"Ah, this transformed newbie finally caught up," a cold, mocking voice rang out.
Krad turned toward the sound. A guy in a crimson cloak stood there, arms crossed, red eyes gleaming like he'd just found something hilarious. Behind him, a bunch of armored players were sizing Krad up like he was some kind of carnival attraction.
"Tree Man," Krad whispered, tugging on Drugo's sleeve. "What's going on? Why are they looking at us like that?"
Drugo's jaw tightened, but he didn't answer.
The crimson-cloaked guy took a step forward, his boots clicking against the cobblestone. "That blue scarf," he said, pointing at Krad's neck. "Where'd you find it, kid?"
Krad's hand instinctively went to the scarf. "It was... a reward. For leveling up, I guess?"
The entire group burst into laughter. Even Bruwa, the elf archer who'd been kicking Hanan around moments ago, cracked a grin.
"A reward?" the man in red wheezed between laughs. "You think something ultra rare like that just drops for someone like you?"
Krad's eyebrows furrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Drugo stepped in front of him, his massive frame blocking Krad from view. "Ignore him," he muttered. "These kinds of players hunt for items like the one you're wearing."
The crimson guy smirked wider. "Oh, come on. You know how the game works. If the kid's wearing it, then he has to fight for it." He tilted his head mockingly. "Unless... he's too scared?"
The words hung in the air like a challenge.
Krad felt something flare up inside him. It wasn't fear. It was the exact opposite. That familiar rush he used to get back home before a street fight, that electric buzz that made his heart pound and his fists itch.
"Scared?" Krad stepped around Drugo, meeting the guy's red eyes dead-on. "I'm not scared of you, Crimson Guy."
The man's grin widened. He waved a hand dismissively and turned to the others. "Did you hear that? This level 10 noob thinks he can stand up to us!"
Bruwa twirled her arrow between her fingers, her earlier venom replaced with amused curiosity. "This is rich. You're in way over your head, kid."
The other players snickered behind their leader, their armor gleaming in the morning light. They looked like walking treasure chests, every piece of gear screaming endgame boss loot.
The crimson guy took another step closer, his voice dropping to a threatening growl. "You think this is some kind of joke? Let me show you just how outmatched you are."
Drugo's hand clenched into a fist, but before he could move, the man raised his hand.
"Let him have his moment," the guy said, grin stretching wider. "We'll see if he's really not scared."
Krad stood his ground, fists balled at his sides. His new elven body felt lighter, faster, but the fire burning in his chest was all him. Same old Krad, just with pointy ears now.
The man's eyes flicked to Bruwa. She raised her bow, arrow aimed straight at Krad's chest.
"Bruwa. Not here," the man said smoothly, stopping her mid-draw. His smile widened as his gaze swept over Krad and the growing crowd of onlookers. "We'll take this somewhere better. I'm Liyab, by the way. And I'm inviting you to something more fitting. A challenge. Three days from now, the Rage will begin."
The crowd murmured excitedly. Even Drugo's eyes widened slightly.
Krad frowned. "The Rage?"
Liyab pulled up his minimap with a casual flick of his wrist, projecting it into the air. A massive coliseum appeared on the display, located in Sorsogon City. "It's a legendary 1v1 battle tournament," he explained, voice dripping with condescension. "A place where players put everything on the line. Fame, loot, respect. Only the bravest and strongest dare to participate." He leaned in closer. "And only the strongest emerge victorious."
Krad stared at the floating map. The coliseum looked huge, ancient, like something out of those old gladiator movies.
"If you really think you're ready," Liyab continued, "show up. I'll be there, along with Bruwa and the others. Let's see if you're truly not scared when the real fight begins."
Something inside Krad ignited. His fingers twitched, already imagining the fight. He wasn't about to back down from this. No way.
"I'll be there," Krad said, voice steady and clear. "And I'll make sure you regret underestimating me."
Liyab's eyes glinted with amusement. "We'll see."
He turned on his heel, signaling to his group. Bruwa gave Krad one last sneer before following, though there was something else in her eyes now. Curiosity, maybe. Or anticipation.
The others in Liyab's party followed suit, their footsteps echoing down the street until they disappeared around a corner.
The crowd slowly dispersed, whispers spreading like wildfire.
Krad let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. His heart was still pounding, but in a good way. Like he'd just committed to something crazy and exciting.
He turned and saw Hanan still sitting on the ground, clutching her side. Without a second thought, he stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Let me help you," he said firmly but gently.
Drugo moved forward, his voice cold. "Stop. Your presence, your aura... It's not normal."
Hanan suddenly grabbed Krad's hand before Drugo could intervene. "Drugo, wait!" she gasped, eyes flicking between them. "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 dawned on her face. 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 relaxed his stance.
Krad groaned, still rubbing his wrists from the earlier root attack. "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, thanks," 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."
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."