Infinity, The Arcade Age

The courtyard of the Shiranui Dojo had fallen into an eerie silence.

Moments later, the sound of shifting rubble broke the stillness as Qin Ming, who had consumed a recovery item, shakily pulled himself to his feet.

As he stood, the first thing he did was extend his hands, sending a blazing Sonic Hand Slash hurtling toward the unconscious adventurer, Wind.

"Strike while the iron's hot—finish him off!"

Clang!

The spinning energy slash didn't find its mark. Instead, it struck a shimmering shield that materialized in front of Wind.

A blindfolded woman suddenly appeared as if from nowhere, her shield absorbing the blow. Without hesitation, she grabbed the unconscious Wind by the collar and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

It wasn't just Wind. Nearby, the burly adventurer, Earth, also vanished without a trace.

Seeing this, Qin Ming gritted his teeth. He quickly deduced that the trio must have used some kind of escape skill or item to flee.

The danger hadn't ended with the battle; if anything, it had only begun.

"Damn it..." Qin Ming cursed inwardly.

The strength of these adventurers was exceptional. Their precise tracking capabilities and sheer power made them a dire threat. Even if he fled the scene, he knew they'd likely hunt him down again once they recovered.

As Qin Ming clutched his wounds and scanned the battlefield, a sudden wail of grief broke his concentration.

He turned to see Mai Shiranui kneeling beside her grandfather's lifeless body, cradling him as tears streamed down her face.

Shiranui Hanzou, the legendary master, had finally succumbed to his injuries.

Near Hanzou's body lay an item shimmering faintly in the moonlight: a silver key.

Despite the various penalties imposed in this mode—gear drops being reduced by one rarity level and the interference of external forces—Hanzou had still dropped a silver-grade key. This alone was a testament to his immense strength.

Qin Ming picked up the key, his expression conflicted. He glanced at Mai, who was wailing in sorrow, and then at Hanzou's serene yet lifeless face.

"A man like this... even in old age, his strength was beyond ordinary."

With a shake of his head, Qin Ming decided against speaking. Instead, he limped over to where Mary lay unconscious to check on her condition.

As the sun set, the dojo was steeped in an air of melancholy.

Mai had dressed herself in white, kneeling silently before Hanzou's body in the main hall.

Andy, his injuries bandaged, eventually entered the hall. The moment he saw Mai's grief-stricken silhouette, he let out a heavy sigh.

"Mai, you need to let go," Andy said softly.

Mai shook her head vigorously, her face resolute.

Andy knelt beside her, speaking with greater urgency.

"Mai, we need to leave. Those adventurers aren't dead—they'll be back soon."

"Let them come. This time, I'll make them pay," Mai retorted, her voice trembling with anger.

"Mai, stop this! We're already too injured to fight them. Let's leave now and plan our revenge later!"

Mai turned to look at her grandfather's body, her fists clenching.

"I won't leave, Andy. Shiranui doesn't run. We won't abandon our family's legacy to the enemy. If we run now, we might never find them again. How could I avenge him if that happens?"

Andy grabbed Mai by the shoulders, his voice rising.

"You're throwing your life away! Come with me! We can regroup and return with reinforcements!"

Mai's gaze softened for a moment. She looked at Andy with teary eyes.

"Andy, you'll help me avenge my grandfather, right? You'll fight with me... won't you?"

Andy stiffened. He averted his gaze, clutching his bandaged arm.

"I... I'm too injured to face them right now."

Mai's eyes widened, her expression filled with disbelief.

"So... you won't stay to avenge him with me, will you?"

Andy hesitated.

"Mai, we can't beat them in our current state. Please, don't do this."

Mai's voice cracked as she replied:

"If your brother were killed in front of you, would you say the same thing?"

Andy's voice turned defensive.

"That's different!"

"Of course, it's different—to you! But not to me!" Mai shouted, her voice echoing through the hall.

She turned away, staring at Hanzou's lifeless body. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she held them back.

"Andy... just go. This is Shiranui's feud, and we'll handle it ourselves. If you still consider yourself one of us, please—avenge my grandfather someday. That's all I ask."

Andy's jaw tightened. He wanted to argue, but he knew it was futile.

After a long silence, he turned and left the hall.

As his footsteps faded, Mai bit her lip, her tears finally spilling over.

Andy didn't look back. He descended the mountain with swift steps, his mind in turmoil.

Reaching the base, he flagged down a taxi and climbed inside. With grim determination, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

The person on the other end?

"I need help. It's urgent..."

(Chapter End)