Well, talk about an unintended off-guard reveal. Not only did we learn that there is something more to the [Gaia Live] than we originally thought, but that the NPCs were basically alive in the virtual world. I wish I could process all of it, but I'm too busy dealing with a guy geeking out on me and Kazuki as "legends". I don't want to recall that stressful memory, but I’ve begun to regret my lazy character design on [Isekai].

After that brief shock, we agreed to let three college boys named Lucas, Harley, and Brycen join the conversation. I'm a bit uncomfortable with people older than us, but after their first impression, I notice that they are not all bad in my book. Considering that guy, Brycen seemed to be a bit laidback like Zac, only he doesn’t seem to be a Casanova-type. The same can be said when it comes to Harley with Damon, though less stern than him.

But back to the main topic, I turn to Mr. Spears as he clears his throat.

"Alright, now that that unintended meeting is over, how about we get back to your questions, you two?"

Probably a wise idea. "Right," I speak up. "Regarding what you said, how in the world did an AI program give most of the NPCs in [Isekai] their own AI? Isn't that impossible with the current technology we have right now?"

"It is true that it is impossible with what we have. But your father managed to bypass it by simply having [Gaia Live] assign roles and commands to other NPCs and gave an incubator to the important ones for the game's lore."

"Incubator?" Kazuki repeats in confusion.

"It means a program that evolves depending on the information the AI has fed into," Brycen explains. "I heard it's very recent since they tested it with AI prompts and art in the last few years. It's controversial to everyone, but it was very successful in the first stages of the testing."

Huh. This guy knows his stuff. I wonder if his major is computer engineering.

"Controversial? Why is that?" Kazuki asks again.

"While it was successful, the art and writing created by AI were met by a backlash of artists and writers," Lucas explains next. "It mostly uses the art styles from other artworks and writing styles and plots from novels that were fed into the programs to create them. It's a big issue when it comes to copyright and it's also complicated with the laws themselves."

"In other words, it's very complicated," I conclude to give Kazuki a short form explanation. "Either way, the incubation feature of the program is a mixed bag. I'm just surprised Dad used it to help [Gaia Live] create some NPCs for [Isekai]."

"It's not only that," Mr. Spears speaks up. "It helps with the near-realism of the game's setting. Their emotions, personalities, and goals are tied not only with the lore and story, but themselves as well."

So they also possess their own individuality, too, huh? That's very interesting. I guess our interactions with Bai Hu, Veritates, and Acutus were a bit real after all.

"If that's true, then the towns and cities in the game are somewhat alive as well?" I ask, wanting to confirm something.

"You can say that. Most of the events are determined not only by the players' actions but also by the NPCs."

I see. That explains that last sudden event with the potions. If I recall, it all started when their stock got attacked by a sudden rush of monsters. Was that a hint of things to come here?

"If that's the case, I'm sorry in advance for asking this out of the bloom, especially with your brother, Hayate." Lucas clears his throat as we look at each other in confusion. "But what happens if an NPC dies? Will there be consequences to the world itself?"

I quickly freeze when I hear this. That's...a bit blunt there, buddy. No wonder he apologized in advance. Otherwise, I would have smacked him silly for saying that in front of my younger brother.

"A bit cruel to ask, but I understand where you're going, Mr. Lowell," Mr. Spears says. "In general, if an NPC dies, it is permanent. Having them revive outside of the story is out of the question and if an important NPC dies, there will be consequences to the setting and world itself. The same can be said if too many NPCs die by a natural disaster instigated by a player's decisions."

I gulp at the last two sentences. If we didn't save the forest and Bai Hu... If we didn't save that Royal Magician...

God, I don't want to think about these what-ifs without throwing up from stress. And neither does Kazuki.

"Does it include the monsters who were also important to the story and lore?" Lucas asks.

"That's right. Criminals with bounties, legendary monsters, you name it. Their fates are all determined by you, players," Mr. Spears explains. "Whether it's good or bad for the game's world, it is up to you to determine the endings and fates of them. But no pressure or anything. The whole point of the game is the freedom of choice. What you want to be in the fantasy world and how you want to shape it is all your decisions. There are no determined heroes and villains because you can become one of either yourself."

