Prologue

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"Alright, dear viewers, welcome to the broadcast of the finals of the 8th Alliance Cup in 2132, featuring the 'Empire Ascendant' segment. This is also the last event in this year's Alliance Cup virtual games. We can already see the finals arena—hmm... it appears to be a hilly terrain."

"Since the start of the knockout rounds, all the maps have been randomly generated. Neither the contestants nor we commentators get to see the terrain until the match begins."

"That's right, Coach Zhang. This is one of the results of the Alliance's ongoing efforts to improve the fairness of competition rules over the years."

"We've been committed to refining the fairness of rules in major competitions, and I believe future tournaments will only get better..."

"Oh! Krusheid's team has appeared!"

On the nationwide live broadcast, several figures gradually ascend to the crest of a hillside, the setting sun casting their shadows long and thin. The mountain breeze whips their garments, making them flutter audibly.

"A thunderous roar rises from the audience—these are the supporters of Blade of Severed Sky. If they win this final, they will become legends since the birth of virtual game competitions in the Alliance!"

"Indeed, if Blade of Severed Sky takes the crown, they will be the first team in Alliance history to sweep all game titles, and their member rankings will hold the top position for three years running..."

At the top of the hill, the five figures are seated casually, their expressions relaxed. They gaze down at a winding dirt path at the foot of the mountain, whispering among themselves. The leader, a man with a greatsword slung across his back, claps his hands from time to time, directing the discussion.

"They've stopped at the hilltop—it seems they have no intention of seeking out their opponents. Looks like they're preparing to make their stand here."

"This spot affords a good view. By holding this position, they can spot the enemy first, and the Lanshan team will find it hard to launch a sneak attack. Though, knowing Han Sanshi, it's unlikely he'd devise a sneak attack strategy anyway..."

"Their demeanor is relaxed—many believe Krusheid's semifinal against Jianghu was essentially the real final. They were calm then, and so have every reason to be calm now..."

"But I don't think Han Sanshi will give up easily. Let's hope they'll give us an exciting final."

The people atop the low hill barely move. From the live feed, it looks as if they’re quietly discussing. The audience can only see the visuals and hear the commentators; in-game player voices are muted to ensure fairness.

"...Looks like we'll be waiting here with Krusheid for a bit. Coach Zhang, do you know the story behind Duan Tianfeng's team names?"

"Well... I haven't asked him directly, but we know he names his team differently for each game. My guess is that the names are linked to the background of each game..."

"Like 'Iron Front' in 'Endless War,' 'Warlord' in 'Jianghu,' 'Sword of Kings' in 'Fairstone'—all names that now echo in every player's mind. But if you think about it, there's a pattern..."

"Just speculation, just speculation, ha ha... Maybe he's just being capricious—no method to the madness..."

"Oh! The director has switched the view to Lanshan's team! They're about to meet!"

From a bird's-eye view, a team of five emerges from the woods at the base of the hill, looking up in unison to lock eyes with those on the crest.

The buzz in the audience fades, everyone watching in silence as the two teams face off, staring each other down.

The cold wind howls, time passes. After a while, the leader of the lower team—a burly man—removes a large black metal shield from his back and pulls out a smaller shield from within it.

He grips the shields in both hands, steps forward, and bangs them together twice, the clang echoing between the hills, mingling with the wind—an omen of the fierce battle to come.

But the hilltop team seems unfazed. The greatsword leader waves his hand, says something with a smile, and the five rise and descend together.

Lanshan's team simultaneously moves to the other side, leaving a clearing on the dirt path and spreading out in battle formation.

"Lanshan lives up to its name—they've readily accepted this spot as the battlefield, and with such a spread-out formation... this match may end quickly."

"Perhaps. But they could still have a hidden card. If Han Sanshi has been holding back a trump card, now's the time to use it..."

"Oh? Coach Zhang, you seem to know something. I recall you're close with Han Sanshi..."

"No, no, even though he's a tough nut, he wouldn't tell me such things."

