MMORPG: Rise of the Peerless Pumpkinmancer

━━━━━━ POV ━━━━━━━

The world was utterly wet and dark, literal dark clouds covering Sprigfield.

Some saw it as a simple rain, some saw it as a disaster, but others saw it as a harbinger of the upcoming chaos.

— Drip! Drop! Drip Drop! — 

Most avoided going outside in such shitty weather, but countless players were assembled on the plain enduring the downpour. 

What had once been a green and luscious meadow, now overflowed with so much water that it looked like a rice paddy. Their bodies were soaking messes, but they remained anyway. 

They surrounded a circle filled with an unbelievably deep golden hue. Many commentated as they gazed at the area. 

"Oh god, it's so shiny!" 

"How many players do you think are coming through this time?" 

"Who knows, but this is an opportunity for sure! Never has there been so many people exiting the Tutorial at once!" 

Spawn camping the new arrivals? Usually, they would have scoffed at the thought, but this time was different! 

So many factions had shown up, grimacing as they saw their competitors. In their eyes, the other groups were all sneaky bastards here to recruit naive newcomers. 

Red Rose Order, Lucky Legionnaires, Freedom Battalion, Rock Hard Faction, Water of Life, heck even the goofy Slime Party was here. Only the big three were missing: it was beneath them. 

While sneering at one another, they began their preparations. 

Some crafted wide platforms above water, starting great bonfires to dry their drenched bodies. 

Some built instant shelters from various materials. It ranged from creative tree houses to sturdy mini rock fortresses.

Heck, Water of Life even built a literal water house, giving triumphant grins to their rivals. A flood? So What! 

Many wise ones started cooking, filling the place with rich and comforting aromas that made the stomachs grumble. 

One mad lad simply stuck large banners into the "lake" as he stood still. "Just taking a bath!" "Join Immortals Now!" "It's raining? I hadn't noticed." 

Suddenly the golden hue started gathering, forming a brilliant portal that shined its light everywhere. Even the rain was golden!

— Golden Glow! — 

The portal rippled as the various recruiters twitched in anticipation, ready for a fierce battle of wits and tongues. The first impression would be vital!!

Many were mumbling their recruitment messages over and over in preparation. They were all similar: "Faction X welcomes you. Join us for Y reasons!"

— Ripple! — 

As the first man appeared, they were all stunned for a second. The newbie they expected was nowhere to be found. He was so impressive! 

- Heroic Aura 

- Powerful-looking 

- Complete equipment set 

- He was even emitting pressure! 

Who was that guy?! They couldn't help but gulp. He was definitely a dragon amongst men! His potential had to be endless if he was already that great! 

"Wow, a golden shower!" The mighty warrior exclaimed.

That's when all Hells broke loose. Cacophonous shouts mixed, creating an unintelligible symphony. Still, it was evident that he was bombarded with glorious offers! 

Anyone would have been overwhelmed in this situation….or not! The man barely raised his brows as he glanced at the various factions. His heart seemed unwavering! 

Many couldn't help but draw a cold breath, impressed. Had they been in his place, they would have long been smiling from ear to ear with pride.

A faction leader suddenly spoke above the masses. 

"Hero, it's like this. We're all assembled here to welcome you into our midst. Please choose the faction that you prefer out of all of us." 

"All of us? Weren't you guys a mage guild?! Tch— Shameless…" 

There was a heavy silence as they all stared a the warrior's lips in suspense, only for him to shake his head. Seemingly amused, he pointed at his chest. 

An emblem rested there, one of a mighty wolf that seemed ready to devour the world itself. Wait, he already was accounted for? Goddammit! What bad luck! 

— Ripple! — 

They could only turn their attention toward the glowing portal as a player as impressive as the last appeared! 

This one was another mighty hero! Full gear, brows full of conviction, and a spear that looked positively deadly. How had he even gotten that in the Tutorial?! 

"Great hero, welcome to—" 

"Nope, look at his chest." 

They could only sigh as they noticed the emblem of a… Sword Exploding the Heavens? They felt regret, but this was to be expected. 

Some "clever" ones were already scheming ways to bring the two powerhouses to their side. Heck, even a single one would do. Seducing? Offering wealth? As long as it worked! 

— Ripple! — 

That's when players started erupting from the golden light one after the others. The more came out, the more the spectators' eyes bulged. 

W-what?! H-how?! 

Their eyes were clearly working, and yet there had to be something wrong with their vision. Were they dreaming?! 

The mighty heroes from earlier? —> The Newcomers all looked as OP! What kind of madness was this?! As more and more of them came out, the recruiting "veterans" felt faint at heart.

