Chapter 62: Etra Media

'Great... This is really great!'

Ragna was having an extremely satisfied expression after he came out from a desolate alley. He had just consumed all the Fist-type weapons that he could find. Everything was in order to increase his only Weapon's strength, the Ancient Blood Gloves.

'As I thought, this thing really is overpowered...'

Ancient Blood Gloves (Weapon, Two-Handed) (Ragna)

Attack : 119-120

Magic Attack : 119 -> 120

Unique Effect: Blood Consuming.

Can consume another weapon with the same type. Cannot be done repeatedly.

Unique Characteristic: Blood Evolution

Automatically consume a sentinel essence in inventory to evolve.

Damage +10% While fighting against stronger or higher leveled opponent (s).

After consuming a numerous amount of Common-ranked weapon and a few of Uncommon-ranked weapon, the might of Ancient Blood Gloves had increased by quite a lot. Now, it could barely enter the realm of Rare-ranked weapons. Of course, that would only be true if one only looked at the damage. The terrifying aspect of this weapon was its practical use by boosting both of the physical and magical aspects.

'Still, its consumption is really too much...'

Ragna silently grimaced while looking at the top leftmost of his Personal Screen. The amount of gold he had painstakingly saved had almost been emptied.

'I thought I would be quite rich just by selling the materials from the Red Demon. But, it turns out only Rare-ranked Materials such as the Horns have a decent price. The rest was okay, but it's clearly not enough to satisfy this Gloves.'

Ragna could just buy everything by using his contribution points. As long as the quest was still ongoing, these points were in demand no matter where he went. However, Dreg kept reminding him that he should no matter what, use the contribution points in such way.

Dreg was quite experienced in this kind of business. How could Ragna not believe him?

Before he knew it, the end of that day had approached. There was no other attack from the Red Demons.

...

Raka woke up from Maya. It was currently 5 AM in the morning, the perfect time to wake up in Indonesia. He tidied his room a bit before taking a shower. Today, he felt rather high spirited.

Many scientists speculated that Virtual Reality games could harm one's mind and put an incredible amount of strain on the brain. The realistic aspect of the game made it impossible to just disregard it as a mere game. The brain would automatically register the experience as a reality, a second reality. Or that was what they thought.

After the launch, Maya had proven to be vastly different from what these scientists thought it would be. There were no strain and harm inflicted to the brain, it was even beneficial to the mind and body according to a renowned therapist. The exhaustion that Raka experienced after the fight with the First Sentinel was very unusual. In fact, it seemed like Raka had done something he shouldn't do.

As for whether that would be harmful or beneficial to him, that still couldn't be confirmed.

After he finished the shower, he checked his phone. It was from his senior brother, Banu.

...

"Tell me, what this is all about," Banu's strict voice resounded inside the hall. It was still 6 AM today, Raka's morning training wouldn't start until 7.

"Uhh... I don't know what you are talking about," Raka was seated in front of Banu. He knew that his senior brother was angry, but he didn't know what he did that made him this angry.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"You've been acting weird these days. You started practicing martial arts again and asking how to fight multiple enemies. You may not know, but it's been bugging me and master. Master won't say anything, but I demand an explanation!"

Banu was still annoyed at yesterday's incident. He had to stand guard in front of Raka's boarding house until late. It would be okay if something really happened. At least it wouldn't be that boring. However, nothing happened and it made all of his effort meaningless.

Raka sighed, it looked like he wouldn't be able to hide the truth. He quickly narrated everything. How he was drawn into the game called Maya and all of the hardship he had been through.

"Don't tell me all of these were only for a game?" Banu was dumbfounded with Raka's explanation. He knew that the game was extremely popular but wasn't it too excessive?

Raka nodded apologetically. Yeah, it was a bit excessive, but everything that he learned here had really helped him. His amazing potential combined with extreme training regiment from his master had resulted in his terrifying strength and combat capability that was far from average players.

Banu sighed. He didn't say anything but in his heart, he became extremely curious about this game that really changed his junior brother.

...

After finishing his routine training, Raka headed toward his favorite place, the Home Cafe. He brought his journal with him. Today, he wanted to analyze how he can make real money from Maya. Plus, he needed to further research on his Ancient Blood Gloves' capability.

He took a seat at his usual spot. Then he glanced around as if looking for someone. Before he knew it, someone already poked him from behind.

"Looking for me?" Dania asked with a bright smile, her mood was very good today. After reading a numerous amount of books and stories, she had found some inspirations of her own.

Ragna's heart skipped a beat when he saw Dania's smile. It had been so long since he saw this smile. The last time was when they were still young and it really left a profound impression on him.

"Of course, I was wondering what kind of Cafe this is to have no waitress present," He laughed, "Dania, give me the usual."

"Alright, wait a bit. I'll be right back," She went to the kitchen for a brief moment before coming back with a hot tea and an egg sandwich. It was Raka's favorite because he didn't really like coffee.

After putting the food on the table, Dania took a seat beside Raka. Raka didn't refuse because she always accompanied him if there was no other customer.

"Is it Maya again?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm analyzing something," Raka answered while taking a sip of his hot tea. The refreshing taste of the tea made his exhausted body relax.

"You've been playing the game for a while. Is it really that good?"

"Well, I personally like this game. Plus, I just noticed that I can make some money while playing. That's why I'm putting more effort to it," He didn't think Dania's questions as a bother. Instead, he was rather happy to be accompanied by her.

Hearing Raka's answer, Dania slightly hesitated. She was unsure whether to tell Raka that she had also started playing Maya.

Suddenly, both of them heard an announcement from the TV that was put at the Cafe. It was a press conference from one of the top broadcasting companies, the Etra Media.

"What's that? Is there something huge going on?" Raka asked.

"I don't know, but I've heard that Etra Media has been preparing for a new program. One that is highly anticipated by the masses"

"Look at the headline, it's about Maya! They are releasing an exclusive program for Maya!" Ragna exclaimed.

Both of them looked attentively at the screen. Their interests were piqued by the word 'Maya'.

...

Adrian was sitting behind the table. In front of him were reporters from other channels. He sat calm and collected. Even though he was still young, there was no one who questioned his capability.

A prodigy in the broadcasting industry!

After receiving a sign from the staff, he stood up from his seat. He swept his gaze at the reporters that were waiting for him to speak. From his demeanor, it could be seen that he was already experienced in speaking to the crowds.

"We at the Etra Media believed in one thing, and that is innovation. Without the capability to adapt and innovate, there will be no place for us. No, that should apply to everyone in this industry.

After months of research, we are going to introduce you to our newest program. It's related to the current most popular issue in this country. I assume that everyone has guessed it already. Yes, it is about Maya," Adrian spoke calmly.

Everyone waited silently. They already knew that information. What they wanted to know was HOW big it would be.

"The program will be incorporating every aspect of players life and adventure inside the game. Fighting a dragon, creating a legendary weapon, and even unearthing the continent's greatest mystery. As long as it's interesting, we will be broadcasting it. Live and recorded.

Oh, and yes, we will be working together with the players. Everyone will be accepted. For those who seek glory and fame. This is the greatest opportunity."

Everyone was still waiting. This much information had already been expected.

"And finally, We are proud to announce that Etra Media has already become the official partner of Digdaya Group. We expect great things to come in the future." Adrian ended it with a smile

The crowds were in an uproar!

Everyone was dumbfounded with the sudden development. The reporters immediately jumped to ask questions. It was just too shocking!

What did being an official partner of Digdaya Group signifies? It meant a lot of influence, power, and information!

From this moment on, everyone knew that Etra Media had secured an unshakable position.