Chapter 1

Dark clouds enveloped the sky, casting a dim and lifeless light on the ground, which was strewn with chaos. The spiraling staircase was stained with blood, and the bodies of the fallen, their armor and weapons, lay scattered, creating a scene of desolation and death.

Rod took a deep breath, but he did not feel the cold or the blood in the air; after all, this was just a game. With a bitter smile, he shook his head and then turned to look at the comrades sitting on the ground not far below. They were resting quietly, recovering their strength, and repairing their weapons. On the surface, they seemed no different from usual, but Rod knew very well that this battle would not be as easy as the previous ones.

"How many are left?"

He asked in a deep voice.

Hearing the question, the people exchanged glances, and then a gaunt mage stood up.

"Nine-six, Captain. The Void Dragon instance is more dangerous than we imagined. Many of our brothers fell to the traps earlier. The only fortunate thing is that our professions are still relatively well-balanced."

"That's good."

Rod nodded, and the others fell silent.

If it were an ordinary team, they would have lost their courage and fallen into chaos by now. After all, they were about to face the most powerful and terrifying elite boss in the game, the Void Dragon, the final boss of the third chapter of Dragon Soul Continent, and the most fearsome existence to date. Ordinary guilds would need to organize at least ten teams to dare to challenge it. Now, Rod's team had only ninety-six people, not even a full team, but even so, there was no panic or confusion in their eyes, only calmness, confidence, and trust.

The person they trusted so much stood not far from them on the stairs, looking up at the sky. His face, as resolute as a rock, bore a cold scar that ran from his brow, giving him a daunting presence. His body, clad in armor that shimmered with magical light, seemed like an unyielding fortress.

Of course, they did not trust the man before them just because of his imposing appearance. No matter how strong he appeared, it was just a game character design. The scar on his brow did not carry any painful memories; it was just a facial accessory chosen during character creation.

What truly commanded respect were the countless achievements and accolades behind this man.

The first player to reach the top level in his profession.

The first player to bring the notoriously difficult Summoner Swordsman to the pinnacle.

Since the first chapter of Dragon Soul Continent, "The Dark Descent," was launched, he had led his guild, relying on his own abilities and an unparalleled mastery of all professions, to sweep through three entire seasons, claiming the first kills of all bosses. Each instance video was shared by countless players and revered as a teaching classic. He was the leader of the first player guild on Dragon Soul Continent—Rod.

He had personally defeated "The Dark Descent," ushered in "The Age of Turmoil," and conquered it again, reaching "The Void Judgment." Now, he would end "The Void Judgment" with his own hands, but the new era would not be initiated by him.

How many years had it been?

Rod's gaze returned from the distant cloud sea, where lightning serpents flashed, and he asked himself.

Since his sister's death, he had been in Dragon Soul Continent for seven years. During these seven years, to force himself to forget the painful past, he had set himself almost unattainable goals, only to achieve them again and again. Only the immense excitement and glory brought by these achievements could alleviate the deep pain in his heart.

But it had to end here.

A month ago, Rod's parents died in a plane crash caused by a hurricane while on a business trip abroad. Rod could not remember his feelings when he received the call with the news, but now, he had made his decision. He would leave the game and return to real life, not only for his parents but also because he knew it was time for a change.

"President, President?"

A timid voice interrupted Rod's thoughts. He looked up to see a female mage timidly raising her hand, her eyes shining as she looked at him.

"Are you really leaving?"

"Yes."

Rod nodded, then composed himself, shaking off his complex emotions. He looked at the companions who had followed him for seven years, the friends he had made through their struggles. But now, he would leave them. Even in the game, they knew each other so well that a simple gesture could convey their intentions, but once the game helmet was removed and they returned to reality, they might never recognize each other again.

"I sent out my resume yesterday, hoping to find a company that will hire me."

"If I received your resume, I would directly appoint you as a department manager. Don't worry!"

A knight waved his greatsword, and his words lifted the previously somber mood. Everyone laughed.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I didn't mention these things in my resume. Our guild has many enemies, and if other guilds received it, my life would be difficult."

Rod smiled and replied, then cleared his throat and became serious.

"I think everyone knows how we've come this far."

Hearing this, the previously laughing crowd fell silent, listening intently.

"We also know that on forums and online, many people criticize us, saying we have disrupted the game's balance, monopolized all the first kills, and made competition meaningless... Frankly, I think they are right, but..."

Rod clenched his fist and swung it forcefully.

"But, what does it have to do with us! We are the strongest guild, the strongest team! We have the strength! So we must do it, we must fight for it! Other guilds are not strong enough, and their defeats are their own problems. If they were strong enough, they could break our monopoly. Our monopoly on first kills is not due to rules, status, or favoritism from the game company. We earned it with our own strength! We never give up, we never surrender, and we never slack off, so we have achieved what we have. This is what we deserve, and that's all there is to it."

