Prologue - The Tale of a Legend Part I

The bustling market hummed with life, its atmosphere thick with the cacophony of voices, laughter, and the constant exchange of goods. This was the ‘Trade Nexus’, a marketplace, unlike any other, the place where the world’s boundaries seemed to blur. It stretched on in every direction, filled with vendors who peddled wares from the ordinary to the bizarre. Stalls were adorned with neon signs, strange artifacts, and the scents of unidentifiable dishes that could turn a stomach or ignite a curiosity. The air itself felt alive, charged with energy from the countless trades that took place every second. Floating windows, shimmering with information like glowing shards of glass, hovered over everything. These system windows, displaying everything from item stats to user rankings, turned the entire marketplace into something akin to a digital game interface—except this was real.

Vibrant colors danced from every corner, as strange caged creatures tugged at their bars and huffed in the thick air. Some looked like nothing more than writhing masses of limbs, while others seemed to possess a terrifying elegance, their eyes following every passerby with intelligence and hunger. In other stalls, towering armor sets gleamed in the light—plate mail so intricate it looked as if gods had forged it, and weapons of impossible design hung on display, each one whispering of untold power.

The noise was relentless—an orchestra of bartering voices, the clang of metal, and the faint hum of distant machinery. Yet, despite the chaos, there was a strange harmony to it all. The market was a place of opportunity, a crossroads where users from every team in the realm that had passed a certain level came to buy, sell, trade, and test their strength. A place where danger lurked, but so did reward. In this oasis, surrounded by a world bent on survival, the ‘Trade Nexus’ provided a rare form of freedom.

As people moved through the aisles, a small group made their way through the throngs of shoppers. They were a curious bunch, though in this place, where strange and unique individuals were the norm, they hardly stood out. They moved with purpose, weaving through the crowd as though searching for something, but what that was remained unclear. They walked with a deliberate slowness, as if nothing could hurry them—except, perhaps, the urgency of their mission.

The first among them was a young man whose presence was impossible to ignore. Despite his youth, there was something about him that suggested experience beyond his years. His hair was a deep black, cut neatly, and his skin was pale, as if untouched by the sun. He wore a massive set of golden armor, too large for his frame, yet somehow he moved within it with ease. The armor gleamed under the overhead lights, its gilded edges catching the glow of the floating windows above. It seemed out of place on someone so young, and yet it was a perfect fit for him, as if it were an extension of his body rather than a suit of protection.

On his back rested a massive two-handed sword, its hilt so long that it surpassed the young man’s height. The blade itself was a masterpiece—shimmering with golden edges and etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly with jade energy. It was a weapon of legend, designed to strike fear into enemies' hearts. Its weight alone could crush a lesser individual, but the young man handled it as if it were no more than a simple sword. His calm demeanor and steady steps betrayed nothing about his inner thoughts, yet the faint tension in his shoulders suggested he was always alert.

"We’ve been looking for almost two hours, and we still haven’t found anyone with what we need."

The young man said, his voice calm but edged with the slightest hint of frustration. His tone was flat, as though he were simply stating a fact. His eyes scanned the crowd, drifting from one stall to another, but there was no real excitement in his gaze, only the quiet determination of someone who had seen much of the world and wasn’t easily swayed.

[Name: Ardyn Wyrmsbane] [Age: 27] [Species: Human - Rank A+] [Allegiance: 'Team Abyss'] [Points: 21,230] [Potential: S] [Origin: 'Fire and Faith: The Last Bastion']

His voice lingered in the air, but the noise of the market quickly swallowed it up. No one seemed to notice or care, caught up in their own deals and trades. Yet, for Ardyn, every passing moment felt like an eternity.

The second to speak was a woman, her presence striking despite the quiet intensity that surrounded her. She was slender, but her muscles were unmistakable, each movement a subtle testament to the strength hidden beneath her frame. Her hair, a deep red, was short and framed her face sharply, contrasting against her fair skin. Instead of walking like everyone else, she floated above the ground, her feet barely grazing the surface, as though the laws of gravity had no claim over her.

