I Transmigrated Into a Game World as a Former Top Player

As the ancient dragon’s voice faded, a shadow emerged from within the dense mist.

This shadow bore the same appearance as the previous one.

But Xander could sense a chilling killing intent radiating from it!

It didn’t bother with Stealth or Hide—instead, it charged straight at him!

In that instant, Xander even felt as though he was facing that deadly assassin from the basement again!

’Definitely being controlled by the old dragon’s consciousness!’

"Clang!"

Both sides clashed, and Xander immediately understood that this opponent was on an entirely different level.

Mirror Image 2 possessed not only 120% of Xander’s stats but also an [Expert] level Dagger Mastery!

What made matters worse was that an ancient dragon was piloting it.

Even if Xander suspected the red copper dragon wasn’t using its full power—perhaps only a tenth of its battle consciousness—that was already enough to push him to his limits!

Mirror Image 2 was cunning and ruthless.

It understood its advantage over Xander perfectly. There was no need for stealth—direct confrontation was the most efficient path to victory!

This made Xander incredibly uncomfortable!

He was forced into a constant retreat, dodging the opponent’s vicious assault.

It reminded him of that desperate fight in the cellar.

But this time, Xander’s suppression wasn’t as overwhelming. He could occasionally counterattack—just not often enough.

The opponent’s dagger speed surpassed his own.

This was Xander’s greatest fear—not an impenetrable defense, because even against a Shieldbearer with unbreakable defenses, he could rely on his Dexterity to escape unscathed. But against someone faster than him...

Xander killed with speed. So facing someone even faster was catastrophic.

His greatest advantage had been turned against him!

"Clang! Clang!"

Curved daggers clashed repeatedly. Xander threw every skill he had into the exchange, trying to disarm the mirror image. Yet every time, the clone would slyly evade!

This was pure suppression.

And on top of that, the ancient dragon’s battle consciousness—even at a tenth of its full strength—was still dominating the exchange!

’Too frustrating!’

Xander rolled away, creating distance between them.

He had studied Mirror Image 2 enough after their exchanges.

The real problem was the red copper dragon’s battle consciousness. Without that, even with the stat suppression, Xander had countless ways to exterminate it.

In the game, when players underwent tempering in the Mirror World, it was purely magic intelligence—at most, high-level magic intelligence. When did this ancient dragon start personally controlling things?

That shameless old lizard!

Xander had originally planned to reach Master-level Dagger Mastery in one breath through the Mirror World.

His original plan had even been to clear three floors!

But that seemed impossible now.

His strongest trump card was meant for Mirror Image 3, but he’d have to use it now.

Or he wouldn’t even defeat Mirror Image 2.

But after using this skill, the red copper dragon would certainly notice it. Mirror Image 3 would then possess the same skill...

That would be his own undoing.

’Two floors. Just two floors. There are still variables.’

Xander wasn’t one to hesitate. He made his decision instantly.

Mirror Image 2, unwilling to let him rest, charged forward aggressively.

Xander took a deep breath. His stamina was already depleted—he was undoubtedly losing this exchange.

’Let’s do this.’

---

The curved dagger in Xander’s hand spun in a small circle. The motion didn’t catch Mirror Image 2’s attention. The clone lunged forward with a brutal slash.

[Shadow Steps]!

Using the skill, Xander forcefully shifted half his body to the right!

Mirror Image 2 sneered, closing the distance instantly!

It was the same [Shadow Steps]!

With both fighters possessing the same skill, the one who used it first would inevitably find themselves in deep trouble!

"Indeed. Still a young one. What a pity."

The red copper dragon outside the Mirror World muttered to itself. "Seems like it’s over. Almost time for my nap."

After Mirror Image 2 used Shadow Steps, its dagger nearly pierced the back of Xander’s head!

Even if the red copper dragon was kindhearted and rarely harmed living creatures, the Mirror World was an exception!

Only on the border between life and death could one truly grasp the essence of combat skills.

Thus, challengers had a high chance of dying.

Everyone who entered understood this.

Xander understood it too. He dared to enter, dared to challenge—which meant he had absolute confidence.

After all, this wasn’t a game anymore. This was reality!

Death was permanent. There was no resurrection!

In an instant, his foot touched the ground. His ankle twisted nearly ninety degrees!

All his power focused on his right leg, exploding outward once more!

He copied Shadow Steps!

In that single moment, their positions reversed—Xander ended up behind Mirror Image 2.

