[UPDATE December 11, 2023: So I wanted to go back and basically spruce up all these chapters. Considering the beginning of this story is pretty mid. No major plot changes, just better detail changes, corrections and other stuff. Somebody brought up in a review that Merlin's IRL name isn't proper since its two last names or something. I got the name from a random name generator and picked two that sounded cool, meaning I likely will not change that.]
I know I have other stories that I should probably focus on but I wanted to get this out and see how it goes. Just a self-insert OC who looks exactly like Merlin from Fate because why not, my grammar and whatnot sucks butt and I'm bad at original content but I wanted to write this down. And I'm not an expert on the classes for overlord, especially specific levels for classes but this guy is:
Race: Half Incubus
Druid: (10)
High Druid: (10)
Magus of Flowers: (5)
Wizard: (10)
High Wizard: (5)
Runesmith: (5)
Sage: (10)
Alchemist: (10)
Sword Fighter: (5)
Illusionist: (5-10) Idk what the levels for that are
Also a few titles and racial levels, or whatever they are, that will be mentioned throughout the story. Couldn't give you exact levels, even though I tired, but he will primarily be a buff class since he's a sage and druid but still has combat spells. Don't eat my booty hole if I get stuff messed up, I simply do not know everything about the overlord classes.
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Perched on a moss-covered boulder in the heart of Yggdrasil's main realm, known as Midgard, our protagonist, a participant in the early beta testing phase of the immensely popular DMMORPG, gazed contemplatively at the digital night sky. The river's melodic flow provided a soothing backdrop, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the peaceful serenity the game offered. 'Really makes you wish it was real' he sighed, contemplating the stark contrast between the game's virtual beauty and the grim reality of the outside world.
In this dystopian reality, the Earth had succumbed to the ravages of pollution – toxic smog, acid rain, and the necessity of specialized suits and gas masks for survival outside. Yggdrasil, with its mesmerizing landscapes and intricate storylines, provided an escape for many, drawing in a massive player base with its unparalleled levels of customization and captivating narratives.
Our protagonist, with purple eyes that mirrored the hue of the magical world around him, descended from the rock and approached the riverbank. Clad in a luxurious white robe adorned with flowers and embellished with pins, a sleek black body suit, black boots with gold trims, and long white hair held in place by delicate pink flower pins, he cut an impressive figure in this virtual realm. Tapping his wooden magical staff onto the water, he marveled at the ripples that distorted his reflection.
However, as he contemplated logging out for the night, the tranquility was shattered by the sounds of laughter in the distance. A group of player icons appeared on his map, registering on the fringes of his senses. 'Not many people around this specific area since it's low level. New players, maybe?' he mused, dismissing the intrusion initially.
Yet, the laughter persisted, growing louder and more menacing.
"Haha! Get 'em!"
"C'mon Mr. Lich! No use running!"
"Were gonna kill you till your character gets deleted!"
Echoed through the virtual landscape. The player's instincts kicked in as he recognized the situation unfolding – Heteromorph PKers, predatory players hunting in low-leveled areas and preying on unsuspecting targets.
With a weary sigh, the robe-clad hero decided to intervene. Closing his game menu, he turned towards the distant sounds of the struggle. "Well... time to play hero" he declared with determination, setting off to confront the imminent threat and protect the vulnerable player from the marauding assailants.
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Deep within the dense and ancient forest of Yggdrasil, a brown-cloaked figure, pursued by a relentless group of player killers, sprinted desperately for his virtual life. The mocking taunts and echoing footsteps of his pursuers reverberated through the dense foliage. "C'mon man! I almost got to level thirty, and I'm back down to five! I just wanna play the game!" the chased figure lamented, narrowly dodging a magical spell that whizzed past his head, further diminishing his chances of survival.
Breaking through the thick tree line, the cloaked fugitive stumbled and fell to the forest floor. "Damn it!" he cursed, revealing a face stripped of flesh, a skeletal countenance with two glowing red orbs replacing his eyes. The pursuit party emerged from the shadows, five distinct figures with malicious intent.
"Well, well... looks like the little lich fell down" sneered one of the assailants, a hooded rogue brandishing dual daggers.
"Thought you could run again?" taunted another, a hulking lion-beastman adorned with imposing shoulder pauldrons.
The dark knight, wielding a massive axe, grinned menacingly. "Heh... just a little more XP, and I can level up" he boasted, savoring the prospect of the impending kill.
The glaive-wielding knight sighed impatiently. "Come on, man, let's just kill him already. We've got shit to do."
"Yea, yea" responded the axe knight dismissively, eager to expedite the confrontation.
"Darn inhuman" muttered the glaive knight, a disparaging emoji with a tongue sticking out floating beside his head, expressing his disdain for the lich player.
A devilish emoji appeared by the axe knight's side, revealing his malicious intent. "I'll fix that dumb mug," he declared, slowly raising his axe, poised for the final, fatal blow.
