-special chapter: a christmas special-

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[A Christmas Update! Enjoy the spirit of holidays inside Arth Online with the special Christmas quests, new decorations and costumes, new house and guild updates, and the Secret Santa feature for your friends and guild members! We hope to bring you a merry day.

Naughty Santa Quest: The Southern Wicked Witch has enchanted the Northern Pole with a lazy spell. Christmas is here and there are still no gifts! The elves are lazing around with Santa Claus, ignoring the cries of the children. Are you ready to defeat the Wicked Witch and save Christmas? 

     Rewards: 80G, 3000S, Special Christmas Costume, Reindeer Mount (through luck)

Blizzard Quest: In their journey to get the special egg for Christmas, a family of four encountered a blizzard and is stranded. Help them get to the top of the mountain and get a pet on the way!

     Rewards: 30G, 1500S, Special Pet (Christmas Edition)

Visit the Shop to browse for more Christmas costumes! Decorations fit for the holiday to be placed on your house or guild halls is also displayed! 

Special Spots are available, but they can be costly! Play with your friends in your own skiing and ice skating rink, make snowman or participate in snowball fights. You can do anything you wish for in Customized Special Spots!

Secret Santa (Special Christmas Feature)

You can access the feature in the 'Friends' interface or start a Secret Santa party in your guild. Once activated, a special pairing up system will be operated and the name of your recipient will be shown. Do not share the names to other players to make the game more exciting! When the gift-giving time arrives, at 5PM Philippine time,  recipients must guess who their Secret Santa is. If they fail, then the Secret Santa has to confess!

> In the 'Friends' interface: Beside the 'Search' bar, the tab 'Start Secret Santa' is visible. Click it and a confirmation message will be sent to you. Invites will be sent to your friends, asking if they want to participate in the game. You will be notified of their response. After all of them has responded (or if not, they will be assumed as 'no' after three hours), the pairing up system will be activated.

> In the 'Guild' interface: On the 'Members' tab, 'Start Secret Santa' is placed beside the sorting button. Those who are currently online, or is logged in within the three hours mark, will receive an invitation to the game. After the allotted invitation time, the pairing up system will operate for those who confirmed. 

Play with your friends now and become the best Secret Santa ever! Don't forget to ace your guesses to receive special rewards! Safe and a Merry Christmas, players!

Message from Arth Online SMT and Main Management, Life Industries Co.]

Nagkalat ang snow sa streets ng Lunaria. It sprinkled the top of trees and buildings. Mas lalo pa nitong pinalamig ang madilim na syudad.

After the update, may isang mini-festival na naganap sa plaza ng Lunaria. Stalls are manned by NPCs and there are also customized spots for merchants. A frozen lake sat at the center, inviting all players to dance or skate around it. The midnight sky showed scattered stars and the ever-bright moon. The soft sound of flute travels around the plaza, forming calmness in the midst of the players' chaos. 

A few meters before the plaza stands Oddcredibles' guild hall, basking in moonlight and covered with snow. Interestingly, a petite figure is found humming in front of the establishment. May hawak itong christmas light sa kamay at kasalukuyan itong nilalagay paikot sa malaking pintuan. The dark guild hall, with the moon symbol gracefully sitting above the door, is being colored with ugly neon lights.

"Pusa, anong klaseng creativity ang mayro'n ka?" komento ng isang Reindeer-wearing priest. His ears are flattened by the fake antlers. "Pwede na tayong manalo nito sa pinakapangit na building decoration."

Cat-like green eyes flashed with irritation. "Soro na usa na ngayon, manahimik ka muna. I have to finish this before Solace comes online."

"Ate, gift niyo po ba 'yan sa kaniya?" a blonde kid asked, munching on something.

"Talaga ngang iisa lang ang matalino sa magkakapatid," sinipat ni Feyre si Hex. "Sa inyong dalawa, si Priamos 'yon."

Hex narrowed his eyes at the rogue. "At sa inyong dalawa si Apocalypse 'yon."

Itinapon ni Feyre ang lantern sa kaniya.

Feyre huffed and finished her lights decoration. Bumaba siya mula sa ladder, satisfied. Now, the neon lights sorrounded the dark door. Hindi pa maayos ang pagkalagay nito because some lights are pasted too far away from the door. May excess din na hinayaan niya lang sa tabi ng pintuan.

Vesta and Voldmir who just came back from the plaza stopped short. They stared at the horrying door in daze. Napakapangit nito at napakasakit sa mata ng neon yellow, green at pink. 

"Tangina, bakit mo naisipang magcommit ng murder sa guild hall natin, Feyre?" Voldmir grimaced. "Naging highlighter na ang guild hall natin."

"NAPAKA-MEAN NIYO! ANG GANDA KAYA NG GAWA KO!"

