《I'm Just a Normal Player... With a Little Bit of a Sharp Mind》


 1. Prologue - This is Really Not the Beginning of the Story

    Chapter 1 : This is Really Not the Beginning of the Story


    ¡°Such thing is really happening huh¡­¡±


    A man muttered under his breath as he gazed onto something in front of him. His face had an impression of a mix between amazement, curiosity, and acknowledgement. Even though he was still surprised by the event that was transpiring at this moment, he still understood that this kind of way couldn¡¯t be avoided.


    There was a screen in front of him, where there was a battle unfolded depicted inside of it. Elements of war were being hurled onto two opposing parties, as the battle seemed to be a war between the two while being supported by their own allies.


    Fire, ice, explosions, thunder, clashes of swords, the situation truly described how chaotic the situation as the battle kept on going.


    ¡°The Boys¡¯ Playground seems to be going all out with this one huh! This level of battle is really one of a kind to witness!¡±


    ¡°It makes sense after all because that guild¡¯s opponent is a coalition between a bunch of guilds, strong guilds if I do say so myself. There are Rainbow Ways, All Nighters¡­


    ¡°What do you mean by that? Boy¡¯s Playground also has its own allies in which we can¡­¡±


    The sounds of commentators are buzzing through the screen, conveying the ongoing situation of the battle itself. Their sounds were very in vigor, such that it could make the listeners to be engrossed and even hyped by it.


    Kraanng


    Fwooosh


    Crassss


    Thousands of humans were fighting with what they got, efforting in order to achieve the win at the end of it all. Either the close ranged or the long ranged units, they were all battling in their own fields and objectives.


    ¡°Interesting¡­¡± The man who had been watching through the screen said as a thoughtful expression appeared on his face, with a grin appearing on his mouth.


    Being the spectator truly made an experience that was different from the related parties. After all, one could see not only one scene but also the other situations, looking at the complex battle with wider perspective and analysis.


    He kept on looking at the battle focusedly as he put a chop of boiled egg into his mouth, dipped a little in a sweet sour sauce. His right leg was put croseed on his left leg comfortably while his left arm was laid out straight on the sofa¡¯s upper edge.


    ¡­Sadly, there wasn¡¯t a woman on that very left arm to hold onto.


    Wouldn¡¯t that be a perfect scenario to happen, though? One inexperienced person might ask innocently.


    But for the hopeful person, he would keep on believing and hold onto it tightly maybe¡­


    ¡°What the hell am I even dozing about, thinking randomly like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Baba¡­ Da.. Ba¡­¡±


    The voice of a child instead accompanied him, coming from below that very left arm of him as that child played on its own world, with a toy being held from the child¡¯s hands. Its eyes sometimes wandered from the toys, then the screen, then the man that seemed to keep on making sure that the child didn¡¯t hurt itself occasionally.


    ¡°Aight now, what do you want?¡± The man said with a smirk on his face as he looked at the child for a while and put the child on his lap while keeping on watching the screen with the same intrigued expression.


    The baby couldn¡¯t even put up a resistance as its body was being brought by the giant easily. Though honestly, the baby just became more active and noisy as its high pitched voice sounded out with an excited expression on its face.


    ¡°Looking at the situation, it seems that the battle is going to be far off from being over¡­¡±


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t agree with you, not gonna lie. After all, I can sense that one of the party is going to employ a big move right around-|


    *BAM*


    Suddenly, an explosion occurred in the middle of the battle, claiming the lives of the players in that area. The attack was so sudden that the people that got caught in that explosion couldn¡¯t even put up a resistance, just like how a baby couldn¡¯t even resist being moved around by an adult.


    The players that were not caught in that explosion started to fall back and withdrew from the crater, where the smoke started to blow up right away and obstructed the vision of the onlookers.


    ¡°Ohh¡­?¡±


    The man that had been watching the battle through the screen muttered in amusement as he watched the seemingly unexpected situation being unfolded. He raised his eyebrow a little and leaned his body slightly forward.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that they would employ that sooner. After all, I don¡¯t think that at this moment was even the right time to show up a card right away.¡±


    He continued while taking another chop of boiled egg into his mouth. Though he didn¡¯t dip the egg into the sauce for some reason, probably forget because of the excitement from watching the battle.


    *Munch*


    *Munch*


    *Beep*


    ¡°What in the¡­¡±


    As the man was munching the egg in enjoyment, suddenly the screen was shut down without any caution whatsoever. The electricity still running well, the television looking thing didn¡¯t even seem to be broken and what not, and he was sure that he didn¡¯t click a power button through his remote.


    But what is that beep sound though?


    The man proceeded to look left and right, seemingly understanding the reason already. But he still didn¡¯t find that so he looked back helplessly.


    There, he saw a woman with a medium long hair with a remote on her hand, hiding through a compartment as her eyes widened when she saw that the man looked right through at her.


    This woman was his very wife. The wife that he had been marrying for a while now.


    What kind of a story was it that started off right away when the main character is married and have a child already? Isn¡¯t that always the ending of the story?


    ¡°Yea¡­ this is really not the beginning of a story, right...¡± The man whispered to himself slowly.


    The woman had a pretty pretty face as she gazed onto the man that looked dazed on the sofa.


    Here is a simple question. What if a man was watching his favorite game on the TV, his favorite team was also playing in that game, and the game was at a critical point? Naturally the momentum and intensity didn¡¯t need to be ask for more. Some men might even went into madness and agony if such thing was to be disrupted.


    ¡°Ha¡­Hahaha¡­ How¡­ Do you think..?¡±


    The woman said as she peeked through behind the compartmend, looking at the man in question as her hand that was holding the remote shook a bit. Her eyes fluttered a little bit as if she was expecting something out of her action.


    ¡°Ba.. Ma.. Baba¡­¡±


    The baby was still innocently playing with its toys, seemingly not even realizing that the TV had been turned off. Or purely because the baby didn¡¯t give a crap about the tv at all. Or worse, about the seemingly rising tension.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    The man said in a low voice as he moved his body a little bit toward the woman. His expression was hard to decipher.


    The woman expected at least some kind of a ruckus from the man after she had decided to do a little prank on him. But somehow, the lack of response made the situation tense to them. This was really out of her goals.


    ¡°Ho-Honey¡­¡±


    After all, she just wanted to have fun with him¡­


    She saw how the video in the internet showed where the woman did a similar prank to the man and the man became heboh out of it.


    It seems to be funny and hilarious to watch.


    Yeah, fun¡­


    She just wanted to have some fun with her husband.


    Nothing less, nothing more, thinking that this kind of little prank wouldn¡¯t put any harm onto him. After all, it¡¯s just turning off the TV right?


    ¡°This girl¡­¡± The man shook his head while rubbing her head hardly, as if he was petting a very cute cat out of control.


    He understood what kind of thinking was made inside of her mind, and he honestly found it cute. Her wife just wanted to have some fun with him, not with another man. She is thinking about him, trying to make a good comedic lasting moment from this.


    But he knew that he needed to tell her something. After all, while this kind of prank was not that important at this moment, he needed to assert a sense. He is the head of the family, this kind of behavior could be interpreted as the woman not showing respect toward the man.


    ¡°You see...¡± The man said lowly as he put his left arm onto the woman¡¯s shoulder. The first scenario that had been mentioned before had finally happened at least¡­


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± The woman replied in a soft tone while looking down the floor. Her expression was complex just like how complex women seemed to be usually.


    The man put another slice of egg into his mouth while putting his leg over the other, ¡°I understand what you are trying to do. And I understand what you are trying to achieve. I am honestly flattered that you are thinking of having fun with me, you hear me?¡± He said with a little smile after eating the egg in his mouth.


    ¡°Just remember to understand the situation better alright. Sometimes the situation might not be good for the fun that we all want to have, it might even make the situation far from fun. What if that small action sparks some conflict between us and then somehow¡­¡±


    The woman kept her silence as she only nodded her head while listening to the man. She occasionally pulled her sleeve arms too.


    ¡°I want you to imagine that if this was recorded, and then being uploaded on the internet. What if there was a comment that says, ¡®Bro that¡¯s a red flag right there. After working for hours to finance the family, men only want some peace inside the house¡­¡¯¡±


    The woman bit her lips as she heard what the man said. A little laugh came from the man as he rubbed her head, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that¡­ Alright I believe you can even search that kind of video right now on MyTube and you will understand what I mean¡­ Wait hold on, now I understand something more. You did this because you watched some of that on MyTube right? Those socalled influencers man¡­¡± The man laughed a little bit harder as if he couldn¡¯t believe for what was happening right now.


    The woman pouted her mouth as looked sideways, seemingly not wanting to look at the man at all for ever. Her silence¡¯s nuance at this moment was truly different and contrastful compared to her silence before.


    ¡°At least shut down the TV when the moment was at the climax, woman¡­¡± The man shook his head helplessly.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ What do you know¡­ That explosion really occured because some things might happen right after that, and I believe that so called climax is going to happen. Even a person who hasn¡¯t watched that kind of battle will agree with my opinion.¡± The woman looked back at the man and answered him, and then looked away again, though her eyes still side eyed him.


    The man gulped down some water and then looked back at the screen that was about to be turned on again by clicking the remote, ¡°Yea, I can guarantee that the majority of people if not most if not all, might be thinking in that direction, that is indeed the impression about what was going to happen. But you see, this battle is not that simple. If you believe that the battle is going to enter some kind of big battle, then lemme tell you something different. Something entirely different¡­¡±


    After the screen showed, somehow the unexpected happen. The battlefield that had been on chaos and suspense¡­


    Had been deserted.

 2. Second World

    ¡°It¡¯s morning already, huh¡­¡±


    A man, called Aron, woke up from his bed with a quite tired face. He sat up on his bed and stretched his body left and right for a little bit, and proceeded to drink a couple of gulps of water.


    The time has shown that it¡¯s around 4.30 am. Because the window was not fully closed by the curtain, Aron could tell that the sky was still dark.


    On his side, there was a woman that had medium long hair, still sleeping soundlessly. Her eyes closed well, with messy hair adorned her pillow. Aron looked at the woman for a while before he put his hand on her arm.


    ¡°Alright wake up, it''s around 4 am already.¡± The man said while shaking the woman¡¯s body for a bit.


    The woman¡¯s eyes fluttered for a bit before they opened, showing the dark pupils tinted with a little bit of redness around the white area. She seemed confused for a moment before her clarity came back to her.


    ¡°How about¡­ 5 mins later¡­¡±


    As she said that, her eyes closed yet again, falling into sleep seemingly without caring.


    ¡°Bruh¡­¡± Aron spoke lowly.


    He looked at the situation for a bit more before deciding to just wake up first.


    ¡­


    ¡°... And with that, one case is done for now.¡± Aron said while stretching his body on a chair, his clothes were tidy and even looked professional. In front of him was a computer and there was a camera, as if he just had a meeting online with someone.


    And that is near from the truth. Few hours had passed since when Aron woke up and now Aron had just had a meeting with a client. He did it inside of his home, more accurately inside of his workplace.


    ¡°Yawn¡­ How many times do I have the schedule today¡­ I just wanna sleep man.¡±


    He stood up from his chair and started to walk outside of his room. He exited that and then proceeded to take a look at the living room, where he saw some snacks being prepared there. There were some sweets made up of some home made simple pastisseries and a generous amount of delicious looking sandwiches.


    ¡°Baby, where are you?¡±


    Aron asked with a little raised voice as he took one of the sweet desserts. It was like a kebab but filled with banana and chocolate, simple and delicious.


    ¡°...I¡¯m ironing the clothes at the moment, do you need something? I prepared some snacks for you there¡­¡±


    A reply came out soon which sounded quite unclearly because of the distance and obstacles between the rooms. Even though Aron didn¡¯t hear the words accurately, he could understand what the woman said.


    ¡°Aight, bet.¡±


    He turned on the TV while taking the plate with him as he sat onto the sofa. The TV itself was high quality, looking quite expensive with how big the size and clear the pixels were.


    Munch munch munch


    He ate the snacks while watching the TV as if trying to get the perfect channel to accompany him in eating the food. Even though it seemed that there were not many interesting things to look at in his eyes, he still thought that it was better than nothing.


    ¡°.... such this is truly rare, don¡¯t you think so? Who knew that there was gonna be another legendary item appearing. The Shark O¡¯lodon guild truly lives up to its name.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to be expected. After all, they have been trying so hard in that dungeon and conquering many land areas in the related area, and the guild had employed tons of money into that. If they still couldn¡¯t get that legendary item, then that would be wild.¡±


    ¡°You yourself know that effort doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that you will get what you want. Having wealth and resources is the same¡­¡±


    There was a discussion of a panel that talked about a game that was widely known in the world, a game that revolutionized the online industry, a game that was said to be a second world by many people. A game that could change one¡¯s life, where many talents and skilled people change over their careers and occupation and invest them here.


    Second World.


    Such is the name of the game. Even though Second World was called as a game, it honestly seemed to be not exactly true. After all, this virtual world was not like any other game. This was a game that revolutionized the online industry, changing the online social media into more in depth and interactive.


    One out of the other things that proved this was that in this game, a player could get money in the terms of BittCoins! The mining of such things could be done in a more simplistic endeavor, just like how resources were getting collected by humans for thousands of years.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Through war¡­


    Though the war was just an online thing, not necessarily killing people in real life just like how it was done in real life.


    Though with just this one simple aspect, it attracted the attention of the whole world, where nations in the world, big companies, influential parties, had participated in this world called Second World.


    Times had passed and factions, alliances, guilds, and such had been established in the Second World. Competitions, conflicts, cross of interests, many kinds of things had been transpiring in the world. Any moves from big names would make the headlines in the news, and some discoveries would go viral in a heartbeat.


    The game that truly made people somehow realize that the term ¡®Second World¡¯ might not be that far from the truth. And that might be the reason why the devs behind it named it such¡­


    ¡°...I guess I will log in to the game now.¡±


    Aron said while yawning a little bit, though most of the time he tried to hold off the yawn. He ate the last bit of the sandwich and looked in a certain direction for a moment.


    ¡°I will be back in a few hours¡­¡±


    ...


    ¡°Log in.¡±


    After entering the room, Aron inserted himself into a cubicle looking tool, and the thing started to turn on signaled by the slightly mesmerizing lights around that tool.


    Second World.


    In this game, if we call it just like how majority of the people called it, the setting was kind of a mix between the modern era and the middle ages era, where there were swords, bows, armors, shields, things that we could see being used in the era where gun fires were being used.


    Though there was a bit of a touch of modernity here where there were systems being popped out here and there according to the request of related users, making the game looked like a role playing game with a very deep diving immersive touch.


    In the Second World, the players could take classes that suited their tastes and interests. There were combat focused classes, lifestyle focused classes such as smithing, potion making, and tailoring, and other unique classes that could function quite differently than what the masses used.


    ¡°Alright, I think I still have some time to waste for the meantime.¡±


    Aron spoke while looking at the clock inside of his interface system, showing that the time was still around 10 am. Deciding that, he started to walk into a certain direction while looking at the people walking around here minding their own business.


    Another thing that could be noted from the system was that his name, which was not Aron but ¡°Morality Mortalized¡±, his username in the Second World.


    As he walked down the street, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh a little. This place was truly crowded, made up mostly of players that came from many parts of the world.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Maybe I should bring some souvenirs or something¡­¡±


    He kept walking for quite some time before finally arriving in a moderate looking house, a 3 floors building made up mostly of wood. It was hard to say what kind of wood was being used there, but it could be told from a single glance that the wood was stronger and sturdier than the common ones.


    ¡°....was not that easy to procure such things. And now you are asking me to get another one?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?! Do you think I would care about the difficulty and whatnot? Clearly you know the answer already.¡±


    Before Aron even arrived in front of the main door, he could hear some voices coming from the building itself. Just by hearing from the tone, he could tell that there were some conflicts going on. Or at the very least, there was a dispute or a quarrel.


    *Kreek*


    Without even hesitating for a bit, Aron entered the building and his eyes laid upon a group of people that were having frowns on their faces. Some had even put their hands onto their weapon, either from being normalized by holding their weapons for most of the time or the dispute had truly reached up to a boiling point.


    But after hearing that the door had been opened, all of them looked in Aron''s direction. They wanted to see just who had the guts to interrupt their discussions, especially meddling with their own business.


    But after seeing that it was Morality Mortalized, aka Aron, some of them started to ignore him and looked at the matter of hand yet again. While the rest looked at him for a while, might be just like how people in the class would look over the person that just came back from a toilet or something.


    Aron positioned himself into a not so out of place and started to ask the person beside him, ¡°I thought that the discussion is going to be held a little bit later.¡±


    The person beside him replied with a slightly annoyed voice, ¡°Well duh, honestly it is expected because of how urgent the matter at hand is. They just couldn¡¯t help themselves to start the forum right away.¡±


    The person that talked to Aron was a man that sounded to be middle aged. His name was Eagle Shot, who was an acquaintance that Aron had known for a while now.


    ¡°I guess that can make sense. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t see that person attending this discussion now. Or he is just like me who didn¡¯t expect that the discussion would start so soon? It¡¯s hard to see that the discussion could start without him.¡± Aron replied curiously.


    ¡°You mean Baldrudz? Well, he had a matter that he had to attend so he couldn¡¯t join the meeting. He told us to just start the discussion first. Hence why the discussion started right away I guess.¡± Eagle Shot replied while shrugging his shoulders.


    Aron had an intrigued expression drawn on his face as he looked at the people who kept on debating in the middle of the meeting.


    This meeting itself was a meeting that was being held by a guild known as ¡°Skywing¡±, a guild that has a foothold in this city named Blue Moon City. One of the many cities and guilds established in the Second World.


    ¡°I see. What do you think would happen now?¡± Aron aka Morality Mortalized asked Eagle Shot. In response, the latter only looked at Aron with an amused expression, ¡°Well, if you ask me, I guess we will really start a war against the Guardian¡¯s Way guild. There seems to be no good option left.¡±


    Aron¡¯s face had a flat expression from hearing what Eagle had just said.


    Guardian¡¯s Way was another guild that was located in the same city of Skywing, Blue Moon City, and they have also established a foothold in this city.


    ¡°I wonder about that¡­¡± Aron muttered in a low voice.


    ¡°...is why we need to attack the Guardian¡¯s Way guild now. There is no better way to do it other than now. The sooner, the better. We have the advantage of being in the unknown. If they know what he have at hand, we would lose the initiative. Not only that, who knows if this kind of information is going to be leaked or not¡­¡± one of the people in discussion stated while looking at the people inside the room.

 3. Why Are You Still Here?

    Chapter 3 : Why Are You Still Here?


    To explain a bit further, it needed to be mentioned that in a recent dungeon exploration, when they raid a certain dungeon, they got annihilated because of an unforeseen circumstances, especially by the party that attended that dungeon raid which coincidentally a raid that Aron did not participate.


    The thing was that, attacking the Guardian¡¯s Way guild had its own purpose. And that was to receive another similar item to the item that their guild had lost.


    And the item that they had lost was related to the annihilation that they experienced in that dungeon, where that very item unfortunately dropped after the one who carried it got killed there.


    Nonetheless, they needed it asap for their scheduled purpose, and getting it on time was of utmost importance. Else, their plan might go down the drain.


    That was why they had been discussing this matter. Whether to strike this certain guild or not. By attacking them, they would naturally gain an enemy. Even more so, there was no 100% guarantee that their assault was even going to succeed. If they attacked yet still unable to get that item, it would be practically falling from a palm tree only to be hit by a coconut next.


    ¡°As we all know that this is a risky idea, but this is a golden chance that is rare to meet and find. We don¡¯t even know if such a chance is going to be presented onto us in a near future. Heck, I don¡¯t think we will find this chance again at all. Let¡¯s not make an action that would make us regret in tears.¡±


    A man who had been proposing the idea to attack with vigor since the very start spoke in a fiery manner. He was a warrior based class that used a great sword which was attached on his back. His armor looked rough and menacing to say the least.


    He is called as Perfidas, one of the strongest player inside of this room


    Most of them people in the room nodded their heads as they heard what the man said, agreeing with the plan of attacking the guild. Such chance was truly a gift that was too pitiful not to take after all¡­


    ¡°... But are we really going to do this? I will rephrase those words of yours. Let¡¯s not make a choice that would make us regret because of angering a party that shouldn¡¯t be provoked.¡±


    A woman spoke with a toned down voice as her face had a complex expression. She didn¡¯t want the worst to truly happen. Being cautious is better than consuming the bitter pill after all. And regret only comes at the very last moment.


    She was a staff based player who seemed to be related to a magician, wearing a relatively big hat attached on her head. She used loose long robes that looked thick and covered most parts of her body. Her ID was River Clear.


    The rest, which was terribly few compared to the one who supported the attack, could only voiced their agreement in a meager voice. Deep down, they realized that attacking the Guardian¡¯s Way had already been finalized, it was just that they wanted to at least warn the people here to at least think twice.


    ¡°Hmph¡­ Not even daring to try to take a risk. What is even the point of even playing this game then? Why don¡¯t you just go and cook me some steak then?¡± Perfidas replied in a mocking tone with a grin attached on his face.


    Some if not majority of them laughed after hearing what the man had just said. Either it was a pretty funny joke, or because they wanted to rile her up.


    ¡°You¡­¡± River Clear narrowed her eyes while letting out a mouthful of breath, seemingly trying to calm herself down. This hateful guy truly succeeded in riling her up at the very least!


    At the moment where a conflict might escalate further, a voice sounded out in a calm tone. ¡°Alright, why don¡¯t we all take a step back and be clear headed? If we are even truly going to attack that guild, it would not even be good for us to be in conflict with one another right.¡±


    The voice was none other from Eagle Shot himself, who raised his hand a little to gather the attention of the others. He too was also among the strongest one in this group, which had the power to influence the room.


    Hearing the old man who suddenly said that, Perfidas only snorted in annoyance as he looked away. While River Clear too took a step back to respect Eagle Shot¡¯s words.


    ¡°Looking at how things were going, we all know that attacking the guild is practically unavoidable. We all know about the risk, gaining an enemy was naturally out of everyone¡¯s interest at this point. But Perfidas said some truth, we couldn¡¯t just pass up the chance that had been delivered into our door¡­¡±


    Eagle Shot said while observing the people inside the room. They all knew that this man was one of the party who was in favor of attacking the Guardian¡¯s Way guild. After all, Skywing¡¯s guild was not a guild that was founded yesterday night. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The people in the room nodded their heads once again, with a slight few of them still holding onto their position even though there was no other choice.


    After realizing that the meeting was basically over, Eagle Shot spoke once more. ¡°We will then await for Baldrudz to come and convey the result of our meeting to him. We shall see what kind of answer that would be given to us by him.¡±


    Just a few seconds after he spoke, suddenly the door opened once again. A man that stood straight with a seemingly imposing aura appeared, with his clean kept hair and sharp looking eyes. The people looked onto the man and realized that Baldrudz, the guild leader, had come to the meeting.


    Buldrudz, the guild leader of Skywing guild, had arrived in a somewhat perfect-timing manner. After all, the discussion had already reached the conclusion, only waiting for the arrival of the guild leader to finalize the agreement.


    ¡°I guess you guys have finally found the best way to go.¡± Buldrudz said with a smile as he walked toward the middle area of the meeting. His walk somehow made the people located around him to be a little apprehensive as they made way for Buldrudz to walk a little bit more easily.


    After arriving at the appropriate spot, he looked over at the people in front of him with a serious gaze, ¡°Even without talking with all of you here, I can already have the answer. And this answer was the method that I have an agreement with too. That¡¯s right. We shall advance toward the Guardian¡¯s Way guild. Let¡¯s secure the chance that has been bestowed upon us gracefully.¡±


    Hearing what the guild leader said, somehow they became quite spirited and vigorous. When they were discussing earlier, they had more doubts and apprehension to attack that guild. Even though they were being upfront and brave outwardly, deep inside they were quite nervous.


    But after hearing from the guild leader himself, that fear got reduced little by little in each second. Their belief became stronger again that they truly couldn¡¯t let this chance pass helplessly.


    ¡°Just a few moments ago, I was in contact with some of the allies that we have formed in order to execute the plan. I have confirmed with them that they would help us to tackle the related issues. Even though it took a little bit of my time with them, it was all worth it. Now, we just need to wait for the destined time to come. And we shall have our destined goals!¡±


    Baldrudz said in a fiery but sophisticated voice. The listeners became more determined and assured that this was indeed the best way to go.


    River Clear too somehow became more toned down after hearing the confirmation from the guild leader himself. If he said that this was the best way and would be supported by their allies, then she guessed that she worried too much.


    They discussed some minor details and assurance for a few moments before Baldrudz concluded the meeting. ¡°Anyway, we have discussed enough. We don¡¯t need to waste our time by idly chatting here and there, we have a lot of things to do. Let¡¯s do things according to our allocations and parts. Hopefully we will succeed smoothly.¡±


    The others nodded their heads as they started to leave the room one by one. Up till finally, the room being left only by a few people. There were Baldrudz, Eagle Shot, River Clear, Perfidas, and Morality Mortalized aka Aron included there.


    ¡°... Bro why are you still here?¡±


    Perfidas said in a half shouting mixed with dumbfounded tone as he saw that Aron was still there. After all, as far as they knew only the few selected of them were going to talk a bit more to do a little bit of ironing onto the plan. He didn¡¯t expect that this man would stay back with them.


    Aron only smiled in response after hearing Perfidas question, ¡°I¡¯m here because I¡¯m being summoned by the guild leader himself.¡±


    Hearing what Aron said, Perfidas then moved his head toward Baldrudz to ask for his confirmation in a questioning gaze.


    Baldrudz smiled helplessly as a response to that, ¡°He indeed has a point. I need some things to discuss with him after this, so I guess you can wait a little bit behind, Brother Morality.¡±


    Hearing what Baldrudz said, Aron answered with a nod of his head as he started to walk away too, following the direction of the others who had gone off to their own post and whatnot.


    *Krek*


    After the door of the main door had been closed, River Clear asked with curiosity in her voice, ¡°What kind of business do you have with him?¡±


    Baldurdz took a few seconds before he responded, ¡°That guy has some vital arrangement that I need to win us this battle. I can¡¯t tell much about this to you all explicitly at this moment because of things, but all I could say is that I can guarantee that it is beneficial and truthful.¡±


    Hearing what Baldrudz just said, the others became more interested in the topic. Having information that would be beneficial was one thing, but the information that even made their guild leader to make an agreement in disclosing the information was another whole matter. That simple statement meant that this information was not some small matter.


    What kind of information does that guy even have? Even more so, where the hell did that guy even got that information from?


    ¡°Are you sure that it is safe?¡± Eagle Shot asked in a deep voice as he looked at their guild leader.


    Baldrudz only shook his head after hearing Eagle Shot¡¯s question, ¡°There was no such thing such as an absolute safe. All I can say is that his information is very important for us to be able to win this battle by a landslide. This information was also another guarantee for us to be able to use as a precautionary approach. It will not hurt to have another card in our hands, right?¡±


    The three of them became contemplative for a few moments before finally nodding their heads. After all, this battle might have some unforeseen variables that might screw them over without them knowing how and why. If their guild leader said that this information was worth it and important enough, then that was more than enough for them to believe in his judgment. They have decided to follow this man as the leader of the guild, and it was not their job to follow his lead.


    ¡­


    ¡°Alright, I guess I will take a bit of a walk for a moment now¡­¡± Aron aka Morality said with a grin on his face.

 4. Run

    To explain it a bit further back, Aron has struck a deal with the Skywing guild. It included some resources for the war against the Guardian¡¯s Way guild. One of the included terms was that Aron could not tell any party related to Guardian¡¯s Way that the Skywing was going to attack them.


    As for the reason for why the Skywing guild spilled the beans toward this outsider known as Aron?


