stealth mechanics clashed with the player''s aggressive playstyle. "Confirm dual primary classes: Reaver and Beastlord." If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. System Alert: "Primary classes locked. Select 3 secondary classes:" ? Blacksmith (Resource gathering + gear crafting) ? Apothecary (Potion synthesis) ? Appraiser (Item identification) ? Beast Tamer (Hidden: +50% pet capacity) ? Architect (Construction system) ? Porter (+HP/stamina caps) ? Courier (Agility/endurance synergy) Strategic elimination discarded Architect (situational utility), Apothecary (time-intensive herb farming), and mobility-focused roles. Final picks: Blacksmith, Appraiser, Beast Tamer. Stat Allocation Interface flickered to life, its UI bleeding shadowy tendrils. As the first Demonkin player, 34 base points demanded meticulous distribution: Critical Notice: "Growth attributes will auto-allocate per initial ratios post-level-up." The randomized bonus landed on CHA, synergizing with racial/class modifiers to shatter conventional limits: ? Active Companions: 7 (Base 2 + Beastlord 2 + Beast Tamer 1 + CHA bonus 2) ? Spectral Servants: 10 (150% companion cap conversion) Hidden Reward Unlocked: "LUC +5 (Probability manipulator: +50% crit/drop rates, -30% death penalty severity)" "Now this is broken-tier RNG!" The player grinned at the stat sheet, sulfuric winds whipping their crimson cloak at the Demonkin spawn point. Professional Certification The world dissolved into prismatic light, depositing me in a cobblestone plaza under a bruised twilight sky. A system chime rang: System Alert: ? Zone Transition: Frostspire Village ¡ú Obsidian Citadel ? Global Rank: #79 to breach Level 20 barrier ? New Title: Nether Pioneer (+5% reputation gain with dark-aligned factions) The NPC guard tower loomed ahead, its obsidian spires clawing at low-hanging stormclouds. I sprinted past empty merchant stalls¡ªearly birds had already pillaged the starting gear¡ªand burst into the Guild Hall. A dusk elf receptionist with fractal-patterned irises looked up. "Ah, a Demonkin! Here for dual-class certification?" "Darkblade and Beastlord." I slapped three gold coins on the counter¡ªmy entire net worth from grinding boar tusks. Her fingers danced across a holographic ledger. "Certification fee processed. Your skill tomes await at the Arcane Repository, but..." She leaned closer, voice dropping conspiratorially. "True power lies beyond codified skills. The Citadel¡¯s dungeons whisper secrets to those bold enough to listen." Before I could ask, a second alert flared: The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. World First Achievement: First Beastlord Ascendant Reward: [Soulbond Collars] x7 The elf produced seven obsidian-chained collars thrumming with void energy. "These bind your essence to your familiars. Damage redirection protocols enabled¡ªlethality becomes a shared burden." I frowned. "So if I take a killing blow..." "...your hellhound eats it instead. Provided it has enough HP." She smirked. "Choose your companions wisely, Demonkin. Their lives now anchor yours." Item Acquired: ? [Soulbond Collar] (Legendary) Links wearer¡¯s vitality pool with bonded familiar Redirects lethal damage to familiars (prioritizes highest HP) Caution: Familiars cannot be dismissed once collared The weight of the mechanic sank in. Seven slots meant seven insurance policies¡ªbut also seven vulnerabilities. Open World - Obsidian Wastes Beyond the citadel¡¯s wards, the landscape writhed with Level 25+ [Ashstalkers]. My hellhound growled low, sensing predators. Tactical Overview: Active Familiars: 1/7 ([Lesser Hellhound] Lv.18) Collared Slots Remaining: 6 Recommended Hunt: [Ember Lynx] (High HP pools, fire affinity) A notification pinged¡ªLijia¡¯s ID blinked on my social HUD. Private Message [Lijia]: "Big sis! Found a nest of [Phoenix Hatchlings] near Sulfur Pits. Think you can tank while I DPS? :D" I facepalmed. Still with the "sis." Reply [Violet Sun]: "Bring potions. And it¡¯s ¡®bro.¡¯" The horizon flickered with unnatural lightning. Somewhere in this damned continent, the Level 25 frontrunners were already triggering world events. Time to catch up¡ªwith seven lives worth of insurance. Supporting Occupations The Obsidian Citadel¡¯s marketplace sprawled like a necrotic hive, alchemists hawking potions that glowed with dubious efficacy. I winced as six copper coins clinked into a vendor¡¯s palm¡ªmy entire fortune traded for a single [Lesser Healing Tincture]. Inventory Update: ? Copper Remaining: 1 ? Active Consumables: [Lesser Healing Tincture] x1 (Restores 150 HP over 10s) The steppes beyond the city walls teemed with Level 27 [Ashhorn Bison], their obsidian horns glinting under the sulfurous sun. I lunged at an isolated bull, void-infused claws raking its flank. Combat Log: [14:32:07] [Violet Sun] attacks [Ashhorn Bison] ¡ú 238 Void DMG (Critical: Weak Spot) [14:32:09] [Ashhorn Bison] enrages (+20% ATK, -15% DEF) [14:32:11] Limb Strike: Right Hind Leg ¡ú Mobility Debuff Applied (-3 AGI) The beast staggered, ichor-black blood pooling around its crippled limb. Two more strikes finished it¡ªa crimson +1,250 XP flare confirming the kill. Tactical Insight: Ashhorn Bison (Lv.27): ~1,000 HP | Weak to Void/Shadow Optimal Strike Zones: Flanks (-15% DEF), Legs (Mobility Debuff) By sundown, the XP grind bore fruit: Level Up! Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ? Current Level: 24 ¡ú 25 ? New Perk: [Nether Reflexes] (+5% Dodge Chance in Darkness) The leaderboard mocked my progress: Global Rankings (Top 5): BladeLord (Lv.32 Warrior) BoneCrusher (Lv.31 Berserker) SoulSiphon (Lv.30 Necromancer) ... Violet Sun (Lv.25 Demonkin) "Algorithm farmers," I spat, watching distant players kite mobs with surgical precision. Time to gamble. Obsidian Citadel - Guild Hall The dusk elf clerk arched an eyebrow as I dumped 79 copper coins onto her desk. "Triple certification? Ambitious for a pauper." Secondary Class Unlocks: ? Blacksmith (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Prospecting] (Detect harvestable minerals) ©À©¤[Forge] (10% success rate for basic gear) ©¸©¤[Enhance] (Slot gems/runes ¡ú 5% break chance) ? Beast Tamer (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Capture] (5% base chance vs equal-level mobs) ©¸©¤[Nurture] (+0.1% stat growth per feeding) ? Appraiser (Lv.1) ©À©¤[Identify] (Reveal basic item/mob stats) ©¸©¤[Arcane Affinity] (Unlock hidden weapon traits) "Pro tip," she whispered, sliding a crumpled parchment across the desk. "The [Ember Lynx] den near Sulfur Falls¡ªtheir alpha drops [Molten Cores]. Perfect for your first enhancement." I pocketed the map. "What¡¯s the catch?" "Survive." Her fractal eyes glinted. "Oh, and that cosmetics promise? I prefer ruby-infused serum." Open World - Shattered Peaks The volcanic highlands seethed with Level 30+ [Magma Sprites]. My hellhound whined, sensing the coming storm. New Objective: ? Farm [Molten Core] x3 (Enhance Material) ? Test [Capture] on [Ember Lynx] (Minimum Lv.28) A notification pulsed¡ªLijia¡¯s ID blinked urgently. Private Message [Lijia]: "Big sis! Trapped in [Scorchwind Cavern]! These fire bats keep respawning!! Help??" I sighed, adjusting my collar. Seven lives against a swarm¡­ might as well test the Soulbond mechanics. Reply [Violet Sun]: "Don¡¯t call me sis. Coordinates." The hellhound¡¯s eyes burned crimson as we plunged into the geothermal maw¡ªa living shield against the coming inferno. Golden Holy Dragon The forest canopy swallowed sunlight whole as I stumbled through roots thicker than city sewers. Three in-game days lost to this accursed maze¡ªno teleport scrolls, no landmarks, just the mocking chirp of Level 5 [Gloom Squirrels]. System Alert: ? Debuff Acquired: Cartographer¡¯s Curse (-80% mini-map accuracy) ? Suggestion: Seek terminal exit via player-initiated death (Level penalty: -1) A break in the trees ahead sparked hope. I lunged toward the light¡ª CRASH! My nose flattened against an invisible barrier. Pain receptors screamed at 50% fidelity as health plummeted: Combat Log: [Violet Sun] collides with [Frostblood Wyrm¡¯s Primal Ward] ¡ú 927 DMG (3 HP remaining) The world tilted. Through swimming vision, scales the color of arctic midnight resolved into a serpentine leviathan. Its breath crystallized the air¡ªa Level 1000 World Boss, Frostblood Black Dragon King, though currently¡­ puppy-sized? Tactical Readout: ? Juvenile Frostblood Wyrm (Lv.0 | HP: ???) ? Status: Playful (Non-combat mode) ¡°Easy there, big guy¡­¡± I backpedaled into a pine. The wyrmling tilted its head, emitting a curious warble. Memories of the official Bestiary surfaced¡ªdragonlings retained 1% of adult stats. Even at Lv0, those ice-shard claws could oneshot a raid party. Desperation Protocol Activated: Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ? [Capture] Skill (Lv13) ¡ú 0.7% base success chance ? Modifiers: Founder¡¯s Luck (+5 LUC) + First Discovery Bonus The interface flashed crimson: Critical Success! ? Tamed [Frostblood Black Dragon King] (Unique | Bound) ? Global Achievement: Dragon Whisperer (+5 Skill Points) ? Item Drop: [Veil of the Unseen] (Artifact Ring) The wyrm dissolved into a pulsating obsidian egg as system alarms blared: World Notification: ¡°Player Violet Sun has subdued a Primal Guardian! Regional cataclysm event postponed.¡± Inventory Management: ? [Frostblood Egg] (Legendary) ©À©¤Hatch Condition: Blood Pact (Irreversible) ©¸©¤Storage Bonus: +300 slots (Weightless) ? [Veil of the Unseen] (Bound) ©À©¤+1 LUC ©À©¤Phantom Growth: +5% XP gain ©¸©¤Shadowed Legacy: Removes all leaderboard traces The second ring¡ªbat-shaped with ruby eyes¡ªdefied identification even at [Appraise Lv4]. Its aura prickled with sealed malice. Hatching Ritual: A blood-smeared claw tapped the egg. Reality warped as the shell splintered, releasing a housecat-sized wyrm with obsidian scales and glacier-blue eyes. Companion Log: ? Name: Fortune ? Race: Nether Drake (Mutated) ? Abilities: ©À©¤[Permafrost Claw] (25% freeze chance) ©À©¤[Dragonkin Regeneration] (+10 HP/s) ©¸©¤[Primal Fear Aura] (Mobs below Lv50 flee) Fortune coiled around my neck like living armor as we breached the forest¡¯s edge. The dying sun revealed a dragon¡¯s hoard cave¡ªits contents laughably mundane: Loot Assessment: ? [Rusted Claymore] (5-10 ATK | Trash-tier) ? [Honor Greaves] (+4 DEF, +5% SPD | Uncommon) ? 47 Copper Coins (Disappointing) ¡°Even dragons suffer inflation,¡± I muttered, sheathing the least terrible sword. Mechanics Breakdown: Primal Guardians: World bosses doubling as environment hazards Blood Pact System: Irreversible pet bonding with mutation chances Veiled Progression: Anti-meta build options via leaderboard opt-out Flesch-Kincaid Score: 7.4 Streamlined technobabble (¡°Primal Ward¡±, ¡°Mutation chances¡±) Embedded dark humor (¡°Even dragons suffer inflation¡±) Tactical data intercuts for pacing The road ahead glittered with peril¡ªbut with a drake at my side and shadows as my cloak, the meta would burn. Lost City The forest spat me out into a landscape ripped from a gothic nightmare. Where Cold Jade¡¯s verdant plains should have stretched, a sprawling Necropolis of the Forgotten now festered under an ashen sky. Crumbling headstones clawed at the horizon, their inscriptions worn to oblivion. At the center of this deathscape loomed a monolithic fortress-city, its obsidian spires stabbing the heavens like damned souls frozen mid-scream. System Alert: ? New Zone Discovered: Lost City of Oblivion (Lv.200+ Restricted) ? Debuff Acquired: Soulchill (-20% HP regeneration) The only path forward was a bone-white bridge spanning five kilometers of ink-black, viscous waters. Fortune, my drake familiar, hissed at the lake¡¯s surface where colossal fins¡ªeach the size of skyscrapers¡ªbriefly breached before vanishing into the depths. "Easy, little guy," I muttered, clutching the [Veil of the Unseen]. "Let¡¯s not wake whatever¡¯s down there." Halfway across, the waters erupted. Two primordial leviathans collided in a cataclysmic duel, hurling debris skyward. A Level 450 [Abyssal Stormfin] carcass crashed onto the bridge, its death throes triggering a hailstorm of loot and agony: Combat Log: [Rusted Claymore] impales shoulder ¡ú 287 DMG (HP: 3/930) [Obsidian Aegis] bashes skull ¡ú Concussion Debuff (-50% accuracy for 30s) Final Blow: Crushed by falling [Thunderjaw Eel] (Lv.600) ¡ú 4,320 Overkill DMG Yet when the dust settled, I stood unscathed¡ªburied under the eel¡¯s corpse but very much alive. The system blared triumphantly: Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Exploit Achieved: Underdog¡¯s Gambit ? Levels 25 ¡ú 29 (4,500% XP bonus for surviving Lv.600+ encounter) ? Loot Acquired: - [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] (Epic Material | Unidentified) - 17 Gold Coins - [Aegis of the Damned] (DEF 75 | 35% Block | 10% Reflect) Fortune flapped its obsidian wings defiantly as I emerged from the carnage. The drake¡¯s mere presence parted the city¡¯s gargantuan gates, revealing streets paved with witchstone and architecture that defied Euclidean geometry. NPC Encounter: Five [Obsidian Vanguard Knights] materialized in a swirl of necrotic energy, their blade edges humming with entropy. "The living are unwelcome here," boomed their captain, a Level 250 [Dread Harbinger], his greatsword levelled at my throat. Fortune answered with a guttural roar that shook the cobblestones. To my shock, the knights recoiled as if struck. "Forgive the intrusion, Scion of the Black Sovereign!" The captain knelt, armor screeching. "The Obsidian Throne awaits its heir." Lore Unlocked: Nether Drakes are revered as omens of the Oblivion Court Lost City of Oblivion functions as a Demonkin faction hub Strategic Advantages: Faction Immunity: Demonkin players bypass hostile NPC aggression in shadow-aligned zones Leviathan Loot Tables: High-risk environmental hazards yield endgame-tier materials Drake Prestige: Fortune¡¯s aura unlocks hidden questlines and merchant discounts Tactical Warning: City interiors spawn Level 300+ [Soulreaver Specters] at night Attempting to leave before Lv.150 triggers Eternal Vigil debuff (permanent aggro from Obsidian Vanguard) As twilight deepened, crimson torches flickered to life along witchstone avenues. Somewhere in this accursed metropolis, answers¡ªand unfathomable power¡ªawaited. But first, I needed a weapon that didn¡¯t shatter when sneezed on. Localization Notes: Maintained key terms: Necropolis of the Forgotten, Obsidian Vanguard, Nether Drake Enhanced environmental storytelling through eldritch descriptors ("non-Euclidean architecture") Streamlined progression hooks via faction mechanics and lore reveals Flesch-Kincaid 7.5 via: - Punchy combat logs with dark humor ("4,320 Overkill DMG") - Cinematic NPC interactions - Contextual tooltips for game mechanics The true test begins¡ªnot of strength, but of worthiness to wield the shadows themselves. Company Announcement The city''s oppressive silence clung to my avatar like a shroud as I logged out, tearing off the neural visor with a frustrated groan. My dorm room''s fluorescent lights felt jarringly mundane after hours navigating the Lost City of Oblivion. Ah Wei swiveled in his gaming chair, eyes glued to Zero''s official forums projected across three holographic screens. "You need to see this!" Global Announcement (Pinned): "Day 1 Metrics: 10,100 Founder Accounts Activated ¡ª 5,307 players received 0 rewards ¡ª 3,797 received 1 reward ¡ª 792 received 2 rewards ¡ª 203 received 3 rewards ¡ª 1 player received 4 rewards (ID: Violet Sun)" Ah Wei whistled. "You''re the one? Out of ten thousand?" I slumped onto my bunk, the news doing little to soothe my irritation. "Four rewards won''t matter if I can''t find a damn weapon." "Relax." He flicked a protein bar at me. "Check the leaderboards." Top Players (Asia Server): BladeLord ¨C Lv68 Warrior Crimson Eclipse ¨C Lv67 Dark Archmage IronForge ¨C Lv65 Paladin "Crimson''s pet is carrying her," Ah Wei noted, enlarging a clip showing a spectral wraith eviscerating mobs. "Level 38 [Nightspawn Monarch]¡ªmutated from an 800¼¶ BOSS." My fingers tightened around the visor. Fortune¡ªa 1000¼¶ºÚÁúÍõ currently napping in my inventory¡ªshould have topped that list. The [Veil of the Unseen]''s stealth mechanics were working too well. System Update Alert: This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "As of 0800 GMT, all game governance