[Cutthroat]!

Target eliminated!

"Bang! Bang!"

Mirror Image 2 crumbled into quicksand, scattering across the ground!

The red copper dragon outside the Mirror World trembled!

"How is that possible? That wasn’t a skill?"

"Wow—Shadow Steps, that ingenious footwork... this boy can actually perform it with both feet?"

"Highly interesting indeed! Hehe, I must add this feature to Mirror Image 3. I’d like to see how many cards you’re holding!"

But surprisingly, at that moment, Xander spoke from within the Mirror World: "Respected Red Copper Dragon, I choose to end my challenge."

"It was extremely difficult reaching the second floor. This victory was a fluke."

"And I believe I’ve injured myself."

He pointed to his right foot.

Indeed—the continuous use of Shadow Steps followed by the copied Shadow Steps within twenty-four hours had placed immense strain on Xander’s leg.

His ankle throbbed with pain.

This was the consequence of his low Constitution. He relied on sheer willpower to push through, but it came at a heavy cost to his body.

---

The red copper dragon perched on the rocky outcropping seemed unusually spirited.

"You’re very clever. I like clever people."

"Not continuing the challenge is a wise decision—you would certainly die on the third floor."

In a surprisingly generous mood, the dragon cast a [Treat Illness] spell on Xander.

Dragon spells operated on an entirely different system—they didn’t draw from the Arcane Reservoir. Thus, when the Reservoir collapsed, dragons remained largely unaffected.

Treat Illness had remarkable potency. Xander felt more than half his stamina return. The sprain in his right leg also seemed to heal significantly.

"Thank you," Xander said sincerely.

Legends of this caliber who remained approachable were extremely rare.

The red copper dragon—Professor—was one of a kind.

In the game, players had always adored this kindhearted ancient dragon.

It was a pity that after Professor clashed violently with the nearby ancient red dragon, both sides suffered grievous wounds—and were then ambushed by a god’s sneak attack.

That shadow prince. That bastard roamed freely and often emerged during eras of turmoil. He was at least among the top three most shameless gods, frequently using his divine identity to ambush legends, killing or crippling them. The number of legends he’d attacked could be counted on two hands—including East Coast’s legendary wizard Anthony, the Three Ring Towers’ legendary wizard Hathaway, and others.

After that, the red copper dragons vanished from sight.

Up until Xander’s transmigration, he never heard news of Professor again. Perhaps the ancient dragon had truly fallen to the shadow prince’s ambush.

---

After defeating Mirror Image 2, Xander successfully raised his Dagger Mastery to [Expert].

Even if it wasn’t the [Master] level he had hoped for, Xander remained satisfied with the outcome.

Additionally, the red copper dragon’s reward was exceptional.

A pair of curved daggers.

Xander had been in desperate need of quality blades.

These curved daggers were named [Fang].

---

[Fang]

[Quality: Uncommon]

[Attack: 12-18]

[Durability: 45/45]

[Special Effect: When dual-wielding, attacks have a 10% chance to cause Bleeding]

[Description: Forged from the fangs of a volcanic wyrm, these curved daggers are lightweight yet deadly. The subtle serration along the blade edge ensures wounds that refuse to close.]

---

Xander held the twin daggers, feeling their perfect balance.

They were lighter than his previous weapons—almost weightless in his hands.

And the Bleeding effect would complement his stealth-focused playstyle perfectly.

’Not bad at all,’ he thought. ’A worthy reward for nearly breaking my ankle.’

He sheathed the daggers and prepared to take his leave.

But Professor’s voice rumbled from above, "Before you go, young ranger—I have a question for you."

"What do you know of the coming storm?"

Xander froze.

The ancient dragon’s amber eyes gleamed with something ancient and knowing.

"...What storm?" Xander asked cautiously.

The red copper dragon chuckled—a low, rumbling sound like grinding stones. "The Arcane Reservoir. The gods. The Shattering that approaches."

"You carry the scent of prophecy on you, young one. Even if you don’t realize it yourself."

Xander’s heart raced.

Professor knew.

Of course the ancient dragon knew—it had lived through countless eras, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of gods.

"I know enough to prepare," Xander replied carefully. "And enough to survive."

Professor studied him for a long moment.

Then the ancient dragon laughed—a warm, genuine sound that echoed across the rocky basin.

"Good. That’s the right answer."

"Come back when you’re stronger, young ranger. I’ll have more riddles for you."

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