《Reset to Glory (An MMO-RPG LitRPG)》
Ch 1: Toward a new Start
The countdown timer ticked away.
3... 2... 1... FIGHT.
Ethan ¡°Phoenix¡± Carter¡¯s fingers rested lightly on the controller. He didn¡¯t even need to focus anymore; his body moved as if the game had become an extension of his mind. The screen in front of him came alive with the dramatic clash of two avatars: his sleek, flame-themed warrior against RogueKing¡¯s imposing, heavily armored knight.
Ethan already knew how this was going to play out.
He had studied RogueKing¡¯s gameplay in the days leading up to the match, watching replays of his tactics, noticing how he leaned heavily on his character¡¯s shield mechanics and aggressive burst damage. It was a solid strategy¡ªagainst anyone else. But Ethan had broken down those moves in his head a dozen times already. It would take him about four minutes to completely dismantle the so-called ¡°rising star.¡±
The first clash came quickly. RogueKing lunged forward, shield raised, his weapon glowing with an ultimate skill charge. Ethan sidestepped, spinning out of the way with a fluidity that left his opponent flailing. The crowd watching the livestream roared in excitement, but Ethan barely registered the sound. His focus was clinical, detached.
A parry here, a dodge there. RogueKing¡¯s attacks became more frantic, each swing growing sloppier as Ethan whittled down his health with pinpoint counterattacks. Ethan could almost hear the desperation through the digital silence¡ªRogueKing was trying to keep up, but the gap between them was a chasm too wide to cross.
Combo¡ªCounter¡ªExecute.
The finishing move came with a burst of golden light. RogueKing¡¯s avatar collapsed to the ground as the words ¡°VICTORY¡± exploded across the screen. A fanfare of digital trumpets echoed through Ethan¡¯s headset.
The announcer¡¯s voice boomed over the livestream: ¡°Unbelievable! Phoenix wins again! That makes ten consecutive championship titles for the living legend!¡±
Ethan leaned back in his chair, dropping his controller onto the desk. The chat feed on his second monitor scrolled by at lightning speed:
¡°GOAT! Phoenix is unstoppable!¡±
¡°RogueKing got destroyed lol.¡±
¡°This guy¡¯s unbeatable. Is there even a point anymore?¡±
______
Ethan removed his headset, running a hand through his messy black hair. The room around him was quiet¡ªtoo quiet, compared to the roaring crowds and fireworks of the virtual arena. He glanced at the shelf across from his desk, lined with trophies, medals, and plaques commemorating his victories. Each one sparkled under the dim light, a testament to years of dominance in the competitive gaming world.
But looking at them didn¡¯t fill him with pride anymore. If anything, they felt like weights pulling him down.
¡°Another flawless performance, Ethan.¡± Alex¡¯s voice came from the video call on his monitor. His manager¡¯s face beamed with excitement. ¡°The sponsors are ecstatic. The audience numbers broke records again. You¡¯re killing it, man.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan said, his voice flat.
Alex hesitated, his enthusiasm faltering. ¡°You... don¡¯t sound thrilled. You good?¡±
Ethan stared at the screen for a moment before replying. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just... tired.¡±
Alex frowned but didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Okay. Take a break, then. You deserve it.¡±
Ethan ended the call and sat in silence. Tired. That was the easiest excuse, wasn¡¯t it? But it wasn¡¯t the truth. The truth was harder to put into words. He wasn¡¯t tired. He was... bored.
When he had started gaming as a kid, every match felt like an adventure. Each win had been hard-fought, each loss a lesson. But now, after years of being at the top, everything felt hollow. The thrill was gone, replaced by an endless grind of proving himself over and over again to an audience that would cheer just as loudly for his downfall.
What¡¯s the point anymore? he thought, leaning back in his chair.
Not wanting to think much about it, he went to sleep and wash off the blow of the day.
The sunlight streaming through Ethan¡¯s window was blinding as he pulled himself out of his chair the next morning. He squinted at the clock on his desk: 7:48 AM.
¡°Great,¡± he muttered, shoving on his jacket and grabbing his backpack. He barely had time to grab his phone and wallet before bolting out the door, skipping breakfast entirely.
By the time he reached the school gates, the warning bell had already rung. Students were scattered across the courtyard, chatting and laughing in groups. Ethan weaved through them, keeping his head down. The last thing he wanted was attention.
He slipped into his classroom just as the final bell rang. His teacher, Mr. Grayson, glanced up from his desk, raising an eyebrow.
¡°Cutting it close, Mr. Carter,¡± Grayson said, marking something on his clipboard.
¡°Sorry,¡± Ethan mumbled, sliding into his seat at the back of the room.
¡°You don¡¯t sound too sorry to me. That¡¯s detention for you.¡±
With those words spoke, Ethan¡¯s fate had been decided for the day.
The rest of the class barely noticed him. Ethan had always been something of a ghost at school. While other kids joined sports teams or hung out in the cafeteria after class, he had spent his time at home, grinding in games and streaming to an audience of millions. In the virtual world, he was a celebrity. In the real world, he was invisible.
And he liked it that way. Or at least, he used to.
Detention was uneventful, as always. Ethan sat at a desk near the window, doodling absentmindedly in the corner of his notebook. The room was mostly empty, save for a couple of other students who had also been late that morning.
Outside in the hallway, he could hear snippets of conversation as students passed by. Most of it was the usual chatter, but one phrase caught his attention:
¡°Have you tried it yet? Rebirth Online?¡±
Ethan perked up, listening more closely.
¡°It¡¯s insane,¡± someone said. ¡°The graphics, the mechanics¡ªit¡¯s like you¡¯re really inside the game. Totally next level.¡±
¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s brutal,¡± another voice replied. ¡°Starting as a no-stat is rough. And good luck surviving without a guild.¡±
Ethan frowned, leaning back in his chair. Rebirth Online. He had heard about it before¡ªan MMO that claimed to be the most immersive gaming experience ever created. It had been hyped for months in the gaming community, but Ethan hadn¡¯t paid much attention. He¡¯d assumed it was just another fad.
But now...
That night, curiosity got the better of him. So naturally, he had to give into it and load the game he had ignored in favor of cultivating his pro-careerIf you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Ethan downloaded Rebirth Online as soon as he got home. The installation process was surprisingly quick, considering the size of the game. He unboxed the sleek VR headset that came with it¡ªa neural-feedback device designed to make the virtual world feel as real as the physical one.
He adjusted the straps and lay back on his bed, the device snug against his temples.
¡°Log in,¡± he said.
The world dissolved into darkness, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, a voice echoed in his mind:
¡°Welcome to Rebirth Online. Your journey begins now.¡±
The darkness gave way to a kaleidoscope of colors, and Ethan found himself standing in a blank white space. His real-world body was gone, replaced by a placeholder avatar. A glowing menu floated in front of him, prompting him to customize his character.
Ethan hesitated for a moment. He could have recreated his old persona¡ªPhoenix, the legend. But something held him back.
¡°Let¡¯s keep it simple,¡± he muttered, choosing the default settings. His avatar was plain and unremarkable, with generic features and standard equipment. His stats were all set to zero.
¡°Character creation complete. Welcome, Player One.¡±
The whiteness faded, replaced by a sprawling world. Ethan blinked, momentarily stunned by the sheer realism. The wind ruffled his avatar¡¯s hair, the sun cast warm light across the landscape, and the distant sound of a bustling marketplace reached his ears.
He took a tentative step forward. Then another. The sensation was uncanny¡ªit didn¡¯t feel like he was controlling an avatar; it felt like he was actually there.
¡°This... is incredible,¡± he murmured.
Ethan wandered through the beginner¡¯s area, taking in the sights. NPCs and players mingled in the streets, some chatting, others bartering for gear. The atmosphere was alive with energy, unlike anything he¡¯d experienced in other games.
As he passed a group of players, he overheard a familiar name.
¡°Did you hear? Phoenix retired today.¡±
Ethan stopped in his tracks.
¡°Yeah,¡± another player replied. ¡°The guy was a legend. It¡¯s weird to think he¡¯s done, huh?¡±
Ethan hesitated for a moment before approaching them.
¡°You¡¯re talking about Phoenix?¡± he asked.
The players¡ªa mage and a swordsman¡ªnodded.
¡°Yeah, man,¡± the mage said. ¡°Best player in the world. Kind of sucks he¡¯s done, though.¡±
Ethan smiled faintly. ¡°Actually... I am Phoenix.¡±
The players stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.
¡°Yeah, right,¡± the swordsman said. ¡°If you¡¯re Phoenix, I¡¯m the king of Rebirth Online.¡±
The mage snickered. ¡°Good one, though. You almost had us.¡±
As they walked away, Ethan stood there, feeling a strange mix of irritation and amusement. For the first time in years, no one believed he was the best.
And for some reason, that made him grin.
¡°Let¡¯s see what this world has to offer,¡± he muttered, stepping forward into the unknown.
Ethan watched the two players walk away, their laughter fading into the ambient noise of the bustling market square. He stood there for a moment, staring at their retreating figures.
They didn¡¯t believe me.
The realization hit him harder than he expected. Back in his glory days, all he had to do was log into a game, and his name alone commanded respect. People would line up for a chance to play with or against him, and fan forums were littered with guides dissecting his every move. Here, though, he was just another nameless, faceless player.
He clenched his fists, feeling a flicker of irritation. Fine. If they won¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll make them.
Determined, Ethan jogged after them. The mage and swordsman were still chatting, standing near a stall selling basic potions and gear.
¡°Wait,¡± Ethan said, catching up.
The mage glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you again. Look, man, we¡¯re not interested in your cosplay act. Go bother someone else.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not pretending,¡± Ethan insisted. ¡°I really am Phoenix. I just retired today. You must¡¯ve seen the announcement.¡±
The swordsman snorted. ¡°Yeah, sure. And I¡¯m the creator of this game. Look, buddy, just because you played a few matches doesn¡¯t mean you get to call yourself a legend.¡±
Ethan frowned. ¡°Then what do I need to do to prove it?¡±
The mage crossed his arms, looking Ethan up and down with a skeptical smirk. ¡°You want us to believe you¡¯re the Phoenix? The guy who soloed entire guilds and pulled off impossible raids? Sure, we¡¯ll believe you¡ if you can actually do something impressive.¡±
¡°Like what?¡± Ethan asked.
The mage leaned forward, grinning. ¡°There¡¯s a dungeon on the outskirts of this area¡ªShadowfang Hollow. It¡¯s meant for parties of level ten players. You, however, are¡¡± He glanced at Ethan¡¯s character panel, visible to nearby players. ¡°¡level one, with zero stats and no gear.¡±
Ethan looked at his own panel. It was embarrassingly bare. Just the default equipment: a wooden sword, a tattered tunic, and no skills unlocked. His health bar was laughably short.
¡°And you want me to solo it?¡± he asked.
¡°Exactly,¡± the swordsman said, chuckling. ¡°If you¡¯re really Phoenix, that should be no problem for you, right?¡±
The mage smirked. ¡°Of course, if you¡¯re too scared, you can just admit you¡¯re not him and save yourself the embarrassment.¡±
Ethan narrowed his eyes. A small part of him knew this was a trap, a way to humiliate him in front of others. But another part¡ªthe part that had once thrived on challenges¡ªfelt a spark of excitement. It had been too long since something seemed impossible.
¡°Fine,¡± Ethan said, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±
Both players blinked, clearly not expecting him to accept so easily.
¡°Wait, seriously?¡± the swordsman asked. ¡°You¡¯re going to try?¡±
Ethan smirked. ¡°Why not? If it gets you to believe me, I¡¯ll clear that dungeon. Solo.¡±
Shadowfang Hollow loomed on the edge of the beginner¡¯s area, its entrance a jagged cave mouth shrouded in darkness. A faint mist curled out from within, and eerie growls echoed from the depths. A warning sign outside the entrance read:
DUNGEON: SHADOWFANG HOLLOW
Recommended Level: 10+
Parties of 3-5 players advised.
Ethan stood at the threshold, his wooden sword hanging limply at his side. Behind him, the mage and swordsman had followed, joined by a few other curious players who had heard about the challenge.
¡°This is going to be hilarious,¡± someone muttered.
¡°No way he makes it past the first room,¡± another said.
Ethan ignored them. His focus was on the task ahead. He stepped into the dungeon, and the world outside faded away. The interior was dimly lit, the walls slick with moisture. The air smelled faintly of decay, and the sound of dripping water echoed in the cavern.
Warning: Dungeon scaling active. Enemy levels adjusted to Level 10 minimum.
His health bar glowed faintly in the corner of his vision, pitifully small compared to the hulking creatures that awaited him inside.
The first chamber of the dungeon was crawling with Shadow Wolves¡ªsleek, black-furred beasts with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp teeth. Ethan counted five of them, prowling near the center of the room.
He tightened his grip on his wooden sword. The weapon felt flimsy, like it would snap in half the moment he tried to use it. He didn¡¯t even have a shield.
All right. Think.
Charging in headfirst would be suicide. The wolves were fast, and even a single bite would probably take off half his health. He needed a strategy.
He glanced around the room, noticing the uneven terrain. There were clusters of stalagmites near the edges of the chamber and a raised platform in one corner.
Perfect.
Ethan darted forward, drawing the attention of the wolves. They snarled and gave chase, their claws skittering against the stone floor. He sprinted toward the stalagmites, weaving between them as the wolves lunged after him. One wolf slammed into a rock formation, stunning itself temporarily. Another got caught trying to squeeze through a narrow gap.
Ethan climbed onto the raised platform, positioning himself above the remaining wolves. From this vantage point, he could predict their movements more easily. As the first wolf leaped at him, he swung his sword in a precise arc, striking its exposed throat. The blow was weak, but it was enough to kill the low-level creature.
¡°Two down,¡± he muttered, glancing at the remaining three.
The fight continued, Ethan relying on hit-and-run tactics to wear down the wolves. By the time the last one fell, his health bar was dangerously low, and his hands were shaking.
When Ethan emerged from the dungeon¡¯s first chamber, bruised but victorious, the small crowd outside was stunned into silence. The mage and swordsman stared at him, their jaws practically on the floor.
¡°You¡ actually did it,¡± the mage said.
¡°Not bad for a no-stat player,¡± Ethan replied, smirking despite his exhaustion.
¡°Okay,¡± the swordsman admitted reluctantly. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re not just some random wannabe. But the first room¡¯s the easy part. The real boss is deeper in. Let¡¯s see if you can handle that.¡±
Ethan¡¯s grin widened. For the first time in ages, he felt alive.
¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m just getting started.¡±
Chapter 2: I am Phoenix - Part 1
The next chamber was vast, the air damp and heavy. Dim torchlight flickered against the jagged stone walls, casting long shadows that danced like specters. At the center of the room loomed a hulking beast¡ªa Shadowfang Alpha, twice the size of the wolves Ethan had fought earlier. Its black fur shimmered with an eerie, unnatural sheen, and its glowing red eyes locked onto the group as soon as they entered.
The mage and swordsman from earlier had formed a full party, dragging in a couple more players to bolster their chances.
¡°All right, team,¡± the mage said, his tone authoritative as he addressed the group. ¡°This thing¡¯s no joke. Stick to your roles, don¡¯t get greedy, and we¡¯ll be fine.¡±
Ethan stood at the back of the group, his wooden sword still in hand. He had only managed to scavenge a couple of potions from a previous room, and his stats were still abysmal. The rest of the party had actual gear and skills unlocked, yet they didn¡¯t seem particularly confident.
¡°Are you sure about this?¡± the swordsman muttered.
¡°We¡¯ve got the numbers,¡± the mage replied. ¡°Besides, if it goes south, we can just respawn. No big deal.¡±
Ethan said nothing, watching as the group moved into position. The Shadowfang Alpha let out a low growl, its muscles tensing.
¡°Engaging boss: Shadowfang Alpha. Party health scaling enabled.¡±
The battle began with a deafening roar.
The tank charged first, raising his shield to intercept the Alpha¡¯s initial lunge. The beast slammed into him with enough force to crack the ground beneath their feet, sending tremors through the room. The healer scrambled to cast a barrier, while the DPS players launched a flurry of attacks.
Ethan hung back, observing. The Alpha¡¯s health bar was enormous, and its attacks were relentless. Every few seconds, it would unleash an area-of-effect roar that stunned nearby players, leaving them vulnerable. The mage and swordsman were trying to coordinate, but their movements were clumsy, and their attacks weren¡¯t synchronized.
Within minutes, the tank¡¯s health hit zero.
¡°Crap! He¡¯s down!¡± the mage shouted.
The Alpha turned its attention to the rest of the group, pouncing on the healer next. Chaos erupted as the party scrambled to reposition, but it was no use. One by one, they fell, their avatars disintegrating into shards of light as the system registered their deaths.
Ethan was the last one standing.
The Alpha turned to him, its glowing eyes narrowing.
¡°Guess it¡¯s just you and me,¡± Ethan muttered, gripping his wooden sword tightly.
The Alpha lunged, its massive claws slicing through the air. Ethan rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. His heart raced as he scanned the room for an opening. Unlike the others, he didn¡¯t have flashy skills or high-tier gear. He had to rely on timing and precision.
The beast lunged again, and Ethan baited it toward a crumbling pillar in the corner of the room. As the Alpha charged, he sidestepped at the last second, causing the creature to slam into the stone. The pillar collapsed, momentarily dazing the beast and leaving it vulnerable.
Ethan took the opportunity to strike, landing a flurry of blows on its exposed side. Each hit barely made a dent in its health bar, but it was progress.
The fight dragged on for what felt like an eternity. Ethan dodged, parried, and countered, chipping away at the Alpha¡¯s health bit by bit. He used every potion he had, carefully managing his stamina and positioning to avoid its devastating attacks.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the beast let out a final, ear-splitting roar and collapsed to the ground. Its massive body dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving behind a treasure chest and a glowing notification.
¡°Congratulations! You have defeated Shadowfang Alpha.¡±
¡°First Kill Achievement Unlocked: Alpha Slayer.¡±
Ethan slumped to the ground, his heart pounding. He stared at the glowing achievement badge in his menu, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction washing over him.
Ethan emerged from the dungeon to find the mage, swordsman, and the rest of the party waiting outside. They looked disgruntled, clearly annoyed by their earlier defeat.
¡°You¡¯re alive?¡± the swordsman said, his eyes wide. ¡°How the hell did you manage that?¡±
Ethan smirked, holding up the glowing achievement badge. ¡°Told you I was Phoenix.¡±
The mage narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical. ¡°There¡¯s no way you soloed the boss. You must¡¯ve gotten lucky or something.¡±
¡°Lucky?¡± Ethan repeated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I just carried the fight you all wiped on. If that¡¯s luck, then what do you call your performance?¡±
The other players snickered, but the mage wasn¡¯t amused. ¡°Look, anyone can get an achievement if they¡¯re carried by someone stronger. You probably ran into a high-level player who did all the work for you.¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± the swordsman chimed in. ¡°You¡¯ve got no proof you actually killed the boss solo.¡±
Ethan¡¯s smirk faltered. ¡°I don¡¯t need proof. I have the achievement, don¡¯t I?¡±
¡°That doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± the mage said dismissively. ¡°If you really want us to believe you¡¯re Phoenix, you¡¯ll have to do better than that.¡±
Ethan clenched his fists, a surge of irritation rising within him. These people had doubted him from the start, and even now, after he¡¯d done something none of them could, they refused to acknowledge his skill.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Fine. If they want proof, I¡¯ll give them proof.
He stepped forward, his eyes locking onto the mage¡¯s. ¡°You think I was carried? How about I show you exactly what I can do? One-on-one. Right now.¡±
The mage hesitated, but the swordsman stepped in, grinning. ¡°Fine by me. But don¡¯t cry when you lose, wannabe.¡±
Ethan opened the game¡¯s menu and navigated to the PvP section. There, he selected a mini-game he hadn¡¯t played in years: Blitz Tactics. It was a fast-paced, strategy-heavy duel mode where players had to outmaneuver their opponents on a grid-based battlefield.
The mage and swordsman exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed.
¡°Blitz Tactics?¡± the swordsman said, laughing. ¡°That game¡¯s ancient. Nobody plays it anymore.¡±
¡°Perfect,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°You¡¯ve got no excuses, then.¡±
The system initialized the match, transporting Ethan and the swordsman into a virtual arena. The crowd of players outside the dungeon watched through a shared spectator feed, their murmurs of curiosity and excitement filling the air.
The match began, and Ethan¡¯s instincts kicked in. Despite his rustiness, the mechanics came back to him almost instantly. He maneuvered his avatar across the grid with precision, setting traps and baiting the swordsman into predictable patterns.
Within minutes, Ethan had cornered him, executing a flawless combo that ended the match in his favor.
¡°Victory: Player Ethan.¡±
The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, while the swordsman stared at the results screen in disbelief.
¡°You got lucky,¡± he muttered.
Ethan grinned, his confidence returning. ¡°Want to go again?¡±
The mage stepped forward, his expression dark. ¡°My turn.¡±
The second match was even quicker. Ethan dismantled the mage with surgical precision, reading his every move and countering effortlessly. By the time the match ended, the mage looked ready to explode.
¡°You cheated,¡± he said through gritted teeth.
Ethan shrugged. ¡°Sure. Keep telling yourself that.¡±
The crowd buzzed with excitement, and for the first time in a long time, Ethan felt alive. He didn¡¯t need trophies or accolades¡ªthis was what he had missed. The thrill of proving himself, of shutting down doubters with skill and strategy.
The mage and swordsman glared at him, their earlier confidence shattered.
¡°Believe me now?¡± Ethan asked, crossing his arms.
Neither of them replied.
¡°Thought so,¡± he said, turning to leave.
As he walked away, a small smile played on his lips. For the first time in years, he felt like he was starting from scratch¡ªand he couldn¡¯t wait to see where this new journey would take him.
The buzz in the air was palpable. After Ethan''s second victory, the spectators surrounding the dungeon entrance grew into a lively crowd. Players who had just logged in or wandered by were drawn to the commotion, curious about the rookie who had just defeated two challengers in a row.
¡°Who is this guy?¡± someone whispered.
¡°Never seen him before,¡± another player replied.
¡°That¡¯s Phoenix,¡± a voice in the crowd said, sounding almost reverent. ¡°Well, that¡¯s what he claims. But¡ look at how he¡¯s playing. He might actually be legit.¡±
Ethan stood at the center of the attention, arms crossed as he surveyed the crowd. He could feel their excitement, their curiosity. It was almost intoxicating, a stark contrast to the dull monotony he had felt in his old competitive days.
A burly warrior stepped forward, pointing a thick finger at him. ¡°Hey, rookie! You think you¡¯re hot stuff, huh? How about a match with me? I¡¯ll even throw in a bet¡ª100 gold says I can take you down!¡±
The crowd roared in approval, eager for another match.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. He only had a handful of coins to his name, barely enough to buy a healing potion. But the idea of earning some extra gold piqued his interest.
¡°Fine,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°But if I win, I get double.¡±
¡°Deal,¡± the warrior said, grinning confidently.
As the system initialized the next Blitz Tactics match, the crowd began placing their bets. Gold exchanged hands as players wagered on either Ethan or the warrior. The match itself was short-lived. The warrior, though well-equipped and confident, lacked the precision and tactical understanding that Ethan had honed through years of professional play.
Ethan baited him into a trap, outmaneuvered him at every turn, and delivered a decisive victory.
¡°Victory: Player Ethan.¡±
The crowd erupted in cheers, and gold coins rained down around him as players tossed tips and winnings in his direction.
¡°Damn, that was incredible!¡± someone shouted.
¡°Newbie? More like the next legend!¡±
¡°You got lucky!¡± the warrior muttered, scowling as he handed over the agreed-upon amount.
But the loss only fueled the crowd¡¯s enthusiasm. More challengers stepped forward, eager to test their skills against the rising star. Ethan accepted match after match, his winnings piling up as he continued to dominate his opponents.
Soon, the crowd began to organize themselves. Players started pooling their bets, using Ethan as their champion.
¡°Hey, if you keep winning, we¡¯ll give you a cut of the profits,¡± one player offered.
¡°Ten percent,¡± another chimed in.
¡°No, twenty!¡± someone shouted. ¡°You¡¯re the one making it all happen, after all.¡±
Ethan hesitated for a moment, considering the offer. He was starting to amass a respectable amount of gold¡ªmore than most level-one players could dream of. The idea of getting a steady cut from the bets was tempting, especially since it didn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d lose anytime soon.
¡°All right,¡± he said. ¡°But I¡¯m not staying all night.¡±
The crowd cheered, and the betting frenzy continued. Each match brought more challengers, more spectators, and more gold. Ethan¡¯s reputation grew with every victory, and players began to talk about the ¡°genius rookie¡± dominating Blitz Tactics.
But as the hours went on, Ethan started to notice a shift in the crowd. The cheers were still loud, but there was an undercurrent of something else¡ªsomething darker. Players began eyeing him and his growing pile of gold with poorly concealed greed.
¡°You think he¡¯ll share all that?¡± someone whispered, just loud enough for Ethan to catch.
¡°Doubt it. He¡¯s new. Probably doesn¡¯t even know how to bank it safely.¡±
¡°What if we¡ you know¡ took it off his hands?¡±
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. He had seen this kind of behavior before in other games¡ªhow quickly camaraderie could turn into cutthroat opportunism. His instincts told him it was time to leave.
After his next victory, Ethan stood up, raising a hand to quiet the crowd.
¡°That¡¯s it for me tonight,¡± he announced. ¡°Thanks for the matches.¡±
¡°What? You¡¯re leaving?¡± someone shouted.
¡°You can¡¯t stop now!¡± another player said. ¡°We¡¯ve still got bets lined up!¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯ve had enough for one day.¡±
The crowd groaned in disappointment, but a few players exchanged knowing glances.
Ethan didn¡¯t stick around to hear their complaints. He quickly navigated to his menu, activating the logout sequence. A ten-second countdown appeared in the corner of his vision, but even those few seconds felt agonizingly long.
As the timer ticked down, he noticed a group of players edging closer, their weapons drawn.
¡°Hey, wait a second,¡± one of them said, his tone too casual. ¡°Before you go, why don¡¯t you share some of those winnings? You know, as a thank-you for the audience.¡±
Ethan¡¯s heart raced. He knew what they were trying to do: force him into a trade or attack him before he could log out. If they killed him in-game, they could loot a portion of his gold.
¡°Three seconds¡¡± he muttered under his breath.
The group moved closer, their intentions no longer hidden.
¡°Two¡¡±
¡°Don¡¯t let him log out!¡± someone shouted.
Ethan¡¯s screen flashed as the logout sequence completed, and the world of Rebirth Online dissolved into black.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long breath. The adrenaline was still pumping through his veins, his hands trembling slightly from the tension.
¡°That was close,¡± he muttered, rubbing his temples.
He glanced at the clock on his desk. It was late, and he still had homework to finish before school the next day. But despite the exhaustion, he couldn¡¯t help but smile.
For the first time in years, he felt truly alive in a game¡ªnot just because of the competition, but because of the unpredictability, the danger, and the raw excitement.
¡°Rebirth Online, huh?¡± he said to himself. ¡°Maybe this game¡¯s exactly what I needed.¡±
As he powered down his computer, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
Chapter 3: I am Phoenix - Part 2
Ethan lay sprawled on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The faint glow of his computer screen illuminated the room, the Rebirth Online logo still lingering in his mind. He replayed the events of the night: the exhilarating combat, the crowd¡¯s cheers, the tension of being cornered by opportunistic players.
It had been years since he felt like this¡ªexcited, challenged, alive.
His hands, now steady, flexed against the covers. There was something special about Rebirth Online, something that reignited the spark he thought he¡¯d lost forever. The game wasn¡¯t just a grind of rankings or a cycle of fame and sponsorships; it felt unpredictable and raw. Every step into its world carried a sense of discovery.
I had fun, Ethan thought, the realization hitting him harder than expected.
For so long, gaming had become mechanical¡ªa means to an end. His victories were expected, his losses scrutinized. Even in his downtime, his management team had filtered his access to forums, fan commentary, and streams. They said it was to protect him from the mental strain, but it left him feeling disconnected from the people he was playing for.
Tonight was different. He wasn¡¯t Phoenix, the celebrity gamer. He was just Ethan¡ªa newbie figuring out a game, making mistakes, and succeeding on his own terms.
But even as excitement buzzed in his chest, a shadow of guilt crept in. He¡¯d left behind the world of competitive gaming for a reason: to escape the pressure, the fame, the endless scrutiny. Yet, here he was, drawn back in. And worse, he hadn¡¯t told anyone¡ªhis family, his old teammates, his former manager.
Am I really ready to dive back in?
Ethan sighed, closing his eyes. The questions could wait. For now, he needed sleep. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges.
______
The next morning, Ethan trudged into school, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder. The halls were bustling with students chatting and rushing to their classes. He moved through the crowd like a ghost, invisible and unnoticed as usual.
But something caught his attention¡ªa group of students clustered near the lockers, their voices animated.
¡°Did you hear about that rookie in Rebirth Online last night?¡± one of them said, their voice brimming with excitement.
¡°Yeah! He called himself Phoenix! Can you believe the nerve?¡±
Ethan froze mid-step, his pulse quickening.
¡°Shameless, right?¡± another said. ¡°But he¡¯s crazy good at Blitz Tactics. Took down a bunch of people in a row, even some well-known casuals. I heard he won a ton of gold, too.¡±
¡°Still, pretending to be the Phoenix? Total disrespect. No way it¡¯s actually him.¡±
Ethan¡¯s throat felt dry. It was surreal, hearing people talk about him like this. He¡¯d heard rumors about himself before, back when he was a pro. But his management team had always controlled how much he could see, filtering out toxic comments and anything that might hurt his focus.
Now, there was no filter, no barrier between him and the raw opinions of the gaming community. He felt¡ liberated.
But there was also a pang of guilt. By using his old alias, he had unintentionally stirred the pot. Phoenix wasn¡¯t just a name to him; it was a legacy, one he had walked away from. Hearing these students criticize the rookie version of himself for tarnishing that name stung in a way he hadn¡¯t expected.
Ethan shook his head, deciding not to intervene. It wasn¡¯t like he could just walk up to them and say, Actually, that was me.
As Ethan stood there, caught in his thoughts about his classmates¡¯ conversation, a sharp voice cut through the chatter.
¡°Enough gossip,¡± the voice said, firm yet melodic. ¡°Get back to class.¡±
The group of students scattered like startled birds, their expressions shifting from smug to sheepish. Standing behind them was Rena Anderson, the school¡¯s resident queen bee. With her sleek black hair, flawless complexion, and poised demeanor, Rena commanded attention wherever she went.
¡°Sorry, Rena!¡± one of them stammered, gathering their things.
¡°We were just talking about something important,¡± another said, attempting to defend themselves.
¡°Important enough to make you late to class?¡± Rena asked, raising an eyebrow.
That shut them up. They tripped over their words before mumbling apologies and hurrying off.
Ethan watched from the sidelines, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It was almost funny how quickly his classmates turned docile in her presence. They didn¡¯t even try to argue.
Once the hallway cleared, Rena lingered for a moment, her gaze distant. Then, as if remembering something, she muttered to herself, her tone shifting to irritation.
¡°Some shameless rookie, pretending to be Phoenix¡ Unbelievable.¡±
Ethan stiffened.
Rena didn¡¯t notice him standing nearby as she continued venting under her breath. ¡°Do they think they can just throw around that name without consequences? Phoenix deserves better than this.¡±
Ethan¡¯s hands clenched into fists at his sides. Her words, though not directed at him, struck a nerve. The way she spoke of Phoenix, as though he were an untouchable figure, made him feel like a stranger in his own story.
She turned on her heel and walked away, her footsteps echoing down the now-empty hallway.
Ethan let out a shaky breath, leaning back against the lockers.
She has no idea it¡¯s me.
Rena¡¯s frustration mirrored the sentiments of the crowd from last night. They saw Phoenix as some kind of legend, a perfect figure who inspired awe and respect. But Ethan knew the truth. He wasn¡¯t that different from who he was back then. He had the same habits, the same skills, the same drive.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
So why did it feel like he was two different people?
He thought about Rena¡¯s words: "Phoenix deserves better." It wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d heard something like that. When he was still competing, his management team had often talked about protecting his image¡ªkeeping him untouchable, above criticism. They had controlled how he interacted with the world, deciding what he could see, say, and do.
Now, without that barrier, he was free. But freedom came with its own complications. The world didn¡¯t see Ethan. They saw Phoenix¡ªthe legend, the idol, the impossible standard.
Ethan sighed, pushing off the locker. He didn¡¯t blame Rena or the others for their perceptions. They were reacting to an idea, a version of him that had been carefully curated and polished.
For now, he would let them believe what they wanted. He wasn¡¯t ready to reveal the truth, and maybe it was better this way. If they didn¡¯t know, he could continue playing the game on his own terms¡ªno expectations, no pressure.
But as he headed to class, one thought lingered in his mind.
How different was I really?
Ethan shuffled into his classroom, sliding into his usual seat at the back corner. The noise of his classmates chatting, laughing, and swapping stories faded into the background as he stared out the window.
The teacher¡¯s voice carried on about equations or literary analysis¡ªhe wasn¡¯t sure which. The words were nothing more than a dull buzz in his ears. His mind was elsewhere, tethered to the world of Rebirth Online.
I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.
The vibrant landscapes, the feeling of the game¡¯s artificial breeze against his skin, the weight of a virtual blade in his hand. It had been so real, so alive. And for the first time in years, it hadn¡¯t been about rankings or sponsorships. It was just him and the game.
But now, sitting in this dimly lit classroom, the world felt muted. The walls seemed to close in on him, the ticking clock dragging the minutes into hours. He glanced up at the board but couldn¡¯t bring himself to care about the notes scrawled across it.
This place¡ it¡¯s suffocating.
He tried to focus, but every few minutes, his mind wandered back to the game. He thought about the people he¡¯d met¡ªthose who had doubted him and the ones who had cheered him on. A small smile tugged at his lips when he remembered their shock during the mini-game.
¡°Ethan,¡± the teacher called, snapping him out of his daydream.
He straightened, feeling the weight of the room¡¯s attention shift toward him.
¡°Pay attention,¡± the teacher said firmly, before returning to the lesson.
He nodded, his cheeks burning as a few students snickered.
Lunch didn¡¯t help. Neither did the other classes. Every moment felt like a slow crawl toward freedom. He fiddled with his pencil, tapped his foot against the floor, and doodled nonsense in the margins of his notebook.
When the final bell rang, it was like a dam breaking.
