Here we go again. Standing in front of our [VeilCon] helmets while the game patches up. The last time we did this was before the launch of <Isekai Online> and it's appropriate because, after the update, the game itself will head into the next chapter with its very first expansion. But instead of me reading the instruction manual this time, I noticed Kazuki reading not only the patch notes on his phone but also the forum on the computer monitor. It's the right decision on his end since we're going into uncharted territory with new features and places to explore in the game very soon. However, some concerns are popping up when we reread the notes.
"According to this, there's a feature on increasing your bonds with the NPCs and rewards you if you use it," Kazuki explains. "Does that mean there's a chance we might know how close we are with Bai Hu and the others?"
"Probably. Although the part about [Familiar Bonds] is a bit of a concern," I say. "The mechanics behind it are a bit complicated to understand and execute. Not to mention the values are too hard to memorize. Even if we get our [Familiars], trying to keep them happy is another issue in itself, especially with their AI."
"Does it matter? I thought you said you didn't want to get spoiled by the new features because of me. Is that all just big talk to impress others?" he says with a mischievous grin showing on his face.
"Sorry. But it might take a while for us to get used to them when we get into the game later." I sigh as I take one more look at the notes on Kazuki's phone. "I understand why you want to play this game without relying on the wiki too much, but it's better to risk spoiling some little stuff than getting lost in our confusion."
Kazuki frowns. I get he wants to be surprised, but after our first encounter with the [Link Ants], we might as well prepare for the worst. Still...
"Don't worry, Kaz. It's not like I'm going to cheat by reading the chart. Although, I may avoid it for the sake of keeping the mysteries and surprises awaiting us. Is that okay for you?"
"I guess." Kazuki hums again. "Well, maybe I should go over that new <Lucidus> page. We do want to make a good first impression on it after all."
I smile as I nod at his decision. As that happens, I hear a ring from my smartphone and I moved a few steps away from Kazuki to take this call. Although, I'm surprised to see Zac's caller ID on the screen.
"Hey, Zac. What's up?"
"Do you guys have plans to go to <Lucidus> immediately?"
"Not until we check out Soul Stones and possible [Quests] related to it. Why?" I ask.
"Well, I did a double check on the wiki and I learned that if skip out most of the remaining areas near <Initio>, there's a chance you might miss out on some [Quests] available in <Lucet City>, the capital of <Lucidus>."
Okay? And what's the point of telling us that?
"We did explore some important dungeons like the <Tested Wilds> and <Hill Forest>. What about it?"
"I was wondering about that [Urgent Quest] we took back at the former. Is there a chance we might get some [Quests] from Dalhia when we get there?"
I groan. "You just want a lot of reasons to see and hang out with her again, do you?"
I can hear Zac's overactive gasp from the speaker. "I do not! I am a Knight-in-Training! I am the apprentice who will take the title of captain one day! I have no time for flirting with women like her!"
"Yeah, keep telling yourself that," I say with a hint of snark in my voice. "Is Damon gonna log in later?"
"He's going to after he takes care of his chores back home. I'll DM you when we're online."
I nod and say, "Alright, I hope we'll see you in [Isekai]. And Zac?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't do anything stupid while we're not there. Especially mentioning about us."
"Geez, alright. See you then."
I sigh as I end the call and turn back to Kazuki. To my surprise, he's taking notes in his journal, which is a bit different compared to the one he used to record our playthroughs. I guess even if we're planning to continue playing the game casually, he is taking my advice and planning for the expansion launch. Hopefully, by the time we get back into the game, we're going to be ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
-----
Eventually, once the patch update has finished downloading and we're done with a bit of research on several guides and wikis online, we are back lying on the bed wearing our [VeilCons] on our heads. With only a few minutes until the servers open up, we need to prepare ourselves to get back into the game after days of maintenance. Plus with my time as Kazuki's [Guardian Player] already up, we better [Dive] in early, just in case.
"Yuri and Anne called earlier. He's busy helping his Dad for a while, so he might be late," Kazuki informed as he adjusted his [VeilCon]. "And Anne can't log back in since Arin is still finishing helping her parents with their work at the tailor shop. So it might be the two of us for now."
"Probably for the best. We might do some trial-and-error on those new features just in case," I said. "Besides, I have a feeling Zac will do something if he rolls for a super rare [Familiar] with our backs turned." I shudder at the thought of him using it as his attempt at getting a girl.
"Let's save it until we're in the game."
True. I readjust my posture before I close my eyes for another [Dive].
"[Dive In]!"
I feel my consciousness fading as the flash of light transports us into another world.
-----
As I open my eyes, I gasp to see where Kazuki and I have landed. It's a black empty room with no furniture or anything to decorate. It reminds me of when we first created our characters before playing [Isekai]. I'm guessing this is where we wait until the servers are open. Still, there must be another reason why we're here.
[Hello! Welcome back to <Isekai Online>!]
I almost scream in shock as I raise my fists. But to my surprise, it's only a familiar grey orb floating right in front of us. Right, this isn't the first time I've reacted like this. Damn it! Get it together, Palmer! You're not the you from the first day!
