As I recall the first events at the beginning of the game...
....
[ Chapter 1: Entering the Holy Land ]
[ Mission Scenario 1-1 ]
[ Princess Scarlett's Assassination ]
The first mission event in the game marked the introduction of two pivotal characters: Princess Scarlett Rose of Ambrosia Empire and the protagonist's childhood friend, Sumia Flan.
These two heroines held significant roles in the game, with paths that players were highly likely to traverse even as they were exploring other routes.
In the game, the protagonist's encounter with Princess Rose occurs aboard one of floating ships, where a chance mishap led to a small altercation between them.
Stepping on her foot, the protagonist inadvertently trigger a minor argument – a situation that could potentially escalate if the player chooses the "Conquer" option to assert domination.
(I wonder what response did that guy chose?)
Unlike in the game where you have options or save files, this is real life now so surely things and conversations were bound to be different, right?
From the game's description, it became evident that Princess Scarlett's presence on the ship was unusual.
While magical floating castles, fortress were catered to high nobility, aristocracy, and royalty. The princess's decision to embark on this journey stemmed from her desire to explore and becoming independent rather as someone's pawn for political marriage.
As well she connect with her subjects
As she was well connected to her subjects, depicted as a princess with a genuine sense of compassion and affection for those under her care, embodying the qualities of a true and benevolent ruler.
The total opposite of my yandere fiancée, who treat those under her like insects.
A part of me wanted to avoid the two of them but I knew that was impossible as we all going to the same academy, so meeting with them there was entirely possible.
The thought of like what happened to Alicia keep popping up my mind
like what if Princess Scarlett was actually aboarded this floating ship and not the protagonist's?
I can't exactly fly or jump from one ship to the next to check on them in the first place.
Although the protagonist and the undercover Princess Scarlett would have some misunderstandings against one another, the events that would unfold moments from now would lock their destinies together, depending on whether the protagonist choose to save Sumia over the princess.
As we headed towards our destination, the Holy Land Academy, a terrorist attack would soon take place, prompting a massive explosion among one of the floating ships right at this moment.
What terrorist were targeted for? Obviously they were gonna assassinate the lovable innocent Princess Scarlett Rose.
But fortunately for the princess, the protagonist and Sumia was there to protect her.
Albeit short.
It was an entire arc to solidify the purpose of their supposed romance in the latter parts.
In the game, it was fairly easy mission as most of the terrorist who boarded the ship could be easily defeated.
I don't know how high is the protagonist's overall stats are right now considering for a fact that there was no actual player, but rather it was him as his own will and all...
But chance of him being strong were likely high judging from how strong he is in the last few encounters I had with him.
.....
In the guidelines from the forum that I had wrote in which there were a few straightforward conditions that are highly mandatory to fulfilled as to ensuring a smooth progression without encountering any unnecessary obstacles when completing the first act of the game.
First and foremost, achieving or surpassing the minimum stat requirements is a upmost importance for navigating the challenges ahead.
Players needed to possess either an all-D stat distribution or at least one C stat that wasn't intelligence as it was useless this early in the game.
Thankfully, reaching this threshold wasn't overly difficult, especially considering the generously experience points that would gain at the early levels.
Just by completing all the village missions and even defeating low-level enemies like slimes, scorpions, and bats on the way would yield substantial EXP gains.
Second, acquiring a ring weapon from a nomad ring artisan were a highly recommend if you were able to complete all the village missions.
Though, acquiring a new longsword that were being sold by the local blacksmith is also good as well.
However by acquiring a ring weapon this very early part of the game would provided a significant advantage in combat effectiveness, ensuring the protagonist was adequately equipped to face the trials ahead.
Well even without the ring weapon, then you must do...
Lastly, if you only acquired was a longsword and your stats were either at least achieved the minimum or still stuck like me right now, then befriending Princess Scarlett was imperative.
By establishing a rapport with her not only facilitated smoother interactions and dialogue options but it also played a crucial role as you advance throughout the game's narrative.
With Sumia and princess Scarlett as your party lineup, it didn't matter even if that the protagonist has a bad stat or even fought bare handed.
That was just how OP the starting heroines in your party was.
Additionally, saving Alicia early in the game bolstered the player's chance of victory.
By rescuing Alicia, players not only gained a valuable ally but it also increased the likelihood of her joining the party in the final showdown against the starting boss of the game, General Borris.
This Imperial knight commander was turned rouge military general as to malevolently declared a coup d'etat posing a threat against Ambrosia Empire by assasinating princess Scarlett, and his escape from the protagonist and the princess during their encounter on the floating ships signaled the beginning of a pivotal confrontation at the academy.
This first mission scenario was only lasted around 5 battles.... leading back into a loop with the general once more.
[ Mission Scenario 1 - 6 ]
[End of the Line : General Borris's Final Act]
Everything would end after he died.
...
As I wondered when it will happen....
Looking outside, I saw about eleven floating ships and if you include the one I was boarding would make total count of twelve.
