《Eternal Skirmish Online》 Prolog I. In the middle of the cold forest, covered with a fresh layer of snow, a young woman in blood-splattered blue robes staggered along. In her right hand, she tightly held her younger sister, who could barely stay on her feet. "Sister... Aife, I can''t go on." The girl spoke in a halting and breathless voice. Only the heavy sounds of breathing and teeth chattering echoed through the silent forest. A strong, biting wind caressed their bodies, and in response, the girls uncontrollably shivered. Their bare feet sank deeper with each step into the thick snow, which consumed them, and with each further step, the freezing cold slowly numbed them. The snow''s moisture and cold penetrated their skin, making them more and more numb. Aife looked sorrowfully at her little sister and stopped. Her yellow eyes could no longer even shed tears. Why?!... why us?!... What did we do to deserve this? This question echoed in the girl¡¯s mind countless times. And only one answer came to her mind ¡ª hatred. In this world, it was common for people who felt hatred toward races other than the human one to resort to massive massacres and exterminations. For generations, human society had treated interspecies beings as slaves, viewing them as inferior life forms whose existence was a burden. They claimed that interspecies beings had no place in the human world, and argued that cleansing the world of them was the best solution. However, there were those who protected the interspecies, respected them, treated them as equals, and liked them, though they were a rare minority. Fewer than 10 out of 100. Humans believed that hybrids, as they were called, and others like them had no place in the human world, and although it sounded cruel, it was their simple truth. And this winter morning was the day the girls would call "cleansing." It was a day of suffering and despair. The girls, who had lived in a peaceful village full of friendly people and some interspecies races, had become victims of such a massacre. The people who had appeared friendly and welcoming turned into ruthless monsters in a matter of moments. Their smiles vanished as quickly as they appeared. All that remained were cold, empty stares with no hint of emotion. The worst part was that some of them started laughing, but their laughter was empty and ominous. The killings were immense. Streets, houses, and even the roads leading to the village¡¯s supplies were filled with the bodies of interspecies beings, fairies, and many other creatures within minutes. Although rare and audacious, a small group of people tried to protect the interspecies rather than join in the massacre. It might have seemed that those who saw their kind on the side of the interspecies would at least consider exile instead of extermination. But the opposite was true ¡ª those who tried to protect the interspecies ended up the same way. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Traitors!! Kill them!" they shouted. Aife glanced around, the cold wind whipping her face as her green hair, covered with snowflakes, fluttered in the wind. A green horn glimmered on her forehead, now half-covered with icy crystals. She looked again at her little sister, who returned a sad, exhausted look. Aife knew escape was impossible. She knew there was no chance of leaving this deep forest. The forest was so dense that anyone could easily get lost in it, as if some strange magic drove them. Even adventurers preferred to avoid it. Suddenly, Aife felt her knees buckle. She tried to fight it, to stay on her feet¡­ but her body was so weak and exhausted that it no longer obeyed. Her eyelids grew heavy, and the world around her blurred. She fell to the ground. Lara immediately knelt beside Aife''s body and shook her. Lara felt helpless, afraid that she would lose her sister and be left alone. She didn¡¯t want to be alone. Aife was the only one she had left, and she couldn¡¯t lose her. Tears slowly ran down her pale face, cold as drops of frost, as if reflecting the cold in her heart. She continued to shake Aife. "Sister! Please... wake up! Aife!" "Lara..." Lara heard the faint tone of Aife''s voice, so exhausted that each word sounded as if it was on the verge of losing its strength. The voice was barely audible, almost as if it were spoken against her own will. Aife slowly turned her head toward Lara and smiled sadly. "I should have protected you better..." Lara smiled weakly, leaned over, and hugged Aife tightly. Though only 13, Lara knew very well that there was no chance they would both survive. For her age, she was smarter than other children, thanks to her parents'' upbringing. They taught her kindness, taught her what was right and wrong, and how to perceive the world around her. Above all, they taught her to keep an open heart for those she loved the most, for others. "You protected me... sister... and I am so grateful to you... I love you..." At that moment, Lara lay beside Aife, pressed against her, and closed her tear-filled