underground ruler

In the dimly lit confines of her workspace, Linya stared blankly at the monitor. Guilt gnawed at every corner of her heart. A failed mission, a target who had slipped away—each weighed heavily on her shoulders. Without wasting another moment, she rose, determination blazing in her eyes. She had to make amends, as soon as possible.

But before she could take a step, an emergency call interrupted her resolve. A city, far beyond her reach, was under attack by an unknown group. A sudden ambush—merciless and chaotic—spreading terror through the streets. Linya froze, conflicted. She wanted to ignore the mission, to focus solely on her own.

"Are you sure, Linya?" a deep voice shattered the silence. "That man is Underground Ruler Zask. I hope you're not thinking of letting him slip away so easily."

The words hit Linya like a shockwave. Zask—the ruler of the underground. A ruthless and cunning criminal, feared by many. Her thoughts swirled into a storm.

"The division squad in Stranley is still recovering. Their captain personally requested my assistance," Linya murmured, her voice trembling. "I can't ignore this. It's more important than I thought."

The man nodded and handed her a wanted poster. "Very well, Linya. Take this with you."

Linya took the poster, her gaze landing on the face of a man she didn't recognize. "Wait a second… I don't even know this guy. Who is he?"

"I need you to capture him for me," the man replied firmly. "Don't forget this extra task: find him alive and bring him here!"

"Hm… where can I find this person?" Linya asked, scanning the wanted poster.

"Word has it he was a troublemaker in the arena. After defeating countless opponents, he vanished without a trace. This poster was made the moment he disappeared. Now he's roaming around Stranley. Bring him back alive, no matter the cost."

In another part of the city, the neon lights reflected off the rain-slicked streets. Glenn strolled casually, taking in the bustling nightlife. "It feels lively tonight. Are they having some kind of festival?" he muttered, his eyes following the flickering lights.

Suddenly, a holographic notification materialized before him, glowing with a pale blue hue.

"New quest has appeared..."

Glenn frowned. "Huh? What's this? I don't recall any new quests being detected by the system."

The text shifted, displaying updated details:

"A Moral Tempered: This quest was requested directly by Weld. Discard your morals. Right now, it's kill or be killed.

Reward: Magic Ring, a lot of experience."

"What the hell does this mean?" Glenn muttered, his gaze locked onto the cryptic message. His system had suddenly issued a strange and dangerous quest.

As he continued walking, a metal utility pole came hurtling toward him, slamming into the ground with a thunderous crash. Chaos erupted all around him—screams filled the air as people scattered in fear.

Glenn froze, his mind racing. "Why is this happening? Everything was peaceful just a moment ago." Suspicion creeping in, he quickly moved away from the scene. "Could it be… the arena officials are tracking me? Maybe it's them."

A new holographic notification appeared—larger and brighter this time, as if the system was emphasizing its urgency.

"A Moral Tempered: This quest was requested directly by Weld. Assist your ally in defeating The Underground Ruler.

Reward: Ring of Magic, a lot of experience, compass."

"He even knows I'm lost… but what is this supposed to mean?" Glenn whispered, suspicion and unease churning in his chest. His system seemed to know everything—even his exact location.

On the other side of the city, Linya's division squad struggled against the overwhelming force of Zask's men. Attack after attack was launched, yet Zask shrugged them off effortlessly, as if their strikes were nothing more than a gentle breeze.

"Yo, lady. You thought I was serious last time?" Zask sneered, a wicked grin stretching across his face.

"You—shut up!" Linya snapped, her fury boiling over. "Hyatt!"

Linya unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks, but Zask blocked them with ease. The division squad was being pushed back—some members suffering severe injuries.

"Lady, are you trying to run away?" Zask taunted with a chuckle.

"I'm ordering the entire defense squad to fall back!" Linya commanded.

"But—" one of the squad members protested.

"No buts! If you stay, you'll only be a burden. Don't pursue him. Just watch the duel instead."

Zask smirked. "This is just getting started."

"You sure about that?" Linya's eyes narrowed as she locked onto Zask.

"Of course. 1000% sure," Zask replied, his grin widening. "And now… let me return the favor."

"You certain?" Zask asked again, his gaze sharp.

"Yeah, I'm sure I'll crush your skull as fast as possible. If needed, I'll wipe that disgusting grin right off your face."

The battle erupted. Blow after blow was exchanged. Zask retaliated with a devastating uppercut, sending shockwaves through the air. Linya blocked it with her arm, but blood instantly dripped from her fingertips.

"Alright, Zask…" Linya muttered, her eyes burning with resolve.

"You can still talk casually in that condition?" Zask mocked.

"Of course. I haven't even been serious from the start," Linya replied, pulling a dagger from beneath her cloak.

"Ex-Gale Intro!"

Linya shot forward like a gust of wind, her movements a mere green blur in Zask's vision.

"Interesting!" Zask laughed, his grin darkening.

"Execute Lethality Counter!"

Zask countered, forcing Linya back—but not before she had already inflicted several deep wounds on him.

"Interesting, interesting," Zask murmured, a sinister glint in his eyes. Moments later, blood dripped from his lips.

"You can still talk in that state?" Linya smirked, her expression mocking.

"You bastard!" Zask roared, his fury erupting.

"Shut up."

"Hah… You're covered in blood. Stop talking," Linya sneered.

Elsewhere in the city, panic spread like wildfire through the streets.

"Danger! Danger! Get out of here immediately!" a frantic voice yelled, swallowed by the chaos.

"You too, hurry and leave!" another person shouted, grabbing the arm of a terrified woman.

A new holographic notification flickered before Glenn, pulsing red—an ominous warning.

"Quest updated: A Moral Tempered. This quest was requested directly by Weld. Your ally, Linya, needs your help. Discard your morals. Right now, it's kill or be killed.

Reward: Magic Ring, a lot of experience."compass

Glenn stared at the notifications, his heart pounding.

"This… this can't be real, can it?" he muttered, unease creeping through his bones. His system knew everything. And now, it was dragging him into a battle he wasn't sure he was ready for.