She wore an unusual uniform, tight-fitting and a deep blue, the fabric hugging her figure like a second skin. Iron shoulder pads adorned her arms, their edges sharp and angular, like they were designed to fend off strikes. Draped across her back was a black cape that billowed as she moved, the yellow fist symbol imprinted boldly in the center. It was a symbol of strength, of defiance, and it stood as a marker of her identity.

Her eyes narrowed as she glanced over at Ardyn, her posture still, yet her irritation evident. The tension between them was palpable, but it wasn’t hostility—it was something more akin to frustration. She had little patience for the boy's detached attitude, and it showed. Her tone, when she spoke, was sharp but controlled, as though trying to temper her annoyance.

"We’ve ONLY been searching for two hours."

Astra said, her voice slightly strained, though still calm.

"It’s already difficult enough to find what we're looking for, and you act as though it should have been handed to us on a silver platter."

She floated forward slightly, her eyes locking onto Ardyn’s with a quiet intensity.

"We’ve barely scratched the surface, and you’re already ready to give up? We just got here."

Her words carried the weight of someone who had seen their fair share of battles—someone who knew how to keep pushing, even when the odds were stacked against them.

[Name: Astra Force] [Age: 29] [Species: Metahuman (Variant) - Rank A] [Allegiance: 'Team Abyss'] [Points: 19,280] [Potential: S] [Origin: 'Valor and Villains: The Infinite War']

Before Ardyn could respond, an unexpected voice broke the silence—a jovial, deep laugh that seemed to come from nowhere. It was the voice of an elderly man, though his cheerful tone belied his age. Standing before them, looking up at the two much taller individuals, was a small figure whose presence was equally as striking. The man was far shorter than any of them, his head barely reaching the waist of Ardyn or Astra. He had a thick, white beard that cascaded down to his chest, making him look both wise and mischievous.

He wore a typical explorer’s outfit—a brown jacket covered in pockets, sturdy mountain shoes, and a small cap that perched atop his head, almost too small for him. His dark skin was contrasted by the bright white of his beard, and his pointed ears only added to the oddity of his appearance. But what could really catch anyone's attention were his eyes—there was a spark of youthfulness in them, an energy that contradicted his outwardly ancient appearance.

"Hohoho… Ah, it’s always a joy to see such youthful energy at work."

He chuckled, his laughter rolling off his tongue like a fond memory.

"You two argue like a couple of younglings, but it’s good to see such determination."

He laughed again, his small frame shaking with the laughter. It was clear that despite his age he still had the spirit of someone far younger. His eyes twinkled with mischief as he looked between Ardyn and Astra, clearly enjoying the playful tension between them.

[Name: Dr. Thrandal Emberlock] [Age: 265] [Species: DarkMountain Dwarf - Rank A] [Allegiance: 'Team Abyss'] [Points: 20,300] [Potential: S-] [Origin: 'Beast and Blood: The Primal Hunt']

As the laughter subsided, a fourth voice made itself known—a voice cold and methodical, cutting through the moment like a blade through the air. She stepped forward, her movements precise, her presence almost unsettling. The woman was tall, and though her skin was fair, there were strange, intricate lines etched across her body, extending even to her face. These lines seemed to pulse faintly, almost as if they were part of her biology, her very being. Her eyes were an unnatural green, lacking any pupils, staring at the world with a cold, emotionless gaze.

Her long silver hair flowed behind her, unnaturally straight and perfect, moving like a silk ribbon in the air, as if the wind had no claim over it. Her attire was not fabric, but something that had merged with her body—a red and blue suit that blended seamlessly with her skin. It looked like a piece of her anatomy, not a garment.

Her heels clicked sharply on the ground as she took a step forward, her movements calculated and almost mechanical. Every sound and action was precise and deliberate. When she spoke, her voice had a strange, electronic quality, as if the words were filtered through some unseen device, leaving behind an emotionless, flat tone.

"The probability of finding what we’re searching for here is one in one hundred thousand."

She said, her voice carrying no inflection.

"However, after the last event that took place, those odds have improved. The likelihood now stands at one in one thousand. Statistically speaking, this is the best time for us to find it."