There were enough of them to form an army, they were hundreds! 

The "veterans" had left plenty of space near the golden portal, and yet it was getting filled up so quickly. 

The factions' incredible welcoming stations were now in the way! "Move, move, move, we need more space!" The newcomers shouted, the beautiful shelters all getting destroyed. 

Soon there were more Newcomers than "Veterans". They assembled into two legions, taking their spots as if trained soldiers. 

Just their presence had been enough to render the "veterans" speechless. 

Water to their knees? It didn't seem to bother them at all! 

Newcomers > Veterans 

But what truly was an incredible blow was their chests, as in they were all freaking wearing emblems. What the hell was this madness?! 

— Wolf! — 

— Sword! — 

— Sword! —

— Wolf! — 

— Sword! —

No matter how they searched, there was not a single lone player. How was this possible?! But this was only the beginning. 

Soon a towering man appeared, followed by a wonderfully lovely pink-haired lady. The two were closing the march, the portal finally disappearing. 

They were the last, and yet none could underestimate them. Every Newcomer glanced at them with great respect, even those that seemed their enemies. 

The man glanced at the scene, slightly chuckling as he saw the various recruiting stations' remains, before turning to the strangers. 

One of the "veterans" couldn't take it anymore. 

"W-who are you guys?!" His tone was trembling in awe. 

The man guffawed, looking at the foolish player, before glancing at his troops. 

"What is your name?" He began their introduction. 

They all shouted together, their voices so powerful it would have shamed the roar of a mighty dragon! It made the earlier commotion sound like the murmur of a child. 

"DEMONIC LEGION!" 

As soon as they were done answering, none made a peep. How incredible was their coordination! In the silence, their leader's voice resounded again. 

"What is your quest?"

"WORLD CONQUEST!" 

"And to anyone standing in our way?" 

"FIGHT THEM ALL! FUCK THEM UP! FEAST ON THEIR BLOOD!" 

They radiated with blood lust, their roar strong enough to shake the realm and the spectating players. But this wasn't the end as I.R.L. replied in kind. 

"What is your name?" / "INCREDIBLE RIGHTEOUS LEGION!" 

"What is your quest?" / "EXTERMINATE D.L.!" 

"What is your path?!" / "SHINE LIGHT UNTO THIS GRIM WORLD!" 

The spectators were left utterly speechless. What kind of performance was this?! They had come here to recruit on behalf of their factions…but what now! 

As the two leaders came forward, the emissaries held their breaths. What if they could discuss an alliance? That would be a great service to their factions!

One man nervously greeted them. "Once again, welcome to Sprigfield. How about we talk a bit about—"

He was about to continue when the two gave him a reassuring smile, both speaking at once. 

"Don't worry, brother/young man. I know how you feel, but don't worry. As long as you show some determination, you'll be able to…." 

The man sighed in relief. Seriously?! The earlier display appeared to have only been for show: they were actually quite nice.

"…you'll be able to join D.L./I.R.L." They both smiled at him encouragingly. 

Wait...what?! What about an alliance? What about negotiations?! The ones who had lied in ambush to recruit newbies were suddenly the ones being recruited instead! 

The two legions were now staring daggers at them, awaiting their reaction. Their eyes looked so "benevolent" as if saying: "Hurry up and accept." 

"…?!?" 

Many shook in their boots. What would happen once they refused them?! The atmosphere turned tense, none daring to be the first to offend them.

Right now, there was actually a strategy meeting in Sprigfield on how to save the Town. It seemed another assembly would soon be necessary. 

Disaster 1 —> Unbelievable Flood 

Disaster 2 —> D.L + I.R.L

Disaster 3 —> ? 

While they were confronting one another, a pink-haired beauty had already made her way to the Drunken Sailor, none the wiser. 

As she waited for their contact, a man Jack called the Scammer, a frown appeared on her delicate face. She was staring at empty air. 

— New Post! — 

Author: Jack'O! 

Topic: I've been kidnapped by a busty Dark Elf Onee-San. Send Help! 

This shrew had thwarted their reunion! 

"Ah, are you the one that Sir Jack—Gasp!" The NPC jumped in shock as he saw unimaginable killing intent in the woman's eyes. 

He knew who she was, one of the leaders of Demonic Legion. After all, the Drunken Sailor had been revamped to serve as D.L.'s base all along. 

Sprigfield —> Step 1 in their Quest! 

"Tell me everything you know about the dark elves," She ordered, her voice calm yet chilly. She reminded him so much of his master! 

Why did she seem about to start a war?! He shivered, not knowing if it was from fear or excitement…