⬣//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

[bleatingedge]

For Pleasure

[Leo can't stop coming back to the various merchants of Mac Anu to try every single food and drink item the city has to offer!]

Let's see, this restaurant has Italian-adjacent foods...

[The goat-man appears to be staring off into space, but he's just taking notes in an in-game browser tab!]

I wonder what other types of cuisine are mimicked here.

For Business

Lumina Cloth, huh?

[Stepping out of the newly opened portal, Leo holds an arm up to shield his eyes from the bright lights of the big city.]

Not as 'fantasy' as I was expecting, but there are guns and stuff already, so I guess it fits well enough. Now where to start?

[Who wants to accompany this loser on an exploratory trip through Lumina Cloth? Or kill him I guess, your choice.]

for pleasure

[tablescraps]

( Freshly emerged from the Chaos Gate, un Mithrun1 (still in his event skin; mask up, like a fascinator) takes stock of his surroundings, not exactly clear what the blessing he'd just received was... Huh. Something to figure out.

It's just then that his eyes fall upon this fine caprinous gentleman, and he's struck in a way he doesn't think he's been struck before. He feels a distinct want for something, too.

Strange.

Without much thought into it, he strides up to where Leo's avatar appears to be idling, taking up the forefront of his line of sight. No more Italian restaurants, just Mithrun (not that it's hard to see over him - the big boardsword at his back is more effective a block). )

... Hello. Do you have a second?

[bleatingedge]

[Thankfully, Leo was just exiting from his menus when Mithrun approaches him. First seeing the sword, he looks down and attempts to lock eyes with whoever this is - his gaze meeting a mask instead.]

Uh, hey. I've got all the time in the world. What's up?

[Is there something on his face? He sorta just... rubs his five o' clock shadow to get any potential crumbs or whatever out of it.]

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun is quiet for a few moments, just staring at him. He really doesn't know what this impulse is. But he feels like he wants to give voice to some kind of sentiment... so he just lets the words bubble out. )

... I don't know how to put it, but... This is the strongest I've felt about anything in such a long time. I think... I've fallen in love with you.

( ... Huh. Didn't expect this feeling to be that. )

[bleatingedge]

[It takes every fiber of Leo's being to not immediately laugh on the spot. Is he getting pranked right now or something?]

...Are you sure about that, pal?

[tablescraps]

( He seems to take a moment to reflect on this. )

... Yes.

( The impulse has faded, but the fact that he felt a desire is really striking. He can't just ignore that. It must have been real... right?

Or, at least, it was real in that moment, which is longer than he's felt a number of things recently, if he's had the opportunity to feel much at all. )

[bleatingedge]

[How the hell does Leo respond to this? One, he doesn't know this person, and two, he doesn't even know what 'love' feels like. He takes a deep breath, exhaling through his nose.]

Why don't we... sit down for a second. Give you some time to process things. Maybe even... introduce yourself?

[Leo plops down at one of the tables sitting in front of the restaurant he was sampling from prior to all of this. He beckons this stranger to follow.]

[tablescraps]

( Mithrun1 dutifully follows him to the table, slipping into a chair across from him. )

... I'm Mithrun. Do you go by Faunus?

( He stares at Leo like he's studying him with a particularly analytical eye. Why did seeing this guy trigger such a strong reaction from him, to the point of a sudden expression of romantic intent? Was it something about his looks? The fact that he's partly a goat? Something else...? )

[bleatingedge]

[Mithrun, Mithrun... Has Leo heard of that name before? It's not ringing any bells at the moment.]

Yeah. Did you see me on the forums or something?

[Or maybe another person who knows about his guides? Who knows!]

[tablescraps]

No, I just selected your avatar just now, is all. ( Confessed without even knowing the DN of the avatar he was confessing to... ) I don't remember if I've seen your name or avatar before.

( Honestly... He doesn't care so much about other people, not enough to remember them most of the time, so he doesn't know if he's genuinely never seen this Faunus around, or if he has and just forgot (it's the latter). )

... I don't really feel strongly about anyone, generally. So my sudden confession surprised me as well. Because it's unusual for me, I can't really ignore it.

[bleatingedge]

[Oh. Yeah. That makes sense. Why didn't Leo think of that first? Being in the game makes simply clicking on someone feel alien, he guesses.]

Fair enough... Look uh, I don't want to be that guy, but are you sure? I'm not exactly a paragon of conventional attractiveness.