The woman’s words hung in the air, cold and calculated, almost as if they were coming from a machine rather than a person. But beneath her mechanical tone was a subtle undercurrent of determination, the quiet force of someone who knew exactly what they were doing.

[Name: Aethera-09] [Age: 155] [Species: Artificial Intelligence - Rank A+] [Allegiance: 'Team Abyss'] [Points: 25,380] [Potential: S-] [Origin: 'Data and Dominion: The Synthetic Reign']

And finally, at the center of the group stood a young man with an appearance that blended in with the rest. He wasn’t particularly tall, nor short, nor exceptionally muscular. His dark, messy hair framed a face with amber eyes that gleamed under the dim lighting of the surroundings. He wore a somewhat disheveled black school uniform, which seemed more out of place here than the others’ outfits. His posture was slouched slightly, his head tilted downward in contemplation as he listened to the heated discussion going on around him. His mind was running at full speed, swirling with worry, trying to grasp some sense of clarity.

Despite the growing certainty that the chances of finding what they were looking for had never been higher, the young man couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that what they sought was still nearly impossible to find, and even if they did, the chances of someone actually wanting to sell or trade it were slim to none. The urgency to acquire the object was suffocating him, but there was a problem... He couldn’t remember what it was called.

His face tightened in frustration as he tried to recall the name.

“I—I need to find it. I have to get my hands on the... the...”

He trailed off, his voice faltering as the thought escaped him. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his brow furrowed, but the name just wouldn’t come. It was on the tip of his tongue, but it slipped away, dancing just out of reach.

A nervous chuckle slipped from his lips, trying to mask his rising panic. He slowly turned to his companions, offering an awkward smile as he scratched the back of his head.

“Uh... can any of you remind me what we’re actually looking for again? You know... the thing... the... um...”

He trailed off again, feeling embarrassed. The question seemed to trigger a shift in the atmosphere. Ardyn’s and Astra’s expressions darkened almost instantly and, without a word, both of them moved in perfect sync, raising their hands and delivering a simultaneous sharp smack to the back of the young man’s head. The force was enough to send a small shock through his body, and for a moment, his vision blurred. He blinked, then rubbed the back of his head in disbelief, wincing at the stinging sensation.

“Are you serious? You really forgot?”

Ardyn muttered, his tone a mixture of annoyance and exasperation, his hands still hovering in the air after the hit. Astra clicked her tongue, clearly irritated.

“This is unbelievable...”

The young man let out a nervous, sheepish laugh, rubbing his sore head.

“Okay, okay. I deserve that... I’ll do better next time!”

Thrandal chuckled softly, a jovial and unbothered sound.

“Hohoho! It’s always amusing to see such youthful energy... even when it leads to trouble.”

Aethera-09, who had been silent until now, made an odd sound. It was a digital hum, a static-like noise emanating from her. Her voice then cut through the air in its usual robotic monotone, though it held a feminine quality.

“We are looking for the L-rank Plot Device known as ‘True Ending’. It is a Plot Device that exponentially increases the rewards of a scenario once a 100% completion rate is achieved. This is the item needed for the next scenario that will occur in 60 hours and 18 minutes from now, and it was the reward for a major event held just a few days ago. Consequently, twenty teams have already acquired it.”

The young man nodded in recognition, his earlier confusion fading.

“Oh right! ‘True Ending’. Of course! How could I forget that?”

He chuckled nervously, a grin spreading across his face.

“I’ll try not to forget again... heh.”

He scratched his head, his voice faltering slightly, but before he could finish his sentence, Ardyn and Astra exchanged an exasperated glance, and then in unison, they gave him another light smack on the head. This time, the blow wasn’t as forceful, but it was enough to make him wince and let out an exaggerated groan.

Astra sighed deeply, her frustration palpable.

“It’s such a pain that ‘Team Abyss’ isn’t allowed to participate in the system’s events. At least they let us into the Trade Nexus, though.”

Ardyn snorted.

“Not even that. Getting in here is a special privilege granted to our leader.”

He said, pointing directly at the young man still rubbing his head. The young man, still reeling from the latest blow, barely raised his head as he caught Ardyn’s words. His cheeks flushed a little, embarrassed by the attention.

Astra, shaking her head, muttered.

