MMORPG : Rise of the Interstellar God

CRONOS I—NORTHERN CONTINENT—NOKFUL CITY

ONE HOUR EARLIER

"Heeey, this is Pro-Streamer! As you can see, the war has started up again in Nokful! But in contrast to the first phase of the war, we're now pursuing the players still loyal to the infamous Federation. Some zones in the city still seem to resist, including the town hall. However, we can count on all the resources of the Hyrule SuperGuild to reign victorious! In fact, we're here, live, with Zelda and her escort of ten thousand players.

"Our sources tell us that players are quite satisfied with the rewards of the first phase of the war. Most of them, before joining the battlefield, were between levels sixteen and eighteen. By now, of course, everyone has reached lvl 20! Our sources further tell us that many players remaining are eager to double down in their support for the Coalition. That's good, because the Coalition offers quite a lot of money and land to their supporters on Cronos I!"

The video feed shifted to Zelda giving a speech to her troops. "The last pocket of resistance in the city has fallen. We can claim this city for Hyrule!"

The players cheered her, pumping their fists enthusiastically. Zelda knew exactly how to show off, and she posed like a model. Her beautiful golden armor and legendary sword shone in the sunlight, highlighting her angelic face and long, blonde hair.

It was crude staging for such shameless propaganda, but everyone involved knew it would be effective. In particular, the young men who saw it would be even more infatuated with Zelda than they already were! The idea of having an opportunity to catch Zelda's eye would draw even more love-blinded young men to Hyrule and drive them to form rivalries with each other.

Pro-Streamer added, "My God, she's beautiful! Honestly, I think the Hyrule SuperGuild is one of the most promising guilds at the moment! Sure, it might not have the financial reserves of Lord of War or Renovatio Imperii, but its astounding success during the war has been awe-inspiring! I sincerely believe that, in the future, Zelda will have her place on the podium of intergalactic affairs!"

However, one of Zelda's underlings approached her and whispered something which turned her sunny face cold and sullen.

Pro-Streamer quickly seized the situation. "Hey, Zelda, any news from the front lines?"

Zelda shook her head. "I… No. It's nothing."

But no sooner had she finished than the whole group turned in surprise towards the city's main street.

A dark gray man of dominating beauty, with white hair, bright red eyes, and futuristic black armor had appeared in the distance.

The Hyrule player gritted their teeth.

Pro-Streamer inspected the newcomer. "My God! It's… It's Apophis! The player with a price on his head of 115,000,000 GC! The player hunted by every major guild in the game! And now Pro-Streamer is facing him in person! Dear players, you'll get coverage like this nowhere else! I'm Pro-Streamer, live at Nokful!"

The millions of people watching the stream couldn't believe it! Apophis had dared to show up unescorted, despite being one of the most hated players in the game! Of course, what surprised everyone the most was his appearance.

There was absolutely nothing human left to Apophis. His evolution was completely alien to them.

Many Coalition players rushed towards Nokful, eager for a chance at the bounty on Apophis's head. Though whoever killed Apophis would gain fame and notoriety, after all that settled down, they could live in luxury for the rest of their life!

But Apophis cared nothing for the many players he knew would be eager to attack him.

He only stared at Zelda, then flickered the vast distance between them in two seconds.

He ended up in front of Zelda's group, staring them down calmly. "What a pity, Zelda. Your previous evolution made you look so much more beautiful."