Ethan was out of his seat before the echo of the bell faded, ignoring the chatter around him as he headed straight for the school gates.
______
By the time he got home, Ethan had already planned his evening. Dropping his bag unceremoniously on the floor, he grabbed a quick snack and headed straight to his room.
The VR headset sat on his desk, practically calling to him. He powered it on, his heart pounding with anticipation as the familiar interface booted up. With a quick command, he logged back into Rebirth Online.
The vibrant world of the game enveloped him, and for a moment, all the stress of the day melted away. The sounds of birds chirping, the faint rustle of trees, and the bustling chatter of NPCs greeted him.
But before he could take a step, a flood of notifications bombarded him. His inbox was overflowing with messages and DMs.
¡°Who is this rookie?¡±
¡°You¡¯re good, but don¡¯t get cocky!¡±
¡°Phoenix wannabe, huh? Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as good as the real deal.¡±
Ethan scrolled through the messages, his eyes scanning the mix of compliments, taunts, and challenges. Most of it was noise, but one notification caught his eye.
A private message.
Sender: EPGames.
Subject: Account Termination Notice.
His stomach dropped as he opened it.
The message was brief but coldly formal:
¡°Dear Player,
Your account, under the username ¡®Ash,¡¯ has been flagged and terminated due to statements and actions falsely associating yourself with our legendary player, Phoenix. This behavior is a violation of our community standards. Effective immediately, your access to Rebirth Online is revoked.
Thank you for understanding.
Ethan barely had time to process the words before the world around him glitched and froze. He was unceremoniously kicked out, the VR interface returning to a black screen with a notification: Access Denied.
He ripped the headset off, tossing it onto his desk as anger bubbled in his chest.
What the hell just happened?
He grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he found the number he was looking for: Alex Harper, his former manager.
¡°Ethan?¡± Alex¡¯s voice was cheerful, almost too much so. ¡°Long time, no talk! I was starting to think you¡¯d disappeared off the face of the earth.¡±
Ethan didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries. ¡°Alex, what¡¯s going on with EPGames? Why did they block my account?¡±
Alex chuckled, clearly misunderstanding the urgency in Ethan¡¯s voice. ¡°Oh, this is great news. You¡¯re coming back, aren¡¯t you? Finally decided to leave retirement behind? Look, if you¡¯re ready to rejoin the team, I can start scheduling practice sessions and¡ª¡±
¡°Alex,¡± Ethan interrupted, his voice sharp. ¡°I¡¯m not coming back. I called because EPGames just terminated my account for supposedly using Phoenix¡¯s name.¡±
There was a pause on the other end. ¡°Wait, what?¡±
¡°They banned me,¡± Ethan said, his frustration seeping into his tone. ¡°They said I was impersonating Phoenix.¡±
¡°Ah,¡± Alex said slowly. ¡°That¡ might be my fault.¡±
Ethan¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Your fault? Care to explain?¡±
Alex sighed, and Ethan could practically hear him running a hand through his hair. ¡°Look, EPGames has been cracking down on players who use your name. Ever since you retired, there¡¯s been a surge in fake accounts¡ªwannabes trying to ride on your legacy. We¡¯ve been working with the devs to ban anyone who disrespects your reputation.¡±
Ethan¡¯s grip on his phone tightened. ¡°So, you¡¯re telling me I got banned because you flagged my account?¡±
¡°Well, not directly,¡± Alex said, sounding defensive. ¡°But yeah, I did report a player last night who was calling himself Phoenix and bragging about soloing a dungeon.¡±
Ethan¡¯s heart sank. ¡°And what was the name of that player?¡±
¡°Ash,¡± Alex admitted. ¡°But don¡¯t worry about it. We dealt with him.¡±
Ethan closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Alex, Ash was me.¡±
The line went silent for a moment.
¡°What?¡± Alex finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
¡°I created a rookie account last night to check out Rebirth Online,¡± Ethan explained. ¡°I didn¡¯t think using my old alias would cause this much trouble.¡±
Alex groaned, clearly piecing everything together. ¡°You mean to tell me¡ you¡¯re the one who soloed that dungeon?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°And dominated in Blitz Tactics?¡±
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°And now your account is banned because I flagged it?¡±
¡°Yes!¡±
¡°Damn,¡± Alex muttered. ¡°Okay, this is bad. Look, I¡¯ll fix it. I¡¯ll call EPGames and tell them what happened. They can reinstate your account. But, uh, there¡¯s a catch.¡±
Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°What kind of catch?¡±
Alex hesitated. ¡°They¡¯ll restore the account, but since it¡¯s tied to Phoenix¡¯s name, they¡¯ll have to wipe it clean. Any progress you made as Ash will be gone.¡±
Ethan sighed, slumping back in his chair. ¡°Fine. I didn¡¯t make much progress anyway. Just¡ get it done.¡±
¡°I will,¡± Alex promised. ¡°And, Ethan?¡±
¡°What?¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know. Honestly, I thought you were still done with all this.¡±
Ethan¡¯s expression softened, though his voice remained firm. ¡°Just fix it, Alex. I¡¯ll deal with the rest.¡±
As Ethan hung up, he leaned back in his chair, staring at the dark screen of his VR headset.
Rebirth Online had been a breath of fresh air, but now it felt like a harsh reminder of the world he¡¯d left behind. The game might have been new, but the shadows of his past were already creeping in.
Still, part of him felt relieved. He¡¯d get his account back, and this time, he¡¯d be more careful.
If I¡¯m going to make a name for myself again, I¡¯ll do it on my own terms.
With that thought in mind, Ethan turned his attention to the rest of the night, wondering what awaited him in his next venture into the game.
Chapter 4: From Ash to Ashh
Ethan paced back and forth in his room, the faint hum of his computer and the soft glow of his VR headset sitting on the desk taunting him. The idea of not being able to access Rebirth Online was driving him crazy. It wasn¡¯t just about the game itself; it was the principle. He¡¯d been unjustly banned from his new account, and the fact that EPGames, his former management, had been the ones to do it felt like a betrayal.
He flopped onto his bed and stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. A part of him wanted to scream into the void, but he restrained himself. Years in the professional gaming world had taught him patience¡ªor at least, that¡¯s what he told himself as he clenched his fists.
Pulling out his phone, Ethan considered calling Alex again to demand an update, but he knew it wouldn¡¯t help. His former manager had promised to handle it, and there wasn¡¯t much Ethan could do but wait.
He tried distracting himself by scrolling through social media, but it was a bad idea. He stumbled upon clips from Blitz Tactics, his old game, featuring his past matches as Phoenix. Seeing his avatar¡¯s flawless plays set to dramatic music should have filled him with pride, but instead, it made his stomach churn.
That¡¯s not me anymore, he thought, tossing his phone onto the bed.
Minutes turned into hours, and Ethan cycled through every distraction he could think of. He watched videos, tried reading a book, even attempted some light exercise, but his focus always drifted back to the game. The longer he waited, the more his frustration grew.
His phone buzzed, and Ethan lunged for it, hoping for good news. It was a text from Alex:
¡°Almost sorted. Just a few more details to finalize.¡±
Ethan groaned, falling back onto his bed. A few more details might as well have been an eternity. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside him.
The seconds dragged on like hours, but finally, after what felt like forever, his phone buzzed again. This time, the message was shorter:
¡°Done.¡±
Ethan jumped up so quickly he nearly knocked over his chair. He grabbed his VR headset and powered it on, his heart pounding with excitement and nervous anticipation.
As the system booted up, a notification from EPGames appeared on the interface.
Subject: Account Reinstatement and Compensation
Message:
Dear Player,
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the misunderstanding regarding your account. As compensation, we have credited your account with EXP boosters and exclusive cosmetic items.
Thank you for your understanding.
Ethan stared at the message, his emotions a mix of relief and annoyance. So this is their idea of making things right? he thought. The compensation felt hollow, like a band-aid slapped onto a wound that hadn¡¯t been properly cleaned.
The EXP boosters could have been useful, but Ethan hesitated. Using them might make leveling easier, but it would also open the door for more accusations of bias. He¡¯d already experienced how quickly people could turn on him.
¡°No thanks,¡± he muttered, dismissing the boosters to his inventory. He would save them for later, just in case an event made it worth using them.
Finally, he was back at the character creation screen, ready to start fresh.
Ethan found himself staring at the character creation screen, a blank slate waiting to be molded. It felt oddly poetic. After all, wasn¡¯t this exactly what he wanted? A fresh start. A chance to play the game on his own terms, free from the expectations and weight of being ¡°Phoenix.¡±
The default avatar in front of him stood still, its expression neutral and its design basic. This time, he decided to take his time and carefully consider his choices. His new identity in Rebirth Online would reflect who he was now¡ªa former legend starting over in the shadows.
He scrolled through the customization options, experimenting with different body types and facial features. The options were extensive, far more advanced than what he was used to in his old games.
After a while, he settled on a slender frame¡ªlean and nimble. It wasn¡¯t just for aesthetics; a smaller body would provide a practical advantage in combat. Smaller hitboxes made dodging and evasion easier, something Ethan had learned from years of competitive play.
For the face, he chose sharp, angular features that gave his avatar a quiet, determined look. The messy black hair added a touch of ruggedness, and he darkened the skin tone slightly to avoid standing out too much in a crowd. He didn¡¯t want flashy. He wanted efficient.
The eyes were the hardest part. Ethan hesitated as he scrolled through the options, trying to decide on the right look. Bright and vibrant? No. That felt too optimistic for how he was feeling. He finally settled on a steely gray, the kind of eyes that looked like they had seen too much but kept going anyway.
Next came the outfit. The game¡¯s starter gear options were basic, but there was room for creativity. Most players tended to choose flamboyant designs to attract attention, but Ethan had no intention of drawing unnecessary eyes.
He picked a simple leather tunic with matching trousers¡ªfunctional, unassuming, and perfect for a new player. He added a dark green hooded cloak to complete the look, giving his avatar a hint of mystery.
Satisfied, he took a step back to admire his work. It wasn¡¯t flashy, but it was exactly what he wanted: a practical, low-profile design that wouldn¡¯t scream ¡°target.¡±
The more ¡®ordinary¡¯ he looked, the less changes he would have to get targeted by scammers.
With his avatar ready, Ethan moved on to the final step: choosing a name. This part felt oddly significant. A name wasn¡¯t just a label; it was an identity. His previous name, Phoenix, had carried weight and expectation. Now, he wanted something simpler, something that wouldn¡¯t carry the baggage of his past.
He typed in Ash. It was short, easy to remember, and held a subtle connection to his former name. Phoenixes rose from ashes, after all.
But when he hit confirm, a message popped up: Name already taken.
Ethan groaned, leaning back in his chair. Of course, it was taken. A name like Ash was probably one of the most common choices. He considered adding numbers or symbols, but it felt tacky.
After a moment of thought, he added an extra ¡°h¡± at the end: Ashh.
The system accepted it.
¡°It¡¯s not perfect,¡± Ethan muttered, ¡°but it¡¯ll do.¡±
It was close enough to the point that no one would bother him about it. He was a little salty about not getting his original name back, but it no longer mattered.
As he hovered over the confirm button, Ethan paused. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of trepidation. Once he clicked this button, he¡¯d officially be stepping into the world of Rebirth Online as someone new.
For a brief moment, he wondered if he should add some kind of flair to his avatar¡ªsomething to make it stand out. But he quickly dismissed the thought. His goal wasn¡¯t to stand out; it was to blend in and rediscover what he loved about gaming.
With a deep breath, he clicked confirm.
The game¡¯s vibrant world materialized around him, pulling him in with its breathtaking detail. He stood in the middle of a bustling village, surrounded by NPCs hawking their wares, other players chatting in groups, and the distant sounds of clanging hammers and chirping birds.
Ethan took a moment to admire his surroundings. Even after all his years in gaming, Rebirth Online felt like something special. The level of immersion was incredible, from the way the sunlight filtered through the trees to the subtle shifts in the wind that made the grass sway.
He opened his inventory to check the starter gear and found a notification about the compensation items EPGames had sent him. The EXP boosters and cosmetic items were still there, tempting him.
¡°Nope,¡± he said aloud, closing the inventory. ¡°Not using those.¡±
This was his chance to start over, and he wasn¡¯t going to tarnish it with shortcuts.
______
As the vivid world of Rebirth Online fully came into focus, Ethan, now Ashh, found himself standing in the starting zone: a quaint village surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The air buzzed with activity. NPCs shouted about their wares, players bartered over loot, and the occasional burst of magic or weapon clash added a layer of chaotic energy.
The immersion was breathtaking. Ethan turned his head, testing the full range of motion in his avatar. He could feel the breeze through his hood, the weight of the basic starter gear on his shoulders, and even the texture of the dirt beneath his boots.Stolen story; please report.
¡°Wow,¡± he murmured, genuinely impressed.
He took a moment to familiarize himself with the controls and mechanics. Movement felt fluid, responsive, and natural¡ªlike he was walking through a real town rather than a virtual one. The sound design was equally impressive; he could hear the distant babble of a stream and the clink of coins exchanging hands.
Ethan opened his map and scanned the beginner quests available. Most of them were simple: gather herbs, defeat small monsters, or deliver packages between NPCs. He selected a quest to collect medicinal plants in the nearby forest. It wasn¡¯t glamorous, but it was a good way to get a feel for the gameplay without attracting attention.
As he left the village, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. This was exactly what he had wanted¡ªsimple, straightforward gaming without the weight of expectations.
Ethan was crouched near a bush, carefully picking a bright blue herb for his quest, when he heard voices behind him.
¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that another newbie?¡±
He turned to see a group of three players approaching him. They were familiar, their usernames hovering above their heads like unwelcome reminders: ZerkMaster, FlameDancer, and SharpShooter. It was the same group of players he¡¯d encountered during his first day in the game¡ªthe ones who had challenged him, lost, and indirectly caused his account¡¯s temporary ban.
Ethan straightened up, dusting off his hands. He had half a mind to ignore them and move on, but they were already closing in.
¡°Hey there, rookie!¡± ZerkMaster greeted with a grin that didn¡¯t reach his eyes. ¡°New to the game, huh? Need some help?¡±
Ethan¡¯s jaw tightened. He knew this type of player well. They acted friendly on the surface but had ulterior motives.
¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m good,¡± Ethan replied curtly, turning to leave.
¡°Wait, wait,¡± FlameDancer said, stepping in his path. ¡°We¡¯re not here to bother you. We¡¯re looking for a new party member. You see, no one wants to group with us after... well, after yesterday.¡±
Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yesterday?¡±
SharpShooter sighed dramatically. ¡°Yeah, some cocky rookie made us look bad in a mini-game. Now everyone thinks we¡¯re a joke.¡±
Ethan smirked internally. Gee, wonder who that could¡¯ve been.
¡°So, we figured,¡± ZerkMaster continued, ¡°since you¡¯re new, you probably don¡¯t know about all that. We could show you around, help you level up, and in return, you could join us for a raid. It¡¯s a win-win.¡±
Ethan folded his arms, pretending to consider their offer. ¡°Let me get this straight. You want me to join your party because no one else will?¡±
¡°Uh... yeah,¡± FlameDancer admitted sheepishly. ¡°But we¡¯re good players! We just had a bad day yesterday.¡±
¡°Sure,¡± Ethan replied dryly. ¡°And it¡¯s pure coincidence that my name is Ashh, right?¡±
The trio exchanged awkward glances, clearly aware of the irony.
¡°Look, we¡¯re trying to be nice here,¡± SharpShooter said, his tone growing impatient. ¡°You could at least hear us out.¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°Sorry, not interested.¡±
The rejection didn¡¯t sit well with the trio.
¡°Are you serious?¡± ZerkMaster growled. ¡°We¡¯re offering you a chance to level up faster, and you¡¯re just gonna turn us down?¡±
¡°Yep,¡± Ethan said, stepping around them.
¡°Suit yourself,¡± FlameDancer snapped. ¡°But don¡¯t come crying to us when you¡¯re stuck doing boring quests alone.¡±
Ethan kept walking, his back to them. He could hear their grumbled curses and muttered insults, but thankfully, they didn¡¯t follow him.
He let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he¡¯d been holding. As much as he wanted to put those players in their place, he knew better than to get involved with troublemakers like them. Still, the encounter left a sour taste in his mouth.
¡°Guess some things never change,¡± he muttered to himself, turning his focus back to the quest.
After the awkward encounter with the trio, Ethan let out a deep breath and leaned against a tree in the forest. The leaves above him rustled softly in the breeze, and the distant sounds of other players echoed through the woods. It was a stark reminder of why he was here: to leave the drama and politics of his old gaming life behind.
¡°I¡¯m not here to get caught up in petty squabbles,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°I¡¯m here to enjoy the game.¡±
He opened his quest log, scanning the remaining objectives for the herbalist quest. He needed three more medicinal plants to complete it, and the map showed a denser patch of herbs just beyond a shallow stream. Deciding to focus on the task at hand, Ethan pushed the encounter with the trio to the back of his mind and headed toward the marked area.
The forest opened into a sunlit glade, where the ground was blanketed with vibrant blue and purple flowers. Ethan crouched and began collecting the plants, feeling a sense of satisfaction with each one he picked.
As he worked, a small rabbit-like creature hopped into view, its fur glinting silver in the sunlight. The creature paused to sniff the air before darting into the underbrush. Ethan watched it with a smile.
The attention to detail is insane, he thought, marveling at how alive the world felt. Every movement, every sound, even the way the light filtered through the trees¡ªit was all so immersive.
Once he gathered the last herb, a notification popped up:
Quest Completed: Herbalist¡¯s Favor
Reward: 20 gold, 50 EXP, Minor Healing Potion
¡°Not bad,¡± Ethan said, pocketing the potion.
With the quest complete, he headed back to the village to turn it in. Along the way, he encountered a group of low-level monsters¡ªslimy, translucent creatures that jiggled as they moved. The game called them Gelatinous Crawlers.
Ethan drew his rusty starter sword, feeling a rush of adrenaline. Despite their low level, the creatures attacked in groups, their movements unpredictable. He darted between them, delivering precise strikes while evading their lunges.
The combat felt smooth, almost instinctive. It wasn¡¯t as fast-paced as Blitz Tactics, but it had its own rhythm, a balance of timing and positioning that Ethan found engaging.
When the last crawler dissolved into a puddle of goo, Ethan received another notification:
Combat Experience Gained: 30 EXP
He wiped his virtual sword clean and smiled. Yeah, this game is something special.
Back in the village, Ethan handed over the herbs to the NPC herbalist, a kindly old woman who thanked him with a warm smile. She handed him a small pouch of gold and a healing potion as a reward.
¡°You¡¯ve done well, young one,¡± she said. ¡°If you¡¯re ever in need of more work, come find me.¡±
Ethan nodded and stepped out of the shop. The village was just as lively as before, with players rushing between vendors and quest givers. He paused for a moment, watching the chaos unfold. It reminded him of the early days of Blitz Tactics, back when he was just another player in the crowd.
That thought brought a pang of nostalgia, but it was quickly followed by determination. I¡¯m not here to relive the past. I¡¯m here to build something new.
As Ethan moved through the bustling streets, he caught sight of the trio¡ªZerkMaster, FlameDancer, and SharpShooter¡ªhuddled near a tavern. They were arguing, their voices rising above the noise of the crowd.
Ethan instinctively slowed his pace, not wanting to attract their attention. He wasn¡¯t in the mood for another confrontation.
¡°Can¡¯t believe no one wants to party with us!¡± ZerkMaster snapped, slamming his fist against the tavern wall.
¡°Maybe if you hadn¡¯t picked a fight with that rookie yesterday, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess,¡± FlameDancer shot back.
Ethan smirked and kept walking, satisfied that their troubles weren¡¯t his problem anymore.
Once he was safely out of sight, Ethan opened his map and began planning his next move. The surrounding areas offered a variety of beginner-level quests and activities, but one location caught his eye: a small cave marked as a Level 5 dungeon.
He was only Level 2, but the idea of testing his skills against tougher enemies excited him. After all, he hadn¡¯t come here to play it safe.
¡°Let¡¯s see what this game can really do,¡± he muttered, setting a waypoint for the dungeon.
On the way, he made a quick stop at a vendor to sell some of the loot he¡¯d collected and buy better equipment. With his gold from the herbalist quest and the monster drops, he purchased a sturdier sword and a basic leather shield. They weren¡¯t flashy, but they were a step up from his starter gear.
Equipped and ready, Ethan headed toward the cave, his heart pounding with anticipation. For the first time in a long time, he felt like a real gamer again¡ªnot a celebrity, not a brand, just a player exploring a world full of possibilities.
As Ethan walked back to the village after his successful herb-gathering quest, his thoughts began to drift. The ambient noises of Rebirth Online¡ªthe distant chirping of birds, the chatter of NPCs, the faint hum of magic in the air¡ªfaded into the background, leaving him alone with his mind.
This game was something else. The level of immersion was unparalleled, far beyond anything he¡¯d experienced in his pro-gaming days. The weight of his sword, the subtle changes in the air when he moved through different areas, the tiny details in the environment¡ªit all made him feel as if he were really there.
Most importantly, the game felt... free.
When he had been Phoenix, the legendary pro player, every move he made was scrutinized. Every match he played had been analyzed, dissected, and debated by fans and critics alike. Even outside of the game, his life had been controlled by schedules, interviews, sponsorship obligations, and the constant pressure to perform.
But here, in Rebirth Online, he wasn¡¯t Phoenix. He wasn¡¯t bound by expectations or the crushing weight of reputation. He was just Ashh, a rookie adventurer finding his way in a vast new world.
Ethan paused at the edge of the village, watching other players bustle around. Some were trading with NPCs, others were grouped up and discussing strategies for dungeons or PvP matches. A few solo players like him were quietly grinding quests, their focus unbroken by the noise around them.
It was refreshing to be part of the crowd, anonymous and unremarkable.
This is what I wanted, he thought. No cameras, no sponsorships, no pressure.
And yet, there was a nagging thought in the back of his mind. The skills he¡¯d honed as Phoenix hadn¡¯t disappeared. He still had the muscle memory, the reflexes, and the strategic thinking that had made him a pro. The challenge would be to use those skills here without drawing too much attention to himself¡ªat least not yet.
For now, he resolved to take things slow, enjoy the game for what it was, and let himself truly experience something he hadn¡¯t felt in years: fun.
The contrast between his time in the game and his real life hit him hard when he logged out later that evening. As the VR headset lifted from his face, the vibrant, lively world of Rebirth Online was replaced by the sterile silence of his bedroom.
Ethan sat up, blinking in the dim light. His room was neat, almost too neat¡ªa result of having too much time on his hands and nothing better to do. The shelves were lined with trophies and medals from his gaming career, but they felt more like decorations than achievements.
He glanced at his phone on the desk. No new messages, no missed calls, no notifications.
It was a sharp reminder of how lonely his real life had become.
In school, he was invisible. He didn¡¯t have any close friends, and most of his classmates either ignored him or didn¡¯t know he existed. He couldn¡¯t blame them. He had spent so much of his life focused on gaming that he¡¯d never really learned how to connect with people outside of that world.
At home, it was no better. His parents were supportive of his gaming career but distant. They didn¡¯t understand his world and often left him to his own devices, assuming he preferred it that way.
Ethan sighed and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. The truth was, he hated the silence. He hated coming home to an empty house and spending hours alone with his thoughts.
That¡¯s why Rebirth Online was such a revelation.
In the game, he wasn¡¯t lonely. He wasn¡¯t invisible. Even as a new player, he had interacted with people¡ªalbeit some frustrating ones¡ªand felt like he was part of something bigger. The vibrant world, the sense of adventure, the constant stream of goals and challenges¡ªit was everything his real life lacked.
It¡¯s ironic, he thought. In the real world, I¡¯m just some quiet guy no one notices. But in the virtual world, I can be whoever I want.
And yet, that thought brought a twinge of guilt. Was he running away? Escaping into a game instead of facing the realities of his life?
Maybe. But right now, he didn¡¯t care. For the first time in a long while, he felt alive. He felt like he had a purpose, even if it was just completing quests and exploring a digital landscape.
As he stared out the window at the darkening sky, Ethan made a silent promise to himself.
I¡¯m going to make the most of this. I¡¯m going to enjoy the game, find my place in this new world, and see where it takes me.
For now, Rebirth Online was more than just a game. It was a lifeline, a way to escape the loneliness that had defined his life for far too long.
Chapter 5: The Ultimate Chicken Boss
Ethan stood in the bustling village square of Rebirth Online, surveying the colorful chaos of players going about their tasks. The cobblestone streets were alive with chatter, the clinking of tools, and the rustling of merchants¡¯ carts. For a moment, he allowed himself to soak in the ambiance. This feels... oddly real, he thought, marveling at how immersive the game was.
His quest log was already brimming with tasks, most of which were standard beginner fare. He sighed, knowing these weren¡¯t the sort of quests that tested skill or strategy. They were simple, repetitive tasks designed to ease new players into the game mechanics. Still, they were a necessary evil.
Ethan¡¯s first quest was to help a local farmer plant and harvest crops. As he approached the designated field on the outskirts of the village, an elderly NPC named Old Man Jarvis greeted him with a toothless grin.
¡°Well, well, another young¡¯un eager to work the soil,¡± Jarvis said, handing Ethan a sack of seeds. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯ve got what it takes to make something grow.¡±
The field was a patch of tilled soil bordered by a rickety fence. The instructions were straightforward: plant the seeds, water them, and wait for them to sprout. Ethan kneeled by the soil and got to work.
At first, the task seemed almost too easy. The game provided visual cues to guide his actions, and the mechanics were intuitive. He planted row after row, the seeds disappearing into the ground with a satisfying plop.
But then came the waiting.
Ethan tapped his foot impatiently as the game simulated the passage of time. He glanced at the countdown timer hovering above the field. Five minutes until the crops were ready.
¡°This is ridiculous,¡± he muttered, watching other players milling about the fields. Some were chatting with NPCs, while others had brought instruments and were playing cheerful tunes.
The timer finally hit zero, and Ethan wasted no time harvesting the crops. He bundled them up and delivered them back to Jarvis, who clapped his hands in approval.
¡°Well done, lad! You¡¯ve got the makings of a fine farmer,¡± Jarvis said, handing over a pouch of coins and a modest amount of EXP.
Quest Completed: Farmer¡¯s Friend
Reward: 15 gold, 30 EXP
Ethan sighed. Farming wasn¡¯t exactly exhilarating, but at least it was over.
The next quest required him to collect rare herbs in a nearby forest. The NPC quest giver, a stern-looking herbalist named Martha, handed him a list of plants to find.
¡°These herbs grow deep in the woods,¡± she explained. ¡°Be careful, some of them are hard to spot.¡±
Ethan followed the glowing trail that marked the quest path, entering the forest¡¯s dense underbrush. The sunlight filtering through the canopy created dappled patterns on the ground, and the ambient sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds added to the immersive experience.
The first herb, Bluewort, was easy enough to find. Its bright blue petals stood out against the green foliage. Ethan crouched down and plucked it, adding it to his inventory.
The second herb, Nightshade Leaf, proved trickier. It was hidden under a cluster of rocks, and Ethan had to clear away debris before he could retrieve it.
The final herb, Moonflower, was the most elusive. It grew on the edge of a steep cliff, and Ethan had to carefully navigate a narrow path to reach it. His heart pounded as his avatar balanced precariously, but he managed to grab the flower without falling.
Quest Completed: Herbal Hunt
Reward: 20 gold, 50 EXP, Small Stamina Potion
¡°Not bad,¡± Ethan muttered, feeling a small sense of accomplishment. The gathering quest had required a bit more effort and precision, which made it slightly more satisfying.
The final beginner quest tasked Ethan with hunting Forest Rats. These small, quick creatures were considered pests by the villagers, and his job was to eliminate five of them.
Ethan equipped the basic sword he¡¯d received during the tutorial and headed to the hunting grounds. The rats were fast, darting in and out of the tall grass, but their movements were predictable.
His first encounter was almost laughable. The rat charged at him, squeaking aggressively, but a single swipe of his sword took it down.
¡°Too easy,¡± Ethan said, smirking.
As he continued hunting, he experimented with different attack patterns, testing the game¡¯s combat system. He found that chaining light and heavy attacks created combos, which added a layer of depth to the mechanics.
The final rat gave him a bit of a challenge, darting behind him and forcing him to adjust his positioning. But Ethan¡¯s reflexes kicked in, and he dispatched it with a quick thrust of his sword.
Quest Completed: Beginner Hunter
Reward: 25 gold, 70 EXP, Basic Weapon Upgrade Token
Ethan returned to the village with his completed quests, his inventory slightly fuller and his EXP bar creeping upward. The rewards weren¡¯t much, but they felt earned.
As he walked through the square, he couldn¡¯t help but notice how vibrant the world was. NPCs carried out their routines, players traded items and gear, and the air buzzed with energy.
For the first time in a long while, Ethan felt a sense of progress. The quests had been simple, but they had given him a taste of the game¡¯s potential.
¡°Maybe this won¡¯t be so bad after all,¡± he said to himself, already looking forward to the next challenge.
The basic quests had given him a foundation, and he was ready to build on it. Little did he know, the real challenges were just around the corner.
______
Ethan had faced countless challenges in his gaming career. From intense one-on-one matches against world-class players to leading teams through nail-biting tournaments, he had always risen to the occasion. But none of that could have prepared him for what stood before him now: a scrappy, clucking ball of feathers with bright, beady eyes and an attitude that screamed bring it on.
The Chicken Boss, an infamous staple of Rebirth Online¡¯s tutorial phase, was nothing short of a meme within the community. It was designed to teach new players the mechanics of capturing mobs without defeating them. A straightforward task in theory, but its deceptively erratic movements and mocking clucks had frustrated many a novice¡ªand now it was Ethan¡¯s turn.
Ethan squared off with the bird in the enclosed tutorial pen. The other players around him were already making quick work of their own chickens. He saw one player deftly toss a glowing capture orb, landing it perfectly on their chicken boss, which dissolved into a flash of light and entered their inventory.
¡°Easy enough,¡± Ethan muttered, smirking to himself. He reached for his capture orb, his movements confident.
The chicken flapped its wings, staring at him as though daring him to make the first move.
¡°Alright, buddy,¡± Ethan said, aiming carefully. ¡°Let¡¯s end this quickly.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
He threw the orb with precision honed from years of competitive gaming. The chicken sidestepped it effortlessly, clucking mockingly.
¡°What the¡ª?¡± Ethan blinked, disbelieving.
He tried again. And again. Each time, the chicken evaded his attempts with almost preternatural agility. It didn¡¯t just dodge¡ªit anticipated.
Players around him began to notice. A few chuckled, and soon, the sound of laughter spread through the tutorial area.
¡°Dude, you having trouble with the chicken boss?¡± one player called out, grinning.
¡°Man, it¡¯s not that hard!¡± another chimed in.
Ethan¡¯s ears burned as he tried to tune them out. He gritted his teeth, gripping the orb tightly. ¡°It¡¯s just a stupid bird,¡± he muttered under his breath.
But the chicken wasn¡¯t stupid. It zigzagged unpredictably, pausing just long enough to make Ethan think he had an opening before darting away. It was almost like it was toying with him.
The laughter and taunts from nearby players grew louder.
¡°Is this guy new or what?¡±
¡°Hey, don¡¯t worry, buddy, practice makes perfect!¡±
Ethan¡¯s hands clenched into fists. This wasn¡¯t just embarrassing¡ªit was infuriating. Here he was, a former professional gamer, struggling with what was supposed to be an easy tutorial task. The situation felt absurd, and the mocking clucks of the chicken only fueled his frustration.
The worst part was the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. This wasn¡¯t just a random failure¡ªit was a symptom of something deeper. Was he out of practice? Had his instincts dulled? The thought stung more than he cared to admit.
¡°Alright,¡± he muttered, his voice tight. ¡°You want to play games? Fine. Let¡¯s play.¡±
He adjusted his strategy, focusing on predicting the chicken¡¯s movements. He slowed his breathing, calming his racing thoughts. But every time he thought he had it figured out, the chicken changed its pattern. It was infuriatingly clever¡ªor maybe just lucky. Either way, it was winning.
Just as Ethan was about to throw his next capture orb, a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see a tall, wolf-like player standing nearby, arms crossed. The player¡¯s avatar was lean and muscular, with sharp, lupine features and piercing golden eyes. His name floated above his head: Adolf.
¡°Need a hand?¡± Adolf asked, his voice deep and calm.
Ethan¡¯s pride bristled. ¡°No,¡± he snapped. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡±
Adolf chuckled, unbothered by Ethan¡¯s tone. ¡°Sure you do. But I¡¯ve been watching you for a while, and it looks like this chicken¡¯s giving you a run for your money.¡±
Ethan opened his mouth to retort but closed it again. Adolf wasn¡¯t wrong. The chicken was giving him a run for his money.
Before Ethan could argue further, Adolf stepped into the pen. With fluid, practiced movements, he baited the chicken into a predictable pattern, then threw a capture orb with pinpoint accuracy. The orb struck the chicken, which let out a surprised squawk before dissolving into light.
¡°Done,¡± Adolf said, turning to Ethan with a grin. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±
Ethan scowled. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for help.¡±
¡°No, but you needed it,¡± Adolf replied, unfazed. He crossed his arms, his golden eyes studying Ethan intently. ¡°You¡¯re good¡ªbetter than most of the newbies around here. But you¡¯re playing like someone used to fighting tougher mobs. That chicken threw you off because you¡¯re overcompensating for its simplicity.¡±
Ethan blinked. The observation was spot on, and it caught him off guard. He had been treating the chicken like a high-level opponent, expecting complex patterns and advanced tactics when none existed.
Adolf leaned closer, lowering his voice. ¡°I know an alt account when I see one. You¡¯ve got skills, but you¡¯re clearly starting fresh.¡±
Ethan tensed, his heart skipping a beat. Did Adolf know who he really was?
Adolf straightened, his expression neutral. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your secret¡¯s safe with me. Everyone¡¯s got their reasons for playing on an alt.¡±
Ethan relaxed, realizing that Adolf only suspected he was an experienced player¡ªnot Phoenix. Still, the encounter left him uneasy.
As Adolf walked away, Ethan stood in the now-empty pen, staring at the spot where the chicken boss had been.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m not as sharp as I thought,¡± he muttered.
The chicken boss had been a humbling experience, to say the least. It wasn¡¯t just the embarrassment of failing in front of other players¡ªit was the reminder that he still had a lot to learn. Rebirth Online wasn¡¯t like the games he was used to. It required a different mindset, one that he hadn¡¯t fully adjusted to yet.
