Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey
Chapter 348: Presentation [2]

It's been two days since Lucas not log in the [Battelground], many Spectors, Challenger awaits for his arrival but to their disappointment Lucas—>Darkheart had yet to show himself in Battelground.

Since Darkheart had not appear since his first arrival, many people disassembled his every action and every word, trying to replace some hint to his identity, background, and standing.

Although there was not much to learn, they gradually came to perceive his sayings as rather meaningful.

...In fact, people ended up replaceing too much meaning in them, even though there was none. It was all just awkward lies Lucas had come up with on the spot since doesn't want world let know his real Identity. He had never, ever intended to say something profound.

But when had good intentions ever stopped people from over-complicating things?

Without Lucas knowing anything about it, Darkheart had gained a… philosophy.

"Are you even human?"

"...I may not be looked like human, but I know how to handle myself in a fight, And as for my sword... let's just say it's seen its fair share of action."

Sitting in a school cafeteria, two students stared at a holographic video conversation that happened between Darkheart and Nero shan, their eyes burning with enthusiasm.

One of the boys frowned, then asked in confusion:

"I don't get it… what does he mean? Isn't he human? How could he not be human ?"

His friend shook his head with disdain:

"Idiot! Don't you get it? Darkheart doesn't mean that he was in fact, not human. It means that he's transcended what it means to be human through his skills and experience. He's reached a level where normal human limitations don't apply to him anymore. It's like he's saying that he's become something greater."

The first student nodded slowly, still unsure but unwilling to appear ignorant. "I guess that makes sense. But what about his sword? What's so special about it?"

His friend leaned in, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"That's the thing! No one knows for sure, but there are tons of theories. Some say it's a legendary weapon from an ancient time, others think it has mystical properties. But the point is, it's not just any sword—it's a symbol of his mastery and his unique approach to combat."

The conversation between the two students was echoed in countless other discussions across schools, online forums, and even among seasoned duelists. Everyone seemed to have their own interpretation of Darkheart's cryptic words and enigmatic presence.

Meanwhile, across various parts of the globe, the legend of Darkheart continued to grow. In schools, cafes, and virtual chat rooms, people dissected every recorded moment of his duels, replaceing meaning and inspiration in his every action.

In a bustling cafeteria at the Union Academy, a group of students were deeply engaged in discussing the enigmatic duelist.

They had been watching a replay of Darkheart's fight with Nero, analyzing it frame by frame.

"That's a big sword you got there. Do you even know how to use it?"

One student, a tall boy with glasses, paused the video at the exact moment Darkheart had spoken those words.

"See? It's not just about the sword's size. It's about confidence and mastery. Darkheart knows exactly how to use it to its fullest potential."

His friend, a girl with bright green hair, nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! It's like he's saying that the weapon is an extension of himself. It's not about the sword; it's about the skill and precision with which he wields it."

At another table, a more skeptical group was having a similar conversation.

"I don't get it," a young man with a skeptical expression said.

"How can everyone be so sure that he's not just bluffing? Maybe he got lucky against Nero."

His companion, a girl with a serious demeanor, shook her head.

"It's not just luck. Look at the way he moves, the precision of his strikes. There's a level of training and experience there that's undeniable. Besides, if he were just a fluke, would he have attracted this much attention from the Arcadium?"

The first student raised an eyebrow. "The Arcadium? You mean the top-tier dueling arena? They're interested in him?"

"Absolutely," the girl replied. "They're already making moves to invite him to their elite dueling tournament. That says a lot about his potential."

Her widened her eyes in suprised.

"No way!"

"You mean he's good enough to compete with the best of the best?"

he asked, disbelief evident in his voice.

"Exactly," she said, leaning in.

"And that's not something you achieve with just luck. Darkheart's skill is real."

Their conversation continued, echoing the sentiments of many others across the globe. Everyone was trying to understand the phenomenon that was Darkheart, their curiosity and fascination growing by the day.

Meanwhile....few hundred metres away from them...A woman was going to a hospital for shift while watching the latest dule that had taken two days ago in her phone.

"What are you doing here, in this amateur arena?"

"I am here to test my strength."

This quote, especially, had become a topic of heated discussion across the network. Among the duelist, it caused a whole philosophical storm. Countless people were debating its deeper meaning. Was Darkheart implying that the Battleground was beneath him? Or was he simply stating a fact about his need for a challenge?

In a hospital cafeteria, a group of medical staff on break was watching the same clip. One of the nurses, a tall woman with a stern expression, paused the video and turned to her colleagues.

"Listen to what he's saying. 'I am here to test my strength.' It's not arrogance. It's about self-improvement. He's using every opportunity to push his limits."

A younger nurse, still in training, nodded thoughtfully. "It's like he's challenging himself constantly. He's not just fighting opponents; he's fighting his own limitations."

Meanwhile, in a high-rise office building, a group of corporate executives were having a meeting. Their topic? The marketing potential of the mysterious Darkheart.

"His appeal is undeniable," one executive said, adjusting his glasses. "He's captured the imaginations of people from all walks of life. We need to leverage this. Sponsorships, merchandise, maybe even a documentary series."

Another executive, a woman with sharp features, leaned forward. "We need to approach him carefully. Darkheart is more than just a fighter; he's becoming a symbol. We can't afford to alienate him."

Back in his apartment, Lucas was oblivious to the frenzy he had caused. He was busy with his studies and training, trying to balance his newfound fame with his responsibilities. The constant stream of notifications on his AI bracelet was a reminder of the world waiting for him to return.

But he continues to ignore them and he had no intention of replying any message either.

He was very busy since tomorrow is Friday and it's day that he has to give presentation on the assignment that he had received.

As Lucas sat in his apartment, surrounded by the buzz of the virtual world and the whispers of his newfound fame, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The attention was flattering, but it also brought a sense of pressure and responsibility that he wasn't sure he was ready for.

His mind wandered back to the message from Marcus, inviting him to the Arcadium for a special event. It was a tempting offer, a chance to showcase his skills on a grand stage. But at the same time, it filled him with apprehension. Did he really want to be thrust into the spotlight, to be scrutinized and analyzed by the top dueling community?

Deep down, Lucas knew that his true passion lay in the thrill of the battles themselves, not in the fame or recognition that came with them. He had always been a solitary fighter, preferring to test his limits in quiet determination rather than seeking the attention of others.

But as the legend of Darkheart continued to grow, it became harder and harder for him to stay hidden in the shadows. The world was clamoring for his return, eager to witness his next move. And yet, a part of him longed for the simplicity of anonymity, for the freedom to fight without the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Tomorrow, he would have to give a presentation on the assignment he had received, a task that required his full attention and focus. But even as he prepared for the challenges ahead, Lucas couldn't shake the nagging feeling that his journey in the virtual world was far from over.

For now, he would focus on his studies and his training, pushing himself to excel in every aspect of his life.

And when the time was right, when he felt ready to face whatever the virtual world had in store for him, he would return to the Battleground, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him as Darkheart.

As he prepared for his presentation the next day, Lucas couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation and nervousness that lingered in the back of his mind.

The attention from the virtual world, the whispers of his classmates, and the expectations that seemed to weigh heavily on him—all of it added to the pressure of the moment.