Chapter 35: Reunion
"It seems Mr. Shin is fond of Philippines? Why is that?"
"Of course I was and still am. Before I became a legendary assassin, I met this guy from Philippines inside a game. He was great in all aspect but he didn't care for anything. He was mocked by his own country but still persevere on competitions but he didn't met a good teammate."
"That was before VR games right?"
"Yes, I was till young back then. Haha!"
"What's the name of that person?"
"He's name was… Adrianne. Adrianne the East Eagle. I think he was more deserving to be a legend. He carried Philippines with his own but, you know what happened after."
"I see. So someone as great as the Legendary Assassin idolized someone."
"Of course! He was a great guy! I really like to meet him someday, again on a platform where will stand against each other."
"So what's your score in your battle with him?"
"It was 3:1. Of course, I was the one and he held 3 wins but he couldn't carry a whole team with only winning once with me."
"Oh. A pity."
"Really, a pity. Now, let's go back to the battle. The battle just passed 15 minutes but the drake still have half of its health."
Allen, Shiela, Christopher, Justin, and Erick. The line-up was good but it wasn't good enough. The teamwork was only at the basic understanding. Allen commanded them while also at the front dealing damage.
Fortunately, Shiela and Christopher were good enough as a damager and healer.
"Now!" Allen shouted. Justin used his damage reduction buff and Christopher readied his heal. Shiela and Erick released their high damaging skill.
The drake still continued attacking Justin that he didn't even feel an attack that was coming to him. The drake they were facing was a Fire Drake. Fortunately, it was the same as how Liam battled before.
He shared his experience when he saw that the boss were drakes. Drakes wouldn't fly inside a cave unlike on Tundra and Plain.
Fortunately, the Drake they were facing wasn't a cheat like existence that Liam faced. It was a normal drake that only have basic intelligence.
The drake cried and Allen knew that they were near. Allen unleashed his high damaging skill. The sword he was using started to have and aura until it looked like a wind drilling swirling around the sword.
Allen thrust his sword towards the drake's throat. The Drake was still confused when he was attacked by an arrow which could stun an enemy within 5 seconds the highest depending on the distance.
The drake cried its final cry and lied down. Everyone cheered. They made it!
00:22:03 was their time. It took a lot of time compared to others but they believe it was still great. Unfortunately they didn't got the first place.
Group C
00:20:58 Canada
00:22:03 Philippines
00:22:37 Japan
00:24:01 Netherlands
00:25:38 Jordan
00:27:20 Austria
"What a stunning victory for the Canada. Congratulations Philippines. You still got in you. This old bones wanted to make a kowtow towards this youths."
"Mr. Shin is quite emotional with the Philippines. I also think it's quite great despite the line up they have. 2 warriors, 1 priest, 1 ranger, and a mage. Like USA but they still emerge 1 second faster than USA!"
Group D
00:19:59 China
00:20:21 Sweden
00:21:04 Denmark
00:24:49 UK
00:25:25 Norway
00:26:01 Bulgaria
Group E
00:15:32 Australia
00:22:54 Russia
00:24:45 Taiwan
00:24:55 Thailand
00:25:34 Turkey
00:25:39 Vietnam
"So our first event finished tonight. We'll now see the rankings of the 1st day event. The boss raid."
00:15:32 – 1st Australia
00:19:21 – 2nd South Korea
00:19:59 – 3rd China
00:20:03 – 4th Germany
00:20:21 – 5th Sweden
00:20:58 – 6th Canada
00:21:04 – 7th Denmark
00:22:03 – 8th Philippines
00:22:04 – 9th USA
00:22:37 – 10th Japan
00:22:54 – 11th Russia
00:23:14 – 12th France
00:24:01 – 13th Netherlands
00:24:45 – 14th Taiwan
00:24:49 – 15th UK
00:24:51 – 16th Spain
00:24:53 – 17th Italy
00:24:55 – 18th Thailand
00:25:25 – 19th Norway
00:25:34 – 20th Turkey
00:25:38 – 21st Jordan
00:25:39 – 22nd Vietnam
00:25:43 – 23rd Finland
00:26:01 – 24th Bulgaria
00:26:28 – 25th Ukraine
00:27:20 – 26th Austria
00:30:01 – 27th Malaysia
00:32:10 – 28th Brazil
00:32:33 – 29th Poland
00:40:23 – 30th Singapore
"Unfortunately, Group A served as a test subject for others. We will improve this problem next season. And I declare the end of the 1st day. Good Evening to all of you, see you tomorrow same time, same place."
