Blade Vayne Wilson was raised by killers, trained in every weapon known to man. When his gang and foster father were wiped out, he vanished into the snow-covered continent of Winterland—cold, smart, and broken.

A year later, a new full-dive game changed everything. Ascender Online—a world where you build, forge, and ascend beyond limits.
He entered the game as Metatron, a silent crafter with assassin’s instincts.

But the system noticed something impossible.
His creations… affected reality.

While others grind for levels, one player quietly breaks the laws of the world.
And once again, the legend of Metatron begins.

The molten glow of crucibles lit the path as Metatron walked into StoneDragon's Forge District for the first time. Sparks flew in the air from open workshops where NPC blacksmiths hammered, welded, and reforged gear for passing players. The heat from open flame pits washed over the cobbled street, bringing life and rhythm to the heart of the empire's industry.


At the end of the street stood a broad stone shop marked with a single hanging sign:


"Garron Ironback – Master of True Steel."


Metatron stepped inside. The clang of metal paused. A huge figure turned, wiping sweat from his brow. He stood like a living wall—towering, muscled, ash-grey beard flowing over a thick leather apron. His eyes shone like hammered iron.


"You've got the look of someone who doesn't just swing blindly," the blacksmith said deeply, sizing Metatron up. "Yet that coat doesn't block much of anything. And your blade—hmm. Sharp, but unenhanced."


Metatron didn't flinch. "Looking for someone who can handle modifications," he said simply, placing his Desert Eagle – Daylight on the counter.


"A rare pistol," he murmured. "And you're still running stock?"


"Until it finds a purpose," Metatron answered.


The blacksmith's grin widened. He reached behind the counter and brought forward a folded blueprint. It shimmered with golden light.


"I've got just the thing. A mod slot—custom forged. But nothing is free." Garron leaned forward. "Fetch me a Molten Fang Core. Only drops from the Alpha. You kill it, I forge the upgrade."


> [Special Quest Unlocked: Forge Material Hunt – Molten Fang Alpha]


[Objective: Retrieve a Molten Fang Core]


[Reward: Daylight Mod Slot Unlocked | 1,000 XP]


The screen dissolved as Garron nodded once.


"Southwest lava plains," he said. "Ground will tremble before you hear the beast."


Metatron brought up his interface as he turned to leave.


The black hood dropped over his visor as he stepped back into the heat and sparks of the street.


Power always had a cost. Today, he'd prove he could pay it.


Chapter 20 - CHAPTER 20: THE PRICE OF POWER