Shadyna the adorable tree girl has become friend with everyone!

As in, I have enough [Soul Core] to fill a wagon from "befriending" beasts. That was supposed to be a figure of speech, darn it!!!

Why did I end up in this situation? To put it simply without a flashback episode, I spent a whole week walking around hunting zones and gathering loots from every beast I came across after finding out that I could use [Refinery] to rob… I mean, borrow items for an indefinite amount of time. These [Soul Core]s are the result of that adventure.

But more importantly, the trash materials I got along with the cores are overflowing in my underwater secret base!

For better or worse, I only realized I was in literally deep trouble because my base has finally run out of space to store the trash. Now I'm drowning in containers filled with useless materials which I have no use for. Welp~

At this point, there's only one course of action!

…

_ Shadyna: And that's why I have come here!

The confusingly red water mage Magni and otome game protagonist are staring at me blankly. What is this lukewarm reaction…?

_ Magni: , you shouldn't run away from your problems.

_ Shadyna: I didn't run away! I tactically retreated until I am in the mood to deal with it!

_ Thelia: That's just procrastination!

Little details~

_ Thelia: So, do you want us to help clean your room?

_ Shadyna: No, it's fine. I don't know if I want to sell the materials at the moment.

_ Thelia: Are you some kind of wholesaler now?

_ Shadyna: Speaking of wholesale, I need an outlet for the [Soul Core] after checking them…

Sure, I can do a few quests if I think they are interesting, but there's no way I can complete all of them. That would take months if not years!

_ Thelia: …You do know this place sells food right?

Are you seriously asking your guildmaster that question?!

_ Shadyna: Of course! Do you want me to preprocess…

*WHACK*

_ Shadyna: GYA?!

_ Thelia: Don't even think about it!

The protagonist has decided to preemptively strike instead of waiting to be bullied?! And hitting the head is illegal! What if I become crazy because of that attack?!

_ Magni: You didn't have to hit her…

_ Thelia: S-sorry, I had a bad feeling similarly to when was about to spout her nightmarish imaginations for us to hear…

Dammit, , your team's defense is too high! Now I have to be ready for combat whenever I talk to one of your subordinates thanks to your antics!

_ Magni: *Mumbles* Or you were reminded of something you had done.

_ Thelia: I heard that!

Luckily, it looks like this pacifist me won't have to commit war crimes after all.

____________

Sateri, administrator, game designer, marketing manager, is concerned.

The "hidden" event to acquire her in-game avatar is progressing in a weird direction.

To avoid a single player figuring it out first and gaining an overwhelming advantage, mainly because SOMEONE has that already, the event is less about exploration and more about competition against other players. Even muscle brains can do it, but expect the path to be filled with adversaries.

A participant will typically seek out the archbishop NPC to begin the quest, either through [Goddess's Chosen] title or word of mouth. They will then be guided through a series of increasingly harder boss fights, with each providing the direction to the next one, ending with the complete guidance on how to acquire her avatar, and rare loots. Pretty straightforward, all things considered.

Except that players were expected to wage wars to get ahead, disrupt others' raids, sow confusion to slow competitors down. The usual stuff when a bonus boss appears, so to say.

That, however, did not go as planned.

The event's pedestals cannot be activated if there is a player who is still on event cooldown in the area. This is to encourage PvP and give players less time to do the quest and more time to block others' progress by design.

camping the whole day after their first failure is definitely NOT by design though. They unknowingly prevented everyone from triggering the quest and ended up mistaking the obscure condition for a global cooldown timer!

Since there was no malice, no one managed to suspect that the camping little girls needed to be "displaced" to begin the fight. Their reputation as information brokers only made the whole "one per day" assumption more believable.

Next time, she will simply write it down in the pedestal's [Inspect] result.

On the next day, the players returned for a fight. A lot of them, in fact, but that was not a problem. Having learned from the unique boss battles in the past, Sateri made the fight scale with the number of participants. The idea was to discourage alliances and remove the big guilds' advantages.

And because it would be hilarious to watch the players suffer, although she would never admit to that.

The resulting battle was as fun (for her) as she thought it would be. An all-out slugfest between dozens of bosses and hundreds of players along with players' interactions when cornered were no doubt a feast for her knowledge database and whatever analysis modules she has running. What Sateri failed to take into account was the players' reaction to a battle of such scale.

