14:20 AT, Day Two | Grasslands North East of Arce Lunae

  We charge towards the dust cloud on our mighty steed, the ATV.

  Before doing so, we made sure to contact the others, telling them that they should get over here. After all, I feel like something big is about to go down.

  Everyone's been out exploring, but they shouldn't take too long to meet up with us. The ATVs are quite fast all things considered.

  As we get closer, we start to hear a loud thundering.

  “Woah, that's a lot of bisoclo." Ray says, just as a massive herd of bisoclo come into sight.

  Like, there must be thousands of them. It's a veritable island of bisoclo amidst the vast sea of grass.

  “And that, darling, is one massive bisoclo as well.” I say, referencing one in particular.

  It's gigantic, easily five times larger than even a major bisoclo. Its horns are the size of battering rams, reaching high up into the sky. Looking at it I get an intense sense of inferiority.

  We just exist in this game. But this thing, it rules the game.

  After a few seconds, a large screen appears in our vision. It flashes, seemingly warning us of something.

  ‘Warning, Legend Vesir the Great has been detected.

  Approaching will initiate a Legend Raid, do not proceed unless you are prepared to attempt such a feat.

  Estimated power level of Vesir the Great: High-Great-level.

  Recommended Challengers: Five great level challengers, or similar equivalent. The current party contains an estimated 44% of recommended combat power. Estimated Difficulty Level: Suicide

  Estimated reward for Legend Raid: Unlock of Commendations, Currency Exchange, 50 Ri, 500 Ti, Slayer of Vesir the Great commendation and Five legend equipment drops, plus one for each participant.

  Bestiary Entry has been added: Vesir the Great.

  The Combat Essentials section of the market is now unlocked.’

  In front of us, around the herd appears a large red barrier. I presume crossing that will initiate the raid.

  “Ko, what the klack have we just discovered?”

  “I think we have just found our next task to work towards. Let's meet up with the others and figure out how to slay a legend, shall we?”

  “Whatever you say, Mr. Foolish Hero.”

  16:00 AT, Day Two | Grasslands North East of Arce Lunae

  We have grouped back up with Emil, Rigar and Linda. By the way, I don't know if I mentioned it. But Linda used to be called Lina, for some reason she decided to change her name. She said something about it fitting more with the times. I'm not sure I quite understand.

  We are currently camped out a few kilometers from where Vesir the Great is grazing. We can hear a faint rumble of hooves in the distance.

  “Alright folks, let's get the first pre-raid meeting of the moonlight alliance underway!” Ray says, really leaning into the whole leader thing. Which is nice, cause I always suck leading in actual battle. Put me behind a map and give me some numbers to play around, that's where I'm best.

  She takes a seat next to me on the ground. All five of us are sitting around a nice campfire. The crackle of the semi-real flames really adds ambiance to the whole scene.

  Linda:”So, what the heck is going on, with this whole legend business. Did I miss an important memo or something?”

  Emil:”I think we know just about as much as you do.”

  ”Nonsense, my darling Ko has it all figured out by now, right?”

  “Her overwhelming confidence in my NEETness is both reassuring, but also insulting to some degree. Nevertheless, she is correct. I think I have it figured out, after pouring over the new entry in our codex.”

  I start with explaining what appeared on our screens. The others seemed quite excited when I mentioned the rewards part. I am too, who doesn't love some good loot? It even seems like there is a gambling aspect (in the equipment drops), every die-hard gamer’s dream.

  It also mentioned that there is a recommended amount of challengers. Based on the estimation it gave for just Ray and I, it'll be challenging, but we should be able to do it with a bit of strategy.

  The other rewards, and whatever commendations are sound interesting. It seems that there is a system we unlock, but also each legend we defeat gives us a specific commendation. I cant wait to find out what they will do.

  “Okay, that's all well and good, but how the heck are we supposed to fight that thing? You guys saw it and we got a quick peek, it's gigantic. Not to mention all the bisoclo around it.” Linda adds, she makes a good point too.

  The new entry into the bestiary thing gave us a bit of information about the fight itself. As well as some assistance for strategy. It said that the bonus information was only because it was our first legend raid.

  “Well, according to the information, it looks far worse than it is.”

  “Thats very reassuring, as if that makes it any better.”

  “Well, to start with, we don't actually have to fight the smaller bisoclo, they are basically just decorative and will run away when the raid starts. Which will also drastically increase the density in the grasslands for a while, should we defeat the legend.”

  “Ooo, darling, that means we would have lots of fun hunting!”

  “Sure would, dearest Ray.”

  “Well, that makes it a little better, but have you seen those horns? It could skewer

  us all before we can even blink.”

