Chapter 43 "The End of The Beginning"
"The World Revolves Around Me | Grade: Legendary
You've decided the fate of the world with your own hands.
Bonus: +10 All Stats, You are more prone to Fated Encounter with NPCs on the overworld."
"The World Shall Kneel Before Me | Grade: Legendary
You have defeated a World Grade Boss solo and left your mark on the world.
Bonus: World Slayer."
"The Bearer of the Heavens has shown great interest in you."
"SPECIAL QUEST SUCCEED!
You've appeased Arwen's soul and sent him to Heaven.
Clear Grade: MAX
Rewards: Rainbow Chest, Unique Dark Knight Chest, + 200000 EXP, + 100000 Golds, Honor +1000, Holy Empire favorability with you have been raised to [Honored], Relation with Church of Light and its followers has been raised to [Camaraderie], The Follower of Lights will aid you in your journey, Goddess of Light is more likely to use her divinity for your cause."
"Level Up!" Windows pops up before Ioki once again. What is supposed to be a rare sight toward the other Players is a usual occurrence in Ioki's LIVE.
"Goddess of Light has decided to reward your marvelous feat.
Goddess of Light has blessed you with: Guardian Angel (Active)
Goddess of Light said goodbye for now, for her divinity has plummeted."
"Didn't regret anything when I recommended that one. How do you feel?" Nagao typed.
Seeing the symbol of eyes have reached 100,000 as chats finally could be seen stacked on each other once again, the thought of happiness nor accomplishments didn't fill his heart...
"No... I feel empty... I expected a great fight, but Mr. Arwen is way above me. If it's not for the Kobolds and the help of the other Gods, no chance I would defeat him." Ioki replied, "What's more, is the memory that flashed in my head... everything about this game feels surreal. Tell me chat, any of you ever experienced those?" He continued.
"Does it have to do with what happened before? Why did you suddenly hug Arwen out of nowhere? Why don't you hug me instead (ノಠ益ಠ)" Ms. Maria typed.
Ioki's heart was still heavy, and he needed a lot of time to process what he just went through. He ignored a few of the banters and waited for an explanation while his eyes were fixated on the chat window before him.
As the chats poured in with support and praise after the heart-wrenching fight, Ioki's attention was shifted to the black spear behind the holographic chat window. As if commanding attention from Ioki himself.
What once was a brush used to contribute to a masterpiece is now missing its artist...
Ioki helped the unconscious Kobolds on the ground while giving them a scratch on the head and pats.
After that, Ioki approached the black spear and removed it from the ground. With a few moves of awkwardly swinging and spinning the spear, Ioki laughed.
"As I thought, spear is definitely not for me," Ioki exclaimed.
"Seeing how you picked up the spear, I thought you would suddenly show flashy moves. Considering you have an athletic background, it wouldn't be a surprise to know if you are an expert in spear." Reinhardt typed.
"Heh, maybe one day you'll get the chance to see it. That is if I ever get back to this game..." Ioki replied as he stared at the black spear in his hand.
Hearing these words again made the viewers of his LIVE slump... the boy that had shown them the endless possibilities of Ashen Fantasy charm is finally saying his goodbye...
It's short-lived, but it's too sweet. They are yearning for more.
With Arwen's spirit finally at rest, Ioki's surroundings began to change. The gloomy sacrificial realm started to dissipate like a fading dream, replaced by a soft, warm light.
"What's happening?!" Ioki panicked as he saw the realm before him started shifting again.
It enveloped Ioki, and he could feel a gentle pull as if something was guiding him back.
As the light intensified, he closed his eyes and let it wash over him. The sensation was comforting, like being cradled in the arms of a benevolent deity. His mind wandered as he drifted through this ethereal transition.
Moments later, Ioki found himself back in the normal realm, standing in the middle of the ancient forest where his adventure had begun.
The vibrant colors of nature, the rustling leaves, and the soothing sound of a nearby stream were a stark contrast to the eerie realm he had just left.
"Ughhh... Where am I?" Joki's voice could be heard.
