Sho Minazuki

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Arcture - Adventurer's Guild Hall

Tuesday, June 14th 20XX

---

For those who were currently here to sign up for the tournament, the process was rather simple. They would be given a form to fill out. The information they would need to submit would include name, their school if they were in the students division, where they came from, the kinds of skills and weapons they use, or magic. There was a footnote by that last one that it was for the sake of the announcers and that this information would not be shared with participants. After that, there were background checks to be done by inspectors, which really was one of the City Guard officers.

After which, they would be told that the ceremony to mark the beginning of the tournament and festival was going to be held at the Palace in the hall that this tournament was named after. Not everyone is required to be present for this, as there would be a separate ceremony later to show off all of the contestants as well as announcing the bracket placements down at the arena, a structure that could be seen from the guild.

For the time being though, it seemed Otis had gathered a bit of a crew perhaps even unintentionally and looking to a hunt. For his eccentricities he was looking into the corners of the board, and there was one that took interest.

Rampant Wraiths

"Once upon a time there was a young lady who lived in a mansion on the edge of the city. Every day she would come out and pick flowers, seemingly alone. When a traveller would come by, they would be compelled to help her, lured by her sweet and innocent appearance, and the scent of flowers, and after that she would invite them in for tea. The traveller would be grateful for her hospitality, but find themselves lacking in energy, and asking to stay the night. It is unknown what happens there, but the traveller would emerge the next day, pale, and on inspection it appears they had become the living dead... Or so the urban myth goes.

The house that this little urban legend takes place has an actual Lesser Wraith in there right now, and I'd like you to go and excise it if one of you adventurer's would be a kind dear. It's very hard to keep the mystery of this story alive if an actual ghost is there, misconstrued for the story's real monster. The fear of things not being as they seem."

Yours truly
Ms Maggey

"Ah, taken an interest in that have ye lad?", if Otis was indeed poring over this request, he would hear a voice from behind him. Standing behind him was a lean man with wide shoulders, wearing some light gear, which included a short cloak, leather form-fitting armor with a sash and coat tails.

"I see yer a green badge, oh and a Strigidae ta boot, yer don't really see those ev'ryday", the man's hair was well-kept, one could say he was handsome, though he wore a wide-brimmed hat with a feather in it, which Otis might recognize belonged to those who were hunters normally. Strapped on his back was a rifle, and based on the design it was a spell slinging rifle, so it was designed to load up spells in separate cartridges rather than individual bullets.

"I've had some interest in that too, but I don't have the means to handle a wraith. Exorcism stuff's normally handed over to Indrae folk but this one's still sittin' round, means they thought it was a joke or somethin', tell me kid, ya happen to have a way to deal with the undead? May's be a longshot but that's what I'm all about anyway", he inquired.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Saito Souji

Aluvera - Lake on the Outskirts

@PKMNB0Y@VitaVitaAR

---

"Hm, I wasn't sure what I was to expect, bomb fishing is it...?", Saito sighed then shook his head, before walking forward as he had stood a distance behind Sefira. He crouched down to one of the many fish that were now littered around them, some dead, others still flopping for dear life.

"Well, we'll certainly be eating fish for quite some time with this much to go off of. We'll have to preserve some of it too", he continued. From the corner of his eye he spotted movement upon the lake's surface, then slowly stood up again. As whatever beast the explosive magic had awoken emerged from it's depths he simply drew his blade as he looked upon it.

"Sefira, maybe next time you could rethink that strategy. I'm sure there are... More subtle methods that won't upset the wildlife", he quipped, pushing one foot back as he raised his katana, the tip pointing up and towards the beast as he pulled it back.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Saito Souji

Aluvera - Outskirts

---

He had assumed the young lady Sefira had skills for fishing, and was honestly rather curious why she never brought a fishing rod with her... Doesn't that class require one? Well regardless, his thoughts would mean very little as he followed her towards the lake. As she began to scope out the area, he stood some paces behind her with his arms crossed while keeping alert about anything that might appear. Generally, this region was rather safe, so he wasn't so tense, only glancing around once in awhile. The quiet also allowed him to use his ears, but it seems he would be asked to use his eyes.

