The World in Turmoil
Weeks had passed since the Player Award 2072, and the aftereffects of the ceremony rippled across the globe. The fragments of the Infinite Blade had begun to react strangely, their once-dormant energy flaring up. Players who possessed even a single fragment reported feeling uncontrollable surges of power, while others spoke of hallucinations, whispers in the dark, and glimpses of a shadowy figure—Venik.
As if that weren't enough, chaos erupted worldwide. Major cities saw unexplained anomalies: entire zones disappearing, strange creatures spawning in once-safe regions, and mass hysteria as the game's effects started bleeding into reality. The developers scrambled to regain control, but it was evident they were no longer in charge.
In the midst of this global unrest, a name resurfaced in hushed whispers: Hantengu, the Face Eater.
---
Wu-Ji's Investigation
Wu-Ji stood atop the ruins of what had once been a bustling square in Shanghai. The air was thick with the scent of burnt rubble and fear. Civilians and rankers alike avoided the area, wary of the sudden disappearances reported here.
"This doesn't feel like Venik," Wu-Ji muttered, his Infinity Dagger spinning idly in his hand. "It's something... else."
He knelt down, examining the ground. The soil had an unusual texture, almost as if it had been melted and reformed. Nearby, claw marks stretched across a concrete wall—marks that looked eerily human yet monstrous.
His comm device buzzed. Gok's gruff voice came through.
"Found anything?"
"Signs of a fight," Wu-Ji replied. "And something... more. This looks like Hantengu's work."
There was a pause on the other end.
"Face Eater?" Gok finally said, his tone grim. "Didn't we deal with that freak years ago?"
Wu-Ji stood, his gaze hardening. "Apparently, he's back. And judging by these marks, he's stronger."
---
Global Chaos Intensifies
The news spread like wildfire. Hantengu, the infamous Face Eater, who had once terrorized players by stealing their faces and consuming their identities within the game, had returned. But this time, it wasn't limited to the virtual world.
Reports poured in from every corner of the globe:
In New York, a high-ranking player was found faceless, their body suspended in midair, with the words "I AM HERE" carved into the ground below.
In Berlin, a team of elite rankers vanished without a trace, their last recorded communication filled with screams and distorted laughter.
In Tokyo, civilians claimed to see shadowy figures lurking in the streets, whispering their names before disappearing.
The world was no longer safe. The line between the game and reality had blurred, and Hantengu was at the center of it all.
---
A Meeting with the President
Back in Seoul, Gok and Wu-Ji were summoned to an emergency meeting with President Jung E-yan. The President, despite the chaos, maintained his composed demeanor. His son, Dun Lee, sat quietly beside him, his eyes reflecting fear.
"We're facing an unprecedented crisis," the President began, his voice steady but strained. "The return of Hantengu is not just a game event. It's affecting the real world, and people are dying."
Gok crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. "What do you want from us?"
The President leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You two are the only ones who've dealt with something like this before. We need you to find Hantengu and stop him before this escalates further."
Wu-Ji glanced at Gok. "This isn't just about the Face Eater. The fragments of the Infinite Blade are connected. Venik might be behind all of this."
The President nodded. "Then you'll have to deal with both threats. The world is counting on you."
---
The Face Eater Strikes Again
That night, as Gok and Wu-Ji strategized their next move, the Face Eater struck again—this time in Jakarta. The aftermath was broadcast live: a crowded marketplace reduced to silence, the faces of hundreds stolen, their bodies left as lifeless husks.
The message left behind was clear:
"COME FIND ME."
---
The Hunt Begins
Fueled by rage and a sense of responsibility, Gok and Wu-Ji set off for Jakarta. Their journey wasn't just about stopping Hantengu; it was about uncovering the truth behind the Infinite Blade and Venik's master plan.
But as they arrived at the desolate marketplace, they felt it—a chilling presence that made the air thick and oppressive.
A slow clap echoed through the silence, and a distorted voice spoke:
"Welcome back, legends. Did you miss me?"
Hantengu stepped out of the shadows, his grotesque form shifting and writhing as if made of liquid darkness. The faces of his victims flashed across his body, their expressions frozen in terror.
Wu-Ji tightened his grip on the Infinity Dagger, his eyes narrowing. "This ends here."
Hantengu laughed, a sound that sent shivers down their spines.
"Oh, how cute"