Rod paused before continuing.

"I love this guild, and I cherish the seven years we've spent together, but all good things must come to an end. I need to find my own life. But I will never forget any of you, and I will never forget the guild. This place holds my most painful and happiest memories, and I will always remember it."

As he spoke, Rod pointed to his head.

"Many people say the guild can't function without me. I'm sure many guilds have already heard this news and are planning to take advantage of my departure to challenge us and break our records. But they underestimate us. Dragon Soul is not a game for one person. I couldn't build the guild alone, I couldn't organize the team alone, and I couldn't defeat the bosses alone. So I hope that after I leave, you will show those with ulterior motives why this guild is so strong, and why we, the Starlight, are the true power behind the guild rankings on Dragon Soul Continent!"

"Yes!"

"No problem, President!"

"Leave it to us, we'll give those idiots a perfect answer!"

"Very good."

Hearing their responses, Rod nodded and then turned to the right side of the crowd.

"Lao Liu."

Hearing Rod's call, the tall, thin mage stepped out of the crowd and approached him. Rod looked at the mage, paused for a moment, and then reached out to remove the badge from his chest, placing it in the mage's hand.

[System Announcement: Guild President position transferred, Team Leader position transferred]

"The next era is yours."

Rod let go of the badge, his voice calm and unchanged.

"So, this battle is yours to command."

"Alright, no problem, Rod."

The mage nodded but then spoke again.

"But as the guild president and team leader, I order you to lead the team."

"Lao Liu?"

Rod frowned in surprise at this response. The tall, thin mage smiled and patted Rod on the shoulder.

"You started this era, and you should finish it, Rod. That's the way of a man."

"......"

Hearing this, Rod fell silent. He looked up at his companions, who were ready and waiting for his command. He gripped his sword and turned to face the high platform ahead, where lightning raged and flashed.

Then, Rod raised his longsword, pointing it forward. He had started with the most ordinary beginning, so he would end with the most ordinary conclusion.

"Start the fight!!"

The Void Dragon was indeed formidable.

Rod had fought almost every notable boss in Dragon Soul Continent, including other dragon souls in the game's lore, but none were as challenging as the Void Dragon. Its attack patterns were more complex and unpredictable, its damage several times higher than that of ordinary bosses, and its speed, reaction, and defense were all top-notch.

It was indeed a formidable opponent.

Rod gripped his longsword, his teeth clenched as he stared at the massive creature. The battle had reached its final stage, and he was the only survivor, but even so, his health was almost depleted, the glaring red indicating that his life was at its limit.

Was the Void Dragon any different?

Looking into the blood-red, furious eyes of the dragon, Rod suddenly had a strange feeling. He could almost understand the Void Dragon's emotions—being the most powerful, undefeated boss in the game, it must be frustrated to be on the verge of defeat.

So, let me accompany you.

With this thought, Rod raised his left hand.

A clear, sharp sound rang out, and flames burst from Rod's sword, swirling into a fiery bird that soared toward the Void Dragon. The dragon roared in anger, raising its front claws and pouncing.

"!!!"

Rod felt a powerful force hit him, and the fiery bird shattered with a mournful cry. However, the explosion before its disappearance forced the dragon's claws to veer off, leaving an opening.

Rod gritted his teeth, the red in his vision becoming even more intense, signaling the critical damage he had taken. But this was the last chance, and he had to take it. He raised his longsword and thrust forward, but the Void Dragon had also recovered and roared, swinging its claws down. At the same time, Rod threw his sword.

Thunder Strike, activated.

The longsword transformed into a brilliant light, piercing the dragon's chest. Rod focused intently, watching the lightning-infused light pass through the gaps in the dragon's claws and easily tear through its scales.

"—!!!"

A deafening roar echoed, and the dragon's massive claw slammed into Rod.

The red in his vision almost enveloped the entire world, and Rod could no longer see clearly, but the system message in the corner was as clear as ever.

[Congratulations to the Starlight Guild for achieving the first kill of the Void Dragon, an eternal evil has been vanquished]

[Character has taken excessive damage, about to die]

It was finally over.

Looking at the system message, Rod smiled with relief.

At that moment, a bright beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping the high platform.

The pure white light illuminated the dark sky, dispelling the persistent gloom.

At that moment, the others, who were resurrecting from the graveyard and rushing to the platform, suddenly stopped. The world channel, which had been buzzing with excitement over the Starlight Guild's latest first kill, fell silent.

For a moment, only one message remained, a system announcement.

[System Announcement: Player Rod has logged out]

A legend that had ruled three game eras had come to an end.