At the time when the unprecedented event of Gigantes, one of the Seven Bosses, was occurring in Korea, a secretive meeting was taking place on the other side of the globe.
“Greetings, everyone. I am William Fedrick, the chairman of the American Association.”
William Fedrick, an elderly gentleman with white, slicked-back hair, opened with these words, glancing at the leaders from various nations gathered in the room.
There was the German chairman, a man with a bushy beard and an eyepatch covering one eye.
The Chinese representative had the distinctive braided hair of martial artists and bandages wrapped around both hands.
Among the group were about twenty individuals, each with their own unique traits.
Heroes, champions, hunters—called by different names depending on their countries, but their essence was the same.
They were all players.
And among them, those gathered here were the top leaders who governed these players.
Despite their busy schedules, Fedrick bowed his head and expressed gratitude to everyone present.
“First, I would like to thank Chairwoman Baek Ayun of Korea for arranging this gathering. I also extend my gratitude to everyone who responded to the invitation despite your tight schedules.”
A hum filled the air—
In the seemingly empty white space, lasers were fired, and dozens of screens unfolded.
“Oh…”
A few people uttered exclamations of admiration.
Soon after, a wall opened, and a refreshing sea breeze blew in.
The tense atmosphere eased, and Fedrick bowed once again, grateful for the consideration.
Responding to him was a white-haired woman who blinked her languid crimson eyes.
This place was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean—inside a massive space carrier floating leisurely above the sea.
Typically, summits are held on land due to the lack of technological capability and safety concerns.
However, the pinnacle of cutting-edge technology and science fiction made this possible.
Hundreds of stealth aircraft patrolled around the mothership, and radars capable of detecting within several kilometers ensured security.
There was no place on Earth safer than here.
With that thought, Fedrick continued.
“Given the unresolved confusion, I must apologize for inviting association leaders instead of national heads. With that, I officially commence the International Summit.”
***
Before delving into the main agenda, discussions began with the current state of the world,
Now transformed into VR, the statuses of various associations, and topics regarding the materialized Another World.
“First, according to observations from Germany and Europe, a dungeon named Atlantis has been discovered in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s dangerous, so we haven’t tampered with it, but we presume it to be one of the Seven Wonders dungeons.”
“In America, we have discovered two dungeons: the Pyramids and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Likewise, we haven’t entered them yet.”
“We in Japan haven’t found anything yet. As you know, due to the meteorite incidents and sudden awakenings, many regions have declared independence, causing widespread chaos.”
Initially, the meeting continued calmly as each shared their respective situations.
Many nodded in agreement, listening attentively.
However—
“Now, let us discuss solutions to these problems.”
The topic of countermeasures soon escalated the discussion.
“The most pressing threat is undoubtedly the Seven Bosses. Germany demands measures against them. In particular, regarding Gigantes, its characteristics suggest it could serve as a prelude to preventing disasters. Therefore, we propose entrusting this matter to Germany.”
“What makes you think we should trust you? The top priority is addressing the Seven Calamities. Did you see the recent meteorite? It might have been on the opposite side of the globe from you, but it nearly destroyed Japan and all of East Asia.”
“The same goes for us. Additionally, we request that all martial artists be sent to China. Everyone here must have witnessed the meteorite splitting. No one can teach swordsmanship better than us in China.”
Given their varying circumstances, it was impossible for the discussion to converge on a single topic.
Moreover, those chosen as association leaders were the top players in their countries, comparable to beasts in their combative nature.
Combined with the underlying resentment between nations—
“Do you even hear yourselves? Does China have no conscience?”
“And does your country have one? I heard that during the meteorite collision, Europe didn’t bother helping but instead tried to recruit heroes, claiming those countries were doomed. Is that the action of sane people?”
Chaos quickly consumed the meeting room.
“Why don’t you all have some coffee and relax?”
At Baek Ayun’s gesture, the mothership served drinks.
“Now, everyone, calm down. Let us first address the matter of the Seven Bosses…”
The chairman of the American Association, Federick, tried to mediate.
“What do you mean, the Seven Great Bosses! You may be struggling with the Evildrasil coming up from the south, but for us, the Seven Calamities come first!”
“I see. From the start, Germany has suspected America the most. Could it be that you’re hiding fragments of Gigantes or related items?”
