3 A Millions Years in One Night (Part 1)
World Items...
According to the YGGDRASIL lore, these category of Items are literally what their names imply; fragments of the Leaves (Realms) from the World Tree.
They are leagues above Items within their category and possess the capability of easily influencing a Player's gameplay… Simply put; they're Game Changers.
Officially, there are over 200 World Items that the Game Developers had released out, each with their differing abilities and knacks. Then again, it stands to say that even the World Items themselves aren't equal in capacities –some are infinitely better than the others.
As time went on, the Players had come to refer to those special few among the World Items as 'The Twenty'.
[Ourouboros, [Longinus, [Five Elements Overcoming, [World Savior, [ Cruel Reaper]... They are all the highest authorities within YGGDRASIL when it comes to either making Wishes, annihilating an opponent, devastating an opposition, or just plain old growing in strength through Stats Increase or Special Bonuses.
Although, even 'The Twenty' are not all equal in potency themselves, and that includes the fact that they do not measure up to the one World Item that was truly a Game Changer in YGGDRASIL's gameplay; the ⸢YGGDRASIL's Seed⸥
The function of the ⸢YGGDRASIL's Seed⸥ is a simple one. Especially when compared to the Wish Authorities, Status manipulation, or Account Avatar Deletion that 'The Twenty' possess.
As Shinji had once crudely describe the Item.
"Where the ⸢Throne of Kings⸥ is known as the Ultimate Divination and Anti-Divination System in YGGDRASIL. The ⸢YGGDRASIL's Seed⸥ can be said to be YGGDRASIL's Ultimate Guild-Base."
In fact, when Lord Cãmpæ and Aza-zazoth had gotten the Item. The sputter they did when reading out the Item's Effects had been a spectacular one.
"H-Hey Gramps. I mean, Aza-zazoth... Are you sure that this is a World Item not another form of a Developer's Account?"
"Eh… I'm-I'm not sure, Shinji."
"But just in case. Let's not advertise this World Item effects, before, you know… The devs finally realize the kind of cheat system they've handed to us on a silver platter."
"Don't worry, Shinji. I'm not one to talk very much."
"That's good... Also stop calling me Shinji in the game. It's Lord Cãmpæ!"
"Yeah got it, Lord Cãmpæ."
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
Slowly opening his eyes, Shinji realized that he was sitting upon a large lustrous throne of silver and gold. Though that shouldn't have been of any surprise –considering that he was the one to have personally constructed it.
Shinji took a moment to admire the wide chamber he was in. The walls and tiled floors were gleaming white having angelic and demonic murals plastered on them to give it a sacred interpretation.
Twelve knight structures of over 10 meters were placed between the supporting pillars in hall –they were the «Knights of Round», specially crafted LV 95 Golems using Caloric Stones and high grade Data Crystals.
One time Shinji had disguised them as summons, using them against a group of 35 LV 100 Players, the one-sided beat down he'd given them had been a legendary one.
It was to the extent that a forum in YGGDRASIL's website had been opened concerning his «Knights of Round», their origins and if possible, how to get them.
Laughing at the fond memory, Shinji shook his head as he turned to stare at the rather clear blue sky that lit up his hall from the casements on the walls. Unlike in YGGDRASIL, this looked too real –no, it was real.
A real clear blue sky…
"Dammit, Gramps would have loved to see this"
The game savant knew how much his grandfather loved nature. It was to the extent his family members and other multinational competitors considered him an oddball in the world of cutthroat commerce.
But Shinji knew better. He knew of how his grandfather had tried establishing several organizations with the intention of restoring the planet's flora.
'Mankind has taken more than enough.' Gramps would say with a contrite smile.
'Even I am not an exception. Before I go, I want to show you the blue skies my own father had showed me through picture books… Only I don't want you to see it from a damn picture book like I did.'
Looking back, Shinji now understood deep down that it was an impossible endeavor. The planet has already died. If his former world had a consciousness like Gaia's, who knew what sorts of terrible things it would have unleased before its dying breathe… Nope, he didn't want to go there.
"It's time for the final test." Shinji mumbled.
His Throne Room was exactly how he had left it in the YGGDRASIL game. The dim cobalt glow in his «Knights of Round» eyes and the fact that one of them had done a thumbs up at Shinji's mental command indicated that the Golems were working as he intended them to...
… … What? Shinji thought the thumbs up was kind of funny.
Nevertheless, there was one part Shinji had yet to test.
It was without a doubt that since he had taken over this world Shinji's life, a lot had change. Particularly his YGGDRAIL's spells; like the high-grade Compass Spell «Bless of Titania» gaining sentience unlike in YGGDRASIL.
The question now is; what does it mean for the NPCs both Shinji and his gramps had created in the World Item?