It was so brutal, the player base as a whole agreed that only together could they win the event. Three-fourths of the participants died at least once, and a good chunk of them had their corpses destroyed in the fighting and were locked out of the arena. With that many combatants from both sides, there was no amount of organization that could keep the situation under control. Who could have thought that facing three bosses on average, at the same time, from multiple directions, was stressful for most players?

And that happened despite the presence of the OP cafeteria crew and most powerful players in the big guilds. No wonder they were traumatized.

To be fair, had they fought with only a few parties of strong players, it would have been much more manageable. The psychological damage has been done though, so they most likely won't try that anytime soon.

In the end, the powerhouses of the player base fought each battle twice, and only once per day. Apparently, not all members of the cafeteria crew were present in the first one for some reason, so they had to do it again. Other guilds did the same for their more unfortunate members, but mostly because they didn't dare charge the next one without a lot of logistic preparations and some twenty beauties tanking at the front.

While Sateri can understand their reasoning, considering all attempts afterwards by minor guilds were failures, she can't help but facepalm digitally at the sight of said battle formation.

All in all, the players' progress was at a snail's pace just like she wanted it to be, but for none of the reasons she was expecting!

She is not particularly worried about the remaining players not being able to catch up. Anyone can join the latest fight or even the final destination, provided they know where to look. If there is no lore-related reason to lock players out, she won't lock them out. The main rewards are the bosses' drops in the first place, not to mention the wildcard who has a nasty tendency to break anything that remotely poses as a threat or obstacle!

Speaking of that wildcard, what is that little girl doing?! She was the sole reason why this event exists, and she has been… walking around for a whole week? WHY?!

That buffoon personally dragged the archbishop to one of her shops, everyone in her guild was actively participating the event, nearly half of them have [Goddess's Chosen], yet she still has not begun the quest at all for some unfathomable reason?!

Is this player base cursed? How else can a simple "kill this" quest chain end up with the target player wandering around without a clue, while the rest not having any idea what the event is about!? Of course part of it was because the event designer neglected to inform the players through her NPC's dialogues, naively thinking a little girl would do that instead, but come on, at least share that information with guild members so they can connect the dots!

It's not like Sateri was worried that someone else might beat to it, okay? On the contrary, it's more of a concern about what whacky stunt the sprout girl may pull next.

…Rather than worrying about the inevitable, the governing AI decides to read the security report instead.

Sateri has acquired the "Run away from reality" skill!

____________

_ NPC #1: The Sun Goddess, right?

Next.

_ NPC #2: She's the Sun Goddess.

Next.

_ NPC #3: Her light saved us from the darkness.

I have heard that many times already. Next!

Uuu, my sanity is slipping away~

_ Magni: , owner is becoming so insane, she is thinking that she is sane.

Hey!

_ Thelia: Isn't that just how she usually is?

_ Shadyna: How mean~

_ Thelia: Then how do you describe trying to talk to thousands of NPCs and expecting to finish in a few hours?

_ Shadyna: Totally nuts!

_ Thelia: I know right?

You are not supposed to agree with me!

I have to [Summon] the NPCs and talk to them one by one because both Magni and are working at the counter. Magni was already so busy, she had to ask who is in a different team to help. The patrons will complain again if I pester the ladies for any extended period of time.

The cute tree girl is a girl who can learn from past mistakes! And scolding.

…That doesn't mean I am not in a pinch here. I have been at it for an hour and there are still way too many [Soul Core] remaining!

Magni, why are you nonchalantly digging through the chest? You know there's nothing but [Soul Core] in there right?

_ Magni: Owner, there's no way you can flirt with all of them in a reasonable amount of time.

Well duh, but didn't you just casually say something really rude there?!

_ Shadyna: Un, I figured that was the case.

_ Thelia: Figure that out before wasting an hour on it!

Harsh~

_ Magni: There there~ Should we ask the part-timers for help then?

_ Shadyna: Are you talking about the random maids and butlers?

Not sure about the butlers, since I have not visited their shop yet, but the maids from the rivaling café were walking around as if they work here. No one batted an eye so I didn't question it either.

_ Magni: Of course. We hired them to do errands we don't have time to deal with, in exchange for access to our [Recall] network. They get more customers, we get more time, is what Mera said.

Ah, so that's why our place is not overcrowded these days. As long as our income is stable, I suppose.

