Underwatch, Rainbow Seven, and Unlimited Battlegroundthis was the list of FPS games which had been very popular among gamers all over the world for 7 years and 10 months. In particular, after Unlimited Battleground was released, it had gotten the title of No. 1 FPS game for three years. It led the golden age of e-sports, and the public was enthusiastic about the brilliant and precise control skills of the gamers.

Among them, the gamer who was the most respected and loved by the public was Haster. Haster was a legend. He was pointed out as the best player in Underwatch, Rainbow Seven, and Unlimited Battleground. His ultimate control skill was a default. He had the patience to wait minutes in one place for the enemy and the ability to read the other players using sound.

The American media had lavished him with praise. They had been enthusiastic that a legendary pro gamer equivalent to Lim X-hwan and FakX was born in the US. The foreign media couldnt deny it. However, Hasters throne, which had seemed everlasting, ended in vain.

It was due to the release of Satisfy. Once virtual reality games appeared, people were no longer enthusiastic about existing games. Their focus shifted. Everyone in the world became concentrated solely on Satisfy, and traditional e-sports experienced a downturn.

Then Haster announced his retirement. His retirement was tantamount to the downfall of the existing game industry. Many people were regretful while the E-sports Association asked Haster to stay and protect the existing game system. Despite that, Haster didnt withdraw his retirement.

After all, he too had a new future in Satisfy.

***

I really waited a long time.

The Red Knights, the traitor, Asmophel...

A smile appeared on Hasters face as he connected the scattered words. How long had it been? It had been two years in real time.

Haster remembered the days when he first encountered Satisfy. He had a weak body that couldnt keep up with his brain. There was the item system which couldnt be overcome by raising his stats and training his body, as well as the inherent limitation of the character tied to the framework of a class. In comparison to FPS, there were too many external factors in Satisfy which made relying on his innate physical ability difficult.

Consequently, Haster judged that a hidden class was necessary to thoroughly train and utilize his natural skills. He didnt want a strong class. A low-rated class could be good too. Haster wanted a class that could perform all types of roles with various combat styles, one that would be able to carry out his cognitive thoughts.

Youve been waiting? Asmophel was wary when the disciple of his old friend welcomed him. He felt something ominous. This was the disciple of a friend whom Asmophel had betrayed and made to live a hellish life as a result. Why was this disciple waiting for him?

Is it to seek revenge for your teacher? If it were Asmophel from the past, he wouldve accepted the revenge. In fact, he would ask to be killed. However, he couldnt do that now. Asmophel served a king and received his kings command. He couldnt die until his kings reign was over.

Haster asked the bitter-looking Asmophel, Wasnt Masters nickname the Wise Red Sage?

...?

Do you think my master didnt notice the black curtain behind your betrayal?

...!

Flinch. The astonished Asmophel stiffened like a stone statue, and he started to tremble. Winfred knows the truth... I see...

Tears of joy and regret filled Asmophels eyes.

...!!!

Haster suddenly pulled out a small Korean horn bow [1] and fired an arrow at Asmophel. Asmophel responded by avoiding it while Haster pulled out a long sword and approached.

What is this?

Didnt he say that Winfred knew the truth? Moreover, revenge wasnt mentioned. So, why was this person attacking? Asmophels confused eyes shook like a fire before a gust of wind. Meanwhile, Hasters eyes were as calm as a deep lake. Im not trying to get revenge. I just want to check.

Check what?

If it is time.

Time?

Time to revive the kings name.

...Haster. Was it time for the name of the king who once enthralled gamers all over the world to appear again on the stage called Satisfy? Haster needed confirmation. He didnt want to lose his past honor by appearing on stage too early, nor could he determine his strength by challenging existing powerhouses such as Kraugel and Grid.

Still, Haster wanted to fight.

[Descendant of the Red Knights]

[Difficulty: Class quest.

Rating: SS

You have been given the skills and knowledge of the previous First Knight of the Red Knights, Red Sage Winfred, but it is questionable if you are qualified to be Winfreds disciple.

Duel with the old Red Knights and prove your credentials.

Quest Clear Conditions: Duel with an old Red Knights member and win.

* The locations of the old Red Knights can be seen through hints left by Winfred before his death.

Quest Clear Reward: Unlock all the skills of the unique class Red Sage.]