In a moment of resignation, the skeleton player looked up at the approaching executioner. 'I give up' he thought to himself, his internal voice carrying a sense of defeat. 'No point in playing a dumb heteromorph if this is gonna happen.' The impending strike hung in the air, capturing the tension of a virtual world on the brink of a grim outcome.
"I don't think that will be happening today" a calm voice resonated through the virtual air as a transparent barrier materialized in front of the downed skeletal player. The looming axe strike collided with the barrier, creating a small but noticeable ripple that traveled across its surface.
Perplexed, the lich thought to himself, 'Is someone actually saving me?' Turning to look behind him, he strained to identify the caster responsible for his unexpected rescue. Despite his best efforts, there was no discernible presence, leaving him bewildered. 'Where is he?' he wondered, scanning the surroundings for any sign of the mysterious savior.
"What the hell!? A caster?" the large lion-man bellowed, turning to the rogue for answers.
The rogue shook his head, stating "Whoever he is, he's not showing on my radar or anything. He's concealing himself with some kind of spell."
"Probably a high-level heteromorph caster if he's helping this guy" commented a fairy woman, her eyes darting around as she prepared for an unseen adversary.
Minutes passed like an eternity as the group of five PKers fruitlessly searched for the elusive caster. Aware of the danger of giving a skilled caster even a brief window to prepare, their plans fell apart in the face of the unknown. Suddenly, the silence shattered with a slight rumble, and from the ground, a plethora of vines adorned with pink flowers burst forth, attempting to ensnare the pursuers. The hooded rogue and two knights skillfully dodged the vines, but the lion-man and the fairy were caught in the entanglement. The beastman tried to break free with sheer force, but the vines held firm.
"What the hell!? If it's just a druid, how are these vines so strong?" the lion-man roared in frustration.
"Damn" muttered the glaive knight. "Probably a high-level druid. We're not dealing with a low level here."
Suddenly, a massive fireball erupted, engulfing the trapped duo and swiftly depleting their HP to zero. "From just a fireball!? Is this guy level one hundred?! What the hell is he doing here!?" the axe knight shouted in disbelief, realizing the unexpected caliber of the mysterious caster. The forest echoed with the crackling flames.
"Over there!" the rogue shouted, frantically pointing at a cluster of trees. "The fireball came from there!"
The remaining three PKers rushed toward the designated area, hoping to catch the mysterious caster off guard before he could mount a stronger defense. The rogue, eager to lead the charge, sprinted across the clearing ahead. However, as he stepped on a seemingly innocuous spot, a pink glowing rune materialized beneath him, triggering a massive explosion that instantaneously dropped his HP to zero.
"Shit! He's got runes too!" the glaive knight exclaimed. "We should retreat!" The axe knight begrudgingly agreed, and the duo attempted to flee, their resolve wavering. As they were about to pass the fallen lich, the axe knight hesitated and then decided, "Not before we get him!"
Before the axe knight could deliver a fatal blow, a resolute voice echoed, "Not so fast!" A figure adorned in shining platinum-white armor, with a helm resembling an insect's head complete with mandibles and a chest piece featuring a large red gem, emerged. A red cape billowed dramatically in the wind as the knightly figure swiftly closed the distance, effortlessly cutting down the two PKers with a single stroke of his sword. The fallen adversaries dissolved into motes of light, mirroring the fate of their comrades.
Stunned, the skeletal lich on the ground muttered in disbelief "W-why did you save me?"
"Saving people is just the right thing to do!" declared the armored figure, striking a heroic pose as a cascade of emojis and text proclaiming "Hero of Justice" appeared in the virtual air. The lich, befuddled by this unexpected turn of events, would have sweat dropped if he could. "Isn't that right, Mr. Caster?" the armored hero proclaimed, seemingly addressing the invisible savior.
In response, the lich, still processing the situation, stood up and turned to where he believed the caster to be. A figure shimmered into existence a few meters away, revealing the caster who had intervened to save the skeletal player from an untimely demise.
The caster, revealed to be the same player we were following just moments ago, casually spoke up, "I was relaxing in the area and was about to log out, just happened to hear what was going on."
"But you helped" the lich expressed his gratitude. "Thank you so much."
The caster waved his hand with a smile, an embarrassed emoji appearing above his character. "Don't worry about it."
Curiosity gleamed in the lich's hollow eye sockets as he asked, "So who are you guys?"
"Ah, how silly of me" the knight declared with pride. "I am the hero of justice, Touch-Me!" His grand introduction was met with silence from the other two, and a stifled chuckle escaped the caster, who didn't entirely succeed in suppressing the amusement.
The caster then cleared his throat and introduced himself, "My character name is Merlin" he bowed slightly, a smile emoji accompanying the gesture.
"Woah, how did you snag a name like that? I'm Momonga, by the way" spoke the lich, a hint of awe in his tone.
"I was a beta tester and snagged the name as soon as I could" Merlin explained.
