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THIRD PERSON

"NIGEL, STOP pouting." saway ni Deus sa kamiyembro niyang kanina pa mahaba ang nguso.

Nakatambay sila sa rooftop ng isang semi-destroyed building. Wasak ang gilid ng second papuntang fourth floor nito, a common occurence in the establishments of the South Continent dahil laging may gulo. The building was one of the tallest infrastructure in Erebus, situated near the Grand Plaza where the War of Vultures event will happen.

The South Continent event will commence in less than an hour. Noon, buong mundo ay aware at excited sa gaganaping event, and 99% of the gaming community will surely tune into the livestream. But with Arth Online's existence now hidden from the world, the previous excitement and hype have disappeared. To the public's knowledge, the legendary game was shut down by the developers. The players who purchased the game were compensated and given discount promises for future game launches.

And another promise from an encrypted message is that they will get the new and improved Arth Online.

Walang may alam kung sino ang nagpadala ng mensahe at ano talaga ang nilalaman nito. But to avoid any negative outcomes, the upper management decided to remain silent. The promise contained information about why the game was shut down, explaining that the company had to fix the bug and glitches ruining the player's game experience. And that once everything is fixed and finalized, the rest of the world will have access to the game that offers an alternate and improved Earth.

That was a surprise for the company. They have plans to fix the game but were not scheduled to post anything about it anytime soon. It became a leak. Ngunit ang mga loyal patrons na binigyan ng access sa ongoing betaed Arth Online ay nainform din sa ganitong bagay. These patrons are the current players of the secretive game, signing a contract that enumerates their responsibility to hide the game's existence until it's available to the public.

However, even if the previous hype had long gone, the event was still hot around Arth. This is the event that will celebrate the game's third anniversary, so similar to the Game of Governors and Grand Quest, War of Vultures possess the reputation of being the game's biggest event. Like the Workshop War, the event will only commence in a specific location - the South Continent - and will require participating guilds. Only guilds with a longevity of no more than a year can participate. This is to provide advantage and equality to new arrivals.

However, despite having one of the shortest guild life to join, everyone has their eyes on Outlaws. Isa itong guild na patok na patok sa South, lalo na dahil usap-usapang sumusunod sila sa reputasyon ng pinakadelikado at pamatay na guild, ang Warbeasts.

Outlaws were known for being worse than the renowned bloodthirsty guild. They were always on a rampage and kills players with every breath. Kaya nang malamang sasali sila, kokonti lang sa ibang kontinente ang sumali sa takot. Days and weeks prior to the event, the guild has already threatened and killed participating players. Kaya mas lalong lumiit ang listahan ng gustong sumali.

Guess this is their strategy to arrive in the event alone, crowning them winners by default. At siguro para na rin magkaroon sila ng reputasyon at moment sa game na sila ang pinakanakakatakot na guild dahil walang sumipot sa laban against sa kanila.

This strategy that was going well was currently facing a crisis.

"I hate those bastards. Sinira nila ang hunt ko." ani Nigel, isa sa mga miyembro ng Outlaws at ang taong lumapit kay Lealis.

Frost, the guild's mage, crossed his arms. "Isn't that elf a man? Akala ko ba strictly girls ka na ngayon?"

"No! I broke that rule when I met him. I'm fine with having a man."

Ngumiwi ang kausap. "Just for a pretty face?"

"Not just a pretty face." singhal ni Nigel. "He's also my little prey. I'm gonna trap him and keep him forever." sabay ngisi niya na nagpataas ng balahibo ng mga nakakita.

"You're scary..."

Deus sighed heavily at the conversation. Ngayon pa lang ay naaawa na siya sa naging at magiging biktima ni Nigel. Out of all his members, Nigel is the hardest to control. He's similar to a child who often throw tantrums and makes impulsive decisions or actions. He also obsess a lot at mukhang ang lalaking elf na ang kasalukuyang apple of his eye.

Deus can still remember when that blonde elf's fate was finalized. Kung hindi lang ito pumasok sa shop kanina, he wouldn't get Nigel's attention and be sought after. Hinding-hindi siya titigilan ni Nigel hanggang sa hindi siya manatili sa tabi nito.

