I logged back in, the flickering light of the virtual tavern greeting me as my avatar materialized. Was it a need for answers? Or was it just pure, unrelenting curiosity? I couldn’t say. Maybe it was both. Either way, my drive to perfect this build pushed me forward.

The recent fights left their mark, not just on my level but on the game’s politics. The Crossbones guild, once an unstoppable juggernaut, now felt the sting of defeat—delivered by someone twenty levels below them. It proved what I’d always believed: levels didn’t dictate skill. The cleric and fighter I’d wiped in the tomb were the first dominoes in what I intended to be a chain reaction. This game had problems, and I was more than happy to be their catalyst.

My musings were interrupted as a familiar, obnoxious voice cut through my thoughts.

"Hotshot pondering on how to be smug today?"

I didn’t even have to look to know who it was. Blazer. Of course.

"Well, if it isn’t the petulant child in all his glory," I replied, glancing at his avatar. Level 70 now. Not bad. But a quick inspection of his build made me smirk—he was sticking to the tired old meta. The same stale strategies that had ruled the game for ages. I aimed to introduce something better: my own meta.

"Still refusing to acknowledge my greatness?" Blazer leaned in, his virtual face inches from mine.

"Greatness?" I arched an eyebrow. "This isn’t some juvenile power fantasy, Blazer. And your repeated attempts at character assassination only make you look like a moron. Especially when it comes to Mira."

That hit a nerve. His face contorted in irritation, but he quickly masked it with his usual smugness.

"I think it’s time we settle this once and for all," he said, stepping back and drawing attention from the tavern's other patrons. "I challenge you, Astraeus. One week. Grand Arena. No excuses, no hiding behind your ‘build genius’ nonsense. I’ll prove you were never at the top of your game in Royale Online."

And with that, he spun on his heel and strode out of the tavern, leaving me both irritated and... profoundly confused. What even was that? A schoolyard challenge? Still, he wanted a fight. Fine. I’d give him one.

I pulled up my stats, my grin growing as I saw the gains from my recent escapades.

Current Level: 48

Base Stats (Post-Distribution):

* Strength: 75 (+15 from Dark Pact of the Eternals)

* Dexterity: 62 (+15 from item synergy)

* Intelligence: 80 (+15 from item synergy)

* Endurance: 65 (+15 from armor bonuses)

* Luck: 60 (+15 from item synergy)

Synergy Bonuses:

* Dark Pact of the Eternals: +15 to all stats, 5% bonus to fusion skill damage.

* Hero’s Mantle (Armor Set): +10% damage resistance, +15% critical chance, +5% stamina regeneration.

* Eterna Ring (Set Bonus): +10% mana recovery rate, +20% bleed resistance.

My new skills made the possibilities endless. The combination of Warlock and Fighter unlocked new synergies I couldn’t wait to test. The Atlas of Power nodes I’d unlocked added an extra layer of customization that would make me unpredictable in the arena.

New Skills Unlocked:

Fighter Skills:

* Disarming Strike: Temporarily disarm the opponent, reducing their damage output.

* Overwhelming Critical Strike: A guaranteed critical hit on enemies with less than 30% HP.

* Switch Hit: Advanced: Allows seamless weapon swaps mid-combo for uninterrupted damage flow.

* Final Stand: Advanced: 20% stamina reduction when activated.

* Overpower: Push through defenses, temporarily increasing attack damage by 25%.

Warlock Skills:

* Access to Wizard Skills: Includes elemental magic (fire, water, earth, air).

* Greater Pact: Further enhances spell damage by 10%.

* Arcanic Blast: Mastery: Increased range and splash damage.

* Access to Curses (Witch Subclass): Includes debuffs like Weakening Shroud and Binding Hex.

* Overpowering Entropy: Ignores 25% of enemy armor, regardless of level.

Fusion Skills:

* Arcane Rend (Fusion of Overwhelming Critical Strike + Arcanic Blast): An explosive finisher dealing both physical and magic damage.

* Elemental Overdrive (Fusion of Elemental Magic + Final Stand): Temporarily coats weapons with chosen elemental properties for increased damage and status effects.

The Atlas of Power had unlocked even more potential. I placed points strategically to maximize my build, focusing on nodes that enhanced both physical and magical damage, as well as debuff synergy.

I looked at my damage modifiers and nearly laughed. Arcanic Blast alone had a 40% boost from my stats, gear, and the new synergy bonuses. Add in the curses and fusion skills, and Blazer wouldn’t know what hit him.

"One week, huh?" I muttered to myself, stepping out of the tavern and into the city streets. "You’d better bring your A-game, Blazer. Because I’m about to rewrite the meta." The Atlas of Power's shimmering interface hovered in front of me, nodes branching out like a galaxy of untapped potential. My focus settled on one specific node: Archon's Defense. It would cut an enemy's damage output by 25%, and against someone like Blazer—whose entire strategy revolved around high burst damage—I needed every edge I could get.

