Hope you all enjoy!
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Today was like any other for our resident flower mage, Merlin. He strolled leisurely through the majestic halls of Nazarick, his sharp eyes keenly observing the progress everyone was making toward the improvement of the guild base. The creation of his NPCs had been an ongoing endeavor for over a month, involving extensive resource gathering and meticulous script writing, among other tasks. As he wandered, he couldn't help but reflect on how much he owed to Tabula, who had been an invaluable ally in this grand undertaking. They were, in essence, helping each other immensely, with Tabula contributing to the creation of three high-level NPCs of his very own.
Merlin let out a contemplative sigh before deciding on his next destination.
"I think Blue Planet is online. Perhaps he's still working on perfecting that colosseum."
Reaching the colosseum took some time, given its location on the sixth floor of the ever-expanding guild base. In a true role-play fashion, it was designed to be a place where would-be invaders would meet their fate, engaging in gladiator-style combat while being watched by guild members from above. The amphitheater was still a work in progress, but its basic structure was in place. It stretched well over one hundred meters in both its short and long axes, making it a substantial arena. The rest of the floor surrounding the amphitheater was a lush forest, adding to the grandeur of the setting.
The primary reason for the slow progress, though, was the meticulous work of Blue Planet, with a minor contribution from Chagama. The colossal skybox project undertaken by Blue Planet was the main cause of the extended development time.
'Every day, he manages to elevate this place even further' Merlin thought to himself as he traversed the corridors of the amphitheater, leading into the heart of the coliseum. Inside, it was exactly as one might expect. Sandy ground, white stone pillars, and tiered seats encircling the arena. On the opposite end was a grand box, where guild members would congregate to witness the thrilling battles.
However, what truly left visitors in awe was the sky. It was a breathtaking spectacle, a surreal blend of vivid colors with deep purples, oranges, and pinks, creating an enchanting twilight atmosphere. With each passing day, Blue Planet's skybox became even more remarkable.
"You never cease to amaze me, BP" Merlin said as he approached the center of the amphitheater, where Blue Planet was diligently working.
'B.P.' or simply 'B' as Merlin referred to him sometimes, was a heteromorph like the rest of the guild members. He embodied the essence of 'Blue Planet,' with his avatar resembling a water elemental, a form that was both physical and translucent. His outfit consisted of a flowing cloak adorned with a pattern resembling stars and galaxies, combining shades of silver and blue. Silver and blue jewelry and clothing further enhanced his striking appearance. Being a mage like most guild members, he wielded a scepter adorned with a glowing crystal. His 'eyes' were a captivating blend of tranquil blue and silver, adding to his persona as a serene individual who held a deep love for the sky and all its wonders.
"Merlin" BP acknowledged with a nod, continuing to fiddle with the console.
"We really gotta implement that ring system to teleport around this place" Merlin suggested.
BP chuckled "It certainly would help."
"Still working on the sky, I see."
The console then closed. "It's best I take a break."
"I was gonna suggest that. You've been working on that bar for the last floor as well."
"The bar is basically finished" BP waved off. "Thanks again for the suggestion of the bartender though. Who would've thought Moriarty would be such a good idea for a bartender?"
"He is a funky fella" Merlin laughed. "I wrote a bunch of stuff in his bio with Tabula's help."
"I saw that. Devious fellow you two created."
"Thanks" Merlin sent a smile emoji. "How's everything else been going?"
"Slow" BP said with a sigh, "but progress is being made."
"Chagama still bugging you with the treehouse thing?"
"Like you wouldn't believe. You'd think she'd ask for the druid's help" BP referred to Merlin.
"This is kind of your domain at this point, so I think it's best you deal with it. Plus, I only recently finished helping her get everything she needs to create her two NPCs."
"You'd think she'd want to spend even more time with you" BP commented.
Merlin sent a confused emoji with his avatar tilting his head. "What do you mean?"
"Aren't you two... you know... dating?"
If only avatars could blush.
