"Cheers!"
We clink our glasses full of beer together and drink most of them with a smile.
Man, how long has it been since we’ve had a get-together like this? We've been slaving for weeks in our office just to make some final adjustments to the new AI program. Heck, Tsukino and the boys weren't happy when I was forced to skip our family dinner and game nights so we could finish it at last. But seeing my colleagues' smiles makes me feel relieved that everything wasn't a waste. With two days until the deadline, we’ve managed to polish and fix all of the bugs as best as we could. I'm still sighing after the drink just thinking about our accomplishment.
"I can't believe it. We barely called this project quits. But you end up saving our asses at the finish line, Adam," one of my colleagues, Derek says. "You really are IceChip's last savior!"
He quickly smacks my back as soon as he says this. Damn, that will sting me for the rest of the night.
But he’s right. Out of all of us, I have the most experience with developing high-tech AI, especially on VR consoles like the [Advanced Dive Virtual Reality] system. It's been almost a year since it was released to the public through [Observa Console]. With the next release being the [Veil Console], our team was hard at work with the latest and biggest project that was commissioned to us.
And the person who asked for this project is none other than Midnight Dragon Games' Wilbur Giffard. He’s known in the video game sphere for his immersive games such as the Eternal Fantasia series and the Black Heart series, which I heard was infamous for its high difficulty and "get good" mentality. According to him, he is planning to make an MMO for the next ADVR console. A VRMMO, to be precise. He’s even told us that he's teaming up with a world-renowned Wayne Enigma, the very same author who wrote Kazuki's favorite fantasy novel series, to work on the game's worldbuilding. Oh, how ironic that he and Giffard were asking the very same company that has the father of a Seraph fantasy novel series' biggest fan. If Kazuki finds out, he's going to tear through my shirt trying to ask me for Enigma's autograph, which might be difficult due to their anonymity.
"Come on, guys. It's nothing really big," I say to my colleagues. "All I did was readjust the parameters and rework the code to fit with the program's algorithm. You just need to find the source if you want to weed out the bugs. Besides, I'm not the only one who had to work my butt off for this project."
"Nothing? Try something!" Another one of my colleagues exclaims. "Don't forget you're one of the super programmers of the company! You not only followed through with that game company's crazy commission but didn't give up when most of us gave up on it. Hell, you're the one who came up with the program's concept all of your own along with its name! "Gaia Live"... Man, wait till the game devs see what we have in store for them!"
I chuckle as I watch them enjoying their drinks and chatting about the project and other things.
[Gaia Live]. That's the name of the AI program we decided on the project. Honestly, the commission was not only strange, but it was also difficult for us to fulfill. We feared that the studio wanted a rushed project for their new VRMMO, which may cause quite a scandal if something happened related to it. However, it's thanks to my tinkering with the [Observa Console] that gave an inkling of what we could play with the virtual world Midnight Dragon and Enigma were creating for their VRMMO. A world where players can do whatever they want while discovering the world's lore and setting. Thinking about it reminds me of my time as a DM on a few campaigns I played with my sons.
Either way, I have a feeling this program would change everyone's lives forever. It might be a game, but it might be a gateway for everyone to find their goals and dreams in the real world.
----------------------------------------
"...Is that all you can share, Dad?"
I glare at my Dad kneeling right in front of me. After releasing most of my pent-up anger from dealing with the shit I had to go through in my [Hidden Quest], I'm relieved to see all I got from using my bow without my arrows is barely enough to chip 1/4 of his [HP]. I'm still pissed at him, but that doesn't mean I want to kill him in the game or in real life over a petty reason.
"Yes... After the program was finished, the game developers invited me to try out both the closed alpha and beta tests. Because of that, I got the [Role-Player] character, and it allowed me to create a special scenario related to two [Hidden Quests] they plan to publicly share after the first major expansion," Dad answers.
"AKA the ones Kazu and I finished," I guess. "I supposed the mysterious books were part of your [Hidden Quest] scheme. as well, correct?"
Dad shakes his head and says, "All I can do is you can blame the devs for that." He sighs next. "I'm sorry I can't share anything else without spoiling anything else. I swear, I'm not rigging the game in your favor. I tried to make sure the [Quests] here are not only tough but not impossible for the players to succeed."
I groan. I have so many complaints, but I can't take it all out on Dad since there are many good points.
"If what you say is true, then I'm not going to question it any longer," I declare. "Although, that doesn't mean you're off the hook after I almost quit the game over that [Hidden Quest], Dad. Sure, I can deal with the nitpicking and verbal abuse against me, but some players cannot. So at least give them a content warning window beforehand! No, a change isn't enough! How about you compensate us for enduring that hell?!"