"You beta tested Yggdrasil?" Momonga inquired, a note of admiration in his voice.
Touch-Me chimed in, "I believe I've heard of you. You were a beta tester and became one of the first few players to reach level one hundred, known throughout the game." Touch-Me chuckled. "I've even heard the title of [Grand Caster] thrown around."
Merlin chuckled in response, "I may have been here a while, but I'm no [World Champion]" he said, directing his gaze at Touch-Me. Momonga's head whipped between Touch-Me and Merlin, stunned by the exchange. Poor fellow didn't know what to think.
"Well, I need to log off for the night" Merlin announced, bringing up his menu. "But before I go" he swiped his finger a few times, and there were flashes of light in front of Momonga. When the light subsided, it revealed three items. "I can tell you're a caster, so here is a wooden staff with a rune that can essentially let you cast a fireball, roughly around the fifth tier, three times before it has to cool down for an hour or so, basically a [Grand Fireball]. And two rings, one to increase your defense a bit, and another to boost MP regeneration. I enchanted them myself a long time ago, so you're welcome to use them until you level back up again." The generosity of the items left Momonga both grateful and awestruck at the unexpected turn of events.
Momonga's digital hands trembled slightly as he carefully inspected the bestowed items. "Why would you just give me these? Don't you need them?" he asked, his voice reflecting a mix of gratitude and curiosity.
Merlin waved his hand dismissively, "No, I have better stuff on me and in my inventory. I also enchanted these a long time ago, so it's not like they're legendary or divine tier." Momonga expressed his thanks and promptly added the newly acquired items to his inventory, then equipping them.
Before the camaraderie could fade, Touch-Me spoke up, bringing up his menu. "Before you go, let me add you guys." With a few taps, he sent friend requests to both Momonga and Merlin, which the two gladly accepted. "I started up a clan, and I wouldn't mind if you guys want in. It's a group dedicated to helping against PKers and protecting the weak" Touch-Me explained, casting a brief glance at Merlin. "I heard on a forum somewhere that you were secretly a heteromorph or something of the like, so you'd be more than welcome to join if you are."
Merlin nodded appreciatively. "I'll have to think about it. I have a few people I play with sometimes, and I'm not really a clan or guild person. I more or less form parties and join raids." With a final wave, he bid his goodbye before disappearing in a flash, leaving Momonga and Touch-Me standing in the vibrant virtual world.
Momonga, now equipped with newfound gear and connections, contemplated the unexpected turn of events. The virtual realm of Yggdrasil had once again proven to be a place of surprises, where chance encounters could forge alliances and friendships in the face of digital challenges.
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2 Days Later
Two days had passed since Sato Nakamura, known in the digital realm as Merlin, last logged into Yggdrasil. Working long hours had kept him away from the virtual world, but now, with some free time on his hands, he eagerly made his way home. Sato, a 22-year-old with an unassuming appearance, had an average height of around five foot ten, short black hair, and a slightly above-average build. He lived alone in a modest apartment, a space that reflected his preference for simplicity. The Spartan design of his home was offset by his room, where game posters adorned the walls, his gaming setup took center stage, a bed offered respite, and a bookshelf showcased his collection of favorite manga.
Upon arriving home, Sato enjoyed a small meal before making his way to his room. Turning on his computer after two days of neglect, he quickly sifted through messages and notifications. Among them was a recent message from Momonga, the lich player he had encountered a couple of days ago.
Momonga: Hey, if you're not busy, could you help me? I need help clearing this one dungeon, and I've had to retreat a few times already. You don't have to carry me, just need some buffs and support just in case.
Merlin: Sure, just got home. I'll hop on now.
With the message sent, Sato comfortably settled into his chair, donning his headset in anticipation of immersing himself once again in the virtual world. Confirming his choice to be spawned next to Momonga, he felt the familiar sensation of his consciousness slipping into the digital expanse. When he opened his eyes, he found himself still in Midgard, the immersive landscape of Yggdrasil unfolding around him.
"Ah, Merlin, thanks for coming" Momonga greeted, and as Merlin turned, he saw the lich standing behind him with a different appearance. The brown cloak had been swapped for a blue one, adorned with additional rings and a necklace featuring a red gem. Momonga still sported the items Merlin had gifted him. "The difficulty of this dungeon has been raised momentarily for higher rewards to low-level players, so I thought I'd give it a try, and I almost died three times."
Merlin surveyed their surroundings. "This is the dungeon that has a golem at the end, if I'm remembering right."
Momonga nodded. "I can get the thing down to almost a quarter of its HP, but the second phase is what really throws me off."
Merlin chuckled. "I remember this dungeon from the beta and the beginning of the game. The beta version of it was cruel" a strained smile emoji popped up.
"What was different?"
"You know how its second phase increases its defense?" Merlin received a nod. "Well, in the beta, he went invulnerable at random intervals and regained half his max HP."