“Right… sometimes I forget that our leader used his ‘special permit’ to make this possible... But I guess it’s made everything a lot easier for all of us.”

Thrandal laughed heartily, his deep chuckle vibrating in his chest.

“Thanks to that, our leader can also acquire things for the rest of the team, providing them with a more dignified lifestyle. Unlike us, who come from different scenarios and have already dealt with dangerous worlds, the ‘users’ are typically weak creatures in need of protection. Especially those who end up in ‘Team Abyss’.”

He gave the young man a fond look, but it was clear that he saw him as both a leader and a source of pride for their team. The young man finally stood up, stretched his arms above his head, and let out a soft groan.

“At this rate, we’re going to be here all day, so, how about we split up? We can cover more ground that way. If anyone finds what we’re looking for, just send a message to the rest of us, and we’ll meet up.”

He said while looking around, and his words were met with some begrudging nods from his teammates. While the decision was a practical one, it didn’t ease the tension in the air.

The hours passed by with relentless speed as the team searched every inch of the ‘Trade Nexus’. Their quest was driven by the same urgent need to find the elusive Plot Device, but each member approached the task in their own way, following their distinct personalities and strategies.

Ardyn was methodical and sharp, moving through the bustling marketplace with focused precision. He’d question every vendor and passerby, his piercing eyes scanning each face for a hint of information. His voice was smooth, and commanding even, as he addressed those he spoke to, his usual charisma and confidence drawing people in. He had a way of making others feel as if they wanted to help him, even when he was being direct in his inquiries. Every time someone didn’t have an answer, he would simply move on, his mind never dwelling on failure but only on what came next.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Astra, on the other hand, was much more direct. Her approach was aggressive, sometimes bordering on intimidating. She wasn’t shy about using her presence to extract the answers she needed. People would squirm under her steely gaze, and if they hesitated or showed any sign of reluctance, she would lean in closer, her tone cold and firm, making sure they understood she wasn’t going to leave without a piece of information. Her focus was unwavering, and if she didn’t find what she wanted from one person, she would move on to the next without hesitation, leaving a trail of discomfort in her wake.

Thrandal, being older and more experienced, had a more laid-back approach. He didn’t rush, taking his time to listen to people, enjoying the conversations he had along the way. His friendly demeanor often got him further than most, as people were more willing to speak with him, often revealing details they might not have shared with others. He was patient, but his mind was always working, piecing together fragments of information with the calm assurance of someone who had lived long enough to know how to extract value from every encounter.

Aethera-09’s method seemed the most efficient, albeit less human in nature. With her robotic precision, she didn’t need to engage in lengthy conversations or waste time on social pleasantries. She accessed public databases, queried systems, and searched for anything related to the Plot Device. Her digital mind processed information far faster than any of her companions, and while she lacked the emotional engagement of her teammates, she played a crucial role in narrowing down leads and uncovering hidden connections. When she did interact with people, her voice was always calm, and her monotone delivery made it clear that she had no interest in wasting time on anything other than the facts.

As the hours wore on, the group reconvened, each one with a fragment of information they had gathered. It was Astra who finally seemed to have received something substantial. She paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she accessed a system window that popped up in front of her. Her fingers moved rapidly over the interface, typing out a message to her teammates. It wasn’t long before everyone was making their way toward the designated meeting point, their steps quickening as they followed Astra’s directions.

The group gathered in front of a massive building, so enormous that even craning their necks wouldn’t give them a full view of its top. The tavern loomed before them, a towering structure that dwarfed everything in its vicinity. The walls were adorned with colorful banners, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses could be heard from the outside. It wasn’t just any tavern; it was a spectacle, an enormous space where people gathered to eat, drink, and socialize.

Astra, her posture still tense, explained what she had learned. According to the information she had gathered (which everyone knew she had likely coerced out of someone), a team called “The Great Strength” had been boasting since the previous day about how they had managed to be one of the teams to clear the last event. If this was true, it was possible they still had the Plot Device in their possession.

The team stood silently for a moment, considering their next move. Ardyn, ever the practical one, broke the silence first. He looked at the tavern and then at his companions with a raised eyebrow.

