⬣//A WHOLE NEW YOU.

[cccorp]

>>Premise // >>Introduction // >>Party // >>Zelkova Corner

⬣//CONGRATULATIONS! YOU WON! 🙂

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.

Welcome to The World's first event! Your plotting post is here.

⬣//YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS SIMPLY.

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.

"Hi, everyone! It's time to begin! Meet me at the Chaos Gate!"

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.

"Welcome! I'm Zelkova. I'll be your point of contact during Fragment's closed beta! Before we start celebrating, let me give you guys your armor and equipment. You can't fight monsters without that stuff, huh?"

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 Boots

Twin Blade: Railroad Spikes Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Wavemaster: Splintering Rod Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Macabre Dancer: Paper Fans Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Edge Punisher: Yaoi Oar Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky Boots

Flick Reaper: Farmer's Sickle Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Harvest Cleric: Magical Girl Stick Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Lord Partizan: Stop Sign Helmet Worn Armor Frayed Gloves Squeaky Boots

Shadow Warlock: Travel Pamphlet Tacky Hat Light Robe Light Gloves Old Shoes

Steam Gunner: Water Gun Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

Tribal Grappler: Fishticuffs Leather Cap Ugly Cuirass Deft Gloves Worn Boots

It'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.

"Well, that's all the boring stuff for now! This is an exciting opportunity for us all, so why don't we start the beta with a proper party?"

⬣//PARTY LIKE IT'S Y2K.

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'S QUESTION CORNER

⬣ 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!"

"That's all for this week's edition of Zelkova's Question Corner! If have questions you'd like to ask me, send me an email any time!"

>>Navigation

Comments

party b

[tinged]

Congratulations on finding something perfect for you!

[ hani wouldn't have expected it, but they're not the most fashion forward person. sandals in the rain, avocado skin in the game. ]

[rebelles]

Thank you. It reminds me of the masked heroes in stories.

[ Their avocado suit brings a smile to her face. She's enjoying seeing everyone express themselves. This party's way better than Okumura company banquets, for sure. ]

[tinged]

Oh! Are you looking to be a hero then?

[rebelles]

Well, I've always admired the heroes in the storybooks, so if I can be someone other than myself here...

[ Plus she needs a disguise. What if her father's associates who finagled the tickets are also present in the MMO. ]

Do you think it's silly?

[tinged]

[ they consider her seriously, a vague smile on their face. ]

Not at all. I don't think it's a bad thing to be only a small part of yourself some of the time. You're still you. Who's to say all of the versions of you are untrue? They all matter.

[rebelles]

I've never thought of myself anything like the heros.

[ She hums thoughtfully. It's more that she finds them inspiring? Heroes are brave, undaunted, and surely don't feel as trapped as she feels in her everyday life. But they're saying there's a hero in her, huh. She smiles furtively and tips her hat to him, a spark in her eyes. ]

...but hearing your words and wearing this mask, I feel as though I could become one of them.

[tinged]

Oh, I absolutely believe so.

[ there’s a possibility that she won’t, which they believe, too. but they do wish for her happiness, so it would be nice if things could work out for her. ]

The hero you may be doesn’t have to be like anyone else. So what’s first on the list, miss hero?

[rebelles]

[ 'Miss Hero'. She feels a bit self-conscious, like she's playing pretend, but tonight in this online space she isn't the prim and proper Haru Okumura, and so— ]

Hmm...The kind of hero I'd aspire to is someone who lives freely and true to themself. Who helps those in trouble, but does so discreetly, because it's not recognition or reward they seek, only simply to see people smile.

[ That's more like a list of things than a first thing, but who knew the words would just tumble out of her! ]

[tinged]

That is really beautiful. A smile is a wonderful, precious thing. I wonder, however, what this hero thinks of tears and sorrow? Of grief and pain?

[ there’s nothing mocking in their tone. they seem genuinely interested in what she has to say. ]

[rebelles]

[ They ask earnestly, so she gives it earnest thought. ]

Well...everyone's sorrow is different, and there's not always a simple solution.

[ Bold of her to play-act hero when she doesn't even know how to save herself. ]

However, I think it's worthwhile to try. To turn our eyes away would be worse.

[tinged]

Oh. Mmm... [ they tap their chin, gathering their thoughts. ] Do you think there needs to be a solution?

I do agree it's always worthwhile to try.

[rebelles]

I want to think there's always something that can be done. Even if that something doesn't solve everything. Even if it's just letting someone know they aren't alone.

[ Because she knows how isolating it can be. The probing questions makes her wonder... ]

What do you think when you think of heroes?

[tinged]

I think… the idea of them helps people. I’d even venture that believing in heroes is a necessity for some. Almost the same way people believe in gods and the like.

[ they’re glad for all the people who believe, even if they don’t. ]

And of course, there’s no shame in any of that. I don’t believe it’s a weakness, you know?

[rebelles]

[ The idea of heroes helping people... it's sort of like having hope, isn't it? She mulls over their words and nods. ]

We all need help sometimes. I don't think it's weakness to depend on others, or to take strength in the idea of heroes.

[ She certainly has. ]

[tinged]

Mmm! [ hani offers her a nod and a warm smile. ] May I ask for a favor? Could we talk like this once more at some point?

[rebelles]

About heroes? Or our perspectives?

[ The way they ask takes her by surprise, but Haru smiles warmly in return, clasping her hands together in front of her. She wouldn't consider it a favor, but rather something she's most happy to do. ]

But of course. It was very nice to meet you.

[tinged]

About heroes. Of course, anything you bring up, I'll gladly listen to.

[ so far, her opinions have been quite interesting. they want to know more. ]

I'm curious if your thoughts will change and evolve as the game continues, if it'll be worthwhile for you. I hope it is.

[rebelles]

I see...

[ She feels perceived, but not in an uncomfortable kind of way. It felt quite nice to speak her thoughts freely to someone listening. The other player hadn't shared much about themselves, so naturally, she felt curious about them, too. ]

Well, I look forward to connecting again. Perhaps we can sit down for tea or take a stroll next time.

[tinged]

It's... a date! Why not do both next time?

[ a good long conversation over tea and then a stroll sounds like a good time to them. ]

Oh - before we part - [ who says stuff like that nowadays?? ] - what do I call you, miss hero?

[rebelles]

I'm not sure I would call it that, but yes, that'd be nice.

[ Even with this being virtual reality, the thought of a date is unfortunately soured for her by real life circumstances, but Haru knows they have no way of knowing she has a fiancé, nor can she explain why she feels obligated to respect an arrangement she's unhappy with. ]

My name is Noir. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?

[ Who says that nowadays? High five for formal outdated speech. ]

[tinged]

[ oh, someone else who's been conditioned by family legacy and money, probably. ]

You can call me "Hani," or - [ they wave their hand above their head at the avatar name that sits like a halo: tabibito. ] Whichever, whatever!

I'll see you soon, then, Noir.