Chapter 25: Duel of the Record Breaker’s
The moment Alex saw Alden's name plastered in shimmering gold on the Mirage Core Arena's big screen, something inside him clicked—perhaps ego, perhaps pride, or perhaps just pure, unfiltered pettiness.
"Alden von Crestvale... broke my record?!" he muttered, eyes twitching. "I leave for one night to eat lukewarm dumplings and do breathing exercises, and this guy swoops in like some sparkly noble peacock?"
The receptionist nearby flinched at the intensity of his glare.
Without wasting another second, Alex stormed to the booking counter, slapping his EtherPad down with dramatic flair.
"Book me a pod. Same difficulty. Right now."
The technician blinked. "Uh, sir, are you sure—"
"Right. Now."
Moments later, Alex was back in the simulation pod, suit zipped up, hair already sticking from the previous day's sweat. His fists clenched in focus as the loading screen pulsed.
Simulation Initiated. Level 5 – Intermediate Peak. Timer: 60 minutes. Begin.
The battlefield shimmered into existence again, but this time, it felt personal.
"Let's go," Alex growled, eyes burning. "Astral Void Rend—First Form: Void Step!"