Elsa looked at the dried blood on her shaking hands. She lost everything, and she didn’t know if her mother was alive. The bandits came and killed every man in her village. She lost her father and brother. They only wanted to capture the women and didn’t even spare those innocent kids. She saw Josie, their neighbour bashing her head until she passed out after bandits killed her husband and her infant. They brought them to a large bandit camp, and later some others took her to this camp. She prayed to the gods to give her a chance for revenge, and she killed the man who tried to violate her by bashing his head with a metal vase.‘Who are they?’She looked at the young man standing in the middle of the camp. They were the reason she managed to live like this. If they didn’t come, she didn’t know what would happen. Several people had armour that resembled soldiers, but everyone was listening to this young man.His body was covered in blood and he had a dangerous aura around him. How
“Hello, my son. What made you call this old man?”“Dad?”Bruce felt a bit unfamiliar with his father’s tone, but he was relieved to hear this voice after everything he witnessed. All the blood and killing were affecting his mind. Especially the prisoners they saved made him think about the value of human life. He also wanted to hear from his dad; his only family left in this world“What do you want, son? Is everything okay?”David walked out of his meeting room when Bruce called his private number. Their relationship had been a little distant after his wife’s death, and his disapproval of Bruce playing games. It had been a while since they talked to each other like this, and he wanted to try to mend their relationship. “Well… Yeah.”Bruce felt awkward with this straightforward question, but it was more like his father’s style.“I want a slot in the channel.”He directly stated his request, trying to calm his mind. He wanted to talk to his father and tell him about what happened, but
“Roar!”A mighty roar echoed through the forest as the gate to the wooden fortress opened. Bruce thought he lost his balance as he felt the world going silent for a moment.He held on to the tree, trying to stabilise his shaking world.“I… Really hope it is not a mutated cave bear.”When he regained his hearing again, he saw the guard captain, Julian, frowning into the trees.“Mutated? Are there such creatures…?”The moment he asked, Bruce felt almost all eyes fall on him. They all had the same question in their eyes.‘Are you serious?’“Eh… Did you guys know about this?”He looked at the other players.“Yeah.”Logan shrugged with the vivid memories of his first day in the game.“Jason killed one on the first day.”“First day?”His surprise didn’t last long, and the ground started to tremble. “Roar!”The second roar felt much closer and threatening.‘Jason…?’For a second, they all saw Jason running along the palisade before barging in through the half-open gate.The trees crashed a
“Good evening and welcome to our tonight's special show, everyone. This is one of the first ever to Sky News, and I am Chris Hale, your host tonight.”Chris started his intro without missing a beat. Even though he was short on notice, it was nothing to a true veteran like him. However, he tried to keep his rational mind. He had his fair share of gameplay experience as a kid, but that was years ago. He was familiar with all the sensational news around the world, but not too much on gaming. ‘I have to admit. The content of this game is truly impressive.’He could have rejected the show even if it was from their chairman, but then he saw the video that would be the topic of tonight's discussion. He continued with his introduction by introducing the very unusual group of guests he had with him.Nate Robinson, who called himself, ‘Luminous’. A world top-ranking RPG gamer. Sasha Alfson. A famous professor in ancient history and a weapon enthusiast. She was also the wife of Robert Lacros
“Are you saying we can try any combat style in this game?”“Yes, that is what I am saying.”John nodded his head in satisfaction.“But….”Luminous finally raised his voice. He saw how things unfold until now. Jason Hope was someone who popped out of nowhere, and he was suddenly in the limelight. ‘I was in the gaming industry for so long, and some nobody became a celebrity.’He had a sense of shame and jealousy. “I am sorry… But.”He realised everyone was staring at him, but he gritted his teeth and continued. “Isn’t it too much of an advantage? What will happen to the people who play the game for fun? They might not be trained fighters.”His questions drew all eyes to John, who wanted to strangle Luminous.‘I just found a good point in The Endless, and you are trying to screw me over.’Still, John didn’t change his business smile for a second.“I agree. But Mr Luminous, don’t forget that this is ultimately a fantasy game. Some players will have an advantage in the early days, but
The heavy rain drenched the ground, turning it muddy. “Grr….”The cave bear growled, feeling threatened. It had several cuts on its body, but it was wise enough to avoid any lethal attack.“Useless idiots….”Blade yelled at his men. He looked at the young man, who was holding his sword with a troubled expression. He seemed to be exhausted and breathing with difficulty, but his men failed to retain the man. Worst of all, they failed to kill the bear. It was wise enough to avoid direct confrontation and steel-tipped arrows could barely penetrate its tough skin. The rain was getting heavier as time passed, and it showed no signs of ending anytime soon. Also, he knew things weren’t in his favour because another group of men barged into the camp from the gate. It was another group of alien humans and soldiers from Forestedge. However, they didn’t directly engage in a battle with his men. Instead, everyone was looking at the battle happening in the middle. ‘Who the hell are you?’This
