Chapter 18: Dark Mage Tower.
Ethan stood in the courtyard of the knight’s fortress, still catching his breath, sweat soaking his tunic beneath the fresh weight of his new crest.
He wiped the blood off his knuckles and let out a shaky laugh. "Man... what a day."
But his eyes glinted with something sharper than fatigue—a resolve that refused to be broken.
He opened his system window, fingers trembling a little.
[MAP FUNCTION ACTIVATED]
A sprawling map of the continent unfolded before him in shimmering gold and black panels. Tiny lights pulsed for cities, roads, and significant landmarks. Ethan’s eyes darted across it, searching for a familiar name.
"There you are..." he whispered. His fingertip hovered over an icon labeled Nyxspire.
[Nyxspire: Capital of Shadow Arts. Location of the Dark Mage Tower.]
The words alone brought back a rush of memories. Dungeons filled with nightmarish illusions. Quests that punished the slightest arrogance. He remembered how, in the game, thousands of players had died simply trying to enter the place without knowing the etiquette. Dark mages weren’t just powerful—they were proud. And quick to slaughter anyone who didn’t show them respect.
He gulped.
"But... I’m not just a player anymore," Ethan said under his breath. "I’m Ethan fucking Graves. And I’m not dying here."