[tablescraps]

( ? )

I'm not, either.

( This may feel weird coming from Elven Beauty Guy, but he knows his glass eye, damaged socket, dead black eye, and kind of weird-wearied look kind of off-puts some people IRL. )

Besides, you look fine to me. I don't see why looks need to come into it.

( He gets the concept, obviously. It's just that he genuinely doesn't mind how a person looks. )

[bleatingedge]

How do I explain this?

[Leo sighs. His eyes wander down at the table and stay there while he talks.]

I really don't get the 'falling in love' thing. When I get feelings for someone, it's in a purely physical way.

[He drums his fingers against his thigh, finally looking back up to Mithrun.]

And trust me, I've had multiple people try to talk me through all of this and. I just don't get it. It's not you, it's not anyone... I just. Don't.

[Leo seems to shrink in on himself a bit.]

[tablescraps]

( For what it's worth, Mithrun does listen. His expression doesn't shift much, and remains hard to read - neither judgmental nor puzzled, neither indifferent nor uninterested.

He gazes at Leo, studying him in the same way he has been, and waits a few moments more after he finishes his piece, just in case Leo intends to add more. He doesn't, though, so Mithrun speaks: )

I see. If you don't feel love, there's nothing for it.

( Mithrun, out of anyone, knows what it's like to simply be absent of certain emotions, or impulses; he's missing most of them. He'd have even said something similar a few minutes ago - suggesting he doesn't think he's capable of feeling love, or lust; not anymore - if not for the sudden feeling that'd just overcome him.

Maybe the ability, for him, is there, and there's simply not enough stimulation at the synapse to ferry the feeling across the gap. Whether he wants to invoke this feeling, though, is unclear - is love a very useful thing? Not really. He'll have to think on it.

Leo, he takes at his word. Whether Mithrun wants to explore his own capacity for feeling, it's clear Leo is not the avenue for it. Leo seems almost nervous - uncomfortable? - talking about this much. )

We can leave this conversation where it is. To pursue someone you're not meant for is where Hell lies.

( A beat. )

... But I'll thank you for being where you were, when you were. I didn't think I was capable of this feeling, myself, but it seems I was.

[bleatingedge]

[God, this is so much.] Uh, you're welcome I guess... If you ever want to hang out or do dungeons or whatever, I'm down for that. Just not... relationships.

[tablescraps]

All right. I'm an Edge Punisher. I've been doing Area runs to understand how the keyword system works a little better, if that interests you.

( Switching gears pretty easily, despite all that. )

[bleatingedge]

[Talk about whiplash! At least Mithrun doesn't seem too heartbroken?]

Gathering information on how the game works happens to be something I'm keen on doing myself, so our paths align there. I'm a Wavemaster, so I can back you up with spells. Getting pretty close to unlocking a healing spell as well, though it's not as strong as a Harvest Cleric's overall healing and support.

for pleasure!

[tinged]

[ another foodie? hello! ]

Same! The food adventure has been surprisingly diverse, hasn't it? Are you looking forward to any specific type of cuisine?

[bleatingedge]

I dunno! I'm mostly here to try everything. Anything you're looking out for? [Leo might have already found it, if that's the case.]

[tinged]

[ hmmmmm. they rock on the balls of their heels, thinking. ]

I want to try something I can only find here - in this world! Aren't you curious, too? If it only exists in this world, what will we taste?

[bleatingedge]

I am curious, yeah! Some items are getting close to being completely unique, but I can still taste real world ingredients in them.

[Leo's brain wracks with possibilities.]

You know, maybe there's a vendor that sells food made from monster parts. That would be truly one of a kind, I think.

[tinged]

[ monster parts…! their eyes shine. ]

I want to! Absolutely, I want to try that. How many vendors have you been to? How many more to go until we find this exciting new taste?

[bleatingedge]

I wanna say I've been tooooo at least half of the vendors here? Mostly repeats of what you'd see on planet Earth but with a few small twists here and there.

[Leo quickly holds a hand up.]

Now, before we get moving, I want to let you know that we might not find what we're looking for. So keep your expectations in check.

[tinged]

Mm mm! [ hani nods twice, like an obedient child. ] But if we don't find what we're looking for, could we not make it?

[ they're down to eat all the food anywhere anyway. ]

[bleatingedge]

I don't think there's a crafting system in place yet, nor am I sure if they're planning on putting one in at all. So I think we're stuck with whatever we find at the moment. Hope that's okay with you?