The first light of dawn bathed the university in a golden hue as the factions gathered near the gates, ready for their mission. Tension filled the air, a quiet understanding that not all of them might return.
A total of 30 players—each having obtained a class—stood prepared. Their levels ranged from 10 to 14, making them the strongest fighters among the survivors. Joanne, the most powerful among them at level 15, led the expedition.
Their objective: eliminate the boss lurking in a hotel two kilometers away.
The scouting teams had secured six vehicles, enough to transport everyone. Weapons had been checked, supplies packed—food, water, medical kits—everything they needed for a battle of this scale. The hotel wasn't just home to the boss; it was overrun with zombies and mutated creatures.
Joanne stood at the forefront, her brown hair tied back, her eyes sharp and determined. Though the injuries from yesterday's battle lingered, she didn't let them show.
"This isn't just about the boss," she reminded them. "We'll be facing waves of zombies and mutated beasts before we even reach it. Stay together, follow the plan, and no one dies today."
The faction leaders—Dario, Lyka, Renzo, Gordon, and Jace—stood beside her, each commanding smaller squads within the group. They exchanged nods, ensuring everyone knew their roles.
The engines rumbled to life, breaking the morning silence.
On the rooftop of a nearby building, Charvet watched in silence.
His Dragonslayer earrings gleamed under the soft morning light as he stood with his arms crossed, observing the team below. He watched them make last-minute preparations—checking weapons, adjusting gear, and steadying their nerves.
But he wasn't going with them.
This wasn't his fight.
He didn't belong to their factions, and he had no intention of following their orders. His path was different.
For now, Charvet decided to stay at the university. With 5,000 people gathered here, he couldn't shake the thought that he might come across someone from his past—maybe a former guildmate, someone he'd fought beside before the world turned upside down. It wasn't likely, but he couldn't ignore the possibility.
As the convoy of vehicles rolled out, dust kicking up behind them, Charvet exhaled slowly.
He watched them disappear down the road, heading toward danger.
Charvet walked through the bustling corridors of the university, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. As he passed groups of students, he barely noticed the admiring gazes and lovestruck whispers that followed him. His focus was elsewhere.
That was when he spotted them. At the back of a classroom, two figures stood over a trembling student, their voices low but commanding. Charvet's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar faces. It was Janry and Joseph—his childhood friends, and once trusted elders in his guild before the world changed. A flood of memories from their days together rushed back, and for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened since felt a little lighter.
Janry, always the sharp communicator, had a hand on the cowering student's shoulder, forcing him to spill information. His role in the guild had been as the spokesperson and administrator, organizing the inner workings of the guild with precision. Beside him, Joseph stood silent, watching with his usual calculating gaze. He was the schemer of the pair, always planning and manipulating behind the scenes.
Charvet couldn't help but smirk at the sight. These two hadn't changed much, it seemed. They still carried the same air of cockiness that had earned them their infamous reputation in the gaming world as the "Evil Duo." Feared and despised by many, Janry had been the mastermind behind scamming players for the guild's advantage, always finding a way to exploit others. Joseph, on the other hand, had perfected the art of manipulating situations, leading others into dangerous schemes that often ended with the guild reaping the rewards. They were ruthless, willing to bend or break any rule to get what they wanted. But, for all their questionable morals, their skills had made them a force to be reckoned with.
Charvet had always been their leader, but unlike Janry and Joseph, he hadn't been good at scheming or manipulating people. He wasn't the brains of the operation. No, Charvet had been the brute—the one with the strength to take down other guilds, the one who could handle the bloodshed and destruction. His reputation had been built on the battlefield, where he was known by many names: Demon King, Battle Maniac, the Lunatic. He was feared for his sheer ferocity and focus on destroying anything that stood in his way. But with Janry and Joseph at his side, they had made an unstoppable trio—a perfect balance of brains, schemes, and brawn.
The moment Janry noticed him, his face lit up with recognition. "Charvet?" he exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face.
Joseph, more reserved, turned slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of Charvet. A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. "Well, well... Look who's still alive," he said quietly.
Charvet took a step forward, the memories rushing back. Despite everything, seeing these two again made something stir inside him. The old bond they had shared, the days of battling together in the game, felt like they hadn't faded at all. It was strange, but in a way, it felt like no time had passed.
Charvet's gaze shifted from Janry and Joseph to the student lying on the floor, visibly battered. "Who's this?" Charvet asked, his voice cool but sharp as he looked between his two friends.
Janry shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Just getting some information," he said casually. "Nothing personal."
Charvet eyed them both but said nothing. He had seen these tactics before, and he knew all too well how Janry and Joseph operated.
"So, what faction are you two in?" he asked, crossing his arms.
"The two exchanged a look before smirking in unison. 'We didn't join any faction and keep a low profile,' Joseph said with a chuckle."
Janry nodded. "And we've been waiting for you, You know you've always been the one to lead. We're ready when you are."
Charvet smirked. "Good. Come with me."
The three of them left the area, moving through the empty university halls until they found a quiet, abandoned classroom. The desks were pushed aside, dust settling in the silence. Charvet leaned against a desk, arms crossed.
"Alright," he said, looking between them. "What are your classes?"
Janry grinned. "Manipulator. I've got three skills already."
Joseph smirked. "Rogue. Three skills as well."
Charvet nodded. "Tell me about them."
Janry leaned forward, a proud glint in his eyes. "First skill—Mind Bender. I can nudge someone's decisions, make them see things my way for a short time. Strong-willed people are harder to influence, but it works great in negotiations."
He smirked wider. "Second skill—Devil's Whisper. If I give a direct order, weaker-willed people feel compelled to obey. It's not absolute, but it makes persuasion a whole lot easier."
Then his grin turned wicked. "Third skill—Puppet Strings. I can take control of someone's body for a short time, like a puppeteer. The stronger they are, the harder it is to control them, but in the right situation? It's deadly."
Charvet raised an eyebrow. "Still as manipulative as ever."
Janry chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Joseph crossed his arms. "My turn. First skill—Shadow Step. I can move almost soundlessly, leave no traces—even in broad daylight."
Charvet smirked. "Classic rogue move."
Joseph continued, "Second skill—Backstab. If I hit an enemy from behind, it deals massive damage. Perfect for assassinations."
Then he grinned. "Third skill—Mask of Deception. I can change my appearance and even mimic someone's voice for a short time."
Charvet's smirk deepened. "That's nasty. No wonder you two survived this long."
Janry laughed. "Survive? We thrived. Kept a low profile, avoided factions, and waited for you. Now that you're here, things are finally about to get interesting."
Charvet nodded, satisfied. "You two really haven't changed. Still scheming, still dangerous."
Janry smirked. "By the way, we haven't just been hiding. We've been building something."
Charvet raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Joseph chuckled. "We've gathered a group—100 players, all of them capable. And we've been careful, keeping them under the radar."
Janry leaned in, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "That's not all. We've also planted people in every major faction at the university. Some as vice leaders, others as trusted advisors, close friends… even girlfriends."
Charvet's smirk widened. "Girlfriends? You two really went all out."
Joseph shrugged. "It's all about influence. A well-placed whisper at the right time can be more effective than a sword."
Janry grinned. "Exactly. When the time comes, these factions will dance to our tune without even realizing it."
Charvet chuckled, crossing his arms. "I have to admit… I'm impressed. You two never change."
Janry laughed. "Why change what works?"