"What are you talking about, BP?" Merlin tried to wave off, the embarrassment evident in his voice. "We're not dating. We've never even met in person before."
"Really?" BP sent a question mark emoji. "You guys are so close though. Pretty sure everyone thinks you're dating. Well... maybe not Peroroncino. But you know how he is."
"I'd be too awkward anyway" Merlin rubbed his neck. "All my bravado, if you want to call it that, comes from me being behind a mask. Or avatar in this case" he chuckled a bit. "Never had a girlfriend before" he finished off with a hunch.
"That just means the 'you' that you portray to us is the 'you' that you want to be. So why not embrace it?"
"Harder to do than it sounds..."
"Do you have any feelings for her?"
Merlin was about to answer but stopped himself. 'Do I? She's really fun to hang out with, and we have great conversations. I've never been in a relationship before. I've had crushes in the past. But never really acted on it… But would this be any different from how it's been for years?'
"Don't think too hard about it" BP interrupted his train of thought. "Just think on it. Clearly there isn't nothing between you two. But you should take your time and sort through any emotions you may be feeling."
Merlin huffed with a smile. "Who would've known you were such a romantic about nature and relationships."
"Comes with the territory" he shrugged. "Just as rain is nature's blessing, so is life, of which love is a part, you know?"
"That sounded unbelievably corny" Merlin laughed. He certainly had a lot to think about. As he walked away from the colosseum with a new perspective, the vibrant colors of the ever-changing sky above Nazarick seemed to take on new meaning.
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"On your left!" Shouted a voice.
"I see them!"
"Quick, heal me!"
"On it!"
"Will somebody take care of the damn basilisk already!?"
"Little busy right now!"
To say this quest was hectic would be an understatement. The small party, consisting of Momonga, Lucifer, Yamaiko, and Merlin, was a mix of talents, but it was all they had at the moment. They found themselves in a vast open field that had clearly seen better days. The sky above was nearly pitch black, and the ground was a chaotic mess—burned, charred, glassed, or whatever term could describe a war zone.
The field was a battleground not just for the party but for a variety of mobs, ranging from undead to fairies and basilisks to strange shadowy dogs. Off in the distance, a cloaked figure commanded these creatures, their only distinguishable feature being a set of glowing, crystal-like eyes and a spiked crown.
"My golems can't hold out!" Lucifer chimed in as a massive golem appeared in front of him, charging toward a horde of enemies.
"I'm running out of summons too! My magic can't regenerate fast enough" Momonga huffed as he summoned a wave of undead, including death knights, who joined the frontline with Lucifer's golems and a menacing death lord.
"Tch! Doesn't help that the knight we just killed could passively drain our magic just by being nearby" Merlin grumbled. "We just need to outlast this phase and hit them with a ranged spell attack." He tapped his staff on the ground, conjuring a wave of pink flowers that suffocated a bunch of mobs, crushing the life out of them.
"This damn boss area is a pain in the ass!" Lucifer grunted.
"Doesn't help that it somehow has seen through all of our sneak attacks too" Merlin replied.
Suddenly, the shadows on the boss flickered.
"There!" Yamaiko pointed out.
"This is our chance!" Merlin called out.
"Then on my mark!" Momonga's avatar tensed as a minute or so passed.
"3! 2! 1! Mark!"
"[Triplet Maximize Magic: Reality Slash]!" Merlin incanted in sync with Momonga.
Six ripples in the fabric of spacetime shot forth toward the boss. This was their only opportunity. They had noticed a pattern—random intervals where the shadows on the boss would flicker, followed by its eyes dulling, allowing attacks to land. It seemed the boss could somehow anticipate their moves, as if it was reading their inputs.
Their attacks struck true, slicing the boss in half before it dissolved into motes of light. All the ads in the area immediately scattered or disappeared in similar motes of light.
"Yes!" Yamaiko shouted.
"Oh, thank god" Momonga said, visibly relieved.
"Why was that so damn tough?" Lucifer questioned.
