Chat With DeskDev

Akiol stretched, after the last match the Matchup Card had notified that their next match was in four hours. So Akiol took the time to check his inbox.

Inside was a few scrolls, after inspecting them Akiol noticed the majority were just extra teleport scrolls to Torch's workshop. He absorbed these for later, for now he focused on the one he was expecting.

The information for the developer he was to be in contact with. The whole process was a long one, and Akiol had already signed the NDA about the incident. He was aware that the information was sent already, he simply pushed it off for later.

Now with some free time he figured he should introduce himself. After a quick chat room creation Akiol sent a message.

Akiol: Hello! Sorry for the wait.

DeskDev: Ah! It's you! I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.

Akiol: Likewise.

DeskDev: I have been instructed that this form of contact still has it limitations. I'm sure you're aware of them?

Akiol: Partly, you obviously cannot give me any info that may give me the upper hand, you cannot answer any info with any quests or such. Is there anything else?

DeskDev: Essentially, I will tell you if I cannot answer a question, other than that you're free to try.

Akiol: Can you answer questions that are more lore based?

DeskDev: Generally that's alright, sometimes I might have to be vague, others I would genuinely not know.

Akiol: That works. If you have any questions, which I doubt you do, I can answer most.

DeskDev: I do in fact! How is Breaker of Stars and Givale treating you?

Akiol: Treating me? Fantastic, Givale's more interested in mana control so she's learned to not be so arrogant. Stars is doing alright, he's been more happy since I got him his sheath. However they treat each other like siblings, bickering at almost every moment.

DeskDev: Intriguing, no issues with the mental load?

Akiol: Pardon?

DeskDev: Normally having pets or allies wouldn't do much, but since they are directly linked to your 'soul' a few users have mentioned a large mental load. Side effects including constant headaches or pressure. Since you're linked with two powerful beings, I would have assumed you might have felt this, or adapted to it.

Akiol: No, I haven't noticed. Perhaps people aren't used to multiple people in their heads?

DeskDev: Perhaps.

Akiol: That reminds me! I can't speak through the link very well, is that intentional or..?

DeskDev: Intentional, we had no choice in order for them to not have a crisis. Naturally any game talk is censored, including the links.

Akiol: Ah, I sometimes get weird looks when I'm talking to them. So I had hoped there would be a solution.

DeskDev: You should be able to get the hang of it, as long as you avoid any game related thoughts there shouldn't be any interference.

Akiol: That's good then, the next match is soon so I shall be ending the chat here. Thanks for your time!

DeskDev: No problem! I look forward to it.

Akiol closed the chat and looked into the distance. He couldn't exactly put his finger on it, but something seemed off…

———————————————————————-

Travis took a breath, he had been under constant training for weeks. However upon looking at the Skill description he couldn't help but feel that it was worth it.

[Mana Control

The mana flows throughout you, every living being feels it in their bones. But you reached your grasp further, and learned to control the mana outside of your being.

Level:

Entry

-Due to your unique entry Efficiency gain is increased 3x

Effect:

-17% Increase in damage in all skills

-17% reduced MP cost in all skills

-4.25% boost to effects in all skills

Efficiency:

85%

(Increase in efficiency will boost skill effects.)]

Whilst the Skill [Mana Control] would become highly known after the next update, the actual control and manipulation was kept under tight lips. Once players familiarized themselves with their newfound Skill, the general player base would reach a 20-30% efficiency cap.

Improving this was always on most players' to-do list. However there are very few chances in obtaining such info.

The Guilds had most likely obtained the info and kept it under wraps to improve their strength.

Now that Travis had obtained this information, he intended to use it well.

Moreover he felt it, the gate to Second Stage. He was on the verge of breaching into it. He just needed to fuel this ascension.

He sat cross legged and focused, mana swirled around him.

~~~

Zanyill looked into the sky suddenly, "Oh… he's already there huh? It's not like I can teach him much more anyway."

~~~

Whooom~!

Crrck-!

