Login 20: Hall of Conquers

<<Crystal Mist Apartment Complex>>

Time 09:12 AM

After eating last night, Nico and Allyson went back to their planning while Jae decided to go to bed first. Allyson ended up staying for the night, as it was already too late for her to go home when they decided to stop planning for the day. Unsurprisingly, this kinds of spontaneous decision making isn't really new to both Nico and Allyson, that in the long run it just started becoming normal. Like always, Allyson slept on Nico's bed, while Nico took the couch, since Jae is occupying the bed that he would normally sleep on in time like this. Thankfully the couch could be turned into a sofa bed, hence Nico still had a good night rest, without worrying about sore muscles in the morning.

When Jae woke up, he noticed that Nico and Allyson where still asleep, so he decided to head to the gym first, for a quick morning workout. Jae really enjoyed working out so much, that when he was done, his skin started to have this healthy glow to it. After working out, Jae took a mandatory mirror gym selfie, before heading back to the apartment looking very happy and feeling very accomplished and energized.

When Jae got back to the apartment, Nico and Allyson were still sleeping. So, Jae quietly grabbed some fresh clothes before heading to the bathroom to take a hot shower. As the warm water cascaded down his body, relaxing every part of his being; Jae took his time and just stood under the warm shower with a contented smile of his face, enjoying the relaxing feeling it brought.

Feeling refreshed and revitalized after taking a bath, Jae felt ready to face the day head on. Exiting the bathroom, Jae didn't immediately notice Allyson, groggily walking over to his direction, resulting in them collided with each other. With a surprised yelp, Allyson bumped into Jae's hard rock body, making her lose all her balance. Thankfully, Jae swiftly caught Allyson, as his quick reflexes immediately kicking in.

With Jae's face just inches apart from hers, Allyson's still sleepy mind suddenly went into overdrive. Everything at that moment suddenly turned slow-mo, as Allyson's senses heightened; feeling Jae's left arm wrapped around her waist, while his right hand gently held her wrist. Their bodies were so close to each other, that they're practically sharing the same air. Her hands lay on Jae's bare chest, feeling his hard muscles and steady heartbeat under her palms.

Allyson felt like years have passed while she was in Jae's arm's; when in reality, everything just went by a flash, before Jae released her and gave her some much needed space.

"Sorry 'bout that. That was close wasn't it?!" Jae said as a relieved and soft smile appeared on his face.

"Uhhhh..... Yeahhhhhh" Was all Allyson's fried brain could muster, as images of their "intimate" moment started popping in her head, making her blush so bad. She heard Jae say a few more things, but couldn't really understand what he was saying, not until right up to the last part.

".... Good Morning Allyson!" Jae greeted with smile that could legitimately blind someone.

Allyson stood motionless in place, shamelessly gawking at the most exquisite person in the world, who's currently standing in front of her.

Steam was still oozing out of the bathroom as Jae stood at the entrance of it, looking very sexy as heck, that it should illegal. His hair was still damp form taking a shower, making it have an unusual kind of gloss that could be compared to a black pearl or diamond. Placing his shirtless lean body in full display, Allyson's heart legitimately felt her heart stop from the breathtaking view before her. Feeling her chest tighten, she visibly gasped for air, as her eyes unconsciously kept traveling down Jae's exquisite body. Alas, Allyson's eyes couldn't go any lower, as her eyes landed on Jae's hips where his sweat pants hung low, before her nose started gushing out with red liquid. As the red warm blood trickled down Allyson's nose, Jae's eyes widen as panic and worry started kicking in.

Jae quickly approached Allyson, "Hey! Are you okay?!" Jae gently asked in worry but the panic in his voice was still evident.

Allyson didn't respond and just kept staring at Jae dumbly. She saw Jae's mouth moving but she couldn't hear anything he was saying. Jae looked really troubled, but Allyson instead focused on Jae's moving mouth, and started thinking about how sexy Jae's lips were; imagining what it would be like to kiss those luscious lips.

Jae got more worried when Allyson just kept staring at him, unresponsively and in daze. He then placed both of his hands on her shoulders, before gently shaking her, snapping Allyson out of her fantasy land. Allyson wasn't really snapped out by Jae's gentle shake, but the hands that were on her shoulder. She felt her skin burn from where Jae's hands were, making her blush so hard.

Jae thought that he couldn't be more worried, but when he saw Allyson's face started turning red, he was then again proven to be mistaken.

"Allyson, are you okay?! are you having a fever?!" Jae placed his palm on her forehead to feel her temperature.

Allyson's temperature was indeed high, but what he didn't know was that it was not a fever that was causing it, but him.

"Huh? Wh-wha? Are you saying something?" Allyson finally said something, but instead of bringing comfort to Jae, a new wave of anxiety washed over him.

