Top Ranker's Second Chance: I Am the Lord of Passive Skills
Chapter 18: The Chessboard Apocalypse

Chapter 18: The Chessboard Apocalypse

Ace sat on his bed, head down, eyes shut.

Three months had passed since he’d jumped back in time. He’d spent every day prepping for the Chessboard Apocalypse the best he could, flaws and all.

Things had veered off the path he’d expected, but he didn’t regret a second of the grind.

Humans are social creatures. Even after he lost loved ones, he always found new friends and forged fresh bonds—right up until the ugly truth smacked him.

I thought I’d focus on fixing my life, yet here I am—the Don Capo.

He got up, crossed to the window, and watched afternoon sunlight wash over a city buzzing with life. That familiar sight had grounded him when he first came back, but soon everything would change, one Gate at a time, until cities like this were rare fortified strongholds.

At the foot of the apartment block the Don Capo Gang was gathering, heavy packs slung over their shoulders, each man looking like a seasoned adventurer. Mercer leaned in through the doorway and waved to the crew below, then turned back. "We should head out too!"

"Yeah," Ace said, nodding.

Ace joined his gang with his little brother, and together they cut through the crowd toward the old subway station. The press of bodies made Ace sigh.

"Caps off," he said.

The gang obeyed, their shaved heads catching the subway lights like a row of lanterns. People backed off, leaving them plenty of space. Alex and the others sneered; Mercer just shook his head. Ace dipped his chin, dodging stares—until a familiar voice made him look up.

Chaewon, hoodie and dolphin shorts, waved from a few feet away, a stuffed pack hanging off her back. Ace blinked. "Why’s she here?"

"Dad insisted I tag along," she said, tilting her head. "You never mentioned a trip, but I like hanging with you guys, so I figured it was fine. If it’s weird, I can head home!"

Old man, seriously? You bought my story and tossed your daughter into my crew!

The train slid in. Passengers spilled out while new riders pushed in, jostling Chaewon. Ace grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the car.

"Sorry for forcing myself in..." she whispered.

"No worries," Ace said. "You’re always welcome."

—

Chaewon’s dad climbed onto the dojo roof and stretched out on a folding chair, watching the sun sink. As a martial artist he trusted his gut; Ace’s warning sounded crazy, yet Emil believed him. If nothing happened, Chaewon got a fun camping trip. If it did, she’d have fifteen fighters and their sharp Don Capo guarding her. Win‑win.

He smirked—and the sky split. Black jaws yawned open, and crimson spears slammed down faster than rockets. No quake followed—only gargantuan Gates, wider than two houses, hanging in the air. From each Gate a red bubble billowed out, swallowing everything: homes, people inside, even folks in the street. As the light rolled toward him, Emil grinned.

"Looks fucking fun," he said as the bubble swallowed the dojo—and him.

In Ace’s first life, Chaewon kept Emil on a short leash. In this timeline nobody held him back; the beast walked into that Gate on purpose.

At the same time, Ace sat with his eyes shut, strangely quiet. The gang wondered if he was sick; he just shook them off. Suddenly, the windows blazed crimson, blinding everyone. Ace opened his eyes while passengers screamed and ducked.

[You have entered Gravehaven Isle.]

[You’re eligible for one class and a newbie Ranker Starter Kit matching it.]

[Classes Available: Bishop, Rook, Pawn, King, Queen, Knight.]

[You have chosen the Pawn class.]

[Status updated.]

[Received: Pawn’s Starter Kit—Dagger, 3× small potions, 2× Eagle‑Eye Powder.]

"Pick the class your gut wants," Ace said, his calm tone steadying the gang. "Forget team balance for now."