WORLD OF WARGROUNDS

Yoshimitzu Corporation dominated the gaming industry when it introduced Battle Arena—a hybrid online computer game that merged MMORPG and MOBA.However, without the Core Logic, a sentient and self-governing system that allowed players to customize their characters, skills, and equipment within reasonable laws, there would be no Battle Arena. After all, it was the prized creation of Mister Yonco Yoshimitzu that set his company on a global pedestal and powered the game's online world.Because of Battle Arena's quasi-sandbox nature, the professional scene became an all-out competition of customization. Teams hired their game developers, who then spent most of their time studying in-game materials and craftmanship for breakthroughs.As for WisDoom, Aildrin Gentrix took over. Not just on his team, but on the entire gaming world of Battle Arena. He was the boy behind twenty percent of player-made skills and equipment recorded in the game. All of which was patent

In a dimly lit studio-type room, packs of unfinished corn chips and cans of crumpled soda scattered on the floor. The place stank of garbage and remains of cup noodles."Aildrin? Open up. It's me, Osho," said by the one outside the door. After a few seconds of no response, the knock continued and intensified.Aildrin grunted with eyes half-opened. "The key's beneath the rag," he said as loud as he could. He continued to sprawl on his bed despite the mess and odor around him.The doorknob turned, and Osho entered. He wore a plain white shirt."I brought some—oh, god! The smell! It's just getting worse!" Osho said. He immediately covered his nose. He then tiptoed his way through the litter, placed an eco-bag of fruits on the table, and parted the curtains.The sun was about to reach its zenith when the windows opened. Blinding lights flooded the room."Osho! You damnable creature! Can't you see that I'm sleeping?" Aildrin said. He rolled

Aildrin rolled twice to the side. When he recovered, the tips of the spears and swords were already before him."Defensive Blade!"The image of the black figure surged back into Aildrin's mind. Hundreds of swordsmen surrounded it when three rotating vorpal light swords came into life.A light wave burst out of Aildrin, which sent the four melees flying out and dispersed the volley of shots that followed. Then three white sword lights in the shape of a flamberge and twice his size hummed around him."Good, an attack and defense skill just like Liston Barrier," Aildrin thought, remembering the good old days of Battle Arena.Without waiting for the enemies to recover, Aildrin charged with a new sense of confidence despite being outnumbered. The sword lights continued to fend off the projectiles that came flying towards him.When he arrived at their disarrayed formation, Aildrin was like the god of war. The coppery scent of blood engulfed him wh

The truck skidded to a halt in the middle of the highway. Its passengers lurched against their seatbelts. Passing cars honked; cursed words and gestures flashed out of their windshields."Are you serious? We're not even sure if she's really the one I'm talking about," Sophia said."Yup! I'm sure she's that person," Aildrin said. "We're fetching her." He then grinned."We will...if you can flesh out millions of dollars, a trove of high-end equipment, and other luxurious offers for her right now." Sophia pumped some gas and started to turn the wheel towards the side lane, giving way to the mad cars behind her.Aildrin's face soured. "I don't need those things."Sophia slapped her forehead. "Then what makes you think she'll join you? And what level and rank are you now? You're not even known in Wargrounds! Don't tell me you're capitalizing on your name? God, you're helpless!""Yup. Because she's my fan," Aildrin said.Sophia stifled her

"Wait!" Aildrin said. He took the stairs and chased after Sophia.But Sophia did not turn back. She increased her pace with no intention to let Aildrin catch up."Aildrin, I'm done setting your Battle Station. Check it out!" Sol said when Aildrin came out of the basement. He did not mind at first, but he finally noticed the tension between the two.Aildrin bowed. "Thanks, Sol. I'll check it later." He then continued to run after Sophia, who already went out through the man gate.Sol smiled and muttered, "good luck" to Aildrin."Hey, Sophia! Wait up! I didn't mean that. I'm sorry," Aildrin said. He finally caught up with her; she was already inside the truck. "Where are you going?"Sophia smiled. "They're way better than what you think of them. Give them a chance.""Of course, I'm willing to work with them. And I'm a rookie now, so I should learn my place and earn their trust. But where are you going?""I'm off to prepare for a