The Next Round Begins
DING!
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[ROUND 2 BEGINS IN 1 HOUR] [EVERY PLAYER AND HOSTAGE ARE COMMANDED TO FIND THE NEAREST TELEPORTATION CENTER]
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Yue's heart pounded as she read the notification. "Brother… what's a teleportation center?"
Chen quickly opened his system, navigating through the options. "Let's see… There's a 'Location' feature. I'll use it."
DING!
[NEAREST TELEPORTATION CENTER LOCATED: 800 METERS WEST]
Chen pointed in the direction. "Found it. It's about 800 meters west from here. Let's go, Yue."
Yue nodded, gripping Chen's sleeve tightly as they hurried through the ruined city. Around them, other survivors were also moving, some dragging along their hostages, others running alone. The air was thick with tension—no one knew what the next round would bring.
As they ran, Yue's breathing was uneven. "Brother… do you think this round will be worse than the first?"
Chen's jaw clenched. "Most likely. The system is designed to entertain those monsters… It won't get easier."
Yue shuddered but didn't stop. She knew one thing for sure—no matter what happened, she had to survive with her brother.
As they arrived at their destination, Yue looked up at the glowing structure in front of them—a massive, pulsating red projection in the shape of a circular platform. It hummed softly, casting an eerie glow over the cracked pavement.
"Ah… is this the teleportation center?" Yue asked, hesitating before stepping forward.
Chen examined it carefully before nodding. "Yeah, it seems so. Let's step in."
The moment they crossed into the red zone, the projection flashed green, and a familiar system notification rang in their minds.
DING!
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[YOU HAVE SECURED YOUR TELEPORTATION POINT.] [WAIT HERE FOR 30 MINUTES. EVERYONE WILL BE TELEPORTED AT ONCE.]
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Yue exhaled, placing a hand on her chest. "So we just… wait now?"
Chen scanned the area. Other players were arriving, stepping cautiously into their own teleportation zones scattered across the city ruins. Some came alone, others dragging their trembling hostages along. The silence was unnerving—no one spoke, but the fear in their eyes was clear.
"Yeah. We wait." Chen said, his gaze hardening. And prepare for whatever comes next.
DING!
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[YOU WILL BE TELEPORTED IN 10 SECONDS.]
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Yue's fingers tightened around Chen's hand. "Brother...!"
Chen gently squeezed back, his voice firm despite the fear in his eyes. "Don't worry, Yue. I'll protect you."
[3...2...1...]
A blinding green light consumed them, instantly shifting to a deep blue, and before they knew it—
Chen landed in the arena.
He quickly regained his balance, eyes darting around. He wasn't alone—500 men stood in the same position, all looking just as confused, just as terrified. But something was wrong.
Yue wasn't there.
No, not just Yue—none of the hostages were here.
A low hum vibrated through the air before a massive holographic projection flickered to life above them. A towering rabbit-like figure, its beady mechanical eyes glowing red, appeared once more—UESS 0.89.
"WELCOME, EVERYONE, TO ROUND 2!" its robotic voice echoed through the arena. "ALL PLAYERS ARE HERE. LET'S START THE GAME. BUT BEFORE THAT, LET ME EXPLAIN THE RULES TO YOU ALL..."
One of the players—an older man, his face pale with panic—staggered forward. "Where are they?! Where is my wife?! What are we supposed to protect them from?! WHERE ARE THEY?!"
UESS 0.89 grinned. "Oh, right. Here they are!"
DING!
Every player's system screen flashed open in front of them. What they saw made their blood run cold.
The hostages.
Each and every one of them—wives, children, siblings—tied up in a horrifying star shape, arms and legs stretched to their limits, bound at four sides. Metal chains gleamed under the harsh artificial lights, holding them suspended in the air.
Screams erupted.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" "LEAVE THEM ALONE!!" "TAKE ME INSTEAD!"
Some players fell to their knees, clutching their heads in despair. Others banged their fists against the invisible walls of their protective projections, eyes wide with terror.
UESS 0.89 only chuckled. "Ahh, that's what we like about you Earthlings! So ready to throw away your own lives for this thing called 'love' and 'family'! Then..."
Its glowing eyes darkened.
"PROTECT THEM."
The arena shook.
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[ROUND 2: BLOOD BATTLE] [500 PLAYERS. ONLY 100 WILL SURVIVE.] [RULE: KILL UNTIL ONLY 100 REMAIN. IF YOU DIE... YOUR HOSTAGE WILL BE TORN APART.]
