The Guilds’ Competition Pt. 1

Akiol stood near a train station. He was waiting for Wrock to arrive so they could head towards the area.

Since this was a well structured competition there was a designated location in the real world. It was the first time he and Wrock were going to meet up in the real world. Akiol was a bit curious on how Wrock would look now.

A man then greeted Akiol, it took a moment before he realized it was Wrock. Compared to his previous body he looked a little. . . smaller. Wrock in his previous world was a tall muscular battle hardened man. Now he seemed to lose those features, while still decently tall he was much skinnier than before. He still had muscle, no doubt Wrock's efforts, just not nearly as much as before. His face carried a much softer tone, not carrying the look of a battle hardened veteran.

Akiol commented, "Wrock you look, different."

Wrock rolled his eyes, "I feel the same, you lost your silver hair and look far more ordinary."

"Was the silver hair really my only prominent feature?"

"It was the first one anyone would notice."

The two chatted for a bit before heading to the designated location. The entrance was ordinary, it looked like an almost abandoned building. Wrock was also suspicious and asked, "You sure this is the right place?"

Akiol was confident, "You know when people say those lines it usually leads to the inside being much greater. Yes I am sure let's go inside."

"I'm sure a plant in a waiting room would look better than this but ok." Wrock mumbled.

Inside was also ordinary, a gray concrete floor with brown painted walls. There was some basic chairs along the wall. At the end was an inbuilt desk area. Glass aligning with the wall and two doors sitting on either side. There was a bit of caution, Akiol remained on edge just in case this was a trap. After all he did technically offend a top 3 Guild.

Akiol walked up to the desk. The individual asked, "Are you here for the sports?"

Akiol responded, "Not interested in the sports."

This was a small hidden password in case someone walks in. The individual nodded, "Your names?"

"Akiol and this is my friend Wrock."

He was instructed to use his in-game name instead of his real one. The desk receptionist pulled out two stacks of paper and slid them through an opening, "I need you to sign this before proceeding. You can choose not to sign, but I will ask you to leave if that is the case."

The two read through the papers, it could roughly be summed up to two points. No speaking about what happens to the public, if they did then heavy lawsuits would follow.

There wasn't anything suspicious in the papers so the two signed it without an issue. The receptionist took the papers back and unlocked an electronic lock. Beckoning to the right door they said, "Head on through, someone will fill you in at the end of the hall."

The walked through another basic looking hall. At a turn they saw a lady waiting for them. She smiled brightly and asked, "Your the two visitors?"

Akiol nodded in a response.

"Follow me then."

Another door was open, way lay behind it was unexpected. There was a set of stairs leading down. They followed the guide down the stairs and was greeted with a magical sight.

There was people everywhere, chatting amongst themselves. Compared to the dull look of the previous halls this room was far more extraordinary. The walls were painted a dark blue and covered with posters of games. The floor was a soft black carpet, there was a repeating pattern of various sigils. Akiol assumed they were from the guilds.

There was a table with various snacks, large amount of computers filled a part of the room, with some playing on them. On the other end was a set of wide TV screens, thought they were currently off, with a large amount of couches around them.

The guide led them to a door, "This is Jumpstart Pavilion's lounge, Vice-leader Reverence awaits you."

The two walked in and saw a large comfy space. Couches were encircled, leaving only an opening. There was a bunch of people sitting, chatting. To the side was another hallway filled with doors.

A voice sounded from a spot on the couch, "If it isn't our two guests! Come take a seat."

They sat at the area the person beckoned towards. The person continued speaking, "I am Reverence, pleased to make your acquaintances."

Akiol responded, "Likewise."

Someone spoke up, "So this is your guest huh? I didn't believe you were going to use the slots."

Reverence waved away the comment, "So tell me, would you prefer to go by your gametag?"

"Akiol works fine."

"Excellent, so Akiol how do you find our area?"

"Much bigger than I had anticipated."

Reverence smiled, "Good good, now the one you brought along. May I know your name?"

Wrock replied, "The in-game name is Wrecking Rocks, but you can call me Wrock."

"Pleased to me you Wrock. Now I believe you all wish to be informed on how this works? Good, allow me to explain.

In about half an hour the guilds will be hosting a small meetup, to catch an eye for their opponents. Your welcome to join but you don't have to. Once that is done the players who are participating will go to their respective room down that hall."

Reverence pointed down the hall with the doors, "You will find a teleport scroll in your mail, use it and you will be teleported to the competition location. Once everyone arrives there will be a set of duels. The participants of the duel are randomized.

At the end there will be a group battle, you don't have to participate in this due to your reduced numbers. The positions are simple, those who win more will place higher. The higher your placed the greater rewards you gain. I am sure that sounds appealing.

There will be challenging, any player can challenge any player. You also have this right, each player only gets one challenge and one chance to deny the challenge. If your challenge gets denied then you still can challenge someone else. This isn't without its own stakes. In order to challenge you first must offer something of value, to accept a challenge you must do the same.

The rewards will be announced in-game. Any questions?"

"What's the purpose of bringing us in person?", Wrock raised an eyebrow.

"We had this sort of event before the VRMMO came out, since those games were only on computers this sort of in person gathering was the norm. Which is why we limit outsider invitations to two."

With no additional questions Reverence clapped his hands together, "Great, now I have a meeting to attend so do get along."

Reverence left the room and Akiol and Wrock were left with the other players. There was a tint of awkwardness and hostility, but they attempted to get to know the two guests.

After half an hour of small talk everyone left the lounge and headed towards the main room. There were a large amount of people, all in their respective groups with their leaders.

A man spoke up, "Reverence, I heard your guild use their guest slots this time. I sure hope they are at least half decent!"

Reverence responded, "I can assure you that my guests can defeat your half trained professionals Grimes."

From the banter between guilds Akiol obtained a bit of knowledge. The guild names were the following. Raven Thread, Jigsaw Tyranny, Jumpstart Pavilion, Amber Embassy, Venturing Deities, Wyvern Tail, Backbone, Legend Creators, Red Marionette, and Infinity Base.

Akiol hadn't heard of any of these names, James wasn't too big on gaming before. So his knowledge of the guilds remained short.

The banter continued for a bit before everyone headed back to their rooms. The small group with Reverence headed towards the rooms. Reverence guided them to the furthest one. Inside was simple, the latest edition VR headset and a bed to lie on.

Akiol and Wrock put on their headsets and logged into the game. As Reverence had told there was a teleport scroll in their inbox. Using the scroll Akiol found himself in a large stadium. Eight boxes were in the middle, each surrounded with a barrier.

Outside the boxes were a large number of seats, filled with hundreds if not thousands of players. Above those seats were VIP seats with a window to all the fights, no doubt for the leaders and the guilds.

An NPC guide walked over and told Akiol, "The vice-leader Reverence invites you the seating room number four."

Akiol made his way to the respective room, Wrock was already inside. Reverence beckoned him over, "I can't treat my guests without any respect! Come sit and watch, when you're chosen you will teleport anyway."

Akiol took a seat and surveyed the area. Reverence pointed to a location of his guilds participating members. Akiol glanced over them and couldn't help but notice they weren't the same people that protected Reverence in their first meet up.

"Is Unyielding Blossom not here?" Akiol asked.

Reverence laughed, "No, those players aren't the best in the guild. Far from it. She was only the best I had on hand. These players aren't your average joe."

The area darkened except for the center stage, the eight barrier boxes turned off. In the middle was an individual with a strange item in hand.

"Welcome everyone to the annual Guild championships! I am your host Gaining Gladly, and I will be announcing the rewards for today's competition!"

Reverence smiled, "It begins."