Immediately after I logged out, I couldn't access my account, as the system had locked it for 24 hours. After some investigating, I found out that the developers were conducting checks and adjustments for every account given the Diviner.

I intended to take advantage of this moment to rest and immerse myself in the game's social media forums. Only to come across the official account of Alian Online: The Departure, uploading a new video that lasted less than a minute. It didn't take long for the video to go viral, watched by millions.

I watched it, as any sane person would. The title was "How the Feast Began." It featured a player, a mage wearing a light blue robe, single-handedly battling a group of unique monsters and winning in an astonishing manner.

Well, it goes without saying, that player was me.

Damn you, devs!

According to the comments, they said my playstyle is unique and strange. A mage who is weak in health and has a significant disadvantage in casting time skills, yet manages to use high-level magic as if it were easy.

“What a crazy guy, casting Meteor all by himself? That takes-forever and utterly useless skill?!”

"You see that? He summoned three orbs and infused them with advanced magic! How much MP does he even have to pull that off?"

"Kaori is the ultimate waifu!"

That's how the comments gathered. Reading them, I feel the difference in time between when I first started playing this game and now. Time truly passes and changes, indeed. But I have to admit, even back then I was already deviating from the norm, from the beginning.

And the footage still hasn't ended when I defeated the unique monsters.

In the last few seconds, I stood boldly against a divine angel in a dimension illuminated by pure light. Somehow, the developers captured this moment from the most epic angle possible as I said, "I've come to bring down the heavens and everything within it, you know," with an expression of holy purity.

Rather than a mere short video, it feels more like a teaser for an action-packed film. Thanks to that, everyone now knows that I am the player who recently acquired Eve's Sanctuary, the powerful Diviner.

Argh, thankfully the avatar in the game doesn't use my real face, so a sense of embarrassment can be hidden, albeit slightly. I can't imagine if my real face was there saying that embarrassing line, I might continue living like during quarantine.

On the other hand, there isn't much I can do. When receiving the Eve's Sanctuary item, all those long, boring texts were a written and binding agreement. Without hesitation, I checked and pressed Yes. I couldn't resist going further.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

And like that, the incident already feels like a memory from yesterday.

[!] Logged in…

[!] Welcome back, player: [Blue]

After a whole day of not being able to get this game out of my mind, "I'm back, at least."

The chirping of birds and the growls of wild animals, the rustle of leaves, and this slightly arid atmosphere. "This surroundings..." Even though I used to only see it from behind the screen, I wouldn't be mistaken. This is the Tsar mountain region, the usual path leading to the Abyss of Death and the challenging thorny peaks.

"I really respawned at the last point that green duck warped, huh," I chirped. I should be grateful, though. I don't have to flee if I come across other players. Yesterday, it was really chaotic, and if possible, I want to avoid the attention of the community.

This path, even in the past, is rarely traveled by players. The Tsar mountains are not a quest location, so it's understandable. There aren't many valuable things this place can offer compared to other areas. Who cares about all of that, what's more important: the valuable item I obtained yesterday! Where, where, where?!

The character status window opened before me, and I stared at it dumbfounded for a few moments. "What, what happened to my account?" I exclaimed. I clicked on the main and second weapon slots repeatedly, but nothing happened.

Both empty slots are now sealed by crossed chains and a padlock. "Why, why is this happening? Are you punishing me for being involved in yesterday's glitches and bugs, devs?!"

"Don't tell me," I hurriedly said, opening my inventory. I must make sure that the magic staff I used yesterday, my precious item, didn't disappear. I already know the icon of the magic staff by heart, and even after the inventory window appears, I can immediately spot it at a glance. "Phew, thankfully they didn't just delete my items," I said gratefully.

⎾Old Wizzardly Rod⏌

Description: A piece of wood dropped by Sressressress, rumored to possess the power to channel magical energy. It's old, worn-out, and seemingly serves no other purpose.

"Ha-ha, this description is still mocking me," I giggled.

If scarcity alone is the measure, then there are many items out there that surpass this wooden staff. The memories and history I have with my companions are what I value the most.

"That Jri Jr. got an unusual drop item after using a cash item during a battle against a certain boss. Yoggi the blacksmith then used it as an experimental material for a new weapon blueprint. Tokki and the other guild members immediately embarked on an expedition and conquest to gather the required materials. If they couldn't find a specific item, they wouldn't hesitate to buy it from the market. You all are truly impressive, my comrades."

Even though it's considered a broken item, it's not really. Although it has a high percentage increase in cast speed attribute, it simultaneously lowers some primary stats of a Magic DPS. But I can compensate for that deficiency with other set equipment, so the people in the guild gave me this magic staff.

Even though I don't always use this staff as my main weapon, at least this object in my hand is proof of our existence and our shared memories, that we were here and that we have done this and that together.

Failed to wear this item.

Failed to wear this item.

"Ugh, it really can't be used, huh?"