If only a video game skeleton avatar could wince, Momonga did. "That's just cruel for a low-level player or party."
Merlin nodded. "By the way, what level are you now?"
"I was reduced to around five when you and Touch-Me saved me, and I've managed to get to where I was before, so thirty."
"That's pretty impressive for two days. Once you get to level seventy or so, that's when it gets annoying to level."
"Kind of like a soft cap?" the skeleton inquired.
"Somewhat" Merlin replied, turning toward the entrance. It was a classic large cave opening that seemed to lead to nothing but darkness. "So, you deal with all the ads, and I just help if it gets hairy?"
The skeletal avatar nodded, acknowledging, "I more or less need help for the boss fight."
Merlin considered this and responded, "I think this place is recommended for around level twenty-five. So, what's the recommended level increase?"
"Around thirty to forty with a party of at least two or three" Momonga explained.
A surprised emoji popped up by the white-haired mage. "You're level thirty and have almost cleared it yourself?"
An embarrassed emoji appeared by the lich as he scratched the back of his head. "PvE is sort of my specialty, and I'm usually pretty good at prepping for dungeons and stuff. Being a necromancer who can raise the dead and have minions fight for me is a big bonus. Not to mention the decently high-level items and experience I've been gaining from mob drops," he gestured to his gear. "The things you gave me and the few magic items I found have really helped."
Merlin offered some praise, "Still, for a necromancer to get this far on your own, even before you got hunted, is still incredibly impressive." This compliment sparked another embarrassed emoji next to Momonga.
"Might as well give you some buffs now," Merlin said, bringing his staff out in front of him with two hands. Wind seemed to pick up around him as his hair and cloak flowed. "[Anti-Evil Protection] [Rabbit Foot] [Greater Luck] [Reinforce Armour] [Protection from Arrows]" he chanted. Magic circles of varying colors appeared beneath Momonga, bathing him in light.
Momonga took a quick glance at all of his stats. "This will help a lot. Thank you" he expressed gratitude, and his avatar bowed slightly.
"Don't worry about it. They should last for the duration of the dungeon. Mostly just boosted your luck and defense" Merlin explained, and with that, he set off with Momonga into the dungeon, their avatars disappearing into the depths of the cave.
The first part of the dungeon revealed itself as a literal cave, and the two avatars walked for a minute or two until they reached an opening. The area expanded, presenting them with a small chasm and a bridge leading to the next section. The chasm dropped at least a hundred feet on both sides of the bridge, shrouded in pitch-black darkness.
"The gargoyles at the front here are pretty easy to deal with, so I'll handle them" Momonga declared, preparing to cast a spell.
Merlin extended his staff to stop him. "Do you know about the shortcut?"
"There's a shortcut here?" Momonga asked, intrigued.
Merlin nodded. "Usually, fighting the gargoyles hidden in the shadows will put the rest of the place on alert if you're not careful, which I'm sure you know."
"Yeah, I know about that."
"But over there" Merlin pointed to his right, where there seemed to be nothing. "There's a shortcut."
"Even with my dark vision, I don't see anything."
"It's probably just a bit too far out of your range. [Mage Light]." Merlin cast a spell, and a small glowing ball of white light floated towards the indicated area. The light traveled well over one hundred feet before stopping when it hit a wall, revealing a ledge large enough for someone to stand on.
"Wow" Momonga muttered. "I would've never guessed."
Merlin chuckled. "I've done this dungeon plenty of times, so I've learned a few tricks along the way." He then looked back at Momonga. "Can you fly yet?"
Momonga shook his head. "I've had to pick other spells to help with PvE and haven't really acquired some of the smaller spells."
"Alright, then." Merlin swiped his hand to open his menu. "I have a lot of these back at my usual base, so feel free to have it." After a few menu presses, a small light appeared, and a necklace materialized in front of Momonga. It was a fairly low-level necklace with a blue gem shaped like a wing.
"Wow. Thank you." A happy face emoji appeared next to Momonga. "I feel bad that I can't give you anything back…"
Merlin waved him off before casting [Fly] on himself. "Don't worry about it. You can pay me back later. When you've played the game for as long as I have, you don't start getting generous or anything. You just wait until you come across something new or an opportunity to do an old thing again but more different and fun." With that, the mage ascended into the air, ready to guide Momonga through the dungeon.
Momonga, unsure of how to respond, silently equipped the necklace and followed Merlin to the illuminated ledge. The narrow ledge was just big enough for the two avatars to stand side by side. Merlin floated off the ledge, remaining suspended in the air.
"Now, the rest is going to be up to you. I don't want to spoil too much, but feel free to call upon me if you need me" Merlin said.
The lich nodded, appreciating the guidance provided so far. The darkness of the dungeon loomed ahead, and Momonga took a moment to gather his thoughts. The eerie silence was broken only by the distant sounds of unseen creatures and the faint hum of magical energy.