[You two are lucky! Today is the release of the [Monarch of Light Expansion]! We're just preparing some final touches before I let you two go back into the world of <Volo>. So sit tight for a while, okay?]
Both of us nod to the Greeter. We know it's only a few minutes away until the maintenance is done, so we're not worried. Besides, there's another reason why we have to log in early.
"Speaking of which, can you help us with the [Guardian Player] management?" I ask. "Kazuki just turned 13 a few days ago."
The Greeter's eyes began to blink with yellow, green, and red lights and said, [Ah, yes. I just got the approval from the Minor's Video Game Regulation Law. It seems that your time as player Kazuki's [Guardian Player] is up. Once you log back into <Isekai Online>, he is free to play the game alone. Please make sure he reviews the Privacy Act and Terms and Conditions. Also, his safety will be up to both of you. Midnight Studios will not be responsible for their mental well-being and interactions with other players. Is that okay?]
I hum in thought as I let Kazuki read the window showing the said paperwork. It will be a big hurdle for him to go off alone. However, I know that if I keep being the overprotective brother again, he won't be able to be himself and explore without me having to be the hand to hold. Kazuki might feel the same way and so does Mom. Besides, I also have my own goal-searching ahead of me both in real life and [Isekai].
"Yeah, I'm okay with those conditions." I turn to Kazuki next. "What about you?"
I can see him humming while scrolling through the windows (and yes, I can understand his frustrations with those things. T&C and Privacy Act are important, but they are too daunting to read all of them in one sitting).
"I'm good as well." Kazuki taps the [ACCEPT] on both windows before they disappear in front of them. "Besides, both of us are on each other's friend list. I can DM if I need help."
That's good to hear. Glad he's still got some common sense on internet safety.
[Very well. Player [Kazuki], I hereby declare you are now of legal age to play any games 13 and up. Please ensure your safety and enjoy [Isekai Online].] The Greeter suddenly turns its attention to me next. [Player [Hayate], you have violated [0] rules during your tenure as a [Guardian Player]. Even after the [Minor Player] in your care almost strayed off from your sight, you managed to respond quickly before the violation was detected.]
Wait, did it even know about the incident that led to our first encounter with Yur1?
[It's because of your contributions that the [Minor Player] has played <Isekai Online> with no signs of danger in his account. We will reward you for your efforts as his [Guardian Player] in the game. You can find them in your Mailbox.]
Reward? I didn't expect that. Then again, I've never heard of a [Guardian Player] who finished their services after the player they took care of turned 13 like Kazuki. Maybe I'm the first player to achieve that feat, but we'll see.
[Now then, if that's done, you only have about 3 minutes until the server's reopening. Do you want to manage more of your accounts until then?]
Since we have some time, we enter some redemption codes we obtained from last night's launch event. Most of them are aesthetic costumes and useful consumable items you normally obtain through [Adament Shops]. I doubt we can use them quite often, but they might be useful in some future situations. Either way, after we make a few adjustments to the game settings and other stuff, we are ready as we stand in front of the Greeter while taking deep breaths to the new unknown for the first expansion.
[All of the changes you requested have now been saved. You are now ready to enter the world of <Volo> once more. The server will be opening in about 30 seconds.]
Well, there are no more words from either of us. We silently wave goodbye to the Greeter once more and after a few more seconds, we let the light envelop us once more.
-----
As I open my eyes again, Kaz and I find ourselves back in our room in the inn. It seems that our current location from our last session hasn't changed from the server maintenance, especially with the release of the game's first expansion. Honestly, it's a good decision because if they planned to randomize our location during the maintenance, it not only makes less sense when it comes to the story and lore, but it would be a pain for all players who might be camping in the dungeons or something.
"Wind!" I turn around to see Kaz stretching his arms before sitting on his bed. "Looks like we're all here. No clue on the nerfs Zac mentioned, but there are no changes on our characters so far."
I nod and say, "Just in case, we should check up on our [Masteries] and stats before we head out. They mentioned there are a lot of items sent to our Mailboxes and we might as well claim it before we forget."
"Okay! Some of them might be useful, so let's check on their descriptions very carefully first."
Sounds like a plan. We check our Mailboxes from the menu and claim everything they sent from the codes and maintenance. First off is the obvious...
[Familiar Soul Gem of Fate]
[A special Soul Gem that summons a random monster and automatically creates a contract to become their [Familiar]. You have a chance to summon a specific creature based on your location.]
<This is a Key Item. You cannot sell it to shops or trade it with other players.>
<This is a Limited Item. It will be expire in 1 week.>
This must be the new mechanic introduced for the first expansion. A [Familiar]... I'm very curious about what [Familiar] Kaz and I will get. The description says that we can increase our chances if we go to a specific location. I'll ask Kaz about it later.
[Stone of New Beginnings]
[A special [Mana Stone] that erases a specific skill you wish to forget. Using it will replace a [Mastery] you currently have for another without spending your [Mastery Points]. You cannot replace or erase [Advanced Masteries] with this item.]
