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 was much faster, and even my insect-like special vision couldn't predict it well.
"What's wrong, insect? Are you having trouble seeing where I am?"
Annoyingly, with that speed, he circled around me. I had to admit at this moment, my abilities wouldn't be able to stop him directly, but that didn't mean I had no chance.
"Is he attacking directly?" asked Exos, shifting in his movement mode.
I had thought about it. Instead of waiting to be attacked, it would be much better if I initiated the attack.
At this high speed, my body tried to guess Exos's direction.
Swungs! Swungs! Swungs...
Unfortunately, all my attacks couldn't hit Exos.
"It's useless; you won't be able to match the speed of my body. You're just a weak player who can't possibly defeat me!"
Not just words, Exos immediately continued his actions, darting with a slash.
Crash...
My left arm was injured from his attack. I tried to keep a distance, but at that moment, he chased after me.
"I told you, you won't be able to dodge or compete with my speed! Your fate will end up like that amateur player over there."
His face was filled with an intimidating aura, glaring sharply to make me look bad.
Indeed, facing this person was challenging, and it seemed impossible to defeat him, but I wouldn't surrender without a fight.
"This is how I play the game."
Exos kicked, creating a significant opening.
Swiftly, I crossed my arms, resisting the kick, although it still reduced my life points.
"Berserker Hand..."
With this ability, my attacks increased by 60% for 20 seconds, enough to make a quick move.
My strong grip threw his body to the ground with a thunderous sound.
"Argh..."
Not staying still, Exos acted by kicking my chin with his left foot, managing to free himself and move away from the location.
"Cih... daring for a player like you to do this to me."
I knew my ability was quite effective, but the sacrifices required was enormous. I lost 40% of my life points, leaving only 60% to fight.
Meanwhile, my opponent still had 89% life points. Clearly, I was at a disadvantage here.
"How much longer will I fight this person? From his speed and attacks, are significantly different from mine. The chances of survival are very slim!"
It was still a mystery whether Exos knew the situation or not. So far, he remained vigilant, waiting for what plan to use.
Perhaps this was my chance. Moving at high speed, my sword scattered dust and pebbles.
"Hah... such movements won't make you any greater."
My face just stared seriously at Exos. I knew this method was considered cowardly in sword duels, but it was worth a try.
At least, I should try. My body quickly moved towards Exos.
From a distance, he had already noticed my presence, ready to dodge.
My legs kept moving, but my eyes began to focus on Exos's shifting body, leaving deceptive shadows.
Swungs...
Exactly on the eighth step, I rotated my waist, changing the direction of my sword.
"What..."
This attack surprised Exos, causing damage that tore through his protection.
His body was slightly thrown with damage that created a painful effect.
All the pain in this game was just a program, but the sensations embedded in playing this game were like being shocked by low-current electricity.Dangerous, but it made the game feel much more challenging.
"Damn, it turns out you're quite a formidable opponent!"
Even if it was just one attack, it still had a double effect due to my special ability.
"It's not enough! He still stands, now looking at me seriously! He must still have hidden strength. I should be more cautious!"
The change in Exos's entire body confirmed my theory; he had transformed the atmosphere into a more gripping one.
Wild winds began to blow, surrounding his body, and slowly, dark purple-black light emerged.
He removed the hood covering his head, sprinkling a sense of fear over my body. His red eyes blinked continuously, and I immediately felt a bad signal urging me to run.
"What is he going to do?"
"Be proud, you are one of the few people worthy of my serious attack! Know that once I use my serious mode, there will be no chance to survive..."
"Hehehe... I'm glad to be considered a tough player, but I won't surrender to someone like you. I have my own goals to win!"
"So it seems! Alright, I will end this quickly..."
A strange red light enveloped his palms, slowly transforming into a giant axe.
I felt an evil aura from the axe, making it difficult for my body to stop the restless soul vibrations.
"This is dangerous..."
Whoosh...
Exos's body slid at high speed, coming with the axe swinging towards me.
Tings...
Reflexively, I activated the Counter ability, making my body bounce about 7 meters and roll several times.
My life points were decreasing, and there was no guarantee that I would survive. But I was still unwilling to give up; immediately, I tried to stand up again.
"You know this fight has already ended..."
In just under 3 seconds, he appeared in front of me. His shadow gradually made my head tilt upwards. His eyes spread a horrifying feeling.
"Now this is the end for someone like you, and goodbye..."
Tswing...
His attack threw my body with tremendous force, causing significant damage and reducing my life points to just 6%.
"Argh... so this is the vibration effect from the damage I received. It feels so real!" I stared at my trembling hand.
The black silhouette reappeared, blocking the moonlight in front of me.
"There will be no more chances for you to fight against me..."
Those horror-filled eyes didn't scare me. Instead, I laughed at the seriousness that brought tension to this moment.
"For the first time, I feel the struggle for survival!"
"Why are you smiling? Isn't this frightening for you?"
"Yes, I admit that you are indeed a tough player, but here I am still proud of myself for fighting well!"
Exos's pupils slightly widened upon hearing this statement. "In that case, you are worthy of being defeated..."
At this moment, I changed my view to a more serious one. "You know, after this, if we meet again, let's prove who is stronger..."
Crash...
Blood splattered from my head, and at that moment, my vision darkened with the words "Die"...