Merlin, still floating, observed Momonga's avatar. "The first part is straightforward, but as you progress, things might get a bit tricky. Keep an eye out for hidden paths and traps. You'll do fine. And don't forget to make use of the skills and items you have. They might just save you when you least expect it."
Momonga acknowledged Merlin's advice with a determined nod. He felt a sense of gratitude for the unexpected help and encouragement. With a deep breath, he took a step forward, crossing the narrow path that extended into the darkness of the dungeon.
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The journey to the boss room proved surprisingly efficient for Momonga, thanks to Merlin's guidance on shortcuts and the strategic use of lower-tier undead as distractions. Within twenty minutes, a record time for Momonga, the duo stood before a massive set of double doors. The doors, over forty feet tall and made of solid iron, were illuminated by four torches that cast their glow solely on the entrance. Looking to Merlin for confirmation, Momonga approached the doors, which opened automatically with a creak and groan, revealing the ominous chamber beyond.
The room was engulfed in darkness as the doors closed behind them, but being heteromorphs, both players could see relatively well. Suddenly, torches lining the walls flickered to life, bathing the room in dim light. It was a fairly barren space, mostly constructed of stone with pillars in each corner. A workspace at the back of the room held alchemical supplies and other arcane paraphernalia, hinting at the boss's nature. At the center of it all stood a colossal thirty-foot-tall stone golem, covered in moss and seemingly inactive.
"Who is the one to disturb my work?" A smooth voice resonated from the shadows as a dark-skinned figure emerged. He wore a green cloak that concealed attire of the same color. "I would kindly ask you to leave, and all would be forgotten." Despite the subtle threat, both Merlin and Momonga showed no signs of leaving. "I see… In that case, I'll have to have you removed."
With a snap of his fingers, the golem's eyes sparked to life, emanating a green glow. The room echoed with a monstrous roar as the colossal stone figure slowly began to move, its immense form fully realized in the spacious chamber. The stage was set for a formidable battle, and Momonga braced himself for the impending confrontation.
"Alright, just one more time…" Momonga muttered to himself. He extended his staff, invoking "[Summon Undead] [Summon Undead 3rd] [Slow]." A decent number of lower-tier undead manifested, while [Slow] was cast on the golem to impede its movements.
"That's a decent chunk of Mana being used at your current level" Merlin commented from Momonga's right. "And using two tier three spells may get risky as well."
"I know. But I need the time to use my [Rite of Darkness] ritual trait."
"So, you plan to overwhelm the golem and keep it debuffed?"
Momonga nodded. "I'll cast my own spells and use the fireballs from the staff you gave me to do bigger chunks. And once the ritual is done" he began to prepare "I can get some more buffed undead to distract it even further while I hit it with first and second-tier spells."
All of Momonga's undead were engaged with the golem at this point, slowly chipping away at the boss's HP. With Momonga directing his summons against the slowed-down golem and his [Rite of Darkness] trait in effect, the massive stone guardian was in trouble. This continued for a few minutes, with Momonga having to replenish his undead and continuously cast small debuffs. [Rite of Darkness] proved incredibly useful, allowing him to deal significant damage without constantly summoning additional undead.
As the battle progressed, Momonga's magical reservoir dwindled, and the management of spells became increasingly challenging. The minor buffs received from Merlin were aiding him, but the struggle persisted. With the boss's HP now around half, the second phase of the battle commenced. The golem's movements became more erratic, signaling that Momonga was about to face a heightened challenge.
"You have done well to make it this far" spoke the golem's master. "But you shall not succeed. For I am the greatest golem master!"
With a clap of his hands, the golem started to shake, and random pieces of metal flew from the golem master's workshop, attaching to the golem's head, torso, arms, and legs. The once vulnerable areas were now covered in thick metal plates. The golem roared again, raising its arms and slamming into the ground, obliterating all of Momonga's summons.
"That didn't happen last time…" Momonga deadpanned.
"Probably because I'm here" Merlin said, glancing at the golem. "In some dungeons, the difficulty is raised depending on the number of people present."
"Don't know how I'm going to deal with this now."
"Don't worry, I got you covered." A smiling emoji appeared next to Merlin. "First off." He directed his staff toward the golem master. "[Paralysis]" he spoke, causing the golem master to seize in movement. "After the golem is defeated or is about to die, he will intervene." Merlin then turned to Momonga. "[Greater Resistance] [Greater Luck] [Magic Boost] [Rabbit Foot]." Rays of multicolored light encompassed Momonga with each spell. "Now go get 'em." Merlin stepped back with a thumbs-up emoji.
"Thanks again" Momonga responded with his own smile and a thumbs-up. He raised his hand and cast a spell. "[Lightning]!" A bolt of lightning surged forth, slamming into the golem and causing a significant chunk of health to deplete. "Good thing he has metal on in the second phase" Momonga muttered as he deftly dodged a swing from the golem. Now covered in thick metal, the golem moved a bit slower, and Momonga's [Slow] spell remained in effect. The speed boost from Merlin proved invaluable in navigating the battlefield.
