The White Room

“Ladies and Gentlemen, AVALON!” The announcer Vile_Bard (V.B.) screamed.

There is a large floating screen in the middle of the plaza – showing the events that transpired within the war of the nine guilds against Avalon. The same thing appears on all cities and towns of Requiem. The war is broadcasted live after all. There is no way that such a rare event would be allowed to pass without proper footage.

That is why the world government funded it. Even showing the events to those in the real world. Broadcasting it across all streaming sites.

“There’s nothing like it. In the blink of an eye, the Emperor of Requiem has taken down all nine guilds by himself!” The announcer TatterTalks (T.T.) added.

On screen, a zoomed in face of Merlin Warlock is shown. Silvery white hair tied to a high pony, crystal blue eyes and ivory white skin. A chiseled jawline and a fine body – covered by the robe of the greatest mage. Made with the dark blue scales of the Sky Dragon and adorned by golden silk taken from the three Archangels. Mighty creatures that Merlin has singlehandedly defeated.

These all adds to the air of elegance around the Emperor. The expression on his face is stoic. Much so that he could be mistaken for an [NPC]. He isn’t. Merlin is a real player and, that just makes this new feat of his all the more amazing.

“I still get goosebumps no matter how many times I see him.” V.B. said. “Look at the grace and elegance of this man. If I fight him on a duel and land a hit by luck, I would probably kneel and beg for forgiveness.”

“I can’t blame you partner.” T.T. added. “Merlin’s reputation as the strongest is so established that nobody can deny it. He’s basically a god at this point.”

“A god with a very specific weapon might I add.”

A new feed is presented on screen. The infamous weapon of Merlin which floats on top of his left hand: [World’s End]. A spellbook that is constantly left open – blue mana coming out of it. This is a special weapon because only Merlin wields a book type weapon within Requiem. Not only this but the book can only be wielded by him as well. That’s right. [World’s End] is chained to the character that is Merlin Warlock.

Rumors say that all of Merlin’s cheat like powers stem from this spellbook. That’s why there have been countless offers made for him to sell it. And the prices are unbelievable. With some being enough for Merlin to buy a small island in the real world.

“What was that spell that he used?” VB asked.

“I think it’s something within the skill tree of Zeus or Thor.” TT replied. “Judgement Strike perhaps?”

“You’re crazy. Only the Boss enemy Zeus can use that.”  VB said.

“It does resemble it though.” TT defended.

This also happens a lot after a battle where Merlin is involved. The questioning part on the skills that have been used within the fight.

Merlin does not disclose much to the public. Most of the talking is done for him by the third strongest of Avalon, Morgause. The Sage works silently. That is why nobody has an idea what his spells are. Much more the real capabilities of [World’s End].

This is possible because he has possession over the unique blessing [Veil of the Void]. A blessing that prevents anyone else from finding out anything about his character. An absolute spell that even prevents the game developers from taking a peek.

Sure there can be speculations based on how the spells he casts look like. But it’s the power behind these attacks that always makes these speculators doubt. After all, what lightning spell can take out nine of the top guilds in the blink of an eye?

“Well that ends today’s coverage of the war!” VB cheered.

“Let it be known that in Requiem, there is only one true ruler!” TT added.

“The Great Sage – Merlin Warlock!”

“THE EMPEROR OF REQUIEM!”

[You have logged out.]

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The thousands of cheers and celebratory music died instantly. All the bright colors of Requiem is replaced by a white room. A teenager got up from his bed and took off the VR Helmet he has worn on. His eyes are sunken and a dark line naturally forms under it. His hair is a messy black.

He wears nothing but a ragged white shirt paired with loose black pants. There are scars on his thin neck and arm – signs of torture.

“Man, they’re really making a big deal out of this huh Merlin.” A teenager said, sitting beside the bed which Merlin got up from.

Yes, the ragged looking person is none other than the Emperor of Requiem. And the man sitting at his bedside is the Vice-Captain of Avalon. The Sword Saint – Arthur Pendragon. The same person who owns Merlin’s life.

“I did everything just like you asked.” Merlin said.

“You did.” Arthur smirked.

“You didn’t even help out in the war.”

The next thing Merlin knew; Arthur’s fist is already planted on his face. Dropping him to the ground as the world around him spun. There’s no time for him to make up what’s happening as Arthur continued hurling his fists toward him. A beating that went on for ten more seconds. Leaving Merlin’s face bloodied.

“It seems that your little victory earlier has gotten to that head of yours. So let me remind you that there’s a clause in the agreement for what you just did.” Arthur raised his bloodied fists; wiped by the attendants who came with him. “You aren’t allowed to speak your mind, nor to reply unless you are given permission. And I never gave you any sort of permission.”