  “Oh sweet Linda, you mustn't worry. You're a sniper after all, you won't be anywhere near melee. It's Ko, Emil and Rigar here that should be super scared. But they are super calm and stuff. Sometimes you just gotta believe in the art of teamwork.”

  “General Ray makes a good point. You must trust in your comrades, otherwise you will fail on the battlefield. Everyone here has had a pretty good amount of training.”

  “Yeah, our lords especially, they are masters at strategy. I'm sure our Lord will come up with some brilliant strategy that will slaughter the thing in one hit.”

  “Emil, while I appreciate the confidence in us, that might be a little bit too much confidence. We are still young mortal beings after all. We don't get millennia, or heck, eons of experience. Though, I think we should be able to handle this ‘Vesir The Great’ guy no problemo.”

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Fair enough, but I believe in you milord. I don't think I've ever before seen a pair with such overwhelming potential if nothing else. I betcha Initae feels the same.”

  “I too concur, I'm not sure what it is, but you two are a special sort. Initae made a good choice in selecting you, General Kovon. You two will undoubtedly make your mark upon the history of the universe. People for eons will read of your exploits and wish to attain the greatness that you shall show.”

  “Wow, no pressure guys. I think if you try to pressure Ko anymore, his poor worthless heart is gonna snap. Then I'd have to pick up the pieces.”

  “Darling, I wouldn't mind my heart snapping if it means you get to pick up the pieces.”

  18:00 AT, Day Two | Grasslands Near Vesir The Great

  We decided to camp out for a while. So that we could rest, relax and catch up with what some of the others have been up to. It's mostly the usual, they hunted some things, did some exploring.

  This grassland is absolutely gigantic. Though, it seems like the climate is starting to change the farther we get north and to the east/west. So perhaps we are due for a biome transition soon.

  First though, we gotta tackle this legend as they call it.

  Vesir The Great is such an awesome name. Whoever came up with it deserves massive compliments.

  The makers of this game really put a lot of effort into it. Which makes sense, they had thousands of years to iron out all the details. It'd have to be fairly well thought out.

  Also, I forgot to mention the whole ‘combat basics’ part of the market that unlocked.

  Apparently, we can now purchase various things, like health packs, painkillers, and stamina refreshers. Not that stamina has been much of an issue thus far, since the augmentation kits significantly increase it. But the fact that we can buy them, leads me to believe it will come in useful some day.

  We each stocked up with a few health packs and tested one of them out. It healed a pretty deep cut from Emil’s katana in just a minute or so. I'm sure they will become very useful for future battles. Though, it does note that consuming more than two per hour has significantly reduced effects and may cause harmful side-effects.

  “Koooo, stop spacing out and enjoy your wonderful meal that your super duper cute darling girlfriend spent soooo long cooking for you.” Ray says, snapping me out of my internal thoughts. Before me is a wonderful meal of some mystery meat soup with a few vegetables on the side.

  “Right, thanks for the delicious meal, darling. You're super cute and helpful and lovely and kind and wonderful and beautiful.”

  “Geez, you don't have to force it out, jerk.” She seems upset at my barrage of compliments. She turns away and a half-smiling half-angry expression appears. Man, why does she have to be so complicated. One day, I'll figure out her patterns. Though, it may take a few centuries, or eons.

  I quickly eat my food, and then when we are both done I reach over and grab Ray’s hand. “There is still some light left, let's go for a short walk!”

  “What are you planning, you up to some jerk plot to trap me in a hole and leave me behind or something?”

  “I'd never dream of something like that, now let's go!”

  She reluctantly stands up and we walk off into the tall grass. The others wave to us as we leave. I think Emil gives me a slight wink, whatever that is supposed to mean.

  We walk a bit away from the camp, then I pack down some grass and lay on my back. Staring up at the beautiful blue sky that is starting to tint a bit orange.

  Why is it tinting orange when there is no actual sun, or central light source? I've got no clue. Guess its just for the themeatics.

  Ray lays down next to me and takes my hand.

  “So, you just wanted to come lay out here, alone? How verifiably not jerky.”

  “Whats wrong with a guy wanting to get some alone time with his super duper cute girlfriend?”

  “Well.. nothing really. I just hoped you were gonna do something crazy.”

  “Like what?”

  At my words, a massive blush appears on her face. I think I've caught her red-faced. I can't imagine what she thought I was planning. She is the one always causing trouble.

  “Hmm, your face says it all. What a devilish personality. I guess I'll have to give you some headrubs then.” She perks up at the mention of headrubs. I bet if she could, she would force me to give her headrubs at all times of the day, for the rest of eternity.

  I'm not entirely opposed to the idea, but unfortunately, physics, stakes, games and society don't like such ideas.

  I wrap her up in my arms and give her a lot of headrubs.

