The camera cut to a brightly lit studio.
A sharply dressed news anchor looked directly into the screen, voice steady but clearly excited.
"Good evening. If you logged into Satisfy—or even glanced at the forums—within the last hour, you've already heard the name White Lion."
A replay rolled behind her: Alan weaving through attacks, the sword dance blooming, Zibal's defeat freezing the arena in silence.
"This mysterious player defeated Ten top-ranked users at once, including Zibal, Bondre, Asuka, and Hurent—without being registered in the Unified Rankings."
The anchor turned slightly toward a floating holographic panel.
"What's more shocking is this—White Lion openly stated he avoids registration because it attracts attention. A statement that has ignited intense debate across the community."
The screen split.
LIVE COMMENT FEED – SCROLLING RAPIDLY
He's sneaky. Obviously waited for them to fight together so they couldn't adapt.
No way, that movement was insane—pure combat sense.
Zibal didn't even get a chance to counter!
That sword dance again… isn't that the one that killed Hao?
This guy's fundamentals are terrifying.
The anchor continued, "Opinions are sharply divided. Some players claim White Lion relied on surprise and chaos—what they're calling a 'dirty win.'"
A clip played of Hurent storming off the arena.
"But others argue the opposite—that his battle calculations, positioning, and timing were on an entirely different level."
Another replay showed Alan switching weapons seamlessly.
"Experts have also noted his ability to wield multiple weapon types with high proficiency. Greatsword, trident, bow—each used at an intermediate-to-advanced level."
The feed shifted to a roundtable of analysts.
One leaned forward, eyes bright.
"This isn't just sneak attack. This looks like someone who understands systems. Cooldowns, aggro flow, stamina drain—everything. A perfect genius who knows about his advantages."
Another analyst shook their head.
"Which brings us to the biggest mystery—his class."
COMMENT FEED EXPLODES
Epic class for sure.
No, this is Unique for sure.
Epic classes don't show this many weapon proficiencies.…
What if it's a hidden Epic Berserker variant?
White Lion = God of War??
The anchor raised a hand slightly, as if calming the storm.
"Speculation about White Lion's class has reached unprecedented levels. Some believe he possesses a hidden Epic class, while others suggest something even rarer—a Unique or evolving class."
She paused.
"And there's one more detail that has stunned viewers."
A still image froze on the screen: Alan standing alone in the arena.
"He claimed his nationality before logging out—Brazil. Until now, no Brazilian player has been recorded displaying power on this scale."
" There is only one Player Jishuka who is an archer class and 13th on the unified ranking as well as Rank 1 Archer"
"It seems Brazil just revealed its hidden gem"
The camera zoomed in slightly.
"With top guilds already scrambling, sponsorship offers rumored to be in the millions, and ranking boards shaken to their core…"
She smiled faintly.
"One thing is certain."
"We now have another top-ranked contender. However, it remains to be seen who truly stands at the pinnacle—Player Krauegel or Player White Lion."
****
"Found one—Hell Gao, the Great Demon whose body was destroyed by Sword Saint Muller and whose soul was sealed. But once every four months, it manifests again… though it appears on Cokro Island, which is Silver Knights Guild territory," Alan muttered as he read through the last raid report.
"It'll appear in just twenty days." He smiled.
That's perfect. I can easily reach the place in ten days, and in the meantime, I can work on creating gear that gives me fire resistance, Alan thought, his smile widening.
Grrr—
"But first… food," Alan said as his stomach let out a loud growl.
He left his room and went out, entering a nearby restaurant. As he ate, his gaze casually swept across the place—and then he saw her.
Jishuka.
The rank 1 player of Brazil.
She was surrounded by bodyguards, who were struggling to keep an excited crowd from getting too close.
He quickly finished his meal, paid the bill, and left calmly as he is just another face in the crowd not the Top ranker White Lion currently.
Returning to his room, Alan changed into comfortable clothes, then headed to a nearby park. Sitting down, he closed his eyes and let out a slow breath, relaxing for a moment.
After a moment, Alan stood up again and began to jog.
I feel like my body has been stiff for a long time, Alan thought as he ran around the park. No wonder Grid eventually started exercising.
He continued jogging, gradually picking up the pace. After working up a light sweat, he returned to his room, took a quick shower, and dried himself off.
Feeling refreshed, Alan lay down in his capsule and logged back into the game.
His vision sharpened as the familiar world of Satisfy loaded around him. Without wasting any time, Alan headed straight toward the stables. The moment he arrived, he called for his mount, swung onto the saddle, and urged it forward.
Soon, he was riding at full speed toward Cokro Island.
If I defeat Hell Gao, Alan thought calmly, there's bound to be a Memphis Egg drop.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
That item is ridiculously overpowered Hell-type pet beasts. I want it.
Then another thought followed.
And after completing the quest here, I should go and get Randy as well.
Alan's lips curved faintly.
Among all the main characters of virtual reality manhwa, Grid was the luckiest one. I'm sure he'll eventually obtain Pagma's Sword Dance anyway—whether sooner or later. So, I don't have to worry about taking Randy.
The wind rushed past him as the road stretched endlessly ahead.
However, Alan didn't notice that several shadows had already begun to move.
Back in the town square, Zibal had given quiet orders the moment Alan logged back in. Assassins—players specializing in stealth and pursuit—had been dispatched immediately.
Now, multiple figures cloaked in concealment trailed Alan from a distance.
They moved from rooftop to rooftop, blending into crowds, switching routes without being noticed.
Their objective was simple.
Follow him.
Learn his destination as well as the wherebouts of the Blacksmith backing him.