He spent the rest of the time meticulously working on his strategy for Epoch Online, jotting down ideas, and recalling valuable information about quests, rare items, and hidden locations. His memories from the future were like a treasure map, each piece of information a potential advantage that could set him and his new guild on the path to greatness.
As he dug deeper into his memories, one particular detail stood out—something he had once dismissed as a joke. He recalled a bizarre moment from his time in the game: on the brink of death, he had killed a human player, and the kill feed had shown something unexpected.
'You killed Arclight (Human) (Planet Sepis).
You get 1 civilization contribution point.'
At the time, Arthur had been too focused on survival to think much of it, but now the implications were staggering. Epoch Online was incredibly advanced, far beyond any technology on their planet. It was almost as if he had been transported to another world.
Arthur thought, Even though I was a vice guild leader of a grade 3 guild, the information we gathered never mentioned anything about other continents or races.
While there were familiar fantasy races like Elves, Dwarves, and Giants, human players couldn’t fully convert to these races. The possibility that other human civilizations existed on different planets was mind-boggling.
If what I think is true, Arthur mused, then Epoch Online isn’t just a game. It might even be a war between civilizations.
The realization hit him hard. This wasn't just about rebuilding his legacy or avenging past betrayals. If Epoch Online was a battleground for interplanetary conflict, then every move he made in the game could have far-reaching consequences in the real world. The stakes were higher than he had ever imagined, and Arthur knew that his second chance came with responsibilities and dangers he was only beginning to comprehend.
Determined, he continued planning, his mind racing with possibilities and strategies. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it head-on, not just as a player but as a leader in a much larger game.
Later that evening, Arthur arrived at the meetup. The venue was buzzing with energy, filled with students excitedly discussing the upcoming launch of Epoch Online. The air was thick with anticipation, and every corner was filled with debates over the best VR setups, guilds, and strategies. Arthur scanned the room and quickly spotted Mayon and their friends gathered near a corner table, engrossed in conversation.
Mayon waved him over, a big grin on his face. "Arthur, over here!"
Arthur smiled and made his way toward the group. As he approached, he couldn’t help but notice how young and carefree everyone looked. He greeted Mayon with a hug, taking in the familiar face that had aged ten years in his memories but was now full of youthful energy. “Long time no see,” Arthur joked, his tone light.
Mayon laughed, patting him on the back. “Bro, we just met four days ago!”
Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. It was surreal how time had rewound so drastically for him, and every moment felt both nostalgic and new. “Yeah, right. It just feels longer.”
Mayon shrugged with a smile. “That’s what happens when you get wrapped up in game hype. Anyway, what’s up with this meetup?”
Arthur glanced around, noting the familiar faces from their university. He remembered how this gathering had originally gone—a few harmless drinks and laughter, before a group from another college had turned it into a chaotic brawl over a bet. But tonight, things were going to be different. Arthur wasn’t here just to socialize; he was here to change the course of what was coming.
“Just wanted to catch up and get hyped for Epoch, I guess,” Arthur replied casually. But in his mind, he was already running through the events of the night, the encounter that would lead to the fight, and how he would handle it this time around.
Mayon nodded, picking up a drink. “Yeah, everyone’s talking about which guilds to join. Immortal Light’s got a big presence here, too.”
Arthur’s expression darkened slightly at the mention of Immortal Light, the guild that had played a significant role in his downfall. He had no intention of crossing paths with them again—at least, not in the way they might have expected. Tonight, they weren’t the main event, and he had other priorities.
Suddenly, a group of boys and girls entered the pre-booked floor with a huge fanfare, completely oblivious to everyone around them. They were loud, arrogant, and immediately made their presence known, brushing past tables and dismissing anyone who wasn’t part of their entourage. They were students from the Primary University of Windcrest City—Arthur recognized them instantly.
Leading the group was a tall, brawny man whose presence filled the room with an air of cocky authority. Arthur's eyes narrowed as he recognized the familiar figure: Bucky, known in the game as Dazzle Light, the very same guild leader of the Thunder Knights who had betrayed him and driven a sword into his back.
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Arthur’s jaw tightened as memories of betrayal surged forward. Bucky, with his arrogant smirk and towering physique, was the embodiment of every backstab and betrayal Arthur had endured. In another timeline, Arthur might have cowered, avoided eye contact, or tried to stay out of Bucky’s line of sight. But not this time.
Bucky and his crew swaggered over to the secondary university group, acting like they owned the place. He raised his voice, making sure everyone on the floor heard him. “Alright, listen up! When Epoch launches, any of you who think you’ve got what it takes can join my guild—if you beat one of us in a duel. And don’t worry about funding. The Primary University is backing us, and if things go well, the city will pitch in too.”
The room buzzed with murmurs and gasps. In their world, a guild wasn’t just a group of players—it was practically a business, with real-world stakes and investments. Bucky’s promise of institutional support was a big deal, and it wasn’t lost on anyone just how much of a head start that would give him.
Bucky soaked up the attention, his grin growing wider as he saw the stunned reactions. His confidence was sky-high, and he knew he had the allure of resources and connections that would draw people in like moths to a flame. To him, everyone here was either a potential follower or just another nobody to step over on his way to the top.
