The strangeness felt was not without reason; the cave's condition was too quiet to be considered normal. Highess still tried to think positively, carefully stepping forward, looking around so as not to think too much about whether this was indeed a good or bad thing.If there were no monsters disturbing, it meant he didn't need to worry about possible attacks, but far from all that. There were still many things he needed to be cautious of; he carefully observed his surroundings.Brush...An odd object fell from above; he looked at it with a complex expression. What was in front of him was not just an object, but something slimy and moving."Slime?" Highess uttered, somewhat surprised. Creatures like this indeed had adaptive abilities wherever they were, especially inside a cave, far from predators.Wait, until he looked up, he was astonished to see many slime hanging around. The creatures looked scary and intimidating."No way, how could there be so many slimes in this cave!"The slim
Progress occurred, and all available energy was deployed at once. The energy made its power surge high, the strength then quickly enabled his body to move, but even then it was not so fast. His heartbeat became faster as a result."I must quickly reach that object..." His chest felt tight, but Highess forced himself to reach the object. He continued to squirm with all the movements available to him.Swungs...And, once it arrived, he unleashed a slash that touched the core of the slime. Strange vibrations occurred, the slime's entire body writhed incessantly and slowly melted. Changing everything that was solid into slush."Hah..." Highess sighed, feeling as if he was already inside that game so much so that his breath felt squeezed. "I don't understand why facing creatures like this is so exhausting, next time if I encounter it again, I must think of a way to defeat it..."Understanding the situation was still unresolved, Highess got back up. He staggered with every step.He took a p
Highness with his steps hampered by a lot of snow, continued to try to navigate the surrounding area, which was truly challenging. He couldn't see the front direction, only relying on the direction from the existing digital map."I-I didn't expect to be in this condition. I must find that crystal soon, or I'll miss the chance..." He was too focused on thinking positively until he didn't realize his foot had stepped on something, which turned out to be a slippery slime body, causing him to tumble and roll into a giant snowball."Uagh..." Inside this snowball mound, he rolled from a height, continuously moving downward. His head spinning nonstop."No... I must..." How could he act if his body couldn't find balance?And it wasn't over yet; the snowball's direction was the edge of a cliff, finally throwing his body upwards to land painfully on the ground.Many health points decreased; in the real world, he might faint or die. But, because this was a game world, he didn't feel much pain, e
Highess couldn't believe what was in front of him. The stone that was once buried in the snow could appear in a shape that is even larger than his body.But, upon further thought, it was indeed very strange to have a stone in the middle of such vast snowfields. It was very unlikely to occur naturally."Why would the game developers dare to create such a creature here? Isn't it too strange to be done? I can't comprehend why they would do something like this..."The Ice Golem growled angrily, then launched a deadly blow.Kaboom...The ground began to erode due to its attack."For real, do you want to cause another landslide here?" Highess growled, feeling his body lose balance from the powerful blow.Quickly, he moved toward the Ice Golem, unleashing a deadly slash.Tings...However, the Golem's texture was quite hard; Highess' attack couldn't even make a significant impact.Standing and looking back, "The strength possessed by this creature can be acknowledged as one of the most diffic
The Crystal Aurora he sought was inside the Golem's head, attached like a shining brain. Highess didn't understand why something like this was there; he quickly took it out. It was the size of a palm, but it gleamed much sharper than the Golem's body.The flickering sky light was also well complemented. Highess was amazed by the last item he had been looking for."Finally, I've obtained everything! Now, all I need to do is..."Thud...He suddenly collapsed, not without reason, but it was what he desired. He smiled satisfied at all the effort he had put in, the journey he had taken, end in good condition.The extreme fatigue seemed to be repaid; he smiled as he looked at the brilliant sky. The Aurora light continuously entered his mind."Well, let's continue tomorrow. Now, I want to... yawn..."Having no more time, the device was deactivated immediately, and finally, he entered a world full of mysterious dreams.The next day...Highess woke up as soon as the sunlight appeared before hi
Three mineral stones that Highess had collected were already taken out, their shine so clean that everyone from afar could witness it. The captivating colors drew them in, flocking to the location, wondering what exactly was happening there."T-These are truly rare stones and crystals..." Aogava said, eyes wide without blinking.Not only he, but many other Dwarves also regarded this as something extraordinary. It was understandable; Dwarves were a race that loved beauty, dedicating themselves to craftsmanship.It was well-known the quality of their creations would fetch high prices, and even many games would reward their existence.There was something a little confusion, the enthusiasm shown was too excessive. Without them realizing it, the location was already crowded with Dwarves."Why are they coming like this? Is it because they only saw these objects?" Highess questioned inwardly."Let me have a closer look..." one Dwarf said."I arrived first, don't cut ahead of me..." another D
It had been five minutes since Zendref's question was thrown, and no words came from Highess' mouth as if it was something not to be discussed further.And Zendref didn't press for an answer; he didn't want Highess to respond out of compulsion.They finally arrived at Zendref's house located atop a cliff, Highess' eyes still fixed on Zendref's back.The earlier words didn't just pass by; he was still pondering the right answer for it. However, it must be admitted that he didn't have the confidence to provide an appropriate answer given the current condition.The door opened, and all eyes turned to the quiet and deserted room, where there was a fireplace that seemed to have been unused for a long time. Highess could sense the sadness of all the items there that longed to be used once more by Zendref."Now, take out the items you've found; we'll start the process of melting the magic wand...""Alright..." Highess promptly retrieved Stardust, Corona, and Aurora. When these shimmering min
They held all these processes for 30 minutes, slowly the pressure exerted by the energy inside the pan decreased, and thus knew that the process was complete.Zendref nodded for Highess to release his hand, they did it together.Highess lost a lot of health points due to this, and now only 20 percent is left of his health points.Zendref opened the pan lid, smoke billowed upwards with a strong aroma, the same smell when burning occurred against nearby objects.Highess saw that his health points decreased again, and he was startled by this, Zendref's earlier words were clear the smoke produced was poisonous. Highess quickly stepped back and searched for a safe space for himself to no longer be affected by the smoke."Whew..." He felt relieved to be in a safe corner, but not Zendref who had to be there, amidst the dangerous chemical smoke, with only a worn-out mask, he stirred all the liquid in the pan.During this time, Highess had never acted harder, in his tired life, he only played
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