Chapter 23 : Astral Realm

There were already countless of people gathered on the huge military training ground. Every one of them was players. The NPCs stood at the side as guards.

Ragna walked to the crowds while glancing at his surrounding. This thing seemed very strange to him. He saw that there was a large podium right in front of the training ground. He was wondering if it was some special event or sort.

When he arrived, he quickly found a few people having a discussion. He made his way to them and politely asked.

"Excuse me, friends. Is this some kind of event?"

Hearing his voice, their attention quickly turned to him. They were somewhat confused when hearing his question. After glancing at his level, they made an 'Oh so that was it' expression and answered.

"You must be new here! Congrats for reaching level 10 right before the event start! This is an event held by the Digdaya Corporation. Special Event, I think" One of them who seemed to be the leader answered while smiling.

"Oh I am yet to introduce myself, my name is Luki. We have just arrived too. In fact, everyone is. Most of the players here already knew the exact time beforehand. It was announced right before the log out time at the Maya Sky site and forums. As for what the content of the event is, it's still a secret for us"

Raka finally understood what was happening. This morning he didn't have the time and energy to check the Sky site. He was too immersed in his exhaustion that he forgot to do what the players had to do daily.

Players needed to check for information at the Maya's Sky-site daily. It was to find an important or special event like this. Those who missed them had no one to blame but themselves.

Hearing Luki's polite answer, Raka also thanked him sincerely. In this game, most of the players were considered adult because of the age restriction. The youngest age should at least be at the high school age.

Everyone understood that inside Maya, it was better to make friends than enemies. If there were no important reason nor conflict, it was best to treat everyone as friends. Of course, this kind of logic didn't apply to a minority of innately evil or arrogant people.

Right after Raka expressed his thanks, the sound of a loud horn could be heard. It was time to start the special event!

A middle-aged man rose to the podium. He held a cane which was embedded with a huge magical orb. His hair was white but combed neatly. He exuded the air of experienced old man. He was the mayor of the City.

"Greetings Adventurers, I offer my apologies for forcefully dragging all of you here. Everything was important because there is a pressing matter to announce!" His eyes swept toward the numerous adventurers present.

"The prophets inside the Imperial City have spoken. In about a few minutes, the gate to the Astral Realms will be opened!"

"Astral Realm is a place to increase fighter's strength and also a place full of opportunities. Every few years, it will open and we will send some troops to subdue the monsters inside, while also training our fighters!"

"For about a week, you will be sent into the Astral Realm to increase your power while doing quests. You will be put inside an army which will be lead by the generals. This is optional, but I highly recommend all of you to join the expedition" He paused a bit before continuing.

"Those who performed great merits.. will be given either nobility or special rewards!"

Special Event : Expedition to the Astral Realms!

Astral realm, the realm full of dangers and opportunities, have always been the place to train exceptional warriors of the kingdom!

Inside the realm, players will help the army of the kingdoms to subjugate the monster or to explore the realm to find legacies.

Players can choose whether to participate or not. For those who participate will get a special treatment :

Experience multiplied by 1.5 inside the Astral Realm.

The transportation gate will always be opened so players don't have to be worried not being able to head back to the cities. Of course, players couldn't do that while inside the quests or exploring the Astral Realms. Teleportation will only be allowed at the temporary bases.

Non-combat fighters could help by contributing toward productions, supplies, or affairs that are related to the expedition.

Player's contribution will be ranked. Those who performed great deeds will be awarded by special rewards.

Event Duration : 7 days

The crowds suddenly erupted with loud cheers. This special event was too interesting!

The experience reward was too generous. Then there were also rewards for having high contribution points. Only people who had a problem with their brain would refuse this chance.

Though, it was a bit weird because this event was a bit early. It hadn't been a month since Maya started. Players hadn't explored most of the places. Everything seemed.. a bit rushed. Obviously, no one would complain about it.

Ragna was also delighted when he knew what the event was. He was relieved that he entered the city at the right time. If he missed the first day, he would be left behind by other players.

The mayor waved his staff, signaling the players to stop their cheering. Everyone went silent. Currently, no one had the gut to disobey the royal kingdom.

"It's about time..." He looked up toward the huge pillars beside him. There were 4 pillars. The pillars had a height of a two-story building. It emitted a formless pressure which could suffocate weaker people present.

Whuunggg!

The pillars suddenly grew bright. The magical circle at the center of the pillars rotated quickly. The royal magicians combined their power to chant and suppress the residual force from the gate.

After a while, the circle stopped rotating. It glowed brightly as if it was already alive. Everyone present could feel the pressure. The gate was now fully activated!

It was also at this moment that the archaic voice of the Ancient Blood Master sounded in Ragna's mind!

"Never... reveal.. your power.. in front of them!"