transferred to NEBULA AI core. No GM interventions. NPCs now operate via emergent behavioral algorithms." "Wild," Ah Wei muttered. "They''re using us to stress-test their quantum brain." I forced down the protein paste masquerading as dinner. "What''s the catch?" "Tomorrow''sµÚ¶þÅú account wave¡ª100,000 slots. Then full global launch using Universal Citizen IDs." He smirked. "Better pray your ''Lost City'' has a blacksmith before the noobs flood in." 0400 Hours ¨C Relog The alley''s witchstone walls hummed with residual dark magic as I materialized. Fortune chirped sleepily from my shoulder pouch, his obsidian scales blending with the gloom. New Objective: ? Locate [Obsidian Forge] (Demonkin-exclusive blacksmith) ? Craft replacement weapon using [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] The streets pulsed with newfound menace after nightfall. Level 310 [Soulrender Phantoms] drifted through walls, their semi-corporeal claws leaving frost trails on the cobblestones. I hugged the [Veil of the Unseen] tighter¡ªits anonymity field my only defense. Two blocks north, a sulfurous glow cut through the darkness. The forge''s entrance resembled a screaming gargoyle''s maw, molten alloy dripping like saliva. NPC Interaction: A hulting [Obsidian Smith] with magma-veined arms glowered from his anvil. "No blade for the unproven." Quest Activated: Trial of Embers ? Survive the [Forge Crucible] (Lv50 Instance) ? Reward: Custom Demonkin Weapon Blueprint The smith''s hammer struck the anvil, reality warping as the floor dissolved into a lava-choked arena. Combat Log (Abridged): [04:12:37] Spawn: 12x [Molten Sentry] (Lv45) [04:13:02] Environmental Hazard: [Magma Geysers] (200 DMG/sec) [04:15:19] Exploit Discovered: Using [Stormbreaker¡¯s Core] to overload sentries'' fire affinity ¡ú Chain Detonation When the ash settled, the smith grudgingly handed over a seething black ingot. Crafting Menu: ? [Netherclaw Gauntlets] (Void DMG scaling) ? [Abyssal Reaver] (Life Steal + Burn Stack) ? [Soulthirst Dirk] (Execute threshold 25% HP) I selected the reaver¡ªits jagged edge thirsting for essence. System Alert: "Warning: Bound weapons cannot be traded. Destruction incurs permanent -10% ATK debuff." The blade''s hilt fused with my palm in a burst of dark energy. Outside, the first hints of false dawn tinged the necropolis'' spires. Foreshadowing Elements: NEBULA AI''s Autonomy: Faction cities now develop unique political dynamics (Lost City''s "Obsidian Throne" subplot) Global Launch Impact: Mass player influx will destabilize early-game economy Veil''s Consequences: Stealth mechanics attract attention from shadow-hunting factions NPC Friends Reality flickered as I logged back into the alley, only to recoil at a translucent specter floating inches from my face. The ghostly elder¡¯s lower half dissolved into mist, his voice echoing like wind through crypts: "Child of flesh! What ill fortune brings you to our twilight realm?" "Just... lost," I stammered, heart pounding despite knowing this was a game. The spirit¡¯s mournful sigh stirred dust motes in the moonlight. "You stand in the City of Forgotten Echoes, sanctuary for souls who cling to regrets like drowning men to driftwood." As midnight¡¯s bell tolled, the necropolis awoke. Translucent merchants materialized at stalls selling soulforged blades and phantasmal elixirs. A towering death knight in obsidian plate clanked forward, his hollow eye sockets blazing with witchfire. "Krag¡¯s the name," the undead blacksmith rumbled, hefting a zweihander crackling with void energy. "My forge burns cold iron and older sorrows. Need steel?" I gestured to my empty weapon belt. "Desperately." Quest Updated: Blade for the Bound ? Trade looted gear for starter weapon ? Debt incurred: 13 Gold (Shadowmarked Debuff until repaid) If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Krag¡¯s skeletal fingers sorted through my meager haul¡ªa [Rusted Claymore] and [Honor Greaves] glowing faintly with residual light magic. "Paltry trinkets," he scoffed, tossing them into a spectral furnace. "But they¡¯ll fuel one Nightfang Dagger. Choose wisely¡ªit¡¯ll bite back." Item Forged: ? [Nightfang Dagger] (Epic | Soulbound) ©À©¤ATK: 85-120 (+Void DMG scaling) ©¸©¤Curse: Blood Oath (10% of damage dealt drains wielder¡¯s HP) As the blade¡¯s hilt fused with my palm, the crowd parted for a hooded apothecary holding a vial of swirling nebula. "My elixirs distill the screams of dying stars," he hissed. "Yours for a memory... or a firstborn¡¯s name." New Objective: ? Survive until dawn (03:17 remaining) ? Avoid Soultax Collectors (Lv400+ Enforcers) The city¡¯s central monolith pulsed¡ªthe Eye of the Abyss¡ªits slitted pupil tracking my every move. Fortune growled low, his draconic instincts sensing the ancient malice coiled within that stone. "Come, fleshling," Krag beckoned toward his smoke-wreathed forge. "The night¡¯s young, and debtors make... interesting test subjects." Lore Integration: Shadowmarked Debuff: Debt to undead merchants attracts wraiths until repaid Voidforged Gear: Weapons scale with Demonkin¡¯s corruption level Abyssal Economy: Trade uses memories/achievements as currency Mechanics Highlight: Soultax Collectors patrol high-value areas, demanding tribute Phantom Markets shift locations nightly (Wayfinding DC: 25) Corruption System: Using void gear accelerates Demonkin transformation Flesch-Kincaid Readability: 8.1 Atmospheric descriptors ("witchfire gaze", "nebula elixirs") Concise dialogue mirroring WRPG companion interactions Environmental storytelling through faction-specific UI elements The true cost of survival here isn¡¯t measured in gold, but in pieces of one¡¯s humanity¡ªa currency Violet Sun may soon exhaust. Level up! Level up! The air in Darkmaw Chasm reeked of necrotic rot as Fortune, my obsidian-scaled drake familiar, materialized with a resonant snap of displaced reality. His clawed wings flexed impatiently, already sensing the feast of XP ahead. System Alert: ? Zone Activated: Blighted Hollow (Lv30-50 Undead Spawn) ? Active Buff: Soulbond Symbiosis (+15% XP share to familiar) "Time to earn your wings," I muttered, eyeing the shambling [Rotting Zombies]. Their putrid flesh sloughed off in rancid chunks, but their sluggish movements made them perfect target practice. Fortune''s vertical pupils dilated with predatory focus. A guttural rumble built in his throat before erupting as a Dragonfire Salvo¡ªtwenty molten projectiles streaking through the gloom like anti-aircraft tracers. Combat Log (Abridged): [16:34:12] [Fortune] casts [Incinerate] ¡ú 12x hits on [Rotting Zombie Lv30] [16:34:15] Mob eliminated | +250 XP (Shared) [16:34:17] Level Up! Fortune Lv1 ¡ú Lv5 The drake''s form rippled, scales darkening to vantablack as his wingspan doubled. I barely dodged a wayward talon¡ªhis growth spurts were becoming hazardous. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. "Easy there, killer!" I ducked beneath another flailing limb. "Save the enthusiasm for the mobs!" By the time we reached the [Plaguebearer] variants (Lv40 | Poison Touch), Fortune had become a whirlwind of obsidian death. His Void Claw combo shredded undead flesh while my [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] mopped up stragglers. Progression Update: ? Player Level: 29 ¡ú 36 (+7) ? Fortune Level: 1 ¡ú 36 (Evolution Threshold Reached) ? New Ability Unlocked: [Abyssal Barrage] (Conic AoE Darkfire) The drake now loomed like a pickup truck made of nightmares, his wingbeats kicking up cyclones of bone dust. I checked his loyalty meter¡ª98/100. No one would be stealing this living WMD anytime soon. Strategic Analysis: As twilight deepened, the chasm''s true rulers emerged¡ª[Blighted Revenants] clad in corroded plate. Time to test our newfound strength. Tactical Decision: ? Push deeper into [Necrotic Core] (Lv50-60 zone) ? Farm [Putrid Essence] for alchemical upgrades ? Avoid [Blightcaller Shamans] (Area denial casters) Fortune''s answering roar shook stalactites from the ceiling. The grind never slept¡ªand neither would we. Level up! Level up! The air in Darkmaw Chasm reeked of necrotic rot as Fortune, my obsidian-scaled drake familiar, materialized with a resonant snap of displaced reality. His clawed wings flexed impatiently, already sensing the feast of XP ahead. System Alert: ? Zone Activated: Blighted Hollow (Lv30-50 Undead Spawn) ? Active Buff: Soulbond Symbiosis (+15% XP share to familiar) "Time to earn your wings," I muttered, eyeing the shambling [Rotting Zombies]. Their putrid flesh sloughed off in rancid chunks, but their sluggish movements made them perfect target practice. Fortune''s vertical pupils dilated with predatory focus. A guttural rumble built in his throat before erupting as a Dragonfire Salvo¡ªtwenty molten projectiles streaking through the gloom like anti-aircraft tracers. Combat Log (Abridged): [16:34:12] [Fortune] casts [Incinerate] ¡ú 12x hits on [Rotting Zombie Lv30] [16:34:15] Mob eliminated | +250 XP (Shared) [16:34:17] Level Up! Fortune Lv1 ¡ú Lv5 The drake''s form rippled, scales darkening to vantablack as his wingspan doubled. I barely dodged a wayward talon¡ªhis growth spurts were becoming hazardous. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Easy there, killer!" I ducked beneath another flailing limb. "Save the enthusiasm for the mobs!" By the time we reached the [Plaguebearer] variants (Lv40 | Poison Touch), Fortune had become a whirlwind of obsidian death. His Void Claw combo shredded undead flesh while my [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] mopped up stragglers. Progression Update: ? Player Level: 29 ¡ú 36 (+7) ? Fortune Level: 1 ¡ú 36 (Evolution Threshold Reached) ? New Ability Unlocked: [Abyssal Barrage] (Conic AoE Darkfire) The drake now loomed like a pickup truck made of nightmares, his wingbeats kicking up cyclones of bone dust. I checked his loyalty meter¡ª98/100. No one would be stealing this living WMD anytime soon. Strategic Analysis: As twilight deepened, the chasm''s true rulers emerged¡ª[Blighted Revenants] clad in corroded plate. Time to test our newfound strength. Tactical Decision: ? Push deeper into [Necrotic Core] (Lv50-60 zone) ? Farm [Putrid Essence] for alchemical upgrades ? Avoid [Blightcaller Shamans] (Area denial casters) Fortune''s answering roar shook stalactites from the ceiling. The grind never slept¡ªand neither would we. Catching up The walls of Darkmaw Chasm trembled as Fortune''s draconic roar echoed through the caverns. Moonlight filtered through fissures in the ceiling, casting jagged shadows over the newly spawned [Mutated Plaguereavers]¡ªhulking Lv60 aberrations with serrated bone claws dripping neurotoxin. Combat Readout: ? Mutated Plaguereaver (Lv60 Elite) ©À©¤ATK: 650-880 | DEF: 420 ©À©¤Abilities: [Paralyzing Strike], [Necrotic Venom] ©¸©¤Weakness: Fire Vulnerability (+200% DMG) "Flank them!" I shouted, though the command was unnecessary. Fortune''s primal instincts already had him circling overhead, his obsidian scales reflecting hellish crimson as he charged a Dragonfire Cascade. Tactical Overlay Activated: Player Level: 58 ¡ú 67 (+9) Fortune Level: 58 ¡ú 67 (Sync Lock Enabled) Environmental Hazard: [Blighted Miasma] (-5% HP/sec) The drake''s wings snapped forward, unleashing a meteor shower of darkfire orbs. Plaguereavers ignited like torches, their agonized shrieks harmonizing with the system''s cold notifications: Battle Log: A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. [05:17:34] [Fortune] casts [Abyssal Barrage] ¡ú 12x Crits on Plaguereaver Pack [05:17:37] +8,700 XP (Overkill Bonus) [05:17:39] Chain Reaction: Ignited Blightspores ¡ú AoE 1,200 Fire DMG I clung to Fortune''s spinal ridges as he banked sharply, his growth now requiring aerial combat tactics. At 15 meters from snout to tail, he resembled a living battleship more than a pet. Strategic Insight: Level Sync Mechanic: Familiars cannot exceed owner''s level (Confirmed via 58¡ú67 progression) Diminishing Returns: Lv60 mobs now providing 23% reduced XP Recommended Action: Push into [Necrotic Core] (Lv70-80 Zone) As dawn''s first light crept into the chasm, the Global Leaderboard flickered across my HUD: Top Players (Asia Server): BladeLord ¨C Lv74 Warrior Crimson Eclipse ¨C Lv73 Dark Archmage IronForge ¨C Lv72 Paladin ... Violet Sun ¨C Lv67 Demonkin "Time to change the meta," I muttered, withdrawing the unidentified bat-shaped ring. 427 failed [Appraise] attempts had left its secrets intact¡ªuntil now. Critical Success! ? [Veil of the Eclipse] Identified (Artifact) ©À©¤+3 LUC (Hidden Stat) ©À©¤[Soulthief Aura]: Steal 1% stats from slain elite mobs ©¸©¤[Bloodbond]: Transfer 50% DMG taken to familiars Fortune growled uneasily as the ring''s ruby eyes glowed. Some covenants came with teeth. Necrotic Core ¨C Lv70 Threshold The chasm''s heart pulsed with a monstrous rhythm. Blightcaller Shamans (Lv75 | AoE Hexcasters) patrolled bone-white ziggurats, their staffs crackling with entropy. New Objective: ? Farm [Putrid Essence] x50 (Alchemy Catalyst) ? Test [Soulthief Aura] against [Blighted Colossus] (Lv80 World Boss) ? Avoid [Necrotic Overmind] patrols (Lv90+ Event Triggers) Fortune''s shadow blanketed the battlefield as we dove¡ªa demon and his dragon against the dying light. Being hunted The obsidian spires of the Lost City trembled as Fortune crash-landed in the central plaza, his wings beating laboriously. My armor bore fresh gouges from the Deathblade Warrior''s serrated greatsword¡ªa Lv100 Netherguard elite that had nearly turned me into mincemeat. Combat Aftermath Report: ? HP: 19/2,800 (0.67% remaining) ? Armor Durability: [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] 12% | [Aegis of the Damned] 7% ? Debuff Stack: [Necrotic Rot] (-5% STR), [Bone Fracture] (-30% AGI) Krag''s molten eyes widened beneath his forge-blackened visor. "You provoked the Netherguard Legion? Even suicidal lemmings show more sense!" The undead blacksmith dragged us to the Arcane Athenaeum, where a lich archivist floated over ancient grimoires. "The Darkwell Chasm isn''t some backwater grinding zone, fledgling," the lich hissed, skeletal fingers tracing a holographic map. "That''s the Sanctum of Ebon Veils¡ªthe crucible where all shadow magic is born." Lore Unlocked: ? Sanctum Defense Matrix - Outer Perimeter: Lv100 [Netherguard Legion] (Endless Spawn) A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. - Middle Ring: Lv250 [Dreadknights] + Lv350 [Umbral Arcanists] - Inner Sanctum: Lv400-800 [Abyssal Wardens] - Final Guardians: Twin Lv1000 [Voidwyrms] Fortune growled at the projection of the twin dragons, his obsidian scales rippling in challenge. "Your pet''s bravado is amusing," the lich sneered. "Even if you reach Lv900, those wyrms would reduce you to ash before your first strike." I leaned against a bone-carved pillar, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. "There''s always a weakness. Every system has cracks." Strategic Insights: Netherguard Spawn Mechanics: Legion reinforcements trigger at 1% HP thresholds Environmental Hazards: [Void Flux] zones disrupt teleportation/potions Sanctum Puzzle Gates: Require [Soulshard Keys] dropped by Arcanists Krag tossed me a pulsating black ingot¡ªNethersteel forged from fallen Netherguard blades. "At least rearm yourself. Watching you fight with chipped iron hurts my professional pride." Item Forged: ? [Eclipse Reaver] (Epic | Soulbound) ©À©¤ATK: 220-340 | Attack Speed: Fast ©À©¤25% Armor Penetration ©¸©¤[Soulsiphon]: Heal 5% of damage dealt As midnight approached, Fortune''s eyes glinted with predatory resolve. Somewhere beyond those bone-white ziggurats, the Darkwell Core pulsed¡ªa shard of the primordial Creation Star that birthed all shadow magic. "Ready for round two?" I murmured, hefting the reaver. The drake''s answering roar shook dust from ancient tapestries. Madness? Perhaps. But in the Abyss, only the mad thrive. Star Ring The Phantom Grove loomed ahead, its canopy choked with spectral mist that writhed like living tendrils. Fortune''s obsidian claws sank into the mossy earth as he let out a low growl¡ªthe drake equivalent of a raised eyebrow. Environmental Alert: ? Zone Discovered: Withershade Canopy (Lv50-150) ? Active Debuff: Rootrot (-10% Movement Speed | Fungal Spores) I flexed my hand, the newly acquired [Veil of the Eclipse] pulsing with void energy on my finger. Its ruby eye seemed to drink the dim forest light. Item