    It was a preemptive step by the Skywing guild, planned by Baldrudz himself as he could already feel that this Aron guy might already have some ideas on why the Skywing guild purchased a lot of war resources.


    He was afraid that Aron truly had an idea about their plan to attack Guardian¡¯s Way. So might as well spill the beans and make the term that Aron shall not share their plan to attack Guardian¡¯s Way in their contract, afraid that Aron might use this information to sell this to Guardian¡¯s Way and ruin their plan.


    Just by a piece of paper and words were not enough to make them believe that Aron would not spill the plan, and that was where the game system came between them. Making a contract through the system of the game was an absolute must for every party that wanted to make some foolproof purchase or contract.


    The penalty for not adhering to the contract through the system could make one shudder just by seeing it, and that was why the Skywing Guild was so easy going and carefree even though Aron arrived and saw their last discussion a few moments ago.


    ¡°I give my thumbs up to Baldrudz for being able to think that far, huh¡­¡±


    Aron started to walk away from the building that he had just entered with a grin on his face. His clothes fluttered a little from the movements and the winds that passed by him, bringing in a somehow cool nuance into his aura and countenance.


    The streets though, were quite different from when Aron had walked before. Looking at the situations from before, the street had fewer people walking and being transported onto, while at this moment there were a lot of people crowding the streets.


    Especially by looking at how most of them seemed to be in a hurry. Some of them walked fast while some of them ran. And for those that had mounts, they naturally used them too.


    ¡°Bro who f***** hit me on the back?!¡±


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t even walk fast, just log the hell off..¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry! Getting a little piece of the crumbs is more than worth it!¡±


    Time ticked by and every few seconds the situation got a little more rowdy. Shouts and people brushing off each other became more apparent to see as they walked in a particular direction, toward the outside gate of the city of Blue Moon.


    There, people could see that there was a portal that suddenly opened out of nowhere, with a pretty big size around 10 meters high. Somehow the portal looked intimidating with how tall the portal looked from people¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°...It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s true¡­¡±


    ¡°A - A portal truly came¡­¡±


    ¡°But why is the size so big now? I heard that it¡¯s only around 3 meters!¡±


    ¡°Run!¡±


    A man shouted without even looking back toward the portal anymore, sprinting as fast and as hard as he could.


    And somehow, he even regretted for subconsciously shouting ¡®Run¡¯ just now.


    After all, he understood the meaning behind it. He understood the horrors that would be coming out from this portal while most of the people here were still dumbstruck as if witnessing something fun and interesting.


    After all, not everyone is a veteran player, a player who had known many things about the inside and mechanics of the game. The game itself was very complex with a lot, lot of unique mechanisms that sometimes appeared hence information about the significance like this portal was going to take a while for the people to sink in.


    And most importantly, he needed these people to stand behind so that they could tank and be the meat shield!


    Sadly he had shouted to run already¡­


    ¡°Huh, this man is just being a wuss!¡±


    ¡°He might be diverting the attention of this portal so that we go away while he and his cronies are going to harvest the goods¡­ Pricky bastard.¡±


    Some if not most people scoffed at the man who had seemed to have a tail tucked between his legs. They focused again on the portal after seeing that the man had gone pretty far off the distance.


    Looking at how the people were behaving, the man itself breathed a sigh of relief. He was lucky that people were being too smart for their own good!


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about you guys, but I wanna be safe. If you guys are going to be here, I will just go for a bit and if things are good, please tell me through chat¡­¡± A person said shamelessly toward one of his friends and started to back off too.


    A bit of chaos ensued after people witnessed a portal that had appeared in that very city. Even though most were just curious, some started to go toward the portal because of being not able to hold back their eyes that seemed to shine of gold.


    What if this was a chance for them to get riches? What if this was finally the chance for them to turn a new leaf, either in this game and even in the real life? Wasn¡¯t that going to be a perfect opportunity for them?


    Looking at some people who started to walk toward the portal, even some ran fast toward it, a dilemma was found for the people in the scene. They didn¡¯t know what was the best choice for them to do at this point. Being safe, risking it all, or just being moderate and staying in the middle.


    Just as they were in a pretty chaotic and hectic situation, the portal suddenly turned a bit shade brighter for a few moments. People closed their eyes slightly as the light shone through their eyes, not knowing what was going to happen.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    *Krrrrrrnnnggg*


    *Baum* *Baum* *Baum*


    Loud, heavy sounds were coming out from the portal. They sounded like thunder, explosion that occurred near them. Somehow it felt intimidating and scary for the people who heard it.


    The people who had advanced toward the portal started to stop one by one, feeling that something was not right. They could feel that something ominous was coming, and this thing might be the end of their hope and dreams.


    ¡°What¡­ What is that sound?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, you tell me!¡±


    *Baum* *Baum* Baum*


    The sound kept getting closer and closer until finally, something came out from the portal.


    *BAM*


    The thing smashed itself onto the ground, creating a small explosion that created dust around that thing, obstructing the views for the people to witness it.


    But even though people couldn¡¯t see it clearly, they could see the silhouette that this thing that came out was not even the end of it as there was still an attached silhouette that passed right through the portal.


    *Krrrngggg*


    While suddenly another thing popped out from the portal, above the thing that had appeared first.


    It was a head, which was made up of metal looking plates. There were some sharp edges around the head and its eyes looked through the world in front of it. Glaring with a tint red glow inside of them.


    *Krrrrraaaaaaaaa!*


    The being growled in a high pitched voice, and its body started to come out more. And then the people here only realized a little bit later that the first that that came out first, was in fact just the feet of the monster.


    The towering figure of the monster made people¡¯s scalp go numb as they didn¡¯t expect that such a monster of caliber would appear here, out of nowhere.


    ¡°T-That is¡­¡±


    ¡°Can we defeat that?¡±


    Murmurs of disbelief erupted in the middle of the crowd. They were confused of how such a phenomenon could even occur like this, especially when the whole thing happened near the city itself.


    With this huge advantage of this monster, naturally it would be far easier for it to reach long length and radius. More than that, the powerful aura that emanated from the monster somewhat could suffocate people¡¯s breath.


    [Ding!]


    [The monster gaze exuded a chilling aura. Impacting a unique fear attributes]


    [Youir damage, speed, and health got debuffed by - 20%]


    Suddenly, notifications of information appeared in their status panel, showing the shocking news that made the situation even more frightening.


    Debuff by -20%...


    Just by a single gaze¡­


    In the first phase of the battle nonetheless¡­


    ¡°What kind of insanity is this!?¡±


    ¡°Surely this is a prank from the game, right?¡±


    Having information was always an advantage that one could use to tip in the favor. Especially when confronted with an obstacle, knowing the ins and outs which would lead to understanding how to tackle it was an important thing Either in this real life and in this so called Second World.


    And in this game, having Information about monsters was always an important aspect to acquire if the players wanted to defeat it. Dungeon monsters, field monsters, or anything sort of the like would be important to understand their mechanics and weaknesses.


    Different from the normal other games, it was not so easy to acquire information out of the enemy or monsters. Especially regarding the enemy that came out from irregularities, just like the monstar that appeared through the portal right now.


    If ones¡¯ information, knowledge, and database was limited, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see the status panel of the monster in front of them.


    And this scenario truly applied for the people here that witnessed the monster¡­


    They couldn¡¯t see what kind of monster was this, what was the level and classification of this monster.


    Even worse, they couldn¡¯t even see the name of the monster itself¡­


    What kind of abomination are they even facing right now!?


    *Baammm*


    Suddenly, an explosion occurred right at the crowd of the people who were witnessing the appearance of the portal. The unfortunate people who were caught inside of it became particles of light, signifying their demise inside the game.


    They looked at the monster¡¯s mouth who had its mouth opened widely with smoke coming out of it, its brightly lit eyes menacing as ever. Only then did they realize that the attack came from the monster. It was because of how fast the attack that most of them did not even see that.


    ¡°So fast?!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even realize that the monster attacked us!¡±


    ¡°Are we so focused on looking the monster¡¯s panel, which didn¡¯t even explain a single-¡±


    *Baaammm*


    Another explosion occurred and another group of people became the victim from the attack yet again. Their bodies became particle light that got swept up by the wind.


    ¡°Run!!¡±


    Without even listening to the order, people had started to fumble around, trying to get away from the insanity that came right in front of them. After all, the penalty of being dead was not very good, the minimum of it was losing experience points and dropping items. Some monsters would make the penalties crueler by dropping people¡¯s levels and their rarer items. Though naturally these were not even the cruelest.


    Because of the panic, stampede even happened that even made some people lose their health points to the point of getting killed by it. They didn¡¯t know what kind of penalty after being killed by such a monster, so naturally their panic was a matter of course.


    While most of the people had started to run away from the monster, there were some individuals who stayed in their place and some even started to approach the giant monster. Even though in the eyes of people that would be akin to suicide even though they couldn¡¯t even see their brave actions because they couldn¡¯t even get out of this place easily.


    ¡°Do you think we would be able to defeat it?¡± A man asked with a sword attached to his hand. The sword emanated a glowing golden hue as he gazed upon the monster that kept on shooting fire looking balls.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I couldn¡¯t see the level, but I can see its health points. It is not impossible to defeat it if we take that into consideration.¡± Another man who used a loose robe spoke as he started to chant, trying to unleash some certain skills.


    The man who asked first took a moment before he looked at the direction of the city, ¡°At the very least, I am sure that the Blue Moon city authority would send their power to fight this ugly ass monster.¡±


    The mage looking man only nodded his head as his chants had stopped, which resulted in him and his people to be engulfed by a yellow glow, buffed quite significantly from the skill.


    ¡°If we take a cautious look, the city authorities might come when the entity attacks the city. We don¡¯t know whether this monster would attack the city or not. And we don¡¯t know that maybe the monster actually is not interested in attacking the city but because of being attacked by the city it would retaliate.


    That is why we should just take a step back for now and see the circumstances. It¡¯s better to observe and understand the situation-¡±


    *Baaamm*


    A fireball was hurled into their position, exploding that area into a fiery of fire in a heartbeat. But fortunately, they seemed to have seen the oncoming attack so they have used skills to avoid that attack.


    ¡°Damn this guy, let¡¯s not follow the reckless ones. Back off for a bit.¡± The man cursed under his breath as he saw that his health points got reduced significantly from the explosion even though he had used a skill to avoid it.


    While the chaos ensued among the people here, a man with a hoodie could be seen to be looking at this whole thing with an intrigued smile.

 5. 0

    ¡±Get back and take a considerable distance!¡± Shout the swordsman who just got blasted by the monster¡¯s fireball as he jumped back with great strength. With just one single jump, he had moved back tens of feet away.


    This swordsman¡¯s ID was ¡®Verment¡¯, a swordsman that used a one handed sword on his right hand. His armor was light though sturdy, giving more flexible movements while maintaining the use of protecting his vital body parts.


    A glow of green appeared around his body as he landed from the jump that he made, making his health points healed over time. ¡°Just pay attention to your own body first. I can¡¯t afford to heal everybody easily as you already know.¡±


    His friend that talked with him before with an ID named ¡®Goover¡¯¡¯ replied in a half shouting tone. He not only healed Verment but also some of his friends who got into the radius of the attack, leaving them flabbergasted in their wake.


    His level was also around Verment, with impressive looking robes attached on his body.


    ¡°What do we do now? I guess we better approach this whole thing with moderation. Let¡¯s see any fools that would be sacrificial by approaching this monster.¡± Verment replied in exasperation. He really wanted to go and test out this monster himself, but from that attack alone he knew his limit, knowing that approaching with limited knowledge would just bring him to smitherness.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m afraid this monster is not simple at all. I don¡¯t know what kind of monster is this, this might be an upgraded field boss, just by seeing how strong and fast its movements are. We might need stronger players to attend this thing.¡± Goover replid with a frown on his face.


    Field boss was a kind of boss monster that appeared in the outside world. Compared to dungeon bosses who appeared inside of the dungeon, this field boss had some irregularities in which sometimes it appeared abruptly, Just like this one that they were facing, coming out of a portal that came out from nowhere.


    For the difficulty, they were relative toward each of their ranks, levels, classification, and the likes. And for this monster, it seemed that this monster was not going to be defeated so easily soon.


    Most of the groups that were just like them also faced similar circumstances, being bombarded without and precaution whatsoever. Some of them were killed while some of them survived just like Verment¡¯s group.


    *Creeaakkk*


    Suddenly, the sound of a gate being opened sounded quite loudly, reminding that the gate itself should be thick and heavy. And that was not far from the truth because the main gate of the city itself had just been opened.


    ¡°Look! The gate has been opened!¡±


    ¡°Seems like the city authorities has been informed by the threat¡­¡±


    People became excited that the city had finally moved and took action. With the powerful people that resided there, the players understood that the main burden would be handled by them and became more relaxed.


    Even though they couldn¡¯t get the big pie, at least they could get a sliver of rewards of two by participating in the raid. They thoguht that they might also accidentally get unexpected lucky chance, if they were lucky enough¡­


    *fwoosh* *fwoosh* *fwoosh*


    Rows of new people appeared around the boundary of the city walls, looking over toward the monster with caution. Their weapons were at their side, ready to attack if commands issued by their upper parties.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that guy the commander of the third division from the Bright Resonance guild? I heard that that guy is a strong rookie player!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the border guard captain of the city! That NPC¡¯s level is more than 100 if I remember correctly.¡±


    ¡°I can also see the guild masters of various guilds¡­¡±


    Murmurs of amazement sounded out among the people. It seemed that this battle would be an amazing sight to witness!


    After all, it is not everyday that they could see players with important positions and powerful strength to take in action. There were also NPC¡¯s that might also offer rewards if players decided to help defend the Blue Moon City.


    All in all, the bleak situation that had loomed over the people suddenly became lighter, with grins appeared on their mouths.


    Verment looked over the situation with an amazed face, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that that guy would appear here. I thought he was in a mission inside the palace at the moment?¡±


    Goover nodded his head as he prepared to unleash another buffing skill, ¡°I guess that makes sense. This monster might pose a threat to the city so the authority had to look over, delaying that Starday guy quest¡±


    They discussed as they scrutinized Starday, the commander of the third division of Bright Resonance Guild. This guild was a famous one, having their reach and influence in many areas.


    While people discussed about him, Starday himself took a look at the monster interestedly. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be worth it. Even with my observation, I still can¡¯t see its level. Haha, we will strike gold this time!¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Starday laughed merrily while motioning for his party to brace themselves. They obeyed his commands and started to scatter around, looking for the best position if battle would truly take place.


    Seeing that the body guard NPC was not doing anything, Starday too decided not to do anything. Every action had their own repercussions, if somehow by attacking this monster it would aggro the monster to attack the city, then he himself would later on be punished by the city authorities. Running away was one thing, but his head would be put over as a bounty.


    It would be troublesome for just a simple action that seemed to be reckless.


    *Kraaaa¡­.¡±


    The monster moved its head and looked at the new arrivals of the people that appeared from the city. His mouth opened once again and another fireball appeared, ready to strike at any moment.


    The 3rd Division Commander of the Bright Resonance Guild, Starday, stood firm in the chaos, his gaze looked sharp despite the panic that had gripped the battlefield. His presence alone brought a sense of stability to the fighters around him. They trusted him, and he knew it.


    "Hold the line!" Starday shouted over the roar of the monster, his voice sharp and commanding. "We can¡¯t let this thing reach the city! Rangers, rain arrows on its weak spots. Supports, buff with crowd control¡ªslow it down! Melee, wait for my signal to flank!"


    The guild members responded immediately, their apprehension momentarily pushed aside by Starday''s calm authority.


    Fwoosh!


    They attacked as ordered, arrows flying and spells weaving through the air, trying to find any vulnerability in the towering beast. Despite the possible dread that lingered in their hearts, they followed his every word.


    Starday knew the risks¡ªthe monster¡¯s health had not budged, and many had already fallen back in fear of the penalties. But Starday wasn¡¯t one to abandon the fight. As the 3rd Division Commander of Bright Resonance, he felt the weight of his guild¡¯s hopes and the responsibility. Retreat wasn''t an option for him. At least for now.


    "Stay focused!" he called, his sword gleaming as he prepared to engage. "We will find a way through this! Don¡¯t falter now!" Starday kept on shouting spirited words to his guild mates as he started to advance too.


    As Starday and his division of the Bright Resonance Guild launched their coordinated assault on the monster, the other players on the battlefield began to take notice. Despite the looming fear of defeat and the knowledge of harsh penalties, there was something in Starday''s leadership that sparked a glimmer of hope. His seemingly firm resolve, the precision of his commands, and the efforts of his guildmates inspired those who had nearly given up.


    "Look at them!" one player called out, pointing toward Starday and his team. "They''re not backing down!"


    "Maybe we still have a chance!" another shouted, gripping his weapon tighter.


    Slowly, more and more players rejoined the fight, their earlier dread replaced with a hint of hope, tinted with a hint of a greed.


    How could they not when the possibility of something awesome might come out from the monster after defeating it? If the famously known player like Starday has decided to advance, how could they let this chance pass? Were they going to waste a golden chance such as being carried by him!?


    Warriors who had hesitated now charged forward with shields raised, mages who had been conserving mana unleashed powerful spells, and archers took careful aim, hoping to support the Bright Resonance Guild¡¯s effort to bring the beast down.


    The battlefield, once dominated by the monster''s menacing aura and the fear of hopelessness, began to shift. The combined might of the reinvigorated players and the disciplined strategy of Bright Resonance created a new wave of energy.


    The monster, though still seemingly impervious to their attacks, was now facing a unified force, rather than scattered, panicked individuals. And while the beast¡¯s health bar remained frustratingly full, there was now a sense that together, they might yet uncover the secret to defeating it.


    Starday glanced around, noticing the other players rallying behind his guild''s efforts. He shook his sword a little bit, eyes narrowing in intrigues. "All right," he muttered to himself. "Let¡¯s see what they can do."


    As the situation shifted, the sight of the Bright Resonance Guild standing firm under Starday¡¯s command lit a fire not only in the scattered players but also in the other guilds that had been holding back. The competitive nature of these guilds began to stir. Watching Bright Resonance lead the charge while they hesitated was bad enough, but the thought of missing out on the opportunity to deal damage¡ªand worse, being seen by the public as cowardly guilds¡ªbecame unbearable.


    "They''re stealing the spotlight!" one guild vice-leader muttered to their lieutenant, a mix of frustration and embarrassment creeping into their voice. "If we don¡¯t join in now, it¡¯ll look like we ran away!"


    "Yeah," another guild member nodded, already drawing their weapon. "And if we don¡¯t land any hits, we won''t get credit for the kill if it goes down."


    It wasn¡¯t just about the drops anymore. It was about reputation, about making a name, and about proving themselves in front of the others. The idea of being labeled as scaredy-cats¡ªa bunch of guilds too afraid to face a monster despite their power¡ªwas a blow to their name they weren¡¯t willing to take.


    At the very least, they ought to do something similar just like what the Bright Resonance guild had been doing. Even if they will back away later on, there would be no shame after that.


    With renewed determination, the leaders of the other guilds rallied their forces. Commands were barked, strategies hastily formed, and soon the battlefield was teeming with guilds surging forward to engage the beast.


    "Everyone, move in!" a guild leader shouted. "We can''t let Bright Resonance take all the glory!"


    "Don¡¯t fall behind!" another voice urged, and like a flood, the remaining guilds threw themselves into the fray. Mages from rival guilds began casting spells alongside those of Bright Resonance, and warriors charged forward, hoping to get close enough to land even a single hit. Archers and rogues scrambled for positions, desperate to follow the lead


    The battlefield transformed from a scattered and disorganized disaster into a unified front of guilds, each fighting for a piece of the action¡ªand for the right to say they had stood their ground. The monster, still seemingly invulnerable, now faced an army of warriors, mages, archers, all kinds of classes determined to make their mark.


    Starday glanced around, noticing the other guilds finally joining the fight. He was about to order his guildmates something when his eyes suddenly widened after he gazed upon the monster.


    Even as they attacked with renewed vigor and front, the unyielding health bar of the monster glared back at them, and the surrounding players couldn''t shake the growing sense of hopelessness that gnawed at them.


    0 Damage


    0 Damage


    0 Damage


    ¡­.

 6. Dont Lose Hope

    The pressure mounted as the city''s defenders relentlessly assaulted the monster, but something was wrong¡ªthe beast''s health wasn''t decreasing. No matter how many arrows struck its hide or how many swords clanged against its scales, the monster seemed invulnerable.


    Members of the Bright Resonance Guild exchanged worried glances. "What''s going on?" one archer muttered, noticing their efforts weren''t having any effect.


    "Keep attacking!" their leader commanded, though concern crept into their voice. "There must be a weak point!"


    Despite their best efforts, the monster''s health bar remained stubbornly high. Its roars grew louder, its attacks more violent, as if mocking their futile attempts. The city''s defenders were fighting with all their might, but the creature seemed to be regenerating or resisting their attacks completely.


    "Something¡¯s wrong," said a melee fighter as they dodged a powerful strike. "It''s like we¡¯re not even hurting it..."


    The air was thick with dread as the realization began to settle in¡ªno matter how fiercely they fought, the monster''s health remained untouched. The Bright Resonance Guild, usually a force known as its confidence, now found themselves shaken.


    An eerie silence crept over the battlefield as the players exchanged nervous glances. Arrows that once flew with precision now wavered. Blades, which had once slashed with determination, slowed as doubt clouded their minds. It was as if the monster was toying with them, its eyes gleaming with malevolent amusement, knowing their efforts were in vain.


    "Why isn''t it going down?" one of the archers whispered, voice shook.


    "It¡¯s hopeless," another fighter muttered under their breath, barely dodging one of the monster''s devastating blows.


    The creature¡¯s roars seemed to mock them, growing fiercer with each passing seconds. The ground trembled under its feet, yet the players¡¯ attacks did nothing to weaken it. Despite the flurry of weapons and magic, the beast''s massive health bar remained stubbornly full, untouched by their efforts.


    A chilling feel of futility washed over the players.


    "It¡¯s like nothing we do matters," a warrior groaned, exhaustion evident in their voice.


    The realization hit them like a tidal wave¡ªthose who had left the battlefield early had been the smart ones. Most of the remaining players now regretted staying, their earlier confidence crumbling into despair. They had believed in their strength, in the power of the Bright Resonance Guild, that they could bring down the monster despite the ominous level marker: (?).


    But that question mark, they now understood, it wasn''t just a mystery, it might actually be a very red flag itself. A grim, silent omen that the creature''s power was far beyond their comprehension.


    "We should have left when we had the chance," muttered one rogue, his voice filled with regret as he narrowly avoided a crushing blow from a flying boulder. His hands trembled, not from exhaustion, but from fear. "Why did we think we could handle this?"


    Many of the fighters shared the same thought. They had been so sure they could outsmart the monster with their strategy, relying on sheer numbers and persistence. They had seen bosses fall before, but this one¡­ this one was different.


    At least for their level¡­


    The monster¡¯s health hadn¡¯t dropped, not even by a fraction. Every strike against its hide felt pointless, as though they were attacking an indestructible force. And as their numbers dwindled and their stamina wore thin, regret weighed heavily on them.


    The battlefield, once filled with the sounds of battle cries and hope, was now dominated by the oppressive roars of the monster. The defenders'' determination had given way to dread, and most of them now wished they''d had the sense to flee when the others did.


    Death on this battlefield would come at a heavy cost. The players knew the penalties all too well. Being killed by this monster wouldn''t just mean a respawn. It would mean losing hard-earned experience, dropping valuable items, and possibly even de-leveling. For some, the risk of losing a rare weapon or an entire level far outweighed any reward.


    The thought of losing a rare piece of gear or dropping precious items made every step feel heavier. The possibility of de-leveling after weeks, maybe even months, of grinding was unbearable. Yet here they were, standing before an unstoppable force, their efforts betraying and the threat of death looming closer with every second.


    But now, retreat seemed impossible. They were already too deep in the fight, surrounded by chaos, with the beast advancing and no clear way out. Every strike, every spell, seemed to inch them closer to the penalties they so desperately feared. The monster loomed, seemingly indifferent to their desperation, as if it knew their downfall was inevitable.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lose hope! It might be just for a few minutes!¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    A shout came out from Starday as he unleashed a skill toward the monster, which still deal no damage toward it.


    "We''ll lure it away from the city," their leader Starday commanded. "Rangers, pepper it with your magz! Use the city walls for now as cover¡­"


    The archers followed the guild''s orders, their arrows flying towards the monster in a steady stream.


    Fwooosh Fyuuushh Baanng


    The beast roared in anger, its fireball missing its mark as it was distracted by the barrage. Seeing this, the Bright Resonance Guild signaled for the melee fighters to advance.


    The clang of swords against the monster''s scaly hide echoed through the air. The defenders fought valiantly, even if some were skeptical about this endeavor. However, the monster was strong, its movements swift and unpredictable.


    ¡°Good! At the very least we can deny its attack!¡±


    At the forefront of the battle, members of the Bright Resonance Guild once again stood seemingly like a picture of ferocity. Their weapons moved in a blur, barraging the monster with precision. The guild''s strategy seemed to be working, the monster was slowly being lured away from the city.


    Meanwhile, Verment, the seasoned looking level 60 swordsman, stood at the edge of the battlefield, his expression darkening as he watched the chaos unfold. His grip tightened on his sword hilt as he observed the other players and guilds throwing themselves recklessly at the monster, seemingly driven more by desperation and rush than by any through strategy.


    He frowned, seeing how even the once-organized Bright Resonance Guild had unintentionally stirred this frenzy. The monster¡¯s health was still untouched, and yet the players kept charging in, blindly hoping to make a difference or protect their reputations. It was reckless¡ªno, it was foolish.


    "This is very risky," Verment muttered under his breath.


    He had been one of the few to hold back initially, recognizing the threat for what it was. This creature wasn¡¯t like the usual bosses that could be brought down by brute force. Something else was at play here, something that these players, blinded by fear and greed, weren¡¯t seeing.


    Verment shook his head, frustration gnawing at him. "We¡¯re going to get ourselves killed. And for what? To get a small slice of a pie?"


    He considered running away right off the bat before, but for now, he waited, observing, his sharp mind working through the chaos. If there was even a solution, it wouldn¡¯t come from nothing. It would require precision, strategy, and a deeper understanding of the situation. And until someone figured that out, this battle was nothing more than a disaster waiting to happen.


    ¡°Dang it, another one of us died!¡± A shout resounded from the area where his allies grouped.


    Verment¡¯s frown deepened as his gaze shifted to his allies, including a player named Goover, who were locked in a desperate struggle just to survive. The monster¡¯s fireball, unleashed with terrifying force from its massive jaws, tore through the battlefield. Flames erupted, engulfing everything in their path. Players scrambled for cover, but the sheer size and speed of the attack made escape nearly impossible.


    Goover, a skilled healer, was barely keeping his distance, his agility saving him from the worst of the fireball¡¯s destructive power. But even he was beginning to falter, stamina kept getting drained out from his stat as he dodged another searing blast. His once-precise shots now went wide, the heat and pressure getting to him. He wasn¡¯t alone¡ªother players nearby were either falling back in panic or being consumed by the flames.


    "This is insane!" Goover shouted between breaths, diving behind a crumbling piece of debris to shield himself. His mana was about to be empty, and his hands were shaking. "How are we supposed to deal with this?"


    Verment watched grimly as the fireball continued its onslaught, leaving scorched earth and defeated players in its wake. The monster was not just powerful; it was relentless. For every step they took forward, the beast seemed to push them two steps back, and with the fireball constantly raining down from above, survival was becoming a battle in itself.


    "Goover!" Verment called out, his voice sharp. "Fall back! We''re not going to last at this rate..."


    But Goover, along with the others, was too deep into the fight, too wrapped up in the chaotic momentum that had gripped the battlefield. Despite Verment¡¯s warning, Goover pressed on, launching spells in the monster''s direction even as the flames licked closer.