Minerva who exited the hall, curious of the shouts and screams, tripped on the neon lights that sat on the entrance. It messily surrounded her feet, dragging her and the lights above to the floor. Now, the horrifying sight of the guild was minimized into a bundle of lights around a certain blue-haired bard.

"Minerva, thank you for taking one for the team and saving Christmas." Voldmir smiled.

"WALANGHIYA!" mapait na sigaw ni Feyre. "BAKIT NIYO SINIRA ANG PINAGHIRAPAN KO?!"

"She didn't work hard for it. Nilagay niya lang ang lights at sinabing tapos na." 

Isang batok ang natanggap ni Hex mula kay Feyre dahil sa pagsabi nito ng totoo.

"Wow, I would have never guessed that you'd let Feyre do what she wants in your hall."

Napabaling silang anim sa nagsalita. Sena waved her hand, smirking slightly. Sa likod niya ay nagkalat ang mga guildmates niya. Astro is staring at their door with scary focus. Chaska is trying not to laugh while looking at Minerva. Ceres and Filter stood behind Astro, carrying gifts. Valentina, their priests, is smiling timidly at them.

Feyre scowled. "Anong ginagawa niyo ditong mga hinayupak ng dilim? Hindi ba't banned kayo dito?"

"Bitch, you thought." Chaska replied.

"Bitch ka rin."

"We didn't come for you-" panimula ni Filter.

"O e'di makaka-alis na kayo."

"-we just wanted to see your guild leader."

Feyre sneered. "At bakit?"

"Oo nga." Voldmir straightened his shoulders to appear more intimidating. Napasulyap ang Night Growlers sa paa niyang walang tsinelas. "Anong kailangan niyo sa kaniya?"

"It's nothing important. We just have some extra gifts and thought of donating it in your guild." ani Astro sabay turo sa karga-kargang regalo nina Ceres at Filter.

The six members of Oddcredibles stared at it blankly. Ayan na ang extra gifts nila? Parang aabot na nga sa sampu 'yang dala-dala ng mga kasama niya tapos extra lang? Ano 'yon, naisipan nilang mag two gifts per person tapos humindi at the last minute?

Feyre smirked. Akala niyo bang mga anak ng gabi na maloloko niyo 'ko? AKO? THE GREAT FEYRE? Huh! "Solace went to the city hall. May aasikaso lang daw siya muna. You can catch her there."

The Night Growlers stared at her in shock. Ang ever-cursing at short-tempered na rogue ay kaya palang magsalita without spitting profanities? Hindi sila makapaniwala sa kalmado nitong boses at civil na pananalita. For a fleeting moment, Astro formed doubt in his head.

But it was cleared when the other members turned to look at her with shock that screams betrayal. Siguro ngang hindi dapat nila ipagsabi ang kinaroroonan ng lider nila. Astro understood it, considering the guild's overprotectiveness with their guild leader. Kaya upon studying their reactions, he ordered his party members to go to the city hall.

However, hindi naman iyon ang nasa isip ng Oddcredibles ng tingnan nila si Feyre. They already know that she'll make up some story to redirect potential suitors. It happened a lot before and it will happen again. So they staged the suprised reaction to clear any doubts. They are, after all, a good team.

Minerva sat up, now free from the lights. "Should we pasok na po? Baka many pa ang dadating."

Vesta nodded. "They'll be banging the doors for sure."

"Ate Solace is very popular!" Priamos exclaimed.

Minerva hummed and stared at the blonde boy. "You're gonna be popular too if you stopped hiding behind your armor, Prim."

Priamos' face instantly went red from the compliment.

"Tch," napatingin sila kay Feyre na masama ang mukha. "Dapat pala naghire ako ng assassin para sa kanila."

The rogue is staring at the open gate of Lunaria city where a sled is being pushed inside. Nakaupo sa sled si Halcyon na may Santa hat at beard. The sled is filled with gifts of different sizes. His guild members are in charge of pushing the sled dahil walang reindeer. Voldmir sighed exasperatedly and is so close to summoning Cerberus and burning them to ashes.

Sinipat ni Feyre si Hex, na tamang-tama ay masama ang tingin sa kaniya. "If you're gonna mention anything about this ridiculous reindeer costume you made me wear, I'm never gonna heal you."

Feyre gave a fake laugh. Mahina niyang hinampas ang braso ni Hex. "Ito naman! Tiningnan lang kita kasi alam mo na..."

"Ano?" 

"Gwapo mo kasi." she smirked and skidded to Voldmir's side.

Minerva and Vesta gave knowing coughs beside the dazed Hex. 

Meanwhile, Solace hasn't logged in to the game yet dahil inaya siya nina Acrasia at Rase na magchristmas shopping. She declined the invitation but they proceeded to guilt trip her, Acrasia giving dramatics to how Reverie failed to tell them that she's playing Arth Online, breaking their hearts on the process. Nagdrama ang dalawa sa harap ng pintuan nila kaya sa ikalimang pagsipat sa kaniya ng kapitbahay nila ay um-oo siya.