Still, the frustration was mixed with a spark of determination. If a chicken could outwit him, then he had a lot of room to grow. And if Adolf was right about him overcompensating, then maybe he needed to unlearn some of his old habits and start fresh.
He opened his inventory and stared at the chicken boss, now safely stored as a captured mob. It was a small victory, but it felt hard-earned.
¡°Guess I should thank that guy,¡± Ethan muttered, thinking of Adolf. Then he shook his head. ¡°Nah. I¡¯ll just make sure I don¡¯t need help next time.¡±
With a renewed sense of focus, he stepped out of the pen and back into the bustling village square, ready to tackle whatever came next.
Ethan stood in the village square, staring at the chicken boss pen he had just vacated.
The laughter and chatter from nearby players were still ringing in his ears, though the other players had long since moved on to their next objectives. He clenched his fists, feeling an unfamiliar mix of embarrassment and frustration.
It was a sensation he hadn¡¯t felt in years¡ªsince his earliest days in competitive gaming, before he became a household name.
Back then, failure had been a teacher, pushing him to refine his skills and sharpen his instincts. But this? Losing to a chicken in front of a crowd of casual players? It was downright humiliating.
Ethan watched as a new group of players stepped into the pen, each armed with a capture orb and the same look of determination he¡¯d had earlier. They approached their respective chicken bosses with varying levels of skill, but most managed to capture their targets within a few tries.
¡°Why was it so easy for them?¡± he muttered under his breath.
The question gnawed at him as he made his way to a quieter corner of the square. He replayed the encounter in his mind, analyzing every movement, every failed throw. On paper, it should have been simple. The chicken boss wasn¡¯t designed to be a real challenge; it was a beginner-level test meant to familiarize players with basic mechanics.
But that simplicity had been his undoing. Ethan wasn¡¯t used to facing low-level mobs. His instincts were calibrated for high-stakes battles against unpredictable, intelligent opponents. The chicken¡¯s erratic yet ultimately simple movements had thrown him off because he had been overthinking it, expecting complexity where there was none.
The realization was a bitter pill to swallow. For someone who had built his identity around being a gaming prodigy, failing at something so basic felt like a personal affront.
¡°Maybe I¡¯m not as good as I thought,¡± he murmured, the words heavy on his tongue.
The thought hit harder than he expected. For years, Ethan had been at the top of his game¡ªuntouchable, unshakable. But now, in this new world, he felt like a beginner all over again.
Ethan glanced around the bustling square, watching players group up and chat as they prepared for their next adventures. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside him.
For most of his life, gaming had been his escape¡ªa way to connect with others and prove his worth. But now, it felt like a double-edged sword. The same skills that had once made him a star were now a source of pressure and self-doubt.
He thought about the other players laughing at him earlier. None of them knew who he was, and yet their laughter stung just as much as any public criticism he¡¯d faced during his professional career.
¡°Why do I even care?¡± he asked himself, but the answer was obvious. Deep down, he still wanted to be seen as the best. Even here, in a game where no one knew his identity, he couldn¡¯t shake the need to prove himself.
Ethan¡¯s thoughts drifted to his real life. School, with its monotony and loneliness, felt like a prison compared to the vibrant, dynamic world of Rebirth Online. In the game, he could be anyone, do anything. He could lose himself in quests, battles, and exploration, leaving behind the suffocating isolation of his everyday life.
At school, he was just Ethan¡ªthe quiet, unremarkable student who drifted through the halls unnoticed. No one cared about his opinions or his achievements. Even his classmates, who were so animated when discussing Phoenix, had no idea that the very person they idolized was sitting right next to them.
In Rebirth Online, though, he had a chance to start over. To build a new identity from the ground up¡ªone that wasn¡¯t tied to his past or his fame. But today¡¯s failure had shaken his confidence. If he couldn¡¯t even handle a chicken boss, what hope did he have of becoming a legend in this new world?
As he mulled over his frustration, Ethan thought back to Adolf¡¯s words. They rang in his ear, making him feel frustrated
Adolf¡¯s assessment had been annoyingly accurate. Ethan hadn¡¯t failed because he lacked skill; he had failed because he was trying too hard. His years of experience had become a double-edged sword, making him overthink situations that required a simpler approach.
The memory of Adolf¡¯s calm, assured demeanor brought a small smirk to Ethan¡¯s face. Despite his initial irritation, he couldn¡¯t deny that Adolf had helped him when he needed it most. And though Ethan hated accepting help, he realized that it was okay to struggle sometimes. Even the greatest players had to start somewhere.
¡°This game¡¯s not going to beat me,¡± he muttered, a spark of determination reigniting in his chest.
Ethan opened his inventory and stared at the captured chicken boss, now a harmless entry in his collection. It wasn¡¯t the glorious victory he¡¯d envisioned, but it was a step forward.
He took a deep breath, allowing himself a moment of acceptance. Failure wasn¡¯t the end¡ªit was a part of the journey. And if Rebirth Online was going to throw more curveballs like this, he¡¯d just have to adapt.
As he closed his inventory and prepared to move on, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. The chicken boss had humbled him, but it had also taught him a valuable lesson: in this new world, he was starting from scratch. And that was okay.
He wasn¡¯t Phoenix here. He was just Ethan¡ªor Ashh, as his avatar was called. And while the road ahead might be rough, he was ready to face it head-on.
But first, he needed to get to sleep. School was about to start in four hours and Ethan had not gotten any sleep. At this rate, he would end up knocking himself out during his first period of the day.
Chapter 6: Miss the School, but find a hidden Paradise
The blaring alarm dragged Ethan out of a restless sleep. His hand shot out, fumbling across the bedside table until he finally found the snooze button. For a moment, the room was blissfully quiet, save for the soft hum of his computer, which he had neglected to turn off after another late night in Rebirth Online.
He groaned, rolling onto his back and staring at the ceiling. His body felt like lead, weighed down by the hours he had sunk into the game. He could still feel the phantom ache of concentration, his fingers twitching slightly as if they were still pressing keys. The thrill of grinding through beginner quests had consumed him, pushing aside his usual caution about balancing school and gaming.
"Five more minutes," he muttered to himself, his voice hoarse.
But deep down, Ethan knew five more minutes would only make things worse. He had already pushed the boundaries of his endurance last night, telling himself repeatedly that he¡¯d log off after ¡°just one more quest.¡±
Finally, with a resigned sigh, he forced himself upright. The room spun slightly, his exhaustion making him momentarily dizzy. He rubbed his eyes and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
The clock on his nightstand mocked him, its glowing digits reminding him that he was already behind schedule. Ethan stumbled into the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face in an attempt to jolt himself awake. The shock helped a little, but it wasn¡¯t enough to chase away the fatigue that clung to him like a second skin.
His reflection stared back at him¡ªmessy hair, dark circles under his eyes, and a faint crease on his cheek from where he had been lying on his pillow. He barely recognized himself.
"Great," he muttered, grabbing a towel and drying his face.
He moved through his routine on autopilot, brushing his teeth and pulling on his school uniform with practiced efficiency. There was no time for breakfast; he barely had time to grab his bag and sprint out the door.
The fresh morning air hit him as he stepped outside, but instead of feeling invigorated, he felt sluggish. His feet dragged as he made his way to the subway station, the weight of his bag and his own tiredness slowing him down.
The station was bustling with commuters, each one moving with purpose. Ethan envied their energy, his own steps faltering as he approached the platform. The train arrived with a hiss of brakes, and he stepped inside, grateful to find an empty seat near the corner.
As the doors slid shut and the train began to move, Ethan leaned back, letting the hum of the engine lull him into a semi-relaxed state. He told himself he just needed a few moments to rest his eyes.
¡°I¡¯ll wake up before my stop,¡± he thought, reassuring himself.
The rhythmic sway of the train and the low murmur of passengers talking in the distance acted like a lullaby. Before he knew it, his head had drooped forward, and he was out cold.
Ethan jolted awake at the sound of a sharp voice. It took a moment for the haze of sleep to lift, his head snapping up as his surroundings came into focus. Blinking against the harsh fluorescent lights of the subway car, he saw a man in a conductor¡¯s uniform standing in front of him.
¡°End of the line, kid,¡± the conductor said, his voice gruff but not unkind. ¡°This is the last stop. Time to get off.¡±
Ethan¡¯s heart sank as he processed the words. His eyes darted to the windows, taking in the unfamiliar, empty platform outside. The train car was completely deserted, and the eerie silence made the realization hit even harder. He had missed his stop.
¡°Oh no,¡± he mumbled, scrambling to collect his bag. His movements were clumsy, the weight of exhaustion making his limbs feel sluggish.
The conductor gave him a look of mild impatience but didn¡¯t press him further. Ethan mumbled an embarrassed, ¡°Sorry,¡± as he stumbled off the train. The cool air of the platform hit him like a slap, jolting him further awake.
The station was dimly lit and eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling one he had boarded earlier that morning. The paint on the walls was peeling, and the flickering lights gave the place a neglected, almost ghostly feel. He glanced at the overhead signs, hoping for a clue about where he was, but the unfamiliar names only deepened his unease.
As Ethan emerged from the subway station, the brisk morning air hit him, carrying with it a faint scent of exhaust and damp pavement. He paused at the top of the stairs, taking in his surroundings. The neighborhood was... strange. It wasn¡¯t exactly run-down, but it lacked the energy he was used to seeing on bustling school mornings.
The streets were eerily quiet, with only a handful of people milling about. Most of the shops lining the street were either closed or had their shutters half-pulled down. The few that were open didn¡¯t seem to cater to the usual morning crowd¡ªthere were no coffee shops bustling with commuters or convenience stores with people dashing in for last-minute essentials.
Ethan frowned, glancing around for a landmark or street sign that might give him a clue about where he was. The buildings around him were a mix of old brick facades and newer, utilitarian designs, creating an odd juxtaposition that felt jarring. Some storefronts had faded awnings and peeling paint, while others looked freshly renovated, though completely devoid of customers.
The area felt... off. Not in a threatening way, but in a way that made Ethan feel like he didn¡¯t belong there.
With a sigh, Ethan pulled his phone out of his pocket, hoping for a miracle. Maybe his GPS could pinpoint his location, or at the very least, he could call a cab to get him back on track. But the moment the screen lit up, he was greeted with two taunting words: No Signal.
He groaned, his shoulders slumping as he stared at the unresponsive device. "Of course," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Ethan moved to a different spot on the sidewalk, holding his phone up as if that would somehow conjure a bar of reception. Nothing. He tried opening his maps app, but it refused to load. Even his clock seemed to mock him, the time ticking closer to when his first class would start.
Frustration bubbled inside him. It was bad enough that he had slept through his stop and was now stranded in an unfamiliar part of town, but the lack of technology¡ªa lifeline he had come to rely on¡ªmade it even worse.
"Okay, think," he said to himself, pacing in a small circle. "There¡¯s gotta be a bus stop or something around here."
But as he scanned the streets, he realized there were no obvious signs of public transportation nearby. No bus stops, no cabs cruising by. Even the subway station he had just exited felt strangely isolated, with no signs or maps that could help him figure out how to navigate back.
Ethan adjusted his bag on his shoulder, its weight suddenly feeling heavier than before. The exhaustion from his late-night gaming session still clung to him, making every step feel like a monumental effort. He could feel the beginnings of a headache forming, a dull throb at his temples that made it harder to focus.
He thought back to the night before, the way he had lost track of time chasing quests and battling mobs in Rebirth Online. At the time, it had felt worth it¡ªa moment of pure immersion, an escape from the monotony of his everyday life. But now, standing alone in a desolate part of the city, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of his poor choices.
"Why didn¡¯t I just log off earlier?" he muttered, kicking at a loose piece of gravel on the sidewalk.
The silence around him only amplified his thoughts, each one more self-critical than the last.
As Ethan continued to walk, his surroundings grew increasingly unusual. The further he moved from the subway station, the more the neighborhood seemed like a patchwork quilt of eras and styles. On one block, there were old brick row houses with ivy crawling up their walls; on the next, sleek, modern apartment buildings with reflective glass facades loomed overhead.
The people he passed added to the surreal atmosphere. Most of them seemed to be in their own worlds¡ªan elderly man sweeping the sidewalk in front of a small grocery store, a woman walking her dog with a distant look in her eyes, a group of teenagers clustered around a set of bikes, their laughter oddly muted.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Ethan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this place was disconnected from the rest of the city, like a forgotten corner where time had slowed down.
"How do people even get around here?" he wondered aloud, his voice breaking the stillness.
He reached the end of a street and turned a corner, hoping to stumble upon some form of transportation. Instead, what he found was even stranger.
Ethan stood in front of the narrow storefront, his eyes fixed on the faded sign above the door. GAME ZONE: A GAMER¡¯S PARADISE. The words were barely legible, the lettering worn down by time and weather. A faint neon outline surrounded the text, flickering sporadically, as if the sign itself were struggling to stay alive.
It wasn¡¯t just the sign that piqued Ethan¡¯s curiosity¡ªit was everything about the place. Sandwiched between a boarded-up laundromat and a discount furniture store with a "Going Out of Business" banner, the shop seemed oddly vibrant in comparison. Warm light spilled from the partially open door, casting a golden glow onto the cracked pavement outside.
From where he stood, Ethan could hear faint sounds drifting out: the unmistakable hum of old arcade machines, the rapid clicking of controllers, and the occasional cheer or groan of frustration. It was a cacophony of noise that felt both chaotic and oddly comforting.
He hesitated, torn between his desire to investigate and the nagging voice in his head reminding him of his mounting tardiness. You should be trying to get to school, the voice chided. This is just going to waste more time.
But the logical side of his brain was overruled by something deeper¡ªa sense of nostalgia and intrigue. Gaming had always been his escape, his safe haven. The thought of stepping into a place dedicated to that world, even in this strange, out-of-the-way neighborhood, was too tempting to resist.
¡°Just a quick look,¡± he told himself, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. ¡°Five minutes, tops.¡±
Ethan pushed the door open, and a wave of sound and light washed over him. The space inside was far larger than he¡¯d expected, almost impossibly so given the narrow exterior. It was like stepping into another world.
Rows of arcade machines lined the walls, their screens glowing with pixelated graphics. Players of all ages crowded around them, their faces illuminated by the flickering lights. In the center of the room were clusters of modern gaming setups, complete with high-end PCs and consoles. The air was filled with the steady hum of cooling fans and the rapid-fire chatter of gamers locked in battle.
Ethan¡¯s gaze swept over the crowd. There were teenagers, adults, and even a few kids, all engrossed in their games. Some were hunched over keyboards, their fingers flying across the keys, while others clutched controllers, their movements mirroring the action on the screens. The energy in the room was electric, a stark contrast to the quiet streets outside.
¡°Whoa,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, taking a step further inside.
The shop was packed with more people than he¡¯d expected, and yet it didn¡¯t feel cramped. The layout was clever, with narrow aisles winding between the arcade machines and larger spaces reserved for multiplayer setups.
He spotted a snack counter near the back, where a small line had formed. The smell of popcorn and artificially sweetened energy drinks wafted through the air, mingling with the faint tang of electronics.
Ethan walked further into the shop, his eyes darting from one machine to the next. He passed by an old-school pinball machine, its metallic surface reflecting the rainbow of lights around it. Nearby, a group of players crowded around a fighting game, their shouts and cheers rising above the din.
It was overwhelming in the best way possible. The sights, the sounds, the energy¡ªit all reminded him of why he had fallen in love with gaming in the first place. This wasn¡¯t about professional leagues or high-stakes tournaments. This was raw, unfiltered fun.
He paused near a row of arcade machines featuring retro titles. One of them caught his eye: Blitz Tactics Legends, a game he¡¯d spent countless hours mastering in his early days. The sight of the familiar logo made his chest tighten with a strange mix of nostalgia and pride.
As he stood there, a young boy stepped up to the machine, his tiny hands gripping the joystick. Ethan watched as the boy started a match, fumbling with the controls but clearly enjoying himself.
For a moment, Ethan felt a pang of envy. The boy¡¯s joy was pure, untainted by the pressure and expectations that had plagued Ethan¡¯s career. It was a reminder of what he¡¯d lost somewhere along the way¡ªand what he was trying to reclaim.
Ethan continued to wander through the shop, his curiosity growing with every step. It wasn¡¯t just the variety of games that impressed him¡ªit was the sense of community.
Players cheered each other on, offering advice or congratulating each other on their victories. Strangers teamed up for cooperative missions, their laughter and camaraderie filling the air.
It was a stark contrast to the isolation Ethan often felt, both in the real world and in the competitive gaming scene. As a pro player, his interactions with others had always been transactional¡ªteammates, managers, sponsors. But here, people were connecting simply for the love of the game.
He stopped near a group of players gathered around a sleek VR setup. They were taking turns playing what appeared to be a rhythm-based action game, their movements synchronized with the music. The crowd cheered and clapped for each player, regardless of their skill level.
Ethan smiled to himself. This wasn¡¯t about winning or losing¡ªit was about having fun.
Ethan''s eyes lingered on the Blitz Tactics Legends arcade machine. The glowing screen showcased an old yet vibrant battlefield, where pixelated warriors awaited commands. The game had been a staple of his early days, one he had dominated during his climb to fame. Seeing it here felt like a chance encounter with an old friend.
¡°Alright, let¡¯s see if I¡¯ve still got it,¡± he muttered to himself, stepping up to the machine.
Sliding a token into the slot, Ethan gripped the joystick and adjusted his posture. The feel of the controls beneath his fingers stirred a deep familiarity. His gaze locked onto the screen as the match began.
Within moments, his instincts took over. His hands moved with practiced precision, issuing commands to his pixelated units and setting up complex strategies. His movements were fluid, every input calculated and purposeful. He outmaneuvered the AI opponent with ease, decimating its forces with a flawless offensive.
As the victory screen flashed across the machine, a small crowd began to gather around him. Players who had been nearby took notice, their conversations fading as they watched Ethan¡¯s gameplay with a mix of awe and curiosity.
¡°That was insane,¡± one player said, his tone a mixture of admiration and disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve got some serious skills, man.¡±
Ethan turned to see a teenager with a backwards cap and a soda in hand, staring at the screen. Several others nodded in agreement, murmuring among themselves about his performance.
¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan replied, his voice casual, though he felt a small twinge of pride at their reactions.
It didn¡¯t take long for someone to step forward with a challenge.
¡°Think you¡¯re pretty good, huh?¡± a tall player in a leather jacket said, crossing his arms. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go up against me? Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as good against a real opponent.¡±
The crowd buzzed with anticipation, and Ethan could feel the weight of their stares. He hesitated for a moment, considering the offer.
¡°Alright,¡± he said finally, stepping aside to let the other player join him.
The match began, and it quickly became clear that Ethan was on another level. While his opponent made solid moves, Ethan anticipated and countered them with ease. He baited attacks, exploited weaknesses, and overwhelmed his rival with relentless tactics.
When the final blow was struck, the screen flashed ¡°Victory¡± once again, this time with a more dramatic flair. The crowd erupted in cheers and laughter, while Ethan¡¯s opponent shook his head in disbelief.
¡°Man, you¡¯re crazy good at this,¡± the defeated player admitted, offering a grudging smile. ¡°I¡¯ll give you that.¡±
The buzz around Ethan grew with each passing minute. Word spread through the shop, and more players approached him with challenges. Some were eager to test their skills against him, while others simply wanted to witness his gameplay up close.
It wasn¡¯t long before someone upped the stakes.
¡°I¡¯ll bet you five bucks you can¡¯t beat me,¡± one player said, pulling a crumpled bill from his pocket.
Another chimed in, waving a ten-dollar bill. ¡°I¡¯ll double that if you take me on next!¡±
Ethan froze, his mind flashing back to his recent experience in Rebirth Online. The memory of players trying to exploit him for their own gain left a sour taste in his mouth. He didn¡¯t want to go down that road again, even in a casual setting like this.
Shaking his head, he stepped back from the machine. ¡°No bets,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll only play if it¡¯s just for fun.¡±
His refusal was met with a mix of reactions. Some players shrugged, respecting his decision, while others scoffed.
¡°What¡¯s the matter? Afraid you¡¯ll lose?¡± one player taunted, a smirk on his face.
Another player chimed in. ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s the point of playing if there¡¯s nothing to win? You scared or something?¡±
The crowd buzzed with murmurs, their opinions divided. Ethan could feel the weight of their judgment, but he stood his ground.
¡°Call me weird if you want,¡± he said evenly, meeting their gazes. ¡°But I¡¯m not playing to prove anything to anyone. If that¡¯s a problem, find someone else to challenge.¡±
Despite his refusal to play for money, a few players still challenged him, testing their skills against his. Ethan accepted these matches, keeping the focus on the game itself rather than any stakes.
He won most of the matches, though a couple of losses reminded him that even he wasn¡¯t invincible. Still, he found himself enjoying the experience more than he¡¯d expected. For the first time in a while, gaming felt like fun again¡ªnot a job, not a competition, just fun.
As the crowd began to thin, Ethan stepped away from the machine, his body buzzing with a mix of adrenaline and satisfaction. He had regained a small piece of what he¡¯d been searching for, even if only for a moment.
But the taunts from earlier lingered in his mind. While he didn¡¯t regret his decision, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he¡¯d drawn unnecessary attention to himself. He made a mental note to tread more carefully in the future.
¡°I¡¯ve had enough for today,¡± he said to no one in particular, slinging his bag over his shoulder. As he walked toward the exit, he glanced back at the arcade machine one last time. The screen still displayed the final victory screen from his most recent match, a reminder of what he was capable of.
With a small, satisfied smile.
People watched him leaving with unresting eyes. Ethan could tell that he was being judged by those eyes, but not in a way he was used to. This gaze made his skin crawl, but he kept himself steady and pulled his attention back toward his excited crowd of onlookers.
Chapter 7: Making it back Alive
Ethan glanced at his watch, the soft glow of the numbers reminding him how late it had gotten. The fatigue of the day was finally catching up to him, weighing down his limbs as he made his way to the exit. The gaming caf¨¦ had been a whirlwind of unexpected challenges and interactions, but now all he wanted was to go home and collapse into bed.
¡°Hey, wait!¡± A voice cut through the ambient noise of the arcade, halting him in his tracks.
Turning, Ethan saw a group of players approaching, their faces alight with a mixture of excitement and mischief. At the front was the boy in the backward cap who had first recognized his skills in Blitz Tactics Legends.
¡°You¡¯re not leaving yet, are you?¡± the boy asked, his grin wide and infectious.
¡°I was planning to,¡± Ethan replied cautiously, sensing a hint of insistence in the boy¡¯s tone.
¡°No way, man,¡± the boy continued, his enthusiasm undeterred. ¡°You¡¯ve been killing it tonight. You can¡¯t leave without playing one more game. Come on, give us a proper finale!¡±
The small crowd that had gathered earlier began to press closer, their energy growing more animated.
¡°Yeah, one more!¡±
¡°Let¡¯s see if you can keep that streak alive!¡±
¡°Don¡¯t bail on us now!¡±
Ethan hesitated. Their excitement was undeniable, almost contagious, but something about the situation didn¡¯t sit right with him. He couldn¡¯t shake the sense that their enthusiasm was less about celebrating his skills and more about pushing him into something he wasn¡¯t entirely comfortable with. Still, the faint flicker of pride warmed him. It wasn¡¯t often that he felt genuinely acknowledged.
¡°I think I¡¯ve played enough for tonight,¡± he said with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s late, and I really should head home.¡±
His response was met with groans and exchanged glances among the group.
¡°What¡¯s the rush?¡± one of them piped up, smirking as he nudged his friend. ¡°You¡¯re the star of the night! You could make some serious cash if you stick around. People would line up to challenge you!¡±
Ethan stiffened slightly. The idea of making money from games wasn¡¯t new to him. He had, after all, spent years as a professional e-sports player, earning more than he knew how to spend. His bank account was still flush from those glory days.
¡°I¡¯m not interested in money,¡± he replied firmly, his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m just here to have some fun.¡±
His words seemed to amuse the crowd. Chuckles rippled through them, and Ethan could see a few skeptical smirks.
¡°Fun¡¯s great and all,¡± the boy in the cap said, his tone taking on a sly edge, ¡°but you¡¯re crazy good. Why not make it a bit interesting? A hundred bucks, maybe? Easy cash for someone like you.¡±
Ethan frowned, his unease deepening. The way they framed it made it sound innocent enough, but the undercurrent of their words felt far from harmless.
¡°No thanks,¡± he said, his tone sharper this time. ¡°I¡¯m really not interested.¡±
He turned again toward the exit, determined to leave the situation behind. But before he could take more than a few steps, his path was blocked by a tall, broad-shouldered player.
¡°Not so fast,¡± the man said, crossing his arms. His presence was imposing, his stature radiating a quiet menace that made the air feel heavier.
Ethan paused, his pulse quickening. ¡°What¡¯s the deal?¡± he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.
The boy in the cap stepped forward again, his grin replaced with a more serious expression. ¡°We¡¯ve got a tradition here,¡± he said, his voice carrying an edge of challenge. ¡°No one leaves on a high note without facing our champion.¡±
Murmurs of agreement rose from the crowd, their excitement tinged with a darker anticipation.
¡°Our champ doesn¡¯t play for free,¡± the tall player added, his smirk widening. ¡°He¡¯s the real deal. If you want to walk out of here tonight, you¡¯ll need to bet. Let¡¯s say¡ a hundred bucks.¡±
Ethan¡¯s chest tightened, a mix of frustration and discomfort swirling within him. He didn¡¯t want to cause a scene, but the pressure they were applying felt suffocating.
¡°I¡¯m not looking to get involved in anything shady,¡± he said, his voice firm but wary. ¡°I just came here to play a few games and blow off some steam.¡±
The tall player chuckled, his tone dripping with condescension. ¡°Blow off some more steam by playing the champ. Or you can stay here all night. Your call.¡±
Ethan¡¯s mind raced, weighing his options. The crowd had closed in around him, their curious and expectant gazes making escape feel impossible. The last thing he wanted was to be cornered into something, but their insistence left him little choice.
¡°Fine,¡± he said finally, his voice tight with reluctance. ¡°One game. A hundred dollars. But that¡¯s it.¡±
The tension in the room broke as the crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, their excitement palpable. Ethan handed over the money, his hands trembling slightly as he placed it on the counter.
The tall player stepped aside, revealing a man seated at a nearby gaming station. The so-called champion was a wiry figure with sharp eyes and an aura of quiet confidence. He didn¡¯t say a word as he took his position, simply nodding in acknowledgment before starting up the game.
Ethan slid into the seat opposite him, his unease giving way to the sharp focus that had carried him through countless matches in the past. As the familiar screen of Blitz Tactics Legends flickered to life, he pushed aside his doubts and prepared for the challenge ahead.
Ethan hesitated as he studied the champion seated across from him. The man¡ªMarshal, as the crowd had introduced him¡ªwas an enigma. His unkempt hair hung in greasy strands around his face, partially obscuring features that might have been youthful or weathered.
His hunched posture and rumpled clothes suggested a lack of care for appearances, but the sharp gleam in his eyes told a different story. There was a calculating edge there, one that sent a shiver down Ethan¡¯s spine.
Marshal hadn¡¯t said a word since Ethan had been all but dragged into the seat. The crowd¡¯s energy hummed around them, voices full of anticipation and mischief. Ethan tried to calm his racing thoughts, but the weight of their stares¡ªand Marshal¡¯s eerie silence¡ªgnawed at his focus.
¡°Alright, let¡¯s just get this over with,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, gripping the mouse and keyboard in front of him. He hated how trapped he felt, but with no easy way out, he resolved to handle this match as quickly and cleanly as possible.
Marshal didn¡¯t respond. He simply clicked his way through the menu, setting up the game with methodical precision. His silence wasn¡¯t the kind that indicated nervousness or disinterest; it was unnerving, deliberate. Ethan had faced plenty of opponents in his time as a professional gamer, but Marshal¡¯s quiet intensity was unsettling in a way he couldn¡¯t quite place.
As the match began, Ethan felt the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through him. His hands moved with practiced precision, and for a moment, he forgot the tension in the room. Blitz Tactics Legends was a game he knew well, a battlefield where he could let his instincts take over. He focused on his strategies, adapting to Marshal¡¯s calculated moves and countering them with ease.
But something was off.
Marshal¡¯s playstyle was erratic, a mix of brilliant tactics and baffling decisions. It was as if he were testing Ethan, poking at his defenses to see how he would react. Ethan adjusted accordingly, quickly finding his rhythm and exploiting Marshal¡¯s missteps. The tide began to turn in his favor, his advantage growing with each passing minute.
The crowd¡¯s murmurs shifted, their excitement turning into disbelief as Ethan started dominating the match. Whispers of admiration and surprise floated through the air, but Ethan barely registered them. His focus was razor-sharp, his movements swift and deliberate.
Marshal, on the other hand, began to falter. His erratic strategies became more desperate, his calculated calm replaced by a noticeable edge of frustration. The man¡¯s shoulders tensed, his fingers hitting the keys with increasing force.
And then, for the first time, Marshal spoke.
¡°You¡¯re good,¡± he said, his voice low and gravelly, cutting through the hum of the caf¨¦. ¡°Too good for some random kid off the street.¡±
Ethan glanced up briefly, caught off guard by the sudden interruption. Marshal¡¯s eyes were locked on him, sharp and probing, as if trying to peel back the layers of Ethan¡¯s identity.
¡°I¡¯ve played before,¡± Ethan replied cautiously, keeping his tone neutral.
Marshal leaned back slightly, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he studied Ethan. ¡°Played before? That¡¯s an understatement. You¡¯re playing like someone with years of experience, someone who knows this game inside out.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Ethan¡¯s hands faltered, a momentary lapse that Marshal immediately seized upon. The champion launched a sudden counterattack, throwing Ethan off balance and forcing him to scramble to regain control.
¡°Maybe you¡¯re someone who¡¯s hiding something,¡± Marshal continued, his tone laced with suspicion. ¡°A pro, maybe? Someone trying to fly under the radar?¡±
The crowd leaned in, their curiosity piqued by Marshal¡¯s words. Ethan felt the weight of their stares intensify, his discomfort mounting.
¡°Or maybe you¡¯re just a coward,¡± Marshal added, his voice taking on a mocking edge. ¡°Too scared to play with stakes that matter.¡±
Ethan gritted his teeth, forcing himself to refocus on the game. Marshal¡¯s words were designed to rattle him, to chip away at his confidence and throw him off his rhythm. He¡¯d faced similar tactics before in high-pressure tournaments, opponents who relied on mind games to gain the upper hand.
But this was different. This wasn¡¯t just a match; it was a confrontation. Marshal wasn¡¯t trying to win the game¡ªhe was trying to unmask Ethan, to expose whatever secrets he thought he was hiding.
¡°You talk too much,¡± Ethan said finally, his voice steady despite the storm brewing within him.
The crowd erupted in laughter, the tension breaking for a moment as they reveled in Ethan¡¯s retort. But Marshal didn¡¯t seem amused. His lips curled into a thin, humorless smile, his eyes narrowing as he doubled down on his efforts.
Ethan felt the pressure mounting, every move requiring more precision, more focus. Marshal was relentless, exploiting every minor misstep with ruthless efficiency. But Ethan wasn¡¯t about to let him win.
Drawing on his years of experience, he adjusted his strategy, switching to a more aggressive playstyle that caught Marshal off guard. The crowd gasped as Ethan turned the tables once more, his movements fluid and decisive. Marshal¡¯s defenses crumbled under the onslaught, and within moments, the match was over.
Victory flashed across Ethan¡¯s screen, the triumphant sound of the game¡¯s end filling the caf¨¦.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement washing over Ethan like a wave. But Marshal remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared at the screen.
Ethan rose from his seat, his hands trembling slightly from the intensity of the match. He felt a mix of relief and triumph, but also a lingering unease. Marshal¡¯s probing words and calculated tactics had struck a nerve, and Ethan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this encounter was far from over.
As the crowd continued to celebrate, Ethan slipped away, determined to leave the caf¨¦ and its enigmatic champion behind. But deep down, he knew that the memory of this match¡ªand the questions it had raised¡ªwould stay with him.
The caf¨¦ erupted with laughter and jeers as Marshal''s defeat became the topic of the hour.
¡°Can you believe it?¡± someone scoffed. ¡°Marshal, losing to a rookie like that? He¡¯s supposed to be our champion!¡±
¡°And here we thought he was unbeatable,¡± another chimed in, their tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Guess he¡¯s not as great as he lets on.¡±
The mocking continued, growing louder and bolder, but Marshal remained an immovable figure. He didn¡¯t flinch at their words, nor did he retaliate. He simply sat there, his gaze fixed on the screen, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. If he was angry or embarrassed, he didn¡¯t show it.
This unnerving calm seemed to enrage his supporters more than the loss itself. A small group of them clustered together, their faces a mix of indignation and simmering fury. They cast sharp glares in Ethan¡¯s direction, their voices low but filled with menace.
¡°You see how cocky that kid was?¡± one of them growled. ¡°Waltzes in here, beats Marshal, and now he thinks he¡¯s hot stuff.¡±
¡°We can¡¯t let him just walk away after that,¡± another hissed.
______
Ethan stepped out of the caf¨¦, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets. The cold night air was a stark contrast to the chaotic warmth inside, but he welcomed it. The adrenaline from the intense match against Marshal still hummed faintly in his veins, though it was quickly being replaced by an odd sense of unease.
The streets were quieter now, the sounds of the bustling caf¨¦ fading as he put more distance between himself and the building. He headed toward the subway station, eager to leave the area and retreat to the safety of his home. Yet, something didn¡¯t feel right.
A prickling sensation crawled up the back of his neck, making his steps falter. He glanced over his shoulder but saw only the empty street illuminated by the faint glow of streetlights. Still, the feeling lingered, heavy and insistent.
It¡¯s nothing, he told himself, quickening his pace.
The station wasn¡¯t far, just a few blocks away. He could already see the distant glow of its entrance sign. But as he turned a corner, he caught the faint sound of footsteps. They were faint, deliberate¡ªtoo synchronized with his own to be a coincidence.
Ethan¡¯s heart rate spiked. He didn¡¯t dare look back again, opting instead to subtly test his suspicion. He slowed his pace, nearly to a stop, and listened. The footsteps slowed as well.
Definitely not my imagination.
A wave of panic surged through him, but he forced himself to stay calm. Running outright would only confirm to whoever was following him that he was aware of their presence. Instead, he veered off the main street, heading down a narrow alley that cut through to another road parallel to the one he¡¯d been walking.