It makes sense. The whole point of this semi-sandbox VRMMO is choosing who you want to be in the virtual fantasy world. I still have no idea who I want to be in real life, but I already decided what I want to be in .

"Is that all the questions you two have?"

I wish I had more of them. But I guess we can find out if we continue playing the game. I look at Kazuki just in case, silently asking the same question.

"I think we're good," he answers. "Thanks for answering them. Mr. Spears."

I nod to him with a smile. Guess brotherly minds think alike.

"I'm glad you're satisfied with my answers." Mr. Spears turns to the college boys next. "And what about you, Mr. Lowell?"

"I'm also good, too. We already asked some questions regarding another feature and it would be redundant if we ask again."

"Another feature"? I wonder what he meant by that. Either way, I have a feeling we have no right to ask right now. Besides, that guy with brown cowlick hair and glasses has the same thought as me.

"Okay." Mr. Spears claps his hands and says, "And with that, that's the end of our tour. Feel free to go around any authorized rooms around here if you like. I hope all of you enjoy the rest of the release event." He then turns to me and Kazuki. "And send your father some regards from me and the rest of the Midnight Dragon."

"We will," I say before turning to my brother. "Come on, Kaz. We should take some photos before heading back downstairs."

"Yeah! I can't wait to show all of this to Sheridan and Annie!"

With that, we head off as I take out my phone and...

"Kazuki and Hayate, right?"

I stop when I hear Lucas as we turn our attention to him and his friends.

"I know we just met and knew one of your identities thanks to this lycan geek idiot here..."

"Hey!"

"But you two are cool. That's what I want to admit."

I raise my eyebrow and ask, "Is that a compliment?"

"Probably. Lucas can be great with honest criticism. Not great with other people," the red-haired man explains.

"Harley!"

I chuckle at that comment. So he's me and Damon combined. I'm a bit offended and flattered at the same time.

"Hey, no worries. I think you guys are cool, too," I say. "If we meet again in [Isekai], we might party up and do some dungeons together."

"Same here," Lucas answers. "Though fair warning: Our characters are a bit...out there. I don't mean we use a weird [Mastery] build. But let's just say ours have a big quirk."

Quirk? Does that mean they have a [Mastery] that operates differently from normal ones?

No, wait. [Advanced Masteries] aren't supposed to be released until tomorrow’s expansion. So what is he talking about?

"Yeah! You see, we can do..."

Before Brycen can start, Harley suddenly covers his mouth and says, "Dude, what part of "secret weapon" don't you understand?!"

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

I raise my eyebrow as I watch them back away before Lucas approaches us. "Sorry about that. He's a bit...energetic when it comes to that subject. Don't worry, you guys will find out soon when we meet again. Trust me, it's a bit wild for a good reason."

"Wild"? Now I'm curious about their [Isekai] identities. I would be annoyed by their secrecy. But I understand what they're trying to do. We tried to keep our [Masteries] a secret from everyone else. As Zac would say, "Showing your [Masteries] to anyone is like exposing your weapons to your enemies before a fight." I should respect their privacy if that's what they want.

"I understand. I hope whenever that day comes, we might be able to do something amazing together in the game. Until then..." I stretch out my hand to Lucas. "See you in , Lucas Lowell."

He smiles at me before we notice Kazuki doing the same as me. "Same, Hayate Palmer. You, too, Kazuki Palmer."

Kazuki grins and says, "We'll be ready for it! We promise!"

With that, we shook hands and went off our own ways.

Lucas Lowell... Brycen Kessler... Harley Spencer...

I have a feeling our next meeting will be much more interesting than I expected. I wish I knew more about what the stories behind their lives are all about. But I want to focus on ours first. The expansion is coming tomorrow and our journeys have only just begun.

Maybe someday, we might know the truth behind their playthroughs very soon...