"What's with your face, Rev?" tanong ni Rase.

She pouted. "Iv's reply is odd."

"Hmm?" agad na nakuha ang atensiyon ni Acrasia sa simpleng pangalan ni River.

Reverie showed them her conversation with River. Nagtanong ito kung saan siya nagpunta at ipinaliwanag niya dito ang plano nina Acrasia. What baffled her was River's calmness to the situation at nawala na ang pagiging overprotective nito. It won't be so much as a surprise for her kung hindi lang obvious ang pag-iiba ng behavior ng kakambal. Whenever this happens, River is preparing for something that requires his reaction.

"Is he planning a surprise?" tanong ni Rase.

"Maybe nagluluto siya ngayon para sa handa niyo?" Acrasia suggested. "I mean, 'yong hinding usual handa niyo pero para sa buong baranggay na?"

"He always exaggerates on our Christmas meals, though."

"Decorations in your house? Surprise party?"

"Baka may ginagawang SPG." eskandalo silang napatingin sa blankong mukha ni Acrasia. "What? He's of age."

River, or Rio, wasn't doing any of the things mention above. No. He's not. It is truly a surprise for his twin, but it's not in the real world.

He clapped the snow off his hands as he looked at his masterpiece. Isang napakalaking snowman ang nakatayo sa tabi ni Nirvana (ang guide niya para sa size at height ng snowman). Letting the invisible veil off, it added to the already-dark city of Lunaria, casting shadow towards the Oddcredibles' guild hall making Feyre utter her one thousandth curse.

"Please tell me you're not planning to give that as a gift." Irusu said, staring at the horrendous snowman.

Rio snickered. "I won't."

Irusu gave his boyfriend a dead glare. "What even gave you the idea?"

"Oh come on, Ru, don't be so prickly." binalingan niya ang mga kasama. "You guys think my idea's awesome, right?"

The members of Wolfsbane looked him straight in the eye before spitting, "No." in the most deadpan voice.

Yuji, Wolfsbane archer, flicked her wrist. "This is why we follow Irusu's order more than you. Mas mukha pa siyang guild leader."

"Yu-chan!" Rio gasped, insulted.

Feyre wants to insult someone. Labag sa loob niyang tiningnan si Halcyon at ang mga alipores nito. Nakakairita sa mata ang expresiyon nitong puno ng pag-asa. If Feyre can punch someone, she will, in the name and face of Halcyon. Kung pwede lang.

Kung pwede lang talaga!

Hex awkwardly laughed while holding Feyre's arms back. Ang pusa nila ay nagiging feral na. "Pasensiya. What do you want? Mali ata kayo ng lugar na pinuntahan. Hindi kami nagpadeliver ng gifts." he said in the most kindest of voice and smile.

A chill went down Halcyon's spine. He has never thought ill of the fox priest dahil madalas ito tahimik o kapag kausap mo nama'y nakangiti ng magalang. He's probably one of the only sane ones in the group, coming after the beautiful elf, of course! Pero may kakaiba sa tono nito ngayon, it sounds kind but has an edge to it. 

"They're gifts for Solace." paliwanag ni Life.

Voldmir fought to roll his eyes. Feyre pulled a face. "Lahat nang 'yan?"

Halcyon perked up. "Kulang pa ba 'to? I still have a storage full of-"

"Tangina, hindi mo ba nakita ang disgusto sa itsura ko? Hindi ko na nga maatim ang dami ng mga regalo na 'yan, sasabihin mong may isang katerba pa-!"

Hex covered her mouth before she can do even more damage. 

Sumimangot si Halcyon. "Bakit ba ang ingay-ingay mo at puno ka ng reklamo, eh, hindi naman sa'yo 'to?!"

"GHUSTRO MBU BHA NARNG ARWAYGH?!"

Minerva sighed at the situation. Bago pa niya masabi ang nasa isip ay natigilan silang lahat nang dumilim ang paligid. Napatingin sila sa taas at natigilan ng makita ang isang nakakatakot na itsura ng snowman. 

"Hala!" Priamos gasped. "Special quest po ba 'yan?"

Umiling si Vesta. "It looks like Nirvana... for some reason."

Hex is about to let Feyre go, dahil kumalma ito at sinasamaan na lamang ng tingin ang snowman, nang makita niya ang papuntang grupo ni Astro. Feyre seemed to have noticed them too because she went frigid. Pinasadahan sila ni Voldmir ng tingin.

"Plano niyo bang magback-hug all day?"

Agad nilang binitawan ang isa't isa.

"Feyre," Astro announced, walking closer. "Solace was not at the guild hall."

"Oh talaga? Wow. Shocking."

"You lied."

