The Final Desperation

When the countdown for his next world finished, Genji was teleported to his next world. Like always, the teleportation was subtle, and he found himself in a crowd of other members the next moment. This time, Genji noticed the crowd was more extensive than usual. We're talking about hundreds of people rather than the tens he was used to.

As everyone looked around in confusion, Genji noticed the natives of this world pointing at them and holding their phones to record them. Everyone was whispering to each other as if they were looking at something supernatural. Genji decided to use his superior stealth to blend into the shadows of the overlooking buildings.

He doesn't like that the barrier was gone and he was teleported into the open like that. Although he doesn't know what the natives saw, he can't help but notice they seem surprised at their existence. Pairing that with the rough start he had in the last world, he decided to stay out of sight and observe what was happening.

In case there is any danger, there's plenty of cannon fodder to test the waters for him. That and he doesn't enjoy being looked at like a circus animal. At least all his equipment is with him. And access to his storage as well. Things would have been normal if it wasn't for the weird teleportation.

 

---

Psychic World

 

Background:

This world of supernatural powers has entered a craze as a full-dive VRMMORPG game has been announced a few days ago. Unlike most games of this genre, this game promises these psychics the ability to bring their real abilities into the game. Rumor has it that anyone that clears the game will be able to bring their abilities into the real world. Many psychics are questioning the official sources of this information, but it seems like no one can figure out the origins of this game. It was like this game appeared out of nowhere.

Participating Realms: EverRealm, EonRealm

Mission: Participate in the museum display held 3 days later. (First link)

Note: This is a Realm mission. All members will receive the same mission. Failure to complete this part will result in a deduction of 3 stat points and being transported back.

Warning: As teleportation has become very blatant, you need to be alone for 10 minutes before you can return. Should you miss the window to return, EverRealm is not responsible for your life. The window to return is 5 days after the end of the mission.

Note 2: This mission is in direct competition with EonRealm. Only one group can complete it. The losing Realm will pay for the transportation costs of the winner. In this sense, EverRealm will deduct your future rewards until your debt has been paid off.

Restrictions: None

 

---

 

The main idea is that two realms are competing against each other for this mission and resources will be on the line. Genji was starting to get an idea of the bigger picture here. That's why EverRealm was recruiting people for its purposes. It's competing for resources against the other realms.

It makes sense. Genji never got the feeling EverRealm was a charitable place. Since he received powers from it, it comes as no surprise when he needs to do something for EverRealm. If that wasn't the case, then there's something seriously wrong. Unless it's your parents, no one will give these things to you without a price.

And EverRealm is not his parents so it's relieving to understand its motive. Think about it. What schemes would someone have if they provide you with such things? If you don't think so, then you're simply deceiving yourself.

Genji put away these thoughts and looked in a direction. He's sensing a strong presence approaching. Although it's weaker than the bosses he's faced, he would rather not let his guard down. Elona was the perfect example of someone deadly despite her presence being weaker than the elites in the world.

Soon a woman with blonde hair came into view. When the crowd saw her, everyone separated and made an open path for her. Genji speculates this response has something to do with the unique insignia on her chest.

She stopped in front of the EverRealm members and said in an authorial voice, "Who are you, people? How did you appear here?"

'It was like I suspected. These world starts are getting more dangerous. Not even 5 minutes in and a native faction has confronted them.'

Genji decided to inspect the lady's stats while he has the chance.

[Alvona, The Restrictor]

Health: 2350/2350

Mental Energy: 180/180

Con: 17

Str: 15

Dex: 16

Int: 12

Spc: 23

Skills:

Elite: +1,500 health

Mental Energy: All energy is converted to mental energy at a 1.5x multiplier

 

When Genji saw this stat line, he became cautious of this foe. The last time he saw a build like this, he did not have a good end. While Genji thought that, the others thought differently.

"So it's only a first-step opponent? And an elite at that? Man EverRealm is making things too easy."

Alvona turned to look at the rowdy person and smiled.

"You have fulfilled the pride condition."

Then she pulled out a gun and shot him in the head. No one paid any attention to this attack. They've all entered the second step and have dealt with firearms so far. And even if it hits, as long as their brain remains intact, they can survive and heal up with consumables. Yet these complacent thoughts faded as the person's body hit the ground.

Everyone looked at this scene in disbelief. Did a second step member just die from a normal gunshot? Or did the lady do something?

"Who are you?!"

"Condition met, rowdy."

The equipment on their bodies fell off and it's skills sealed. It was as if they lost access to their equipment. Everyone took a major step back.

"What did you do?!?"

All the members started panicking, but Alvona was not finished.

"Fear condition met."

[Your spatial storage has been sealed.]

"You! Undo that!"

An irritated person charged at her and lifted her by the collar.

"Or what?"

She pressed the gun onto the person's forehead and pulled the trigger, instantly killing him. Then she turned to face the crowd.