    Verment cursed under his breath. His allies were struggling, barely hanging on, and the monster wasn¡¯t even showing signs of weakening. As Goover narrowly dodged another fiery explosion, it was clear they were on the verge of being overwhelmed. If they didn¡¯t find a way to counter the monster¡¯s attacks soon, there wouldn¡¯t be anyone left standing to even attempt it.


    It was true that some of the monster¡¯s attacks were able to be deflected or denied, but the others were furling left and right toward them.


    Verment surveyed the battlefield once more, his eyes darting between the relentless fireballs and the rapidly weakening players. The monster''s health bar was still full, a glaring reminder of how futile their attacks had been. Despite all the effort and sacrifice, they had made little to no progress. The situation was dire.


    He glanced at Goover, who was barely standing, his mana nearly drained, and the other players who were on the verge of collapse. Verment knew that if they continued like this, they wouldn''t just lose the battle¡ªthey would losetheir progress. The penalties for death were severe, and the monster showed no signs of slowing down.


    With a deep breath, Verment made his decision. "Yeah, this isn''t worth it," he muttered in a frim tone. He had calculated enough to know when a fight was unwinnable, and this was one of those times.


    Dashh


    He moved swiftly toward Goover, helping him to his feet. "We¡¯re retreating," Verment said firmly, his voice brooking no argument. "Gather the others. We can¡¯t stay here any longer."


    Goover looked up at him, exhaustion and a bit of relief mingling in his eyes. "But what about the others? The rest of the guilds?"


    Verment shook his head. "They can keep fighting if they want, but we''re pulling back. There¡¯s no point in staying here if we¡¯re all going to get wiped out. The monster¡¯s barely taken any damage, and we¡¯re running on fumes. We¡¯ll regroup, come up with a better plan, and come back stronger if there is the chance."


    He quickly rallied the remaining members of his team, shouting orders to gather together. "Everyone, fall back! We¡¯re retreating!" Verment called, his voice cutting through the noise of the battlefield.

 7. Bruh Chill

    The players under his command, many of them injured or exhausted, didn¡¯t hesitate. They trusted Verment¡¯s judgment, and the idea of retreat seemed like the only sane option. Together, they began to fall back, carefully avoiding the monster''s attacks as they moved toward the safety of the city walls.


    As they retreated, Verment glanced over his shoulder at the chaos still unfolding behind them. The other guilds and players were still fighting, but the monster¡¯s health bar hadn¡¯t budged. He believed it was only a matter of time before they, too, would realize that continuing this fight would only end in disaster.


    "Let them figure it out on their own, I guss¡­" Verment thought grimly as he led his allies away from the battlefield.


    And with that decisive command, Verment and his group became the first to retreat after engaging the monster for a grueling stretch. Bypassing the surrounding players was the first obstacle that came to mind, but it was not that hard as they decided to spread to each of their own so that they could get out of the place as quickly as they could.


    Baaammm


    Occasionally, there would be some fire attacks that came toward them, giving them even more of a hard time to back away from the battlefield. Especially when their backs were facing the monster, making them unable to see the projectiles more clearly than before.


    Still, finally they were able to get out of the danger zone relatively safely.  Exhausted and battered, they moved quickly, but as they pulled back, a quite peculiar realization dawned on them: no one else was retreating. That might be the reason why they were able to leave the battlefield quite easily.


    The other guilds and players were still locked in combat each with their own intentions. Even though it was clear that the monster¡¯s health wasn¡¯t going down, they pressed on, seemingly unwilling to flee.


    "Are we seriously the only ones leaving?" Goover muttered as he looked over at the battlefield. His voice was tinged with slight disbelief. Despite their exhaustion, the sight of thousands of players continuing to throw themselves at the beast seemed surreal.


    Verment gritted his teeth, his instincts telling him they had made the right decision. "Let them stay," he said, his tone calm but firm. "They¡¯re risking everything seemingly for nothing right now. We¡¯ve seen what that thing can do. If they want to stay and lose their gear, levels, and lives, that¡¯s on them."


    A few of their group members exchanged uneasy glances. It was an odd feeling, being the only group retreating when the battle was still raging behind them. Part of them felt like they were abandoning the fight, but they couldn¡¯t deny the sense of relief that came with stepping away from the danger.


    "Do you think we¡¯re making the right call?" Goover asked, his voice unsure.


    Verment didn¡¯t hesitate. "Absolutely," he said. "Look at the monster''s health¡ªit''s not even moving. There¡¯s something we¡¯re missing here. This isn¡¯t a normal fight. We¡¯ll regroup, analyze the situation, and figure out how to actually face it. Charging in like this without a plan is just suicide."


    As Verment and his group finally reached a safe distance, they watched the chaotic battle from afar, the sounds of spells, swords, and desperate shouts still echoing in the air. The other guilds fought on, unaware¡ªor unwilling to accept¡ªthat they were fighting a losing battle.


    For now, Verment and his allies were the only ones to retreat, and whether that would be seen as cowardice or wisdom didn¡¯t matter to him. What mattered was that they had survived, not losing the progress that was not easy to achieve.


    Goover, leaning heavily on his staff, glanced back at the distant battlefield, the roar of the ongoing battle still echoing in the distance. His eyes narrowed as he observed the frenzied mass of players still charging at the monster, desperate to make some kind of impact despite the odds.


    "I guess they¡¯re still resisting because Starday and his guild, Bright Resonance, are spearheading this battle," Goover muttered, his voice low but tinged with a mix of awe and curiousity. "As long as they¡¯re on the frontlines, it gives the other players a sense of security."


    Verment, standing beside him, followed Goover''s gaze. Starday, along with his Bright Resonance guild, was still commanding the battlefield, leading the charge with powerful momentum. His presence, his reputation, and the strength of his guild gave the other players hope¡ªperhaps too much hope, it seemed.


    "They think because Starday¡¯s still fighting, they have a chance," Goover continued. "But that¡¯s not how this works. The monster¡¯s health isn¡¯t even dropping. It¡¯s like they¡¯re all caught in some kind of spell¡ªbelieving that if they just push hard enough, it¡¯ll fall. But how can we lay our strategy on such baseless gamble? Not like this."


    Verment crossed his arms, his expression was hard to decipher. "Starday¡¯s strong, no doubt, and Bright Resonance is one of the top guilds. But strength and strategy are two different things. If they don¡¯t figure out what¡¯s wrong soon, they¡¯ll go down just like the rest. And then what happens to that sense of security?"


    Goover nodded, his eyes flickering with concern. "When Starday falls, if it comes to that... they¡¯ll panic. And by then, it¡¯ll be too late to retreat."


    They both stood in silence for a moment, watching the futile battle from afar. Verment knew full well how easily the tide could turn¡ªand not in the players'' favor.


    "For now," Verment said quietly, "we''ve made the right choice. Let¡¯s regroup with the others, figure out what we¡¯re missing. We can¡¯t rely on someone else to save the day." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Goover gave a weary nod, the distant cries of battle a sobering reminder of the cost of false hope. "Yeah," he muttered. "Let¡¯s make sure when we go back, we don¡¯t make the same mistake."


    ¡°Wow, you guys are smart.¡±


    Just when they were discussing with their own, suddenly a voice came out from behind them, creeping them out of their wits because of the sudden and unexpected voice that seemingly came out of nowhere.


    "!!!"


    The sudden voice from behind startled Verment, Goover, and their teammates, sending a shiver down their spines. They spun around, weapons instinctively at the ready, only to be met with a figure cloaked in dark looking armor robes, leaning casually against a boulder. His face was mostly obscured by a hood, but a playful smile played across his lips. His eyes gleamed with interest, as though he had been observing them for some time.


    "Who the¡ª" Verment began, but stopped short when Goover nudged him, pointing discreetly at the man to keep calm and get a hold of himself.


    "You were watching us?" Verment asked, still guarded, his eyes narrowing at the mysterious player.


    And this supposedly mysterious player himself was actually Aron himself, Morality Mortalized.


    Aron chuckled softly, his posture relaxed. "Watching everyone, really. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m specifically watching you, I¡¯m here first before you guys come here. But honestly? You¡¯ve got the right idea, pulling back when everyone else is running headfirst into oblivion. Smart move."


    Goover''s suspicion deepened. "And why are you watching instead of fighting?"


    Morality shrugged, a casual helpless smile tugging at his lips. "I guess being safe is better than to be sorry. But you¡­" He gestured to the battlefield with a point of his thumb. "Why are you asking that to me when you do exactly the same as me? You realized it wasn¡¯t worth it. Tho that kind of awareness is rare, I guess."


    Verment kept his hand on his sword hilt, unsure of what to make of this player. "So, you¡¯ve been observing the battle from the start? Why approach us now?"


    Morality just shook his head with a wry smile, "Bruh, chill. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m approaching you guys. I¡¯m just thinking out loud, and you guys hear it. And it is more appropriate to say that you, were the one who approached me, right?¡±


    Verment could not refute what the man was saying, after all it did seem like this man was the first to be here. Goover eyed him skeptically as he whispered to Verment, ¡°What to do now? I feel some bad vibes coming out from him¡­¡±


    Verment and Goover exchanged glances, their eyes lingering on the lone man for a second. Despite the confidence and casual air the player projected, neither of them could place him within the ranks of well-known players or guilds.


    "Hmmm¡­" Goover scrutinized under his breath, his brow furrowed. "I feel like I should know this guy, but¡­ nothing¡¯s coming to mind."


    Verment nodded his head, a look of skepticism settling on his face. "Same here. Doesn¡¯t seem like anyone I¡¯ve seen in the big leagues. Maybe he¡¯s just a newer player trying to sound important."


    They both considered the possibility that Morality Mortalized had recently joined the game, quietly making his way through the ranks without drawing much attention. After all, the game had its share of newcomers who rapidly rose to prominence, and not everyone¡¯s reputation spread instantly.


    "He could be one of those players who keeps a low profile," One of their teammates mused, "or maybe he¡¯s just someone who knows how to stay under the radar until now."


    Aron had an intrigued smile as he looked at Verment, Goover, and their teammates as if he didn''t expect that there would be people that retreated from the monster attack this quick.


    "Anyway," Aron began, his voice smooth and somehow sounding slightly helpless, "Did I say that I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see anyone smart enough to pull back from that mess this early? As most players get caught up in the heat of battle, which makes sense in the first place. But you kinda surprised me."


    Verment¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, still not fully trusting the puzzling player. "We realized something was wrong, and throwing ourselves at the monster wasn¡¯t getting us anywhere."


    "Staying there would¡¯ve been suicide." Goover, still catching his breath, added. At this point, it would be weird if he wasn¡¯t on the same page with Verment, so he just wholeheartedly supported the idea.


    Aron nodded, his expression never losing that intrigued, almost playful edge. "Exactly. That¡¯s what caught my attention. As you all can see there, most players think the solution is brute force, but you actually stopped to think. That¡¯s rare."


    He paused, surveying the group again, almost as if he was studying them. "You¡¯re quick to adapt, and I like that."


    Verment frowned his brows. "Cut the flattery. What¡¯s your meaning?"


    Aron shrugged casually. "No nothing. I¡¯m just genuinely curious. And that¡¯s why I¡¯m interested in what you¡¯ll do next. You pulled out of the battle, and now you¡¯re thinking of your next move, while everyone else is still banging their heads against the same wall. So, what¡¯s your plan?"


    Verment exchanged a brief look with Goover before turning back to Aron. "We¡¯re figuring that out. The monster¡¯s not reacting to damage like it should, which means there¡¯s more going on here. We¡¯re not about to walk back in without a strategy."


    "I see. Interesting, I guess.¡± Aron answered with a somewhat half hearted sounding tone, which somehow triggered Goover in annoyment.


    "Then why aren''t you joining the fray?" Goover asked, as he studied Morality. "Fighting the monster like the rest of them, instead of lurking back here?"


    "Don''t you see? I''m alone here, if I go there, wouldn''t it be more dangerous for me to go there as I don''t have allies and whatnot?" Aron answered with a sigh as he shook his head, seemingly in pity. Though a slight grin appeared unnoticed by the people.


    His tone sounded genuine, almost regretful.


    Goover raised an eyebrow, still skeptical. "You¡¯re alone? No guild? No party?"


    Aron shrugged nonchalantly. "Not everyone needs a guild, you know. Some players prefer to keep things simple. Besides," he added with a sly smile, "I¡¯ve survived just fine on my own for quite some time. Just pick battles wisely, I guess."


    Verment narrowed his eyes but didn¡¯t push further. Despite Aron¡¯s somewhat mysterious attitude, he wasn¡¯t wrong. Charging in without allies or a plan was reckless, and the others would eventually figure that out the hard way.


    "So," Goover interjected, "what are you waiting for? A better chance, or are you hoping someone else figures out the monster¡¯s weakness first?"


    Morality¡¯s grin returned, more noticeable this time. "Let¡¯s just say I¡¯m keeping my options open. If someone else figures it out, it would be interesting. If not, I¡¯ve got my own ideas."


    They couldn¡¯t understand what the lone man was talking, not minding too much of what kind of nonsense he even was talking about.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ I guess it¡¯s the time.¡± Aron muttered under his breath lowly. Verment couldn¡¯t hear properly what Mortality just said so he wanted to ask what was that, but as he opened his mouth, suddenly there was a commotion that made them turn their heads into the direction of the noise, which was coincidentally in the direction of the beast itself.

 8. Show

    Whaaammm!


    Suddenly, there was a loud noise coming up from the area where the monster was at, shocking Verment and his allies.


    "W-What was that?!" One of the teammates of Verment and Goover shouted out loud as they didn''t expect that suddenly there was a loud sound coming up from the location of the monster, his voice trembling with shock. The entire group too flinched as a loud, thunderous noise erupted from the direction of the battlefield. It sounded like a massive explosion, the ground trembling beneath their feet.


    "That came from the monster¡¯s location," Verment''s hand instinctively went to his sword, eyes scanning the horizon.


    Goover¡¯s eyes widened in alarm, "Something must¡¯ve triggered it! Was it the players? Or¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a massive plume of smoke rose into the sky from where the monster had been, dying the area into a color of terror. The sheer force of the blast sent a shockwave through the area, followed by a brief silence, as if the entire battlefield had paused in anticipation for what was going to come.


    Aron, who had remained calm, only raised an eyebrow. His amused grin widened, clearly intrigued by the unexpected development. "Looks like something big just happened. Wonder if they managed to push it too far..."


    Verment¡¯s eyes looked solemn, his instincts screaming that whatever was happening wasn¡¯t good. "We need to figure out what caused that. If the players set something off, this battle might be about to get even worse."


    Goover nodded, his face pale. "If that was the monster, there is a possibility that it might have just changed phases¡­"


    Aron chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. "Well, it could be, or another one that actually changed phase¡­" He said as his voice trailed down toward the ned. His gaze flickered between Verment, Goover, and the battlefield. Though his response was hard to tell, either for the Verment and his teammates, or possibly just toward himself¡­


    Grrraaaaa!


    The roar of the monster echoed once again, louder and more menacing than before, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Whatever had just happened, it seemed even more dangerous than before.


    "What should we do now, Verment? Should we go, or¡­?" Goover asked, his voice filled with trepidation as he glanced between the battlefield and their group. The loud roar of the monster still echoed in the distance, and the smoke cloud rising from its location loomed ominously over them.


    Verment¡¯s mind racing. The situation was escalating quickly, and there was no telling what kind of danger awaited them if they jumped back into the fray. But retreating now, after hearing that explosion, could mean losing any chance of figuring out what had changed with the monster, and what was really going on.


    He glanced at Goover and the rest of his teammates, their faces a mixture of fear and¡­ uncertainty.


    After all, despite the fear gnawing at them, there was also a gnawing curiosity in Verment¡¯s group. They wanted to know what had caused that deafening noise and how the battle had progressed since they retreated. Even Goover, who had been the most anxious, couldn¡¯t shake the burning question in his mind: What had triggered that massive noise?


    Verment could feel it too. As much as they feared running into danger, the thought of missing out on crucial information, was equally unsettling.


    "After all, it could be something important¡­" Goover muttered under his breath, glancing nervously at Verment. In the end, he still held the idea of staying there. Going against the flow wasn¡¯t an easy endeavor after all.


    Especially with the idea that the monster might have entered a new phase where it was finally vulnerable¡­


    It filled Goover with a mixture of hope and urgency. Especially after witnessing the loud explosion, what if that was truly the case? Wouldn¡¯t they be missing out on the big prize and be a laughing stock for retreating when the chance to get it was right in front of their eyes? The regret would probably haunt them down for who knows how long¡­


    And with that, Goover started to talk about his calculation, offering his insight. Verment¡¯s heart pounded in his chest as the thought started to manifest in his mind.


    "Even though we don¡¯t have any concrete evidence, It is indeed possible. If that blast was part of the monster¡¯s mechanic, it could¡¯ve broken whatever was keeping its health from dropping earlier." Verment nodded gravely. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    One of their teammates, eyes wide with realization, added, "We might actually be able to contribute now. This could be the turning point!"


    The nervous tension that had clouded the group began to lift slightly. The fear was still there, but now it was tempered by the hope that maybe, just maybe, the tide of battle had turned, in the players¡¯ favor.


    "...Still, we¡¯re not going in blind," Nonetheless, Verment said finally, his voice firm.


    "It is true that it would be better if we are able to find out what that was. If the monster''s going through a phase change or if something triggered a new mechanic, we¡¯ll be the last ones to know if we stay back here. But the risk is also there, what if the monster actually just entered berserk mode, instead of entering vulnerable mode? We wanted to play it safe, so just proceed as the plan went before, and retreat."


    Goover, who listened to Verment¡¯s voice, sighed as he looked at the monster¡¯s direction, ¡°Ahh¡­ Nothing like the promise of a monster finally bleeding to get players back into the fray." His tone was mocking but with a tinge of helplessness.


    Verment shook his head, looking at the situation of his teammates, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s pack up and get going. We shouldn¡¯t waste our time in this kind of situation¡­¡± Verment¡¯s voice trailed off toward the end as he suddenly realized that the mysterious man, aka Aron or Aron, had disappeared from their presence¡­


    Without warning...


    Aron vanished, as if swallowed by the air itself. One moment he was standing there and the next, he was gone¡ªno flash of light, no sound, just an eerie silence where he once stood. It was just so mind boggling for them.


    Verment blinked in confusion, his eyes scanning the area where Aron had been moments before. "... Just what is going on?"


    Goover walked round, looking frantically, "Hey¡­ did anyone see where he went?"


    One of their teammates shook their head, equally shocked. "It¡¯s like he just¡­ disappeared?¡±


    As much as Aron¡¯s cryptic words had irritated him, the suddenness of his disappearance unsettled him even more. "He didn¡¯t just log out, did he?" Verment muttered to himself, though he knew that wasn¡¯t likely. After all, punishment for logging off in an unsafe way was severe. It was not worth it to log off just like that.


    "Then how does someone just vanish like that? He was standing right in front of us!"


    Goover, eyes wide with disbelief, whispered.


    Verment¡¯s mind raced. "No idea. But wherever he went¡­ It might not be good." It was hard to tell though, to whom the idea of not so good fell toward.


    The group stood in uneasy silence for a moment, all staring at the spot where Aron had been.


    "Let¡¯s move," Verment finally said, shaking off the eerie feeling. "We¡¯re sticking with the plan and getting out of here. No more holding off."


    With one last glance, they turned and retreated.


    ¡­


    In a place far removed from where Verment and his teammates had stood, a figure materialized silently, as though stepping out from the shadows. The landscape around him was quite desolate looking, a perfect vantage point overlooking the battlefield where the monster continued its rampage. His gaze was steady, focused intently on the chaos below. The man was none other than Morality Mortalized, or as he was known outside the game, Aron.


    A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he observed the ongoing battle.


    ¡°The players down there had no idea what was truly happening, I guess,¡± Aron stood alone, watching with calculating eyes.


    "Seems like it has happened," Aron muttered to himself, playing around with a crystal looking thing as his eyes followed the movements of the remaining players, still frantically battling the creature.


    He glanced briefly at the horizon, where Verment and his group had retreated. He had to admit, they were smart to fall back. Verment¡¯s caution had piqued his interest, but only just.


    "... Though as expected, that dude Starday really exceeded everyone''s expectation, huh..." He looked at the current situation, where most of the players here were killed by the monster.


    ¡°He really outdid himself this time haha¡­¡± His laugh sounded lowly as he watched the battlefield below. Parts of the players who had charged in, rallying under Starday and his guild Bright Resonance, were now nothing more than corpses vanishing into light particles. The monster had wiped them out with terrifying efficiency.


    From his elevated position, Aron could see the carnage in full view. The bodies of players scattered across the battlefield, some still fading into digital dust, while the survivors barely held on, struggling to avoid the same fate. Starday himself was still in the fray, seemingly trying to rally those who were left, but the damage had already been done.


    He watched as Starday and his remaining guildmates fought desperately, still trying to fight the monster. The health bar of the creature had not even budged despite their best looking efforts. The massive explosion earlier had only made things worse, as the monster entered a more aggressive, possibly berserk phase.


    "What a show, Bro." Aron shook his head with a feigned sigh.


    "Though I guess they should¡¯ve known better."


    His eyes flickered as he watched the remaining players scatter, some retreating while others foolishly continued their attack. Starday, to his credit, was still standing strong, refusing to abandon the fight despite the overwhelming odds.


    ¡­


    ¡°Hahahah, very nice. We can start to retreat after a few moments¡­¡± Starday laughed under his breath, a smile creeping across his face. His sharp eyes gleamed as he surveyed the battlefield, where the majority of the players had been slain by the monstrous creature¡¯s relentless attacks.

 9. Proceed with Our Next Plan Now?

    Chapter 9 : Proceed with Our Next Plan Now?


    The chaotic situation around Daystar had thinned the ranks dramatically, leaving only a few desperate survivors still clinging to life. Starday¡¯s expression betrayed none of the frustration or panic that the others might have expected though. Instead, he seemed almost pleased.


    "Keep up the pressure," Starday commanded coolly, watching as his guildmates moved with tactical movement. His eyes flicked briefly over the players still falling in droves.


    Starday¡¯s plan had always been calculated from the start. The real strategy behind leading Bright Resonance into the battle wasn¡¯t purely to fight the monster.


    It was to use the monster to wipe out as many players¡­ as possible!


    Fewer players meant fewer competitors. Fewer competitors meant more power for Bright Resonance.


    The opportunity for that had come as the monster appeared with its mysterious and deadly aura. Its sheer strength and unpredictability had made it the perfect tool. Rather than rush in recklessly like everyone else, Starday had neatly kept his guild in check, letting the others serve as cannon fodder.


    After all, he knew that death in this game came with penalties, players who were killed would lose experience, drop levels, or even their valuable equipment. Their progress would be set back, and for some, it could mean weeks of grinding to recover what they had lost.


    And that was exactly what Starday wanted.


    By letting the monster decimate the battlefield, he ensured that many of the rival guilds, party based players, or even solo players would be crippled for the foreseeable future. With their progress halted, fewer players would be able to challenge Bright Resonance for dominance in future raids, events, or contests for rare loot.


    It is an initiation to secure a long-term advantage. By the time the remaining players realized they had walked into a trap, it would be too late. Starday and his guild would claim the spoils while everyone else was too busy recovering from their setbacks.


    And so it had unfolded perfectly. Most of the players who had fought bravely¡ªor foolishly¡ªagainst the monster were now dead, their drops strewn across the battlefield. The few survivors were barely hanging on, their numbers too small and their strength too depleted to make a difference. Starday¡¯s plan had worked.


    Now, with most of the threats eliminated, Bright Resonance could swoop in, claim the spoils, and solidify their position as the more dominant guild. Starday''s eyes glinted with satisfaction as he watched the battlefield, knowing that the monster had done exactly what he needed.


    Thankfully, or perhaps not for the other parties and such, the players didn¡¯t have enough time to stop and think. Fueled by adrenaline and the desire to bring down the monster, they blindly followed Starday and the rest of Bright Resonance into the fray. None of them realized that they were walking straight into a carefully laid trap.


    The other guilds hardly stood a chance. They hadn¡¯t realized they were part of Starday''s scheme even up to this point. By the time they realized what had been happening, it would have been too late already. And by the time they had, it was already over.


    Starday had anticipated this. He knew the other players would rally behind a strong guild like Bright Resonance without question, especially in a chaotic battle where everyone was scrambling for survival, and glory. By leading the charge, Starday had subtly manipulated them into believing that they had a chance when in reality, they were being herded toward their own downfall.


    With every swing of their weapons, the players focused on the monster, unaware of the real threat lurking behind the battle: Starday¡¯s plan to get them killed, penalized, and set back. As the monster¡¯s attacks intensified, and more players fell, their fates were basically sealed.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Though the question was, how could Starday and Bright Resonance survive the onslaught of the beast?


    On the surface, his guild, Bright Resonance, still stood strong amidst the carnage, their well maintained coordination keeping them from falling like the others. While most players had been in disarray because of the monster¡¯s attacks, Starday had kept his core group steady, letting the weaker or less organized ones rush to their deaths.


    Even though Starday and Bright Resonance spearheaded the battle against the monster, they were able to retain most of their players. Unlike the chaotic masses of independent players and other guilds, Bright Resonance was like an arrogant general ordering the infantries to their deaths without much care.


    Their members seemingly moved with accordance, executing carefully coordinated advancement, and always staying just out of reach of the monster¡¯s deadliest blows.


    Starday''s plan was not about manipulating others into recklessness as it was also about ensuring his own guild to remain alive. While the others fell victim to the monster¡¯s brutal assaults, Bright Resonance was able to held their ground, sustaining minimal losses. Starday had also proved on the surface that his team was well-prepared with defensive spells, healing support, and strategic positioning, everything one needed to keep their key members alive.


    From the outside, it looked as if Bright Resonance were simply more skilled and organized.


    But the truth was deeper than that.


    While their coordination was very impressive, the biggest reason Starday was able to keep himself and his guild safe amid the chaos was because of a secret item he had obtained from the City Lord.


    This item, which was related to the monster they were fighting, gave him a significant advantage, allowing Bright Resonance to maneuver around the creature''s deadliest attacks and maintain their offense on the battlefield.


    The item was a pouch looking thing, attached to the hilt of his sword as it swayed in the air.


    This hidden trump card was the reason Starday¡¯s guild seemed untouchable, even as the rest of the players fell to the monster''s onslaught. It allowed them to navigate the battle impeccably, avoiding the missteps that led other players to their doom.


    While the other guilds and players thought they were all fighting on equal ground, the reality was that Starday had stacked the deck in his favor from the very beginning. And with each passing minute, it became more apparent from outside that Bright Resonance was more skillful in this endeavor, while the rest could just pay the price by blaming it on being unlucky.


    ¡°It worked better than expected,¡± he muttered, his gaze jubilant as he watched another group of stragglers get incinerated by the monster¡¯s fiery breath.


    After all, it was an opportunity to eliminate rivals, reduce the number of threats in the game, and ensure Bright Resonance dominance. It would be a lie if he was not a little bit excited about it.


    ¡°Soon, it''ll just be us,¡± Starday thought, his mind racing with the possibilities. With fewer players in the field, the situation would become easier to control. And if the monster wiped out the remaining stragglers, so much the better.


    "Commander, most of the players here are dead already. Should we proceed with our next plan now?" one of the players coming up from the Bright Resonance¡¯s formation asked, his voice low and eager as he downed a mana supplement potion. His voice was tense but excited, eyes reflecting the havoc around them.


    Starday glanced at the man briefly and focused back, his ferocious gaze softening into focused one. He had been waiting for this moment, the thinning of the herd. Now, with most of the players either dead or retreating tho far too late, Bright Resonance had the perfect opportunity to execute the next phase of their plan.


    "Yes," Starday finally responded, his voice cold and deliberate. "It¡¯s time."