“How is it that places like this even exist? In the lobbies of every team, you can get the best food and drinks without spending more than a single point. And here, a simple beer costs no less than 200 points.”

He asked, his tone laced with disbelief. Aethera-09 responded in her usual mechanical tone, unbothered by the confusion in Ardyn’s voice.

“It is an illogical behavior by humans. There is no reason for such establishments to exist here.”

Thrandal, however, interrupted her gently, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

“It’s the same reason there are restaurants and entertainment spaces in the ‘Trade Nexus’.”

He said with a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

“Unlike us, all of the users have been unwillingly separated from their homes, from their lives. It’s not unusual for people to want to recreate something familiar, something that makes them feel more at home. After all, you never truly appreciate what you have until it’s gone, and then, the regret settles in.”

Thrandal’s words hung in the air for a moment, the weight of them sinking in. He looked up at the tavern, his eyes reflecting a quiet longing, a sense of loss that perhaps only those who had been through as much as he had could understand.

The young man in the black uniform, still looking up at the enormous tavern, took a deep breath. His resolve was clear. They had a lead, and they couldn’t afford to waste any more time.

“Let’s get inside, we’ve got work to do.”

He said, his voice steady. So without wasting any more time, the group entered the tavern. The heavy wooden doors swung open with a creak, revealing the interior in all its sprawling grandeur. The tavern was a blend of modern sleekness and fantastical elements, creating a unique atmosphere. It was vast, the high ceiling stretching far above, with intricate chandeliers hanging down, their warm light reflecting off the polished stone floors. Long, thick wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, supporting massive structures that seemed more like medieval constructions than anything contemporary. The walls were adorned with vibrant tapestries and glowing runes that shifted slightly, casting faint illuminations that felt otherworldly.

The air was filled with the sounds of bustling activity: the clink of mugs, the chatter of customers, and the occasional burst of laughter. Waitresses, all of them users themselves, dashed back and forth between the tables, balancing trays stacked high with food and drinks. Their outfits were sleek and practical, yet stylish, with subtle nods to traditional tavern wear mixed with futuristic accessories like glowing wristbands and floating trays. Though the atmosphere was loud and chaotic, there was a strange order to it. The customers were enjoying themselves, but there were no visible signs of trouble or conflict. After all, the ‘Trade Nexus’ had a strict security system. Any violence or use of restricted skills outside the designated areas was met with immediate penalties or expulsion, a consequence that everyone feared deeply.

The group weaved their way through the busy tavern, eyes scanning the sea of faces and conversations. There were groups of people hunched over tables, engaged in heated debates, others laughing over shared jokes, and a few playing strange games that looked like they had their own set of rules. One table, in particular, caught Thrandal’s attention. Two men were having a rather intense discussion over a bowl of some kind of glowing soup. Thrandal stopped briefly, leaning in to catch a fragment of their conversation, which made him chuckle quietly. One of the men was trying to explain to the other that he could use the soup to “level up” his luck, but it was clear that neither of them had any idea what they were talking about.

They continued searching until, after some time, Astra’s sharp eyes finally locked onto the group they had been searching for. Seven people sat at a large, round table toward the back of the tavern, their faces partially obscured by the dim lighting. But it was clear from their attire that they were the ones. Almost all of them wore leather jackets, with bizarre spikes protruding from the shoulders, giving them a menacing and almost coordinated appearance. It was exactly as Astra had been told. The “The Great Strength” team.

The young man in the black uniform took the lead. He approached their table, his posture confident but cautious. He straightened his back, looking at the group with a quiet intensity. As he drew closer, one of the men, who looked to be the leader, looked up, his expression hard and uninviting.

“Good evening, my name is Jeongu Kim, we are looking for the members of “The Great Strength” team”

Said the boy, revealing his name and his Korean heritage.

“And who wants to know?”

The opposing group’s leader barked, his voice rough, eyes narrowing in suspicion, however, Jeongu didn’t flinch.

“We’re looking for someone who has the Plot Device ‘True Ending’.We need it.”

He said, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable edge. The leader let out a low chuckle, clearly amused.

“Oh? You need it?”

He leaned back in his chair, smirking at Kim.

