GRAND EVENT!

[GRAND EVENT!]

A window popped up in front of Arin just as he was about to enter the Kingdom of Mira. "What's this grand event? Is the studio already stable after my death?"

He clicked on the window. Another one opened up. As he read the contents and details of the event, his eyes widened. "What the fuck? They sold my studio and game to Mythwell Games?!"

He continued reading about the event:

[Dear Players,

In celebration of the new ownership of the game, we are going to organise a grand event to honour our gamers.

Any new society created from 01/01/2046 that reaches Eternal Heaven before 31/12/2046, and faster than any other new society, will receive a prize of Twelve Million Dollars and be honoured as the 'Reverent Society'.]

His jaw dropped. "T-twelve million dollars?! That's a fucking enormous amount for a prize!"

He paused and thought for a moment. It was currently the night of December 25th. 'I have some days to explore my own world, then I'll create a society, bring in players, and reach Eternal Heaven. This is the best chance to fix my financial condition.'

He smirked. "Yes, this is the best chance to help my mother. I'm omniscient in this game, I know everything, even the secrets of the final boss. If I play well and bring strong players into my society, I can definitely win."

He started walking toward the Kingdom of Mira. 'But first, I have to throw off my cringe behaviour. It'll make players think I'm just a funny guy, not someone strong or trustworthy.'

He opened his inventory, took out some glass, and crafted a mirror. Checking his reflection, 'This character is really good-looking. I just need to refine a few things.' He adjusted his hair and outfit. 'I can do anything I want here, just like in real life. Thanks to the AGIs I added into this game after spending billions. Everything is AGI here, from NPCs to bosses.'

He reached the giant entrance gate of the Kingdom. A long line of people and players were being checked before entering. Arin stood at the very end, hand on his chin. 'There's a common thing in every aura-farming novel and animanga, the main character is always calm. He never acts out or does cringe stuff like me. Maybe I should act like that to attract players.'

After waiting a few minutes, his turn came. The knight checking everyone clenched his fist at the sight of him and asked boldly, "Why are you here, [ImNumber1]?"

Arin felt embarrassed being called that. 'So cringe. I don't know how arrogant the old me was to name himself something like that.'

He took a deep breath. 'Aura farming mode: on.'

"I'm here to explore this beautiful kingdom," Arin said, deepening his voice.

The knight didn't look convinced but still let him in after a full check. As Arin stepped into the Kingdom, he didn't stop to admire the view. Instead, he walked to a corner near the gate and opened his stats window.

'First, I need to change my username. It's so cringe when NPCs say it. I should use something easier and less ridiculous.' He thought for a moment but couldn't come up with anything.

'My old mind isn't working. Maybe I should borrow someone's name — someone unknown to this generation.'

Then a perfect name came to him. He clicked the pencil icon beside his username, erased the old name, and typed a new one: John Durairaj. He hit save.

'That's a cool name. John Durairaj.'

He turned back to face the Kingdom. It was beautiful, filled with long, pointed buildings and clustered houses. A bit farther off was a busy market. Though the place was crowded, kids were still playing around.

He entered the market. People around him stepped aside — not out of fear, but with something close to annoyance. 'Maybe I'm invading their personal space,' he thought, brushing it off as he walked further.

He didn't find anything interesting, and eventually stopped in front of a pub. 'Oh, nice. Maybe I'll find some other players to talk with. But can I even enter? It's restricted to players below eighteen.'

With zero hope, he tried walking in, and there was no restriction. 'Wrong age? Nice. These kids nowadays are out of control.'

Just as he expected, he could see usernames floating above people's heads. When he opened the door, the pub was full of players, all chatting in groups. He approached a table, but the players sitting nearby stared at him with clear irritation.

John noticed them staring at him. 'Am I too handsome? I didn't even notice it myself,' he thought, smirking in real life.

He raised a hand with a calm expression on his face. "A glass for me!" he ordered.

All the players stared at him.

'Is it not normal to drink? I mean, it doesn't even do anything except spin the game POV...',