“No, that’s not it. It’s just that we thought dealing with the immediate bosses was the priority.”
A rebuttal immediately came, and the coffee only caused an awakening effect.
“Moreover, you even considered burning down the Amazon, claiming there was no other way?”
“You lecture us about environmental protection with all sorts of regulations, yet pull this double standard? What if something worse happens—who’s going to take responsibility?”
The resistance continued.
In the end, Federick exploded and joined in.
“Then how do you plan to solve it? Considering the nature of that creature parasitizing the trees, burning it all down is the only solution!”
“That’s your problem. For us, finding the other Seven Great Bosses takes precedence!”
“Quiet, all of you! Didn’t we gather here to resolve the Seven Calamities in the first place?”
At this rate, not only the strange darkness surrounding the meteor that he originally intended to discuss but even the primary agenda of the second calamity seemed unreachable.
The master of the mothership, Baek Ayun, sighed and gazed at the scenery outside with a lazy, disinterested expression.
“Eventually, the heat will die down.”
In her heart, she wanted to toss them all out of the mothership and into the ocean, but of course, that was impossible.
Having worked herself to the bone over the past few days as the chairperson,
This might be an opportunity to rest and turn the situation around.
Baek Ayun, her ruby-colored eyes half-closed, drew back the mothership’s shielding.
Click.
The dark sky unfolded as the shield lifted.
“It’s already night.”
The meeting that started in the morning—it didn’t feel like much time had passed, but it was already dark outside.
Does that mean they hadn’t resolved a single agenda item all day?
“How many more days of this bickering will I have to endure?”
With a headache brewing, Baek Ayun leaned back in her chair, gazing at the night sky.
The starry night above the calm sea made for a breathtaking view.
…Or so she thought.
“No stars?”
What she saw instead resembled black ink poured across the sky.
A silent, empty, pitch-black night sky.
It felt like staring into a bottomless abyss.
She instinctively shuddered.
Just then, the German chairman stood up, shouting.
“What? Is that true?”
Turning hastily, she saw him shouting at a communication interface.
Soon, others were clutching their communication devices and rising in a flurry.
Peeking slightly at their displays through the mothership’s CCTV, she saw what the others were viewing.
Our World – US Server
[Eclipse?]
What the fuck?
“Holy shit.”
“F*ck”
“Run*
“Eclipse?”
In Baek Ayun’s ruby-red eyes, the starless, pitch-black night sky reflected ominously.
In her mind, an image of a smiling girl from the game flashed.
A cold sweat trickled down a strand of her white hair and dropped to the floor.
“Everyone, do not leave the mothership! Avoid all shadowed areas and move under the lights!”
She urgently checked the bulletin board to confirm the situation.
Our World – KR Server
[What the hell, which country is it?]
This eclipse isn’t just happening in our country; it seems to be a global phenomenon.
Don’t tell me the Eclipse is located in Korea among the half of Earth covered by night?
(World map meme)
In this tiny country, if a meteor falls and an eclipse appears, that’s just absurd.
Please, anywhere but Korea.
That’s crazy.
If it happens, Dangun, our founding ancestor, needs to be sued for real estate fraud.
Whether it’s here or not, we’re within range anyway, so we’re doomed either way.
We’re screwed.
Do I have a chance if I escape to the other side of the Earth or space using my aircraft carrier?
The other side of the Earth will be night, and space is dark by default, so you’re still within range.
This Earth server is such a broken game.
Stop thinking of running and come up with countermeasures.
[Ahaha, today is my memorial day.]
My house got destroyed by Gigantes, and now there’s even an eclipse coming.
What kind of day is this?
(A meme of someone lighting a candle in front of a collapsed house)
Oh, it’s my memorial day!
Wow, right?
Two of the Seven Great Bosses appeared today.
Isn’t it a scam to have two raid bosses appear in one day?
What happened to the hunter who lured Gigantes?
Unfortunately, he probably died.
It was confirmed that Gigantes grabbed him with its hand.
He was brave…
“An eclipse? And Gigantes appeared too?”
And of all times, when she had left her seat to attend a meeting.
Baek Ayun bit her lip tightly.
[How to Survive an Eclipse]
First, turn on every single light in your house.
For those in fantasy settings, use light magic.
