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⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.
On a day like any other, you're checking your email when one in particular catches your eye. We invite you to Fragment, the subject line reads, and the sender is a name everyone is familiar with: CyberConnect Corporation.
It doesn't matter whether you signed up for Fragment's closed beta months ago or simply found the mysterious email sitting in your inbox. The fact remains that you are one of the select few chosen to participate, and in a word gone fully digital, you can't afford to turn down such an opportunity.
Those who accepted the invitation were given much more than a free pass to beta test the latest and greatest MMO. Upon confirming their participation, employees of C.C. Corp arrive at their homes and outfit them with top-of-the-line internet — a must to play such an advanced game — a brand new PC, and a state-of-the-art VR headset created by C.C. Corp themselves specifically for this beta test. You may call it excessive. They call it necessary.
When the morning of July 29th rolls around, you're finally able to access Fragment and create your character. By default, your avatar resembles your real world appearance, but naturally you're able to fully customize your look from head to toe. Want green skin? You got it. What about twintails that stretch down to the floor? You won't have to worry about those clipping through your armor in a game as advanced as Fragment. The sky is truly the limit!
Once you've settled on your avatar's appearance and class, you log into your home Root Rown: Mac Anu, a city forever at twilight with a series of canals snaking through it. It's done up in a series of flowing banners and balloons, glitter and confetti carried along by a gentle breeze you can feel along your cheeks.
Players are given some time to wander around the Root Town and acquaint themselves with the feeling of being fully immersed in a digital fantasy world, but after some time, a soft, playful voice echoes all across the Root Town.
When everyone gathers for the meeting, they're greeted by the cheerful face and pitchy voice of an enthusiastic young boy. Unlike you, a level 1 newbie without a single GP to your name, targeting the boy reveals a few things: his name is Zelkova and he's level 100. Huh. Is he cheating? Maybe he's someone important?
In either case, you'll have your answer when Zelkova begins to speak, sweeping his arms out wide to greet all the new beta testers.
With a wave of his arms, a table pops into existence before Zelkova. Sprawled out on the table is an immaculate collection of... shabby level one weapons and equipment. Yikes. What, did you think you'd be fabulous from the jump? That's not how MMOs work!
Zelkova encourages everyone to step up and grab the set (or sets, if you're an Adept Rogue) to outfit themselves.
YOUR NEW ARMOR AWAITS.
Blade Brandier:
Rusted Blade 
Leather Cap 
Ugly Cuirass 
Deft Gloves 
Worn BootsTwin Blade:
Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsWavemaster:
Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesMacabre Dancer:
Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesEdge Punisher:
Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsFlick Reaper:
Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsHarvest Cleric:
Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesLord Partizan:
Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky BootsShadow Warlock:
Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old ShoesSteam Gunner:
Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsTribal Grappler:
Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn BootsIt's... not very impressive, sure, but beginner sets in MMOs never are. Better get dungeon crawling if you want to step up your glamor game.
What better way to celebrate your acceptance into Fragment's prestigious beta program than a blowout party? Every inch of Mac Anu is decked out for the occasion, and once everyone has picked up their armor, Zelkova's armory disappears to reveal a vast banquet table piled high with food, drink, and party favors.
There's cuisine from every corner of the world just waiting to be devoured, and what's more, you'll taste the food like you're really eating it! Zero calories never tasted better. The drinks work much the same way, and there's even alcohol that will get you drunk in no time flat. Take it easy on the cocktails!
Still, maybe you're not feeling adequately dressed for the occasion. Never fear! There are a set of armor skins to pick from. Feeling a bit peckish? Dress up as a vegetable. If veggies aren't your style, how about this sleek little number? Those are just a few of the silly party costumes available for the occasion, and when it's time to depart, Zelkova will graciously allow you to keep your favorite skin to wear whenever you please.
