> Area: Stratopoint Sigma — MetaCore Corrupted Zone
IRL Time: Morning
Level: 10
Objective Progress: 84% (Dual-Mode Revolver Project)
The metallic ruins of Stratopoint Sigma stretched like the bones of a mechanical titan. Ancient military bulletin boards still crackled, broadcasting obsolete orders into the void. Deactivated drones hung from the ceiling like iron bats.
Z3RO advanced cautiously between the carcasses, his revolver in hand. He wore a new armored vest, recovered from a secondary cache. His footsteps stirred up a black, almost living magnetic dust.
> "B.I.T. System: No movement detected on immediate thermal sensors. The central unit should be in the Sigma-4 bunker."
— Finally... I'll be able to stabilize this damn weapon.
He consulted his interface:
> Pulse Revolver — Mode: Unstable (Critical Overheat after 2 shots)
Required Stabilizer: N-E3 Core
A sigh. He gripped the grip of his weapon and plunged into one of the unhinged tunnels.
Unexpected Detonation
As he opened the hatch leading to the core room, a phantom alarm sounded.
> [Alert: Security Device Detected – Activating a Defense Unit]
— Shit...
From the ceiling, a figure fell with the grace of a metal cat. A humanoid form, clad in reflective plates, two short luminescent blades in each hand.
> [Mini-Boss — Echo-Blade Sentinel – Level 12]
Class: Stealth Assault Unit Prototype
Style: Double Dagger, Accelerated Dash, Auto-Parry
The unit stood silently. Its mask activated, revealing two flashing red optics.
— I'm not ready for this…
The Showdown
Z3RO opened fire first. Two shots.
> BOOM — The first hit the boss's shoulder.
CLANG — The second was deflected by a spinning blade.
The Echo-Blade moved. It shot out with a warp, and with a sideways dash, appeared to Z3RO's right. A dagger sliced through the air.
> -71 HP
Z3RO rolled to the ground, threw a gravity mine. The unit was slowed for half a second. Just enough to regain distance.
—I have no margin…
He tried to recalibrate B.I.T. for support, but before he could finish:
> CLACK — A dagger vibrated in the air, tearing off his left shoulder pad.
He found himself cornered against a charred generator. The Echo-Blade approached calmly, blades crossed in front of his chest.
> A synthetic voice started up: "Analysis complete. Priority: eliminate unsuitable target."
In the boss's digital gaze, Z3RO saw… himself. Not the player. The cautious kid. The guy who always dodges blows. The one who survives, not the one who dominates.
The Awakening
He closed his eyes for a second.
> "I've always hidden behind my drones… my gadgets. But if I don't have an option B… I'm already dead."
He gritted his teeth.
Activate its interface manually.
> Reroute revolver energy to central trigger circuit.
Explosion risk: 92%
Activated mode: Overload Touch
He plunged the weapon directly into the Echo-Blade's chest and pulled the trigger.
> ZZZZTTTCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHT—BOOM
A flash of azure energy. The boss recoiled three steps, internally flaming, before exploding into desynchronized fragments.
Silence.
Z3RO fell to his knees, gasping, his arm numb.
🎁 Loot
> Mini-boss defeated
Loot obtained:
– N-E3 Stabilizer Core
– Schematic fragment: "Energy Dagger — Spineflash"
– 460 EXP
He watched the data slowly display. His revolver was ruined. But… a dagger schematic?
He opened the "Secondary Weapons" tab. An image of a power dagger, thin, wiry, with a retractable blade.
> "I thought I was the only one thinking speed, technology... But you were there before me."
He smiled bitterly.
> "You almost killed me. But you just taught me what I'm missing."
He saved the plan, stood up slowly, and left the bunker. The red mist of MetaCore was reforming behind him.
> "I'm not ready yet. But soon... I'll dance with their blades."
> Part 2: Hakaijin
> Location: Murim Rim — Silent Gorge Shrine
Time: Morning (IG)
The fog was thicker here. Not a cloud, but a memory. Each step Hakaijin took seemed to awaken echoes of a past that didn't belong to him.
He entered the shrine.
> [Special Quest — "The Awakening of the Name"]
Difficulty: Abnormal
Requirement: Emotional Resonance + Identity Acceptance
The ground lit up. Ancient symbols pulsed beneath his feet. A spectral form emerged: the Silent Judge, a being with an imposing aura, clad in a torn haori, holding a phantom katana.
> "Who are you, mortal, to dare seek the blade even memories fear?"
Hakaijin didn't answer. He drew his sword.
The fight began.
---
⚔️ Trial Phase
The duel wasn't just physical. Each exchange of blows conjured up visions:
– His father imposing discipline on him.
– The fights he won without ever taking pride in them.
– The solitude of the dojo.
Hakaijin took the blow. He countered. But his strikes lacked weight. No technique—no certainty.
> [Partial condition met: Acceptance of the weight of the name—62% synchronization]
The judge suddenly stopped.
> "You are advancing... but you are not yet ready to decide your own destiny."
He raised his hand. A light rose. The shape of a second fragment appeared—but instead of coming to him, it slowly evaporated into thin air.
> "Come back... when your name is no longer a mask."
Quest Update
> Fragment 1/3 Obtained
Fragment 2/3: Condition not met – Repressed
Status: Trial partially completed
Temporary Bonus: Access to "Inner Void" retained
Effect: +10% Mental Accuracy / +8% Resistance to Mind Control
Hakaijin, on his knees, took a deep breath.
He didn't feel defeated.
He felt… incomplete.
> "Very well. I'll be back."
As he left the shrine, the mist parted for a moment. A notification flashed:
> [Heroes' Tournament — Special Announcement]
"An event is coming up. Face the best. Prove you belong."
He looked up, a slight smile on his lips.
> — "You don't need a full saber to cut through arrogance."
✦ End of Chapter 21 — Z3RO & Hakaijin
> Next: Hero Tournament — Registration Phase