"Wakey wakey~ Mr. Traitor!" Ioki playfully chided.
As he looked up, Ioki's face came into full sight.
"AH! Leader! I'm sorry, now you have passed on, please don't haunt me!" Joki prayed with his paws locked together.
*Smack!*
"Who died? Who are you praying to? Hmm?!" Ioki's veins were popping as he forced a smile to deal with Joki's banter once again.
"LEADER! YOU ARE ALIVE!" Joki hugged Ioki tightly while crying, "I'm sorry, you should know th---" Ioki's finger hushed Joki before he could continue.
"Yes, yes... Now, as you can see." Ioki pointed toward the four Kobolds, "You have new friends that you need to take care of!"
A grin formed on Joki's face before he put his hands around them, "I always wanted to have others to fol--- be my friends!"
"Hey, what do you prefer, mining or adventuring?" Joki inquired the other Kobolds.
The other Kobolds stared at each other and let out a confused bark; every time they opened their muzzles, they could only make a voice similar to a puppy's bark.
Joki rushed to Ioki, "L---Leader! There is something wrong with them!" He said with a confused expression.
Ioki thought it was normal for them to talk with some kind of slang or terms only Kobolds understood; that's why he didn't pay attention to it.
"Not my job to teach them how to talk, right?" Ioki retorted.
"But, Leader, how ca---"
"I said, it's not. My. Job." Ioki raised his fist as he smiled at Joki.
"HIEEEK! SIR, YES, SIR!" Joki saluted, "You guys! Salute your Leader!" He pointed at the other Kobolds.
The Kobolds observed Joki for a moment before slowly raising their paws to touch their temple. Or at least what seems like that, some of the Kobolds could be seen covering their eyes instead...
"Sigh... this is going to be a long day..." Joki sighed as he covered his eyes in disappointment.
"Hey, catch!" Ioki warned as he threw the black spear toward Joki, "I'll make it worth your time."
"L---Leader? Is this for me?" Joki said in disbelief as he fawned over the spear.
"Yes, but you nee-" Before Ioki could finish his sentence, Joki rushed toward and hugged him.
"Leader! I know you love me very much!" With a grateful expression he expressed, he hugged Ioki even tighter.
The hug sensation was different than the cold and stiff hug of Arwen's... Compared to that, this hug is warm and filled with joy as Joki's fur envelops Ioki's skin. Joki's squirm and small jumps as he hugged him showed genuine happiness. Not to count the tail wagging wildly behind him.
Joki, who had been by his side throughout the ordeal, finally let go of his hug and looked at Ioki with a wide grin, "Don't worry, Leader! They will even speak the Human tongue by the time you are back!"
"I will not be back anytime soon, Joki. That's the thing..." Ioki replied with an awkward smile.
"Wh...what do you mean? I know I've been joking with you so far. Did I say some things over the line?" Joki asked as his grin slowly turned into a frown.
*Flick!*
"You don't need to know anything about that. Don't worry about your good-for-nothing Leader!" Ioki said as he smiled bitterly, "Guide them to the Kobolds Cave and tell the others there that I won't be back anytime soon. Tell that one particular Death Spot---"
As he kept talking, Ioki noticed Joki's eyes slowly welled up in tears as his face began trembling followed with the snout flaring.
Of course, the chat can only hear him barking from before, but with the sudden change of expression and the start of his whimpers, they can't help but notice the sadness in this particular Kobold's expression...
Ioki's bitter smile slowly gone as he mumbled, "I will definitely get back to this game later on, won't I?"
He reached for Joki's back, he returned Joki's hug even tighter as he whispered, "You are the best, Joki. You are everything I could ever wish for!"
The physical accompaniment of his favorite animal in a way, the playful banter, and even the genuine jokes... Joki easily made his way to Ioki's heart compared to the Goblins who were looking up to him as a Chieftain.
The jokester of a Kobold's body slowly trembles before letting go of his spear and hugging Ioki again. The birds tried their hardest to cheer up the atmosphere with their singing. Alas, the Kobold's heart is louder than their chirps...