I might be asking too much from Dad, but can you blame me? Because of them, I was forced to be separated from Kazu when the quests partially disabled the [Guardian Player] feature. Thank god it got enabled again after my [Hidden Quest] was complete. I guess that reuniting with Kazu somehow did the trick.
"W-Well, it only occurred to you since Kazu passed the ceremony with flying colors, so I doubt he's not bothered by it. So maybe I'll send you and your friends to Disneyland in California as my way of apologizing over your grueling battles."
Yeah, I would have accepted that for Zac and Damon's sake, if I were that naive and forgiving. But is there anything I can get from Dad without exploiting him or getting him in trouble with his bosses? I'm mad, but I'm not being a spoiled brat here. All I can give him is telling Mom about him and a slap on the wrist, but...
"Who says Wind is the only one being mad around here?!"
I quickly gasp to see Kazu standing behind Dad. He is still frowning from earlier, only his glare is a bit more intense than usual. Staring at his eyes is enough to make me quiver from them.
"Even if I was the only one who completed the quest with no issues doesn't mean I'm not mad that Wind was almost traumatized to the point of quitting! Besides, you already promised that you would take us to Midnight Dragon Games after my birthday!"
I drop my bow when I hear this. I recall from Dad and Zac that Midnight Dragon Games was the one who created
"Kazu! You know what I said. Demanding that kind of request requires me to ask the developers and it will take some time for them to answer..."
That's true. But I'm not accepting other excuses at this point. "But you want to apologize, right? Then how about you follow Kazu's request? I don't care if it will take weeks, but you don't want to disappoint Kazu before his birthday, right?"
With a smirk, I let him think of the potential consequences if he did. I have to admit, I'm surprised that underneath his naive imaginative side is a cunning mastermind hiding behind his smile. Either that or I'm seeing Mom's rage through it. Yeah, I need to avoid pissing him off by accident.
"Alright. I'll see what I can do," Dad sighs in defeat. "But until then, maybe I should give you two early copies of
"Thanks, but no thanks."
Dad gasps. He would have expected Kazu to say that, but I'm a bit guilty that I beat him to the punch. He doesn't seem to mind my interjection as he smiles at me for it.
"You said you don't want to rig the game in our favor, right? Then we'll keep it that way. What's the point of playing the game if we already know the hidden game features and story points?"
Honestly, I would have accepted his offer. But I know Kazu and after playing this game for a few months, I feel like this was for the best. Compared to those isekai and VRMMO protagonists from those manga, webtoons, and light novels, I'm not much of an OP guy and neither is Kazu. We played the game through trial and error, died a few times (well, one time for each of us and another only to me from the [Hidden Quest]), and bailed out in some dungeons from our hunting session due to traps and monsters we can't beat with our current [Masteries]. We're not psychics and that's okay. If we use something like a strategy guide, it would defeat the purpose of this game. Kazu wants to discover the world while I want to explore it. It would be better if we remain clueless than know everything.
"He's right. We want to explore and discover the world's lore without any help," Kazu adds. "It's no fun if we use a guide to our playthrough."
"Besides, this game is a live MMO service and those strategy guides will be outdated by the time the next expansion rolls around after the first," I finish.
Dad sighs again. "Right. I understand. If that's what you want, then I shouldn't delay it any longer." He stands up and walks up to Kazu to hand him something. "I can't give you something that may take away the magic of discovery, but I want to give you something that will help you two in the near future."
I raise my eyebrow. I'm curious about what he said, but I don't know what he means. It's only when he snaps his finger that a window suddenly appears in front of me.
> [NOTICE]
>
> [You have encountered your father, who is an [Insignis] who is also a reputable [Awakened Sage].]
>
> [Because of this development, you have gained a hidden [Human] trait, [Half Breed
[Half Breed]? Is that what happened when we acknowledged someone like Dad as the same in real life? I have mixed feelings about this.
> [With the [Half-Sign], you have gained some [Insignis] racial skills. However, your [Grand Mana Reserve] has been halved to 5% additional [MP].]
>
> Stolen story; please report.
Yeah, I expected as much. Even if I have most [Insignis] skills, it doesn't mean I gain most of the benefits. Either way, it's better than nothing.
"So wait... Are you saying Wind is a half-[Insignis]?! Whoa, that's so cool!" Kazu exclaims. "That means we might be able to take the same [Quests] related to my race!"
"It's not only that. Wind, did you get one of the rewards called the [Incomplete Mark of the Signed] from your [Hidden Quest]?"
Incomplete?
Oh, right? Along with that [Signatio Citizenship Mark] medal Veritates gave me, Specta gave me a box when he and Acutus were talking that has the other rewards along with the one Dad mentioned.
