Windia was as peaceful as ever. Then it suddenly became dark like an eclipse was occuring. Everyone looked up at the sky with surprise.

“W-What is this?”

“Isn't it sand? Is this perhaps…?”

“Michael! It is true that the Zeus Guild is raiding Minotaur!”

At the same time, a young man headed to the center of the village. He was coming down from the air, stepping on the sand. Finally, he stepped on the land of Windia.

“It has been a long time coming.”

Michael looked around. They were always familiar eyes. The eyes of the awed players shone with admiration but he just pa.s.sed by indifferently. The surrounding users and NPCs split apart like the Red Sea as he arrived at a bar in Windia. He could see a familiar face the moment he entered. A man shouted toward him, “Hey, Michael. It's been a while.”

'Cappuccino.'

He was the vice-guild leader of Michael's Zeus Guild. The reason his name was 'Cappuccino' was simply because he liked cappuccinos. Of course, he didn't make cappuccinos with magic. He just often drank them.

“Cappuccino, it has been a while. By the way, why are you alone?”

“Ahh, the other friends went to get some food and drinks. It is because this is a self-service place.”

They were having a conversation when a voice was heard behind Michael. “Who is this?! If it isn't the guild's ace! Kuhahaha!”

A man who was over two meters tall hugged Michael. His name was Reinhardt. He was the main tanker of the Zeus Guild. He had a heroic cla.s.s, Iron Fist.

“It has been a long time, Reinhardt. You seem to have lost some weight.”

“Huh? I think I'm a bit fatter but thank you anyway! Kuhahaha!”

They were having a good time when Michael looked back and saw a familiar face. It was Damian, the guild leader.

“Am I late?”

Damian replied, “No, welcome. I've got some beers. Haha. Sit.”

The four of them sat down at a table. Everyone b.u.mped their gla.s.ses together and cheered. Reinhardt exclaimed with satisfaction, “Kuahh! I haven't been here in a long time but the beer still tastes the same.”

Cappuccino continued, “Yes, it reminds me of the old days. One year ago, we were hunting here. I think time is pa.s.sing really quickly.”

Michael smiled as he recalled that time. Then he told Cappuccino, “At that time and now, you have the best control over magic.”

“Haha. Don't flatter me like that. I only have a rare rated cla.s.s. It is a drop in the bucket compared to other friends.”

“You are being humble.”

Cappuccino's cla.s.s was a rare rated cla.s.s, Ice Magician. The fact that he was an executive in the Zeus Guild despite having a low rated cla.s.s proved his strong control. Damian said, “No, that's not it. You can be confident in your control. I haven't seen any magician better than you.”

“Haha, how can that be true? I'm embarra.s.sed.”

Cappuccino looked awkward as he took a sip of his beer. Then he s.h.i.+fted the topic straight away.

“It seems our ace's popularity is still great?”

He followed Cappucino's gaze and saw a large crowd cheering outside the window. Michael looked at them and they screamed once again.

“Kyak! Michael looked at me!”

“What are you talking about? Wasn't he looking at me?”

“What? No, this chick is crazy!”

“Ack! Let go of me! I told you to let go!”

'I'm sick to death.'

It was good to be popular but stalkers were annoying. Michael pulled down the curtain next to him and the users' cries of regret burst out. Damian laughed when he saw it. “Aren't you too harsh to your fans? Won't you get anti-fans?”

“I never asked them to like me.”

“Haha. You are still a composed man.”

Then someone spoke from behind them. “That is his charm.”

“Wah!”

Reinhardt threw the french fries he was holding into the air. His hands were so big that it wasn't just one or two that flew but at least 10. One of them fell into Michael's beer mug and Michael frowned. He pulled out the wet fries and said, “Reina, I told you to make some noise.”

“Oh my~ aren't I an invited guest? Is our ace angry? Huhu.”

Reina's big b.r.e.a.s.t.s moved up and down while her hair fluttered. Everyone's eyes were drawn there but Michael didn't budge.

“Sit down. The meeting will start soon.”

“Huhu, I don't like cold men. However, if you meet a hot girl like me…”

“Sit down before pouring hot water.”

“Oh, you're cold-hearted.”

Reina was dressed in a distinctive and tight outfit of an a.s.sa.s.sin. Everyone was captivated by her appearance but they weren't fooled. She was a woman more brutal than anyone else here.

'It goes well with her cla.s.s.'

She had a heroic a.s.sa.s.sin type cla.s.s. The name was Reaper of the Battlefield. The meeting started once Reina sat down.

Damian spoke first, “Did you see the video?”

Everyone nodded and Damian spoke again, “The raid is on a monster called Minotaur. He has powerful flames as well as great attack power and defense. It will be a tough fight considering he is 50 levels higher than the basilisk we fought the other day.”

“Hahaha. Don't worry! You have me, Reinhardt!” Reinhardt patted his chest with a big fist. He looked like a giant King Kong.

