-1712- The rising hype

---

"Hey, did you hear?"

"Yeah, I heard."

"A 32-player group went to attack Rozen, the Magus, and got wiped out, right?"

"The internet's going wild about it. How could I not know?"

"I still can't believe it."

"Who would?"

"A 32-player group, and they were wiped out just like that?"

"Even if they were just a hastily assembled team of players who didn't get along or have a plan, getting completely wiped is still too much, right?"

"Wasn't it said that the Magus had never played shooting games before?"

"Yeah, they only said he'd played fantasy sword-and-magic games."

"Aside from SAO and ALO, I don't think that guy has played any other games."

"Even so, managing to wipe out 32 players... is he some kind of monster?"

"Hmph, I think it's just that those 32 players were trash."

"I think so too."

"If it were me..."

---

In GGO, conversations and rumors like this kept spreading, stirring up players everywhere and causing an uproar.

No, it wasn't just limited to GGO. Even players in other VRMMOs were seeing the news online and joining in the excitement.

Especially ALO players—they were thrilled to see this news.

"I knew it. With that Magus's skills, even if he hasn't played shooting games before, he'd still dominate most of the players in GGO."

"Exactly. Even though the combat style is different, skill is skill. A strong player remains strong. Nobody can deny that."

"Who in ALO doesn't know? The leader of Crimson Wing, someone even the Nine Races Lords wouldn't dare provoke lightly, is absolutely a powerhouse."

"Yeah, he even survived SAO, the death game. A shooting game? What's there to be afraid of?"

"Exactly."

---

These were the kinds of comments being made.

Originally, many were already closely watching the situation. Now, every new piece of information caused a massive uproar.

And while players in GGO seemed hostile toward Rozen, players in other VRMMOs were merely curious spectators. ALO players, however, treated Rozen as their representative, eagerly hoping to see him dominate in GGO.

The result? The internet was abuzz, with ALO and GGO players starting to clash, leading to flame wars.

"What's so impressive about wiping out a few low-level players?"

"Our top players haven't even stepped in yet."

"That Magus is only brave enough to show off in front of regular players."

"To think, with 32 people, they still couldn't win. Are they just useless?"

"Just wait and see. When real experts get involved, let's see how long that Magus can keep this up."

---

These were the words of GGO players.

"Big talk, huh?"

"Even if they were weak, a freshly transferred player facing a group of 32 and still coming out on top says a lot, doesn't it?"

"Just admit it—it's embarrassing."

"Sure, you might have strong players, but does that mean Rozen isn't also strong?"

"Let's see what your so-called experts can actually do."

---

These were the replies from ALO players.

Players from Crimson Wing, staunch Rozen supporters, were especially relentless. They didn't hesitate to fight back against GGO players' arguments.

Thus, the flame war between the two sides kept intensifying, ensuring the topic remained highly discussed.

At first, it was Yui who stoked the flames, but by now, she no longer needed to do anything. The situation developed on its own, and the hype naturally grew.

This caused many players to follow the story, turning it into the hottest topic.

Then, updates started appearing online.

---

"December 7, 2025: The newly emerged ALO player dubbed the Magus, 'Rozen,' officially enters Gun Gale Online and appears in the world capital, SBC Glocken. On the same day, he ambushes a 32 player group outside the city and completely wipes them out."

"December 8, 2025: A 21-member team of elite GGO players launches an attack against Rozen in an abandoned city. They are ambushed and wiped out again."

"December 9, 2025: Four separate GGO hunting squads encounter Rozen while grinding mobs in the field. Attempting to attack him with MPK tactics (Monster Player Killer: Using Monsters to kill other players), they lure a hunting field boss toward him. Rozen evades, wipes out all four squads, and then turns back to defeat the boss, achieving a flawless victory."

December 10, 2025: Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, GGO's professional players finally step in. 'Submachine,' the 21st-place finisher in the previous BoB (Bullet of Bullets), engages Rozen fully armed. However, within 30 seconds of the duel, Submachine is shot between the eyes with a rifle and instantly killed."

---

Each new update fueled further discussions.

"See? I told you so!"

"Anything to say now, GGO players?"

"Your so-called experts already made a move. What happened?"

"Exactly. This is the result."

ALO players celebrated, gleefully posting comments online.

GGO players, of course, were unwilling to back down and angrily retorted.

"Don't get cocky."

"Just wait. There are still 20 players ranked higher than Submachine."

"No matter how strong and skilled he is, I refuse to believe that someone who's never played shooting games can easily claim the title of GGO's strongest."

"Someone will put him in his place."

---

GGO players waited begrudgingly, while the rest of the VRMMO community watched in anticipation.

How far could Rozen go in what was reputedly the most challenging game?

Many were eagerly waiting to see.

But Rozen's close friends knew the truth—he wasn't trying to make a name for himself. His real goal was to lure someone out.

Someone who was likely a murderer.

---

December 11, 2025, SBC Glocken

That day, in a bar in Glocken, a young girl walked in.

She had short, ice-blue hair and eyes, a petite frame, and a cold demeanor. A scarf was wrapped around her neck, making her stand out like a flower of ice among the coarse, rowdy players as she approached a seat.

This girl was none other than Sinon, the player who had helped Rozen before. Ranked 22nd in the previous BoB, she was widely regarded as a dark horse contender in the upcoming tournament.

At that moment, Sinon was attending a gathering of her squad—a guild meeting.

As Sinon entered the bar, someone called out to her.

"Sinon! Over here!"

A middle-aged man dressed like a Western cowboy stood up, waving her over. His name was Dyne, the squad leader and a skilled player ranked 18th in the previous BoB. He was moderately well-known in GGO.

Next to him, four other squad members smirked and greeted her.

Sinon ignored their antics and focused on Dyne.

Dyne had summoned the squad for one reason, which he had already told Sinon.

"This time, we're going to ambush Rozen, the Magus."

That was Dyne's plan.