Chapter 7: Proclamation
The adulation and praise of the guild members who were basking under the shadow of a Giant kept on going strong, reinforcing the belonging to the group he established for everyone, regardless if they were hardcore players or casual players who wanted to relax, playing at their own rate.
With this act of 'Blessing' everyone with the Legendary Buffs of the Saharan Successor, the energy continued to blaze around them.
The crimson light illuminating their faces and enveloping their body with a fierce glow made them feel empowered. Some were itching to storm out of the Headquarters and take the first teleportation circle to the hotspots filled with monsters perfect for grinding levels.
Odin's presence felt omnipotent, his aura one of sheer dominance and unwavering leadership. The overwhelming energy made the guild members feel invincible, as if they could conquer any challenge that came their way.
Gazing at the players with his crimson eyes, he addressed the public with a message that was directed at them but simultaneously at the wider audience that watched at their homes. His voice resonated with the authority of a seasoned player and guildmaster.
"This is the power of the Legendary Class. This is what you people wished to see, so I can only oblige and deliver. With this strength, we will push past the hurdles that keep on slowing us down! Our combined might can't be challenged by anyone."
"We can achieve anything we put our collective minds towards. A fiefdom? A Duchy? A Kingdom? Or the whole Empire? Hmph, if we choose to, we can gulp this entire realm."
"Our enemies, I'm certain, are now boiling with envy and jealousy of our deserved success. Only we know how much we had to sacrifice to reach the Top. I'm also aware that they will think that because I received some penalties for achieving a Legendary status, that I'm weak, feeble and unable to defend myself."
"To all of them, I can only give you my condolences."
"As for you, my brothers and sisters, know that I will always have your back, and hopefully you have mine too. Know that this isn't a challenge, but a new opportunity. We will rise to new heights while carrying our banner."
"We shall bring glory to our Leviathan's Legacy!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their spirits uplifted by Odin's words and the palpable power surrounding them. The bond between the guild members and their leader solidified at a noticeable rate, and while his crimson energy seemed stable, the magical intensity in his eyes started to pulse, returning to their glorious splendor.
It gave for another visual delight for the audience in the ballroom, what they didn't know was that Odin's consumed Red Energy was regenerating each second he was standing before them.
The energy around Odin began to swell, the crimson light growing brighter and more ferocious.
In the cacophony of the cheers, Odin had a cold expression in his eyes, as if he was thinking about killing his worst enemy, and once again the crimson energy firework show did a crescendo by his activation of 'Imperial Ascendancy'
The guild members fell silent, their eyes fixed on him, sensing the monumental shift in power.
As Odin activated 'Imperial Ascendancy,' the crimson energy erupted like a firework show, the intensity crescendoing into a spectacular display. The light flared up, bathing the entire ballroom in a vivid red glow. The sheer force of the energy was almost tangible, causing the air to crackle and hum with power.
[You have activated 'Imperial Ascendancy' granting a 10% increase in HP, MP and damage output for 60 minutes]
[With the activation of 'Imperial Ascendancy' you have the chance of increasing one of your primary stats: 0 SPs distributed.]
[You have consumed (80) Red Energy ]
The guild members were overwhelmed once again by the sudden surge coursing from Odin's body, and it was without a doubt a historical moment in Satisfy's history.
Many players of the community globally would remember this moment as 'Odin's Proclamation' and for the protagonist of this video it had the intended effect of putting doubt into the minds of his enemies.
While Odin has declined from his mountain top, being dragged down by the 'penalties' of what ensued the transition into a Legendary Class, this didn't mean the Elite Core of Leviathan Guild known as the 'Aesir' would let any conflict roll without any backfiring.
Soon enough after the spectacle staged by Odin had reached its end, he encouraged all of the players who received his Buff to take full advantage of the EXP boost and Stat increase. Only a handful of players remained inside the Mansion, and that included Noah, Malfurion, and some other low-level users who were casual at best.
"Master, why have you asked us to remain behind? We're not in trouble for snooping over the call you had with Miss Eve?" inquired one of the RP maid players who put on a cute puppy face to mellow Odin's stern look.
"..." Odin glanced at the girl, she was young, maybe in highschool? He couldn't tell for certain because girls could easily fool men when it came to their appearances.
I got nothing to hide, so whatever. Ahh, should I play a bit with them and let them doubt themselves. Silent treatment always wrecks havoc with their minds.
Noah: Hah, can't people respect some boundaries in this mansion?