The sound of shattering glass could be heard and the mana suddenly stopped to a standstill. Travis opened his eyes and released his held breath.

<Congratulations on User for becoming Second Stage!>

<Due to User being lower level, additional rewards shall be distributed.>

<Calculating…>

<Calculating…>

<???>

Travis calm demeanor suddenly changed upon seeing the final notification. The game was… confused?

<Error>

<Recalculating…>

<Error>

<Error>

<@#%&>

<Calculation Complete>

<Rewards shall be distributed>

<Rewards:

-Large Increase in Stats

-Title

-Level +50>

<Due to User's War Sight an additional Reward shall be distributed>

<Additional Reward:

-Stat Points +500>

<User has fully entered Second Stage, due to User being the first player to enter Second Stage, User shall be given a warning notice.>

<Warning: Second Stage may give the player feelings of immortality, unlimited power, and superiority. Keep in mind that the world is large, and many powerful individuals may not take kindly to over arrogance.>

Travis ignored the warning, after all he was already aware of what could possibly destroy him with only a glare. However upon seeing his stats he nearly fainted.

His stats were higher than an average Third Stage player?!

Not including his Berserk skill he held power far greater than any player in his level and Stage.

A grin spread across his face, perhaps he could execute that plan he wanted too…

———————————————————————-

Desk Guy sipped a bottle of water, recently he was told his blood pressure was rising and he should make healthier choices.

"Here."

Desk Guy looked up and saw Erina place a can on his desk. He quickly tried to reject it, "I can't-"

"It's sparkling water, give it a try."

Desk Guy was silenced by this. He picked up the can and sipped it, only to make a face afterwards, "Gross, it's flavorless."

"It's bubbly though, and a healthier alternative to soda."

"True."

Desk Guy continued to drink the beverage, not willing to let Erina's kind gesture go ignored.

Erina crossed her arms with a satisfied look, "So, how'd their match go?"

"Surprisingly flashy. They seem to be doing a weird set up. They're sending only one of them out to battle, but it's working."

"Getting arrogant?"

"I wouldn't say that much, but they are confident. Only the high level NPCs pose any challenge, it seems like players are just fodder."

"Get any decent clips?"

"Ah, that reminds me. There was a skill I saw the Pugilist use that I haven't seen yet. Lemme check through… their…"

"Something wrong?"

"Incredibly, look at this."

Erina frowned and leaned over to see the screen, after a quick glance her face quickly changed into one of shock, "He mastered [Mana Control] already?"

Desk Guy's fingers flew across the keyboard, "All of them have, except for Akiol who has no skills."

"That's ridiculous! No wonder why they're a cut above the rest!"

"They already were above the average player by a large margin. Moreover that skill he used wasn't an actual Skill then. They already know how to use mana to create their own unique abilities without the Main Game System."

"This is a big problem."

"It shouldn't be too big."

"They're participating in the competition, if the battle is too one sided we will have a hassle to deal with. The complaints and requests for a refund will go through the roof!"

"…I didn't think of that."

"Quick! Contact the slime and explain the situation."

Desk Guy rapidly typed up a message and quickly sent it. The two nervously waited for a response. The moment a message appeared their hearts stopped.

Akiol: No worries there! Currently we are testing our limits through the qualifiers. When we actually get into the competition we don't plan on wiping out the enemies, but rather combat them ordinarily. We are here to have fun after all.

They sighed in relief. Desk Guy commented, "There for fun, I wonder what the others would say if they knew this…"

"Heh, many would be furious. After all the prize is no joke. They're quite capable of providing good content now that I think about it. I'll inform the higher ups about this issue and I'm sure they will do something in case he lied."

Desk Guy held up a finger, "Wait, tell them last minute. I don't want them being nerfed early."

Erina narrowed her eyes, "Are you kidding? You're going to potentially jeopardize the whole competition for blatant favoritism."

"Yes, yes I am. Have some trust in them."

"…Fine, but you're taking full responsibility if things go wrong."

"Deal."