Legendria, Hokō ̄Nun

Hoko began walking toward Kaizo and the others, just as Kai had instructed, but paused mid-step. She hesitated, wondering if this decision might hurt her chances of receiving a maiden embryo—the type she wanted. Opening her menu, she checked the in-game timer and felt a wave of worry. Her character's age timer had surpassed 50 hours.

According to the article on embryo cultivation she had read, the first hours with an embryo egg were crucial. Evidence suggested that maiden-type embryos often awakened in less than 12 hours, and most embryos awakened by the 24-hour mark.

Something’s wrong, she thought. Maybe it’s because I didn’t do anything during those first hours. I should probably focus on that instead… but Kaizo is right there. Kai would be furious if he found out I ignored him right away.

Hoko started pacing nervously, creating a bubble of space in the otherwise bustling crowd. Some people stopped to glance at her, hesitating at the sight of a pretty girl before continuing on their way. Then, someone from Kaizo’s party approached her. The person was short, dressed in dark clothing, with a large obscured snout.

“Eh, what seems to be the issue? Are you looking for someone?” he asked, giving her another once-over. His gaze landed on the purple gem on her left hand—her embryo egg. “Ah, you’re a newbie, right? Overwhelmed? Would you like an introduction to the game?”

Hoko stopped pacing and visibly relaxed. Well, I guess the choice has been made for me. It could’ve been worse. At least I didn’t stand here panicking until my embryo hatched—that would’ve been utterly embarrassing.

She replied, “Oh, uh, yes, I guess. I wanted to play with my brother, but he has an exam to prepare for, so he had to ditch me at the last minute. I didn’t want to wait, but I think I might've skipped the tutorial.”

Hoko kept a hint of nervousness in her voice, hoping it would conceal the slight lie she had told. As she finished speaking, she realized she probably didn’t need to lie so directly. However, she let it go before her doubts could spiral.

Kai asked me to join them, and this is an opportunity served on a silver platter, she thought, steadying herself.

The concealed figure motioned with his arms, encouraging Hoko to take a breath and calm down. Behind him, the rest of his friends began gathering. “Don’t worry, you didn’t miss a thing. The intro to the game is personalized by the control AI, but it’s almost always pretty light on details—just enough to give you the vibe of the starting countries. That’s intentional because each player gets to be the master of their own fate,” he said, emphasizing the word master with a playful tone.

Hoko relaxed further and snorted at the pun. “That was bad, but good delivery.”

“Thank you,” he replied with a small bow.

Turning to Kaizo, Hoko noticed just how massive the man was up close. He carried a polearm strapped to his back, the shaft adorned with a striking blend of the four primary colors—red, green, yellow, and blue. But something seemed off. He wasn’t a centaur like Kai had described.

Maybe Kai mistook him for another Kaizo. This one seems pretty calm, Hoko thought.

The man in black turned his back to Hoko and began an exaggerated game of charades with Kaizo. After a few seconds of silent communication, Kaizo nodded. The dark-clad figure turned back to Hoko and spoke again.

“So, would you like to join us on a mission? It’d give you a chance to see the game in action for a bit. But I should warn you before you get the wrong idea. We work as professional debt collectors. We get assignments from the bank, and it’s our job to ensure debts are collected. It can get a little messy sometimes, though.”

He hesitated for a moment, scratching the back of his head. “Actually, we had a bit of a mix-up with another newbie recently. I hope he hasn’t quit because of it—wouldn’t do our rep any good. Honestly, we’re hanging by a thread as a niche filler. But it helps that Kaizo takes the game very seriously.”

Hoko took everything in and considered well this seems like the best confirmation I'd get that this is the right Kaizo without just asking. what is it about niche fillers though? she then replied and asked directly "eh, sure i guess i can understand it, sounds a little dark but i guess someone has to do those quests as well. what did you say about niche fillers though?"