So in order to confirm his suspicion, Shinji called for her like he always did. The World Item's Overseer or rather, his inbuilt A.I Support.
"White."
Beside the Throne, light gathered around taking shape. A feminine shape. It dimmed down to reveal an attractive blond hair woman garbed in a silted milk attire which stressed her curvaceous figure.
She was White. Overseer of the World Item and the Realm Guardian.
White was a Celestial Android Shinji had created using a character from the archaic game, NeiR-Automata as her design blueprint. The group that White was also in charge of had been made using the same game as its basis.
The Android bowed with a demure smile. "Lord Azoth, you called for me."
"Umu." Shinji calmly nodded, though his mind was a different story.
'She's also gained sentience?! How is this even possible?!... No, don't be silly now, Shinji. Just some minutes ago, you had been transmigrated into another Shinji's body while casting Spells without using Game Controls… Even that damn Compass Spell summons an actual intelligent Fairy! Anyway, don't lose your cool! You can do this, Shinji… You can do this.'
By all that's holy, why did he had to design her this… Hormone inducing.
As if she had read his mind, White gave an alluring smile and rose up in a way that made Shinji to almost gulp loudly.
"Lord Azoth?"
'Ok… Now, what the hell did I put in her Bio that's making her to behave like this!' Shinji thought furiously, but on the outside he gave small cough.
"Thank you for coming, White."
"No, Lord Azoth. It's my greatest honor to serve!" White replied, reverently. "Please, tell me in what way can I aid you, my Lord."
"Uh… Right."
'Lord?' Shinji blinked in bemusement before he remembered his settings. 'Oh, that's right. I'd set the NPCs to refer to me as 'my Lord' in the game… Ugh, that's embarrassing.'
Standing up, Shinji walked towards the Android and extended a hand towards her head before he paused and decided to change his approach.
"White, I know what I'm about to say would sound weird. But do you feel any different?"
White bore a bemused look before she looked at the frozen outstretched hand and smiled. The Android took the hand, placing it on her cheek which took on a red hue.
"If there is anything different, Lord Azoth." Bright blue eyes stared at Shinji. "It's that I can finally touch you like this… I'm thankful for that, my Lord."
Shinji would have sweat-dropped if his physique could allow it. Since he couldn't, he would have to settle for an eye to erratically twitch.
"Erm… I'm-I'm glad, you've noticed it."
"Of course I would, my Lord. All those times you have graced me with your presence, I longed to hold you like this. But I couldn't. Now…" Soft lithe hands clenched Shinji's hand a little tighter. "It's like a dream come true, Lord Azoth."
Shinji at that moment wished that he could go back in time to see who had changed White's Bio… And give them a big hug –though he was 100% sure it was his gramps who had done it.
'Really, you're the best, gramps.'
As someone who has never had a proper conversation with a girl except with the hospital nurses and other VR Players –the later who might not even be girls at all. The fact that the first female Shinji is talking too is a prime waifu material…
He feels like screaming Jackpot.
But now isn't the time to be playing romance.
Shinji slowly removed his hand from White who cutely pouted, and said.
"Celebrations can wait, White. We have a lot to discuss. According to what I've gathered, we have been transported from the 9 Realms to a whole new one. One filled with opportunities and dangers."
"Is that so, Lord Azoth." White replied without any form of doubt. "Then shall I summon the Guardians for you to address them of this new happenings?"
"No need for that." Shinji shook his head. "I have faith in your capabilities to deal with them."
"I will not fail that trust, Lord Azoth." White replied with a beautiful smile.
The truth is that Shinji didn't want to see the other NPC Guardians quite yet. Who knows how they've changed? It would be much better to acquire what he came here for before meeting up with the others…
"For now, let's go the Treasury. I want to pick up some Items and then I'll be heading straight to the Sanctuary…"
"The Sanctuary, Lord Azoth?" White said with her face taking on a solemn look. "Does the situation really require usage of the Sanctuary?"
"I believe so, White. Unlike in the 9 Realms, I'm not the number 1 around here." Seeing the surprised look on White's face made Shinji chuckle. "Don't let it surprise you that much, White. Like I said, this world also offers me a chance to grow stronger… Provided that I prove my hypothesis."
"And I believe you will be standing at the top, soon enough, my Lord." White faithfully replied. "Then, shall we be going."
"Umu." Shinji nodded. "But let's not use the «Guild-Teleport» for now. We'll go there on foot. I also be briefing you about my findings on the way."
"If that's what you wish for, my Lord."
Although, it was as clear as the beaming sun that White was actually enthusiastic about the walk.
Upon leaving the Throne room, Shinji regarded White whose eyes gazed at him in adoration, and sighed.
'Is this how it feels to be popular?'
Well, he certainly isn't going to complain and that's that.