Finally, don't forget to pick up some party favors! There's a foam weapon that, when equipped, takes the form of your class' weapon of choice... but what does it do, exactly? Well, hit another avatar with it and find out for yourself. There are also an array of paint ball guns, nerf guns, and water guns for use in Root Towns. Pick up one of each! Be the annoying friend no one wants to invite on a dungeon run.
Before you leave, Zelkova hands you a Greeting Card that can be emailed to anyone on your friend list. "Try sending it to one of the new friends you made today! I promise they'll love it! Oh... but be careful not to accidentally send it to someone too."
⬣ Zelkova, this level one armor sucks! I want better stuff!
"Don't worry, new player! Better equipment is a button press away! Well... after you earn it. Why don't you give Area Exploration a try?"
⬣ I'm a social butterfly ready to spread my wings and take flight on the winds of friendship! Can I start a guild?"Heehee... About that! This is a beta, you know? We're still getting stuff ready! Maybe if you wait patiently, you'll be able to form and join guilds in... a week from now. While you're waiting, make some friends! You'll need guild members!"
⬣ I hate walking! My feet hurt! I want something that will do all the hard work of moving around for me!"What? Your feet hurt...? Turn off the pain sensors in your feet! As for alternative travel methods... well, there are "those"... Oh, that's a great idea! Give me some time and I'll see about finding some Grunties for all of us!"
⬣ How can I communicate with other players? I want to stay in the loop!"Great question! That's what the official forums are for! You can ask for help, search for parties, share interesting discoveries you've made and just about anything else on your mind! Give it a try, but be careful: the head admin is kind of a grump... but you didn't hear that from me, hehe!"
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He kicks back in a swift step to shove some distance between the two of them, bringing his blade around with a defensive, broad swing - not a skill in itself, but a normal attack meant to fend Tylor off as he regains his footing.
The moment he does, though, he kicks off on his heel - to the side. The way he begins to life his blade at a particular angle is familiar: he looks like he's going to try for another Death Bringer from Tylor's flank or rear real quick to offset the advantage he suspects Tylor has in melee, and he's closing in fast. )
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There's no time. In only a slight panic that happens too fast to show on his face, he hits everything at once. Rapid Attack aiming to hit the only thing within reach-- the side of Mithrun's broadsword, to make up for the speed difference when he attempts to dodge. At the same time, because this is the equivalent of key smashing, his farmer's sickle comes into existence for Wicked Strike. ]
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But it isn't frustrating, really. It's interesting. And while that doesn't necessarily get him excited, because nothing really does anymore, he doesn't regard this encounter with complete indifference. That's something.
The rapid blows have enough force and momentum to beat off his blade and knock it off course, and its weight is enough of a rudder that Mithrun's got to dig his heels in to swing the broadsword back proper before it throws the whole of him off balance. The weight's both a blessing and a curse, because it gets him at just the right angle to swing his blade back around to parry the sickle, a quick slash in follow up to beat it away (though still in Tylor's hand), but it wasn't a full and proper dodge: a cut runs a blaring red across Mithrun's cheek to his ear, bleeding deep and in excess under his one good eye.
But Mithrun doesn't seem deterred.
No sooner has he beat Tylor's blade off than he's swinging back again in a rapid combo with Calamity again in an attempt to disarm. This time, though, he doesn't finish the complete sweep once it's done enough of an arc to trigger the skill, though he can't guarantee it'll work - knowing now Tylor can just swap classes and refresh his weapons and skills, he jerks the blade back and attempts to hit Tylor in the head with the flat side of the sword, like smacking him with a lead block.
If Tylor's observant, though, he might notice one thing: Mithrun's reflexes are quick, and he learns pretty fast - but his orientation and aim's just a little bit off. He's not missing as much as he would be because his weapon is so stupid big and Tylor's real close, but Mithrun's absolutely missing depth perception on his right side - the side with the glass eye. He's fully blind there. )
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Tylor isn't observant in the traditional sense. There are many things he misses that others find important and he simply does not. People though, come naturally. It's not at active thought process, but the accumulation of little experiences that culminate in his gut feelings. His whims and fancies, the appearance of chaos held together with the thread of his own feelings, grounded in reality.
