CHAPTER 67: BROKEN HEAVEN VS RAGNAROK99

In the real world, the beta testing was being broadcast for viewers, and several forums were actively discussing the game and its features.

On one such forum, the comment section flooded with posts as soon as the NPC Broken Heaven appeared.

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Kyle_Hilbert99: BRO WHAT?? LV.30 NPC WITH CRITICAL THREAT IN THE STARTING CITY?? Is this a bug?

EndGame0522: RUN. Y’ALL NEED TO RUN. DON’T EVEN BREATHE NEAR HIM.

OmegaYellow: Ragnarok99’s face when he saw that name... I FELT THAT. Man took a whole step back.

Softie: Yo, who’s this Broken Heaven guy? That design is CLEAN. Crimson hair? Electric blue eyes? That’s a future boss fight, guaranteed.

JDragonblade: Ragnarok99 really thought he was the main character until Broken showed up.

IiHossil: Imagine walking in a peaceful town and BOOM you see [Critical Threat] floating over someone’s head. I’d log out instantly.

Maninder_Bhatti: Plot twist: Broken Heaven is actually a chill NPC selling discount health potions.

DevNotice:

"Please note: Not all NPCs can be approached during beta. Interacting with high-level entities may trigger unexpected consequences."

Dallas_Mill @[DevNotice]: YEAH THANKS FOR THE WARNING... a little late.

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Within the game, Gabriel calmly observed the party of three with a steady gaze. He didn’t emit any aura of hostility—or at least, he thought so—unaware that his mere presence was oppressive.

’Ragnarok99, Bunny, sniper bow legend.’ His eyes flashed as he recalled these three.

He remembered them to be at the top of the ladder in the gaming industry, especially Ragnarok99, who would go on to dominate the rankings and become one of the first Hero Ranks.

’So far, everything is going according to how I remembered it.’

"Hey, good sir, do you perhaps need help with something?"

A small, timid voice snapped Gabriel out of his thoughts. He glanced over at the source, finding the teenager with bunny ears looking at him with a mixture of fear and respect.

His gaze swept over the other two. Sniper bow legend was equally frightened to be in his presence, not daring to meet his eyes.

Their reaction was understandable. At the current level of the game, Level 30 was like a godly existence—it could easily kill them if it wanted to.

Gabriel’s gaze then fell on the last person. A small flicker of shock passed through his eyes before a smile that wasn’t a smile appeared on his face.

"Hahahaha, Critical Threat already. This is interesting." Ragnarok99 laughed out loud as he stared fearlessly at the red-haired NPC.

’I must admit, at first I was frightened, but now... how do I explain this feeling?’ A crazy gleam sparked in his eyes as he began to assess Gabriel—from what he wore to the large greatsword strapped behind him.

It was... as if he was sizing up an opponent.

Bunny and Sniper immediately noticed what he was thinking, and their expressions turned as pale as sheets of paper.

Bunny facepalmed inwardly. ’This warmonger.’

’Teaming up with him... maybe it’s not such a great idea. Is this why he always plays alone? Because he’s problematic?’ Sniper frowned.

"It’s not nice to look at strangers like that, you know," Gabriel said in a deep voice.

His voice was calm, but the slight edge of threat couldn’t be concealed.

"Apologies." Ragnarok99 laughed. "It’s just that it’s been a long time since I met someone who makes my blood boil with excitement."

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LegendaryLover: Oh shitt, Ragnarok99 gonna fight him!

JamesParke7300: Are we getting some NPC vs Player action on the first day already? Wild.

ChrisCole5009: How long do you think he’s going to last against that NPC?

PokemonMaster0292: If I was Bunny, I’m definitely dipping and denying right there. Can’t take any chances.

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Inside the game.

"What are you doing?" Bunny whispered under her breath.

"Calm down, guys." Ragnarok99 turned to his two teammates with an assuring smile. "It’s only beta... besides, to make it fair, our characters will be deleted, so why not have fun while we can?"

Legendary frowned. "But wouldn’t it be a crime to kill an NPC?"

Bunny shook her head. "I read the guide thoroughly... as long as it’s within the wastelands, it’s not a crime." She paused and glanced at Gabriel, who was silently observing them.

"Still, I don’t think it’s a good idea to fight. I mean, just look at him."

"Stop being a worrywart." Ragnarok99 smirked. "I’ll be done with him in a few seconds."

Before the others could speak any further, he pointed his blunt sword at Gabriel.

"You there, I challenge you to a fight!"

"Still as impulsive as always." Gabriel shook his head and gestured for him to attack.

A grin split across Ragnarok99’s face, and he stomped the ground.

BANG!

He shot forward, slashing his sword horizontally.

’Carapace Skin!’ Gabriel muttered under his breath.

CLANG!

When the sword clashed with Gabriel’s body, Ragnarok99’s blade-wielding arm trembled, and his eyes widened in shock as he staggered back.

’My H-HP.’ His eyes shrank when he saw how rapidly his HP was depleting despite being the one to initiate the attack.

Before he could regain his balance, he saw the NPC lunge at him.

That was the last thing he saw before waking up in his gaming pod, panting.

Meanwhile, the forum and viewers alike exploded.

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TrollMaster69: ONE SHOT?? ONE SHOT??? BROTHER GOT SENT BACK TO HIS POD.

Scarlet_Softie: Hahahaha, that shock on his face was priceless.

LoreHunter: This has to be a secret boss encounter. No way the devs just threw a Level 30 Critical Threat NPC in the starting city for vibes.

Vikas_Kumar7652: Alright, that’s it. Be warned folks—whenever you see an NPC with Critical Threat, just run for your life.

Silver_Magee: Bet he’s sitting in his pod right now, re-evaluating life choices.

UwUNuke69: This is why I play support. Can’t die if you never step up.

Softie: I don’t care if he’s dangerous, I’m still simping for Broken Heaven’s design. Crimson hair supremacy. 😍

FluffyBandit: I bet Ragnarok99 is gonna log back in with a revenge arc. Let’s gooo.

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Back inside the game world, Bunny and Sniper stood frozen on the spot, their faces pale.

They had just witnessed Ragnarok99—someone they thought was invincible—get deleted in one hit.

The atmosphere around the crimson-haired NPC slowly returned to normal, but the lingering pressure still made it hard to breathe.

Bunny gulped and carefully stepped forward. "Um... we didn’t... we didn’t mean to offend you, sir."

Gabriel’s cold electric blue eyes swept over her and Sniper before he spoke in a deep voice. "I don’t really mind. From time to time, one needs to show a little strength to gain respect."

Bunny bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you for forgiving us."

"It’s nothing." Gabriel calmly waved his hand. "Anyway, I need your help with something."

When he said this, both Bunny and Sniper’s eyes lit up as they recognized this line all too well.

Meanwhile, Gabriel hid a smile.

The first phase of him manipulating the players had already begun.