    He took in the battlefield with a quick sweep of his eyes, assessing the few remaining groups of players still trying to survive. They were of no concern anymore. The monster had done most of the work for them, eliminating their competition, just as Starday had hoped.


    "Gather everyone," Starday ordered, his voice sharp. "We¡¯ll move into position and finish this."


    The guild member nodded, turning to relay the message to the rest of Bright Resonance. Starday¡¯s guildmates began to move according to the orders, their movements coordinated and in line. Unlike the scattered remnants of the other players, Bright Resonance was still a standing cohesive force, grouped and prepared.


    As Starday watched his team assemble, he nodded his head with satisfaction. He could see that basically there were only one or two members that got killed in this raid. Compared to the other parties, it was like a drop in the bucket.


    Starday raised his weapon high, a sword clean without any attachment whatsoever, signaling the beginning of the next phase. "Move out!" he commanded, his voice carrying across the battlefield.

 10. This is It

    Chapter 10 : This is It


    Now that the battlefield was littered with the fallen, Starday was ready to proceed to the next phase of his plan. With most of the players either dead or too weakened to pose a threat, it was time for him and Bright Resonance to make their next move¡­


    Escape.


    The monster had served its purpose in thinning the competition, and now they could leave the scene with their guild intact and their rivals crippled.


    Starday glanced around, taking in the carnage one last time. The trap had worked perfectly. With their secret advantage and careful planning, Bright Resonance had survived while others fell hard. Now, there was no reason to linger. The battle had already been won in Starday¡¯s eyes, and staying longer would only increase the risk.


    "This is it, stick to the route we discussed," Starday added, his eyes scanning the surroundings to make sure no one that no one messed up their plan. "We¡¯ll regroup and assess our next steps later."


    His guildmates nodded in agreement, already prepared for the retreat. They had all been briefed on the plan beforehand, knowing this moment would come once enough players had been eliminated. Now, with their enemies severely weakened, Bright Resonance could quietly withdraw, leaving the battlefield and the chaos behind.


    His plan had unfolded, and now Bright Resonance was poised to capitalize on the aftermath. With fewer competitors left to pose a threat toward them, the future was theirs for the taking.


    With the help of the item given by the City Lord, their retreat was practically guaranteed to be safe. The secret item provided Starday and his guild with a shield of protection.


    As Bright Resonance began their withdrawal from the battlefield, the item¡¯s influence ensured they remained safe by both the monster and the few remaining players still struggling to survive basically.


    While the other guilds fought a losing battle, unaware of the true nature of the situation, Starday started to lead his guild away orderly. The path had been carefully designated to not make anyone suspect it easily, and with the item¡¯s effects safeguarding them, no sudden attack or unforeseen threat would catch them off guard.


    "Perfect," Starday spoke with a grin attached on his face as his guildmates followed in silence. "No one even suspects a thing..."


    With most of their competitors eliminated and their retreat secured, Starday knew they were in a prime position to dominate whatever came next.


    Whaaaammm!


    But just as everything seemed to be going smoothly, something unexpected happened.


    Without warning, the monster, as if sensing their retreat, unleashed a massive attack, a frightening fireball that streaked across the battlefield with unnatural speed and force. Starday¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the fireball tore through the air, crashing directly into the core ranks of Bright Resonance.


    The explosion was deafening.


    The screams of his guildmates echoed in Starday¡¯s ears as many of them were incinerated instantly. Bright Resonance¡¯s elite members, those whom Starday had carefully protected and relied on throughout the battle, were cut down in an instant. The guild¡¯s formation, so carefully crafted, crumbled before his eyes.


    "F***!" Starday cursed, his voice filled with disbelief.


    This wasn¡¯t supposed to happen¡­


    The item he had from the City Lord should have guaranteed their safety, it should have protected them from something like this. But now, the monster had broken through, and the losses were catastrophic.


    Starday clenched his fists as the remaining guild members scrambled to recover from the attack, many in shock, while others tried to regroup. His mind raced, trying to assess the situation. The plan had been perfect, the retreat was supposed to be flawless¡­


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡­But now they were bleeding members, and morale was looking grim.


    The monster, perhaps sensing its advantage, let out another ear-shattering roar, readying itself for another strike.


    For the first time in the entire battle, Starday felt a pang of panic. The plan had gone awry, and now Bright Resonance was at risk of losing everything they had fought so hard for.


    "What''s going on?! How can the monster attack us when we have the item given by the City Lord?" Starday shouted in bewilderment, his heart racing. The chaos around him was overwhelming, and his mind struggled to comprehend how their seemingly foolproof plan had fallen apart so suddenly.


    The item should have protected them, shielding Bright Resonance from the monster¡¯s attacks and making their retreat safe. It had worked very well up until now, so how could the monster suddenly target them with such deadly precision?


    His eyes darted around, searching for an answer. Had they misused the item? Was there some hidden condition or limit they didn¡¯t know about? The more he thought about it, the more questions plagued his mind, and no answer made sense. The City Lord¡¯s item wasn¡¯t supposed to fail, especially not like this.


    One of his surviving guildmates, a different person from the one who asked before, shouted, "Commander! What should we do?!¡±


    Starday gritted his teeth, frustration boiling inside him. It wasn¡¯t just that they were being attacked, it was that the monster had perfectly timed its strike, almost as if it knew when their protection would falter. Something wasn¡¯t right. Either the item had limits they didn¡¯t understand, or someone had interfered. But now wasn¡¯t the time to figure it out.


    "Regroup!" he yelled, trying to take control of the spiraling situation. "We still need to get out of here! Don¡¯t panic!" He could see the fear in the eyes of his remaining guildmates, their confidence shattered by the unexpected blow.


    But deep down, Starday knew this was a turning point. If they didn¡¯t act fast, Bright Resonance might not survive this ambush.


    ¡°F******....¡±


    Starday''s mind raced, desperate for answers. His gaze subconsciously fell to the hilt of his sword, where the item had been securely attached.


    But as his eyes landed on it, his heart dropped. His eyes widened like saucers because of the unbelievable spectacle in front of him.


    The item that was supposed to protect them from the monster, an item given exclusively toward him by the city lord¡­


    The item was gone¡­


    His eyes widened in horror, as if he had seen a ghost.


    "No... No, where is it?!" he said with rapid breath like an ox, his voice trembling with disbelief. The very object that was supposed to ensure their victory and safe retreat had vanished without a trace.


    Starday''s hands shook as he grabed at the empty space where the item had been. How could it have disappeared? It had been there the whole time, securely fastened to his sword!


    His mind scrambled for an explanation. Has it been stolen? Had it fallen during the battle? Or had someone sabotaged them?


    His thoughts spun wildly, but there was no time to process. The reality of their situation hit him like a crashing wave. Without the item, they were vulnerable. The monster could target them just like anyone else. The advantage they had counted on was gone, and the battlefield had turned into a deathtrap for Bright Resonance.


    "Commander! What¡¯s happening¡­?" one of his guildmates shouted in terror, seeing Starday¡¯s shock. But Starday couldn¡¯t answer. His mind was reeling, and the grim reality set in.


    They were no longer safe¡­


    Whaaamm!


    Another devastating attack came crashing down from the monster, tearing through the core of Bright Resonance¡¯s formation. More of their elite members were obliterated in the blink of an eye, their avatars vanishing in bursts of light and smoke. The guild that had once seemed untouchable was now crumbling before Starday''s eyes.


    "**** me..." Starday muttered, but this time his voice carried a dark, twisted laugh. It was the laugh of someone caught between disbelief and madness. His hands were shaking uncontrollably as the situation spiraled further out of control. He had never anticipated this. His plan, his guild, his carefully constructed scheme, it was all unraveling.


    He couldn¡¯t even muster anger anymore. Instead, a bitter, crazed amusement bubbled up inside him. Everything had been aligned, and now it was collapsing so spectacularly that all he could do was laugh.


    In the midst of the destruction, Starday stood there, grinning like a man teetering on the edge. He had played the game, manipulated others, and crafted a careful strategy. But now, fate, or perhaps something darker, had turned on him. The item was gone, the monster was targeting them, and there was no longer any safety or control.


    The retreat was supposed to be smooth sailing, almost effortless. What had been a chaotic death trap for others was supposed to be an easy escape for Bright Resonance, thanks to the hidden power at Starday¡¯s disposal¡­


    "Is this it?" he whispered to himself, still laughing quietly as the monster launched its next attack, with Bright Resonance¡¯s members falling apart around him.

 11. Medallion of Arkhma

    At the same time as chaos reigned over Starday and his guild, a man stood at a distance, gazing down at the battlefield with a sigh. From his elevated position, he could see the destruction unfolding below. The once-mighty Bright Resonance, now reduced to disarray, their core ranks obliterated by the monster¡¯s relentless attacks.


    The man¡¯s expression was one of a mild one, as if he had expected more from the situation. His gaze swept over the scene, taking in the fallen players, the panic-stricken survivors scrambling for cover, and Starday¡¯s increasingly desperate laughter.


    "Well, well... how the turns have tabled," the man mused, the smile widening slightly. The once so confident in their plans, was now crumbling before him. The monster they had hoped to manipulate was tearing through their ranks, leaving them in destruction.


    His voice sounded a bit melancholy despite the havoc below. There was no anger or malice in his tone, just a quiet observation of the chaos unfolding beneath him. He seemed to have no part in it, and yet, he seemed to understand it all too well.


    The man''s eyes, sharp yet calm, focused on Starday for a moment, watching one of the guild''s commanders descend into madness. "So yeah, I guess this is how it ends,"


    Without giving the scene another glance, he turned away from the sight, his mind already moving beyond the immediate carnage. Whatever had just happened to Bright Resonance, he seemed unaffected by it.


    And this man was none other than Aron.


    Shockingly enough, nestled in Aron''s palm was the very item that had once been securely attached to the hilt of Starday''s sword.


    It gleamed faintly in the light, the small and light looking object that now rested in his hand, somehow looked menacing in his hand.


    ¡°Shake my head¡­¡±


    This seemingly insignificant thing had been the cornerstone of Starday''s entire strategy. Without it, Bright Resonance had no safeguard from the monster¡¯s devastating attacks.


    Aron¡¯s intrigued smile turned into a pity one as he toyed with the item, rolling it between his fingers with ease.


    "The ace behind your scheme..." he murmured, his eyes a bit playful. "Too bad you never noticed as it slipped away, huh."


    In that moment, it became clear of the previous question asked by Verment. Aron had never needed to join the fray like the others.


    Sadly, Verment was not here to hear the answer of his question¡­


    Nonetheless, Aron knew just how crucial this item had been to Starday''s scheme. Without it, Bright Resonance had been vulnerable to the monster''s wrath, and the guild¡¯s elite fighters had fallen like dominos in its onslaught.


    One micro change and the entire world fell apart.


    Starday himself was not even sure of how the item was lost in the midst of the battle, the very reason why he somehow looked crazed at the moment. How could he not when he didn¡¯t even know if there was even a culprit behind it?!


    After all, Aron¡¯s plan was indeed quite subtle. Disguised after looting a fallen member¡¯s armor, Aron had stealthily moved closer to Starday during the height of the battle. The guild¡¯s elites were too focused on leading the charge and managing the chaos to notice Aron inching closer. With a deft hand and perfect timing, in just one immaculate motion, Aron had reached for the hilt of Starday¡¯s sword with his fingers grasping the small but impactful object and easily removed it, detaching from the hilt without anyone realizing.


    Starday, distracted by the fight and the imagination of a prosperous prospect, hadn¡¯t even noticed the absence of the item that was key to his survival at that point.


    Aron had then slipped away, blending back into the confusion of the battlefield. And now, the item was his and with it, he held the fate of Bright Resonance in his hands. The guild had no clue that their ultimate shield was gone, and Aron¡¯s smooth theft had set the stage for their downfall.


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    "This small thing was all it took to carry a guild¡¯s plan¡­ Or in this case, to topple the guild upside down single handedly, yea¡­ Aight, whatever. Cause now it is time for me to finally see the details. Where did he even get this item anyway?¡± Aron finally saw that he could finally see the properties of the item and without wasting a minute, he opened it right away.


    ¡­


    [Item Name: Medallion of Arkhma]


    Type: Secret Rarity


    Description: An ancient artifact imbued with protective magic, capable of temporarily disrupting or negating hostile attacks within a limited range. Its effect is tied to the wielder''s stats and the artifact''s connection to the environment, allowing the user to manipulate the influence of certain external forces, especially those of higher-leveled creatures.


    Effect:


    Monster Shielding: Able to erect a barrier that could tank attacks relative to the power of the attacks.


    Way of the Hostiles: Showing the attack pattern for the wielder and allies within a 50-meter radius from targeted attacks by specific monsters. Duration: 15 minutes per activation.


    Cooldown: 1 hour between uses.


    List of monsters :


    Orc¡­


    ¡­


    "Medallion of Arkhma," Aron repeated under his breath. He could feel the weight of its significance. This artifact had the ability to turnaround the situation in tricky battles if used correctly. Just like how in Starday''s hands, it had been a tool of control and manipulation.


    "So, this is what Starday was relying on."


    His fingers played around the medallion as he scanned the details again.


    The ability to protect against monsters, to shield entire groups from the devastating attacks of creatures, relative to the enemies itself.  This skill alone was noteworthy enough, but naturally Aron knew why the guild could survive against that monster.


    Being able to see the attack pattern of monsters would certainly give a tremendous advantage, just like in the previous raid. Proved how their guild was the one that had the most surviving members.


    Only before this item was lost though...


    And the fact that it could be used over and over, with a cooldown, made it an even more formidable asset.


    "No wonder Starday was so bold," Aron said to himself, acknowledgement evident in his voice. In the hands of a player, it could alter the course of any major battle especially against the specific monsters, shielding key players and allowing them to wreak havoc without fear.


    The Medallion of Arkhma was more useful than Aron had initially thought. As he held it in his palm, his mind raced with possibilities.


    "Even though it might not work on every enemy out there," he hummed.


    Just like the description, this medallion didn¡¯t work on every monster. But the fact that it could shield a group from even one specific type of monster made it an absolutely useful tool. Its potential was immense, especially in the right hands, even if the restriction only affected certain creatures.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ Kinda wild¡­¡± Aron brought up the detailed list of monsters the Medallion of Arkhma was effective against, his eyes scanning the names one by one. As he read through the list, a flicker of surprise crossed his usually composed face.


    Though he had seen many powerful artifacts before, this one carried a unique allure. The monster types listed were no more than 5. But that''s quite a lot already.


    And now, this medallion granted him the ability to control the suitable battlefield, making him theoretically nearly untouchable in that situation.


    "This is better than I thought," he whispered to himself as his fingers tightened around the medallion, feeling the rush of possibilities unfurling in his mind.


    The idea of acquiring such an extraordinary item with relative ease¡ªit was almost too good to be true. He imagined the shock and disbelief that would spread like wildfire among other players if they ever found out how effortlessly he had taken it from under Starday¡¯s nose.


    "Any other player might lose their mind over this hahah¡­" Aron thought, amused at the thought of the chaos this revelation would cause. Most players would¡¯ve needed months of planning, elaborate strategies, and a full guild''s effort to even only get close to such an artifact. But here he was, standing alone, holding such a relic just because he¡¯d seen an opening and taken it.


    The competitive nature of the game would make this medallion a sought after object to any player or guild, and that knowledge filled Aron with a sense of satisfaction.


    "The stories they''d tell if they knew¡­" Aron chuckled, knowing full well that the secret of how he obtained it would likely remain his alone.


    Still, now, it all made sense. The Medallion of Arkhma had been Starday¡¯s secret card, the reason he had been able to survive the relentless onslaught of the monster while so many others had fallen.


    The medallion had shielded him and his core guild members, making it seem as though they were invincible. It explained how they had been able to hold their formation and continue their attack while other players were being obliterated.


    Starday had likely known that without the medallion, his guild would have faced the same fate as the others. If Starday knew that such thing like this happen, he would probably not even log in the game for a week.


    "That''s why Starday went kinda crazy as he lost this item. Well, too bad for him," Aron thought with a smirk.

 12. Logging Out

    Chapter 12 : Logging Out


    After inspecting the Medallion of Arkhma one last time, Aron nodded his head. He had spent more time in the game than he intended, and with this unexpected turn of events, it felt like the perfect moment to step away.


    "Guess I¡¯ve logged in for quite a while now," Aron muttered to himself. With a swift command, he opened the game menu and selected the option to log out. His avatar faded from the world, turning into light particles.


    ¡­


    As the virtual world disappeared from view, Aron got up from the capsule, with a smile attached on his face. He¡¯d taken a powerful treasure, disrupted an entire guild¡¯s plans, and now had time to reflect on his next move. Things would continue but for now, taking a good rest after such a harvest was not a bad choice at all.


    Aron went out of the room as he proceeded to go into the living room. He was kinda surprised as he didn''t find anyone there, so he called, "Baby, where you at?"


    "Hey, I''m here..." A reply from a woman soon came after, sounded from the restroom area.


    Aron heard the reply while looking over his head toward the sound.


    "Alright."


    He walked toward the kitchen, deciding to grab a drink while he waited for her to come out of the restroom.


    Aron grabbed the remote and turned on the smart TV, navigating to the news channels and gaming networks that frequently covered updates about Second World, the so called revolutionary game he had just logged off from. The game had gained massive attention since its release, touted for its popular player-driven economy and political, dynamic world that evolved based on the actions of its players.


    He scrolled through the headlines, wondering if anything significant had been reported while he was immersed in the game. News of major battles, guild wars, and rare items often made waves, and with what had just unfolded, he was curious to see if there was any mention of it.


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    As Aron browsed through the news, a headline caught his eye: "Annihilation at Blue Moon City: Players Decimated by Unidentified Monster." He naturally clicked it as he realized that this was exactly the place where he had been playing just a short while ago, where he had watched Starday and the Bright Resonance guild members lead players into a trap, only for them to be wiped out by the monster.


    The article described the chaos that had unfolded, how most players in the area were killed in a massive attack by a mysterious, high-level monster. Many players had been caught off guard, not realizing the true danger, and it mentioned how some were speculating whether this event was connected to a larger, hidden in-game plot or just a freak occurrence.


    "Accident, huh?" he muttered to himself. "Well, it can be called like that I guess."


    Irregular monsters, like the one that appeared in Blue Moon City, were no joke. Their unpredictable behavior, hidden mechanics, and devastating power made them some of the most dangerous entities in the game.


    An irregular monster was really not something one could take lightly. Aron recalled how effortlessly the creature had torn through the players, even the well-organized guilds. Its health had barely budged if not undamaged at all, and the players had no way of knowing how to deal with its erratic attacks. Without the right strategy, or in Starday¡¯s case, without the Medallion of Arkhma, there was no chance of survival.


    But naturally, encountering an irregular monster was a very rare event. Some players might never come across one in their entire gaming experience. These creatures only appeared under specific, often hidden conditions, and their appearances were so unpredictable that even the most seasoned players had little chance of preparing for them.


    Aron figured that was precisely why so many players had decided to stay and risk the heavy penalties. The allure of defeating such a rare, powerful monster was too strong to resist. Even knowing they could lose experience, levels, or valuable gear, the chance of landing the killing blow on an irregular monster was an opportunity too tempting for most to pass up.


    The potential rewards, tremendous loot, rare titles, and even just the prestige of taking down an unpredictable beast, outweighed the fear of penalties for many. In a game like Second World, fame and fortune often came from moments like these, where the stakes were impossibly high, but so were the rewards.


    Aron shook his head with a helpless smile. "They probably did not even consider that this was all a trap set by Starday. They walked right into it, thinking they could be the ones to bring it down."


    But the result had been clear: annihilation.


    Even Aron, with his arsenal, hadn¡¯t bothered to attack the monster. He had an edge most players didn¡¯t, some knowledge about the irregular monster that made it clear it was out of his arrangement, at least for now.


    He understood that no matter how skilled or prepared one was, there were some battles that simply couldn¡¯t be won without the perfectly right tools, mechanic, or team. This monster was one of those fights, a creature that couldn¡¯t be defeated through sheer force alone.


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    It was about knowing when to retreat and fight another day.


    And that was why Aron had been surprised when he saw Verment, Goover, and their teammates retreat early.


    They deduced the probability fastly with such limited knowledge about the monster, and were decisive toward it.


    The moment they realized something was off, that the monster¡¯s health wasn¡¯t dropping, no matter how hard the players attacked, they chose survival over risk. It was an unusual move in a game where the majority would rather risk it all than leave the battlefield early.


    "Truly not bad," Aron thought as he raised his drink and sipped it. It was a choice that had saved them from the same fate as the others. Aron acknowledged that, even if it wasn¡¯t the popular decision.


    And as he was enjoying himself, suddenly a woman appeared beside him. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled, recognizing her immediately.


    "You snuck up on me," Aron said with a playful tone, still holding the drink in his hand. "Didn''t hear you come out."


    The woman beside him was his wife, Mimi. Aron smiled as he put down the remote, "Didn''t realize you were done already."


    Mimi gave him a playful smirk. "You¡¯re too absorbed in your game news to notice anything else, huh?" she teased, getting closer to him.


    Mimi glanced at the screen, not knowing yet about the details of the game Aron had just logged off from. "What¡¯s this all about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued by the headlines.


    Aron still laid his eyes on the screen as he answered her question, "It¡¯s, uh, something that happened in the game just now," he said casually. "A big event that caught a lot of players off guard, huh."


    Mimi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a big deal."


    "Yeah, I logged off right after it all happened," Aron replied, keeping it easy. "Was just turning on the news."


    Mimi looked curious as she sat next to Aron and inquired, "An irregular monster? What is that?"


    Aron leaned back, knowing he''d have to explain a bit. "In the game, irregular monsters are these really rare and unpredictable creatures. They don¡¯t follow the usual rules, and most of the time, they¡¯re way stronger than anything players are used to. Think of them as wild cards, no one really knows what they¡¯re going to do."


    Mimi nodded, intrigued. "So it¡¯s one of those monsters that showed up in the city?"


    "Outside of the city but yeah," Aron confirmed. "It pretty much wiped out everyone who tried to fight it. It was a complete mess." He paused for a second, then added, "I wasn¡¯t part of the fight, though. Sadly or not."


    Mimi raised an eyebrow, "Sadly or not?" she repeated, her tone in wonder.


    Aron chuckled, glancing at her. "Yeah, I mean, on one hand, it would''ve been exciting to be part of it, maybe even take down this irregular monster. But on the other hand, most of the players who fought it got wiped out and suffered penalties. So, I guess I dodged a bullet by staying out of it." He said with a little grin on his face.


    Mimi turned her attention back to the TV, her eyes glanced on the man beside her occasionally as the news showed scenes of chaos and destruction outside of Blue Moon City. The footage highlighted the massive monster that had torn through the players, leaving devastation in its wake. Bodies of fallen avatars littered the battlefield, and players'' attempts to fight back seemed futile.


    "Wow," Mimi muttered, her tone in surprise as she took in the scale of the disaster. "That thing wiped out everyone around it¡­"


    "Yeah, it was kinda brutal not gonna lie," Aron replied, looking at the screen. "Most of the players didn''t stand a chance. That monster was on a completely different level."


    Most?


    Mimi paused for a second, her brow furrowing as she considered Aron''s words. She thought to herself, recalling the footage on the TV where it seemed like no one had survived the encounter with the monster. But before she could dwell on it further, the thought slipped away as her curiosity shifted.


    "I see," she said, shaking her head. "It looks like no one made it out."


    Aron nodded as he took a sip of his drink once again. "Yeah, it was pretty much a massacre," he agreed. "But, you know, some people probably slipped away or didn¡¯t get involved at all."


    Mimi nodded, still processing the chaos she had just witnessed. "I guess they¡¯re lucky, then."


    Then, the footage continued for a while longer and Mimi shook her head in disbelief. "It¡¯s crazy to think so many people would jump in, knowing how dangerous it was."


    "That¡¯s the thing with a rare monster like this," Aron said. "People take risks, hoping they¡¯ll get the big rewards. Unfortunately, most of them paid the price."


    The scene on the TV suddenly shifted, focusing on the last group of players who had fought against the monster. Mimi''s eyes focused as she noticed a distinct emblem on their gear, a symbol combining light and sound.


    "That guild¡­¡± she said thoughtfully, glancing at Aron.


    Aron recognized the guild instantly. It was Bright Resonance, the guild that had spearheaded the attack, led by Starday. Aron¡¯s connection to them wasn¡¯t something he had shared in full with Mimi yet.


    "Yeah, they¡¯re pretty big there," Aron replied slowly. "That¡¯s the Bright Resonance guild. They were at the forefront of the battle."


    Mimi nodded in intrigue. "Looks like they held out longer than most, but... they didn¡¯t make it either, did they?"


    Aron¡¯s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "Well, we will see." He left it at that, letting the news speak for itself.


    Mimi watched intently as the footage continued, showing the Bright Resonance guild standing strong in the midst of the chaos. While other players and guilds had been decimated continuously, Bright Resonance had managed to hold out much longer, their formation and coordination clearly better. Despite the overwhelming power of the monster, they were among the few still standing, albeit not 100% perfect.


    "Wow, they really lasted a lot longer than the others," Mimi commented, her tone a mix of admiration and surprise. "It¡¯s almost like they knew how to handle that thing."


    Aron glanced at her for a while and answered. "Oh, you¡¯re smart,¡± he grinned. ¡°Yeah, they had a solid strategy... probably some inside information or an edge that others didn¡¯t have." He glanced at the screen, recalling Starday¡¯s plan and the medallion he had stolen. "But even the best plans don¡¯t always work out I guess."


    Mimi looked at him curiously. "You think they had some kind of advantage? It somehow seemed like they were prepared."


    Aron shrugged slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Could be. You never know what goes on behind the scenes for most of the time, yea."

 13. Food

    Chapter 13 : Food


    Suddenly, the footage zoomed in on Starday and the members of Bright Resonance. The confident demeanor of the guild began to waver as the monster unleashed a powerful attack, sending shockwaves through their formation.


    "What¡¯s happening?" Mimi asked, her voice tinged with confusion.


    ¡°This is where the news is all about.¡± Aron answered with a smirk.


    The camera captured Starday shouting commands, desperately trying to regroup his players. But despite their efforts, the monster seemed to have found a new power, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control.


    Mimi¡¯s eyes widened. "They were doing so well before! I think they somehow made a mistake in their coordination just now¡­"


    Aron didn¡¯t respond immediately. The tension on the screen made it clear that the battle was taking a turn for the worse.


    As the footage played on, one attack after another from the monster struck Bright Resonance with devastating force. The guild, once so organized and confident, now struggled to maintain their formation. Players were being knocked down in rapid succession, unable to defend themselves against the monster''s relentless onslaught.


    Mimi gasped as she watched the scene unfold. "They¡¯re being overwhelmed! How is this happening?"


    The camera captured Starday¡¯s frantic attempts to rally his guild, but their efforts were futile. With each strike, more players fell, and the situation seemed to get worse for each second.


    ¡°Did the monster just enter a new phase or something? You know¡­ a berserk state? Is that the correct term?¡± Mimi asked Aron, her eyes glued to the chaotic scene unfolding on the screen.


    Aron nodded slowly, his eyes seemed to be nonchalant. ¡°Possibly. Monsters like this can have multiple phases, and when they enter a berserk state, they become even more aggressive and powerful. It¡¯s like they¡¯re fueled by a powerful elixir.¡±


    Mimi frowned, her thinking deepening. ¡°So they weren¡¯t prepared for this? I can see that the guild was daring and they should have the guarantee for it, they should have thought that they had it under control, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Aron replied, shaking his head in pity for the players. ¡°It¡¯s hard to predict when a monster, like this irregular one, will change its tactics. They were probably caught off guard. Or not. Oh, on a second note, they might be, because of an unforeseen accident.¡±


    Mimi could not understand what Aron just explained, but she guessed that Aron was just guessing that there was an accident that the spectators were not aware of.