"So are you going to come with me obediently or will I have to continue?"

The way she casually said this unnerved the people. A few people were hesitating when someone shouted, "Scatter. It's every person for themselves!"

"Selfish condition met. Bind!"

Out of nowhere, blue restraints appeared from the ground and bound the scattering people, rooting them in place.

"Bring them away."

Alvona waved her hand and people in combat uniforms surrounded them. They walked into the square and picked up the human caterpillars and started loading them into a truck without any regard for their comfort. As for those that remained standing, they obediently surrendered and were shoved into a caged car.

"Are you going to show yourself or will I have to force you?"

Alvona projected her voice and waited. 

"That's strange. I could have sworn you didn't discover me. So care to tell me?"

Genji appeared behind her with a dagger to her throat. Feeling the sudden sensation on her neck, Alvona tensed up. How did someone sneak up on her in broad daylight? Seeing her reaction, Genji realized his mistake. He had been tricked.

"I see. You were throwing out bait and I got hooked."

"W-we c-can talk about this. No need to get violent."

Alvona slowly raised her hands into the air to show she meant no harm.

"You can stop your trickery. From what I observed, your ability depends on emotions. Negative emotions."

Alvona froze. Was it that obvious? But how did he figure out her condition so quickly?

"From your reaction, I was correct."

"You tricked me?"

"Don't sound so hurt. I was only returning the favor. After all, what kind of a fool would I be if I don't learn from my mistakes?"

"What do you want?"

"Nothing really. Nothing you can give me."

By the time Alvona reacted, she realized the dagger had disappeared from her neck. She quickly jumped forward and spun around to behind her, but she saw nothing. Not even a silhouette of who was behind her. Discovering this, she broke out in cold sweat. Doesn't that mean that person can sneak up on her, kill her, and leave without a trail? Just the thought of that scared her.

"Seems like a conditional power."

Genji appeared from the shadows as he watched Alvona leave with the rest of her men. As for why Genji let her go, there are a few reasons. For one, she's only an elite. No drops and it will draw more attention to him than necessary.

Although he doesn't know what the laws of this place are like, killing someone in the open was a guaranteed way to paint a target on himself. Since he hasn't figured out the situation of this world, he would rather not do that right now.

"And where are the EonRealm members?"

There are so many things to think about, but let's find the mission location first. Genji pulled down his hood and looked for a map of the city.

 

---

 

"Hey Marks, slow down! You might crash into-"

The person didn't get a chance to finish his sentence before Marks slammed into someone. Rubbing his sore forehead, Marks looked up to see a man with a black cloak with his hood down.

"Oh hello there," Genji reached down and offered the teenager a hand.

"Sorry about that," he took Genji's hand and pulled himself up.

"Marks!"

Genji turned to see another teenager running after Marks with heavy breaths.

"I apologize for my friend's actions," the newcomer bowed and apologized.

"It's fine. But can you tell me where the nearest pawn shop is? I'm new to the city and I need some cash."

"Yeah, just follow the street and take your 4th right. After a few more minutes of that, it should be on your left."

"Thanks."

As Genji left, the newcomer turned to Marks.

"Marks, be careful next time. What happens if you hurt someone? Come. Let's go."

As his friend walked past Marks, he noticed Marks wasn't following.

"What's wrong?"

"Hunter. Something not right with that person."

"Why do you say that?"

"I got hurt bumping into him."

"Eh? What's wrong with that?"

"Hunter. We're psychics. If it was a normal person, they would have been the one knocked over. And his presence was very thin. So thin that I didn't notice him until I face-planted into him."

"Okay? So we met another psychic. What's wrong with that?"

"Everything! For one, he said he needs some cash, implying he doesn't have any. The only problem is that psychics all have bank cards issued by the government with plenty of funds. There's no reason he should need money! And the directions as well. Why would he need directions when all psychics have a phone that connects to the internet? Getting instructions anywhere would be a piece of cake!"

"Okay? So we met a weirdo."

"*sigh* I knew you weren't the brightest, but isn't this taking things too far? Anyways, that guy's hella suspicious."

"And?"

"Come let's follow him."

 

---

 

Genji walked into a dimly lit pawnshop and looked for an attendant. A few seconds later, a bald man with a scar on his left eye walked out of the back.

"Welcome to Hamilton's Pawn Shop. How can I help you?"

Genji took out a bar of gold and showed it to him.

"How much cash can you give me for this?"

The man took out a few tools and observed the material. From a magnifying glass to a small hammer. After several minutes of appraisal, the man looked back up to Genji.

"As far as I can tell, it's real. 35 thousand."

"I'll take it."

Genji didn't care for the price. He knows he's getting ripped off, but he just needs to get his hands on some cash for convenience. As for the source of the gold, it came from the last world when he plundered ships. Most of the gold was discarded by him, but he did keep the best-looking ones for future cash.