"Hm...? I... Well ok, if you say so", he had slight confusion, still seeing no way that Sefira could catch fish, but she seemed to know what she was doing, and so he decided not to question it.

Saito walked closer to the lake, and as per her request he observed the surface of the water, looking for fish. It would take some time, and patience, but the pristine soft ripples of the lake were briefly disturbed, and his eyes trained onto that movement. Following it as best he could, he began to see other movements, and pretty soon he could see there was a small school some length out into the lake.

"I see a school gathering some stone's throw out a little towards the right", he said simply.

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Arcture - Adventurer's Guild Hall

Tuesday, June 14th 20XX

---

Arcture was a large and sprawling city, it's ornate stone architecture mirroring that of old European cities, however there was a difference in how ornate they were, as well as the colour of materials seemed to be somewhat different to stone found in Earth. The crystal-rich earth of Arcanis had played a part on this, where almost every structure conducted magic to some extent, and it was this property that was the basis for communications in Arcture. There were other examples of magical technology as one would walk down the main road, magical interfaces, signs displaying ads, news, and... Hm, in a strange yet puzzling way, it appeared the path of technology here despite being magical was not so different in this world, yet out of the corner of one's eye they might see a familiar advertisement for shows that were from Earth, specifically Japan. Surface level research would yield that these shows were introduced recently as two months ago it seems, and they were popular.

It would not take long to reach the adventurer's guild down the main road, a large grand building with a huge and populated sitting area, and a magical barrier above it as the skylight. All around people could see various peoples and characters, although it seemed more energetic today than usual, even if it was one's first time here they could tell there was more excitement today.

Otis approached the front desk to the female receptionist, her long ponytail set behind a cute green hat as she wore a green and blue ensemble, which really screamed clerk. Her expression so pleasant and inviting like it was a mastered art as she greeted Otis and the other students behind him.

"Why yes of course, how very eager of you", she took out a small monocle and fitted it around her right eye. A brief series of dull glines would go along the glasses as she aimed it's gaze at the badge seated upon Otis' person.

"And registered, it seems you will be starting at Green as per regulation. For hunting, please see to the noticeboard over to your right. There are also noticeboards for odd jobs and citizen requests over to the left", and with that simple process, it seems Otis was... Ready to go. It seems some very convenient technology was already developed for this realm, similar to scanning barcodes in Earth yet...

"Hm, I see my investment has already begun to see use. Ms Harpe, how is the scan monocle?", the deep voice would ring out from behind the students as an only vaguely familiar man would walk to the front. A long black coat over his shoulders, silver hair, and perhaps for the first time for some students, seeing his wolf-like ears.

"Ah, Mr. Ashcroft, yes they have been of great help. It really is much easier than writing in every new applicant, it has a wide variety of other functions too, for example... I can verify the identity of the young man here, and it can even be used to track missing badges", she briefly explained.

"Hm, I see the team at the island has done more than the original plans, but more value for my money I suppose. Well, today I'm here to submit a few documents in regards to the upcoming tournament",

"Oh, I suppose this would be a good time to explain why people are more excited this year than normal", the young lady mentioned and turned to the group while Kreydon began to put down some documents. A quick glance one could read it might relate to permissions and jurisdictions.

"Ordinarily the Tournament of the Long Hall has only one division, where veteran fighters participate to become the best, however in interest of the rising number of skilled and talented students in Garadin, Alladore, the recently recognized Silver Gate, there is now a Students Division that features fighters from the aforementioned schools. Students from other schools in the nation may also appear as long as they can get the proper permissions also, but generally as you are all I presume from Silver Gate, you are all eligible to enter the tournament", that was interesting, but other than testing one's mettle, what were the rewards?

"If you want more information, might I suggest you peruse the information board towards the back of the hall, over there", she motioned. "It will have information regarding rules, rewards, and how brackets will work".