----------------------------------------

After we take some photos upstairs, Kazuki and I go down through the elevator to go back to the party itself. By the time we arrived, we noticed there was a performance by female cosplayers on stage that reminded me a lot of K-Pop and J-Pop girl groups. I heard there are performances between gameplay demonstrations, but I wonder if this is another one of the mid-break ones I heard on the website.

"About time you got back, you two."

We turn around and see Zac and Damon. Only after we see them do I notice that the former is wearing a bunch of clothing with what I assume to be [Isekai] merch.

"You guys missed out on some gameplay demos and minigames. Don't worry, I saved some for you and little Kaz," Zac says. "Also, you also missed one of the famous artists performing a song for..."

"Save it, Zac," I interrupt. "As much as I'm disappointed for missing out on most of the event, have you forgotten we rather go into the expansion blind?"

"Uh, right. Still, you guys missed a lot during your tour. At least try to participate in a minigame if you want to fully enjoy any video game premiere events."

He might be right. I mean, we're only here because of Dad, but I should try to loosen up and enjoy it with my friends.

"Anyways, what did you two do upstairs?" Damon asks. "It's okay if you guys don't give us the full details if the devs gave you some NDAs and stuff."

Right. I wish I could tell them what we learn about the game and the consequences brought on by an NPC's death. But it's not a good place to tell them, especially on a joyous day like this one.

"It would be better if we share this back home or on Discourse," I suggest. "There's a lot we uncover, but we need to be private if you guys want to know more about it. It's a bit...sensitive to tell you right here anyway."

As expected, Zac and Damon look at each other for a while before they turn back to me.

"If you sounded so serious, then we understand."

Zac nods and says, "Double agree on me, bud. I don’t wanna unintentionally create some unnecessary rumors here, so save it for later. Now come on, there are a few more desserts on the table, so why don't we..."

"And now, we present to you, the game's scenario planner and the creator and director! Mr. Evan White and Mr. Wilbur Giffard!"

We quickly gasp as soon we hear someone's voice boom from the speakers. We turn around and see not only some of the performers along with the idol group on stage but also a few people in casual and business clothing. One of them has short brown hair and gray eyes and wears a simple brown and white business suit as he holds a microphone in front of the audience and another is a blonde-haired man with blue eyes and wears a black business suit, white shirt, and green necktie standing next to him.

"Hello everyone! I hope you all had fun with the festivities for tonight. In case most of you don't know who I am, my name is Wilbur Giffard and I am thrilled you enjoyed what Enigma and I had to offer for all of you with the world's first VRMMO," the brown-haired man introduces himself. "I know most of you want to meet my co-creator who helped us realize the world of . However, Wayne Enigma did leave a message for all of you to hear."

He takes out his phone and starts reading what I assume to be the said letter.

"To all the players of . I would like to extend my gratitude for embarking on your new adventures into the world I conceived thanks to the efforts of Giffard and Midnight Dragon Studios. Ever since the VRMMO's conception, I made sure to create a fantasy world where all of you can shape the world in whatever you want. Whether you want to be heroes or villains, explore the uncharted regions, or discover the hidden past of , it is yours to write your very own fantasy story. I hope that whatever your goals are, I'm sure that it will leave a great impact on the game's history, both in the game and in real life. I hope all of you can enjoy what has to offer for all of you. Until that day comes, be prepared for the surprises we planned for you. May the gods of ensure your victories and good luck, Adventurers!"

Wayne Enigma... That's Kazuki's favorite fantasy author of all time. I look at him and his eyes just won't stop sparkling from hearing that message. While we don't know the man or woman behind the anonymity, I know that they were famous for the Seraph book series, the very same one Kazuki got into the fantasy genre craze. Who knew the project they collaborated with was the same one he and I are playing right now?

"Wow. That's a powerful message from the creator of themselves," Mr. Giffard says. "As Wayne Enigma has said, is not only a fantasy sandbox for all of you to play in. It's a world filled with mysteries and dangers lying within the lore and myths waiting for you to discover. And with the [Monarch of Light] expansion coming in a few hours, I'm sure all of you are going to enjoy the new events and mysteries in the world of ."

