(Story) The Light Pillars | Page 2

He wasn't sure how long it was after the fall of the Castle. Kohaku had chosen to stay with the Falderan. He wasn't sure if he was keen on the new emergence of what not of a player based kingdom. Did he really fully care though? See the problem, with him as he roamed the the camp for the night now, was that he had plenty to do no matter where he went. Kohaku would always choose to do exactly what would give him the most fun. And though it hadn't exactly been terribly fun running for his life and fighting a giant wurm that basically stained his clothes. It was the most fun he'd had since well since being bad. And nearly taking out an entire village. It was just that this time he wasn't sure exactly what would be going on. They weren't at Stokbon yet. He was in the middle of wondering exactly what it was the king was going to do in retaliation to the events that had occured at the castle. The loss of life. On both sides he was sure. he wondered who had more casualties. He was in the middle of thinking of a way to get the people homes and what to say to the king when flashes of light started to catch his attention.

One of the soldiers one he'd been helping all of the suddent was lit in aglow of light and stumbled back making Kohaku put out his hand just to make sure he wasn't going to actually fall over and so that he himself wouldn't get knocked off. One of the disadvantages of being small. The light faded almost as quickly as it had come. "You alright man?" He questioned the soldier. "Yea I think so. It just felt warm and kinda nice." They both shrugged and continued to watch their section of the camp. They both left it at that but it was weird to him. It was magic he could tell that but exactly how or why or what was going on he'd have to investigate later. Seeing as it was only the npc with him that seemed to be hit by the light.

This place just got more interesting as time went on that was about all he could tell himself about what was up.

 

Isolt had longed on only a few nights after the events of the fall of Castle Dormont. She was so utterly conflicted. Her brothers had not been signed in for the event but her eldest brother had spent nearly all night after the event trying to calm her down because she couldn't sleep and because she was freaking out. Her brothers were as perplexed as she was about the events but they still very much so sided with Falderen but none of them were sure anymore just how fake this world was because now there lay a demension they had never thought of before. And so when she had signed on tonight she had signed on to make sure that the march to Stokbon was going well. After all she had promised to help the people and she would do that. She would help them and protect them with her life if she needed too. Like she had when they were in the cave in. Like she had with the giant wurm which still haunted her dreams even in the real world. This was not just going to go away like some raid in another game.

She shook it out as she heard a squeal come from behind her. "Mama Mama Issy's back Issy's back." The young boy came barrelling at her nearly trying to knock her to the ground. Thankfully he was still small and not completely able to do it and she was quick to catch him. "Hey Connor, you been good for your mommy while I was away?" she questioned the boy who nodded enthuastically. His reached out to his mom when she came up. "Good to have you back Isolt. He's been talking my ear off all day about you." She smiled. "Hello Ma'am how you holding up. everything going fine so far." The woman nodded her head. She was missing a husband and a father for her child but like many of the castle help they seemed to all raise the children together and so she was sure that they were getting the support that they needed.

It was a few moments after this that light engulfed the two of them and Isolt stumbled back a little at the brightness of it. And then looked around. "Mama its warm" The woman had gasped but the little boy was laughing. And when the light was gone they seemed just fine. Something seemed off about this though. She shrugged it off all the answers she was sure would come in time with research and well with direct questions. Connor jumpped out of his mom's arms and made his way over and pulled lightly on isolt's tail to get her back to reality.

"that was fun. Issy Issy tell me a story. I want a story before bed." Isolt laughed and moved over to where camp had been set up. "Alright let's see here. do you want a story about knight or a prince." Once the child said what he wanted she started in a a tale.

 

Amane had been determined to take a break from everything stressful after the prior events, which lead to her lounging in a field in Pormont, two fingers at her temples as she laid down on the warm grass, trusting her Investigation Mode to pick up hostiles as she relaxed. Even after sleeping over it, the possible repercussions of everything that they players had done still left her reeling. The reputation section of her character profile stared at her mockingly, the "-4" figure underneath Falderen both accusatory and scornful. She'd tried walking into Stokbon recently, but the aura of disgust just from approaching the area had put her off. Thankfully, the kingdom was vast, and there were places like this that were deserted from civilisation, quiet and peaceful, void of contempt.

Stretching her arms and waving them in little grass angels on the ground, she gave a yawn, opening her eyes lazily to observe the evening sky. Terra Sphere really was beautiful. Every time she was plagued with the image of death, of blood, of her Illumancy burning away the flesh of soldier's faces — she could chase it away with lackadaisical clouds, and cool breezes bringing with them the smell of wild flowers. The beauty far outweighed the stress of remaining in the game, and she found that she couldn't bear to leave behind such a world, no matter the pain it brought her.

Suddenly, a flare of light illuminated the red sky, shooting down like lightning, but far more disciplined, like a smite several scales above what the strongest mage in TS currently could manage. An attack? Amane wondered, the felis scrambling to her feet and making a mad dash towards ground zero. The only spell she'd witness at such a scale so far had been the one cast by the Ynglar Brotherhood. Perhaps this was their doing, as well? Just in case, as she ran the sorceress checked through all her gear, replacing and repairing what she could and arranging her potions for easy access. If this was to be another world boss, then unlike last time she was going to be prepared.

