Within a few days, the first few players began to arrive at the COD base. Although some of the players chose to explore the game world on their own, some fantasising about finding hidden quests, or something unique to themselves, while some simply wanted to enjoy an alternate reality on their leisure.
However, around 85% of all the players within the Leon kingdom had joined COD already. Which amounted to around 4250 'Players', all of whom were moving towards the COD base at their own pace.
Due to the accelerated time, many players were still logging into the game or creating their character, which meant that the number of total players within Gamin was continuously increasing. Naturally, he had also sent a few extra people to remain at the spawning locations and invite all the new 'Players' to COD.
Among the first players to arrive were OriginalMagus and the other beta players who had become part of the upper echelons of COD as the founding members.
Upon arriving near the base and getting off the horses they had been travelling on, the 3 professional players, and 1 video streamer saw each other and realised that somehow, even though they had spawned in different parts of Leon, they had all arrived at exactly the same time.
At this moment, a voice brought their attention to a familiar masked figure.
"Welcome home, VidBro, OriginalMagus, SwordSlasher and SaintessKatrina!"
…
Following behind The Sage, the group of 4 entered the walled city which had been constructed in the short span of a few months. Naturally, such infrastructure like cement should not even exist in to the knowledge of the public, not to mention being able to build a city from the ground up within a few months.
However, what players in Luke's in his previous life, or in the passed future; had realised, was that although many things were different from reality, things from reality could be brought into this world.
For example, the formula and production method of cement, existing blueprints, etc. That was what made this game almost true artificial reality; Complete freedom. And furthermore, things like magic existed, which made the already optimised processes from Earth, even faster than before, allowing the existence of the magnificent city before the players' eyes.
While Luke was showing off the city he had built with hard work, he was sure to point out that he had used all of his money to bring about the miracle that is the COD base.
"Alright, enough sight-seeing. We have important matters to attend to." Luke finally spoke as the group finished a rather exquisite lunch.
"I have something important to do. Keep up."
He turned around and began walking, this time completely ignoring the players, who all came to a sudden thought at the actions of the NPC.
'A cutscene before an important mission!'
Such cutscene would almost always come before an important mission or a boss battle in most games, where the NPC completely, or somewhat ignores the players, who just have to follow behind the NPC to see the full cutscene.
The players wordlessly all moved behind Luke and followed him to the tallest building at the centre of the city and went to the second highest floor using something which surprised most new NPCs, but not the players since it was only an elevator using simple metal pulleys.
Luke took out his mobile phone and called someone on speaker.
*Riing*
After a single ring, the phone was picked up and spoke first.
[Hey Sage! What is it! I am busy!]
"Nothing much. Just needed to inform you. My spies in enemy territory have told me that Roland and Islesat have begun their assault. And unlike the previous attempts to weaken Leon, this time it is a frontal assault."
[I know. You think we don't have people in enemy territory?]
"I know that as well. But do you have accurate information about the size and strengths of the armies?"
[…]
"Thought so. No wonder you are busy. I just received the report a few hours ago. I'm faxing it over to you."
[…What do you want?]
"Keke~ You know me well. I wish to take part in the war. However, I do not wish to do it at the moment. My forces still require some time to grow stronger."
[…]
"And I also don't want the council to pressure me for anything."
[…]
Hushed murmurs could be heard from the phone, after a while, the one on the phone spoke once again.
[Alright.]
"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Phoenix"
With that, Luke cut the phone and turned around to the players while texting information to Barton.
"Now then. As you have heard, the war between the alliance of The Holy Kingdom of Islesat and The Roland Theocracy, and The Leon Kingdom, has officially begun. Naturally, it is only a battle between normal soldiers. However, I do not wish to send my forces out to die. And the 'Players' who have just joined COD are too weak to join any sort of battle. It will take then at least a month or so to grow strong enough to be considered a foot soldier."
"However, you can already be considered slightly better than that."
Pride and excitement could be seen on the faces of the players in front of Luke.
"Therefore, I will be sending you into battle. I know you cannot die, so go wild. Just make sure to kill at least 2 enemies before you die."
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Version 1 Main Storyline Quest
A Bloody Gamin
The Flames of war are threatening to rise up on the Gamin continent. The three major nations will soon be enveloped in an all-out war over control over the entire continent. The Sage requires your help.
Follow the Sage to war against The Roland Theocracy and the Holy Kingdom of Islesat, in order to protect the sovereign Kingdom of Leon.
Note: Due to your race evolution, no other option is available. You cannot go against The Sage's wishes.
Mission difficulty: S
Mission completion reward: ??????
Mission completion: 0%
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Version 1 Main Storyline Quest: Repeatable Task
A Bloody Gamin
Task: Go to the border between Leon and Roland or Islesat, and kill at least 2 enemies without dying.
Mission difficulty: D+
Mission reward: +0.001% completion for Version 1 Main Storyline Quest: A Bloody Gamin, +100 exp
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