Auntie toasts the VRMMORPG

2.22 Stake Out - Part 2

Aitoshuri transmitted a diagram to Flora. It looked like something a conspiracy theorist would create. Icons with profile pictures and different colored arrows pointed to each other, but a blue circle dominated the image. It was labeled "Clan SwordofMichael" and all the chains of indicators ended on persons in the clan.

Flora raised her eyebrows when she spotted Sulfur Lyon in the corner of the picture. According to the label of the arrows, he posted comments in the thread of a priest of the clan SwordofMichael.

On the bottom of the page, the picture of Raffa Razo, the former pope, smirked at her, just one contact removed from the clan.

"Excellent work, Aito. Find out everything about this clan and its leader."

One of the profile pictures labeled NorthEagle Flight started to flash. It was a blond guy, maybe around thirty years old. Jonathan Inthewater, as well as HeavensChosen connected to him as sponsors and over another link, friendship, he related to SwordofMichael.

"Who is NorthEagle Flight?"

"That's the former Champion of the Catholics, which is a sub-faction of the Church of Christ, Milady. The Goddess Evailyn had loaned out your Champion spot to them until you joined the game."

"Oh, dear. They are bullying us because of revenge? No, look at their demand to delay the payments for one week. They want to deplete our resources and attention before the competition for the champion spot!" Flora shook her head. "And they succeeded. I'm lying on a roof instead of advancing and spent a ton of money for the quest to restore the shrines."

"Yes, Milady. Fortunately, our reserves are still plentiful."

"Hmm. Good point. I don't think they have anticipated me sponsoring the quest. So we have to expect another financial attack. But what could they do to make me spend money or concentration?"

"You invested a significant amount of time and funds into the training facility, Milady. The initial cause was the threat of Clan Riverstones' sponsors to abandon them. My prediction algorithm estimate a high chance that you would react with all of your avenues to a threat to your son."

"Holy Toaster! You are right!" Flora paled.

Thoughts raced through Flora's head. Were the sponsors even connected to Catholic Champion? Would Robby fault her for the threats? What could she do against them? 'I want to tear them to the ground and shred them to pieces!'

Flora closed her eyes and regulated her breathing. It took a while, but finally, her fists unclenched and her head cleared up.

"First, we inform all the relevant parties. Aidan, send Aito's information to all of the council members, Dave, the two clergy members with him, Mia, Eddie, Hub, Lana, Honey, and Robby. I'll draft a separate letter to explain the situation."

>>>

Dear leaders of Clan Riverstones,

On Sunday Two, I have a quest to enter a competition to defend my title as the Champion of the Church of Evailyn.

Forces associated with the Catholic sub-faction have conspired against me, and I assume they will escalate their attacks in the coming days.

To my utmost horror, I received hints that my personal business might have spilled over to the clan.

I'm ready to make any amends you deem appropriate and repay any losses to the clan.

Sincerely Flowing Flowers