But upon reaching what she swore had to be the light's point of impact, she met the sight of a peaceful village, the NPCs carrying out their daily activities in what looked to be practiced routine, selling goods, bargaining, and conducting their work. Nothing looked out of place. Amane asked a few questions to those who paid her their time of the day, but the most they could give her was that the light had struck a person, but to no effect, either detrimental or beneficial. There had certainly been no world boss. Perplexed, she frowned, fingers tapping against her thigh as she debated logging out of the area to seek answers elsewhere — namely, the online forums and internet chatrooms. Surely someone out there had an answer? At the very least, she could find out if this beam of light had appeared elsewhere.

Making up her mind, Amane opened the world chat function and fired off a message, before her finger drifted towards the "log out" option. The light could have been nothing, but after all the effort she had spent running to this village, the felis was determined to get some sort of an explanation. Hopefully, some player had an idea what the beams where all about.

Amane Hirota

Did anyone else see a weird beam of light appear for a second or so before disappearing? There was one here in Pormont, but when I ran to its origin there had been no visible effect. Does anyone have any idea what it was?

 

Already Steele was preparing to log out, yet before he did just that it appeared a pillar of light struck down not far from him. Was this an attack and a simply missed strike? Eyes shifting to where it landed; it appeared the light source feel upon another. Rushing over being a caring soul he was. He'd investigate briefly into the matter, despite having planned some time to contemplate how he felt about the ordeal and what had been going on lately. Eyes shifting upon the figure as he grew near it was an NPC. Noting it wasn't dead from such a beam and they seemed alright he figured it wasn't an attack or not one with an immediate effect. Eyes locked upon the figure he'd make a mental note of his current location before popping up a quick message to his guild; however it would appear his other council member had already beat him to it.

Aaron Steele

No idea, I saw one over here in Adec...Astoria. It appeared to strike the NPC of this region. He seems alright, but I've made a mental note of his location here in the forest at some old cabin. So I'd like some folks to check up on him and see if this triggered some sort of world event or maybe secret missions given the recent changes to the world. So keep me updated fam. I'm about to head off in a bit, but see if you can't all gather these coordinates and tell me if this is simply a matter of when and where sporadically or if there seems to be some sort of pattern. This could be a very subtle attack. Almost like a conscription of every single member of Falderen in our lands. I'm going to message Astor before anything else comes up. But please; do your best to scout out any information you can acquire.

As he continued to explore about and talk to the NPC he'd inquire if he felt funny, was anything wrong. Attempt to heal him and see what he could muster but nothing. This was either some weird event or possibly unlock for the future or something fishy was going on. Inquiring about any contracts nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Perhaps that was it. No, it wasn't he couldn't be sure if it was a mass update to give generic missions to new NPC or what it was. But having such things happen so close to home he'd walk over to a tree a safe distance away and begin messaging the big man himself. @Astor Balthas

Aaron Steele

Yo, White Chocolate Thunder. It's the man of steele. I need you to keep an eye out. I saw some NPC hit by light and not too long ago some folks were screaming an attack. I saw the NPC checked it out, no real loss or damage. But I do have a few theories. One is that it's some sort of update cuz we took over; forcing the NPC to like us and if not give us new quests to make up for so many dead.

That's the choice I'd like to believe. But the fucked up side of me believes we may have witnessed a grand conscription. What do you do when someone causes trouble in your neighborhood? You grab the boys and fuck them up, right? My problem with this is I'm getting told this is all over. So it makes sense. can't send all the men in one area it'd kill the population. Especially for a country. But if this theory is true Ass master. We are gonna need to keep an eye out for some NPC's in the land; might turn coats and try to fuck our shit up.

Not what you want to hear since your happy ass in on the throne, but you're no use to us dead or if you get assassinated. I'm not sure how that works...think that if you die as king you can't retake the throne? Might want to keep an eye open at night man. You might have accepted Hardcore mode once you claimed you castle bro. But whatever the case may be, I need you to keep your ear to the ground or at least have your guild look into it. I'm already hitting up my own.

Having Completed this he'd once more take to the messages; this time Guild message to keep them updated on his thoughts and to stir more productive actions from this new enigma

Aaron Steele

Alright [VALOR] I haven't been living under a rock, nor have I been ignoring what is going on here. I'm merely taking the time to see what's true. With all the rumors, what happened to Amane and not too long ago myself. I've come to several conclusions. The Lights seem to be hitting all over the world; probably as a result of the castle. The second fact is I can confirm this light hit an NPC.

He didn't seem different. No damage, no status change, but it did seem to let me get some sort of contract from it. Not sure if they were there originally so I can't say. But with this happening in Astoria, it's concerning because what usually happens when someone fucks up and causes trouble in the neighborhood is retaliation. Mainly the gathering of the homies and a big brawl. So if this was some sort of mass conscript we could be looking at a real war if not gorilla warfare.