Like a dog on a leash, perhaps.

Deus made a slight frown, trying to remember the elf's face. Hindi niya ito masyadong nakita kanina because a rogue blocked his sight. Pero kung ganito ang inaakto ni Nigel, he probably should be really enchanting, hm? He was only able to notice his height and hair color. From the elf's weapon, he was likely a ranger... kagaya ni Nigel.

"Isa pa," bumuntong-hininga si Nigel. "Napakamisteryoso niya. May pakiramdam ako na may hindi pa ako alam tungkol sa kaniya. He's already a beauty, right? But up close, he's even more stunning! Napakaganda din ng mata niya and when I threatened him? Damn! He didn't even blink! How brave, right? So fucking and beautifully brave, right?"

A wide and crazed smile graced his lips. Napaatras ang ibang kasama niya nang maging blanko ang mata nito. He was filled with obsession, but ironically, parang may mga bulaklak na lumilitaw sa paligid niya. The other members, who weren't afraid of him, just rolled their eyes.

"Alam mo, ako lang ba o para talagang babae ang itsura niya?" kuryosong tanong ni Ayeesha, ang tank nila.

"I think it's because of his hair?" patanong na sagot ni Gernand, the guild's healer. "There are a lot of male players in Arth who prefer to have longer hair. Hindi ko alam kung uso ba o ano."

Napatango si Deus. Even the game's hero, the slayer, has a partner with long hair. Whenever he sees the both of them walk around Arth, he can't help but notice how they're both each other opposites... and how they're also so similar.

Nahinto ang pag-uusap nila nang tumunog ang isang siren. Lahat ng mga manlalarong malapit sa Grand Plaza ay napatayo. It was a notice and an announcement that the game will soon start.

"Here it comes." nakangising wika ni Nigel sa hangin. "We're gonna meet again, pretty prey."

"Announcement! To all participating players in the event, War of the Vultures, please stand by as we read the rules of the game! Let the arena rise from the ground!"

From the Grand Plaza that sat between Erebus and Minelvo, the neighboring town, a huge arena appeared from within the ground. With top flat and white pillars surrounding the dirty ash walls, the arena was the most eye-catching place in the whole town. Kahit ang mga manlalarong nasa entrance lang ng bayan ay nakikita pa rin ang pagtaas at pag-ayos ng lugar. Twenty doors were opened with silhouettes standing in each doorway, bringing their unique aura and glory.

"This is the Vulture's Arena, a perfect battleground for war-hungry and blood-starving players. Dito mangyayari ang main event pagkatapos niyong malampasan ang paunang challenge. All the kills that you will make inside the arena will also reflect in your own PK profile, so you are free to go on a rampage, players!"

That vital piece of information elicited a dozen feral smiles around the town. The idea of going on a rampage and retaining it was a huge advantage for players working to increase their Player Kill scores.

"However, because this arena is a sacred battleground, entering requires blood. All players must ensure that they are worthy of the titles and strengths necessary in this game. As such, there are two challenges that you have to succeed to enter!"

"Ang dami namang arte!" reklamo ni Risu na abala sa paglilinis ng weapon ng kasama niya, a punishment she had to endure dahil malapit na niyang i-encode ang guild name nila as Risu & Slaves.

"Una! There are tickets scattered around Erebus. Makikita niyo sila mula sa ilalim ng mga kahon hanggang sa mga naglalakihang halimaw. They can be found anywhere in the town. There are three different kinds of tickets; one with an O or circle, an empty one that encourages you to find more, and a ticket with the 'X' sign which may be your ticket-out if you have three or more of them."

Ngumuso si Nigel para itago ang ngiti. An arena ticket, huh? And around the city? Does that mean his chances of meeting the elf again increased? Gustong-gusto niya ang balitang ito!

"Once you have collected five 'O' tickets, you can proceed to any door of your choice. Door po sa arena at hindi sa kahit anong building, ha! Madali lang ang gagawin niyo. You just have to show the guards that you have all tickets available. But be careful! Hindi sila ang mga ordinaryong guards niyo. If the tickets are not enough for them, they can challenge you in a fight. The tries and winning conditions will depend on them. Hindi po namin hawak ang utak nila kaya goodluck na lang!"