"Fighting three bosses like that is ridiculous" Merlin commented.
"First, some crazy vampire using threads and curses" Yamaiko recalled.
"Then a jacked knight who could eat our freaking magic" Momonga huffed.
"Wasn't there even a dragon at some point?" Lucifer added.
"Then some crazy commander that could see through our intent or some shit" Merlin finished.
"Must have been one of those bosses that reads and predicts inputs" Momonga speculated.
Merlin let out a big sigh before opening the loot table. "Well, it's over now."
"So, what did we get?" Lucifer peered at the loot.
"Some of those dragon teeth consumables, cursed chains…" Merlin listed off the items they had obtained. "Oh? what's this?"
"Something interesting?" Momonga's bony fingers hovered in anticipation.
"It says here that we got the [Eyes of the Fae] and [Mystic Eyes]."
"What do they do?" Yamaiko asked.
Merlin began to read the description/lore of the former:
"The "Eyes of the Fae," as they are known, are an exceedingly rare and mystical relic said to belong to the true fairies of the world. These ethereal orbs were not merely a physical attribute; they were a profound link to the very essence of the fae, granting them a unique perspective on the world and its denizens.
These eyes were more than just a captivating sight; they were an instrument of truth. The legends spoke of their remarkable abilities, which extended beyond the realm of mere vision. The bearer of the Eyes of the Fae possessed an unparalleled insight into the hearts and minds of those they encountered. These eyes allowed them to peer deep into the intentions and emotions of individuals, granting them the uncanny ability to discern lies and deceit with astonishing accuracy. They also bestowed upon the wearer a passive resistance to some of the most potent forms of illusion-based magic." Merlin finished.
"That's… actually pretty good" Momonga mused, stroking his chin. "Sure, you can use spells to gain the same effects, but a racial item with those benefits passively is really valuable."
"We don't have any fairies in the guild though, right?" Lucifer asked.
"Well…" Merlin started "One of my NPCs that I started creating is a fae."
"That's right!" Momonga said aloud "We can give the eyes to her. Probably be pretty useful. Maybe it could add a hidden feature to NPCs?"
"Guess that settles that" Yamaiko shrugged.
"What about those [Mystic Eyes] thing?" Lucifer questioned.
"Seems pretty similar to the [Eyes of the Fae]" Merlin then read the description/lore:
"Mystic Eyes. These are special eyes that were rumored to have belonged to many famed witches, wizards, and even some mysterious creatures that had once roamed the realms. Mystic Eyes granted their bearer the extraordinary ability to peer through the very fabric of time itself. Whether it be the shadows of the past, the vivid tapestry of the present, or the elusive secrets of the future, those who possessed these eyes could unravel the chronicles of existence with an effortless gaze.
The Mystic Eyes, this fabled relic, grants a player a truly remarkable ability—the capability to cast [Mirror of Remote Viewing] without the need for a [Mirror of Remote Viewing]."
Though the tales of Mystic Eyes were often shrouded in mystery and cloaked in myths, the reality of their existence was undeniable. To wield these eyes was to wield time itself, and in the hands of a player, they could become a force to be reckoned with, unraveling the intricate threads of fate and peering into the vast tapestry of existence, one glance at a time."
Merlin took a deep, calming breath as he finished reading the description, and as he finished, a profound hush descended upon the area. The item that just dropped was crazy. Sure, divination spells were well-known, their use and application widespread among spellcasters. Yet, there existed a fundamental limitation to these spells – they were easily detected unless you casted a myriad of spells to counter them.
Everyone understood that while a skilled mage could cast an incredible array of divination spells, it was undeniably inefficient to carry around a Mirror of Remote Viewing. These enchanted mirrors were not only large and cumbersome but also exceedingly rare. The combos that could be pulled off with this really would be amazing.
"Huh" Lucifer broke the silence, his voice cutting through the quiet aftermath of Merlin's description. "We certainly hit the jackpot today, didn't we?"