The ability to refund and redistribute nodes was a lifesaver. I’d rework my build specifically to make him embarrass himself, turning his over-reliance on the meta into his downfall. Blazer was skilled, no doubt, but predictable. The way he refused to adapt would be his undoing.

As I was deep in thought, a familiar voice broke my concentration.

"So it’s finally come down to this, huh? Blazer laid down his challenge?" Mira's tone was equal parts exasperation and amusement.

I didn’t turn around. "Yes. And I have no doubt he’s going to try some nonsense. So, I’m preparing. I don’t expect a fair 1v1, knowing his sycophantic followers. That’s why I’ll have backup."

Mira raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. "You have friends other than me?"

I smirked. "Not exactly. I’m calling in a favor from the Red Masters. Their GM, Zero, is... an interesting fellow. A beta player, but not one of those arrogant fossils who think their early access makes them gods. He’s sharp and knows how to play the long game."

Her eyes widened in mock horror. "You’re going to involve Zero? The Red Masters? You do realize they’re a max-level guild, right? What if they decide to PK you on the spot?"

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"I’m not worried," I replied, brushing off her concerns. "Besides, the point isn’t for them to fight Blazer. I want them to be a deterrent. If Zero and his guild are out there in full view, Blazer’s little squad won’t dare pull anything. The crowd, too—they’ll think twice before interfering."

Mira sighed but didn’t argue. "Fair enough. Just don’t get yourself killed before I can say 'I told you so.'"

The Red Masters’ guild hall was located deep in the Wildlands, a sprawling, treacherous region infamous for its high-level monster spawns and dangerous terrain. Unlike most games, Age of Eternity allowed guilds to establish their halls practically anywhere, as long as it wasn’t too close to key story zones or spawn points like the Tomb of the Ancients. The Red Masters had chosen a spot near the Necromancer’s Lair, a dungeon I had already conquered through the story quests.

Traveling there wasn’t as hard as I’d expected. Monsters avoided me now, their aggro triggers nullified by my level. It wasn’t long before I arrived at the guild hall—a surprisingly small, unassuming house with the Red Masters’ emblem glowing in bright neon above the door.

As I approached, the door creaked open, and Zero himself stepped out. His avatar was an imposing figure clad in crimson and black armor, his weapon—a massive greatsword—slung casually over one shoulder.

"Well, well," he said, his voice calm but edged with curiosity. "What brings you here, Astraeus?"

I wasn’t intimidated. Not by him, not by anyone. Still, I’d prepared for the possibility of betrayal, stashing my inventory in storage before making the trip.

"I came to ask a favor," I said plainly.

Zero’s brow arched. "A favor? I heard about Blazer’s challenge. Let me guess—you want me to PK him?"

I chuckled. "No, nothing so crude. I want you to be present at the fight. Out in front, where everyone can see you. Your reputation alone will keep things from spiraling out of control. Most PK guilds won’t interfere if they see the Red Masters watching. Even Blazer’s comrades will think twice."

Zero leaned against the doorframe, stroking his chin. "Interesting. But what’s stopping his lackeys from trying to gank you anyway?"

"Nothing, really," I admitted. "But they’re cowards at heart. They’ll hesitate if you’re there. And if they do try anything, well..." I grinned. "I doubt they’ll last long under your guild’s gaze."

He considered my words, then nodded. "Your reasoning’s sound. I like it. Tell you what—we’ll show up in full capacity. I’m curious to see how you fare against Blazer. He’s got skill... for a baseline fighter. But you and I both know it’s not about levels. It’s about how you adapt your build to the situation."

I narrowed my eyes. "What’s the catch? There’s always a catch."

Zero smirked. "A small favor, to be decided later. Nothing major—just keep it in mind. We’ll see you in a week, Astraeus. Don’t disappoint me. Oh, and knowing the history between you and Blazer, this could be the kind of battle Age of Eternity hasn’t seen since that guy in the bird mask... Wonder what game he’s playing now." He chuckled to himself before turning and disappearing into the house.

I stood there for a moment, collecting my thoughts, before turning and making my way back to town. The week ahead would be grueling, but I’d be ready. Blazer had no idea what he was walking into.

The week had finally come to pass. I logged in early that morning to make some last-minute adjustments. After tweaking my build and ensuring my inventory was primed, I opened my mailbox to find an Arena pass waiting for me.

The sender? Blazer, of course.

"Just so you can't say you didn't know how to get here, chump."

Same old Blazer. Even in something as trivial as sending a pass, he couldn't resist a quip. I shook my head, dismissing the notification. However, a quick glance at the forums revealed the extent of his antics. He’d been smearing my name across the community, dragging up the past and branding me a fraud. According to him, I was a "fake gamer" and a "cheater."

Some players sided with him; others openly mocked his obsession. It took a certain level of charisma—or desperation—to turn an entire game’s population into your personal bounty hunters, chasing someone across the map until they logged off for good. It didn’t matter. Blazer had failed then, and he’d fail now.