Who would've known the game where they should kill the majority of the living beings that differs a bit from Humans is where Ioki would get comfort from...
First, the Fortune Squad and Mr. Kross.
Second, the Kobolds at Kobolds Cave.
Third, the Saint in his dark days.
Now? This furry jokester...
Ioki couldn't help but smile at Joki as he put his hands on his shoulder firmly, "You are a mess... seriously." Ioki said as he wiped the tears from Joki's eyes.
Together, they had faced a formidable foe, and in the process, Ioki had gained not only a powerful ally but also a deeper understanding of the world he had entered.
With a sense of accomplishment and a heart full of gratitude, Ioki knew that his journey was far from over. He needs to come back here one day, whether he likes it or not. Pretty sure his feeling is on the first part though.
"Now, off you go!" Ioki said as he patted Joki's shoulders in reassurance.
"I swear, I will lead the Kobolds to reign over this land! So one day, when you return, you will be proud of me!" Joki exclaimed as he picked up the spear.
"Whatever you say..." Ioki retorted with a smile.
Slowly, Joki guided the other Kobolds and waved their paws to their Leader as they left the vicinity.
"Aren't you going to name them? Only fair for them to be named like you name the Fortune Squad." Chikushou typed.
With a sudden realization, Ioki screamed. "WAIT! JOKI, COME BACK HERE!"
Sounds of paw steps could be heard rapidly approaching before finally, the five Kobolds appeared, "Yes, Leader! Have you changed your mind? Will we go on an adventure together?"
"Maybe next time, for now I want to give you guys a group name!" Ioki said with his index finger in the air.
"Aw... I thought you were going to travel with us... Oh well, why don't we name it Joki and the lackeys?" Joki suggested as he put his paw in the air.
*Slap*
"What kind of name was that," Ioki pondered while seeing the Kobolds before him, "Hmm, fortune... Kobolds... paws..."
Suddenly, Ioki's eyes lit up as a wide smile formed on his face. "Triple Nine! That's your group name from now on! You will lead the Triple Nine, Joki!"
As if ascending to a new level, the Kobolds' bodies were enveloped in yellow lights.
"Why is it Triple Nine in particular? Why is it not just single or double nine?" Joki asked curiously as he put his paw on his chin.
Ioki slowly raised his fist as he smiled at Joki; before he even opened his mouth, Joki dragged the other Kobolds with him hurriedly and went off toward the forest.
"Your fate with the Triple Nine has been intertwined."
There were still mysteries to unravel, quests to complete, and adventures to embark upon. Yet, it is Ioki's last day here.
Ioki looked at the artificial nature before him for one last time. He savored every breath he took while raising both his arms to the side with his palms open.
He enjoyed the tingling sensation that seeped into his skin as the wind bashed against him. His leather equipment and wraps fluttered following the wind blows. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment...
Finally, a deep sigh could be heard as he opened his eyes, looking at the sphere before him.
He smiled widely as he gave his palm salute toward it. He continued it with a sleight of hands, rolled beautifully in the air nimbly lead by his wrist before he bowed down with his left hand under his chest and his right hand in the air, signaling the curtain's call.
Some viewers unconsciously clapped their hands as they saw Ioki bowed.
"The Free Father is clapping His hands ecstatically.
The Free Father was glad He accepted God of Language's invitation.
The Free Father is offering you a drink!"
Suddenly, a golden cup filled with wine materialized out of nowhere before him.
"Sorry! But I can't drink it!" Ioki exclaimed as he put his palms together, asking for forgiveness.
"The Free Father is disappointed.
The Free Father is cursing at you!
The other Divine Beings is holding the Free Father back."
"What else would be a good way to end the LIVE than watching the Gods with their silly shenanigans?" Ioki chuckled, "I swear, sometimes they are even worse than a child!"
"It was a ride, Little Brother! Thank you so much for doing the LIVE for the past 3 days!" Mr. Turtle typed.