And in one of those floating ships exempt mine, three of the main cast was sitting and happily having a conversation or an argument right about now.
I'm kind of curious as to see how the protagonist would chose as he gets to meet the characters right at this moment, but at least I don't get exposed in front of them.
Right now, I'm nothing more than a disposable side character; not even that but, I'm also a upcoming final boss in the near future.
The first main scenario would happen soon, and it was the perfect time to test out my theories on just how much I can interfere with the main scenario without having the system inflicting me with mental pain and dire consequences.
It was the first thing I had to do as it was the only way I can escape my fate, by adding all the variables as I could possibly managed to interfere right now, and make it so that the concept of predetermined main events won't matter in the near future that is to come.
VOOOMM!!!!!!
The loud horns of the ship was sounded as it was accompanied by the of the beautiful city in front of us.
Well, it wasn't exactly a city, but rather an entire academy.
"Students, we are entering the Holy Land Academy. Please ensure all your belongings..."
The annoucer's voice crackled over the speakers signalling the impending end of its journey...
The floating ships then slowly ascends towards the transparent magic barrier, but then....
BOOM!!!
Explosion was erupted all around us.
Alerted, some students were screamed in shocked as they saw three out of the twelve floating ships exploding in the distance, two of them were catching on fire as the emergency defense magic activated.
Even the sleeping Alicia on my side, was now been rudely awake upon immediately heard the bombardment of loud explosions blaringly in the distance.
The first mission of the first chapter is finally happening....
.....
"What is going on?"
"Hey, look over there!"
"Are we under attack?"
"Where are the holy Land's border guard?"
As the students were crowded onto the deck of the ship, drawn by the unfolding chaos around us, a sense of foreboding settled over the scene.
The wind were whipped at our clothes, carrying with it the ominous echoes of explosions that reverberated through the sky.
With each passing moment, the ascent of multiple ships were stalled, as it hastened descent plummeting towards the ground at an alarming rate.
We stood transfixed, mere spectators to the unfolding catastrophe, as we unable to turn our eyes away from the ongoing devastation around us.
When I played this game back in the original world, I have never fully grasp the gravity of such a scenario.
But now, Faced with the stark reality of the situation feeling the fear gripped me with vice.
The thought that if any one of those ships could be ours sent chills down my spine.
Like seriously..... with my pathetic stats even if I was probably around a hundred meters away from one of those explosions, I would probably still inflict some injuries.
Amidst the chaos, ignoring the turmoil surrounding the ships as I narrowed my focus honing in the first three ships who were first hit, on the off chance the one held the protagonist.
As my brows tightened, I scanned the tumultuous scene before me, searching for any signs of one of these ships that likely boarded the protagonist.
Boom....!
Before long, another explosions was shattered in the air, but this time it wasn't the sound of a normally coming from the guns that was exploded.
That was the manifestation of magic — an fiery blast that were engulfed in one of the three ships in shimmering cascade of fiery flames.
"Found you."
With an intimate understanding of the game's combat mechanics, I immediately recognized the source of the attack...
A Level – 3 fire magic spell, "Phoenix Blast" is the most potent attack within Princess Scarlett's current magic arsenal.
As the realization dawned on me, a plan began to form in my plan.
Smiling to myself, I slowly approached a certain woman from behind.
She was the strongest variable that I could possibly to test my theory on, and she was right beside me at that moment.
As she conversed with her classmate, clutching her witch hat tightly against the strong winds as her widened eyes betrayed her shock at the scene unfolded before her.
I'm sorry, my favorite...
Without hesitation, I pushed her off the ship.
"Huwah?! Wh – what?" She exclaimed in confusion, her voice trembling as she tumbled in the air.
But her panic was short–lived as she quickly regained her composure and cast flight magic, making her flew way up towards the deck.
"Wait.... little brother?... What are you doing?" She protested seemingly suprised as the junior that she sat with and calling him "little brother", suddenly pushed her off the ship.
Ah... I almost forgot that she start calling me by that nickname as she was insisting on calling her "Big Sis" not too long ago, but I paid either her protest or what nickname she puts upon me no mind.
Time was of the essence, and I had to act swiftly.
Using the phoenix blast as a clue, I deduced that the protagonist was either in the state of peril or on the brink of victory.
Though the matter of the outcome was uncertain, it was clear that the battle would probably near its end soon.
I pointed towards the scorched-covered ship as I uttered a certain name that she couldn't ignore.
"Leonhardt... He's over there." I exclaimed pointing towards a scorched ship who just distant away from the other two.
"Little brother! How do you—"
Boom!!!!
Her questions was abruptly interrupted by a deafening explosion, its force was rippling through the air made her words silence.
She didn't have time to ponder my sudden knowledge of her saviour.
Though reluctant, her gazed was fixated onto mine, and for a moment, she seemed to understand that I was speaking the truth.
After all, seeing through people's hearts was her specialty.