eyes, waiting for their slow death. Aife fought on, trying to overcome the pain to carry her sister to the nearby shed that their parents had built in the forest. Her life had been stolen from her; she only wanted her sister to live, to have a beautiful life, and to never suffer. Then, as if answering their fear, a massive red dome, 2.5 meters tall, formed above them. It radiated warmth, enveloping them, and the girls felt their bodies warming as if they were in a warm house, far from the inhospitable winter and death. Shocked and terrified by this powerful magic, the girls immediately stood up. Their hearts raced, their minds struggling to comprehend what was happening... What was this magic? Who had saved them? And then... Part l, Chapter l. All around, the hissing of burning metal roared, sparks flew into the air, and the flames of the welders danced. The factory noise was deafening ¨C metal clashing against metal, machines humming, and workers laboring at a relentless pace like soulless machines. Umeda Raide, a 23-year-old man, stubbed out his unfinished cigarette on his boot, walked to his workstation, lowered his head, his hand shaking as he turned on his welding torch, and continued welding. His protective mask was clouded with sweat and dirt. Another sheet of metal, another seam, more hours passing in the rhythm of labor. He was tired. Tired of all those days that dragged on the same, the repetition and the hopelessness hanging over him like a dark cloud. Every time he lifted his eyes and looked at the world outside, it was the same smog, the same gray sky. The air was heavy, saturated with toxins, and the people around him moved in their gas masks like robots. Sick of it all, he knew this wasn''t a real life anymore. And then ¨C finally ¨C the sharp voice of the supervisor rang out: "Shift''s over! Get home, and be back at seven tomorrow! Don''t you dare oversleep, or I''ll kick your ass myself!" The boss, a fat guy with a face like the worn-out leather of a sandal, growled the order, turned, and muttered away. The sound of the welding torches ceased, and the space was filled with only the quiet hissing of cooling machines. Raiden turned off his welding torch, slowly removed his helmet, and took a deep breath. His face was covered in a layer of gray dust, and he instinctively blinked against the harsh light of the factory''s fluorescent lamps. His short black hair was completely gray from dust and metal. He deeply regretted his decision. Working in the factory was slavery, poorly paid, with no future. But what could he do? The world outside was dead, ruined by wars and toxic air. There was nothing else left for him. He tiredly stretched his stiff muscles before pulling off his gloves and slowly walking toward the large iron gates. He headed to the dirty locker room where his gas mask awaited. Without it, he wouldn¡¯t survive outside for even a minute. He changed into his black sweatpants and gray hoodie and headed toward the massive metal gates. These gates were no ordinary ones, nor just simple doors ¨C they were designed to protect the building and the workers from the toxins outside. Made from reinforced alloy and equipped with special seals, they were almost perfectly airtight. As soon as he passed through the massive metal gates, the cold air saturated with toxins hit him. The city was surrounded by perpetual smog, lazily hovering above the streets like suffocating mist. People shuffled silently along the sidewalks, each wearing a gas mask, children, the elderly... The year 2130 hadn¡¯t brought the progress everyone promised, it wasn¡¯t a year to remember, just a slower, bitter decline. Above, cars once soaring through the sky now floated silently. There weren¡¯t many of them. Today, they flew only rarely, and most were old, dirty, worn out, and broken. After the war, nearly all energy for propulsion had been depleted. These rare flying machines were relics of the past, with only a few still maintained and fully functional, considered a luxury by some. It was said that the government was drawing energy from neighboring countries, but even Japan had only a few decades left before it completely exhausted its last resources. People knew it. And they knew that hope for change was becoming rarer. Raiden walked silently through the streets like a shadow. People around him hurried back to their homes, some stopping to buy food, carefully wrapped and stored in special boxes that looked more like containers made of alloy. Every house, every apartment building, every floor of the high-rises was tightly secured with heavy metal doors. These doors were designed to prevent toxic air from entering, protecting the inhabitants from its deadly effects. It was necessary ¨C it had happened several times that people who underestimated the power of the contaminated air had died. The cities were practically surrounded by massive metal walls to block the toxic gases. When someone ventured out, it was like a race against time. Even those who tried often had no choice but to wear gas masks to survive. And even then, it was on the edge. The streets were half-empty, while life inside the homes struggled with quiet, slow extinction. Those who were lucky had at least a few spare filters and devices to keep breathable air in their homes. Filters had become a luxury only a few could afford. Prices were astronomical, and an average family had to save for months to afford even a single set of quality filters. And even when they finally acquired them, it was no guarantee of long-term peace. Most of these filters only lasted three or four years, which was incredibly frustrating because they needed to be replaced regularly.