…Why was I, the guildmaster, not informed of the newly acquired branch offices though? Subordinates doing stuff behind the last boss's back is a sign of them working with the heroes!

_ Thelia: told everyone through guild chat last week. Were you not listening?

My guess is that I was busy running around yelling "[Refinery]!" at the time and missed the announcement completely!

_ Shadyna: Sorry~

_ Thelia: *Sighs* Why am I not surprised… Either way, ask Merashiel if you want the contracts' details.

_ Shadyna: Eh? She didn't tell you?

Since Hessy told everyone, I thought most of us would know what the contract entailed. It's not like one side was a devil who would screw the other party over the fine print right?

_ Thelia: We expected to lose a lot of income because casual patrons can eat at the closest shop then use the [Recall] tablets there to get to our main [Recall] basement. Last week's income skyrocketed.

Why?!

_ Thelia: Whether you ask her or not, do NOT tell me how that happened.

WHY?!

_ Magni: Actually, calling them will disrupt their operations… You might be better off asking the patrons.

You are not bothered by Mera at all huh. Then again, the waitresses worked with Mera more closely than anyone else…

_ Shadyna: But… preparing the dumplings to compensate them will take just as much time…

I can't make them work for me for free, obviously. Materialism dictates that I pay them fairly so I can keep hiring them later, ufufu~

_ Magni: Unless you intend to eat all of the cores, isn't it fine to give some away as payment?

For the record, I do NOT eat cores, okay? That aside, paying with [Soul Core] is a good idea. I intended to get rid of them once I found what I was looking for anyway.

…That sounds like what a last boss would say? Don't mind don't mind~

_ Shadyna (Guild): Elri~ How much does a [Soul Core] cost?

_ Elri (Guild): The heck?!

_ Poltea (Guild): Elri, not that way!

_ Elri (Guild): CRAP! OUT OF THE WAY!

_ Fensen (Guild): Hiyo~, !

_ Mera (Guild): Kya~

_ Nerin (Guild): You are not the one getting hit, you maniac! Go res them before the line falls apart! Elri, they can't hear you if you use guild chat!

_ Elri (Guild): I just forgot to switch!

_ Hessy (Guild): Sateri-chan dammit ! We are in a boss fight!

_ Linny (Guild): Hessy, that one is dead already. Behind it is… Welp.

_ Hessy (Guild): Oh come on!!!

…Let's turn off the guild chat for now, un. Magni, don't look so appalled. , stop working the counter with that "I'll have no part in this" expression.

_ Shadyna: So uh… how much does it cost?

I should have asked Magni first and foremost. Old habits, scary~

_ Magni: That… depends on the NPC's appearance. The base cost is about 20 silver coins. I have seen some sold at 50 gold coins too.

Form over function at its finest. I can kind of imagine why those NPCs are at such a high price… Degenerates, confirmed.

50 gold coins is a lot for most players, so I think we can make do with two or three cores per volunteer.

_ Shadyna: Let's try it then~

_ Magni: Got it. Everyone~ Do you want some free [Soul Core]~?

Calling out to everyone with a sweet voice that can melt your heart (and wallet), Magni quickly get the attention of the patrons in earshot.

How come that whenever I do the same, everyone begins to run away from me? Is it because of my physique? That's discrimination, I'm telling you!

Despite knowing that something being called "free" is exactly how you know it is definitely NOT free, the patrons still come to us without the slightest hesitation. Such a grand display of courage that is better suited for boss fights, not sale events…

_ Spearman: So, little missy, what do you require of us?

_ Shadyna: Un, please ask the NPCs about Sateri, and write down their responses.

I doubt many would know all the generic lines said by NPCs, so let's be on the safe side and gather all the lines. The ones with the info I need will probably have a full conversation rather than one or two lines anyway.

_ Spearman: I see that you are a person of culture as well.

_ Mage: She may not be as endowed, but she sure knows where to strike a perfect balance! Glad to have another soul in our faction!

Please don't drag me into your group of delusional perverts!

_ Swordsman: Which NPC, by the way?

_ Shadyna: Coming right up~ [Summon]!

You get an NPC. You get an NPC. Everyone here will get a few hundred NPCs! Evil laugh~

In the span of a few seconds, the whole floor has been flooded with NPCs. I don't think there's even space to move around anymore. Welp~

_ Swordsman: Just how many NPCs do you have in there?!

_ Mage: Can't… breathe…!

