Sora's alluring presence on Black Burn Street was undeniable as she gracefully donned a resplendent purple Bliaut. The garment, adorned with intricate shiny yellow embroidery and featuring white trailing sleeves, effortlessly captivated the attention of both players and NPC alike, both young and old or males and females.
Racing against the ticking clock, Sora pressed on, her vibrant presence undiminished even in her haste. The allure of engaging with her enthusiastic and mesmerized fans tugged at her. These days, particularly in moments of stress, her subterfuge involved exchanging dim-witted laughs and erratic conversation with her fans. However, the urgency conveying the message of a completed Holy Light church quest and the impending dinner time pressed her forward.
Sora's racing thoughts shifted from her fans to the anticipation of a well-deserved dinner that was awaiting her later. Before she knew it, with brisk step, she reached the east district, home to the resplendent Holy Light church.
As the majestic marbled structure loomed into view, Sora, an avid art lover, couldn't help but be awestruck by the opulence, beauty and grandeur of the Holy Light church, no matter how many times she saw it.
The Holy Light church, just like any New World's architecture, boasted a medieval masterpiece, however, it outset a grandeur that set it apart for others. Twin towers flanked the giant doors, the right adorned with a church bell beneath a pointed cone roof, while the left tower held a cupola destined for the statue of the Light Goddess, proudly perched upon the dome-shaped summit. The doors, furnished in a tan-colored sheen, featured an intricate three-leaf clover carving—an emblem of the Holy Light.
At this early morning hour in the game, the church remained off-limits to ordinary players. However, Sora, with the title 'priestess,' enjoyed some privilege, such as, an unhindered access within the Holy Light Church. With a sense of urgency, Sora swung open the ornate doors and entered the hallowed space.
Upon entering the church, Sora was embraced by the gentle embrace of warm sunlight streaming through the ornate windows, illuminating the floridly designed chapel in all its splendorous glory. Immaculate rows and columns of benches were meticulously arranged, providing a serene space for devout worshippers to offer their prayers.
As Sora immersed herself in the sublime atmosphere, her senses were interrupted by the approaching cadence of footsteps, harmonizing with a soft, feminine voice. "Sister Sora, have you come to seek the Lord's blessing?" inquired the middle-aged nun, adorned in the customary medieval nun attire – a white robe and a blue wimple, the emblematic colors of the Holy Light Church.
Sora turned to meet the gaze of the nun, acknowledging the inquiry with a gentle nod. With a polite greeting, she spoke, "Good morning, Sister Klara. I have indeed come seeking the Lord's blessing, but additionally, I wish to speak with Father Marcus regarding the completion of his quest." Sora's sociable smile adorned her face.
Sister Klara, visibly surprised, clasped her hands over her mouth and exclaimed, "Ohh! I will summon Father Marcus for you immediately, Sister Sora. Feel free to offer your prayers while awaiting his presence." Her nod and smile were accompanied by a courteous curtsey, a customary gesture in the world of New World’s NPCs.
"Thank you, Sister Klara. I appreciate your assistance," responded Sora, bowing her head slightly. In New World, NPC's interactions adhered to certain formalities, and a curtsy was a standard. However, for Sora, the act of bowing her head was a fundamental Japanese custom, a manner intrinsic to her cultural background for expressing her respect and gratitude.
As the nun winded the church aisle, and ascended to the upper floor, Sora chose a bench to settle upon. Kneeling on the prayer kneeler, her gaze was drawn to the solemn interior of the church, where the statue of the Light Goddess commanded attention from its ceremonial dias. Even in its stony visage, the goddess emanated an austere beauty, prompting Sora's admiration for the sculptor's skill. While Sora remained skeptical of faith and superficial beliefs, her pragmatic worldview didn't discount the existence of higher beings or a higher AI NPC, or specifically, a ‘God’, within New World. The notion of these 'Gods', from what she learned, existing in alternate dimensions, overseeing mortal realms of the games, resonated with her logical sensibilities.
Though Sora didn't harbor true belief, she was technically, if most internally, aligned with the Light Church, having received the 'priestess' title from a quest. Playing the part, she engaged in a semblance of prayer, clasping her hands and closing her eyes in a ritualistic manner. However, for her, this was just a deceiving act towards the game's setting, to just receive the buff, a 10% more effectiveness on Light abilities.
As Sora completed her prayer with a sense of dubious sincerity, the tranquility of the hall was broken by an approaching presence. Opening her eyes, she saw Father Marcus in a pristine white priest's alb advancing toward her. Father Marcus’s countenance was adorned by one or two wrinkles, revealing the traces of advancing years beneath his piercing blue eyes. His white hair, meticulously shaven only in the scapl was a symbol of modesty dictated by the Light Church doctrine.
Young girl," Father Marcus greeted with an amiable smile, however, Sora astutely perceived a subtle undertone of either distress or grouchiness in his eyes. Absentmindedly, he continued, "Sister Klara mentioned that you have something to convey to me."
Discerning nuances of emotions in the father's tone, Sora crafted myriad hypotheses within her mind. Seizing the opportunity, she inquired, "Father, it appears that something weighs on your mind. Has something transpired?" The father's demeanor suggesting a palpable dilemma was, for her, a prospect of uncovering additional quests.