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. And though there were models designed to last up to 12 years, they were so expensive that most people could never afford them. These filters, if they ever reached the market, were usually sold out before anyone had the chance to buy them. And when the crisis came, when new supplies had to be obtained, most homes had to rely on whatever was left or the black market, where prices shot up even higher. And if someone wasn¡¯t strong enough or clever enough, they ended up at the mercy of the filthy, poisonous atmosphere outside. That¡¯s why it was better to have doors no one could break through, and above all, to always have a way to survive. When he finally arrived at his apartment ¨C a small, sterile room with a single window, which only showed the gray emptiness outside ¨C he closed the door behind him. He automatically spoke: ¡°Tadaima.¡± No one replied. Of course not. He had been living alone for a long time. He headed for the fridge, grabbed some instant food, and mechanically ate it. The food wasn¡¯t worth mentioning, it tasted awful, but as he ate, his mind wandered in thought. His parents¡­ they had died. Poisoning from toxins. Overwork. A fate shared by many others. He remained alone. Work. Eat. Sleep. And again and again. No¡­ it wasn¡¯t just about that. He went to the black chair in the middle of the room, an elegant piece of technology. At least something that brought progress to humanity. Slowly, he sat down, stretched his fingers, and reached for the glasses lying on the table next to him. Nanotechnology virtual reality. His escape. He put on the glasses and activated the connection. Once the glasses settled on his face, a great darkness enveloped him. Suddenly, the image brightened, and the interface appeared before his eyes, a blue-glowing window with sharp digital lines. Welcome, user. Connection to the nanotechnology network detected. Analyzing biometric data¡­ A short pause. It always took only a few seconds, but Raiden had long since gotten used to the process. After a moment, another message appeared. Identification verified. Do you want to start "Eterna Skirmish Online"? Two buttons appeared below the text: YES and NO. It was just a formality ¨C he never clicked NO. Without hesitation, he selected confirmation. This world was his escape, and he didn¡¯t want to stay in a world where all that existed was smog and suffering. Immediately, light enveloped him, and his consciousness sank deeply into a kind of sleep. As soon as his consciousness sank, he slowly began to open his eyes. He was greeted by a blinding light, but the light around him slowly faded and turned into a detailed environment of his mansion ¨C a mansion that had been carefully built within his guild, Kuro no Tenshi. Umeda Raiden appeared in a large, decorated hall, where a massive round table inlaid with diamonds and magical stones dominated the space. Yellow and green gemstones glowed with a soft light, casting delicate reflections on the black marble surface of the table. The walls of the hall were adorned with ancient tapestries and engravings, depicting the glorious deeds of his guild. In the center of the hall, across from the round table, stood a solitary black throne. It was decorated with intricate engravings and dark gemstones that faintly pulsed with magical energy. The throne belonged to the guild leader ¨C the man who had once ruled with unwavering authority. But that man hadn¡¯t logged in for a long time. His nickname was TimeWasteer. It was said that he had succumbed to toxins in the real world, or that he had been broken by the overwork that was so common a cause of death in these times. No one really knew what had happened to him. Eventually, his name began to slowly fade. And so the throne remained empty. Raiden had the right to it, as he was the guild¡¯s representative. He could sit on it and become the new ruler of Kuro no Tenshi, but for now, he declined. It wasn¡¯t just about the responsibility ¨C he knew that such an act could divide the guild. The friendship that had once united them would turn into politics, into hidden intrigues, and a war for power. And he didn¡¯t want that. He didn¡¯t want his greed and selfishness to destroy what he loved most. He didn¡¯t want to turn his friends against him, even though they were just