"No shit" Merlin muttered, a triumphant smirk playing on his virtual lips. "I knew it was a good idea to bring along Yamaiko!"
"That's the only reason!?" the mentioned person shouted in mock indignation.
"To be fair…" Momonga scratched his chin thoughtfully. "You do somehow just... give us good luck, you know?"
"I... Whatever" Yamaiko slumped, feigning an air of nonchalance.
"Ah, don't be upset," Merlin chimed in, placing an arm around her avatar with a friendly smile emoji. "You are an incredibly valuable teammate." The group shared a genuine chuckle together, the camaraderie among them palpable.
"So… who's getting these eye things?" Merlin brought up, steering the conversation toward the newfound treasures.
"Good question..." Momonga mused. "It's very clearly meant to be a support ability. Nishiki could use it to scout, but unless he has a caster with him or an abundance of scrolls, it can't be much use to him… The only real uses I can think of for it would have to be for one of our casters."
"Should we leave it up to the guild to decide?" Yamaiko suggested.
"That's probably for the best" Merlin shrugged.
"Let's leave it for the next scheduled meeting then" Lucifer proposed, signaling the end of the discussion. "I'm getting pretty tired, and it's late. I'm gonna log off for the night."
"Yeah, that quest was draining" Merlin sighed, the remnants of the virtual fatigue evident even in his virtual demeanor.
"Guess we'll see each other later then" Momonga said as everyone prepared to log out.
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Sato Nakamura, known to the gaming world as Merlin, found himself entangled in an intriguing conundrum following the conclusion of a recent guild meeting. The meeting had been business as usual. Conversations swirled around scheduling concerns, the imminent raid, and the seemingly perpetual challenge of gathering materials for their elusive guild weapon—a task universally acknowledged as a colossal pain in the ass by most guild members.
The peculiar turn of events unfolded during the meeting's denouement, with Momonga, the guild leader, officially declaring its end. "And that concludes the meeting" he announced. "We'll convene next week to see how the progress is going on the floor expansions, so we can talk about any issues."
"Sounds good to me" Tabula responded with a virtual thumbs-up emoji.
"Unless there is anything else you all need to bring up?" Momonga inquired, leaving the floor open for any lingering discussions or concerns.
"Can't really think of anything" Merlin replied, a hand thoughtfully placed on his chin.
As the meeting seamlessly transitioned into casual banter, Takemikazuchi expressed his intention to leave, citing plans to catch a movie later in the day. Peroroncino, always intrigued by entertainment, probed him about a reboot of an old film releasing that evening. With Amanomahitotsu providing some info on the movie as well. Takemikazuchi confirmed his plans, mentioning the expanded narrative around a lone samurai in said movie.
"I'm actually seeing that tonight too" Merlin interjected.
"Maybe we'll be at the same showing" Takemikazuchi teased.
Merlin, with a nonchalant shrug, remarked, "Unless it's the one theatre hidden behind the old boxing gym in Shibuya."
"Wait a second…" Takemikazuchi mumbled, a realization dawning upon him. "You live in Shibuya? How has this never come up yet?"
"Umm… you never asked?" Merlin tilted his virtual head. "Why?"
"That's the theatre I'm going to tonight" Takemikazuchi revealed.
"Wait. What time?" Merlin inquired.
"Seven thirty" Takemikazuchi responded.
"No shot, really?" Merlin sent a surprised emoji. "That's when I'm going too!"
"Nice!" Takemikazuchi expressed his excitement. "We can meet up for the first time!"
"Aww, well, isn't that nice" Ulbert chimed in, his tone carrying a hint of mockingly playful sarcasm. "Call it a date then?" he joked.
"Ew" Chagama retorted with an eye-roll emoji. "Don't make it weird" she huffed.
"Why? Don't want your man being taken?" Lucifer teased from the other end of the table.
"He is not my man!" Chagama shouted, causing the guild to erupt in laughter.
"Regardless of their antics" Touch-me interjected with a smile emoji, "it's nice to hear that you two will be meeting for the first time."