"How could I allow you to undertake such peril? It's exceedingly dangerous, even for a devoted prodigy adventurer like yourself," he instinctively replied. His gaze shifted towards the walls as he momentarily lapsed into contemplation. Murmuring to no one in particular, he deliberated, "Perhaps, I should dispatch the strongest paladin team this time... hmm." His awareness of Sora's presence returned, prompting a hasty closure of his mouth.
Turning back to Sora, Father Marcus offered an apologetic tone, "Forgive me, child, my thoughts wandered. I shall now reward you for your previous quest and provide guidance for your next endeavor." Despite his attempt at congeniality, Sora discerned a forced quality in his smile.
"Father," Sora spoke with unwavering seriousness, shedding her usual frivolous and easy-minded demeanor. "Please divulge details about this quest involving the Paladin. I implore you to let me assist in this situation. I cannot bear the thought of my fellow Light Goddess adherents losing their lives. Though I may be weak, I can revive if I perish. The same cannot be said for the Paladin you intend to send." Sora remained resolute, understanding that in New World, employing the right method at the right time to the right person could secure any quest.
"Child, you cannot combat this impending darkness, even if there were a hundred of you," Father Marcus asserted with a disapproving shake of his head.
However, Sora passionately persisted, "I have thousands of players who can serve as a shield against this ‘darkness’. If my thousand of players can buy just a minute for the life of a single Light Paladin, those sacrifices would be worthwhile,” She lied without blinking, and continued, “Allow me to aid the Light Church. This plea comes not from the player seeking a quest, but from the Light Church's priestess, extending a humble hand to assist." Sora delivered her plea and outstretched her hand, mirroring the posture of the statue of the Light Goddess, evoking an image of Goddess' benevolence or a devil's temptation.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
In Blue Burn Town, where Level 1-30 NPCs roamed, the Core Paladin in the Light Church, referenced by Father Marcus’s mumbling earlier, were a congregation of level 25-30 players. Sora hungrily wanted to experience this critical mission, and get something or everything, from this venture.
Father Marcus, visibly shaken, regarded Sora with a gaze suggesting bewilderment. Closing his eyes and crossing his arms in contemplation, he took a moment to ponder the weight of the matter. Eventually, opening his eyes, he conceded, "You speak the truth, child. As part of the Light Church and a priestess, I shall divulge the imminent threat looming over Blue Burn Town, no, the entire world, should we fail to vanquish the upcoming foe."
Internally elated, Sora anticipated the forthcoming quest from the priest.
_ _ _ _ _
As Sora awoke, the vibrant pink hues of the pane glass within her gaming pod greeted her senses. Swiftly, she mentally commanded the mechanical door to glide open, allowing her to step out. She was clad in a metallic black and red gaming full-body suit, joined with intricately intertwined wires connecting to the gaming pod, this technological marvel was a crucial asset for better gameplay control or prolonged immersive non-stop gameplay.
Crafted from nano and neuro technology, the suit seamlessly dissolved into the gaming pod upon her mental command, a capability facilitated by the neuro chip surgically embedded in her brain. As the suit mechanically receded, it unveiled Sora's figure left in exquisite black lingerie, accentuating her voluptuous, creamy, moist skin, sexily gleaming in ambient light and sweat. She glanced at her full sweaty cleavage, barely covered by the bra, prompting her to desire for a bath, right this moment.
Her gaze then shifted towards the adjacent gaming pod, where Aoi should have been immersed in the game. A subtle click of her tongue conveyed mild disappointment as she noted its emptiness, signaling the approach of dinner time and potential frustration from her mother. This happened due to the considerable time invested in understanding Father Marcus's quest, acquainting herself with the Paladin Core Members, and participating in a lengthy planning meeting.
Despite her yearning for a leisurely bath, the demanding schedule allowed only a brisk shower before she hurriedly made her way to the dining room for the belated dinner.
“...”
Following the embarrassing scolding from Yuki, her mother, due to the tardiness for dinner, Sora took her place at the dining table, ready to partake in the evening's Hotpot specialty crafted by their home chef. Her Father was already indulging in his partially consumed rice in his bowl, while Aoi, showing her typical hearty appetite, already had requested another bowl from her mother.
Even outside the game, Aoi's beastly instincts sensed Sora's gaze, and she responded with a wide grin, likely fueled by the rare occurrence of Sora being late, particularly for dinner—a deviation from her usual punctuality.
Curiously Aoi inquired, “Have you received any updates about Rem?”
To be honest, after she saw Rem's real face and didn't recognize it as her known friend, she hadn't tried to investigate about Rem.
Sora, maintaining a succinct tone, responded, “No, I haven't delved into researching him. He's not worth my attention.” With that, she prepared to take her seat at the dining table.
"Oh," Aoi expressed disappointment. However, her countenance brightened as Yuki graciously presented her with the bowl of rice, prompting her to resume eating with gusto.
In this household, Aoi wasn't the sole person with a voracious appetite; the sole exception was her mother, who approached meals with more moderation.