“Well, we have it. We won the last Bounty Hunter event. But don’t think we’ll just hand it over.”

Jeongu raised an eyebrow.

“Would you be willing to sell it?”

He asked, his tone casual, though his eyes were sharp with intent.

The man laughed, a mocking sound that filled the space around them.

“Sell it? Sure. I’ll sell it to you for a million points.”

He said, grinning as his companions erupted in laughter.

Kim didn’t break eye contact. Without hesitation, he pulled up a system window and typed something quickly. The leader’s expression faltered when his own system window suddenly lit up with a trade offer from the boy.

For a brief moment, silence swept over the table. The man blinked, his smug grin faltering as his eyes moved from the offer to Jeongu. The rest of his team fell silent, the surprise hanging in the air.

“No way!”

One of the other members muttered, disbelief in his voice. The leader finally chuckled, shaking his head.

“For a moment there, you actually made me think you had that kind of resources, but you’re just a weakling. No way in hell you have an amount even remotely close to a million points.”

He said, voice dripping with sarcasm. Jeongu didn’t flinch. He waited as the man accepted the trade, eyes not leaving his screen. After a few seconds, the leader opened his trade window, and to his shock, he saw the offer still intact—exactly one million points.

The group’s laughter stopped abruptly. The tension in the air grew thick, and the leader was left speechless, staring at the screen.

“What... what is this?”

He muttered, unable to hide his surprise. His team members, too, were staring in shock, their mouths agape. Seconds passed in stunned silence before the leader leaned back in his chair, processing what had just happened. He turned to the man next to him, whispering something in his ear. The exchange seemed to take a long time, but finally, the leader looked back at Jeongu and shook his head.

“Actually, I’ve got a better idea.”

He said, his tone shifting.

“Why don’t we make this more interesting? We’ll make it an official duel. If we lose, we’ll give you the Plot Device. But you’ll wager all the points you have on the line.”

Astra, who had been quiet until now, snapped.

“You think we’re just going to gamble like that?”

She shouted, her voice filled with fury, but the leader smiled wickedly.

“Because that’s how the system works, sweetheart. No one ever said it was going to be easy.”

Astra took a step forward, clearly ready to charge at him, but Jeongu Kim raised his hand, stopping her with a single gesture.

“Wait…”

He said, his voice calm but firm. He looked back at the leader.

“I’ll accept your challenge, but I’d still like to propose that you just sell it to me. It’s a simple transaction.”

The leader’s smirk deepened.

“No deal, it’s the duel, or nothing.”

Jeongu sighed, his fingers brushing against the edge of his jacket as he considered his options.

“Fine. A duel it is.”

And so, the challenge was set. The tension in the air thickened, and everyone around the table could feel the weight of what was about to unfold.

The group made their way through the bustling streets of the ‘Trade Nexus’, with both teams walking side by side, though the tension between them was palpable. Astra kept her arms crossed and glared at the members of "The Great Strength" as they exchanged smug glances, their leader leading the pack with a cocky stride. Kim, on the other hand, remained calm and composed, his black uniform pristine and his expression unreadable.

Finally, they arrived at the Coliseum, a massive structure of sleek metal and glowing runes that pulsed faintly with energy. The entrance was marked by two towering statues of faceless warriors, their weapons crossed above the archway. A steady stream of users filed in and out of the building, some already in combat gear, others still discussing their strategies. Inside, the air was alive with excitement, the distant sound of clashes echoing through the halls.

The Coliseum was a marvel of modern design and fantasy ingenuity. Its interior was vast, with the main arena encased in a shimmering dome of protective energy.

This glowing dome was more than a protective barrier; it was an intricate system that ensured the safety and restoration of all combatants. No matter the level of damage sustained during a fight, the Coliseum would instantly heal and return any user to their normal state once the battle concluded. Wounds, exhaustion, and even torn clothing would vanish as if the fight had never occurred. Furthermore, treasures and skills used during combat didn’t consume resources or durability while within the arena, making it the ideal place for sparring or testing strategies.

