The first clash sounded like thunder.
When blades collided, it wasn't just sparks—it was the entire floor that trembled. Far above, in distant levels, the shaking echoed like an earthquake. Dust fell from ceilings, cracks formed in the walls. But at the heart of it all, only two figures stood.
No names.
No sound.
Just two bodies, and countless strikes.
Sefa stepped back. The blow against his black armor echoed through his chest. His opponent wasted no time—he pressed forward, relentless. A tall, broad warrior with stark white hair. His face was hidden behind a mask, but his eyes burned with fire.
"So this is… the place," Sefa thought. "The one they all spoke about."
The next strike came fast. Sefa twisted to the right, avoiding the edge of the greatsword. He countered instantly—driving his twin-edged sword into the ground, vaulting over it, and launching a dagger midair.
But the opponent was ready.
A glowing sigil formed in his palm:
"Reflecta."
The dagger reversed mid-flight, spinning back toward Sefa. He ducked at the last second. The blade sliced through the strands of his hair.
"He can use magic too…"
Sefa landed hard, his left leg trembling. No time to pause.
The enemy's incantation was already complete:
"Ignis: Spiral Flame."
The ground cracked. A ring of flame spiraled around the masked warrior, then exploded outward. Sefa leapt back, but not fast enough. Flames licked his right arm—his armor charred and flaked off.
"If this isn't war, then what is?"
He stopped thinking.
And started fighting on instinct.
---
He surged forward. A small gadget clicked out from the left panel of his armor—compact, single-shot.
He aimed.
Pulled the trigger.
Flash round.
The enemy flinched.
That was the moment.
Sefa lunged, drove his elbow into the man's shoulder, pivoted behind him, dropped low, and stabbed into his back with a short blade.
But the moment didn't last.
The warrior whispered:
"Umbra Pulse."
A dark shockwave blasted from his chest. Sefa was thrown backward, slammed against the wall. Blood filled his mouth.
---
He had to rise. This wasn't just physical.
His soul was being tested.
But he was a gamer. He had lived through a thousand wars.
Every battle had rhythm.
Every enemy, a pattern.
He stood. Switched weapons. Bow and arrow.
The enemy was still glowing with residual magic. Sefa vanished into the shadows of the maze-like arena. Each corridor could be a trap or a path.
He studied his opponent's position.
Deep breath.
Arrow drawn.
Release.
A feint.
As the enemy turned toward the arrow's whizz, Sefa activated ground traps. Dozens of stone spikes erupted beneath him, pinning his legs in place.
Sefa sprinted forward, swapped to a spear mid-run. He flipped over his opponent, stabbed the spear into the ground, and—upon impact—triggered a detonation rune.
Boom.
A cloud of dust blanketed the area.
But then—
A silhouette emerged.
Bleeding. Wounded.
But standing.
Just like Sefa.
---
Darkness fell.
Above them, a massive crystal hovered—watching silently.
Time no longer mattered.
Only survival did.
---
"I don't know your name," the enemy said suddenly.
Sefa froze.
The first words.
"I don't need it," the man continued. "But I acknowledge your strength."
Sefa said nothing. Eyes narrow, breath steady.
"One of us will leave this place alive," the voice continued, calm yet grim. "But I can't say who."
Then—
They moved.
---
Final duel.
Magic and steel collided. Lightning raged across the battlefield. Sefa dropped his armor to move faster. The enemy discarded his sword and attacked barehanded.
This was the final act.
Blood spilled.
Shoulders torn.
Skulls cracked.
Wrists fractured.
Neither faltered.
---
Time ceased to exist. It was pure instinct. Reflex.
Until—
BOOM.
A trap spell at the center of the arena detonated as both fighters collided once more.
They were thrown apart. Stones and fire filled the chamber.
And then…
Silence.
---
The dust settled.
Two bodies lay still.
Who survived?
Who won?
No one knew.
High above, a message flickered:
> "Trial Complete. Result: UNKNOWN."
---
End of Chapter Note:
This was only the beginning. No victor… but the war
wasn't over.