in-game. He valued that. He looked at himself. His avatar was a reflection of the power he had built in this world. Heavy, silver-black armor adorned with spikes covered his entire body, with a massive nodachi at his waist, and two katanas attached to his back. A dragon skull-shaped helmet gave his figure a terrifying appearance. But he wasn¡¯t alone. Across from him, at the other end of the table, sat another player character. She was beautiful ¨C an elf with unimaginable beauty, her long blonde hair glittering like the purest gold. Yet, her eyes were empty, completely white, devoid of life. In her left eye, the number Áù (six) was clearly etched into the iris. She wore elegant white robes embroidered with silver patterns that seamlessly transitioned into armor, exposing her right arm ¨C smooth, snow-white, almost otherworldly. Beside her floated a beautifully decorated wooden staff with golden fittings. At its peak, a crescent moon cradled a large purple orb that pulsed with mysterious energy. The elf, under her player name Yumi, gently tilted her head and smiled. It had been a long time since their last meeting, but nothing had changed ¨C she still looked just as otherworldly beautiful, still had that strange empty gaze, as if her mind were elsewhere. Yumi smiled, but there was no warmth in her eyes. "Maybe even longer... I lost track. Every day feels the same." "Work, sleep, survive. Repeat until exhaustion." His words almost sounded mocking, yet there was an absence of true emotion in him. "Something like that," Yumi nodded and pushed a strand of hair back. "My company has been working me harder than ever. Paperwork, meetings, endless demands. Every day feels longer than the one before." Kami Kaze smirked. "And does it at least pay well?" "Enough to survive," she shrugged. "But not enough to make the lost time worth it." Raiden silently scanned the empty hall. The place that used to be full of players now felt like an abandoned crypt. "And the others? Has anyone joined in?" Yumi shook her head. "No one. No one has been here for weeks." "The remaining fifty-five members of Kuro no Tenshi are either working or sleeping. Most of them don¡¯t have time to log into the game. And even when they can... they have to save up for the filters." Raiden lowered his gaze. "Irony, huh?" Yumi looked at the empty table. "We used to be gods in this game. Now we''re just slaves to reality." "We always were," Raiden replied quietly. "We just didn''t see it back then." A silence fell. Both of them looked toward the black throne at the far end of the hall ¨C the symbol of Kuro no Tenshi''s power. A place that once awaited its ruler. "And you?" Yumi asked, her voice almost tender. "Are you still refusing to sit on that throne?" Raiden turned his gaze away. "It''s not about power. Kuro no Tenshi was family. I don''t want to tear it apart for ambition." Yumi smiled faintly, though there was sadness in her eyes. "In that case, you''re a better leader than you think." Part l, Chapter 2 Kami Kaze remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the throne. Thoughts raced through his mind. Finally, he turned to Yumi. "Do you think... any of them will ever come back?" Yumi hesitated. For a second, it seemed like even she didn''t know. In the end, she sighed. "I don''t know... but deep inside, I feel like they won¡¯t." They both fell silent for a moment. But then, Raiden straightened up, shaking off his heavy thoughts, and nodded at Yumi. "Come on, let''s check on our guild," he said simply. Together, they stepped forward, their footsteps echoing through the dark corridor, where faint light flickered on smooth stone walls. The atmosphere was strange¡ªnot suffocating or frightening, but filled with an ancient echo of camaraderie and power shared among guild members. The walls were adorned with massive paintings depicting the guild¡¯s historical moments, their triumphs and declines. Among them stood statues¡ªno, gigantic golems¡ªeach carved in the likeness of former members. Perfect replicas. Their stone eyes seemed almost alive, as if watching every passerby. At the corridor¡¯s end, figures emerged. Maids in magnificent dresses, their steps silent and graceful, moving with an unnatural elegance. Delicate lace and golden embroidery adorned their attire, but their faces¡­ were hidden behind masks. Each bore a unique pattern, a different symbolism, yet they all radiated the same cold detachment. Raiden and Yumi passed them by. Without a word, the maids bowed slightly and remained motionless. In Eterna Skirmish Online, players could design their NPCs however they wished. There were no restrictions, except that the game adhered to 18+ content bans. In Eterna Skirmish Online (ESO), players could choose between three main racial categories: Heteromorphic, Humanoid, and Demihumanoid. Humanoid races included elves, half-elves, dwarves, gnomes, aasimars, halflings, and more. They were known for their diversity and balanced abilities. These races excelled in magic, possessed