⬣//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

[ntrd]

[His words aren't wrong, but she does pick up on the fact he never answered her question.]

You didn't answer the question.

[Maybe she's not as spacey as she appears or it's selectively spacey if that even exists.]

Aoi doesn't mind being used. Won't be alone and she'll have a purpose. Not so bad. Could be better.

[weaseled]

[This girl is well and truly beyond help already, isn't she? She is, and yet.

And yet.

Yael sighs heavily through his nose, staring pointedly at her. Let him make one thing very, very clear:]

Nah, not interested. Don't even try to push yourself on me, got it? And if I see you doing it anywhere else, I'm reporting you. Don't be an idiot.

[Please, Aoi. Love yourself a little.]

[ntrd]

[Some people would look frightened, annoyed, or try to call out such a statement as a bluff. Yet Aoi just stands there, just as still and nonchalant as before.]

Ok. Aoi does not force herself on anyone if they say no. She knows better. Safe for work content only.

[A strange thing to word things but the intent is there. She does however follow up with something else after a pause.]

Why report? It doesn't hurt you. Aoi made a promise to be safe for work with you.

[weaseled]

Yeah, with me, but what do you want?

[Nobody desires to be used and abused unless they've already been abused in the past. Yael isn't going to openly speculate on her past — it's simply not his business — but he isn't going to blunt his tongue around her either.]

Have some self-respect. It's free, you know.

[ntrd]

[The question what she wants elicits some emotion on her face, some sort of confused expression. In the simplest terms she's stated what she wants but the deeper version of that is something else.]

Aoi wants a MC to heal.

[As for how to solve this issue, she "proposes" an idea.]

If you want Aoi not do those things with anyone, you be Aoi's MC for now until she finds a lawful good knight.

[weaseled]

An "MC" to heal... Main character, right?

[The way she talks is a measure beyond odd, but Yael isn't focusing on that anymore. He's honed in on what she's saying, raising a hand to his chin and considering her request. Well, he's never been fond of babysitting, but if he can keep this girl out of harm's way by keeping her company..............]

...You know what? Fine. Until you find some guy worth following around and who won't treat you like shit, I'll pick up the slack.

[Neutral Good will have to do for now.]

[ntrd]

Yes. Aoi is always searching for a Main Character just for her.

[There's a hint of sadness and some actual emotion in her voice.]

Aoi's had no luck but that's ok. So far had better luck than before by meeting someone like you.

[It seems her rather forward and manipulative action paid off. She doesn't fully get how it could've been seen as extremely rude, but luckily he isn't mean about it and seem more understanding and forgiving of her lack of social mannerisms.]

Thank you. Aoi needs all the help she gets. Aoi's fine with lady knights too. Not sure where to start with finding one.

[weaseled]

[Sad is right. No one should need a relationship to survive, so if Aoi thinks she's manipulating Yael into finding that very thing for her, she's in for a shock. Still, it isn't in his nature to abandon someone as willfully vulnerable as her. That makes him a fool, certainly, but he never claimed to be otherwise.]

And what do you plan to do when you find your "MC"? Live happily ever after?

[What's your five year plan, Aoi?]

[ntrd]

[Aoi's played games where when the MC picks their girl, they do live happily ever after. Is it bad to want that? In games, it'll be the only way she thinks she can have a "happy ending".]

Yes. Until the user stops playing the game. Then Aoi will find another game. Done it before this game.

Aoi's only chance to experience happy endings are in video games. That's why it's important.

[For some rather serious statements, she treats it is nonchalantly and like it's just a random fact about herself.]

[weaseled]

[Life isn't a game. Neither are relationships. Surely this girl knows that on some level, but then where is the disconnect? Yael clicks his tongue, shakes his head, staring down at her for a long moment before his lips part to question her.]

Really? I think your happy ending lies with therapy, not some random asshole on the internet. You're not going to find anything that lasts with an attitude like yours.

[ntrd]

[This isn't the first time she's heard something like this, but more so from someone in real life. She knows it's not wrong, but how to explain everything she has in her mind is another thing. Still, looks a bit like a puppy who got caught chewing furniture.]

Wouldn't be random, would be someone we pick together. A good person for Aoi.

[He sounds knowledgeable so she does pick up on something.]

How do you know? You're an expert in true good endings? Need all the help out there.

[weaseled]

[Yael exhales a long, thin sigh.]

...Look. Even the best relationships end eventually. Either one of you changes, someone dies, or something else gets in the way. At the end of the day, the only person who's gonna be there from you from start to finish is you.

[So, to that end... he looks Aoi directly in the eye.]

You'll never find that person if you don't learn how to live with yourself first.