Four Years Later
The world of Ranker was no longer the chaotic, vibrant landscape it had once been. After Gok Sun Ji's mysterious disappearance, the MAD Guild had crumbled, only to be restructured under a new leader. The infinite ambition that once defined the guild had turned into something darker. The new leader, shrouded in secrecy, ruled with an iron grip, their identity and motives a mystery to all.
Meanwhile, a young man named Wu-Ji, a scion of a wealthy family and the enigmatic 13th Zodiac, wandered the lands in search of answers. Ophiuchus, the serpent-bearer, was his true title, but the other Zodiacs regarded him as an outcast—a wildcard in a world of order.
---
A Fateful Discovery
Wu-Ji crouched in the ruins of an ancient battlefield, brushing away dirt from a gleaming fragment. The shard pulsed faintly, a golden light emanating from within. It was unlike anything he had ever seen.
"This energy..." Wu-Ji muttered, his heart racing. "Could it be?"
As he held the fragment, visions flooded his mind: the Infinite Blade, Gok's triumphant battles, and the moment the blade shattered. This shard was a piece of the weapon that once wielded the power to reshape reality.
He clenched the fragment tightly. "If this is part of the Infinite Blade, then I'm one step closer to uncovering the truth."
Wu-Ji's determination burned brightly. He had heard whispers of the MAD Guild's new leader and their ruthless conquest of the game. Whoever they were, they held secrets Wu-Ji needed to uncover.
---
The New MAD Guild
The journey led Wu-Ji to a fortified city, now the heart of the MAD Guild's operations. The once-diverse and welcoming guild had transformed into a militaristic powerhouse, its members loyal to a fault and fiercely protective of their enigmatic leader.
Wu-Ji entered the city under the guise of a wandering merchant, his golden eyes scanning every detail. The streets were alive with tension, the air heavy with the weight of unspoken fear.
He made his way to a bustling tavern, where whispers of rebellion and fear coexisted in hushed tones.
"Have you heard?" one patron whispered to another. "The new leader of MAD... they're even worse than the last. They say they've enslaved NPCs to build their empire."
"They've been hunting down fragments of the Infinite Blade," another said. "Who knows what they're planning?"
Wu-Ji listened intently, piecing together the puzzle. He needed to confront this leader, but first, he had to test their strength.
---
An Encounter with Power
Wu-Ji infiltrated the MAD Guild's inner sanctum under cover of darkness. The sprawling fortress was a testament to the guild's dominance, its walls adorned with relics of past victories.
In the throne room, Wu-Ji came face-to-face with the new leader—a figure cloaked in shadows, their presence radiating an overwhelming aura of power.
"You've come far for a fragment of the blade," the leader said, their voice cold and unyielding.
Wu-Ji stepped forward, holding the fragment. "If you know what this is, then you know its true purpose. The Infinite Blade isn't just a weapon—it's a key to something greater."
The leader laughed, their voice echoing through the chamber. "You're bold, Ophiuchus, but you underestimate me. The MAD Guild has no place for outcasts like you."
Without warning, the leader unleashed a surge of dark energy, forcing Wu-Ji to dodge and retaliate. The clash was brief but intense, with Wu-Ji narrowly escaping with his life and the fragment intact.
---
A New Mission
As Wu-Ji fled the fortress, his mind raced. The leader's power was immense, but their motivations remained unclear.
He gazed at the fragment, its golden glow unwavering. "If Gok Sun Ji could wield this blade, then so can I. But first, I need to gather allies and uncover the truth about the Zodiacs... and the real purpose of the Ranker world."
In the shadows of the city, a figure watched Wu-Ji disappear into the night.
"So, the 13th Zodiac is finally making his move," Monkey muttered, his red eyes glinting with interest. "This is going to be fun."
The chapter ends with Wu-Ji standing on a cliff overlooking the vast world of Ranker, the fragment in his hand glowing brighter than ever before.
"Gok Sun Ji," he whispered. "Wherever you are, I'll finish what you started."