    One by one, the core parts of Bright Resonance were decimated, their formation crumbling under the relentless onslaught of the monster. The camera zoomed in on Starday¡¯s face, which now bore a look of desperation as his once-unshakable confidence faltered.


    Aron shook his head. "They¡¯re losing their key players. It¡¯s all falling apart now."


    Mimi, still watching with wide eyes, clutched the arm of Aron. "They were holding out for so long¡­ How can it all go wrong so fast?"


    Aron glanced at her for a moment with a small smile as he answered, ¡°It do be like that sometimes, what can I say.¡±


    On screen, Starday frantically tried to regroup what remained of his forces, but the monster¡¯s attacks were too powerful, cutting through the remaining players like paper. The once-proud guild was now on the verge of total annihilation.


    The view now had the chance to zoom in on him, capturing the desperation in his eyes as the once mighty Bright Resonance guild was torn apart around him.


    On the screen, Starday could be seen laughing¡ªa wild, unhinged spectacle that made Mimi crept out. His face was twisted with a mix of disbelief and madness as if he had completely lost his grip on the situation.


    "Is he... laughing?" Mimi whispered, her voice filled with shock.


    Aron laughed. "So that¡¯s how you ended up huh. I mean, looks like the pressure broke him. When everything you''ve planned falls apart like this, some people lose it. He probably didn¡¯t expect things to go so wrong, so fast."


    Mimi sighed as she watched Starday¡¯s despairing appearance on the screen. ¡°I guess the destruction and failure made that commander crazy.¡±


    Aron only smiled hearing what his wife said. He was sure that the reason Starday went mad was not only because of the failure, but also because he lost that medallion, which was in Aron¡¯s hand at the moment after stealing it covertly.


    Mimi glanced at Aron, her voice softer. ¡°You think you would¡¯ve done anything differently if you were there?¡±


    Aron smiled faintly. ¡°Aye, even being surrounded by the guilds, the monster was still able to eliminate them like that. I wasn''t there for a reason, remember? Sometimes knowing when not to fight is the best move.¡±


    Mimi only nodded her head after listening to Aron¡¯s answer.


    ¡°Alright Baby, now I¡¯m kinda hungry, what should we eat today?¡± Aron put his hand over Mimi¡¯s waist.


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    Mimi smiled, leaning into Aron¡¯s touch. "Hmm, let¡¯s see¡­ How about we make something simple but delicious? Maybe pasta or stir-fry?"


    Aron chuckled. "I¡¯m down for pasta, alright."


    "Alright then, pasta it is," Mimi said, standing up and stretching.


    Aron grinned, "I¡¯ll help I guess, but I reserve the right to taste-test everything first."


    Aron emphasized the word ''everything'' as he stood up from his spot too.


    Mimi smirked, "Oh, everything, huh? Jeez, just don¡¯t eat it all before it¡¯s ready!" she teased, swatting Aron playfully as he joined her in the kitchen.


    Aron laughed, wrapping his arms around her from behind for a brief moment. "Can¡¯t make any promises, but I¡¯ll try."


    ¡°Just don¡¯t do anything excessively¡­¡±Mimi shook her head, smiling.


    "For the most beautiful woman in the world, I can¡¯t help it," Aron replied, his voice playful as he grabbed a peach, to help with the prep somehow.


    ¡°Sheesh¡­¡± Mimi smiled widely with a tinge of red on her cheeks as she started to cook too.


    ...


    "Haaa¡­ All praise to God Almighty¡­" Aron sighed in contentment as he stretched his body lightly, on the bed. The comfortable weight of relaxation settled over his body.


    Mimi, lying beside him, glanced over with a soft smile. "Feeling good after that meal?" Now it was Mimi who emphasized the word ¡®meal¡¯.


    "More than good," Aron replied, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "Food was perfect, and now I can finally just¡­ relax."


    Mimi chuckled. "Glad you enjoyed it. You¡¯ve been pretty busy today, huh?"


    "Yeah, just needed this," Aron murmured, closing his eyes as he rested his head back.


    Mimi, resting beside him, looked at his face and smiled softly. "Something on your mind?"


    "Just thinking," Aron replied with a smirk. "It¡¯s not even that deep in the night yet, and we¡¯ve already... Sigh..."


    Mimi laughed lightly, turning her body to face him. "What can I say? We¡¯ve had a productive day." She teased, her eyes gleaming with affection.


    Aron chuckled, pulling her closer. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."


    The day slipped away unnoticed as Aron and Mimi drifted off into a peaceful sleep, the warmth of the moon gently shining outside their window. By the time they stirred again, the sky had become darker, and the soft glow of evening had settled over the room.


    ¡­


    Mimi stirred beside him, slowly waking up as well. "Morning already?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.


    "Guess we really knocked out¡­" Aron blinked awake.


    Mimi yawned, still half-asleep beside him. "Mmm... didn¡¯t even realize how tired I was."


    They lay there for a moment, the peaceful quiet of the chilling morning settling in, both of them savoring the calm.


    Soon, both of them began their usual morning routines, moving through the familiar motions of the day. Aron got ready for work, preparing for another day as the breadwinner, while Mimi handled her tasks around the house as a housewife.


    Their roles were clear, Aron heading out to provide for the household, and Mimi ensuring everything was taken care of at home. In this kind of routine, there was a quiet comfort in the way they supported each other, each contributing to their shared life in their own way.


    Before leaving, Aron gave Mimi a quick kiss. "See you later, Baby."


    "Take care," she replied with a warm smile, watching him head out the door as she intended to do her own duties.


    Before leaving, Aron leaned down to kiss his little baby in Mimi''s arms. "Goodbye, little one," he said softly, a smile on his face.


    Mimi smiled as she held their child close. "We¡¯ll be here when you get back," she said warmly.


    Aron gave them both one last look before stepping out, his heart full as he left for the day.


    Step Step Step¡­


    Though funnily enough, instead of heading out, Aron walked into another room inside their house.


    To be fair, it was his office, a space specifically designed for him to work. The room was simple yet efficient, with a desk, shelves, and a comfortable chair. This was his corner of the world where he handled his responsibilities as the breadwinner.


    Yes, even though Aron was just heading to his home office, their funny looking farewell had become something of a tradition. Mimi, holding their baby in her arms, grinned at the exaggerated goodbye they exchanged. It was a small thing, but in the rhythm of their day-to-day life, these moments of lightheartedness looked like it kept their bond strong. Aron chuckled softly to himself as he closed the door, knowing that Mimi was likely giggling too.


    He set his things down and took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the tasks ahead. Though still at home, it was time to switch into work mode.


    It turned out that Aron was working from home that day, something he did quite often. Settling into his office, he quickly got into his work routine, balancing the comfort of being at home with the focus his tasks required.


    Mimi quietly passed by the office now and then, tending to their child and the household, while Aron worked away in his dedicated space. Despite being home, he remained fully in the zone, handling his responsibilities.


    ¡°Alright¡­ First things first, the reports¡­¡±


    Inside his office room which was carefully arranged for productivity, Aron sank into his chair and took over a document. His work-from-home setup was nothing new, and despite being just a few steps away from his family, there was a clear boundary between work and home life. This was where he switched gears, diving into updates, messages, or whatever task lay ahead, while just beyond the door, Mimi carried on with her day, tending to their child and managing the house.


    Every now and then, Aron would hear faint sounds from the other side of the door¡ªMimi laughing or the soft coos of their baby. It was a comforting background to his work, a gentle reminder of the life that awaited him when he clocked out. They didn¡¯t need to be physically apart to maintain the illusion of distance during work hours. It was their way of balancing the seriousness of his role as a provider with the closeness they cherished as a family.


    Sometimes, Aron might emerge for a quick coffee break, exchanging knowing glances with Mimi, who might teasingly ask, "Back already?" And they¡¯d share a quiet laugh before he returned to his desk.


    ¡­


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡±


    After several hours of focused work, Aron stretched his body, feeling the tension release from his shoulders. He glanced at the clock on the wall, surprised at how quickly the time had passed. The hands indicated it was nearly lunchtime, and he felt a mix of relief and hunger.


    He stood up and walked to the door, eager to take a break and see what Mimi was up to. The prospect of sharing a meal with her and their little one sounded appealing, especially after being cooped up in his office for so long. As he stepped out, he could already hear the soft sounds of Mimi preparing lunch in the kitchen, accompanied by the gentle coos of their baby.


    "Hmmm¡­ I guess I will log in after this.¡± Aron muttered lowly under his breath.

 14. Not Bad

    Chapter 14 : Not Bad


    After lunch, Aron went inside a certain room and entered a capsule cubicle. He proceeded to boot up his system with the icon for Second World blinked on the screen, and with a click, he logged back in.


    As the game loaded, he thought back to the chaos that had unfolded in Blue Moon City. The mysterious monster and the havoc it caused had left quite an impression, but now that Aron had the Medallion of Arkhma, he felt anticipation. The thought of wielding such a relatively powerful item filled him with intrigue as he prepared to reenter the virtual world.


    ¡­


    Aron arrived inside Blue Moon City, the familiar walls and structures offering a brief respite from the dangers outside. The battle against the irregular monster had taken place just beyond the city''s protective barriers, far enough to keep the city itself intact but close enough that whispers of the event still filled the air.


    As he walked through the city streets, he noticed more players than usual gathered in various corners, huddled in talks about the battle. Some were ¡®licking their wounds¡¯, while others were still speculating on what had gone wrong. Despite the already passing terror, the tension was still quite thick, and the news of the annihilation had spread everywhere.


    Aron made his way through the bustling streets of Blue Moon City toward the outskirts, where the base of the Skywing guild stood. Skywing had a reputation for being one of the top guilds in the region. Their towering base, a sleek structure of silver and blue, symbolized their elite status among the players of Blue Moon City.


    As he approached the entrance, Aron noticed a few guards posted outside, vigilant players wearing the guild¡¯s emblem, a pair of wings spread against a stormy sky. They gave him a once-over, noting his non-guild affiliation but didn''t stop him.


    After all, Aron¡¯s purpose in visiting Skywing was clear. He sought out a conversation with Baldrudz, the commander of the guild. Baldrudz was known for his tactical brilliance and had long been a commanding figure in Blue Moon City.


    As Aron entered the grand hall of the Skywing base, the sheer number of active guild members buzzing about was depicted in front of him. Despite the recent catastrophe with the monster, Skywing¡¯s operations hadn¡¯t slowed.


    He approached a guild member near the entrance. "I¡¯m here to see Commander Baldrudz," Aron said, keeping his tone casual.


    The guild member gave Aron a cautious look, nodding after a moment. "I¡¯ll let him know. Wait here." Aron confirmed and stood in wait, glancing around the room.


    After a few moments, the guild member returned, "Commander Baldrudz will see you now. Follow me."


    Aron followed the guild member deeper into the base.


    As Aron made his way to meet Baldrudz, he recalled the last time he had come to Skywing''s base.


    The last time Aron had visited Skywing''s base, his intention had been to discuss something with Baldrudz. However, the sudden appearance of the irregular monster outside Blue Moon City had thrown everything into chaos. What was supposed to be a straightforward meeting had quickly turned into a scramble for survival, as the city''s players, including Baldrudz and his Skywing guild, were drawn into the brutal battle.


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    "Well, what can I say," Aron muttered to himself, his mind still dwelling on the chaos that had ensued after the monster¡¯s unexpected arrival.


    Baldrudz had been one of the first to react when the threat appeared. Aron remembered the commander rallying his forces to assess the situation, but neither of them had expected things to spiral out of control so quickly.


    Now that the dust had settled, at least for the time being, Aron finally had the chance for that discussion. Whatever had been left unsaid during their last encounter still needed to be addressed.


    Their discussion naturally revolved around the Skywing guild¡¯s impending plan to launch an attack on the Guardian''s Way guild. Skywing, under the leadership of Baldrudz, had been preparing for this confrontation for a while now.


    ¡­


    As Aron sat across from Baldrudz in the meeting hall, the atmosphere was quite tense. Baldrudz¡¯s expression was serious as he laid out the details of the attack plan, a strategy that would need careful coordination.


    Aron¡¯s eyes scanned the room, taking note of Skywing¡¯s most formidable players. Eagle Shot, the renowned ranger, stood near the back, leaning against a wall with a quiet confidence. His precision with a bow was the thing that made him known, and his contributions in battles often turned the tide. Having someone like him in the upcoming attack would be critical for targeting key enemies from a distance.


    Nearby, River Clear, a skilled mage with high mastery over water and ice magic, was deep in conversation with another caster. Her calm demeanor belied the sheer power she wielded; she could freeze entire squads of enemies in place or unleash torrents of water that swept them away. Aron had seen River Clear in action before, and her presence would be crucial for controlling the battlefield.


    There was also Perfidas, the berserker with a greatsword almost as tall as he was. His reputation as a brutal fighter was well-earned. Aron could tell just by the look in Perfidas¡¯ eyes that he was ready for blood. The berserker had a wild edge that, when properly directed, could become a devastating force on the battlefield.


    Aron considered how each of these key players would fit into the plan against Guardian''s Way. The guild was powerful, but with the right lineup, Skywing had a chance of overwhelming them, if they played their cards right.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Aron whispered softly toward himself with a small grin.


    Aron had expected that the incident with the monster would leave Skywing in a more weakened state, possibly struggling to regroup after the chaos. However, as he observed the players before him, each one looked focused and firm. He could tell that this guild was far more resilient than what one would anticipate on the surface.


    Their morale also seemed high, and their preparedness spoke volumes about their leadership and unity. The presence of key players like Eagle Shot, River Clear, and Perfidas indicated that they had not only weathered the storm but were also gearing up for what lay ahead.


    All in all, Skywing was clearly not to be underestimated.


    ¡°If they can harness this energy and resolve normally, they will have a real chance to not only take down Guardian''s Way but also to establish themselves as a more dominant force in the region¡­¡±


    It was clear to Aron that the strong members of Skywing had managed to avoid any significant penalties from the recent chaos. Their intact gear and confident demeanor indicated that they had either retreated in time or had not engaged in the battle long enough to incur losses. This spoke volumes about their strategic awareness and skills.


    The ability of players like Eagle Shot, River Clear, and Perfidas to emerge basically unscathed meant that they could bring their full strength to the upcoming conflict against Guardian''s Way. Aron noted that this not only bolstered Skywing''s ranks but also positioned them as formidable opponents in the coming skirmish. The guild''s situation after the monster incident made it clear that they were ready to seize the opportunity to expand their influence and take down a rival.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    It was just that there was one thing that surprised Aron a bit the most, was that there was another player here that seemed to be not from the Skywing itself.

 15. Negotiation

    Chapter 15 : Negotiation


    "How are you today, Brother Mora? It seems that at the very least you didn''t get eliminated by the monster yesterday, haha..." Buldrudz greeted Aron, aka Morality Mortalized as his ingame name, with a wide smile on his face.


    Aron, as Morality Mortalized, smiled back at Baldrudz, nodding slightly. "I managed to stay out of trouble," he replied with a chuckle. "Seems like your people did too. At least most, huh.¡±


    Baldrudz let out a hearty laugh, "We were lucky, Brother Mora. Pulled out before things got too ugly. Even that Bright Resonance wasn¡¯t so fortunate."


    "Yeah, at the very least we didn''t expect that the monster from before was that abnormal to the point of being that overpowered. Nobody can even deal any damage to that thing, insane." Baldrudz shook his head.


    ¡°Alright everyone, I need to have some things that I want to discuss with Brother Mora, please proceed as we have discussed.¡± Baldrudz then signaled for the others to go away, as he wanted to have a private conversation with Aron, especially when they didn''t have the chance last time because of the sudden appearance of the monster.


    As the other guild members dispersed, Baldrudz motioned for Aron to follow him to a more secluded spot within the guild''s base.


    Once they were alone, Baldrudz leaned against a table, arms crossed. "So, about that conversation we were supposed to have before... We want Skywing to keep on maintaining an edge. We''re moving against Guardian''s Way soon. We''ve been gathering intel for weeks, but I want your perspective on a few things."


    Aron¡¯s expression remained calm, though his mind was already on something. "Okay, you want something from me? I¡¯m guessing this isn''t just about my so called insight."


    Baldrudz sighed as he nodded. "Exactly. We need more than brute force if we¡¯re going to take them down efficiently.¡±


    Aron nodded thoughtfully. Aron was with Skywing guild because Aron sold some strategic resources for war to Skywing in preparation to attack Guardian''s Way after all, that was how Aron was with Baldrudz at the start.


    After all, on the surface he had come expecting to simply finalize the transaction of strategic resources, materials and such that would give Skywing the upper hand in their assault against Guardian''s Way. Yet, Baldrudz seemed to be hinting at something deeper, beyond the mere exchange of goods and information.


    "You¡¯ve already got the resources from me, right. What else are you looking for, to make it more clear?" Aron asked in a flat tone.


    Baldrudz¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°We would like to acquire The Ring of Highlands.¡±


    Aron¡¯s posture shifted slightly. He leaned back slowly, seemingly surprised as he processed Baldrudz¡¯s words.


    ¡°How did you find out I had the Ring of Highlands?¡± Aron asked, his tone measured but carrying an edge of curiosity.


    Baldrudz chuckled, ¡°I have my sources, alright. In this game, information is just as valuable as any weapon or artifact as we two know already. You¡¯d be surprised how much people are willing to part with for the right price. Your dealings are a bit more transparent to those who know where to look.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve been doing your research,¡± Aron said slowly, a faint smile playing on his face. ¡°I¡¯m guessing your intel didn¡¯t come cheap.¡±


    Baldrudz gave a knowing smile. ¡°You¡¯re right. And I heard that The Ring of Highlands provides a significant buff for anyone fighting in mountainous terrain. It enhances agility and endurance, allowing our players to maneuver more effectively while also increasing their damage output. With the upcoming attack planned in the Highlands, having that advantage could mean the difference between victory and defeat against Guardian¡¯s Way.


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    The Ring of Highlands also has the ability to shift the landscape in our favor, I heard. Without it, we¡¯re looking at a much bloodier and drawn-out conflict. With it, we can cut through their defenses and take the stronghold in one decisive strike. We need that ring to ensure our victory¡­¡±


    Aron gave a small smile, ¡°So, you think this one ring will guarantee a perfect defeat for them?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying. With that ring, Skywing will have an overwhelming edge in the upcoming battle. And, of course, we¡¯ll compensate you handsomely for parting with it.¡± Baldrudz nodded firmly.


    Aron tapped his fingers on the table, ¡°Seems like your intel network is better than I gave it credit for,¡± Aron replied, his tone still light but with a hint of acknowledgement. ¡°But knowing I have it is one thing. Convincing me to hand it over is another.¡±


    Baldrudz seemed to ponder for a while after confirming that Aron indeed had the ring that he desired in his hand. After all, whether he can discuss the next thing depended on whether Aron had the ring first or not.


    He had paid quite of a price to find out if there was an item that one could have that could boost players in the high terrain through a quest or from defeating a certain boss.


    Or just someone that had this kind of item, which was the case for the latter at this moment. Which also coincidentally was in Aron¡¯s hand. How could he let that chance slip by without even trying to get it into his own hands.


    Or maybe, on a second thought, he felt like it was not much of a loss if Aron didn¡¯t have the ring. After all, there was also a guarantee from the seller¡¯s information that Aron had the ring. If Aron actually didn¡¯t have the ring, that would also be a good way for Baldurdz to confront the information¡¯s seller and get something good out of the seller.


    Sigh, it is truly a world full of dilemma that we live in.


    ¡°Haa¡­ Okay, how about I give you a 2/10 of the loot that we will get from the war with the Guardian¡¯s Way?¡± Baldrudz proposed an offer right off the bat.


    ¡°Brother Baldrudz should have already realized the immense value of the ring himself. Just by using the ring, you said that you can basically guarantee that you will came out in triumph right. How can I let it go that easily?¡± Aron looked to be untempted at all as he replied.


    Baldurdz seemed to know that it would be declined as he nodded his head, ¡°Naturally I understand the value of that ring. It was just that I myself felt like I don¡¯t have any true idea about the loot that we will get from the Guardian¡¯s Way later on. What if we get something that¡¯s 10 times better than the ring itself? Wouldn¡¯t it mean that you will get the double of this?


    But I guess I understand your point, as one better not take an unnecessary risk. How about this, 4/10 of the loot?¡± Baldrudz said in a warmth tone.


    With such an offer, Baldurdz himself believed that his guild would most likely refused on agreeing in this transaction. That was almost half of the loot for the battle ahead, given to the guy that barely participated in anything at all. How could one be satisfied with it?


    But Baldurdz knew better.


    Aron seemed to be silent, pondering the offer with a rhythm of tap on his finger for a few moments, ¡°Though I¡¯m flattered by the offer, in the end this ring has been with me for quite a while and helped me here and there too. I can only decline the offer for now.¡±


    "Okay, in the end acquiring it might be impossible. That is why, now we decided that we would like to just borrow it. How does that sound?" Baldrudz smiled resignedly.


    Aron raised an eyebrow, ¡°Borrow it? That¡¯s an interesting approach. What¡¯s in it for me once I lend it to you?¡±


    Baldrudz leaned back on his chair, clearly pleased with the direction of the conversation. ¡°For starters, I can assure you that the ring will be returned after the mission. If it enhances your standing as a valuable ally, I think you¡¯ll find that we¡¯ll make good on our promises. I¡¯ll ensure you receive first dibs on any loot or resources we gather during the raid¡­¡±


    Aron was silent once more. The Ring of Highlands was indeed powerful, the strategic advantages it could provide to Skywing might come back to benefit him in the long run if he decided to lend the ring to Skywing after all. There was also a favor in it, if used correctly, it would be beneficial when the time came with a crisis.


    ¡°Alright, Brother Baldrudz,¡± he said slowly, weighing his words. ¡°I¡¯ll agree to this arrangement, but I want clear terms. You must ensure it¡¯s returned without fail, and I want a guarantee, basically.¡±


    Baldrudz nodded eagerly. ¡°Absolutely. You have my word, and I¡¯ll draft a formal agreement to seal it. This will strengthen our alliance even further¡­¡±


    ¡°Haha¡­ Alright, Brother Baldrudz. If you can fulfill the agreements, I will gladly fulfill my end.¡± Aron smiled after hearing what Baldrudz said. Tho for someone who had great insight and paid much attention to Aron¡¯s voice, he would see that Aron¡¯s tone was a bit higher than before. For a reason or coincidence, it was hard to tell.

 16. Dont Disappoint Me

    Chapter 16 : Don¡¯t Disappoint Me


    Baldrudz grinned, clearly pleased. ¡°You have my word, Brother Mora. The ring will be returned in due time, and I¡¯ll ensure you¡¯re well compensated for your trust.¡±


    Aron leaned back on his chair with a smile, feeling satisfied with the arrangement. ¡°Good. Then we¡¯ll proceed with the loan. Just make sure this attack against Guardian¡¯s Way is as successful as you plan, I guess. I¡¯d hate to see such a valuable item go to waste.¡±


    Baldrudz chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, with the Ring of Highlands, victory is all but guaranteed.¡±


    After sealing the deal with Aron, Baldrudz called for the other members of Skywing to return. One by one, the key figures of the guild, like Eagle Shot, River Clear, and Perfidas, re-entered the room. Their expressions were focused, and it was clear that they were all eager to proceed with the next phase of their plan.


    Baldrudz, now looking more confident, addressed his guildmates. ¡°Everything is in place, we¡¯ll have the edge we need as we all have discussed before. Prepare yourselves, the attack on Guardian¡¯s Way is closer than you might think...¡±


    And with that, Baldrudz started to open the discussion while also mentioning the ring that he had gotten before. The members of Skywing nodded their heads. They knew that whatever their leader had acquired, their chances of success were significantly higher than before. As simple as just by looking at the confident expression of him, they could tell already.


    Aron¡¯s eyes drifted toward a female player standing somewhat a bit apart from the other Skywing guild members. She didn¡¯t bear the insignia of Skywing, which intrigued him. Her demeanor was calm, yet there was an air of confidence about her. Aron silently assessed her for a second, trying to figure out her role and why she was present in such an important meeting.


    The woman noticed his gaze but didn¡¯t react, maintaining her composure. Aron could tell she wasn¡¯t just a random player. If she wasn¡¯t from Skywing, her presence here could mean something more significant was at play.


    The woman¡¯s appearance suggested she was an assassin-type class, despite the heavy robes and hood she wore, concealing most of her figure. Her aura was subtle yet fluid, giving away her agility. Aron could tell that beneath those robes, she likely carried hidden weapons, and her quiet demeanor meant she was used to staying unnoticed.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    Her presence piqued his curiosity, true, but not by much. An outsider in such an important meeting, and an assassin at that, she was definitely here for a reason. Aron simply made a mental note to keep an eye on her. Though he didn¡¯t make much fuss about it.


    Aron glanced over, noticing the female assassin quietly conversing with River Clear. Their voices were low, barely audible even in the relatively quiet room. He couldn¡¯t discern the topic of their discussion, but it was clear that whatever they were speaking about was important and private.


    ¡°Well.. Alright then¡­¡±


    Aron finally shrugged off the scene, might be because it was just a casual conversation between the two women. Nothing looked important, and he turned his attention back to the ongoing negotiations with Baldrudz. He filed the observation away, also noting the possible connection between the two women as it wasn¡¯t every day that outsiders engaged in low-key talks with Skywing''s top members.


    After all, his business with Skywing was intended to be done perfectly in the end by him.


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    The room shifted back into focus as the conversation about the upcoming attack on the Guardian¡¯s Way resumed. Baldrudz, now with his usual boisterous grin, had gathered his officers and some key players around a large round table that dominated the center of the room. Various maps and charts were laid out in a strategic display, each one showing details about the mountain terrain where the battle would take place.


    ¡°...Now that we¡¯ve got something that will boost our plan in our hand,¡± Baldrudz said with a quick glance at Aron, acknowledging the agreement they had just sealed, ¡°we can move forward with the attack. It¡¯s crucial that we strike when the Guardian¡¯s Way least expects it.¡±


    One of the officers, Eagle Shot, a ranger known for his precision, looked over the table and pointed at a specific location marked on the map. ¡°This area here,¡± he said, tracing his finger along a narrow mountain pass, ¡°is the most fortified part of their defense. They¡¯ve been using it to funnel out attackers while keeping their numbers strong within the city walls. If we can take this position early, they¡¯ll be forced to retreat deeper into the mountains.¡±


    River Clear, who had resigned to the decision and been listening quietly, interjected. ¡°But the mountains work both ways. You¡¯re proposing to take their strongest position, but that¡¯s also where they¡¯ll be most familiar with the terrain.¡± She could only support it thoroughly, so giving the best consideration was one of the ways for that.


    Baldrudz nodded. ¡°True. But that¡¯s why we¡¯re not attacking head-on. We¡¯ll use the ring to boost our mobility in the high terrain. While our main force advances, we¡¯ll send smaller squads to the flanks.¡± He gestured to Perfidas, the berserker, and River Clear. ¡°You two will lead these flanking groups. Your goal will be to disrupt their defensive formation from the sides.¡±


    ¡°If we can keep their archers busy, it¡¯ll make it easier for the main force to push through. Their long-range attackers are positioned here,¡± River Clear replied, her eyes scanning the map, nodded in agreement. She proceeded to tap the map near a ridgeline, ¡°but if we can climb faster, we¡¯ll take them out before they even realize we¡¯re there.¡±


    Perfidas, the hulking berserker, grunted in approval. ¡°Leave it to us to break their lines. With the high ground, I¡¯ll cut through their vanguard.¡±


    Baldrudz nodded his head, pleased with how the plan was shaping up. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll send teams up the side cliffs and attack from multiple angles. The Guardian¡¯s Way won¡¯t know what hit them by then...¡±


    As the discussion progressed, Aron watched the interaction with growing interest. It was clear that Skywing, at least for the pro war, had spent considerable time planning this attack. They were efficient, their strategies refined, and their reasons made sense. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table again, thinking.


