Part 1

Alice Blodeuwodd Fenix.

Yggdrasil time [21:44]

Outer Regions | Main Commanding Facility of Major Intersection Promus Base | LP 05 Anchor | 

 

Primitive as it was; the reception room was in stark contrast to the grandeur of the imperial standards. Its wooden floor creaked underfoot, the silk draperies were poorly woven, the furniture was of meager quality.

Alicia’s eyes wandered the room, drawn to the fluttering curtains and the bright moon beyond the window. The moon glowed brightly, casting moonlight into the room. The noise outside had lessened since she had arrived as if the Seekers had been sent further away. However, despite the calm, fireballs and other elements spells could still be seen flying outside the window. 

Alicia turned her attention to the carefully placed mug on the table, lifting it to savor the hot ginger tea. 'It's not typically my preference, nevertheless quite comforting,' she thought.

As she placed the cup back on the table, Alicia noticed the ends of her clothing glowing slightly. She mused, 'They said that avatar equipment comes with the ability to self-repair, so this must be how it works. How magical.'

Raising both hands, she observed how the healers’ work had restored them. The standard imperial uniform was a simple suit without the usual Uniform Code that helps people identify each other using Mind Networking. However, with the protocol restricting the use of Mind Networking, Uniform Codes are useless in this simulation world.

‘Their healing surpasses my expectations’ Alicia thought. ‘The healing abilities in the simulation world function similarly to health-boost pens... If that's the case,  I wonder if the expedition has managed to create a firearm.'

After receiving medical treatment in the lower level of the facility, Alicia was escorted to a reception room to meet the officer-in-charge of the Major Base Promus. She couldn't help but wonder about the person she was about to meet, as no information had been provided to her. When Alicia asked the Seekers for details, Vanessa, who was guiding her, would forcefully pull her along.

When Alicia asked her, Vanessa tightly sealed her lips and refused to provide any information about the meeting. Although Alicia briefly entertained the idea of using underhanded tricks to pry the information from Vanessa, she ultimately decided to go with the flow. Vanessa then hinted that the officer-in-charge was of royal status, prompting Alicia to recall the list of names given to her by the Crimson Code.

‘Shin is a coward in head-to-head combat, but he's surprisingly intelligent. I doubt he'll show up. Abigail Fong and Lucas Fong are too inexperienced; they haven't even graduated from university. Anderson Fong... Perhaps... Fujii, on the other hand, might appear at the bridge to greet me. I wonder who it could be.’

After what felt like an eternity, Alicia finally arrived at a certain conclusion: 'It must be Bella then. She seems to be the best candidate… If not her, then Deigo… Those two…’

Alicia was surprised when she was told a list of royalties present in the game, about 10 including her. However, upon discovering that Shin was also present, the possibility didn't seem as odd. While she still wondered about the reason why they were playing, she also felt a sense of relief, knowing that other massive influential people were part of the game, which would bring it more recognition.

Bella stood out the most among the Royalties, especially to  Alicia who was trying to figure out who she was meeting. Not only was Bella Alicia's classmate at the University but she was also considered Alicia's best friend.

Alicia remembered one of her sparring matches with Bella. She stood victorious, with only one hand remaining and gravely injured, while Bella's hands were dismembered, and her body lay dead on the ground. These memories brought a smile to Alicia's face until she recalled Shin's enthusiastic cheering and laughter during the bout.

Without warning, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Alarmed, Alicia turned to find her sister Vanessa parting the curtains at the makeshift entrance, her face beaming with excitement. Vanessa waved vigorously, but Alicia, unfamiliar with this act, hesitantly lifted her hand in a stiff, awkward wave.

Grinning widely, Vanessa sauntered up to Alicia and took a seat beside her. “Looks like your arms have been healed. How are you feeling?”

“It feels quite brand new.”

Vanessa was taken aback by Alicia's sudden humor and she pinched her sister’s shoulder. "It really does feel like it." she chuckled.

Alicia felt a forceful pinch that caused her to close her pain receptors, numbing the sensation. Despite knowing this, Vanessa continued to pinch her.  Alicia left her alone in her own intricacies, not saying a word as the room was enveloped in a peaceful silence.

Suddenly, someone entered the room without warning. As Alicia laid eyes on the mysterious figure, she remained expressionless, confirming her suspicions. It was Bella Montiri Marquessal Gavela, the one in charge of managing the Major Intersection Base Promus.

