Childhood Friend of the Zenith - Chapter 221: Omen (8)

“I thought we were brothers, and this is how you treat me?”Clutching his bloodied abdomen, John stared fiercely at the two figures before him.And the dragger embedded in his stomach was none other than the symbol of their former friendship: the legendary gear [Apate’s Whisper].“Just got a little lucky, and you think you’re so great?”“Claiming to be blessed by the Goddess of Luck? I’d like to see where your Goddess is.”“Hahahaha…”Amidst the taunting laughter, John’s world gradually darkened.…[Ding, congratulations to the Host for becoming player number 001 in Apocalypse]“Didn’t I die? What time is it now?”[Ding, congratulations to the Host for acquiring the SSS talent Kiss of LUCK, randomly gaining a hundredfold Bonus!]“A hundredfold Bonus?”[Ding, the Host executes a normal attack, physical damage 5; based on talent evaluation, deals a total of 2000 points magic damage!][Ding, the Host obtains an iron dagger, quality common; based on talent evaluation, it upgrades to a Legendary dagger!][Ding, the Host obtains a magic scroll, quality rare; based on talent evaluation, it upgrades to a Divine scroll!]“Good, this time, you all will pay for what you’ve done!”

The most popular game worldwide is Ancient Arena Online, a high-octane PvP fantasy game where teams fight for supremacy in mythical arenas. Millions of fans watch livestreams, bet on matches, and follow their favorite players like celebrities. The game’s competitive scene is so fierce that professional teams are treated like esports royalty.At the heart of it all is Kai Ashford, one of the top players and captain of the pro team Phoenix Edge. With lightning-fast reflexes and strategic brilliance, Kai leads his team to countless victories. But success breeds jealousy. Sabotaged by a teammate he thought was loyal, Kai is not only kicked off his team, but also humiliated in front of millions of fans. With his reputation shattered and confidence at rock bottom, Kai retreats from the public eye.However, Kai's competitive spirit is not easily extinguished. He stumbles upon a group of amateur players—a ragtag bunch who show raw potential but lack the finesse needed to win at the highest levels. Their quirky personalities clash with his no-nonsense attitude, but something about their passion reminds him of why he started gaming in the first place. Deciding to put his past behind him, Kai agrees to train them into a professional team.Along the way, Kai builds unexpected connections with his new teammates, including romantic entanglements with a fiery mage, an eccentric hacker, and a mysterious assassin player, all while juggling his personal feelings and growing attraction for multiple women. As his new team rises through the ranks, they gain attention from fans and sponsors, putting them back on the radar of the professional scene.But Kai’s past doesn’t stay buried for long. His former teammates—now rivals—plot to sabotage him once again, while jealous contenders within the gaming world aim to tear him down. However, Kai's return to the spotlight will be on his terms this time. With a darker, more calculating approach, he plans to not only dominate the game but also to get sweet revenge on those who betrayed him.

Volume 1 (Set between volumes 13 and 14)

A series of short stories set before the events of volume fourteen including how Team GROUP was formed.

Volume 2 (Set between volumes 16 and 17)

A series of short stories including two separate meetings between Touma’s and Mikoto’s parents, two tales involving two of the Level 5s of Academy City, and other funny stories involving some of the characters.

Raised by an abusive father, bullied by his tyrant classmate, and grew up without a mother and friends, Kaiju was chosen by the Tower as a player to participate in the trial. However, how could the Tower blundered about overchoosing its participants?Kaiju didn't have a choice but to participate on the Hellish Trial, the difficult there is. Without much preparations, Kaiju had to rely on luck to survive.[You have survived through a fortuitous encounter. You have obtained 10 Luck Points!Your 10 Luck Points are multiplied ten times…Congratulations!You have been rewarded with 100 Luck Points!]When Ladyluck decided to help him, can he survive the Hellish Trial and possibly complete it, when, in the history of the Tower, no one haven't yet?[You have formed a master and pet bond with the Savage Beast.You have obtained the title, Beastmaster!]With the beasts accompanying him, will he soar and conquer the Tower?