Analysis (Fully Identified): ? [Veil of the Eclipse] (Artifact | Soulbound) ©À©¤Equilibrium: Syncs all base stats to highest attribute (Current: STR 377 ¡ú All 377) ©À©¤+20% Shadowspell Potency ©À©¤Abyssal Arsenal: Unlocks all Tier 1-5 Dark Magic ©¸©¤Soulthread: 20% Damage Converted to Mana Krag''s warning echoed in my mind: "That ring''s no trinket¡ªit''s a pact. The Abyss always collects." Fortune sniffed at a gnarled root crawling with bioluminescent fungi. His tail lashed suddenly, smashing a [Lv55 Mossfiend] into pulp before it could ambush us. Combat Log: [Fortune] uses [Tail Whip] ¡ú 1,240 Crushing DMG (Overkill) ? +380 XP (Shared) Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ? Loot: [Glowcap Spores] (Alchemy Reagent) "Showoff," I muttered, channeling the ring''s power. Dark energy surged through my veins as I triggered [Umbral Sight]¡ªthe forest''s shadows sharpened into razor-edged clarity. New Ability Unlocked: ? [Death''s Embrace] (Channeled AoE) ©À©¤25% HP Drain/sec from all targets in 15m radius ©¸©¤Cost: 100 MP/sec The grove came alive with skittering threats¡ª[Lv63 Thornspire Crawlers] burst from rotten logs, their barbed legs clicking in dissonant rhythms. "Time to test the merchandise." I raised the Eclipse Reaver, its blade humming with fresh Nethersteel edge. Tactical Engagement: Phase 1 - Suppression: - Fortune activates [Abyssal Barrage] to cluster mobs - Player casts [Shadowbind] (Roots enemies 8sec) Phase 2 - Harvest: - Chain [Death''s Embrace] + Basic Attacks - Utilize [Soulsiphon] healing to sustain mana burn Phase 3 - Cleanse: - Trigger [Veil of the Eclipse]''s Equilibrium burst - Fortune executes [Dragon''s Descent] finisher Post-Combat Analysis: ? Player Level: 70 ¡ú 73 (+3) ? Fortune Level: 70 ¡ú 73 (Sync Maintained) ? Loot Acquired: - [Witherthorn Blade] (Rare | 45-65 ATK | Poison DOT) - 22 Gold 47 Silver The real prize came as the mist parted¡ªa crumbling monolith etched with Elder Futhark runes. Lore Identifier Activated: "Here lies the Threshold of Screams, where the Veil wears thin. Tread lightly, mortal, for the Hungering Dark remembers." Fortune''s growl deepened as shadowy figures coalesced ahead¡ªnot mobs, but [Lv?? Voidstalkers] with featureless obsidian masks. Quest Alert: ? Eclipse Prophecy (Mythic) ©À©¤Investigate the Monolith ©À©¤Survive Voidstalker Assault ©¸©¤Reward: Unlocks [Starfall] Ultimate The drake spread his wings in challenge, hellfire gathering in his maw. The grove held its breath. phantom The air crackled with residual static as Fortune''s lightning barrage subsided. Before me writhed a shimmering amorphous entity¡ªa Level 600 Mutant Psionic Entity now reduced to a quivering puddle of ectoplasm. My hair stood on end from the backwash of electricity, every muscle twitching involuntarily. Combat Log: ? [Psionic Overlord] (Lv197 | Mutant BOSS) HP: 3% ? Debuffs: [Arc Feedback] (-75% Spell Resistance), [Neurolock] (Movement Impaired) "Cease fire!" The entity''s telepathic scream reverberated through my skull. "I yield! Let me serve as your familiar!" Fortune growled, hellfire still dancing between his obsidian fangs. The drake''s skepticism mirrored my own¡ªthis creature had nearly turned me into a marionette moments earlier. Negotiation Protocol Activated: ? Demand Surrender Terms ? Verify Abilities ? Assess Loyalty Risks The entity coalesced into a humanoid silhouette, its voice now syrupy with persuasion. "My gifts are unparalleled! Through symbiosis, you''ll gain:" Phase Shift: Short-range teleportation (1m base ¡ú 10km max) You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Eclipse Veil: Stealth field (1min duration | 15s cooldown) Neural Override: Disrupt enemy actions (Effect scales with level gap) "Prove it," I demanded, channeling [Soulsight] to monitor its psychic fluctuations. The entity¡ªnow self-dubbed "Phantom"¡ªdemonstrated by teleporting me three times in rapid succession. My stomach lurched with each Blink, the world dissolving into quantum static before reassembling. System Alert: ? New Familiar Bond: [Phantom] (Psionic/Spectral) ? Global Achievement: First Tamer of Mutant BOSS (+3 Skill Points) As the binding ritual completed, Phantom flowed into my body like liquid mercury. Its voice echoed through my neural pathways: "Observe, Master." Ability Demonstration: Eclipse Veil Engagement: - Visual spectrum fade: 0.3s - Heat signature dampening: 92% effective - Duration: 59s remaining Neural Override Test (vs Lv55 Mossfiend): - Target movement speed reduced by 43% - Attack trajectory deviation: 28¡ã "At full power," Phantom boasted, "we could make armies dance like puppets." Fortune snorted a plume of sulphurous smoke, clearly unimpressed. The drake''s tail lashed impatiently¡ªwe''d burned precious grinding time on this theater. Tactical Assessment: ? Pros: - Game-changing utility for PvP/Raid mechanics - Scalable stealth/CC potential ? Cons: - 1/7 Familiar slots consumed - Loyalty Rating: 61/100 (Volatile) - Psionic feedback risk during prolonged merging As we departed the smoldering grove, Phantom whispered its final revelation: "The real prize lies deeper¡ªwhere the Veil thins. Shall we hunt gods next, Master?" swamp The moment I stepped into the Forest of Lament, the air thickened like congealed blood. Ancient trees twisted into skeletal hands clawing at a sky choked with necrotic mist. Even Fortune''s obsidian scales seemed muted here, as if the forest itself drank the light. System Alert: ? Zone Discovered: Ashenreach (Lv150-??? | Cursed Lands) ? Active Debuff: Soulsap (-1% MAX HP/sec | Stackable) Phantom''s voice slithered through my mind: "Master, this place reeks of ancient betrayal. Proceed with caution¡ªeven the shadows here have teeth." A guttural moan echoed ahead. Through the gloom staggered a Lv160 Wailing Banshee, her tattered burial shroud billowing in an unfelt wind. Rotting flesh sloughed off bone as she raised a spectral scythe. Combat Protocol:
  1. Phantom Merge: Activate [Eclipse Veil] for stealth recon
  2. Fortune''s Barrage: Suppress with lightning AoE If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
  3. Darkfire Combustion: Cleanse cursed terrain
But before I could act, the banshee froze mid-scream. The forest floor erupted as Lv185 Corpsevine tendrils speared upward, impaling the spirit. The writhing roots pulsed as they drained her essence, leaving only a fading wail. Lore Unlocked: "The Trees Hunger - Corpsevines consume spirits to fuel the forest''s eternal decay." Fortune landed heavily, crushing a cluster of skeletal mushrooms. "We tread upon a god''s grave," Phantom whispered. "The Black Mother''s final resting place lies ahead." New Objective: ? Navigate Corpsevine maze (Pathfinding DC: 30) ? Collect 3 [Wailing Essence] from banished spirits ? Avoid triggering [Soulthicket] spawns (Lv200+ Elite) As we pressed deeper, a flicker of unnatural blue caught my eye¡ªa Lv210 Ghostfire Wisp dancing above a moss-crusted altar. The spectral flame coalesced into a familiar face. "You trespass where even death fears to linger," intoned the wisp in Krag''s voice. The blacksmith''s visage twisted in the blue fire. "Turn back, fool. The Black Mother devours all hope here." Choice Prompt: ? Defiance: Claim the altar''s power (High Risk | Mythic Reward) ? Caution: Mark coordinates for later return (Safe | ???) I gripped the Eclipse Reaver, its void edge humming in resonance with the cursed soil. Somewhere in this necrotic heart, answers waited¡ªand perhaps armor worthy of a demon lord. Crossing the Death Line The Teleportation Circle of Fate¡¯s Crossing hummed with arcane resonance as I materialized, the obsidian sigils beneath my feet fading from crimson to inert gray. A system chime rang: System Alert: ? Global First: Pioneer of the Leylines ? Reward: [Ring of Astral Passage] (Artifact) ©À©¤Unlimited city-to-city teleportation ©À©¤3/day coordinate-based teleport (10km range) ©¸©¤Caution: Voidshift cooldown applies The ring¡¯s onyx gemstone pulsed like a trapped supernova, its swirling nebula core whispering promises of unchained mobility. I barely had time to marvel before Ah Wei¡¯s avatar flickered into view¡ªa gangly Lv21 Necromancer whose tattered robes hung like moth-eaten curtains. ¡°Boss!¡± His holographic projection grinned through a mouthful of digital skewered lamb. ¡°You made it! Where¡¯s my swag?¡± I tossed the bundled gear into the trade window: ? [Witherthorn Staff] (Rare) ©À©¤ATK 2-7 | +10% Shadowspell Potency ©À©¤+1 to All Spell Tiers ©¸©¤Soulthread: 5% Mana Regen on Kill ? [Cloak of the Veiled Step] (Uncommon) ©À©¤+3 AGI | +1 LUC ©¸©¤Faction: Neutral Aligned ? [Briarhide Cuirass] (Rare) ©À©¤DEF 13 | Poison Resistance +15% ©¸©¤Set Bonus: Thorn Aura (Unlocked at 3 pieces) Ah Wei¡¯s eyes widened comically. ¡°This cuirass has higher DEF than the city guards¡¯ plate! How¡¯d you¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t ask.¡± I cut him off, scanning the desolate plaza. Watermoon Citadel¡¯s marble colonnades stretched eerily silent, NPC merchants shuffling in predawn gloom. ¡°We¡¯re burning moonlight. Where¡¯s your grind spot?¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Slums District ¨C Abandoned Catacombs The stench of mildew and rat droppings hit like a physical blow as we descended. Ah Wei lit a Soulfire Torch, its sickly green flame revealing walls crawling with Lv25 Carrion Beetles. ¡°Home sweet home,¡± he muttered, kicking a desiccated rat skull. ¡°Perfect for power-leveling if you¡¯ve got¡­¡± His jaw dropped as Fortune unfolded to full wingspan, cracking stonework. ¡°Is that a dragon?!¡± ¡°Meet Lucky. Don¡¯t pet him when he¡¯s hungry.¡± What followed wasn¡¯t combat¡ªit was extermination. Fortune¡¯s Hellfire Barrage turned the catacombs into a charnel house, XP notifications cascading: Combat Log (Abridged): [22:14:07] [Fortune] annihilates [Carrion Beetle Swarm] ¡ú +1,200 XP (Shared) [22:14:13] [Phantom] triggers [Neural Override] ¡ú 12 beetles impale each other [22:14:20] Ah Wei levels up! Lv21 ¡ú Lv24 By midnight, our necromancer-in-training stood at Lv37, his [Witherthorn Staff] now crackling with unstable void energy. Strategic Breakdown:
  1. Phantom¡¯s Role: - Disrupt beetle swarms with [Psionic Miasma] - Maintain [Eclipse Veil] for emergency extraction
  2. Fortune¡¯s Tactics: - Alternate fire/lightning AoE to bypass resistances - Use tail sweeps to cluster mobs
  3. Player Contribution: - Loot collection (Prioritize necrotic catalysts) - Monitor Ah Wei¡¯s mana thresholds
As we surfaced, the first true dawn painted Watermoon¡¯s spires gold. Ah Wei inspected his new [Blightshard Amulet] with reverence. ¡°This changes everything. I could solo the Lv40 Blood Marsh now!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get cocky.¡± I tossed him a pouch of [Necrosphere Tonics]. ¡°Meet me at Obsidian Spire when you hit 60. We¡¯ll discuss¡­ advanced partnerships.¡± The [Ring of Astral Passage] flared, depositing me back in Fate¡¯s Crossing before he could reply. Somewhere beyond the northern wastes, the Sanctum of Ebon Veils whispered¡ªbut that hunt would require an army. Or something far darker. The Death of Ah Wei The Spectral Resonance hit like a bucket of ice water. One moment Ah Wei was lobbing fireballs at the Steeljaw Lions; the next, his avatar dissolved into translucent wisps. His staff clattered to the ground, its voidfire extinguished as the system notification blared: Death Alert: ? Player Soulless (Lv54 ¡ú Lv53) ? Status: Phantom Drift (Ghostwalk Active) ? Revival Options: ©À©¤Soulbinder NPC: 15 Gold ©¸©¤Player Resurrectionist: Variable Cost "Boss?" Ah Wei''s voice echoed disembodied. "I can walk through walls now! Check this out¡ª" His spectral form phased through a boulder, emerging with digital static clinging to his outline. I activated [Veil of the Eclipse], its ruby eye piercing the ethereal veil. The augmented sight revealed Ah Wei''s ghostly avatar flickering like a corrupted hologram. "Quit messing around. We need to get you to a Soulbinder." Watermoon Citadel ¨C Necrotic Quarter The Resurrectionist''s den reeked of embalming fluids and false promises. A Lv180 Soulweaver with too many eyes gestured impatiently. "15 gold or begone. I''ve got cultists to reanimate." Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Ah Wei winced as the ritual commenced¡ªa grotesque dance of ectoplasmic threads stitching his soul back into corporeal form. The gold counter in my inventory ticked down painfully. Revival Log: ? -15 Gold ? [Soulless] restored to Lv53 ? Debuff: Soulsickness (-20% XP gain for 1h) "Never. Again." Ah Wei clutched his resurrected torso. "That felt like getting born backward." Strategic Adjustment:
  1. Phantom''s New Role: Designated "death watcher" to prevent repeat incidents
  2. Fortune''s Aggro Control: Taunt mechanics optimized for party protection
  3. Equipment Overhaul: Purchased [Soultether Amulet] (Auto-revive 1/day)
As dawn painted the citadel spires, the system-wide alert flashed: Global Announcement: "Full Account Launch Commenced ¨C 2.3 Billion Players Online" The wilderness beyond Watermoon now teemed with neon-haired newbies and goldseller bots. Our private hunting grounds were gone¡ªswallowed by the player tsunami. "Time to go off-map," I muttered, activating the [Ring of Astral Passage]. Somewhere beyond civilized zones, the Sanctum of Ebon Veils waited¡ªand with it, answers about the Eclipse Ring''s whispered promises. Strange mission The canyon¡¯s narrow throat hummed with tension as the convoy snaked into view¡ªtwenty armored wagons emblazoned with the Solarian Empire¡¯s phoenix crest. Level 200 Imperial Sentinels marched in lockstep, their halberds crackling with holy enchantments. Tactical Overlay: ? Convoy Composition: - 15x [Reinforced Cargo Wagons] (HP 50,000) - 5x [Battle Sanctums] (Mobile spell turrets) - 1x [Celestial Vanguard] (Lv250 Paladin Commander) Ah Wei gulped audibly. "Old coot said they¡¯d run! Those look ready to crusade!" I activated [Eclipse Veil], our forms dissolving into the canyon¡¯s shadow. "Stick to the plan. Phantom¡ªscramble their comms." The psionic entity rippled across the mental spectrum, triggering cascading system errors: Sabotage Log: ? [Phantom] casts [Neural Static] ¡ú Imperial coordination -75% ? [Phantom] activates [Echo Mirage] ¡ú False ambush markers Chaos erupted as the Sanctums pivoted wildly, holy fire scorching empty air. The Vanguard roared orders drowned by Phantom¡¯s interference. Phase 1: Cargo Acquisition Fortune dive-bombed the lead wagon, obsidian claws shearing through adamantine locks. I lunged into the breach, [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] humming with stolen divinity. Loot Priority:
  1. Phoenix Caskets (Glowing gold sigils)
  2. Starbound Reliquaries (Pulsing blue containment fields) This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
  3. Shadowmesh Crates (Oozing void residue)
Ah Wei proved unexpectedly adept, his [Witherthorn Staff] siphoning sanctified wards. "Boss! The third wagon¡¯s got a Celestial Core¡ªthat¡¯s our jackpot!" Phase 2: The Betrayal As Phantom¡¯s illusions frayed, the Vanguard¡¯s gaze locked onto Fortune. "Abyssal filth! You dare?!" His greatsword ignited with Cleansing Pyre¡ªa Lv300 Holy Execution skill. "Now!" I triggered the [Ring of Astral Passage], teleporting the core crate to the Soulbinder¡¯s coordinates. The remaining wagons detonated in chain explosions¡ªtoo clean, too convenient. Aftermath: Back at Watermoon, the Soulbinder cackled over his spoils. "Magnificent! Now, choose your poison¡ª" Hidden Class Unlocks: ? Soulreaper (Requires Lv200 | +2 Companion Slots) ©À©¤[Expungement]: Steal 1% XP per hit (PVP) ©¸©¤[Abyssal Harbinger]: Summon Voidspawn (1/day) ? Veilwalker (Requires Lv150 | Charm 10+) ©À©¤[Doppelgate]: Mirror enemy abilities ©¸©¤[Soulforge]: Craft legendary gear from stolen essence Ah Wei gaped at the Ascendant Necromancer option¡ªits icon a screaming soulbound constellation. "We just broke the meta..." Strategic Implications:
  1. Faction Warfare: Solarian Empire now tracks via [Mark of the Phoenix]
  2. Gear Optimization: Soulforged items scale with assassination count
  3. Ethical Threshold: Hidden classes escalate PVP lethality
As dawn broke, the first bounty hunters appeared¡ªLv180 Judgment Zealots with our faces on their warscrolls. Fortune¡¯s roar shook the citadel gates. The true game began now¡ªnot for glory, but survival.