Bella confidently strode into the room, dressed in her Standard Imperial uniform. Her silver hair cascaded down to her waist and her strict, piercing red eyes that would seem to bore into someone’s soul should she glare. She sat down at one of the chairs, opposite Alicia.

As Vanessa noticed Bella's presence, she turned her head and locked eyes with her. They exchanged a wordless message before Vanessa glanced at Alicia and hesitantly asked, "Do you want me to step out? I can go outside if you'd prefer."

Alicia replied with a nonchalant, "Do whatever pleases you."

Hearing so, Vanessa laid her head against Alicia’s shoulder.

Alicia raised an elegant eyebrow, her voice filled with a quiet strength. "Aren't you going to greet me?" she inquired, her tone noticeably firmer than when speaking to her sister.

Bella glared strongly at Alice, her hands crossed and one leg resting on the other as if she was refusing to speak. She continued to contest her glare with Alicia, filling the room with a sense of bloodlust. However, the Phoenix siblings remained unfazed by Bella's demeanor.

Alicia let out an extravagant sigh before saying, "I see. This meeting seems rather pointless if the other party is unable to speak."

As Alicia showed signs of standing up, Bella clicked her tongue and questioned, "Don't you have anything to say to me?"

“Anything to say?” Alicia repeated, briefly before awkwardly blurting out, “Not that I ca— Ah. Long time no see?”

Bella's outburst shattered the serene atmosphere. "Not 'long time no see'!" she yelled, springing up from her chair and bringing her hand down on the table with a resounding thud. As her hand made contact, Alicia's delicate tea cup toppled, sending waves of steaming liquid cascading across their table.

“Then, what exactly would you like me to say?”

"Tsk, tsk. How could you respond like this?" Bella straightened her posture, placing her hands on her temples as if she were managing a headache. "You promised we'd meet at the upcoming Solaris Feva! Why didn't you contact me or share your schedule? You didn't even try contacting me after the event? And now you speak to me like that after abandoning me!?"

“Abandoning you?” Alicia furrowed her brow, clearly puzzled by the accusation.

"I was all alone at Solaris Feva! I rearranged my whole schedule just to meet you, and then you didn't even show up at the event!"

“I see.”

“I SEE!?!”

“Have you considered calming down?”

“I AM CALM!” she yelled.

Vanessa grinned, “I think you're not.”

Bella was provoked and tempted to rebuke Vanessa, but considering Alicia's watchful gaze, she decided to take a deep breath and settle back into her seat.

Alicia continued with a nonchalant tone "I regret any inconvenience caused. My presence was requested by the empress, leading to a significant adjustment and demands on my schedule. Though I contemplated using Mind networking to inform you, I also desired to uphold my promise."

“Tsk.”

“Regardless, whether you choose to forgive me or not is inconsequential. However, I will give you the benefit of reaching a consensus with me.”

"Fine! I’ll forgive you if you accompany me in future events." Bella demanded, pointing at Alicia.

Before Alicia could respond, Vanessa quickly wrapped her arm around Alicia and shot Bella a piercing glare, pouting. "That's not fair. Why do you get to spend time with my sister and I don't?"

Bella moved her fingers, pointing at Vanessa, and said, "Then you can join too! I don’t mind!"

Alicia couldn't help but worry as she wondered what Bella was planning by inviting her sister as well. 'Is she using Vanessa for appearance's sake?  That, I don't mind. I trust Bella enough that she will not put my sister up front, and she is capable enough to protect her from unscrupulous nobles.'

"I can only agree if you extend the invitation to your social circle."

After a brief pause, Bella responded, "Certainly. I don't believe it will have any impact. I have no intention of causing her any harm; I am simply extending the invitation because she is also a friend of mine."

Friend?

Alicia looked at Vanessa, whose face was filled with happy smiles, and asked, "Are you two friends? Since when?"

"Well, hehe. We met at a Simulation World Convention held in the capital world Ardem,” Vanessa explained. “I was supposed to meet my friends there, but I received a VIP reception and happened to meet Bella there."

Alicia glanced at Bella, silently prompting her to share her experience. Feeling the pressure, Bella opened up, "I was there to see the new Simulation World servers and the world seedbox."

"Hmm," Alicia pondered for a moment. "I see. I'm rather busy these days. You can contact my sister or Dianna."

Bella nodded before casting her gaze downwards to the table. Her eyes fell upon the spilled tea on the mug, and after a brief pause, she redirected her attention to Alicia. "I read in the reports that you were discovered in one of the deathpens by Crimson Code, what a cool name."

"Absolutely," Vanessa agreed, nodding with a smile. "Very cool name."

