"Ah, this transformed newbie finally caught up," a cold, mocking voice rang out from a figure with crimson cloak.
"Tree Man," Krad whispered, tugging on the larger man's sleeve. "What's going on? Why are they looking at us like that?"
Drugo's jaw tightened. "..."
"That blue scarf," the man sneered, his red eyes narrowing. "Where did you find it, kid?"
Krad stepped back instinctively. "It was... a reward. For leveling up...I guess?"
The group of high-leveled players exchanged knowing glances, then burst into laughter.
"A reward?" the man chuckled. "You think something ultra rare item like that just drops for someone like you?"
Krad frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Drugo stepped in front of him, shielding him with his massive frame. "Ignore him. These kinds of players hunt for items like the one you're wearing."
The man smirked. "Oh, come on. You know how the game works. If the kid's wearing it, then he has to fight for it. Unless..." He tilted his head mockingly. "He's too scared?"
The taunt hung in the air, thick with the tension of impending conflict. Krad's eyes narrowed, "Scared?" He said, his voice steady but full of conviction. "I'm not scared of you, Crimson Guy."
The words were like a challenge thrown into the wind. The man's red eyes glittered with a cruel, mocking gleam. He raised a hand and waved it dismissively, turning to the others with a laugh. The Elf Archer joined in, the sound echoing in the stillness of the morning.
"Not scared?" The Elf chuckled, her voice sharp. "This is rich. A level 10 noob thinking he can stand up to us." She twirled her arrow in her fingers with casual arrogance, her earlier venomous attitude fading into amusement. "You're in way over your head, kid."
Krad's gaze remained fixed, his defiant posture unwavering. The others in the group, players clad in heavy armor and resplendent gear snickered behind their leader, their confidence nearly as suffocating as the glare from the man's eyes.
The man took a step closer, his voice low and threatening. "You think this is some kind of joke? Let me show you just how outmatched you are."
Drugo's hand clenched, but before he could intervene, the man raised his hand, signaling him to stay back.
"Let him have his moment," he said, his grin widening. "We'll see if he's really not scared."
Krad stood tall, staring into his opponent cruel smile. The man's eyes flicked to the Elf, a silent command passing between them. She raised her bow, her arrow aimed squarely at Krad's heart. But the man's voice stopped her.
"Bruwa. Not here," he said, his voice smooth but carrying a weight of authority. "We'll take this somewhere better," his smile widening as his gaze swept over Krad and the small crowd gathering. "I'm Liyab... I'm inviting you to something more fitting. A challenge, three days from now, the Rage will begin."
The crowd murmured in surprise. The Rage was a legendary 1v1 battle tournament, a place where players could put everything on the line for fame, loot, and, most importantly, respect. Only the bravest and the most skilled dared to participate, and only the strongest emerged victorious.
Liyab shows the place where the Rage will be held using his minimap, a massive coliseum located at Sorsogon City.
"If you really think you're ready, show up. I'll be there, along with Bruwa and the others," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Let's see if you're truly not scared when the real fight begins."
The idea of entering the Rage stirred something inside Krad. His fingers itched to fight, to prove himself that he wasn't just some weakling. He met Liyab's mocking stare without flinching. "I'll be there," he said, his voice calm and resolute. "And I'll make sure you regret underestimating us."
Liyab's eyes glinted with amusement. "We'll see," he said, turning on his heel, signaling to his group. Bruwa gave a final sneer to Krad before following Liyab, her eyes burning with disdain, but there was also a flicker of curiosity. Perhaps she, too, was eager to see what the strange new player was capable of. The others in Liyab's party followed suit, their footsteps echoing as they disappeared down the street.
Krad stared at Hanan, who was still sitting on the ground, without a second thought, he stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Let me help you." he said firmly but gently.
Drugo took a threatening step again, "Stop!" he said coldly. "Your presence, your aura... It's not normal."
Hanan suddenly took Krad's hand, "Drugo, wait!" She gasped, her eyes flicking from Krad's bound form to Drugo's tense stance. "You're overreacting!"
Drugo didn't budge. "He reeks of magic. His essence has changed."
Hanan's gaze locked onto Krad's golden eyes, realization dawning upon her. She stepped forward, gently placing a hand on Drugo's shoulder. "It's him. It's really him, Drugo."
Drugo didn't move for a long moment. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he flicked his wrist. The roots uncoiled from Krad's limbs.
Krad groaned, rubbing his sore wrists. "Gods, you elves have some serious trust issues."
Drugo shot him a glare. "You're lucky I didn't kill you on the spot."
"Gee," Krad muttered. "Now, does someone want to explain why I suddenly look like I belong in a high-fantasy fashion magazine?"
Hanan crossed her arms. "It's the Moon Eater's mark. It's awakened inside you."
Krad blinked. "The what now?"
"The Bakunawa's power," she clarified. "The one you tapped into back in the forest. It's reshaped you body and soul. You're no longer human, Master Krad. You're an Elf of the Moonlight Veil."
Krad's stomach twisted. "You're kidding."
Hanan shook her head. "And that's not all. That transformation… it wasn't just an accident."
Drugo's voice was grave. "It means the past is repeating itself. The return of the Moon Eater heralds a war."
Krad's pulse pounded in his ears.
"War? With who?"
Drugo's emerald eyes darkened.
"The Gods themselves."
Krad felt his heart drop. "The Gods?"
Hanan nodded grimly. "The Thirteen Gods. The ones who turned Earth into this... game world."