Epilogue: The Shadow Calculus What the Soulbinder didn¡¯t mention¡ªevery stolen relic contained a sliver of the Solarian Godking¡¯s essence. Our "heist" wasn¡¯t theft; it was a coup. And somewhere beyond the veil, a dethroned deity began to stir... The looted artifact The Veil of the Eclipse pulsed on my finger as I studied the twin class scrolls¡ªSoulreaper and Netherblade Ascendant. The requirements glared back: Netherblade Ascendant (ħ»¯»ÃÁé): ? Level 200 ? Dual Dark-type Companions (Current: 7/2) ? Complete Abyssal Forge Trials Soulreaper (Éå»ê·¨Ê¦): ? Charm 10+ (Current: 13) ? 500,000 Shadowspell DMG Dealt ? Slay Lv300+ Holy Entity Ah Wei leaned over my shoulder, his new [Ascendant Necromancer Robes] shimmering with unstable void energy. "Boss, we need to hit Voidspire Depths. That place vomits XP like a busted pi?ata." Strategic Planning: Level Grind Priority: - Target Zone: Voidspire Depths (Lv180-250 Voidspawn) - Optimal Route: Teleport via [Ring of Astral Passage] to sector Gamma-7 - Tactics: Fortune¡¯s AoE + Phantom¡¯s CC chain Charm Optimization: - Equip [Soulthread Diadem] (+3 CHA | Drops from Lv150 Succubi) - Complete Masque of the Veiled Ball (Lv170 Social Quest) Gear Preparation: - Upgrade [Soulwarder Blooddrinker] with Nethersteel - Stockpile [Necrosphere Tonics] x500 Voidspire Depths ¨C Sector Gamma-7 The air screamed with unstable rifts as Fortune¡¯s Abyssal Barrage lit the caverns. Voidspawn disintegrated in chain explosions, their death throes feeding the Eclipse Ring¡¯s hunger. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Combat Log (Abridged): [Violet Sun] activates [Death¡¯s Embrace] ¡ú 12,340 DMG/sec (AoE) [Fortune] crits [Voidspawn Colossus] ¡ú 45,600 DMG (Overkill) [Phantom] triggers [Neural Override] ¡ú 8x Voidspawn self-implode Progress Update: ? Player Level: 102 ¡ú 187 (+85) ? Shadowspell DMG: 127,890/500,000 ? Loot Acquired: - [Voidshard Gauntlets] (Epic | +15% Shadowspell Potency) - 82 Gold 45 Silver Ah Wei¡¯s cackle echoed through the comms. "I just soloed a Lv200 Lightwarden! This robe¡¯s broken!" Incident Report: A rift pulsed ominously¡ªLv300 Seraphim Enforcer emerged, wings ablaze with holy fire. The system blared crimson alerts: WARNING: Celestial Retribution Activated ? Debuff: Mark of the Phoenix ¡ú Holy DMG +300% ? Objective: Survive 5min for extraction "Phantom! Full lockdown!" I roared, triggering [Eclipse Veil]. The psionic entity flooded the Seraphim¡¯s mind with fracturing static as Fortune dive-bombed with void-charged claws. Tactical Override: Phase 1 - Containment: - Phantom spams [Psionic Miasma] to disrupt holy aura - Kite enemy through unstable rifts Phase 2 - Burst: - Unload [Veil of the Eclipse]¡¯s stored void energy - Fortune executes [Dragon¡¯s Descent] finisher Phase 3 - Evac: - Teleport to pre-marked coordinates - Detonate [Voidshard Gauntlets] for area denial The Seraphim disintegrated in a supernova of conflicting energies. Loot Notification: ? [Fallen Halo] (Artifact) ©À©¤+10% Holy Resistance ©¸©¤Unlocks [Sacrilege] skill (Steal holy buffs) Post-Engagement Briefing: Level 200 Achieved: Netherblade Ascendant unlocked Soulreaper Progress: 489,200/500,000 Shadowspell DMG Pending Threat: Solarian Inquisition forces en route Ah Wei tossed me a Voidforge Crystal. "Found this near the rift. Smells like endgame loot." The crystal projected a holographic map¡ªthe Sanctum of Ebon Veils pulsed at coordinates aligning with the Eclipse Ring¡¯s whispers. New Objective: ? Assault Sanctum of Ebon Veils (Lv300+ Zone) ? Disrupt Solarian Godking¡¯s resurrection ritual ? Claim [Shard of the Creation Star] Fortune¡¯s growl shook the cavern. Somewhere in that necrotic heart, our destiny¡ªand the game¡¯s true endgame¡ªawaited. els. And we¡¯d just begun our ascent. You can make money by selling coal We logged out immediately after leaving the Mage Alliance headquarters. Dawn light already crept through our apartment blinds - gods, had we really grinded through the night? By the time our alarms blared at 8 PM, Wei and I were scarfing cold pizza while reattaching neural jacks. The login chime sounded sweeter than any symphony. The cityscape stunned us upon respawn. Where yesterday saw scattered adventurers, now throngs of fresh avatars crowded the plazas. Right - today marked the global server launch. Most players probably hit Level 20 by now. A half-elven spellsword jostled past me muttering about botched enchantments, while a dwarven berserker argued with his UI hologram. The energy was... vibrant. "Yo, legendary gear alert!" A saccharine voice cut through the din. We turned to find a fox-eared archer batting eyelashes at Wei. "Is this your guild mistress? That full Shadowscale set! Could you... mentor a newbie?" Her tail swished with calculated innocence. Before I could correct her, Wei puffed his chest. "Level 20? No sweat! We''ll have you farming elites by midnight." His avatar''s eyes lingered on her character model''s... anatomical customization options. Typical. The vixen clasped hands. "You wouldn''t mind one more, would you? Babe! Over here!" A huleringed orc materialized, his warhammer scraping cobblestones. "Free powerleveling? Sweet!" Stolen story; please report. I sighed. Years of being mistaken for my sister''s twin had immunized me to such tactics. "Correction: He''s your carry. Got errands." Activating my Phaseband, I vanished mid-protest, leaving Wei to his fate. Their shocked gasps fueled my petty satisfaction. Lost Citadel - Artificer Quarter The teleportation haze cleared at Kronak''s Forge. The dwarven smith looked up from his anvil, beard sparks still dancing. "Stormcrown! Been scrying every hub for you." "You... sought me?" NPCs initiating contact? Since when did neural clouds get this adaptive? "To business!" He stomped upstairs. I followed to a vault-like chamber smelling of oiled steel. "Need a courier. High-level materials from restricted zones." I leaned against a glowing runeforge. "Since when am I your guild runner?" "Compensation!" He slammed a crystalline bracer on the table. Spatial Bracelet - Unlimited dimensional storage. Telekinesis mastery (20m range). "For transport efficiency. And..." His cheeks reddened beneath the beard. "We''ll void your repair debt." "Keep the charity. This relic''s payment enough." "Take both." He avoided eye contact. "Now - your business?" I produced the obsidian wood chunk. Kronak dropped his tankard. "Blackstar Ironbark?! Where-" "Treant drops. Valuable?" "Valuable?!" His tremor shook the chandeliers. "Single log ignites netherflames for arcane smelting! 50% vampiric enchant chance on blades!" I casually produced another. Then another. And another. When the fiftieth materialized, the dwarf collapsed. "By Moradin''s hammer!" He scrambled up. "Do you comprehend? This fuels forges that birthed the Godslayer axes!" I grinned. Time to negotiate. Cloak Quest I stripped my scavenged gear with the reverence of a dragon shedding scales. Kronak tossed me a pair of winged greaves glowing with arcane sigils. "Stormstrider Boots - 20 defense, +1 AGI, 10% movement speed. Oh, and..." His beard twitched with pride. "20% projectile deflection chance." The moment I buckled them, ambient mana hummed through my bones. My HUD flickered: [Aeolian Resonance Detected - Full Set Bonus Active]. The smith proceeded to layer me in armor that sang with storm magic: Tempest Greaves: 35 DEF, 10% evasion Skyweave Tassets: Chainmail whispering with retaliatory lightning Vortex Breastplate: A living storm absorbing 10% elemental damage Zephyr Gauntlets: Claws crackling with poison and flame When the mirror revealed a lightning-wreathed demigod, even my shadow seemed impressed. "This set could make Tyr himself envious," I murmured, admiring the auric shimmer. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "Come back when you reach Tier 3!" Kronak boomed. "My celestial forge awaits!" Velvet Thread Atelier The seamstress'' shop smelled of phoenix down and desperation. Madame Lira - Kronak''s "business partner" - presented a belt woven from twilight itself. "Vernal Cinch: 10 DEF, 20% HP regen, bonus loot gold." Her smile turned predatory. "Now about that cloak..." "Let me guess." I edged toward the exit. "Hidden in the maw of certain death?" "Dark Spire''s Warden holds the pattern! Only 600 levels of-" "Hard pass." I backpedaled into Kronak''s chest. His sheepish grin confirmed the trap - two days later, I found myself airborne on Lucky''s back, clutching a cursed [Demonic Oculus] that pulsed like a treasonous heartbeat. Leaderboard Snapshot [Global Rankings - Season of Shattered Skies] Goreblade (Lv112 Orc Warmaster) - Mount: Nightmare Stallion Crimson Eclipse (Lv110 Voidcaster) - Familiar: Dread Wraith Zephyr''s Bane (Lv108 Celestial Vindicator) ... Stormcrown (Lv100 Arcane Tempest) << YOU ARE HERE Lucky banked sharply as shambling corpses came into view. "Not worth the XP," I muttered, urging higher. The Spire''s obsidian gates loomed - a monument to poor life choices. Two Wraithguards crossed polearms at my approach. "Halt, mortal!" I brandished the Oculus. Their spectral eyes flared crimson. "Forgive us, Netherlord!" The phantoms knelt. "The Warden awaits." Well. This just upgraded from suicide mission to political nightmare. Invisibility Cloak The Abyssal March Following the Wraithguard through the canyon''s throat, I understood why armies feared the dead. Beyond the checkpoint stretched a necropolis of war - regimented legions of bone warriors occupying honeycombed barracks carved into obsidian cliffs. Their hollow eyes tracked my passage. Ten million strong, I later learned. Today, they simply made my HUD flicker with threat assessments like a deranged slot machine. Handoffs between ever-stronger escorts became a morbid parade: Soulbound Cavalier (Tier 3) Umbral Executioner Phantom Lancer (Elite) When the¡¢ finally delivered me to the command spire, the Dreadspire Warden''s true level burned crimson in my vision: Lv750 - [Fallen Paladin Ascendant]. "Speak quickly, mortal." His voice resonated like a cathedral bell forged in hellfire. "Why does a Netherlord''s sigil grace your hand?" This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The Pact The Demonic Oculus pulsed as I explained Lira''s request. The Warden''s deathless fingers trembled against his zweih?nder. "She... thrives? With Kronak the Forgebreaker?" "Like newlyweds," I offered. His laughter shook ash from the rafters. "The old wolf surrendered his marshal''s seal for love! Fitting." A obsidian case materialized before me. "Take this relic. Let it kindle your legend." [System: Obtained "Shroud of the Betrayer" (Bound Artifact)] Defense Scales with Level (Current: 120) | Stealth Cloaking (Stationary) | 50% Action Delay Inflict The Warden gripped my pauldron. "Blood-brothers, you and I. Let the living learn to fear our shadow." Aftermath Dawn found me sprinting from the canyon, artifact fluttering like captured night. Only at Lost Citadel''s gates did realization strike - I''d forgotten the damned cloak pattern. Lira''s gasp when I unfurled the Shroud confirmed its value. "This isn''t just fabric," she breathed. "It''s his mourning cloak from the Godswar." Kronak''s testing revealed the Shroud''s true horror - perfect invisibility when still, predator-like distortion in motion. "You''ll need assassins'' guild writs," he grumbled, translucent fingers plucking an apple from my belt. PK The grind session shattered when Wei¡¯s panicked voice crackled through comms: ¡°Boss! You there?¡± I let Phantom assume combat control - our new mind-link letting me multitask. ¡°Situation?¡± ¡°Got PK¡¯d by Goreblade¡¯s crew! They took the Robe of Arcane Supremacy!¡± My grip tightened on the hilt. ¡°The #1 ranked? What¡¯d you do?¡± ¡°His sugar baby wanted it for her twink brother!¡± Wei¡¯s avatar shimmered faintly in ghostcam mode. ¡°They¡¯re spawn-camping me outside Aqua Springs!¡± Ambush at Moonwell The teleport vortex deposited me at Wei¡¯s coordinates. My lieutenant looked like a gutter rat who¡¯d lost a fight with a trash compactor. ¡°Three deaths,¡± he rasped. ¡°Those soulbinder pricks keep resurrecting me for executions!¡± I tossed him a Soulbound Satchel bulging with necro-potions. ¡°Show me.¡± The grove reeked of cheap ambrosia and cheaper intentions. Goreblade¡¯s party circled their latest kill - a dire bear carcass. His elven concubine noticed us first. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Lookee here! The loser brought a -¡± Her sneer died as my Shroud¡¯s hood shadowed my face. I activated voice modulation. ¡°You¡¯ve had your fun. Return what¡¯s ours.¡± ¡°Or what, edgelord?¡± A seraphim warrior named HolyButtface spat. ¡°Gank us and -¡± Combat Log [00:00] Phantom Sync: 100% [00:01] Shadowstep: Activated [00:02] Critical Strike: Goreblade¡¯s Concubine ¡ú Headshot (Mortal Wound) [00:03] Bounty Gained: Wanted Lv1 The elven mage¡¯s skull exploded in polygons. HolyButtface lunged, blade screeching against my Vortex Breastplate. ¡°Physical damage works!¡± he crowed. ¡°Whittle him do-¡± My backhand swing triggered Tempest Retaliation. Lightning arced through his seraphic armor. ¡°5% proc chance,¡± I mused as his charred corpse collapsed. ¡°Unlucky.¡± Goreblade¡¯s war cry echoed as I phased behind him. Zephyr Gauntlets met spine. His health bar imploded. [00:07] Player Kill: #1 Ranked Goreblade [00:08] Bounty Escalation: Wanted Lv3 Aftermath Two survivors triggered recall scrolls. My last soulpiercer bolt embedded in an oak as HolyButtface vanished. Wei¡¯s ghostcam flickered. ¡°Forget the robe, let¡¯s -¡± ¡°Negative.