The alley was dimly lit, its walls lined with graffiti and overflowing dumpsters. It wasn¡¯t the most reassuring path, but it offered him a chance to lose his pursuers. Ethan moved quickly, trying to make as little noise as possible, his ears straining to pick up any sound behind him.
He emerged on the other side, glancing around. The street ahead was just as deserted, but his nerves remained taut. The sense of being watched hadn¡¯t dissipated. If anything, it had grown stronger.
He turned down another street, weaving through the neighborhood in an attempt to throw off anyone tailing him. But no matter how many turns he took, the feeling persisted.
Finally, his patience snapped. He ducked into a dark, unmarked building on impulse, its faded sign illegible under years of grime. The glass door creaked as he pushed it open, and the faint smell of dampness and old wood greeted him.
Inside, the dim lighting revealed a cluttered interior that seemed like a mix between a pawnshop and an arcade. Shelves were lined with dusty gaming peripherals, old consoles, and stacks of outdated magazines. At the far end of the room, a few ancient gaming machines flickered dimly, their screens displaying pixelated images of retro games.
Ethan moved deeper inside, hoping the building would serve as a temporary hiding spot until he was sure the coast was clear. He crouched behind a rack of used game cases, his breathing shallow as he strained to hear anything outside.
Minutes passed in tense silence. The only sounds were the low hum of the arcade machines and the occasional creak of the building settling. Ethan slowly began to relax, convincing himself that he had managed to shake off whoever had been following him.
Just as he was about to stand and leave, the door creaked open.
Ethan froze, his pulse spiking. Footsteps echoed through the room, slow and deliberate. He couldn¡¯t see who had entered, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
He ducked lower, pressing himself against the shelves as the footsteps grew closer. A shadow passed over him, momentarily blocking the faint light from the machines.
¡°You can¡¯t hide forever,¡± a voice drawled, low and taunting.
Ethan¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. Whoever it was, they weren¡¯t here to browse old games.
He weighed his options. Running blindly through the building could lead him into a dead end, but staying hidden wasn¡¯t a guarantee of safety either.
The footsteps paused, the silence stretching unbearably. Then, with a sudden crash, one of the shelves near him was shoved aside.
Ethan didn¡¯t wait to see who it was. He bolted, darting between the shelves and heading for the back of the building. He pushed through a curtain that led to a storage area, his mind racing for an escape route.
The storage room was cramped and chaotic, filled with boxes and old arcade machines stacked haphazardly. He spotted a small window high on the wall and immediately made his way toward it.
Behind him, the footsteps picked up again, followed by the sound of someone shoving obstacles out of their way.
Ethan climbed onto a stack of boxes, reaching for the window latch. It stuck at first, but he yanked it hard, and it gave way with a loud creak. He scrambled through the narrow opening, dropping down onto the alley outside.
He didn¡¯t stop to catch his breath. He sprinted down the alley, not daring to look back, until he reached a busier street. The sight of people and the distant rumble of traffic brought a wave of relief crashing over him.
Blending into the sparse crowd, Ethan made his way back toward the subway station, his nerves still frayed.
What the hell was that about? he thought, his mind racing with questions.
As he finally boarded the train, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he had just narrowly escaped something far worse than an angry mob.
Ethan¡¯s pulse hammered as he left the cluttered, unmarked building behind, the narrow alleyway offering him a temporary shield from prying eyes. The shadows stretched long in the dim light, and his breath fogged the air as he quickly made his way toward the subway station. His goal was simple: get home and forget this entire ordeal.
But as he darted out of the alley, a voice stopped him cold.
¡°Running from trouble, are we?¡±
Ethan spun around, his heart leaping into his throat. Standing a few feet away, leaning casually against the brick wall, was Marshal. The dim light caught the angles of his unkempt face, and his hooded sweatshirt hung loosely off his wiry frame. The champion from the caf¨¦ looked no different than he had during their match¡ªexcept now, there was an air of quiet intensity that set Ethan on edge.
¡°I¡ªuh¡ªwasn¡¯t running,¡± Ethan stammered, his hands reflexively tightening around the strap of his bag. ¡°Just¡heading home.¡±
Marshal arched an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. ¡°That so?¡±
Ethan swallowed hard. He wasn¡¯t sure how much Marshal had seen or heard, but the fact that this man had found him here, of all places, wasn¡¯t comforting.
¡°This is my home, you know,¡± Marshal said, gesturing vaguely to the shabby building Ethan had just left. ¡°Not the nicest place, but it¡¯s got its charm.¡±
Ethan¡¯s mouth went dry. His home? That meant Marshal had likely seen him sneaking around, maybe even hiding inside. He tensed, unsure whether Marshal would hand him over to the group that had been chasing him.
¡°I¡ªI didn¡¯t know,¡± Ethan blurted, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°Sorry for intruding.¡±
Marshal studied him for a long moment, his eyes sharp despite his otherwise lazy demeanor. Ethan felt like he was being sized up, weighed on some invisible scale.
Finally, Marshal shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. But you¡¯ve got people sniffing around for you. You¡¯ll want to move carefully.¡±
Ethan hesitated, caught off guard by Marshal¡¯s lack of hostility. ¡°You¡¯re not¡going to hand me over?¡±
Marshal¡¯s lips quirked into a faint smirk. ¡°And what would I get out of that? Besides, you¡¯re just a kid. Don¡¯t think anyone chasing you is worth my time.¡±
Relief flooded through Ethan, though his nerves remained taut. ¡°Thanks,¡± he muttered, unsure what else to say.
Marshal straightened, his gaze shifting to the mouth of the alley. ¡°Subway station¡¯s not far from here, but you won¡¯t make it if you keep wandering around like a lost puppy. Come on.¡±
Before Ethan could respond, Marshal began walking, his strides unhurried yet purposeful. Ethan hesitated for a moment before following, unsure why Marshal was helping him but too desperate to get home to question it.
The two moved through the labyrinth of backstreets in silence, the tension of their situation hanging heavy between them. Marshal seemed to know every twist and turn, leading Ethan through a route that avoided any open areas or potential ambush points.
As they approached the subway entrance, Marshal slowed to a stop, his hands shoved into his hoodie pockets. ¡°There you go. Safe and sound.¡±
Ethan turned to face him, an unexpected wave of gratitude washing over him. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said again, more earnestly this time. ¡°I¡owe you one.¡±
Marshal gave a noncommittal shrug, his gaze distant. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±
But Ethan wasn¡¯t satisfied with that. ¡°Seriously. What do you want in return? I can¡ª¡±
Before he could finish, Marshal raised a hand, cutting him off. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything, kid. Just stay out of trouble.¡±
With that, Marshal turned and walked away, disappearing back into the shadows of the alley without another word.
Ethan watched him go, a mixture of relief and confusion swirling in his chest. Marshal¡¯s actions didn¡¯t make sense¡ªwhy help someone he barely knew and expect nothing in return?
As the subway train pulled into the station and Ethan stepped aboard, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this encounter with Marshal was far from over. For now, though, he was just grateful to be heading home in one piece.
Chapter 8 : I will be a healer, no matter what anyone else says
Ethan stumbled into his apartment, exhaustion clinging to him like a second skin. Every muscle in his body ached from the day¡¯s events¡ªthe relentless chase, the adrenaline, the tight confines of his hiding spot. All he wanted was to collapse onto his bed, close his eyes, and let the world fade away for a few hours.
But even as he kicked off his shoes and tossed his bag onto the floor, he knew sleep wouldn¡¯t come easily. The events of the day swirled in his mind, a chaotic mess of tension and unease. The strangers who had chased him, the eerie quiet of the subway station, and Marshal¡¯s unexpected act of kindness¡ªall of it replayed like a loop he couldn¡¯t shut off.
Ethan rubbed his temples and sighed. A part of him told himself to rest, to let his body recover from the day¡¯s stress. Yet, another part, louder and more insistent, pulled his thoughts toward Rebirth Online. The game called to him like a siren¡¯s song, promising a world far removed from the pressures and absurdities of real life.
He glanced at his VR headset sitting on his desk, the sleek design gleaming faintly in the dim light of his apartment. It would be so easy to put it on and lose himself for a while, to let the day¡¯s frustrations melt away in the immersive world he had come to enjoy so much.
Ethan sat down heavily on his chair, his resolve to sleep quickly crumbling. He tried to reason with himself, telling himself that logging in for just an hour wouldn¡¯t hurt. Besides, he argued, he had daily quests to finish and progress to make. Skipping a day of grinding would put him behind, and the thought of falling behind in a game so competitive gnawed at him.
His fingers hovered over the headset, and for a moment, he hesitated. A pang of guilt surfaced¡ªwas this really the healthiest way to deal with everything? Shouldn¡¯t he be calling it a night and letting his body rest? But the thought of lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and letting his overactive mind spiral was even less appealing.
Before he could second-guess himself any further, he grabbed the headset and slid it on. The familiar hum of the device starting up filled his ears, and the faint glow of the interface enveloped him. The real world faded away as the vibrant, immersive world of Rebirth Online took its place.
Ethan let out a small sigh of relief. Here, in this world, he didn¡¯t have to deal with awkward subway rides or unpredictable strangers. Here, he was just Ash¡ªa rookie player with the freedom to carve out his own path. The exhaustion that weighed on him a moment ago seemed to lift slightly, replaced by the anticipation of what lay ahead.
As the game¡¯s familiar surroundings materialized around him, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a small flicker of excitement. The tiredness still lingered, but it was easier to ignore now. Sleep could wait¡ªhe had a world to explore and quests to complete.
Ethan spawned into the bustling heart of Rebirth Online, his slender avatar Ash blending into the crowd of other players. The world was alive with chatter, the sounds of vendors hawking goods, and the clinking of armor as adventurers moved through the marketplace. It was all so immersive, yet the weight of his reality lingered faintly in the back of his mind. He shook it off; this was his time to focus on something he could control.
He brought up his task log, where the list of daily quests awaited him: farming materials, hunting specific creatures, and gathering rare herbs in nearby fields. Each quest seemed straightforward, but Ethan knew better than to underestimate the grind. He was still learning the ropes of this character, unaccustomed to playing without the luxuries of optimized settings, maxed-out stats, or high-level gear.
His first task was simple enough¡ªharvest ten clusters of a plant called Silverleaf from the outskirts of the starting zone. He ventured into the nearby fields, where the silvery-green plants grew in patches along the hillsides. As he approached the first cluster, he realized how slow his movements felt compared to his old account. Without the speed boosts or agility perks he had once taken for granted, gathering the plants felt painfully sluggish.
Ethan frowned, his fingers tapping at the interface as he attempted to adjust his settings. The input lag, though slight, made him feel like he was playing underwater. He cursed under his breath, remembering how he used to optimize every aspect of his setup for competitive play. Now, he was stuck with the default configuration, struggling to align the cursor perfectly over each plant.
But he wasn¡¯t the type to give up easily. Years of professional gaming had drilled adaptability into him, and he leaned on that skill now. He recalibrated his approach, slowing his movements to match the system¡¯s limitations. It wasn¡¯t the fastest way to complete the quest, but it was effective.
Once he¡¯d gathered the required amount of Silverleaf, the game prompted him to deliver them to an NPC herbalist in the village. On his way back, Ethan encountered another player fighting a group of low-level boars. The player¡¯s clumsy movements and panicked attacks made it clear they were struggling. Ethan hesitated for a moment¡ªhelping them would slow him down, but ignoring them felt wrong.
With a quick decision, he drew his basic wooden staff and joined the fight. His attacks weren¡¯t flashy, but they were precise, honed by years of experience. Together, they took down the boars, and the other player thanked him profusely before running off. Ethan smirked slightly. Even at this level, he could make a difference.
The next quest was more combat-focused: eliminate five Shadow Sprites in a nearby cave. Ethan headed there, only to find himself swarmed by the nimble creatures. Their erratic movements made them difficult to target, and his underwhelming gear meant he couldn¡¯t rely on brute force.
Ethan adjusted his strategy. Instead of chasing them down, he baited them into attacking first. He used their aggression against them, countering their moves and striking when they left themselves open. It was a slower method, but it worked. One by one, the sprites fell, and he completed the quest.
The struggle was real, but Ethan found himself enjoying the process. The limitations forced him to think creatively, to approach each challenge differently. It reminded him of his early days in eSports, back when every match was a puzzle to solve rather than a routine to execute.
By the time he completed his third daily quest¡ªdelivering a message to an NPC in a neighboring zone¡ªEthan felt a small sense of accomplishment. The grind was tedious, but it was also rewarding in its own way. He had adapted to the lower-level mechanics, proving to himself that he could excel even without the advantages he was used to.
Logging off for the night, Ethan leaned back in his chair, exhausted but satisfied. The game was harder than he remembered, but that difficulty made every success feel earned. For the first time in a long while, he felt a genuine sense of progress.
The grind wasn¡¯t anything new to him, but something about the process felt different. Maybe it was the lack of pressure to perform for an audience or the absence of the suffocating weight of expectations. Here, in this new game and as an unknown player, Ethan felt like he could enjoy the journey instead of focusing solely on the destination.
Before long, his efforts paid off, and a notification popped up in his interface:
Congratulations! You have reached Level 10. You are now eligible to choose your first job specialization.
Ethan grinned. This was the moment he had been waiting for.
______
After completing his daily grind and hitting level 10, Ethan¡ªor Ash, as he was known in Rebirth Online¡ªfelt a rush of satisfaction. The grind had been grueling, but every kill, herb gathered, and delivery completed brought him closer to this milestone. He opened his character menu, watching as the level-up animation played out, a cascade of light and sound that heralded his progression.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
"Congratulations, player! You have reached Level 10 and are now eligible for a Job Change!"
The message popped up, accompanied by a list of available job quests. Ethan leaned forward, scanning the options. This was it¡ªthe first major decision that would define his character''s path.
The usual suspects were there: Warrior, Archer, Mage, Rogue. Each came with a short description detailing its strengths and weaknesses. His instinctive choice would have been DPS. After all, he had spent years mastering aggressive, high-damage roles in other games. But something held him back.
Ethan''s mind wandered to the countless complaints he¡¯d heard from other players during his eSports days. "We can¡¯t find a good healer!" "Support players are so underappreciated." "No one wants to play the boring roles." Those words echoed now, sparking an idea.
He navigated further down the list until he found it: Healer.
The description was straightforward:
Healer: Master of restoration and support. Keep your allies alive in the heat of battle, but beware¡ªyou are the primary target in any fight. Requires patience, strategy, and a willingness to put others before yourself.
Ethan smirked. A class that required patience and strategy? That sounded like a challenge. He clicked the option to view the associated quest, expecting something as straightforward as killing a few monsters or gathering rare herbs.
The NPC in charge of the job quests appeared on his screen. A middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a long robe adorned with glowing runes greeted him.
"You wish to become a Healer?" the NPC asked, his tone tinged with skepticism. "Are you sure, adventurer? It is an unpopular path. Most prefer to wield swords or fireballs. There are only a handful of Healers in Rebirth Online, and their burdens are not light. You may want to reconsider."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. An NPC questioning his decision? That was new. "No," he replied firmly, selecting the dialogue option. "I¡¯ve made up my mind."
The NPC sighed dramatically. "Very well. If you insist, I shall assign you the Healer''s Trial. But remember, this path requires more than skill¡ªit demands selflessness and resilience."
A notification appeared in the corner of Ethan¡¯s screen:
Quest Received: The Healer¡¯s Trial.
The NPC continued, "To prove yourself, you must collect the Dew of Life from the Sacred Grove, located deep within the Forest of Whispers. Be warned¡ªthe grove is guarded by creatures that will test your resolve. Return to me with the dew, and I shall grant you the title of Healer."
Ethan accepted the quest, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. As he prepared to set off, the NPC muttered something that caught his attention.
"You¡¯re not the first to try this path, but few succeed. Only about five hundred Healers exist across the entire game world. Think carefully before you commit to such a rare and arduous role."
Ethan¡¯s resolve only strengthened. He wasn¡¯t deterred by the warning¡ªit fueled his determination. A rare class? A difficult role? That was exactly what he wanted. For too long, he¡¯d been the best at something expected. Now, he wanted to excel at something no one else dared to try.
With the quest accepted and the Sacred Grove marked on his map, Ethan set off. As he navigated through the game¡¯s sprawling world, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Choosing the Healer path was a departure from his usual playstyle, but that was the point. He wasn¡¯t just rebuilding a character¡ªhe was rebuilding himself.
______
Ethan arrived at the outskirts of the Forest of Whispers, ready to tackle the Healer¡¯s Trial. His map displayed the glowing marker for the Sacred Grove, and the quest description suggested it would be a simple journey if he moved carefully. But as soon as he read the details in the system notes, his confidence wavered.
Quest Requirement: A party of three or more adventurers is required to complete this trial.
Ethan frowned. ¡°A party requirement? Seriously?¡±
He hadn¡¯t anticipated needing others. His plan was to solo the quest, relying on his skills and experience. But the game¡¯s mechanics wouldn¡¯t allow it, and without a party, he couldn¡¯t proceed.
He opened the party search menu, scrolling through available players near his level. To his dismay, it was nearly empty. The few players who were looking for groups were all heading to different areas for entirely unrelated quests.
"Looks like this isn¡¯t exactly a popular quest," Ethan muttered.
With no options left, he decided to visit the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. It was a hub where players could recruit teammates, advertise quests, or even post job requests for in-game rewards. If anyone could help him, they¡¯d be there.
The Adventurer¡¯s Guild was one of the most iconic locations in the city, a massive structure that stood at the intersection of every major road. Its towering spires seemed to scrape the digital sky, adorned with banners and emblems of accomplished guilds and legendary players. Inside, the grand hall was a symphony of sound, filled with laughter, arguments, and the constant hum of activity.
Ethan hesitated as he approached the entrance. He hadn¡¯t spent much time in social spaces like this during his eSports days. His reputation as "Phoenix" had always been carefully curated, and interactions with other players were often limited to professional matches and promotional events. Walking into the guild now, with no status to shield him, felt strangely intimidating.
The double doors opened with a low creak, and Ethan stepped inside.
The atmosphere hit him immediately¡ªa mix of sweat, excitement, and a touch of chaos. Players of all levels milled about, their colorful armor and weapons gleaming under the flickering light of hanging chandeliers. NPC receptionists managed sprawling queues, handing out quests and information, while a central board glowed with digital postings, its holographic surface shimmering with updates.
Ethan made his way through the bustling crowd, careful not to bump into anyone. Several conversations caught his attention as he passed:
"Anyone heading to the Crypt of Shadows? Need a tank and a healer!"
"Looking for a high-level blacksmith to upgrade this stupid sword."
"Can you believe someone actually sold a Legendary tier potion for half price yesterday?!"
Ethan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. The guild hall was everything he had imagined it to be¡ªa bustling hub where players came together to share information, trade, and prepare for their next big adventure.
The party board stood at the center of the hall, an enormous screen that displayed party requests and available players looking to team up. Ethan weaved through the crowd and stopped in front of it, staring at the sea of listings.
"Seeking experienced DPS for dragon raid. Minimum level 30."
"Need one more healer for Crypt of Shadows. Level 25+ only."
"Looking for tank for casual dungeon runs. No drama!"
Ethan scrolled through the postings, but none were for the Healer¡¯s Trial. Disappointed but not surprised, he decided to create his own listing. With a few quick taps, he typed:
"Seeking Party for Healer¡¯s Trial Quest. Need two members. DM ¡®Ash.¡¯"
He hit confirm, and his posting appeared on the screen. He stepped back and waited, hoping someone would respond.
Ethan leaned against a nearby column, observing the room as he waited. Groups of players were huddled together in animated discussions, likely planning their next moves. Merchants peddled their wares at stalls set up along the hall¡¯s perimeter, shouting about discounts on potions and gear.
Nearby, a group of mid-level players stood laughing near the board. Their armor was polished, their weapons glowing faintly with enchantments. They seemed confident, like they belonged in a place like this.
One of them, a tall Warrior with a shield nearly as large as he was, glanced at the board and noticed Ethan¡¯s posting. His eyes lit up with amusement, and he elbowed his Mage companion, pointing at the listing.
"Hey, check this out," the Warrior said, his voice loud enough for Ethan to hear. "Someone¡¯s actually doing the Healer¡¯s Trial. Haven¡¯t seen that one in ages."
The Mage snorted. "Who even picks healer as a class? That¡¯s a nightmare."
Their third companion, a Rogue with a hood pulled low over his face, added, "Probably some newbie who has no idea what he¡¯s doing."
Ethan felt their eyes on him and fought the urge to shrink back. He knew their type¡ªexperienced players who thrived on mocking others.
To Ethan¡¯s dismay, the trio approached him. The Warrior was grinning, his shield slung casually over his back.
"You the one looking for a party for the Healer¡¯s Trial?" he asked, his tone mocking.
Ethan nodded cautiously. "Yeah. Why?"
The Warrior burst out laughing. "Seriously? You¡¯re trying to be a healer? Do you even know what you¡¯re signing up for?"
Ethan kept his expression neutral. "I¡¯ll figure it out."
"Right," the Warrior said, his grin widening. "Look, buddy, healers are a dying breed for a reason. No one wants to play a class that¡¯s all about babysitting other players. You¡¯re better off picking literally anything else."
The Mage chimed in, "Yeah, healers are just glorified potion dispensers. Trust me, it¡¯s not worth it."
The Rogue leaned closer, his voice dripping with condescension. "Let me guess. You thought being a healer would make you ¡®special¡¯? Newsflash, it¡¯s the most boring class in the game."
Ethan clenched his fists, fighting the urge to snap back. Instead, he said evenly, "I¡¯m not looking for advice. I¡¯m looking for a party."
The Warrior smirked. "Well, good luck with that. No one¡¯s dumb enough to join you on that suicide mission."
They laughed as they walked away, leaving Ethan standing by the board.
Ethan took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. Their mocking words stung, but he wouldn¡¯t let them deter him. He was used to being underestimated, used to people doubting his abilities. This was no different.
He checked his posting again. The screen remained empty, no responses. The realization that he was completely on his own began to sink in.
"Fine," Ethan muttered under his breath. "If no one wants to help, I¡¯ll just figure it out myself."
He left the guild hall, his determination unshaken. He had faced tougher challenges in the past, and this would be no different. He would prove them all wrong.
Chapter 9: I do not want to be used
The guild hall bustled with activity, a cacophony of laughter, boastful declarations, and the occasional clash of metal. Amid this lively chaos, the Ethan stood alone, his determination solidified by the dismissive taunts of the other players. No one was going to help him, but that was fine. He¡¯d do it himself. The Forest of Whispers quest was said to be brutal, especially for a healer. Without a party, it bordered on impossible¡ªbut the Ethan wasn¡¯t one to back down.
As he turned on his heel and left the hall, the snickers and jeers followed him, like gnats buzzing around his resolve.
¡°Watch him fail and come crawling back,¡± one of the players sneered.
¡°Bet he won¡¯t last ten minutes in there,¡± another chimed in, eliciting laughter.
The Ethan didn¡¯t spare them a glance, but their words stung more than he cared to admit. Clenching his fists, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and strode into the open world of Rebirth Online, his mind set on the Forest of Whispers.
In the corner of the guild hall, a peculiar group lounged in a makeshift circle, their demeanor casual yet charged with a mischievous energy. They were a ragtag band, bound more by their love of causing trouble than by any real camaraderie. Their leader, Esmo, sat cross-legged on a chair that was clearly too big for his diminutive frame, looking more like a doll perched on a throne than a player.
Esmo''s cherubic face and sparkling silver hair belied his infamous reputation. With wide, innocent-looking eyes and a voice that could charm even the most seasoned adventurer, Esmo was a master manipulator. His small stature and delicate features often disarmed potential enemies, but those who underestimated him quickly learned the folly of their assumptions.
The elf leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, as he watched the Ethan leave the guild hall. ¡°A healer, huh?¡± he said, his voice laced with amusement. ¡°How quaint.¡±
One of his lackeys, a burly rogue with a scar running across his cheek, grinned. ¡°Think he¡¯ll actually try the quest?¡±
Esmo chuckled softly, the sound unnervingly pleasant. ¡°Oh, he¡¯ll try. But he¡¯ll fail. They always do.¡±
The rogue laughed, elbowing the archer next to him. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we had some fun. Should we give the newbie a proper welcome?¡±
The archer smirked, twirling an arrow between his fingers. ¡°He¡¯s asking for it. Who picks a healer, anyway? It¡¯s like he¡¯s begging to be bullied.¡±
Esmo didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he tilted his head, watching the door through which the Ethan had disappeared. A thoughtful smile played on his lips, one that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes.
¡°Let¡¯s see how far he gets,¡± Esmo finally said, sliding down from his chair with a feline grace. ¡°If he makes it to the forest, we¡¯ll... assist him.¡±
The group erupted in laughter, their excitement palpable. To them, this wasn¡¯t just a game¡ªit was a playground where they could assert their dominance and entertain themselves at the expense of others.
Esmo¡¯s notoriety wasn¡¯t just limited to the guild hall. Across Rebirth Online, his name carried a certain infamy. Despite his childlike appearance and whimsical demeanor, he was a seasoned player who had mastered the art of manipulation. His small stature and soft voice made him seem harmless, but he had a razor-sharp wit and an uncanny ability to exploit the weaknesses of others.
His crew, a mix of opportunists and sycophants, were drawn to his charisma. They reveled in the chaos he created, taking pleasure in watching others squirm under his gaze. Together, they had built a reputation as a band of troublemakers who thrived on making life difficult for less experienced players.
But for Esmo, it wasn¡¯t just about causing trouble. There was a method to his madness, a cold calculation beneath the surface. He enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of outsmarting his prey. And now, he had a new target¡ªthe healer who dared to think he could succeed where so many others had failed.
Esmo¡¯s followers hung on his every word as he laid out their plan. ¡°We¡¯ll let him tire himself out,¡± he said, pacing back and forth like a general strategizing for battle. ¡°The Forest of Whispers is no joke, especially for a newbie. He¡¯ll either give up or make a mistake. And when he does...¡±
The rogue grinned. ¡°We swoop in and make his life miserable.¡±
¡°Exactly,¡± Esmo said, his smile widening. ¡°But remember, subtlety is key. We don¡¯t want to scare him off too soon. Let him think he has a chance.¡±
The group nodded, their enthusiasm barely contained. For them, this wasn¡¯t just a quest¡ªit was a game within a game, one that promised entertainment and the chance to flex their power.
As they prepared to leave, Esmo glanced over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. ¡°This one might be more interesting than the others,¡± he murmured to himself.
From a shadowed corner of the guild hall, a pair of keen eyes tracked Esmo and his crew as they exited. ChronoKnight, the silent swordsman, had been watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and disapproval.
He had seen Esmo¡¯s antics before, had watched him toy with inexperienced players like a cat with a mouse. But something about this particular situation didn¡¯t sit right with him. The healer didn¡¯t seem like the typical newbie¡ªthere was a quiet determination in his eyes, a spark of resilience that ChronoKnight found intriguing.
As Esmo and his crew disappeared into the night, ChronoKnight pushed off the pillar he¡¯d been leaning against and followed them at a distance. His steel boots echoed softly against the stone floor, a rhythmic counterpoint to the chaos of the guild hall.
¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re up to, Esmo,¡± he muttered under his breath.
Outside the guild hall, the streets were bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, their light casting long shadows that danced across the cobblestones. Esmo and his crew moved with purpose, their laughter echoing in the quiet night.
ChronoKnight followed, his dark armor blending into the shadows. He kept his distance, careful not to reveal his presence. This wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d trailed Esmo, but something told him this time would be different.
The healer was heading straight for the Forest of Whispers, oblivious to the danger lurking behind him. ChronoKnight couldn¡¯t decide whether the rookie was brave or foolish¡ªor perhaps a bit of both.
As they approached the edge of the forest, ChronoKnight tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade. If things went south, he would be ready. For now, he would watch and wait.
______
The Forest of Whispers stretched before the Ethan like an endless sea of towering trees, their gnarled branches intertwined to form a canopy that blocked out most of the light. The air was damp and carried the faint scent of moss and earth, making the environment feel alive and ancient. A faint mist hung low to the ground, swirling around his boots as he stepped cautiously onto the overgrown path.
Ethan adjusted his equipment, double-checking his inventory and stats. This wasn¡¯t the kind of setting that one could take lightly; even with his experience in gaming, he knew that every step here could be his last if he wasn¡¯t careful. The eerie silence of the forest was occasionally broken by distant sounds¡ªan animal cry, the rustling of leaves, or the snap of a branch.
¡°This place is supposed to be beginner-level?¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, scanning his surroundings. ¡°Feels more like a horror game setting than a training ground for new players.¡±
Despite his words, there was a thrill in the challenge that made his heart race. The game was living up to its reputation, and he couldn¡¯t deny the excitement coursing through him.
The Forest of Whispers was designed to test more than combat skills; it was a gauntlet of patience and ingenuity. Ethan ¡¯s first challenge came in the form of a group of low-level creatures called Mist Wisps. They were semi-transparent orbs of light that floated erratically, zipping around unpredictably. The quest required him to gather their essence, which only dropped if he managed to hit them while they were stationary¡ªa task easier said than done.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
Armed with his starter staff and a handful of weak healing spells, Ethan began his hunt. The Mist Wisps darted around him, their laughter-like sounds taunting him as he tried to time his attacks.
¡°Stay still for one second,¡± he grumbled, swiping at the air. Each swing of his staff missed by a hair, the Wisps dodging with an almost mocking ease.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. This wasn¡¯t a DPS quest where he could brute force his way through. As a healer-in-training, he needed to think differently, to approach the task with strategy rather than aggression.
Focusing on his surroundings, Ethan noticed a pattern in the Wisps¡¯ movements. They seemed to hover near clusters of flowers before darting away. Using this observation, he positioned himself near one such cluster, waiting for the moment a Wisp would stop.
It took longer than he expected, but his patience paid off. As a Wisp lingered near the flowers, Ethan swung his staff with precision, the tip striking the creature and causing it to shatter into tiny fragments of light. A notification popped up, confirming the drop of Wisp Essence.
¡°Finally,¡± he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Unbeknownst to Ethan , he wasn¡¯t alone in the forest. Hidden in the shadows, Esmo and his crew observed him with predatory grins.
¡°Look at him,¡± one of the lackeys whispered, stifling a laugh. ¡°He¡¯s struggling to catch beginner mobs.¡±
Esmo leaned against a tree, his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his face. ¡°He¡¯s got persistence, I¡¯ll give him that. But persistence isn¡¯t enough to survive here.¡±
The rogue in their group nudged Esmo. ¡°Want to mess with him now?¡±
¡°Not yet,¡± Esmo replied, his tone almost bored. ¡°Let¡¯s see how far he gets first. There¡¯s no fun in breaking someone who¡¯s already struggling.¡±
From a different part of the forest, ChronoKnight kept a close eye on the situation. He had trailed Esmo¡¯s group all the way from the guild hall, and he wasn¡¯t about to let them corner the healer without interference.
ChronoKnight watched as Ethan fought his way through the Wisps, noting the player¡¯s growing confidence with each successful strike. He had to admit, the kid had potential.
¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle the next challenge,¡± ChronoKnight murmured, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Having gathered the required amount of Wisp Essence, Ethan moved further into the forest, where the challenges became progressively harder. The mist grew thicker, obscuring his vision, and the sound of rustling leaves became more frequent, as if something¡ªor someone¡ªwas following him.
The next stage of the quest required him to collect medicinal herbs guarded by Venomous Creepers, vine-like creatures that lashed out at anything that came near. Unlike the Mist Wisps, these enemies were more aggressive, their attacks capable of poisoning him if he wasn¡¯t careful.
Ethan approached the first herb cautiously, his eyes scanning the ground for any signs of movement. A faint rustling to his left made him freeze, his grip tightening on his staff. The Creeper struck without warning, its vine snapping toward him like a whip.
He dodged, barely avoiding the attack, and countered with a swift strike to the vine. The Creeper recoiled, but it wasn¡¯t down yet. Switching tactics, Ethan cast his weakest healing spell¡ªnot on himself, but on the vine.
The effect was immediate. The healing spell caused the Creeper to writhe in confusion, as if it didn¡¯t know how to react to the restorative energy. Taking advantage of its hesitation, Ethan struck again, this time severing the vine and neutralizing the threat.
¡°Looks like even healing can be a weapon,¡± he muttered with a smirk, collecting the herb.
As Ethan progressed deeper into the forest, the presence of Esmo¡¯s group became more apparent. He couldn¡¯t see them, but he felt their eyes on him, an unsettling sensation that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
He tried to shake off the feeling, focusing on the quest, but it wasn¡¯t easy. The forest¡¯s oppressive atmosphere and the knowledge that he was being watched weighed heavily on him.
¡°Just a game,¡± he reminded himself, though the words felt hollow.
From their hiding spot, Esmo¡¯s group prepared to make their move. The healer had proven to be more resourceful than they¡¯d expected, but that only made the idea of crushing him more appealing.
¡°Time to introduce ourselves,¡± Esmo said with a grin, signaling his crew to move out.
From his vantage point, ChronoKnight tensed. The time for observation was over. It was time to act.
The eerie silence of the Forest of Whispers was broken by the sound of slow clapping. Ethan turned sharply, gripping his staff tightly as a figure emerged from the mist. It was Esmo, the small elf boy who looked deceptively innocent but carried a sharpness in his gaze that belied his appearance. He strolled into view with an easy confidence, his hands casually behind his back. Behind him, his crew emerged, forming a loose semi-circle around Ethan.
Ethan¡¯s grip tightened, his instincts screaming at him to be wary. ¡°Who are you, and what do you want?¡±
Esmo grinned, his youthful features making him seem approachable despite the faint menace in his demeanor. ¡°Relax, newbie. I¡¯m not here to hurt you. In fact, I¡¯m here to offer you a deal.¡±
Ethan didn¡¯t relax. ¡°What kind of deal?¡±
Esmo stepped closer, his crew staying behind but watching intently. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you. Your method of fighting¡ªthe way you healed the Creepers instead of just hacking away at them¡ªit¡¯s impressive. Ingenious, even. Most beginners wouldn¡¯t have thought of that. You¡¯ve got potential.¡±
Ethan frowned. He didn¡¯t trust compliments from someone who had been tailing him through the forest. ¡°Get to the point.¡±
Esmo chuckled, unfazed by Ethan¡¯s sharp tone. ¡°Alright, straight to business. I¡¯m impressed by your ambition to become a healer. It¡¯s a thankless job, but the way you¡¯ve been handling yourself shows you¡¯ve got the grit for it. I want to help you finish this quest and see you succeed. In return, I¡¯d like you to join my party afterward. With your skills and my leadership, we could go far.¡±
The offer hung in the air, tempting in its simplicity. Ethan, however, wasn¡¯t swayed. Something about Esmo¡¯s demeanor set off alarm bells in his mind. The elf was too smooth, too calculated.
