"How close are we to their location?", Yielya asked.
She and Jarvis were flying atop Neorvil. They were crossing the river at a height above the clouds. This was so they wouldn't get spotted by boats.
"We're almost there, are you sure you're ready for a fight? You don't seem to have improved."
"I'd be lying if I said I did. Too focused on the technical side of things, neglected my personal level."
"Are you sure that's not going to hold us back?"
"I'll be supporting the main force. My healing abilities haven't been needed for a long while."
"Let's hope you don't regret it then."
"What about you? You went silent for a good majority of our time."
"Doing what I normally do."
"Find new tames?"
"No, I realized that adding more is detrimental to my progress. As much as I would like to bond with more creatures, if I don't improve with those that are with me now. . ."
"So you improved everyone alongside you?"
"Just about."
"I've heard about the progress the others have made, but I haven't seen it personally."
"Knowing them they probably became ridiculous."
"Will it be enough to fight a Third Stage?"
"You remember fighting a Third Stage right?"
"Partially."
"Do you remember how we faced against it?"
"All I can think of is death."
"Exactly, I don't think this is going to end well."
Yielya closed her eyes and nodded solemnly, "Yeah, got a real bad feeling about this."
~ ~ ~
"Nimin!"
Nimin turned to see Akiol and two strangers approach. Eyeing them suspiciously he asked, "Who are these two?"
"The missing two."
"The missing two?"
"Six of us came here, these are the remaining two. They're here to provide some assistance in this last ditch situation."
Nimin's eyes brightened, "Wonderful! We can always use a skilled hand."
"So what's the plan?"
"We're gathering up as we speak. We plan to march towards Perina's castle as soon as possible. I am also posting this on the Forums the moment we're ready."
"You sure you're ready?"
"I'm not ready, but I have no choice."
"That's how war seems to go."
Akiol suddenly patted Yielya's shoulder, "If you don't mind I recommend her to take a commanding role. Since our stronger fighters can't stay in the back lines giving orders."
"I trust your judgement and everything, but how do you think the others will react?"
"Oh they'll be accepting real quick."
"If you believe so you have my approval."
"Alright, I'll get everyone acquainted then."
Nimin watched as the three hurried off, he frowned as a path suddenly appeared and blocked his vision.
He followed it with his eyes, upon understanding what it was trying to convey he grimaced, "I'm not going to run. If I don't do this then. . ."
"Nimin!", Para's voice called out.
Turning to greet her Nimin asked, "Something wrong?"
"Yeah! There's something going on at Perina's castle!"
~ ~ ~
"Hmph! They decided to attack after all?! Clearly I need to teach them what terrifying power a Third Star can hold!"
Grimwald appeared in front of her kneeling, "Miss."
"What is it?"
"Word slipped about, the citizens are. . . Revolting!"
"What?! Have they forgotten who runs this place?!"
"We're trying to calm them, but that would require us to loosen our defenses!"
"Fine then, give our enemies an opening. It'll be more entertaining to see them glow with hope, only for me to crush it."
"I'll carry out your orders!"
Perina watched unamused as Grimwald's figure vanished. She casually placed her chin into her palm, "Nimin, I let you go for so long just because of our history. Since you want to keep up this pointless fight, I'll amuse you. But when we meet, you will not escape this death Eternal One."
Looking through the glass window of her throne room she saw the chaos unfurl across the city. She watched as soldiers and civilians push and pull, as fire began to spread across her very own city. Despite all this she did not feel anger, instead she only felt amusement. It was like watching ants battle each other.
As the light from the flames reached her face, it illuminated a faint smile that rested on her lips.
~ ~ ~
"Is this for real?!"
A single post on the Forums gained a significant amount of traction. With hundreds commenting and discussing about it.
The post was as follows:
-Join Us, to break the shackles that bind us-
Is this really a game? To be suppressed constantly, to be living in fear that at any time our accounts might be crippled for standing out too much? Can you fully recommend this game to anyone? While we're suffering?
It's enough, we as the players have a hand to control the fate of this world. Our actions have the most impact on this game. Why should we be restricted?
So I extend my hand to you, will you join us? To break these shackles that restrict us from truly enjoying ourselves? That keep us from exploding in our latent potential?
As the time of posting this, Perina's Castle is being revolted against. The NPCs had enough, and they're taking the pitchforks first to fight against this. We can too, let's join the NPCs in this revolution.
If you are afraid, perhaps this will settle your worries:
I, the leader of Dusted Bright, Nimin, have been training a player exclusive army to lead the revolution. Yes, this means those rumors were true.
Along with talented and powerful players, we are confident in ending Perina's rule as a whole. However despite everything we are outnumbered. So we need you to help us. Help us lay siege against the city that surrounds Perina's castle. Help us gain what should have rightfully been ours: freedom.
The time? Right now, this is an opportunity we must grasp. So gather your friends, Guilds, and equipment. Head directly to Perina's Castle.
For an omen to a better future, Nimin.
-End-
This post riled up several players, many which immediately headed towards Perina's Castle as soon as they finished reading it. Such firm action began to inspire other players, and soon enough rogue players that numbered triple of Nimin's army was joining the battle.
The players were finally putting their own fate in their rightful hands.
~ ~ ~
"So, what do we do about this?"
An emergency meeting at the developer branch managing the eastern side of the game was formed in response to the players' movements.
"We figured a fight against Perina was going to happen eventually. It's just that I didn't expect the players to take initiative."
"So?"
"Why don't we lend a hand?"
"How exactly do we do that without getting in trouble?"
"It's simple! We announce this as an event, a public announcement from us would ease those that doubt the post. Moreover the thought of drastically changing a game's future with their own hands should be exciting."
"This is actually a decent idea. This could also give the players inspiration to work together against the more serious threats the world hides."
"So unity is key? Are we in agreement that this is our selected approach?"
There was unanimous agreement across the team. After a quick set of decision making the team worked swiftly to create the announcement. As it released the players were shaken further and gossip began to take the internet by storm.
<Emergency Announcement! Due to the rallying of several players, the hidden event "Escape Of Perina's Tyranny" has been triggered!>
<Escape of Perina's Tyranny: Perina used her strength to rule with an iron fist. She absorbed anyone showing an inkling of talent, and is greedy on her ascent to higher levels. Join the fight against her to regain your freedom!
Objective: Defeat Perina and her soldiers
Difficulty: Impossible
Reward: The freedom of the West half of the continent
Failure: Perina's eternal rule.>