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
Sighing, Shinji waved another pair of genuflecting Android Elite Guards as both he and White made their way through the Star Castle.
Shinji knew the name sounded funny, but he would fight anyone who would dare to laugh at it. The Star Castle was the name of the floating fortress named by his gramps. It is also Shinji's Command Center within the World Item.
'Speaking of the other centers… Or should I now be calling them, Islands.'
Indeed, the opulent looking glass beside Shinji provided him an outside view of the artistic floating Islands interconnected with large tubes. They were among the biggest boons the ⸢YGGDRASIL's Seed⸥ had provided Shinji.
One of the ⸢YGGDRASIL's Seed⸥ functions was granting Shinji the privilege to create an Island (base) and delegate to it any particular function in YGGDRASIL without restrictions.
Unlike a normal Guild Base, the World Item allowed Shinji to create his own mini-YGGDRASIL.
He already had an Island which boasted of 4 High-Tier Dungeons and 6 Low-Tier Dungeons as well as a Rare Ore Mine. Another Island which served as his Army base. An Island dedicated for Armory, Charms, and Accessories. Another where he keeps his Summons, and finally an Island upon which he built a small modern city for his NPCs to live in.
Of course, such a function would have really broken the game, so it came with a limitation… Money. Downloading the Island blueprints as well as programming it into the VR game cost more money than one could even imagine.
Shinji had initially gasped on how much it took to build even One Island. It was almost his entire pocket change at that time! Although his gramps only nodded in understanding. Such a function was a Game Breaker, so that means using it should require some level of sacrifice from the Player.
In the end, that didn't mean much to Shinji considering his financial circumstances.
"I have some understanding on the semblance of the situation, Lord Azoth." White said drawing him back to their conversation. "This… Heroic Spirits as well as the Dead Ancestors could actually threaten us."
"It's good that you understand…" Shinji said, rubbing his chin.
"Truth be told, our level in the power totem of this world isn't exactly low… It's quite the opposite. Our YGGDRASIL spells are considered a form of True Magic in this World and are logically above this era Mages and even above some Heroic Spirits and Dead Ancestors. My only concern is how it correlates with the Planet's Mystery."
"Mystery…" White's brows furrowed. "The source of a spell's potency or resistance in every Heroic Spirits, Divine Spirits, Dead Ancestors, Phantasmals and even Mages. It's true that I cannot find such a thing in our database… Ah~ I believe I have an idea on what your plan is, Lord Azoth. Most impressive."
"Hmm… And what do you think it is, White?"
"Permit me, then. You plan on integrating our Spells with this World's Mystery… To create a system similar to the Planet's System and use it as a means to bolster our strength."
"Eh? I-I mean in-indeed, you are correct."
Shinji shakily nodded.
'Why didn't I consider that option?! It's more cost efficient than what I was originally planning… It's only that it'll take time and in the end, I still have to confirm my hypothesis.'
That goes to show the importance of having an outside perspective when making decisions. Despite Shinji possessing adequate knowledge of the World through Makiri memories, it was White's idea that ended up being the better one.
"Lord Azoth?" White asked in concern seeing that her lord drew a hand across his face in exasperation.
"It's nothing, White… Let's just get going."
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
The short walk to the Treasury hadn't taken long though it was quite enlightening. And it wasn't only because of White's brilliant idea.
On the way, Shinji had come into the conclusion of instructing White on giving day offs to the Castle staffs. He just couldn't fathom standing still all day and not turning crazy.
They weren't just NPCs from the very moment that he had concluded that they were capable of independent thought.
'I remember constructing a few houses for the Androids on Paradise Island. So the issue of residency wouldn't be much of a problem.'
Upon passing the Sphinx Gatekeepers into the Treasury, Shinji had been greeted by the other Guardian on the Star Castle, Smaug, a LV 100 Psychic Dragon.
Shinji would have to admit that the Dragon had been an eccentric one. It had been quite the experience talking to a creature regarded as the Highest-Tiered Phantasmal Beast. Though Shinji could do without the image of a 20 meters tall dark and gilded scale Dragon wagging its tail like a dog.
If he had to mildly describe such an action, it would be bizarre.
When Shinji had informed the Dragon to bring the Items he needed, the Dragon began crying furiously and begged for him to take something else. It was that moment Shinji remembered where he had gotten the Dragon's blueprint from -an antiquated novel called The Hobbit.
Anyways, after assuring Smaug that he needed those Items for the Realm's benefit and preventing White from turning the Dragon into a swish kebab. Smaug with a whine, called upon his Middle Tier Ghastly Apparitions to go bring the out Items Shinji needed.
"I hear and obey..." Smaug sniffed. "But if it pleases my Lord, can you bring me more treasures so that I may safeguard?"
