Highess wouldn't immediately do anything; he set a save data point. Once he finished, he quickly turned off the gaming device."Yawn... how long have I been playing this game?" His eyes fixed on the clock, 5 o'clock in the evening, the sunset's light creeping through the piles of trash that inhabited Highess's home. "It's only 5 o'clock, I should have played longer, but..."Crack!His body felt stiff, especially his back, which had been lying continuously, causing the pain to escalate rapidly.He got up and headed to the kitchen, splashing water on his face, then gazing at his own face with a challenging expression. The combination of weary eyelids and a pale face was truly a pitiful sight for him.There was no denying that he missed his school days, a carefree life unburdened by life's problems. Having pure aspirations like a newborn chick, but it seemed like a memory too bitter to remember.Sipping a cup of coffee, then sitting on the porch, enjoying the beautiful evening view, he c
"Player?" Highess asked, confused, after finding a body lying on the ground. He was confused about who was in front of him. The figure had a human-like body but was also clad in sturdy armor."Hmm... very strange..." This was because Highess often encountered dominant traps; in the dungeon, there were various traps, including a sudden rising of a corpse that attacked him.And even if this were a boss area or a semi-boss, it was still too early. He had only reached a few floors, with four more floors to go until he reached a location where he might encounter enemies.For now, it was better for him to check first. He turned the person's body over, revealing a girl. She was panting, with a frown on her forehead."Player?"The girl's name was Nemila, wearing standard armor, indicating that she was a beginner who had accidentally entered the dungeon."Are you okay?"There was no answer, so Highess inserted a potion into the girl's mouth. Her reaction was swift; she opened her eyes and look
"You dare say that boldly, but it seems you truly are a foolish insect!""Eh..." Highess scratched his head after hearing her words. "Earlier, you called me a clever insect, and now you say I'm a foolish insect! What exactly are you trying to say? Don't make this complicated...""What I want to say is, you are a disgusting insect..."Highess felt a headache coming on as he tried to respond to this problem; he had clearly tried to remain calm earlier. But, now he was faced with a woman of fierce temperament.Highess sighed deeply. "Everywhere there are people with such personalities; they often insult others based on desired ideologies, and if not followed, they become ferocious!"Nemila suddenly took out a bazooka weapon. "Heh... now you will die, disgusting insect..."Tsssh...A large bullet was fired towards Highess, its size enough to cause critical damage.Kaboom...Fortunately, with the remaining time, Highess was able to dodge using his speed, gasping as he witnessed it all.The
Done with all of this, Highess obtained some useful items, aside from weapons and armor. He acquired several items that could be used for combat, such as sleep gas, poison gas, and bombs.All of these items could be easily used by him. He began to ponder why players would resort to criminal actions. By carrying out this such activities, they avoided expenses but surely faced specific sanctions from the developers."Well, let's just say I got lucky! In dungeons like this, players do a lot of looting, just like in the video back then! It's quite terrifying to have to face player killers with great skills; I must be more cautious..."Moving forward, Highess found himself confronted only by numerous undead, relentlessly attacking him. Their ferocious nature was quite annoying, and their large numbers were exhausting.For five hours, Highess played through many obstacles and now stood before a door.<
There weren't many activities that Highess could engage in, but today he didn't immediately play games. He was walking around the city, the perfect time for an unemployed person to come out when the sunset was staring at him from a distance."Huh... this life, I truly cannot understand it!" He was suddenly reminded about his past as a naive student, but oppression often tainted his memories.His feet stopped, and a reflection on the glass of a large building vaguely showed his withered face. A friendly beard that was often shaved, a pale complexion, and eyes that looked sideways.For many times, he couldn't believe the energetic child he once was had suddenly become weak and lethargic."This is my life, what else can I do? I just have to accept the fate that has been written..."His feet then continued the journey, heading towards a supermarket.