"Oh! We see Whispering Stream has stopped—she's on the mountain's slope, hands pressed to the ground..."

"It should be that move."

"Yes. They used this in the semifinal against Jianghu, catching Duanfeng and company off guard. But now that it's been exposed, Han Sanshi won't be unprepared..."

"Lanshan is making a move!"

Behind the shield-bearing man, a figure in a black mage’s robe moves to the side, pulling something scroll-like from his cloak. At the same time, those descending the slope continue their approach. Suddenly, magical light flares up halfway down the hill. Black light shines in a circular magic array, converging into several uneven black rods, forming the shape of a clock face.

Black magic—the color of time spells.

"'Time Acceleration' is ready—Krusheid's members will gain a huge speed boost," says the commentator.

The crowd erupts.

The clock's hands begin to spin, faster and faster, until the array and its glow merge into a dark haze that pours into the five nearby. From afar, it looks as if they're shrouded in shadow.

The five shadows stretch forward, elongated in the viewers’ sight. Suddenly, one shadow halts, revealing a delicate figure wrapped in black light. She waves her hands, then races forward. Meanwhile, in the sky behind her, giant clouds of fire boil, and burning meteors streak across the heavens, leaving trails of smoke as they crash toward the front of the team.

Meteor Rain.

"Even the spellcasting was accelerated to a degree that's... ah!"

The commentator's voice rises with excitement: "Anti-Magic Field! They did have a trump card!"

The black-robed mage in the center of the formation tears open the scroll and slams it to the ground. A burst of purple-black light explodes from his hands, swelling into a massive black shield that envelops a hundred-meter radius.

The fiery meteors strike the purple-black shield with a popping sound, then vanish as if swallowed by water, leaving only ripples behind. The black streaks of light that pass into the field also fade rapidly, and as the smoke clears, the figures reappear—obviously, after passing through the purple-black field, their speed has returned to normal.

"Anti-magic field is a high-level spell—no player has learned it yet, let alone made it into a scroll. How did Lanshan get such a rare scroll..."

"But this also renders Zhao Liu'an useless—a mutually destructive tactic."

"In terms of magical power, Whispering Stream is definitely stronger, so the trade-off is worth it for them."

"With Zhao Liu'an's pride, getting him to accept such a tactic..."

As the commentators continue, the black-robed mage slowly retreats, replaced by two sword-and-shield guards. Unlike their captain, they wield sword and shield rather than double shields.

Opposite them, Krusheid's five continue advancing unfazed by the loss of their buff. Their steps are steady and unbroken.

The double-shielded giant sneers, swinging his shield. Behind him, another figure in a black cloak rips it off, revealing full plate armor beneath.

"Han Sanshi did pull a trick! They didn't bring a healer at all! So the negative effect of the anti-magic field is minimized!"

"They've switched to 'Annihilate All Directions'..." Coach Zhang mutters, "Was all of this pre-planned tactical design..."

"This will become a brutal melee! The outcome may be decided in an instant!"

The audience erupts again. The man in shining silver armor lets out a tiger's roar, whirling his warhammer and smashing it toward the dual-wielding swordsman at the front.

"Holy Judgment! 'Annihilate All Directions' is clashing head-on with Blade of Severed Sky! Is this Lanshan's strategy..."

"That silver glow... that's a level 5 Blessing spell..."

"They've exchanged blows! 'Annihilate All Directions' only lost 8% health. So in terms of raw power, 'Annihilate All Directions' isn't at a disadvantage, and with heavy armor, he has the edge in defense..."

"Tai Dongyue and Fleeting Glory have both raised their shield barriers, blocking Sword North Winter to the side. Oh, Azure Cloud Bastion has broken through the line! Han Sanshi is targeting the back row!"

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"So that's their tactic..."

Amidst the uproar, the battlefield is filled with swirling battle auras, dust churning everywhere. The two commentators speak rapidly, their voices tripping over themselves in an attempt to describe the tumult. But these minor flaws matter little to the already frenzied audience, who shout and howl, dancing and roaring for their favorites.

