Starter Event (Part 1)

Today was finally the day. The second I got off work, I planned to log onto Live Universe Immediately. A starter raid event would be a great way to sharpen my skills in-game, and get some good loot while I'm at it.

I was ecstatic for the whole day while I was working, typing on my computer with the biggest grin on my face, it was the first time in years I was excited about something other than a nice meal. I sped through my work as fast as I could and asked to go home early, which I was permitted.

I drove home as fast as I could and grabbed my SkyVisor and powered it on in a very hurried manner. When Live Universe booted up, I was greeted with a message from the game.

"Greetings Traveler! You have been cordially invited to join the Starter Raid event, happening 2 hours from now. If you would like to be teleported to the prep area, please click the 'Teleport' button attached to this message. Keep grinding, Traveler!" I immediately pressed the "Teleport" button without hesitation, and was instantaneously transported to a new area. It was a lush field with pink grasses and beautiful blue skies. At the center of the area lay a large stone platform, where I assumed the raid boss was to be summoned onto.

All of the players were gathered in a small camp, with a banking area, smithy, and other temporary amenities. As I walked around the camp, I spotted some familiar faces. It was Cleric, Ranger, and Swordsman! I waved them down and walked over to the area they were preparing at.

"Hey, ANOTHER, how've you been?" Cleric said, standing up from their seat.

"Ah, I've been good, how about you guys? Are you excited for the raid?" I responded, looking around the area to see if I spotted anyone else.

"Yeah yeah, we've been good! We're really excited for this starter raid. It'll be a great way to test out our skills." Swordsman retorted, leaning onto his sword. The entire party seemed extremely excited for the raid, and happy to test out their teamwork.

"Yeah, I'm glad you guys are working together for this event, you seem to work very well together." I responded kindly. Out of the blue, I heard a familiar voice come from behind me.

"Yo, Terry! How've you been, pal?" said the unfittingly masculine voice of my one and only best friend, JeanPierre, or IRL, Guiseppe. I turned to see my uncannily feminine friend behind me. She/he stood in front of me, with their comically sized greatsword and overly cutesy armor, which was surprisingly ornate, despite it being so low level.

"Oh, Jean! It's good to see you, I haven't seen you in game for a couple days. How've you been?" I responded, looking down at the somewhat petite elf.

"Ahh, I've been well, real busy wit' work though. Life on the farm is pretty intense, y'know?" Jean replied, a large smile on their face. I was still trying to get used to the fact that a cute elf girl like the character Guiseppe had had such a wildly different voice, especially since it was the voice of my best friend. Nonetheless, I continued chatting with my friends and getting prepared for the upcoming raid, which was only minutes away. Everyone gathered up their potions and gear, and readied their skills, as the countdown continued to count.

5…

4…

3…

2…

1!

A loud beep rang throughout the area, as a large Blood-Orc, almost the size of a two story house, and having over 124k health, spawned in front of us.

The blood orc let out a frightening roar, signalling us that this long battle had finally begun.