With the golem momentarily vulnerable, Momonga raised the fireball staff given by Merlin a few days ago. He unleashed all three uses of a 5th tier strength fireball, lowering the golem's HP to a critical level, requiring just a few more hits to secure victory.
However, after being struck by the fireballs, the effects of [Slow] wore off, and the golem recovered more quickly than Momonga had anticipated. It raised its metallic fist and landed a devastating hit on Momonga, sending his avatar skidding backward. Merlin winced at the sight, observing the significant decrease in Momonga's HP from just one powerful blow.
"Guess the bludgeoning vulnerability of a skeleton can really suck. Good thing I boosted his defense or else he could've been one shot" Merlin thought, assessing the situation. "Should probably stop the charging golem."
The golem was closing in on Momonga, its large fist ready to strike, but it suddenly encountered an unexpected obstacle—a wall of pink flowers. The golem's hand was ensnared, and its movement was restricted. Merlin exchanged a look with Momonga, recognizing the need to act swiftly. "Should have enough mana for one more [Lightning]."
"Right! [Lightning]!" Momonga shouted, and another bolt of lightning struck the golem for the final time. The wall of flowers slowly dissipated as the golem tumbled backward, collapsing into large chunks of rock. Momonga took a moment to collect himself from the adrenaline rush before making his way over to Merlin.
"Good thing you had me here" Merlin said with a smile emoji.
"Probably would've legitimately died that time" Momonga responded with a half-depressed face emoji.
"I'm sure if you power levelled for another five to ten levels you would've been fine" Merlin then glanced at the still paralyzed golem master.
"Surprised he's still paralyzed" Momonga approached the golem master.
"Being level one hundred certainly has its fair share of perks" Merlin responded before he raised his hands "[Flower Coffin]" he muttered as pink flowers slowly crawled up the golem master. He was covered within seconds.
"An oddly named spell" Momonga muttered.
"It's not available to just any wizard or druid" Merlin's fist clenched as the flowers literally crushed the golem master to death before small amounts of blue light filtered through the flowers, which signalled the golem masters death. "Currently, my main focus is on supporting roles and utility spells, but I've dabbled in some unique classes."
Momonga raised an eyebrow. "Unique classes? Like the one you used just now?"
Merlin nodded, a sly grin forming. "Exactly. I possess the [Magus of Flowers] class, a rare specialization that combines elements of nature magic from druid classes, illusion magic, and crowd control spells. It grants me access to spells like [Flower Coffin], which can be particularly useful in certain situations."
Momonga looked intrigued. "So, you've intentionally built your character to be unconventional?"
Merlin sent a wink emoji. "Indeed. Yggdrasil rewards those who think outside the box. At least sometimes. It's not always about choosing the most powerful class but finding one that resonates with your playstyle and preferences."
"But what about PvP stuff? Shouldn't I put some levels in that?"
Merlin shrugged "It's all up to you. But you don't need a PvP build to be good at PvP. If you master what you have and play it smart. You can win battles against some top tiers. Just not perfected PvP builds being used by a master like Touch-Me."
"I guess that makes sense…" Momonga muttered while still sorting through his loot.
"So how much EXP did you get?" Merlin inquired, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"I went up five levels from the boss fight" Momonga replied with a sense of accomplishment, his skeletal avatar visibly displaying a prideful stance.
Merlin's whistle echoed. "Not bad" he remarked. The two simultaneously closed their menus, the holographic interfaces vanishing from their view. "I need to get going, got some stuff to get ready for work tomorrow. Might not be on for a little bit."
Understanding the demands of both the virtual and real worlds, Momonga nodded. "I appreciate your assistance. Thank you again for helping me."
"No need to thank me, but you're welcome" Merlin responded with a casual wave. "There's nothing left in here, so I'll teleport us out and be on my way."
In an instant, a radiant flash of pink enveloped them, and the surroundings blurred. As the teleportation effect subsided, Momonga found himself once again in the familiar setting of Midgard, with Merlin by his side.
Merlin smiled and gave a parting nod. "Until next time, Momonga. Take care."
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2 Months Later
Sato Nakamura, exhausted from a relentless two months of work, relished the prospect of a well-deserved break. As he entered his apartment, the weight of his responsibilities began to lift, and a sense of freedom enveloped him. With a tired sigh, he muttered to himself, "I got the next two days off, so I'm going to enjoy it."
In his room, he found solace. It was a sanctuary where he could escape the demands of the outside world. Sato eased into his chair, the familiar creaks and pops of his stiff joints echoing through the room. With a determined mindset to make the most of his precious downtime, he powered up his computer. Although he hadn't neglected it entirely during the past two months, it had been a while since he'd engaged in any leisurely activities.
