Game’s Dogma

“Dan, take care!” Windstrider knew now was not the time to be hesitant.

“Didn’t I say stop right there?”

Tong furrowed his brow as he dashed to halt Windstrider’s advance. Windstrider, with a cold glare, whipped out two pistols with a quick swing of his arms.

“Uncle! I am the one you should be fighting!” Danting bawled childishly.

A dangerous aura formed around Danting. He pointed his sword forwards, and a quick flash of black tore apart the air between them—Instant Thunder! The skill infused lightning elemental power into his sword and allowed him to perform a short dash together with a thrust. It was one of his favourite skills to start a fight; the quick dash alone could catch many players off guard. 

But that didn’t include Tong. He was Hawk’s companion from long ago, not just in the game but also in the same squadron. Tong was the strongest soldier of the squadron, with none able to defeat him in bare-handed combat. His expertise was, as his class suggested, boxing.

Tong made no attempt to dodge the greatsword and instead stepped forth to take it on. Danting felt like his sword had struck a mountain, turning his hands numb. Tong staggered three steps back, but Danting saw clearly that he only inflicted a small, white scratch on Tong’s metallic fists.

Tong didn’t let Windstrider slip away either. Although ten metres apart, Tong still put on a boxing stance and punched thrice in quick succession. Three fist auras shot out from his fists towards Woindstrider.

So fast! Windstrider thought. However, he was no run-of-the-mill player either. Placing his hands behind his back, he ran while pulling the triggers. Noh Firearms Marksmanship, Corner Strike! It was powerful as the caster could fire consecutive shots while on the move.

The storm of bullets ground against the fists before they both disappeared. Danting, finally having caught his breath, charged over to rejoin the battle. This time, he wasn’t going to be careless. He stepped into a silver magic array and reappeared right behind Tong. Instead of dark lightning, a roaring flame shrouded his sword as he yelled and slashed his sword downwards—Magic Swordsman skill, Pyrometeor.

Tong frowned at the flaming sword heading toward him. He could only cross his forearms to block the strike using a skill—Steel Fist Blockade. It reduced all incoming damage by fifty per cent for three seconds at the cost of rendering him immobile for the entire duration. He was almost undefeatable while Steel Fist Blockade’s effect lasted, albeit just three short seconds.

Tong’s combat experience had saved him from instant death. As a magic swordsman, Danting could chain a series of skills once the first one landed. Using Steel Fist Blockade prevented him from following up with more attacks.

Even so, Windstrider had broken through Tong’s line of defence and was sprinting towards Hawk.

Hawk lay on the ground and silently cradled his sniper rifle. Its barrel rested on a small sandbag that acted as its tripod.

He was a soldier, but he was different from Tong. While Tong might be thirty-five and was physically going downhill, his well-tempered body was still as fit as a bull, landing him an important post among the Fourth Western City’s military.

On the other hand, Hawk was a retired soldier, a veteran, so to say. He was in a slight daze as he looked at his left arm. The sensation was so real that it felt unreal. Back in the actual world, an accidental explosion had robbed him of his left arm, forcing him to retire. The military was particularly generous with its retirees, and with his buddy Tong’s help, Hawk purchased a game pod of the highest tier.

Hawk could still remember the first time he had entered the game. Tears flowed out of his eyes uncontrollably the moment he saw his left arm. Perhaps he was merely fooling himself, but he enjoyed the game nonetheless. Only in the game was he a perfectly healthy person. Only in the game could he use his left arm as if it was indeed his.

Perhaps this was why the game took the hearts of so many. Here, everyone’s body was equal. Despite having trained their bodies in the actual world, players’ muscular appearances did not impact their physicality in the game. Still, skills and techniques could be brought over. Bloodless Bladester’s unique usage of Dash was a derivative of his outstanding balance in real life. The game was like a race where everyone drove the same car, with only their driving skills making a difference.

Moments later, a wry smile replaced the icy expression on Hawk’s face. To think I am still bothered by such emotions from time to time, I am truly old. Ironically, his salary as the Metal Palace master was higher than his days as a soldier, where his life was on the line.

He had to cherish his new chance at life.

Every player from the Western server was inquisitive about the masked man whom Zeus declared his rival. They knew how strong Zeus was, yet he admitted openly that his rival was just as strong.

Hawk took in a deep breath and thought, He really is something else.This will be the final attack. Block it, and I’ll acknowledge that you have the strength to rival Zeus.

Hawk activated his skill—an abyss formed at the barrel’s tip, greedily devouring streaks of purple rays.

Drako Yau could feel his heart thumping rapidly. It was the feeling of impending danger, the sensation of a predator locking on him—he hadn’t felt such a significant threat to his life in a long time.

Frustration sunk in. Drako Yau had all sorts of tricks and overwhelming strength, yet they were all of no use in this situation. Range was his nemesis; even Zeus had to go on the defensive when up against Hawk at such a long distance.

Hawk was the king of long distances. However, this was his only chance. Windstrider had already discovered his location after breaking past Tong’s defensive perimeter.

The barrel’s demonic light struck fear in anyone who dared to look at it. As a ranger himself, Windstrider naturally knew what the purple glow was—Mana Shot, the ultimate skill of the Ranger class!

Windstrider was torn by anxiety at the sight of the glow. He ran with all his might, speeding up his legs as much as he possibly could. But even that wasn’t enough. A deafening boom, together with the subsequent sight, almost gave him a heart attack. 

His face turned pale; there was nothing he could do to stop it.

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