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Chen clenched his jaw as his inventory screen hovered in front of him. The countdown had already begun—
[GAME WILL START IN 30 SECONDS.] [CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON.]
His eyes darted across the list of weapons available. Swords, spears, hammers—but all of them were too expensive.
The only thing he could afford with their 2000 coins was...
[COBRA VENOMOUS DAGGER]
Chen's finger hovered over the selection.
"Tch... This is all I can get?" He muttered under his breath. But as he looked at the dagger's stats, his eyes narrowed.
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[COBRA VENOMOUS DAGGER: LVL. 3]
Attack: 160
Venomous Damage: 200
Durability: 350
About: A special dagger containing a deadly venom that instantly kills the opponent upon a successful strike.
Warning: Touching the blade will kill the user as well.
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DING!
[Do you want to unlock COBRA VENOMOUS DAGGER? Buy for 2000 coins?]
YES | NO
Chen exhaled sharply and pressed YES.
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[UNLOCKED!] [COBRA VENOMOUS DAGGER HAS BEEN ADDED TO YOUR INVENTORY.]
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The moment he confirmed the purchase, a dark purple glow emerged from his screen. From the light, the dagger materialized in front of him, dropping into his waiting hand.
The blade was sleek and curved, the hilt wrapped in black leather. But the most terrifying part was the greenish-purple liquid dripping from its edges—a toxin so potent that even the slightest touch meant instant death.
Chen took a steady breath. "This will do."
Around him, the other players had started grabbing their weapons—swords, spears, axes, even whips. The atmosphere had changed. Fear was still there, but now it was mixed with determination, desperation... and bloodlust.
The system's voice echoed once more.
[GAME STARTS IN 10 SECONDS.]
Chen tightened his grip.
[4...]
He glanced at the screen—Yue was still bound, still watching.
[3...]
Her eyes were filled with fear.
[2...]
Chen inhaled deeply. "Survive. Protect her. No matter what."
[1...]
DING!
The battle had begun.
The moment the countdown hit zero, the entire arena shifted.
DING!
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[BATTLE STARTS!]
[Survive until only 100 players remain.]
[Reward: 10,000 coins]
[Penalty: Your hostage will be torn apart.]
[Time Limit: 1 Hour]
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The protective blue projections surrounding the players vanished in an instant.
For a moment just a moment there was complete silence.
Then, all hell broke loose.
"DIEEE!!" A man roared, swinging his massive battle-axe at the nearest player. His blade tore through flesh with a sickening SCHLK! Blood sprayed across the stone floor.
DING!
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[Player #388 Eliminated.]
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The system screens of the fallen player's hostage flickered to life. The bound woman on-screen screamed in terror as the mechanical arms holding her limbs pulled in four directions.
"NO! PLEASE—!!"
RIIIP!!
A wet, gruesome tear echoed across the arena as her body was ripped apart. Blood splattered across the screen before it turned black.
Her player's screen shut off.
Chen's grip on his dagger tightened.
"This is madness..." He muttered.
But there was no time to process. Another player lunged at him—a thin man with a bloodied sword, his eyes wide with desperation.
"I'll kill you first!!" He screamed, slashing down.
Chen sidestepped just in time, the blade missing him by inches. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he countered—his venomous dagger slicing across the man's exposed arm.
SCHLK!
DING!
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[Player #245 Eliminated.]
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The man stumbled back, his face twisting in shock as the venom spread instantly through his veins. His lips turned blue, his eyes rolled back, and within seconds, he collapsed—dead.
Another scream erupted from his system screen. His hostage—**a young boy no older than 10—**was bound just like the others.
Chen turned away just before the horrific sound of flesh tearing apart filled the air.
The arena was now a bloodbath.
Screams. Swords clashing. The sickening crunch of bones breaking. The gut-wrenching pleas for mercy.
Players were ripping each other apart, bodies dropping like flies.
"NO! STOP—!"
"ARGHHH!"
"PLEASE DON'T KILL ME—!!"
But there was no stopping.
This was not a game.
This was a slaughterhouse.
Chen's heart pounded in his chest. The metallic scent of blood filled the air as bodies collapsed around him, screens flickering off one by one.
He clenched his venomous dagger, scanning the battlefield. Players were fighting like wild animals, driven by desperation and fear. Some were skilled, moving with precision and deadly intent—others were just swinging blindly, trying to survive another second.
DING!
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[Remaining Players: 300]
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"Damn it... it's only been a few minutes."
Chen exhaled sharply, stepping back just as a spear whistled past his face, nearly impaling him.
CLANK!
The tip dug into the ground beside him. Without hesitation, he kicked the spear's wielder in the gut, sending them staggering backward. He dashed forward, dagger glinting—a clean slash across the throat.