"Yosh..." Highess hadn't expected to come this far already, don't even ask what he had done. Since returning from shopping, he realized that life in the real world was very cruel, but he could be cruel in the gaming world.Crash...Many undead and monsters in the dungeon had already perished; they seemed to have been attacked by a terrifying force, but it was nothing more than proof of Highess's frustration.He walked casually, observing his surroundings. Floor 28, just a few more floors until he reached the boss area."Hmm... life, huh..." But suddenly, his heart grew uneasy; his feet stopped on a predetermined path. He gazed at the dungeon ceiling, filled with strange carvings.Shaking his head, Highess remembers a rather annoying memory that he'd rather forget. He quickened his steps back along the dungeon passage."No, no, I must not let myself be influenced by real-world life anymore; I must focus on making money! This is a journey I must go through, or else..." His hand clenched
Gulp...This is the 20th potion for Highess's consumption, although the character he chose doesn't have sweat glands, in the real world his body is now drenched in sweat. His head even feels a bit dizzy from the prolonged activity."I haven't exercised in a long time, but this time in the game world, I'm forced to move in complicated ways! It's more exhausting than facing a boss!" He looks towards the door, the final destination on this floor. He stares at it seriously, knowing that behind it awaits a boss monster.The last time he faced an undead knight with strong defense and attacks, if accurately calculated, each floor would have a stronger boss. If he's careless in this condition, all his equipment will surely be gone.His hand suddenly stiff, a common occurrence for those who are too nervous while gaming. Especially now that Highess is tired, even regulating his breathing feels incredibly difficult.But he won't give up. With extreme caution, he pushes the door.Kreek..."As I e
After being hit by Highess's attack, the form of the spirit possessing the power of wind became furious. An aura of anger could be seen from its sharply curved eyebrows accompanied by irregular furrows."So, you're the one who caused me damage, but you're capable of pulling off tricks like this. I admit that you have formidable abilities and are worthy of defeat..."Shings...Highess drew his sword and then charged towards the spirit.Swungs...But, what happened was quite disappointing. The spirit's body retreated and then faded from sight."Ugh... does it want to start all over again?" Similar critical conditions might occur again, Highess's eyes tried to observe his surroundings, the gust of wind reappeared without a form.Highess's body felt resigned to all of this; he stood upright, his face looking up at the ceiling. H
Grey put on a smile as he observed Highess's reaction in this situation."Indeed, I couldn't possibly let players like you win the competition again." He did feel irritated the game's security system had been breached by someone else, resulting in internal damage, but seeing this turn of events, he couldn't help but feel pleased."How could you, why are you doing this, Miyoko..." Highess uttered softly as his health points continued to decrease."Forgive me, but I won't waste this golden opportunity! I've witnessed directly how you fought against Zegar, and I understand that both of you are impossible to defeat! But I still have a chance, and this is the most appropriate way to defeat you..."Highess's eyebrows furrowed upon hearing all this. "Don't you feel ashamed of doing this? You're just destroying the pride of a samurai, I know that samurai insisted on upholding honesty...""I know, I know that! But, here it's not about upholding the dignity of a samurai, but it's about my own d
Tings...The Twister Buster is an attack that delivers a double blow, but it's not as easy as that. Right now, Highess facing the opponent is putting up a difficult resistance to withstand. Even now, his strength feels unmatched."I've filled up my energy, but still, this man power is too great, and I can't balance it..."Tings...And, finally, he is thrown back again. His body floats in the air, presented with a beautiful sight."Yes, I understand that facing him is impossible, but still, I want to do it. I can't accept defeat against others..."Thud...His back lands very hard; it's over for Highess for now. He can move freely, but in reality, he could get up and run, but it would be pointless. Zegar's speed is much higher. Surely, he would easily catch Highess and then kill him.Rather than fleeing like a coward, it's better for Highess to fall with the demeanor of a true knight."I am ready to accept my defeat, and at this moment, my struggle as a player will end..." He can smile
Highess began to feel overwhelmed, knowing from the start that facing Zegar would be very difficult.Each slash sent shivers down his entire body, however Highess continued to retaliate with his strength, trying to hold on.Ting.....But, there would come a time when it wouldn't last long, after enduring enough attacks, he was startled as Zegar pivoted to add a deadly kick.Highess was thrown back by this event, glaring at Zegar with sharp eyes. Though not entirely surprised by the attack, he was confused by Zegar's seemingly inexhaustible energy."What's happening here? How powerful is this man really?"Since Divine Phantom was used, Zegar's speed and strength had drastically increased. But, he didn't seem tired."Of all the players I've encountered, he's the toughest and most dangerous!" Highess tightened his grip, racing against time. It wouldn't be long before the effects of Sacrifice Buster wore off, and when they did, he wouldn't stand a chance against Zegar.While there was sti