Everyone including Zac applauded for the game creator's speech. If what Mr. Giffard said is true, then I have a feeling Kazuki and I may learn more not only about the [Sign Creation Mastery] itself but also the mysteries behind the plague that attacked months ago. With the incoming dangers ahead, there is no way for us to lag behind. We're going to and we're going to explore the world of together.

"With that said, I will hand it over to Evan White. Mr. White, you can take the floor."

Oh, right. The MC did mention him, too. I was wondering why he was called in, yet wasn’t given a chance to talk. Did they forget about him or...

"Thank you, Mr. Giffard. As they say, the world of has so much to offer for aspiring Adventurers like you. That's why someone very important from that world has a special message for those who came all this way to celebrate this momentous celebration."

The people on the stage backed away to reveal a large LED screen showing static behind them. It's a bit odd that there was someone else who left a message for the players. But Enigma already left one in the form of a letter that Mr. Giffard read out. What else do they have to offer?

[Hello!]

The static becomes clearer and with several gasps, we see an old man with a beard sitting on a throne, wearing a cape, red robe, gray pants, and brown boots. He also wore a gold crown with gem ornaments on his head as he seemingly stared right at us from the screen.

[If you saw this message, then I bid a good evening, Adventurers of .]

As soon as he says this, we can hear several murmurs and gasps around the room. I take a closer look at the man on the screen, and it seems like he came from the game itself. And this isn't just normal fourth-wall-breaking footage. I do recall there's an item that records conversations and video-like footage. So in a sense, it is justified as to how he manages to make something like this in-universe.

[I have heard from the branch in that many of you will be coming to our humble kingdom very soon. I know politics got in the way of your desires to travel beyond the borders of and for that, I apologize on behalf of the monarchy.]

I raise my eyebrow when he mentions terms I never heard before.

"?" Zac repeats with the same thought in mind.

"Come on, guys. Did you read the wiki often at all?" Kazuki whispers. " is a country that is located west of in the continent. That's where and the country it’s in, is located, too."

Oh, I see. I was wondering where that beginner town is located in . Maybe I should take Kazuki's advice and read the Wiki more often.

[Now then, I bet all of you are ecstatic to visit at your own pace. However, there is something I wish to ask of all Adventurers who got this message.]

Huh. I never expected a (fictional) king would send a message to us for some kind of favor.

[As you all know, the kingdom of has graciously sent the [Adventurer's Guild] some [Familiar Soul Gems] as part of the alliance beneficial gift between the five kingdoms. And it would be appropriate if one tests the bond between an Adventurer and their [Familiar] in our very own kingdom.]

Tests the bond? The [Familiar] system?

Wait, don't tell me that he's suggesting...

[So as the 39th king of , I hereby declare the inauguration of the [Continental Familiar Tournament] held in the city of !]

With that sentence alone, everyone in the room booms with screams of joy and excitement to the point of breaking my eardrums. They had mentioned the [Familiar] system in the patch notes, but I’d been confused as to why they added it in this expansion. And now I know why.

[One month from now, I will give all Adventurers time to travel and bond with their future [Familiars] across the continent. It will not only test those qualities but also the strength you have gained from your adventures throughout . I expect all of you will have an enjoyable life with your [Familiars] as you arrive in my humble kingdom. Until that day comes, I wish your journeys blessed by the gods and I hope we see you soon.]

And with that, the video ends. Everyone starts to chatter about what they have just witnessed as I turn to Kazuki.

"Hey, Hayate..." Kazuki starts.

"Yeah, I saw everything," I say next. "Think we're up for that [Familiar] tournament together?"

Kazuki nods with a smile. "Why wouldn't we? Not only do we get to train hard, but we have to get some strong [Familiars] by our side! That's our next goal!"

That's right. There's not only a new location for us to explore but also new toys to experiment against any obstacles this game throws at us.

All that's left now is to prepare for tomorrow.

"This is going to be an interesting Winter break."