"As It Was Before" frantically typed into the in-game chat. "Stop right there! If you dare lay a hand on my husband, I'll hunt you down!"
Every word showed her fierce devotion to Jack, making her feelings crystal clear.
However, in the ruthless world of online gaming, emotional threats meant nothing to a player like "Fanatic Prince". If anything, her declaration only thrilled him more.
"Fanatic Prince" sliced his weapon through the air, sending a flurry of shimmering blades in all directions.
Luckily, Jack's god-tier reflexes allowed him to dodge the onslaught with barely a sliver of health left. One hit away from death, but still standing. It was a miracle, honestly.
"As It Was Before" was overjoyed to see that Jack was still alive. She sprang into action, drawing her weapon and charging straight at "Fanatic Prince" to save Jack.
"Fanatic Prince" sneered. "I will grant your wish to die together. No one shall interfere. I'm taking out these lovebirds myself."
He drew his weapon and launched a frenzied assault on "As It Was Before".
She was well-geared but not in the same league as "Fanatic Prince", whose equipment was bought with sizable real-world cash. Even so, her skill was undeniable. She ducked and narrowly avoided blow after blow, enough to make "Fanatic Prince" look clumsy by comparison.
She also caught him off guard a couple of times and chipped away huge chunks of his health bar.
"Fanatic Prince" suddenly yelled at his team, "Seriously? What are you all standing around for? Get your asses over here and help me wipe these two out!"
He knew "As It Was Before" was formidable and was worried he might be humiliated in front of everyone. So, he tossed away his original solo challenge and demanded his squad to back him up.
The rest of his team exchanged confused glances, wondering why they were suddenly getting scolded.
At that moment, no one doubted what "As It Was Before" was capable of when enraged. But the miracle didn't last.
Jack's screen didn't immediately shift to the respawn point. All he could do was watch helplessly as "As It Was Before" was surrounded. In the end, she was struck down by a devastating ultimate attack from "Fanatic Prince".
Still, the enemy paid a steep price as three of their own had fallen in the battle.
And then, something happened that made Jack's blood run cold.
"Fanatic Prince" sneered and shouted, "Okay boys, strip off your gear and gather around the body bare-chested. You know what this is? This is a corpse violation.
"What's the matter, trash? You haven't respawned yet? Just sit there and watch while we mess with your woman. How does that feel? I love seeing the look of fury and powerlessness. It's perfect!"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Life Beyond Limits (Jack Holland)