"Han Sanshi has closed in! Though Little Shepherd has some melee skills, he's no match for a shield warrior, especially now that he's lost his best support spells..."

"Charge! Shield Bash! Another Shield Bash!"

"Little Shepherd couldn't dodge the second hit—his lack of experience is showing..."

"Whispering Stream is rushing in! What's she doing, she's powerless in combat, is she trying to draw aggro..."

"Ah! It's Dark Whisper! Azure Cloud Bastion is stunned, but he still managed to cast Earthshaker. Quick reflexes..."

As the double shield warrior stomps the ground, a black shadow appears behind him, her tight leather armor outlining her figure, the beautiful face framed in stark white. But now, her expression is cold and merciless.

"Dark Whisper's sense of timing is superb—her intervention saved Krusheid's two magic users."

"But now she's exposed, having lost her greatest asset as an assassin. And facing Han Sanshi—she can't gain the upper hand..."

"Indeed, the opponent is a double-shield warrior, clad head to toe in plate..."

"Dragon Roar! Dark Whisper is knocked back—hey, what is Han Lei doing, now's the perfect chance to finish off the assassin..."

"He's using Earth’s Fury! That earth wall covers a huge area—looks like he might have used his faction skill, Dragon Force..."

The resounding quake shakes the field; through the shield’s shimmering light, all can see a tall earthen wall rise along one side of the dirt road. This semicircular wall splits the chaotic melee in two, dividing the combatants. Even the live feed can't see what’s happening on the far side. The camera pulls back, rising to a ninety-degree overhead view.

"Dark Whisper can't get through; it’s clear Han Sanshi is dead set on eliminating the two magic users first—the anti-magic field won't last forever..."

"Now it seems... Dark Whisper's earlier decision may be questionable. By insisting on saving the magic users, she may have played right into Han Sanshi's hands..."

"Yes, had she helped Blade of Severed Sky or Sword North Winter, things might be different. Now, with Dragon Force still buffing Azure Cloud Bastion, the priest and mage are in grave danger... Oh, what a beautiful roll! For someone like Liu Yushang, born into wealth, to execute such a move..."

"Look, Dark Whisper is charging at 'Annihilate All Directions!' Is she giving up on the other two..."

"Frostad's Power! She's going all out! Krusheid is hoping to make up their losses elsewhere..."

"No, it's Phantom—she's holding off the Paladin! Blade of Severed Sky is charging in..."

The greatsword-wielding man strides to the foot of the wall, raises his sword above his head, and holds his breath.

He slashes.

A fine crack appears at the center of the wall, spreading visibly. In an instant, the seemingly indestructible wall shatters like glass. Dust billows, throwing the southeast side into chaos.

Two figures are suddenly flung from the dust.

"Blade of Severed Sky has thrown his two teammates out!"

"For such an intense battle, he's still able to perform so many explosive maneuvers—his 'Will Blade' is truly formidable..."

"He's now facing Azure Cloud Bastion head-on!"

A thunderous clash of metal—the ornate greatsword meets the ancient, intricately-patterned shield.

"Sword versus shield! This reminds me of the Frostad Empire's crest in 'Empire Ascendant'..."

"Blade of Severed Sky retreats, knowing his opponent still has a shield to attack with."

"No, he's shifting targets—he's turning on 'Annihilate All Directions!'"

"Things are really dangerous for Dark Whisper. Although 'Annihilate All Directions' has lost some health, he's still a paladin. For an overt assassin to..."

"That's... Blade Flurry! My god, he's using Blade Flurry with a greatsword..."

The man’s face is serene, eyes focused, but his greatsword moves like lightning, as if weightless. The sight electrifies the audience; nothing can be heard above their frenzied screams.

"'Annihilate All Directions' can't block every strike! He activates Divine Protection, but his health is still bottoming out..."

"That's what happens without a healer—though in the anti-magic field, a healer would be pointless anyway..."

"Holy Glory! 'Annihilate All Directions' regains 20% health—a last stand..."

