Apocalypse Cheater

[: Daniel Pov :]

It had been precisely one year since the inception of Modern Fantasia, and I found myself standing in the Town of the Beginning, patiently awaiting the moment the barrier would be lifted.

As I watched the seconds tick away, signalling the arrival of the new year, my heart raced with anticipation. Little did I anticipate that this moment would trigger a whirlwind of memories from the past year?

In that very spot, in the same stance, I couldn't help but reflect on how vastly different the present and future had become.

The past had taken me on a tumultuous journey, from the very first day to this poignant moment, and it had been anything but easy.

Even though it was the start of a new year, I knew that I was far from reaching my ultimate goal.

But at this point in time, I couldn't help but feel slightly emotional.

The beginning of the year in Modern Fantasia marked the dawning of a new era, one that held the potential to either transform the world into a better place or plunge it into darkness.

It wasn't as if I harboured delusions of single-handedly averting an apocalypse, but I was resolved to seize every opportunity that promised fortune.

Only by doing so could I hope to gain the strength necessary to protect the ones I held dear, especially Mom and Cecilia, and all the others who I will be planning to meet sooner or later.

Even now, I couldn't deny the stark reality that I was undeniably weak.

Believe me when I say that I'm still weak.

My future nemesis were formidable foes, far beyond my current capabilities.

And if I faced them now, I wouldn't be able to overwhelm them like I did in the tower. 

However, that only applied if I still remained the same. 

Once I had obtained those elusive, overpowered skills and classes, the outcome would be different, and this moment would mark the beginning of that outcome. 

On the other hand, my relationship with my mother and Cecilia had improved by leaps and bounds, and I could now proudly say that I loved them, with none of the regrets I had felt before.

As I gazed upon the bustling town, filled with players eager to embark on their own journeys, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding since they would be disappointed soon. 

The reality outside the kingdom's jurisdiction was a nightmare waiting to unfold. These players were not prepared, not yet at least.

They should try levelling up inside the tower since venturing to other continents or entering the danger zone is beyond their current capabilities. 

But, to be honest, I didn't really care. This time, I was determined to chase all the tier quests and rewards, including the hidden ones, all for myself.

[: The Restriction Barrier will be uplifted in 10 seconds :]

I stared at the announcement, and it seemed like everyone else did the same.

With each passing second, my excitement and anticipation grew, knowing that I was about to chase the first objective I had always wanted.

I couldn't help but look forward to all of the classes and skills that I had been planning before this and just thinking about them falling into my hands makes me drool. 

And I had planned to find and take as much Forbidden Fruits and Djinns as I can. 

[: The Restriction Barrier will be uplifted in 5 seconds :]

In the future, there was an individual who had acquired a mysterious power that granted him control over the flow of Mana.

This power was incredibly dangerous, as it disrupted the delicate balance of forces.

Fortunately, he became one of the key figures supporting the Apocalypse Knights, humanity's last line of defence against impending doom.

However, the potential of this power was surprisingly overpowered.

Even the fearsome Apocalypse monsters trembled before it, and I couldn't help but desire to possess it myself.

However, the origins of this player's tremendous power remained a mystery.

It was only later revealed that he had obtained it in the town I now stood in.

This town was named "Beginning," which, when translated into English, appropriately reflected its role as the starting point of many adventures.

[: The Restriction Barrier will be uplifted in 1 second :]

[: Ding Ding :]

[: The Restriction Barrier has been uplifted and all players who have completed or skipped the tutorial can venture outside the jurisdiction of the Kingdom :]

As the barrier was lifted, the entire town erupted into chaos.

Players raised their hands, their voices echoing with excitement and a thirst for adventure.

It resembled the scene of soldiers gearing up for war, except this was a blind conflict where allies and foes were indistinguishable.

Their excitement was palpable, yet they seemed to forget the harsh reality that in this new world, death was permanent, and the consequences of their actions would be irreversible.

While in the past, I might have been among them, I now stood there watching them with a sense of pity.

Today marked not only the start of a new adventure for them but also a harsh awakening to the reality that death in this game was not a mere inconvenience but a dire consequence.

As players immersed themselves in the world of Modern Fantasia, they would soon come to realize the true nature of humanity.

It was a nature that often remained hidden in the real world due to laws and societal values.

The anonymity and lack of consequences in the virtual realm brought out a different side of people, one that could be both beautiful and terrifying.

Fantasia had no restrictions on violence or barbaric behavior, except when directed towards its residents.

Beyond that, it didn't care if players lost their lives.

I, however, had no interest in wasting my time pondering matters that were none of my concern.

The moment the barrier lifted, I shot forward at the speed of light and disappeared within seconds.

The place I arrived at in this town was called 'The Silent Bar.'

It earned its name due to the eerie and unusual silence that hung in the air, creating an unsettling atmosphere.

The exterior of the bar appeared weathered, with worn-out wooden floors and walls that were in desperate need of repair.

Normally, a bar should have been a lively place, but it was painfully depressing to watch the customers drown their sorrows in alcohol.

However, my purpose for being in this place was that man – the one who went by the title of 'Forgotten Irregular.'

Despite his age, which could rival anyone's grandpa, one should never underestimate this elderly individual.

His aura alone gave off an undeniable impression of immense power.

I could sense that if I were to engage in a fight with him, I would undoubtedly be defeated.

It just shows that his level was high. After all, right above his head, there was a marking of '???'. 

Nonetheless, it was clear that this old man was the one I had been searching for, and the only way to initiate a conversation with him was through alcohol.

"Do you require more liquor, old man?"

I approached the elderly gentleman with respect, but as soon as I got closer, I could see a glint of hidden aggression in his drunken gaze.

"Oh? It's been a while since a young lad wanted to treat an old man with some respect. If you're buying me drinks, I won't refuse!"

The old man accepted my offer, and soon, more bottles of liquor were arranged on the table for him to enjoy.

In the next moment, he began to speak.

"Ha! This is what I'm talking about! Hahaha, liquor is the best! Where did you come across this much money? You seem quite wealthy!"

The old man chuckled heartily and regarded me as his newfound comrade.

"I don't have much to offer in return for your generosity, but I truly appreciate your act of kindness towards an old man like me. So, I can only give you this in return.

Oh, here it comes! The Quest that I have been waiting for and the one that I need the most for its otherworldly abilities!

[: You have received the Quest of Inheritance of the Class Irregular(Unique), do you wish to accept it? :]

Without wasting time, I accepted the quest.

[: You have accepted the Quest of Inheritance of the Class Irregular(Unique) :]

[: The First Chain Quest(S) is to collect 100/100 A Rank Cores :]

[: First Chain Quest has been completed, and you have received a Rank S Skill Book :]

[: The 2nd Chain Quest(SS) is to level up to 600 not any lower or higher :]

[: The 2nd Chain Quest has been completed, and you have received 2 Rank S Skill Books and 3 Skill Upgrade Rune :]

[: The 3rd and final Chain Quest(SSS) is to achieve all of the conditions above within the time limit of 10 years :]

[: The 3rd chain quest has been completed and you have obtained 3 Rank S Skill Books and 5 Skill Upgrade Rune :]

[: The 4th Final Chain Quest is to fight against the Original irregular :]