2050... United States.
The greatest gaming event of all time buzzed with the contagious energy of thousands of fans.
Cosplayers, true walking works of art, showed off their meticulously crafted costumes, while world-renowned companies battled for the public's attention with explosive announcements of games and consoles.
However, what truly captured everyone's imagination was a mysterious stage set at the heart of the event.
A giant sign, adorned with the title *Realms of Eternity*, loomed above the stage like a portal to a world of pure fantasy.
The crowd gathered, murmuring with anticipation. At the center of the stage stood a stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in an elegant outfit with flawless makeup, radiating confidence and mystery.
Beside her stood an "unknown" figure, cloaked in a dark mantle, their face concealed by a mask, stirring curiosity from every direction.
"It's an honor to have you here. The whole world is eager to know: what was it like to discover you were the Supreme Monarch? I imagine it must've been a transcendental experience," said the interviewer with a firm smile.
"Thank you for the invitation. And yes, it was... intense. First, I'd like to express my eternal gratitude to my guild. Ten years of battles, learning, and growing together. Without them, I would've never reached this achievement," replied the masked man, his voice deep and steady.
"And what about the feeling itself? Can you describe it for us?"
"In the heat of the Thousand-Year War, amidst the battle against other monarchs and gods, the news struck me like lightning. I must admit, at first, the weight of the title didn't hit me completely."
"But then, when the chaos faded, when the skies opened and the proclamation echoed across the realm... it felt like the entire world bowed before me," he added, eyes locked on the crowd.
"And after everything settled, seeing the sky open and declare me the new Supreme Monarch — it was incredible," he emphasized with conviction.
"And what are your expectations now, Snow? What does the future hold for the Supreme Monarch?" the interviewer asked, leaning slightly forward.
"Do you really want spoilers? Because what's coming is monumental. Something that transcends everything you've ever seen. My guild and I are ready to redefine the limits of what's possible in this world."
The audience burst into excitement, a wave of ecstatic faces. These spectators — mere players — were witnessing a spectacle that went far beyond the ordinary: a display of the grandeur from the legendary *Thousand-Year War*.
Now, they were euphoric about the near future.
The interviewer, seasoned on stage, waited patiently as the wave of excitement subsided.
"Mr. Snow, let's touch on a point that's sparked a lot of speculation. There are persistent rumors about your supposed connection with the infamous 'Four Deadly Sins.' Can you clarify whether there's any truth to that claim?"
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
His gaze drifted into the distance before he finally answered in a firm voice:
"We never had any kind of connection. In fact, they've tried several times to invade our territories and sabotage our allies."
Then he added:
"Yes, we've made several attempts to recruit them into our guild. But as everyone knows, they're solo players — or, as they're more widely known, the Four Deadly Sins."
Snow abruptly stopped speaking, a flicker of memory crossing his eyes. The voices of the guild leaders echoed in his mind.
∆∆∆∆
Four people were watching the interview from their respective homes. All four were chatting over WhatsApp.
[Sin 2]:
Very good! I was curious to see what he'd say about us, but it looks like the guild leaders still tremble in our presence.
[Sin 3]:
And how could they not? It was our actions that elevated them to the title of Supreme Monarch. Without our interference, the top 2 to 10 guilds would've devoured them alive!
[Sin 4]:
Even without our help, they were strong enough to survive the Thousand-Year War. Besides, the gods wanted peace — it was the players who ignited the conflict.
[Sin Leader]:
Hahahahaha! I remember Zeus' face — and the faces of the Olympian gods — when the Monarchs launched their attack on them!
[Sin 3]:
The best part was watching Snow grovel, begging for a contract just to claim the title.
[Sin 2]:
I still have the recording of him asking for our help! A true relic for our archives.