"Han Sanshi catches up! Shield Charge!"

"That should relieve the crisis for 'Annihilate All Directions' for now... What?"

A harsh metallic clang rings out suddenly.

The man wields the greatsword in one hand, a shield appearing in the other from who knows where, blocking the double-shield warrior's charge.

Then, he raises his shielded left arm and slams it down hard.

"My god... that's Shield Bash!"

"War God's Power! Sweeping Strike! He's wielding a greatsword one-handed—what am I seeing..."

"Azure Cloud Bastion is being forced back; Dragon Force has worn off, and he can't gain the advantage..."

"That's Shield Slam! Han Sanshi is sent flying..."

"Lanshan is in danger!"

As cheers erupt, the man now playing shield guard advances on the retreating double-shield warrior, face taut with focus. Behind him, a familiar roar sounds; the paladin struggles forward, trying to form a pincer with his captain.

Then, a stun icon appears over his head.

"A sneak attack! 'Annihilate All Directions' let his guard down, and Dark Whisper seized the only chance she had!"

"Blade of Severed Sky spins, Whirlwind Slash! With a shield—bludgeoning damage, highly effective against heavy armor..."

"'Annihilate All Directions' is down! The first death of the finals, victory is beckoning to Krusheid!"

"Dark Whisper rushes at Fleeting Glory—they want to turn their advantage into victory..."

The tight leather figure blurs as she speeds to another skirmish. The greatsword-wielding man stands still, as if waiting.

He knows that steadfast man will never give in easily.

On screen, the double-shield warrior finally stands before him again. The burly man wipes dust from his brow and says something; Blade of Severed Sky replies in kind, then assumes his fighting stance.

The double-shield warrior shakes his head.

"Tai Dongyue and Fleeting Glory are faltering—Dark Whisper’s arrival is enough to tip the balance."

"Sword North Winter has held out under two attackers for so long—he's earned his title as 'Heaven-Breaking Blade.' He's known for his offense, not defense, but to last this long..."

"Lanshan's tactics were executed almost perfectly; they nearly succeeded. If Little Shepherd and Whispering Stream had been eliminated, those heavy-armor classes could have shrunk their defense, waited for the anti-magic field to lift, and used Zhao Liu'an’s magic support to win..."

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"Yes, with two shield guards and a double-shield warrior, they could have held out for a long time. Oh, we see that on the other side, the battle is over."

"How did Duan Tianfeng do it? In previous matches, he never broke the system like this. If you can one-hand a greatsword in 'Empire Ascendant,' then in other virtual worlds of this type... it looks like the melee meta in virtual reality games is about to change entirely."

"In fact, he’s already demonstrated one version of that change in this battle."

"The anti-magic field has dissipated! Will Whispering Stream be the final straw that breaks Lanshan’s back..."

"She's casting—Zhao Liu'an must act..."

"Oh, we see..." The commentator’s voice soars, and a tidal cheer erupts in the arena, "Lanshan has conceded! Congratulations to... Team Krusheid! They have won the finals!"

"History has been made! Duan Tianfeng has swept all the titles in the 2132 Alliance Cup virtual game tournament! An unprecedented moment—this is truly... a team of champions!"

The feed cuts to the players’ room. The team emerges one after another from their pods, shouting, dancing, embracing—even the two normally icy women cannot restrain their joy.

They jostle each other and exit through a door, swallowed by an outpouring of roaring fans.

"The teams have emerged and are embracing. I believe Lanshan’s fans won’t be discouraged—their team performed brilliantly today!"

"As a player who wrote history at just twenty-three, Duan Tianfeng is worthy of the title 'Peak of the Sky.' With his skill, he led his teammates to defeat all rivals in 'Jianghu,' 'Endless War,' 'Gunslinger,' and more, standing atop the pinnacle. They have no guild, no backing, yet now they rule the Alliance! This moment belongs to them!"

"Oh, Han Lei and Duan Tianfeng are shaking hands."