As Allyson's brain started functioning "normally"-ish again, she was taken aback by the extreme worry and panic in Jae's eyes, who fiercely kept staring at her.

"What happened?" Allyson asked softly as concern washed over her, internally thinking "What happened, that made Jae so panicked and worried?"

Jae's brains started screaming "What do you mean what happened?! You're the one suffering from severe nose bleeding, yet you ask 'What happened?', are you crazy WOMAN?!", but he composed himself before saying as gentle as possible "Allyson, you're burning up and.... your nose is bleeding."

Allyson's brows furrowed in confusion as she placed a finger under her nose. Feeling something wet under her nose, Allyson's heart started beating faster and faster. Slowly, Allyson looked down on her finger, only for her heart to drop when she saw her own blood covering it. Suddenly, her mind begun replaying the earlier events, making her heart sink deeper and deeper. Horror! Pure and utter horror consumed Allyson's whole being as her mortified face blushed even harder from extreme embarrassment, wishing that she could just disappear at the moment.

The next thing Jae knew, he was physically pushed to the side; followed by the loud slam of the bathroom door, waking Nico up.

"Wha-What?!" Nico's still disoriented and sleepy brain could only come up with, as he sat groggily after being woken up by the loud slamming of the bathroom door.

Still grumpy and heavily sleep deprived, Nico's cold eyes searched for the culprit, ready to make the person pay for waking him up from his deep and peaceful slumber. But then his brows furrowed when he saw a deeply perplexed Jae standing awkwardly in front of him, who kept staring at the now closed bathroom door.

"Care to explain?" Nico asked with hint of annoyance in his voice.

Jae on the other hand, didn't notice the snarky tone in Nico's voice, as his brain was still trying to process what just happened. Jae turned to Nico to start explaining the event that just unfolded, but when he opened his mouth, it was like the words that he wanted to speak were stuck in his throat, refusing to come out. Jae tried closing his mouth before opening them again, but still no words came out. Jae tried doing the same thing several times, but the root problem remains the same. Jae, himself isn't fully comprehending what just happened, that's why no words were coming out when he tried explaining.

Nico lifted a brow, when he saw his roommate transform into a fish right before his eyes. Pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to contain the impending headache that's approaching; Nico wanted nothing more that to be just done with the situation already and go back to sleep.

"Jae... use your words. Tell me what happened, starting form the very beginning" Nico slowly said, like he was talking to a child.

"Umm- Uhh- I think it started when I got out of the bathroom-" The flustered Jae then started recalling the events from the very beginning from his point of view.

As Jae retold how the events unfolded, it wasn't hard for Nico to piece everything together, since he had known Allyson for a very long time.

After Jae finished telling the story, he looked at Nico, who was staring back at him, devoid of any emotions.

"So let me get this straight" Nico started, "So you.." Nico pointed at Jae "greeted Allyson...."

Jae nodded

"Looking like that?" Nico finished

"Looking like what?" Jae asked, as he didn't quite understood what Nico was trying to say.

Letting out a tired, "I mean literally. Did you greet Allyson looking like what you are right now?" Nico asked again, who's currently trying so hard to contain his best not to explode. Nico was really tilted from the moment he was forced to wake up. So if Jae didn't give him an acceptable answer, he might just do a table flip, right then and there.

Thankfully, this time Jae understood what Nico meant and answered nervously "Uhhhh... yeah?", since he was starting to feel the chilling aura emitting from Nico.

The whole apartment when silent for a whole minuted before Nico finally spoke.

"Ahh.... I see. No wonder" Nico deadpanned, before letting out a heavy sigh that says "I'm done!" before laying back down and immediately went back to sleep, leaving Jae with more questions than before. Seeing that Nico has returned back to sleep, Jae could just let out a defeated sigh, before deciding to just move on with his life and just let the matter pass.

Before being totally consumed by sleep, Nico thought about giving Jae a warning about Allyson's nose bleeding tendencies, but when he thought about how much effort it would take, he just decided to just let Jae figure it out by himself; besides, Jae's already old enough to figure it out by himself. So, Nico burrowed his head deeper onto his pillow, before closing his eyes and gladly return back to his peaceful dreamland.

After putting on a fresh shirt, Jae sat down on the floor, in front of his laptop. Logging into Rampage, Jae immediately loaded GentleBreeze into the game. GentleBreeze leveled up at such frightening pace, that he already reached level 40, after only two days. Jae already finished his pre-ascension quest last night, so the only thing left to do was to finish the actual ascension quest.

