Chapter 85: The Gauntlet of Truth

"I've come here to uncover the reality of this world to you, Loki," the girl declared.

Loki, what are your thoughts on mobile games? In gacha games, the story is often overlooked by users who focus more on the content. I'm the same. Honestly speaking, the storyline of Shot in the Arm is somewhat outdated. The world-building is lacking, and most players don't even pay attention to story progression.

With a flick of her finger, the scene changed, transforming into a familiar location—the bustling city of Nelsa on the Townia Mainland, Haim Peninsula. But something was amiss. The once-thriving city now lay in ruins, surrounded by darkness.

"Do you have any idea where this is?" she asked.

"I don't really need to know," I replied.

"Sorry about that. I tend to get carried away," she admitted. "This is Nelsa, completely destroyed."

Another flick of her finger, and the scene shifted again. "This is Silpia. Kaia. Edora," she continued, each location depicted in ruins, devoid of life.

"Fiona. Mardian. Ikardia. Rilgia. Halcea. Arantia. Cisnia. And even Bardashia. This is the current state of all regions in Townia," she explained, her smile turning sinister.

"It's a book with a predetermined ending, a very bad ending," she continued. "Everything comes to an end. The characters in the book hope to change the ending, but they can't do it alone. The solution? We need new characters from outside the book. We need to rewrite the story, even if it means the setting and consistency fall apart."

"Higher-layered creatures can distort causality just by observing. That's why Shot in the Arm was created, Master Loki," she concluded dramatically.

"So?" I prompted.

"What's the reason for telling me this?" I asked.

"I'm asking for your cooperation," she replied.

"Cooperation?" I repeated incredulously.

"Yes, with me, to save the world," she implored.

In response, I drew a blade from my belt and threw it, piercing her forehead.

"Think carefully, Loki. Is your answer a yes or a no?" she asked, unfazed.

"F*ck you," I spat. "I won't cooperate with you. To kill me, go ahead. But I won't go down without a fight."

"You're quite harsh with your words," she remarked, seemingly amused.

With a sigh, I calmed my boiling rage. "I have an ability called self-restraint," I explained. "I can't kill her right now. I need to become stronger first."

"I don't want to have any conversation with you. Send me back," I demanded.

The girl sighed. "This is disappointing. I've used a lot of energy to bring you here."

"Loki, I deeply appreciate you. Truly, more than any other player in Shot in the Arm. Even the top ranker is nothing compared to you," she confessed.

"Why?" I questioned.

"You, as a player, achieved a unique feat," she explained.

With another flick of her finger, holographic text appeared in the center of the field.

[Ace, trust in your bond with the heroes]

"You were the only one who truly embodied the meaning of this sentence among the hundred million players. Just you," she revealed.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

Another flick of her finger, and the scene changed once more, displaying a new background with holographic text.

[Floor 80.]

[Mission Type Complex]

[Objective Unknown.]

"Do you know where this is, Loki?" she asked, grinning slyly. "This is the 80th-floor stage of Niflheimr, six months ago."

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