(Meanwhile, PinkLotus)
PinkLotus, a.k.a Alia Valdoria stood quietly, watching as the system notification blinked into existence in front of her eyes :
[ System Notification:- Congratulations player 'PinkLotus', you have been selected as one of the four guardians of the second rankers only event.
If you choose to accept, then you may stand to gain dozens of levels from this event. ]
[ System Notification :- Do you wish to accept this opportunity?
Yes
No ]
Her fingers hovered near the "Yes" button, though she made no move to accept it just yet.
The offer of gaining dozens of levels was definitely tempting for her, infact, it was exactly what she needed to reach the realm of a 'Master' warrior —a realm that only 'TheBoss' had reached before her.
However, the decision to accept the invitation was more complicated for her than probably any other player.
Her combat skills as a 'Swordsman' were already second to none, and her (advanced) mastery over three legendary skills moves put her far above most, but without the necessary levels to back those skills, she couldn't truly claim the title of a 'Master' fighter.
Fortunately for her, this event could change that, and yet, she was hesitant to accept.
She had unhealed trauma from her childhood, trauma surrounding her unparalleled beauty, which had followed her like a curse throughout her life.
Before accepting the system's offer, Alia's thoughts drifted back to her time on Earth as she recalled some horror instances from her childhood.
She knew the system didn't care about her reservations, but that didn't stop her from considering all the consequences.
She had spent two years within the game world avoiding the spotlight, as she deliberately kept herself away from any fame and attention.
Even though her skills had already surpassed countless players, no one knew anything about it because she preferred it that way.
She was a solo player, who spent most of her time in dungeons, which was perfect for her, as playing solo meant that there were no eyes on her, no unwanted interactions, and most importantly, no reason for anyone to know what she was truly capable of.
She still clearly recalled how it had been for her on Earth, how every man she encountered had wanted something lustful from her.
With her flawless skin and perfect figure, they had chased after her, never caring about who she was, only seeing her as something to be owned.
If it hadn't been for her father, using his political influence to fend off the suitors that constantly circled her like predators, she wasn't sure how much worse her life would have been.
That experience had left her wary of attention and especially wary of men, and while the game world of Terra Nova had given her an escape from those realities, she knew that stepping into the spotlight here could bring back some of the same problems.
As she contemplated the invitation, she couldn't deny the allure of the levels. It was the only thing holding her back from becoming a 'Master' level fighter, someone who could stand on equal footing with TheBoss, and perhaps even surpass him.
Yet accepting would mean stepping into a role she despised—being seen, being in the spotlight, and possibly becoming a target for the attention she had always hated.
Her gaze drifted between the "Yes" and "No" buttons as she weighed the decision.
'Could I deal with the attention if it means reaching Master level?' she wondered, as on one hand she found the glowing red notification that 'TheBoss' received when he became the first master very beautiful and wanted one for herself as well, however, on the other hand, she was scared to come in public eye.
The idea of having her name broadcast to every player, of being in the middle of a stage where thousands could watch her every move, made her uneasy.
Fame came with its own burdens, and though she had always stayed in the shadows, avoiding recognition, this event could thrust her right into the center of it all.
But on the other hand, it was an easy chance to gain dozens of levels...
The thought of finally reaching the level of mastery she had been aiming for tugged at her, yet the price seemed too steep.
Lately, gaining levels as a solo player had become increasingly more challenging, as she could sometimes not even gain a single level after clearing an entire dungeon alone.
Closing her eyes briefly, Alia took in a deep breath as she considered whether the temporary fame would be worth it.
In the end, with trembling hands, she decided to click on 'Accept', as she decided to take a leap of faith for once.
*******
(Meanwhile, the others)
Thankfully, before Leo had to log out of the game, he received the system notification that the second annual rankers event was going to be held in 3 days time and would go on for a non-stop 48 hours marathon.
He was apparently chosen as the ultimate gatekeeper of the event, and although he did not know what it meant, he decided to accept the role nonetheless.
Apart from him, Cervantez was chosen as a guardian, much to the relief of the Regressor, as being chosen as one affirmed the fact that he was indeed one of the real top players in the game.
The player ranked number 12, 'Andheri' was also chosen as a guardian over the seventh ranked player 'Big Daddy'.
And the fourth and final guardian to be chosen was Luke, closing out the defenders pool.
Up till now, nobody except Cervantez knew about the specifics of the second rankers event, however, with the second event being different in style from the first, everyone who got the invite was excited to see what this year's edition of the rankers event brought for them.
—------
/// A/N - Chapter 1 of 5 for the day. Today's mass release is sponsored by patron Cervantez91, so please thank him in the comments for the same! ///