"Surprise," Feyre tilted her head and gave a lazy smirk. "Izzaprank, bitch."

Astro narrowed his eyes but decided to ignore her. Mukhang kahit ang spirit of Christmas ay hindi kayang itame ang babaeng 'to. He flickered his gaze to Halcyon with his sled of a gifts and felt defeated. Doble ang regalo nito kaysa sa kaniya. He frowned.

"Oh my~ Ano itong mga pangit na nasa harap ng guild ng aking sweet sister?" Rio asked as soon as he arrived.

"Dahil nasa harap ka ng guild, automatic na pangit ka na rin, you know." Alice, Wolfsbane's sorcerer, pointed out.

"How mean, Alice!" 

"Ikaw nagsabi niyan." Recher, Wolfsbane's priest, commented.

"I live for them roasting their guild leader." mahinang tugon ni Voldmir.

Kumunot ang noo ni Minerva. "You want to roast din si Ate Solace?"

"Siyempre, hindi!"

"Pupunta-punta kayo dito, ang papangit naman ng mga gifts niyo." Feyre crossed her arms. "Ang saya na sana ng Christmas pero dumating pa kayo. Kaya..." she produced a special encased fire from nowhere. "Bakit hindi natin sunugin 'yan para literal na mag-light up ang Christmas?"

Mabilis na inawat ni Hex si Feyre.

At ito ang nadatnan ng unsuspecting na si Solace.

Feyre thrashed in Halcyon's hold as she maniacally shouted that she'll burn everyone and started flicking the fire. Astro and Halcyon are arguing with each other while Rio keeps on flaunting his giant snowman. Chaska sneered at Minerva and Vesta making the two glare at her. And after that, chaos further ensued. 

Dahil sa wild gestures ni Minerva ay natabig niya ang kinakain ni Priamos. Priamos, focused on his food, tried to chase it, colliding with Voldmir's back. Voldmir who is trying to caged Feyre's fire, accidentally freed it, making it fly towards Astro who, by instinct, unsheathed his sword and swung it to Halcyon who immediately ducked, and towards the head of Rio's gigantic snowman. Naputol ang ulo nito at tumalbog papunta sa direksiyon ng nakatayong si Solace, making her drown in an endless pool of cold snow.

Natahimik silang lahat.

They were all ready to point hands when a giggling sound came from the snow puddle. Moments later, lumabas dito si Solace na panay ang tawa. Her white hair glimmered with the snow, pale skin glowing even more. Snow scattered on her hair and towards her long eyelashes. She puffed a loud exhale from the cold, eyes slightly gazed and pinkish hue forming in her cheeks. Sandaling natigilan ang lahat at natulala.

"You're all really crazy." she chuckled. "Anyway, I have a gift for all of you. Wanna see?"

Agaran silang tumango.

Solace showed them an ice skating rink, a special holiday spot that she purchased. Buffet tables are around the frozen lake, and ice crystals hung on nearby trees. Nakalimutan na agad nila ang away at nakipaglaro sila sa isa't isa. Feyre dragged Hex to the center and laughed wildly at the fox's struggles. Minerva sat beside the eating Priamos and started to play a jolly song. Vesta's scanning the table, handing out foods to Voldmir who's facing Cerberus. 

Astro is talking to Irusu, nodding at the latter's words. Ceres and Filter are trying to persuade Chaska to come and skate. Sena is carrying Valentina in her back as they ran in circles. Halcyon is arguing with his two guild members, Eschy and Cross, about perfect courtship. Karma, Kenta, V, and Alice are playing cards in the middle of the rink, while Life stood, scolding them. Rio is currently making another snowman with North, Legalus Bow's brawler, while Yuji and Recher gave them tips.

Solace slightly jumped when a hand covered her head. Dahan-dahan nitong kinuha ang mga snow at dahon sa buhok niya. Slightly flushing, she turned to scowl at the newcomer.

"Why are you covered in snow, elf?" 

Solace's eyes slightly wavered at Hiraeth's intense stare. "River made a giant snowman."

Hiraeth tilted his head and studied her, making her even more embarrassed. Bakit ba kasi ang shameless at straight-forward ng isang 'to?

"Snow suits you."

Solace blinked.

"It makes you look like an angel."

Gustong-gusto niya nang magwala sa pinagsasabi ng isa.

"Oh, and," may kinuha ito mula sa yukata bago siya muling tinitigan. "Can you turn away for me?"

Solace furrowed her brows but complied. Tiningnan niyang muli ang mga kaibigan na nagsisiyahan sa mga ginagawa. It didn't take long for her to register the cold feeling of chain in her neck. A smile bloomed in her lips as she caught the pendant in her hands. 

An azure crystal. Like the very stone he said complimented her eyes.

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-special chapter end-

I'll update Chapter 93 tomorrow! Merry Christmas!