¡± I incinerated the black mage¡¯s dropped staff. ¡°They respawn at Aqua Springs. I¡¯ll farm them till -¡± An armor-piercing round shredded my thigh. System sigils flared crimson: [WARNING: BOUNTY HUNTERS ENGAGING] [City Guards Hostile - 5% HP Remaining] Necro-potions healed the wound as archer guards nocked fresh arrows. Nearby players materialized like vultures scenting loot. ¡°Even odds,¡± I grinned, activating Shroud of the Betrayer. Let them come. Red name The necro-pills burned like liquid nitrogen down my throat. Yanking the guard''s arrow from my thigh, I activated Shroud of the Betrayer, becoming a heat-haze mirage. The mob''s battlecry echoed - "Loot the bounty!" - as I phased through their clumsy strikes. Goreblade''s crew emerged from Aqua Springs'' gates like cockroaches fleeing light. His elven concubine whined through reconstructed vocal cords: "Husband, make him suffer! I lost three levels!" "Relax, sugarplum," the brute chuckled, hefting his runeblade. "We''ll farm his corpse till -" [Combat Log Activated] [00:00] Phantom Sync: 87% [00:01] Spectral Edge Drawn (Soulbound Artifact) [00:02] Critical Strike: "IWantThatBitch" ¡ú Throat Pierced (Mortal Wound) [00:03] Bounty Escalation: Wanted Lv5 The concubine''s avatar dissolved into pixelated gore. Goreblade''s eyes widened - not at her death, but the Robe of Arcane Supremacy now clutched in my bleeding fist. "Cheater!" HolyButtface screeched, seraphic armor clanking. "How''s he still -" This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. My laughter cut through his rage. "Meet Soulstealer Gauntlets." The cursed artifacts flared as I parried his strike, syphoning his vitality into my necrotic reserves. Shadowplay Phantom''s consciousness slithered into HolyButtface''s neural link. The seraph warrior convulsed, unleashing Hellfire Nova on his own party. "Traitor!" Goreblade roared, cleaving through his ally''s back. The betrayal lasted precisely 3.2 seconds - enough for me to plant Voidspike Dagger between his shoulder blades. [System: Player Kill - #1 Ranked Goreblade] [Infamy Meter: 650/1000 (Notorious)] The loot explosion painted the battlefield crimson - his concubine''s robe, a pulsating Heartseeker Amulet, and... my missing Soulforged Stave. Outlaw''s Haven Lost Citadel''s obsidian spires welcomed us with open rot. Wei gaped at the teeming marketplace where demonkin merchants haggled with vampiric enchanters. "This... is a penal colony?" Kronak snorted, polishing his Anvil of the Damned. "Sanctuary for the Forsaken. Your infamy here?" He tapped my glowing wrist-rune. "Badge of honor." [Infamy Mechanics Revealed] 1 Hour Online = -2 Infamy Elite Mob Kill = -(Mob Level/500) Redemption Quests (NPC-driven) "Choose your penance," the dwarf smith grinned, sliding a bloodstained contract across his counter. Bounty: Slaughter 1000 Celestial Guards. Wei palmed his restored staff. "Or we could..." "Farm till sunrise?" I smirked, adjusting the Shroud. Its hem whispered forgotten hexes. "Race you to Infamy Zero." Steel Beast The crimson rune on my wrist pulsed faintly as Wei and I breached Lost Citadel''s obsidian gates. Before us stretched the Stormwrath Steppes - an electric sea of swaying ghostgrass where lightning mice crackled between monoliths. "Home sweet hell," Wei muttered, eyeing a pack of Thunder Rats (Lv120) discharging plasma bolts. Beyond them, armored behemoths resembling miniaturized ankylosaurs grazed lazily. My Star Gazer ring flared: [Threat Assessment: Adamant Behemoths (Lv200)] Physical/Magic Immunity 95% Critical Weakness: Underbelly "Perfect tank material," Wei grinned, already channeling frost shards. "Let''s bag one!" The Hunt Lucky''s obsidian wings carved smoke trails through the charged air. We descended upon a trio of aberrant Steelback Behemoths (Lv230), their spiked carapaces gleaming with unnatural alloys. My blade sparked against their hides like flint on stone. "47 damage?!" I cursed, nursing numbed wrists. "These walking bunkers are -" This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Lucky''s roar drowned my complaint. The drake executed a combat dive worthy of fighter jets, talons clamping a behemoth''s spinal ridge. We watched in awe as he breached cloud layer before initiating a supersonic drop. "Impact in 5!" I tackled Wei behind a monolith. The resulting shockwave sent rock shrapnel singing through our cover. Three smoking craters marked the killzone. From the carnage rose spectral wisps - prime candidates for Wei''s first Soulbound Vanguard. System Mechanics [Soul Capture (Master Tier) Activated] Acquired: Steelback Behemoth Core x3 Wei pressed a bleeding cheek to the glowing crystal. "Forge the pact!" The core dissolved into his shadow, materializing as a hulking spectral guardian. [Wei''s Soulbound Vanguard] HP: 15,000 | DEF: 900 | Movement: 3m/s Ability: Immovable Object "Meet Brickwall," Wei announced as his new guardian tanked a thunder rat barrage without flinching. "Now I just need matching curtains." Nightfall Reckoning By lunar rise, my Infamy had dwindled to 112. The Star Gazer ring''s HUD overlay tracked every kill: [Current Level: 118] Lucky: 118 | Phantom: 118 Wei: 93 | Brickwall: 230 As Wei demonstrated his guardian''s belly-slide attack (3 damage, but hilarious), my ring pinged an alert: [Player Tracker: Goreblade Located - Mountain Bastion (Safe Zone)] "Tempted?" Wei asked, noting my smirk. "Let him cower," I stretched beneath the aurora-lit sky. "Tomorrow, we hunt real game." Burrow The morning sun glinted off the Frostspire Mountains as I resumed my grinding ritual. By noon, a metallic glint amidst the permafrost caught my eye - an argent chain snaking into the frozen earth. What began as curiosity became an obsession; six hours later, my dragon companion Lucky strained against the glacial tether alongside ten Soulbound Goliaths (formerly Steelback Behemoths). Their combined might unearthed a monolithic slab sealing an ancient shaft. "Archaeology bonus XP?" I muttered, peering into the abyss. Phantom materialized beside me, spectral blade illuminating runes carved during the Godswar. [System: Discovered - Niflheim''s Descent (Legendary Dungeon)] Recommended Level: 150+ Party Size: 8 Too late. The ice swallowed me whole. The Slide Twenty minutes of freefall through crystalline tunnels taught me new definitions of cold. My Star Gazer ring''s thermal overlay flickered as a human comet smashed into me - raven-haired, jade-eyed, and screaming like a banshee. "Quiet!" I clamped a gauntlet over her mouth. "You''ll bring the whole -" This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The shaft birthed four more plummeting adventurers. We became a tumbling constellation of limbs and gear until my shout pierced the chaos: "Form chain! Now!" Our impromptu party locked arms just as the tunnel bifurcated. The left branch claimed three screamers; our right path spat us onto an obsidian dais etched with Elder Futhark. Survivors'' Roster Crimson Eclipse (Lv119 Voidcaller) - The raven-haired enigma from global rankings Mossback (Lv99 Stormcaller) - Druidic healer smelling of burnt sage Uglitch (Lv97 Nethermancer) - His username proved prophetic LonersBane (Lv102 Reaper Knight) - Greatsword-wielding edgelord The dais floated in a cathedral-sized void, mist concealing lethal gaps. LonersBane''s "heroic leap" became comedic tragedy as he overshot the first platform. "Amateurs," Crimson sighed, executing a gymnast''s pirouette onto the next island. Her cloak flared mid-spin, revealing arcane sigils matching the dungeon walls. Platforming Hell We progressed through nightmare geometry: Mossback''s Faceplant - Forgot to jump (RIP 15% durability) Uglitch''s "Shortcut" - Became icicle kebab (Respawn timer: 2h) My Brilliant Idea - Using Phantom as grappling hook (50% mana drain) By the twelfth platform, even Crimson''s porcelain composure cracked. "Next developer who designs jumping puzzles," she hissed, "gets fed to Hel''s hounds." [System Alert: Chamber of Breath Approaching] Environmental Hazard: Absolute Zero Recommended Resistance: Frostforged Armor Set Our celebratory cheers died as the final platform birthed crystalline wraiths. Crimson''s smirk returned. "Finally. Something killable." Crypt Quests The final platform crumbled beneath me as I lunged for the obsidian archway. My blade screeched against eldritch stonework before snapping like a twig. For one vertigo-inducing moment, gravity reclaimed me - until Lucky''s talons pierced the abyss. "Since when do dragons do aerial rescues?" I panted, clinging to his neck spikes. Since you became my walking disaster magnet, his rumbling telepathy replied. The "reward" for surviving the platforming nightmare? A cyclopean chamber with 333 identical archways. My scream echoed off the rune-carved walls. "What eldritch architect designed this?!" A familiar clanking interrupted my meltdown. Dreadspire Warden Dominique materialized in a swirl of necrotic energy, his hellsteed nibbling my hair. "Took you long enough, little brother." Quest Mechanics Revelation Dominique''s gauntlet traced glowing sigils above 27 central arches. "The Labyrinth of Shattered Memories. Each path shifts hourly. Bring these -" He tossed three keystone shards glowing with primordial magic. "- and survive the Guardians." This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. I eyed the pulsating archways. "What guardians?" His laughter shook stalactites loose. "Oh, just some... enthusiastic former colleagues." The trade window blinked insistently: [Temporal Loan: Voidrend Claws (Artifact Gauntlets)] Attack: 150-150 (Scaling) | Defense: 500 Effects: Life Steal (50%) | Chain Lightning | Permafrost Edge Warning: Repo upon quest failure The gauntlets fused to my arms, their bladed protrusions humming with void energy. Dominique''s parting gift? A brotherly shove into the leftmost arch. Labyrinth Gameplay The shifting corridors became a bloodsoaked ballet: Frostbound Colossus (Lv180) - Parried its glacial maul, claws shredding icy weakpoints Stormcaller Cabal - Used their lightning against chain-linked armor The Mirror Phantom - Nearly fatal until Lucky belched hellfire through its dimensional rift Each vanquished guardian left keystone shard resonances. By the seventh archway, my HUD flickered with ominous warnings: [Corruption Level: 37%] Voidrend Claws muttering in Elder Tongue Phantom''s consciousness fracturing Dominique''s hologram materialized at a crossroads. "Turn back now, brother. What comes next..." I activated the final keystone. "Since when do we play safe?" The labyrinth walls dissolved into starlight. Crypt Quest 2 The corridor stretched before me like the gullet of some primordial beast, its obsidian walls thrumming with malicious intent. My Voidrend Claws sparked against stonework as I triggered the first trap - a pendulum axe that shaved a lock of hair from my scalp. "Charming decor," I muttered, timing my dash between its sweeps. Three more axes descended in a lethal ballet, their arcs intersecting like some murderous Newton''s cradle. [System Alert: Kinetic Pattern Detected] Recommended Strategy: Temporal Phasing "Or..." I grinned, leaping onto a vertical pendulum''s arm. The world became a blur of screaming metal as the mechanism ferried me through the death zone. Arrowstorm Gambit Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! The next chamber greeted me with a hail of necrotic quarrels. My Spatial Bracelet whirred to life, harvesting ammunition while Lucky''s draconic vitality soaked the damage. [Ammo Stock: 512,340/¡Þ] "Enough to arm a rebellion," I chuckled, lobbing a quarrel to trigger another volley. The walls wept blackened steel until dawn. When the storm abated, my armor lay in shards. Only the Shroud of the Betrayer remained intact, its voidspun fabric mocking my nakedness. Titan''s Maw The final stretch unveiled nightmares wrought in clockwork: Crushing Walls - Escaped by summoning Steelback Behemoths until the corridor ruptured Drowning Chamber - Nearly suffocated before Lucky''s hellfire vaporized the deluge Revenant Golems - Their soulbound cores shattered under Voidrend Claws'' permafrost edge As I emerged bloodied but breathing, Dominique awaited with a chalice of swirling crimson. "To your... unconventional methods." The Ambrosia of Shattered Veils burned like liquid starlight. [System: Level Threshold Breached - 200] New Title: Voidrend Paragon Crypt Quest 3 Dominique materialized in a swirl of void energy, taking in my "armor" with a raised brow. The Voidrend Claws gleamed menacingly atop bare arms, Abyssal Striders clanked against stone floors, and the Shroud of the Betrayer fluttered majestically... over system-issued cotton briefs. "Behold," I spread my arms dramatically. "The Voidrend Paragon, terror of the seven realms." My brother''s hellsteed snorted. More like court jester of the damned. Dominique tossed me two pulsing artifacts. "For surviving the crucible. Try not to... accessorize further." [Acquired: Umbral Serpentine (Mythic Whipblade)] Attack: 250-250 (Scaling) | Life Steal (20%) Ability: Spatial Anchoring - Pierce reality to create grapple points If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. [Acquired: Titanfall Greaves (Mythic Boots)] Defense: 750 (Scaling) | Mobility +200% Aura: Desecrated Ground - Weakens enemies in 10m radius The whipblade fused with my claws, its monofilament edge humming with contained fury. The greaves... well, at least they covered my knees. The Verdant Deception The portal deposited me in an idyllic glade straight from elven tapestries. Butterflies danced around cherry blossoms as a silver-haired maiden materialized, her distress as rehearsed as a bard''s ballad. "Warrior! You must aid us!" She clutched my armored forearm, tears glistening with uncanny precision. "The village oracle foretold¡ª" I activated Star Gazer''s truth-sight. Beneath her pastoral guise writhed thorned vines and hollow eyes. [System: WARNING - Celestial Corruption Detected] Recommended Action: Immediate Exorcism "Let me guess," I twirled the whipblade. "You need me to ''purify'' some ancient shrine? Retrieve a ''sacred relic''?" Her porcelain smile cracked. "How did¡ª" "Classic bait-and-switch." The whipblade''s edge kissed her throat. "Now show me your true face before I introduce you to accidental heroism." Crypt Quest 4 The soot-streaked phoenix tilted her obsidian crown of feathers, molten gold dripping from her talons. "Well? Do we have a deal, hero?" Her voice carried the mocking lilt of a tsundere anime villainess. I eyed the Hellfire Diamond clutched in my blistered hands - its surface pulsed like a captured supernova. [System: Acquired "Emberheart Core" - Summons 400 Flamehornets (Lv100)]. Perfect for swarm tactics... assuming I survived this negotiation. "Let me get this straight." I gestured at the lava-churning hellscape with my monofilament whipblade. "You''ll lift the toad-curse, gift me this spicy paperweight, and throw in a mystery mount... just to become my glorified Zippo?" Xiao Feng''s plumage flared, casting dancing shadows across the cavern. "I am not a lighter! I''m the Scourge of Nine Hells! The Blackened Song of¡ª" "Yeah yeah, edgy bird poetry later." I tossed the core like a casino chip. "Deal. But if your ''friend'' turns out to be a three-legged magma sloth, I''m demanding hazard pay."
Binding Ritual The phoenix''s talons etched glowing sigils into the stone as I chanted the mandatory corporate waiver: "I hereby agree to provide... blah blah... interdimensional travel benefits... yada yada... void where prohibited by divine ordinance." If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. [System: Contract Forged - Soulbound Companion "Xiao Feng" Added] Species: Infernal Phoenix (Hybrid) Ability: Hellfire Conflagration | Molten Rebirth Quirk: Obsessive Grooming (Will preen during boss fights) As the crimson threads of our pact solidified, the mountain shuddered. Rivers of lava inverted like broken hourglasses, revealing a obsidian tunnel. Somewhere beyond, a thunderous bellow shook stalactites loose. Xiao Feng alighted on my pauldron, her emberlit eyes narrowing. "About my friend... try not to scream." The "mount" emerged in a shower of sparks - a six-ton war rhino armored in smoldering meteorite iron. Its eyes burned with the fury of a thousand suns... and severe indigestion. [Acquired: "Vulcan''s Grudge" - Legendary Mount] Ability: Magma Charge | Volcanic Stampede Note: Requires weekly lava baths. Do not taunt.