True. I think I should put some restrictions on the upper floors of the mansion so the lower ranking users can't access it. But again, I wouldn't be fair with everyone. Withholding the ideals of meritocracy is a hussle with a bunch of kids, man children and crazy gals.
Alysha: You're not in the right to admonish us. We're the ones taking care of the mansion while the adventuring-type members are going about their leveling. Watching the one we admire shouldn't be a crime, isn't that right, Odin?
⤷ "Right, we've done nothing wrong, you punk-head! What? Are you jealous that you get no attention with the girls?
⤷ "With so many tattoos, I can feel the reluctance."
The girls of the remaining group began ganking-up on the poor rockstar who didn't get much recognition from the girls who were into K-Pop and American-style Pop, but some girls remained quiet, admiring silently the handsome guy as he formed a frown.
Noah: You gals are childish. Why jump on me, when I just did a truthful statement? Ahh, you should be careful and not show your harpy personalities, Odin might get creeped out.
Not really. I had my fair share of crazy galls to deal with. And, God, bless the old man's heart, I learned to pick Red Flags in a girl's behavior. As per his words, 'Only after you hit your head on a wall, will you learn from experience' Ahh, bless his stingy ass.
Tho, I got burned in my first relationship for being a 'Nice Guy' and that break up made me a mess until Pops reached out his hand and smacked some sense into me, killing the Nice Guy in me.
Hmm, this should be all for the video? Quite the nice cuts I might say? Finally some editing skills have stuck with me after months. I sent BugsBunny the unedited recording of the gathering and speech.
⤷ Odin: I'll leave the rest to your magic. Tell me how much it will cost me later on.
⤷BugsBunny: Whoa, I received some fragments of the event you staged in the Headquarters, but with the full vod from your perspective along with the other's perspective, I'll get a masterpiece. It's for the Guild Channel, right?
⤷ Odin: Pretty much. The public found out that I'm the Saharan Successor, so let's give them an unadulterated experience. It will grow the awareness of the future players and current player base if we act proactive.
⤷ BugsBunny: Can't expect less from you, Guildmaster. I'll do justice to this event and put to shame S.A Group's Cinematic Department. Hehe, making those butthurt idiots eat their words for calling my work junk. No money required, bro, I'm still wielding the Magic Stave you gifted me for the Orc Subjugation Video where you Rocked the Black Knight vibe as you cleaved the Orc Tribe with the other Knights.
⤷ Odin: Bud, you know I hate not giving back for things I receive. I heard you're struggling with the College Loans. Tsk, USA still is a dump when it comes to education funding.
⤷ BugsBunny: Yeah, don't mention. Los Angeles turned into a Third World country. I don't even understand why my parents decided to stay here with all the woke shit considered.
⤷ Odin: I guess, because of Hollywood? Can't tell you much, I'm from the EU. Still, Louis, tell me if you struggle, I'm aware that it is hard to make money off Satisfy even by going full time. I've been there, know how big of a hussle it is to turn it on profit.
⤷ BugsBunny: Thanks, Mathias. You helped me enough with my depression, even took me to Noah's concert for free… Paid for everything… I'm really not a freeloader. Fuck, man, the onions.
⤷ Odin: Stay safe, and reach out if you have some creative questions regarding the upcoming video. Just keep in mind my sleeping schedule.
⤷ BugsBunny: Hehe, I'll not call to wake you up. That was an amateur mistake of mine to not think of the time difference. I blame this on the school system.
Once Odin ended his chat with BugsBunny, the editor, VFX/Animation and Film Director of the Leviathan Guild SkyNet channel, he shifted his attention back to the group of 20 people that he held behind. Since he sorted out the important part of relaying his message to the public, the rest was on BugsBunny to do his magic and make him shine.
Seeing how they still continued to bicker, in a friendly manner, well, maybe it was with some passive aggressiveness from the ladies end, I couldn't help myself but cough a bit to divert their attention to me.
"First of all, you're not in any trouble as far as I'm concerned. I'll act as if I haven't heard you saying you snooped on me and Eve. The reason I asked you all to stay behind is because I wanted to inquire if you wanted to join me in my new leveling experience? "
"I'm aware of some of your gameplay preferences, but let me tell you some hints and advice. Your Stamina grows proportional to your levels, the higher your level is compared to how you people are at this moment, the longer you could enjoy your hobbies in Satisfy."
"I don't know, Master, I'm not a violent person and I don't enjoy seeing wolves being killed, nor the slimes. Would you be upset if I step back, and just enjoy my spare time doing gardening? I still get some EXP doing those menial tasks." remarked one of the players in the group who was an RP guy dressed as a gardener.