Arthur watched from the side, keeping his face neutral. This wasn’t his first encounter with Bucky’s arrogance, and it wouldn’t be the last. He could see through the flashy promises—the charm offensive that masked Bucky’s real nature. Arthur knew all too well that Bucky was more about control than camaraderie, more about looking down on others than lifting them up.
Mayon leaned in and whispered, “Man, he’s really going all out, huh? But you know Bucky—he’s always got an angle.”
Arthur nodded slightly; his eyes fixed on Bucky. “Yeah, he’s selling a dream, but it’s one with strings attached. He’s not looking for equals; he’s looking for pawns.” Arthur’s voice was calm, but the resolve in it was clear. He’d seen this play out before, and he had no intention of falling into the same trap again.
Bucky noticed Arthur’s group watching and decided to turn his focus their way. His smirk widened, dripping with the kind of arrogance that had always grated on Arthur’s nerves. “Oh, Arthur, isn’t it? Still hanging onto that solo act? Why don’t you join us? Might be the best chance you’ve got to learn something real this time.”
Arthur met Bucky’s gaze without flinching, a small, almost amused smile playing on his lips. “Thanks, but I’ve got my own plans.”
Bucky’s smirk faltered for a split second—Arthur’s lack of reaction wasn’t what he’d expected. He was hoping for a sign of hesitation or maybe even a flicker of doubt, but Arthur just stood there, cool and composed, like he was already ten steps ahead.
Bucky then ignored him but behind his back he signaled two of his lackeys
“What you scared of us, or the great Arthur thinks he can get famous being solo” One of the lackey ridiculed.
Bucky turned his back on Arthur, pretending to dismiss him, but Arthur caught the subtle hand signal Bucky gave to two of his lackeys. Moments later, one of them stepped forward, his voice dripping with mockery.
“What’s the matter, Arthur? Scared of a little competition? Or maybe the legendary Arthur thinks he’s too good for a guild and can go solo to fame and glory!” the lackey taunted, his words laced with disdain. The other lackey snickered, clearly enjoying the chance to take a cheap shot.
Arthur kept his expression calm, but inside, he felt a flicker of irritation. It was a familiar routine—Bucky’s lackeys trying to rile him up, hoping to provoke a reaction that would make them look tough in front of everyone. Arthur knew better than to take the bait; he had no interest in engaging in a petty back-and-forth.
Last time, Bucky's crew had succeeded in riling them up, and it seemed like they were trying the same tactics again. Arthur glanced to his right, and just as he remembered, Mayon’s face was flushed with anger. He clenched his fists, stepping forward with a fiery look in his eyes.
“You punk! Just because you’ve got a backer now, you think you can run your mouth like that?” Mayon snapped, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of everyone nearby. The irritation was clear in his tone, his frustration bubbling over as he glared at Bucky’s lackeys.
Arthur could feel the tension mounting, a sense of déjà vu washing over him. The last time this happened, Mayon’s temper had led them straight into the trap, a provocation that ended in embarrassment and bruises. Arthur knew he couldn’t let things spiral out of control again, not when he had a second chance to change the outcome.
Arthur placed a firm hand on Mayon’s shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod. “Mayon, let me handle this.”
He turned to Bucky, his eyes locked onto him with a calm yet challenging stare. “Bucky, you up for a fight?”
Bucky’s smirk faltered, replaced by a scowl. He didn’t appreciate Arthur’s nonchalant attitude. “You really think your scrawny self can take a hit from me?”
Arthur shrugged, his expression unfazed. “That’s not for you to decide.”
The room went quiet, a buzz of anticipation rippling through the crowd. The students quickly cleared a space, eager to see what would unfold. Fights were nothing unusual on Theia; with the emphasis on brain development, maintaining a strong body was just as critical, and many saw these brawls as a test of character and resolve.
Bucky rolled up his sleeves, cracking his knuckles. “Alright then, let’s see if you can back up that talk,” he growled, stepping forward with a cocky swagger.
The fight was under Sky Eye’s jurisdiction, so everything was above board and by the rules. A surveillance drone zipped over to the action, followed by a middle-aged referee who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.
The judge eyed both fighters, barely interested. “Ready?”
Arthur and Bucky nodded, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation.
Bucky charged first, his eyes narrowing with focus. He threw a feigned punch at Arthur’s face, a classic bait-and-switch that masked his real intent—a sneaky grappling move. It was the kind of tactic that would trip up anyone not used to street-level brawling.
Arthur, unfazed, sidestepped smoothly with a smirk. He caught the opening and whipped a kick right into Bucky’s gut, catching him mid-move. Bucky’s body folded like a lawn chair, his breath leaving him in a pained wheeze. He dropped to his knees, coughing and staring up at Arthur, disbelief plastered on his face.
“How…?” Bucky sputtered, still trying to wrap his head around what just happened.
Arthur didn’t waste a beat. With a quick knife-hand strike to Bucky’s neck, he sent him sprawling unconscious on the floor. The whole thing lasted seconds, leaving the onlookers stunned.
Arthur straightened up, brushing off imaginary dust from his clothes, maintaining a cool demeanor. The crowd around them was absolutely silent, the tension palpable as everyone processed what had just happened. Arthur glanced over at Mayon, who stood frozen, his face painted with shock and disbelief. Arthur simply shrugged, his expression relaxed, as if to say, "No big deal."