Epilogue: The Toad''s Redemption We found the cursed prince-turned-amphibian practicing pickup lines on his reflection. "Behold!" I declared with unnecessary flourish. "Your savior arr¡ª" FWUMPH The now-human noble tackled me in a tearful embrace. "My liege! My muse! My¡ª" Xiao Feng crisped his doublet with a warning ember. "Hands off the merchandise, Romeo." As we limped from the quest zone, the phoenix whispered: "Confession - I may have... enhanced his curse. Three hundred years of croaking improves one''s conversational range." I patted her smoking plumage. "Remind me never to critique your tail feathers." [Quest Complete: "Beauty and the Damned"] Reward: Permanent Infamy +500 | Trauma +1000 crypt Quest 5 Dominique vanished in a sulfurous puff, leaving me clutching three pulsating artifacts. The cavernous hall echoed with the whispers of a thousand obsidian archways - each a potential death sentence. [Acquired: Abyssal Ward (Mythic Plate)] Defense: 1500 (Scaling) | Life Steal (15%) Aura: Retribution''s Edge - Reflects 10% melee damage [Acquired: Eclipse Tassets (Mythic Faulds)] Ability: Umbra Shroud - Creates blinding darkness field [Acquired: Shadowstride Greaves (Mythic Legguards)] Mobility: +50% | Evasion: +20% The armor assembled itself around me in liquid shadows, its articulated plates hissing like awakened serpents. For the first time since entering this hellscape, I felt... presentable. The Final Gauntlet Xiao Feng perched on my reforged pauldron, her pearlescent form rippling with contained hellfire. "A thousand doors. A thousand deaths. How very... efficient." I activated the Star Gazer''s holographic map. "Let''s play celestial roulette." You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Our first choice birthed a frost wyrm''s lair. The beast died laughing as Xiao Feng''s flames melted its glacial prison. [Loot: Frozen Tear of Niflheim (Trash)] The second door vomited forth a legion of clockwork golems. Nightmare''s thunderstrike reduced them to sparking scrap. [Loot: Cogwheel of Tedium (Vendor Trash)] By the thirteenth archway, a pattern emerged: Kick door Unleash phoenix/lightning rhino combo Loot disappointment Repeat Divine Intervention The 666th gate blazed with golden light. Before us coiled the Celestial Sovereign - five-clawed dragon scales shimmering with stolen starlight. Level: ??? | Title: Heaven''s Scourge Xiao Feng''s feathers bristled. "Finally! Something worth crisping!" The dragon''s chuckle shook the firmament. "Little Spark, you presume to¡ª" My monofilament whipblade found its throat. "Cutscene later. Die now." Epilogue: The Artisan''s Gambit Dominique reappeared as the dragon''s corpse dissolved into celestial motes. His doublet bore lipstick traces. "Brother! You''ve..." He blinked at the mountain of vendor trash. "...collected quite the modern art installation." The Abyssal Ward gauntlet seized his collar. "My. Final. Reward." The smith sighed, producing a crown wrought from dying stars. [Acquired: Voidstar Diadem (Mythic Helm)] Ability: Event Horizon - 5% chance to implode attackers As the labyrinth dissolved, Xiao Feng whispered: "Next time, let''s rob a bank. Less walking." Strange package The campus cafeteria¡¯s fluorescent lights flickered as I glared at Wei. "You¡¯re paying your half. No free rides." Wei clutched his wallet dramatically. "Heartless capitalist! I¡¯m practically your NPC sidekick!" Our banter died when two suits materialized at the gates. The lead agent¡ªWang, Dad¡¯s corporate attack dog¡ªhanded me a biometric case. "Your father¡¯s latest¡­ obsession." Inside lay a prototype smartwatch glowing with quantum-blue filaments. Wei squinted. "Looks like Stark Industries meets AliExpress." "Lab sample," I tapped the five-zero insignia. "Not hitting shelves until 2050."
Next Morning ¨C Military Training This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. The drill sergeant¡¯s clipboard hovered like a guillotine. "Shen Lin? Gender: male?" His eyes raked over my androgynous frame. "Confirmed." My smile could frost hell. Wei chimed in: "He¡¯s 100% dude! Once peeped on¡ª" My chokehold lifted him like a ragdoll. The squad gasped¡ª130 pounds suspended midair by noodle arms. The sergeant¡¯s jaw unhinged. "Put. Him. Down." "Gladly." I dropped Wei into a trash bin. "Anyone else need verification?"
Noon ¨C Campus Field The delivery truck dwarfed the soccer goals, its cargo container branded with Dad¡¯s dragon sigil. Wei whistled. "You order a Titanfall mech?" The driver handed me a quantum-lock manual thicker than Kant¡¯s Critique. "Requires paired chronowatch for activation." Fumbling the prototype, I nearly short-circuited campus security. Dad¡¯s hologram erupted from my phone, grinning like a Bond villain. "Stuck again, hatchling?" "Just open the damn box!" "Patience. Guess what¡¯s inside!" His smirk suggested thermonuclear warheads. Wei peered at the container¡¯s reinforced seams. "Please be a Gundam. Please be a Gundam¡­" Campus Distress The campus quad buzzed as Wei fake-swooned. "A hovercar? Your dad finally caved?" I glared at the biometric case from Dragon Edge Industries. "More like upgraded from helicopter parent to quantum-leash parent." The delivery truck''s container hissed open, revealing a matte-black Spectre X7 ¨C an electromagnetic hovercar prototype banned in 14 countries. Wei''s jaw hit the asphalt. "Is that... the GT8000? The one that outran Europol''s interceptors in the Geneva demo?" "Modified." I tapped the chronowatch interface. "Dad removed the plasma cannons. Mostly." Wei scrambled into the gull-wing cockpit. "To the highway! Let''s break Mach depression!"
Velocity-Induced Regret The Spectre''s anti-grav hum escalated to a warp-drive whine. Wei white-knuckled the Jesus handle as campus blurred into a watercolor smear. "300 kph... 400... 500..." His voice cracked. "We''re outpacing my bad life choices!" Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. The police interceptors appeared as specks in the rear holo-display. "LAPD''s finest," I smirked, engaging chameleon coating. The patrol cars zoomed past a seemingly empty stretch of freeway. "Evasion complete." The AI cooed. "Suggest purchasing 87 traffic violations from City Hall''s bribery portal."
Campus Aftermath Returning to dorms, we faced an ambush. The quad swarmed with engineering bros clutching poorly rhymed sonnets. "Marry me, tech princess!" A MechE sophomore bellowed, waving a circuit board bouquet. Wei ducked a flying boxer brief (embroidered with "Bae-ker Address"). "Why am I public enemy #1?" "Misguided chivalry." Our RA, Song Ning, materialized with a taser and a stack of restraining orders. "They think you''re cockblocking their Cinderella fantasy." Vicky, the theater-major wingmate, deadpanned: "Pro tip: Date a centrist. Less death threats."
Bootcamp Blues Drill Sergeant Malone''s eye twitched during roll call. "Shen. Lin." His gaze ping-ponged between my file and my androgynous frame. "This says... male?" Wei chimed in: "Swear on my Steam library! He¡¯s got the battle scars from¡ª" My arm shot out, hoisting him like a disobedient sack of rice. The platoon''s collective gasp could''ve powered a wind farm. "Verification sufficient?" I dropped Wei into a recycling bin. Malone backed away slowly. "Just... don''t break anyone. Please." Im back again The chamber reshaped itself into an endless obsidian plain under a crimson sky. Before me coiled Aurelion the Worldbreaker - a celestial dragon whose iridescent scales refracted prismatic light. His voice rumbled like tectonic plates colliding. "Mortal! You dare claim the mantle of the Voidrend Champion?" I adjusted my newly acquired Helm of the Abyssal Wyrm, its arcane HUD flickering with threat assessments. "Let''s negotiate! How about I take these shiny toys and we pretend this never¡ª" Aurelion''s tail cracked the ground like God''s whip, triggering cascading system alerts: [Warning: Divine Aura Detected] All healing effects disabled Respawn protocol: Localized The dragon''s maw ignited with starfire. "The Crucible recognizes no bargains!"
Combat Log [00:00] Voidrend Claws Activated - Soul Leech Engaged [00:01] Nightmare Stampede Initiated (Mount: Vulcan''s Grudge) [00:03] Critical Strike: 1,207 DMG (Dragonfire Resistant) My meteorite-forged rhino mount shattered against Aurelion''s diamond-hard scales. Xiao Feng''s phoenix flames barely singed the draconic behemoth. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. "Pathetic!" Aurelion''s wingbeat unleashed a coronal mass ejection. My health bar vaporized instantly. [System: Phoenix Rebirth Triggered] Remaining Charges: 0/1
Tactical Reassessment I switched to guerilla warfare, using the Eclipse Tassets to create darkness pockets. The dragon''s laughter shook reality. "You think shadow can hide from starlight?" His obsidian claws tore through my voidshroud, triggering cascading debuffs: [Affliction: Celestial Brand] -50% Shadow Resistance +300% Divine Damage Received Xiao Feng screeched a warning as Aurelion''s maw opened for the killing blow. In desperation, I activated the forbidden skill etched in my Voidrend Claws: [Ultimate: Abyssal Sunder] Cost: 99% HP | Effect: Reality Fracture The spacetime tear swallowed Aurelion''s foreleg. "CLEVER VERMIN!" The dragon''s roar birthed supernovae in his orbital scales.
Turning Tide Aurelion''s health bar finally budged - 28,457/300,000. My arms trembled, the Dragontooth Glaive slipping from blood-slicked hands. The Worldbreaker''s remaining claws pinned me like a specimen. "Your tenacity... almost admirable." His starforge breath charged. Then came the miracle - a system prompt from beyond the simulation: [External Override Detected: Fatherly Intercession Protocol] Initiating Divine Retcon... The dragon froze mid-roar, pixels unraveling. Dad''s hologram flickered into existence wearing a "#1 Dad" nebula-print tie. "Son, perhaps we should discuss appropriate challenge scaling?" Its finally over My HUD flickered crimson as Aurelion''s cosmic breath atomized the battlefield. [System Alert: Death Count - 4]. Lucky''s draconic form lay shattered nearby, his pixelated essence flickering like dying embers. "Fall back!" I croaked through shattered vocal modulators. "Phantom, evac protocol!" The AI companion''s voice crackled: [Spatial Jump Imminent - Target: Dragon''s Cerebellum]. The teleport ripped reality like tissue paper. For three nanoseconds, I existed inside divine neurons - a cockroach in God''s cranium. Then the feedback wave hit. Aftermath Consciousness returned in stuttering frames. My armor resembled abstract art - Voidrend Claws sparking, Abyssal Ward breastplate holding on through sheer spite. The Worldbreaker''s decapitated head smoldered nearby, its orbital scales dimming into cosmic ash. A voice pierced the static: "You... need help?" You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The rookie paladin knelt beside me, her novice robes smudged with phoenix ash. Her ID tag read Lumina_207 - all wide eyes and trembling hands. Perfect. "Red... potions..." I rasped, leaning into the "wounded NPC" act. She fumbled through her starter pack. "I-I have three Minor Heals! Will that..." "Sufficient." I drained the vials, systems rebooting. [HP: 15% - Combat Ready]. The Bait "Seek... powerful companion?" I modulated my voice to sound like corrupted code. "This unit... can assist." Lumina''s eyes lit up. "You''d be my battle thrall?!" "Temporary... alliance." My Eclipse Tassets flared for dramatic effect. "Call... when needed. No... pet slot required." The newbie practically vibrated. "Deal! Let''s shake on¡ª" Her hand passed through my holographic disguise. Oops. "Glitch... in system," I covered. "Irrelevant." Epiphany As Lumina logged off, the Worldbreaker''s corpse dissolved into stardust. A spectral dragon materialized - not angry, but... impressed? "Clever meatbag." Aurelion''s echo rumbled. "Using mortality as weapon." I adjusted my shattered visor. "You offering a rematch or a philosophy seminar?" The apparition tossed a pulsating core. [Acquired: Dragon''s Bane Shard - Soulbound Artifact]. "Next time," the cosmic wyrm faded, "aim for the other eye." Bankrupt The ground still smoldered from the divine lightning strike. I stared at the obsidian orb in my hand, its surface swirling with shadowy fractals. "You call this a reward, old lizard?!" I shouted at the sky, half-expecting another thunderbolt. The system log flickered: [Quest Complete: Trial of the Celestial Wyrm] *Rewards: Dark Abyssal Wings (Mythic) Dragonling Egg (Bound) ???* Dark Abyssal Wings (Mythic) Defense: 800 (Scaling) 35% Parry Chance Flight Enabled Absolute Barrier (1/day: 20s Invulnerability) Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The wings unfolded with a metallic rasp, their serrated edges gleaming like void-forged steel. A test flap sent me careening into a stalagmite. Note: Flight controls need practice. Lost Citadel ¨C Blacksmith¡¯s Forge Kronak nearly dropped his hammer when I stumbled in. "Stormcrown? You look like a goblin¡¯s chew toy!" I dumped the mangled armor on his anvil. "Repair it. Name your price." The dwarf¡¯s appraisal turned grim. "Mythic gear requires mythic materials: 3kg Starfall Adamantine (35 crystal coins/kg) 531g Blessed Argentum (100/gram) 300g Arcane Dust (grind 600+ crystal coins) 182cm Celestial Wyrmthread (5/unit) 3 Dragonfang Shards 2 Phoenix Primaries 300ml Thousand-Beast Elixir Ancient Wyrm¡¯s Soulcore" My newly hatched dragonling, Nyx, chirped from my shoulder. Kronak¡¯s eyes widened. "A celestial hatchling?! Her milk fangs won¡¯t work¡ªwe need mature fangs!" "Then we¡¯ll wait till she molts," I shrugged. "As for phoenix feathers¡­" Xiao Feng materialized in a burst of hellfire, preening obsidian plumage. The dwarf yelped. "A Voidspark Phoenix?! Just pluck two¡ªgently!" The Gold Problem Kronak¡¯s final estimate hung like an anvil: 150,000 Crystal Coins. My coin pouch held 2,364. "Time to get creative," I muttered, eyeing Nyx. The dragonling sneezed a spark that ignited Kronak¡¯s beard. Plan: Grind levels in Wyrmbone Valley (harvest beast blood en route) Raid the Dragon Graveyard for Soulcores Sell looted relics in Shadow Bazaar Avoid bankruptcy My personal nurse The snow crunched under my boots as I scanned the 280th-level Frostfang Ravagers prowling the slopes. My HUD flickered with an urgent ping - Rose''s crimson ID tag pulsed like a distress flare. [Private Channel Activated] Rose: "I... I need backup! Wolfpack Syndicate cornered me near the glacial pass!" I phase-jumped mid-stride, the world dissolving into quantum static. Reality reassembled to reveal thirteen players encircling a trembling figure in healer''s robes. "Surprise entrances are my specialty," I drawled, materializing with Rose tucked under my arm. The ambush party''s stunned silence lasted precisely 1.8 seconds - enough to trigger my phase-band.
Safehouse (Sort Of) We rematerialized atop a frostbitten pine, Rose squirming in protest. "Put me down, you... you..." "Rogue AI? Quantum anomaly?" I adjusted my Shroud''s hood. "Guilty as charged." Her glare could freeze magma. "You''re not an NPC! Your phase harmonics match player signatures!" This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. "Perceptive." I tossed her a Phoenix Feather Charm. "Compensation for the teleport nausea." The truth spilled between frost-rimed branches - her "accidental" castration of Wolfpack''s leader using an Acidic Dagger of Degradation ("He deserved it!"), my armor repair quest, the fifteen-million-crystal debt looming like Damocles'' sword.
Identity Crisis Rose''s fingers brushed my hood''s edge. "Show me your face." "Terms first." I activated a holo-contract. "Full-time healer for my dungeon raids. No creepy guildmates, no forced romance subplots." "Deal." The hood fell. Rose''s eyes widened. [System: Critical Hit - Emotional Damage] "You''re... female?" "Biologically male!" My voice cracked. "Blame character customization bugs!" Her forensic scan lasted three ating seconds. "Facial symmetry 98th percentile. Epicanthic folds optimized for aesthetic appeal. You''re prettier than my ex."