He doesn't think about the fact that Mithrun has a blind side, but he knows how calamity looks and feels now. And he knows how that swing is supposed to go. There's not hesitation when he lunges forward, attempting to duck and strife to Mithrun's weak side with a palm blast. ]
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Mithrun staggers, soundlessly pained, the injury and exhaustion dictated by his lowered HP weighing on him, feeling like the Pokemon critical health sound - but he isn't paying attention to his health bar, and he isn't paying attention to his health. He grips his broadsword once again, like he's coming around for another blow once he's got his footing fixed—
But, well, he's not so far gone that he wouldn't stop if Tylor lets him know the match is over, )
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Whoa, whoa! It's over.
[ -- once it's clear Mithrun is moving for another blow instead. Weapons unequipped, hands bared, and remaining health only marginally higher than that of his opponent's, Tylor would make an easy target for anyone. The maid dress he's still wearing really doesn't help.
Nothing but trust is his defense against Mithrun's sword, if he chooses to continue swinging it. Tylor's demeanor and proximity say he has no expectation of harm. The worry as his gaze flickers to the injuries he inflicted on his friend is reserved for Mithrun's wellbeing alone. ]
Hey, are you okay? Don't go passing out when you owe me a drink, that's not very fair.
[ And still, he can't resist a joke. ]
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And stops short by just a few inches, Tylor's reminder and jest registering just in time. Phew.
Mithrun wobbles a little in place, since he'd just had to stop a heavy object in quick motion, before he regains control and swings back his broadsword to resheath at his back. )
... You did well.
( Better than he expected. There's a vague sense of respect in his gaze; greater praise than his surprised compliment can express. He shakes his head. )
I'm fine. Let's go. Where do you want your drink?
( MithMaid staggers forward toward the exit... they're both pretty beat, but Mithrun doesn't seem intent on pausing to deal with either of their injuries. )
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So did you! That was even more fun than I thou-- Hey, wait a minute. Don't you want to heal up first? I stabbed you!
[ He reaches for Mithrun on instinct as he bounds up beside him with an attempt to support him but to also slow his staggering forward enough to share some health potions. ]
What's with the hurry, anyway? Do you have a busy day?
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He shakes his head at the question. He just... didn't really feel the desire to heal up, the same way he doesn't feel a desire to eat. )
... I'll have one.
( He allows the support, and he'll take up some health potions while he's at it. Fortunately, he doesn't need very many at all, on account of Edge Punisher's HP pool being pretty small. Gradually, the injuries fade, and he feels much less haggard, which is really surreal to feel in real time, with those pain sensors reflecting the rapid healing rate.
He stares at Tylor, to see if he's going to heal up as well. )
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[ Tylor openly watches the potion all but reverse time itself for his friend before his very eyes. He'll keep supporting Mithrun until it becomes obvious he no longer needs the assistance, and not a moment longer.
Mithrun won't have to stare long to see if he'll drink one too. Tylor is very much over the aches and pains of their fight, quick to knock one back without a thought. Unfortunately, Tylor only has the patience to raise his health half way before he's already moved on to thoughts of drinks. Never mind that said drink has now cost him a couple potions. ]
Man, I'd take a real drink from just about anywhere right now.
[ That doesn't really answer Mithrun's question, but Tylor is walking with purpose now to find the closest night life establishment serving alcohol he can find. ]
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He follows Tylor out, gazing at the glittering Lumina Cloth streets bathed in lamplights beneath the endless night sky.
He'll point out, with a fairly small gesture, the first he sees, since he's not going to be picky, either. Seems like a bar-esque place you can sit down and drink at for a fee, or buy some bottles and cups from the vendor, in true MMORPG fashion. )
How's this one?