Napasimangot si Deus sa narinig. The people guarding the arena must have been the founding members of the strongest players. For some reason, Arth's number one and slayer is noticed to be very close with game masters. Walang may alam kung dahil ba sa undefeated siya sa pagiging slayer. However, the cheating accusations that were once thrown at her were always refuted by her show of strength.

Her strength and beauty had no room for questions, and until now, the slayers walked the streets of Arths while creating storms.

"If you can pass the guards, then you can enter and stand in the arena! Once everyone is admitted inside, magsisimula na ang totoong laban. Also, keep in mind that it's not required for all participating players to be actively present in the arena so the final game can start. Player-killing is automatically allowed once you have stepped inside the arena that has present players already. The hunt is up to you by then."

"The player with the highest number of kills wins the event. The guild that obtains the top rank in the leaderboards will also be determined as the winner. Be aware that killing members of the same guild is not allowed and may result in you being disqualified. That's all the guidelines that you have to know, players. Have a happy hunt!"

Napangisi si Frost. Killing's not a problem in their guild. Instead, this is a good opportunity for them to get the title of the Bloodthirsty King.

"Dahil nasa South Continent tayo, we have no strict rules! Sa buong event, pwede niyong magamit ang inyong pet at kahit anong weapon. You can take breaks for HP and MP potions. You can also enchant your weapons. However, do remember that no cheatings are allowed in this game! Once we're notified of any suspicious behaviors and actions, and after confirmation, the player will immediately be disqualified and banned from accessing the game for forty-eight hours or more if without explanation. That's all! Safe hunting, players."

Hindi pa nag-iisang segundo nang matapos sa pagsalita ang boses nang biglang tumalon pababa si Nigel, na siyang kinagulat ng ibang kasama niya. The ranger did not even utter words of farewell and just disappeared in the shadows of the alley.

"Hindi naman siya excited, 'no?" nakangiwing tanong ni Frost.

Deus sighed. "Let him be. He's back to his obsessive phase, and you remember how his attraction to red eyes once happened. Magfocus na lang tayo sa paghanap ng tickets."

"The obsession for the red eyes gave us more killing points but yeah," Ayeesha grinned, fangs gleaming. "I shall see you all inside the arena."

"We will see each other inside." tumalim ang pulang mga mata ni Deus. "Don't forget to have fun."

Every member of the Outlaws smirked with mischief and trouble in their eyes. Of course, they wouldn't let this wonderful opportunity slip without shedding blood... and having the best fun ever.

Hindi rin magtatagal at babaha na ang dugo sa bayan ng Erebus.

A few minutes into the game, the players were still busy looking for tickets. Akala nila magiging madali but the hunt proved to be very tricky. There were a couple of crying NPCs who ran out of their house because some notable players just barged in without notice. Several rebels trashed around the marketplace to find the ticket. But while most showed perseverance, hard work, and passion, some players decided that sleeping was more favorable than running around.

The most common and expected occurrence, however, was the group of players who caused havoc on the streets. Everybody knew it would happen, especially with their guild's name being whispered in the shadows, with every word and stutter pronounced in fear.

Ngunit para kay Nigel, it was the least of his concerns. Ang pinakaimportante para sa kaniya ngayon ay mahanap ang lalaking elf. He already collected ten 'O' tickets para maibigay niya ang sobra dito.

He stretched his arms, sitting atop a barrel that had a good view of the arena's front doors. Siguro naman ay makikita na niya ang elf dito. Once he had his eyes set on him, he would never let him go again. 

His sharp focus was momentarily distracted by a sudden noise. Napalingon siya sa likod at halos mapatalon nang makita ang isang babae. Parang sumabog ang libo-libong bomba sa magulo nitong buhok at kahit na nasa gitna ng laban ay may gana pa itong humikab. Her eyes settled on the ticket he was holding and she pointed at it.

"Akin na 'yan." blankong saad nito.

Nigel stared at her, surprised. "What?"

"Please." dagdag nito na para bang agad maibibigay ang bagay na hiningi kapag sinahi 'yon.