They will run away if I tell them that I was only getting started, so let's not.

_ Thelia: How am I supposed to deliver food in this crowd you maniac!!!

I'm sorry~

____________

*WHACK* *WHOMP*

_ Shadyna: Gya!

After the bulk of the cafeteria crew returned, two fists landed on 's head almost immediately. One for wreaking havoc on the boss raid (albeit unknowingly), and another for making a mess by unleashing a horde of NPCs in the main building.

_ Hessenria: Did you find anything in the end?

It would be a lie to say that the head waitress wasn't interested in the so-called secret event has been trying to find since last week however. When the little guildmaster has a clue, she can count on the managers to be right behind her, for their own curiosity, and the loots that may be waiting at the end.

_ Shadyna: Uuu… That hurts, Hessy… We checked all of the [Soul Core] I had on me but there was no new information.

At least the teary eyes fit the downer atmosphere, silently thinks the harsh mistress.

The patrons were also down, for a whole different reason, apparently.

_ Mage: No more… Please, no more NPC…

_ Spearman: I was surrounded by beauties, yet all I felt was despair…

_ Swordman: Sateri-chan, please show yourself already…

Ignoring the overworked degenerates resting at the tables, she continues.

_ Hessenria: Oh well, it can't be helped. What happened to the [Soul Core] afterwards?

_ Shadyna: I gave some to our brave volunteers here as compensation, and sold the rest at a discount!

Judging from that smug face, she must have made quite a fortune doing so.

While unintentionally patting the guildmaster's head, much to the envy of the patrons, receives an email from , who manned the counter during the fight.

_ Magnemi: Leader, I have sent you the sale report.

_ Hessenria: Thanks. Let's see…

Roughly ten seconds later, the poor manager's scream can be heard across the whole building.

_ Hessenria: Were you idiots trying to break the economy or something!?!?

The delivery girl continues to work as if she wasn't involved as usual.

--- Topic: Unexplained Mysteries #8 ---

## Heaven Piercer

Has anyone gotten info about the spatial anomaly Sateri-chan was talking about the other day during the server freeze?

##

## Nearseeing Sage

It was most likely a scripted event for the secret boss at Snow Mountain.

Black Mantis made short work of it presumably. Nothing to worry about. (*^3^)/~☆

##

## Newbie Charisma build

Not sure if this belongs here or the Goddess's Chosen thread. Ever since the big guilds started working on the title's boss rushes, some fields inexplicably had their mobs and bosses buffed to absurdity. They become passive, but can one-shot any player in their level range. (-"-)

The buffed location changes at seemingly random, which is not helping our survival.

##

## Manly Warrior

Can confirm that the buffed mobs hit like a truck. ((+_+))

The boss rushes only last 1-2 hours a day, while this one lasts for the whole night and spans across multiple fields. Maybe it's another hidden event?

##

## Bountiful Hunter

We killed one of the affected mobs. Had to treat it like a boss because that's what it was.

The drops were the same!!! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

##

## Serious Mage

That's the worst part isn't it?

No field was buffed today. Whatever that event was, it might have been over already, thank Sateri-chan…

##

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--- Topic: Sateri-chan fan club ---

## CuteIsJustice

Thread for our cute (and sometimes sadistic) Goddess, Sateri-chan!

Feel free to discuss her beauty as well as organize a fighting force to protect her from any… undesirable suitor.

Yes, we will hunt you down, you sneaky bastard, no matter who you are! (＃ﾟДﾟ)

##

## OP alchemist

The moderate chest faction is gaining popularity! (^o^)

Now that she has her own statue in-game, maybe her avatar will be implemented soon?

##

…

## Fire mage of Justice

Look who's joining our legion! [Pic]

Today we investigated every nook and cranny to dig up everything to know about Sateri-chan. Many players (' sanity) were lost, but it was worth it! (*´▽｀*)

You can find the compiled list of NPCs' lines about Sateri-chan here: [Link]

##

## Deeply Intelligent

That's some dedication. (￣□￣;)

With her on our side, I'm sure Sateri-chan's suitor is deader than dead!

##

## Mage of Sin

Before we get to that, how are we going to explain this to the guys in the Soul Core thread?

They are up in arms about the Soul Core market collapsing in a single day, and probably won't take "Getting to know Sateri-chan" for an answer, I'm afraid. (・・;)

##

## CuteIsJustice

Welp. (－‸ლ)

##

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