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[ Tylor looks back only to follow his gesture towards the vendor. Close enough! There's a happy little hum as he steps toward their bar shaped discovery.
The option for bottles and cups has him grinning over at Mithrun. ]
Wow, with these we can drink together anywhere.
Say, are there any places you haven't explored in this city yet?
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Why?
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[ Tylor beams at him even though he hasn't answered the why. ]
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He doesn't even pause to think about it, really. )
... As high as we need to go.
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How about we take some bottles and find a swanky roof somewhere close to the stars?
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( Tylor is, after all, the winner - though he suspects Tylor won't be much pickier than he would be, if it were up to him.
He addresses the vendor to get those bottles and cups stashed away into his inventory - maybe a few too many, but it's whatever - and then he's off after Tylor again, up whatever building strikes their fancy. )
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Our roof awaits! Man, I can't wait to see what things look like from up there.
[ But he'll tear his eyes away and down back to Mithrun before he looks for his first foothold. ]
What do you think?
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Try not to slip. It'll be painful.
( So says someone clearly leaving their pain sensors on for despite the potential fall - he's experienced it once; should be fine. But he's already taking hold of a piece of jutting architecture and starting his climb up! )
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Pain sensors off, thanks Mithrun. He wouldn't have remembered to do it otherwise.
But now he's late and Mithrun has already started, so with a sound of surprise he starts to clamber up too. Tylor isn't the most graceful climber, especially when he bunches his skirt and apron out of the way and makes it hard to tell if he's got anything on under them.
At first this is great! Exciting! Adventurous! But it also takes a while, since his eyes were bigger than his appetite for the repetitive motion. This ascent would get boring alone. But with Mithrun there, excitement first gives way to being competitive because he'd rather not be left too far behind.
Audibly, he almost slips when he gets distracted by whatever view he's got from below him. Momentarily, Tylor's more distracted by the view below them instead and he all but yells to be heard-- ]
It's so pretty up here!
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He's broken out of his fugue routine when he hears the sound of Tylor's heel slip against the concrete, a (!) crossing his expression - but, when he looks over, Tylor's still there, and he's looking down.
It's fortunate Mithrun isn't afraid of heights. He doesn't get what Tylor means at first, but he looks down, too, and lets the sight sit in his gaze for a brief time. Beautiful? He guesses so. It doesn't move his heart, because he's lost his want of beauty - but he recognizes the glittering city below them, and how it melds into the glittering stars above. )
... You like beautiful things that much?
( Enough to risk a careless fall, he means. But he doesn't say it with judgment, or even intrigue - it's as calmly conversational as anything else he's said or asked of him.
He begins his ascent again, expecting Tylor will follow. )
Don't slip. You can admire the view when we're on the roof.
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Like a student suddenly woken up in the middle of class-- ]
Right, right. On my way!
[ By the time he breaches the top, Tylor immediately flops onto his back as if the climb took a lot out of him. Even with the pain sensors off, he huffs out catching his breath and spreads his arms out on either side of him for a good stretch. ]
Whew. We made it! That was a lot more work than I thought it'd be.
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You picked the highest spot. ( Though, now he suspects it was just on impulse. He extracts a bottle of alcohol and cups from his inventory and fills one; he offers it to Tylor's flopped-out person. ) Here. Your reward.
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[ Alcohol, the perfect lure to pull Tylor up from his flop. He takes it with a little laugh. Breathlessness has vanished. ]
Yeah, you're right. But we did it! [ cheers! His free hand takes his weight back at angle, his dress covered legs off the edge like that night not too long ago. Only now they are much higher, and the sound of black and white fabric in the breeze is louder than the night life below. He downs his first whole cup. ]
What's it taste like?
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... Like alcohol. Does it have a taste to you?
( He looks down at the city below... The view's not bad. He sips his drink slow. )
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