We had decided to celebrate. It turned out that Bolívar had been on the verge of advancing to Silver in his last confrontation in Virgo, but he lost at the very last moment in a one-on-one against the damn Edward Teach—the magnificent Blackbeard. That loss didn't just send him to the bottom of the barrel; he also had to spend all his funds just to avoid elimination, leaving him with barely enough for one more life… and we had taken even that from him.
—You're so damn stubborn —Manuela spat at him—. If you had surrendered, none of this would've happened.
—But, little dove, that's part of the fun.
—It'll be fun when you get kicked out of the system.
The argument had turned into a familiar duet: Manuela scolding, Bolívar doing his best to dodge the topic.
Everyone was in high spirits around one of the dining tables. During a brief moment of calm, I summoned my system HUD to check the spoils of war…
[20k CN]
"Pathetic."
That was barely enough to level up once for 10k, or unlock a new skill for 15k. I could also spend 5k to level up [Pause], but in the end, the important thing was this: if I died, I wouldn't be able to come back to life—even if I spent nothing at all.
—How do you all manage to have so many points…? —I sighed, collapsing onto the table.
—Well, honestly, 20k to 40k is pretty good at the beginning —Gerónimo replied with a smile—. Once you reach the higher levels, you'll earn between 40k and 80k per round, and that doubles with each floor.
—Besides, reviving is actually pretty cheap: just 30k. The real problem is improving your stats and keeping them —Paul added.
—30k… —Something inside me cracked—. Wait, it only costs you 30k to revive?!
—Of course —Bolívar replied, Manuela resting on his arm as she nodded energetically—. That's the standard. Everyone pays that, right?
—That's right —Manuela said, looking him in the face before turning to me—. Why do you ask, Tristan?
I didn't know what to say.
I hadn't mentioned it because it terrified me to look at it—but at all times, I could see the toll required for my resurrection on my interface. Next to a pixelated image of my own face, the number "100k" blinked in yellow.
—That's your sponsor's fault —Axio murmured into my ear, almost like a sensual whisper.
I quickly pulled away from the little creature, who appeared in front of me in a burst of bubbles, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
—Axio…
—Heehee, the boy you see here is loved by one of "Those Who Watch."
The table fell silent. "Those Who Watch"—it was the first time I'd heard the term, but judging by their reactions, my tension spiked immediately.
—Tristan, could it be that you… —Gerónimo began, when a wave of cheers suddenly overtook the hall. Instinctively, we all turned toward the source of the commotion.
A powerful golden light flooded the room, and with it came silence. The shouting died instantly. The feeling reminded me of when a celebrity walks into a supermarket and everyone recognizes them—a giant stepping into a room full of ordinary people.
Then I saw him.
A man advanced through the crowd as people parted to clear his path. His golden hair shone as if it captured the light itself; his green eyes radiated nobility. He wore blue armor adorned with gold, along with a long white cape. On his back rested a sword of pure gold, so magnificent it looked forged for kings. His stoic face conveyed strength, confidence, and honor.
He was, in the flesh, the very definition of a fairy-tale prince.
—I've never seen anyone so… perfect —Manuela murmured, still in her lover's arms.
—Careful, you'll make me jealous —Bolívar joked—. Though I won't deny it, he's manly—and somehow handsome.
Paul leaned down to my ear and whispered:
—That guy is Arthur Pendragon. Platinum Rank.
—Pla… Platinum? —The peak of the pyramid. One of the most powerful and famous heroes in the Nexo and in myth itself. The knight of knights, the origin of chivalric legends, the bearer of an entire mythology in his name.
—Yeah —Paul nodded, eyes never leaving him—. And he's about to challenge Capricorn again. Did he really come all the way down to this floor just for that?
—They say he lost again in Aquarius —Gerónimo replied, watching the knight with little interest.
—That makes sense —the giant said, straightening up once more.
The mere presence of that man was enough to set the entire crowd in motion.
—What's going on? Why is everyone heading to the Connector? —I asked, watching the silent tide of people follow the beautiful man.
—Looks like a new Gold Rank wants to take his place as Platinum. When duels happen, everyone can spectate —Antonio replied, standing up.
—Well, good luck with that. Those guys are insane —Bolívar said.
Curiosity won out over my rational side, and I was swept along with the rest toward the Connector. Dozens of players waited as Arthur placed his hand on the crystal. The moment he did, light engulfed the room, and all of us were dragged into a completely new place—for me, at least.
The scene was breathtaking: a circular arena suspended beneath a star-filled sky stretching endlessly in every direction, as if floating through space itself. The area was bordered by diamond pillars that shimmered with the light of the constellations.
On one side of the arena stood Arthur Pendragon, holding his golden sword.
On the other appeared his opponent: a young woman with shoulder-length golden hair and sapphire-blue eyes, wearing tailored purple armor with green accents. There was an air of royalty about her—but also rebellion, as if her bearing reflected the blood of a proud lineage.
At last, the system announced the challenger:
[Rachel Leonheart, Gold Rank]