Xibei Cat

Rhode is a legendary guild leader of the most influential guild in the VRMMO, Dragon Soul Continent. In order to cope with the death of his beloved sister, he dived into the game for seven long years. During this period, Rhode tries his best to alleviate his emotional pain through gaming, but alas, his life shatters once more when he heard his parents perish in a plane crash.

A month after the incident, he made a decision to quit the game and return to the real world. But just before that, as a final farewell, Rhode decides to fight the most powerful BOSS in the game with his guildmates. In the end, he defeats the BOSS at the expense of his avatar's life. Rhode smiles as his avatar dissipates in a beam of light. However, instead of respawning at the usual platform...

...

"W-wha...!"

Rhode shot up and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling.

And thus, a player who had been creating legends in the game for three eras disappeared just like that...

Atlas Studios

Summoning the Holy Sword

AtlasStudios

Rhode laid his hands down, quietly gazing at the spots of light fading away. After the final spot of light vanished, he turned around and left the room without looking back. Everything that he experienced here had ended, just like in the past, present, and future. The beginning of a phase meant the end of another.

When Rhode returned to the meeting room, the four of them displayed awkward expressions. Arthur gaped, but didn't speak a word. Ningmi and Ningjing looked at Rhode with complications. Serena let out a cough upon realizing their reaction, but when she was about to speak, Rhode raised his hand and stopped her.

"Alright, there's no need to talk about the past anymore. I've heard enough and don't wish for it to repeat. We need to get back on the right track. I suppose we don't have time to waste on consoling and having a heart-to-heart chat."

A Risky Plan