The noon sun blazed in the sky, casting its radiant light over a sprawling, vibrant city. Majestic towers, some ancient and others showcasing modern innovation, punctuated the skyline. The streets bustled with champions of various races, adding to the city's lively atmosphere. Unlike the usual solitary figures seen in most cities, groups of champions, ranging from three to five members, moved together through the bustling streets.
Scott lounged in a park chair, arms folded across his chest, watching the passersby with casual interest. It had been eight days since the asura's death, and he had only reached the first neutral ground a few hours earlier.
Several champions cast curious glances his way, their attention caught by the eerie mask of the eldritch spawn he wore. However, no one approached him, especially after noting his solitude.
“Did I mess up?” Scott murmured, scanning the park's surroundings. “Isn't this the place we agreed to meet?”
His gaze darted from one champion to another, but he couldn't spot any of his companions.
“What the fuck are they doing?” Scott muttered, pushing himself to his feet.
He turned left and then right, his eyes lighting up as he spotted a group of female champions from various races enjoying a picnic. Laughter and conversation filled the air as they shared bites from their lunches. As some of the women noticed Scott approaching, their expressions soured. The others followed suit, their faces reflecting annoyance. Apart from Scott's unsettling appearance, they had grown weary of unsolicited attention; after all, many of them were universally considered beautiful.
Scott's shadow stretched across the group as he came to a stop. His impassive eyes met those of the women, who looked back at him with indifference and a hint of judgment. Unperturbed, Scott spoke up, “Is this Park 05? I'm still getting to know the area.”
Several women exchanged eye rolls, convinced that Scott had ulterior motives. They'd heard every pickup line in the book and assumed he was trying to strike up a conversation.
The atmosphere grew tense, punctuated by the casual chatter of the women who seemed to dismiss Scott.
Scott’s eyes narrowed slightly, gearing up to speak once more. Before he could, a voice rang out from a distance, “Move along, buddy. They're not interested.”
Scott turned to see a group of champions, mostly human, approaching briskly. The man who had spoken wore a kimono, as did the others in his group. What caught Scott's attention, however, was the striking baldness at the center of their heads, smoother and shinier than polished marble. Each sported a topknot, and katanas of various sizes hung from their belts as they closed the gap with purposeful strides.
Who the fuck are these weirdos? Scott mused as he lazily awaited their arrival.
The group appeared suddenly, led by the man who had spoken earlier. He approached Scott with a smile.
As they stood side by side, he leaned in close to Scott's ear. “What are you still doing here? Leave,” he whispered.
Scott chuckled softly and shook his head. Is this really happening? he thought. He'd read about moments like this but never expected to experience one himself. He'd only approached the women because they were nearby. If he'd known drama would unfold, he'd have chosen another group.
Amused by the absurdity, Scott watched the samurai's expression shift. The samurai’s hawk-like eyes fixed on the masked knight, and he prepared to speak. However, Scott interrupted, “I'm not interested in whatever this is supposed to be. Find someone else to make you look good.”
As he turned to leave, three samurai blocked his path. Scott chuckled again. Do they realize how ridiculous they look? he wondered, holding back laughter.
“Is there a problem?” Scott asked, meeting their gazes with dispassionate eyes. The samurai hesitated, hands inching toward their weapons, a strange unease settling over them.
One finally spoke up. “You can't leave until Patrick-dono gives permission.”
Laughter erupted from Scott and the surrounding crowd. The samurai's faces flushed with embarrassment as they quickly retreated, especially when the women they'd approached joined in the laughter.
As Scott resumed his departure, he caught sight of a familiar face in the distance: Orion waved and hurried over.
It seems I'm in the right place after all, Scott thought as he approached the mage.
Orion bombarded Scott with questions as they closed the distance. “What are you doing here? We've been waiting at Park O-5. Did you get lost? It's 'O' for Oscar, not zero-five.”
A wry smile played on Scott’s lips. “I knew that,” he said, unashamed. “I was on my way.”
“Right,” Orion muttered, adjusting his glasses. The last time they'd met was two days ago, discussing their meetup point. Curiosity gnawed at him, especially after Scott's cryptic words before disappearing.
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“Is the asura dead?” Orion suddenly asked, readjusting his glasses.
Scott nodded solemnly, and the mage sighed softly. “I knew this would happen sooner or later,” Orion muttered, shaking his head. “It was only a matter of time before someone became enamored with the creature and claimed it for themselves,” he added, focusing on Scott.
“Did you know they have the ability to enhance someone's mental capabilities and domain?” Orion asked.
“I found out recently,” Scott replied quickly as they quietly left the area.
“I wasn't sure if you knew or just weren't interested. If I'd known you weren't aware, I would've told you. It would have preferred you to have it rather than someone else,” Orion said.
“Is that how you see me?” Scott chuckled, paying little attention to the mage's words. “Even if I had known, I have no interest in something like that,” he said, coming to a stop.
Orion paused as well, and Scott's voice broke the silence again. “You're a domain user, aren't you?”
Orion grinned, adjusting his glasses slowly. “Yes, you've figured it out, haven't you?”
Scott nodded slowly. He'd always wondered how the mage could wield so many fascinating abilities, but after experiencing Alex's domain, he understood.
“What's it called?” Scott asked, continuing to walk. Orion quickly caught up.