Sora deftly wielded her chopsticks, methodically segregating slice of meat from an assortment of vegetables in the hotpot, clasping it in between her chopstick. Each slice, after a judicious dip in soy sauce, graced her palate with an exquisite flavor, akin to savoring a feast after weeks of deprivation.
Mid-gorge, Sora's father inquired about Sora's tardiness. "Sora, my dear, what transpired? It's a rare occurrence for you to be delayed, especially during dinner," he inquired with paternal concern.
"Especially during dinner," Aoi chimed in, a playful cheekiness in her tone.
Turning towards the head of the table, Sora met his father's gaze. Despite being in his 40s, he retained a youthful countenance, exuding both handsomeness and an air of sophistication typically associated with adults.
"Oto-san (Father)," Sora began after a moment of contemplation, "I was in the midst of acquiring a quest from the Light Church's priest," she explained, her gaze fixed respectfully upon her father.
Her father, quizzically joking, remarked, "It must have been a good quest to warrant being late for dinner, especially considering you knew that what awaits you, was your mother's impending scolding." He chuckled at the notion.
Sora, smiling, affirmed, "Yes, it is indeed a Great-ranked Quest."
The atmosphere at the table shifted as her father paused mid-bite, turning to her with a mix of shock and confusion. "What! A 'Great-ranked quest'?" he exclaimed, flummoxed.
Sora nodded, prompting wide-eyed astonishment from her father. Even her mother, whom she considered the incarnation of etiquette, ceased her movements, a rare expression of surprise softening her typically composed countenance. Amidst the silence, only Aoi's audible slurping and meat-chewing echoed, her immature nature always sparking envy in Sora. Even after that impunity, Aoi would not get any admonition from her parents while the same was not true, if it was her doing that kind of act.
Both Sora's father and mother, currently hold respective roles as Vice-Guild Leader and Leader in their family's guild, Pure Snow. And as seasoned gamers, they fully comprehended the weight of a Great-ranked Quest in New World.
Internally, Sora swelled with pride, savoring the astonished and amazed reactions from her parents even more than the quest itself.
Credulously stretching her bowl towards Yuki, Aoi requested, "I want another bowl, Oka-san."
The spell of stupor was broken by Aoi's request, and it was Sora's father who took the lead in seeking more information. "Can you enlighten us how you get this quest?" he inquired.
Yuki, rising from her chair to attend to Aoi's request, interjected sagaciously, "Husband, you shouldn't be posing such questions. Our guild and Sora's soon-to-be guild are meant to compete, making us rivals. We ought not to seek secrets from our rivals. If you insist, I might find myself compelled to divulge our guild's secrets in return—a quid pro quo." Her elegant posture and articulate words persisted even as she gracefully filled Aoi's bowl with rice.
The ultimatum delivered by her mother on New Year's night, 'Either garner more fame than Pure Snow or get married,' echoed in Sora's thoughts.
While they were soon to become gaming rivals, they were still her beloved family. Sharing this small secret, a stroke of luck in the right moment in the Light church, which led to her acquiring this quest, seemed inconsequential. Moreover, Pure Sky's base of operations wasn't close to Snow City, rendering her family's guild influence relatively insignificant for her own quest's pursuit.
Observing her mother's expression and her father's evident distress, bordering on irritation, Sora discerned that her mother might indeed reveal a genuinely shocking secret if she disclosed how she obtained this quest. With a composed demeanor, she proposed, "Oka-san, I'll share the details of this quest with you alone. What do you think? It's just to satisfy your modest curiosity.”
Yuki continued to eat her dinner without pause, her words flowing effortlessly, "Then, I'd offer you an equivalent exchange for those details, in accordance with its value, of course."
Sora and her father blinked in response to this unexpected suggestion which had turned into a business negotiation, their attention momentarily diverted from their meals. Aoi, engrossed in her own serious beef-dipping ritual, remained oblivious to the conversation. Her swift consumption of food never failed to amaze Sora, prompting silent contemplation about the mysterious capacity of her sister's petite stomach.
"D-Darling..." Sora's father attempted to interject, only to be abruptly silenced by Yuki's incisive words. "Sora, my husband, has planted a spy on your team for observation purposes. I won't disclose the player's name, however," Yuki revealed, dropping a bombshell amidst the dinner table.
"That's unfair, Oto-san; you shouldn't do that, it's very wrong," surprisingly, it was Aoi who voiced this protest.
Sora, initially poised to deny the allegations against her father, halted her words midway. She realized that, even if true, her father likely assigned an observer, not a spy, out of concern for her safety rather than ulterior motives. Smiling at her father, she reassured him, "It's okay, Oto-san. I understand that you must care about me, which is why you assigned a spy, to my team."
Glancing at Aoi, who seemed disappointed, perhaps hoping for some drama, Sora then turned to her mother, who was shaking her head for reasons unclear.
"Oka-san, in exchange for that information, I'll share the small details of the quest. It involves a priest in Blue Burn Town receiving a divine revelation from an Angel named Cameal. The angel instructed the priest to dispatch a team to aid someone attempting to defeat a Weakened Lesser Demon located underneath a Lake,"