“Don't be careless. In the video, the other guilds were defeated without even using their strength properly. Did you forget there are hero rated cla.s.ses among them?”

“Groan.”

“The only ones here compatible with Minotaur are Michael and Cappuccino. The role of the two of you is important.”

Michael met Cappuccino's eyes and they nodded together.

Reina raised her hand. “So what can I do~? Guild Leader?”

“Reina, you aim at any gaps along with me. Ambush from behind with your stealth skills. I think it would be good to cut his ankles with your scythe.”

“It is always fun to cut from behind.”

Michael asked Damian, “What are you going to do?”

“I'm going to attract his attention by attacking from the front. In fact, the Silver Caster isn't very compatible with him. I have a Star Piece so it'll be fine.”

“Wilderness Traveler?”

“Right. I took it out.”

Damian had a hero rated cla.s.s called Silver Caster. It was an alchemist type cla.s.s with endless possibilities since silver could be used as a sword, gun, spear, or even whip.

“Then you are going to be a ranged damage dealer.”

“Of course. By the way, your constellation still isn't lending you his strength?” Damian wondered.

Michael looked up at the sky.

[The scorpion zodiac, 'Antares,' will only lend the power of sand.]

“He is only allowing me the power of sand.”

“That is nice to hear. Then you will defend with the sand…”

“Wait a minute, I have a good idea.”

* * *

The meeting ended in a big success. They already did enough simulations watching the videos and there was no need to say much due to their tacit understanding. Michael and his guild members headed to Kobold Mine.

'We have to succeed.'

He couldn't shake off his anxiety. The power of the sand could only be used defensively so perhaps it was natural. Damian approached as Michael sat on the sand in the air.

“That sand is a really handy ability.”

“Your silver caster is no joke either.”

“Haha. Even so, I can't use it as a means of transportation.”

“I want to ride a horse.”

“Then shall we change rides?”

'You probably can't ride this sand because it will push you away.”

The two men burst out laughing together. The atmosphere relaxed a bit and Damian asked, “Are you worried?”

“A little bit.”

“Don't worry. I think we will clear it. The world will probably be amazed. You'll once again prove that you are the best.”

“Thank you.”

“Why? This is us.”

As they were speaking, they arrived at Kobold Mine. There were many crystal b.a.l.l.s floating in the sky ahead of them so it seemed the broadcasting stations were already here.

'It really is a live broadcast as was mentioned in the meeting earlier.'

In fact, he had done a live broadcast more than a few times so there should be no great tension. However, today was different. Michael felt his heart beating.

Kung. Kung.

'Stay calm. I've always been the best. Today is the day I will prove it.'

Strangely, he felt calm when he remembered the words 'the best.' Maybe it was his word of fate. Damian told the soldier guarding the entrance, “I have a raid permit here.”

“Yes, you must be the Zeus Guild. Be careful, the monster in here hasn't been defeated yet.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Then they went inside. There were nearly 200 people and some of them were from broadcasting stations. They were able to reach the secret staircase on the third floor that was seen in the video.

[The scorpion zodiac, 'Antares,' feels a familiar aura.]

'It looks like it is below here.'

“Let's go.”

Michael led the way down. It was a place of deep deepness and he tried his best not to lose his footing. Once everyone finally descended, a message emerged.

[The divine wind is flowing here.]

[Movement speed has increased by 10%. Attack speed has increased by 10%.]

[Fire damage will increase by 1.5 times.]

[The G.o.ddess' blessing is protecting the temple.]

Michael looked around the moment the messages rose and found a temple built of white stone.

It looked as magnificent and dignified as the video.

Michael moved carefully with the guild members and a short time later, he was able to find the giant body of Minotaur.

[The scorpion zodiac, 'Antares,' is raising his tail.]

Minotaur was taking a nap with his back to them. Michael glanced at the guild members and they nodded. Reinhardt stood at the forefront while Cappuccino prepared ice magic from the rear. Reina took out her stealth skill while Damian pulled out something. Michael smiled when he saw the gun in Damian's hand.

[☆Star Piece, revolver used by the 'Wilderness Traveler'.]

[Rating: Star Relic

Usage Restrictions: Monarch of Pure Courage

Attack Power: 350

Strength +20, Agility +30.

* Elemental Bullet – can be loaded and fired with bullets of the fire, ice, light, and dark attributes. It is currently sealed and only the fire and ice bullets are available. You can load six bullets at one time (Magic Power Consumption: 1%).

* This is an unknown skill.

* This is an unknown skill.

-The detailed information is unknown.]

This was what Michael gained from traveling around the Parta Princ.i.p.ality. It was a Star Piece that he obtained by chance and fortunately, it was unsealed. He couldn't use it because his heavenly star was Monarch of Cold Mercy but it was possible for Damian.

Damian fired an ice bullet at Minotaur. Shots rang out in the flowing tension. Meanwhile, Michael pulled out his sword.