Chapter 24 – Echoes of the Frontier
Night had fallen over StoneDragon, but the city never slept—especially not now, with rumors of a second major update bubbling beneath every conversation. Players crowded the taverns, blacksmiths, and resource hubs, trading stories and stacking coin in preparation for whatever change was coming.
Metatron walked through the narrow streets, long coat trailing like a shadow. The newly upgraded Daylight: Twinfire Variant rested against his hip, heavier, denser, and now thrumming with a low internal hum—Molten energy synced with metal and intent.
As he neared the inner gate, a familiar chime echoed from his interface.
> [Global Announcement: "Update Countdown – 28 Days Remaining"]
[Patch Teaser: "Ascenders will soon be able to convert in-game earnings into real-world currency."]
The air thickened. A hush fell over the plaza.
Then—
> "No way... are they serious?"
"Real money? That means bots, scams—everything's gonna change."
"Forget that—I'm grinding 24/7 from now on. Ain't no way I'm watching people get rich without me!"
Metatron's visor dimmed automatically to block the sudden pop of lantern glare as he crossed into the Guild District. He knew what this meant. Soon, the already competitive player base would turn rabid. Alliances would dissolve. PvP hotspots would burn red overnight.
And worst of all—he'd be noticed.
He didn't have the luxury of laying low anymore.
His feet took him to a quieter spot—the old bulletin post between the bakery and potion shop. There, pinned in the center, was a parchment notice, its edges fluttering in the hot breeze:
> "Wanted: Night-Cap Jack. Exiled Sharpshooter."
Reward: 3,000 XP, 950 Ascender Coins
Details: Last sighted near the Rusted Canyon. Armed, evasive, and rumored to use custom firearms.
Metatron tore down the notice.
An outlaw with modded weapons. Now that intrigued him.
He checked his stats:
> [Name: Metatron]
[Level: 12]
[HP: 164 / 164]
[XP:0/14,500]
[Stat Points Available: 26]
He began allocating on the move, balance in mind:
+3 Precision
+3 Dexterity
+2 Agility
+2 Strength
+1 Luck
> [Stats Confirmed | Stat Points Remaining: 15]
[Player Status Interface]
Name: Metatron
Level: 12
HP: 164 / 164
XP: 0 / 14,500
Stat Points Available: 15
Strength: 53
Dexterity: 57
Precision: 70
Vitality: 44
Agility: 67
Luck: 13
Skill: Tactical Awareness (Passive – highlights enemy weak points and threat levels)
Menu Options:
Party
Friend List
Guild
Crafting
Logout
It was time to test Twinfire against a worthy opponent—and possibly acquire a blueprint or two along the way.
As he adjusted his visor and turned his back to the city walls, the desert wind hit his face. The Rusted Canyon lay far, and danger would follow. But Metatron's lips curled slightly beneath his mask.
The frontier was calling.
And he had two barrels worth answering with.
Blade decided to buy a leather chest plate and wore it underneath his jacket and then he left the city stole a horse and hit the road like a cowboy