<<Eos, The Town of Beginnings>>

10:07 AM, Philippine time | Asia Server

Upon successfully loading into the game, GentleBreeze swiftly headed to the nearest teleportation pillar. As GentleBreeze touched the teleportation pillar, a system window opened on Jae's laptop screen, listing down the available locations where GentleBreeze could teleport to. Before, there were only two available locations for GentleBreeze to teleport to, now another location has been added.

As Jae clicked on the newest addition to his location list, ribbons of lights started dancing around GentleBreeze, until it fully enveloped him.

Jae's screen turned dark for a couple of seconds, before lighting up again; greeting him with a breathtaking view, accompanied by an almost hypnotic and soft music theme.

<<Hall of Conquers>>

10:09 AM, Philippine time | Asia Server

A hall where legends are revered. The <<Hall of Conquers>> is a special place in the Rampage world, where all those who has proven themselves to be called champions are honored. Banners with

the logos of past Rampage Worlds Champions hang on the walls of the hall, signifying their victory over their competitors, immortalizing each of their legacies. The current champions however, are given a special place in the hall, where holograms of all their characters are displayed, while a large banner with the champion's logo, hang behind them.

In sudden realization, Jae's eyes dimmed in sadness. This was actually his first time ever stepping into the <<Hall of Conquers>>. He thought that his first time stepping into the hall would be the time that he finally achieved his dream of becoming a Rampage Champion; Instead, it was actually for an Ascension Quest. The Hall still hasn't existed yet when Jae first ascended with his first character, so just seeing the massive room for the first time, filled with the glory and splendor of past champions, suddenly reminded him why he was so determined to prove himself to his superiors in the first place. Jae's heart couldn't help but ache, as a sad smile appeared on his face. He promised himself when he was still a professional player, that he would only step into the hall when he finally wins; proving to everyone that doubted him, that he is actually capable of greatness. Last year was suppose to be that year, but unfortunately they lost. Now that he was kicked out of Hysteria; His dream of someday being honored in the Hall, now seemed more like what it actually is, a dream.

As Jae stared at the banners of the past champions, he started remembering the exact moments when they all won. Jae was present when Paradox Axis was declared the first ever Rampage World Champions. He was there when the underdogs from Hawaii, Oceans X, took the crown and became champions in season two. He was a witness when Russia's mysterious RsBsWc flew under the radar until the final moment when they crushed their opponent mercilessly, in the finals of season three. He made sure to tune in to the live stream when the guys of Forbidden Men not only won the finals of season four, but also won the hearts of many ladies. He also never missed a single moment of season five, when Mad Jesters stood tall and proud as they received their trophy. He was watching live, when Tarts made history as the first all female team to win the Championship in season six. And of course, he would never forget the moment when A-Team won in season seven; literally watching them celebrate as him and the rest of Hysteria walked off stage with their heads low, in disappointment and defeat.

He was so desperate to prove himself to other people, that somehow Jae managed to forget these beautiful memories that inspired him so much. It physically hurt his heart, when they came crashing back like a tidal wave.

Now that he finally left his past behind, Jae never felt so free and clear headed. As the fire in him started to slowly rekindle, he promised himself that one day, he will get to see his own team banner hanging on the walls of the <<Hall of Conquers>>. He doesn't have any idea with how he will achieve the seemingly impossible goal, but Jae's determined to make it happened.

Ever since the Hall was created, the ascension quest was also moved inside it. This move was made by the developers with the intentions of inspiring and re-inspiring the new and old players alike, who will be taking the ascension quest. Showing them that champions also went through the same quests and hardships like any other player in Rampage is going through; that with hard work and determination, one can also climb up and reach what they've accomplished. But as the time went by, the Hall has become a place for players to chill and just bask in its calm atmosphere.

GentleBreeze stood at a corner of the massive hall, where the teleportation pillar that he came form, was located. Players filled the hall; Chatting with each other, coming and going through the teleportation pillars, or just simply on AFK.

As GentleBreeze started moving, he gracefully weaved through the sea of players, finding the NPC that gave out the ascension quest in no time. The NPC was relatively easy to find, since it wore an elaborately made robe, while a large golden ring floating behind his head. The NPC had a bald head, while its face wore an indefinite clam and serene expression.

GentleBreeze walked towards the NPC and talked to it.

[Welcome to the Hall of Conquers!

How can I be of service?]

Jae clicked [Ascension!], when a window with the list of options appeared on Jae's screen.

[Hmmm.... So you want to Ascend, is that right?] [Yes | No]

Jae clicked [Yes]

[I see... You have already proven that you are worthy, but the road to truly ascending is no mere joke. Are you sure that you are ready to face the challenges that you will meet up ahead?] [Yes | No]

Clicked [Yes]

[Very well... It's seems that you are truly ready. Now, in order to truly ascend, one must completely overcome and defeat his or her greatest enemy; Oneself. Disciple, prepare yourself, as your task begins. I wish you well in your journey towards greatness!]