__To Be Continued__
"Huagh...." With a slight stretch, Highess rose from his bed. His gaze felt heavy, and the pulsating throbs disrupted his concentration."This must be the result of me playing the game for too long! I never thought this game would allow players to engage in killing each other, but in every game console, such things often happen. It's just a matter of how the players adapt to it."The face of a player named Exos still echoed in Highess's mind, frustrating him to be defeated by someone like that.But, what can he do? Currently, his character's level and equipment are still relatively low. If he wants to face players like Exos, he has to try even harder.Slowly, his eyes glanced at the clock, and it showed 2 a.m."The time has passed so quickly!"He chose to lie back down, staring at the ceiling. He suspected that the joy of playing games only lasted for a moment. After that, a feeling of guilt would set in, making him realize that reality must continue."I don't mind if my life is excha
"What is this?""Oh... this is a magic stone. It occasionally appears when some materials from the defeated monster's body are obtained! However, not many monsters can possess this; only a few of them with unique characteristics! This stone can help unleash certain powers!"Still confused, Highess only has a common understanding of the object's function.Many games also use a similar theme. Rare items that can help unleash power."Alright, I'll take this!"As he touched it, his palm instantly felt a strange effect—a slightly warm sensation and a glow."Oh... confirming the skill! What does this mean, a special attack with a sharp, crescent-moon sword!"These letters spontaneously appeared as he touched it, with an option to cancel. For a few seconds, he hesitated with a face staring at the screen, a bit confused, trying to imagine whether this special ability would be useful or if he should wait for another magic stone."For now, I might need it! It would be a shame to delay something
With such a scale of attack, it's difficult to imagine anyone being able to avoid it. This player continued to survey the area, making sure the target that had been shot earlier was hit.The atmosphere was silent, with no sign the attack had hit the target. The traces of the explosion still lingered on the ground as the player slowly approached.This player understood instantly the attack might have destroyed the target's body, this assumption is strengthened by the confirmation from the game system that showed no signs of life activity.Quickly, that player flew into the sky, carving a path through the parted clouds. Then, vanished from the location without a word."Huh..." Meanwhile, Highess, who was just a new player, never imagined encountering someone terrifying like that."This is insane, who was that person earlier? That player fired shots at me, and it even made the ground like this!"At that moment, his fear escalated even more, his entire body unable to withstand the shock c
Although he said so, the reality is that life within the game is just an illusion. Despite repeatedly trying to feel happy, Highess' heart still felt empty.After defeating several monsters, he sat contemplating on a large rock. The journey initially felt very burdensome, not because he found the game difficult, but more of whether he was capable of solving this problem."I never thought I'd come this far, but it's still just the beginning! I'm sure other players have much better lives, some are supported by others, or maybe they can even make money from the game!" Whatever he said, this condition still felt empty and confusing.After spending some time hunting alone in the forest, Highess chose to return to the town. Many players logged in, but he didn't greet any of them or those who didn't intend to get to know him.The bustling atmosphere of the town, so lively, didn't make his eyes flinch; he always stared straight ahead. His unique appearance still seemed unusual; many glanced c
Highess's heart raced rapidly; he hadn't expected to encounter a giant scorpion, and there was information suggesting the creature before him was in the boss area.Its name was Scavenger Scorpion, presenting a solid body equipped with two claws and a giant tail, all gleaming with deadly menace."Calm down, I probably should have realized this earlier! Why am I here? Do I have to face monsters like this first in this game?"Unaware his steps had inadvertently entered the monster's territory, the initial atmospheric pressure should have served as a stern warning for players not to get too close. However, this was often ignored, leading to moments like this."Gragh..."Without waiting long, the large monster launched an attack. Its massive claws quickly shot forward, delivering a powerful blow that shattered the ground, sending debris flying in all directions.Highess's body was enough to evade the attack, but he was confused about how to defeat a boss monster with such obvious power."I
His actions may have been very reckless; very cautiously, he approached the scorpion. The sound of his footsteps constantly heard, served as a signal for the scorpion to attack. Every sound heard indicated a looming strike from either its tail or claws.Highess's body is almost being hit several times, thanks to his ability to play various games. Within the predetermined range, Highess prepared his sword. His eyes traced every inch of the scorpion's body, carefully observing which parts he could attack.Previous attacks had informed him that regular slashes wouldn't work; he needed to use special skills to increase his strength's effectiveness.It sounded easy, but it was far more complicated. The longer his movements, the easier he would be detected, and as soon as he attempted to step forward, the scorpion reacted. The scorpion's tail shot out like lightning.Ting..."I understand now that you'll know I'm here!" Instead of dodging, he used this situation to parry; the force of this
"Is that a player?" Steysa asked, her voice trembling."I don't know, but he has the name of a player..." replied Edward, also trembling.How could they imagine there was a player who brutally slaughtered the green lizards, and then laughed gleefully about it? Such actions already hinted at psychopathic behavior, which certainly made their bodies shiver.Slowly, Highess ap
"I thought I could feel what it's like to get new gear earlier, now I have to wait about 1 week from now!" Whether he liked it or not, procedures like this had to be done by Highess. After playing for quite long, he decided to take a break.Lying on the bed, his mind lingered on the atmosphere inside the game, so liberating. It felt like it had been happening for years, and his body missed that atmosphere."If only my life were in the game..." The exhaustion
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