Chapter One: The Uncrowned Player Found a Crown

Standing among the kneeling statues of champions, he spoke with the gentle patience of a senior correcting a lost junior. “Gray Raven, I know money is difficult for you. Hand over the Crown, and I guarantee you a place on Zenith's secondary roster.” Lin Jin checked his status. After a year of attempts, he had no potions, no equipment, and a single hit point. Behind Han Xiao stood fifty max-level professional players. A fresh notification appeared. [IMPRINTED SUBJECT DETECTED: HAN XIAO.] [PEAK IMPRINT “DAWN'S SEVEN STARS” AVAILABLE. DURATION: SEVEN SECONDS.] Seven seconds against fifty players. It would never be enough. But Lin Jin opened the 101st coffin, an empty one no visitor had ever been able to touch.