Kaizo began to speak, but Hoko was immediately distracted by his voice. It was strangely normal for someone so large, which reminded her that this was, after all, a game. She knew players could customize their voices too so she was confused a little.

Wait, no! Get these thoughts out of your head. The article said you need to believe the game is real to get a maiden embryo, she chastised herself.

Kaizo paused, coughed into his fist, and deepened his tone before starting again. “I think I should explain that part. I’m KaizoStomp. I stream our Infinite Dendrogram sessions on my channel. We started as regular adventurers, but some real monsters showed up over time, and we had to pivot. Now, we’re a team covering the dark side of Legendria. Is it okay if you appear in the video? We could edit around you, but that’d mean extra work for Kurt.”

Hoko, only half-paying attention as she tried to block out Kaizo’s immersion-breaking honesty, nodded. I can’t blame him for being straightforward with another player, but it’s annoying. Just like how Kai can make me start breathing manually with his convincing tone… Damn it, now I’m doing it to myself!

“Yes, please! Can I be in the video? Just… after this, keep the real-world talk to a minimum. I’m trying to get a maiden type,” Hoko replied, her enthusiasm catching Kaizo off guard.

Kaizo raised an eyebrow in surprise before responding. “Well, alright then. Just keep it PG. Sorry, sorry, that’s the last one. Though, I have to say, I’ve never heard of anyone actually succeeding at getting a rare type on purpose. I know the rumors, but it all sounds like people justifying delusional behavior. Sure, being protective or friendly with an NPC is fine, but it’s starting to become a problem for some players. It’s even making the rounds in the streamer community.”

Hoko’s excitement gave way to slight embarrassment. “Alright, just… do you mind indulging me until my embryo hatches?”

Kaizo sighed and replied in a heavier tone, “Fine. Now, let’s get to it.”

The group guided Hoko to the guild building, suggesting that she pick either a healer or tank job, which could potentially improve her chances of getting a maiden type. Despite their advice, they continued to insist there was likely no guaranteed way to control which embryo she’d receive.

As they walked, they introduced themselves. The short, black-clad figure who had first approached her was Kurtulmak—or Kurt for short—a kobold. The two girls were Pearl and Changeling, with the latter explaining she was Pearl’s gardener-type embryo.

Upon entering the bank, they were immediately stopped by another player. A wide-brimmed leather hat shaped like a perfect circle, in earthy colors resembling various types of rock sat upon his stark white skeletal face. His robe was a deep brown, with armor protecting critical areas, and every piece of his gear looked as expensive as Kaizo’s polearm. The metallic staff he carried, however, was even more impressive, with a pure black orb floating in the middle of two rings of orbiting black sand.

“Finally! Kaizo, we’re late for the raid. You told me two days ago—Dendro time—that you’d remember. I waited with Finn in the guild hall until he left. I like you, man, I really do, but you’re really hard to be friends with sometimes. If we rush, we might still make it; they left 20 minutes ago, but I don’t think they were in a hurry,” the newcomer said, his tone exasperated.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Hoko observed the conversation from the sidelines while Kaizo’s party members filled her in. Pearl explained that the man’s name was GesStar. At the start of the game, he and Kaizo were close friends and played together all the time, even before Kurt and Pearl joined the group. They suspected Kaizo and GesStar knew each other in real life but never asked directly. Now Kaizo and GesStar weren't open to talk about the subject.

However, after Kaizo pivoted his streams to focus on the dark side of Legendria, a rift had formed between them, and they played together less often. Apparently, Kaizo had agreed to a plan with GesStar and another player two days ago but had completely forgotten about it.

While the backstory was explained to her, Hoko noticed her brother running past their group and then rushing back out moments later.

What are the chances these things are related? she wondered.

The argument between Kaizo and GesStar shifted to Hoko’s presence.

“Please don’t tell me you’re going to drop her on me like last time you found a newbie,” GesStar accused.