"This should be all the documents Ms Harpe. I will be on my way now. As for you students, if you are considering entering, good luck", and with that the professor of business for Silver Gate had left.

---

Arcture - Market District

Tuesday, June 14th 20XX

---

Safia Reges and her quest for literature would lead her to the markets district, also known as the Path of Coin. How fitting one may suppose. A lot of the roads were also called "Path of" and so on, for example, the large main road that ran through the centre of the city was called the "Path of Rule". There were many bookstores here, and it may be prudent of her to ask the bookstore clerks on what she was looking for, but against all odds she saw something she did not expect to see here, and it was what one from earth would call, 'manga'. It wasn't a series she was into at all, but it was puzzling to see it here nonetheless.

Still, she had a great deal of choices, there were a few stores dedicated to popular fiction and classical fiction in Arcanis, while others had more technical books, including magical studies and theory. Although most seemed to carry religious texts, which might not be a huge surprise, after all, almost every shop and library on Earth carried the bible in some form. As Safia wandered the Path of Coin's various book stores, it only came down to what kind of book she was looking for.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Saito Souji

On the Road

---

@VitaVitaAR@PKMNB0Y@Rune_Alchemist

As everyone sat down for the first time since setting out, now that it was getting dark, Saito had already set about checking his weapons. Just routine once in awhile, though upon realizing he can't do so quickly out of a menu anymore he found himself inspecting the blade like you would in real life, which wasn't quite possible in the game prior. He listened to the conversation as he looked upon the blade, hearing the situation was basically they had no idea what their roles were in this travelling group. He sheathed his blade and spoke,

"I see, I suppose it would be prudent to get to hunting sooner than later, before it gets too dark. This zone should generally be rather safe, but maybe hunt in a pair, while the rest of us set up some kind of camp. I hope we have some way to make a campfire too", he added on.

"Unfortunately most of my skills are in combat, so if you want someone on guard I'll gladly accept".

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Silver Gate Academy - University Building
V
Arcture - Silver Gate Academy Building

Tuesday, June 14th 20XX

---

For most of the school, the Tuesday morning was perhaps spent sleeping in, or already having left until the school term would start again in a month. The school grounds and areas surrounding were rather peaceful, with only the odd teacher seen tending to duties out of school times, or groundskeepers going about their jobs. The shops just down the road were no longer cluttered after three or four in the afternoon, with the students who are staying on Seidoujima going there whenever they pleased instead.

However, the University campus would be the only place to be active this time of year during the summer holidays. Inside the university building a whole bunch of students were standing in front of what appeared to be a silver archway. A silver gate, as it were, as some students had figured out and made the joke ten times over within the minute. Yes this was indeed the namesake of the academy. Before reaching this room however they had to go through the entrance hall of the university building, pass through what looked like a customs check, and now here they were.

A lot of students were asked to register their gear here, though this consisted mainly of weapons, as it appeared they would be allowed to carry them while in Arcture, only as long as they had the adventurer's guild badge.

After all that was said and done they were then allowed through.

---

The students would first be greeted by... A teacher, and then the large entrance hall from which they stood. It was empty, but one can assume that this was simply the room where the portal was housed. The gray and white architecture with blue accents was not all too different to the room they were just in, though it was a strange feeling to know that they were now in a completely different world. The sensation they had felt going through was only brief, but they had to enter it completely before they would emerge on the other side. There was no "peeking" through the portal it seems.

"W-welcome! To Arcture! I-I'm Mayble Relwind, a teacher, h-here at Silver Gate", she seemed to look ready to burst into tears. Students who had originally come from Arcture would recognize that she's not usually the one at the portal to greet and see students through... Rather, she is normally never made to do that, for obvious reasons so it seems. Perhaps they were shortstaffed.

"Uhm, I used to be from Alladore Mages Academy, or... Or rather, I still am, I am... Just a guest teacher here and I... Uhm", she seemed hopeless.

