The sun shone into the house, and the air was fresh and clean — the crisp morning air. As Mike slowly woke up, a new window immediately greeted him.
[Ongoing Quest: Black Rats]
Event starts at 12:00 AM
Mike sighed and sat up. Something in the corner of his menu made him freeze.
Why do I have 15 skill points to spend?<<
Mike opened the menu.
HP: 180
Sword: 3
Strength: 10
Magic: 2
Mike quickly distributed the 15 skill points.
Were those five levels free?<<
Mike stood up and ran a hand through his hair. He was restless about what lay ahead.
[Ice is being contacted]
A window floated above him, and moments later Ice appeared inside it. It was like a call screen. She looked sleepy, rubbing her eyes, still lying in bed and staring only at the menu.
Hmm… yeah, hello?<<
Mike couldn't help but grin at the sight.
Hey, sorry for waking you, but can we meet?<<
Ice agreed and ended the call. Mike figured she had fallen back asleep, so he called her again, but this time she didn't pick up at all. He gave up and stepped outside his door. The air felt thinner, but it was probably just his nerves.
He and Ice didn't meet. Mike knew she wanted to sleep a little longer, and besides, there was nothing important to discuss… except a raid on the entire village.
He sighed and went to look for a place to train. Now that he had three points in the Sword stat, he really wanted to test what it did and how much stronger he had become.
After a while exploring, Mike found a spot where other players were dueling. He decided to join one match and then call Ice again to finally tell her what had happened last night.
Why am I the only one who knows about the attack?<< he muttered to himself, then stepped onto the grounds.
Name?<<
Mike.<<
The registrar had a clean scar over his eye and wore orange armor that gleamed in the sun.
Abilities?<<
Uh… none,<< Mike answered in a gloomy tone.
Good. You're up soon.<<
Mike was led to a waiting area. He looked out over the battlefield. It was just a flat arena of sand. No buildings, no trees, only sand.
After two more matches, Mike felt less motivated. The opponents were alarmingly skilled. They moved fast, especially the water man — a class and race in one, legendary.
I want to fight him,<< Mike said, pointing at the water man.
Then you need to beat two people first, because he's the champion. Trust me, don't bother.<<
Mike nodded, then stood.
No. I want to fight you first.<<
The man laughed.
Me? No, I'm a retired fighter. And actually, in real li—<<
He froze mid-word and began to glitch. His head and body flickered apart for a second. A harsh static hiss filled the air, and a message appeared above him:
[Player has mentioned real life. Highest penalty.]
The glitching stopped abruptly.
P-please he—<<
Green liquid dripped from the man's mouth and eyes. A heartbeat later he screamed, lurched to his feet, and thrust his hands forward in a clawing motion as if trying to grab something. His eyes turned fully green. When he went still, everyone on the grounds stared at him. Mike didn't move either, but he spoke in a low voice.
H-hey, you okay, man?<<
The man answered with another scream and sprinted straight at Mike.
Mike reacted instantly, equipped his sword, and with a clean strike hewed the man's head from his shoulders.
The head despawned midair, and a new message appeared above the man:
[Virus started. Infected: 2. Stops if the error is corrected.]
"He's infected too!" the water man shouted, pointing at Mike. For a few seconds everyone stared, but no one spoke.
Mike quickly opened his inventory. His eyes widened, a cold shiver running down his back.
(Infected. Virus will break out soon.)
How am I supposed to correct the error??<<
He looked at the people around him. They all took a step back and whispered to each other.
Shit—this is SHIT!<<
Mike cursed. Then someone dared to approach: the water man. He looked human at a glance, but when he used his abilities, his hands became pure water—and that's what happened now.
Is that bastard going to attack me?<<
Mike wondered, but the water man turned to the crowd instead and said, "I'll kill him so nothing breaks out. We all saw it—two people got infected, and he stood right in front of him and killed him!"
Mike gripped his sword so tightly he was afraid it would snap any second. This man made him furious—he wanted to kill him.
(Bloodlust Level 1 unlocked. For a short time, every stat point is increased by +80. Offered only to the Child of Shadows.)
When Mike saw the message, something in him shifted.
Come on then, coward.<<
He spoke to the water man, and the expression on the man's face was an answer in itself.
HAHAHA—then come!<<
The water man blitzed toward Mike. Sand burst backward in a spray as he charged. Mike felt a grip clamp around him—but that was all. The water man tried to slam him to the ground, yet failed. Mike was too steady. With each attempt, the attacker only made himself look more foolish.
Mike raised one hand and curled it into a fist. He looked the water man straight in the eyes.
One… two… three. Apologize. Now.<<
The water man glanced Mike up and down—then his eyes went wide.
T-there's a shadow!<<
Mike saw the water man pointing at him—probably meaning something behind him. But when Mike glanced over his shoulder, he saw nothing—only churned sand from the water man's footsteps.
P-please, please—no, spare me, okay? Please!!<<
The water man snapped and bolted, but after only a few steps he collapsed.
What the—<<
A wave of dizziness washed over Mike. He staggered, held out for a few steady seconds, then collapsed as well.
When he snapped his eyes open again, he was in a desert of black sand. No hills—just a flat, endless plain. Mike sat on a throne made of black particles. In front of him, the water man knelt. And behind the water man, countless black figures—too many to number—were kneeling as well.
A-are they kneeling before me… again?<<
Mike pointed at himself, bewildered. When he moved his finger, the creatures flinched, as if afraid he might do something.
I want to try something. You… and you—come here.<<
He indicated two of the creatures. They recoiled in fear, then stood and approached. When they reached his feet, they dropped to their knees.