Zegar's body appeared to be thrown back after receiving an attack from Highess, but here he couldn't afford to be proud; there were still many possibilities.It was clear that Zegar was still able to stand."Seriously, won't he still be able to defeat me? He must have accessories that can withstand damage, and he must still have great strength..."It was time for Zegar to bring out an item; he gulped down the contents of a purple bottle, and Highess's eyes widened at the sight.He vividly remembered that purple in this game was synonymous with poison and abnormal enhancements; in other words, it was the power to boost statistics to a certain extent."Don't tell me he just drank an item of terrifying potency? Seriously, am I not going to survive this?" he asked towards the sky which now looked bright."Be happy, during my time playing this game, I rarely act aggressively like this! I'll make you experience a real fight!" he said firmly, and Highess couldn't take it as mere words.The o
"The strength that is too high might indeed burden the mind, and I can understand if you're a tough player!"Highess didn't blink, he kept observing Zegar's behavior, which had felt odd since earlier. Clearly, in a fight like this, such actions shouldn't be taken; excessively praising one's opponent would leave a very bad impression, and it was evident in how Highess's mood changed significantly."If I can't do something, I will lose to him! He also seems very calm facing me, in other words, he no longer cares about various things..."Zegar accelerated his steps, starting with one tap, then instantly delivering towards Highess.Tings...Attacks splattered out in the form of high-energy flows, possibly making the entire body feel pressure.Tings...Highess responded with a wide-eyed glare, managing to throw Zegar off balance, and then getting ready for the incoming attack.Tings...Exuding a high-level force, but there seemed to be no sign of fatigue between them. And, they began the f
The monsters, after hearing this, immediately assumed a defensive position. Players stood with blank faces against the monsters."Why are there still active players at this early hour?" He remembered the habit of playing games tends to make everyone forget about time; he could understand if the player was experiencing the same, forgetting everything, including sleep time.And, if he saw one player here, then his brain told him there would be three players present; if not him, then it would be either Miyoko or Zegar. However, from the imposing appearance, wearing black armor, with a cold gaze, he could be none other than Zegar.He didn't expect to meet that player here, but it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to see what that player would do.Crash...Instantly, his eyes widened; the five monsters could be defeated very easily, without much effort."Hmmm... so he truly is a highly skilled player..." Highess muttered, noticing his trembling hand for no clear reason."Relax, I am
Highess then looked ahead and saw the atmosphere was very quiet. It was strange for him to think tat this early hour, he would encounter any players. This time was meant for relaxation, especially since today was the day the competition would end.He quickly checked the competition statistics and couldn't say anything after seeing that only a few players were present."Why is it like this? Did many players go on a killing spree yesterday because I wasn't active? But if that happened, why didn't the points of other players increase much?"Highess's points still remained at the top, while Zegar and Miyoko were still below him, with Miyoko's points not moving at all, remaining stagnant.He remembered the last time they met, wondering how it would be if they met now. Before, he wanted to be seen as a teacher, whatever kind of teacher that meant, but Miyoko was very serious about it."If she meets me, I'm sure she'll be angry..."Their parting seemed somewhat pointless. Highess easily left
The situation became increasingly unfavorable until the shinobi began to shiver; he understood that fighting Highess one-on-one wouldn't be advantageous. So, he chose to flee instead."Oi..." Highess quickly pursued the player, unwilling to let a player who had attacked him get away so easily.He quickly attempted to chase the man, but he had to admit that his body speed wasn't good enough to catch up."Darn, if only I could have much higher speed, maybe I could catch him..." Highess grumbled, but it was futile; he still had to accept this as his defeat."Huh... that player's movements are incredibly fast; it seems I don't have many options..." As he said this, he indeed didn't have many options left; he had to let go of this incident.Returning to where the players had been, he noticed the bottles owned by the two players. After transferring, he received only 100, which was completely useless. Even hunting fairies directly would have been much better than this."Meh, I tried my best
"No, don't do this to us..."Crash...The players who had thought they could survive had experienced a terrible event. Lately, players had been ruthlessly hunted by others, but this had become normal. It was clear they would remain targets."W-Why, why are you doing this?" asked a player who had lost his job before. His eyes begged for mercy, but a sword was already stuck in his body. It wouldn't be long until he lost consciousness."It's simple. Players like you are not needed!" replied the player, disdainfully staring at them.As the next day arrived, Highess decided to log in and see what the situation was."Huh..." He was surprised. Right before his eyes, he saw indications the situation had changed drastically. "Changes are happening so quickly. Weren't there around 100 players before? Why are there only 10 left now? Did many players engage in massacres yesterday?"He wasn't surprised by this. It was evident that all players were becoming increasingly panicked. With only three da