"A-anyway! I'm here to tell you about what you can or... Can't do here", she began to scramble around, before it appeared she remembered she was a mage, to which she did a small motion in the air, causing a sheet of paper to manifest from blue flames, spreading as the sheet came into full form.

"S-so", she would say, adjusting her large circular specs trying to obtain some confidence. "It appears students while here will be treated as citizens, and in similar standing to... Students of Alladore and Garadin, which are two other academies in the city, so that means you are allowed to p-purchase items, and weapons, and... And armor, as long as you can personally pay for them", she continued. This seemed rather standard.

"A-any infractions incurred on your stay will be handled by Silver Gate Academy, however, major infractions m-might have the Kingdom of Arcture seize control of the punishment to be r-rendered upon you... Uhm, please don't worry t-too much about that, it would have to be th-theft or murder", she noted, looking up from the sheet as she tried to assure the students.

"O-oh, and th-there's a note here too from the principle... E-every student has been given a small sum of Arcture mint coins to s-spend on weapons or armor as they so please. My how generous... Ah, y-you will find this sum in a bag, given to you by customs in the next room, i-if you show them your badge. The b-bag will also include a map of the capital city, as well as a communications crystal, which will contact the Academy building", she stopped talking for awhile, expecting some more the students would look at her, to which she would notice and look up panicking or flinching.

"T-that's all! Uhm... I-if you... Have any questions, f-feel free to ask me ok? I-I'll be stationed here at this b-building... For awhile"

Well, with the briefing done... Students can now form groups and head out into the city, or just go it alone. As the students began to walk or stay to ask her questions, she quickly blurted.

"O-oh! And please first thing you do is... Head to the Adventurer's Guild t-to register yourselves! Ok!?"

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Saito Souji

Aluvera - Outskirts

---

"Saito Souji", he introduced himself briefly, as he allowed the conversation to continue. All of a sudden their group had become larger. It meant they were well-equipped if a battle needed to be fought. All he was doing now really was thinking what would make sense if this world was real, after all... As it was, he had no reason to treat it otherwise, the senses he was experiencing was unlike sitting at a computer and playing.

"Just a few years myself, I guess...?", in actuality, everyone here probably had zero years. It's not as if playing this game equated to travelling the world or anything... One of their new companions was a tamer, and their choice of mount was... Spiders?

"How unusual... But I suppose if we can travel quickly, it will be worth standing out in such a way", he surmised. Indeed, the mount menu was disabled, but tamers had mounts built into their kits.

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto - Uzamari Ryokan

Monday > Tuesday, June 7th 20XX

---

The inn was in a minor uproar that evening when Seirin spotted the slowly floating 'corpse' of Otis. A panic of staff asking what was the matter followed by putting Otis back in his room and cooling him back down. It had been a rather memorable day for Seirin in particular. They went to eat dinner shortly after, then went back to their rooms to rest.

Unfortunately they would have to say their goodbyes the following morning as Seirin was due back to her household, most likely to take care of outstanding business. Seirin had kept her enrolment to Silver Gate Academy as a secret for the most part, wanting to surprise them when she would inevitably show up at their classroom.

They said their goodbyes and were on their way to the airport for their flight back to Seidoujima Island.

---

The Great Blaze of Kyoto

~END~

---

One Week Later

Silver Gate Academy - Classroom

Monday, June 13th 20XX

---

It had been a week since the eventful Kyoto trip, and Summer Holidays had already begun. All students though were asked to attend just one final class on Monday today, the 13th of June. This was communicated in a letter and email, saying there were some important announcements for the class that day. Some students had no idea what that meant while others were happy to theorize what it might be. Well, come that day, it seems there were... A few other announcements before they got to know what that was.

"So, this may be a somewhat strange timing to be announcing this, but it had come on short notice", Utsumi began as some familiar people stood behind him in the classroom. The boys in the class were positively thrilled by the people they were looking at.

"I'd like to introduce three new transfers, they had come from Kyoto and due to various circumstances, have chosen to study here for the time being. I hope you'll all treat them kindly", although he had a feeling that reassurance was no more than a formality.