"Kinda makes me jealous" Momonga whined playfully. "Too bad I don't live in Shibuya."
"How about we organize a guild meetup at some point then?" Herohero, the guild member with the Elder Black Ooze avatar, suggested.
"I don't see any issue with it" Blue Planet added. "I'd be down."
"You guys would really want to do that?" Momonga questioned, a hint of surprise in his voice.
"It seems kind of weird…" Bellriver mumbled hesitantly.
"That would be so much fun!" Ankoro Mocchi Mochi exclaimed excitedly. "We could get some food and especially some sweet little treats and have a party!" Her enthusiasm, particularly for the prospect of an IRL meeting, rivaled her love for food, particularly sweets.
Several other guild members expressed their approval for an in-real-life meeting. Some acknowledged that they likely wouldn't be able to make it but supported the idea nonetheless.
Touch-me chuckled at the excitement. "Where would this event take place though?"
"You sure an old man like yourself should be hanging out with a bunch of kids?" Ulbert snickered mischievously.
"For one, I am not old" Touch-me retorted. "Secondly, it is not weird at all."
"Suuuuuure" Ulbert drawled out the word.
"Well, if everyone wanted to come to Shibuya" Merlin suggested, "a family member of mine owns a space they rent out for office parties and stuff. I can always ask."
"When would we even do this though?" Yamaiko asked.
"Isn't there a long weekend in two weeks?" Tabula proposed.
"I guess there is, yeah" Yamaiko answered, considering the idea. "I'd have the Monday off, so I can definitely have the time to travel there."
"Two weeks from now, then?" Tabula proposed, eager to solidify plans.
"Sounds good to me" Blue Planet nodded "I'm genuinely looking forward to meeting everyone."
Ankoro Mocchi Mochi clapped her hands virtually. "Yay! A real-life guild gathering! I can already taste the sweet treats we'll have!"
Ulbert chuckled. "Just don't OD on sugar, Ankoro. We don't need a Mocchi Mochi sugar rush" he shuttered slightly at the thought.
"Hey, I can't make any promises" she laughed.
Touch-me interjected, "So, Shibuya it is then. Now, what activities should we plan? Besides the obvious feasting on sweets."
Merlin, leaning back in his virtual chair, suggested "We could do some team-building exercises. You know, strengthen our bond as a guild."
"Team-building? Is this a raid or a field trip?" Ulbert asked.
"More like a blend of both" Merlin responded with a grin. "We could share our favorite in-game strategies, and maybe even have a mini-quest together with some games..."
Lucifer chimed in "And I suppose you'll be the quest master, Merlin?"
"Why not? I've got a few ideas up my sleeve" Merlin replied.
"Alright, alright" Momonga laughed. "As long as it doesn't involve navigating through a maze of sweets, I'm in."
Chagama, who had been relatively quiet, finally spoke up, "I'm up for it. It sounds like a fun way to spend the weekend."
Yamaiko added, "Count me in too. It's been ages since I've done something like this."
The enthusiasm spread across the virtual table, with guild members expressing their agreement and excitement for the upcoming guild gathering. As the discussion continued, plans for the long-awaited real-life meetup in Shibuya began to take shape, each member contributing their ideas to make it a memorable event that would transcend the boundaries of the digital world.
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So what exactly was Sato's conundrum? It wasn't just about securing the venue or planning activities; it was the prospect of meeting the guild members in real life that fueled his nervousness. As he navigated through the maze of thoughts racing through his mind, he grappled with a myriad of concerns.
Firstly, the meeting meant transitioning from the familiar comfort of the virtual realm to the tangible reality of faces and voices. The safety of his avatar, the shield behind which he could express himself with ease, would be stripped away. Real-life interactions brought a vulnerability that was both exhilarating and daunting.
The fact that he had successfully secured the space for the gathering alleviated some stress. A quick text to his family member yielded positive results, granting him access to a venue equipped with a plethora of amenities. A karaoke machine, board games, a sizable TV for gaming sessions, and a fully functional kitchen—all readily available for the guild's enjoyment. It seemed like the perfect setting for a memorable event.
