Unite!

Ayane's POV:

"Alright... the party has officially started. I’m going to enjoy watching you all struggle through that dungeon. Ah, I mean… I’m going to enjoy watching you die, one by one. GOOD LUCK!"

Those were GOD 404’s final words before he vanished and the sky returned to normal.

But his disappearance didn’t change a thing. Everyone’s spirit here was already shattered.

After witnessing the death of 1,000 players, chaos erupted across Netherbyte City.

Some screamed in panic.

Some broke down in sobs.

Others were furious and couldn’t accept what happened.

And some just stood there, paralyzed, unable to react.

My entire faction was in disbelief.

We couldn’t accept that Ritsu was gone.

I couldn’t either.

It was surreal but it was the truth.

We did everything we could. We kept refreshing Ritsu’s status, as well as the other members’, but their tags all still read: [Permanent Death].

Eventually, we had to accept the reality: Ritsu wasn’t coming back.

Akutsu slammed his fist against a wall in frustration.

Kagurazaka stood frozen, wearing an expression that honestly scared me.

Maiko couldn’t stop sobbing.

Yukihana looked completely defeated.

Even the regular members looked hollow, like all hope had drained out of them.

We were broken. Not only did we have to process that Ritsu was dead, but we also had to face the brutal truth, any of us could be next.

I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth.

I had to be strong.

I’m their leader. I can't fall apart.

"Get up, all of you! We can’t let Ritsu’s sacrifice go to waste!" I shouted firmly.

"Ayane! We just lost Ritsu! HE’S DEAD!" Kagurazaka snapped at me.

“She’s right, Ayane-san… Ritsu’s gone. We’re all going to die too…” Maiko said, still sobbing.

Yukihana tried to calm them down. Akutsu helped too.

“I KNOW THAT!” I shouted, unable to hide my own frustration.

“Ritsu was a good man. He was also our strongest Anchor. He never once complained during any dungeon raid. And the others who died with him… Sato, Kira, Makoto, Shima, Taka, Shoo, Amane, Hanaa, Himekano… I’ll never forget any of them.”

“They were all good people! And that’s exactly why we have to keep going. We need to finish this game for them. To honor their sacrifice. Because they gave us the chance to live!”

Tears began to form in my eyes as I lowered my head.

“We can’t give up… If we did, they’d be heartbroken. That’s why I, CrimsonAyane… No. As a tribute to them, I’ll use my real name.”

“I, Akabane Ayane, swear to clear this game! I’ll reach Floor 10 and defeat the boss who took our friends from us!”

I drew my sword and raised it high above my head.

“This is my eternal promise to everyone still here, and to those who have fallen. I won’t force any of you to follow me. You’re free to stay on the surface… But if you’re willing to fight, then draw your weapons and come with me!”

I wanted to make it clear: there’s no shame in stepping back, but for those who could still fight, now was the time.

After I finished, about half the regular members sat down, looking completely drained.
They couldn’t bring themselves to fight anymore.

Some of them spoke quietly, their biggest reason being fear of death.

That was valid. I understood. I really did.

I closed my eyes, silently wishing that at least one person would stand by me.

Then, someone spoke up.

“Akabane Ayane, huh? That fiery name really suits your spirit. You’re a fearless woman, Ayane… like a spark that refuses to go out. I don’t hate that at all. I’m Hoshino Noelle Kagurazaka. Sorry for snapping at you earlier. I’m with you, Ayane!”

Kagurazaka smiled brightly.

“What’s with that full name, haha. Anyway, I’m Arata Akutsu! Your friendly neighborhood high schooler! I’m in too, captain! Doesn’t matter how strong those monsters are, I’ll cut them down with my sword!”

Akutsu looked fired up.

“I... might not be as brave as you, Ayane-san, but I, Shinobu Yukihana, will do everything I can to help. If we work together, I’m sure we can beat this game.”

Even the Lazy Yukihana said that. I was honestly shocked.

After that, half of the regular members found their resolve and stood up.

They voiced their determination to keep going, no matter what.

One by one, they raised their weapons high.

“You guys…”

I was overwhelmed with emotion.

“Thank you...”

Once we’d solidified our resolve, I messaged the other guild leaders through our chat forum:

-----

[CrimsonAyane]: Friends, I’ve decided to challenge the dungeon.
[TsukihanaBlossom]: Are you serious, Ayane-chan?
[GeniusKurogane]: Knew you’d say that! HAHAHA! Alright then, I’m in too!
[HollowTsukiyami]: You people really are fearless, huh? Heh… count me in. That damn boss killed my most trusted members.
[DeathZetsumei]: I’m angry… no, I’m furious. That Floor 10 boss is going down.
[TsukihanaBlossom]: All of you... Alright, I’m in too! If we’re all united, there’s no way we can lose!
[CrimsonAyane]: Thank you, everyone. Let’s meet in front of the Abyssal Core gate.

-----

I made my way to the Abyssal Core with the rest of Scarlet Sanctum.

There were 36 of us 5 main members, and the rest regulars.

The other five major factions had already gathered.

Machina Legion, led by [GeniusKurogane], a man obsessed with firearms. Rumor has it he was once in the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

He brought 50 members, all shooters and SystemCore Engineers. Their specialty: building weapons and advanced tech.

Eclipse Reign, led by [HollowTsukiyami], the strongest executor in the game.
With 80 members, all SystemCore Divers trained as lethal executors.

Some rumors said they were outlaws, but that wasn’t true, new rules prevent outlaws from forming or joining factions.

Lunaris Vale, led by [TsukihanaBlossom], the most powerful caster and restorer in the game.
Her 70 members focused on support and EtherCode damage using SystemCores like Patchers, Hackers, and Threadweavers.

Nihilwalker, led by [DeathZetsumei], ranked second after me.
He’s a saber-class damage dealer with EtherCode: Void.

His faction had the highest number of members 150 in total, including 10 elites who also used Void. The rest didn’t have specific specialties, which explained their size.

We also received support from a dozen smaller factions, bringing another 300 players.

When we announced our plan to raid the dungeon and beat the game, non-faction players rallied behind us.

That brought another 1,500 players each with different classes, EtherCodes, and SystemCores.

Altogether, we had 2,186 players ready to raid the dungeon.

The largest raid in the entire history of the game.

....

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