#Prolog
Year 2050
The world was shaken by the release of the first VRMMORPG, a game with limitless uniqueness that immediately captivated the global population. In a short time, 50% of humanity had played the game, with the majority of players being teenagers and adults. More than just entertainment, the game became a legitimate profession, having partnered with the World Bank to enable real economic transactions.
Military District 011
At one of the world's military bases, a young soldier received news that he had finally been discharged by his general. The young man was not an exceptional warrior—just an ordinary soldier who survived the Reformation War by hiding and eliminating any enemies who got too close. The three-year-long war had unified all nations into a single entity now called "The World."
"The war ended two years ago. Now, the world is stable, without any major rebellions. You've survived for three years… congratulations. From now on, you're allowed to return home, Soldier Aragami," said the General.
"You're still young, and you have no partner yet. Enjoy your youth from now on."
"Understood. Thank you for your advice, General," Aragami replied curtly.
Though his voice was flat, he knew deep down that the war had changed him.
After leaving the military camp, Aragami Hito arrived in his hometown a few hours later. The city was bustling, filled with conversations about the release of the world's first VRMMORPG. Everywhere, people were rushing to buy the devices needed to enter the game.
Aragami stared blankly at the crowd. Before being forced into the war, he was just an ordinary teenager who enjoyed playing games. But everything crumbled when the war broke out. He was forced to fight, and in the midst of the chaos, he discovered a new kind of entertainment—killing.
He was not a hero. He was a coward who enjoyed killing.
During the war, 79 lives had perished by his hands.
Without much thought, Aragami bought the game device. He felt… nostalgic.
"Fighting… just like on the battlefield?"
Unconsciously, a small smile appeared on his face.
After purchasing the necessary equipment, he returned to his empty home. His parents had been war casualties when he was 20. Now, at 25, the pain had somewhat faded… but within his heart, madness was beginning to grow.
After cleaning himself up and eating, Aragami finally prepared to enter the new world. As soon as he put on the device, a blue screen lit up before him, displaying:
[Welcome to The Verse.]
[Please choose your nickname.]
"Darknesss," Aragami said without hesitation.
[The name has been registered 666 times. Are you sure?]
"Yes."
[Enjoy your experience, Mr. Darknesss.]
When he opened his eyes, Darknesss found himself in a medieval European-style city. Other players were scattered around, just spawning at the respawn point.
A blue screen appeared before him, explaining the world's mechanics.
Jobs were obtained by combining a base job with specific items.
Example:
Item Sword + Base Job → Swordsman
Swordsman + Shield Item → Knight
Jobs had different tiers:
Common → Uncommon → Rare → Super Rare → Ultra Rare → Ex
Players could alter their bodies using special items dropped by monsters or other races.
Example: If a player obtained Demon Eye of Destruction, they could replace one of their eyes and gain a corresponding special ability.
All new players received a "Random Box" containing job items, body items, and skills.
Darknesss immediately opened his inventory and found his first reward box.
[Random Box]
(A box containing random items and skills.
Chance to obtain 2 items: 50%
Chance to obtain 3 items: 10%)
Without hesitation, he opened the box in a narrow alley.
[Congratulations! You have obtained "Symbol of Anti Spiral" (Ex).]
[Congratulations! You have obtained "Full Body Anti Spiral" (Ex).]
Darknesss laughed.
"Hahaha! I'm incredibly lucky to get an Ex-rank item!"
He immediately checked the item's status.
[Symbol of Anti Spiral]
(Job Item – Contains the souls of all Spiral races who feared the power of the Spiral and became Anti Spirals.)
[Full Body Anti Spiral]
(Body Item – The evolved body of a Spiral race that has transformed into an Anti Spiral.)
"Hehehe… What terrifying luck. I got a complete set!"
Without hesitation, Darknesss equipped the Anti Spiral body. Instantly, he felt raw power surging through him.
Now, his body was a mass of darkness.
He could transform into air, shadows, or any abstract form.
Darknesss grinned widely. With excitement, he opened his status menu.
[Name: Darknesss]
[Lv: 1]
[Job: -]
[Title: -]
[Stats:]
| STR: 100
| INT: 100
| VIT: 100
| DEX: 100
| AGI: 100
[Skills:]
– Can Change to Anything
– All Resistance
[Inventory:]
– Symbol of Anti Spiral
'Now… I'm truly happy.'
A crazy idea formed in Darknesss' mind.
He disappeared into the air, sneaking out of the alley, searching for prey.
Near a park, a new player sat on a bench, still reading the tutorial.
Silently, Darknesss attacked in the form of wind.
The first victim died without being able to react.
No reward box dropped.
He moved on to the second victim.
The second victim died.
Still no box.
He kept hunting, eliminating new players one by one.
At the thirtieth victim, he finally obtained his first reward box from another player.
He continued the cycle until 50 players mysteriously perished.
Amidst the panic of the other players, Darknesss had already hidden deep within the forest.
He laughed maniacally.
The gaming corporation was now receiving reports of "mysterious deaths" in the game.
But the root of all this chaos… was just a man laughing in the darkness.
---
In the Forest, Near Starting City No. 11
Perched on one of the oldest and largest trees in the forest, a humanoid mass of darkness observed a battle between monsters. Five goblins fought among themselves, but one was different—it had pure white eyes and a pulsating dark aura.
This mutant goblin was no ordinary monster. It was a creature controlled by Darknesss using a skill that wasn't even listed in the skill menu.
He had discovered this skill while experimenting with his Anti Spiral body. Spotting a group of goblins, he attempted to control one—and succeeded.
Now, this mutant goblin, named GoMu, was fighting against four other goblins. With a sword in hand, GoMu slashed Goblin 1's arm, sending it screaming to the ground. Goblin 2 and 3 rushed forward while Goblin 4 aimed an arrow at GoMu. But GoMu dashed past Goblin 2 and 3, stabbing his sword into Goblin 4's heart before turning back to face the remaining two.
After an intense fight, GoMu emerged victorious.
Darknesss descended from the tree, approaching the mutant goblin.
GoMu immediately sheathed his sword and knelt before Darknesss.
"Hahahaha! Incredible! A lowly goblin, infused with Power Spiral and a little guidance, has become this strong," Darknesss laughed. "From now on, you are my subordinate. I will give you a name… GoMu—Goblin Mutant!"
GoMu nodded in obedience.
A transparent blue screen suddenly appeared before Darknesss.
[Congratulations! You have obtained the Titles: "Manipulator" and "Dominator."]
[Manipulator]
(You are a bastard who loves to manipulate whatever you desire.)
Int +50
Skill: Mind Control (Rare)
[Dominator]
(You are someone destined to be at the top.)
Int +50 | Str +50 | Vit +50 | Dex +50 | Agi +50
Skill: Cruel Fanatic (SR)
Darknesss smirked.
"With this, I'm even further beyond the average player!"
But he knew he wasn't the only one who had obtained an Ex-Rank item at the start. There must be others just as lucky.
"I hope I meet them in the future… It will be fun to fight them."