"Now if you three will please introduce yourselves".

The first to introduce herself was the grinning short haired girl wearing her uniform a little loosely, "yooo~ the name's Sakichi! Nice to meetch'all!"

"I am Seirin Kaganomiya, I had come from Kyoto seeking my own way of life, my interests in history, and my favorite food is Japanese sweets, pleased to meet you", Seirin's introduction was an image of grace.

Then finally was the quiet looking girl, "My name is Fuuko Kirisaki, the only thing you need to know is... If you lay a hand on Seirin you will reg-", Seirin placed a hand on her shoulder.

"P-please", her face was trying desperately to not to break.

"I am Fuuko Kirisaki, nice to meet you", despite the dialed back introduction, her glare seemed to remain.

"W-well... There are a few empty seats around...", the rest of the next few minutes was letting the three new students settle in, with Fuuko and Seirin sitting together while Sakichi sat somewhere behind Lorelai.

---

"Ahem... Anyways, today is fortunately not quite a class. Although, I will give you a little extra if you feel like dabbling in something over the summer. On my desk is a pile of small tomes as you can see. They are for the Remidius School of Alchemy, Volume 1. It has a wide range of potions and mixtures to practice at a basic level, with a few more advanced mixtures within. I hope you'll all take interest in learning it".

[NOTE: Remidius School of Alchemy Volume 1 will cost 2 skill points forever to learn. You can pick it up now, or later]

"Now onto what we all came here for today", he pulled out a small bag, and opened it up, and produced some badges from it. Any student from Arcture would immediately recognize it. These were Adventurer badges from the Adventurer's Guild. It also went by other names, such as the Hunter's Guild, Handymen Guild and sometimes the Odd Jobs Guild as a joke, since they were also known for just helping people out, even though their main fare was tackling monsters that nations had no manpower to handle.

"I see some students recognize what this is, but those who don't, these are badges from the Adventurer's Guild, recently thanks to the efforts of the school and cooperation with Arcture, we are able to provide students with provisional Green badges. If you think you might qualify for a higher rank, you will have to talk with the guild in Arcture for that. The only special part of this is that students do not have to go through a screening process like people normally do when they sign up, so if you perform and abide by the rules of the guild, you can rank up just like anyone else", this was exciting, but there were a few concerns that had not been addressed yet so they kept quiet mostly.

"Furthermore, we have received approval to allow students to come and go through the portal in the University building. Ordinarily only high ranking University students and teachers were allowed to access it without a request, given that their coming and going is recorded. The only condition is that these students be part of this class, there are ways to prove it, but the easiest is of course these provisional badges. So if you wish to go to Arcture, please be wearing one of these so that the staff can identify you", and with that he began to call up names for the students to come up and receive their badges.

Emerald Odyssey — An MMO Isekai RP (Now Accepting!)

Saito Souji

Aluvera - Outskirts

---

The ensuing escape from the city was largely uneventful, aside from the ongoing attack. Aside from the flames and destroyed streets in some areas, the screaming and chaos had subsided. As the group relaxed, Saito simply stood just a little to the side as he made himself comfortable. Despite the state they left the town in, being outside of it and in a more open space put him at ease. From the way the conversation was going, it looks like they were in for almost a week of travel, assuming it's not a few days without rest. Which was strange, traversing from one part of the land to another should not take that long, given the towns that were cited. Such was another difference between this world and the game... Hmmm, for all they knew the world could be completely different. A question was directed at him as the conversation continued.

"Hmmmm, we're not out here to to tackle a dungeon or boss. If we're only travelling then this much is fine. We just need to avoid unnecessary challenges", it was true. While something like a healer may make things easier, there were other ways to keep oneself healthy in this game... Or rather, world he would wager. Potions and food and the like. There wasn't much reason to have a sustained form of healing.