There’s no such agreement. Merlin never agreed to anything like this. In fact, the entirety of what the rest of the agreement contains is only forced unto him.

Arthur snapped his fingers and one of the attendants came forward. The muscular man wiped the blood off of Arthur’s hands. Then another one came forward with something shiny in his hand – a knife. The guard handed it to Arthur who grabbed it without hesitation. Pointing it at Merlin’s eyes and making it get dangerously close.

“Maybe I should take an eye so that you won’t forget.” The crazed teen suggested.

Arthur has continued torturing Merlin ever since this person has been taken by his father’s organization. He has also proven that his threats aren’t empty. Time and time again he would lash out at Merlin. Battering the teen and even leaving him half dead once; just because he’s in a bad mood. That’s why Merlin should be afraid of him. But that’s the thing – he isn’t.

Even with a knife pointed at his eye. Even with the real threat of it being stabbed and gouged out, the expression on Merlin’s face remains stoic. Mirroring the expression which Merlin also wears within Requiem. A bad idea as Arthur’s blood boiled, the trigger which made him continue on with the act. His knife holding hand swiftly going for Merlin’s left eye.

…

An inch. There is an inch of distance left before Arthur could hit Merlin. He didn’t stop. He’s committed to the act if not for one of the guards stopping his arm. Not just any guard, but the personal butler of Arthur.

“What do you think you’re doing Sam?” Arthur asked in a sharp tone

“We’re not supposed to harm the product that much young master.” The butler answered calmly.

“Huh?” Everyone in the room could feel the bloodlust of Arthur that Sam’s words raised. At this point, it isn’t only Merlin who could be stabbed. Any one of them could fall victim to Arthur’s violent nature.

“My father bought this pathetic piece of garbage for me to play with, right?” Arthur stood up and stared at Sam. Knife now pointed below the butler’s chin. “Of course I can do everything I want with it.”

“Then will you also take care of your father’s wrath should your toy’s health accidentally fail?” Sam glared at Arthur.

The flames that increasingly heated up got extinguished in the blink of an eye. All it took is the mention of Arthur’s father. A man whose acts would make his son’s look like mere pranks.

“Please hand over the weapon before things get complicated young master.” The butler extended his hand towards Arthur. Although not wanting to give up, the teen had no other choice but to do as he is told. Because if there’s one person that he can’t afford to be on the bad side of, it’s his own father.

“I can’t wait for the day you get fired Sam.” Arthur scorned.

“Oh I’m sure you would be delighted when that day comes young master.” Sam said in reply.

“Get him up then. We need to discuss the plans for tomorrow’s raid.” Arthur ordered. “You can leave after.”

“Don’t worry.” Arthur said as his earlier command made Sam look at him – eyebrow raised. “I won’t harm him anymore than I have. We need him to take over Inferno for us after all.”

“Just remember my advice young master.” Sam said as he and the guards finished tidying Merlin up. Even wiping away the blood on the teen’s face. Making them proceed to the sliding white doors opening before them.

“You don’t have to keep on repeating it. I’m not stupid.” Arthur sharply replied, arms crossed below his chest.

“Very well. We shall be taking our leave.” Are Sam’s last words as the doors closed behind him.

There are a couple of seconds of silence that permeated the room soon after. Neither Arthur nor Merlin said a single word. But unlike the aforementioned individual, Merlin is staying silent for the sake of his life.

“You are permitted to talk. But choose your words very VERY carefully.” Arthur said. “Now give me the details on how we’ll be fighting Azazel in seven days.”

Azazel.

A new boss monster within the world of Requiem. A creature created through the metamorphic nature of the game. Actually, the creature has been alive for a long time already. It’s just that nobody has come across it yet. That’s why the unfortunate group of players who first got a taste of its power were vanquished right away. But that’s not what makes this boss monster frightening. No. The scary thing about it is that it has a unique power: [Character Deletion].

The whole party that came across Azazel got deleted. Their characters have been permanently taken out of the game. This is the same as getting yourself killed in the real world. Since Requiem is a good source of income, having a good character you’ve built instantly deleted takes away a person’s means to earn a living.

Hence Azazel’s popularity skyrocketed. To a point where the first group that kills this boss will probably gain the same level of popularity as this Demon Lord itself. Something which Arthur cannot allow to pass. Even if he needs to rely on Merlin once again.

He can already see it. His father praising him for this recent accomplishment and the glorious battle that would be fought for it as well. Yet this opportunity is immediately stripped for him.

“I’ll do it.” Merlin said.

“What?”

“The Demon Lord and the entirety of his Inferno.” Merlin stared into Arthur’s eyes. Not a single spec of emotion being present as he declared:

“I will destroy it alone.”