MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 320: A Tense Beginning

"Not to worry, Grey Smoke. I only hope that you and your group don’t drag us down."

Xin elbowed Hilda, attempting to diffuse any tension, but Victor responded with a hearty laugh.

"Let’s go and meet the others. I already saw them over there." Victor pointed towards a gathering of players.

As Xin squinted his eyes to get a better look, he noticed they were a group of solo players, as indicated by the empty emblems on the side of their names.

However, amidst the unfamiliar faces, a surprising recognition dawned upon him.

Among them was Skylark, the lively and exuberant girl he had first encountered in the Abundant Shore on the Newbie Island.

Skylark remained the same vibrant and boisterous character he had known, but currently, she seemed oblivious to Xin’s presence.

As expected, Skylark didn’t recognize him after concealing identity with a cloak and a name change.

Skylark only ran her eyes on Lord Scrooge and his group before he didn’t paid them any mind anymore while Victor introduced Xin and Hilda to the group.

"Good. We only have to wait for one more," declared Ignis, an Orc barbarian whose presence exuded strength.

"Why is she late anyway?" Luna, a human mage remarked, and she grumbled with a hint of impatience.

"Maybe she got lost?" Drakoon, a lizardman paladin, chimed in, his scaled features betraying mild amusement.

Meanwhile, the ninth member, Sylvan, an Elvin Ranger, remained quietly disinterested, his demeanor reflecting a detached coolness.

Victor leaned in, whispering into Xin’s ears, "He’s the billionaire’s son, Sylvan. A bit snobbish and the de facto leader of this group. Just ignore his attitude, and we’ll be fine."

Xin pursed his lips, acknowledging Victor’s prior warning about Sylvan’s character.

Despite the potential challenges, he was adept at brushing off such attitudes, considering himself a master of ignoring people.

The atmosphere in the group became a blend of anticipation and mild impatience, awaiting the arrival of the final member.

The focal point of their mission was the elusive Golden Tail Kitsune, a creature Xin was eager to witness for himself.

Exploring the mysteries of Lost Forest also intrigued him, and he knew venturing alone or with Hilda wouldn’t suffice due to the requirement of assembling a group of ten players for this particular location.

Playing alongside other solo players was a new experience for Xin, and the prospect excited him.

Victor and the other solo players seemed amiable, except for Sylvan, who observed them with a condescending and begrudging air, as if considering himself above the rest.

As the group lingered in anticipation, Xin couldn’t help but wonder about Sylvan’s true age. His avatar suggested a teenager, but the flexibility of appearance and age in the game was well-known.

Xin mused to himself, "Just how old is he?"

Victor, curious about the missing member, inquired, "Who are we waiting for exactly?"

Ignis, the Orc barbarian, replied, "She’s a solo player too. I’ve partied with her before, and she’s really skilled."

Victor questioned, "She’s not on the leaderboard?"

Scratching his head, Ignis answered him, "I think she keeps a low profile. A private woman. But she’s really good. And, you know, quite attractive. Kekekekek."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Every girl we meet is attractive to you. Besides, what if she’s not really a woman in the real world?"

Ignis’s lower lip puckered out in a mock pout. "Can you stop ruining my fantasies? Go away and leave me alone to my dreams."

Luna stuck out her tongue and made a face at Ignis. "You’re so disgusting that you’re going to be single for the rest of your life!"

"What did you say?!" Ignis growled, but his expression swiftly shifted to one of charm when his eyes darted behind them. "Oh, my, Dark Seraphim, you’re already here?"

All eyes turned towards the newcomer.

Xin observed her appearance, although there wasn’t much to discern as she, too, was concealed under a cloak.

"Seems like hiding identities is the norm now," Drakoon remarked. "We have two players concealing their identity in the group."

"I’m sorry I’m late," Seraphim apologized. "I hope you didn’t wait long."

"Not at all!" Ignis immediately responded, moving closer to her with evident enthusiasm.

Luna, on the other hand, was more direct. "You did. The call time was ten in the evening. We only have two hours each day, and you’ve already wasted one hour." She couldn’t help but express her displeasure at the delayed arrival. "The other group already went inside the Lost Forest and what if they beat us to the creature, huh?"

Instead of taking offense, Seraphim only chuckled. "Is that so? Sorry about that. Something came up."

Luna gritted her teeth, but Drakoon quickly pacified the group. "Nothing harm done. Let’s just add another hour to our adventure, shall we?" he suggested.

A collective exchange of glances occurred, and no one seemed opposed to the idea of extending their quest.

Ignis then proceeded to introduce Seraphim to everyone.

It might have been Xin’s imagination, but it seemed that Seraphim’s concealed gaze lingered on him from under the confines of her cloak.

"Now that the introductions are out of the way, let’s go and get that kitsune," Ignis declared with great enthusiasm.

Luna, however, injected a note of caution, "You do realize that we might not be able to find that creature today, right?"

Drakoon added, "I heard it would take at least days to reach the center of the forest where the Golden Tail Kitsune is located."

Luna was undeterred, and grinned widely, exclaiming, "Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!"

"Wait."

A sudden halt befell the group when Sylvan unexpectedly spoke up. All attention shifted towards him, and Xin couldn’t help but wonder if Sylvan was actually a kid, given his high-pitched voice, or if he had deliberately altered it.

"W-what is it?" Ignis inquired, breaking the silence, as Sylvan’s eyes narrowed at Seraphim.

There was an unspoken tension in the air, and Xin sensed that Sylvan’s comment might go beyond a mere observation of Seraphim’s appearance.

"I can’t let you go unpunished for being late," Sylvan declared with a discernible edge in his tone.

The unexpected declaration hung in the air, creating an uneasy atmosphere among the group.