"Since I just started the game today, and got invited by my friend, I always looked forward to interacting with you, Odin! I'll be in your care." This one was a player who as he mentioned just began his Satisfy journey and had the luck of being spawned in Titan from all the places.
At his friend's recommendation, he applied to join the guild, and the moderators were more than keen to oblige.
Our screening process was lax with regards to level requirements, but each applicant was required to send an intention letter, so we could gauge their intent and commitment. This was one of my approaches into screening out the bad apples from the good ones without having to deal with a PR disaster as other guilds for example had all sorts of psychos and sociopaths committing crimes left and right against the NPCs.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
I'll thank the workforce experience and managerial position on this part.
"Ohh, those who aren't comfortable and wish to not participate in this bus ride, don't feel ashamed. I just filtered from the Raid Group and picked the lowest level folk."
"Sorry, Odin. But I just want to mess around in Titan. Landscaping in a Medieval Age Metropolis was the reason I joined Satisfy. I hope you're not offended by the rejection of what many would die to get."
"Haha, let's not exaggerate here, no one's dying over getting a bus ride from me. Also, no worries, I'll get offended or upset. I'm just a bit selfish, thinking about myself and what I consider the right path for a virtual experience."
The girls in the group felt their knees get weak in his presence, but they enjoyed their safety, so they chose to remain in Titan.
"Bab… Odin, I would love to join you, but leveling isn't my priority. I want to learn the tailoring profession. But I love that you are dedicated and approachable even for us newbies." said one of the RP girls, holding herself back from addressing Odin in an affectionate manner. She triggered some eyes from the other girls for a couple of seconds, but the awkward air was cleared by his natural charm and charisma.
"Alright, you should check our Website for the Profession Guide. Don't give up if some of the NPCs require that you level a bit. Ask the services of the Experienced members to give you a small ride until you can proceed with your quests."
One by one, the group that remained in the lobby of the Mansion amounted to only 10 players, including Odin. All of them were in one digit levels, 4 of them were RP players who wanted to experience something new, which included the two maids, Alysha and Elyse, one Druid/Gardener with a peculiar name, Malfurion, and his 'Bard' friend that had no interest until recently about leveling up his character, Noah.
The rest of the players were unfamiliar faces, newbies, who joined the guild recently, but that didn't prevent him from doing some bounding with them. He was an approachable guy who oozes charisma, from the perspective of others who had diverse experiences with people in leadership positions.
"I guess it's only us? Good enough. More experience for us."
"Where to now, Odin? There's so many guides for the playthrough of Titan. Are we going to the City Hall or the Garrison?"
"Neither. Those Questlines are too time consuming and EXP inefficient. And honestly, who would want to clean up the Sewers of Titan of the Rat Monsters?"
"But if we're on Titan, what other options do we have? Ahh, that's right, Odin, can't you use your qualifications as a Black Knight to trigger hidden quests that we can take advantage of?"
"... I can't return to the Black Knight Garrison. At least not right now. So, this path is excluded. For now, just follow me, we'll go to the Tower of Sun outside Titan. We'll grab a teleportation portal to Fullbaz Marquisate."
"Fullbaz? Aren't you in great relations with Duchess Rachel Dehakel? We can get quests from her territory, am I right?" inquired Noah, showing that he wasn't devoid of information regarding Satisfy.
"I don't know. You can't say that my relationship with Rachel is that great. My Favorability with her is barely (+20) so we're cordial at best, and it was because I was on the front subjugating the Lizardmen stirring up in her territory as a Captain of my squad."
"And my favorability with her might drop to neutral or negative if she sees me in my current state. She's a proud woman. She'll not even look in my direction if I come to her Castle."
"Alright, I'll not question your intentions. You know this world better than us."
"Uh-huh. My reasoning for traveling to Fullbaz is because the marquis is suffering some financial struggles, and has hardships in controlling the monster population with his own Militia. Kebab is in Fullbaz so the info is confirmed by first-hand accounts."
"We'll dab our fingers in the honeypot, handling the low-level monsters and tackling some quests for the Marquis, but that's not all. I have my sights on Media Kingdom. Skunk's Exploration Group has found an interesting hidden dungeon in Media, called Behen Archipelago. It's a solo instance encounter that can be described as a 'Treasure Trove'."
"Ehh, that Indiana Jones wannabe found another Dungeon?"
"That's why I'm paying him lots of money. So he can do his job and use his Class properly."