"Anong-"

"Ay, bingi." napakamot ang babae sa ulo. "Akin na lang ang ticket mo kasi marami ka namang hawak. Lima lang naman kailangan. Sige na. Bilis. Bakit kasi ako iniwan ni Chae dito... Walang modo talaga ang babaeng 'yon..."

Sinamaan ni Nigel ng tingin ang babae. Pagkatapos nitong insultuhin siya, magpapatuloy na lang ito sa pagrereklamo? What the heck? He wants to see his elf! Not this rude and annoying girl!

"Ah. Rae, tingnan mo."

Sa isang banda ay natigilan si Rae sa pagkuha ng ticket nang tawagin ni Chae. Nakadekuwatro ito kung umupo sa edge ng rooftop kung nasa'n sila.

Kunot-noo siyang lumapit. "Bakit?"

Chae pointed at somewhere below them, making Rae follow her finger. Napangiwi siya nang makita ang lalaking may gusto sa kakambal niya na halatang naiirita at si Risu na nakalahad lang ang kamay at may hinihintay.

"May tini-threaten na naman si Ru." tugon ni Chae.

Umismid si Rae. Although she's facing the feared Outlaw, mukhang si Risu pa nga talaga ang nagti-threaten. Pero kapag sineryoso siya ng lalaki, wala na talagang threaten-threaten. Siguradong magkikita ulit sila nito sa resurrection point. 

"Hindi 'yan magtatagal. Siya rin ang mati-threaten mamaya."

Both players snapped their heads to the newcomer. Kalmadong isinarado ni Vys ang pintuan sa rooftop. He raised his hand as a greeting for the other two.

Humalukipkip si Rae. "Hindi mo kasama si bal?"

Umiling ang bagong-dating. "No. We separated ways."

"Oh?" a slow smirk appeared on Chae's face. "I never thought you'd let her out of your sights."

"I'm not that..."

The two fighters exchanged glances behind the troubled Vys. Napangisi ng sabay ang dalawa nang makonpirmang tama nga sila. 

"What an amazing day, players! Not an hour into the game, and the very first player has just entered the arena! Ang nakakagulat pa ay pinapasok siya ng pinakamahirap at striktong guardian sa game na ito, Feyre who enjoys ignoring and refusing entry to players has let a player in!"

Isa nga talaga iyong surpresa para sa kanilang lahat. Kahit si Sol ay napakunot ang noo sa narinig. May pinapasok si Feyre at siya pa ang unang magpapasok sa kanilang lahat? The cat rogue who dislikes anyone who isn't Solace or her husband? Kahit nga sa pakikipaglaban ay hindi ito posible, lalo na't piling tao lang ang nakakatalo sa kaniya. No one can easily melt the thief.

But alas, how come she was the first guardian to let someone in?

Isang hologram screen ang biglang lumitaw sa paligid ng arena. It showed the inside of the establishment where a figure was slowly making its way towards the center. At nang tuluyan nilang makita ang misteryosong mukha, halos pinana ni Kupido ang mga puso nila. 

The woman who appeared in the screen gave them feelings of deja vu. Ang suot nitong armor ay hapit sa katawan. Her bow and quiver that hang behind was enamored with golden details. Her skin was fair and eyes of ocean deep. Nakakabighaning tingnan ang bawat pag-alon ng dilaw nitong buhok na medyo kumukulot sa pinakadulo. Her elf ears peeked out, adding to the delicate image she was flawlessly showing.

Every player who saw her was almost bewitched... at hindi nila masisi si Feyre kung bakit pinahintulutan itong pumasok.

"T-This is the first player who collected all tickets and passed the formidable guards! Lealis, from the guild, Force Majeure!"

Who said the book has already closed? Natapos na nga ba talagang ikuwento ang istorya? Or was the previous book only a prequel to the change about to befall this game?

Sa dulo at katapusan ng lahat, isang ngiti ang sumilay sa labi ng tao. He watched everything from the reflection of the water.

"It's already starting, hm." his crimson eyes glimmered in the darkness. "The rebirth of a legend has begun."

The book that closed was slowly reopening its pages.

This is the rebirth of the white lily... in the form of a yellow rose.

-chapter end-

pretty privilege kekeke