One day before the competition or tournament held by the game authorities, those eagerly awaiting it couldn't wait to participate.Players with unique abilities had gathered in large numbers, especially after Highess's victory in the previous competition, and there had been an increase in players from various games. They were not only enticed by the prize money but also wanted to try playing a game from a developer known for its high level of seriousness.Their income had drastically increased, with many players aspiring to become top players to surpass Highess's popularity as the winner of the first competition, and they succeeded. With the existence of a top player system, based on strength and various records, their names could be found on the list of the best top players.Meanwhile, Highess was never interested in showing his face or forcing his abilities to be recognized by others.It sounded great to earn a high income, but with many players playing this game, there was also an
"Yawn..." Highess woke up like any other day; he wouldn't want to miss the time to savor his coffee on a bright morning."Today is a beautiful day, accompanied by a cup of sweet coffee, and delightful!"Gulp...A sip had passed through his throat, and then his eyes glanced forward. Enough to calm his mind, his body then took a position to recline on the chair he deliberately bought when his back was tired of this life.He lifted his legs onto the chair, lying down, stretching his body with enthusiasm.Slowly his eyelids closed. "Eh..." Unfortunately, his brain just triggered an unintentional memory. He spontaneously woke up, saying, "That's right, today is the time when the competition begins..."Although he understood the current situation, Highess decided to sit back, not too eager for this.After winning a significant prize, he certainly didn't want to think about whether he should participate in the competition or not. He even played the game just to explore the world created by t
"This is quite troublesome..." Highess shouted within his mind, doing his best to avoid directly confronting other players, especially now having to face a woman.Several times he had encountered women with high emotional levels, and it was very annoying."If I don't surrender it, what will you do?" Highess asked, his gaze dominating."I will hurt you, you better not resist! I don't want to harm you, and leave that bottle, I'll let you go..."She gave a sincere assurance, her eyes even showing a hint of fear quite clearly.Highess completely didn't understand what the player wanted, but if surrendering the bottle could save him, then Highess would release it.He slowly reached for the bottle at his waist, apparently planning to place it on the ground.Tap...However, unexpectedly, Highess made a quick move toward the woman."You shouldn't threaten others with eyes full of pity, because your opponent might be more cruel than you think..."Ting...The swift strike could be held back by
After doing that, Dartem didn't immediately approach the two players. From a distance, he kept staring and watching the surrounding area."So that's how it is, he's trying to lure other players to approach the corpse so they'll be tempted by the bait that's already been prepared..."With patience, Dartem waited. This was the safest way for him to get the reward. In this situation, there was nothing special to be done, thanks to his hiding skill that could make him disappear, giving him an advantage in this matter."Why do I have to wait here?" It did sound foolish indeed. Highess had been there long enough, for 14 minutes he had just remained silent while waiting for something to happen, but nothing had happened.The bodies of defeated players wouldn't disappear; they were still dead on the spot as proof of their defeat."So this way, every player who commits murder won't be considered a crime; those who do it can repeatedly kill other players..."Once again, Highess had to slap himse
The ability of that player not only surprised Dartem but also startled Highess. It was very difficult to deflect Dartem's shots, but the player seemed capable of doing so, even positioning themselves alertly to be more cautious."Who attacked me earlier?" asked the player, who turned out to be a woman. She looked around, nothing seemed amiss, just the rustling of the wind shaking the leaves.Dartem once again tried to observe the player, this time ensuring that his shot would be successful.Bang...The shot quickly zoomed, its sound making the player raise her eyebrows.Whoosh...Luckily, she had fast reflexes and managed to dodge the shot, her movement alone providing quite a terrifying surprise."Huh..." She didn't want to linger there and immediately headed towards the building.Dartem's view was obstructed by the building's structure. Feeling frustrated was out of the question, now he didn't know if the player had left or was waiting there. He also shouldn't forget that being a sn
Miyoko, who had been vigilant, had to increase her alertness even more; she knew that Highess possessed formidable strength.Highess's body remained firm, and he directed his sword to shoot forward very quickly.Ting..."He's coming straight at me?" Not willing to be pushed back, Miyoko began to grow fierce, responding to Highess's attack with a deadly slash.They clashed with considerable force, sword strikes sending sparks flying. They both fought fiercely to give their best resistance."I rarely engage in duels like this; I thought such battles of strength only existed in movie scenes..."Ting...Miyoko jumped back after being pushed back by Highess's great strength, her hands unable to stay still. She watched it all with a worried feeling."As a katana user, you are a tough one..." Miyoko remarked.Contrary to what was said, Highess only considered this as a game. He had even played a specific game that required players to execute complicated moves only through the sword.Once aga
Here's where Highess was, answering Miyoko's request for a chat, which wasn't a big deal, but still, for Highess it was a first-time moment like this.They sat in a location quite distant from before, spacious nu not too secluded; if there were players around, they could hear their conversation."So, what do you want to talk about?" Highess asked, curious.Miyoko sat in the style of a samurai, a traditional Japanese sitting style."I have a goal to win this game and claim the prize, but after realizing my abilities are still too weak, it'll be very difficult for me to win it all..."Highess didn't respond. Having played the game for a long time, he understood that players had formidable abilities, making it hard to overcome them."I've realized that facing everyone in this game gives me little chance! As a gamer not fully understand this game's mechanics, I often encounter violence among players! I really want to discipline all the players in this game..."Highess was surprised by all
Entering the second day, all conditions were still normal. Highess logged in again at the same location as before, choosing a spot near the cliff to avoid ambushes or attacks from other players.It was a fairly secluded location, and if it caught the attention of other players, it could be concluded that those players had very bad intentions to visit there."Hah..."And, indeed, as there was a faint sound from behind, Highess immediately turned, a look of terror spreading across his face."No, he can see me..." A girl had just arrived there, but she suddenly became frightened and hid behind a tree because of Highess's intimidating presence.Although Highess wore a mask covering his insect-like face, his large body wrapped in sturdy armor still looked like a knight full of deadly aura."I didn't expect someone to arrive here just after I logged in!" Highess looked up until his neck would creak if it were wood, then lowered his gaze, taking a deep breath to try to clear his messy mind.
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