Digitize: Rebirth of the Silver Death God

When Nero appeared on the battle ring, his arms were crossed behind his back as his scythe was long since placed away. Typically, after accomplishing such a feat, one would expect to see a look of excitement on the challenger's face.

However, if one looked closer, they would notice that his face had a tinge of disappointment as he sighed while thinking to himself.

'Such a terrifying test, I must have been crazy to think I could do it in one go. I couldn't even withstand three seconds... such a bummer,'

As he thought here, he couldn't help but recall the rain of attacks that killed him in an instant, causing him to shiver slightly.

Adult Nero chuckled at this and spoke, "Oh, quit whining, you did good enough as is, we still have time before the Gate of Legends. After tomorrow's dungeon raid, let's amplify your training speed in the following week."

'I suppose that's the only choice. But, I have a few matters to deal with this week as well,' Nero nodded while thinking about visiting his mother, teaching Elly, and the Blood Steel Society.

Adult Nero nodded as he knew his thoughts; Nero soon cleared them before looking down at the prying eyes with a calm look. He saw that many of them had reverent looks on their faces, but then he recalled that they were shocked by his Eight Stage attainment.

'Oh yeah, I should have my official rank by now, ha, it should more than be enough to shame that fellow who made a bet and earn me some silver, let's take a look,' Nero thought with curious eyes as he willed for the ranking to be displayed.

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[Fourth place - Title: Silver Boy Level: 7 | Battle Rank:8]

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When Nero saw this, his eyes went wide, but he soon calmed himself down as he thought, 'Wow! It's way beyond what I thought it would be; it-it looks like I truly must have shocked them this time.'

"Indeed, you did, but don't get complacent. You've only touched the threshold of the Eight Stage because of your scythe mastery. After all, your combat techniques are still quite a distance from reaching the Eight Level," Adult Nero added with an indifferent tone.

Nero knew better than to believe he could challenge someone with an Eight Stage Battle Rank at this time, as such, he nodded in agreement with his older self's words.

By now, Nero had already walked down from the battle platform, but as he walked amongst the crowd, many persons began to whisper amongst themselves, as others shared his image on the Digitizers Network.

Soon, a startling commotion had started in the online platform as many individuals began to post and comment.

'This guy's so wild, he forced Rampant Axe to retreat like a beaten dog, and even directly jumped from no rank to such a level. whoever suggested that name is truly a god!" A person with the username Brute Guy said.

"I know, right, look at him, so handsome, so cold, hehe, I likey." The username Bloody Rose said with heart emoji.

"What name are you guys talking about?" An anonymous username said.

"Huh? You don't know? Where have you been during the entire chat?" Brute Guy said.

"....in a quest," The unknown username said in reply.

"Oh no wonder, well, you'll find out later," Bloody Rose said as more discussion followed out on the forum.

Back in the battle arena, Nero soon arrived by Elly's side, he first noticed that Raynas was standing by her with a welcoming smile, but as for Delkan, he was nowhere to be noticed.

Nero frowned as he thought to himself, 'That sly bastard...'

As if Elly noticed Nero's discomfort, she giggled and spoke, "Nero, are you worried about that Delkan fellow? Hehe, how could a coward like him ever go out of his way to live up to a bargain?"

Nero clicked his teeth and spoke, "Che! I'm not worried about him; I just hate that he ended up wasting my time."

Elly rolled her eyes and spoke while pointing at the arena," Hmph! What time was wasted? Can't you see that you made a considerable commotion with that rank you've attained; you should be happier!"

Nero sighed, knowing what she said was the truth. He shook his head, not speaking on that topic anymore.

"Oh, are you going to check your rank as well?"

Elly made an embarrassed look before she replied, "I... I'm thinking of not doing it today. I still have to finish up some affairs. Maybe tomorrow or on Monday, I can test it."

Nero gave a strange look, but as he saw Raynas shrugging his shoulder, he finally understood, she felt a bit jealous and ashamed because of his current ranking.

'Haha, she's so silly sometimes,' Nero thought to himself, thinking it was a bit cute.

Elly seeing Nero's smile pouted her lips, but she soon recalled Avollo words, she looked at Nero and spoke, "I just remembered, Avollo was here just now, but he left when you finished, he told me to tell you Hi."

Nero's face turned down when he heard this; even if Avollo helped him, he still didn't like how he was easily beaten down a second time. He snorted while thinking, 'Avollo, I will catch up to you soon enough, then we can settle the score.'

As if Elly knew his thoughts, she snickered, not saying anything, she knew full well how hard it was to catch up to someone like that, especially now that he's going to be working harder.

Raynas saw that the time was getting late he looked at Nero and spoke, "Nero, I have to say your rank had surprised me this time, you've done well to come this far, but from now, I'll be training Elly with even more effort."

Elly gave Nero a competitive stare as she looked at him while saying nothing.

Nero's lips curved into a smile as he answered, "Well, I don't mind it, if I get too far ahead of someone, who knows what might happen?"

As Nero said, he laughed before he turned around and walking towards the exit, Elly's face burned with anger at his teasing statement, but as if she recalled mother's mantra, she chanted in her mind and calmed down.

Raynas stared at Nero's back and nodded before he glanced at Elly and spoke, "Elly, it's time to go. We'll need to discuss tomorrow's dungeon raid; after all, I can't take you there."

"Okay, brother," Elly said with a rare look of obedience.

Raynas nodded as he led her towards a different area as they soon after exited the Battle Arena.

When Nero left, he wandered across the night-lit streets, taking in the atmosphere in a calm manner. Soon though, his eyes became a bit sad as even though he tried to suppress, he couldn't stop thinking about his mother.

Adult Nero sighed at this; he knew it would take a very long time to heal. As such, he could only overcome the rest in time.

Nero stared at the moon and colorful sky with a thoughtful expression as he pondered to himself.

'Mother, I miss you...'

As Nero said this, his eyes grow moist as a slight amount of tears fell down his cheek, but he soon wiped it away and clenched his fists tightly as he muttered.

"I miss you... but I will also avenge you, no matter how long it takes..."

A cold wind blew as if carrying Nero's thoughts with it towards the dark heavens, Nero's cold eyes seemed to be even chillier than the wind, as the passerby's ensured to keep their distance.

Nero then went towards a decent enough location to call it a night. He saw that it was a lovely little terrace with a lake and flowers.

A few world spirits were flying about, as one seemed to have fallen behind, Nero hurried over to it and picked it up. Looking at the tiny spirit in his hand, Nero felt a bit at peace as it rubbed its cute little cheeks on his palm.

"There you go, little guy," Nero said as he placed it on top of a flower; the little spirit then tucked itself into the plant before it shrunk into it.

Nero felt that his mood was good enough and was about to log out, but before he could utter the words, a notification sounded in his mind.

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Ding!

[By the collective will of many, you've earned a new title - Wild Silver!]

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The instant Nero said this, his eyes when wide as Adult Nero chuckled, his laughter sounding at Nero's mind's depts echoed through the rest of the night.