But let's hope I'm just being overly analytical. Anyways I told Astor my thoughts, I want you all to consider these facts yourself and if able to seek out folks and investigate. I told him we'd look into the matter and with the reputation we already have going...it might be best to ease any issues with folks and keep this under wraps. Worst case scenarios you all form some contracts and maybe repair some of the damage I caused, again sorry. But it seemed like the lesser of two evils.

Anyways with this all said, please work diligently and keep each other updated; I don't want anyone traveling alone for any reason; So at this moment I want you all to be buddied up at all times. There is power in numbers and even more so, bonus to combat skills. It's bad enough we have the monsters and bandits of the world to worry about, the last thing we need is farmer joe trying to shove a pitch fork in our ass; especially when we didn't touch his daughter cuz we are engaged to a beautiful woman all our own. @Sera Phim . But I digress, I look forward to updates. I'll be off the rest of today but online tomorrow. Keep me posted.

He'd say sending his final message as he took a deep breath in looking back towards the NPC, he really didn't want to believe the worst but his gut feelings were rarely wrong. Logging off he'd head off to meet Angel and discuss some of the more intricate matters in real life as well as for the upcoming events he wanted to host for the game.

 

It was like a laser pointer had powered on in the sky and was shining down over the center of Stokbon. Only a whole lot bigger than a laser pointer, and a bit less bright in that she could still somewhat see through it instead of going blind, and not in any funky colors like purple or green or red. And, you know, be a beam of light shining down from the heavens without any discernible cause.

So, a lot less like a laser pointer than her first thought had made it out to be. Similes were not Ash's strong suit, that much was clear. There was a reason that Creative Writing in 7th grade English was the first D that had ever graced her report card. Though maybe that was because Mr. Newton was an awful English teacher, and just a pretty bad teacher in general due to his disdain for all things preteen.

But Ash was getting distracted! The big issue here was the beam of light that had opened up in the sky, shone down on a random person in Stokbon's thoroughfare, and then disappeared again! The light, not the person. She looked quite confused about the whole thing, but not in any other apparent distress.

Going over to the well-dressed woman, Ash began asking her questions about the odd occurrence. She didn't get much details, though. "Felt a bit warm and tingly," wasn't very helpful in diagnosing whatever it was. Though at least it didn't appear to be harmful! Plus one for that, but also at least minus three or four because it was something weird and strange and, judging by the messages on the world chat, happening all over the game without any explanation.

Oookay. Well, time to add to the reports, at any rate. It wasn't like she had much to add, but at least she could confirm seeing one over Stokbon.

Ashiore

I saw one of those lights too, in Stokbon! It opened up over a woman in the street, but it didn't look like it did anything. She just said it felt warm. Aside from that, I've got no clue what those lights actually do.

 

One needed a down-time. Even in a game. Which was why few nights after the capture of the Dormont Castle Ilusa was currently not in the destroyed castle of the Astorea, but in an inn where she was talking with the owner of it. The pretty young woman who owned said inn with her husband had been once upon a time saved by her and Astor from the slavers and Ilusa liked to check on the woman.

She was glad that the change in the game did not affect the NPC woman and that the woman was still nice and kind to her (even if her misunderstanding toward Astor was still not resolved, the man really was not her ‘owner’).

Thus, sipping the provided deliciously refreshing drink (some mix of juices and bit of alcohol) she pondered over the act of a few nights ago. She wondered how this will affect the world. How will it make the NPC react? Will there be war? More fights like that? What about the demons? The siege showed her that Astor put more hours into the game, polishing his Pyromancy to such degree. His friend Bao, was what she strived for, so proficient in healing that she was almost jealous. Almost, because sooner or later she too will reach such heights in the Illumancy.

Her tail swayed lazily, her ears perked up from time to time. When suddenly lights came and they hit the husband and wife.

“Ah!” Ilusa immediately stood up and made her way toward the pair, looking them over worriedly; she had gotten used to them, to the food they gave and the cheaper price for the room in the inn she got in return for the healing. Those computer created characters were very like actual people (why the husband hand hugged her fiercely in thanks for bringing his wife back when she first met him) and she grew to enjoy their presence.

“Are you alright?” She checked their status, let her light wash over them, but-

It seemed nothing was wrong. When asked, they spoke that they did not feel bad. Nothing seemed amiss. And though she checked and rechecked, she got no answer either. Feigning relief, she only smiled and after finishing her drink, she went to her room and practised her Illumancy. Once the energy was low, she logged out to prepare for bed, before going back to the game and falling asleep in it, in the in bed, worried.

Because, the light that put them, players, in the Dormont Castle looked very similar. Promising herself to call Astor and check the forums later on, she fell asleep.

Of course then her Real Life became bit chaotic and she became one of the last people to inform him of that phenomenon, but that was another story.