Doomsday—a game that had already changed the course of human life finally revealed its terrifying fangs on this day. ... "W-What's going on? I haven't even slept yet, and I'm in the game?" "Forcibly logged in again? This is exactly like the day of the public beta launch! Oh, no…" "The logout button is gone again. Are we forced to stay logged in for nine hours straight?" "What the heck is happening?" Players erupted in chaos. Many panicked, recalling the fear they had felt when the public beta launch had taken over their lives. Last time, countless people had died when Doomsday arrived, so what would happen this time? Still, quite a few players didn't seem too worried. "Guess so... but whatever. I usually grind at night anyway. Let me go all out tonight, and I'll hit level 10 by tomorrow. Haha!" "Yeah, even if we can't log out, the monsters can't get into the spawn point. Just stay put, and we'll be fine." "Let's just wait and see what happens at 9 a.m. tomorrow." "True. We're used to it by now. Every day we fall asleep in the game anyway—it's no big deal." Many players panicked at first, but most treated the forced login as routine, staying calm, cautious, or quietly resigned. People were all over the place. For the most part, though, things were fairly stable. After so many days, most had slowly gotten used to life in Doomsday. Some even focused on life skills, happily spending their time in the spawn point and making a bit of extra cash by selling gold coins offline. So, while a faint unease lingered, most stayed cautious and calm, going about their business, but...Except for a few stubborn kids who saw this as a perfect chance to close the level gap, almost no one dared to leave the city to grind. Even the top-tier players were retreating. Those who had been leveling in the wild were now hurrying back to the safety of the city. ... In Leafport right now, Aiden was the only person in the entire world who knew what was about to happen. But even knowing it didn't change anything. There was no way to stop the eerie invasion. The only way to survive was through strength—or luck. And he didn't care much about the lives of strangers. ... So, the one thing Aiden did was invite Sienna over, as a friend. Originally, he had thought that with a top-ranked powerhouse like Merrick around, protecting two people wouldn't be a problem, but for some reason, Sienna refused.Aiden didn't press the issue. After repeatedly warning her to be careful, he and Merrick made their way near his property and waited for the eerie invasion to arrive. "Nighthale, it's rare to see you so relaxed," Merrick chirped, stroking his beard. "The city is safe enough that even if I don't step in, the guards can keep you unharmed." "My favor isn't so worthless. Why don't you think it over? Consider it done this time, but if you ever need me again, just say the word." Relaxed... huh? Seeing Merrick acting all calm and composed, Aiden rubbed his chin. Looks like this old fellow still has no idea what was about to happen. Aiden smiled warmly. "Merrick, you flatter me. I have always honored my word. If I said it would be today, then it's today. I've already troubled you twice before—consider this time a chance for you to relax and stretch a bit." "Nighthale…" Merrick was momentarily speechless. He had even thought of this. It is truly unbelievable. "Such noble conduct leaves me at a loss for words," Merrick said, taking a deep breath. I, too, hold the sanctity of a contract above all else—even willing to risk my life for it. In that, we are the same." "Rest easy. With me here, not a single brick or tile in Westhand will be harmed." As he spoke, Merrick's gaze gradually sharpened, cold and resolute. A young man with such integrity and such a promising future... and he still had to live in fear even in a place like Leafport. To the point where he was willing to burn a precious favor—actually inviting him, an elder of the Hall of Supremes, to personally stand guard. Just imagining it was enough to show how deranged those lunatics chasing Nighthale must be! "With you here, I can finally relax. As expected of you, you're always reliable," Aiden said, offering a perfectly timed compliment. "Naturally." Merrick lifted his chin proudly and planted himself right in front of the shop as if he owned the street. If those thugs really dare to cause trouble, I will make sure they learn exactly what a real beatdown from society feels like! ...Time slipped by. In the blink of an eye, an hour had passed. Aiden checked the time, then said flatly, "Merrick, put the buff on." Merrick froze for a moment. He hadn't sensed any hostile units at all...