“Do you have any further questions? Maybe about the expedition, deathpens, or how the simulation world works?"

“I do. Quite many even.”

"Good, keep those questions to yourself, since I won't explain those. I suggest you head to the Southern forts or the entrance of the Labyrinth… Oh, do you know we are currently inside of a labyrinth?"

Alicia nodded and replied, "Yes, I was informed. However, I need more details. I require information about our current location, the whereabouts of the labyrinth, and any other essential information I should know."

Suddenly, a knock resounded at the entrance. Bella nodded, silently granting permission for the person outside to enter. They entered with a wooden tray, carrying a tea set with three cups. Before they could arrange the tea set on the table, Bella shot them a look, causing them to stop, bow, and leave with a whispered "Excuse me."

"For your questions, everything will be addressed once you've signed the Goddess Alzepta contract. Upon doing so, you'll gain access to the in-game forum and communications," Bella expounded. "To offer further details, our current location is about 200 kilometers to the west of the Labyrinth's entrance, at the Major Intersection Base Promus. This base focuses primarily on surveying the northern mountains and western regions. I would like to show you a map, but unfortunately, I have a wonderful lack of artistic talent and very limited time, hence I won’t be able to draw it for you."

While Bella was explaining, she gestured her finger and the cups began to levitate from the wooden tray. The teapot, as if controlled by an invisible hand, poured its content into the cups before arranging itself on the table.

Bella continued, "You can review the contract for yourself. Signing it will grant you access to the game forum where all information is shared publicly. This should address any questions you may have."

 Bella lifted the delicate tea cup with her slender fingers and gracefully brought it to her lips. After a moment's thought, Alicia responded, "Very well," and took a sip of her tea.

After savoring the sweet, minty flavor of the tea, Alicia delicately set down her cup. Bella continued confidently, "I have organized a fleet of airships to escort you and arranged several guard posts along your path. If anything happens, members of the expedition will come immediately. They are ready to leave at any time. Do you have any further questions?"

“None so far,” Alicia said.

"Good," Bella nodded. "Oh, before I forget; at Vanessa’s request, I have assigned the Crimson Code as your escort. They are no longer under the command of the Promus, so you can decide what to do with them."

Hearing such, Vanessa had a wide smile across her face. “Thanks.”

"I should get going," Alicia said as she stood up from her chair.

“Hold up,” Bella commanded.

“What? Do you need something?”

“You have recovered, yes?”

“What about it?”

“Good. Let us engage in a bout.”

“I decline.”

"What?" Bella's voice raised, a look of shock on her face. "What do you mean, you decline? I decline your decline!"

Alicia raised a brow, “I have no sword to fight you.”

“We have extra swords for you to use.”

Alicia sighed. “I’m not in my proper state, and the chances are high that I will lose to you.”

"Then that's great!" Bella exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face.

A thin, long tail excitedly swayed behind her, and Bella’s eyes glowed bright red as if imitating the colors of blood. 

“I don’t engage in a losing battle, Ms. Gavela.” Alicia reasoned, “Especially to you.”

“Oh, come on. You're just scared you’ll get humiliated by me.”

“This is exactly why no one initiates a friendship with you.” Alicia retorted sarcastically. 

Enraged, Bella exclaimed, “What!? I’ll let you know that quality is better than quantity!”

“That’s why so many people are drawn to you,” Alicia replied with a smirk.

“FIGHT ME!” Bella stood from her chair and threw a glove at Alicia.

‘A traditional challenge for a royal guard.’ Alicia thought with a sigh, ‘Bella never fails to display her Gavela attitude.’

“What a rowdy wife you are.”

“WHAT? WIFE?”

Alicia smirked, “Oh, wait. My apologies, I must have misremembered. You haven’t been in any relationships.”

“Are you kidding me!?”

“Ahaha!”

Suddenly, a soft laugh filled the room, emanating from Vanessa. She covered her mouth with her fingers as if trying to stifle the sound. 

“What?” Alicia asked. 

“Pfft. No, it’s nothing,” she replied, “I’m quite surprised that my sister isn’t all as emotionless as I thought.”

“What makes you think that?” Bella inquired, raising a brow.

"Well, she's always working and doesn't seem very expressive. It made me sad to think that all of you are always working and never taking a break."

"I'm always working, thinking is necessary for me almost all the time," Alicia declared. "You should know by now that I'm constantly under the influence of Enhancements when I work. I always think before doing or reacting."

“Haha!” Vanessa laughs, looking quite relieved. “I see, I see.”