Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 116: Facing More than Monsters

"DELAYED?! What do you mean the expansion has to be delayed?!"

So much for the start of Kazuki's birthday winter break. After we met up in our hangout space after we did our chores, Zac got the bright idea to reveal this bad news to us after we'd made plans to prepare for his birthday. And it's all in the form of a sudden notice posted on the <Isekai Online> official site.

[MAINTENANCE UPDATE]

[We regret to inform you that due to some circumstances that occurred on December 17, we will be extending the maintenance time from December 19, 8:00 AM to December 21, 10:00 AM (PST). Along with the planned updates for the first expansion, [Monarch of Light], we will be adjusting features and [Sub-Races] along with [Mental Field] features.

Sorry for the inconvenience and hope you will continue adventuring in the world of <Volo>!]

"No fair! I want to play the new expansion after my birthday!" Kazuki whines. "I was even preparing myself to check out new locations unlocked there!"

I sigh at Kazuki's single-mindedness. When it comes to that game, he never thinks of why it happened instead of what.

"May I remind you that's the same time we're visiting Revolve Gear Studios the day after your birthday?" I say. "Consider it a blessing that we don't have to worry about what happens when the expansion is released afterward."

"Speaking of which, what happened on that day anyway?" Yuri asks. "Kazuki and I were in those [Hidden Quests] and he said his brother was on the same boat being almost killed by his evil twin..."

I quickly glare at Kazuki at the mere mention of that event.

"What? I thought you said you want me to tell them everything."

Zac and Damon look at each other. They don't look worried, but they seem a little reluctant before they turn back to me.

"I don't know if we want to show the video. But long story short, all participating players from a small [Guild] were massacred in a [Hidden Dungeon] near the <Wayward Cave>."

"Is it a strong boss?" Kazuki asks.

"The footage was caught after the boss was defeated. The culprit in question was a player," Damon explains.

"So? What's wrong with having a Total Party Kill in the game?" Yuri asks. "It's rare to witness, but many players are wiped because of a lone one with huge stats."

"That's the thing. The culprit has a [Total Mastery Level] below 10s, but they also possess what seemed to be a [Sub-Race]."

My eyes widen when I hear those last two words.

"[Sub-Race]?" Kazuki repeats while tilting his head.

"As in that player has a second [Race] with them?" Yuri asks. "Are you saying it has a glitch or something?"

"Not exactly. We heard rumors that this [Sub-Race] had its information hidden because it was said to be "currently in beta-testing phase"," Zac says as he uses air-quote gestures. "The reason why is that it's using one of the most controversial features installed into the [Veilcon]. AKA a feature that manipulates your head to change your personality to fit with your character or race."

Mind manipulation?! Now that he mentioned it, I also heard about it from the recent news.

Along with the normal ADVR functions and a special VR area where you can surf the internet as normal, there is a special feature that manipulates parts of your mind and aids your concentration and focus in some fields. They call it the [Mental Field] feature. Most of them were used for psychology research and medical care. However, some outliers voiced their concerns about it. Namely the possibility of being abused for criminal activities.