Kaizo retorted, “Okay, I get that you’re pissed, but one: Kurt suggested she join us. And two: I already told her what we do, so there won’t be any surprises like last time.”

"Okay, but let me ask this—what level are you?" GesStar asked. "Also, your name? So, two things, I guess," he added quickly.

"I'm level 0. I just started and picked Earth Priestess as my job. My name is Hoko Nun. What's yours?" Hoko replied easily.

GesStar took a few moments to think, his skeletal face remaining eerily still as his mind churned. Finally, he spoke. "I believe in supporting newbies, but she’ll die before we even reach the start of the raid boss fight. How much do you want this?" He directed the last part to Kaizo.

Before Kaizo could answer, Hoko interrupted. "I don’t mind if I die. I’m going to get a maiden embryo. They have 'giant killer' abilities, right? Then it doesn’t matter what level I am."

GesStar pinched two skeletal fingers together where his nose would have been, then quickly lowered his hand. "Not again. First, dictating Shoko’s job; now, you’re trying to somehow control someone’s embryo. For a moment, I’ll ignore the fact that you can’t choose an embryo type—or any other aspect of an embryo. An embryo is supposed to reflect its master. What you’re trying to do is downright abusive to a new player. How old even is she? I hope you didn’t just look at the avatar and assume she’s an adult."

Kaizo, grinding his teeth, replied slowly, emphasizing each word. "I. Didn’t. Force. Anything." He then continued in a calmer tone, "She hasn’t stopped talking about getting a maiden embryo since she joined us. And we both know Kurt would never put that idea in someone’s head. You are correct, however. Hoko, how old are you?"

Hoko shrank under the sudden intensity and answered in a tiny voice. "I’m 13. I’ll turn 14 in less than half a year. GesStar, I promise Kaizo didn’t force me to do anything. He just suggested I take a tank or healer job to improve my chances of getting a maiden."

Kaizo facepalmed before speaking. "Kid, do you understand how much trouble I could’ve gotten into if you were younger than 13? I could still get into minor trouble because you’re under 18. What the hell are you doing walking around looking like—don’t judge me here—a beautiful woman in her early 20s?"

Before Hoko could respond, GesStar interrupted. "Damn it. Okay, I’m sorry for assuming. Still, Kaizo, ask next time. And Hoko, tell people your actual age. This situation could’ve turned awful in so many ways. Why are you even looking like this?" He tried to keep his tone approachable.

Hoko mumbled something incomprehensible, fidgeting with her hands. When GesStar coaxed her again, she blurted out quickly, barely intelligible, "I just don’t like how I look in real life."

GesStar softened his tone further, trying to reassure her. "It’s fine. I’m sorry for making you answer if you didn’t want to. Let’s lighten the mood. So, how are you handling the extra height? Not to shame anyone, but it took someone I know four days to get used to walking on four legs."

Kaizo immediately interjected. "Hey, fu...dge you." He mumbled under his breath, loud enough for Hoko to hear, "Can’t curse with a child around. That’s bull."

Hoko snickered at the exchange, wiping away a few tears that had started to form. "It’s weirdly easy," she said. "Me, my big brother, Mom, and sometimes my big sister used to go to a local circus that had open days every summer for a few years. My brother has really impressive balance, but I always liked the stilts. It’s a little like that, except the knees are shifted downward. The change isn’t that dramatic, I think."

GesStar chuckled and kept the jovial tone. "So, are you still adamant about going on that raid?"

Shoko answered with a thoughtful tone. "I... uh, answered a bit in the heat of the moment earlier. I’d actually prefer not to die immediately. Maybe we could do something simpler? Does Kaizo have anything like that we can do? I’d still like to be in the video if possible."

Kaizo paused to think before replying. "I forgot I agreed to that. Hmm... I don’t want to ruin the mood, so... Kurt, you share some blame here. Mind aging her down in the video?"

