Spell 15 : The Celebrations

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

I put down the weights I was lifting and reached out for my phone on the bench press machine next to me. With great excitement, I looked at the caller ID but was instead rewarded with a slight twinge of disappointment when I saw who it was.

'Hey Ju. Where the hell are you? The anniversary's gonna start!'

'Hi Keith. Sorry, I wasn't really looking at the time. I'm at the gym now but I'll head home in a few mikes.'

'You're at the gym?! You gotta be kidding me! This is so going on Twitter! Ju, gymming! Who the hell would have thought it? But yeah, I was just there in the castle. Almost everybody's there. You really wanna be there right now.'

'Yeah, alright. See you man.'

I hung up and kept my phone in my bag. I took up the weight I was working on and lifted it a few more times until both my arms were completely sore. I got up and wiped the mess of sweat I left behind on the bench with my towel.

I started working out recently because emotionally, I could feel myself being tensed out. Previously, the only way I knew how to loosen myself was by playing games, but now that the cause of my stressing out was RoyalRoad itself, I had to look to other alternatives. Especially with all the hoo-ha regarding the school's scandal. All that business really stressed me out because I spent all my waking moments trying to figure out the crime. With only 7 in-game days to complete the investigations, it was almost a miracle that we actually solved it.

One thing remains completely baffling though, and that is the presence of the weird old man in the kitchens. He was definitely an NPC, but the amount of sentience he possessed was astonishing. I mean if you looked at it logically, this whole business with the banner was cooked up by real players; the NPCs were supposed to be caleb fare. But due to the actions of Salem alone, the NPCs were vastly affected as well. It was almost impossible for that old man to be there at that time to lead me to the banner in exchange for taking up a quest. Was the game mechanics spiraling out of control? Or was the game evolving itself beyond its predetermined boundaries?

It's almost as if this entire thing was cooked up by a grand mastermind...

I reached the bus stop and sat down, waiting for the bus to arrive. Feeling bored, I took out my phone and looked up the RoyalRoad forums, checking for any updates provided by the players of RoyalRoad themselves. It seemed like Unicorn Inc. got wind of the scandal and have updated their anti-hacking system. I scrolled through the forum threads and found nothing interesting. Just then, the bus rolled into the street and I got on.

I stepped into the capsule when I got home, and logged onto RoyalRoad. The moment I got in, I received quite a number of notifications. Most were just friend requests from the students in the school I was studying in. The reclamation of the banner brought me too much unwanted fame. People gawked and pointed wherever I went in school. It was as if the whole school was my friend now. There was one notification that caught my eye, however. Never did expected to see it so soon too.

[p=center]COUNCIL SUMMON

Magi Crow, the Council will be holding its Meet in the eve of the next full moon. You will represent Archmage Ghanda in this Meet. Your presence will be much appreciated.

[/p]

Eve of the full moon huh? That should be about close to 5 more days after the celebration, judging by the moon cycle. After clearing all the notifications and messages, I left my chamber and headed straight for the garden. It was already midnight and the moon shone brightly in the sky, illuminating the entire garden which was bustling with activity. There were plenty of stalls set up, where either games were being played or food was being sold. From time to time, fireworks were launched, creating a beautiful display of sparks against the dark sky. The party was in full swing.

I took a goblet of mead from one of the serving girls that came by and went to look for my friends. I did not had to look for long.

Racing games were being held by the castle walls, and it seemed like participants had to go in teams of two around the castle perimeters in a circuit. Teams have to try and complete a number of rounds around the circuit, while avoiding attacks and traps set by other participants as well. Most of the crowd were cheering for one particular team apparently. They were both on horseback, and while the rider was spurring his steed, his partner was frantically throwing bombs everywhere he could reach. No one could match them in speed nor destructiveness. The cheering multiplied when they came in first. I smiled while sipping the mead, and went forward to congratulate them.

'CROW! You're in! Man, you should have seen us. We were aw-aw-aw-AWESOME!' Bambsie greeted me with his usual silly mood.

'Yeah, I know. I was kinda watching. Good job, guys.'

'Yeah.. So anyway, have you tried playing any of the games? They're fun as hell! Look, there's one that I know you'll definitely win. Come on, I'll show ya.' And without a further ado, he pulled me into the crowd. I saw Cluck waving goodbye with an apologetic expression on his face. Pretty soon, we reached a stall that had pistols lined up with moving targets behind the stall owner. He greeted us with a sly smile.

