Author: Mad Flower | Original Source: SFACG | Word Count: 2070 characters |
Translator: Keissen | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 935 words |
Editor(s): NeedHydra |
Witnessing such a lopsided confrontation left everyone astonished and somewhat queasy. Moments ago, Zamas exuded an air of arrogance and overwhelming might. But in an instant, he was effortlessly manhandled by Black-hearted Princess. This stark juxtaposition stunned the onlookers, leaving them struggling to react. The cacophony of pounding and anguished cries melded together, forming a crescendo that struck deep into the hearts of the audience, leaving them in awe and dread.
Time seemed to dilate. What felt like an eternity ended with a resounding explosion as a crimson figure was catapulted into the soldiers. The force was reminiscent of a bowling ball scattering pins, inducing widespread panic.
Watching this, Yunuen’s fists tightened against her chest, her eyes gleaming with admiration. “Princess is as awe-inspiring as ever!” Little Fairy remarked, her gaze fixed on Yaeger’s retreating form.
The players were still grappling with the overwhelming display of prowess when another realization hit them. Black-hearted Princess had decimated a Level 39 NPC. She was a force to be reckoned with.
S.K.Y. and Taurus, having plotted against her before, weren’t as taken aback. They had long surmised her strength to be on par with the final boss. “As much as it pains me to admit, she’s currently the pinnacle of player strength,” S.K.Y. muttered, clenching his fists. “But it’s only for now,” he reassured himself.
Taurus’ face flushed as avarice glittered in his eyes. Such power was enticing, a force that could shape the world.
“I gave you a chance to leave, but you were stubborn,” Yaeger remarked coldly. Her ethereal tentacles morphed into nine tails, wreaking further havoc amongst the soldiers. Many soldiers lamented their decision, wishing they had opted for a peaceful day in the inner city. The players watched, jaws agape, as a force of well-equipped NPCs were discarded like mere refuse. Those who had seen her reign in Novice Village 101 were instantly reminded of her dominance, their bodies shaking with fear. The world may be ever-changing, but Black-hearted Princess’ might was a constant.
“Such a pointless waste,” Yaeger declared nonchalantly. To her, battling NPCs below Level 30 was akin to an adult swatting away a child—utterly one-sided.
“Yunuen, Little Fairy, let’s move on,” she commanded, her aura receding. As the trio proceeded into the city, they passed by S.K.Y. and Taurus. Yaeger paused, “You two seem to be thriving lately.”
Merely hearing her voice sent a chill down their spines. But recollections of her might and their past dealings subdued their rising ire.
“You haven’t won yet!” Taurus retorted, trying to hide the quiver in his voice. “We have the resources. We’ll soon rival you.”
“We are now part of the Direct Army. Our rank ensures our ascent to the top,” S.K.Y. declared, his voice laden with determination. Yet, his trembling fists betrayed his bravado. Recalling his earlier courage, he couldn’t fathom the fear that gripped him now. Memories of a terrifying encounter further exacerbated his unease.
“In that case, perhaps I should finish you off before you even get the chance?” Yaeger remarked coldly.
This statement struck terror into the hearts of both S.K.Y. and Taurus, leaving them paralyzed as if they’d been plunged into icy waters. They then remembered that the menacing figure before them was unfazed by her Red Player reputation. The guards wouldn’t dare confront her, even if she committed a murder. The moniker, ‘scourge of the Empire,’ wasn’t mere hyperbole; she truly embodied it.
“If you even think of harming us, Commander Blei of the Direct Army will ensure you pay the price!” S.K.Y. exclaimed, his thoughts turning to the formidable commander clad in red and black armor, the only figure who seemed capable of challenging the Black-hearted Princess.
The mere mention of “Blei” darkened Yaeger’s features, evoking a surge of murderous intent. Memories of Blei’s treachery outside the maze haunted her, fueling her desire for vengeance. As S.K.Y. and Taurus were aligned with Blei, perhaps she should deal with them as well.
However, an intense sense of impending doom overwhelmed her. For the first time, her face betrayed genuine fear. In a flash, she vanished in a burst of white light, leaving Yunuen and Little Fairy exchanging alarmed glances.
Believing her sudden departure was due to the mere mention of Blei’s name, S.K.Y. and Taurus reveled in triumph. “She pretends to be fearless, but the mere mention of Lord Blei sent her scurrying away!” S.K.Y. gloated.
“She’s nothing but a bully, picking on weaker players like us,” Taurus added with a smirk.
Without realizing, their reverence for Blei grew, bestowing upon him the honorific ‘Lord.’ The crowd, initially confused, listened intently as S.K.Y. expounded on Blei’s lofty status. As they learned of his influential position as the Emperor’s direct army commander and the superior of S.K.Y. and Taurus, they were taken aback. Their perception shifted, and they saw Yaeger as a bully, elevating the status of S.K.Y. and Taurus.
But two individuals remained unfazed by this turn of events. Concern etched on their faces, they knew Yaeger hadn’t exited the game due to Blei. Something in her real world might have gone amiss.
Earlier, within a room in the Jade Flower Garden, Yaeger abruptly woke up, her senses on high alert. Yunuen and Little Fairy’s intuition was spot on—something in the real world threatened her.
Below, an unassuming man, sensing the powerful aura above, smirked with malicious glee. “I anticipated a mere bug, but it seems I’ve stumbled upon a [Princess] as well!”