Stark stood in the middle of the square, his gaze fixated on the panel floating in front of him.
[You have slain 'Levi, The Moonscorched Sniper' and gained 6,430,000 experience points]
Ding!
[Your level has increased to level 111, granting you five skill points and a boost in stats.]
[Experience: 1,857,000/9,000,000]
[Skill Points: 68]
But there was more.
[You have defeated one of the five 'Moonscorched Commanders,' granting you a 'Cooldown Gem.']
[Description: Consuming one of these gems will remove the cooldown of one of your skills, no matter how long it is.]
"...!"
Stark's eyes widened as he processed the message.
This was no ordinary reward—it was a game-changer.
A cooldown reset on any skill meant Stark could unleash one of his strongest abilities again, something that could turn the tide of the entire trial.
This item was way too overpowered, no matter how you think of it.
Actually, no.
With every other participant, it wouldn't be as overpowered as Stark thinks.
All of them have powerful skills, that is true, but not a single one is truly worth using it on compared to Stark's [Crimson Healing] and [Crimson Spears].
And if it could remove the cooldown of ANY skill, then Stark already had an idea.
Without hesitation, he whispered to himself, "Use it on 'Crimson Spears.'"
The gem in his hand shimmered and disappeared in a blue flash.
Ding!
[Crimson Spears' cooldown has been reset.]
Which meant...
[Heaven's Spear is now available again.]
"Incredible," Stark muttered, a wide grin spreading across his face.
His aura began to ripple through the air, nearly palpable to anyone close enough.
However, before Stark could relish in his new power, movement caught his eye.
The other participants were approaching from their separate gates, all converging in the same square.
There were 13 of them, each a powerhouse in their own right, each with their own ambitions and lethal skills.
As they gathered in front of the gate leading to the heart of Termina, the city where most of the events of this trial would happen.
A massive [0/3] was written on it in crimson red.
[3 more sacrifices to open the gate.]
"Damn, our gates were locked," muttered Shock, the guy with blond hair and electricity dancing around him. "Looks like it's finally over."
"Yeah, he beat the sniper," replied Claire, the girl with glasses and the ability to transform into a monster.
"Before we go any further," said CEO, stepping forward with a cigar in his mouth, "I think it's time for introductions. We should know who we're fighting with—and against." He pointed to the gate, "This is just the beginning."
The group exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement.
It was clear to everyone that forming alliances or at least understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses could make or break them in the next stage.
Who knows, maybe they will defeat the crimson moons trio?
"I'll start," said CEO, puffing on his cigar.
His presence was calm, authoritative.
"I'm CEO, Level 135." He gestured to the two individuals standing behind him. "These two here are my assets—Righlef and Partner. They're both under my control, thanks to my domination skills. We'll be taking this trial seriously."
Next was Kai Algren, the artist, who looked completely disinterested in everything around him.
Sora's heart pounded as she looked at Stark again, but he continued to stand motionless, not even acknowledging her worry.
"Yes," CEO agreed with Dave's suggestion, nodding. "Two sacrifices down, and then we just need one more."
Artist, for his part, barely seemed to care, his attention still focused on whatever invisible art he was crafting.
Meanwhile, Follower was whispering to himself, the word "Kill" repeated over and over again under his breath.
A panel appeared in front of Follower.
[Show your devotion to the 'Godless Demon' to unlock some of his powers.]
[Kill a participant.]
And underneath it, another panel popped up.
[Become one of the 'Godless Apostles,' the most precious pawns of the godless demon.]
[Kill 'Stark Heartsouls,' AKA Chosen.]
The name lit up like a beacon in Follower's mind.
His eyes darkened with purpose.
"How about her?" Shock pointed at Starfire, the fashionable blonde with the star-shaped pupils, "She seems to be the weakest."
"H-HUH?" Starfire stammered, her voice quivering. "N-NO I'M NOT!"
"K-KILL..." Follower's mumbling grew louder.
"I-I can manage, really! Find someone else-" Starfire tried to defend herself, but her voice was drowned out by the growing bloodlust in the air.
And then it happened.
FWISH! SLASH!
A cross-shaped sword pierced her chest in an instant, her heart skewered.
Her health bar dropped to zero.
-9,999,999!
It was over. An instant kill.
[Starfire has been killed. 14 participants remain.]
The killer stepped forward, revealing himself—Follower.
He had transformed the cross around his neck into a deadly weapon, striking without hesitation.
Ding!
[You have proved your devotion to the 'Godless Demon' by killing a participant.]
[You have unlocked three perks.]
"Y-YES! YES!" Follower screamed in ecstasy, reading the new powers granted to him.
Meanwhile, CEO paid no attention to the madness, his focus entirely on Stark and Sora. "You two are the last ones. Accept your deaths peacefully, and it won't hurt as much."
Ding!
The text on the gate shifted:
[1/3]
All eyes turned toward Stark and Sora, the entire group of participants slowly closing in on them.
It was an execution march, with CEO, Righlef, Partner, Artist, Follower, Wielder, Demon, Shock, Clever, Mio, and Mao advancing as one.
"A shame," CEO sighed. "You were strong, Chosen, but not strong enough to make a difference in this trial."
The air grew thick with tension as they neared the couple.
And just as they were about to reach them, Stark finally moved.
A slow smile crept across his face, and without warning, he let out a small chuckle.
"Haha..." Stark's eyes gleamed with a strange light as he pointed toward the sky.
Everyone froze.
"...What the hell is he laughing at?"