The crowd slowly dispersed. Some waited for their countrymen to show their support. Liam and the 7 representative also went on their way.
On the way Liam saw a group of people he know. He wanted to avoid them but alas! Ye Han and Velkner with their sharp eyes saw him. "Liam!"
7 heads turned on him. "Do you know them?" Allen asked as the leader.
"Unfortunately, I do know them." But before Liam could explain how he knew them, Velkner and Ye Han arrived before him.
"Liam, we'll have a get together and you'll come with us no matter what happens!"
Ye Han nodded like a toy for display on the car. "Can I go with you?" Anthony asked suddenly.
Ye Han and Velkner looked at Anthony with scrutinizing eyes. "You may." Liam didn't wait for the two to answer for him. "I'll go if he goes."
"Sure! Let's go then."
Velkner and Ye Han like a long lost buddy skipped to the other group.
"I'll be responsible with Anthony, just rest and eat."
"Alright, don't stay too late outside, we still have a competition tomorrow."
Liam with Anthony parted ways with Allen and others. Liam walked towards the other group with a teenager following him.
Liam saw someone unfamiliar yet familiar. "He is…?"
"Zigz, that's Zigz, dude. He's handsome isn't he?" Ye Han introduced Zigz while also adding a compliment.
"Handsome my ass! He looks like a sissy!" Velkner remarked.
"Pft! A sissy? Where? I don't see one. Maybe you're the sissy."
Everyone laughed at their banter. Since Velkner appeared he was sure to avoid Zigz for reasons unknown. Olivia and Misha found Zigz then met up with others. They're only waiting for Liam.
Liam cleared his throat. "Let me introduce my companion, he–"
"ANTHONY! OH MY GOD ALL STAR PLAYERS! I'M IN HEAVEN!" Anthony screamed while looking at each one of them with sparkling eyes and goofy smile.
"Yeah. He's Anthony, you know, he's somewhat…" Liam didn't finish his words and just nodded and smiled sheepishly.
"Alright! As the only Korean here, Rain, will show us around!" Ye Han the initiator announced. Unlike his serious attitude inside the game he was quite straightforward person like Velkner. They really clicked together like Olivia and Misha, and Xavier and Leonel.
"Well, then let's go to my house. I'll treat you a ramen."
"No!!!! We're just kidding! Let's go eat at a famous restaurant!"
"Yeah, let's eat at the company's restaurant. It's famous and also free."
Everyone have no choice but to eat at the company's restaurant. They were escorted by 2 company employees as a driver. Rain as an contracted player inside the game knew what they need.
Rain was the one who also talked where they'll eat. They all squeezed inside the elevator and Rain pressed the top floor 8th floor.
When the elevator opened, unlike the other floors with a private room, the floor itself was special. The whole 9th floor could only be used by director's approval.
The whole floor was like a penthouse. "Well, aren't this special?"
"Of course it was! As far as I know, only with the director's approval could we use this floor."
"You're right. Well, let's just say we're not the only one here."
"Oh Rain! You're here!" A youth descended the stairs near the elevator. Everyone's gaze was on the stairs. They saw the youth and inhaled a mouthful of breaths.
"Oh shit!"
"I think I'm dreaming!"
The youth presented himself and was also surprised. "What the fuck!"
"Julius, my friends. Everyone, Julius." Everyone looked at Rain then Julius then Rain then Julius.
Only Anthony was confused with their expression. Well, if he was also an All Star Player then he'll know the most annoying person today was the one who showed as 'Rain's friend'.
