Malik was still locked in a fierce struggle against the relentless barrage from the Tier 2 players. His HP was barely clinging to 30%, worn down by constant ranged assaults. Unless he could instantly kill those Rangers, he was left with no choice but to dodge their fire while countering every close-range attacker who dared approach.
Caught in a deadlock with Bull44—who kept pressing him with unpredictable movements—Malik suddenly felt his senses scream in alarm. Without hesitation, he lashed out with his corrosive dagger, slashing toward the left just as a faint green line of energy shimmered into view.
Clang!
The attack was deflected.
"Well, well... It's shocking that you could sense my Ghost Step, young man. Apart from the Guild Leader, no one else has seen through it until now."
A calm voice echoed as a shadow peeled itself from the void. A middle-aged man stepped into the open, clad in sleek black armor, a golden crescent insignia glowing proudly on his breastplate.
"That symbol..."
"Wait—that's from the Black Crescent Guild!"
"No way! You mean that man is with the Black Crescent?"
"Hold up... That movement technique just now... isn't that Ghost Step?"
"Then he's—he's Ghost Blade... the Ghost Swordsman!"
"Ghost Blade is here?! A top guild enforcer?! Malik is done for..."
"He's about to get one-shot!"
The crowd of players erupted with fearful awe. Malik's terrifying dominance had attracted the attention of a top-tier guild's elite enforcer.
Black Crescent Guild... isn't that Void Reaper's guild? Malik mused, activating Eyes of Insight on the new arrival.
[Ghost Blade – The Ghost Swordsman]
Tier: 2
Level: 89
HP: 700,000
Description: When you see a ghost... you run.
"Tch... His level's nearly double mine. And that HP? His defense must be absurd," Malik muttered, right as Bull44 charged at him again.
"Bastard! Don't ignore me!" Bull44 bellowed, his frame bulging as veins pulsed wildly.
Vicious Trampling!
Malik didn't give him the chance to enter Berserk Mode. With the enhanced effect of his Crimson Boots and the raw power of his skill, his counter dealt a brutal 300,000+ damage, sending Bull44 crashing to the floor.
Infernal Slash!
Malik didn't pause. He followed through with a flaming arc of destruction, cleaving through the remainder of Bull44's HP. The bulky warrior burst into particles, dropping three items.
Malik snatched them up. Two went into his inventory. The third—a potion—he gulped down instantly.
"He's healing! Don't let him recover!" Player499 shouted, vanishing into Stealth as dozens of players launched a new wave of attacks.
Even Ghost Blade blurred forward.
Malik took a deep breath and stood his ground. "It's time... to test this move."
Crimson Domain!
[Player 'Man Like Malik' has activated Crimson Domain. All enemies within the domain have movement speed reduced by 35%. Stun chance increased to 10 seconds.]
"Ten seconds... That's enough."
Malik burst forward like a crimson gale, leaping into the air.
Iron Fang Kick!
Three vicious kicks struck the first enemy, sending him spiraling into his allies like a cannonball.
Rending Dagger Strike!
Infernal Corrosive Slash!
Vicious Trampling!
Stealth Mode!
Within the Crimson Domain's effect window, Malik became a storm. His shadow danced through his enemies, cutting down swathes of players. Even after the stun ended, their slowed movement made them helpless prey.
He slaughtered through them like a ghost, looting bodies mid-combat with clean precision.
Tch. I nearly forgot about him... Malik's expression darkened.
-10,999
A blow slammed into his back. Malik activated Iron Mountain Stance just in time to absorb the follow-up as Ghost Blade struck again.
-49,999
Malik grunted, HP dipping sharply.
"If only you were Tier 2..." Ghost Blade whispered as he stabbed at Malik's heart—only for a sharp clang to echo.
The blade bounced off.
"A defensive skill? No wonder my strikes barely scratch you," Ghost Blade mused, preparing to vanish into Stealth again.
But Malik reacted first.
Iron Fang Kick!
Ghost Blade was forced to block. The two clashed—steel met flesh-like iron—and the impact sent Malik flying backward, a -20,090 damage value flaring above his head.
"You don't get it... this is a Dark Gold weapon," Ghost Blade said coldly.
"It's you that doesn't get it," Malik replied, still mid-air. He pointed his Bloodcleaver dagger straight ahead.
Crimson Strike!
A thin red line—barely visible—ripped through the air.
Ghost Blade's eyes widened. "That's... an Epic-rank weapon?!"
He dove for Stealth, but the attack hit before he could disappear. The impact slammed him backward, chunks of HP vanishing in clusters.
-350,000
-99,999
[Stunned – 3 Seconds]
The unexpected strike caught a vital point and stunned him instantly.
Malik didn't hesitate. He lunged toward the stunned swordsman, blade raised—
Then he froze.
His instincts screamed louder than ever before.
From the shadows, four figures emerged—each radiating the oppressive pressure of bosses.
Malik's eyes narrowed. He activated Eyes of Insight again.
[Zurich – The Flame Swordsmaster – Obsidian Dynasty]
Level 91
[Rina – The Ice Mage – White Icicle]
Level 94
[Bolt101 – Night Assassin – Black Crescent]
Level 92
[Striker – The Great Assassin – Shadow Guild]
Level 94
Each one a monster. Each one a legend.
"This player has an Epic weapon... naturally, we gang up on him," Zurich said calmly. He pulled a shimmering scroll from his inventory.
Malik's eyes widened.
"That's a... Tier 2 Magic Scroll!"
Malik charged, desperate to stop him—but Zurich tore the scroll in half.
A pulse of devastating power surged forth.
Malik's stats plummeted instantly.