Four Split Personalities

Let’s rewind time just a little bit.

In the early morning of the same day, Game Time AM05:10.

Southeast Continent, Violet Empire, Western region of Marshal Territory.

"Every day~ is just the same~"

With a loud song that had a slight mechanical timbre, two Low-Level Blade Tigers, slightly stronger than the average wild beasts, leaped into the air and, two seconds later, crashed heavily back to the ground.

"Occasionally~ a whimsical~ idea~"

A large hand streaming with blue light abruptly lifted, firmly catching a Longsword that whooshed through the air and yanking its owner, shrouded in a dark robe, toward itself with force.

"As long as~ there’s~ Cordova~"

A huge, cleaving Magic Wand was swung casually, crushing two Middle Rank Magic spells that descended from the sky.

"Dreams~ can endlessly~ extend~"

The towering Rune Creation roared to the heavens and then executed an extravagantly flamboyant overhead throw, instantly killing the dark-robed figure whose weapon was pinned.

"When unlucky~ share with me~"

The Staff of the Punisher was raised high above the head and then began to spin rapidly under its master’s command, appearing like some kind of heavy firepower version of a helicopter toy.

"When you’re sad~ stay by~ your side~"

Despite vigorously spinning the staff, the burly man showing no signs of taking off trudged forward with short, fast steps.

"Kiss~ his~ magical staff~"

Two nearly despairing black-robed figures desperately fired Low Rank Magic, roaring ’don’t come over ahhh’, yet they couldn’t slow down the exuberant strongman in front of them.

"You can~ forget~ worries~"

Like a steamroller, Cordova crushed those innocuous spells and reached the duo, flashing a grin that bared eight teeth, then with a concluding tone sang, "Badazahei!"

"Your strength is worthless!"

"Your attacks are meaningless!"

Near despair, the pair shouted in unison at the top of their lungs, unleashing ’Whisper’ at Cordova, and then...

Bang!! Bang!!

Two splatters of blood burst and seared into the earth—their lives ended just like that.

Of course, to Cordova, who had ’Minor Sensory Protection System’ activated, those two people merely turned into the animation style of a very old domestic children’s movie and then further morphed into a couple of mosaics, making the scene harmonious.

Two minutes later, having had a blast singing and fighting, Cordova slung the Staff of the Punisher over his shoulder, checked the message bar to confirm his position with Double Leaf, and continued on his journey...

Indeed, he had added Double Leaf as a friend on the first day he departed from the City of Light. After briefly explaining his intention to help fight demons and uphold justice, he received admiration, concern, consolation, gratitude, and detailed information about the ’Marshall Family slave trading incident’ from her. He then started traveling non-stop.

It must be said, Double Leaf’s eloquence was many times better than Motan in his state of ’Absolute Neutrality’. Under her explanation, which was seventy percent truth and thirty percent mixture of lies and improvisation, Cordova’s anger toward Buffi Marshall and his family was off the charts. Coupled with the ’old resentment’ that indirectly led to his own death, this powerful brother, who was too strong to resemble a player, now only desired to obliterate the entire Marshall family and cook that unscrupulous beast.

And this was precisely what Double Leaf liked to see.

Indeed, after hacking into Motan and the others’ online gathering, Double Leaf had been plotting to rope in this player, ranked second in combat power among players, as a temporary tool to serve her needs. She didn’t even have to make the effort to cozy up to him when ’Hei Fan’ sent Cordova right to her door, making it all too easy!

Hence, after receiving the news, she immediately accepted Cordova’s friend request and started a series of exchanges using a brand new persona that even Motan (in states of ’Absolute Neutrality’/’Chaotic Neutral’) had never seen.

Before Double Leaf’s disguise, which could fool almost anyone, it was unsurprising that Cordova fell for it.

In his (induced) perception, Double Leaf had become a "Kindhearted, polite, caring, quality-filled, thoughtful, straightforward, free-spirited, generous, simple, and occasionally mischievous good girl"—not his type, but someone who gave him the feeling of a ’smart, genius girl-next-door,’ definitely a net friend worth knowing.

However, deep down, he also had a vague sense that ’it’s best not to get too involved with this girl.’ Thus, he considered the Violet Empire as his last stop and secretly decided to return to Sky Pillar Mountain after the battle.

In summary, having expended a great deal of Rune energy to haste his journey, Cordova finally arrived in Marshal Territory on the morning of the decisive day and encountered an unexpected event...

Simply put, shortly after entering the Western outskirts of the Marshal Territory, he came across a group of dark-robed figures who looked rather suspicious, muttering something by the roadside. At their feet lay a dozen or so corpses dressed like civilians. Cordova, who tended to meddle in other’s affairs, strode over to check things out.

The result was, as soon as they saw him, they attacked instantly. Their reaction was swift, their movements efficient—clear signs of extensive experience in killing.