"You're friends with this… with this…"
"This what?!"
Rain only chuckled and asked Julius "Where's Gabriel?"
"I don't know and don't care! I already ordered food for the two of us but didn't know you'll bring these guys especially an annoying fly."
"What?!" Velkner raged.
"Let's go upstairs, the view's great."
"Right." Xavier as one of the eldest answered.
"Didn't know you're this special, Rain." Leonel commented.
"Right? Rain's the best you know, of course, after me!" Julius butted in the conversation.
Anthony looked more confused. "Whose that guy?"
"Him? Hmm, let's just say he was one of the employees."
"I see. But why does…" Anthony pointed at Velkner "he act like he was angry at him." Anthony pointed at Julius.
"Well, they're both annoying flies." Ye Han answered Anthony's question.
Liam helplessly sighed and shook his head. The only normal in the group were the two girls, Zigz, Rain and him. Xavier's getting weird too after spending time with Leonel. He was acting like a middle aged man.
"Well, I did tell them to bring different kinds of food. So, let's wait for it."
Everyone spend their time communicating and exchanging stories about themselves. The food arrived after an hour and silence descended the group. Only the occasional sounds of glasses and spoon clinking could be heard. Occasional burps and compliments were also thrown sometimes.
Julius, Velkner, and Ye Han became a three man group. Xavier, Leonel, and Liam also became a three man group in a conversation. Zigz, Rain, Misha, Olivia, and Anthony also made their own conversations. The mood was harmonious while eating. Laughs, giggles, and chuckles could be heard on the 2nd floor.
A ding sounded from the first floor indicating that someone arrived. Gabriel heard the laughter coming from the 2nd floor. He also smiled and ascended the stairs.
Julius and Rain stood up and greeted Gabriel. "Everyone, this is the director of the Advent of Heroes, Gabriel. Gabriel, everyone. Of course you know them. The other one is Anthony."
"Nice to meet all of you, Heroes."
Everyone laughed at the strange nickname they got. "Well, I'm just here to express my goodwill. You could stay here. There were 3 rooms here. There's also alcohol inside the refrigerator. Then I'll retire first."
Everyone thanked the director and continued eating their foods.
"I didn't know that you know the director."
"Pft! Of course! Who do you think I am?! I AM JULIUS!"
"Right! Julius my man! Hahahaha!"
"I think they're drunk with all their stupid talks." Misha commented.
"Let them be. They won't be like that on the sixth day."
"Sixth day? Why? I thought we'll only play at the last day?"
"No, the company decided to cut the game for Nations League. So be prepared at the sixth day. The elimination round would start that day."
Everyone heard that and looked at Julius. "What? Aren't I here now to tell you that?"
"Psh, I think you just wanted to create trouble for everyone when you delivered the news earlier!"
"What can I say, it's my job to create one! Haha!"
"And he's proud."
Rain only smiled but didn't explain any further. "Don't worry everyone received the news. The company wouldn't be that irresponsible. Besides, Julius wasn't really to blame. The management forgot how troublesome he was."
"Rain, you still love me though." Julius said matter-of-factly.
"Well, let's drink! I'll get the drinks." Leonel said and descended the stairs.
The night was spent like that. Everyone decided to stay that night. Olivia and Misha got one room. The three fools also got one. Zigz, Anthony, Rain also got one. The three adults decided to stay at the sofa.
Liam gazed at the silent city. The view was good enough to spend time. He also drunk some alcohol. It wasn't strong. But, he still felt like everything was a dream.
"Can't sleep?" a voice asked coming from the stairs.
"Yeah, how bout you?"
"Same. I just didn't think someone will be the same as me."
"Hmm.."
"You're not the talkative type, are you?"
"Hmm.."
"Then I won't disturb you anymore."
"Wait! Just… I guess stay with me?"
"Sure." The shadow walked besides Liam and sat down. The occasional wind caressed their faces.
'Comfortable silence, how long will you last?' A thought drifted through the wind was the last thing they remembered that night.