While Odin and Noah discussed the recent news circulating around the guild chat related to Shunk's dungeon findings as the Guild's Main Explorer, the one in question, a man who stood at an average height began sneezing, breaking up the perception of his mysterious aura.
His messy, unkempt hair was a deep shade of chestnut, often falling into his eyes, which were a striking emerald green, always sparkling with mischief and curiosity. His face was angular, with sharp cheekbones and a perpetual smirk that suggested he knew more than he let on.
Dressed in a mix of rugged adventurer's gear and eccentric accessories. He wore a weather-beaten leather jacket adorned with various trinkets and charms collected from his countless adventures.
Around his neck hung a pendant with a mysterious rune that pulsed with mana pulling him forward in the dark forest he was carefully navigating.
Shunk: Sneezing again and rubbing his nose, he couldn't help but complain to his party members. "Someone must be talking about me. Again."
LuckyDice: Approaching Shunk with a grin "I bet it's Demacia. He's probably scheming on ways on how to sell the rights to the Dungeons you found to the other guilds."
Shunks: Smirking, his eyes gleaming with greed "Fuck him, if he does that, I want my own cut. What Odin gives me barely covers the cost of the equipment and a bit of extra. You'll think he's a rich guy from all that bravado, but he's piss poor."
Trove: Or he just doesn't want to waste his money?
Shunks: Nahh, I bet he's a brooky.
The group of 5 players, were deep in the dark forest, where the atmosphere was tense. They were searching for the base of the Black Magicians belonging to the Dark God Yatan, the Villains of this Game.
Just the thought of being the ones to find the location of the villains, ignited their greed for all of the glory, but the gloomy atmosphere pulled them back to the impending dangers they were at risk of stumbling upon.
The forest was dark and foreboding, the air thick with an eerie silence. Shunk's pendant pulsed with mana, guiding him deeper into the shadows.
Shunk: Stopping and whispering "Have you heard something coming from the forest, or is it just me? We're approaching the territory of those Black Magician fanatics."
Trove: Rolling his eyes "Not really, but if it makes you feel better about your weird 'feelings', sure."
The group halted for a moment, taking in their surroundings. They were deep in enemy territory, and every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig put them on edge.
Shunk: In a low voice "Alright, let's take a moment. We need to be careful. The information I got from that Black Magician player wasn't cheap. He hinted at the Headquarters being nearby, but he also wasn't able to confirm the location since only High-Rankers are allowed in the HQ, and as you know those High-Rankers are arrogant pricks."
"I asked Yura one time, but she kept me on read. I swear, those girls are too high on their pedestal."
Shunk's team consisted of skilled explorers, each one handpicked for their unique abilities. Trove, a burly warrior player among the top of his class, with a sharp tongue, was Shunk's right-hand man. Despite his gruff exterior, he trusted Shunk's instincts implicitly.
Trove: Grumbling" I hope that bribe was worth it. I don't like dealing with those Black Magician types. Too shady for my taste."
Shunk: Nodding It'll pay off. Trust me. Once we find their base, we'll have the leverage we need. I'm sure Odin will pay us generously.
"Weren't you complaining that he pays you poorly?"
"That's for low-level dungeons. There's a percentage increase for the high-level dungeons or raids."
The group resumed their careful advance, Shunk leading the way with his pendant glowing faintly, guiding them through the darkness. The atmosphere grew more oppressive with each step, the forest seeming to close in around them.
Shunk: "Quietly Stay alert. We're close. I can feel it."
As they moved deeper into the forest, the tension among the group was palpable. They knew they were on the brink of a significant discovery, and the risks were high. Shunk's keen senses and the magical guidance of his pendant were their only hope in navigating the treacherous territory.
Trove: Muttering under his breath "Let's hope your 'feelings' don't get us killed."
Shunk: Smirking "Relax, Trove. We've got this."
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"Relax, girls, you shouldn't fear this much. Wait until you are facing demons or goblins. That's when you could freak out." the voice of the man in charge of a group of 9 people watched in awe as he was navigating the tight spaces of the beasts charging at him with instinctual ferocity of grassland predators.
[Wild Wolf - LV.8]
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 25 EXP, Wolf Fang 1x, 2 Bronze Coins]
The whimpering of the first wolf in this pack that was slayed didn't affect the predatory instincts of the wild beasts who choose to prey on the human who acted hostile against them, pointing his weapon with a smirk on his face.
However, each time they would pounce on this man, they would fail miserably, plunging on the grassland, and then suffering from his effortless strikes that were reminiscent of a veteran mercenary or knight.