SCHLK!
DING!
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[Player #178 Eliminated.]
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Chen barely registered the dying man's hostage screaming before the system screen blacked out. His own hands were now stained red.
Damn it… How long do I have to keep doing this?!
A shadow loomed over him.
Chen ducked just in time—a massive warhammer crashed down where he stood, shattering the ground.
BOOM!
Dust flew up. Chen rolled away, glancing up at his attacker—a towering brute, his bulging muscles rippling as he lifted the warhammer again.
"You're dead, kid!"
The man swung again.
Chen dodged left, barely avoiding his skull being crushed. The hammer **slammed into another player behind him—**the unfortunate soul's body exploded on impact, blood and flesh splattering everywhere.
DING!
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[Remaining Players: 250]
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Chen didn't waste time. He lunged in, his dagger flashing.
SLASH!
The brute howled as the venomous blade cut deep into his side.
"ARGHH!! YOU LITTLE—"
The venom acted instantly. His skin turned a sickly purple, veins darkening. He staggered, choking on his own breath.
Chen took a step back, his voice cold.
"You're already dead."
The brute collapsed, convulsing.
DING!
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[Player #102 Eliminated.]
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Chen's grip on his dagger tightened. He could still hear the agonized screams from the hostages on his screen—the sound of limbs ripping apart.
I have to win. I have to survive. I have to protect Yue…
Chen gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his venomous dagger. His breathing was heavy, his muscles burning, but his mind was clear—he had to protect Yue.
He glanced at his screen.
DING!
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[Remaining Players: 245]
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The battlefield had changed. The desperate and weak were gone. Now, only the brutal and skilled remained. Each survivor had already tasted blood, their bodies drenched in sweat, eyes filled with the cold determination to kill.
This game… it was never about survival. These damn aliens wanted entertainment.
Chen exhaled sharply.
Around him, the remaining players charged forward, every single one of them rushing at their nearest opponent. It was no longer **random chaos—**it was a battle between predators.
And Chen had no choice but to become one of them.
His target stood before him—a towering man, at least 6'5", broad shoulders, thick muscles bulging under his bloodstained clothes. A massive greatsword rested in his hands, its gleaming steel reflecting the carnage around them.
The man smirked, eyes gleaming with bloodlust.
"Come on, kid… let's see if you can dance."
Chen charged first.
The sword-wielder swung instantly, a powerful horizontal slash aimed to cleave Chen in half.
WHOOOSH!
Chen ducked, the blade whistling over his head—he felt the wind of its sheer force rip through his hair.
Too strong. If he took a single hit from that thing, he was dead.
The man lifted his sword again for a downward strike—
Chen moved first.
He lunged forward, dagger flashing.
CLANG!
The man twisted his wrist, using the flat of his sword to block the stab. Sparks flew as steel clashed against steel.
Chen barely had time to react as a knee slammed into his gut.
"Ugh!"
Pain exploded in his stomach. His body lurched backward, nearly throwing up.
"Too slow!"
The man brought his sword down—a fatal strike!
THINK FAST.
Chen rolled to the side, barely avoiding the devastating impact.
BOOM!
The sword slammed into the ground, cracking the surface beneath them. Dust and debris exploded into the air.
Chen's eyes sharpened.
That weapon is powerful—but slow.
That was his chance.
The moment the man tried to lift his sword again—
Chen moved.
SILENT. SWIFT. DEADLY.
He darted forward, ducking under the man's arm—his dagger flashed.
SLASH!
A deep cut across the man's side.
"Tch!"
The swordsman grunted, but he didn't flinch.
Chen's eyes widened.
That wound—it should have been deep enough to cripple him!
The man grinned. "Heh. Not bad, kid. But not enough."
Without hesitation—
He kicked Chen in the chest.
"Gah!"
Chen stumbled backward, gasping for breath. His chest burned.
The man spun his sword, getting back into stance. "You got speed, but you're too light. One good hit, and you're done."
Chen wiped the blood off his lips, his grip tightening on his dagger.
I can't trade blows with him. I have to end this—fast.
The swordsman rushed forward, swinging at full force.
Chen didn't dodge this time.
He ran straight at him.
The swordsman's eyes widened.
"Are you insane?!"
At the last second—
Chen dropped low, sliding under the incoming slash.
He was now behind the man.
His dagger glowed in his hand.
Chen gritted his teeth—AND STRUCK.
STAB!
The dagger pierced deep into the man's lower back.
"URGH—!"
The venom activated instantly.