'Welcome to Guns N Eyes! Only 1 Silver coin to start! 20 pellets and 15 targets; shoot them all down and you'll win a prize!'

I looked at Bambsie with a questioning look. This was obviously a game for a marksman, not a mage. But Bambsie just pointed to the targets while making a tick-tock sound using his mouth, as though trying to hint to me something.

Of course! I could never shoot a moving target, but if my reaction was faster than that, then...

I stepped forwards and paid the stall owner the money. He gestured at one of the pistols, and stepped away from the targets. I lifted the pistol, and pretended to aim.

'Alter Time : Speed Up!'

Time slowed, and the targets stilled. With ease, I shot down all 15 of them just before the spell ended. The stall owner gawked at what just happened and handed me a tiara grudgingly.

*DING*

[p=center]You received new item : Gloucest Tiara (Transmogrify)!

This tiara once belonged to the handmaidens of Gloucest Castle who served directly under the Queen. They were dressed differently, in order to mark them differently from the other normal handmaidens.

Note : This item does not possess any stat bonuses. It is meant to be transmogrified only.

[/p]

I looked at the stall holder in disbelief. Of all the items he could have given me, he gave me a freaking tiara? What the hell am I gonna do with a girl's item? I accused the stall holder of it.

'All's fair, son. You shot down the targets; I gave you a prize. Give it to your lady friends. As a gift.'

Bambsie pulled me back and away from the stall just as I was about to retort. I followed Bambsie back into the crowd, and shrugged myself of his grip. He chuckled and put an arm around me. Sighing, I smiled too. Well, at least the stall holder was right about one thing. I could give it to someone...

Most of the stalls were occupied and joyous voices filled the air around us. I could smell mead everywhere; almost everybody had a goblet in their hands. It was a cheery night; people were really enjoying themselves. We walked without looking and stumbled into Dennis' gang. They greeted us merrily too.

'So, Mr Saviour, how's things going? Getting a lot of the ladies' attention?' Dennis said with a wink while raising his goblet, indicating a toast. I obliged, before answering.

'I'm doing fine, Dennis. And please, do not call me that. I've enough titles to live by.'

'Strange, you're the only one that calls me by my real name here. Well, whatever. Call me by whatever name you want, Crow. You earned it. By the way, Palmer's gonna start the official congratulatory service to you and your friends soon. Might wanna be around the plateau soon, if I were you.' He said, indicating the little stage set up near the fountain with a shaky hand. Clearly, he had a lot to drink.

'Yeah, thanks man. We'll be there soon. By the way, have you seen Vanessa around?'

'Vanny? Man, I haven't seen her around since. I think she's preparing for some dance...' Just as he finished speaking, there was a lot of whooping and cheering from our sixes. We all turned around, and I saw the most fascinating thing ever.

There were 7 girls that stood postured in a V-shaped formation on the flower beds dressed in gowns that were so tender that it rested only ever so lightly on their lithe bodies. They were all wearing green, making them look like flower fairies. Or even angels, I couldn't really tell. But the one that caught my attention most of all was the one in red at the front. There was no mistaking her auburn hair anywhere. Music began to play, and all at once, the dance began.

It was hard to describe something so incredible. They moved as one, like a group of butterflies that fluttered amongst flowers. It was as though they had rehearsed their dance, and yet nothing was choreographed at the same time. Like they were dancing to the mood of the audience, playing on our very own emotions. Alluring, yet not lustful at all. It was a spectacular performance. They must all be Dancers at professional levels. Naturally, I had my eyes on no one but Vanessa. It was incredible that she was not even a Dancer by profession, and yet she was so incredible...

The dance ended, and everyone cheered and clapped. I suspected most of the applause was going to Vanessa, and I turned in annoyance at all the wolf-whistling. She descended from the stage, and everyone turned around to face the plateau expectantly. Palmer was there on the plateau, signalling everyone to quieten down. He was wearing a different robe this time, quite unlike the shadowy attire he was wearing in the cavern. The chamberlain of the castle was next to him too. Once everyone had their attention on him, he began to speak.

'I hope you are all enjoying yourselves thus far. We have spared no expenses in planning this event. Everything is all paid for using the guild bank. Now, we are here today because of the efforts of a few of us. If not for their bravery and quick-witted thinking, this would have been a most boring event. WIll the few of you that I just mentioned please join me on this stage?' He clapped, and the crowd joined in, looking for those he spoke of.