The kings name? I dont know what you mean! Flames appeared at the end of Asmophels sword as he blocked the sword aiming for his waist. Nevertheless, Haster didnt panic. He used Ice Dance, which he had learned from Winfred, to create a curtain of ice and block the heat. Steam rose from the ice curtain that melted instantly. The tip of a spear shot through the steam toward Asmophels abdomen. Asmophel barely avoided the attack, and both he and Haster were astonished.

Using magic, a spear, and a sword at the same time? This is the second coming of Winfred...!

He avoided a combo that even Kraugel couldnt respond to?

As Haster recovered his spear, Asmophels sword passed by his face. Haster gave up on the spear and his counterattack as he spun to minimize the damage. The attack wasnt visible to his eyes, but Haster heard it with his ears. Asmophel was showing off a dazzling swordsmanship.

Haster stepped back hastily.

...! Asmophels eyes flickered. That isnt Winfreds technique...?

This is a technique I built myself.

... Asmophels expression darkened. Was it because he had no chance of winning against the bearded man before him? No. Asmophel acknowledged the enemys skills, but it didnt mean he had no chance. Asmophel was worried about something else. He didnt show up even in this turmoil...

He didnt sense any signs of life from the small cabin behind Haster. At first, Asmophel had thought Winfred was just hiding, but he didnt think so anymore. Asmophel barely suppressed his emotions as he carefully questioned Haster, Is Winfred away?

No.

Then...

Master passed away last year. He lost his friends and family to the empire and was chased... The past few years exhausted his mind and body.

Then...

It was because of Asmophel. He had betrayed everyone! Asmophel felt deeply guilty and bowed his head. He was now filled with a new anxiety. Winfred had boasted a stronger mentality than Asmophel and Piaro, yet he hadnt been able to bear the terrible reality and left first. Were his other colleagues safe and sound? Maybe it was already too late...

Sob! Asmophel failed to hold back his tears. Haster faced him with gritted teeth and couldnt move easily.

This is embarrassing.

Was it because he had lived with his teacher for the past few years...? Haster was no longer able to sense the difference between NPCs and humans. Therefore, Asmophels pained emotions were transferred to Haster.

How painful is it?

Haster had picked the wrong opponent. After all, Asmophel was the former captain of the Red Knights. Haster was happy to have a good opponent to test his skills, but considering his position, Asmophel wasnt a good opponent.

I should wait a bit.

Haster apologized to his memory of Winfred and lowered the weapon he had aimed at Asmophel.

....!!

Then suddenly, the ground shook. In the distance, black smoke rose from the direction of the capital.

War?

No, how could this be? Moreover, why was it at this critical timing? Haster frowned as he heard a rustle in his ears. The sounds were coming from a small village in the foothills of the mountains.

Sp... are...! Me...!

No...!

Resist...! You will...! Die...!

Kyaaaak!

The conversation wasnt heard clearly, but the terrible screams were surely conveyed.

The faces of the villagers passed through Hasters mind one by one. The woodcutter who often brought wood in winter, the clothing store auntie who cared for him and packed thick leather clothes for him, the little kids who greeted him every time their eyes met, the shy daughter of the innkeeper...

The NPCs were all chunks of graphics. However...

Shit! Haster couldnt stay still because the warmth hed felt from the people of the village was real. Eventually, Haster left Asmophel and descended to the bottom of the mountain.

This...!

A huge castle was depicted on the flag of the army plundering the village. It was the flag which symbolized the second player-built kingdom, Valhalla. Suddenly, Haster could no longer descend the mountain.

There had been a period of two years before he met his master and another two years after he met his master. It was clear why Haster had lived quietly for four years. He wanted to show the world that the old king of the fallen game system had resurrected in a new game.

This was a simple matter of honor, but it was also a surprise for the many fans who loved and cared for him, and who were perhaps still waiting for him. Was he going to reveal his existence for the sake of a few NPCs? It would be denying the efforts of his past four years.

Why is it Valhalla?

Haster would be noticed by players, and they might even recognize him. While Haster hesitated, Asmophel approached him and handed over a worn helmet. It was a military helmet with a rod drawn on it. Asmophel was wearing another helmet with two rods drawn on it. Why was Asmophel handing him a military helmet?

Ah! Haster blinked as he belatedly realized that Asmophels name and face were obscured by the helmet. This was an act of consideration for Haster.

Im very grateful. Haster bowed deeply before equipping the military helmet. Then he appeared in the world after a long time...

Who are you?

I am a soldier.

...M-Me too.

Only one of them was actually a soldier.

Oasis, who had been leading the Valhalla soldiers to pillage the village and secure food, frowned at the sight.

[1] Wiki Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gakgung