Kurt jumped at the mention of his name. "Ah, sure. Yeah, sorry—I wasn’t thinking when I asked her to join us. Though, to be fair, she looked pretty panicked at the time. Also, she’s kinda short, so I assumed she wasn’t over 18. Like, 17 or maybe 18, not 13."

Hoko immediately objected. "I’m perfectly normal height! I used my oldest sister’s height as a reference, and she’s over 21!"

Kurt retorted, "Then your family is just short in general. Anyway, are we good now? Can we move on?"

Kaizo, GesStar, and Hoko responded in unison. "Fine."

Pearl moved toward Kurt as the group reconvened, whispering something that seemed to lift his spirits.

Kaizo guided the group through the grand reception halls of the bank, eventually leading them through a discreet door off to the side. "I guess this spot won’t cause too many problems. Kurt, if you would?"

A thick, dark, sparkling vapor began to rise from between Kurt’s wrappings before surging toward Hoko.

"Hey, wait—what are you doing?" she protested. But her objections were cut off as the starry darkness enveloped her. The white dots in the vapor seemed to wink before vanishing, taking the mist with them. When it cleared, Hoko’s avatar had been altered—a slightly shorter and more realistic version of herself stood where her exaggerated hourglass figure had been.

Hoko examined herself, poking her belly with a frown.

Kurt noticed and asked, "What’s wrong? I can adjust the illusion a bit."

Hoko answered flatly, "I don’t like how this looks. The belly, I mean. The height is fine."

Kurt started to respond but stopped, choosing his words carefully. "I can change it back, but I think you’re being too critical. It’s not life-threatening in real life, is it?" He waited for her answer.

"No, nothing like that," Hoko admitted in a steady tone. "Most of my family is overweight, though. I’m the most extreme. My sisters are sports nuts instead."

"Well," Kurt said, "the women you were emulating have their own issues. Those beauty standards? Completely unrealistic. They’re literally impossible if you’re a normal person." He paused awkwardly before continuing in an assertive tone. "Maybe gather your strength, work out a little in real life if you aren’t already, and find someone you can talk to—someone in real life. Dendro is a good second option, but you should open up to someone you trust more than someone wearing a fake face. Okay?"

The exchange looked strange from the outside, as Kurt carefully kept his gaze at eye level with the real Hoko, while her illusionary self looked up at him, while he seemingly spoke to the air.

Hoko stopped poking her belly and after a few moments of silence spoke up "Thanks. I think it does help. I’m not sure if I have anyone to talk to about this in real life, though. Do you mind listening from time to time?"

Kurt nodded. "Sure." Then, turning to Kaizo, he added, "Sorry for the hold-up. We should be ready now."

Kurt simply replied with a sure and then turned to Kaizo "well sorry for the hold up we should be ready"

Kurt’s wrappings bulged again, releasing more vapor. This time, the mist coalesced into a saucer shape behind Kurt’s head. The white spots formed an oval constellation before a line appeared in the middle, spreading open to reveal a glowing white eye with a black iris and another white circle as a pupil.

"We’re rolling," Kurt announced once the eye finished forming.

Kaizo adjusted his voice back to a deep, dramatic tone. "Welcome back to KaizoStomp in 'The Unseelie Courts' As usual, we have with us the dragon’s eye—the trickster, Kurt."

Kurt waved briefly, ensuring his hand passed through the eye’s sightline.

"We also have the disguise duo, Pearl and Changeling. Hopefully, we’ll get to see another performance by them today." Pearl waved enthusiastically with both hands, while Changeling’s parchment-yellow face flushed red.

"And, always a crowd-pleaser for the fighters out there, we have another appearance from GesStar. Finally, please welcome our guest today—the brave Miss Hoko!"

Hoko opted for a quick wave, blending Kurt’s relaxed style with Pearl’s exuberance. She cheekily turned her hand to display the unhatched embryo resting on the back of it.

With introductions complete, the group entered an office marked "Head Hunter’s Entrance" to receive their mission.