I felt my face growing hot, as I followed Bambsie up. the cheering hardly ceased until the 5 of us were on the stage. Now it was the chamberlain who spoke.

'In recognition for your efforts, each and everyone of you will be rewarded with your very own title as well as an equipment from our very own vaults. Now, when I call your name, please step forward. Bambsie!' He called, and Bambs stood forward excitedly.

'You have displayed a cunning unmatched by those around you. With skills that you possess, you are liable to injure both allies and enemies alike, but you have expertly done the latter while saving your allies in dire need. For that, you shall receive Grand Sage Akara's Monocles as well as the title : Demolitions Expert of Gloucest!' Bambsie gave a squeal and immediately tried on his monocles. Everyone laughed out when they saw him; he looked so comical. Cluck's name was called next.

'You are a knight, true to your calling, as you ride your steed into battle. Glorious chants will be called after you and your beautiful steed. We look forward to seeing your participation in jousting events. For your chivalry, you shall be presented with Admiral Gelousious Saddle as well as the title : Legion Rider of Gloucest!' Cluck took the saddle and hoisted above him proudly like a champion. Everyone roared in approval over this.

'Nobody can disrespect a healer, for their support in battle never goes unnoticed. Your abilities this time saved many lives and helped your allies carry on their battle. For your noble efforts this time, you are presented with Lightwing's Plumage, a feather plucked from the legendary bird herself. You shall also be henceforth known as : Emerald Druid of Gloucest!' Saber took the feather and stuck it over his cowl. That must have been an unique item because the grin on his face told it all.

'You are valiant as a Dragon Knight, possessing the might of a warrior that even most men can only hope to have. You have been instrumental in bringing down Salem, and your strength aided in this battle was equivalent to ten fighters! For your courage, you are presented with Calrose the White Knight's Earrings. You shall be known from today as Lady Dragon of Gloucest!' The chamberlain addressed Vanessa as he spoked, presenting her a pair of earrings studded with moongems. She waved to the crowd, who was going absolutely wild.

'And now lastly, Crow, for your resourcefulness as well as your adaptiveness to the situation, you will receive Magus Buviere's Pendant, which will aid in your spell-casting. No other spell-caster can hope to stand against you in a duel of magics! You are, without a doubt, a most accomplished mage! Your master would have been proud of you. Alas, for your title, I cannot give you one that befits you properly as you have chosen thus far not to reveal your class. No matter, one must be presented to you. From today, you shall be known as the Elfish Sorcerer of Gloucest!'

*DING*

[p=center]Quest Completed![/p]

You have successfully reclaimed the banner for the castle, and thus saved the celebration!

Rewards : +50G, +7,000 XP, +3,000 Fame, +1 Magus Buviere Pendant!

Sweet! With the XP I received, coupled with all the batles that I had fought since the start of this ques, I reached level 52!

'Open Magus Buviere Pendant stats!'

[p=center]Magus Buviere Pendant[/p]

This pendant once belonged to Magus Buviere, whose specialty in spell-casting lies in her ability to multi-cast her spells simultaneously.

Requirements : Level 60, INT 250, WIS 200

Stats : +55 INT, +40 WIS

Passive : Your damage dealing abilities have a chance to grant you -15% Casting Duration to your spells

The stats were beyond excellent! An item of this grade would prove most useful once I can successfully wear it!.

*DING*

[p=center]Congratulations on reaching Level 50![/p]

The Codex will reward you with an ability!

You have gained new Ability : Telekinesis!

With the power of your mind, you are able to lift and move objects! Only one object may be moved at a time.

Everyone was cheering, and I looked around at the crowd. This was definitely a proud moment of my life. Virtual though this world may be, the congratulatory applause and support that we're getting from the school was genuine. I would not want to be in another place now.

__________________________________________________

Tidus looked at the five on the stage and grinned.

'C'mon. Let's go. We aren't the stars of the show this time, but mark my words, we're gonna come back stronger.' He said to his crew behind him. Their faces could not be seen as they stood under the concealment of the trees' shadows. One of them picked up a bag and handed it to Tidus.

'So, where to, boss?' He asked, revealing a set of sharp, white teeth.

'The Land of No Dreams. There's someone there I wanna talk to.' Tidus said, swinging the bag over his shoulder. His crew silently shifted and headed to the castle gates. He followed them and just as he reached the gates, he took a glance back. A smirk crept across his face.

'Julius, when I come back, you better be ready. This duel... I'm gonna win it.'