I teleported to the arena using the pass. It was colossal, easily one of the most breathtaking structures in Age of Eternity. Massive stone pillars reached into the sky, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to shift and shimmer as the sunlight hit them. Dust and small bits of debris cascaded from their edges, animated with such care it felt real. The sheer artistry of this place was overwhelming—a testament to the developers' dedication.

Players filled the stands, their chatter blending into a chaotic symphony. Bets were being placed everywhere: a level 55 challenger against a level 70 juggernaut. I had no illusions about the odds stacked against me. Blazer wasn’t some low-skill PKer like Skullhead; he had real talent. But his short fuse? That was his Achilles' heel, and I intended to exploit it.

As promised, Zero and the Red Masters were present in full force, their crimson banners fluttering in the wind. Across from them, Skullhead’s Crossbones guild had also arrived, undoubtedly hoping to see me fail. Even new players—likely curious about the spectacle—had filled the cheap seats. This wasn’t just a duel; it was an event.

Blazer entered from the opposite side of the arena, his new gear practically glowing. Legendary Armor of the Dragon Slayer and the Legendary Berserker Blade: Guts. Typical Blazer, going all-in with flashy PvP gear. Meanwhile, I still wore my tried-and-true equipment from the mid-level grind. It wasn’t legendary, but it offered excellent defense and mobility—exactly what I needed.

"Didn't think you'd actually show up, hotshot," Blazer sneered, his voice carrying through the arena.

"Why not?" I replied, stepping forward. "Afraid people might see this for what it really is? A level 70 bully trying to stomp someone 15 levels lower than him. Not a great look, Blazer."

"Spare me the speech," he shot back. "This is about proving what everyone already knows: you're a fraud. All your so-called skill? It's nothing but exploits."

I rolled my eyes. "Still clinging to that? Just because you couldn’t build a solid character in Royale Online doesn’t mean I cheated. Face it: you couldn’t keep up then, and you can’t keep up now."

His face reddened, the veins in his neck visibly straining. "I’m gonna crush you and show everyone that Avisious was a pathetic, lying bastard."

I sighed, activating my Dark Pact abilities. My Fighter/Warlock hybrid build gave me access to a mix of devastating melee skills and hexes. I had tweaked it just enough to keep him guessing.

Without warning, Blazer activated Two-Handed Stance, his blade shimmering with energy as it doubled his damage output. He dashed forward with Lunge Strike, a blur of steel and fury.

But I was ready.

With a quick series of commands, I unleashed my opening salvo: Debilitating Hex, Curse of Drudgery, and Grand Hex: Siphoning. The effects stacked instantly. His movement slowed to a crawl, his attack and defense were weakened, and his MP and stamina drained away.

Blazer staggered mid-lunge, his momentum all but gone. I activated Light Step, darting around his sluggish form and slicing into his side. A Bleed debuff appeared above his head.

"Predictable as ever, Blazer," I taunted, circling him.

He growled, swinging wildly with a horizontal slash. I ducked under it, countering with Achilles Strike. The hit landed cleanly, reducing his movement speed even further.

"Come on, Blazer," I said mockingly. "All that shiny gear, and you can’t even keep up? Did you forget how to read tooltips?"

"You son of a—!" he roared, activating Berserker’s Rage. His movements became erratic, and his attacks grew more powerful, but his defense plummeted.

"Ah, there it is," I said with a smirk. "Your favorite crutch. You know, Blazer, if brute force was all it took to win, you'd be unstoppable. But it’s not, is it?"

He charged, swinging his blade in a furious combo. I dodged each strike with precision, his stamina bar visibly depleting with every missed attack.

"You’re running out of steam," I said, landing another blow that triggered Weaken. "But don’t worry—I’ll end this quickly. Wouldn’t want you embarrassing yourself too much in front of your fan club."

Blazer snarled, attempting to close the distance with a desperate Overhead Smash. I sidestepped, activating Siphoning Slash. His MP hit zero, leaving him unable to cast any abilities.

"Oops," I said, feigning surprise. "Looks like someone forgot to manage their resources. Rookie mistake."

The crowd roared as I landed the finishing blow—a Crescent Arc slash that sent Blazer sprawling to the ground. His HP bar hit zero, and the arena fell silent.

I sheathed my sword, turning to the audience. "Thanks for the warm-up, Blazer. Next time, maybe bring a strategy instead of just whining about the past."

"This isn't over!" Blazer shouted at me

"It is Blazer, put the past to rest. I beat you fair and square, you should know levels and gear don't make the player, skills and careful tweaking here and there of abilities and resource management makes a build work, you're just jealous as you never measured up to me"

The Red Masters cheered, while Skullhead’s guild sat in stunned silence. Blazer lay defeated, his grudge shattered for all to see. For the first time in a long time, I felt... free.