(Terra Nova Online, StrongHaven City)
The ga world had changed significantly in the five months since Leo had last logged in, as the countdown to the Arc Ship's landing neared its final stretch.
7 months from now, the Arc Ship was going to arrive at its destination, Planet Terra Nova, and the excitent for the landing seed palpable now.
With the final system evaluation already complete and the journey's end in sight, many players had lost the motivation to chase power and rankings, opting instead to take their final year in Terra Nova Online at a more leisurely pace.
Rather than grinding endlessly for strength, these players chose to enjoy the wealth they had accumulated over the years.
Bars and restaurants thrived as players indulged in luxuries they had once ignored in favor of relentless leveling.
The once-obsessed rankers who had spent every waking mont sharpening their skills were now seen lounging in cafés, savoring delicacies, or simply wandering the beautifully crafted cities they had never taken the ti to appreciate.
With no further risk of relegation to Sector E and no chance of being promoted to a better life, the ga's ta had shifted entirely—and it was this drastic change that surprised Leo the most when he finally logged back in.
For the first ti in years, the longest queues weren't outside weapon shops, but at the finest restaurants, as Leo couldn't help but shake his head in disappointnt as he witnessed this scene.
"The fools who won't work hard right now will have worse lives once we land…. This is not a ti to relax, this is the ti to work your ass off!" Leo noted, as he finally realized the difference between the inford elite and the common man.
Him, having knowledge of what the future held for mankind, could never see himself idling his life away like this, however, to the uninford player who believed in the lie of a green new planet and a brand new life upon landing, working hard now without any incentive made no sense.
To them, it seed like it was finally ti to enjoy the wealth they had so painstakingly collected over the years, however, it was in fact a stupid decision.
"Well… what else can you expect? Stupid people make stupid choices, that's just how they are–" Leo concluded, shrugging his shoulders, as he made his way towards the Royal Palace.
The entire gaming world had not seen or heard a whisper of 'TheBoss' in the past 5 months since he assud the throne, and it was finally ti to remind everyone that he was still alive—
********
(At the Palace Gates)
Leo approached the grand palace gates, walking with his usual confidence. Unlike his usual tendency to sneak past obstacles or bulldoze through them, he decided, for once, to enter like a normal person.
But the mont he stepped closer, a guard in black and gold Uprising guild armor held out a hand, stopping him in his tracks.
"Hold it, sir," the guard said firmly. "The palace is off-limits to the general public. Entry is only permitted for uniford 'Uprising' guild mbers."
Leo blinked. 'Did this idiot just—'
The guard gave him a once-over, his lips twitching in slight amusent. "Hah, I'll give you credit for the effort, though. Good costu. You got the whole 'TheBoss' vibe down—the robes, the broken mask, the level concealnt—but you're not fooling ."
Leo stared blankly, unsure whether to be amused or insulted.
"What?" he asked flatly.
The guard smirked, shaking his head. "You think I haven't seen a hundred imposters like you before? It's practically a trend at this point. Every few days, so wannabe dresses up like 'Lord Boss,' puts on a mask, conceals their level, and strolls up here acting all high and mighty. But you can't fool ."
Leo was silent for a mont. Then, rubbing his temples, he let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Oh, for fuck's sake."
"You see," the guard continued, crossing his arms smugly, "the real 'Lord Boss'? He's got a presence. An aura so overwhelming that you feel it before he even opens his mouth. You, my guy? You just look like another roleplayer trying his luck."
Leo's brow twitched.
His grip tightened into a fist before he forced himself to exhale and relax.
There was no need to kill the idiot…..
Yet.
"You are… the most intelligent guard," Leo finally said, his voice oddly pleasant. "What's your na, player?"
The guard straightened proudly. "Na's RedWolf."
Leo extended his hand. "Nice to et you, RedWolf."
RedWolf hesitated for a brief mont before scoffing and taking the handshake.
That was his first mistake.
The mont their palms t, Leo's grip tightened like a vice.
RedWolf's confident smirk vanished, replaced by sudden wide-eyed panic as pain shot through his fingers.
-120
Crack.
His bones protested violently.
"HOLY SH—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Leo yanked him forward effortlessly before shoving him aside like a ragdoll, sending him tumbling against the palace walls.
The next second, Leo pivoted on his heel and kicked the heavy iron gates open.
The massive doors—each weighing several tons—swung open violently, the tal screeching as they slamd against the walls.
"Fake my ass," Leo muttered as he dusted off his sleeves, striding in like he owned the place.
Which he did—
The deafening boom of the doors being forced open had every guard in the vicinity rushing forward, weapons at the ready, alarm flashing in their eyes.
Dozens of them surrounded Leo within seconds, hands gripping swords, spears, and staves.
"What's going on? Who—"
Then their eyes landed on him.
Silence.
A stunned hush fell over the palace entrance as recognition dawned upon them.
Leo let the mont linger before speaking, his voice casual, yet carrying an undeniable weight.
"Move," he said simply.
"The Emperor is here."
Awe spread across their faces.
And, as one, the guards all stepped aside.
The Emperor was here!!
—------
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