Checking messages and updates for shows and games, Sato found nothing particularly captivating in the upcoming months. Deciding to revisit Yggdrasil, he donned his headset and seamlessly immersed himself in the virtual realm.
As he materialized within his in-game home base, Sato found himself in Álfheim, the elven realm. His tower, strategically concealed through magical runes, stood tall and majestic in a secluded corner of the land. The levitating structure, adorned with shades of blue and pink, bore the distinctive touch of its creator, Merlin.
Stepping towards the tower's edge, Merlin took in the breathtaking scenery of Álfheim. The 'morning sun' bathed the realm in a magical light, casting enchanting hues across the landscape. The distant sounds of chirping birds and flowing rivers contributed to the immersive experience. Sato marveled at the meticulously crafted environment, complete with tiny creatures for aesthetic appeal and subtle buffs.
However, amid the beauty, a tinge of sadness lingered within Merlin's thoughts. "Really makes you wish this could all be real" he mused wistfully. "If only I could truly feel the breeze and the rays of sunlight."
Despite the virtual wonders around him, the longing for the tangible sensations of the real world persisted, a poignant reminder of the limitations of virtual reality.
Merlin's tranquil moment in Álfheim was abruptly disrupted by an unusual sight in the distance. An eerie black mass seemed to be spreading, catching his attention and raising his suspicions. Enhancing his vision with a quick spell, he attempted to discern the nature of the phenomenon. However, even with the improved sight, the details eluded him.
Deciding to employ a more advanced tool, Merlin positioned himself in front of a mirror of remote viewing—a magic mirror that allowed him to observe locations far beyond his natural vision. The bronze-framed mirror, about a meter high and oval-shaped, was a strategic item that players could evade, but its balanced properties made it useful for surveying unexplored territories.
Guiding his hands over the mirror, Merlin sought a bird's eye view of the mysterious event. To his surprise, instead of the lush green forest he expected, the mirror revealed a spreading black fog emanating from a river. Perplexed, he muttered to himself, "What the heck? This is some weird event..."
Determined to investigate further, Merlin decided to fly towards the source of the ominous black fog. His incubus heritage allowed him to unfurl two black wings, and with no one around, he soared out of the tower. Landing at a safe distance from the phenomenon, he took precautions, wary of potential threats or hostile NPCs.
As he closed in on the black fog, a notification appeared, indicating the activation of his [Poison Resistance] skill. Merlin analyzed the situation, realizing that the fog possessed a passive area-of-effect that dealt poison damage. Despite the high levels of poison in the area, his innate resistance as an Incubus, coupled with specific items, provided him with protection.
Oddly, Merlin noticed that nothing was triggering his radar, suggesting the possibility of anti-detection magic at play. To safeguard himself, he cast spells like [Anti-Information Magic Wall] and [Magic Shield] to conceal his presence and defend against potential attacks. Ready for any unforeseen circumstances, he had a [Delay Teleport] spell prepared, ensuring a quick retreat if needed.
Merlin continued through the black fog, noting that the poison's intensity increased the closer he got to the center. His innate poison resistance, coupled with a few protective items, shielded him from the deadly effects. He mused, 'I doubt anything but heteromorphs would likely die to this poison within minutes unless they were level one hundred.'
As he reached the heart of the black fog, often referred to as the 'eye of the storm' the surroundings appeared far from calm. The once vibrant grass, trees, and plants were now pitch black and wilted, reflecting the malevolence of the ominous cloud. Merlin cautiously surveyed the area, his senses heightened and staff at the ready.
In the vicinity, crouched by a river, stood a colossal figure shrouded in the same black mist as the fog. It was an NPC, unmistakably a formidable boss, its level concealed but undoubtedly being one hundred. Despite attempts to discern more details, the creature resisted detection spells, adding an air of mystery and danger.
Rising to its full height, towering over nine feet, the figure turned to face Merlin directly, seemingly unperturbed by his anti-detection measures. Merlin couldn't discern much about the creature except for a green glow emanating from the black fog and an item, likely a vial, barely visible in its hand. The creature dropped the vial on the ground before assuming a crouched position, preparing for an impending attack.
Recognizing the potential threat, Merlin decided not to take any chances. Activating his [Delay Teleport] spell, he vanished from the vicinity, reappearing near his tower. However, before departing, he strategically cast [Clairvoyance], creating an invisible sensor to gather information. While the spell had limitations, it might provide valuable insights into the mysterious creature's behavior or actions.
With a hint of excitement, Merlin considered the possibilities surrounding the mysterious black fog and its formidable inhabitant. 'Could this be a limited-time boss? Or even a raid?' he pondered while gliding upward, employing his wings to ascend to the observatory in his towering base. 'I don't have an exact level, but it's one hundred for sure. So I don't know if I could take it by myself. I probably could since it was a single enemy... but whenever do the devs just put in an easy, possible raid boss?'
