"Hah... what should I do today?"My name is Highessn Harmberg, a 25-year-old living my own life. It's not a pleasant life. After graduating from school, I decided to move to the city, seeking opportunities to work and succeed.Yes, that's how it should be, but... it has been 8 years since I graduated. And getting a job is very difficult in this advanced world; I don't have many opportunities.Only the money from my parents helps me survive, but they also want me to succeed and support my own life.That morning, on the 20th of the year 2089, nothing special happened. Everything was the same; my life was just that of a bored unemployed person.My stiff legs wandered through the city, not too busy for today. But, it can be sure that in a few hours, people will fill the streets going to work.Some of them have already started getting busy, wearing ties and neat suits for a decent life."It would be nice if I had a life like theirs, but right now, I'm just..."I can only feel frustrated. I
My mind is still not calm. Indeed, I have decided to try this popular game, but I am still unsure whether participating in the competition will bring me any benefit.So far, I have never won any competition, and now I have to do it for an unclear goal.With my hands trembling greatly, I check the balance in my bank account through my phone. Quickly, my eyebrows furrow as I see that my account balance is only $30, and that's also for my food and drink for the next few days."Next month, I'll surely die of starvation with this balance! And, I don't have many chances left!"I take a long time to decide whether to play this game or not. Besides, the price of this game is quite expensive for an unemployed person like me. It's only $20, but it will wipe out the little money I have left for food for some time."Ugh... why do I have to go through this," I shout in this silent room."If you don't have money and can't survive in the city, don't come back here! You're just a child who brings no
"What is this..."Highess shouted loudly, but he tried to understand the situation. He saw the roots moving from left to right, and the movements were clearly visible."I understand, maybe it's due to the insect species I chose that I can see the movements of these roots..."Quickly, he prepared to jump to avoid it; at this speed, it should be easy to evade. It just required the right timing.Rub!However, he realized that his character's speed was also limited. His legs were entangled in the roots, making it difficult to move freely."Damn, don't tell me my character's stats are terrible!"He was dragged by these roots, and trying to free himself was very difficult. His face could now see which plant dared to do this. It was a rafflesia flower with fang-like teeth, open as if ready to devour him."Don't tell me this will be a common occurrence in the wild, carnivorous plants devouring insects alive..."Highess struggled to break free, but it was still too difficult; his hands were bo
It won't be long before he reaches Turnera; the journey takes about 20 minutes.During this journey, he doesn't just stay silent; he encounters many monsters and collects items. Of course, he understands that each area has monsters that may be challenging to defeat. With a level still at 12, he is considered low. He needs to reach at least level 50 to be considered an expert player."Isn't this game played by more than 2 million people worldwide? Why can't I find a single player, or maybe the server where I play this game doesn't have many players?"It's an advantage, but also a disadvantage. A game with such a powerful mechanism feels deserted without many players. Fortunately, it's an MMORPG type, so it doesn't heavily rely on the presence of other players for gameplay."Hmm?"Without realizing it, he has entered a vast field covered with yellow flowers."Don't tell me these flower plants are predators deliberately luring other creatures closer!"Not wanting to fall into a trap agai
Utilizing the Quick Timing skill propelled Highess to jump at a height of 6 meters. Intentionally, he used the speed of this movement to take advantage of the perfect moment.The mantis became confused as its target disappeared, but it didn't take long. Its instinct told it the current location of the sought-after target was above its head.With a movement like this, it was impossible to evade, and that's what needed to happen."Strike Buster...."Twings...A slash cut through the air, reaching the monster's body. Slowly, the mantis's body split apart, and green fluid oozed from the severed parts.Even though it was just a game, the realistic effects were too nauseating. In the real world, Highess might have vomited repeatedly."Huh... I didn't expect to encounter one of the area bosses here!"Glancing around, he understood that tragedies like the appearance of other monsters frequently occurred in situations like this. He sincerely hoped that he wouldn't face a bad scenario.He could
12 hours, a long time for me to wait. My days may not be very meaningful, but I don't want to keep waiting. I've been made to wait so many times for something that wasn't even expected.But, reality always ends up disappointing.My face is fixed, staring at the pooled coffee, a gloomy face reflecting a lack of hope.I contemplate whether my decision to play this game is right or not; perhaps it will be entertainment that does not give any benefits."How much longer do I have a chance to step forward? I think it's better if I just die now!"I try to divert this thought by inhaling the fresh air from the terrace; the city life below my gaze is still quite bustling.Always hoping that one of those busy people is me, but I'm not lucky enough to have that busyness.Gulp...Even the coffee accompanying me doesn't taste sweet, without sugar because I don't have enough money.My tongue is bathed in a bitter taste, similar to my current life. I could just stand on the balcony and jump. Surely,
My body began to move towards the undead, the current opponent being a zombie knight."Slow movements like that won't be effective against my attacks."Seeing my arrival, the undead raised its sword and started swinging its attack. I easily dodged, and in the next motion, I delivered a slashing attack with my hand.Crash...Without blood, the undead's skin tore apart, and its head separated from the body. It fell and rolled in front of my feet. Without tolerance, I quickly stabbed its head."Just low-class monsters and the items they drop won't be too useful! From now on, it might be better for me to find stronger creatures!"As I suspected earlier, my body quickly adapted to the attack mechanisms provided by the game system. It's not surprising that players who did Live at that time could perform complex movements, undoubtedly based on adequate equipment."For now, I have to reach level 50 and prepare for the upcoming competition event!"I continued to explore the forest area, and th
However, I must admit that my body is currently in bad shape. After making that move earlier, I may have survived, but at another time, my luck might run out.Instantly, Exos charged, appearing behind me. He swung his blade, accompanied by a radiant blue light.Tings..."Counter...""Not bad. You managed to block my attack earlier."It was just a test, and this praise didn't make my situation any better."The level difference is too great. Sooner or later, I will be defeated! But, how can I defeat this person? His abilities are at a much higher level than mine. If I act recklessly, there might not be any chance..."For a minute, we didn't move, just staring at each other seriously. I guessed Exos was cautious, considering me no longer an amateur easily defeated.Unfortunately, time kept ticking, and the awaited moment arrived. I just needed to make a super-fast move."Quick," I exclaimed with a surprised expression. This was clearly different from the previous move; now the movement w
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