Before Ethan could respond, another voice cut through the mist.
¡°Don¡¯t listen to him,¡± a deep, authoritative voice said.
From the shadows stepped ChronoKnight, his imposing figure towering over both Ethan and Esmo. His gleaming sword was drawn, and his eyes were locked on the elf with a look of cold disdain.
Esmo¡¯s grin faltered, replaced by an annoyed scowl. ¡°You just can¡¯t mind your own business, can you, ChronoKnight?¡±
ChronoKnight ignored him, addressing Ethan instead. ¡°He¡¯s trying to manipulate you. Esmo isn¡¯t here to help; he¡¯s here to use you. The moment you¡¯re no longer useful, he¡¯ll drop you¡ªor worse.¡±
Ethan raised an eyebrow at the swordsman¡¯s sudden appearance but didn¡¯t question his warning. He had already sensed something off about Esmo¡¯s offer, and this only confirmed his suspicions.
¡°I figured as much,¡± Ethan said calmly, his tone steady despite the tension in the air. ¡°I was about to decline.¡±
Esmo¡¯s expression darkened, his pride clearly wounded. ¡°Excuse me?¡± he said, his voice low and venomous. ¡°You¡¯re turning me down?¡±
Ethan nodded. ¡°Thanks for the offer, but I prefer to work alone.¡±
Esmo¡¯s jaw tightened, his earlier charm giving way to a simmering anger. He turned to his crew, motioning for them to close in. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got a couple of heroes here. Let¡¯s teach them a lesson.¡±
The gang advanced, weapons drawn, their movements coordinated despite their mismatched appearances. Esmo stayed back, his smirk returning as he watched his lackeys move in for the attack.
ChronoKnight stepped in front of Ethan, his sword raised. ¡°Stay behind me. I¡¯ll handle this.¡±
Ethan bristled at the idea of being protected but knew better than to let his pride get in the way. He positioned himself a few steps behind ChronoKnight, readying his staff.
The first attacker lunged at ChronoKnight, a dagger flashing in the dim light. The swordsman parried effortlessly, his blade moving with precision as he disarmed the rogue and sent him sprawling to the ground. Another came at him from the side, but ChronoKnight spun, his sword cutting through the air and forcing the second attacker to retreat.
Ethan didn¡¯t stand idle. When one of the attackers broke off and charged at him, he cast a quick healing spell¡ªnot on himself, but on the ground beneath his attacker¡¯s feet. The sudden glow startled the man, causing him to stumble, and Ethan followed up with a sharp strike from his staff.
¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve,¡± Esmo snarled, his playful demeanor gone. He stepped forward, drawing a pair of short blades. ¡°Let me show you what happens to people who disrespect me.¡±
ChronoKnight met Esmo¡¯s charge, their weapons clashing with a resounding clang. The elf was fast, darting around the swordsman with agility that matched his small stature, but ChronoKnight¡¯s skill and experience kept him from being overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Ethan faced off against two of Esmo¡¯s lackeys. They moved in tandem, trying to flank him, but Ethan¡¯s quick thinking and adaptability kept them at bay. He used his healing spells not just for recovery but to create distractions and openings, exploiting the unfamiliarity of his unconventional tactics.
Despite the chaos, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a strange sense of exhilaration. This was nothing like the carefully controlled e-sports matches he was used to. Here, there were no rules, no structured strategies¡ªjust raw survival and quick thinking.
The fight dragged on, but it was clear that Esmo and his crew were losing. ChronoKnight¡¯s relentless skill and Ethan¡¯s unpredictable tactics proved too much for them. One by one, the gang fell back, retreating into the shadows of the forest.
Esmo was the last to retreat, his face twisted with frustration. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± he spat before disappearing into the mist.
Ethan let out a breath he hadn¡¯t realized he was holding, lowering his staff. ¡°That was... intense.¡±
ChronoKnight sheathed his sword, giving Ethan a nod of approval. ¡°You held your own. Not bad for a healer.¡±
Ethan managed a small smile. ¡°Thanks for the save. I owe you one.¡±
The swordsman shook his head. ¡°Just watch your back. Esmo doesn¡¯t let things go easily.¡±
With that, ChronoKnight turned and walked away, leaving Ethan alone in the forest once more. As the silence returned, Ethan took a moment to steady himself before continuing his quest. The fight had been a reminder of the unpredictability of this new world¡ªbut also of its potential for growth and excitement.
Chapter 10: A tiring day
Ethan and ChronoKnight moved deeper into the Forest of Whispers, the eerie mist hanging low as they navigated through the dense undergrowth. The environment felt alive with muted sounds: the distant rustle of leaves, the soft chittering of unseen creatures, and the occasional low growl of a nearby predator. But for ChronoKnight, these dangers seemed insignificant.
Ethan couldn¡¯t help but notice how easily his companion dispatched the enemies they encountered. Low-level Creepers and Forest Wisps that Ethan struggled to neutralize were nothing more than fleeting annoyances for the swordsman. ChronoKnight moved with practiced ease, his sword cutting through enemies with precision, his posture relaxed but confident.
¡°This area seems too easy for you,¡± Ethan remarked, tilting his head as he watched ChronoKnight clear out a group of Wisps with a single sweeping strike. ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s new to this game. Are you... a high-level player or something?¡±
ChronoKnight paused, turning to face Ethan. There was a moment of silence, and then he scratched the back of his neck, looking almost bashful. ¡°Well, you got me there. I¡¯m not exactly new to Rebirth Online. I¡¯ve been playing for a while¡ªon my main account, anyway. This is a fresh start for me.¡±
Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°A fresh start? Why would an elite player want to start all over again? Isn¡¯t that kind of frustrating?¡±
ChronoKnight chuckled, sheathing his sword as he leaned against a nearby tree. ¡°Not really. You see, I like helping people out¡ªnew players especially. It¡¯s exciting to see how they approach the game, their fresh ideas, and the way they tackle challenges. Starting from scratch lets me be part of that experience again. Plus,¡± he added with a grin, ¡°it keeps things interesting. It reminds me why I fell in love with this game in the first place.¡±
Ethan felt a pang of recognition at ChronoKnight¡¯s words. It mirrored his own reasons for diving back into Rebirth Online with a new account. The need to rediscover the joy of playing without the pressure of fame or expectations.
¡°That¡¯s... admirable,¡± Ethan said quietly. His gaze dropped to the ground, his mind turning over ChronoKnight¡¯s words. Something about the swordsman¡¯s honest and down-to-earth attitude made Ethan feel at ease, like he could share his own truth.
The thought lingered for a moment before Ethan made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at ChronoKnight. ¡°You know, I wasn¡¯t entirely honest with you earlier. There¡¯s something I want to tell you.¡±
ChronoKnight tilted his head curiously. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±
Ethan hesitated for a moment, then pushed forward. ¡°I¡¯m The Phoenix.¡±
ChronoKnight blinked, his expression blank for a moment before it twisted into one of confusion. ¡°What?¡±
¡°I mean it,¡± Ethan said, his voice steady despite the growing tension in the air. ¡°I¡¯m The Phoenix¡ªthe legendary player everyone talks about. This is my new account. I wanted to start fresh.¡±
ChronoKnight¡¯s initial reaction was shock, but it quickly shifted into something more serious. His brow furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at Ethan.
¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡± ChronoKnight asked, his voice lower now, edged with disbelief.
Ethan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡±
The swordsman crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what your deal is, but that¡¯s not something you should joke about. Phoenix is a legend¡ªa pro player who set records no one¡¯s even come close to breaking. Pretending to be him isn¡¯t just ridiculous; it¡¯s disrespectful.¡±
The sharpness in ChronoKnight¡¯s tone caught Ethan off guard, and he felt a pang of regret. He hadn¡¯t meant to offend, but clearly, his revelation hadn¡¯t gone over well.
¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to be disrespectful,¡± Ethan said carefully. ¡°I just thought¡ª¡±
¡°You just thought what?¡± ChronoKnight interrupted. ¡°That claiming to be someone like that would impress me? Or that it¡¯d somehow make me take you more seriously? I already respect you as a player, Ethan. You don¡¯t need to resort to tall tales.¡±
Ethan opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself. ChronoKnight¡¯s words carried an earnestness that stung more than any harsh rebuke could. It was clear the swordsman genuinely valued authenticity and honesty.
¡°I get it,¡± Ethan finally said, lowering his gaze. ¡°I won¡¯t bring it up again.¡±
ChronoKnight nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s focus on getting through this quest. You¡¯re doing well so far, and I¡¯d like to see you succeed¡ªwithout any unnecessary distractions.¡±
Ethan managed a small smile, though his thoughts were more conflicted than ever. The brief exchange had been a lesson in humility, a reminder that his past as Phoenix didn¡¯t matter here¡ªnot in the way he thought it might. If anything, it was better to leave it behind entirely and focus on building something new, one step at a time.
As they pressed deeper into the forest, Ethan resolved to let go of his old identity, at least for now. It was time to let his actions speak louder than his reputation ever could.
The journey back to the job-changing stand was uneventful, a welcome reprieve after the chaos of earlier. With ChronoKnight by his side, Ethan felt a rare sense of security, as if nothing could go wrong. Monsters seemed less threatening, and even the dense, eerie forest seemed less intimidating.
When they arrived at the job-changing stand, the person in charge¡ªa gruff, middle-aged NPC clad in white and gold robes¡ªgave Ethan a long, scrutinizing look.
¡°You¡¯ve completed the trial,¡± the NPC said, his voice heavy with resignation. ¡°But I have to ask you one last time¡ªare you certain you want to become a healer? This is a demanding path, and not many players choose it for a reason. You won¡¯t have the flashy skills of a swordsman or the overwhelming power of a mage. Your role will be thankless, your journey solitary. Are you sure this is what you want?¡±
Ethan didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Yes. This is what I want.¡±
The NPC sighed, shaking his head as if lamenting Ethan¡¯s decision. ¡°Very well. You have proven your resolve. From this moment forward, you are a healer. Use your abilities wisely.¡±
With a dramatic wave of his hand, the NPC chanted something in a language Ethan couldn¡¯t understand. A faint glow enveloped him, and a notification popped up:
Congratulations! You have successfully changed your job to Healer.
Ethan¡¯s character now donned a simple white tunic with faint green accents, symbolizing his new role. He opened his skill menu and saw a modest list of abilities, including a basic healing spell and a small buff that increased defense for a short time.
ChronoKnight clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Well, you¡¯ve done it. Welcome to the rare breed of healers in this game. I hope you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±Stolen story; please report.
Ethan grinned. ¡°Thanks for your help. I¡¯ll figure it out as I go.¡±
ChronoKnight chuckled. ¡°I like your determination. You¡¯ll do fine. Just don¡¯t let people take advantage of you, okay? Not everyone¡¯s going to be as straightforward as me.¡±
Ethan nodded, appreciating the advice. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±
With a wave, ChronoKnight turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of players near the job-changing area. Ethan watched him go, feeling a mix of gratitude and newfound independence.
Ethan decided to try out his new abilities immediately. He visited the marketplace and used a portion of his remaining gold to buy a small dagger¡ªit wasn¡¯t much, but it was better than going unarmed. Armed and ready, he headed toward the nearest low-level dungeon, eager to see how he¡¯d fare.
The entrance to the dungeon was crowded with other players forming parties, each strategizing for their runs. Ethan approached the board near the entrance and selected a solo run option.
Inside, the dungeon was dimly lit, with narrow stone corridors and faint echoes of dripping water. The first few enemies were weak goblins, perfect for testing his abilities. Ethan engaged one cautiously, slashing with his dagger. The damage was minimal, even with critical hits, and the goblin retaliated with ferocity.
Ethan backed off and cast his basic healing spell on himself. The warm glow of the spell enveloped him, restoring his health. He grinned¡ªit wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to keep him alive without needing to burn through healing potions.
¡°This is going to take forever,¡± he muttered as he resumed attacking the goblin. After what felt like an eternity, the enemy finally collapsed. A notification appeared, awarding him a small amount of experience.
Ethan sighed. The process was slow and grueling. He couldn¡¯t rely on sheer damage to defeat enemies like he had in his DPS days. Instead, he had to outlast them, relying on his healing to survive longer battles.
The next few encounters were much the same. Goblins fell one by one, but it took considerable time and effort. Ethan quickly realized why healers were unpopular in Rebirth Online. At lower levels, their damage output was negligible, making solo grinding a tedious endeavor.
But Ethan wasn¡¯t deterred. If anything, the challenge fueled his determination. He knew how to grind¡ªhis years as a professional gamer had taught him patience and perseverance. He adapted quickly, learning to kite enemies, manage his mana efficiently, and time his heals perfectly.
Each fight became a learning experience, a step toward mastering his new role. As he progressed deeper into the dungeon, he began to appreciate the subtle intricacies of playing as a healer. It wasn¡¯t about dealing damage; it was about survival, endurance, and strategy.
Ethan¡¯s unique approach to combat¡ªcombining precise positioning with constant self-healing¡ªmade him a formidable solo player, even if it wasn¡¯t the most efficient method. And with every victory, he felt a growing sense of accomplishment.
By the time he exited the dungeon, the sun was setting in the game world, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Ethan checked his progress: he hadn¡¯t leveled up, but he was close. More importantly, he felt like he had a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a healer.
He looked at his character, clad in simple healer¡¯s robes, and smiled. This was just the beginning, but he was ready for whatever came next.
______
Ethan stopped playing as the faint rays of dawn crept through his curtains. The sun was almost up, and with it came the rude awakening that he had to face reality once again. His body protested as he peeled himself off the bed, every movement feeling like it required an unreasonable amount of effort. Somehow, through sheer will¡ªor perhaps sheer stubbornness¡ªhe managed to drag himself to school without nodding off on the subway this time.
In class, his victory was short-lived. The teacher, who had clearly been waiting for her moment, called his name with a sharpness that could cut glass. Ethan raised his hand weakly, hoping to avoid any confrontation, but luck was not on his side.
"Mr. Carter," she began, her tone laced with disapproval, "nice of you to join us today. Care to explain why you thought it was acceptable to skip class yesterday without informing anyone?"
Ethan opened his mouth, but before he could even muster an excuse, the teacher''s eyes narrowed, and her gaze shifted from annoyed to... concerned?
She squinted at him, as if trying to discern whether he was a student or a zombie impersonating one. "Ethan, are you... okay? You look like you¡¯ve been in a fight with a steamroller¡ªand lost."
"I¡¯m fine," Ethan croaked, though his pale, sunken face told a different story.
The teacher shook her head, her earlier annoyance replaced with motherly concern. ¡°No, you¡¯re not. You look like you¡¯re about to pass out. Go to the nurse¡¯s office, now.¡±
Ethan didn¡¯t have the energy to argue. He trudged out of the classroom, grateful for an excuse to escape the lecture he wasn¡¯t mentally prepared for.
When Ethan arrived at the nurse¡¯s office, it was eerily quiet. The nurse¡ªor rather, the doctor assigned to the school¡ªwas nowhere to be seen. A neatly made bed beckoned him like a siren¡¯s call, and Ethan decided to take his chances. He collapsed onto it, not even bothering to take off his shoes.
He didn¡¯t just fall asleep¡ªhe plummeted into unconsciousness. He didn¡¯t even make it to the pillow before he was out cold, snoring softly in a way that would have been embarrassing if anyone else were around to hear it.
Ethan woke up to someone loudly clearing their throat. Blinking groggily, he looked up to see the school doctor standing over him, clipboard in hand. The doctor had the expression of someone debating whether they should scold him or diagnose him.
"Well," the doctor began, "you certainly don¡¯t look like someone who came in for a routine checkup. Care to explain why you¡¯re napping in my office during school hours?"
Ethan groaned. ¡°The teacher sent me here. She thought I looked sick.¡±
The doctor¡¯s brow furrowed as he scrutinized Ethan. ¡°Sick? More like sleep-deprived. Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯ve been burning the midnight oil?¡±
Ethan shrugged, unwilling to admit that he¡¯d been grinding levels in a virtual fantasy world until the sun came up.
The doctor wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s run a few tests just to be sure you¡¯re not on the verge of keeling over.¡±
Ethan endured the tests, which mostly involved the doctor poking and prodding him, asking a few questions, and making notes. When it was over, the doctor sighed and delivered his verdict:
"Exhaustion. That¡¯s what this is. Your blood pressure¡¯s a bit low, and your energy reserves are practically nonexistent. If you don¡¯t start taking care of yourself, you¡¯re going to end up in a hospital bed instead of this office. My advice? Rest. And if this continues, go to a bigger hospital for a full checkup."
Ethan nodded, but internally, he was panicking. Bigger hospital? Rest? How was he supposed to grind his healer levels if he was busy following doctor¡¯s orders?
¡°Thanks, Doc,¡± Ethan said quickly, grabbing his bag and standing up before the doctor could make any more recommendations.
"Wait¡ª" the doctor began, but Ethan was already halfway to the door.
¡°Appreciate the concern!¡± Ethan called out over his shoulder as he bolted from the office.
The doctor shook his head, muttering something about teenagers being impossible to deal with. Meanwhile, Ethan felt like he¡¯d dodged a bullet. Rest? Who had time for that when there were dungeons to conquer and levels to gain?
Ethan practically sprinted back to class, hoping to avoid another confrontation. He slid into his seat just as the teacher glanced up from the board, her eyes narrowing like a hawk spotting prey.
"Mr. Carter, back so soon?" she asked, skepticism laced in her voice.
"Yeah, the doc said I was fine," Ethan lied, slouching into his chair.
The teacher didn¡¯t look convinced. In fact, she stared at him harder, her gaze moving over his pale skin, tired eyes, and the way his head seemed perilously close to dropping onto his desk.
"You look like death warmed over," she stated bluntly, causing a few students to snicker.
Ethan felt the tips of his ears burn. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he mumbled, though he knew how unconvincing he sounded.
The teacher didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°I¡¯m not having you pass out in my class, Mr. Carter. Go back to the nurse¡¯s office.¡±
Ethan groaned, slumping further into his chair. He had just escaped from there, and the idea of going back felt like a bad joke. ¡°I just came from there! He said I¡¯m fine!¡±
The teacher crossed her arms, her expression firm. ¡°If you¡¯re fine, why do you look like you haven¡¯t slept in a week?¡±
Ethan opened his mouth to protest but realized he didn¡¯t have the energy to argue. Defeated, he grabbed his bag and stood up. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go.¡±
But halfway to the door, he stopped, an idea striking him. Turning back to the teacher, he asked, ¡°Can I just go home instead? Clearly, I¡¯m not welcome here or in the nurse¡¯s office.¡±
The class fell silent, students turning to gawk at him. It wasn¡¯t every day someone requested to go home right in the middle of a lecture.
The teacher blinked, clearly taken aback. ¡°You want to go home?¡±
Ethan nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m clearly not fit for school today, right? So, let me go home and rest, like everyone keeps telling me to.¡±
For a moment, the teacher just stared at him, as if trying to decide whether he was being sarcastic or genuinely needed help. Finally, she sighed, reaching into her desk drawer for a hall pass. ¡°Fine. Here¡¯s your pass. Go home and get some rest, Carter. And don¡¯t make a habit of this.¡±
Ethan took the pass, muttering a quick ¡°thank you¡± before heading out the door.
As he walked through the empty hallways, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of relief and frustration. Sure, he was going home, but all the back-and-forth had been exhausting in itself. All he wanted now was to collapse onto his bed¡ªor, more realistically, to log back into Rebirth Online and forget this day ever happened.
Chapter 11: Those left behind
Ethan stumbled into his room, dropping his bag near the door with a tired sigh. His body screamed for sleep, but his mind was already tugging him in a different direction. He glanced at his VR headset, its sleek design gleaming invitingly in the soft light of his room.
"Just a little while," he muttered to himself. "I¡¯ll log in, do some grinding, and then I¡¯ll rest."
With that flimsy excuse, he booted up Rebirth Online.
______
As Ethan logged in, he felt a wave of comfort wash over him. His avatar materialized in the bustling in-game town, and the familiar background music played, soothing his frayed nerves. Despite his exhaustion, the thought of leveling up his new healer class kept him motivated.
He queued up a few quests and headed out into the wild zones. His first encounters were disastrous.
Swinging his dagger at a low-level goblin, Ethan misjudged the timing and ended up getting smacked in the face with the goblin''s crude club. His health dropped alarmingly, forcing him to spam his healing ability to stay alive.
"Damn it," Ethan muttered, his sluggish reaction time making it difficult to dodge incoming attacks. "Why is everything so slow today?"
Despite his struggles, something unusual began to happen. Each fight was messy and clumsy, but with every encounter, Ethan noticed his experience bar moving faster than expected. His healer class came with a buff that granted increased experience gain from surviving near-death situations and assisting allies, even if those allies were just NPCs.
After an hour of awkward combat and questionable decision-making, Ethan found himself leveling up at a surprising rate.
¡°Guess even being bad at this class has its perks,¡± he said wryly, slumping back in his chair during a loading screen.
His new skills began to fill out his arsenal. He unlocked Lesser Shield, a spell that added a temporary buffer to his health, and Rejuvenation Touch, a healing-over-time ability that helped him survive longer fights. Though he was struggling now, Ethan could see the potential of his class shining through.
Ethan¡¯s fingers hovered over his keyboard as the screen transitioned back to the main town hub. He rubbed his temples, feeling the strain of his sloppy gameplay. Still, despite how messy his fights had been, he couldn¡¯t deny the sense of accomplishment that came with leveling up and gaining new skills for his healer class.
¡°Maybe I should call it a day,¡± he muttered. But his curiosity got the better of him, and instead of logging out, he clicked over to the in-game forums. It was his routine now, checking for updates or tips from other players. He wasn¡¯t expecting much¡ªa new shop sale, maybe some random bug fixes¡ªbut the moment the page loaded, his screen was overtaken by a bold banner.
MEGA BOSS RAID: THE FALLEN TITAN
Ethan blinked at the announcement, the image of a massive, grotesque figure wielding a glowing mace dominating the top of the page. The words beneath it were just as dramatic:
¡°Prepare yourselves for the ultimate test of skill and teamwork. The Fallen Titan awakens, and it will take the entire server to bring him down. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?¡±
Ethan leaned forward, intrigued. As he scrolled, more details unfolded.
- Raid Date: Two weeks from now.
- Location: The Desolate Wastes, an open area accessible to players level 20 and above.
- Mechanics: The Fallen Titan is an unstoppable force, dealing massive AoE (area of effect) damage that requires coordinated shielding and healing to survive.
- Rewards: Unique legendary gear, rare crafting materials, and a permanent achievement for all participants.
Ethan¡¯s eyes lingered on the rewards. Legendary gear, he thought. Even for someone with his experience, items like that weren¡¯t easy to come by. This was the kind of event that could catapult players to fame within the game.
But then his gaze caught on one particular line buried within the description:
¡°Warning: The Fallen Titan deals overwhelming damage. Success will require exceptional shielding and healing to keep the raid party alive.¡±
The emphasis on healing and shielding stood out like a neon sign. He rubbed his chin, considering the implications.
¡°Of course,¡± he muttered. ¡°They¡¯re practically begging for healers to join this event.¡±
______
Ethan scrolled down to read the comments section, and it was exactly as he expected¡ªchaos. Players were arguing, speculating, and complaining in equal measure.
¡°Finally, something that actually challenges us!¡±
¡°This boss sounds impossible. How are we supposed to survive constant AoE damage?¡±
¡°Didn¡¯t they realize that no one plays healer in this game?¡±
The last comment resonated with Ethan. It was true¡ªhealers were a rare class, almost nonexistent in Rebirth Online. In fact, his own decision to pick the class had been met with skepticism and mockery.
More comments scrolled by:
¡°We¡¯re doomed. Healers are like unicorns in this game.¡±
¡°Calling it now¡ªthis event is a flop unless they buff healers or nerf the boss.¡±
¡°This is just Rebirth Online¡¯s way of trying to guilt-trip people into playing support classes. Not gonna work on me.¡±
Ethan smirked. The skepticism was almost amusing. Healers might not be the most popular or flashy class, but he was beginning to appreciate the challenge they posed. And now, with this raid, it seemed like the entire game was about to realize just how vital healers could be.
One comment caught his attention, posted by a player who seemed to have done some digging:
¡°Did anyone else notice how the timing of this event lines up with the devs releasing a new healer-exclusive skill tree next patch? It¡¯s a ploy to get more people to play healers, but honestly... it¡¯s working.¡±
¡°Interesting,¡± Ethan murmured. The idea of an expanded skill tree was tempting. Healers might have been underappreciated now, but this raid could change that. If he played his cards right, he could help redefine how players viewed the class.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, the possibilities buzzing in his mind. On one hand, this was exactly the kind of large-scale challenge he loved.
It reminded him of his pro gaming days, where strategic teamwork and precise execution were everything.
On the other hand, the stakes felt higher than usual. This wasn¡¯t just about winning¡ªit was about proving the viability of a class that everyone else seemed to think was useless.
¡°Alright, Fallen Titan,¡± he said under his breath, a small grin forming. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as tough as they say.¡±This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Even though the raid was still weeks away, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path he¡¯d chosen¡ªgrueling as it was¡ªsuddenly felt like the right one. Sure, healers were rare. Sure, people underestimated them. But that only made success all the more satisfying.
He logged out of the forums and stretched, his body reminding him how tired he was. But as he turned off his computer, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was on the cusp of something extraordinary.
______
While Ethan was enjoying his newfound freedom and immersing himself in Rebirth Online, his former teammates at EPGames were neck-deep in frustration. The once-unbeatable trio¡ªRupert, the team¡¯s reliable shield tank, Nate, the calculating strategist, and Felix, their quick-tempered DPS¡ªwere struggling to adjust to their new reality.
Their new fourth member, a brash and self-proclaimed prodigy named Zane, was proving to be more trouble than he was worth. Zane¡¯s confidence seemed inversely proportional to his ability to work as part of a team. Instead of building rapport with his new teammates, he made it his mission to remind them, at every possible moment, that he was there because he had replaced The Legendary Phoenix.
¡°Let¡¯s be honest,¡± Zane said one day after a particularly rough scrim. ¡°You guys needed me. Phoenix was good, sure, but he wasn¡¯t adaptable. Me? I¡¯m the total package. Fast reflexes, unmatched mechanics, and, most importantly, a fresh perspective. No offense, but you guys were stuck in the past.¡±
Felix¡¯s hand twitched, gripping his mouse tightly. ¡°No offense? You just trashed our captain and called us outdated. How is that no offense?¡±
Zane shrugged, flashing a smug grin. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just stating facts. Don¡¯t take it personally. Besides, didn¡¯t we win two rounds yesterday? That¡¯s all thanks to me, by the way.¡±
Nate adjusted his glasses and leaned back in his chair, his face impassive. ¡°We won those rounds because the other team made careless mistakes, not because of your... ¡®genius.¡¯¡±
¡°Details, details,¡± Zane replied, waving him off. ¡°Bottom line? I¡¯m here to carry this team to the top.¡±
Rupert, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. ¡°We¡¯re supposed to be a team, Zane. Not a one-man show. If you can¡¯t see that, we¡¯re never going to get anywhere.¡±
Zane laughed, leaning back in his chair with an infuriatingly casual air. ¡°Relax, big guy. I¡¯ve got this under control. Just follow my lead, and we¡¯ll be unstoppable.¡±
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. It was clear to everyone except Zane that the team dynamic was crumbling. After another disastrous scrim¡ªwhere Zane went rogue and ignored their strategy, leading to an embarrassing loss¡ªthey decided they couldn¡¯t keep going like this.
¡°Alright, this isn¡¯t working,¡± Rupert said, slamming his fist on the table during their break. ¡°We need to fix this, and we all know how.¡±
¡°You mean...¡± Nate began, his eyes narrowing.
¡°Yes,¡± Rupert confirmed. ¡°We need to bring back Phoenix.¡±
Felix raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you really think he¡¯d come back? After everything that happened?¡±
¡°We won¡¯t know unless we try,¡± Rupert replied firmly. ¡°He was the glue that held this team together. Without him, we¡¯re falling apart.¡±
Nate nodded slowly. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m in. But how do we even contact him? None of us have his number.¡±
That realization hit them like a truck. Despite spending years as teammates, none of them had ever bothered to forge a personal connection with Ethan. They had always assumed he would be there, a constant presence, and never thought to exchange phone numbers or even check in with him outside of the game.
Felix groaned, running a hand through his hair. ¡°We¡¯re idiots. How did we not think to get his number? He was our captain!¡±
¡°We¡¯ll have to go through Alex,¡± Rupert said after a moment of silence.
Alex, their manager, was the only person they could think of who might have Ethan¡¯s contact information. They approached him after practice, their expressions grim.
¡°Alex, we need Phoenix¡¯s number,¡± Rupert said bluntly.
The manager looked up from his tablet, his eyebrows raising. ¡°Why?¡±
¡°Because this isn¡¯t working,¡± Felix interjected. ¡°The new guy¡¯s a nightmare. We need Phoenix back.¡±
Alex leaned back in his chair, studying them carefully. ¡°I¡¯m not surprised you¡¯re struggling. Replacing someone like Phoenix isn¡¯t easy. But you know I can¡¯t give out his personal information without his consent.¡±
¡°Come on, Alex,¡± Nate said, his tone bordering on desperate. ¡°This is an emergency. We can¡¯t keep going like this.¡±
Alex shook his head. ¡°Rules are rules. And besides, Ethan made it clear when he left that he doesn¡¯t want to come back. You¡¯d just be wasting your time.¡±
Rupert clenched his fists, his frustration evident. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything you can do? You¡¯re our manager. Help us out here.¡±
Alex¡¯s expression softened, but he remained firm. ¡°If Ethan wants to come back, it has to be his decision. My advice? Figure out how to make things work with Zane.¡±
As Alex walked away, the trio exchanged defeated looks.
¡°What now?¡± Felix muttered, slumping in his chair.
¡°We¡¯ll figure something out,¡± Rupert said, though his voice lacked conviction.
Deep down, they all knew their chances of convincing Ethan to return were slim. Without Alex¡¯s help, they had no way of even contacting him. And with each passing day, the gap left by their former captain seemed more impossible to fill. Meanwhile, Zane¡¯s cocky grin only grew wider, blissfully unaware¡ªor uncaring¡ªof the storm brewing within his team.
______
The first official tournament match for Ethan¡¯s former team was supposed to mark a new chapter in their journey. It was their chance to prove that they could thrive without Phoenix and show that Zane, their new teammate, was an asset rather than a liability. Unfortunately, reality had other plans.
From the very beginning of the match, Zane¡¯s overconfidence was their undoing. He played recklessly, charging into battles without coordinating with his team. While Rupert, Nate, and Felix scrambled to cover for him, Zane ignored their calls and strategies, insisting on doing things his way.
¡°I¡¯ve got this, guys!¡± Zane said over the comms after yet another premature engagement. ¡°Just keep up with me!¡±
¡°Zane, fall back!¡± Rupert growled, his frustration boiling over. ¡°You¡¯re overextending¡ªagain!¡±
But Zane didn¡¯t listen. He dove headfirst into the enemy team and was promptly eliminated.
¡°Ugh, this is embarrassing,¡± Felix muttered as their team suffered yet another wipe.
By the end of the match, they had lost in a humiliating fashion, barely putting up a fight against their opponents. The defeat stung, but what followed was even worse.
As per tournament tradition, the teams were required to greet each other over voice chat after the match. The other team joined the call, and a familiar voice cut through the awkward silence.
¡°Well, well,¡± said Andrew, the league¡¯s reigning best player and former number two. His tone was calm but carried an edge of smugness. ¡°That was... underwhelming. What happened to you guys? You used to be a challenge.¡±
Rupert felt his jaw tighten. ¡°We¡¯re just getting used to a new team dynamic,¡± he replied diplomatically, though the sting of Andrew¡¯s words was palpable.
Andrew chuckled softly. ¡°If you say so. But honestly, you¡¯ve gotten sloppy. Losing to a team like ours? That¡¯s not the EPGames I remember.¡±
The insult struck a nerve, particularly with Zane, who immediately bristled. ¡°Hey, watch it!¡± he snapped. ¡°I¡¯m new here, alright? You can¡¯t expect me to carry a legacy overnight!¡±
Andrew didn¡¯t respond right away, but the silence only made Zane¡¯s temper flare.
¡°And for your information,¡± Zane continued, his voice rising, ¡°I¡¯m young, full of energy, and I¡¯ve got my whole future ahead of me! Don¡¯t write me off just because I¡¯m not some washed-up veteran!¡±
Andrew let out a dry laugh. ¡°Young, huh? You think that¡¯s your edge?¡±
¡°Obviously,¡± Zane shot back. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±
There was a pause before Andrew¡¯s voice returned, this time with a sharp edge. ¡°You know, for someone so confident, you don¡¯t know much about the person you replaced, do you?¡±
¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Zane asked, his tone defensive.
Andrew sighed. ¡°Let me spell it out for you. Phoenix wasn¡¯t some grizzled adult pro. He was a kid. A minor. Probably still in school.¡±
The revelation hit like a bomb. For a moment, no one said anything. Rupert, Nate, and Felix exchanged stunned glances, their headsets silent.
¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Zane said, though his voice wavered. ¡°That¡¯s just some rumor you¡¯re spreading to mess with us.¡±
Andrew chuckled again, though this time it was more pitying than mocking. ¡°Believe what you want. The truth always comes out eventually.¡±
The call ended shortly after, leaving the team to stew in their thoughts.
______
It didn¡¯t take long for Andrew¡¯s revelation to spread. Within hours, social media and gaming forums were abuzz with discussions about Phoenix¡¯s true identity. The idea that the legendary player, who had dominated the e-sports scene for years, was actually a high school student shocked the community.
Some fans expressed disbelief, while others speculated on how such a secret could have been kept under wraps for so long. Theories ranged from agency cover-ups to Phoenix being a prodigy who skipped grades to turn pro. The speculation grew so rampant that even mainstream media outlets began picking up the story.
For Ethan, who had been quietly grinding away in Rebirth Online, the news reached him through sheer persistence. He rarely paid attention to gaming news anymore, but the chatter on general forums was impossible to ignore.