Reaching the observatory, he positioned himself to get a better view and started contemplating his next move. The thought of taking on the potential raid boss alone crossed his mind, but given the uncertainties, he decided it might be best to seek assistance. Opening his friend list, he discovered that most of his friends were offline. However, two familiar names, Momonga and Touch-Me, were active and seemingly in a party together.
Promptly initiating a chat with the duo, he typed:
Merlin: You guys able to talk?
Touch-Me and Momonga responded, with the former expressing readiness and the latter inquiring about Merlin's well-being.
Touch-Me: I am available, yes. It's nice to hear from you again.
Momonga: Haven't heard from you in 2 months. Is everything all right?
Assuring them of his well-being, Merlin hinted at the need for assistance.
Merlin: I've been fine, yes. But I may need some help with something.
Touch-Me, true to his altruistic nature, affirmed his willingness to help, and Momonga expressed his willingness to try.
Touch-Me: If a friend needs assistance, I can't turn them down! [thumb up emoji]
Momonga: Don't know how much I could help. But I can try.
Merlin seized the opportunity to disclose his discovery in Álfheim.
Merlin: I'm in Álfheim right now, and I've found a potential new raid boss.
Momonga, intrigued by the prospect, offered his assistance despite his limited raid experience.
Momonga: Wow, really? I've only done beginner and low-level raids. But I can try and help.
Touch-Me, ever the strategic player, considered the situation.
Touch-Me: This certainly seems interesting… We are currently with a few people, do you mind if they join us?
Merlin, cautiously prioritizing trust, inquired about their reliability.
Merlin: As long as you trust them.
Touch-Me reassured Merlin of his trust in his party members.
Touch-Me: I certainly trust them! [Smiley face] Where are you in Álfheim?
Merlin shared his coordinates while emphasizing the need for secrecy regarding his base's location.
Merlin: I'll send you my coordinates. I'm at my home base, so please don't leak the location out to people.
Touch-Me, affirming his discretion, gave Merlin reassurance.
Touch-Me: No worries, my friend! Your base will remain secret!
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As the figures drew nearer, Merlin observed the approaching party with a keen eye. The distinctive form of Momonga, now clad in a deep purple robe and wielding a superior staff, caught his attention. The Lich had undergone notable changes since their last encounter, adorned with rings on each finger and radiating a newfound aura of power.
Beside Momonga, Touch-Me, the hero of justice, maintained his imposing armored presence. Two new additions to the party joined them – a stealthy ninja and a formidable Nephilim with distinctive samurai armor. The ninja's black garb, adorned with gold accents and spikes, exuded an air of mystery. On the other hand, the Nephilim showcased two asymmetrical white and yellow horns, donning dark red samurai armor with intricate gold designs.
With a sense of anticipation, Merlin descended from the observatory and revealed the tower, leaving it visible for the approaching quartet. A small wave from the top was exchanged between the two parties, indicating a friendly greeting.
Upon reaching the base of the tower, Momonga voiced a practical question, breaking the silence.
"Do we just fly up?"
Merlin, the gracious host of this peculiar meeting, conjured a small platform in front of the party. The magical creation served as an effortless means of ascent to the observatory, sparing the group the exertion of climbing the tower or relying solely on flight.
"No need for that" Merlin announced, gesturing toward the platform. "This will take you up, so you don't have to fly or climb the tower."
The samurai among them, displaying a lighthearted demeanor, quipped "Good thing for that," as he confidently stepped onto the enchanted pad. The ninja, evidently intrigued by the tower, expressed his interest in exploration. "This tower does look interesting, I'd like to explore it" he remarked, joining the others on the platform.
As the platform gracefully ascended to the observatory, Merlin and the four adventurers engaged in brief introductions. Positioned at the top, Merlin greeted the newcomers with a respectful bow. "Thanks for coming. My character name is Merlin" he introduced himself, extending a welcoming gesture.
"I'm Nishikienrai" the ninja, adopting a casual demeanor, replied with a friendly wave. "Can just call me Nishiki."
The samurai, who identified himself as Warrior Takemikazuchi, followed suit, declaring, "And I'm Warrior Takemikazuchi. Takemikazuchi or Takemi is fine. I look forward to this boss that you told Touch-Me and Momonga about."
"Definitely" Nishiki responded with enthusiasm. "I'm always up for a tough boss battle."
Merlin acknowledged their readiness with a nod. "Well then. Let us prepare then."
With the team assembled and introductions made, the group now stood at the threshold of a potentially challenging encounter, ready to embark on the journey into the unknown within the realm of Álfheim.
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[UPDATE December 11, 2023: As you may be able to tell, there isn't much difference. Added a small amount of dialogue to make one section slightly longer. And somewhat shortened a few sections to make it more cohesive, as well as correct a few mistakes. This style of update will be done for the following chapters up until the more recent ones]
Definitely a different story for the most part. Probably won't update this as often as my other stories and I'm planning on having a few chapters with multiple time skips up until the 'main story' of Overlord. So let me know what you think and I might make more of this.