strong talents, and had highly adaptable traits, making them very popular among players. Demihumanoid races, on the other hand, were less appealing at first glance and often had distinct appearances. This category included goblins, lizardmen, cyclopes, and others. While they rarely boasted beauty or charm, their combat strength was formidable. These races were known for their resilience, physical power, and survival capabilities, making them invaluable in battle and harsh environments. Heteromorphic races were the most unique, often boasting high (especially offensive) stats and abilities that gave them major advantages in combat. However, their exceptional strengths came with significant drawbacks. While their battle prowess and endurance were extraordinary, their monstrous appearances and unique traits made them vulnerable in social interactions and certain in-game situations. In total, the game featured a thousand playable races, each with its own unique abilities, lore, and impact on the world of Eterna Skirmish Online. Players had countless options when choosing races, classes, and skills for their gaming experience. They finally arrived. Before them stood a colossal gate, dark and ominous, adorned with depictions of torment and suffering. Hard wood and cold metal fused to form an enormous entrance, its surface carved with faces twisted in eternal agony. They seemed almost alive, as if trying to scream, their voices lost in endless torment. Above the gate hovered a giant skull with massive curved horns. Its hollow eye sockets glowed with a dim red light, giving the impression of an unseen predator watching its prey. A thin crack ran between the massive wings of the gate, emitting a dim glow¡ªa crimson line resembling a path forward. Thick mist coiled around them, strangely heavy, while distant screams of unknown beings echoed through the air. The atmosphere vibrated with an eerie intensity. This gate was not just the entrance to the guild.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Now, with only two of the original fifty-seven members standing before it, the moment felt melancholic. Once, this place had been lively¡ªfilled with laughter, arguments, battle strategies, and countless hours spent building something greater than themselves. But now, only Raiden¡ªKami Kaze¡ªand Yumi remained. Yet, they held no resentment. They understood that survival in the real world was more important than a game. Life moved on, and their former comrades had to follow their own paths. Some vanished without a word, others tried to stay in touch, but over time, their messages became less frequent until they stopped completely. It was inevitable. They had to accept it. Even though they stood alone, they knew the guild they had built was once a home to many. And as long as they remained, the memories of their shared efforts would not fade completely. Raiden and Yumi gazed at the gate for a moment. Then, without a word, they stepped inside. The gate they entered was no ordinary entrance¡ªit was a symbol of their guild, their friendships, the result of countless hours of hard work and enormous investments. It had taken them months to complete. Every member had contributed¡ªsome with their skills, others with their time, and the most dedicated even with their own finances, sacrificing everything they could spare to construct such a monumental structure. The doors were crafted from the rarest materials, obtained from the depths of dungeons. Magical crystals, high-value game items, and other artifacts formed the core of the construction, ensuring not only immense durability but also an overwhelming aura radiating from them. Every stone was meticulously shaped to fit perfectly. When the gate was finally finished, they all felt pride. During those months, as they worked together, friendships were forged. They weren¡¯t just guild members or players¡ªthey were family. The sleepless nights spent planning, mining rare materials, hunting monsters, raiding bosses, countless discussions on how to perfect defensive enchantments¡ªeach of them had poured a piece of themselves into this project. As Raiden and Yumi stepped inside, they were greeted by a vast, grand hallway of black marble. Each step on the polished floor echoed, reverberating against the massive, decorated pillars lining the space. At the center of the hall stood a long, dark table, its surface as smooth as obsidian. And upon it rested a Black Crown¡ªa divine-tier item that once symbolized control over the guild. Along the hall¡¯s sides stood twenty-one massive doors, each leading to a different guild floor. Every gate was guarded by mighty beings. Seventeen doors were protected by demons from the Books of Solomon, nightmarish entities with eyes burning with hellfire and bodies shifting between matter and shadow. The remaining five were guarded by angels with beast-like faces, creatures embodying the highest celestial orders, their flaming wings casting a dim glow upon the cold stone corridor. Each floor