As the final line was uttered, ribbons of lights started dancing around GentleBreeze, fully enveloping his body, transporting him to his destination.

Champion Information:

Paradox Axis - Season One Champions

- Representing China

- Their team logo: A spiral vortex with a violet and Black color scheme.

- All male team

- Trivia (Author speaking): I just thought of the team name on the fly. XD

Oceans X - Season Two Champions

- Representing Hawaii

- Their team logo: A golden trident.

- All male team

- Trivia (Author speaking): The concept for the team began with the team's logo, being a trident. Then I started thinking of a country or place that's mainly surrounded by water. In the end I chose Hawaii, mainly because of its size; Since, no one would have ever imagined that a team from such a small island, would have the capability to actually win (I love an underdog story). The team name was inspired the Ocean's movie franchise, while the "X" is the roman numeral for ten.

RsBsWc - Season Three Champions

- Representing Russia

- Their team logo: An illustration of a Red Sparrow on the upper left, a White Crow on the upper right, and a Black Swan on the bottom center.

- Mixed Team

- Trivia (Author speaking): The team name stands for what's actually shown in their logo "The Red Sparrow, The Black Swan and The White Crow". It's kind of a play on one of my all time favorite book "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". Also each bird in the name of the team is inspired by a movie of the same name, that involves dance (Ballet in particular). Also, each bird is represented by a corresponding color, as well.

Forbidden Men - Season Four Champions

- Representing The United States

- Their team logo: A cocktail glass that has a single rose laying on the bottom of it.

- All male team

- Trivia (Author speaking): The team was actually inspired by a books series of the same name by one of my mentors and inspirations in writing, Linda Kage; where all the male leads works as a bartender.

Mad Jesters - Season Five Champions

- Representing The United Kingdom (Suggested By: n69)

- Team Logo: A jester mask and hat (Suggested By: n69)

- All male team

- Trivia (Author speaking): The team name was actually inspired by something in relation to one of my favorite J-Pop super group "The Exile Tribe". They held an event which was called "Jr.EXILE BATTLE OF TOKYO", and that's where I got the inspiration for the team name. n69 - Suggested Mad Jesters to represent the UK, being inspired by its medieval times. (I left the information for Mad Jesters open and decided to take suggestions from the comment section.)

Tarts - Season Six Champions

- Representing: Paris, France

- Their Team logo: A huge tart with a tiny crown.

- All female team

- Trivia (Author speaking): *Please refer to chapter 19*

A-Team - Season Seven and Current Reigning Champions

- Representing The United States

- Their team logo: An automated rifle and a ballistic knife crossing with each other.

- All male team

- Trivia (Author speaking): The team's name was inspired by a movie of the same name. They are the ones that defeated Hysteria in finals of season seven. Also, all the member's names starts with the letter "A".

Notes:

Allyson's thoughts explained -*Allyson completely misunderstood what Jae meant by "That was close", as an image of their brief "intimate" moment appeared in her head, instead of the close call that she had, where she almost fell.

Teleportation Pillar - GentleBreeze can teleport to <<Eos>> and <<Spider Queen's Nest Entrance>>, Aside from his newly added one <<Hall of Conquers>>.

<<Hall of Conquers>> -*A place in Rampage heavily inspired by the breathtaking architectural aesthetics and designs of Elven buildings and castles (e.g. - Lord of the Rings Elven Castle and Sword Art Online: ALfheim anime environment.). It is stated by the developers in an official interview that they especially took special care in making the <<Hall of Conquers>>. They've put in twice the time and effort into making the Hall to what it is currently today, compared to the other places in the Rampage World. According to the poll in Rampage's website, the <<Hall of Conquers>> is among the best spots for players to chill, second only to Lumia. Just like Lumia, the Hall renders any combat abilities of players, null and void. The Hall also doesn't allow any players who has recently kill another player, either through PKing or through PvP, to enter.

In the first season of Rampage, the Hall still hasn't existed yet, and was only made during the second season. Originally the NPC where one can take the ascension quest can be found in Eos, but after the Hall was created, the NPC was also transferred there. All seven champions of the Rampage Worlds has a banner hanging on the walls of the Hall, each honoring their triumph and victory.

AFK -*Afk means away from keyboard, a phrase that lets others know that you won't be at your computer for a while. It's commonly used with another abbreviation—brb (be right back)—to indicate that you're taking a short break.

The term afk developed as a bit of chat room etiquette in the 1990s, when IRC was at its peak. It was later adopted by the gaming community, especially in MMOs (massively multiplayer online games).*