The Global Stage
The year was 2072, and the world was on the cusp of a new era. The Player Awards, the most prestigious event for rankers and elite players across the globe, were taking place in Seoul, South Korea. This event had been scheduled long before the chaos of the fragmented Infinite Blade and the collapse of the Zodiacs. Now, it was a spectacle watched by millions, as players from all corners of the world gathered to celebrate their achievements, unaware of the dark force that threatened to consume everything they knew.
Gok and Wu-Ji, having just returned from Tibet after their battle with Lama Dan, arrived in the bustling streets of Seoul. The city was alive with excitement—posters of the Player Award event were plastered on every surface, the air thick with anticipation.
"Quite the turnout," Wu-Ji remarked as they walked down the streets, the skyline of Seoul looming above them. The billboards flashed with advertisements for the event, featuring the top rankers from around the world.
"You think the award is just a distraction from what's really going on?" Gok asked, his tone serious.
Wu-Ji looked up at the glowing billboards. "I don't know. But I have a bad feeling about this. Venik's influence is spreading. He's playing a bigger game than anyone realizes."
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The Award Ceremony - A Hall of Champions
Inside the grand hall, thousands of rankers, developers, and fans packed into the massive arena. The atmosphere was electric, and the stage was set for one of the most intense award ceremonies ever. The world's best players—those who had conquered the towers, defeated powerful foes, and risen to the top of the rankings—would be honored.
At the heart of the ceremony was the Player of the Year Award, a title that only one player could claim, regardless of the country or faction they belonged to. This year, however, the event had an additional layer of intrigue. Rumors had circulated that the President of South Korea, Jung E-yan, would be making an appearance, and that the event might hold more significance than just an annual award.
As the lights dimmed and the host, a charismatic figure known as Aiden Black, took the stage, the crowd fell silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Player Award 2072!" Aiden's voice boomed through the hall, his presence commanding attention. "Tonight, we celebrate the best of the best. And I'm not talking about just rankers. I'm talking about legends who have shaped this world."
The crowd erupted into applause, and a huge screen displayed the names and faces of the top candidates for Player of the Year. Among them were names like Sung-Min-Ki from Korea, known for his unmatched speed and precision, and Dun Lee, the 14-year-old prodigy who was the President's son. But the crowd's eyes were naturally drawn to two figures—Gok and Wu-Ji.
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The Unexpected Nominees
Despite all the chaos in the world, despite the mysterious fragments and looming darkness, the two players—Gok, the legendary MAD guild leader, and Wu-Ji, the 13th Zodiac—were nominated for the most coveted title. But their appearance on the list wasn't just a nod to their skill. It was a statement.
The buzz was palpable. Some whispered in disbelief, questioning how Gok and Wu-Ji could be nominated after their disappearance for over two decades. Others speculated that they might have returned to help bring balance to the game—or perhaps they were preparing to reclaim their place at the top once again.
Gok stood stoically in his seat, his arms folded across his chest, while Wu-Ji leaned forward, his eyes scanning the faces around them. They knew this wasn't just about an award anymore. It was a symbol—a way for the powers behind the system to test them. To see if they were truly prepared to face what was coming.
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The Speech of Legends
The host, Aiden Black, called the nominees to the stage one by one, introducing them with flashy graphics and applause from the crowd. When it was Gok's turn, a wave of admiration swept through the audience. His reputation as the fallen MAD guild leader who had once shattered the balance of the game still lingered in the minds of players.
Wu-Ji, however, was a more mysterious figure. The audience was captivated by his calm, almost otherworldly presence. His rise from a rich background to becoming a top-tier player in the Zodiac system had made him a legend in his own right.
When it was finally time to announce the Player of the Year, the room fell into a hushed silence. The lights dimmed once more, and the screen above flashed the names of the nominees.
"And the Player of the Year award goes to…"
The audience leaned forward in anticipation. Gok and Wu-Ji exchanged a quick glance, each aware of the underlying tension.
"...Sung-Min-Ki!" Aiden announced, and the crowd erupted into cheers.
Sung-Min-Ki, the lightning-fast Korean ranker, stood up, a broad smile on his face as he made his way to the stage. His victory was expected—he had been the favorite among the fans for months. But as he reached the stage, the cheers began to die down, and something shifted in the atmosphere.
Gok and Wu-Ji were not disappointed, but they both knew that this wasn't over. The game was changing, and whoever held the power next wouldn't be the one with the best stats or the most victories—they would be the one who controlled the fragments. The Infinite Blade and its pieces had started a chain reaction, and the world was on the brink of something far more dangerous.
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The Hidden Message
As the ceremony concluded, Gok and Wu-Ji made their way backstage. The moment was fleeting, but something strange lingered. A message flashed on their screens, a cryptic string of numbers and letters that none of the developers or rankers seemed to notice.
"Did you see that?" Wu-Ji whispered to Gok, his eyes narrowing. "The message... it wasn't from any player. It was from the system itself."
Gok nodded grimly. "Venik... He's making his move.