was unique, a world of its own with its own rules, landscapes, and lethal defenses. Carefully designed to reflect the styles and visions of the guild members who had created them. Most importantly, each was guarded by powerful NPCs, ranging from level 500 to 560. Some mirrored reality, like: A boundless grassy field, filled with fragrant flowers and an eternally clear sky. A replica of grand cities, capturing the architecture of real-world locations, from ancient temples to bustling streets. A serene ocean realm, its waves glistening like gemstones under the moonlight. Others, however, were born from darkness: A hellscape, where flames devoured ruins, rivers of lava oozed through the charred land, and the sky was a void of endless darkness. A prison of eternal suffering, where chains rattled, black iron bars loomed, and despair lingered like a ghost. Each floor was a masterpiece. As Raiden and Yumi observed, Yumi smirked. "Surprising... I expected the sentinels to be gone, either dismissed or slain by former members," she mused. She decided to try it. Only the one who created these creatures could give them orders, but each of them was programmed to obey the commands of guild members as well. She raised her hand and, in a clear voice, issued the command: "Depart." The figures didn''t move. They simply dissolved into the air, as if their existence had faded into nothingness. And yet, they hadn¡¯t truly disappeared¡ªthey were NPCs, bound to the system, their essence not so easily erased. Raiden and Yumi moved to a long, dark table and sat in ornate chairs. As soon as they settled in, a blue screen with elegant gothic lettering appeared before them: "Lords of Kuro no Tenshi. Glory!" It was a greeting they had once created as part of the guild¡¯s system interface. A small but pleasant reminder of old times. Without hesitation, they began clicking through the status menus. First choice¡ªGuild Status. 100% intact. Raiden nodded slightly. "At least something hasn¡¯t changed." Then they clicked on Territory Management. The Kuro no Tenshi guild controlled multiple territories. It was the result of hard-fought wars against players of other races in the past. However, these conflicts rarely ended in the guild¡¯s favor¡ªdespite possessing several divine and even world-class items, their armies were small, poorly coordinated, and often unprepared for prolonged warfare. While individual guild members were among the most powerful players in the game, their territorial conquest strategy had been chaotic. Attacks were uncoordinated, lacking clear leadership, and often ended in crushing defeat. That changed when Raiden proposed a complete reorganization of the army and a new system of warfare. After weeks of testing and adjustments, the guild finally gained a strategic advantage over their enemies. With the new command structure and refined battle plans, Kuro no Tenshi managed to conquer several key territories. Among the most valuable were mines containing rare materials for forging legendary weapons and artifacts. These mines provided a steady supply of resources, allowing for massive military reinforcement and guild fortifications. However, their rule did not last forever. As time passed, many members stopped playing, leaving only a handful of active players. Sensing an opportunity, alliances of human and other-race players launched coordinated assaults on the weakened Kuro no Tenshi territories. Despite desperate defenses, the guild lost one stronghold after another. In the end, only a few fortresses remained, and the once-glorious empire dwindled to a mere shadow of its former self. Yumi blinked and tilted her head in surprise. "Wait¡­ we still control all our original territories?" The number didn''t make sense. During wars against human players and raids on bosses, they had lost several key fortresses and strategic points. So how was it possible that all the territories still belonged to the guild? Kami kaze pondered for a moment. "Maybe some territories automatically regenerated? Or the system classified them as permanently owned?" Yumi, however, was far from calm. If the territories were regenerating on their own, and if the system still considered them active, that meant one thing¡ªsomething was wrong. "This has never happened before¡­" she muttered, her fingers nervously tapping the interface menu. "Lost territories never returned automatically. We had to reclaim them, invest resources, upgrade defenses¡­ But here, it looks like the guild¡¯s land is restoring itself, as if it''s some kind of indestructible system element." Kami Kaze furrowed his brows. "But that would mean our territory isn¡¯t following standard game rules¡­ If it truly regenerates on its own¡­" Yumi pressed her lips together. "Then there¡¯s a chance that the guild system is operating under different laws than it should. And if it''s behaving differently¡­" Both of them stared at the Guild Status bar. 100% intact. Yet, only one question echoed in their minds. What the hell is going on?