The frozen winds of Nephilheim swept through the air as Velkharion stood at the edge of a craggy cliff, overlooking the vast tundra beneath him. Four years. Four years since he had stepped into the virtual reality of Yggdrasil Online, an experience that had become more than just a game—it had become a second life. He was close to Level 90 now, just shy of the pinnacle that defined the best of the best, and the challenges he had faced over the years had brought him closer to the top than he had ever imagined.
He leaned against Crimson Fang, the massive blade resting in the snow beside him. His fiery eyes flickered with a quiet intensity, the glowing blue markings on his arms pulsating faintly with energy. A soft smile crossed his lips as he reflected on how far he'd come.
"It's been crazy," Velkharion murmured to himself, his voice carried off by the icy wind. "Four years of grinding, crafting, conquering… and surviving the Asgard fiasco. Feels like I've been here for months, but it's been so much more than that." He paused, looking out into the horizon where the icy peaks of Nephilheim met the sky. "This place… feels like home now."
His smile grew fainter, almost wistful. "I'll miss it… when we all end up in the New World. Whatever comes next, though, I'll be ready."
A chime echoed in Velkharion's interface, the unmistakable sound of an announcement from Yggdrasil Online. He pulled up the notification with a flick of his wrist, the golden text glowing brightly against the frosty backdrop.
"The First Ever World Champion Tournament Begins!"
- Event Details: Test your might against the greatest players of Yggdrasil in a battle for supremacy. Claim the title of World Champion and earn a place in history.
- Regional Arenas: Asgard, Helheim, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Jotunheim, and Midgard.
- Eligibility: Players must choose one regional arena to represent.
The screen shifted to show the list of arenas, each one brimming with players of all ranks, eagerly preparing for the battles to come. Velkharion smiled to himself, scrolling down the options until he reached the one he had chosen long before the tournament had even been announced.
Selected Arena: Asgard
It was fitting, after everything he had accomplished in the realm of gods and giants, to fight for supremacy in Asgard. Velkharion nodded to himself, his fiery eyes narrowing with determination. "Time to see how far I've come."
As he prepared to teleport to the Asgard arena, Velkharion's thoughts briefly wandered to the tournament itself. This wasn't just any event—it was the first of its kind. Though the game had been running for four years, the World Champion Tournament had never been held before. The anticipation was electric, the buzz palpable across all regions of Yggdrasil.
Velkharion chuckled to himself, the wind ruffling his dark hair. "I wonder how the others are doing. Momonga, Touch Me... all those players I've crossed paths with but never fully got to know. Everyone's probably gearing up for this." He let out a soft sigh, his smirk growing. " It's a shame we're in different worlds."
The golden teleportation sigil beneath Velkharion's feet began to glow as he activated the system. The frigid winds of Nephilheim faded away, replaced by the dazzling brilliance of the Asgard Arena. The grand coliseum stood atop a cloud-strewn mountain, its towering walls carved with intricate runes that shimmered in the sunlight. Adventurers from across Yggdrasil gathered within its walls, their varied armor and weapons a testament to the diversity of the game's player base.
Velkharion stepped forward, the sound of his boots echoing against the pristine marble floor of the arena's waiting area. His presence drew a few glances—some curious, others wary. Word of his exploits in the Asgard storyline had clearly spread, and the glow of his titles only reinforced his reputation.
Titles Displayed Above Velkharion's Head:
- Champion of Yggdrasil
- Frost Giants' Slayer
- Defender of Asgard
Velkharion ignored the attention, his focus solely on the task ahead. He pulled up his status menu once more, confirming his current loadout and ensuring everything was optimized for the tournament. His skills, his weapons, his armor—it was all perfectly calibrated for peak performance.
As the players settled into their respective areas, a booming voice filled the arena, amplified by the game's system. The announcer's tone was lively, hyping up the crowd both in-game and among the spectators watching the tournament unfold across Yggdrasil's realms.
"Welcome, adventurers, to the First Ever World Champion Tournament!" the voice declared. "Today, history will be made as the greatest warriors, mages, assassins, and rulers of Yggdrasil clash for the title of World Champion!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, the energy of the moment washing over Velkharion as he tightened his grip on Crimson Fang. The first rounds were about to begin, and Velkharion's fiery eyes burned brighter with determination.
"This is it," he muttered to himself, stepping forward into the arena. "Four years, countless battles, and now… we see how far I can go."
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