The man handed Genji a briefcase of cash and carefully put away the gold bar.

"If you have any more, I'll buy it for the same price."

"Sorry, but that's my last piece."

Genji took his money and turned to leave.

"Don't be in a hurry to reject me. The price is negotiable."

"No thanks. I don't have anymore."

Seeing Genji walk out the door, the scarred man let out a vicious snare.

"Is that so? Since you wanted to do this the hard way, then don't blame me for what happens next."

 

---

 

Soon, Genji was stopped by a group of goons. He looked at them and smirked.

"Do you know why I looked for a shady place to get ripped off?"

"Huh? What are you talking about? Now hand over your money or you are going to get it."

Genji can tell the goons had become flustered by his comment. They tried to hide it, but they were spooked by his calmness.

"It's because the underworld always has a way to forge an identity."

Genji appeared behind them and decapitated two people. This brutal display of power shook these goons. Wasn't this supposed to be an easy job? Why are they dealing with such a fierce person?

"Wait, misunderstanding-"

"They always say that when they realized they did something wrong."

"Please no. Spare us."

Minutes later, Genji kicked open the door to the shady pawn shop. In his right hand, a bloody dagger was dancing between his fingers while his left hand was dragging an unconscious goon. 

"Here. I'll return this."

He threw the body on a table, shattering it and scaring the owner.

"W-what is the meaning of this? I might have underpaid you for your gold, but it doesn't warrant such destruction!"

"Yeah yeah yeah. I want a new identity. Thank you can do that?"

"What are you talking about? There's no way I can help you with that. If you don't leave right now, I will call the police!"

"You can stop the act. Not even a toddler would believe it. So what's your answer?"

Genji held his bloody dagger to his throat.

"By the way, I would pay attention to what you say."

"O-of course, sir."

"See? Not so hard. If people helped others out as much as you did, everyone would get along nicely."

A few minutes later, Genji walked out of the shop with a new identification card. On one side, covering half the area, was a picture of Genji with a goofy smile. A smile that shows no signs of his "negotiation" with the shop owner.

"There he is!"

Genji heard yelling from an alleyway. He turned around to see two teenagers pointing at him.

"What can I help you two with?"

Genji greeted the two familiar faces.

"You! You're the one that killed those people."

Hunter had an infuriated expression while Marks have a solemn face.

"That's me. Why?"

When Hunter heard Genji's casualness and disregard for human life, he become further enraged.

"Don't you have any guilt for murdering a fellow human?"

"Nope. They attacked me first so everything's fair game."

"But still! Can't you have let them off with a beating?"

When Genji heard his words, he let out a long sigh. 

"Great. Another naive idiot."

"I'm not an idiot!"

"Whatever. What do you want?"

Marks noticed that Genji stopped his pleasantries and now sounded annoyed. 

"You!"

Hunter charged at Genji and swung his fist. Genji sidestepped the attack and moved to deliver a karate chop of the neck. To his surprise, orange energy formed on the skin of the neck and blocked his attack.

"Idiot," Marks muttered under his breath and ran to back his friend up.

A blue glow wrapped around Marks as his speed increased.

"Two on one, is it?"

Genji decided to stop playing around and draw his daggers. Hunter turned around to deliver another punch at Genji's stomach, but he jumped to avoid it. Then he twisted his body and delivered two kicks at the incoming teenagers.

Hunter blocked the kick with his forearm and was sent back while Marks ducked under it and formed a blade to stab Genji with. Genji smiled and twisted his body again to bring his dagger down to block the energy-constructed blade. 

The impact sent the both of them backward, but Genji's landing was smoother. Before he could crash into the wall, he pivoted his body so that his legs would hit the walls first. Then using the impact, Genji transitioned to a wall run before kicking off, propelling himself toward the recovering teenagers.

"Watch out!"

Hunter was able to recover first and move in front of Marks. A large coating of orange energy formed on his fist as Hunter charged his attack.

"Interesting, but not enough"

Solid Core

The skin of Genji's stomach took on a dark hue and crystalized before the attack hit.

*Bang*

Dust blew everywhere as the ground beneath Genji cracked. Genji ignored the impact and hit Hunter with the butt of his dagger, knocking him out instantly.

"Hunter!"

Marks stabilized himself at this moment and dashed at Genji with a stronger glow of blue around his body.

"He's gotten faster. But how will you deal with this?"

Genji tossed [Opportunity] into the air, picked up the unconscious Hunter, and tossed him at Marks. Seeing the incoming body of his friend, Marks became flustered as struggled with catching him or dodging. Genji capitalized on this hesitation and kicked Marks again. This time, a dagger was swung at Marks's neck.

*Ding*

Genji's dagger collided with a sword held by a man with long silver hair. When Genji saw this new presence, he was not surprised. He had sensed someone akin to a bodyguard when he saw these two teens.

"Finally showing yourself, huh?"