The Samsara Space was in an uproar.
Everywhere, discussions rang out. Fenric—known to all as Shura—had done the unthinkable. He had survived a nuclear explosion.
To ordinary Samsaras, it was simply shocking news, something to chatter about in disbelief. But to those preparing to challenge the tenth floor of the Samsara Tower, it was terrifying.
"F*ck, did I hear that right? A nuke went off in [Final Destination]? That's not a dungeon, that's suicide!"
"I'm out. From now on, I'm staying right here. I'm no Shura—I can't survive a damn nuclear blast."
"Heh, idiots. Do you think Death starts with nukes? First, it hunts you with smaller disasters, then raises the difficulty bit by bit. Only someone like Shura, who can't be killed by normal means, would force Death into using a nuke. Name one other person who's seen a nuclear strike inside the copy!"
"True. Getting a Super God evaluation isn't supposed to be easy."
The casual Samsara players were stunned, but those at higher levels realized something more important: Shura's rise was no longer a possibility—it was a fact.
Anyone who could walk out of a nuclear blast alive could no longer be treated as a "newcomer." Fenric was now a force, a giant among Samsara players.
In Jadeveil Nation, people celebrated. Even though Shura hadn't joined the government, his strength as a compatriot was a source of pride, not threat. But abroad, the atmosphere was far more sour.
Every powerful Samsara was the equivalent of a living nuclear weapon. And now, a newcomer on the tenth floor could already survive the real thing. What would he become by the twentieth? An S-rank monster?
For many, one Adam was already too much to stomach. Now there was another.
The most unsettled of all was the Cindralock Dominion.
In Zone E, Samsara players reacted with fury and disbelief.
"Damn! Did the system glitch? How can some tenth-floor rookie survive a nuke!?"
"What a joke! Did the toy explode instead of the real thing?"
"Look at Shura, then look at our 'Tom'… depressing."
"No way. Shura had to have cheated! No one survives that!"
"Cheating? Don't be stupid. The Samsara System never makes mistakes. Like it or not, Shura just proved his survivability is unmatched—number one."
The E-Zone buzzed with bitterness and denial.
In an entertainment city, inside a private bar box, one man sat drinking alone. His Samsara avatar was unremarkable—plain clothes, balding, shabby. But everyone who knew him understood his name carried weight.
Adam.
The world's number one.
The system broadcast had echoed in his ears, but his expression didn't change. Only when the glass in his hand suddenly shattered with a sharp crack did his feelings show.
Cold light flickered in his eyes.
Adam stood, tossed a handful of Samsara points to cover the damage, and logged off without a word.
Back in the real world, he picked up his phone and dialed.
The line clicked.
"Have you found Shura's identity?" Adam asked, his voice low.
"There are some leads," came the calm reply. "Two days ago, in AH City of Jadeveil Nation, a Blacklight Virus adapter was killed. Witnesses say a mysterious master was responsible. Initial suspicion: Shura himself. Our people are still investigating his true identity."
"Good. Find him. As soon as possible!"
"Understood, Your Majesty the Pope."
Meanwhile, Fenric had returned to Samsara Space.
His body was fully healed, but his heart carried exhaustion. The final minutes inside the nuclear firestorm were an ordeal he would never forget.
System Notification:
"Dear Samsara player, Shura. You have completed your mission. Your rewards are as follows:
Samsara Points: 55,000
Samsara Wanted x1
Credit Black Card x1 (special item, stored in your personal warehouse)
Golden Treasure Box x1 (stored in your personal warehouse)"
Even with new treasures in his hands, Fenric wasn't eager to check them. Instead, he slumped onto a sofa, letting his mind settle.
The calming effect of Tranquility Tea worked quickly, quieting his restless spirit.
Then another prompt appeared:
You have a new communication message. 'Belle Morwyn' requests a video call. Please respond.
Fenric blinked in surprise, then accepted.
Belle's elegant figure appeared on the screen.
"Shura," she said with a gentle smile. "Congratulations. Another Super God evaluation."
Fenric sighed softly. "Thank you."
She studied his face. "What's wrong? You seem… troubled."
He shook his head, unwilling to explain. "Belle, are you free? Come have some tea. I'm in Box 3465."
"Alright," she replied. "Wait for me."
The call ended.
Not long after, Belle arrived at the teahouse.
"Shura." She greeted him warmly.
Fenric smiled faintly. "Sit. I already ordered Tranquility Tea for you."
"You don't look well. Did something happen?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.
Fenric exhaled. "It's nothing. Just tired. I'll rest soon."
Her brows furrowed slightly. She knew him well—his strength, his will, his unyielding nature. For a man like Shura to show fatigue, the ordeal must have been beyond brutal.
She thought back to the announcement, her heart tightening.
"Shura… was the nuclear explosion that terrifying?"
Fenric froze for a moment, then gave a wry smile. "Terrifying, yes. But I endured. I just need rest."
"Don't push yourself so hard," Belle murmured. "Even you need time to breathe."
Fenric's gaze softened. "I'll be fine."