Party Invite

The sun was rising in the virtual world of NEuEarth even though it's 4 pm in the real world, casting a warm, golden glow over the sprawling landscapes. I eager to embark on my first quest, logged in and found myself standing in front of the guild hall where I logged out last night or more accurately "this morning".

I looked around, taking in the serene beauty of the virtual world. The lush greenery, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the distant sounds of wildlife all added to the realism of the game. It was a stark contrast to the cold, lonely apartment that I lived in.

With a sense of determination, I recalled the instructions I had received from one of the guild assistants. "Go back to the town center's spawn point and head north." It was clear and straightforward.

As I began to walk, I couldn't help but contemplate my options. The quest allowed for both solo and party play, with no change in the reward. Logically, it made sense to team up with someone. After all, facing a formidable monster alone in a world where death had real consequences was a risky proposition.

I chuckled to myself, thinking about the words of caution I had heard from other players. "Imagine being the first one to die." I shook my head, determined not to become a statistic. I had no intention of starting my gaming journey with a death flag hanging over my head.

*

As I made my way toward the spawn point, I couldn't help but keep an eye out for my newfound friend, Xeness. Our chance encounter yesterday had sparked a camaraderie that I hoped would continue. However, amidst the bustling crowd of players, Xeness seemed to have eluded me for now. Perhaps our paths would cross again after my first Main quest.

The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting a warm and inviting light over the spawn point. The park's centerpiece was a grand fountain, its waters glistening and reflecting the sunlight. It was a picturesque sight, a place of gathering and departure for adventurers like me.

As I approached the fountain, I couldn't help but smile as the melody of nostalgia once again filled my ears. The soothing, melodic tune seemed to be a constant companion in this world, evoking feelings of adventure and camaraderie. In the background, I could hear snippets of voices, players seeking companions for their quests.

"Looking for tank 4/5," one voice called out, the urgency in their tone hinting at the challenges that lay ahead.

"Looking for a female player only," another voice chimed in, each word carrying a sense of preference.

"We need one more, any!" echoed a third voice, their eagerness palpable.

I couldn't help but feel the energy in the air, the excitement of players coming together to tackle the unknown. The voices, though seemingly random, blended seamlessly with the melodic tune, creating a symphony of anticipation

"Ohh, this is how an MMORPG should be! I saw this when my friends were playing!" I couldn't help but express my excitement as I stood in the bustling spawn point. The atmosphere here was reminiscent of what I had seen when my friends used to play MMORPGs, and it filled me with nostalgia. It was the feeling of being back in a town where players of all kinds gathered—some seeking parties, others looking to buy or sell items, and a few just showing off their impressive gear. That's why they were striking poses and drawing attention in the busy street.

With enthusiasm bubbling inside me, I decided to approach a group of four players. There were three males and one female among them, the very ones who had called out that they needed any additional member for their party. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to join forces and embark on my first quest.

Usually, in MMORPGs, when someone shouts "any," it's a signal that they're not too particular about the class, race, or even level of the player they're inviting. They simply want to fill the party slots quickly and embark on their quest. At least, that's what my friends always said.

Drawing closer to the group of players before me, an unsettling sensation crept over my skin. It wasn't just a casual unease but a nagging feeling that something wasn't quite right about their party's composition. I furrowed my brow, attributing it to the natural apprehension that came with joining an MMORPG party for the first time. Bracing myself, I took a steadying breath and moved onward.

"Hey there," I began, my voice attempting to convey confidence, though my gut still clenched with anxiety. "Are you all planning to take on those four Arcans as well? I'd like to join if you'll have me. I'm a swordsman." My words hung in the air, surrounded by an uneasy atmosphere I couldn't quite shake.

"hm?"

The male figure donning the white robe with flowing blue hair, captivating blue eyes, and a pointy ear turned towards me, gracing me with a warm, welcoming smile.

"Oh, sure! I'm Klent, by the way, and I'm a mage," he introduced himself amiably, his voice carrying a sense of camaraderie. He then gestured towards his companions, initiating the introductions.

"And this is Andy, our Tank," Klent continued, shifting his attention towards a sturdy figure who casually greeted me with a laid-back "Sup." Andy was clad in the same tutorial gear as mine, but a massive shield rested on his back. His skin was unlike anything I had ever seen, boasting large brown scales that gave the impression he might be part dragon or serpent.

Next in line was Naida, our Healer, who greeted me with a soft-spoken "Hello." Her ethereal appearance was mesmerizing, with long, flowing blue-green hair and eyes reminiscent of the vast ocean. Fins adorned her ears, and delicate blueish fins graced both sides of her arms. She resembled the mythical mermaids from stories, albeit without the traditional lower body of those aquatic beings.

Finally, there was Trey, our Swordsman. Like Andy, he shared their unique race with scale-covered skin. He wielded a substantial great sword, dwarfing my own blade. However, my excitement was tinged with unease as Trey's eyes met mine, harboring an unmistakable annoyance. He clicked his tongue dismissively and then turned away.

". . . . "

That nagging feeling of something amiss returned with greater intensity. A lone bead of sweat meandered down my cheek as I tried to convince myself that this was merely the anxiety that often accompanied newcomers before embarking on their first party adventure.