The most remarkable feature, however, was the system’s prevention of lethal outcomes. The moment a combatant suffered a potentially fatal blow, the dome’s protective mechanisms would activate, expelling them from the arena with a flash of light. This was universally recognized as a K.O., with the defeated party safely returned to the spectator stands, unharmed but undoubtedly humbled. For many users, this function made the Coliseum the ultimate training ground and proving stage, as it allowed them to push their limits without fear of permanent consequences.

Around the arena were tiered seating arrangements that stretched high, offering spectators an unobstructed view of the fights below. Holographic displays floated above, showing details of ongoing matches and rankings. The ambient lighting shifted depending on the intensity of the matches, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.

The leader of "The Great Strength" chuckled loudly, breaking the silence.

“This place never gets old. Perfect for showing weaklings their place.”

He strode confidently toward the central console, where settings for duels were configured. Kim stood with his team a few steps away, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders in preparation. Astra, still fuming, watched the opposing team with narrowed eyes. She muttered under her breath.

“I can’t believe you’re going through with this, Kim. They’re obviously going to try something underhanded.”

Kim gave her a small, reassuring smile.

“It’s fine. Let them play their games.”

The leader of the enemy team tapped on the console, grinning widely.

“Alright, here’s the deal. It’ll be a sparring match until K.O. No tricks, just a straightforward brawl.”

He laughed again, his voice booming through the open space. As the system chimed, signaling that the duel’s settings had been locked, a notification appeared for both teams.

[If both parties agree, please place your wagers in the system.]

The leader wasted no time. He stepped forward, placing his hand on a glowing screen. A window appeared, displaying the stakes: the L-rank Plot Device “True Ending”. He smirked, stepping back to watch Kim’s reaction.

The boy began walking toward the console when Ardyn, standing to the side, grabbed his shoulder gently.

“Kim, you know they’re...”

But the boy cut him off with a calm but firm tone.

“I know. But it doesn’t matter.”

He shrugged off Ardyn’s hand and stepped forward.

The console lit up as Kim placed his hand on it. A loud, metallic sound of coins echoed through the room, signifying the transfer of his points into the system. The display updated, revealing the amount wagered by Kim: 3.8 million points.

The entire arena fell silent for a brief moment. The leader’s smirk faltered, his eyes widening in disbelief. His team erupted into laughter and shouts of jubilation, clapping each other on the back as if they had already won the jackpot.

“Holy hell! Did you see that?!”

One of them exclaimed, practically doubling over with laughter.

“This guy just handed us his multiple life savings!”

Another chimed in,

“It’s like the gods themselves are smiling on us today!”

The leader, now regaining his composure, barked a laugh.

“You’ve got guts, kid, I’ll give you that. But guts won’t save you when you’re on the ground eating dirt.”

Before anyone could respond, a bright flash enveloped both teams. In an instant, Kim and the opposing group were transported to the arena, while the spectators, including Kim’s team, found themselves seated in private viewing areas. Transparent energy fields separated them from the action below, offering a perfect view of the battlefield.

The arena was a circular platform surrounded by an endless expanse of simulated sky, the ground beneath them glowing faintly with runic symbols. The boy stood in one corner, his stance relaxed but his eyes sharp. Across from him, the leader of "The Great Strength" stood confidently—flanked by all six of his teammates.

Their laughter echoed through the arena as they exchanged high-fives and taunts.

“Man, today’s our lucky day!”

One of them called out.

“Hey, kid, you really thought you’d be fighting just me? Nah, we’re all in this. Consider it a bonus challenge for you.”

The leader shouted, pointing at Kim, but he didn’t flinch. He adjusted his gloves, his expression steady.

“That wasn’t the agreement.”

He said calmly.

“Agreement? The only thing that matters here is who’s left standing, that’s entirely on your stupidity.”

The leader sneered. From the viewing area, Astra slammed her hand against the energy field.

“You cheating bastards!”

The leader smirked, looking over his shoulder at her.

“Cry all you want, sweetheart. Rules here are pretty flexible.”

Kim raised a hand, silencing Astra before she could escalate further and finally sighted, the sound almost imperceptible amidst the tension of the Coliseum. He had expected this turn of events the moment the opposing team leader had set the duel parameters without consulting anyone. Whether it was a one-on-one fight or against all seven opponents, it didn’t matter. Losing had never been an option for him—not when his team desperately needed the Plot Device.