> [Incomplete Mark of the Signed]
>
> [An incomplete mark granted by [Half-Signs] who earned their right as equals to the [Insignis]. Possessing it will grant you the right to learn the secret art of the [Insignis].]
>
>
"Yeah. I put it on the back of my left hand since I wore a lot of gloves in my current equipment," I answer. "Why do you ask? Is it something important?"
"Yes. It will give you a special [Mastery], though it might be limited due to your [Half Breed] status. Then again, I doubt you have a problem with that handicap," Dad explains. "But rather than have me explain it, Kazu should give you a better idea of your new abilities. Can you help your brother by teaching him the [Signs]? Your mark should give him the same requirement you experienced from the ceremony."
"Really? That's awesome!" Kazu says in excitement. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Wind will learn all about [Signs] without missing any single detail!"
"Good. And also..."
He gives a box to Kazu before snapping his fingers again and another window appears right in front of him. I take a glimpse to see what it is.
> Current Quest: Meet the [Awakened Sage] *
>
> Type: [Hidden]
>
> Status: Complete
>
> Party Member[s]:
>
> [Kazu]
>
> Reward(s):
>
> x2 [Awakened Calling Pendants]
>
> [Special pendants created by the [Awakened Sage] himself. When the blue gem blinks, the sage himself requests for your audience.]
>
>
"These pendants are like beacons that most [Awakened Sages] used. If we got something important from the investigation, we'll let you know," Dad explains as I stare at the two pendants with blue gems inside Kazu's box. "The
Culprit? Wait a minute, does that mean he knew about those incidents?
"And speaking of which, I should get back in my role before I go off the script." Dad clears his throat next. "Kazu and Wind. You two have shown commendable acts of creativity and courage in each of your trials. Not only that, you've demonstrated your desire to protect beforehand as your actions in the [Tested Wilds] have proved. Bai Hu and the chief royal magician of the
We didn't mention them, yet Bai Hu and Dahlia got ahead of us. I guess they trust us to deal with those incidents if we get back to it. Although, I have a few ideas about what he means in the last line and I'm not entertaining them at the moment.
"Ha, ha." I sigh before getting back on topic. "So does that mean you know about the plague that might affect other landmarks?"
"We're working on the details as we speak. We'll send some sages and mages to gather some samples from the wilds. But since it has been a few months since the incident, I can't assure you we will get some results that quickly."
Kazu groans. "If we save some of that miasma, we might able to catch the culprit quickly."
"But you managed to save the landmark. So don't beat yourself up despite not finding the culprit," Dad said. "If we find something, we'll let you know. Right now, you two need to focus on your journeys. You have a lot to prepare for what comes next."
Yeah. This is Dad's way of saying we need to focus on the first expansion. Either the NPCs are working on it, we have to wait for further details, or focus on Kazu's birthday doesn't matter. The [Quests] are over and I want to log out for today.
"Oh yeah! What about Yuri?" Kazu speaks up. "Where is he?"
"Over here."
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Kazu and I turn around to see a familiar blue-haired player approaching us alongside Specta.
"I'm guessing you two got the same [Hidden Quest], right?" Yur1 asks.
"Me, yes with flying colors!" Kazu declares. "As for Wind... Well..."
I glare at my brother and growl, "Don't push it."
"Right..." Yur1 says while raising his eyebrow. "Either way, at least we know what those books are. I want to test these new abilities out before the next expansion. Don't worry, I'll try to go to your birthday party if it's possible."
"Not "possible", "will" go to my birthday!" Kazu corrects. "You're one of my friends and it would be terrible if you miss it!"
"Don't worry. It's not a surprise party and I planned to contact his parents about it once we finalize the party. So you have no issues with the invitation."
"Awesome. I can't wait." Yur1 turns to us again and yawns while stretching his arms. "Well, we should go home. I need a bath and a nap."
"Good idea. I think we had enough adventure in
"No argument here. I don't want Arthur and Razul to keep waiting for long."
[Arthur and Razul?]
We turn around to see Specta and another sage with her. "Oh, Sentio! How did you know our friends? I remembered they were outside of
Kazu has a point. Those two should have cared for the monsters outside the forest entrance while we were gone. What happened to them?
[Right. Those two...] The sage says while stroking his chin. [Since those two were strong warriors who managed to deal with a few monsters, we actually asked them a favor to deal with some aggressive ones who might disrupt the ceremonies. Suffice it to say they managed to accomplish it since most of them passed without any issues.]
I'm guessing that from his words alone, that means those two might have gone off on their little [Quest] while we were busy with our hidden ones. I just hope they were luckier than me.
"Well then, you two should be off now. Good luck on your journeys ahead, adventurers. And may the gods guide you to your dreams and hopes."
"Same to you, Dad. I guess."