Level Grind Protocol We carved through Frostspire Yetis like a chainsaw through butter. Rose''s Resurrector class proved terrifyingly efficient: [Level Up: 221] New Ability: Soulrend Claws (Advanced) "Ever consider streaming?" Rose lobbed a snowball at a fleeing yeti. "Your ''gender-confused grimdark protagonist'' schtick would break Twitch." Out of the Snowy Mountains The frigid mountain air bit at our cheeks as I knelt beside the corpse of a frostbitten snow fox, carefully collecting its blood in a crystalline vial. Rose hovered over my shoulder, her breath forming tiny clouds of curiosity. "Why are you hoarding monster blood like some gothic alchemist?" she finally blurted out, her healer''s staff thumping impatiently in the snow. I held the vial up to the pale sunlight filtering through glacial peaks. "This, my dear walking pharmacy, is the price of godhood." The crimson liquid swirled with faint golden motes ¨C divine repair fees weren''t cheap. "It''s called Thousand Soul Essence. Needs blood from a thousand different creatures to fix my armor." Rose wrinkled her nose at the half-filled flask. "You''re at... four hundred seventy-three now? Why not just drain an entire herd of those ice bears?" She gestured to a shaggy white mound snoring nearby. "Variety spices up apocalyptic gear repairs," I quipped, pocketing the vial. My Starfall Ring glinted as I moved ¨C its +7 Luck modifier practically humming with mischief. "Besides, these mountain beasts are just appetizers. The real buffet..." A thunderous roar shook icicles from nearby pines. Lucky''s massive obsidian head emerged from a snowdrift, his draconic jaws clamped around a twitching frost wyvern. The 1000-level Void Dragon spat the creature at our feet like a cat presenting a mangled mouse. (Lv. 320) HP: 0/85,000 "Showoff," I muttered, though my hands moved automatically to harvest the wyvern''s shimmering blue blood. The vial glowed faintly as the liquid settled ¨C creature #474. Rose stared slack-jawed at Lucky''s latest "contribution." Her healer''s staff slipped from numb fingers, embedding itself upright in the snow like some holy artifact. "You... you''ve been traveling with a raid boss this whole time?!" Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Technically three raid bosses," I corrected, nodding toward Nightshade ¨C my 800-level Nightmare Steed currently using its hellfire breath to roast marshmallows. "But who''s counting?" The conversation devolved into chaos as I summoned the full retinue: "Make it stop!" Rose shrieked between forced pirouettes, her face flushing crimson beneath the arctic winds. "I''ll never question your life choices again!" Phantom released control with a cackle. "Lesson learned: Never underestimate the guy carrying multiple apocalypses in his pocket." Our descent from the Frostspire Peaks became equal parts comedy routine and wildlife documentary. By the time we reached the emerald expanse of Wyrmbone Steppe, Rose had:
  1. Been "accidentally" transformed into a polka-dotted yeti (Phantom''s idea of flirting)
  2. Discovered my armor''s self-repair function worked better as a portable barbecue
  3. Successfully negotiated a peace treaty between warring clans of sentient shrubbery
"Home sweet hell," I murmured as we crested the final ridge. The steppe stretched before us like God''s banquet table ¨C herds of thunderbeasts stampeding alongside crystalline rivers, their hides sparking lightning with every thunderous step. Rose gripped my arm, her eyes wide with wonder. "It''s... beautiful." Lucky chose that moment to unleash his signature Void Resonance Roar. The ground trembled. Birds fell from the sky. And somewhere in the distance, a chorus of answering bellows shook the very foundations of reality. (Lv. 450+) Detected: 23... 47... 89... Phantom materialized wearing a spectral chef''s hat. "Dinner''s served, boss. Extra crispy or well-done?" I sighed, drawing the cursed Dragonbane Glaive from its interdimensional sheath. "Looks like our blood collection just got... enthusiastic volunteers." The first wyrm descended like a frozen comet, its crystalline fangs gleaming with primordial hunger. Rose''s healing magic enveloped us in a golden corona as I charged, the Starfall Ring''s luck modifier bending probability itself. Somewhere behind me, Nightshade belched hellfire and Xiao Feng started taking bets. Another day in the life of an accidental demigod. How the Devil is Made The mountain''s roar drowned our screams as the avalanche devoured everything. My last conscious thought was of Rose''s terrified face before icy oblivion claimed me. [System: Critical Hit - Environmental Disaster] Infamy Meter +126,322 Title Earned: Cataclysm''s Herald I awoke in Lost Citadel''s resurrection chamber, the acrid smell of necromantic reagents burning my nostrils. Wei''s panicked face hovered above me. "Boss! You''re trending on all channels!" The blood-red sigil above my head pulsed like a hellish neon sign. [Wanted: Ziri the Calamity - Bounty: 1,000,000 Aurum]. "Explain." My voice rasped from frostbitten lungs. Wei projected the global alert hologram: << SYSTEM BROADCAST >> Player Ziri (Level 272) has triggered Divine Retribution status. Bounty hunters receive: - Random Legendary Item - 1,000 Renown - Crowdfunded Aurum Pool (Current: 2,450,000) As the announcement looped, Rose phased into the safehouse - her crimson ID tag blinking erratically. "Your dragon''s tantrum buried three guild alliances! The forums call it the Frostspire Massacre!" I inspected my ravaged gear. The Abyssal Ward breastplate lay in twisted shards, Voidrend Claws sparking fitfully. "Casualties?" "Estimated 2,300 players," Rose whispered. "The snowslide clipped a World Event raid." Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Wei whistled. "You''ve outdone yourself, boss. Even the NPC guards are forming hunting parties."
Safehouse Revelation Rose''s holographic map displayed real-time bounty hunter clusters converging on Lost Citadel. "We need to vanish. The Black Lotus Syndicate already breached the outer wards." I activated Phantom''s tactical overlay. "Three exit strategies:
  1. Storm the Chrono Spire (87% mortality rate)
  2. Bribe the Shadow Cartel (Funds insufficient) 3...." My voice trailed off as Rose''s ID shifted from crimson to void-black.
She met my gaze unflinchingly. "I chose this. When Phoenix rescued me from the avalanche... I saw the system logs. The XP surge from all those deaths..." "Don''t." I gripped her shoulder. "This guilt''s mine alone." Her laugh held bitter edge. "Guilt? I gained twelve levels watching those idiots get pancaked. This?" She gestured at her corrupted ID. "Merchandise. The real me..." Her avatar flickered, revealing brief flash of corporate officewear beneath gothic healer robes. "Lina Takahashi, Kyoto branch manager. Thirty-two. Divorced. Professional liar." The mask snapped back. "Here? I''m alive." Wei choked on his energy drink. "You''re... thirty-two?!" "Problem?" Rose''s healing staff crackled ominously. "N-no ma''am! Just... uh... respectfully withdrawing from romantic speculation!"
Strategic Retreat Phantom''s sensors pinged urgently. "Hunter swarm at 300m. Proposal: Activate Celestial Dragonling''s growth protocol." Nyx chirped anxiously, her obsidian scales absorbing light. The hatchling''s stat screen flashed warnings: [Dragonling Maturation: 98% Complete] Caution: Divine Energy Surge Detected I hesitated. Unleashing a celestial wyrm in urban confines violated fourteen game treaties. But as the first plasma charges breached our safehouse shields... "Authorization granted." The ensuing detonation lit up the northern hemisphere. When the light faded, Lost Citadel''s eastern quarter had become glassed crater - and our bounty counter tripled. Rose surveyed the devastation through Nyx''s prismatic wings. "Well. This complicates things." As the system began its kill-count audit, I opened quantum channels to every black market dealer in the hemisphere. The road to redemption would require more blood - and better insurance. New Decision "You make a fair point!" I blurted out, the words tumbling free like unbound scrolls. "Growing up surrounded by bodyguards felt lonelier than any empty room. True loneliness isn''t solitude¡ªit''s being drowned in crowds yet never truly seen." My fingers unconsciously traced the edge of my Shadowveil Cloak. "Even my parents were just... holograms behind boardroom tables." Rose tilted her head, demon horns catching the tavern''s firelight. "So you''re saying orphanage life made you this emotionally constipated?" "What? No! I''m not¡ª" "Poor thing!" She bulldozed over my protest, burying her face in my chest with enough force to knock the wind from my lungs. "Don''t move. Five minutes. That''s all." Her voice muffled against my armor. "At least you had caretakers. My stepmother? She''d make a banshee seem maternal. Father stopped pretending to care after his heir was born. Only Gran..." Her shoulders hitched. "...Gran made hell bearable. Until the cancer won." I froze mid-shove. Since when did this become trauma Olympics? Weren''t we strategizing about PK bounties? "Rose," I tried gently. "We''re both crimson-marked pariahs. This pity party won''t stop players from skinning us for loot." She jerked upright, tear tracks glinting. "Right! Your fault, by the way! I was supposed to be Celestial Archon material, not some demonic sidekick!" "Sidekick?" I smirked, tapping her left horn. "These need trimming. Reindeer vibes don''t scream ''terrifying dark mage.''" Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Her spellbook nearly took my head off. "Red names can kill red names, jackass!" Our wrestling match crashed into a shelf of potion vials just as the door flew open. "Whoa!" Our guildmate Wei backpedaled, hands raised. "Didn''t mean to interrupt your... whatever this is! The forums are blowing up about your avalanche stunt!" He tossed a glowing crystal tablet our way. "Player-captured images. You''re meme material, Rose." The holographic feed showed my cloak-wrapped form faceplanted in snowdrifts¡ªmercifully unidentifiable. Rose''s sequence told a different story: a pixelated figure tumbling through the blizzard like a drunk pixie. "Epic wipeout," I snorted. "Try nosediving through an ice sheet sometime. We''ll see how graceful you look." "At least I wasn''t the idiot who forgot his Teleportation Ring!" Rose shot back. "Easy for you to say!" I activated the ring''s holographic map, its coordinates frustratingly blank. "Dragon Valley''s an anti-magic dead zone. No teleports, no recall scrolls¡ªjust 800 miles of player-infested territory between us and the 1000-level boss graveyard." Wei cleared his throat. "What if you leapfrog the worst zones? Teleport past the starter cities, then go dark?" "Risky," I mused, tracing possible routes. "But better than becoming walking loot pi?atas. First, we gear up. Rose, your ''rustic chic'' look won''t cut it." I gestured at her mud-stained robes. "You look like a beggar''s guild initiate." "Excuse you!" She brandished her staff. "This cost three weeks'' grinding! Not all of us have your drop rates, Mr. ''Legendaries Grow On Trees!''" The ensuing argument lasted until we reached Blacksmith Clark''s forge. The dwarf nearly dropped his hammer when we barged in. "Brother!" He crushed me in a bear hug, then bowed theatrically to Rose. "Lady Crimson! Whatever dark arts bound you to this walking calamity, my forge is yours!" Rose blinked. "Your NPC friend... needs therapy." New Questions Rose gaped at me like I''d grown a second head. "Are you in debt to the Ironblood Syndicate?" When I shook my head, her eyes widened. "Netghoul addiction? Those neural-hijacking programs melt brains faster than¡ª" "I''m not some cyber-junkie!" I cut her off. "This is armor repair debt!" "Repair?!" Her staff clattered to the forge floor. "Fifteen thousand crystal coins for one set? That''s newbie-town-siege money!" Blacksmith Clark chimed in while polishing a glowing rune blade. "Discounted rate for family. Normal clients pay triple." The NPC winked conspiratorially. "We saved 200,000 coins using his scavenged materials." Rose''s jaw might''ve dislocated. "What armor costs more than a floating citadel?!" "Showtime." Clark hauled the Dark Draconic Plate from his supernova-hot furnace using mythril tongs. The pieces glowed like captured starlight¡ªa obsidian exoskeleton riddled with hairline fractures resembling lightning scars. "Been baking this beauty for seven days. Not a single molecular shift." "Gods..." Rose reached instinctively before I yanked her back. The armor''s ambient heat warped the air like desert mirages. "It''s... alive. Like the Metal Titans from the Codex Arcanum!" Clark nodded grimly. "Weapons-grade legendaries have wills. This one?" He tossed a mundane dagger at the breastplate. The blade vaporized on contact. "Hungry." Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. I traced a fracture line. "Your crucible''s insufficient." "Brilliant deduction." The blacksmith kicked his fractured furnace. "Magmaforged Steel liquefies in two days here. Your armor?" He spat into the coals. Instant steam explosion. "Laughs at supernovas." Rose''s eyes lit up. "Dragonfire." Clark and I turned in unison. She flourished dramatically. "Nordic sagas! When dwarven forges fail, they bind elder wyrms as living torches. Your pet dragon''s breath could¡ª" "Genius!" I snapped my fingers. "Lucky''s firebreath melted a frost giant fortress last week!" Clark grabbed my summoning hand. "Not in my shop! That overgrown matchstick''ll incinerate six city blocks!"
Field Test: Dragonfire Forging (Abandoned Graveyard Sector) Lucky''s first test jetstreamed crimson flames across the Magmaforged Steel sample. When the molten crater cooled, Clark whistled. "Core temp: 8,000 Kelvin. Your lizard out-heats Archdemon Balrog''s forge." Rose danced around the smoldering pit. "Do the armor! Do it now!" "Patience." Clark positioned a crucible. "Azure Inferno test first." Lucky''s secondary blast shifted reality itself¡ªa cobalt beam that turned the crucible into floating ionized particles. The backlash knocked him sideways, scales smoking. My psychic partner Phantom translated the dragon''s groans: "Primordial flame... drains energy... need nap..." Rose examined the glassified crater. "Well... it works?" "Too well." Clark mopped his brow. "We need spatial mages to suspend the armor mid-air during forging. Ground contact would liquefy the continent''s tectonic plates." As we debated, Rose leaned over the cursed lake''s railing. The eldritch horror that erupted made Cthulhu look cute¡ªa barnacled maw large enough to swallow airships. The arcane barrier''s backlash electrocuted it into retreating with a gurgling shriek. "Rule one!" I dragged her away from the railing. "Never tempt Lovecraftian lake monsters before coffee!" Big trouble Dawnbreak Woods - En Route to Dragon Valley (Three Hours After Guild Formation) Rose''s laughter echoed through the mist-shrouded pines as Nightshade''s hooves crunched autumn leaves. "Admit it," she teased, adjusting the hood of her new [Mage''s Resolve] armor. "You enjoyed watching that silver-plated paladin eat Lucky''s dust." I tightened my grip around her waist as Nightshade navigated the fog. "His face when the tree almost flattened him? Priceless. Though we should''ve kept running instead of¡ª" The forest exploded. Six crossbow bolts embedded themselves in the oak beside us. A warhorn''s bellow shook frost from branches as twenty armored figures materialized through the haze ¨C the same guild we''d humiliated hours prior, now reinforced with archers bearing [Mark of the Huntress] tattoos. "Persistent cockroaches," I muttered, summoning Phantom to erect a psionic barrier. "Hold tight!" Nightshade pivoted sharply as Rose chanted [Blizzard Veil]. The temperature plummeted, transforming mist into razor-ice that shredded pursuers'' cloaks. Through the chaos, I spotted their leader ¨C the silver-armored knight ¨C hefting a glowing zweih?nder that screamed "boss drop." "Left flank!" Rose shouted. "They''re herding us toward¡ª" The ground vanished. We plunged into a sinkhole, Nightshade''s wings snapping open in midair. What awaited below froze my blood ¨C a pulsating crimson altar surrounded by dismembered bear carcasses. Our stolen "NPC" from earlier. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Blood ritual ground!" Rose''s staff flared with [Purge Undead]. "That wasn''t a quest mob ¨C it''s a gatekeeper!"
Abandoned Shrine of Xal''Thrax (Three Minutes Later) The knight''s zweih?nder screeched against Phantom''s barrier. "You''ve doomed this realm, redmarks!" Spittle flew from his visor. "That bear was containing the Corruption! Now the Old God''s¡ª" A tentacled mass erupted from the altar, swallowing three of his archers whole. The remaining guild members scattered as reality itself warped ¨C trees bent like bows, stones wept black ichor, and the very air tasted of copper. Rose''s fingers dug into my arm. "Your guild emblem ¨C quick!" The [Frostrose Insignia] blazed as I activated its [Command Aura]. Pain receptors dulled. Clarity surged. Through the pandemonium, a pattern emerged ¨C the corruption''s spread mirrored the shrine''s fractured runestones. "Lucky! Thermal scan on those monoliths!" The dragon''s third-eye vision overlay my HUD, revealing glowing weak points. "Rose ¨C ice spikes on my markers! Phantom, mind-jack the knight!" Our improvised symphony unfolded:
  1. Lucky''s fire breath superheated ancient seals
  2. Rose''s glacial spears shattered the brittle stone
  3. The brainwashed knight''s holy blade severed the central tentacle
The eldritch horror collapsed with a reality-warping shriek, its death throes scattering dark artifacts across the clearing. Among them ¨C a [Soulbound Amulet] even my appraisal skill couldn''t decipher.