“I'm not great at naming things,” Orion admitted with a chuckle. “For now, I'm calling it the 'Data World.'”
“You're right, your naming could use some work,” Scott laughed, then asked, “Have you reached level 70?”
“Not yet, I'm close but not quite there,” Orion replied. “I can tell by your questions that you've encountered the Asura's murderer and likely experienced their domain, which probably gave you a suppressive sensation,” he added with a smile. “Unlike most domain users, some of us, like me, can activate ours permanently without affecting the area's laws.”
Orion paused, coughing slightly. “There are rare cases like mine where people have domains without being sponsored.”
Scott stopped, narrowing his gaze. “Go on,” he prompted.
“If you know about domains, you must be familiar with the Rule of Absolute too,” Orion said, throwing a question at the eldritch knight.
Scott nodded, and Orion continued, “Well, there's a third category. Our numbers are likely so small that it's irrelevant to classify us. We enjoy the benefits of both worlds without necessarily reaching the pinnacle of either. If you had asked me if I use the Rule of Absolute earlier, my answer would have been the same too.”
Scott nodded silently as they walked, with Orion trailing a step or two behind. Scott opened his inventory and retrieved an oblong pendant the size of a small lighter. “This is what I mentioned before. By accepting this, you're agreeing to any restrictions placed on you. Do you still want it?” Scott asked, extending his right hand toward the mage.
Orion grinned and reached for the pendant without hesitation. “I'm not worried about that,” he said, tucking the pendant away smoothly. “Given enough time, those restrictions would be useless to me anyway. Besides, I've no interest in betraying you.” He adjusted his glasses and added, “Sticking with you promises more fun than wandering alone.”
“You might regret that later,” Scott replied, his smile unseen but evident in his tone.
Orion's brows shot up, and he smiled, tapping his hidden breast pocket while murmuring softly. They continued their trek in silence, ignoring the champions and festivities around them.
From the corner of his eye, Scott spotted a massive digital noticeboard displaying a variety of items, from rare herbs and potions to missing people and recruitment adverts. Wanted posters flashed across the board, causing both Scott and Orion to pause.
“Surely my eyes aren't deceiving me,” Orion mused, a lingering trace of amusement in his voice as he stared at a crudely drawn but unmistakably similar depiction of them. “Isn't that you, me, and our late friend?” he said pointing to some posters at the topmost right corner of the screen.
“Slim's there too,” Scott noted, pointing to the top left of the screen.
“The rewards for capturing us seem to be in code,” Orion noticed, studying the cryptic markings beneath their pictures.
It didn't take much thought for them to guess who was behind the posters—the Shadow Syndicate—the group that had pursued them since they entered the Ranking Games.
“What's your plan?” Orion asked Scott.
Scott turned from the screen as a new advert appeared. “Nothing. We'll deal with them when the time is right. We should meet up with the others. There's much to discuss.”
“No need,” Orion smirked, nodding ahead. “They're here.”
Almost instantly, Scott felt a familiar sensation against his arm and caught a familiar scent.
“I've missed you,” Llorva whispered, nuzzling Scott's clothes.
Scott turned to see Slim and Zara approaching, both smiling broadly. Slim, as always, wore a dapper three-piece suit that drew attention, especially from the ladies. Zara, in contrast, wore a snow-white robe with unique blood splatter markings on the sleeves and blood-red boots. Most people regarded her with caution, keeping their distance.
“Buddy, how long has it been?” Slim exclaimed, arms wide. “Feels like just yesterday we were running from that sand wall. Are you good?” He bearhugged Scott and Llorva, who clung to Scott.
“I can't believe you haven't changed your clothes since then. Come with me; I know a guy who can fix you up,” Slim said, grinning as he let go of Scott and Llorva.
Scott shifted his gaze to Zara, who blushed as she approached him in slow but deliberate steps. Without a word, she embraced him and whispered, “I’ve missed you. I’m glad you’re safe.” She quickly pulled away, lightly punching Scott's shoulder as she stepped back, before chasing after Slim who had been teasing her as she hugged Scott.
Slim, dodging Zara's playful jabs, suddenly inquired, “Hey buddy, where's your asura friend? He's not running late, is he?”
“He was killed,” Scott replied somberly.
Zara and Slim halted their antics, moving closer to Scott. “I'm sorry, buddy. Are you okay?” Slim asked, placing a comforting hand on Scott's shoulder.
Zara shot Slim a sharp look. “What kind of question is that? Of course he's not okay.” She turned to Scott, her expression softening. “I'm really sorry about your friend. We're here for you, pay no attention to bone head over there,” she said, glaring at Slim.
“Bone head?” Slim suppressed a smirk, meeting Zara's intense gaze. He nodded, patting Scott's shoulder in solidarity.
Scott didn’t know how react. Llorva's hug tightened around him, and he felt a cold, slightly sticky touch on his finger. Fi-Fi was comforting him too in its miniaturized form too.
“Did you find the person responsible?” Zara's voice dripped with anger.
“Yes,” Scott confirmed with a nod. “That's partly why I wanted us to meet. I have something important to discuss.”
“What is it, buddy? You're not usually this serious,” Slim prodded, intrigued by Scott's solemn tone.
“We need to find somewhere private to talk. And be prepared,” Scott cautioned. “After this, we might not be traveling together anymore.”