The drone buzzed like an angry hornet as its lens focused on Gorath the World-Eater. The monster stood three stories tall, its four arms ending in scythe-like claws that scraped against the ruins of the convenience store. Its six eyes pulsed with a sickly yellow light, tracking Liam with predatory precision.
[STREAM LIVE: ACTIVE]
[VIEWERS: 87]
Liam's mouth went dry, but he forced a grin. "Welcome back, folks! Today's episode: How to Survive a Boss Fight at Level Zero!"
Aria's voice was a razor in his ear. "You're insane."
Gorath roared, the sound shaking the ground beneath them.
Liam's fingers tightened around his pipe. "Stick to the plan."
"There is no plan!" Aria clapped back.
"Then improvise!"
Gorath charged.
The world narrowed to the thunder of its footsteps and the drone's steady hum. Liam dove left as a massive claw cleaved through the space where he'd stood, carving a trench in the asphalt. He rolled to his feet, heart hammering, and the drone zipped after him, capturing every second.
[VIEWERS: 103]
Aria moved like a shadow, her staff a blur as she jabbed at Gorath's flank. The beast barely flinched—her attacks were mosquito bites to something this size. But she was fast, weaving between its legs, drawing its attention for precious seconds.
Liam's mind raced. Immortal doesn't mean invincible. He couldn't die, but he also couldn't win this with a rusty pipe and sheer audacity.
Then, a chime.
[GIFT RECEIVED: ASTRAL_VIEWER_022 - "TRY THIS."]
A glowing orb materialized mid-air. Liam snatched it without thinking. It melted into his skin, and a new notification flashed:
[TEMPORARY SKILL: CHAIN LIGHTNING (B-RANK, 1 USE)]
Liam's grin turned feral. "Aria! Clear the area!"
She didn't question him. She never did when death was this close.
Gorath reared back, all six eyes fixed on Liam.
He raised his hand—
And the world exploded in blue-white light.
Electricity arced from his fingertips, striking Gorath's chest and forking outward, searing through its flesh like a brand. The beast screamed, its limbs locking up as the voltage cooked it from the inside. The stench of burnt meat filled the air.
[VIEWERS: 215]
[NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT (PASSIVE)]
The drone's lens zoomed in as Gorath collapsed, its massive body twitching. Liam panted, his arm smoking slightly.
Aria stepped out from behind a crumpled car, her expression unreadable. "You're lucky that worked."
Liam winked at the drone. "Skill, not luck."
They didn't stay to celebrate.
Gorath's death throes had drawn attention—shrieks and howls echoed through the ruins as lesser monsters scented blood. Aria led the way, her movements sharp with tension. Liam followed, his system pinging with notifications.
[ASCENSION POINTS: +4%]
[NEW FOLLOWERS: 89]
The drone floated beside him, its lens occasionally flickering to capture the devastation. The city was a carcass picked clean by the apocalypse, its bones picked over by things that didn't belong.
Aria stopped abruptly at the edge of a crater. "We're being followed."
Liam glanced back. Empty streets. "You sure?"
She didn't answer. Her grip on her staff tightened.
Then, a voice:
"Level Zero."
A man stepped from the shadows. Tall, lean, with a face like a knife and eyes that glowed faintly blue. Not human. Not anymore.
Liam's stomach dropped. A Player. And high-level, judging by the sleek armor and the absence of fear.
The man tilted his head. "The Astrals are talking about you."
Aria shifted, ready to strike. Liam held up a hand. "Flattering. Who's asking?"
"Kane." He smiled, all teeth. "You're stealing my viewers."
[WARNING: HOSTILE PLAYER DETECTED.]
Liam's drone whirred, adjusting its focus.
Kane's smile widened. "Let's see how immortal you really are."