"Thanks to you and DarkFlame for coming into my LIVE and bringing the other people! Also, shout-out to the first eight people that were brought by them. Thanks to the other people who soon followed after them, thanks to the Vermilion Dawn for making the stream more interesting, thanks to Nagao as well for recommending me to the final stage. I met Mr. Arwen and Joki, thanks to you! All in all, big thanks to all who watched my LIVE! All of you guys made the three days I spent here much much more enjoyable! You guys are the absolute best!" Ioki poured his heartfelt appreciation toward the chat with a wide smile.
"Aww... You are gonna make me cry, you brat..." SweetLily typed.
"Best of luck to you. Vermilion Dawn would always have a spot open just for you." KumaKuma typed.
"Take care with your studies! Never skip your classes again, okay?" Lilian typed.
"I would love to have you at our party if you ever played again!" Absusbsj typed.
"Please! Open your mask one more time before you log off!" IokiNo.1Fan typed.
"Yes, Please! Ioki, I beg you!" IokiNo.2Fan typed.
Seeing the last chat, Ioki opened his mask and cowl and stored them in his inventory.
He looked at the sphere and put a wide smile while giving a double peace sign, "Here! Take a good look at the great Ioki!"
"Wait! Let me take pictures!" IokiNo.1Fan typed.
After seeing that, Ioki put his index finger under his eye and slipped his tongue out. "Blee~ no way I would give you my pictures for free!"
"Brat!"
"Brat!"
"Brat!"
Seeing the last chat after he put his tongue out toward the sphere made him laugh hard.
"Ioki, don't you want to meet big sis for one last time? (╥﹏╥)" Ms. Maria typed.
Ignoring Maria's comment, he opened his menu. "Chat, hurry up and help me. How do I log out of this game? The last thing I want is to meet a devil before I log out."
"IOKIIII! I SWEAR (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻" Ms. Maria typed.
"Goodbye, Big Brothers and Big Sisters! May your hunts be blessed by Fortuna! Until next time! Bye-bye ~" He said while waving his hand before he finally saw the "Log Out" button and pressed on it.
Suddenly, his vision went dark as the reality around him shifted once again. The blow of cold winds could be felt intruding on his uniform, the sound of chatters could be heard outside, accompanied by the sound of the air conditioners.
The boy pushed the capsule door before the blinding neon light entered his vision.
"Capsule No. 7 is now available. Thank you for renting!" A loud voice could be heard from behind the counter.
The boy stepped outside the capsule and bowed to the man behind the counter before leaving the Capsule Net.
"What a day! I don't regret skipping my class at all!" The boy exclaimed as he saw the orange horizon before him.
He playfully stepped and hopped on the puddles of the wet road as he strolled toward his home.
***
"Gwartghh!" A roar came out of a giant monster as its body slowly dropped.
*THUD*
"Woohoo! Great job, brother!" A green figure exclaimed.
*Clap!*
Two green hands were doing hi-five in the air as they jumped.
"You too! That pass was perfect!" He replied while holding a weapon resembling a long needle.
A similar creature covered in red leather holding a towering shield approached them slowly.
"Do not get too complacent! Let's pick up the pace! Shooters, ammunitions?" He asked with a domineering tone.
"We are still good till we reach the next point!" Another green figure replied while holding a crossbow.
"Shouldn't we stop for a moment? The Axebringers is probably on their limit." Another asked while holding a whip.
"Are you tired?" The Shieldbearer asked as he looked at the two figures bathed in blood with axe in.
"Tired? We are having fun here! Even when The Gate of Valhalla appeared in front of me right now, I would gladly charge in! HAHA!" He finished his sentence while laughing maniacally.
"If it's shedding blood on the battlefield, then we won't lose either!" A figure with a threshing tool in his hands chimed in.
"Good! That means all of you are still high in spirit! Let's continue onward. We don't have much till the Pigs make their way through the plains!" The Shieldbearer exclaimed.
"Awoo!" A howling voice approached them.
A green figure with a spear could be seen riding above a Gray Wolf.
"Report! There is a settlement of other Goblins not quite far from here. The other spear stayed for negotiation!" He reported to the Shieldbearer.
"Good! Let's continue, The scent of war is approaching our home forest!" The Shieldbearer shouted.