Yet, amidst these practicalities, Merlin found himself wrestling with a deeper apprehension. The guild, with whom he had shared countless adventures and forged strong bonds, existed as virtual personas. Meeting them in person introduced an element of uncertainty. Would they get along as seamlessly in reality as they did in Yggdrasil? Would the dynamics shift once avatars transformed into flesh and blood?
The weight of expectations and the fear of the unknown weighed heavily on Merlin. It was easy to discuss exciting activities and envision a joyous gathering, but the transition from pixels to presence was a leap into uncharted territory. Would his real-life self live up to the persona he'd crafted within the game?
"Man, I'm gonna go crazy just thinking about it all" Sato huffed, tucking his phone away. He found himself within the confines of the theater where he was set to meet Takemikazuchi. Having shed the required masks and coat needed to navigate the smog-filled world outside, he now lounged in a chair in a side room adjacent to the entrance, a space designated for people to relax as they waited for their movies to commence. Dressed in a simple black T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and black shoes, he contemplated the impending real-life meeting with a mix of excitement and nerves.
As he stowed his phone, the entrance door swung open, revealing a newcomer who immediately engaged in the familiar routine of unmasking and surveying the surroundings. Standing at around five foot seven, the person sported short brown hair swept to the right and donned a red T-shirt depicting a lone samurai, blue jeans, and black sneakers.
Sato's intuition sparked; this could very well be Takemikazuchi. Deciding to test his hunch, he approached the newcomer. As he neared, the man glanced up from his phone.
"Takemi?" Sato called out, using the shortened version of Takemikazuchi's name.
"Merlin?" the man responded, his face breaking into a grin as Sato nodded in confirmation. "Haha! It is you! Man, you're taller than I expected."
Sato chuckled, the initial tension giving way to a sense of relief. Meeting someone from the guild in real life was a surreal experience, and the fact that the encounter began with a lighthearted observation lightened the mood.
"Yeah, yeah, I guess I am taller in real life, by a small bit" Sato responded, rubbing the back of his neck with a slight bashful smile.
Takemikazuchi chuckled, clapping Sato on the shoulder in a friendly manner. "Well, at least it's not as dramatic as those fantasy races in the game. No need to worry about headbutting the door frame."
Sato laughed, "True, true. So, what's the plan before the movie starts?"
Takemikazuchi checked the time on his phone. "We've got a bit before it begins. How about grabbing some snacks? Popcorn is a must for the full movie experience."
"Agreed" Sato said, falling into step beside Takemikazuchi as they headed towards the concession stand. The air was thick with the scent of buttered popcorn, and the anticipation of the movie added an extra layer of excitement to the atmosphere.
As they approached the counter, Takemikazuchi turned to Sato. "You know, it's funny. We've fought side by side in Yggdrasil, and here we are, getting popcorn together."
Sato chuckled, realizing the irony of the situation. "Yeah, who would've thought? Virtual battles to real-life snacks."
They placed their orders and settled into a nearby seating area, the banter seamlessly flowing as they discussed their favorite in-game moments and speculated about the movie they were about to watch. The excitement of sharing this experience with a fellow guild member was undeniable. The theater's lights dimmed, signaling the imminent start of the movie, and Sato and Takemikazuchi prepared to enjoy a different kind of adventure together.
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Short chapter but a brief set up to the next chapter. Not sure if many of the other guild members had their names revealed other than Suzuki. So I'll have to come up with a few as well as real life appearances. Sato/Merlin had a slight physical description in chapter one which was 'He was an average man in all areas, with a decent height of around five foot ten, short black hair and a slightly above average build'. Kind of a bleak description but he's basically just a decently tall guy by Japanese standards with an above average physical build. Didn't think I'd end up writing much about his physical appearance but it can always be expanded upon a bit later. Hope you all liked the chapter!
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