‘How did he…?’Roger looked at Logan, fuming with anger. He followed Jason here to test out things, and he wanted to see Jason’s potential. However, what he witnessed here was way beyond their initial assessment.‘You do not know, don’t you?’Logan was also staring at the battleground in a daze.‘Well… It is not that bad since it is just a game. But I wonder how the board of directors will react to this.’“Cap… Roger…!”“What?”“He… Jason didn’t disappear….”“Ah….”Roger looked at the ground where Blade died kneeling. Jason’s body was still there without disappearing.“He is…. Still alive? Plan B… It is Plan B.”He yelled in a loud voice before running toward the battleground.“Plan B?”Logan was confused for a second.“Shit… It is Plan B.”He chased after his captain. “Go!”Dawn yelled at her sisters.“Pro… Protect Lord Initiate.”Julian rushed across the field. “Ah… Wait for me….”Bruce didn’t want to be left out alone. He chased after them across the slippery ground along with th
'Should I ask now?'Bruce hesitated a bit before walking to Jason. He was getting a ton of messages from Sky News.He answered as many questions as he could, but he was simply the reporter.Not only fans, but people who were invited to discuss their actions had questions for Jason.'From today, he will be a universal celebrity.'Jason’s actions had created a global sensation.Dawn was sewing up a wound on Logan's arm, and the girl named Camila died in the battle, but that wasn't all.Many NPCs died too from both sides. Worst of all, there were many who survived with gruesome wounds.Roger was applying something to his wounds, too. None of them was ready to log out and take the penalty. Jason didn’t bleed much as before, but his wounds were the ones that looked worse. Everyone looked exhausted and wary. "Jason, there are some questions for you, are you willing to answer?"Bruce felt a slight fear of Jason. This man had a heart of steel in battle, and a weird ability to ignore pain. "
"Shit," Amelia cursed under her breath as she deflected blow after blow, desperately trying to protect Jason from the relentless attacks.It wasn’t just her previous enemies; there was another massive threat looming on the horizon. She could feel the presence of a greater demon, its oppressive aura emanating from afar, finally ready to make its move.'I can't take on this thing,' she thought, parrying another strike aimed at her.She didn't have the luxury of time to grab Jason and flee. Besides, with the monstrous force approaching, running seemed pointless. This new threat was undoubtedly stronger than her.'If only he can fight,' she lamented, her grip tightening around her sword. She couldn't even afford a glance at Jason to check if he was still holding on. All she could hear were his painful grunts, each one a stab to her focus.…"Daddy, Daddy, no, I have to go!" Hanna cried out, trying to rush toward the mine entrance.Before she could take another step, Nocturne leapt from her
'This is not going to end well.'Jason barely caught his breath as he hid behind a stone column, narrowly evading the swing of a giant demon's sword. He felt a growing sense of helplessness as his spells failed to inflict any significant damage on these monstrous enemies. Surprisingly, his Arcane Spawns managed to restrain one of the demons temporarily. However, the limitation was clear—he could only summon three Arcane Spawns at a time, and that number was far from enough to take down even a single demon.'I don't think Amelia can hold on much longer.'While Jason was barely managing against a single demon, Amelia was handling all five of the remaining demons on her own. She moved with incredible agility, skillfully evading the swords and other weapons targeting her, striking back whenever she saw an opening. Her blade flashed, leaving shallow cuts on the demons’ thick skin, but it was clear that even with her skill, she was being overwhelmed. Five demons were far more than she cou
"Hanna, you have to be good and stay here, alright?""Alright, Daddy," Hanna responded, her voice tinged with sadness, but she kept her composure.'Hanna is a big girl. I can't cry. Mommy and Daddy promised to come back,' she reminded herself, trying to act brave.Floating behind her, Nocturne extended its tentacles, imitating the action of wiping away tears as if to comfort Hanna in its own eerie way."No, Hanna is not crying, Little Cuttlefish," Hanna tried to argue with Nocturne, waving her tiny fist cutely at the eldritch horror."Make sure everything is okay." Jason gave Hanna a quick peck on the forehead before turning to Samson and Butch."We will handle things while you are gone, Sir Jason," Butch assured him. Despite not being from Earth, he had learned to mimic Samson when addressing Jason. Many of the bodyguards, even those from Yuriel, had learned to act properly under Samson's guidance.Jason's gaze shifted to Dane, who was responsible for maintaining the outer perimete
