> Location: Erasthia Central Arena — Opening Tournament
Registration Requirements: Level 7-15 — Classes: Combat / Support / Hybrid
Mode: Solo — Elimination Rounds
Introductory Segment — Reporter
> Username: RealTalk
Class: Observer (Special)
Affiliation: Orias Studio | Embedded Media
An American man with a deep, enthusiastic voice addressed his floating camera. A semi-transparent sphere broadcasting in real time on the official Genesis stream.
— "Ladies and gentlemen from all realms and realities, welcome to the first official tournament since the public launch of Genesis. I'm your humble eyes and ears, RealTalk, embedded Observer of Orias Studio. And today? We witness the rise… of unknown legends."
He pivoted through the corridors, microphone hovering near him, filming the queues and the illuminated signs.
— "Over 10,000 players registered across five servers. Here in Erasthia, only the top 128 will move on to the next round. Expect betrayal, mastery, and pure combat artistry."
He zoomed in on the main entrance, where two figures had just entered almost simultaneously…
Part 1 — Z3RO
Z3RO checked his interface one last time.
> Level: 10
Class: Technomancer (Prototype)
Equipment:
• Energy Revolver (plasma + paralyzing wave mode)
• Plasma Dagger (limited activation)
• BIT Module – Drone Assist (scan/blind mode only)
• Modified Tactical Armor — minimal absorption
He entered the arena without a word, blending into the crowd. No one looked at him. Perfect.
— Better if no one notices me now… later, they'll remember my name for themselves.
The inside of the stadium was monumental: floating platforms, multiple arenas, giant screens showing the matches in progress. Every corner of the arena exuded tension, adrenaline, and anticipation.
He received his notification:
> [Phase 1 – Preliminary Match – Random Duel]
Opponent: "Broshor" — Class: Marauder (Lvl. 12)
Specialty: Heavy Weapons / Area Control
He gritted his teeth.
— "I have to play smart. He's higher level, but I have the tech."
In the waiting room, he briefly watched the other matches: explosive duels, fire spells, massive sword swings. But also… some real rookie mistakes.
— They're stronger than me… but less precise.
A voice echoed through the hall:
> "Z3RO vs. Broshor — Arena 7. Prepare."
He exhaled, adjusted his tactical goggles, and walked toward the platform.
Part 2 — Hakaijin
Ren Daiki (Hakaijin) watched the steps, one by one, without ever lowering his head.
He had just warmed up away from the stadium, away from the crowds. No fanfare. No announcement.
> Level: 11
Class: Essence Blade
Equipment:
• Shinjitsu no Yoru Fragment (2/3)
• Light Armor of Mental Discipline
• Technique: "Inner Void"
• Style: Murim – Pure Edge
He arrived in front of the registration screen. A synthetic voice announced:
> "Hakaijin — Level confirmed. Registrations validated. Arena assignment: 3"
His opponent? A flashy nickname.
> "Zeroklash" — Level 12 — Class: Shadow Assassin
He didn't react. Just a movement of his neck.
— "He'll dance. I'll cut."
In the arena, the other player paraded. Hakaijin entered without a word, without a glance.
When the virtual bell rang, Hakaijin didn't wait.
He attacked.
A straight strike, instantaneous, calculated.
The match lasted 43 seconds.
The AI referee blinked.
> "Victory — Hakaijin. Advance to the second round validated."
He sheathed his sword.
No words.
But behind the camera of the RealTalk reporter, a sentence appeared:
> "Who was that guy...?"