[Warning: Irreparable damage detected in Lower Level 2, Zulu Sector Control Panel.]

[Warning: Security will arrive in 2 minutes. All researchers must vacate the area within 1 minute or display valid ID while lying prone. Non-compliance may result in immediate termination.]

"…Is that Yujin?"

Hiding nearby, Logan was observing the chaotic skirmish when the strange warning blared from the ceiling speakers. Just like that, the sight of a snake slipping through the shadows came to mind. He knew it was odd to jump to conclusions, but experience had taught him that whenever something unexpected happened, Yujin was usually involved.

As the interior layout of the facility merged with past memories, Logan recalled how such events had been etched into the minds of his team members on several occasions. Once, during an operation, she had thrown incendiary grenades to break through an enemy encirclement, using the flames to blind the night-vision-equipped foes and clear an escape route.

Tatatatatatata!

"Hmm. Juggernauts are coming, and people are still around."

The gunfire snapped Logan out of his thoughts. He was brought back to the present as he realized he, too, was still lingering in a soon-to-be kill zone.

Despite the past memories, his thoughts returned to the present: Yujin might be nearby.

Or perhaps it was one of her apprentices.

Whatever the case, there was no other reason to stay in this zone, soon to be filled with lethal danger. It wasn’t that he was delaying; it was just that withdrawal wasn’t an option. Task Force Dagger had never been one for compromises. He’d either break through, or the obstacles before him would break first.

Clack!

If he remembered correctly, the warning from the speakers indicated three Juggernauts would be dispatched. They didn’t move together but rather patrolled the area, forming a tightening net.

Juggernauts were tough as nails and equipped with ballistic shields. If you didn’t take them down quickly, reinforcements would arrive, or you’d end up in a kill zone, forced to retreat.

But if he could take them down fast enough, none of that would matter.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

He emptied a clip into them.

These were Juggernauts designed for area defense, equipped with thick ballistic shields. Logan, however, wielded a Barrett rifle, and with two full box magazines of .50 BMG rounds, he obliterated those shields. By the time he dropped the third empty magazine, the Juggernaut was nothing more than a twisted heap of metal and polygons.

He’d picked up this tactic from Yujin and was surprised at how effective it was. But without spare ammo, he tossed the Barrett aside. Carrying .50 BMG rounds was impractical, and he needed to focus on locating the Skill Activation Zone.

But as he started to move, he noticed that it wasn’t far. The kill zone was approaching, yet he had enough time to reach it.

As he stepped into the construction site where the activation zone was located, his thoughts of an easy approach shattered.

Tatatatatatata!

"Well, that’s aggressive."

His shield was rapidly being depleted by gunfire, which made pinpointing the shooter difficult. The area was a mess of scaffolding and steel, typical of a construction site, and provided ample cover. He moved to close the distance, knowing his opponent would likely reposition to maintain a firing angle, which would, in turn, expose them.

The enemy had some skill, adhering to fundamental engagement tactics.

But then something caught Logan off guard.

"Wait a second. That’s…"

A familiar avatar.

It was Dice. Yujin’s frequent companion.

"Hah."

His heart pounded as he clenched his hands. He didn’t bother contemplating luck or fate. The virtual world didn’t care who died first, but assessing Dice’s capabilities was essential. Dice had likely arrived earlier and might have already activated a skill.

From what he remembered, Dice often used turrets, shields, or sticky explosives — nothing fancy but effective. Logan had dealt with those tactics before and was prepared.

Click.

The sound of plastic clashing reverberated in his ears. Familiar, but it threw him off momentarily. Dice was quicker than expected, firing off something with a thunk that flew through the air, a purple canister at the speed of a 40mm grenade.

Before he could shoot it down, it hit a metal beam and began to hiss.

Sssss… Clang!

With an ominous sound, the metal began to bubble and melt. The platform beneath Logan shifted as two more canisters of Nanomachine Oxidizer came flying in, turning the steel into useless debris. He was already making his escape, but then came the distinct buzz of propellers and the explosions started.

"Nanomachine Oxidizer and Bombardment Drone, huh?"

Logan recognized the handiwork instantly.

As he got buried under steel shrapnel, Dice checked his PDA to confirm the kill zone was approaching. He tossed a grenade onto the metal remains and swiftly departed, leaving the area empty.

Clank.

"Good timing, and the kill confirmation was a nice touch, but you should’ve held your ground."

Still alive, Logan pushed herself up, though her shield was almost gone. For Dice, it might have been disappointing, but Logan intended to pay him back — with interest — and he’d have plenty of chances for that.

"Couldn’t confirm the kill, but it seems he got away at the right moment. With only 40 seconds until the kill zone, I doubt he could’ve verified survival."

"Not bad. For a first scrim, that’s promising. Last year, we’d have had only one player left by now."

"Indeed. But as it stands, all Korean players are still in."

For those who were watching, this first round of scrims was particularly intense. It signified the survival of Korea’s top players, with millions around the world watching, calculating, and predicting the outcomes as the numbers dwindled.

The reality of the scrim sank in — a battle for survival, where only those at the top could claw their way forward.

As the player count dropped to 20, the real fight began.

"Clear Sky’s Gambit, in 17th."

"Xi’s Ink, in 14th."

"Reaper Infected’s Michael, in 11th."

The line between the highest and lowest tiers became stark as each one fell.

"SSM Entertainment’s Dice, ending in 6th. Logan secured that kill."

"Last year, 21st was our best. This is quite the improvement."

"But Logan… that player is an unexpected factor. His playstyle nearly mirrors Yujin’s. And in just a few months, he’s secured a spot in the Final Championship."

"I know."

The heavy silence returned.

To think that Dice had pursued Logan, only to be hunted himself, indicated that no one could yet counter this new threat.

And so, all eyes moved to the Top 5, where Logan, Yujin, last year’s champion Stormseer of Delta Blue, ex-SAS Wiseman, and last year’s fourth-place finisher Arkbird, remained.

Memories of the previous year came flooding back for those watching.

"Everyone’s expressions…"

Their eyes held deadly intent.

The battle grew even fiercer as the numbers dwindled, and with each player who fell, the tension rose. Down to the last two, Logan and Yujin, both low on ammo, were forced into a melee.

"An axe… and a sledgehammer?"

"They’re terrifying. These manifested fighters…"

This unseen duel became a legend, talked about in hushed tones for its sheer intensity.

"Had a lot to say, but… Yujin, it’s good to see you again."

"Logan… Logan, it really is you."

"Yeah. Who else would it be? But now’s not the time for greetings. My old squad leader and a hard-ass shark are watching over us, yelling in my head."

"Haha…"

"See you later."

Boom.

Yujin stood there, an expression on her face that was somewhere between laughter and tears, watching as Logan disintegrated into polygons.

And just like that, the first scrim—its true nature perhaps destined to remain a mystery forever—came to an end.