Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 120: Launch Party

[Lucidus has called to arms!] / [It's time to venture forth to the Kingdom of Light!] / [Gather your friends to become the greatest adventurers of Lucidus!]

That's what the latest promotional video for the brand new first expansion of <Isekai Online> says as I watch it through the large LED screen on the stage with interest. Tomorrow is the release of the [Monarch of Light] and ever since the game's release, most of the visitor areas here in Midnight Dragon Studio's open area have been filled with press media and players who got invites to get an early look on the expansion itself. I can't lie that we're also here for the same reason, but Kazuki and I have other plans.

Oh, right. I haven't explained why we're here in the first place.

Ever since that last [Hidden Quest], we've managed to get tickets for the early look event of the expansion from our father. It's not just a way to see it up close and personal before tomorrow, but it's also our way to get back on him for almost traumatizing me with those hellish battles I endured while Kazuki breezed through his without any issues on his end (though he was also pissed about it, namely how it was unfair for me to get that torturous fights. But we're not here to check all of the features and locations we might visit tomorrow. Rather, we're here on a different mission and we just took Zac, Damon, and Yuri for them to enjoy the event in the open area.

"I can't believe you managed to let us into the most hype-up launch event in the history of <Isekai Online> ever!" Zac declares with his fists pumped in the air. "Are you sure you two don't wanna stick around? You'll miss out on the demos and early look at the new features."

"I wish we could. But if Kazuki doesn't want to see it, then it's the same for me," I answer. "Besides, I don't do well with crowds, especially large events like this one."

"Understandable. I wish I could do the same as well, but I'm also curious about the [Familiar] feature they mentioned on the patch notes," Damon says. "We'll make sure to save some food for you two once you return."

"And don't forget to stop by some booths here," Yuri informs us. "I heard you might win some in-game items if you participate in them."

"We'll keep that in mind. Come on, Kaz."

"I'm right behind you, Hayate!"

We then split off to enjoy what the studio has to offer. Since we have VIP passes courtesy of Dad, we planned to go deeper into the studio immediately, but...

"Sorry. We accept the passes, but it will take a while for your tour guide to prepare," the guard says. "Sorry for the rudeness, but we'll inform you once they are ready."

Huh. Guess not all guards follow the "literally kicking everyone out if they don't have a VIP pass" trope. Still, I'm a bit bummed we have to wait for a while. I'm curious what's behind the [VeilCons] on the creation of <Isekai Online>.

"Hey, Hayate! We can try out the booths Yuri mentioned," Kazuki mentions. "I want to get those items in time for the expansion release!"

At least Kazuki has a bright side to everything. Then again, I need to start learning not to rush things anyway.

"Alright. We should try out the skeeball one nearby. That way, the guide will..."

"Seriously, Bryan?! How slow can you get?!"

Huh. They're oddly loud despite this place being already loud as it is. I turn around and notice three people at the "Whack the Wild Rabbit" booth. Three of them seemed to be a bit older than me, Zac, and Damon and they were also wearing VIP passes on their necks.

"For a self-proclaimed dark hunter in the game, you're not exactly a sharpshooter in real life," the boy with a cowlick and glasses snarks as he grins mischievously.