    ¡°...We should strike at dawn in two days. It¡¯s the best time to catch them off guard. From our intel, it was the time where their shifts will be winding down, and their guards won¡¯t be fully alert. We¡¯ll gather at the base of the mountain tomorrow.¡± Eagle Shot, continuing the conversation, brought up the timing.


    Baldrudz nodded but added in a cautioned tone, ¡°We need to account for the weather as well. In those high altitudes, a storm could be a serious issue. Make sure everyone is equipped to deal with harsh conditions.¡±


    The Skywing Guild kept on mastering the plan, making sure that the best possible execution of attack could be done perfectly without any mishaps. Baldrudz sometimes kept on glancing at Aron from time to time, though Aron seemed to not notice that as his eyes were not even looking at Baldurdz anymore.


    ¡°... Interesting reason¡­ Attacking in a pretty rushed endeavor¡­¡±


    Aron muttered under his breath, his eyes kept on looking forward toward the battle plan of the Skywing Guild. It was just that his eyes seemed to be a bit blank, as if his mind was in somewhere else.


    ¡°Trying to limit the possibility of mishaps and all huh.. Heh, Mishaps. More like¡­ second thoughts¡­ Is that the right word for that?¡±


    As Aron was having his thoughts wandering about, there was also another person that kept on looking on Aron¡¯s direction. That person¡¯s sight was more frank and more open compared to Baldrudz who kept it casual and all. As if the said person was really curious about Aron, wanting to know more about Aron closely.


    ¡°What can I say, that is honestly not a bad idea at all.. Though regarding the result of it, only time would tell huh¡­¡±


    The discussion of the plan progressed, and Aron only listened calmly throughout it and didn¡¯t speak much if not at all. His role in the upcoming attack was done for now. He had provided the key item Skywing needed, and in return, he was promised a significant share of the rewards.


    ¡°I¡¯m hoping much from you guys, don¡¯t disappoint me...¡±

 17. You are a Warrior, Right?

    Chapter 17 : You are a Warrior, Right?


    As the little convention went on inside the room, time passed slowly until finally the time to end it had come.


    It has been decided that the attack is going to happen in 2 days, which is the day after tomorrow, and they would launch it at the designated hour and place as they have discussed before.


    At the Yamara Hills.


    That was one of the crucial, strategic locations that the Guardian¡¯s Way acquired. According to the information that they had accumulated, Guardian¡¯s Way had placed the very item that they were looking for in this place.


    And the Ring of the Highlands¡­


    That was the ring that Aron had been sought by Buldrudz himself because having that ring would be an advantage for them, an advantage that would absolutely tip the scale over them.


    An item that would buff the owner when the location was at the high grounds, of course they would be very happy to have their hands on it for this case, even if they did not need to actually possess it.


    Just using it at that planned time would be worth it even if they need to pay a certain price.


    The strategy had been laid out meticulously, with contingencies for possible outcomes. Everyone had their role to play, and each member was acutely aware of what was at stake. They knew clearly that failure was not an option, not with the stakes so close.


    In the end, the players in the room began to disperse one by one, their expressions a mix of resolve and anticipation. Some left immediately to gather their gear, others to speak with their contacts or coordinate with their respective units.


    Suddenly, as Aron set out from the room, a woman approached him, her footsteps quiet but also obvious. He had heard her coming, but he felt her presence first before he even saw her.


    She stood just a few paces away, her expression unreadable, her posture straight but relaxed, as if she had all the time in the world. The faint glow of the light lining the hallway cast shadows on her features, making her seem almost illusory.


    ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± Her voice was smooth, but there was a faint edge to it, something that didn¡¯t quite match the calm demeanor she projected.


    "Elysia, huh...: Aron muttered lowly.


    "You know me?" Elysia replied with a raised eyebrow.


    ¡°Not personally,¡± he said, a slight chuckle escaping him.


    "Alright, give me some peace, I''m just here for business, that''s all." Aron added with a small smile.


    Elysia didn¡¯t reply immediately. Instead, she took a small step closer, her boots making soft sounds against the stone floor as she closed the distance between them.


    "You are a warrior, right?" Elysia said interestedly.


    Aron raised an eyebrow, his calm smile never faltering as he looked at Elysia. "Quite perceptive of you," he said, his tone light, but with a touch of intrigue. "Though, it is kinda clear for many to see."


    "Many huh, I wonder about that,¡± Elysia scoffed hearing what Aron said. She knew that the man in front of her was somehow trying to hide his class, which interested her naturally.


    ¡°You know what I''m talking about, you are not a tank, the warrior that doesn¡¯t use shields, but the one that uses swords only..." Elysia said with her eyes never leaving Aron.


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    Aron blinked, looking surprised by the reply. He gave a wry smile, half amused by how easily she seemed to assume him.


    Yes. That is correct. Aron had a shield and a blade on his sides.


    It was understandable that, at first glance, people would assume that Aron was a tank-based class. After all, he carried a shield, a not so big one on his left arm, and the sturdy looking, worn out piece of armor was a pretty clear indicator of someone who specialized in defense. The weight of it, the way it hung at his side, seemed to reinforce that idea.


    But Elysia wasn¡¯t fooled by the shield. She knew things better. While most would have assumed Aron was a typical tank, Elysia recognized him for what he was. A warrior-type class, one that didn¡¯t lean on defensive tactics. His stance, the way he carried himself, the way he gripped the shield, the fluidity of his movements, it all told a different story. It wasn¡¯t the familiar, rigid stance of someone who relied on their shield for defense.


    Elysia knew that Aron was a warrior type based class that doesn''t rely on shields. No, more like, she could feel that Aron was not using the shield as a defensive weapon.


    A warrior who used the shield not as a crutch, but as a tool to enhance his strikes, to battle in the battlefield in ways others wouldn¡¯t expect. Naturally his shield could be used as a defensive weapon, but Elysia could feel that Aron was not a so-defensive type of player.


    "Is that what you think of me?" he replied, his voice low and calm.


    Elysia raised an eyebrow, her gaze piercing. "You don¡¯t look like someone just getting by it. You¡¯re too... too deliberate.? Is that the right word for that? Anyway, it¡¯s in your movements, they don¡¯t lie..."


    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t quite understand what you were saying but still, don¡¯t you think that you¡¯re reading into things a little too much.¡± He shifted slightly as he looked over the window.


    Elysia''s lips curved into a knowing smile. ¡°Maybe. Or maybe I¡¯m just seeing things more clearly than you think." She tilted her head, her tone growing more thoughtful.


    "You really do like to make assumptions, don¡¯t you?" he said finally, smirking himself. ¡°But fine, if it¡¯ll make you feel better... let¡¯s just say you¡¯re right.¡±


    "Mmm... It''s not that I want to do anything to you, it''s just that I am interested, that''s all. After all, getting to see another fellow collaborator is a nice touch, isn''t it?" Elysia replied with a smirk.


    "Hey, ain¡¯t your loved one gonna be jealous if you keep on talking to me?" Aron replied with a half smile.


    "Oh? And what exactly makes you think I have anyone to be jealous over?" she replied, her voice smooth.


    Aron shrugged his hands with his eyes closed and his half smiling voice, ¡°Yeah, how the turns have tabled.¡±


    "Ahahah¡­I guess it''s not just me who likes to assume things..." Elysia replied with a laugh, it was hard to say which she was laughing the words at.


    ¡°Alright, what I¡¯m trying to say is that, I hope we can respect our own business here, nothing else, nothing more. What do you think about that?¡±


    Elysia spoke with a smile, though her eyes seemed to be a bit sharp.


    Looking at how the woman in front of him was acting, Aron wanted to laugh for a reason.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m having a problem with you and all, but I¡¯m afraid that you are not acting toward what you want me to act. What do you think about that?¡±


    Aron replied with his serene eyes calmly.


    Elysia narrowed her eyes as she looked at Aron deeply.


    ¡°I hope we are respecting our own lines, so that an accident is not going to happen without any caution whatsoever.¡± Elysia replied with a sharp glint in her eyes. Her right hand, subconsciously or not, rested on the handle of her blade beside her.


    ¡°Yeah, I hope that the sayer is not the doer I guess.¡± Aron shrugged his shoulders away with the smile still attached on his face and started to walk away.


    Elysia watched him go, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    His steps looked serene and all, walking around the crowd until finally his form was gone from Elysia¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Morality Mortalized, huh¡­ Hmph¡­¡±


    Nonetheless, she didn''t have time to dwell on Aron at this moment. She had her own responsibilities, her own preparations to make. The attack on Yamara Hills was looming, and she needed to be ready. She turned and walked towards the strategy room, her mind already focused on the task at hand.


    ¡­


    Aron, or the ingame name Morality Mortalized, arrived in front of a building. It was a nondescript structure, its facade weathered and unremarkable, blending seamlessly into the surrounding cityscape. No clear sign proclaimed its purpose, no lights shone from its windows. It looked abandoned. Yet Aron still went here.


    ¡°I will just finish this quest of mine first I guess¡­¡±

 18. The Truth in the Shadows

    Chapter 18 : The Truth in the Shadows


    He adjusted the worn leather satchel slung across his shoulder, its weight a familiar comfort. The quest, a seemingly simple task of delivering a message, had become more complicated than one could anticipate.


    He glanced at the datapad strapped to his wrist. The coordinates flashed on the screen, guiding him through the maze of narrow alleyways and towering hab-blocks that made up the lower part of the city. The nuance of recycled air and cheap synth-noodles, a familiar and not entirely unpleasant situation that spoke of the city¡¯s underbelly.


    He reached his destination, a grimy doorway tucked between a noodle stall and a flickering neon sign advertising ¡°Corning Domes.¡± The building itself was a dilapidated mess, its once-grand facade crumbling under the weight of neglect. He double-checked the coordinates on his datapad, then pushed open the door, stepping into the dimly lit interior.


    The air inside was heavy with the scent of stale smoke and something else¡­something metallic and faintly antiseptic. The room was small and sparsely furnished, a single flickering light casting long, distorted shadows across the walls. Behind a battered metal desk sat a figure shrouded in darkness.


    ¡°You¡¯re late, Morality Mortalized,¡± a raspy voice said from the shadows.


    Aron stepped forward, his boots echoing on the worn floorboards. ¡°Erven,¡± he greeted, a hint of joke in his voice. "Traffic was a wildride, huh."


    The figure chuckled, a dry, rattling sound. ¡°Always an excuse,¡± he said.


    ¡°Bruh¡­¡±Aron rolled his eyes as he heard that.


    Shake my head.


    He really wanted to say, ¡®Excuse your ancestor¡­¡¯, but reason was holding him back. Who knows what kind of feedback this NPC is going to give him after saying that?


    After all, he knew how quite tricky the journey was in this particular endeavor so far. Though he could only be patient in the end.


    ¡°Come on, then. I haven''t got all night." The figure gestured, and the light caught his form.


    "We had a deal, yeah. My delivery, then your information. I held up my end. Where''s mine?" He pointed to the package in his hand. "This isn''t exactly light cargo, you know. It took a lot of effort¡­to get it here. And you know it yourself that this ain¡¯t easy.¡± Somehow the tone of Aron in the end wasn¡¯t so sure. As if saying that it was tricky, true, but it ain¡¯t a lot of effort.


    Enver steepled his fingers, his gaze fixed on Aron. "You delivered the package, I''ll give you that. But the information I need¡­it''s more elusive. It requires¡­verification." Enver said slowly and calmly.


    Aron''s frown deepened. "Verification? What kind of verification? And how do you propose we do that? I''m not going back. That''s not part of the deal. You said it was a simple drop. No questions asked."


    Enver shrugged. "Things change. Information changes. My contact¡­he''s become unreliable. I need to be sure what you delivered is what I asked for."


    Aron looked helpless hearing what was in front of him. He could tell that even though it didn¡¯t sound hard and all, the subsequent mission after this is going to be another tricky one.


    "Haa... I know that it''s not going to be easy but dang..." Aron said resignedly as he looked at the quest that is related to this NPC in front of him, reviewing the quest once again .


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    ¡­


    Quest Name: The Truth in the Shadows


    Quest Giver: Enver, the Information Broker


    Type: Unique Quest


    Location: Enver¡¯s Hidden Lair


    Objective:


    Deliver the mysterious package to Enver. (Turn in the package to complete the chain quest.)


    Reward:


    Clue regarding a Unique Rarity Item: Enver may offer you a lead on a Unique Rarity item


    ¡­


    "This quest looks simple and all, but the one who''s doing the quest is the one who knows the slick situation huh..." Aron sighed softly with his eyes closed.


    Aron had always known that finishing a quest like this was never going to be easy. He had anticipated the extent of the challenges that would come with delivering this mysterious package, but he still couldn¡¯t help but lament about it.


    It all started when he received the package. It was an item that had changed hands multiple times in the black market, passed from one shady individual to another. Each time, it was hidden deeper, protected better, and guarded more fiercely. From the moment the request came through, Aron knew this wouldn¡¯t be a simple job.


    The first setback came when the building housing the package was sealed off by a powerful gang who had no idea that the item they were holding was anything more than another piece of contraband.


    Once he had the package in hand, things didn¡¯t get any easier. During his escape, Aron was ambushed by a group of masked figures who seemed to know exactly where he¡¯d be. They¡¯d been waiting for him, waiting to steal the package and dispose of him as a loose end. The ambush was swift and tight.


    As if the previous obstacles weren¡¯t enough, there was a twist. The contact who had initially helped him retrieve the package turned out to be part of a larger scheme, one that aimed to seize the package for a far more powerful group. Realizing that Aron had been played, he had no choice but to deal with the twist.


    Finally, Aron was close to completing his mission. But getting to Enver wasn¡¯t as easy as just walking through the door. Enver had his own security measures in place, ones that kept even the most skilled individuals from gaining access to him.


    All of this was just a summary about what happened before, a very much simplified version.


    By the time he finally stood before Enver, holding the package, Aron wanted to say that he was physically and mentally exhausted, going through those missions that many wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to succeed in on even one occasion. But the fact was otherwise as he looked nonchalant and easygoing and all, so he really couldn¡¯t say that.


    He could only sigh.


    ¡°Haa¡­¡± So he sighed. Once more.


    ¡­ Should I just go away from this?


    A thought sprouted in his mind as another option that went otherwise crossed. It was true that it would take quite a bit of time just to get this quest done. More specifically, this quest that needed him to take the socalled detour. He was sure of it.


    Though he had his own resources to make him be able to bypass a lot of obstacles along the way, somehow he looked like he was in a dilemma whether to drop this quest or not.


    And one might ask, how could Aron abandon this quest when he had progressed up till now, when he had spent his time to reach up till this point?


    That was where the interesting part laid. Not every Unique Rarity item was good. To be exact, good in a sense of being worth the trouble and all. As the name suggested, a Unique Rarity item would have effects or skills that would be unique, no other rarity items would have it.


    But just because other rarity items wouldn¡¯t have the same skills didn¡¯t mean that other rarity items wouldn¡¯t have the similar skills. For example, a unique rarity item would have an effect that would evolve an item and the effect of that certain item.


    It didn¡¯t mean that one wouldn¡¯t be able to improve that item through other means. It would just be a shortcut of a detour.


    But this value could be a whole different matter if it was used on a certain powerful item that needed close to impossible requirements. And that value of that Unique Rarity item would soar through the sky.


    But sometimes the opposite happened, where the value would just be a drop of a bucket. Getting Unique Rarity items would be basically getting a wild card, either you make it or either you would be damned with it.


    Though naturally, anyone who got the Unique Rarity items would just be glad with it as they would have a certain item that was literally useful in particular cases. Not in general, but it would be handy.


    Still tho¡­


    ¡°If this item is not gonna be worth the time I swear¡­¡±

 19. It is the Real Power

    Chapter 19 : It is the Real Power


    ¡°Alright¡­ Alright¡­ I really have no options in this case, huh? Dang¡­¡± Aron shook his head with a helpless smile.


    Enver merely smirked, his fingers still steepled as he leaned forward slightly. The dim light flickered again, casting sharp angles across his face.


    ¡°Smart boy¡­¡±


    ¡°....¡±


    A vein seemingly popped out of Aron¡¯s forehead.


    Smart boy, he said.


    The audacity of this NPC.


    Thankfully you ain¡¯t my enemy.


    Don¡¯t blame me if your wallet is gonna be empty.


    ¡°But don¡¯t look so defeated just yet. This verification won¡¯t be as bad as you think.¡±


    Aron sighed. ¡°Yeah? Then do tell me.¡±


    Enver¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°No catch. Just¡­ a minor detour.¡±


    Aron raised an eyebrow. He had done enough of these ¡®minor detours¡¯ to know they usually involved either getting shot at, running for his life, or both.


    ¡°Define minor.¡±


    Enver tapped a few buttons on his own datapad, and Aron¡¯s wrist device pinged in response. A new objective flashed on his screen.


    ¡­


    New Quest Objective: Verify the Authenticity of the Package


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Travel to District 17 ¨C The Rusted Spire</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Meet with Contact: Kiera, the Relic Examiner</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Ensure the package is legitimate before Enver releases information</li>


    </ul>


    ¡­


    Aron exhaled sharply through his nose. ¡°You know what, that doesn¡¯t sound bad. Couldn¡¯t just take my word for it, huh?¡±


    ¡°Business is business,¡± Enver replied smoothly. ¡°And in my business, trust is a currency even rarer than credits.¡±


    Aron clicked his tongue, closing the notification on his wrist screen. ¡°Fine. Rusted Spire, right? What¡¯s the deal with this Kiera?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s¡­ particular. She deals in things most people wouldn¡¯t dare to touch. Old tech, lost relics, things that might be cursed, haunted, or worse.¡± Enver leaned back in his chair in glad tiding.


    Aron pinched the upperside of his nose. ¡°Very good. So I¡¯m walking into a haunted scrapyard. Beautiful.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll hang on.¡± Enver let out a dry chuckle.


    Aron rolled his shoulders as he adjusted his satchel once more. The weight, once comforting, now felt heavier with the new burden of yet another task.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m heading out. But I swear man, if this package turns out to be some binding artifact that binds my precious to me or something, I¡¯m gonna have some very strong words for you when I get back.¡± Aron said half jokingly while walking toward the door.


    Enver merely waved him off. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°Oh right, before that,¡± Aron stopped his steps as he looked back toward Enver.


    "Before I go, lemme make sure one more time, is this truly the last task that you are going to give me before finally I got the clue?"


    Enver chuckled, the sound low and knowing. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re learning, aren¡¯t you?¡± He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the battered desk, considering Aron¡¯s question with a smirk. ¡°I could give you the standard ¡®trust me¡¯ line, but let¡¯s be real,  you don¡¯t trust me. Smart.¡±


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    Aron scratched his head a little, his expression deadpan. ¡°That¡¯s not an answer.¡±


    Enver laughed, moving a bit forward with its hands formed a bridge on the table, ¡°Fine. You get this verification done, and I¡¯ll give you the clue. No more surprises, no extra errands. Just what you came for.¡± His gaze became a bit serious. ¡°But I¡¯ll warn you, knowing isn¡¯t always the same as having. The clue will put you on the right path, but you¡¯ll still have to work for it.¡±


    Aron shrugged. ¡°Figures.¡± He studied Enver for a moment, trying to gauge any deception. The information broker was slippery, always keeping his cards close. But for once, Enver seemed to be on the good mark.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Aron muttered, adjusting his satchel. ¡°One last job.¡±


    Enver smiled. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. Try not to die.¡±


    Aron rolled his eyes and turned toward the door.


    One last job.


    Yeah, right.


    I swear I¡¯ll demolish this whole area if he ain¡¯t up to his words


    ¡­


    In this world, Unique Rarity Items'' value went beyond simple stats or abilities; they are strategic assets that could shift the balance of power, making them highly sought after by mercenaries, corporations, and underground factions alike.


    Unlike standard weapons, gear, or artifacts, Unique Rarity Items cannot be replicated, very hard to be crafted, or easily traded. Each one has a special property¡ªwhether it¡¯s a weapon with an ability that defies physics, a relic tied to ancient secrets, or a tool that grants access to forbidden knowledge. Owning one means possessing something no one else can obtain.


    Some Unique Rarity Items weren¡¯t solely about pure skills or power, they could be some keys to deeper layers of the world. Certain items unlock secret locations, activate hidden quests, or even grant access to restricted areas of the city.


    Suddenly, as Aron walked away, a man appeared beside him, which followed Aron to walk away beside Aron. A little bit behind Aron to be exact.


    The weird thing was that, the man appeared seamlessly as if he had been there from the beginning. He had a frightening looking spear attached on his back, with a dark red cloak shrouded on over his back.


    "Mora, it would help us if you could go to our location as quickly as possible. How long are you going to take your time?" the man said with a pretty low voice.


    Aron didn''t even flinch, worse or not he didn''t even look beside him to see who the man was. He just kept on walking with his eyes still looking forward.


    "Sigh¡­ Still can''t for now. More like, still don¡¯t wa- Nah, I¡¯ve done my job there, yea. I''ve laid out the plan for you guys, and you guys just need to implement it, right. What''s the hurry?"


    The man sighed a little as he heard what Aron said, sounding somewhere between mild amusement and frustration. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡± he echoed, shaking his head slightly. ¡°Mora, time is passing fast. The plan means nothing if things change before we act. You being there could guarantee things better.¡±


    Aron still didn¡¯t look at him. His strides even, and his expression unreadable. ¡°I accounted for those so-called changes too, right. You just have to stick to the timing. Rushing in before the window opens is just asking for a beating.¡±


    The man clicked his tongue, adjusting the spear on his back. ¡°What is even going on with your personal errands anyway...¡±


    Aron smirked. ¡°Yeah, well. Information¡¯s part of the game too, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    That earned a quiet chuckle from the man. ¡°You and your socalled wild cards. Always treating it like it¡¯s the real power.¡±


    ¡°It is a real power.¡±


    ¡°You really believe that?¡± His voice wasn¡¯t mocking, he sounded genuinely curious.


    Aron finally glanced at him, just for a second. ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. I know it.¡±


    ¡°...I mean if information is related and all, sure, but yours¡­¡±


    The man studied Aron for quite a moment, then sighed. ¡°Fine. Have it your way. It¡¯s your deserved personal errands anyway. But I just hope you don¡¯t take too long.¡±


    Aron gave a lazy looking wave over his shoulder. ¡°Lemme just play in peace, yea. Just stick to the plan...¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll try¡­¡±


    The man walked for a few more steps before vanishing as seamlessly as he had appeared.


    Step¡­


    Step¡­


    Step¡­


    Aron didn¡¯t break his stride.


    If anything, he walked as if the man was not even there at all. No change of pace, still being nonchalant as ever.


    Few moments after that, just like the man that vanished just now, somehow Aron also followed his steps, vanishing himself out of thin air.


    ¡­


    Beep!


    ¡°Haaa¡­¡±


    Aron exhaled as he pulled himself out of the game pod, the sensation of returning to the real world always feeling a little off after an extended session.


    The soft glow of the pod¡¯s interface screen. A faint hum of electronics filled the air, the only real sound in his otherwise quiet space. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the lingering intensity of the session.


    He glanced at the clock on his desk.


    Pretty late.


    Not the latest he¡¯d ever played, but enough that he¡¯d have to decide between sleep or food. His stomach grumbled, making the choice for him.


    ¡°Food first. Then I¡¯ll figure out the rest, huh.¡±


    He started to walk down the stairs, intending to go to the place where the delicacy had been waiting for him.


    "Dear, are you done there¡­?"


    As he walked toward the small kitchenette in his house, A woman''s voice came over as Aron started to sit down, preparing himself to eat.


    Aron smiled a little hearing her voice.


    Who else besides his very wife of him.

 20. Maybe not so Quiet After All

    Aron glanced toward the source of the voice, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°Yeah, just logged out,¡± he called back, grabbing his plate.


    Footsteps approached, and soon enough, his wife Mimi appeared in the doorway, arms crossed with a knowing look. ¡°You were in there for quite a time huh, Honey,¡± she spoke somehow sternly, though there was no real annoyance in her tone, just familiarity.


    Aron chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Yeah, well¡­ Things got complicated.¡±


    She raised an eyebrow. ¡°When do they not?¡±


    ¡°Fair point.¡± He grinned, digging into his food.


    She watched him for a moment before sitting across from him. ¡°At least you¡¯re eating right after.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m improving.¡±


    She smiled. ¡°Hopefully.¡±


    As Aron was eating with relish, he also tried to look for the remote. Usually it was around the table but he couldn¡¯t see it anywhere somehow.


    Beep


    The television suddenly got turned on, and Aron was a bit confused before he laid his eyes onto the woman.


    Wink


    The wife of him gave a sweet gesture, sticking her tongue out of her mouth. She looked playful Somehow the look that she was giving to him is¡­


    Gulp


    Whether Aron swallowed the food in his mouth or because of something else, it was hard to say.


    ¡°Woman you are playing with fire, see how I will deal with you after this.¡±


    Mimi looked confused, and it was also hard to tell whether she was truly confused or not though.


    Aron pointed to the seat beside him with his eyes as he ordered, ¡°Come beside me.¡±


    Mimi pouted her mouth but still obeyed, sliding into the seat beside him with a playful smirk planted on her face as she sat on. She leaned in close, her shoulder brushing against his as she reached for a piece of food from his plate. ¡°You¡¯re so demanding,¡± she teased, popping the bite into her mouth. ¡°What happened to the sweet, patient Big Brother Aron I married?¡±


    Aron couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her for some reason, shaking his head. ¡°Sweet and patient Aron got buried under a mountain of quests, troublesome NPCs, and a guy with a spear who won¡¯t stop nagging me.¡±


    Mimi tilted her head, her eyes in curiosity. ¡°Guy with a spear? Is it that guy? Sounds like you¡¯ve got more going on in there than usual.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to say that it''s an everyday ration but honestly, having the word ¡®like¡¯ in that is kinda wild,¡± Aron muttered, shoveling another forkful of food into his mouth. He glanced at the TV, which was now playing some kind of news segment about economic things in the country. The flickering screen cast a faint glow over the room, and for a moment, the two of them sat in comfortable silence.


    Mimi rested her head on his shoulder, her voice softening. ¡°If you really don¡¯t like it, then why would you still be there, huh.¡±


    Aron paused, his fork hovering mid-air. He looked down at her with a realization on his face, ¡°Dang, alright, now you have learned to talk well, yeah.¡±


    She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. ¡°Well, that¡¯s what makes it fun, isn¡¯t it? The mystery, the chaos¡­ the fact that you somehow always manage to come out on top.¡±


    ¡°Always manage to come out on top is an overestimation, Baby. I¡¯ll just say that I¡¯m barely scraping by.¡± Aron laughed.


    Mimi grinned, her playful demeanor still on her face. ¡°Barely scraping by is still winning in my book. Besides, you¡¯ve got me to keep you grounded.¡±


    ¡°Lucky me, yeah.¡± Aron said dryly. He put another food near his mouth and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. ¡°Being single has its own advantages, then.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know,¡± she replied with a mock-serious nod.


    ¡°But someone¡¯s got to keep you in line. Unlucky me then, hmph.¡± Mimi pouted her mouth with her arms crossed.


    Aron laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing more as he leaned back in his chair. In this moment, problems faded into the background. Here, he could just rest his brain out, just the simple presence of the woman who somehow always knew how to pull him back to reality.


    Beep Beep Beep


    Aron''s phone buzzed on the table, the screen lighting up with an incoming call. He glanced at the name flashing on the display being one of his farm managers.


    ¡°Looks like work,¡± he muttered, setting his fork down. He shot his wife a quick look, and she just shook her head with a smirk.


