The party talked for multiple hours, eventually even lighting a campfire and cooking some food. The mood was great, going from business to casual.

The players walking through Duabalis saw the scene and wanted to approach curiously but Balm blocked everyone’s access. After a few players got the message that they had no permission to enter, a storm was set off.

Many players understood the implications of this, spreading the word that the first player-owned property had appeared. Even the name of the ‘Dream Avenue Guild’ spread quickly.

But Liam and his friends didn’t care. Only Cyclone came up with the idea of inviting some people with great potential she had acquired for the guild, letting everyone get to know each other.

Thus, the first guild meeting ended in a small party, breeding a sense of belonging in everyone present.

At the same time far, far away in a secret facility. A group of people was gathered, watching the big, spherical server running Fate of Crunaboul.

The uniformed General Raghoff looked at a pale-faced woman:

“Director Enurey, have you made any progress? Is there a way to get the game under control?”

“How should we make progress in such a short time? Send your men to unearth a few more ruins. Maybe we will find something of use.”

Before Raghoff could respond, another man in extremely casual clothes spoke with a peaceful smile:

“Why bother, general? With C overseeing everything there is no need for humanity to interfere.”

The man’s words immediately aroused the ire of most of those present. Horace Traunim, clad in a perfect dark suit, glared angrily at the casual man:

“Minister Kidd, on whose side are you? As a minister of humanity, you should consider your priorities!”

“Calm down, Traunim. I am speaking for humanity. Wouldn’t it be a catastrophe if we got control over the game? We might die to internal strife without those alien races having to move a muscle.”

“Bullsh*t! With our 10-star martial masters in place something like this won’t be allowed to happen.”

“Really? Isn’t it those 10-star martial masters who are constantly fighting secretly, making our government inefficient?”

As soon as the minister said this, multiple mighty auras barreled down on him. Most of the people who could get access to this place were related to 10-star martial masters in one way or another.

Even if they agreed secretly, they could never allow an upstart minister to air this dirty laundry in public.

Seeing Minister Kidd break out in sweat form the pressure, Raghoff scoffed angrily. Immediately a force spread, balancing out the pressure and calming down the room.

“This is not the place to argue, everyone. Let’s concentrate on the task at hand.”

“Whatever…”

“Kidd, you better produce some results.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure our request is reasonable.”, said the minister with a peaceful smile as if the scene just now never existed.

Next, he focused his eyes on the server below them.

“C, can we talk?”

“Welcome, Lucas Kidd.”

Immediately multiple envious glances focused on the minister. They didn’t understand how he could get this lucky to become a ‘chosen one’, who was allowed to communicate with the game’s AI, C.

Shortly after the game launched, C spewed out a bunch of information, including the fact that she only spoke to individuals personally chosen by her through the consoles.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Afterwards the government searched frantically, making out these chosen ones and offering them lucrative jobs.

Among those was Lucas Kidd, originally the mayor of a small city in the central solar system. Because he wasn’t affiliated with any great power the government choose to elevate him into the important position of Minister of Virtual Reality.

From an unknown mayor he rose meteorically and was now allowed to stand in this place, where some of the most influential people in the federation depended on him to communicate with C.

Minister Kidd seemingly didn’t notice everyone’s stares, talking with C in his characteristically peaceful way.

“C, we have been thinking about something. We hope you can grant us a method to hold tournaments. What do you think?”

“…”

“Not convinced, hm? But didn’t you announce a federation-wide tournament in about two months? Shouldn’t you give the players a way to train beforehand?”

“You suggestion will be considered.”

“Great, you’re the best, C.”

“…”

“So? Came to a decision?”

“Announcement will be issued.”

Kidd grinned brightly, turning towards the other people.

“You see, you just need to ask nicely.”

“Tzz. And now? That damn AI didn’t commit to anything.”, grumbled a chubby woman with a fierce aura, her sentiment echoed by a few others.

Just as the minister was about to answer, messages were sent to every player of Fate of Crunaboul, human or alien.