¡°Did you hear? Phoenix was a kid all along!¡±
¡°Imagine being a minor and carrying an entire e-sports team. Insane.¡±
¡°So that¡¯s why he always avoided interviews. Makes sense now.¡±
At first, Ethan thought it was just another baseless rumor. But as he read through thread after thread, the consistency of the claims made him pause. He closed his browser and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.
¡°Great,¡± he muttered to himself. ¡°Exactly what I needed¡ªmore attention.¡±
He wasn¡¯t angry or even particularly surprised. He had always known that his age would eventually come to light. Still, he had hoped to keep a low profile and leave his past behind. Now, with the spotlight turning back toward him, Ethan wondered how long he could stay anonymous before someone connected the dots.
Chapter 12: We need a healer - Part 1
Ethan logged into Rebirth Online, ready to dive into the escapism he desperately needed after the events of the day. The moment his character materialized in the bustling hub city, however, he was bombarded with the same topic he had been trying to avoid: the reveal about Phoenix¡¯s age.
Global chat was alive with chatter, and nearly every third message mentioned Phoenix.
[PlayerOne]: Can you believe it? Phoenix was a kid the whole time?
[StarChaser22]: Explains why he never showed up to post-tourney parties.
[SilentBlade99]: I heard Zane was super close to him. Probably why he spilled the tea.
[FireLord]: Imagine being Zane and having the guts to replace a legend and expose him. Respect.
Ethan clenched his jaw, his fingers hovering over the chat box. He wanted to ignore it, but the relentless stream of misinformation was like an itch he couldn¡¯t scratch.
He teleported to a popular leveling dungeon, hoping to gather a party and lose himself in some grinding. Yet even here, the topic persisted.
[DarkWolf_98]: Yo, did you see the clip? Zane basically said Phoenix was a school kid.
[MagicFury]: Makes sense. No wonder Phoenix retired early.
[SkyRunner]: Zane¡¯s gotta be tight with Phoenix to know that stuff. Like, best-friend level.
Ethan sighed, knowing he wouldn¡¯t be able to form a group without someone bringing it up. He decided to set the record straight.
Typing into the local chat, he wrote:
[Ash_]: Zane and Phoenix aren¡¯t close. The only reason Zane knows his age is because of an incident with alcohol, not some deep friendship.
The chat immediately lit up with responses.
[FireLord]: Oh? Do tell.
[DarkWolf_98]: Sounds like someone¡¯s jealous Zane got the inside scoop.
[MagicFury]: What do you know about it, anyway?
Ethan hesitated. He didn¡¯t want to stir the pot further, but the memory of that ridiculous incident with Zane came flooding back.
It had been during a post-tournament celebration. The team had gathered in their suite to relax after a hard-fought victory, and Zane, being Zane, was determined to play the role of the cool older guy.
¡°Hey, Phoenix!¡± Zane had said, flashing a cocky grin. ¡°What do you drink? Whiskey? Vodka? Or are you more of a fancy cocktail kind of guy?¡±
Ethan, who had been scrolling through his phone on the couch, didn¡¯t even look up. ¡°I¡¯ll take a soda. Thanks.¡±
Zane frowned. ¡°Come on, man. Live a little! I¡¯ll have it shipped straight to your place. What¡¯s your address?¡±
Ethan had sighed, realizing Zane wasn¡¯t going to let it go. ¡°I don¡¯t drink, Zane.¡±
¡°Why not? You don¡¯t like the taste?¡±
¡°No,¡± Ethan replied flatly. ¡°Because I¡¯m underage.¡±
That had stopped Zane in his tracks. But instead of dropping the subject, Zane had taken it as a challenge.
¡°Underage? Nah, you¡¯re pulling my leg. Prove it.¡±
Ethan had groaned but eventually pulled up his ID to settle the matter. Zane had leaned over, squinting at the screen.
¡°Whoa,¡± Zane had said, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re seriously still in school?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Ethan had said, deadpan. ¡°Now drop it.¡±
Back in the game, Ethan sighed as he typed out a simplified version of the story into the chat.
[Ash_]: Zane only knows Phoenix¡¯s age because he once tried to send him alcohol and wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer. Phoenix had to show him proof. That¡¯s it.
For a moment, the chat was quiet. Ethan thought he might have successfully diffused the situation, but then the replies came in.
[FireLord]: Lol, sure. Sounds like someone¡¯s bitter they weren¡¯t part of the inner circle.
[MagicFury]: Jealous much? Let Zane have his moment.
[DarkWolf_98]: Yeah, Ash. If you¡¯re not Phoenix¡¯s bestie, why do you care so much?
Ethan¡¯s frustration boiled over. He wanted to scream at them, to tell them he was Phoenix, but he knew it would only make things worse. Instead, he closed the chat window and focused on the dungeon entrance.
Before he could enter, a group of players standing nearby whispered to each other, pointing at him. He could feel their judgment like a physical weight.
¡°Forget this,¡± Ethan muttered, turning on his heel. He left the area, deciding to find somewhere quieter to grind.
Even as he wandered through less populated zones, Ethan couldn¡¯t shake the sinking feeling in his chest. It wasn¡¯t the first time he¡¯d been alienated in an online game, but this felt personal. For years, he had been the one everyone admired, the one who set the bar for excellence. Now, he was the outsider, pushed away by people who didn¡¯t even know him.
The irony wasn¡¯t lost on him. He had stepped away from his old life to avoid the scrutiny and pressure, but somehow it had found him anyway.
¡°Maybe I should¡¯ve just stayed anonymous,¡± Ethan muttered to himself as he dispatched a low-level mob.
Yet deep down, he knew the truth. It wasn¡¯t just the game that was frustrating him¡ªit was the isolation. The very thing he had sought out to escape had followed him into his new life, and for the first time in a long time, Ethan felt truly alone.
Feeling increasingly frustrated by the isolation and the relentless Phoenix gossip, Ethan decided he wasn¡¯t going to wait around for someone to join him. He would handle things on his own, just as he always had.
He made his way to the nearest quest board in the bustling main hub of Rebirth Online. The quest master, an animated NPC with a gruff voice and a massive mustache, greeted him as Ethan approached.
¡°Ah, a brave adventurer! What brings you here today? Looking for a new challenge, I presume?¡±
Ethan nodded, scanning the available quests. Most were labeled as ¡°party recommended,¡± and the few solo quests were either dull or geared toward players even newer than him.
¡°I¡¯ll take the Forest Grump quest,¡± Ethan said, pointing at the parchment pinned to the board.
The quest master stroked his mustache, his pixelated eyebrows furrowing. ¡°That¡¯s a tricky one, lad. You¡¯ll be helping a cantankerous old farmer fend off pests and manage his crops. It¡¯s designed for a small group. Got a party with you?¡±
Ethan frowned, his annoyance bubbling to the surface. ¡°No. I tried getting a party, but no one wanted to join me.¡±
The quest master¡¯s eyes widened awkwardly, his mustache twitching as if struggling to decide whether to offer sympathy or pretend he hadn¡¯t heard. After an uncomfortable pause, he sighed. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t stop you from trying, but don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. That old farmer¡¯s temper is tougher to handle than the pests.¡±
¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Ethan muttered, accepting the quest. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with.¡±
Ethan teleported to the outskirts of a quaint, overgrown farmstead. The area was surrounded by thick woods, the atmosphere oddly serene for what he assumed would be a chaotic quest. Standing near a decrepit barn was the quest¡¯s namesake¡ªa hunched old man with a grizzled beard and an expression so sour it could curdle milk.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
¡°You¡¯re late,¡± the old man barked as Ethan approached. ¡°Do you adventurers have clocks, or do you just wander in whenever you feel like it?¡±
Ethan blinked, caught off guard. ¡°I got here as soon as I accepted the quest.¡±
¡°Hmph.¡± The old man crossed his arms, glaring at Ethan. ¡°Well, I guess you¡¯ll have to do. Here¡¯s the deal: my farm¡¯s overrun with pests, my crops are wilting, and my livestock are causing chaos. You¡¯re gonna fix it.¡±
¡°Sure,¡± Ethan replied flatly. ¡°What do you need first?¡±
¡°All of it,¡± the old man snapped. ¡°At the same time. Start with the chickens¡ªthey¡¯ve been acting up.¡±
Ethan sighed and made his way toward the chicken coop, where a flock of unruly, feathered troublemakers was squawking and flapping around like tiny tornadoes.
¡°Of course it¡¯s chickens,¡± Ethan muttered. Memories of his disastrous tutorial chicken boss fight flashed through his mind. He steeled himself, determined not to let a few farm animals get the better of him this time.
Using his healer skills creatively, Ethan cast a soothing spell over the chickens. They calmed down almost immediately, their clucking softening into contented coos.
¡°Huh,¡± Ethan said to himself, feeling a small spark of pride. ¡°That actually worked.¡±
He returned to the old man, expecting some acknowledgment of his success. Instead, the farmer scowled at him.
¡°Took you long enough! Now the crops are wilting. Get to it!¡±
Suppressing the urge to roll his eyes, Ethan trudged over to the fields. The plants were drooping and dull, clearly in need of water. He used his healing spells again, this time infusing the soil with vitality. Within moments, the crops perked up, their leaves shimmering with newfound life.
Ethan turned back to the farmer, hoping for at least a grudging nod of approval. Instead, the man waved him off. ¡°The pigs are stuck in the mud now. Go on, don¡¯t dawdle!¡±
¡°This guy is impossible,¡± Ethan grumbled as he stomped toward the pigpen.
The rest of the quest continued in much the same way. Every time Ethan completed a task, the old farmer found something else for him to do, never once showing any sign of gratitude. By the time Ethan had herded the sheep, repaired the fence, and cleared the barn of giant rats, his patience was wearing thin.
As he returned to the farmer for what he prayed was the final time, he couldn¡¯t stop himself from blurting out, ¡°Do you ever say thank you, or is grumpiness just your default setting?¡±
The old man raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into what might have been the faintest hint of a smile. ¡°Thank you? Bah! You young adventurers don¡¯t know the meaning of hard work. But I¡¯ll say this¡ªyou¡¯ve done better than most. Here¡¯s your reward.¡±
Ethan accepted the quest reward¡ªa modest sum of gold and some farming supplies he¡¯d likely never use¡ªand teleported back to the hub city.
As frustrating as the quest had been, Ethan felt a strange sense of satisfaction. He¡¯d managed to tackle it alone, proving once again that he didn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s help. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but think about how much easier it would have been with a real party.
¡°Maybe next time,¡± he muttered to himself.
For now, he had earned a break¡ªand maybe, just maybe, a chance to finally escape the relentless chatter about Phoenix.
With the grueling Forest Grump quest finally behind him, Ethan teleported back to the starting village. His legs felt like jelly, and he could practically hear his avatar groaning in protest. All he wanted was to sell off some loot, restock on potions, and maybe log out for a break.
But as soon as he materialized in the bustling village square, a commotion swept through the crowd. Players were gathered around a large announcement board that hadn¡¯t been there earlier, their voices rising in a cacophony of excitement and concern.
¡°What¡¯s going on now?¡± Ethan muttered, trudging toward the crowd.
He pushed his way through, his curiosity piqued. The board displayed a vibrant banner in gold and green:
¡°Farming Frenzy Event!¡±
¡°Defend the Village from the Beastly Ravagers and Harvest Glorious Rewards!¡±
A group of players wearing the telltale gear of high-level raiders stood at the forefront of the crowd. Their shoulders were slumped, and their expressions ranged from frustration to outright defeat. The leader, a burly swordsman named Varrik, raised his hand for silence.
¡°Listen up, everyone!¡± Varrik called out, his voice grim. ¡°We just came back from the Farming Frenzy event, and let me tell you¡ªit¡¯s impossible!¡±
The crowd gasped.
¡°What do you mean, impossible?¡± someone shouted. ¡°You¡¯re the top raiding guild in the game!¡±
Varrik shook his head, his armor clinking as he crossed his arms. ¡°The event monster is a Ravager Beast with an obscene amount of stamina and health. We threw everything we had at it¡ªtanks, DPS, crowd control¡ªbut it just kept regenerating and wearing us down.¡±
¡°Sounds like you need to git gud!¡± a cocky archer yelled from the back, eliciting nervous laughter.
Varrik¡¯s glare silenced the jeering. ¡°This isn¡¯t about skill. We were holding our ground until our tanks couldn¡¯t sustain the damage anymore. We were forced to retreat.¡±
¡°Then get better tanks!¡± another player argued.
¡°It¡¯s not the tanks¡¯ fault!¡± Varrik snapped. ¡°We need a healer. A real one. That¡¯s the only way to beat this thing.¡±
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud. A healer? The crowd exchanged uneasy glances.
¡°Are you serious?¡± someone muttered. ¡°Healers are almost extinct in this game.¡±
¡°Yeah, good luck finding one. There¡¯s, what, a handful in the entire player base?¡±
¡°And they¡¯re all already in high-level parties,¡± another added.
The murmurs turned into a buzz of anxiety. Players who had initially been excited about the event were now scrambling to rethink their strategies. The thought of needing a healer¡ªa role so few had chosen¡ªwas sending ripples of panic through the village.
Ethan stood at the edge of the crowd, listening intently. His brow furrowed as he pieced together the situation.
This event is basically a healer¡¯s paradise, he realized. No wonder the game¡¯s been hyping it up. But they didn¡¯t bother to balance it for the lack of healers. Typical devs.
He glanced around, noticing how quickly the excitement had turned into despair. Players were already shouting at each other, blaming the game design, and accusing the devs of trying to force people into unpopular classes.
¡°Where the hell are we supposed to find a healer?¡± someone groaned.
¡°You know what? Screw this event. I¡¯m not wasting my time,¡± another player huffed before storming off.
Ethan lingered at the edge of the square, his mind racing. He¡¯d only just unlocked his healer class, and while he was far from proficient, he understood what the event needed. Healers weren¡¯t just a convenience for this boss¡ªthey were the only viable solution.
But did he really want to put himself in the spotlight? He could already imagine the questions, the expectations, and the comparisons to his former life as Phoenix.
As the crowd thinned, Varrik and his group began packing up to regroup. Ethan caught sight of the frustration etched into their faces.
Maybe I could help. I mean, I¡¯ve handled tougher situations before.
Then again, the thought of stepping into the fray and exposing himself as a low-level, inexperienced healer was daunting. And if he failed? The ridicule would be unbearable.
Ethan looked down at his avatar¡¯s staff, his grip tightening. The farming event was a rare chance to prove himself as a healer¡ªnot just to others, but to himself.
But do I really want to get involved in this chaos? he wondered, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on him.
As Ethan stood at the edge of the crowd, weighing his options, someone¡¯s sharp eyes locked onto the staff in his hand. A young, enthusiastic mage¡ªhis avatar decked out in mismatched beginner gear¡ªpointed at him with unrestrained excitement.
¡°Hey! You¡¯re a healer, aren¡¯t you?¡± the mage shouted, their voice cutting through the clamor.
Ethan froze, caught off guard.
The mage pushed through the crowd, a spark of hope lighting up their expression. ¡°We need a healer for this event. Can you join us? Please?¡±
All eyes turned toward Ethan. The buzz of anxious chatter ceased as players craned their necks to get a look at the unexpected savior. The weight of their collective gaze made Ethan¡¯s stomach twist.
¡°I¡ªuh¡ª¡± Ethan stammered, taking a step back.
¡°Come on!¡± the mage pressed, practically bouncing in place. ¡°If we had a healer, we could finally stand a chance!¡±
A larger player¡ªa burly axe-wielder¡ªclapped the mage on the shoulder and grinned at Ethan. ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t be shy, buddy! We¡¯ve got the DPS. You just keep us alive, and we¡¯ll handle the rest.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t even know these people,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, feeling cornered.
The attention was suffocating. He didn¡¯t recognize any of these players, but their desperation was palpable. They were banking on him, a total stranger, to be the miracle that salvaged their chances in the event.
¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Ethan said, shaking his head. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±
The declaration landed like a lead weight. For a moment, there was stunned silence.
¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡± the mage asked, their hopeful expression crumbling.
Ethan shook his head again, trying to back away. ¡°I¡¯m not ready for something like this. Find someone else.¡±
¡°Find someone else?¡± the axe-wielder repeated, his tone incredulous. ¡°You¡¯re literally the only healer here!¡±
¡°I just¡ª¡± Ethan struggled for words. ¡°I can¡¯t help you right now.¡±
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, turning into a tide of resentment.
¡°Are you serious?¡± someone hissed.
¡°What kind of healer refuses to heal?¡±
¡°Why even pick that class if you¡¯re not going to play your role?¡±
The accusations and glares started to build, each one like a jab to Ethan¡¯s chest. The crowd¡¯s frustration boiled over, and Ethan could feel the hostility radiating toward him.
¡°You¡¯re selfish,¡± the mage said, their voice trembling with anger. ¡°You could¡¯ve made a difference, but you¡¯re just wasting the class.¡±
Ethan clenched his fists, his heart pounding. The situation was spiraling out of control, and the mob mentality was closing in fast.
Before things could escalate further, Ethan opened his menu and quickly navigated to the log-out option. His fingers fumbled, but he pressed the button just as the mage took a step forward, their mouth opening to deliver another accusation.
The village and the angry faces of the players disappeared in an instant, replaced by the familiar login screen.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, letting out a shaky breath. His hands were trembling, and his chest felt tight.
¡°That was close,¡± he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Logging out was the only way to escape the pressure, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. He hadn¡¯t wanted to disappoint anyone, but the way they had turned on him so quickly stung more than he cared to admit.
¡°Maybe I wasn¡¯t ready for this after all,¡± he said softly, staring at the blank screen in front of him.
Chapter 13: We need a healer - Part 2
Ethan¡¯s fingers hovered over the keyboard, a mix of apprehension and fatigue clouding his thoughts as he logged back into Rebirth Online. The familiar loading screen filled his monitor, the soothing melody doing little to quell the knot in his stomach.
He had logged out in a rush the day before, hoping that the chaos and hostility surrounding him would die down overnight. But as the virtual village materialized before him, it was clear that peace was not in his cards.
The moment Ethan appeared, his chat window exploded.
[Player1]: Hey healer, we need you for the farming event!
[Player2]: Party up with us! We¡¯ve got DPS!
[Player3]: Dude, what¡¯s wrong with you? Heal us this time!
He grimaced as message after message scrolled by. Even more players crowded around his avatar, their desperation palpable. Clicking furiously, he dismissed each invitation, his patience wearing thin.
The sheer number of players calling on him was staggering. Many of them were fresh avatars, hastily created as alts by more experienced players who had heard about the farming event and realized they couldn¡¯t progress without a healer.
But healers were a rare breed in Rebirth Online. The role¡¯s inherent difficulty and lack of immediate gratification turned most players away. Many of the so-called ¡°alt healers¡± would quit after an hour of frustration, abandoning their characters in favor of returning to their mains.
The cycle was vicious and unsustainable, leaving Ethan once again as one of the few healers online, and the only one with even a modicum of experience.
¡°I just want to play the game,¡± Ethan muttered under his breath, moving his character to a quieter part of the village.
As he tried to escape the chaos, a notification popped up.
[ChronoKnight]: Hey, Ethan. Got a minute?
The message was like a lifeline in a storm of party requests. Ethan blinked at the name, his heart skipping a beat. ChronoKnight¡ªthe mysterious, competent swordsman who had helped him during his first job change quest.
Ethan hesitated, his fingers poised over the keyboard. He couldn¡¯t deny that ChronoKnight had been a reliable ally, but the timing of the message made him suspicious.
[Ethan]: Hey. What¡¯s up?
The reply came almost instantly.
[ChronoKnight]: Heard about the farming event. I figure you¡¯re being swamped with requests.
Ethan exhaled, his tension easing slightly. At least ChronoKnight wasn¡¯t one of the rabid players demanding his help.
[Ethan]: Yeah, it¡¯s been¡ a lot.
[ChronoKnight]: Thought so. I was wondering if you¡¯d be interested in teaming up.
Ethan¡¯s fingers stilled. ChronoKnight¡¯s directness was refreshing, but it also put him on guard.
[Ethan]: Why do you want to team up?
There was a pause before ChronoKnight¡¯s reply came through.
[ChronoKnight]: Because I know how these events work. They¡¯re tailored to frustrate solo players. And let¡¯s face it, healers like you are a game-changer in these situations. If we team up, we could actually make some progress.
Ethan stared at the screen, mulling over the words. ChronoKnight¡¯s reasoning was sound, but a niggling doubt remained in the back of his mind. He had been burned before¡ªby teammates, by supposed allies¡ªand he wasn¡¯t eager to repeat the experience.
[Ethan]: What¡¯s in it for you?
[ChronoKnight]: Honestly? I just like playing the game with competent people. You¡¯re a good healer, and I¡¯m a decent swordsman. We¡¯d make a solid team. That¡¯s all.
Ethan felt a pang of guilt for doubting him. ChronoKnight¡¯s message didn¡¯t come off as insincere or manipulative. If anything, it sounded genuine.
[Ethan]: Fine. I¡¯ll team up with you. But no funny business.
[ChronoKnight]: Funny business? I¡¯m not Esmo. Chill. I¡¯ll meet you by the event portal.
When Ethan arrived at the portal, ChronoKnight was already waiting, his armor polished and his sword glinting in the sunlight. He looked every bit the confident warrior Ethan remembered.
¡°Good to see you again,¡± ChronoKnight said, giving a friendly wave.
Ethan nodded, unsure how to respond. Social interactions, even virtual ones, were still not his strong suit.
ChronoKnight gestured toward the portal. ¡°Ready to take this on? Or do you need to prep?¡±
¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Ethan replied, adjusting his inventory. ¡°Let¡¯s just get this over with.¡±
The two stepped into the portal, and the bustling village gave way to a sprawling farmland, bathed in golden light. Fields of wheat stretched out before them, dotted with massive, menacing creatures that looked like a cross between bulls and dragons.
¡°This is what everyone¡¯s struggling with?¡± Ethan asked, eyeing the creatures warily.
¡°Yup,¡± ChronoKnight said, cracking his knuckles. ¡°High health, high damage, and they enrage if you take too long to kill them. It¡¯s a nightmare without a healer.¡±
Ethan sighed. ¡°Great. No pressure, right?¡±
The first encounter was rocky. Ethan¡¯s healing skills were adequate, but he struggled to keep up with the fast-paced combat. ChronoKnight, however, was a force of nature. His swordsmanship was precise, his movements fluid and controlled.
¡°You¡¯re not bad,¡± ChronoKnight said, dodging a sweeping tail attack.
¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan muttered, casting a healing spell. ¡°You¡¯re not so bad yourself.¡±
As they worked together, their synergy improved. ChronoKnight would call out attacks, and Ethan would time his heals perfectly. The fights were grueling, but they managed to bring down creature after creature.
During a brief pause, Ethan found himself asking, ¡°Why¡¯d you really want to help me? You could¡¯ve teamed up with anyone.¡±
ChronoKnight sheathed his sword and leaned against a nearby fence. ¡°I like helping new players. Reminds me of when I started. Plus, I¡¯ve been on the other side¡ªstruggling alone, getting ignored by better players. It sucks. I don¡¯t want anyone else to feel that way.¡±
Ethan blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in ChronoKnight¡¯s voice. It was a sentiment that hit close to home.
¡°You¡¯re full of surprises,¡± Ethan said.
ChronoKnight grinned. ¡°Stick around. There¡¯s more where that came from.¡±
Ethan chuckled, feeling a rare moment of camaraderie. For the first time in a while, he felt like he wasn¡¯t just another healer being used for their utility. ChronoKnight saw him as a player, an equal.
As they prepared to take on the next wave of creatures, Ethan realized something else¡ªhe was actually starting to enjoy himself. For the first time since he logged in, the weight of expectations felt a little lighter.
______
The sleek offices of EPGames were buzzing with tension. Since the revelation about Phoenix¡¯s age during a recent tournament, the agency had been inundated with questions. Reporters, sponsors, and fans were all clamoring for details about their mysterious ex-captain. The agency¡¯s social media platforms were flooded with demands for an official statement, and speculation was running rampant in gaming circles.
Alex, Ethan¡¯s former manager, sat in his corner office, scrolling through the chaos on his phone. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on his shoulders. The more the agency stayed silent, the worse the rumors grew.
¡°We have to do something,¡± Alex muttered, slamming his phone onto his desk. He rubbed his temples, his mind racing. Phoenix isn¡¯t even part of the team anymore, and he¡¯s still causing this much trouble.
He sighed and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. There was only one option left: he had to reach out to Ethan himself.
Ethan was in the middle of a boss fight with ChronoKnight when his phone buzzed. Ignoring it, he focused on timing his heals, keeping his teammate alive as they battled a hulking, enraged bull-dragon.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
But the phone kept buzzing.
¡°Hang on,¡± Ethan said, quickly casting a regeneration spell before grabbing his phone. He frowned when he saw the caller ID: Alex.
¡°What do you want?¡± Ethan asked, answering the call while keeping half an eye on the game.
¡°Hello to you too, Ethan,¡± Alex replied, his voice clipped. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you¡¯ve seen the news?¡±
Ethan blinked, confused. ¡°What news?¡±
Alex groaned. ¡°The whole gaming world is talking about you, Phoenix. Your age, your identity, your disappearance. People are demanding answers. We¡¯re drowning here.¡±
Ethan sighed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°And what does that have to do with me? I¡¯m not part of your agency anymore.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t be so naive,¡± Alex snapped. ¡°This is about your legacy. If you don¡¯t say something, the rumors will only get worse. Do you really want people thinking you¡¯re hiding some dark secret?¡±
Ethan hesitated, his fingers hovering over his keyboard. He hated being in the spotlight, but Alex wasn¡¯t wrong. The longer this dragged on, the messier it would get.
¡°What exactly do you want me to do?¡± Ethan asked reluctantly.
¡°Just make a statement,¡± Alex said, his tone softening slightly. ¡°Something simple to clear the air. You don¡¯t have to give too much away¡ªjust enough to stop the speculation.¡±
Ethan groaned, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do it. But after this, I¡¯m done. Don¡¯t call me again.¡±
Later that evening, Ethan sat in front of his computer, staring at the blank tweet box. He had never been active on social media, and crafting a statement felt like pulling teeth.
After several false starts, he finally typed something he could live with:
¡°Hey, everyone. Yes, it¡¯s true¡ªI was a minor while competing as Phoenix. I left the scene to focus on other things. Thanks for the support, but I won¡¯t be returning. Please respect my privacy.¡±
He read it over a dozen times before hitting send. Almost immediately, the notification bell on his account began pinging incessantly. Ethan quickly logged out, not wanting to deal with the fallout.
The gaming world exploded.
Fans and critics alike dissected every word of Ethan¡¯s statement, and theories about his current whereabouts multiplied. Some believed he was under protection by powerful sponsors, while others thought he had gone completely underground.
The fact that Phoenix¡ªan esports legend¡ªhad never used social media before made his sudden appearance all the more sensational. Everyone wanted more information, but Ethan¡¯s lack of online presence made tracking him down nearly impossible.
Gaming forums buzzed with speculation:
¡°How did a minor manage to dominate the esports scene?¡±
¡°Who are Phoenix¡¯s connections? He must have a crazy network to stay hidden like this.¡±
¡°Does anyone have any clues about his real identity?¡±
Even the EPGames agency found itself in the spotlight, with people accusing them of hiding details about their former star. Alex, for his part, regretted ever calling Ethan. The statement had only added fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, Ethan was blissfully unaware of the chaos his statement had caused. After logging out of Twitter, he went back to his game, teaming up with ChronoKnight for a few more quests.
The farming event was still in full swing, but thanks to ChronoKnight¡¯s skills and Ethan¡¯s healing, they managed to make decent progress. The camaraderie and steady rhythm of the game helped Ethan relax, and for a few hours, he forgot about the real world entirely.
By the time he logged off, it was well past midnight. Ethan yawned, stretching his stiff limbs before collapsing onto his bed.
¡°Just one more day,¡± he murmured to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll deal with everything tomorrow.¡±
While Ethan slept soundly, the world kept turning. Gaming news outlets picked up his tweet, plastering it across their headlines.
¡°Phoenix Speaks: Esports Legend Confirms Age Rumors¡±
¡°Phoenix Breaks Silence¡ªBut Where Is He Now?¡±
¡°The Enigma of Phoenix Deepens¡±
Fans scoured every corner of the internet, trying to piece together his identity. Some even speculated that his cryptic wording meant he was planning a comeback, sparking further debate.
But for Ethan, the noise of the outside world didn¡¯t matter. As far as he was concerned, he had done his part. He had said his piece and closed the chapter on his esports career.
For now, all he wanted was to play Rebirth Online, grind his healer, and enjoy a quiet life¡ªno matter how impossible that seemed.
______
Ethan¡¯s character crouched in the fields of the farming event, carefully targeting pests that swarmed over the crops. The event was an odd mix of combat and management, requiring players to fend off attackers while simultaneously improving the farm¡¯s yield. Ethan enjoyed the challenge¡ªit was the perfect balance of strategy and action.
ChronoKnight, his trusted companion in the game, was helping Ethan manage the event. His character, a towering swordsman clad in gleaming silver armor, was hacking away at oversized rats that were gnawing on the wheat.
¡°This event is kind of fun, don¡¯t you think?¡± ChronoKnight asked, sheathing his sword as the wave ended.
¡°Yeah, I like how it¡¯s not just about fighting,¡± Ethan replied, casting a healing spell on one of the farm NPCs. ¡°It¡¯s different.¡±
As they worked together, ChronoKnight suddenly brought up a topic Ethan had been dreading.
¡°So... what do you think about this whole Phoenix situation?¡± ChronoKnight asked casually, slashing a stray monster.
Ethan¡¯s fingers froze over his keyboard for a moment before he forced himself to keep playing. ¡°What about it?¡± he asked, feigning disinterest.
¡°Well, it¡¯s all anyone¡¯s talking about. I even saw some people in the chat earlier wondering if Phoenix might secretly be playing Rebirth Online. Pretty wild, huh?¡±
Ethan chuckled nervously, trying to steer the conversation away. ¡°Sounds like people have way too much free time on their hands.¡±
ChronoKnight didn¡¯t push further, but Ethan could feel his gaze lingering.
As the next wave of enemies descended, Ethan focused on healing the NPC guards and keeping the crops safe. However, he couldn¡¯t shake a strange feeling that prickled at the back of his mind.
¡°Hey, Chrono,¡± Ethan said cautiously.
¡°Yeah?¡±
¡°Does it feel like... someone¡¯s watching us?¡±
ChronoKnight paused, his character halting mid-swing. ¡°Watching us? Like how?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ethan admitted. ¡°It just feels weird. Like someone¡¯s following us.¡±
ChronoKnight immediately activated a skill called Eagle¡¯s Perception, a high-level ability that expanded his field of vision and allowed him to detect hidden players within a certain radius.
¡°Wait a second...¡± ChronoKnight muttered. ¡°You might be onto something. There¡¯s someone hiding over there¡ªeast of the barn.¡±
Ethan¡¯s stomach dropped. ¡°What do we do?¡±
¡°Stay calm,¡± ChronoKnight said, gripping his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s see if they make the first move.¡±
Before they could act, the hidden player stepped into view. It was a mage, clad in flowing dark robes that shimmered faintly with an ominous aura. The name NightGleam hovered above their head in crimson text, signaling that they were flagged for PvP.
¡°Looks like someone¡¯s been busy,¡± the mage said, their voice dripping with amusement. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you two for a while now. Quite the teamwork you¡¯ve got going on.¡±
Ethan immediately tensed. ¡°Who are you, and why are you watching us?¡±
NightGleam twirled their staff lazily. ¡°Oh, no need to be so hostile. I¡¯m just here to... observe. You know, see what all the fuss is about.¡±
¡°What fuss?¡± ChronoKnight demanded, stepping in front of Ethan protectively.
The mage smirked. ¡°Oh, come on. Don¡¯t play dumb. You think people haven¡¯t noticed you two dominating this event? A healer and a swordsman working this well together¡ªit¡¯s a bit suspicious, don¡¯t you think?¡±
Ethan felt a wave of irritation. ¡°We¡¯re just playing the game. What¡¯s it to you?¡±
NightGleam chuckled. ¡°Relax, kid. I¡¯m not here to pick a fight. Yet. I just wanted to see if the rumors were true.¡±
¡°Rumors?¡± ChronoKnight echoed, his grip tightening on his sword.
The mage tilted their head, their expression unreadable. ¡°Word on the forums is there¡¯s a player out here who¡¯s unusually skilled. Some even say they might be... Phoenix.¡±
Ethan¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to stay calm. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. Why would someone like Phoenix be playing a farming event in a low-level zone?¡±
NightGleam shrugged. ¡°Who knows? But it doesn¡¯t hurt to check, right?¡±
ChronoKnight took a step forward, his sword glowing faintly. ¡°If you¡¯re not here to fight, then leave. We¡¯re busy.¡±
NightGleam raised their hands in mock surrender. ¡°Easy, knight. I told you, I¡¯m just here to watch. But... if you¡¯re so eager to prove yourselves, how about a little test?¡±
Ethan groaned. ¡°We¡¯re not interested in whatever you¡¯re selling. Just go away.¡±
¡°Suit yourself,¡± NightGleam said, their smirk widening. ¡°But don¡¯t think you can keep hiding forever. People are watching, Phoenix. And they¡¯ll find you eventually.¡±
Before either of them could respond, the mage activated a teleportation skill, vanishing in a swirl of dark smoke.
Ethan and ChronoKnight stood in silence for a moment, the tension lingering in the air.
¡°Well, that was weird,¡± ChronoKnight finally said, sheathing his sword.
Ethan nodded, his mind racing. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll come back?¡±
¡°Probably not,¡± ChronoKnight said. ¡°But we should stay on guard. If they¡¯re spreading rumors, it could attract more players like them.¡±
Ethan sighed, feeling a headache coming on. ¡°Great. Just what I needed.¡±
ChronoKnight clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you. Let¡¯s finish this event and call it a day.¡±
Despite the encounter, Ethan pushed forward, determined to complete the farming event. However, NightGleam¡¯s cryptic words lingered in the back of his mind. For the first time, he wondered if his quiet life in Rebirth Online was about to get a lot more complicated.
Ethan worked through the farming event alone, tending to crops and swatting away the occasional pest. ChronoKnight had logged off, citing some real-life commitments, leaving Ethan to handle things solo. He didn¡¯t mind. The peace and quiet were welcome after their strange encounter earlier.
The sun was setting in the game, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold as Ethan cast a rejuvenation spell on a struggling crop. He was so focused on his task that he almost didn¡¯t notice the shadowy figure approaching from the east.