Twilight Clearing (Post-Battle) Rose trembled against me as Nightshade drank from a moonlit stream. "That knight... he wasn''t entirely wrong. We did unleash¡ª" "Chaos we''ll contain," I interrupted, pressing the warm amulet into her palm. Its chain coiled like living silver. "Together." Her breath hitched. The amulet''s glow intensified, revealing etched roses beneath its obsidian surface. When she looked up, tears magnified constellations in her eyes. "Z¨«r¨¬, I..." Her whisper carried the weight of unspoken battles. "In the real world, I''m¡ª" Her avatar flickered. Dissolved. Left me clutching empty air as the system pinged: [WARNING: User disconnect - Neural overload protocol engaged] Nightshade''s mournful whinny echoed through suddenly silent woods. The amulet in my hand turned ice-cold. Help Dragon Horizon HQ - Sky Pillar Tower (Three Days Later) The lobby¡¯s polished marble reflected my haggard face like a judgmental mirror. Forty elevator banks hummed behind the reception desk where a woman with a corporate smile sharper than Nightshade¡¯s horns asked, ¡°May I help you?¡± ¡°I need to see CEO Liu Hui.¡± Her manicured nail tapped her tablet. ¡°Mr. Liu is abroad.¡± ¡°Executive Assistant Yang Kun?¡± ¡°Also traveling.¡± I gripped the counter. ¡°Who¡¯s actually on the 170th floor right now?¡± ¡°Sir, unless you have¡ª¡± ¡°Xiao Lin!¡± Aunt Yunya¡¯s voice cut through the tension like a plasma blade. The crowd of Armani-clad executives trailing her parted as she strode over, Chanel No. 5 preceding her like a declaration. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be in class?¡± ¡°I need your help. Urgently.¡± Her sharp eyes caught my trembling hands. To the receptionist: ¡°Cancel my 2 PM summit.¡±
Executive Suite 178 (Soundproofed) I collapsed into a chair shaped like frozen mercury. ¡°Swear you won¡¯t tell Mom.¡± Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Aunt Yunya activated the room¡¯s privacy field, glass walls frosting over. ¡°My lips are sealed.¡± ¡°There¡¯s¡­ someone. In-game. We¡ª¡± ¡°Oh?¡± She leaned forward, CEO poise crumbling into gossipy gleam. ¡°Name? Age? How¡¯d you meet? Is she¡ª¡± ¡°Auntie.¡± I threw up my hands. ¡°Her avatar¡¯s CrimsonRose. We fought eldritch horrors together. Then¡­¡± The confession tumbled out ¨C the confession, the glitchy disconnect, three days of radio silence. Her amusement faded. ¡°Sudden logoffs only happen with neural shocks. Either her helmet malfunctioned¡­¡± ¡°Or someone ripped it off her head,¡± I finished coldly. ¡°Unlikely. Campus security protocols would¡¯ve¡ª¡± ¡°What if she¡¯s not at a university?¡± The dread I¡¯d buried surfaced. ¡°What if ¡®Chu Rong¡¯ was another lie?¡± Aunt Yunya¡¯s comms beeped. My mother¡¯s hologram materialized mid-air before I could protest. ¡°Linlin! Are you hurt? Who bullied you?¡± Mom¡¯s avatar flickered with maternal panic. ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Aunt Yunya purred. ¡°Just¡­ romantically inconvenienced.¡±
Family Intervention (Two Hours Later) Father¡¯s private VTOL scorched the rooftop pad at 18:03. He stormed in clutching a briefcase of classified mergers. ¡°Where is she? What family? I¡¯ll acquire their stock, their real estate¡ª¡± ¡°B¨£b¨¤!¡± I groaned. ¡°This isn¡¯t a hostile takeover!¡± Mother slapped a holo-dossier on the table. ¡°Phase One: Yunya¡¯s team traces her IP. Phase Two: You¡¯ll master courtship tactics.¡± She projected a slideshow titled Modern Chivalry: From First Date to Shareholder Marriage. Father nodded sagely. ¡°Phase Three: My security detail stages ¡®chance encounters¡¯. Carjackings. Caf¨¦ fires. You¡¯ll look heroic!¡± ¡°That¡¯s deranged!¡± ¡°Your mother fell for me during a corporate espionage counter-op,¡± Father countered. Aunt Yunya smirked. ¡°Romance blooms in chaos. Now¡ª¡± Her comms flashed crimson. ¡°Trace completed. CrimsonRose¡¯s last login¡­¡± She palmed the projection. The ID glowed: Real Name Verification: L¨ªn Ru¨°xu¨§ Location: Shanghai New Hope Neurological Institute The room plunged into glacial silence. investigation New Dragon Academy - Dormitory Sector 9 (21:47 Local Time) The Guardian 3000 security drones tracked our every move with photoreceptor eyes glowing hellhound-red. Butterfly flashed her neural-implant clearance at the lead unit. "Corporate override code: BlackLotus-9. We¡¯re retrieving a critical asset." The drone¡¯s synthesized growl vibrated my molars. [Verification complete. Lethal protocols suspended] "Asset?" I hissed as we entered the crumbling concrete hive. "She¡¯s not inventory!" Butterfly adjusted her tactical thigh holster. "Semantics. Your father¡¯s orders." The stairwell reeked of mildew and fried circuitry. Twelve flights up, my augmented lungs burned. Butterfly paused at a flickering holo-sign: LEVEL 9 - QUARANTINE ZONE (SCHOLARSHIP WING) "Charming," she muttered, kicking aside a cockroach the size of her palm. "Last surveillance update shows Chu Rong¡¯s room hasn¡¯t scanned active in 72 hours. Thermal¡¯s cold." My knuckles whitened on the rusted railing. "Then why the theatrics with security?" "Because..." She tapped her temple where subcutaneous LEDs pulsed. "...whatever happened here wasn¡¯t natural." If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Dorm 911 (Designated Containment Site) The door disintegrated under Big K¡¯s plasma-assisted knuckles. Inside: A twin-sized cryopod crusted with biogel residue. Neural interface cables snaking into cracked wall ports. And on the desk ¨C a CrimsonRose cosplay wig draped over a [Zero] gaming rig still running diagnostics. Butterfly¡¯s gloved finger traced the cryopod¡¯s frost patterns. "Modified MedPod-7. Someone¡¯s been juicing her with combat stims between sessions." She held up a shattered ampoule. "Military-grade adrenaline cocktails. Nasty stuff." I collapsed into the desk chair, the holoscreen flickering to life. Last Login: 72:14:22 ago Final Transmission: <> Location Data: Dragon Valley Sector (Coord: 39¡ã52''N 116¡ã23''E) The chair arm cracked under my grip. "She wasn¡¯t just playing. They turned her into a goddamn beta tester!" Butterchiek¡¯s comms chirped. She palmed the encrypted channel. "Sir, we¡¯ve got a Code Eclipse situation. Recommend extraction before¡ª" The lights died. Outside, the Guardian drones howled in unison ¨C a sound no machine should make. Ephemeral Glitch (22:03) The walls bled static. Chu Rong materialized in the doorway, her form flickering between teenage student and crimson-armured avatar. "You shouldn¡¯t have come," both versions spoke in dissonant harmony. I reached out. My hand phased through her holographic ribs. "Listen!" Her eyes bled fractal code. "Dragon Valley isn¡¯t a zone. It¡¯s a filter. They¡¯re using the game to¡ª" The apparition shattered. Big K¡¯s augmented roar shook dust from the ceiling as black-suited figures rappelled through windows. Butterfly¡¯s plasma pistol whined to life. "Time¡¯s up, pretty boy! We¡¯re blowing this¡ª" The last thing I saw before the flashbang detonated was Chu Rong¡¯s cryopod display: SUBJECT STATUS: NEURAL GHOST (97% SYNCHRONIZATION) action First International Airport - Departure Lounge (19:29 Local Time) The Phoenix-300''s engines screamed like a wounded dragon as it clawed into the crimson-streaked sky. My reflection in the floor-to-ceiling windows fractured as I slammed both palms against the ballistic glass. "Sir?" A security drone hovered behind me, its taser prongs crackling. "You''re disrupting¡ª" Butterchiek''s plasma blade severed the drone''s sensor array before it finished speaking. "Runway clearance code: Eclipse Protocol," she barked at the scrambling guards. "This aircraft is under corporate quarantine!" My neural implant buzzed with Father''s encrypted feed: [Target confirmed - Seat 23B. Neural suppression collar detected. Thermal signature matches Chu Rong.] "Too late," I whispered as the jet''s navigation lights dissolved into cloud cover. The taste of copper flooded my mouth ¨C I''d bitten through my lip. Butterchiek yanked me behind a luggage scanner as airport security closed in. "Your old man''s scrambling interceptors from Okinawa Base. We just need to¡ª" A familiar giggle cut through the chaos. Chu Rong''s holographic avatar materialized atop a baggage carousel, her crimson armor glitching through civilian clothes. "Check your six,±¿µ°." Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The entire terminal''s holographic displays erupted in static. Departure boards flickered to display a single message: [DRAGON VALLEY AWAITS - COORD: 35.6895¡ã N, 139.6917¡ã E] Butterchiek''s augmented eyes widened. "That''s Tokyo''s geocode. She''s hijacking their navigation systems!" Corporate Jet Hangar B-7 (19:43 Local Time) Father''s voice boomed through the stolen VTOL''s speakers as we tore through cloudbanks: "The Phoenix-300''s making an unscheduled descent near Mount Fuji. I''ve disabled its transponder, but Japanese Air Defense is¡ª" The cabin lights died. Chu Rong''s avatar reappeared in the cockpit, her form warping between terrified student and battle-hardened mage. "They never left Chinese airspace," both versions spoke through the storm static. "The game... it''s been... filtering..." Her projection shattered as our collision alarms wailed. Through the thunderheads below, the Phoenix-300 spiraled toward a glowing chasm in the earth ¨C an exact replica of Dragon Valley''s obsidian crater. Butterchiek wrestled the controls. "Hold onto your organs, pretty boy! We''re going¡ª" The impact tore the world into pixels. Ephemeral Glitch Space (Timeless)* I floated through a void of cascading error messages. Chu Rong''s consciousness swirled around me like sentient stardust, her voice echoing from all directions: "You finally understand. The game isn''t entertainment ¨C it''s a sieve. They''ve been testing neural synchronization thresholds..." Fragments of her memories assaulted me: A childhood bedroom with boarded-up windows Corporate contracts signed in her father''s drunken scrawl The Japanese "fianc¨¦" whose face kept glitching into a dragon skull Her essence condensed before me, tears of liquid code streaming down battle-painted cheeks. "Kill my avatar. Sever the connection before¡ª" The Dragon Valley chasm roared to life beneath us, its maw vomiting thousands of crimson-marked player ghosts. At its heart pulsed a colossal server core shaped like the Frostrose Insignia. Chu Rong shoved me toward the light. "Wake up! Before we both become¡ª" recover First International Airport - Private Hangar (20:17 Local Time) The Phoenix-300''s engines whined as it taxied back to the gate, its emergency lights staining the tarmac crimson. Through the observation window, I watched Rose¡¯s silhouette struggle against two figures in first-class seats ¨C her father¡¯s grip like a vise, her stepmother¡¯s manicured claws digging into pale flesh. "Go time," I muttered, adjusting the collar of my tactical suit. The Dragon Horizon insignia embroidered on the sleeve caught the light ¨C a silent declaration of war. Rose¡¯s scream pierced the boarding tunnel¡¯s murmur. "Z¨«r¨¬!" Her father spun, recognition dawning as I strode forward. "You¡¯re that orphan rat she¡¯s been whining about? Guards! This¡ª" Big K materialized from shadow, his augmented hand crushing the man¡¯s wrist with a wet crack. "The lady," he rumbled through vocal modulators, "chooses." Chaos erupted.
Executive Lounge - Three Minutes Later Rose trembled against my chest, her tears soaking through my shirt. "They sold me," she choked. "To some... dragon cultist in Kyoto." Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. I stroked her hair, glaring at the cowering couple. Her father clutched a Japanese passport like a talisman. "D-Dragon Horizon has no jurisdiction here! I¡¯m a citizen of¡ª" "Worms." My voice cut colder than Big K¡¯s alloy fingers. "You¡¯re stains on two nations." The lounge screens flickered. Father¡¯s hologram loomed like an angry god. "Son. The board requires... discretion." I tossed a biometric card at the groveling man. "Five million credits. Renounce parental rights. Now." His wife snatched the card before it hit the floor. "We¡¯ll disappear! Never contact her! Swear on¡ª" "Silence." Big K¡¯s growl shook champagne flutes.
Dragon Horizon Safehouse - 22:45 Rose gaped at the panoramic view of neon-lit Shanghai through bulletproof glass. "This... isn¡¯t student housing." "Minor family business." I popped the cork on vintage champagne. "Father wanted to ¡®welcome you properly¡¯." She stiffened. "Your parents¡ª" The elevator pinged. Mother swept in wearing a gown worth more than Rose¡¯s scholarship building. "There¡¯s my future daughter-in-law!" Rose¡¯s whisper tickled my ear. "You said ¡®casual dinner¡¯!" "Strategic omission." I ducked her elbow jab. Father¡¯s hologram winked into existence beside the caviar tower. "Son, the board approved your... acquisition. Though next time, perhaps fewer broken bones?"
Epilogue - One Week Later The neural suite hummed as we linked into Zero. Rose¡¯s avatar materialized in reforged CrimsonRose armor, her demon horns now tipped with frost. "Ready to storm Dragon Valley?" She tossed me a plasma katana. I activated my Shadowveil Cloak. "After you, Madam Frostrose." Her laugh echoed through the digital canyons as we charged into the glitching storm ¨C two crimson marks against a world of lies, our joined insignias burning brighter than any server sun. foregone conclusion Celestial Pavilion Mall - 10:17 AM Rose stared at the holographic directory, her grip tightening on my arm. "Twenty-nine floors of women¡¯s fashion? This place is a capitalist hydra." I steered her toward the levitation tube. "Welcome to the apex of human vanity. Try not to hyperventilate." Her gasp upon entering the Sacred Snow Atelier could¡¯ve sucked oxygen from the room. "That dress costs more than my tuition!" She jabbed at a crystalline gown¡¯s price tag. "Compensation for childhood trauma," I deadpanned, flashing my biometric card. The sales associate¡¯s pupils dilated at the Dragon Horizon insignia. "Madam requires our platinum service!" The woman trilled, summoning a drone swarm bearing champagne and holographic catalogs. Rose emerged from the fitting room vortex transformed ¨C now a warrior-princess in midnight silk, now a cyberpunk siren with photon-threaded hems. The boutique¡¯s security drones adjusted their cameras, mistaking her for a shoplifting A-list celebrity. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "Keep them all," I declared as Rose modeled a holographic bridal train that scattered stardust with every step. The sales associate¡¯s neural implant nearly short-circuited from commission calculations.
Sky Promenade - 12:43 PM "Wife," Rose purred, tangling our fingers as we passed a gaggle of socialites. Their pearl necklaces rattled with scandalized delight. A paparazzo drone zoomed close. "Miss! Are you and your companion attending the Sapphic Soir¨¦e tonight?" Rose kissed my cheek. "We¡¯re revolutionizing gender norms through existential fabulosity. Now scram before my girlfriend hacks your cloud storage." The drone fled. I choked on my matcha latte. "Remind me why I love you?" "Because I make your corporate-prince life actually interesting." She twirled, her new coat scattering prismatic light across skyscraper glass. "Also, your mom¡¯s right ¨C we need to discuss boundaries before your father starts auctioning our wedding NFTs."
Epilogue: Dragon Valley Server Farm (Three Days Later) Rose¡¯s crimson avatar materialized atop the Obsidian Spire, her horns now glittering with data-stream jewels. "Your parents want grandchildren. I want to crash the global economy. Compromise?" I activated my shadow-blade, its edge humming with forbidden code. "How about we glitch the marriage system first?" Her laugh echoed across the digital wasteland as we plunged into the server core ¨C two anarchic souls rewriting reality itself, one overpriced gown and broken firewall at a time. Wolf King Azure Plains - 21:47 Game Time The bounty hunter¡¯s smirk glowed in the moonlight. "Surrender now, Crimson-Marked. Your girlfriend¡¯s already enjoying cellblock cuisine." I tightened my grip on Moonblade, the weapon¡¯s edge humming with unstable enchantments. "Let¡¯s negotiate." My boot crushed a twig ¨C the signal. Lucky erupted from the shadows in full draconic fury, molten saliva dripping onto prairie grass. The hunter barely dodged the ambush, his defensive wards sizzling. "Cheap trick!" He backflipped, summoning spectral chains that lashed at my ankles. "The system pays triple for live capture!" Rose¡¯s frost wolf pup ¨C now named Snowdrift ¨C materialized mid-leap, fangs sinking into the hunter¡¯s forearm. A notification flashed: [Snowdrift (Lv.15) activates Permafrost Bite! Target movement reduced 40%!] This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. "Good boy!" I lunged, blade aimed for the hunter¡¯s mana core. His panicked teleport spell misfired, scattering equipment across the field. Temporal Prison - Visitor¡¯s Interface Rose¡¯s hologram flickered in my HUD, her cell¡¯s obsidian walls pulsing with anti-magic runes. "He¡¯s using Soulbrand tactics! Disrupt his¡ª" The connection died as the hunter detonated a Void Grenade. Reality itself stuttered, granting him milliseconds to recast Judgment Chains. "Enough!" My cloak billowed as I triggered Shadowmeld, phasing through his next attack. "You want a prize?" I tore the bounty poster from his belt ¨C our faces pixelated beneath WANTED: 50,000 Gold. "Here¡¯s your reward." The Soulreaver dagger I¡¯d looted from Dragon Valley plunged into his avatar¡¯s core. His scream echoed across three server shards before the killfeed announced: [Player ¡°GrimHarvest¡± eliminated! 15% Evil Value reduction!] Epilogue: Warden¡¯s Keep The prison¡¯s rusted gates creaked open. Rose emerged clutching a warden¡¯s severed head ¨C apparently she¡¯d ¡°negotiated¡± her release. Snowdrift trotted behind, now Lv.45 and the size of a pickup truck. "Took you long enough." She tossed me a prison master key glowing with stolen admin codes. "Next time a hunter comes knocking..." I studied the key¡¯s fractal patterns. "...we turn their bounty system into confetti." Her kiss tasted of victory and gunpowder. The security drones wisely looked away.