He stretched his arms calmly, focusing as two distinct weapons materialized in his hands. In his right hand, a sleek katana shimmered, its blade reflecting the faint light of the Coliseum. In his left hand, an imposing greatsword materialized, heavy and brutal, its edge jagged and menacing. The opposing leader’s laughter echoed across the arena, his voice dripping with amusement and disbelief.

“I don’t know what kind of monster you are, kid, to have accumulated that many points, but we’re not taking any chances here.”

The man said, gesturing at Kim as though he were some kind of anomaly and raising his arm dramatically, activating a system prompt. A translucent screen appeared above him, accompanied by a cold, robotic voice.

⌠Notice: L-class Plot Device: ‘Useless Without Powers’ has been used.⌡ ⌠All of the user’s Jeongu Kim skills have been sealed and will remain inaccessible until the end of the scenario (Duel).⌡

The leader smirked as the system’s announcement faded, his confidence palpable.

“Don’t worry, we’re not heartless. We’ll end this quickly and spare you any unnecessary suffering and...”

He said, his voice mockingly kind. But before he could finish his sentence, Kim’s body was already behind him. The transition was so seamless, so swift, that no one registered the movement until it was far too late.

The leader’s expression froze as his body was suddenly wracked with pain. Dozens of slashes appeared across his torso and limbs, bloodless yet precise. The system detected the lethal damage instantly, and his body began to disintegrate into particles of light. His figure vanished entirely, leaving only stunned silence in his wake as the system expelled him to the spectator stands.

The remaining members of “The Great Strength” continued laughing, their mirth turning into uneasy chuckles as they slowly processed what had just happened. One of them finally broke the silence, yelling,

“That’s impossible! His skills are sealed—there’s no way he could’ve done that!”

But as the words left his mouth, Kim was already behind them, moving with the same eerie, untraceable speed. He walked slowly this time, his steps deliberate, the katana and greatsword dragging slightly on the ground as if taunting his opponents.

Before they could react, five of the six remaining team members felt the same sensation as their leader—sharp, precise cuts across their bodies. The system wasted no time in registering the damage, expelling each one in quick succession with flashes of light. Their shocked expressions lingered for only a moment before they were removed from the arena.

The fight had ended so quickly that even the spectators, who watched intently from the stands, could not comprehend what had happened. The only sound was the faint hum of the arena’s mechanisms as the dust settled.

Kim turned slowly to face the last remaining member of “The Great Strength.” The man collapsed to the ground, trembling violently, his face pale and drenched with sweat. He looked up at Kim with wide, terrified eyes.

“H-how… How are you still using skills?”

He stammered, his voice cracking.

“The Plot Device sealed them! You… you shouldn’t be able to do this!”

Kim tilted his head slightly, his expression almost childlike in its confusion.

“Skills?”

He repeated, his voice calm and steady.

“I’m not using any skills… I don’t have any skills.”

The man’s mouth opened as if to speak, but no sound came out. His mind tried to grasp the implications of Kim’s words, but before he could respond, his body was struck with the same precise cuts. The system registered the lethal damage immediately, and with a final, terrified gasp, the last opponent was expelled from the arena.

The system’s voice echoed once more, emotionless and final.

⌠Victory: Jeongu Kim⌡

Kim stood alone in the now-silent arena as his points were returned to him in full. The total, displayed briefly above his head, was as overwhelming as it was shocking. A new notification followed, confirming the transfer of the L-class Plot Device, “True Ending”.

He exhaled quietly, his weapons disappearing into wisps of light. Turning toward the viewing stands, he locked eyes with his team, who watched with a mix of awe and relief. Without a word, he began walking toward the exit, the faint hum of the Coliseum fading behind him.

[Name: Jeongu Kim] [Age: 19] [Species: Human - Rank S+] [Allegiance: 'Team Abyss'] [Points: 3,805,620] [Potential: S+] [Titles: ‘Simple Hero’] [Skills: None] [Personal Skill: ‘The Hero who loves his friends (Sealed)’]