To this towering figure, sporting his leather armor and holding his longsword in a relaxed stance as it gleamed with all sorts of magical enchantments effect that were of a beautiful white light as if being blessed by Goddess Rebecca herself.
Once again he stepped toward one of the wolves that were closer to his melee range and without executing any skills, only relying on his swordsmanship taught by the NPCs of this Fantasy World, he put down another mutt with his rapid combo of strikes and slashes.
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 27 EXP, Wolf Hide 1x, 3 Bronze Coins]
Turning toward another victim, the wolf that was stared down by this man froze under the invisible pressure of his crimson eyes. In a brief sequence he started sprinting toward this wolf, while dodging the lunges of 3 wolves, and with an executioner vertical slash he cleaved the head of the wolf and put the end without being required to add more damage to the beast.
In a sense〘 Satisfy World 〙had implemented more realism to the game, and if a player fulfilled certain conditions, could execute a weaker target in one-shot. This condition mainly centered on pinpoint the vital points of a target, and doing a 'Shock-Strike'.
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 28 EXP, Wolf Hide 1x, 2 Bronze Coins]
⤷ Are we playing the same game? Why does watching Odin fight those wolves make it seem so easy?
⤷ This is why I love Master. He's so handsome, he's so perfect while wielding that sword.
⤷ Malfurion: Noah, do you know why the sword Odin uses has that strange glow, as if its imbued with lots of Mana Stones? You've been in the guild far longer than me.
⤷ Noah: If I remember correctly, that sword is one of the projects Balgar worked on when he was testing the Enhancement System. That sword is something he crafted for his Class Quest, but that magic effect on its appearance is because the sword is (+9).
⤷ Malfurion: +9? What is the limit?
⤷ Noah: I don't know, haven't looked up online. Hey, Odin, wanna give us a piece of your mind? Maybe share a good story regarding that sword and Baldur beginning to bald because of the Enhancement System?
Odin, who was attentive to the group of onlookers, chuckled as he was reminded of a good memory.
Slaying another wolf, that left him to deal with only two more wild beasts in their journey toward the Tower of Sun, he charged up the pace and like a Samurai from a bygone era, carved into pieces the remaining two beasts who didn't pose for a moment a threat to himself and his group.
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 22 EXP, Wolf Fang 1x, 4 Bronze Coins]
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 24 EXP, Wolf Fang 1x, 4 Bronze Coins]
[You have slayed a 'Wild Wolf' gaining the following rewards: 28 EXP, Wolf Hide 2x, 3 Bronze Coins]
[You have leveled up! Congratulations for reaching level 3.]
"You newbies shouldn't bother with that cursed system. Only drug addicts, addict gamblers and suicidal people should touch those enhancement stones. Urgh, I get chills thinking of Baldur's zombie face from back in the day."
"Odin, are you joking? Has Baldur dropped so low as to become an addict? He looks like a cool guy from the videos online of him giving blacksmithing tutorials." inquired Alysha, who had an idea of this Baldur player, but she quickly got lost into Odin's amused chuckle.
"Maybe when our guild reaches one year, and we celebrate it, I'll make a collage video of all the 'incidents' that we've experienced on our journey. It would be an eye opener for you, new batch of players."
"As for what Noah and Malfurion asked. The highest limit for Enhancements is (+10). But no one in the entire game managed to reach that point. However, Baldur tried, and almost went bankrupt."
"He settled for only (+9) since it had a 0.33% chance of succeeding."
"... That low? What about the next enhancement? How's the rate?"
"Who knows? I didn't bother getting onto Baldur's nerves as the main Blacksmith guy in the guild. He even went crazy on me for being a bad luck charm. Can you even believe that asshole? After pouring all of my stones into his project, I didn't even get my Main Weapon to +7, but at least I got my hands on this level 1 Epic-rated Sword."
"This smells like drama. I'll rather not know more."
"True. Anyway, how are you folks handling the scenes? Especially you girls?"
"I got to level 3, no complaints here. You also didn't torture those pitiful wolves."
"Pitiful? Hahh, this is what happens when the content level grows. People forget past tragedies. The pack of wolves is one of the 'Bosses' that many noobs who started the game back in the day succumbed. Level 1 against Level 10 Wolves? It was a bloodbath."
"Really?"
"Yeah, search online if you don't believe me."
"..." The members of the group confirmed right away the validity of Odin's words, and were shocked to find that the videos they directed online had millions of views. From the contents those wolves that Odin played around were ferocious beasts, killing sheep after sheep.
"Woow, people back then were so pitiful."