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    ¡°Go on, fish boss.¡±


    He chuckled before answering. ¡°Hello, how is it going there, Bro Benjamin?¡±


    A slightly frantic voice came through the line. ¡°I¡¯d like to say good Boss, but we¡¯ve got a situation. One of the filtration systems in Pond Three is acting up, and if we don¡¯t fix it soon, we might lose some of the stock.¡±


    Aron pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Alright then. How bad is it?¡±


    ¡°Not catastrophic yet, but if we don¡¯t stabilize it in the next couple of hours, we¡¯re looking at a real problem.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Call the maintenance guy and get started on checking the backup system. Just keep monitoring it and let me know if things get worse. We still have the backup system, yeah?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve switched part of the flow to the backup, but I wanted to keep you updated,¡± Benjamin replied.


    ¡°Other than that, everything else is running smooth. No issues with feed or stock health.¡±


    ¡°Good to hear,¡± Aron said, stretching his arm in his chair. ¡°Appreciate the update. Just make sure the guys stay on top of it. I¡¯ll check in later if possible.¡±


    ¡°Will do, Boss. Oh, and also¡­¡±


    ¡°Just wanted to give you an update on the farm. Nothing urgent, but there are a few things you should know.¡±


    Aron nodded, though Benjamin couldn¡¯t see it naturally. ¡°Alright, shoot.¡±


    ¡°First, the new batch of fingerlings we got last week are settling in well. No signs of stress or disease, and they¡¯re feeding normally. Looks like the supplier came through this time.¡±


    ¡°Praise to God yes,¡± Aron said, a small smile tugging at his lips. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got a couple of buyers interested in the larger stock from Pond 5. They¡¯re offering a decent price, but they want to inspect the fish before committing. I told them we¡¯d set something up for next week, but I wanted to run it by you first.¡±


    Aron tapped his fingers on the table, considering. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s get them in on Tuesday. I¡¯ll be there to handle it.¡±


    ¡°Got it. Oh, and one more thing, the equipment upgrade we talked about last month? The supplier finally got back to me with a quote. It¡¯s a bit higher than we budgeted, but they¡¯re throwing in a maintenance package for the first year.¡±


    Aron sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Of course it¡¯s higher. What¡¯s the calculation?¡±


    Benjamin rattled off the number, and Aron looked winced. ¡°Welp, it is what it is. Alright, let me think about it. I¡¯ll get back to you by tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good. That¡¯s all I¡¯ve got for now. How¡¯s everything on your end?¡±


    Aron glanced at Mimi, who was watching him with a curious expression. ¡°Same as always. Complicated.¡±


    Benjamin chuckled. ¡°Isn¡¯t it always? Alright, that¡¯s it for now I think. Call me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Will do. Thanks for the work.¡±


    Aron hung up and set the phone down, letting out a somewhat satisfied breath. Mimi raised an eyebrow. ¡°Everything okay at the farm?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, just business as usual,¡± Aron said.


    ¡°New fish are doing well, potential buyers are sniffing around, and of course, the equipment upgrade is going to cost an arm and a leg.¡±


    Mimi smiled, reaching over to squeeze his hand. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve got your hands full.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for you and the family.¡± Aron replied with a wry grin.


    Mimi flushed a little hearing what he said.


    ¡°But hey, at least it¡¯s not another pump failure. Small victories, right?¡± Aron continued.


    Mimi laughed softly. ¡°Right. Speaking of victories, are you done for the night?¡±


    ¡°I think I¡¯m done for tonight,¡± he said, standing up and stretching after looking at the clock. ¡°Let¡¯s just¡­ enjoy the quiet for a bit¡­ Well maybe not so quiet after all.¡±


    Mimi¡¯s smile widened, and she stood as well, wrapping her arms around him. ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±


    All the things in his hands were still waiting for him to sight his eyes upon. For now, though, he let himself feast his eyes onto something more interesting.


    ¡­


    Time passed slowly.and after a while, they lay there in comfortable silence, the sound of their breathing syncing as the room grew darker. Mimi¡¯s fingers traced idle patterns on his chest, her touch light and soothing. Aron closed his eyes, letting the warmth of her presence wash over him.


    ¡°You know,¡± Mimi said after a while, her voice barely above a whisper, ¡°just wanna remind you to not overwork yourself¡­. After all, looking after our bodies is our obligation, right.¡±


    Aron opened his eyes, glancing down at her. ¡°I know,¡± he said quietly.


    Mimi propped herself up on one elbow, looking at him with a mix of affection and exasperation. ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere fun, just walking in the park, supermarket or mall sounds fun too, don¡¯t even have to buy anything¡­¡±


    Aron reached up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. ¡°Yeah, we can do that tomorrow.¡±


    She smiled, leaning down to kiss him softly. ¡°Don¡¯t you forget it.¡±


    The kiss lingered, gentle and unhurried, a quiet affirmation of the bond they shared. When they finally pulled apart, Mimi settled back against his chest, her breathing steady and calm. Aron held her close, his mind drifting.


    The last thing he remembered before drifting off was the faint sound of Mimi¡¯s breathing, steady and reassuring, and the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains.


    ¡­


    Early in the morning, before the ray of sunlight even pass through the gaps of the curtains, Aron and Mimi had woken up. It was their daily schedule to wake up early in the morning and start their activities


    Mimi had gone to the wet areas, multitasking herself by making food while also looking after the clothes that had been washed from the washing machine.


    While for Aron himself, he had been in his working room, looking at the paperwork that needed his attention. Especially regarding the report sent by Benjamin yesterday, he needed to at least make sure that everything was going smoothly and all.


    After all, he was the owner of that farm. He needed to make sure that no mishaps happen because of his mistakes. That was why he had made a simple system, where it would be very easy to monitor while also having much less bureaucracy inside of it.


    ¡°Thankfully I made the working system myself, huh. Can¡¯t imagine the workflow if I let someone else do it and made a mess out of it.¡±


    Even though the system looked simple, it was very effective and efficient, without having the need for him to go into the location of the company itself to monitor and all. He very much maximized the use of technology, as he believed that technology was there to be benefited. Not to be used as a means to maximize formality just like a certain group of people.


    Unfortunately, in the area where he lived, many people had this kind of working environment going on in their place. That was why Aron systemized his company himself so that everything functions efficiently. He very much appreciated time, and understood that time couldn¡¯t be bought back.


    Time passed slowly until finally Aron went to the game cubicle, and became Morality Mortalized again.

 21. Lets do This Quickly

    As the world faded to black for a moment, Aron felt the familiar rush of immersion before his senses adjusted to the Second World once more.


    When he opened his eyes, he was back as Morality Mortalized, standing in the last place where he had last logged out. The neon glow of the city reflected off the damp pavement, the distant hum of hovercrafts filling the air.


    Aron rolled his shoulders, feeling the weight of his in-game gear settle back onto his body. Alright. Back in.


    He quickly pulled up his interface, checking the quest log.


    ¡­


    ¡ªQuest Name: The Truth in the Shadows¡ª


    Status: Pending Verification


    Objective: Confirm the authenticity of the delivered package


    Reward: Lead on a Unique Rarity Item


    ¡­


    His eyes narrowed slightly. He had expected complications, but verification was an annoying curveball.


    Let¡¯s see where this leads.


    Though before he could move, he needed to know one thing. Frankly, he didn''t have any idea about this so called District 17, this was the first time he heard this name.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡±


    Aron furrowed his brows as he glanced at his quest log.


    District 17 - The Rusted Spire.


    He had been playing this game long enough to know most of the major locations, but this? Completely new. Either it was an area few people knew about, or it was some hidden sector only accessible through specific quest lines.


    He pulled up his in-game self designed map and searched for ¡°District 17¡± to make sure once again. The usual city districts lit up. The Neon Belt, The Vanity Markets, The Underworks, but no sign of District 17.


    ¡°¡­Figures,¡± he muttered.


    If the game wasn¡¯t going to make it easy, then he¡¯d have to go old-school.


    Aron turned, stepping out of the alley and into the bustling streets of the city¡¯s underbelly. He needed to find someone who actually knew this place.


    A fair question, though. Why hadn¡¯t he just asked Enver?


    Aron scoffed at the thought. Like that guy would just hand over the information.


    Yes, the reason why Aron didn''t even bother to ask Enver was that he had experienced dealings with Enver, and knew that this NPC would not spill anything, even if it''s related to the quest itself.


    There were no freebies with Enver.


    So instead of wasting time asking and potentially getting into another trip, he chose to save himself some time by doing it himself.


    ¡°I wonder what someone else is gonna do if they were in my shoes.¡± Aron shook his head with a smirk.


    Aron knew that this first hurdle was not even going to be smooth, even for him.


    Such is the price of Unique Item Rarity, huh.


    The most obvious lead was the street fixers¡ªmysterious-level information brokers who lurked in the dark, trading in dangerous transactions, black-market deals, and the kind of things that were too risky to be spoken aloud. These brokers were hard to trust, after all.


    If District 17 existed in the city¡¯s underworld, they would have at least heard whispers of it. But dealing with them wasn¡¯t as simple as asking a question. They expected high payment too¡ªeither in credits, valuable items, or favors. And favors from these guys? They always came at a cost.


    Another option was to go into the underground network forums, an encrypted in-game message board where players with deep knowledge of hidden content shared their findings¡ªif they were willing.


    The problem was, these weren¡¯t average players looking to help. The real veterans, the ones who actually had useful intel, would either gatekeep the information or demand something in exchange. It was also quite a gamble. Either he¡¯d find a lead, or he¡¯d hit a dead end filled with speculation and misinformation.


    Then there were the high-level NPCs, the ones with connections. Maybe it was classified knowledge, something only ex-government officials, rogues, or old-world survivors would even remember. Finding the right NPC to talk to was another challenge in itself¡ªtoo many in this game were designed to brush off questions unless you asked in just the right way, the right person.


    There was one more option, and that was the relatively safest option but also low expectation as well. Asking the people that one knew.


    There were close players¡ªparties, friends, guildmates¡ªwho might have come across District 17 in some way. Even if they didn¡¯t know its exact location, they could have heard rumors, stumbled upon restricted areas, or even encountered an NPC who let something slip.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Especially between the high ranked players themselves.


    Guild was an especially valuable resource. Guilds often had players mastering in different aspects of the game¡ªexplorers, lore-hunters, traders who dealt in rare goods. Someone among them might have seen the name ¡°Rusted Spire¡± before or at least know where to start looking.


    And between all of those mentioned above, Aron believed and knew that there was one thing that he didn¡¯t want to compromise. And that was related to this specific quote.


    ¡°Information is key.¡±


    ¡­


    Time passed slowly as Aron navigated through the neon-lit streets, moving away from the crowded underbelly of the city and toward the upper tiers of it. The air became cleaner, the streets smoother, the flickering neon replaced by elegant golden lights and floating security drones.


    At this point, a towering palace surrounded by high walls and automated guards, home to a noble known for his extensive archives and long memory, stood in front of him. If there was a trace of District 17¡¯s past, it might still exist in his records.


    Unlike the grimy, industrial sprawl of the lower city, this place exuded an air of untouched opulence. The manor¡¯s smooth ivory walls gleamed under the soft glow of artificial moonlight, accentuated by intricate gold filigree tracing patterns across its surface.


    Two royal guards, clad in pristine black and silver armor, flanked the entrance. Their visors gleamed under the estate¡¯s soft lighting, giving no indication of their expressions beneath. They weren¡¯t standard guards, their rigid posture and slow, deliberate scanning of their surroundings suggested they were part of a high-level security force, likely programmed to engage any perceived threat without hesitation.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just do this quickly.¡± Aron muttered under his breath, walking toward the entrance calmly.


    ...


    Arriving inside the palace, Aron met a noble that looked majestic and solemn. The clothes that adorned his body spoke volume of the resources that he had on his disposal. A rapier was attached on his waist, with its total sharpness that could be told just from a single glance. Even if that said rapier was covered by its sheath¡­


    Aron laid his eyes on it for a moment, a few seconds ago. And there was a complex, hard to read expression on his face.


    Beside the noble, there were many ministers that stood between the left and right side of him. They adorned clothes that also spoke volumes of their status, especially for being able to work directly under the noble himself. Variety of weapons were also accompanying them, and each one of these ministers had a variety of attitudes toward Aron.


    Aron stepped forward for a few steps, his boots barely making a sound against the polished marble floor of the grand hall. The room was vast, illuminated by floating crystalline chandeliers that bathed everything in an ethereal glow. Ornate pillars stretched toward the vaulted ceiling


    Just looking at the arrangement for a single glance could tell that this noble had respectable power. Either in authority, or by his own power.


    Damarion Velstara.


    The noble¡¯s presence was imposing yet refined, his posture straight and composed, exuding an effortless authority that demanded respect. He wore a deep violet robe lined with silver thread, an emblem of the coiled serpent embroidered over his chest.


    Even though Aron stood in this kind of situation, he didn¡¯t look out of place or something along the line. The calm looking demeanor of his was still lingering around him as ever.


    ¡°It¡¯s been quite a while for us to meet again, Sir Velstara.¡± Aron spoke in a calm voice.


    ¡°It is¡­ You still look good and easy going as ever, Morality Mortalized,¡± Velstara replied.


    Aron shook his head with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s one of the best attitudes a human could have, what can I say.¡±


    Velstara smiled in response to what the man in front of him said.


    ¡°.... I know that you like to save time, so I will just be impolite. In what business do you bring onto us now, Mora?¡± the noble said with a pretty flat voice.


    Aron seemed to think for a moment before he spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for a certain place. It would be very much helpful if you could bring me the information. But first of all¡­¡±


    Aron seemed to look around the people that surrounded the noble, as if he was suggesting something.


    A group of ministers had ugly expressions drawn to their face, looking at the guest in front of them with clear hostility. Though after they looked back toward the noble, they changed their expressions humbly.


    ¡°My Lord¡­¡± One of them spoke in a persuasive voice. He was also one of the people that stood very close to the noble, having a sword attached on his waist.


    ¡°Alright. All of you set aside yourselves for now. Can¡¯t I even give some face to him in this way after I¡¯m being impolite just now?¡±


    Before one of the people beside him could say anything more, the noble raised his hand and spoke with ease.


    ¡°....¡±


    The ministers were in a dilemma whether trying to convince the noble once more or obeying the order, but looking at the aura of the noble, they could only resign and step back one by one.


    Step Step Step ¡­.


    After all of the ministers left and closed the door tightly, Aron spoke in a respectful voice, ¡°Many thanks for the understanding, Sir Velstara¡­¡±


    The noble just raised his hand in reply with a nod of his head, his golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he looked at Aron with a certain light.


    "Now, Mora," he said interestedly, his voice still unreadable. "You have my attention. Speak."


    Aron exhaled slowly. Asking for information from someone like Velstara wasn''t as simple as exchanging pleasantries.


    "I''m looking for a place. District 17, The Rusted Spire." Aron said steadily.


    For the first time, something flickered in Velstara¡¯s gaze. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished beneath his composed exterior.


    ¡°District 17 is not a forgotten place...¡±


    Aron raised his eyebrows. ¡°Ahh, alright, what is it then if I may ask?¡±


    Velstara¡¯s gaze flickered.


    ¡°It is a synonym, you could say¡­¡± the noble revealed. ¡°A shadowed name for a place that still exists, just not under that title.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re telling me that District 17 isn¡¯t lost, but rather¡­ disguised?¡± Aron hummed.


    A faint smirk ghosted across Velstara¡¯s lips, but he did not confirm nor deny it outright. Instead, he continued, ¡°Names change when they must be buried. When history needs rewriting, when power shifts hands¡­ places do not disappear, only the words used to speak of them.¡±


    Does it mean someone, or something, had deliberately erased ¡®District 17¡¯ from the records, renaming it to keep its existence hidden?


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case,¡± Aron paused with a thoughtful expresssion ¡°then where is it now?¡±


    ¡°The Hollow Verge.¡±


    The words carried weight, echoing through the grand hall like a distant omen.


    "With this, my debt to you has been decreased once more..." Velstara spoke softly.

 22 : A Greeting

    Aron chuckled softly, shaking his head. Of course.


    With the knowledge of The Hollow Verge now in his grasp, Aron had his next destination.


    But the fact that it had been deliberately hidden meant there was more to it huh¡­


    And if Velstara had been willing to part with this information, even if it was to lessen his so-called debt, then it was only a matter of time before Aron found out whether there was something else going on or not.


    For now, though, he had what he came for.


    After saying some farewell words, he turned on his heel, striding toward the exit of the grand hall.


    Behind him, Velstara watched, his fingers once again tapping idly against the armrest.


    ¡°The Hollow Verge¡­ Let¡¯s see if you can survive and understand its secrets, Mora.¡±


    Velstara was not the type to owe anyone. Yet, there was an unspoken history between him and Aron, one that few knew and even fewer understood.


    After the ministers returned to his side once more, Velstara still stood silently, his unreadable expression never faltering. Whatever lay ahead, the noble had already played his part, and would be watching closely to see how Aron handled the rest.


    ¡­


    "So it''s in that place, huh..." Aron muttered, his gaze distant.


    He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Looks like this is gonna be another headache..."


    With a nod, he stepped forward into the city, toward the next chapter of his quest.


    Aron pulled up his datapad again and searched for "The Hollow Verge." Unlike The Rusted Spire, this place actually existed. Or at least, there was data on it.


    A holographic map flickered to life, highlighting a sector of District 17 that had been marked under restricted access.


    "It¡¯s there huh..." he muttered, scanning through the details.


    The datapad provided coordinates, leading deep into the industrial sector of District 17. According to the logs, it had been a processing hub in the past, possibly for scrap or repurposed materials. But at some point, the records dwindled down, as if the area had simply been abandoned.


    Or erased.


    It could just mean that it was truly left behind and forgotten, or it was still very much in use, just not officially.


    And knowing how things worked in this city, Aron was betting on the second option.


    ¡°Hollow Verge¡­¡± he murmured while rolling his shoulders.


    Whatever waited for him there, it was time to find out.


    Aron looked over his interface with a hum, his fingers swiftly navigating through the underground forums on his datapad. The official records had given him just enough to confirm that The Hollow Verge existed, but not enough to get him satisfied.


    He knew better than to expect easy answers. In places like this, information was a commodity, and if something was buried, he could only pay for a price.


    After digging through a few dead-end threads and rumor-filled posts in glance, he finally came across something of a discussion from weeks ago, where a user had hinted at a hidden entrance and the possible dangers within. The thread had been locked after only a few replies, which meant either the info was real enough to be worth something or there was just something else entirely.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Either way, it was a lead. So Aron didn¡¯t waste any time and went forward to it.


    Of course, he could feel that the real information wasn¡¯t going to be free.


    After contacting a seller through encrypted messages, Aron negotiated a price for a map overlay and reports regarding the Hollow Verge.


    Expensive? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely.


    Time is of essence after all. I don¡¯t wanna bother myself going through it on my own.


    The transaction was quick. A few moments later, a new data file popped up on his datapad, expanding the map details far beyond the vague markers from before. After mixing with his own, the Hollow Verge now had a better layout of sealed corridors, underground tunnels, and what looked like an old security checkpoint.


    There was no doubt now.


    This place wasn¡¯t just forgotten. It had been shut down and locked away on purpose.


    Aron exhaled, closing the datapad as he stood straight. Now he had what he needed.


    Time to move.


    Since The Hollow Verge wasn¡¯t particularly secret, obtaining information this way wasn¡¯t a problem for Aron. Unlike The Rusted Spire, which had been completely buried, this place existed in records. It just wasn¡¯t a place people talked about openly.


    The forums, data sellers, and underground contacts all had pieces of information scattered about it. It was the kind of place that had history, but people avoided unless they had a reason to go.


    What mattered most to Aron was keeping District 17 a secret. If people found out he was searching for the Rusted Spire, it could attract the wrong kind of attention. By only buying data on The Hollow Verge, he avoided raising suspicion.


    To everyone else, he was just another player digging into the quite publicly known place, not someone uncovering something far more important.


    With the newly purchased data in hand, Aron had what he needed to proceed.


    Now, it was time to see what waited for him inside.


    ¡­


    After journeying through the industrial ruins for a while, Aron finally stood before the gate of Hollow Verge.


    The entrance was massive. A towering set of reinforced steel doors, weathered by time but still intact. Faded hazard symbols and old corporate insignias were barely visible beneath layers of grime and rust. Debris covered the ground, suggesting that, officially, not many had passed through here in years.


    And Aron understood some things.


    The data he purchased mentioned that the Hollow Verge wasn¡¯t entirely abandoned. There were still movement reports and other signs of activity.


    He took a step closer, running his fingers along the cold metal surface of the gate. Up close, he could see the faint outline of a locking mechanism, long deactivated but still intact.


    There were several ways he could approach this.


    Find a manual override, If the old security system was still active somewhere, there could be a way to force the doors open.


    If the main gate was sealed, there had to be another way in. The data mentioned underground tunnels.


    And If someone was using this place, then they had a way in. Maybe all he had to do was watch and follow.


    Aron hummed. Either way, he was getting inside.


    And just as he was about to go to that very Hollow Verge, he sensed some individuals watching over him.


    As Aron took a step forward, his intuition flared brighter.


    A subtle, almost imperceptible change in the air. The kind of feeling that came when you were being watched.


    He didn¡¯t turn his head immediately, nor did he break his stride. Instead, he adjusted the datapad on his wrist, using the reflective surface to get a glimpse behind him.


    There. Two figures.


    They were good. Not standing still, not obviously tailing him, but lingering just enough to be noticed by someone trained to look.


    One leaned against a streetlight, pretending to browse a vendor¡¯s stall, but his posture was too rigid. The other sat on the edge of a crate, pretending to adjust the laces on his boots yet he hadn¡¯t moved for the past thirty seconds.


    Aron kept his movements natural, but his eyes sharpened.


    The two individuals weren¡¯t just tailing him anymore. They were closing in. Subtly and somehow looking expertly.


    Most people wouldn¡¯t have noticed. No sudden rush, no obvious aggression. While the gaps between them were closing inch by inch.


    A casual pedestrian wouldn¡¯t think twice.


    And thankfully or not, Aron wasn¡¯t just the so called casual pedestrian.


    His grip on the datapad loosened as he took in their approach.


    You guys are preparing to act, huh.


    Aron exhaled through his nose.


    With a maneuver in footing, he angled his path toward a dimly lit corridor between two towering buildings. An area with fewer civilians and fewer eyes.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°I was expecting some kind of a greeting but it was kinda late honestly. Nevertheless, welcome, I guess.¡±

 23. Bout Time, Huh

    Chapter 23 : Bout Time, Huh


    As Aron continued walking, weaving naturally through the crowded street, the two individuals shadowing him exchanged the briefest of signals.


    The first man, the one leaning against a streetlight earlier, barely moved his head. But his eyes flicked toward his companion with a silent indication.


    A question, almost. Now?


    The second figure, the one who had lingered by the crates, gave the faintest tilt of his chin downward. It was subtle, almost imperceptible to an untrained observer. But between them, the meaning was clear. Proceed.


    Their approach remained careful though in accordance. No sudden movements, nothing that would disrupt the natural rhythm of the foot traffic around them. Yet with each passing second, they drew closer, their paths aligning ever so slightly toward the unsuspecting Aron.


    Then, after seeing that Aron went to an alley looking place.


    The second man reached up, adjusting what looked like a loose cuff on his sleeve. But in doing so, he tapped his fingers twice against his wrist. A coded signal.


    Formation set. Ready.


    And so, step by step, the gap between them closed.


    Aron moved through the bustling streets with an air of ease, his expression unreadable as he walked the narrow pathways. The neon glow flickered across his face, the hum of the city a steady backdrop to his steps. To any observer, he appeared simply as another traveler, engrossed in his own business, unaware of the subtle shifts in his surroundings.


    The two individuals who had been lingering in the background were no longer just walking by. They were moving fastly yet still carefully. Their approach was so measured, so casual, that it wouldn¡¯t register as unnatural to the untrained eye.


    They didn¡¯t walk directly toward Aron, nor did they make any sudden movements that would draw attention. Instead, they closed the distance in increments. One adjusting his path ever so slightly, the other shifting positions in the flow of foot traffic. It was a gradual tightening, a barely perceptible convergence that would have gone unnoticed by anyone not paying very close attention.


    And Aron showed no sign that he had noticed anything at all.


    His pace remained the same with his posture relaxed. He didn¡¯t glance over his shoulder, didn¡¯t hesitate, didn¡¯t give any indication that he felt the eyes that now watched him so intently.


    Looking exactly just like another traveler, completely oblivious.


    Whoooshh


    Suddenly, the sound of the wind being split apart sounded for a split moment near Aron.


    One of the two had launched an attack, using a blade toward the back of Aron.


    It was so quick that even the person being the center of it, which was Aron, didn''t seem to even have the chance to have the slightest reaction to it. And the blade sliced through the air with deadly precision, aimed directly at Aron¡¯s back.


    CLANG!


    A sharp, metallic impact rang through the air.


    In the fraction of a second before the blade could reach him, something intervened.


    A faint shimmer flashed across Aron¡¯s back. The attacker¡¯s blade met an unseen force, a barrier, stopping it just short of its intended mark.


    The sheer speed of the counter caused a shockwave to ripple outward, sending a gust of displaced air through the street.


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    The assailant¡¯s eyes widened. He had aimed to kill, had struck with the kind of precision that left no room for failure. And yet, his blade had been stopped effortlessly.


    Aron, on the other hand, hadn¡¯t even turned around.


    For less than a split second, the street fell into an eerie silence. The two attackers, expecting a clean execution, now stood frozen, recalculating.


    Then, finally¡­


    Aron looked over behind his back.


    ¡°¡­Bout time, huh.¡±


    Only now did he seem acknowledge them.


    Daashh


    The moment the attack was stopped, the assailant didn¡¯t hesitate. With a sharp push off the ground, he launched himself backward. His movements were precisely controlled, not the frantic scramble of someone caught off guard


    His cloak billowed slightly as he landed a few paces away. His grip on the blade tightened, his posture coiled like a spring, ready to react at a moment¡¯s notice.


    The second figure, who had yet to make a move, subtly adjusted his position as well.


    Meanwhile, Aron finally turned.


    Slowly and somehow relaxedly.


    ¡°¡­That was quick,¡± Aron muttered, more to himself than to them.


    His gaze swept over the attacker. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a distinct weight in his stare. Though he somehow remained completely looking calm.


    Stomm


    With a single jump, the attacker kicked off the ground, propelling himself toward the side of a nearby building. His boots caught the surface, gripping against the worn metal plating with an unnatural ease. Then, in a rapid burst of movement, he ascended, scaling the structure with agile precision.


    In mere seconds, he perched himself on the edge of a rooftop, crouched low, his blade still glinting under the dim city lights. His figure was barely visible against the neon glow of the skyline, like a dark silhouette watching.


    Yet, the attacker didn¡¯t stay still again.


    As soon as he perched himself on the rooftop, he moved again.


    His form flitted through the narrow space, shifting between ledges, beams, and overhangs with unnatural looking agility. His movements looked random and never lingering. One moment, he was crouched behind an old ventilation duct, the next, he was vaulting over a rusted support beam.


    The lights of his blade sometimes flickered on his figure as he darted from one surface to another, staying in constant motion. He was like a shadow, blending seamlessly into the city¡¯s underbelly, using the towering structures as his personal hunting ground.


    Whooosh


    As the attacker kept on moving away and Aron''s eyes were on him, suddenly there was a blade coming up from beside Aron, striking him from the blind spot.


    It came from the side, very fast and merciless, aimed at his ribs.


    Clankk


    The sharp edge of the blade collided against a compact, metallic shield strapped to Aron¡¯s left arm. Sparks flew, the force of the impact reverberating through the narrow alleyway.


    Aron hadn¡¯t turned his head. He hadn¡¯t even looked. Yet, his arm had moved at the perfect moment, intercepting the attack just before it could sink into his ribs.