His veins turned black.
His body froze, trembling.
Chen ripped the dagger out.
The swordsman collapsed, his massive body hitting the ground with a heavy thud.
DING!
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[Player #63 Eliminated.]
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Chen panted heavily, his chest rising and falling.
His hands were shaking.
Not from fear.
Not from weakness.
But from the realization.
I'm becoming a monster.
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
No.
I'm doing this for Yue.
He opened his screen.
DING!
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[Remaining Players: 150]
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Just 50 more to go.
Chen lifted his dagger—and ran forward.
The battle wasn't over yet.
DING!
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[20 MINUTES REMAINING] ──────────────
The battlefield was a bloodbath.
Bodies littered the ground, their screens flashing PLAYER ELIMINATED before shutting off forever.
Everywhere, screams of agony filled the air, as each fallen player's hostage was torn apart.
Chen barely had time to breathe before—
BAM!
A fist slammed into his face.
"GAH—!"
He staggered backward, blood spraying from his mouth.
Before he could react—
BAM!
Another hit.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
A flurry of brutal punches rained down on him, each blow rattling his skull.
His vision blurred.
His ears rang.
His legs wobbled.
"Ugh... Huh... Huh..."
He could barely stay standing.
NO! I CAN'T LOSE HERE!
NOT NOW!
He forced his eyes open.
Standing in front of him was a beast of a man.
Tall. Muscular. A face full of scars.
But what stood out the most—
He had no weapons.
This monster was beating him with his bare hands.
The man cracked his knuckles, grinning.
"Damn, kid. You took all that and you're still standing? Not bad."
Chen tried to lift his dagger—
It wasn't there.
His eyes darted to the ground.
Shit. I dropped it.
Before he could reach for it—
BAM!
A brutal knee to his gut.
"Guh—!"
He spat blood. His ribs cracked.
The man grabbed him by the hair, forcing him to look up.
"You should've stayed down."
And then—
FISTS CRASHED INTO HIS FACE.
AGAIN. AND AGAIN. AND AGAIN.
His nose snapped.
His teeth shattered.
Blood splattered on the ground.
His body was screaming in pain.
His vision was fading.
NO!
Chen gritted his teeth, forcing himself to think.
My dagger... I dropped it...
Wait.
His inventory.
He focused.
A single thought.
Dagger.
DING!
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[Cobra Venomous Dagger has been stored in Inventory.]
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The man's fist paused for a split second.
Chen smirked.
Before the man could react—
Chen reached into his inventory—
And pulled the dagger out.
STAB!
The blade plunged into the man's heart.
His eyes widened in shock.
"Wha—"
Venom flooded his veins instantly.
His body seized.
His mouth foamed.
His muscles twitched uncontrollably.
And then—
He collapsed.
DING!
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[Player #112 Eliminated.]
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Chen stumbled back, panting.
His vision swam.
Blood dripped from his nose, mouth, and forehead.
His teeth were broken.
His entire face was a bloody mess.
But he was alive.
He spat a mouthful of blood onto the ground.
Then, he gripped his dagger tightly.
"Only 50 more... I'm not dying here."
He lifted his bloodstained face—
And charged into the battle once more.
Chen collapsed onto the bloodstained ground.
His body screamed in pain.
His vision was blurry.
His hands trembled.
His breath came in ragged gasps.
"Damn it… I can barely move..."
Just then—
A shadow loomed over him.
"Heh… Too exhausted to move, huh?"
Chen's eyes widened.
A man stood above him—grinning wickedly.
In his hands—
Chen's own venomous dagger.
"Let's see how you like it."
Before Chen could react—
The man dropped onto his chest, pinning him down.
"GAH—!"
Chen gasped for air.
The weight on his ribs sent a sharp pain through his entire body.
Then—
The man raised the dagger high.
And plunged it down.
"DIE!"
Chen's hands shot up—
He grabbed the man's wrists, stopping the blade inches from his chest.
"NNGHHH—!"
The dagger shook in their grip, barely held back.
The blade's venomous edge gleamed just inches above Chen's pounding heart.
"Grrrhh…!"
The man gritted his teeth, pressing down harder.
Chen's arms shook violently.
His muscles screamed.
His wounds burned.
His own dagger—
Was about to be the death of him.
"Urghhhh!!!"
The man poured all his strength into his arms, forcing the dagger even closer.
Just one inch more…
And it would pierce Chen's heart.
Chen's breath hitched.
"No… NO! I CAN'T DIE HERE!"
Summoning every last ounce of his willpower—
Chen let out a furious roar.
"AHHHHHHHH!!!"