ARCADES

Day One: Finding His Fellow Arcadians

With everything mapped out, Kalamari began his journey according to the ancient route known simply as the Circle. His first destination was one of the largest and most revered kingdoms in all the lands: Whoops.

Governed by two mighty rulers—Master Plato and Empress Soren—the kingdom stood tall as a symbol of unity and strength. Both rulers were formidable A-ranks, blessed with the power to control and bend the earth itself—bricks, stones, soil—anything that lay beneath their feet.

Bound not by blood but by marriage, their alliance had shaped Whoops into a powerful, peaceful dominion.

Master Plato, whose father was once an Overlord, had always been a mystery to many. Though he was among the strongest of the masters, he never once raised arms during the conflicts that erupted from Lord Veth's selfish reign. While some called him a coward for his silence, others believed he was simply protecting his people. But the legends… the legends knew better. They said he was holding back.

The kingdom's defense was unparalleled. A and B-ranked warriors lived among the commoners—in the markets, within the guard, and even posing as villagers. These hidden sentinels fed information directly to the rulers, forming an unseen web of security that made Whoops nearly impossible to infiltrate.

Its strength, unity, and peace made the kingdom a place of envy. And for Lord Veth... a place of pure hatred.

Yet, despite its rigid defense, Whoops was the heart of cultural celebration. It hosted grand festivals and gatherings for all kingdoms. Its massive markets, vibrant life, and the most beloved cuisine in the realm made it a destination of joy.

At the center of this culinary fame stood Top Chopz Cafeteria—the crown jewel of Whoops' food culture. Originally built by Master Teele, it was later renamed and refined by his talented apprentice, who earned immense respect for his unmatched cooking skills.

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Soft hoofbeats echoed across the cobbled path.

After a long day of travel, Kalamari finally arrived at the gates of Whoops. Dressed in a flowing robe with his hood drawn low to shield his face from the glaring sun, only his mouth remained visible.

> "The pride of defense… the Whoops Kingdom," he muttered under his breath. "First time here. Hope I can fit in without causing any trouble… or raising any alarms. I need a place to rest before I start asking questions."

He guided his horse to a nearby stable and requested water. As he quenched his thirst, he leaned toward the stable hand and asked in a low tone if there had been any talk—whispers even—of an Arcadian since the fall.

The man paused, looking around cautiously before responding.

> "This kind of question could bring trouble," he said. "But… if you're seeking answers, try Top Chopz. Rest there. Listen well. Rumors say there might be an Arcadian near that place."

Kalamari nodded and offered payment for the water and safekeeping of his horse.

As he made his way through the crowded marketplace, he marveled at the size and liveliness of the kingdom.

> "So many people… and this isn't even all of them. How do I even begin to find an Arcadian in a place like this? This might take longer than I thought…"

Soon, he arrived at the towering entrance of Top Chopz. Drawing his hood tighter, Kalamari stepped inside.

The restaurant went silent.

Heads turned.

Eyes followed.

He walked with steady steps and found an empty seat in the corner. Keeping his head lowered, he raised a hand to place an order.

The murmurs began.

> "Who is this?"

> "Is he a traveler?"

> "Why is he hiding his face?"

> "Could he be a fugitive?"

One of the waiters began to approach him, but the apprentice gently held him back, saying with a half-smile, "I've got this one. Leave him to me."

The apprentice walked over with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and concern, his smile strained and guarded.

> "What can I get you?" he asked coolly.

Kalamari tilted his head slightly without removing his hood.

> "Hmmm… what can a low-class restaurant like this really offer?" he said, his tone dry, almost taunting. "I'll take anything. Maybe… your best, if you have one."

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The apprentice's smile twisted into something darker as Kalamari's words sank in. Instead of replying with anger, he let out a mocking laugh.

The entire restaurant joined in, laughter rippling through the room like wildfire.

Still chuckling, the apprentice leaned in with both hands on the table, eyes locked with Kalamari's.

> "Warrior, assassin, guard—whatever you are... we are number one in the world. Number one. No other place or kitchen can create the delight we create here."

Kalamari raised an eyebrow, unfazed.