"Dad?!" Yur1 screams at us with his eyes widened. "Wait, as in your in-game Dad or your real-real Dad?! What the heck am I missing here?!"
I chuckle sheepishly while Kazu pushes Yur1 out of the room and says, "Don't worry, Yu. We'll explain along the way."
Good idea. Considering how much torture I had to go through over a [Hidden Quest], I’ve had enough surprises for one day. Now that the book fiasco is over, I think I should take a bath and help Mom again. Kazuki's birthday is coming and I want to make it the best 13th birthday party in his life!
----------------------------------------
Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 23
[Woodcrafting] Level 10
[Swordsmanship] Level 24
[Cooking] Level 9
[Wind] Level 17
[Physical Enhancement] Level 18
[Hunting] Level 17
[Blacksmithing] Level 18
[Dagger] Level 8
----------------------------------------
God, that was a stressful day. Office work was a pain with crunch time, but helping the mods and devs with the hidden event was like hell to me. Adding that to my boys joining it, I feel like I lost 10 years of my life dealing with their "rage against the heavens". Was it petty? Yes. Was it understandable due to how Hayate was almost traumatized by it? Yes...
Of all things they complained about, Hayate made several good points from them. The point of the game is to have fun, exploring the world while discovering the secrets hidden within it. Our intentions were never meant to traumatize anyone who may be easily triggered by some subject matters along with some real-life phobias. I’d discussed it with the team before I clocked out from today's work and since it was planned to be a recurring event, we decided to deal with the issue first before running it again as a public event after the expansion update. Thank god all that did for Hayate was to motivate him more in his studies and social life.
While we were lucky that the [Sign Creation Ceremony] event went off without a hitch, it doesn't mean the game got out without any scandals, especially one that was unrelated to the event itself. Unfortunately, I'm merely a [Role-Player] and an AI developer outside of Midnight Dragon Games. I can only pray that this whole thing won't blow over.
Right now, I want to open the door to my house and take a shower...
"Adam..."
I flinch when I hear a voice full of venom. Oh, god... I hope that wasn't who I think they were. I slowly turned around and behind the now closed front door was...
"T-Tsukino... I-I didn't see you there," I mutter while trying to keep my smile up. "How's the preparations for the party?"
"Oh, it's going well. I'm only here to check up on you since you said you're going home for dinner tonight."
Okay, at least she didn't forget about what I said this morning. But why do I still have a feeling of dread coming from her?
"Well... I should head up to our room and take a shower. Tell the boys that I'll be at the dinner table later."
I quickly try to rush to the stairs, hoping that she will shrug off my weird behavior as overworking as usual. But then, I stop when I feel her hand gripping too tight on my shoulder.
"Speaking of the boys, they told me of a funny story that you were in the game as some sort of a magician or sage. Not to mention how you almost traumatized Hayate during his bullying victim days thanks to the event you helped create!"
What?! I quickly turned around and to my horror, saw that not only Tsukino was behind me with her eyes and teeth baring like a dragon, but I also saw the culprits, waving at me as if they didn't care about my predicament. I'm almost speechless. I can't believe this betrayal!
"Honestly, I would have chosen not to tell Mom, but..." Hayate turns to Kazuki, who is smiling uncannily at me. "But Kaz's smile changed my mind about it."
K...Kazuki?! He's the one who told on me!
"Just so you know, it's almost your fault for almost ruining the game. Consider it as your karma."
Karma?! When did he think of that?! If this is part of Hayate's manipulations...
"Adam!" I flinch again as I turn around while feeling the intensity of my wife's glare at me. "I already told you that you wouldn't harm the boys while playing that game. I would have ignored this since nothing happened to them, but that doesn't mean I can ignore your actions, don't I?"
I gulp. This is exactly what I feared!
"No, Tsukino! This is a mistake! If you want to blame anyone, blame the game's developers!"
"DO YOU EXPECT ME TO HEAR MORE OF YOUR EXCUSES?! CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY THAT THEY WEREN'T HURT, BUT YOU'RE NOT ESCAPING DISH DUTY FOR ALMOST PUTTING THEM IN DANGER!!! PREPARE FOR A 4-HOUR CHORE STARTING TOMORROW!"
I wish I could scream for help. But how can I? Tsukino is a beast when it comes to discipline and she hasn't gone rusty since our college days.
"I'll leave you love birds to it," Hayate says as he and Kazuki go up the stairs. "I like my steak well done."
"Hope you take care of our chores, Dad!"
Hayate and Kazuki... You two are demons, I tell you! Demons!
"Adam, when I say you do the dishes, I mean it!"
And with that, I'm dragged away to my night of terror.
That's it. No more pulling the boys into near-traumatizing [Hidden Quests] without their permission!