“Eh….”Hanna turned her head around as she felt a familiar ominous feeling. “What is it, Hanna?”“Little Cuttlefish is here, Mommy.”She didn’t know where it was, but she felt its presence. A moment later, a ripple appeared near them and a small slit expanded in midair. An eerie dark feeling seeped out of it as several small tentacles slipped into their world. “Whee!”Nocturne floated toward Hanna making a cheerful noise. “Hiss.”Ancient Wraith hissed at the foreign creature. “Grr….”Nyx growled at the creature in anger, but it didn’t try to attack it. First, Nocturne was Jason’s pet. Second, her little master had no anger toward this thing. However, Nyx knew that the horrible disease had the same scent as this creature. It was a dangerous and foreign feeling that made them uncomfortable. “Gu! Gu!”Nocturne immediately released a defensive sound and hid behind Amelia, trying to protect itself. “Don’t harm Little Cuttlefish. It is not his fault.”Hanna gently patted Nyx’s head
“No! I will not let you go in.”Brood’s voice was sharp and loud, and Jason felt the surrounding air vibrate with her voice. “It is already spreading. Send out one of your Drones and check the caves to the north. There is a crack.”Jason didn’t care about Brood’s rant at the moment. He was much stronger than before. Even if he failed to defeat Brood, he was confident enough to survive against her and escape. Besides, Amelia should be already on her way here. “But… But… This is the only place I am supposed to protect. I… I didn’t let anything escape.”Brood’s voice broke a little as she tried to suppress the agitation. “Check it out. I can feel the monsters roaming beneath those cracks, and it won’t be long before they escape.”“But….”“There is no time. She is coming, and she is angry. So check it out. We will go in there and finish it, Brood. It doesn’t matter if you like it or not. It is too dangerous and we are going to end whatever is down there.”Jason had no idea what kind o
‘This is bad. This is very very bad.’Jason stared at the crack on the ground with a frown. He thought the corrupted land was beneath the spider mines, Brood’s lair. However, it seemed to be extended beyond his scope of imagination. He felt the pulsating mutated life roaming beneath the ground, and he had to use a lot of willpower to suppress himself from roaring. The mutated monster within him smelled the delicacy. Still, alerting them wouldn't be a good thing for them at the moment. Only two Grandmasters were at Light Shone while the others followed the bandit exterminators in secrecy. Only a Grandmaster could face a hunter, and anything above would be too much for this world.The red mist leaking through the crack corroded the mana in the surroundings.‘Is there a way to stop it from spreading? Should I repair the crack? But we better deal with whatever is inside first.’Jason didn't feel like angering Amelia anymore.‘I better see Brood. She must know what happened here before.’H
“You… You are Jason.”“I am.”Jason smiled at the man as he finally opened his eyes. He felt relieved to slip away from Amelia’s fiery gaze. “My… My arm….”The player panicked as he hurriedly inspected his arm. “The wound….”“It is gone now. Honestly, it wasn’t a wound. It was an infection.”Jason shrugged.“What exactly happened? I don’t think you were in Spider Mine.”The lower level of the Spider Mine was a forbidden place. Even if it weren’t, very few would dare to wander into the swarm of spiders. “No, Jason. I was working in the Northern Mine. We had a small quack at the lowest level, and a new crack popped up in the floor.”“And you were the closest to it?”“Yes.”“How big is this crack, did anyone else come into contact with it?”Jason didn’t want to drag out the discussion.This wasn’t exactly unexpected, but an open crack meant there was a hidden space underneath the mine that was contaminated by radiation. He needed to find out how big the hidden space was. ‘I really h
“Jason! We need to see Jason!”“What is going on?”Amelia came out of the house as she heard the loud voice. No one dared to shout in front of their home, and she wondered why Jason’s loyal guards didn’t act. “Madam…!”“Grandmaster Amelia! We… We need help. He can’t log out, and we don't know what to do.”“Hm?”Amelia frowned as he looked at the people from Jason’s world. She knew these were the selected people of the Crystal Pulse. Even though Samson and the other guards prevented this group of people from entering the house, they also looked worried. She looked at the man they brought in, and her eyes widened for a moment. There was a purplish wound on the man’s arm, and a dark purple smoke came out of it. He was groaning in pain and it looked as if the man was going senile with pain. He was twitching and rolling on the ground as the others held him. More people were gathering near their house, and she knew many wanted to know what happened to the fallen man. “Mommy… That unc
“Is it online?”“Yes, Chief.”“How is the reaction?”“I think it looks very violent, Chief. There is an outburst of responses.”“Good.”Despite his words, Magnus’s face showed no hint of comfort. “And Jason?”“He will stay on Yuriel for the time being, Chief. Amelia said she is keeping him there indefinitely. As long as this problem isn’t solved.”“Do you think she knows something?”Magnus rubbed his temple. Technically, there was no way for Jason to know the gaming cabin could transport him to another world. Even if an NPC told him so, it would be impossible to believe. ‘It isn’t like he could handle that kind of secret with such grace.’He believed it would be too much for even a man like Jason Hope. However, Amelia’s behaviour made him suspicious of her knowledge about their world. She knew how to arrange security and cover blindspots against modern weapons. This shouldn’t have happened if Amelia was from a magical world. Besides, her plan looked almost flawless, and even Magn