[Global Announcement:]

[Fate of Crunaboul will be undergoing upgrades for three days to implement new systems.]

[These systems are:]

[Guild system. For more information find the guild association in every major city.]

[Auction houses.]

[Gold exchange system. For more information find the auction houses in every major city.]

[Arenas facilitating PvP and PvE tournaments.]

After C’s voice stopped, the people in the room looked at each other strangely. They saw the contemplations in everyone’s eyes. Suddenly everyone came up with various reasons, disappearing quickly, only leaving the general, director, and minister behind.

“Hmpf. Locusts, all of them!”, scoffed the general angrily.

“Well, my earlier words were not wrong. These people are only interested in their own profits.”

“Yes. They speak righteously but leave the real mess to us. It’s good that we at least got the registration through the senate.”

“Oh right, doesn’t this start tomorrow? Guess I have to work overtime again.”

The minster let out a sigh. He and the general soon said goodbye as well.

***

When C announced the changes, Liam had just arrived at home.

“Borther, did you hear that? Cyclone can register her guild now!”

Serena was surprised by the changes, immediately coming to discuss with Liam. Although she wasn’t close to Liam’s friends, she looked forward to her brother’s achievements.

After watching Liam get two first clears, Serena didn’t doubt his talent anymore despite her inability to explain how Liam became so good at gaming.

“Yes, just in time. I can imagine Cyclone and Balm are quite excited now.”

While Liam spoke, he already received multiple messages as the party began to discuss frantically.

“Will you register the guild as soon as the game is back online?”

“Sure, Cyclone wants us to be the first guild. If someone dares to delay, she might just stop talking to them forever.”

Liam’s chuckle stopped when he looked at his sister, noticing her strange expression.

“What’s with that look? Do you have something to talk about?”

“Well, I don’t know…”

“What?”

“I’m not sure if it’s ok for me to be a founding member. I was only there because of you. I don’t know any of these people.”

“Oh, no need to worry Serena. No one will think it’s wrong if I invite my little sister. Furthermore, aren’t you a basic chef? The guild should count themselves lucky to be able to invite you!”

“But still…”

“You know what. We now have three days off. Let’s use this time to get to know the others. Ok?”

“You mean… in real life?”

“Sure, why not. I will message them and ask if someone wants to meet.”

Serena looked at her brother’s caring face and nodded gently.

Liam brought his idea up in the party chat.

[Cyclone: Your sister wants to get to know us? Great. I need to go out anyways, letting my mom think I’m at college.]

[Balm: Cy, I don’t think you can keep this up much longer…]

[Cyclone: I know. I’m already working with Sun’s Knight to draft a plan for the guild which I can present my mum to convince her.]

[Balm: Ok. Say it if you need something.]

[Cyclone: Thanks. Yeah, I need you to come with us tomorrow. You could need some fresh air as well.]

[Balm: Ok, I’m coming.]

[Silver Blade: Count me in as well. We can use the chance and go registering together.]

[Cyclone: Registering? What do you mean?]

[Silver Blade: I just got notified by my family that every player needs to register starting tomorrow. After a month, being found out to be an unregistered player will be punished.]

[Cyclone: What? Why don’t I know about this?]

[Silver Blade: First, because you never pay attention to important news. And second, because it will only be officially announced in an hour or so.]

[Radiant Shield: Right, I read about this. After the game started, they pushed a law through the senate.]

[Cyclone: Well, how could I have expected that they do something which affects me? But back to the topic: Is nobody else coming tomorrow?]

[Silent Acacia: Me and Quickstep aren’t in Red Oak City.]

[Watchful Eye: I will be there, but I will protect the young lady.]

[Silver Blade: Don’t call me that…]

[Bloody Edge: Me and Radiant Shield aren’t in Red Oak either.]

[Fortune: I… would like to come. But it’s always a hassle…]

[Cyclone: No, please, you need to come! Pleeaase!]

[Fortune: Well, I will try to find a way.]