A familiar name floated above their head: NightGleam.
¡°Back again?¡± Ethan muttered, straightening up and gripping his small dagger tightly.
NightGleam stopped a few paces away, their dark robe shifting in the evening breeze. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you¡¯re still here,¡± they said, their tone casual but edged with something unspoken.
¡°I could say the same about you,¡± Ethan replied, his voice wary.
NightGleam chuckled. ¡°You don¡¯t recognize me, do you?¡±
Ethan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Should I?¡±
The mage tilted their head, disappointment flickering across their face. ¡°You really don¡¯t know. I suppose that makes sense. You¡¯ve probably met thousands of people in your time, haven¡¯t you?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Ethan said flatly, his patience wearing thin.
NightGleam sighed, leaning on their staff. ¡°How tragic. Here I thought I¡¯d finally get a reaction out of you. No matter. Let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡±
¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±
¡°A duel,¡± NightGleam said simply, their smirk returning. ¡°One on one. No distractions. No outside help. Just you and me.¡±
Ethan blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Why would I do that?¡±
¡°Why not?¡± the mage countered. ¡°Consider it a test. You¡¯re clearly skilled, even as a low-level healer. Aren¡¯t you curious to see how you¡¯d fare against someone like me?¡±
Ethan scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re flagged for PvP, aren¡¯t you? This is just an excuse to mess with me.¡±
NightGleam shrugged. ¡°Maybe. Or maybe I want to see if the rumors are true.¡±
¡°What rumors?¡± Ethan demanded, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
NightGleam¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°You know exactly what I mean. You can keep pretending all you want, but people are watching. They¡¯ll figure it out sooner or later.¡±
Ethan narrowed his eyes, his grip on his dagger tightening. Part of him wanted to accept the challenge, if only to shut the mage up. But the other part of him¡ªthe cautious, calculated part¡ªknew better.
¡°I¡¯m not interested,¡± Ethan said, turning back to his crops.
NightGleam let out a disappointed sigh. ¡°Suit yourself. But don¡¯t think you can avoid me forever, Phoenix.¡±
Ethan froze at the name but didn¡¯t turn around. By the time he gathered his thoughts and looked back, NightGleam was gone, leaving only a faint trace of dark smoke behind.
¡°Great,¡± Ethan muttered, resuming his work. ¡°Just what I needed.¡±
Chapter 14: Calling in Backup - Part 1
Ethan tried his best to focus on the farming event. The tasks were repetitive but straightforward, and the quiet routine gave him a chance to reflect and relax¡ªat least, that was the idea. Yet, no matter how much he tried to ignore it, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched.
And then there was NightGleam.
The dark-robed mage wasn¡¯t being subtle about their intentions, either. Every time Ethan moved to a new farming spot, NightGleam was there, perched at a distance, observing him with a smug expression. Even when Ethan ignored him completely, the mage¡¯s presence felt like an itch Ethan couldn¡¯t scratch.
¡°Still here?¡± Ethan muttered under his breath as he harvested a row of virtual turnips.
NightGleam, seemingly hearing him, leaned casually on his staff and called out, ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. Just enjoying the show.¡±
Ethan gritted his teeth and resolved not to respond. Engaging would only encourage him.
When ChronoKnight finally logged back in and joined Ethan at the event, Ethan felt a wave of relief. Surely NightGleam wouldn¡¯t stick around now. ChronoKnight was a strong presence, both in skill and demeanor, and most players knew better than to mess with someone of his caliber.
But NightGleam didn¡¯t seem to care.
¡°Friend of yours?¡± ChronoKnight asked, nodding toward the mage as he helped Ethan clear out a field of pests.
¡°Not exactly,¡± Ethan replied, his voice tight. ¡°He¡¯s just¡ following me around.¡±
ChronoKnight frowned, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. ¡°Should I deal with him?¡±
Ethan hesitated. He didn¡¯t want to escalate the situation unnecessarily. ¡°Let¡¯s just ignore him. Maybe he¡¯ll get bored and leave.¡±
Unfortunately, NightGleam showed no signs of boredom. If anything, his persistence only grew. Every time Ethan and ChronoKnight completed a task, NightGleam would teleport a few steps ahead, as if taunting them. His actions didn¡¯t interfere with their progress, but his constant presence was maddening.
Finally, after hours of this, Ethan snapped. He turned on his heel, dagger in hand, and marched up to the mage.
¡°Alright, what is your problem?¡± Ethan demanded, his voice sharp.
ChronoKnight stood beside him, arms crossed, a look of quiet annoyance on his face.
NightGleam¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Problem? I don¡¯t have a problem. I¡¯m just¡ curious.¡±
¡°Curious about what?¡± Ethan asked, exasperated.
¡°You,¡± NightGleam said, pointing at him with his staff. ¡°Or, more accurately, your little act. Ash, was it? Quite the name. Sounds like someone trying to live up to a legend.¡±
Ethan¡¯s stomach tightened. He knew where this was going, but he refused to take the bait. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t play coy,¡± NightGleam said, stepping closer. ¡°You know exactly what I mean. All this talk about Phoenix lately¡ªit¡¯s got people buzzing. And then there¡¯s you, this low-level healer, running around like you¡¯ve got something to prove. I just had to see it for myself.¡±
¡°See what?¡± Ethan asked, his voice steady despite the growing tension.
¡°Whether you live up to the hype,¡± NightGleam replied, his tone dripping with condescension. ¡°You know, for a supposed phoenix impersonator, you¡¯re¡ underwhelming.¡±
Ethan¡¯s grip on his dagger tightened. ChronoKnight took a step forward, his sword half-drawn, but Ethan held up a hand to stop him.
¡°I¡¯m not impersonating anyone,¡± Ethan said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m just playing the game.¡±
NightGleam chuckled. ¡°Sure, sure. Just playing the game. Funny how your playstyle seems so¡ familiar. But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not here to blow your cover. Frankly, I don¡¯t care who you are or what you¡¯re trying to do.¡±
¡°Then why are you following me?¡± Ethan asked, his frustration boiling over.
NightGleam shrugged. ¡°Entertainment. Watching you flail around as a low-level healer has been surprisingly amusing. I wanted to see if you were worth the hype, but¡¡± He paused, his smirk turning into a mock frown. ¡°You¡¯re not. It¡¯s been fun, though.¡±
Ethan felt a flash of anger but pushed it down. ¡°If you¡¯re done, you can leave now.¡±
NightGleam held up his hands in mock surrender. ¡°Alright, alright. No need to get hostile. I¡¯ve seen enough anyway.¡±
Without another word, the mage cast a teleportation spell, vanishing in a swirl of dark smoke.
Ethan let out a long breath, his shoulders relaxing. ChronoKnight sheathed his sword and clapped him on the back.
¡°You handled that well,¡± ChronoKnight said.
¡°Did I?¡± Ethan muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I feel like I just got called out for something I didn¡¯t even do.¡±
ChronoKnight smiled faintly. ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you. People like him thrive on getting a reaction. The best thing you can do is ignore them.¡±
Ethan nodded, though the encounter left a sour taste in his mouth. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that NightGleam¡¯s words were more than just idle taunts. The mage had struck a nerve, even if Ethan refused to admit it.
For now, though, there was nothing to do but focus on the game. He still had a farming event to complete, and he wasn¡¯t going to let anyone ruin that for him.
_______
______
Ethan logged into Rebirth Online the next day, already bracing himself for the usual barrage of party invites and casual chatter. But as soon as his avatar loaded in, the chat window flooded with messages.
"There he is! The fake Phoenix!"
"Why don¡¯t you stop acting like a big shot, Ash?"
"Rude much? Who does this guy think he is?"
Ethan sighed and rubbed his temple in real life. The insults were childish, but there were so many of them. It was as if half the server had collectively decided to throw their negativity his way. He scrolled through the messages briefly before closing the chat window entirely.
He had better things to do than engage with people who clearly had too much time on their hands.
When ChronoKnight logged on and joined him at their usual farming spot, Ethan gave him a quick nod of acknowledgment and got back to work. ChronoKnight, however, didn¡¯t seem as calm.
¡°What¡¯s with all this hostility?¡± ChronoKnight asked after a few minutes. ¡°My message inbox is overflowing with people asking why I¡¯m hanging out with ¡®a fraud¡¯ and someone ¡®too rude to help others.¡¯¡±
¡°It¡¯s just noise,¡± Ethan said, dismissing it with a wave of his hand. ¡°Ignore it. It¡¯s not worth the energy.¡±
ChronoKnight frowned, clearly not satisfied with that answer. ¡°This isn¡¯t random noise, Ethan. This has NightGleam written all over it.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Ethan¡¯s fingers froze over his keyboard for a moment before he resumed farming. ¡°What makes you say that?¡±
¡°He was lurking around us yesterday, stirring up drama,¡± ChronoKnight replied. ¡°And now, suddenly, the whole server¡¯s turning against you? It¡¯s too much of a coincidence.¡±
Ethan shrugged. ¡°Let him. If this is the most exciting thing he has going on, that¡¯s his problem, not mine.¡±
ChronoKnight, however, didn¡¯t look ready to let it go. ¡°This isn¡¯t just about him being petty. People are actively harassing you now. If we let this slide, it¡¯s only going to get worse. We need to do something about it.¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°Like what? Start a war with the server? That¡¯s exactly what he wants. I¡¯m not giving him the satisfaction.¡±
ChronoKnight opened his mouth to argue further, but a sudden commotion nearby drew their attention.
A group of players¡ªat least five of them¡ªwere camped out in the field Ethan and ChronoKnight had been farming. They weren¡¯t actually gathering resources or completing event objectives. Instead, they stood around, clearly waiting for Ethan and ChronoKnight to leave.
¡°Is this happening?¡± ChronoKnight muttered, his voice tight with irritation.
Ethan sighed. ¡°Looks like it.¡±
As they tried to move to another area, the group followed them, cutting ahead and occupying every spot they tried to farm. It quickly became apparent that they weren¡¯t just there by coincidence¡ªthey were deliberately targeting Ethan.
One particularly bold player even ran up to Ethan and started spamming emotes, blocking his view and making it nearly impossible to interact with the game environment.
¡°Don¡¯t mind us,¡± the player said in the local chat. ¡°We¡¯re just here to keep the legendary Ash company.¡±
Ethan ignored him, moving to a new spot.
ChronoKnight, however, was clearly losing patience. ¡°This is ridiculous. They¡¯re not even playing the game properly. They¡¯re just griefing us.¡±
Another group arrived not long after, apparently tipped off by the first. It seemed like everyone wanted to get in on the harassment, and the farming spots became crowded with players running around aimlessly. Many of them got themselves killed almost immediately by the stronger enemies in the area, but that didn¡¯t seem to deter them.
¡°Unbelievable,¡± ChronoKnight muttered, shaking his head. ¡°This is exactly why we need to deal with NightGleam. If we let him get away with this, it¡¯s just going to keep escalating.¡±
Ethan kept his focus on farming, doing his best to ignore the chaos around him. But even he had to admit it was getting harder to play. The constant interruptions were slowing down his progress, and the sheer number of players flooding the area made it nearly impossible to find any enemies or resources.
At one point, he stopped and turned to ChronoKnight. ¡°Okay, so what do you suggest we do?¡±
ChronoKnight smirked, clearly prepared for this question. ¡°We find NightGleam and give him a taste of his own medicine. You and I both know he¡¯s not half as clever as he thinks he is. We can take him down and send a message to everyone else to back off.¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what he wants¡ªto bait us into a fight so he can play the victim. I¡¯m not stooping to his level.¡±
ChronoKnight groaned. ¡°Fine. But we can¡¯t just sit here and let them ruin the game for us.¡±
Ethan nodded, his mind racing for a solution. ¡°Then we¡¯ll outlast them. They¡¯re here to mess with us because it¡¯s easy and they think it¡¯s fun. But they¡¯ll get bored eventually. People like this always do.¡±
It was a good plan in theory, but in practice, it was exhausting. For the next few hours, Ethan and ChronoKnight struggled to complete even the simplest tasks. The constant interference from other players made progress slow and frustrating, and it was clear that ChronoKnight was barely holding back his temper.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the crowd began to thin out. Most of the griefers had either logged off or moved on to other areas, leaving Ethan and ChronoKnight with a semblance of peace.
¡°See?¡± Ethan said, giving ChronoKnight a tired smile. ¡°Told you they¡¯d get bored.¡±
ChronoKnight didn¡¯t look entirely convinced. ¡°For now, maybe. But this isn¡¯t over. NightGleam¡¯s not the type to give up easily.¡±
Ethan shrugged. ¡°Then we¡¯ll deal with it when it comes up again. For now, let¡¯s just focus on the game.¡±
ChronoKnight sighed but didn¡¯t argue further. Together, they resumed farming, determined to make up for the time they had lost.
Despite the setbacks, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had stood his ground and refused to let the negativity get to him. And in the end, that was all that mattered.
______
Ethan sat back in his chair, staring at the screen in front of him. He wasn¡¯t angry at the insults being thrown his way, nor the constant messages flooding his chat accusing him of being a fraud or a disappointment. He had thick skin when it came to people like that. What did bother him, though, was the inability to play the game properly.
Every time he tried to farm, there was someone there to sabotage his progress. Whenever he moved to another area, someone would track him down. His inventory was woefully understocked, and his experience points were crawling at a snail¡¯s pace. For a game that had brought him so much joy and escape, it was becoming more of a chore.
The few hours of relative peace he¡¯d earned after the initial harassment had been fleeting. The moment he started making progress, players returned to haunt him, dragging along new recruits for their petty vendetta. It was like a never-ending cycle, and Ethan was reaching his limit.
As another group of griefers swooped in to steal his kills and flood the local chat with spam, Ethan clenched his fists.
¡°Enough of this,¡± he muttered to himself.
He leaned back in his chair and pulled out his phone. If they wanted to play games, he¡¯d show them just how serious he could be.
Ethan scrolled through his contacts, pausing at a name he hadn¡¯t seen in a while: Aqua. It had been some time since he¡¯d spoken to the former pro-player and streamer. Aqua had been a force to be reckoned with back in the day, known for her sharp wit and equally sharp gameplay. She was one of the few people Ethan genuinely respected in the gaming world.
He tapped the call button and waited.
After a few rings, a familiar, energetic voice answered. ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t the Phoenix himself! To what do I owe this rare and unexpected honor?¡±
Ethan couldn¡¯t help but smile. Aqua¡¯s playful tone was infectious. ¡°Hey, Aqua. I need a favor.¡±
¡°Oh?¡± Her interest was piqued. ¡°This must be serious if you¡¯re calling me out of the blue. What¡¯s up?¡±
Ethan explained the situation¡ªthe harassment, the griefers, the inability to play the game he loved. He kept it brief, but Aqua could sense the frustration in his voice.
¡°Let me get this straight,¡± she said. ¡°A bunch of noobs are messing with you, and you¡¯re calling me for backup?¡±
Ethan chuckled. ¡°Something like that. They¡¯re relentless, Aqua. I can¡¯t get anything done. I need someone who can shut them down and make it clear they¡¯re wasting their time.¡±
Aqua laughed, a low, mischievous sound. ¡°Oh, Ethan. You know I live for this kind of drama. Consider it handled. Give me ten minutes to log in.¡±
True to her word, Aqua joined Ethan¡¯s server within minutes. Her avatar, a sleek, battle-hardened warrior with an air of authority, was instantly recognizable. Players in the vicinity began whispering in the chat, recognizing her name.
¡°No way, is that Aqua?¡±
¡°The Aqua? What¡¯s she doing here?¡±
¡°Is she with Ash? Are they friends?¡±
Ethan watched as Aqua took her place beside him, her presence a beacon of intimidation. She opened a party invite, and Ethan accepted without hesitation.
¡°Alright,¡± Aqua said through the party chat, her tone dripping with confidence. ¡°Let¡¯s show these clowns what happens when you mess with the wrong people.¡±
The harassment didn¡¯t stop immediately. In fact, the griefers seemed emboldened by Aqua¡¯s presence, viewing it as a chance to make an even bigger scene. They crowded around, spamming taunts and blocking key areas. But Aqua wasn¡¯t one to back down.
She pulled out her weapon and unleashed a devastating combo, clearing the area of mobs and sending a clear message to the troublemakers.
¡°Oops,¡± she said with mock innocence. ¡°Did I steal your kills? My bad.¡±
Ethan couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Aqua¡¯s sarcasm was legendary, and it was clear she was enjoying herself.
The griefers tried to retaliate, but Aqua was too skilled. She dodged their attacks effortlessly, countering with precision and flair.
¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got?¡± she taunted. ¡°I thought you were here to make a statement. You¡¯re just making me bored.¡±
One by one, the griefers began to back off, realizing they were no match for Aqua¡¯s skill and quick wit.
As the chaos subsided, Aqua turned to Ethan. ¡°Well, that was fun. But I have to ask¡ªwhy didn¡¯t you deal with this yourself? You¡¯re not exactly a pushover.¡±
Ethan sighed. ¡°I could¡¯ve handled it, sure. But it would¡¯ve taken time, and honestly, I just wanted to play the game. Sometimes it¡¯s easier to call in reinforcements.¡±
Aqua grinned. ¡°Fair enough. And hey, I¡¯m always happy to lend a hand. It¡¯s not every day I get to flex on a bunch of amateurs.¡±
Their banter was cut short by a system announcement:
"Attention, players! The Farming Event leaderboard has been updated. Check the event board for details!"
Aqua raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, what¡¯s this event all about?¡±
Ethan filled her in, explaining the mechanics and the controversy surrounding the lack of healers. Aqua listened intently, nodding as he spoke.
¡°Well,¡± she said when he finished, ¡°it sounds like you¡¯ve got your work cut out for you. But if anyone can pull it off, it¡¯s you.¡±
Ethan smiled. ¡°Thanks, Aqua. That means a lot.¡±
¡°No problem,¡± she said. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get back to work. These mobs aren¡¯t going to farm themselves.¡±
With Aqua by his side, Ethan found himself enjoying the game again. The harassment had all but stopped, and the few players who still lingered quickly learned to keep their distance.
Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Aqua had come through for him in a big way, and her presence had reminded him why he loved the gaming community in the first place.
As the day went on, they made significant progress in the event, climbing the leaderboard and earning valuable rewards.
By the time they logged off, Ethan felt more at ease than he had in days. He knew the harassment might not be over, but with allies like Aqua and ChronoKnight, he was confident he could handle whatever came his way.
For now, he was content to relax and enjoy the game he loved, knowing he wasn¡¯t alone in the fight.
Chapter 15: Calling in Backup - Part 2
Ethan leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips as Aqua and ChronoKnight debated strategy in the party chat. It had been a week of relative peace, filled with farming sessions, dungeon runs, and the occasional chaotic laugh at Aqua¡¯s relentless humor.
With Aqua¡¯s formidable skills and ChronoKnight¡¯s unwavering positivity, Ethan was starting to feel like gaming was fun again, despite the occasional leftover echoes of past harassment.
One day, as they wrapped up a raid, Aqua''s playful voice came through the chat. ¡°So, you two¡ªhow would you feel about joining me for a livestream during the next raid event? You know, give the world a taste of what real teamwork looks like?¡±
ChronoKnight immediately perked up. ¡°A livestream? That sounds amazing! Count me in.¡±
Ethan, however, hesitated. He¡¯d been careful about keeping his identity under wraps, especially after all the drama surrounding Phoenix.
¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ethan said cautiously. ¡°I¡¯m not really a fan of... public attention.¡±
Aqua¡¯s tone turned coaxing. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ash. I¡¯ve been doing this for years. I know how to keep things private. No one will know who you are unless you tell them. And you wouldn¡¯t be on camera¡ªjust your voice. What do you say? It could be fun.¡±
Ethan frowned. He trusted Aqua, but the idea still made him uneasy. However, he also didn¡¯t want to be the one holding the group back.
¡°Alright,¡± he said finally. ¡°But only if we keep it strictly voice. No facecams, no personal questions, nothing that could even hint at my real identity.¡±
¡°Deal!¡± Aqua said enthusiastically. ¡°This is going to be great! I¡¯ll set everything up and send you the details before we go live.¡±
ChronoKnight chimed in, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ash. We¡¯ve got your back. This is going to be fun!¡±
Ethan nodded, though he wasn¡¯t entirely convinced.
The day of the livestream arrived quickly, and Ethan found himself double-checking his mic settings and account privacy. Aqua had assured him she¡¯d take care of everything, but he still felt a pang of anxiety as the countdown to the stream ticked closer.
When they finally went live, Aqua¡¯s screen showed their avatars standing in front of the raid¡¯s entrance. Her energetic voice welcomed the viewers.
¡°Hey, everyone! Aqua here, back with another epic stream. Today, I¡¯m joined by two amazing players: the ever-reliable ChronoKnight and the mysterious healer, Ash!¡±
ChronoKnight gave an enthusiastic greeting, and Ethan managed a polite ¡°Hello,¡± keeping his tone neutral.
The chat lit up with excitement.
¡°OMG, is that the real ChronoKnight?¡±
¡°Aqua streaming with a healer? Unheard of!¡±
¡°Ash sounds kind of cool. Who is he?¡±
The raid began, and the trio fell into an easy rhythm. ChronoKnight led the charge, Aqua handled crowd control, and Ethan kept their health bars full with well-timed heals. Aqua narrated their progress, throwing in jokes and engaging with the chat while maintaining a professional air.
Despite his earlier apprehension, Ethan started to relax. The teamwork was seamless, and Aqua was true to her word¡ªshe kept the focus on the gameplay, never straying into personal territory.
Midway through the stream, just as they were nearing the raid¡¯s final boss, Ethan¡¯s phone buzzed on his desk. He ignored it at first, assuming it was a spam call or notification, but it buzzed again. And again.
Finally, he sighed and picked it up. The number on the screen was uncomfortably familiar.
¡°Alex,¡± he muttered under his breath.
His manager.
Panic shot through him as he realized why Alex might be calling. He muted his mic in the game and answered.
¡°Ethan,¡± Alex¡¯s voice came through, brisk and professional. ¡°I need you to explain something to me. Right now.¡±
Ethan¡¯s heart sank. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±
¡°Oh, don¡¯t play dumb,¡± Alex snapped. ¡°I¡¯m watching Aqua¡¯s livestream. That¡¯s you, isn¡¯t it? You can try to disguise your name and hide behind a different avatar, but I¡¯d recognize your voice anywhere.¡±
Ethan didn¡¯t respond, his mind racing.
¡°Look,¡± Alex continued, ¡°I¡¯m not angry. But this¡ªthis could blow up, Ethan. Do you realize what¡¯s happening in the chat right now? People are already speculating. They¡¯re saying you sound a lot like Phoenix.¡±
Ethan dared to glance at the chat on Aqua¡¯s stream. His worst fears were confirmed.
¡°Ash¡¯s voice sounds familiar...¡±
¡°Wait, is this Phoenix??¡±
¡°No way, Phoenix wouldn¡¯t play a healer.¡±
¡°I¡¯m not Phoenix anymore,¡± Ethan said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m just a random player trying to enjoy the game.¡±
¡°Well, the internet doesn¡¯t see it that way,¡± Alex said. ¡°You need to be careful. If this gets out of hand, it could spiral into something you can¡¯t control.¡±
¡°Thanks for the advice,¡± Ethan said tersely. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I have a raid to finish.¡± He hung up before Alex could say more.
Unmuting his mic, Ethan rejoined the game just as ChronoKnight was calling for him.
¡°Ash! Where¡¯d you go, man? We¡¯re about to face the boss!¡±
¡°Sorry,¡± Ethan said quickly. ¡°Got distracted. I¡¯m here now.¡±
The trio dove into the final fight, their coordination as sharp as ever. Aqua¡¯s voice filled the air with commands and commentary, and Ethan focused on keeping his teammates alive.
When the boss finally fell, the chat erupted in cheers. Aqua celebrated loudly, ChronoKnight whooped with excitement, and Ethan allowed himself a small smile.
¡°GG, everyone!¡± Aqua said, her voice full of pride. ¡°That was amazing teamwork. Thanks for joining me, Ash and ChronoKnight. You two are incredible.¡±
As the stream ended, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of relief and apprehension. The raid had been a success, but Alex¡¯s warning lingered in the back of his mind.
For now, though, he chose to focus on the positive. He¡¯d survived the stream, kept his identity hidden, and proven to himself that he could still enjoy the game, even with the weight of his past hovering nearby.
Ethan logged back into Rebirth Online with a heavy sigh, already anticipating the flood of attention that awaited him. Ever since Aqua¡¯s livestream, his in-game inbox had been bombarded with party requests, compliments, and an alarming number of questions about whether he was really Phoenix. The fame felt suffocating. Even ChronoKnight, his steady and cheerful companion, seemed to have changed.
¡°Yo, Ash!¡± ChronoKnight¡¯s familiar voice greeted him as he spawned in the starting village. ¡°You see the numbers from Aqua¡¯s stream? People are losing their minds! We¡¯re practically celebrities now.¡±
Ethan forced a chuckle. ¡°Yeah, I noticed.¡±
ChronoKnight beamed. ¡°This is huge, man! I¡¯ve been getting invites to all sorts of events. There¡¯s this trendy treasure hunt tomorrow¡ªperfect for us to join in on. Oh, and a couple of streamers reached out to Aqua, asking if we¡¯d guest-star on their channels. We¡¯re on the rise, dude!¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!
Ethan hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re enjoying it, but I¡¯m not sure I want to get involved in all that.¡±
ChronoKnight tilted his head. ¡°What do you mean? This is a golden opportunity. You¡¯re already a fan favorite, even if you don¡¯t realize it. With your skills and my charisma, we could dominate the scene.¡±
¡°That¡¯s just it,¡± Ethan said, voice firm but calm. ¡°I didn¡¯t start playing Rebirth Online to be popular. I wanted to escape from all of that¡ªthe spotlight, the expectations, the stress. This was supposed to be my break from the chaos of my old life, not a repeat of it.¡±
ChronoKnight¡¯s grin faltered. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it, man. This isn¡¯t like your past. We¡¯re just playing a game, having fun, and sharing it with others.¡±
¡°Is it really just a game when people keep asking if I¡¯m Phoenix?¡± Ethan countered. ¡°Or when they follow me around and flood my inbox? It doesn¡¯t feel like fun anymore¡ªit feels like work.¡±
ChronoKnight frowned. ¡°I get where you¡¯re coming from, but hiding from it won¡¯t make it better. You¡¯re talented, Ash. People want to see you shine. Why not embrace it?¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°Because I¡¯ve been there before. I know how this ends. It¡¯s never just about the game¡ªit¡¯s about keeping up appearances, meeting expectations, and dealing with backlash when you can¡¯t. I¡¯ve already lived that life, Chrono. I don¡¯t want to live it again.¡±
ChronoKnight¡¯s face fell. ¡°So, what? You¡¯re just going to ignore the chance to make something out of this? Throw it all away?¡±
¡°I¡¯m not throwing anything away,¡± Ethan said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m just choosing to prioritize my peace of mind.¡±
The silence between them grew heavy.
¡°Fine,¡± ChronoKnight said at last, his tone clipped. ¡°If that¡¯s how you feel, maybe it¡¯s best if we take a break from teaming up. I didn¡¯t sign up to play with someone who¡¯s going to run from every opportunity.¡±
Ethan flinched but nodded. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right.¡±
The next few days felt strange. Ethan logged on and played alone, avoiding popular areas and high-traffic zones. He missed ChronoKnight¡¯s lighthearted chatter and dependable presence, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to reach out. He knew his decision had driven a wedge between them, and while it hurt, he believed it was for the best.
One evening, as he sat in a quiet corner of the game¡¯s map, grinding for materials, he reflected on their falling out.
¡°I should¡¯ve seen this coming,¡± Ethan muttered to himself. ¡°ChronoKnight is a natural-born leader¡ªcharismatic, ambitious, and always looking for the next big thing. Me? I¡¯m just trying to enjoy the little things.¡±
The rift between them had been inevitable, Ethan realized. Their goals were too different. ChronoKnight thrived in the spotlight, while Ethan sought refuge in the shadows.
Still, it stung.
Ethan¡¯s solo adventures were peaceful but lonely. Without ChronoKnight to share strategies or Aqua¡¯s boisterous humor, the game felt quieter. He found himself retreating further into isolated parts of the map, focusing on quests that didn¡¯t require teamwork.
One day, as he wandered through an uninhabited region of the game, a message from ChronoKnight popped up in his inbox.
ChronoKnight: Hey. Hope you¡¯re doing okay. Just wanted to let you know I¡¯m joining a big event tonight. It¡¯s gonna be live-streamed. You should check it out if you¡¯re free.
Ethan stared at the message for a long moment before typing a brief reply.
Ash: Thanks for letting me know. Good luck.
He didn¡¯t log off, but he didn¡¯t join the stream either. Instead, he stayed in his quiet corner of the map, completing mundane tasks and reflecting on how much had changed.
Despite everything, Ethan didn¡¯t regret his decision. Playing alone allowed him to focus on the game itself, free from distractions and external pressures. He could take his time, explore at his own pace, and enjoy the small victories without worrying about what anyone else thought.
But as much as he tried to convince himself that this was what he wanted, he couldn¡¯t shake the nagging sense of loss.
For all its challenges, his time with ChronoKnight and Aqua had been some of the most fun he¡¯d had in Rebirth Online. He missed their camaraderie, their shared laughter, and the sense of belonging that came with being part of a team.
Still, he reminded himself, it was better this way. Better to play alone than risk being dragged back into a life he¡¯d worked so hard to leave behind.
Weeks passed, and Ethan continued to forge his own path in the game. He avoided popular events, ignored party requests, and steered clear of high-profile areas.
Yet, despite his best efforts, he couldn¡¯t escape the echoes of his past. Players still whispered about Phoenix, and the name "Ash" had started to gain its own reputation. Ethan had become a reluctant legend¡ªa healer who played by his own rules and refused to conform to the expectations of others.
And though it wasn¡¯t the kind of fame he wanted, he found solace in the fact that he was staying true to himself.
¡°Maybe I¡¯m not meant to be part of a team,¡± Ethan mused one evening, watching the in-game sunset from a quiet hilltop. ¡°Maybe this is how I¡¯m supposed to play¡ªalone, free, and unburdened.¡±
It wasn¡¯t the happiest conclusion, but it was one Ethan could live with.
For now, that was enough.
______
Ethan had settled into his solo playstyle with surprising ease. He found quiet satisfaction in completing quests at his own pace, exploring obscure parts of Rebirth Online, and steadily leveling his character without the weight of external expectations.
It wasn¡¯t the most thrilling way to play, but it gave him a sense of control and peace he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. For Ethan, the game had returned to being a refuge¡ªa far cry from the bustling chaos of his brief stint with ChronoKnight and Aqua.
One evening, while grinding through a dungeon, Ethan¡¯s phone buzzed. He picked it up, startled to see ChronoKnight¡¯s name flashing on the screen. Hesitating for a moment, he finally accepted the call.
¡°Hey, ChronoKnight,¡± Ethan said cautiously.
¡°Ethan,¡± ChronoKnight started, his voice tense. ¡°I need to talk to you.¡±
Ethan braced himself. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±
¡°It¡¯s all falling apart,¡± ChronoKnight snapped, his frustration clear. ¡°Ever since you went off on your own, things haven¡¯t been the same. People aren¡¯t as interested in me anymore¡ªthey¡¯re obsessed with ¡®Ash.¡¯ Everywhere I go, all I hear is, ¡®Where¡¯s Ash? Why isn¡¯t Ash playing?¡¯ It¡¯s like I don¡¯t even exist anymore!¡±
Ethan stayed silent, letting ChronoKnight vent.
¡°I thought this was going to be our moment, you know? But no, you just had to step back, leave me to deal with everything. And now I¡¯m stuck looking like an idiot while you get to be the mysterious, untouchable legend everyone loves.¡±
Ethan sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for any of that attention, ChronoKnight. You know why I wanted to stay out of the spotlight.¡±
¡°Yeah, and look how that turned out,¡± ChronoKnight shot back. ¡°You¡¯re more popular than ever, even without trying! Meanwhile, I¡¯m out here scrambling to stay relevant. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is?¡±
Ethan paused, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Chrono, I get that you¡¯re upset. But this was your decision. You wanted to chase the spotlight, and I chose to step away. You can¡¯t blame me for how things turned out.¡±
¡°Oh, so now it¡¯s my fault?¡± ChronoKnight snapped, his voice rising. ¡°You always think you¡¯re so above it all, don¡¯t you? Too good for the rest of us, just because you¡¯re the almighty Phoenix.¡±
Ethan frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not fair, and you know it.¡±
¡°Whatever,¡± ChronoKnight spat, his tone dripping with bitterness. ¡°Enjoy your perfect little solo game, Ash. I hope it¡¯s worth it.¡±
The line went dead before Ethan could respond.
The next day, ChronoKnight woke up feeling a gnawing sense of guilt. The anger that had consumed him the night before now seemed petty and unwarranted. He replayed the conversation in his mind, wincing at how harshly he¡¯d spoken to Ethan.
¡°I need to apologize,¡± ChronoKnight muttered to himself. ¡°I was way out of line.¡±
Logging into Rebirth Online, he drafted a message to Ethan, but before he could send it, a notification popped up.
[Invitation Received: Team Iron Vanguard]
ChronoKnight blinked, rereading the notification. He quickly opened it, finding a message from a player named IronFang, who introduced himself as the captain of a small up-and-coming pro team.
¡°Hey, ChronoKnight! We¡¯ve been following your gameplay and think you¡¯ve got amazing potential. We¡¯re looking to expand our roster and would love to have you join Team Iron Vanguard. Let us know if you¡¯re interested!¡±
ChronoKnight stared at the message, his guilt momentarily forgotten. This was it¡ªthe opportunity he¡¯d been waiting for.
Without hesitation, he accepted the invitation, sending back an enthusiastic reply.
Over the next few days, ChronoKnight threw himself into his new role as a member of Team Iron Vanguard. The team was small and relatively unknown, but they had big aspirations and a lot of drive. ChronoKnight felt reinvigorated, diving headfirst into training sessions, team meetings, and strategy discussions.
For the first time in weeks, he felt like he had a purpose again. The frustrations of his dwindling popularity faded into the background as he focused on proving himself to his new teammates.
Yet, despite his newfound excitement, a small voice in the back of his mind kept nagging at him.
You still haven¡¯t apologized to Ethan.
