The first round of the competition seemed to drag on forever, taking an exhausting two days to finish. Despite the lengthy duration, some devoted spectators remained in their seats throughout the entire event, while others took shifts, exchanging places with friends at regular intervals. By the end, only those connected to the competing participants and the most dedicated spectators stayed.
The participants had access to a secluded dining area, specifically allocated for their needs, where they were presented with gourmet dishes prepared by renowned chefs. Some competitors began to spend more time indulging in the delightful cuisine than working on their creations, apparently accepting that their chances of winning had dwindled.
“I’m done here,” one of them joked with a lighthearted laugh. “Might as well enjoy this delicious food while I still can before I’m out of the competition!”
As the competition entered its second day, there was one person who seemed utterly determined to keep going, despite the evident exhaustion of those around him. He worked tirelessly, never taking a break, not even for a moment, even though he had earned the right and the need to do so.
All eyes were on him as he continued to astound those present with his relentless concentration and remarkable speed. It was incredible to see that he did not appear the least bit tired, as if propelled by an invisible energy.
And that person was Broken.
Several people intentionally walked by Broken, hurling snide remarks and attempting to provoke him.
“No matter how hard you try, you’ll never make it. Haha…”
The guards stationed around the arena seemed indifferent to such minor disruptions, given the large number of contestants. As long as it didn’t escalate into chaos, it was left unchecked. In the seats of The Ass Guild members, someone stood with a face twisted in irritation. “They are all assholes!” Booba bellowed from his chair. “I want to go down there and beat them all! I know they’re trying to provoke Broken.”
“If you create such a mess, do you honestly believe…” Elincia said sternly, “that you have the capability to take on those knights with your current abilities and level?”
Booba sunk back into his chair, still seething. “Those knights should show some courage and put a stop to this injustice,” he said. “They’re only getting in the way of his work!”
Elincia turned toward Goldrich and Maylock. “Do you know what item Broken is crafting right now?” she asked them.
Maylock smiled faintly as he replied, “He’s crafting something with steel and titanium materials. It looks like it’s supposed to be an Advanced Rank Blacksmith item.” His smile grew a little wider as he continued, “He never backs away from a challenge, no matter how tough it might be. I’m starting to wonder if he has any fear at all.”
“Khi khi khi…” Goldrich chuckled. “From what I observe, he is crafting a hammer. A hammer for forging, and I must applaud his decision. He seems confident he’ll advance to the second round.”
“Yes,” Maylock added. “I’m sure it’s a special hammer that will definitely aid him in the next round, possibly increasing his chances of producing higher-grade items.”
“But that’s only if he qualifies for the next round, right?” Elincia asked. “Wouldn’t it take a long time to craft something like that? Will he make it?”
“He sure will!” Booba interrupted passionately. “He will! I trust him 1000%, hahaha!” However, there was something else weighing heavily on Ivana’s mind. Her heart ached as she gazed upon Broken in the distance, who hadn’t eaten for the last 24 hours. She turned to Freya and said, “Broken hasn’t eaten in 24 hours. Can we help him get some food like we usually do? It would restore his stamina and boost his performance.”
Freya looked up at her, her lips tight. “Yes… but… we can’t go onto the arena floor. If we try, the knights will kick us out.”
Ivana frowned, shaking her head. “But Broken needs to eat, or else his stamina will deplete,” she insisted.
Maylock chimed in, “I’ve heard stories about him working non-stop like this, but what I’m seeing now is beyond reason.”
Goldrich added, “It’s one thing to skip meals for eight hours in the real world, but he’s gone over 24 hours in-game without eating. Yet somehow, his concentration and focus remain unshaken. Khi khi khi.”
Booba suddenly stood up and shouted, “Broken!!!” His face was full of desperation. “You need to eat something, even just a little, or you’ll collapse!”
Elincia let out an exasperated groan. “So stupid and embarrassing, you idiot Booba!” She complained, rolling her eyes. “Do you really think Broken will hear you? Why don’t you just leave, you fool?”
Ivana’s face brightened with determination. “I’ll go there!”
Freya immediately grabbed her wrist in agreement, and the two of them, accompanied by Booba, hurried down the stands.
The three quickened their steps toward the large arena, where they were met by royal troops. “We need to see our friend. He hasn’t eaten in 24 hours,” Freya pleaded with the royal troop. “No one is allowed to enter except the contestants,” the royal troop replied sternly. “Hey, you!” Booba began to shout, but Freya quickly pulled him back, pushing him behind her.
“Can you shut up, Booba! Don’t make a scene that might put Broken in trouble!” she warned him firmly.
“We need to check on our friend,” Ivana insisted. “He’s been working non-stop for 24 hours without a break. I just want to make sure he’s okay.”
The guard eyed them cautiously before responding, “Even so, no one will starve because we’ve prepared plenty of food for the participants.”
Morbit and Max, who had been observing from a distance, walked over curiously to see what
was happening.
“Is there anything interesting happening here? I sense something intriguing,” Morbit remarked.
“Yeah…,” Max replied. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing. You guys are going to love it once you find out.”
Hearing the commotion, several spectators turned their heads, their attention piqued by the unusual scene. As the royal troop maintained their firm stance, Freya, Ivana, and Booba did their best to keep their composure, knowing that any further disturbance could jeopardize Broken’s chances in the competition.
“Please, there must be something you can do,” Freya said. “We just want to make sure he’s alright.”
When Morbit and Max reached Freya and the others, Ivana’s face appeared on the camera, which was broadcast to millions of viewers outside the game, creating an outpouring of
admiration and praise.
“Who is she?”
“She is absolutely beautiful!”
“Wow, who is that beautiful girl?”
“She’s so captivating, I can’t take my eyes off her!”
“That girl must be a real beauty! Her charm is mesmerizing!”
“She is a special NPC?”
“Ivana? Who is Ivana? Is she important?”
“Can someone please tell me her background? Is she from a royal family?”
“Damn… she is unrealistically beautiful… and she’s just wearing regular clothes? Like a local
villager? Could she be hiding her true identity?”
The comments came in a flood, each one expressing more curiosity and admiration than the last. The unexpected spotlight on Ivana added an intriguing twist to the situation, drawing
even more attention to their plight.
Max slowly stepped towards Ivana, her brows furrowed in curiosity. “What could have brought you here? I’m sure your mere presence is enough to captivate the audience,” she said. Ivana smiled gently and gave a slight bow. “My friend has been working for over 24 hours without a break or any food. I want to help him eat something, because otherwise, he won’t get the rest he needs until his work is done.”
Max was silent for a moment, her eyes wide with amazement as Ivana told the story. “Are you
serious?” she exclaimed in shock, turning to the camera and addressing the viewers. “Is there actually someone here today who is worthy of such an honor from a special NPC as beautiful as her? Are you all curious to know who this person might be?”
She paused, allowing the viewers a moment to ponder the question before continuing, “I’m sure by now all of you must be wondering who exactly this beautiful girl, Ivana, is referring
to.”
Max then turned her attention back to Ivana. “Can you enlighten me with this person’s name so I can pass it along to the committee?”
Ivana nodded slowly, her lips curling into a gentle smile. “Yes… He is,” she said, letting the
anticipation build.