"You stupid Dragon!" White snapped as a white menacing aura shrouded her form. "I will really turn you into a kebab if you keep on running that rude maw of yours!"
"Hi!-My apologies, Lady White!"
"It's alright, White. That's how he's meant to be." Placing a hand of White's shoulder, Shinji said pacifyingly. "Smaug. How do you feel about a trip to my High Level Dungeons? I'm sure you'll be able to farm some sweet goodies if you work hard enough."
"A thousand thanks, my Lord!" Smaug hollered with such intensity that the entire room shook as if it were in the middle of an earthquake. "I can never thank you enough."
"No problem, you can thank me by watching over my Treasures."
"With my soul, body, and my entire being, my Lord!"
"Umu…"
After storing the Items in his Storage, Shinji beckoned White.
"Let's get going."
White had an ambivalent look in her eyes, alternating between spending hours reprimanding Smaug or following her Lord –of course she chose the latter.
ᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥᴥ
"Come on now, White. Does Smaug's words really bother you that much?"
"… Smaug had been really rude just now. Isn't he aware that you are the one who delegated to him all the Treasures for safekeeping? All it takes is one word from you, and he loses it all."
At that Shinji couldn't help but chuckle. "… Heh, you're really a good person, White."
"My Lord?" White stuttered.
"I think the main reason behind your anger is that you don't want me getting annoyed at Smaug antics, right?"
"Ugh!"
White's flinch was the clincher. Gramps had once told Shinji of one of the tactics employed in Businesses, where a senior officer would get angry at their junior in order to spare them from serious punishment.
'When people see that a person is angry at another, they'll assume that the angry person is going to dole out serious penalties, right?' Gramps said with a chuckle.
'But the truth is that they're actually trying to help the one who they're angry at… Either so that they don't lose their jobs or create unhealthy tensions within the office.'
"Am I right, White?" Shinji said with a grin.
"Your wisdom supersedes comprehension, Lord Azoth." The Celestial Android bowed in reverence. "My apologies for trying put wool over your eyes, it's just that—"
"It's alright, White. I understand." Shinji raised a hand. "I'm the one who… … Created Smaug. His penchant for hoarding treasures is something I'd ingrained in him. So no need for any apologies… Unless you want me to also apologize for creating Smaug in that manner."
"Please, Lord Azoth! That… That won't be good for my heart."
"Good, let's leave it at that."
This time, they had to use the «Guild-Teleport» to get to the Sanctuary as unlike the Treasury, the former could not be physically accessed within the Star Castle.
Using a Mage's perspective, the Sanctuary could be liken to a place hidden in a different Texture as opposed to a Bonded Field…
The scenery changed from the large hallways of the Star Castle to a jet black realm which its only source of light came from the large golden gate set before them. It is the entrance the Realm's Sanctuary –the most important site in the World Item.
"I can no longer accompany you from this point, Lord Azoth."
It was only due to White's privilege as the Realm's Guardian that she could even make it to this point… But it was only to this certain point. The contents behind the gate were for Shinji's sole use… With the situation being what it is, Shinji didn't want to risk letting anybody else in.
Nodding at White's words, Shinji called upon his personalized World Item; the ⸢Azi Dahaka Personalities⸥ ready to move on towards the next stage of his plan.
"⸢Azi Dahaka Personalities-Release 4th Infernal Circle⸥"
Fiery chains spurted over Shinji, enveloping his entire form in their flames. The enshrouded form grew bigger and taller reaching over 2 meters, and when the flames died down… An Undead remained.
He was a Skeleton garbed in a Divine Grade colossal fur coated jet-black armor which had a reddish eye at its torso. He had designed the armor using a character from the archaic tabletop Warhammer 'Chaos Horus' as its base.
The corrupted crimson glow in his eye sockets flared as he returned the sword that originally came with him back to the Storage.
'… I feel too different.' Shinji thought as he gave himself an onceover. 'I'm not sure how, but this form feels more… Colder than that of my Lunar Werewolf.'
But Shinji had no choice but to use this form. It was the optimum character Shinji needed for his plan to run smoothly… That is if the Racial Passives of an Undead still worked as intended.
Turning towards White, Shinji said. "Remember, if I haven't come out after 3 days, you are to activate the Time Turner and dilate the Realm's time to 5 years=5 days. Use the allocated time to prepare for when I'm through…"
Even his voice had a profound baritone feel to it.
"It shall be done." The Realm Guardian confidently replied. "I await your return and your inevitable success, Lord Azoth."
The Undead World Disaster shrugged. "Thanks for the vote of confidence…"
Bowing, White vanished in a haze, leaving only Shinji in the lightless realm.
"Now then," Shinji said while moving towards the door that automatically opened in his presence. "Let's get started."