Silver Gate Academy [Accepting New Players]

Kyoto - Uzamari Ryokan

Monday, June 6th 20XX

---

The sound of soft, flowing water, the gentle touch of steam coupled with the cool breeze of the night sky was but an atmospheric quality of Japanese outdoor hotsprings. The idyllic stonework and Japanese style gardens lining the high bamboo fences granted a sense of tranquillity to these baths. Just moments ago these young girls had been giggling about as they scrambled to undress and get into the hotsprings, and when things had died down, Seirin found herself looking towards the night sky.

This was not the first time she saw the full moon in such a way, though she had been locked inside and seldom saw it with a window between them, tonight it felt rather different. Perhaps because she was now sharing it with friends... Or maybe, because she didn't feel like any scant time she could have to herself could be ended abruptly. Either way, her heart felt at ease. Of course not everyone she had spent the day with was present, all the boys were not here for obvious reasons. One person she expected to see was missing, throughout the day in fact, Fuuko... But she imagined that the young ninja was not present due to her obligations as a member of the Yatagarasu.

The others were having fun and this time of calm for her was just a moment for her to consider what it all meant, her Blessing of Amaterasu, Tamamo no Mae, and all of that. Somehow to her it all felt like the beginning of something she could not even begin to fathom. The voice in her head from within the egg... She believed it was Amaterasu, but when she thought about it now, and what she remembered, was that Amaterasu? Or someone else? She could scarce believe it would've been Tamamo, but if it was not her either then who was it?

An errant splash would snap her from her train of thought. Perhaps these thoughts would be best left for another time. Yes, for now such worries would not be relevant.

Kyoto - Outskirts Forests

Monday, June 6th 20XX

---

The crunch of leaves and twigs steadily and on a step by step basis would dully ring out through the dark forests of Kyoto. A man in a light blue yukata having a leisurely stroll in the moonlight, smiling, almost content with himself. His hand would immediately raise as the blade of a katana would attempt to cleave his head. Appearing form the shadows in front of him like a fog taking form was a robed man with a large straw hat... Or rather it would be more accurate to say, a mess of weapons in the shape of a man, covered in robes.

"Hooh~ I see, so then the fearless leader must not be too far behind you then? Is this any way to greet a comrade?"

"Snivelling half-breed, you lost us the precious Sessho-seki, and failed to summon a completed aspect of Tamamo no Mae. What we witnessed was but a raging shadow, and no more. Release your hand so that I may enact our punishment",

"Enough Benkei", the low baritone voice of a coarse man emerged from the shadows behind him, first appearing his red, glowing eyes, before his red and pale skin in a mixture like a combination of swirling flames and red veins, along with his two horns. This man was a bona fide oni, not like the halves that were more common these days.

"By the looks of his face, it appears he has something worth telling us, is that right Shinzou?", the one identified as Benkei stepped back, pulling his blade away as Shinzou relaxed into his usual casual self.

"Indeed, though the Alliance now holds the Sessho-seki, there is now a... Domain, of sorts. It doesn't appear they've noticed, but that golden egg created a connection to somewhere... I would wager, related to Amatarasu, or one of her chosen",

"How interesting...", from one moment to the next, Shinzou's skin turned the porcelain green of his yokai form as he coughed up blood, now lifted a few feet into the air.

"This information, shall prove valuable, however it does not compare to losing the sessho-seki. The plan had ultimately failed, and so punishment is necessary", the oni's arm lowered, before he pulled it out with force, causing Shinzou to fall to the ground into a kneel.

"Let that be your penalty. In this state you will walk with us, and if you cannot follow us, then you are lost to us", and with that he turned. As Shinzou's eyes craned up at the demon's back he could see the horde of yokai that followed him, their eyes glimmering in the darkness of the forest. His demonic form in full fervour as it tried to repair the damage. The one named Benkei coldly turned away also, though that was not a surprise. The darkness around Shinzou swirled for a moment as the Kurobozu he was with slithered away too. Gritting his teeth, the young half yokai with blood pouring his from his wound, walked forward. A powerful glint of hatred in his eyes as he did. What was he really looking for?