"A moment to remember. In this veteran of six years in pro gaming, we see perseverance and effort. Though he didn't win, he gave his all—Lanshan lost with honor!"

"Yes, let's wish him even greater success in the future."

"Oh, look... the camera's on Chen Tianfan, he's in tears of joy. When Duan Tianfeng knocked Han Sanshi away with Shield Bash, it was as if the spirit of 'Shield of the Sky' had descended."

"His successor has achieved such glory—surely he feels no regret."

"The audience has stormed the stage, lifting Duan Tianfeng on their shoulders, cheering their hero."

"Of course. This is their era of legend, and we hope..."

The screen went dark.

This was the 23rd floor of a skyscraper. In a lavish office, a man in a suit set down his glass and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

The cityscape of the twenty-second century had changed dramatically. At night, ribbons of light flowed between the towers—skyways between the floors, glowing with the futuristic glow of the modern era. Watching this scene, the man suddenly raised his arms as if to embrace it all.

"This is... what it feels like to own things."

He exhaled, a smile gradually spreading across his handsome face.

"Wonderful," he said.

"Chairman." A sultry voice called from the lounge.

A luxurious chandelier hung above, illuminating fluidly designed furniture that filled the room with technological flair. By the door, an oval bar glistened, its white marble surface dazzling under the lights. Behind it, shelves held a collection of fine liquors. Behind the bar, a small door opened, and a voluptuous, scantily-clad woman emerged, holding a transparent digital slate.

"The match is over, Chairman."

Her voice was honeyed, her manner even more so. She tossed her wavy hair and blinked, but the handsome man merely nodded.

"They won, didn’t they?"

"Yes." She knew he’d been watching, but still answered as protocol demanded.

"Then proceed as originally planned."

"Yes, sir."

Seeing he had nothing further to say, she turned and swayed away.

"Heh heh heh..." The man chuckled, sitting back down and sipping his wine.

"Now, it’s time for the harvest."

His voice echoed through the empty lounge, as if a devil were whispering.

The next day, the Alliance’s official news released a bombshell that rocked the pro scene.

Blade of Severed Sky announced retirement.

********************

"I believe I’ve made myself perfectly clear."

It was another night, another luxurious office. Unlike the previous one, this office was decorated in an ancient style. Wood furniture and walls entwined with green vines, mysterious paintings on the walls, and in one corner, a square desk with brushes and ink, filling the room with the scent of paper and ink.

The voice belonged to a woman. Her black hair flowed down her back like a waterfall, contrasting sharply with her white dress.

"I insist... on annulling this engagement." Her tone was cool, carrying a chill.

"You’ve seen the terms. I believe..."

"I would not have agreed at first," said the middle-aged man opposite her. A loose coat draped over his shoulders for warmth, but his meticulously styled hair and stern features gave him an air of seriousness.

"But..." His sternness softened, replaced by a gentle smile. "You are my most precious daughter. How could I not consider your feelings? Besides..."

He patted a transparent slate in his hand; the text on it was fading. "After today, there will be no more Young Master Duan... so..."

"I accept your proposal."

Where the man could not see, the young woman's tightly clenched hands suddenly relaxed. She stepped back and bowed, her long black hair falling forward to hide her face.

"Thank you for your understanding, Father. Then..."

He waved her off. She turned and quietly left, gently closing the door.

She exited the room, descended the steps, took the elevator, and left the building. A hovercar waited at the entrance, and as she appeared, two men in black suits and sunglasses approached. One draped a coat over her shoulders.

The car door opened. She stepped toward it, moonlight glistening on her pale feet, her allure striking in the night. She paused before entering, as if struck by a thought.

The air quality in the twenty-second century was worse than ever, yet tonight the moon was particularly bright. She gazed up at the white disc, stretched out a pale hand as if to grasp it.

"At last... I am free." She sighed, then let her arm fall and slipped into the car.

The hovercar started with a quiet hum, quickly merging into the newly awakened nightlife and vanishing into the night traffic.

On the night of August 25, 2132, a new era began.