For those in sci-fi settings, shine all available lights.
There must not be a single dark spot, or you’ll be sent straight to heaven.
Tip post, lol.
Okay, pulling out all unused lights now.
What about martial artists?
Use the Three-Fold Flame Technique.
Swordsmen are totally helpless here.
My lights are flickering; is this okay?
Regular lights won’t work.
You need to use skills.
Even a little darkness will erase the light.
How does darkness erase light?
No idea.
“I need to go back.”
That thought lingered, but Baek’s massive space carrier seemed locked in place, unable to move.
She hesitated as she tried to maneuver the carrier.
The same was true for other carriers.
“What on earth is going on right now?”
Pitch blackness consumed everything.
The sea, which once gently rippled, fell silent.
The restless wind that never stayed still also stilled.
The world was engulfed in silence.
The only thing that filled the void was an overwhelming quiet, as if everything was holding its breath.
The world seemed to be shutting down.
***
A faint memory flashed in her mind.
A small room.
There, a girl, her eyes sparkling, stared at a canvas.
On the once blank canvas were drawings filled with vibrant colors, everyone painting with their own hues, freely playing.
Just looking at it made her excited.
The girl, bouncing with excitement, grabbed a brush.
But soon, her energy waned.
While everyone had colorful palettes, her own was filled with nothing but ink-black darkness.
However, the girl did not give up.
Swish, swish—
She moved her brush.
But it only left marks of chaos instead of brilliance.
Tap, tap—
She tried rubbing it.
But it only resulted in messiness.
A continuous stream of failures.
With her head drooped low, the girl trudged out of the room.
Click–
The sound of the light switching off.
And in that moment, the girl’s eyes widened in surprise.
The colorful drawings that danced vividly around her had all turned the same black as her own, while their forms remained intact.
Excited, the girl eagerly moved her brush.
She realized she could create a beautiful canvas, too.
With a thrilled expression, she began adding her unique color to the drawings.
She could leave behind dazzling works of art.
Even though, when the lights came on, they turned into chaotic scribbles–
That didn’t matter to her.
Everyone could simply live in the darkness.
“Let’s all enjoy the pitch-black night together… forever.”
In a fleeting memory, the opening line of Eclipse’s Phase 1 echoed in her ears.
Simultaneously, familiar windows appeared before her.
[Name: Aria Eclipse]
[Gender: Female]
[Race: Transphenomenon]
[Class: None]
[Skills:
Darkness Manipulation (EX)
Distortion (EX)
Apocalypse (EX)]
Did something new get added?
While examining the windows in confusion, a massive hand stretched toward her from beneath her feet.
“Oh, right. I haven’t dealt with that yet.”
The pitch-black brush painted over the earthen giant.
The giant lost its color and disappeared entirely.
Manipulating the darkness, she scanned the remaining fragments of the giant.
“One in China, one in Mexico, one in the US, one in Germany, and one in Antarctica.”
A machine that doesn’t listen to its master isn’t needed.
Like painting colors onto a canvas,
She guided the darkness with her hands.
Ssssss–
The pitch-blackness began to engulf the world.
“Why are there so many obstacles?”
Even though she blocked out the sun, lights still flared up in places across the world, making her movements stiff.
“Did they start some kind of light festival without me knowing?”
In particular, Brazil’s trees, the Pacific Ocean, and the massive carrier floating above it resisted intensely, making it hard for her brush to move.
There was no need to waste her strength unnecessarily.
She deftly manipulated the darkness to avoid them and erased the remaining fragments of Gigantes.
“Alright, that takes care of everything!”
Gracefully, she landed at a certain location in Seoul.
For some reason, there wasn’t a single person around, but that worked out well for her.
“Excuse me? I’m going to crash here for a bit.”
It was a hotel that would’ve been destroyed by Gigantes if not for her.
Wouldn’t the owner be grateful?
Thinking this, she leapt into the bed.
And as the darkness slept,
Light returned to the world once more.
[Eclipse’s activity range sparks widespread discussion: Risk zones under analysis]
[After Eclipse’s appearance, the sudden disappearance of the Gigantes. The winner of the battle is Eclipse.]
[Joint statement by national associations: The seven major bosses must be dealt with first…]
The world began to blaze with a new controversy.