Luna felt confused by Highess' words. Playing games until late at night was something unacceptable for a normal person, especially considering she had a personal life that couldn't be ignored."Are you serious about playing this game until nightfall?""Why? I'm used to doing this. Besides, there's nothing wrong with playing the game until night if you want to achieve something...""That's true, but we're in a game world! Everything that happens here isn't real. Do you still think it's that important?"Highess was shocked. It was a very normal and rare response from Highess. He had always played games for more than 16 hours, and it was understandable that he would get tired while playing, only stopping to sleep, use the restroom, and eat."I know this game is very enjoyable, but I don't want to waste too much time on it. So, I don't think I can play this game until night. Moreover, I won't accompany you until nightfall, but maybe I'll come back around 10 o'clock to accompany you for an
Ding...The alarm rang a single tone, but it was quite loud. Despite planting such a strong intent, Highess who is usually too lazy to wake up, suddenly awoke. He glanced around with a tired face."Now..." His body wanted to surrender back into the world of dreams, but he quickly straightened up, glancing at the clock. It was 5 in the morning, still too early to be active, but that's not what he wanted. Quickly wore up the VR device, and then he dove back into the gaming world.He even went as far as placing a Warp Sleep in that area, which happened to be a flower garden he had visited before."I suspected something strange about this garden. The surrounding areas don't have as many flowers, but why are there so many here? Is there some kind of trick? No, this might be deliberately done to lure players into thinking!"After the excessively challenging experiences he had, Highess wasn't surprised if something like this was done by the developers.Time continued to pass, and as the sun
It was a very immoral joke. Highess rudely gave a Goblin head as a gift. Luna couldn't even say anything about it.Then, she went far away to avoid further trouble.At a different time, there was a group of players walking the city streets. The three of them were long-time players in this game.And when Highess won the competition, it was an insult to those who already felt like veterans."Even though it's been four months, the photo of the competition winner is still up!" said a large-bodied man, earnestly staring at the digital image.One of his companions, named Nika spoke up, "True, I wonder why the developers are so enthusiastic about this. Are they intentionally trying to impress many people?""You're not truly wrong, Nika..." His companion walking ahead immediately responded. He's Sein, the leader of this group, wearing sturdy armor and a face crafted to radiate leadership."What do you mean?" Nika asked back."I admit it seems excessive, but I think it's the developers' way of
"As usual, the magic you use is too powerful..." Sein remarked, criticizing Nika's fighting style, which always seemed excessive, even though they often went on quests together and found Nika exhausting all his energy.It would be very dangerous if that were to continue; most magic typically requires a cooldown before it can be used again, not to mention the considerable energy it consumes. If they let their guard down, it would be the same as committing suicide."I know that, but if I just let it be like that, it's surely recover and attack us! The magic I used earlier wasn't too strong; it shouldn't die from it..."This rebuttal felt complicated, but they couldn't afford to make a statement that would only worsen the situation. Here, they both could only nod in agreement."Our journey today has been hindered by one monster; what if we encounter another monster later?" Torey asked, looking directly at both of his companions.Nika bowed his head for a moment, understanding that it was
Sein and his two friends had already sensed a terror from Highess's demeanor. From a distance, they could admit that Highess was not an amateur player just trying his luck against the monster catfish, but indeed a player who was used to all that.But, this catfish monster was still not defeated. Despite receiving many attacks, it didn't show any signs of giving up just yet. A few moments later, it began to make intricate movements, twisting and turning continuously as it charged towards Highess."I knew you would do this! But, you should know that I'm not someone who will just give in!" His grip tightened, enhancing the glow of his sword.As the atmosphere neared its climax, the catfish monster continued to move fiercely, its mouth wide open."Twister Buster..."The slashing blow had been unleashed, meeting the leaping catfish monster.Crash...And after impact, the first slash didn't feel so powerful, but by the second, the previously minor wound suddenly enlarged due to this action.
Not only the player was surprised, but his two friends were also surprised to hear this. What Sein said was purely based on personal desires that couldn't be understood."What are you doing? Isn't the same as assuming that we are incapable of doing various things?" Nika whispered to Sein."Calm down, I just want to approach this player? Don't you find it strange?"Nika and Torey immediately observed the player's body, from head to toe it indeed looked strange, with a body wrapped in battle armor, but its head still resembled an insect, especially with its tall figure making others feel intimidated.Only then did Nika and Torey understand why Sein wanted to approach the player, it was clearly suspicious, but they couldn't accuse him quickly."What are these three players really up to? Do they really want to force me to do foolish things?" Highess narrowed his eyes, he had tried to live as a normal player, but still encountered situations like this, very annoying for him who wanted to l
Nika and Torey were again made tense by the serious gaze of Highess, as if ready for a fight. This is within the city, and it's impossible to use weapons, as it would result in punishment if done so."As I expect that he would be suspicious of what we said..." muttered Nika, swallowing nervously. He looked towards Torey, hoping for a solution, but he too appeared tense. There was even more sweat on his body.The next atmosphere only intensified the existing tension, Highess's cold eyes continued to stare at them as if ready to pounce.Tap...And, as that happened, the sound of the knock made their heartbeats subside. They turned spontaneously towards the source of the sound, and it was indeed Sein greeting them with a warm smile."Sein, how is it? Have you found the right quest for us to do?" Nika asked anxiously."Yes, I have found a suitable quest for us to defeat!" Sein proudly announced this, then showed them the paper, where they were both immediately surprised by the quest displ
"I didn't expect Wyvern to be this difficult!" Torey complained.Nika and Sein felt the same way, both understanding this might be a bad plan. The Wyvern they faced wasn't a weak type, but a creature with a higher level.The monster's strength was immense, and it wouldn't be easy to defeat."Nika, use protective magic to withstand the fire level it's unleashing!" Sein exclaimed.Nika nodded and quickly did as Sein said, his magic staff shining brightly, providing light for all three of them.Including Highess, who was playing a role in the team, his eyes fixed on the creature."He's just been silent all this time! As if he has no desire to face it, but why is he so calm? Don't tell me we have to face this monster without a solution..." Sein voiced his thoughts, already questioning Highess.Indeed, it was very strange. Highess had been silent all this time, just staring at the monster. His gaze was serious and sharp."So this is a monster with power almost equal to a dragon? It does lo
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