ChronoKnight pushed the thought away. He convinced himself that Ethan probably didn¡¯t care. After all, Ethan had made it clear that he preferred playing alone. Why would he care about a petty argument?
Besides, ChronoKnight reasoned, he didn¡¯t have time to dwell on the past. He had a team to focus on, matches to prepare for, and a reputation to build.
______
Meanwhile, Ethan had noticed ChronoKnight¡¯s absence but chose not to dwell on it. He had enough on his plate, navigating the challenges of solo gameplay and avoiding the occasional trolling from players still obsessed with his Phoenix connection.
He missed the camaraderie he¡¯d shared with ChronoKnight, but he reminded himself that their paths had diverged for a reason.
One evening, as Ethan was completing a particularly grueling solo quest, he received a message from Aqua.
Aqua: Hey, heard about Chrono. He joined some new team. Pretty cool, right?
Ethan stared at the message for a moment before typing a simple reply.
Ash: Yeah, good for him.
He meant it. Despite their falling out, Ethan genuinely wished ChronoKnight the best. He hoped that his friend would find the success and fulfillment he was looking for.
But as Ethan logged off for the night, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness. Another friendship lost to the relentless churn of ambition and fame.
For Ethan, it was a painful reminder of why he¡¯d chosen to step away from that world in the first place.
Chapter 16: There is a limit to things - Part 1
Ethan logged off from Rebirth Online with a calm heart. It wasn¡¯t the crushing sense of loneliness he had anticipated when he decided to play solo; instead, he felt¡ lighter. Being alienated by other players and losing touch with ChronoKnight hadn¡¯t created the void he once feared. If anything, it had liberated him from the constant expectations and drama.
He was alone, sure, but it wasn¡¯t so bad. He could go wherever he wanted, grind quests at his own pace, and enjoy the game on his terms. The toxicity that once suffocated him was now a background buzz, easily ignored. For the first time in what felt like ages, Ethan played simply for the joy of it.
Later that evening, as he scrolled through gaming forums absentmindedly, a bright online flyer caught his eye:
¡°Esports Qualifiers Open! Think you¡¯ve got what it takes? Join now and compete for glory!¡±
Ethan paused, his mind drifting to his old life. It wasn¡¯t long ago that he was one of the top players in the professional scene, hailed as a genius prodigy. The idea of joining the qualifiers, of stepping back into the limelight, flickered through his thoughts. He imagined playing in tournaments again, hearing the cheers of fans, feeling the thrill of high-stakes matches.
But then he closed the tab and shook his head.
¡°Not worth it,¡± he muttered to himself, lying back on his bed. The stress, the drama, the invasive scrutiny¡ªnone of it was worth sacrificing the quiet peace he¡¯d found in his ordinary gameplay.
The next day, Ethan trudged into school, barely keeping his eyes open. His late-night grinding sessions were catching up to him, and he felt like a zombie shuffling through the halls.
¡°Ethan!¡± his teacher called as he walked into homeroom.
He blinked blearily. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡±
¡°You need to join a club for extra credit,¡± she said, tapping a clipboard. ¡°You¡¯re falling behind, and this could help pull up your grades.¡±
Ethan groaned internally. The last thing he wanted was to commit to some after-school activity when all he really cared about was logging back into Rebirth Online.
¡°Can¡¯t I just, I don¡¯t know, skip it?¡± he mumbled.
¡°No, Ethan. You¡¯re required to pick one,¡± the teacher said firmly. ¡°Check the board after class.¡±
Ethan wandered to the club bulletin board during lunch, his brain too fried to put any effort into choosing. Most of the options seemed dull¡ªdebate club, art club, chess club. He briefly considered the cooking club but decided it was too much work. He was about to randomly point at one and call it a day when someone tapped his shoulder.
Turning, he found himself face-to-face with their class president, a diligent and ever-enthusiastic student who always seemed to have everything together.
¡°Hey, Ethan,¡± the class president said brightly. ¡°Got a minute?¡±
¡°Uh¡ sure?¡± Ethan replied, confused.
The president handed him a flyer. ¡°Our school¡¯s gaming club needs more members, and we¡¯re in a bit of a bind. If we don¡¯t hit the required number, they might shut us down. Could you sign up? You don¡¯t have to do much¡ªjust putting your name down would help.¡±
Ethan stared at the flyer, his exhausted brain barely processing the words. Gaming club? That¡¯s a thing?
He blinked a few times, shrugged, and said, ¡°Yeah, sure. Whatever.¡±
¡°Great! Thanks so much!¡± The president beamed and hurried off.
Ethan didn¡¯t think much of it until the next day, when he found himself standing awkwardly in front of the gaming clubroom. He had half-expected the president to forget about his promise, but instead, they had insisted he show up to the first meeting.
With a sigh, Ethan pushed the door open.
The clubroom was a modest space with a few computers, some gaming consoles, and a small group of students gathered around a table. They looked up as he entered, their expressions ranging from curious to indifferent.
¡°Hey, new guy,¡± one of them said. ¡°You¡¯re the one who signed up yesterday, right?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Ethan said, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Ethan.¡±
¡°Welcome to the gaming club,¡± another member said. ¡°We mostly just play casually, but we¡¯re thinking about entering the esports qualifiers this year.¡±
Ethan froze. ¡°Esports qualifiers?¡±
¡°Yeah, but don¡¯t worry,¡± the club member added quickly. ¡°We¡¯re not expecting much. It¡¯s just for fun.¡±
Ethan relaxed a little. ¡°Right. Fun.¡±
The club seemed harmless enough, and the members were friendly, if a bit overly enthusiastic. Ethan decided he could handle a couple of hours a week hanging out here. It wasn¡¯t like they¡¯d recognize him as Phoenix or pressure him to compete seriously.
Over the next few weeks, Ethan¡¯s life settled into an oddly comfortable routine. He¡¯d go to school, spend some time in the gaming club, and then log into Rebirth Online at home. The club sessions were surprisingly enjoyable¡ªlow-stakes gaming with a group of laid-back players who didn¡¯t care about rankings or stats.
For the first time in a long time, Ethan felt like a regular gamer.
But every now and then, the club members would bring up the esports qualifiers, brainstorming strategies or debating which games to focus on. Ethan mostly stayed quiet during these discussions, offering noncommittal responses when asked for his opinion.
¡°Ethan, you¡¯re pretty good at this,¡± one of the members said one afternoon, after Ethan had casually dominated a multiplayer match. ¡°You should totally be on the qualifiers team.¡±
¡°Pass,¡± Ethan said quickly.
¡°Aw, come on,¡± another member chimed in. ¡°You¡¯ve got natural talent. We need someone like you if we¡¯re going to stand a chance.¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m just here for fun, remember? No pressure.¡±
The others didn¡¯t push further, but Ethan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that his skills were drawing more attention than he¡¯d like.
______
Meanwhile, in Rebirth Online, Ethan¡¯s newfound solo freedom was starting to yield unexpected results. Without the distraction of group dynamics or external drama, he¡¯d been able to focus entirely on his character progression. His unconventional healer build was finally starting to pay off, and he found himself tackling higher-level content with surprising ease.
One evening, as he defeated a particularly challenging boss, he received a message from a random player.
[Whisper from UnknownPlayer]: Hey, are you Ash? The one who¡¯s been soloing all the crazy stuff lately?
Ethan sighed and closed the chat window without responding. He didn¡¯t need more attention¡ªespecially not now.
Back in the gaming club, the qualifiers were fast approaching, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Ethan watched from the sidelines as the other members practiced, their energy infectious but their strategies¡ questionable.
¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to join?¡± the class president asked one day, catching Ethan as he packed up to leave.
¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Ethan said with a small smile. ¡°You guys have got this.¡±
As he walked home, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for his competitive days. But he reminded himself why he¡¯d left that world behind.
I¡¯m happier now, he thought firmly. This is enough.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
And for now, that was the truth.
______
Ethan¡¯s life had fallen into a predictable rhythm, and he liked it that way. School was dull, but it was something to get through.
The gaming club was a nice distraction, though he mostly hung back and avoided getting too involved. After school, he¡¯d log into Rebirth Online and lose himself in his solo grind, free of any obligations or drama.
It was a far cry from his hectic days as Phoenix, but it was exactly the low-key existence he wanted.
He was content with his routine.
One afternoon, as the gaming club wrapped up for the day, the class president called everyone¡¯s attention.
¡°Hey, guys, just a heads-up¡ªthere won¡¯t be any club activities tomorrow,¡± the president announced.
A murmur of confusion spread through the room.
¡°Why not?¡± someone asked.
¡°The room¡¯s going to be used for a friendly match between our school and the neighboring one,¡± the president explained. ¡°They¡¯re trying to build some camaraderie between the clubs or something. Anyway, it¡¯s just for one day.¡±
Ethan frowned but stayed silent. No club tomorrow? That¡¯s annoying. The club had become part of his routine, a reliable buffer between the monotony of school and his gaming sessions. He didn¡¯t care about some random match, and now he¡¯d have to find something else to do.
¡°That¡¯s so unfair,¡± a club member muttered nearby, echoing Ethan¡¯s thoughts.
Ethan wanted to agree, but he wasn¡¯t the type to speak up. Instead, he decided he simply wouldn¡¯t show up the next day.
The following day, Ethan went through school as usual, but he felt restless. He had told himself he didn¡¯t care about the match, but curiosity began to nag at him. What kind of ¡°friendly match¡± was worth shutting down the club for a day? He tried to ignore the feeling, but by the time the final bell rang, he found himself heading toward the clubroom instead of home.
The door to the clubroom was open, and a small crowd of students had gathered to watch the match. Ethan hung back at the edge of the room, trying to blend in and avoid attention.
Inside, two teams were seated at the gaming setups, their screens mirrored on a large monitor for the audience to watch. The match had already started, and the announcers¡ªtwo enthusiastic students¡ªwere narrating the action.
At first, Ethan was mildly interested. But as he watched the gameplay unfold, his expression shifted from neutral to disbelief.
What am I even looking at?
The match was an absolute mess. Players ran around aimlessly, missing key objectives and executing laughably bad strategies. Characters were dying left and right to basic enemies, and the teamwork was nonexistent.
Ethan suppressed a groan. He wasn¡¯t expecting pro-level gameplay, but this was¡ painful.
¡°Hey, Ethan!¡±
Ethan turned to see one of his clubmates¡ªa chatty, energetic guy whose name he couldn¡¯t quite remember¡ªwaving him over.
¡°What do you think of the match so far?¡± the clubmate asked, grinning.
Ethan hesitated, his mind scrambling for a diplomatic response. He didn¡¯t want to sound rude, but he also couldn¡¯t bring himself to lie.
¡°It¡¯s¡ uh¡¡± he started, then trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence.
The clubmate¡¯s grin faltered. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re not impressed?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not that¡ª¡± Ethan began, but the clubmate cut him off.
¡°Come on, man! They¡¯re trying their best out there!¡± the clubmate said, crossing his arms. ¡°You could at least show some enthusiasm.¡±
Ethan bit back a sigh. He didn¡¯t want to argue, but he also didn¡¯t want to fake excitement for a match that was objectively bad.
¡°Sorry,¡± he said finally, hoping to defuse the situation.
The clubmate huffed and turned back to watch the game, leaving Ethan feeling awkward and out of place.
______
The match dragged on, and Ethan couldn¡¯t stop himself from mentally critiquing every move the players made.
Why aren¡¯t they prioritizing objectives?
That build doesn¡¯t even make sense for this mode.
Did that guy just ult into an empty lane?
It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
Eventually, Ethan couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He quietly slipped out of the room and made his way home, feeling a mix of secondhand embarrassment and frustration.
That evening, as he logged into Rebirth Online, Ethan replayed the match in his mind. He didn¡¯t know why it bothered him so much. It wasn¡¯t his problem, and he had no reason to care about the gaming club¡¯s performance.
Still, a small part of him itched to do something about it. The skills he¡¯d honed as Phoenix were still there, buried beneath his casual playstyle. He could help the club¡ªteach them strategies, refine their teamwork, maybe even turn them into a competent team.
But then he shook his head.
No. That¡¯s not my responsibility.
Ethan had left that life behind for a reason. Getting involved would only drag him back into the spotlight, back into the drama he¡¯d worked so hard to escape.
With a deep breath, he pushed the thought aside and focused on his game. He was happy with his routine, and he wasn¡¯t about to let one bad match change that.
Or so he told himself.
______
Ethan¡¯s life at the gaming club had always been quiet. He kept to himself, joined in when absolutely necessary, and otherwise avoided drawing attention. But after his lukewarm reaction to the friendly match the other day, things had started to shift.
His clubmates, who had previously ignored him for the most part, now seemed to be going out of their way to alienate him further. At first, it was subtle¡ªmuted whispers and side glances when he entered the room. Ethan wasn¡¯t surprised, nor did he particularly care. He was used to being an outsider, and he had long since learned to thrive in solitude.
But what started as passive-aggressive behavior soon evolved into something more deliberate.
One afternoon, Ethan was grinding through a dungeon in Rebirth Online during club hours. He was in the middle of a tricky boss fight when, without warning, his screen froze.
¡°What the¡?¡± Ethan muttered, trying to move his character. Nothing happened.
A quick glance at his router confirmed the issue¡ªsomeone had disconnected the Wi-Fi.
¡°Very funny,¡± Ethan said under his breath, though no one seemed to be paying attention.
When the internet came back on a few minutes later, Ethan logged back in only to find that his progress in the dungeon had been reset.
It wasn¡¯t a big deal¡ªhe could redo the run¡ªbut it was frustrating. Still, he decided to let it go. Maybe it was an accident, he told himself.
But then it happened again.
And again.
One day, someone unplugged his computer mid-game. Another day, someone adjusted the room¡¯s power settings so that his machine would shut off automatically after a certain period.
It wasn¡¯t just about the interruptions. It was the smug looks, the stifled laughter, the barely concealed grins from his clubmates that accompanied each incident.
Ethan wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew they were behind it.
At first, he tried to brush it off. He didn¡¯t want to escalate the situation, and he figured ignoring them would make them stop. But if anything, his indifference only seemed to egg them on.
¡°Hey, Ethan, everything okay over there?¡± one of his clubmates asked innocently as Ethan rebooted his computer for the third time that week.
¡°Yeah, fine,¡± Ethan replied curtly, not looking up.
The group stifled their laughter, and Ethan gritted his teeth. He didn¡¯t want to give them the satisfaction of a reaction, but his patience was wearing thin.
______
It all came to a head one afternoon when Ethan was working on an in-game event. He had spent over an hour completing a series of objectives, carefully coordinating his moves to maximize his rewards.
Just as he was about to finish, the power to his station cut out.
Ethan stared at the blank screen for a moment, his fists clenching. He turned to see a couple of his clubmates struggling to suppress their laughter.
¡°Whoops! Must¡¯ve been a power surge,¡± one of them said, not even trying to sound convincing.
Ethan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Don¡¯t react. Don¡¯t give them what they want.
But when he turned his computer back on and logged into the game, he saw that all his progress had been wiped. Hours of effort, gone.
Something inside him snapped.
¡°You think this is funny?¡± Ethan said sharply, standing up. His voice cut through the room, silencing the laughter instantly.
The club members turned to him, startled by his outburst. Ethan rarely spoke, let alone raised his voice.
¡°Do you have any idea how annoying this is?¡± Ethan continued, his tone rising. ¡°I don¡¯t bother any of you. I keep to myself, and I don¡¯t get in your way. So why can¡¯t you just leave me alone?¡±
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Some of them looked guilty, while others seemed more amused than anything.
¡°Relax, man,¡± one of them said with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s just a joke.¡±
¡°A joke?¡± Ethan repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief. ¡°You think wasting my time is a joke? You think messing with someone who hasn¡¯t done anything to you is funny?¡±
¡°It¡¯s not that serious,¡± another club member said, but his tone was defensive now.
¡°Not that serious to you,¡± Ethan shot back. ¡°Because it¡¯s not happening to you.¡±
The room fell silent. Ethan¡¯s outburst had taken everyone by surprise, including himself. He wasn¡¯t usually the type to confront people, but his frustration had finally boiled over.
¡°I joined this club because I thought it¡¯d be a quiet place to game,¡± he said, his voice calmer now but no less firm. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me here, just say so. But don¡¯t pull this passive-aggressive crap and pretend it¡¯s all in good fun.¡±
With that, Ethan grabbed his bag and walked out of the room, leaving the stunned club members behind.
As Ethan made his way home, he felt a mix of emotions¡ªanger, exhaustion, and a surprising sense of relief.
He hated confrontation, but standing up for himself had felt oddly cathartic. For too long, he had let people walk all over him, thinking it was easier to keep the peace than to push back. But now, for the first time in a long while, he had drawn a line.
He wasn¡¯t sure what the fallout would be. Would the club members apologize? Would they retaliate? Did it even matter?
As he logged into Rebirth Online that evening, Ethan resolved not to let their behavior get to him anymore. He had dealt with worse in the pro scene, and he wasn¡¯t about to let a bunch of immature kids ruin his enjoyment of the game.
This was his space, his escape, and no one was going to take that away from him.
As Ethan walked home, he felt a mix of emotions¡ªanger, frustration, and a surprising sense of relief.
He hated losing his temper, but holding everything in had been eating away at him. Letting it out, even for a moment, felt strangely liberating.
Still, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he¡¯d made things worse. Would the pranks stop now, or would they escalate even further?
He decided he didn¡¯t care.
If they wanted to alienate him, fine. If they wanted to kick him out of the club, even better. He hadn¡¯t joined to make friends; he¡¯d joined because it was convenient. If that convenience disappeared, he¡¯d find another place to play.
That evening, as Ethan logged into Rebirth Online, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
This was his space, his sanctuary. No matter what happened at school, no one could touch him here.
He spent the next few hours grinding through quests, enjoying the quiet solitude of the game. For the first time in days, he felt at peace.
As he prepared to log off for the night, a message popped up in his inbox.
[Club Member]: Hey, man. Sorry about earlier. We didn¡¯t mean to push you that far.
Ethan stared at the message for a moment before closing it without replying.
He wasn¡¯t ready to forgive them yet. Maybe he never would be.
But for now, he was content to focus on the one thing that truly mattered¡ªplaying the game he loved.
Chapter 17: A match for the future - Part 1
Ethan sat at his computer, logging into Rebirth Online for his usual evening session. After the events of the day¡ªthe confrontation with his clubmates and the pent-up frustration¡ªhe felt the need to vent. Scrolling through his friend list, he saw ChronoKnight online and decided to message him.
¡°Hey,¡± Ethan typed. ¡°Got a sec?¡±
ChronoKnight responded almost immediately. ¡°Sure, what¡¯s up?¡±
Ethan hesitated for a moment before diving into his story. He detailed the pranks, the petty behavior of his clubmates, and his eventual outburst. He didn¡¯t hold back, expressing his annoyance and confusion about why they¡¯d acted that way in the first place.
When he finished, ChronoKnight took a moment before replying. ¡°Wow, that sounds rough. But, Ethan, can I be honest with you?¡±
¡°Go ahead,¡± Ethan replied.
ChronoKnight¡¯s message came through: ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re expecting too much from them. Not everyone is good at games, and that¡¯s okay. Most people play for fun, not to be the best. Maybe they were doing their best, and you just couldn¡¯t see it because you¡¯ve been surrounded by top-tier players for so long.¡±
Ethan blinked at the screen, the words sinking in. ChronoKnight continued, ¡°Remember, you¡¯ve been in the pro scene. Your ¡®normal¡¯ is way above what most people can achieve. It¡¯s easy to forget that when you¡¯re used to playing with the best. But your classmates? They¡¯re probably just trying to enjoy the game.¡±
Ethan leaned back in his chair, the realization hitting him. He had been surrounded by elite players throughout his career, where the standard was excellence and anything less was unacceptable. It hadn¡¯t occurred to him that for many people, gaming was just a hobby, not a competitive pursuit.
¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Ethan finally typed. ¡°I think I forgot what it¡¯s like to be... normal in a game.¡±
ChronoKnight¡¯s response was quick. ¡°It happens. But now that you see it, maybe you can cut them some slack. Everyone has their own pace.¡±
¡°Thanks,¡± Ethan replied. ¡°I needed that.¡±
¡°No problem,¡± ChronoKnight answered. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s just about perspective. Now, ready to finish that quest?¡±
Ethan smiled, his mood lighter. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do it.¡±
______
The next day, Ethan walked into the school feeling more reflective. His conversation with ChronoKnight lingered in his mind. As he entered the clubroom, he noticed the atmosphere was different. It wasn¡¯t the usual buzz of conversation or even the awkward silence that followed their previous altercations. This was something else¡ªgloomy and tense.
Ethan initially thought it was because of him. Maybe his outburst had left a lasting impression, and now the club was uncomfortable with his presence. He sighed, deciding to keep a low profile and focus on his game. But as he sat down and observed, he realized the tension wasn¡¯t directed at him.
The club members were unusually quiet, huddled in small groups, whispering amongst themselves. The usual banter and light-hearted teasing were absent. Ethan felt a strange sense of unease, curiosity gnawing at him.
One of the club members, a usually cheerful guy named Jake, approached Ethan hesitantly. ¡°Hey, Ethan,¡± he said, his voice subdued.
¡°Hey,¡± Ethan replied cautiously. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±
Jake glanced around before leaning in. ¡°Did you hear about the match yesterday?¡±
Ethan shook his head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. What happened?¡±
Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°It didn¡¯t go well. We lost badly, and now the school¡¯s administration is questioning whether we should even have a gaming club.¡±
Ethan¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Seriously?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Jake said. ¡°Apparently, the other school reported us for unsportsmanlike behavior. They said we weren¡¯t taking the match seriously, and now we¡¯re under scrutiny.¡±
Ethan frowned. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right. We¡¯re just a school club, not a professional team.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Jake agreed. ¡°But some of the guys... well, they didn¡¯t exactly behave during the match. There was a lot of trash-talking, and it didn¡¯t sit well with the other team.¡±
Ethan sighed, the pieces falling into place. The tension in the room wasn¡¯t because of him¡ªit was the looming threat of their club being shut down.
¡°I had no idea,¡± Ethan said quietly.
Jake nodded. ¡°We¡¯re all a bit on edge. If we can¡¯t prove that we¡¯re a legitimate club that contributes positively to the school, we might lose everything.¡±
Ethan sat back, processing the information. He thought about his own behavior, the way he¡¯d distanced himself from the club and how he¡¯d viewed his classmates. ChronoKnight¡¯s words echoed in his mind.
¡°Maybe we can turn this around,¡± Ethan said after a moment.
Jake looked at him, surprised. ¡°You think so?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Ethan said, determination hardening his voice. ¡°If we can show them that we¡¯re serious, that we can work together and improve, they might change their minds.¡±
Jake¡¯s eyes lit up with hope. ¡°You¡¯d help with that?¡±
Ethan nodded. ¡°I¡¯m in. Let¡¯s prove them wrong.¡±
The rest of the club slowly gathered around as Jake relayed Ethan¡¯s words. There was a mix of skepticism and hope in their eyes, but Ethan was determined.
¡°We need to put aside all the petty stuff,¡± Ethan said, looking around at his clubmates. ¡°If we want to keep this club, we need to work together and show that we¡¯re more than just kids playing games.¡±
There were nods of agreement, and for the first time in a while, Ethan felt a sense of unity forming in the room. They might not have been the best players, but together, they had a chance to make things right.
As they began planning their next steps, Ethan couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of something he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time¡ªexcitement. For once, it wasn¡¯t about being the best or winning; it was about being part of something bigger. And that was a game he was willing to play.
______
Ethan had started to warm up to his club members, albeit subtly. He didn¡¯t want to come off as condescending, but he knew he could help them improve their gameplay. Between rounds of Rebirth Online, he would casually drop hints or point out things they could do differently.
"Hey, Jake," Ethan said one afternoon, watching him struggle with a boss fight. "Try circling around when it does that AoE attack. You¡¯ll avoid most of the damage."
Jake gave him a grateful nod. "Thanks, Ethan. I¡¯ll give it a shot."
Ethan continued to offer small tips here and there, carefully gauging their reactions. To his surprise, they started to listen, and slowly, their skills improved. The club members didn¡¯t question his knowledge, likely chalking it up to his quiet confidence in the game.
Things were starting to look up for the club. The mood was lighter, and for the first time, Ethan felt like he was part of the group. That fragile sense of camaraderie, however, was shattered the next day.
It was a regular school day, and Ethan was in the clubroom, helping Jake with another boss fight. He excused himself to use the bathroom, leaving the room bustling with activity as his clubmates practiced and played. He wasn¡¯t gone for more than a few minutes, but when he returned, he found chaos.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
The door to the clubroom had been thrown open with a loud bang, and standing in the middle of the room was a tall, imposing figure. The newcomer had an air of arrogance, and his sharp eyes scanned the room disdainfully.
¡°I¡¯m looking for the cocky player from this club,¡± the newcomer announced loudly, his voice dripping with contempt. ¡°Where is he?¡±
The club members exchanged nervous glances, their earlier jovial mood now tense and uneasy. One of them, a timid sophomore, stepped forward hesitantly. ¡°Who are you, and what do you want?¡±
The stranger smirked. ¡°Name¡¯s Robin, from the rival school you faced yesterday. My clubmates were insulted by the trash talk during the match, and I¡¯m here to settle the score. So, where¡¯s the big mouth?¡±
The room fell silent. The club members had no idea who Robin was referring to, but they instinctively felt they needed to protect Ethan. Even though Ethan hadn¡¯t been directly involved in the incident, his presence and the potential for Robin to discover his identity worried them.
¡°No one here was trash-talking,¡± Jake said firmly, stepping up. ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong guy.¡±
Robin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Oh, really? You think you can protect him? Fine, if he won¡¯t come out, I¡¯ll take on all of you.¡±
The tension in the room was palpable. Robin cracked his knuckles menacingly, and the club members knew he wasn¡¯t just bluffing. He was serious about escalating this into a physical confrontation.
______
Ethan, oblivious to the commotion, returned to the clubroom just in time to see Robin squaring off against his friends. His heart sank. He had hoped to avoid trouble, but it seemed like trouble had found him anyway.
¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Ethan asked, stepping into the room.
Robin turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. ¡°And who might you be?¡±
¡°I¡¯m just a club member,¡± Ethan replied calmly, trying to diffuse the situation. ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡±
Robin sneered. ¡°My problem? Your club insulted my team, and I¡¯m here to settle things. They¡¯re trying to protect someone, but I have a feeling you know who I¡¯m talking about.¡±
Ethan¡¯s mind raced. He needed to handle this carefully. ¡°Look, whatever happened during the match, it¡¯s over now. There¡¯s no need for violence.¡±
Robin scoffed. ¡°Easy for you to say. But I don¡¯t think I¡¯m leaving until I get some answers¡ªor a fight.¡±
The club members, who had been silent, now looked at Ethan with a mix of fear and admiration. They could see he was trying to protect them, but they also knew Robin wasn¡¯t going to back down easily.
¡°Fine,¡± Ethan said, his voice steady. ¡°If you want a fight, I¡¯ll give you one¡ªbut not here. Let¡¯s settle this in the game. No need for anyone to get hurt.¡±
Robin seemed taken aback for a moment before his sneer returned. ¡°You think you can beat me in a game? Fine, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got.¡±
The tension eased slightly as Robin agreed to take the fight online rather than in the real world. The club members quickly set up the game, and Ethan logged in, ready for the showdown.
As the match started, the club watched in awe as Ethan effortlessly controlled his character, dodging Robin¡¯s attacks and countering with precise strikes. It became clear within minutes that Ethan was on a different level.
Despite Robin¡¯s aggressive tactics, Ethan maintained his composure, steadily whittling down Robin¡¯s health. The match was over quickly, with Ethan emerging victorious.
Robin stared at the screen, disbelief etched on his face. ¡°Who... who are you?¡±
Ethan smiled faintly. ¡°Just a club member.¡±
Robin muttered something under his breath and stormed out of the room, leaving the club in stunned silence.
As the door closed behind him, Jake turned to Ethan. ¡°Dude, that was amazing. How did you do that?¡±
Ethan shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve had a lot of practice.¡±
The club erupted in cheers, their earlier fear replaced with newfound respect for Ethan. For the first time, Ethan felt truly accepted by his peers. He had protected them, and in doing so, earned their trust.
Later, as the club members packed up for the day, Jake clapped Ethan on the back. ¡°Thanks for standing up for us, man. We owe you.¡±
Ethan smiled, feeling a warmth he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. ¡°We¡¯re a team. That¡¯s what we do.¡±
As he left the school that day, Ethan realized that maybe, just maybe, he had found a place where he truly belonged.
______
The following day at school started off peacefully for Ethan. After the chaotic events of the previous day, he welcomed the calm, expecting nothing more than a routine school day and maybe some quiet gaming in the clubroom after classes.
However, the peace didn¡¯t last long.
As Ethan settled into his usual spot in the clubroom, the door burst open, and the club president stumbled in, his face as pale as a sheet. His hands trembled as he clutched a piece of paper. The room fell silent, everyone¡¯s attention immediately drawn to him.
¡°President, what¡¯s going on?¡± Ethan asked, noticing the panic in the older teen¡¯s eyes.
The club president struggled to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s... it¡¯s a disaster. We¡¯ve been challenged by Robin and his club from the rival school.¡±
The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. The once lively clubroom was now filled with tension. Ethan looked around, noting the worried expressions on his clubmates'' faces.
¡°What¡¯s the big deal?¡± Ethan asked, trying to grasp why everyone seemed so rattled. ¡°It¡¯s just a match, right?¡±
Jake, one of the club members, shook his head solemnly. ¡°Ethan, you don¡¯t understand. Our school has never beaten them. Not once. This isn¡¯t just a match¡ªit¡¯s a way for them to humiliate us.¡±
Ethan still couldn¡¯t see why it was such a huge problem. It was just a game, after all. But the club president quickly filled in the missing pieces.
¡°It¡¯s worse than that,¡± he said, holding up the notice. ¡°Robin and his club have threatened to file a formal complaint against us. They¡¯re saying we insulted them, and they want to take it to the school board. If they do, they¡¯ll use it to push for our club to be disbanded. The principal already doesn¡¯t like us because we haven¡¯t accomplished much.¡±
Ethan¡¯s eyes widened as the gravity of the situation sank in. He understood now why everyone was so serious. The future of their club was at stake. If they lost this match¡ªor if the rival club followed through with their threats¡ªit could spell the end of the gaming club altogether.
The club members exchanged nervous glances. Some muttered about how unfair it was, while others sat in stunned silence, the weight of the challenge pressing down on them.
¡°We can¡¯t let them do this,¡± Jake finally said, breaking the silence. ¡°We have to win this match.¡±
¡°But how?¡± another member asked. ¡°Robin¡¯s team is strong. They¡¯ve always been better than us.¡±
Ethan listened quietly, his mind racing. Despite not being heavily invested in the club initially, he felt a growing sense of responsibility. He had been the one who attracted Robin¡¯s ire, after all. And now, their club¡¯s survival was on the line.
¡°I¡¯ll play,¡± Ethan said suddenly, his voice firm.
The room turned toward him in surprise.
¡°You will?¡± Jake asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
Ethan nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll do whatever I can to help us win.¡±
______
The following days were a whirlwind of preparation for the impending match. The club members, fueled by a mixture of fear and determination, threw themselves into practice. They knew this was more than just a friendly competition; it was a fight for their club¡¯s survival.
Ethan, despite his usual laid-back demeanor, found himself getting pulled deeper into the club''s activities. The energy in the room was palpable, and for once, he didn¡¯t mind being part of the chaos. He spent hours analyzing past matches, coming up with strategies, and sharing tips with his teammates. It was a side of him he hadn¡¯t tapped into in a while, and it felt oddly satisfying.
The club president was a bundle of nerves, pacing the room as he coordinated practice schedules and made sure everyone was on track. His usual calm and composed exterior had cracked under the pressure, but his resolve remained firm.
¡°Alright, team,¡± he said during one of their strategy sessions, ¡°we know Robin¡¯s team is strong, but we¡¯ve got something they don¡¯t.¡±
¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Jake asked, raising an eyebrow.
The president smiled, though it was a bit strained. ¡°We¡¯ve got heart. And we¡¯ve got Ethan.¡±
All eyes turned to Ethan, who shifted uncomfortably under the sudden attention.
¡°I¡¯m just here to help,¡± he said, trying to deflect. ¡°It¡¯s not about me.¡±
Jake grinned, clapping Ethan on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be modest, man. You¡¯ve got skills we can all learn from.¡±
The atmosphere in the room lightened, and for a moment, the looming match didn¡¯t seem so daunting. They spent the rest of the day honing their teamwork, focusing on communication, and refining their game plan.
As the week wore on, the weight of the challenge began to settle in. The club members, though more determined than ever, couldn¡¯t shake the fear of failure. The rival school had a reputation for being ruthless, and Robin¡¯s team was known for their aggressive tactics.
Ethan noticed the growing anxiety and decided to address it during one of their breaks. ¡°Look,¡± he said, gathering everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°I know this isn¡¯t easy. But we¡¯ve been working hard, and we¡¯ve come a long way. We just need to focus on what we¡¯ve learned and trust each other.¡±
His words seemed to resonate with the group, and they nodded in agreement.
As the weekend approached, the club decided to take a day off from practice to recharge. Ethan welcomed the break, using the time to catch up on schoolwork and relax. But even during his downtime, the upcoming match lingered in the back of his mind.
The night before the match, the club held a final meeting to go over their strategy one last time. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also a sense of quiet determination.
¡°We¡¯ve got this,¡± the president said, trying to bolster their confidence. ¡°We¡¯ve put in the work, and now it¡¯s time to show them what we¡¯re made of.¡±
Ethan nodded, feeling a surge of resolve. Despite the challenges, he was ready to give it his all. This match wasn¡¯t just about the club anymore¡ªit was about proving to himself that he could rise to the occasion.
As they wrapped up the meeting, the president reminded them of the stakes. ¡°Remember, this is more than just a game. Our club¡¯s future depends on it.¡±
The weight of his words hung in the air as they all silently vowed to do their best. The match was set for the following week, giving them a few more days to prepare and mentally gear up.
Ethan walked home that evening with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. He had faced high-pressure situations before, but this felt different. This wasn¡¯t just about personal glory; it was about being part of a team and fighting for something bigger than himself.
As he settled into bed, his thoughts drifted to the club members. They had come a long way since that first day he joined, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of pride in how far they¡¯d come. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear¡ªthey were in this together.
With a deep breath, Ethan closed his eyes, ready to face whatever challenges the next week would bring.