24: Arch-Enemies

"Two-Guns:" "Haha, bro, I made it in at rank 100! Right on the cutoff!" 

"LovesT-Swift:" "Give it up, noob. This quest's for the top 100, so you're probably just cannon fodder for the real players." 

"Two-Guns:" "Shows what you know! Usher and the big shots will clear the way, so I can just sit back and soak up the rewards." 

…

On the world channel, players who didn't make the cutoff were full of regret. That's what comes with leveling fast—every advantage snowballs!

"This quest is trouble," Orson thought, knowing this event would be a test from the gods, a trap set just for top-tier players. Checking the leaderboard, he noted the names.

10th Place: Madman (Lv. 16, 22%) 

9th Place: Dragon's Kiss Guild Prince (Lv. 16, 45%) 

8th Place: EmberKnight (Lv. 16, 77%) 

… 

3rd Place: Usher (Lv. 17, 13%) 

2nd Place: Empress of the Moon (Lv. 17, 35%) 

1st Place: Blank (Lv. 19, 55%)

"Madman at tenth, huh? That guy's as crazy as ever," Orson grinned, recognizing a familiar name. In his past life, Madman had been part of his fixed team, along with Bradley and three others, going through countless battles together.

And the "Empress"—she was as fierce as ever. This top female player had surged to second place and even surpassed Usher. She led the all-female Moonlight Guild, known for being a powerhouse with both healer and tank capabilities, and she'd soon awaken a Double A-Rank class, the Holy Paladin. Practically indestructible, she dominated the early dungeons, but her guild, made up mostly of casual female players, was small. When Dragon's Kiss Guild came calling, they eventually swept her guild aside.

Then there was "Blank," the top player on the board. No one had ever actually seen his face, but his reputation as a deadly assassin was unmatched. He'd not only held his own but had even taken Usher down solo on multiple occasions. He didn't belong to any guild, yet rumors hinted he possessed at least two god-tier soul imprints, marking him as one of the gods' chosen. He was Usher's sworn nemesis and the reason the Golden Throne was no secure seat for Dragon's Kiss Guild's leader.

"A mysterious prodigy," Orson murmured. Wealth and luck both seemed to favor him, yet Blank's identity remained an enigma.

Although Orson knew this "Feast at the Gate" quest was a trap, he was intrigued to see what this top assassin actually looked like.

Bradley (Private Message): "This is brutal! Got killed eight times and dropped out of the top 100!"

Orson: "Don't sweat it. I've studied this quest; barely anyone will clear it. The penalties are severe."

Bradley: "Oh, alright, I feel better… I'm getting back to grinding on this old bastard!" 

Orson chuckled. Even if Bradley dropped down to level one, he could power-level him back up to the top ranks in a day. That minor experience loss was well worth the chance to obtain an S-Rank class.

Approaching the Lord's Mansion, Orson noticed players parting to avoid him, as if he was a plague.

"Hey, kid."

A towering knight stepped up to him.

"About before… Sorry," the knight muttered.

Orson raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

The knight looked taken aback but gritted his teeth. "I'm Skyslasher, the one who ambushed you yesterday."

"Oh, Dragon's Kiss Guild? Impressive." Orson's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Easy there. Besides our little misunderstanding, has Dragon's Kiss Guild somehow wronged you?" A woman in a blue hero-tier robe approached—her name was Ivy, and she held a level 10 hero staff, making her stand out in the crowd.

"Nothing much. I just don't like you people." Orson flashed a harmless, friendly smile that made her freeze, gripping her staff.

"It's you!" Ivy's face went pale, and she stumbled back a few steps.

Orson's eyes narrowed. "I remember now. You're that water mage… not a good one at that."

Her face flushed with anger, but Skyslasher quickly shot her a look, warning her to hold her tongue.

"Look, our leader Usher wants you in Dragon's Kiss Guild. He said you could even name your own salary." Skyslasher tried to keep his tone friendly, sidling up to Orson.

Amused, Orson leaned in and whispered, "Get out of my face before I kill you."

Skyslasher's face twisted with anger, but he forced a smile. "Not sure you realize what an offer this is, pal."

Orson looked around at the other players and spoke clearly, "I'll join Dragon's Kiss Guild, but only if Usher brings me his head as an offering."

A hush fell over the crowd as everyone absorbed his words.

"Top Lane Triple Kill:" "Whoa… this guy's got guts! Turning down Dragon's Kiss Guild like it's nothing. Respect." 

"InTooDeep:" "Who cares about Dragon's Kiss? They're just a bunch of rich kids anyway."

Usher's voice cut through the crowd just then, smooth and untroubled. "Let's not make this difficult, Orson."

The voice sent a chill through Orson. He turned to see the guild leader himself making his way over, the players parting to let him through.

With his easygoing smile, Usher stepped forward, his elegant hero-tier armor shimmering. His presence was magnetic, his poise suggesting he held the entire city within his grasp.

"Orson, the Three-Time Champion, I presume?" Usher's voice was filled with mild amusement.

Orson stood still, jaw clenched, as memories flashed through his mind—years of rivalry, triumph, betrayal. This man had gone from teammate to bitter foe. He took a deep breath and gave a sly smile.

"Yes, that's me. So, you want to 'cooperate?'" Orson muttered, still seething with the weight of their shared history.

Usher chuckled softly, then gestured to his head, "If you really want my head, come take it."

Orson raised his staff slightly, hesitating only a moment before smiling to himself. "Very well. I'll grant your request."

The crowd went silent, Usher's confident smile fading.

Orson's staff glowed as a massive hexagram formed in the air before him. Dark flames spiraled up, forming into a giant flaming serpent that hissed with deadly intent.