> "Stop bragging... and get me your best meal," he said calmly.

The apprentice turned with a scoff and signaled to the kitchen with a flick of his fingers. A waiter brought out the signature dish: Bon Luzania—a golden-baked, flame-glazed lasagna filled with rare herbs and a secret blend of meats known only to Top Chopz.

Kalamari took a bite. He actually enjoyed it. But enjoyment wasn't the goal—he had a plan.

He leaned back, cleared his throat, and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear:

> "So... this is the so-called best meal in Top Chopz? I'm deeply disappointed."

The restaurant froze. Gasps filled the air, mouths opened in disbelief. Shock spread like a ripple across a still pond.

No one had ever insulted Bon Luzania.

The apprentice's eyes narrowed. In a flash of fury, he grabbed Kalamari's robe and yanked it off.

The entire restaurant went dead silent.

There stood Kalamari—shirtless, battle-scarred, toned. No ordinary traveler.

And Kalamari didn't take it lightly.

With a flick of his arm, he punched the apprentice, sending him crashing through chairs and nearly splitting the restaurant in half. Tables flipped, food flew, glass shattered.

Gasps turned into screams. Citizens fled the restaurant, knowing this wasn't just a tavern squabble.

Master Teele's apprentice was no rookie—he was a powerful B-rank warrior. And if he was getting thrown like that...

The air shifted. The hidden spies stationed nearby emerged from the shadows, watching closely to see who had disturbed the peace of Whoops.

Amid the wreckage, Kalamari calmly picked up his robe, put it back on, and sat down—resuming his meal like nothing happened.

The apprentice stood, blood trickling down his lip, rage burning in his eyes.

> "NO. No! This one is mine. I can handle him!" he yelled, panting but determined.

Kalamari turned his back to him, unimpressed.

The apprentice let out a battle cry and charged, fists glowing with flame.

Kalamari gave a subtle smirk over his shoulder.

> Too predictable.

He dodged the first strike.

Then the second.

He caught the third.

But the fourth—coated in a stream of fiery energy—came fast.

Kalamari glitched backward, vanishing and reappearing on higher ground.

The apprentice roared in frustration, leaping up to meet him, fists blazing. He launched a barrage:

Right. Left. Right. Left. Right. Left. Uppercut. Downward smash. Elbow. Straight punch.

None of them landed.

Kalamari, calm as ever, made his move.

He caught the apprentice's wrist—snap.

Kicked his knee—crack.

Dropped him to the ground and looked him in the eyes before delivering a devastating punch that sent him spinning mid-air.

Kalamari followed, striking him repeatedly, keeping him airborne, pounding him mercilessly—

Until something caught his fist mid-strike.

A hand.

But not human.

A hand made of black void-like matter had emerged from the apprentice's body.

Kalamari froze, eyes widening.

From within the apprentice, a figure slowly stepped out—a creature with no face, no color, just pure shadow. It radiated darkness, its limbs formed from writhing void matter.

A living silhouette.

The creature had a name—Void.

The apprentice used the moment of distraction. He rose and delivered a flame-charged uppercut, snapping Kalamari's head back. Then he mirrored Kalamari's previous combo—blow for blow—punch after punch, this time with the help of Void.

Together, they pummeled Kalamari, trying to force him to the ground.

But Kalamari refused to stay down.

With blood dripping and fire in his eyes, he let out a deep, guttural breath—and then his own power awakened.

From his shadow, a small creature emerged.

With burnt skull features, long claws, and piercing red eyes, it stood beside him.

Quick. Deadly. Ruthless.

Nylok.

The demon-like entity snarled and instantly leapt at Void, tearing through the air with lightning speed. The tides shifted. Now it was Void and the apprentice who were struggling.

The battle intensified.

The spies could no longer stay passive.

They leapt in.

Eight B-rank warriors, drawn by duty and fear of chaos, surrounded Kalamari and Nylok.

But Kalamari didn't flinch.

Nylok grinned.

The clash was about to transcend normal combat.

It was about to become legend.

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Find out who fell to their knees in Chapter Five.

Don't miss the epic battle as chaos erupts in Whoops. Combat is reaching a whole new level.

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