<This is a Key Item. You cannot sell it to shops or trade it with other players.>
<This is a Limited Item. It will expire in 1 week.>
The patch notes mentioned that they will be nerfing the bonuses on our crafting [Masteries]. I discussed it with Kaz last night and while getting new [Masteries] for free is tempting, we'd decided to keep our [Masteries] as they are. I doubt the restrictions will affect our enjoyment of the game. They mostly serve as a way to save money and earn them in our spare time. Either way, all we can do for them is to let them expire in a week.
x10 [Memory Boost Potions]
[A special potion made from a secret recipe of an eccentric pharmacist. Drinking it will temporarily increase your focus and desire for knowledge and skill. But the taste can be a mixed bag...]
[Effect: Doubles the rate of [Mastery XP] for 30 minutes.]
Questionable taste aside, I'm guessing this is used to speed up your grinding to level up one of your [Masteries]...
x5 [Mana Lucky Charms]
[A cute charm that is said to grant good luck to those who own it. You can inject your mana in them to get a big boon, but it might get destroyed...]
[Effect: Doubles the drop rate of items dropped by monsters for 30 minutes.]
While this one lets you increase your chances of getting some rare loot. I'm guessing that's why they are only available to purchase with [Adament]. Honestly, I'm glad we hadn't bought them because the price tag on them along with other items from the store is too damn expensive! I have a feeling we can only use them in emergency hunts. However...
[Rune of Life]
[A special rune stone carved with a powerful [Restoration] spell to those who had fallen in battle.]
[Effect: Revives the owner with full [HP] if they fall in battle. No [Death Penalty] is taken if they choose to use it.]
This last one is somehow OP for a revival item. If we use it, we can't log out after we die and revive without any healer around. Not only that, we won't get those nasty [Death Penalty] debuffs afterward. I'm surprised both of us managed to win it from a racing game yesterday. There's no way we can waste it willingly unless it's for an important scenario. Obviously, we're gonna store our runes in our [Inventory] until then.
Now that we have managed to organize our prizes, I check on my stats next. But when I did, several windows suddenly popped right in front of me.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
[Your actions as a caretaker of a young Adventurer have been acknowledged by the gods. They were impressed by your dedication to protecting the youth until their coming of age.
Because of this, they have granted you the title of [Youth Guardian].]
-----
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
[Your skills with the blades have been acknowledged by many experts and fighters alike.
You have earned the title of [Blade Prodigy].]
-----
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
[Because you have possessed the title of [Blade Prodigy], you have learned the [Dual-Wielding Mastery].]
-----
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
[Due to the addition of the new [Mastery], your [Total Mastery Level] has been adjusted accordingly.]
Damn, two more titles and an [Advanced Mastery]?! Not to mention the latter was the very same one I used temporarily during the [Test of Courage]! I hadn't expected the game to give me an [Advanced Mastery] so soon like this. I feel like I'm cheating the system or something. I don't think I deserve...
"Whoa! You got an [Advanced Mastery] already?!"
I almost get startled when I see Kaz peeking behind me. "Geez, Kaz! Can you knock it off with the jump scares?!" I say while taking a deep breath. "Besides, it's only the same one I used from that [Hidden Quest]. I doubt I deserve it over me demoing it before the expansion release."
"Don't deserve it?! Come on, Wind! The window said your skills were acknowledged by experts, probably with that Veritates guy we met," Kaz guesses. "Besides, compared to my magic skills here, you're great with the physical fighting. I helped choose the [Masteries] for you, but you're the one who made all of them work by yourself. Just think of it as a reward for all of our hard work. Plus, we can do the [Sign Creation Mastery] once you merge with two [Masteries] or something to free up a slot on them."
I chuckle at his surprising optimism over this. I guess I almost got blindsided by my feelings of over-fairness to this reward. I don't know what the devs think of this, but I might as well accept it for now.
[Wind]
[Stats]
[Ancestry: Human <Half-Sign>]
[Total Mastery Level: 15]
[HP: 630/630]
[MP: 240/240]
[SP: 310/310]
[Titles]
[Couragous Youth]
[Signatio Citizen]
[Youth Guardian]
[Blade Prodigy]
[Half-Sign]... So I'm like Kaz now. I recall that having this trait means I get all the R- I mean, [Ancestry] skills of an [Insignis]. I'm actually curious about what I got from it, so I might check it out along with [Dual-Wielding] later.
"So what are we going to do now?" I ask Kaz.
"Isn't it obvious?" Kaz then takes out a similar Soul Gem from his [Inventory] and shows it to me. "We're going to get our own [Familiars]! Time for us to get our new partners!"
-----
Wind's Masteries
[Archery] Level 23
[Woodcrafting] Level 10
[Swordsmanship] Level 24
[Cooking] Level 9
[Wind] Level 17
[Physical Enhancement] Level 18
[Hunting] Level 17
[Blacksmithing] Level 18
[Dagger] Level 8
[Dual-Wielding] Level 1
-----
Thanks to Christine Luu for supporting me on Patreon!