[ Alicia's unique skill: Queen of Wonderland ]
I know that you can see how sincere my words right now....
With the sense of urgency as she wasted no time and swiftly flew towards the scorched-covered ship at a remarkable speed.
Her movements were fluid and powerful, a testament to her magical prowess as one of the top characters in the game.
She soured through the sky, her prowess resulted from her dedication to studies was evidently shows, just as formidable as in the game.
"Hey, look! It's the Holy Land's four cardinals!"
Slowly, four different silhouette frame mechs flew alongside her as they made their way towards the protagonist's ship.
Their presence were imposing as ever, just like in the game, their movements were coordinated and with purpose.
Adorning the metal-bodied mech were distinctive crest symbols and respective colors: Black for Spade, Green for Clover, Silver for Diamond, and Red for Heart.
Each color and symbol were represented a different aspect of their identity and purpose, adding an air of mystique to formidable presence.
Gliding through the chaotic sky, crushing any obstacles blocking their way as their weapons were gleamingly in the sunlight, each mech wielding their own unique weapon arsenal.
From the Spade Mech's spear to the Clover Mech's powerful crossbow.
A Broadsword of Diamond Mech and enchantment staff for Heart Mech.
Seeing this cheat-like mechs.... I couldn't help it but smiled.
(I called this a checkmate, Borris)
"I found you, Corrin."
"We have been looking all for you, my rival."
Rein and Daike finally arrived as they made through the crowd.
"Rein and Daike, where have you've been doing?" I asked them because they were supposed to be back not too long ago.
If they have back before Alicia enter the room, that encounter would not happened.
"Well..." Rein stammered.
"How's meeting with the two ladies, my rival?"
Daike ignored my question by asking his own question back to me.
"...." I paused, as something upon my ears was perked up some revelation....
What? Did I hear him saying "ladies"? And did he just said two specifically?
It seemed we have solved the mystery as our culprit had admitted his cardinal sin for my unexpected exposure, that even Rein heavily sigh was evident for what Daike just did.
"Daike...."
"Yes my rival, you seem glad cause those ladies were on to you so easily." Daike nodded though he didn't notice that my smile wasn't exactly mean I was happy.
Though, I am quite happy. Quite relieved actually as my beloved heroine isn't deliberately lying all along.
I'm remembering that in the game when Alicia sometimes would get clumsy to the point it misplaced things.
It would've explained this fucking debacle I been through. However for what Daike did before this isn't excuse...
"Daaaiiikeeee yooouu fuccckiiinng mooron!!"
Bang!!!
My anger got a better of me as Daike went unconscious, let's just be bygones for now.
"Hey! I found you guys...." Bastion has also been arrived as he shout at us till he paused, seeing Daike was lay down flat on the ground.
"Umm... What happened to him"
"Let's just say he do something stupid..... again." I replied.
"Huh, that's pretty sums it up." He nodded, ignoring KO Daike as he faced me with smile brightly can be seen on his face.
"Here, I finished as you've requested." Bastion handed over upon me was a gold ring to which within it, a three stone slots were three distinctive colors: Green, Yellow, and Red.
Green for magic slot.
Yellow for skill slot.
Red for buff slot.
Each stone slot were represented a different aspect of their abilities depending on the kind of stone that you had equipped in the ring weapon.
In the game, If you didn't able to acquire the ring weapon from the nomad ring artisan in the early game like I was highly suggested.
Then, there is a second chance for you to able in acquiring a ring weapon during later parts of the game as you fullfill only one straightforward condition: You must recruit Bastion.
As you can see, Bastion's father is a silhouette frame smith that tends to manufacture the mechs parts or repairs the mechs itself, while Bastion's mother was a ring artisan which she hand-crafted ring weapons from the demon beast's cores and tends to sell them on the road.
Did you know, that the nomad ring artisan in the beginning of the game was actually Bastion's mother all along.
Who would thought of about such small encounter for me to meet them actually be so beneficial after all.
Putting the yellow skill stone and red buff stone that was gifted to me by grandfather during the 10th birthday onto their respective slots, as I wear the gold ring into the pinky finger.
[ Equip: "Void Lord" ring ]
[ "Stun Stone" (Yellow) has been equipped ]
[ Skill: "Fierce Strike" (level 1) (Martial Arts) has been added successfully ]
[ "Attack Stone" (Red) has been equipped ]
[ Buff: "Aim Up" (level 1) has been added successfully ]
"I also finished for Rein and Daike." He exclaimed as Bastion took out from his pocket another two gold rings and handed them over Rein.
"Hey, Corrin. Why do you need the ring weapon now?" Rein asked curious as he examined the ring.
"Let's just say I need insurance." I exclaimed.
As I already interfering the main scenario by sending the strongest variable, though the real problem is how it would effect.
As Alicia currently making her way towards the protagonist's ship with great haste. In the game its was different.
I always thought of why Alicia didn't joined much earlier before the final act.
But its seems the answer was already in front of me.