    The assassin¡¯s blade trembled against the reinforced surface with its momentum disrupted.


    ¡°Wha-¡±


    Kraakk


    Aron¡¯s foot slammed into the second assailant¡¯s midsection with a solid impact. The force sent the attacker staggering backward, his footing momentarily lost as he stumbled across the uneven ground.


    Aron didn¡¯t follow up immediately. Instead, he rolled his shoulder with his small shield still humming slightly from the blocked strike.


    "Not a bad coordination you two got there." With a smirk, he said in a somewhat flattering tone. His tone was casual, yet sounding like he was genuinely impressed.


    The first attacker, still shifting between rooftops, paused. His movements slowed for a brief second, as if reassessing the situation.


    The second assailant, now regaining his stance, tensed. His grip on the blade tightened, his posture shifting subtly like before, seemingly ready to strike again.


    They had executed a perfect ambush. Yet, their prey stood unscathed.


    Worse, he very much seemed unfazed.


    Aron then just played around with his blade, spinning the hilt with his hand and looked over calmly. The blade of his looked like a small sword with a circle point below it, making it easy for Aron to just circle it around. Just like now, using it as if it was some kind of a cheap toy.


    ¡°I expect much from you guys, just give me what you have before you don¡¯t have the chance.¡± Aron smirked with a relaxed posture. If only his shield wasn¡¯t attached to his left hand, the two of them really thought that Aron would also play around with it.


    Only his eyes that looked sharp like a knife as if it could pierce the wind and the air.


    Looking at the situation, result, and Aron¡¯s playful gesture, the two of them couldn¡¯t help but frown their eyebrows. Out of the three of them, they honestly didn¡¯t expect even one of it. Much less the latter.

 24. Catch... This Hand

    Chapter 24 : Catch¡­ This Hand


    The plan was ruthless in its simplicity.


    It was pretty much a planned, coordinated ambush.


    The first attacker was the deciding factor. He would be testing the water basically. If it worked and killed Aron, then it would be good and well but if it failed, then its next task is to be a distraction.


    He forced the prey, Aron, to lock onto him, to track his erratic movements, to keep his guard up in the wrong direction. The prey would then pay his attention toward the attacker.


    That moment of focus? That slight shift of attention?


    That was all the second attacker needed.


    Strike while the iron is hot.


    So when the prey, aka Aron, was distracted, the second person use the golden chance and launched the fatal strike.


    The execution was flawless, the second assailant moved with deadly speed, emerging from Aron¡¯s blind spot with a blade aimed straight for his ribs.


    Aron was watching the rooftops, and a danger came from beside him.


    Another supposedly guaranteed kill.


    Alas¡­


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    By all measures, it should have been a perfect kill.


    All of this happened in a matter of heartbeats, every move was executed in rapid succession, a great blend of stealth, accuracy and fatality to ensure one outcome: death.


    Or at least, it should have been, from what they were thinking in their minds.


    ¡°....¡±


    The first assailant glanced at his partner. A single stiff nod was made by the former.


    The second attacker returned the gesture, his grip tightening around the hilt of his blade. He understood.


    A silent acknowledgement. No words were exchanged as none were needed.


    Whooossh


    This time, they weren¡¯t going to rely on a single distraction. They weren¡¯t going to leave any opening.


    They moved. Both moved at once. At the exact same moment.


    They lunged toward Aron from opposite directions. One from the front, the other from behind, their blades glinting under the dim lights of the alleyway.


    If Aron blocked one, the other would strike. If he dodged, they would adjust.


    This time, there would be no way out!


    ¡°Alright, give me what you got¡­¡±


    Aron grinned as he looked over the two people that were trying to attack him once more.


    ¡°Come!¡±


    The moment Aron shouted, it was as if a shockwave of intent rippled through the air.


    He put his blade forward, with legs tightened half crouched, and his left hand with its shield attached on his left hand backward toward his left shoulder.


    His stance was low, like a spring waiting to release. His blade pointed forward, sharp and menacing, while his shield was drawn back, positioned like a coiled serpent ready to strike rather than just a tool for defense.


    ¡°Die!¡±


    Like two shadows converging from opposite directions, they launched powerfully, their footfalls swift and measured to minimize sound as they closed in on Aron simultaneously.


    Srriinnngg


    The first attacker veered toward Aron¡¯s left, where the shield had intercepted the previous strike.


    He reached Aron¡¯s left side first, sweeping his blade low in an attempt to slash through Aron''s legs and cripple his movement. By adjusting his stance, lowering his center of gravity to deliver a sweeping, low strike meant to limit Aron¡¯s mobility, cutting him off before he could evade.


    The second attacker took the opposite angle, approaching from Aron¡¯s right with a faster, more aggressive thrust aimed directly at his midsection. Unlike before, this wasn¡¯t meant to be a killing blow.


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    This was like a crippling attack.


    One to force Aron into a position where he couldn¡¯t dodge and couldn¡¯t maneuver, where his own defensive reflexes would be turned against him.


    A shield could only protect one side. A counterattack could only target one enemy.


    If he blocked left, he¡¯d be open right.


    If he dodged right, he¡¯d be caught by the sweep from the left.


    A simple equation and a trap¡­


    Whaamm


    But Aron had already moved.


    In a split-second, his left foot pressed down, his body twisting as his blade swept toward the attacker on his right. Not to parry, but to intercept. While the shield was somehow able to land a mark on the assailant¡¯s body before the attacker was even able to land his blade.


    Claankk


    Baammm


    Gah!


    Kuh..!


    A brutal clash of metal erupted in the narrow space, sparks flying as Aron''s weapons met the thrust head-on.


    The sharp guttural cries of the assailants filled the narrow alleyway as Aron struck back with force.


    The first assailant, the one on his left, took the full impact of Aron¡¯s shield, his body jerking backward as the solid force sent him staggering, nearly toppling over. His balance wavered, his vision blurred for a split second from the sheer force of the impact.


    At the same time,


    Sching


    Aron¡¯s blade spun through the air in a deadly half-circle arc, redirecting its momentum as it swung toward the second attacker who had just recoiled from the initial clash.


    The second assailant barely managed to twist away, the tip of Aron¡¯s sword whistling past his chest by mere inches.


    He gritted his teeth with his eyes narrowing. They had expected this fight to end quickly, yet Aron was overwhelming them.


    Their synchronized assault, one they had executed countless times before, had been shattered in seconds.


    Aron didn¡¯t give them time to breathe.


    His foot pressed down as his body followed through.


    With fluid momentum, he pushed forward, his shield now positioned at his side and his blade ready for the next strike.


    "Once more!"


    The second assailant''s voice cut through like a blade. His body tensed, his grip on his weapon tightening as he unleashed out his skill.


    "Decisive Strike!"


    A sharp crimson glow traced the length of his weapon, a deadly aura gathering around the blade. With a sudden burst of unnatural speed, he lunged forward, his attack aimed straight at Aron¡¯s chest.


    "Fury Blades!"


    The first assailant mirrored the attack, his own weapon flaring up with violent energy, slashing through the air in rapid succession from a distance.


    Klaanng


    Aron¡¯s sword met the first attack head-on, his blade clashing against the incoming thrust with enough force to send a metallic shockwave through the alley. Sparks erupted as the impact shook both fighters from the sheer momentum.


    The second assailant gritted his teeth, pushing forward, trying to overpower Aron with brute force. But Aron didn¡¯t even budge.


    Fwoosh Fwoosh Fwoosh


    A flurry of strikes rained down from the side. The first assailant¡¯s Fury Blades carved through the air in rapid succession, each one meant to tear through any opening in Aron¡¯s defenses.


    Clank Clank Clank


    Aron¡¯s shield swung up just in time, meeting the storm of attacks like an immovable wall. Every strike crashed against his shield, yet none broke through. Aron barely even moved from the onslaught as his stance grounded like stone.


    The first assailant¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Catch¡­ this hand!¡±


    Aron didn¡¯t wait for them to recover.


    The moment the second assailant tried to stabilize himself, Aron lunged forward with his shield already raised a bit high.


    Baamm


    With a heavy swing from his left arm, Aron¡¯s shield smashed into the second assailant¡¯s face.


    "Guh¡ª!"


    The force sent him reeling backward, his feet barely managing to stay on the ground. His body twisted midair before he crashed hard against the alley wall, leaving a noticeable dent.


    Sraasshh


    Aron¡¯s carved through, striking the first assailant cleanly across the chest.


    "Gah¡ª!"


    Blood splattered midair as the first assailant staggered backward, his health bar dropping low.


    Aron didn¡¯t waste time. His eyes locked onto the first assailant, who was still staggering from the last strike. With a quick step forward, Aron twisted his torso. The first attacker panicked when he saw that.


    ¡°Hold for me!¡±


    Craaankk


    The first assailant barely managed to raise his weapon in defense. But Aron¡¯s power was clearly overpowering him.


    "Guh¡ª!"


    The first assailant¡¯s arms buckled under the force, his feet skidding backward from the sheer impact.


    ¡°Captain- Ugh¡­¡±


    The second assailant gritted his teeth. He wanted to move. He had to move.


    But¡­


    "Damn it¡­ why does my body feel so damn heavy?"


    Somehow, he felt that his head throbbed and his vision blurred. He could still see Aron standing tall, his blade dripping with the first assailant¡¯s blood.


    And yet, his body refused to respond. His legs felt like they were weighed down by chains.


    Was it¡­ the whack from the shield earlier?


    "Damn it¡­!"


    His fingers tightened around his weapon.


    He forced himself to move with a loud shout.


    ¡°Ghaaaa¡­!¡±


    But Aron wasn¡¯t done yet with his business.


    His stance moved again. And before the first assailant could recover¡­


    Baamm


    Aron bashed his shield directly into the man¡¯s stomach.


    "Ack¡ª!"


    The wind rushed out of his lungs. His body folded from the force as his balance was completely broken. What greeted him though was Aron''s sword came crashing down.


    "RRAGH¡ª!"


    Slaassshh


    A devastating arc tore through the first assailant''s torso, sending him flying backward with his health bar plummeting. And the sound of his body hitting the ground echoed through the alleyway.

 25. Again?

    Chapter 25 : Again?


    The second assailant froze.


    His breath hitched as his eyes locked onto the still, disappearing body of his fallen comrade. Just moments ago, they had been attacking in perfect sync, a finely tuned coordination meant to overwhelm their prey easily. It was expected to be a swift work.


    And yet¡­


    His ally was dead.


    Gone. Just like that.


    His hand tightened around the hilt of his weapon as cold sweat broke out across his skin. For a brief second, the second assailant felt something that was quite foreign creep into his mind. Doubt.


    The way Aron just stood there calmly, blade dripping with the aftermath of the battle, shield held firm, unshaken¡­ It sent a cold chill crawling up the assassin¡¯s spine¡­


    Whaammm


    A dark crimson aura erupted around the second assailant¡¯s body, swirling violently like a raging volcano. The very air around him seemed like a turbulent vortex as if bending to the sheer force of his unleashed power. His stance widened with his muscles tensed, and a burst of energy flowed through his limbs.


    ¡°I refuse to believe this¡­!¡± he spat, his voice carrying both defiance and confidence that seemed to be ignited anew.


    Aron raised his eyebrows, still playing around the hilt of his blade. One glance was all it took for him to recognize what was happening. A skill designed to push up the user, granting an immense temporary boost.


    Aron smirked, ¡°That¡¯s more like it, yea¡­¡±


    Stommm


    He made a firm stance with his legs lowered down a little bit as his blade hurled forward while his shield positioned behind it around in front of his chest. Like a coiled python waiting to strike at the right moment, at the right place¡­


    ¡°Come¡­¡±


    Fwoooshh


    In an instant¡­


    Booom


    Booom


    The ground beneath the second assailant¡¯s original position shattered, spiderweb cracks spreading outward from the sheer force of his launch. Dust and loose debris shot into the air, trailing behind him like a comet as he hurtled.


    One moment, the second assailant stood meters away, his aura crackling like an unstable flame. The next, he was moving fastly, leaving behind only a sharp gust of wind.


    Sriiinngg


    Aron seemed to barely have time to react before a sharp blade came hurtling toward his throat.


    Clangg


    The assailant was already at his flank, his blade flashing like a streak of lightning, and Aron managed to bring up his blade in time to deflect the strike, but the impact was unlike anything before. The sheer force behind the attack rattled through his arms, as if nearly breaking his stance.


    Whooshh


    The second assailant vanished again, reappearing on Aron¡¯s left with a lightning-fast thrust.


    Clankk


    Aron twisted, pivoting his body to meet the next incoming slash. His shield intercepted the attack, but Aron¡¯s body moved backward slightly after receiving it. His feet scraped against the cracked stone beneath, leaving a little trail of dust as he fought for balance.


    He¡¯s clearly faster than before.


    ¡°Take it!¡±


    Another blur and another strike, this time from above.


    Aron raised his shield, the blow crashing down like a meteor.


    Bangg


    The impact sent a shockwave rippling outward, rattling nearby structures.


    And he¡¯s obviously hitting harder, too.


    The assailant¡¯s attacks had grown stronger plus more refined. The energy that now enveloped him pulsed with raw power, enhancing every movement.


    Aron¡¯s eyes sharpened. If one wanted to gamble it all on speed and power, one just had to outlast him.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­!¡±


    The assailant lunged again, blade flashing in a flurry of strikes,


    Fury Cascade!


    A rapid barrage of slashes, a technique seemingly meant to overwhelm and break through defenses.


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    ¡°Come..!¡±


    Whamm Baangg Crannk¡­


    Aron stood his ground. WIth his shield raised, he absorbed the hits for one, two, three, four¡­


    Sparks erupted with every impact, but he still didn¡¯t falter. The assailant gritted his teeth, pushing harder and faster which made his attacks turned into a whirlwind of transparent looking blades.


    Craacckk


    Aron moved.


    His shield, instead of blocking, suddenly angled itself redirecting the force of the last strike. The assailant staggered forward from his own momentum.


    Aron¡¯s blade swung upward in a vicious arc¡­


    Slaasss


    A deep gash tore through the assailant¡¯s side.


    ¡°Ghh¡ª!¡± He stumbled, his body faltering for the first time. The energy around him flickered, which made it become unstable and weaker.


    Aron didn¡¯t give him a chance to recover.


    Grraakk


    He launched forward with a boost of speed, driving his knee into the assailant¡¯s stomach. The impact lifted him off the ground before sending him crashing into a wall.


    Bammm¡­


    Dust rose and followed by silence.


    The assailant coughed, trying to push himself up but his strength was failing. The energy that had made him unstoppable was now fading, leaving his body sluggish and broken. He looked up as his eyes filled with disbelief.


    ¡°There is¡­ no way!¡±


    Even as he staggered from the heavy impact, his hands tightened around his weapon, his breath ragged but his will looked unshaken. Clearly the second assailant wasn¡¯t done yet.


    ¡°Shadow Rush!¡± he growled, his body flaring up with another boost of power.


    A blur dashed from the right and Aron instinctively raised his shield.


    Klangg


    Sparks erupted as the blade met the shield. But the moment his defense connected, the assailant''s form flickered and vanished.


    "Piercing Fang!"


    From behind, a sharp condensed force drove into Aron¡¯s side. A precise form of stab meant to penetrate armor and exploit weaknesses.


    Cracck


    His body staggered from the impact as his HP dipped slightly. But even as the attack registered, he moved and spun with his shield to counter the next strike.


    Baang


    The assailant leaped back, retreating for only a split second before his stance shifted.


    "Phantom Reaver!"


    A skill that chained multiple slashes into a seamless combination attack.


    Slaas Slasssh Slasss¡­


    The air was torn apart as the assailant moved like a shadow, his blade dancing like a deadly wraith. Each strike came faster than the last, his attacks carving arcs of silver light in the dim surroundings.


    Kraanng Craakk Crasss¡­


    The first hit forced him back. The second one scraped against his armor. And the third almost found its mark on his shoulder.


    "Not bad¡­"


    But that alone seemed to be insufficient to break Aron.


    As the last slash came down, Aron twisted his entire body, absorbing the hit with his shield before lunging forward with his sword.


    ¡°Impact Drive!¡±


    Whaamm


    The shield pulsed with energy as it slammed into the assailant¡¯s ribs, sending him soaring backward like a ragdoll before crashing into the ground with a heavy thud.


    The assailant coughed violently, struggling to rise. His body trembled yet again as his stamina had taken a severe toll from using too many burst skills at once.


    ¡°A¡­ cough counter¡­ high¡­¡± the assailant whispered lowly. A counter-attack skill that seemingly unleashed all the stored force in his shield into one devastating blow, he truly didn¡¯t expect that one.


    Aron, on the other hand, stood firmly and steadily.


    The assailant, though shaken, still had a posture that told refusal to stop. His face twisted in desperation as he gripped his blade with two hands, the aura around his body still flaring wildly.


    "I won''t lose here!" he roared in a loud voice.


    Then, without warning, the air around him moved ragingly. A deep crimson aura began to rise from his body, pulsating like a heartbeat of a beast.


    Aron''s eyes narrowed.


    Again?


    Or¡­


    The assailant took a deep breath, centering himself. His movements became sharper as the fatigue that had plagued him just moments ago seemed to fade as his body adjusted to the influx of power.


    "Die¡­!" he shouted under his breath, his voice steady despite the damage he had taken so far.


    Boomm


    With a powerful push, he launched himself as his blade glowing with a dark light as he activated his skill.


    Fwooosh


    Just as the crimson aura around the assailant flared to its peak, he suddenly twisted his body mid-charge.


    Instead of bringing his blade down onto Aron, he shifted his weight to one side and kicked off the ground with explosive force. The ground beneath him cracked as his sudden burst of speed sent him hurtling sideways, using the momentum not to go forward in offense¡­


    The momentary perception of another head-on assault had made Aron to coil himself, though it looked different from the previous stance.


    Run.


    The assailant''s skill, instead of enhancing his attack power, had been solely purposed into a movement ability. The profound speed carried him across the path like a blurred shadow, his feet barely touching the ground as he maneuvered between debris.


    There is no way¡­


    Dust swirled in his wake, the lingering energy from his skill creating waves of wind. His body leaned forward, not stopping for a second, as his mind was set on one thing,


    Get out of here¡­!


    The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.


    He couldn¡¯t win this fight¡­


    His mind screamed at him. Because if he didn¡¯t, he would be following his friend¡¯s footsteps¡­


    The assailant¡¯s mind raced as he dashed through, to retreat from the battlefield at all cost. He had underestimated this opponent. No, they both had.


    His partner was dead. And he would be next if he kept on trying, he could feel it¡­


    Even with his skill-enhanced speed, even with his desperate final gambit, the difference in their levels of combat experience was insurmountable. He had seen it in that last clash. Aron didn¡¯t even look to be breaking a sweat.


    He had to abort the mission.


    His employer wouldn¡¯t be pleased, but there was no point in dying here. Whatever they had been after, what¡¯s the point if he would just be throwing away his things? He could only curse the employer for assigning such stupid mission.


    His eyes scanned for the quickest route out. If he could just get far enough away, disappear into the city¡¯s shadows, that would just be the best situation.


    But as he moved forward, his heart pounding, a chilling feel crept into his scalp.

 26. As Expected of a Captain

    Chapter 26 : As Expected of a Captain


    A sudden sharp whistle cut through the air, a distinct sound that signaled something tearing through the wind at an astonishing speed.


    The assailant¡¯s senses flared. Something was coming, something fast. He didn¡¯t need to see it to know, he could feel the pressure in the surroundings had changed, an invisible force bearing down on him with lethal intent.


    Those senses screamed at him to move, forcing him to glance back to see what was going on.


    And at that moment, he saw it.


    A glint, like a mirror that reflected light on a hot day.


    But it feels sharp and cold¡­


    For no more than a quarter of a second, that glint existed in his vision. A fleeting shimmer, like a phantom in the dark. His mind barely had the time to process it, let alone react.


    Srrrssh


    And a sickening, pierce of a sound roared.


    His movement halted. A sharp, foreign force tore into his chest, cutting through the thin armor, through flesh. His body jolted as if struck by lightning, an unbearable shock spreading from the point of impact. For a moment, he felt weightless as if his own body no longer belonged to him.


    His knees wobbled and his vision blurred. The strength he had just summoned to propel himself away, the sheer will to escape, was now disappearing. His body betrayed him, locking up as the world around him slowed.


    All that escaped was a broken gasp.


    ¡°Da¡­nn..¡±


    Though his vision wavered, his eyes struggled to focus as he forced himself to look down at his chest.


    That blade¡­


    It was unmistakable, the very same weapon that had clashed against his own mere moments ago, the very same blade Aron had wielded throughout their battle. The polished steel gleamed under the dim light, slick with fresh crimson. It had found its mark, buried deep into his chest.


    He never saw Aron throw it. He had been watching him, hadn''t he? Yet, in the instant he turned to flee, the weapon had already been sent flying with such accuracy.


    ¡­ No, maybe because he was too focused on retreating just now that he didn¡¯t have the chance to see what Aron was doing.


    A slight realization crashed over him.


    His fading vision locked onto Aron, and in that instant, understanding finally dawned upon him.


    Aron hadn¡¯t moved forward. He hadn¡¯t pursued. He hadn''t even broken the stance he had been in before.


    ¡­Wait, it isn¡¯t the same stance?


    That is not the stance of a coiled serpent, ready to strike like before¡­


    It was the stance of someone who had just thrown something, an object hurled with immense force and perfect precision. The slight twist of his torso, the residual motion in his extended arm, the way his fingers were still slightly curled as if they had only just released their grip, it all pointed to one undeniable fact.


    ¡°Did he predict¡­ My move...¡±


    He gritted his teeth, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He knew his own endurance, knew that a single stab, even to the chest, wouldn¡¯t kill him instantly. He had fought through worse.


    So¡­ What the hell¡­ is this!?


    His fingers trembled as he instinctively reached for the wound.


    ¡­That guy¡­


    He hadn¡¯t just landed a clean hit.


    He had landed a perfect, critical strike?


    Somewhere in his chest, past the layers of armor and muscle, the blade had struck that somehow disrupted his body''s ability to recover, one that drained his strength far faster than it should have.


    Such critical hit?


    And hit my vital points?


    Like, how!?


    How could Aron have thrown a blade with such wild accuracy?


    Damn it¡­


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    ****** luck¡­


    As his body gave in to gravity, he felt the last remnants of his strength slipping away.


    A faint glow began to emit from his wounds, flickering softly like embers in the wind. It started at the point where Aron''s blade had pierced his chest, then spread outward in thin streams of light.


    His health bar, now barely visible in the corner of his vision, drained rapidly. The red sliver that remained was no longer enough to sustain his existence.


    Drrrrbg


    As he fell down, in the end, it finally reached zero.


    The moment the last point of his health was depleted, his entire body pulsed once with an eerie, golden glow before fragmenting into shimmering particles.


    The particles scattered into the air, drifting like dust caught in a fading light. Within seconds, the last trace of his presence vanished, leaving nothing behind but the faint remnants of his defeat.


    ¡°Good-... Never mind¡­¡±


    Aron closed his eyes as he strode forward, his boots making soft yet deliberate sounds against the ground. The battlefield was silent now, still tension was like the echoes of a vanished storm.


    As he approached, a faint spark caught his attention. A little sparkling, subtle yet distinct, right where the assailant had perished. It flickered like a dying ember, barely visible to the untrained eye.


    Aron stopped a few steps away, his gaze fixed on the spot. He knew this glow well. It was the telltale sign of an item drop, something left behind after a defeated player or NPC. However, it wasn¡¯t the dull flicker of common loot, nor the faint hue of ordinary gear.


    Cautiously, he moved closer, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade as if old instincts warned him against lowering his guard too soon.


    Aron bent down and reached for the glowing object, his fingers closing around its cool, solid form. As he lifted it, the glow began to fade, revealing the true nature of the item beneath.


    With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the inspection window, a translucent interface appearing before him with detailed information about the item. His sharp eyes scanned the text, taking in the name, rarity, and attributes in a matter of seconds.


    His brows raised slightly.


    ¡°Huh¡­ Interesting,¡± Aron muttered to himself, tilting the item slightly as he examined its details further.


    ¡°Hahah¡­¡±


    Aron let out a small chuckle as he pocketed the item. "As expected of a captain of a squad in that guild," he muttered, shaking his head with an amused smile.


    It made sense now, why the two assailants had such solid teamwork, why their attack pattern had been so refined. They weren¡¯t just random obstacles looking for trouble,


    Yes.


    Aron had known who these two people were. More like, who these two players were.


    The first attacker, the one who had initially tested the waters, was RazorVeldt, a name that had been floating around in various PvP circles. He was known for his speed and precision, a player who specialized in high-mobility combat, often overwhelming opponents with relentless strikes before they could react.


    The second assailant, the one who had launched the coordinated follow-up attack, was DreadPierce. Unlike RazorVeldt, he relied more on brute force and relentless aggression. His combat style was known to be about pressing the opponent into a corner, forcing mistakes through sheer intensity rather than speed alone.


    Both of them were members of Iron Accord, a well-established guild in the Second World.


    Aron looked around for a while, shaking his head as he glanced at the spot where the two had vanished into scattered light particles. ¡°So in this quest, my obstacles are literal players right off the bat, huh? Such a greeting.¡± His tone carried a mix of resignation and amusement.


    That meant the system had specifically created a quest for other players to hinder his progress, Aron thought. If that was the case, then this was an intentional mechanic designed to pit players against him.


    A counter like quest.


    It wasn¡¯t unheard of, but it was rare for it to happen.


    Aron rubbed his chin in thought.


    If the system had assigned a mission to obstruct me, then what kind of rewards did it promise to the other side?


    Depending on how lucrative the reward was, more players might come after him¡­


    "Alright, let¡¯s not waste any more time no more. Better get going before the system assigns more trouble my way." Aron let out a short chuckle, shaking his head as he turned away from the spot where the two players had been slain.


    Aron looked around one more time before turning away, his thoughts already shifting toward his next destination. There was no point lingering here any longer as he had more pressing matters to attend to.


    The glint of loot from their fading bodies had already vanished into his inventory, but he barely spared it a second thought. He could check the details later. Right now, his priority was reaching Hollow Verge before more obstacles showed up.


    His boots echoed against the damp stone streets as he quickened his pace. The encounter had already cost him a bit of time after all.


    ¡­


    The cityscape around him was a mix of rusted metal, crumbling brick, and neon flickers of faulty streetlights. Hollow Verge was like a lawless expanse where battles could erupt in the shadows without warning.


    Still, he didn¡¯t slow down.


    His grip was still on his shield, his mind already running through possible scenarios.


    "Guess I''ll find out soon enough," he muttered to himself, his smirk somehow returning.


    Aron¡¯s steps slowed as his eyes scanned the surrounding structures, his mind carefully matching the details he saw with the information he had gathered. The further he walked, the more the environment changed like how the brick walls became more corroded, metal pipes snaked out of ruined buildings like rusted veins, and the air itself seemed thicker, heavier with an eerie silence.


    Then, his gaze landed on it.


    A towering structure, half consumed by time, loomed at the end of the dimly lit street.


    ¡°The outer side of Rusted Spire¡­ huh?¡±


    Even with just a glance, he knew he had found his destination. The place carried an oppressive aura, as if the weight of forgotten battles and abandoned ambitions had settled within its very foundation. A massive entrance stood before him, its once grand archway now chipped and scarred with deep gashes. Cracks ran along the walls, and faded insignias hinted at what the building once represented before it fell into ruin.


    The data he had brought together described it as an old, forsaken part of District 17. It was a remnant of a past era within the game, a relic that still clung to existence but had long lost its original purpose.


    Aron knew better than to underestimate forgotten places like this.


    A clue for the Unique Rarity item¡­


    He took a few steps forward, his boots kicking up dust from the uneven pavement.


    ¡°Well then¡­ let¡¯s see what¡¯s inside.¡±