  After all, what super cute girlfriend doesn't deserve lots of headrubs?

  We engage in headrubs and general lazing about for quite a while.

  8:00 AT, Day Three | Next to Vesir The Great

  The sky is starting to brighten. We spent all night planning, thinking, joking about, and of course, some headrubs were attained.

  We are ready.

  Ray and I are standing, our purple and silver armor looking mighty fancy if I do say so myself. We each have our spears, ready to do some slicing, or poking? I'm not quite sure on what words you use for spears. Oh well, I'm sure the idea can get across.

  I've got my shield, Ray, her railgun. We look like we are kitted out and ready for a massive battle.

  Which is good, cause we are likely about to take on the biggest challenge we have faced yet. Though, I feel like there will be much worse things in our future. Oh well, we will just have to take it one step at a time.

  Of course, the other three are also similarly prepared. Rigar looks menacing as ever with their warhammer. Emil and Linda are currently off to the side, Emil is helping to adjust her armor, apparently she still has trouble getting it on. Her antimaterial rife is sitting off to the side, I can't wait to see it in action.

  Of course, Emil is looking perfect, still the golden-haired angel guy. Katana at his hip, armor strapped on tight. His beautiful wings radiating a nice light, which looks stunning in the early morning low-light.

  We also bought a few side things, grenades, popup repulsor barriers. You know, the basics. Along with that, we each have three health packs, which should be enough. We can't really use more than two anyways – I doubt this fight will take over an hour.

  Either we defeat it by then, or we all get wiped.

  “Alright buddies, is everyone all set?”

  “Really darling? Buddies? That word is like, at least two decades out of fashion.”

  “Oh shush you, if I wanna bring a word back into fashion, I can do it easily. Just watch, everyone will be using it tomorrow.”

  “From anyone but my super cute darling girlfriend that's super cool and about to go klack up a giant bisoclo, that'd sound arrogant. But since it's you, it's just par for the course.”

  “Oh stahp, you're at least as cool. I mean, you're gonna help me klack it up. Along with our other buddies here!”

  “As you wish, Milords, my sword is at your disposal.”

  “As is my hammer, General Rayleigh.”

  “Oh wait, uh, uhm, ah yes, my rifle is also at your disposal, miss.”

  “Now that's the kind of loyalty I love to hear! Lets go klack up one nasty bisoclo. Maybe we can have some steak for lunch.”

  With that, we start to head out to the location where Vesir The Great is. It hasn't moved much at all overnight. So it's only a few minutes walk before we come upon the red boundary that warns us this guy is a massive legendary beast.

  As if we needed the warning, we can see the legend from kilometers away.

  “So, how do you suppose I open this thing up? Do I just walk inside?” I say, as I step up to the red barrier. “Well, only one way to find out!” I proclaim.

  I attempt to charge right through the barrier, my spear at the ready.

  But, I slam face first into a solid wall.

  I fall back and hold my face. It kinda stings.

  “Oh my, dear little Ko! Are you okay?”

  “Ill be fine, do be aware, it is in fact, a wall.”

  I try again, this time, I place my hand on the barrier gently.

  A few moments after I do, a screen appears.

  ‘Do you wish to begin the challenge: Legend Raid for Vesir The Great?

  Recommended Party: At least 5 great-level challengers, or similar equivalent.

  Current Party (5): Contains 107% of recommended combat strength. Estimated Difficulty: Moderate.

  Estimated reward for Legend Raid: Unlock of Commendations, Currency Exchange, 50 Ri, 500 Ti, Slayer of Vesir the Great commendation and Five legend equipment drops + 5 (5 participants).

  Yes / No’

  “Well, here goes nothing I guess.”

  I select ‘yes’ and immediately things start to change.

  The ground ripples as it rapidly changes.

  The massive herd of bisoclo start to run away, in every which direction. The sound of thundering hooves would permanently damage a normal human’s ears.

  Within a few seconds, the entire landscape is gone.

  It is replaced with a vast circular ring of packed dirt. Surrounded by walls of what appears to be stone. I can see the glint of a red barrier, so absolutely no way of us getting out of here.

  We either slay the beast, or we die.

  But, this was all explained in the index. We even got a few tips about its combat patterns and special skills. Though, it did mention that it was only tips, and not the full thing.

  I look around at my friends, and they all seem to have a slight blue glow around them. I presume I do as well. Probably so we don't lose each other in any chaos that might occur.

  Everyone seems ready for battle. As am I.

  I'm sure that the battle with Vesir The Great will be so much fun. I can't wait to overcome its almighty power, alongside Ray (and friends!). So, bring it on.

  End of Chapter 87

  Next: Chapter 88 | Vesir The Great