Virtual World: Close Combat Mage

Everybody exclaimed. Gu Fei and the others who had turned to leave had not gone too far, and they hurried their way back when they heard the commotion. Dommu and Mudou were the most energetic, their writing material already in their hands as they yelled, “What happened? Did something happen?”

“Silver Moon’s gone!” someone shouted.

“Teleportation?” Gu Fei wrinkled his forehead.

“No, he logged out!” Someone yelled. These people were all originally good friends of Silver Moon’s. While some people had deleted him after, some were more astute, leaving his name on their Friends’ list like a memorabilia, in case they needed to use it when they take revenge in the future.

“Forceful logout!” Dommu and Mudou were both excited. Due to the fact that the game company had time and again emphasized the dangers of such actions, players were all very careful about it. So aside from those cheap b*st*rds who experimented with it during the low levels out of boredom, players would never think to forcefully log out like this once they reached a certain level, aside from incidents of accidental disconnections.

The two reporters fitfully squeezed their way forward, asking the players right at the front, “Where did Silver Moon forcefully log out?”

“There!” someone pointed.

The two swiftly pounced upon it, closely observing the spot which Silver Moon had logged out at. Mudou was writing up a furious scribble yet again, “The level 37 Silver Moon, was compelled to forcefully logout once he had no other options left. According to this reporter’s observation, the adverse effect of a forceful logout would not be apparent upon going offline, but as for the actual loss itself, we hope that the relevant player in question would quickly return so we can continue our report.”

The other players had plenty to discuss at this point as well.

“To actually do a forceful logout… Could he have decided to stop playing the game for good?”

“Don’t be fooled. This man had always been very crafty, so there’s no telling this could all just be a ruse, to trick us into leaving.”

“That’s not really a clever ruse! Who’s to say that we must leave once he forcefully logged out?”

“Look! He’s back!”

As a player shouted, a white glow enveloped the spot where Silver Moon had disappeared from, and the man materialized before the crowd. Everybody began using their Appraisal skill, hoping that this one log out had changed Silver Moon’s level by a whole decimal place, from 37 to 3.7.

In the end, everyone was disappointed by what they gleaned, realizing there was no change to his level or equipment. Meanwhile, it had only been five minutes since he logged out, having hurriedly logged back into the game after memorizing his bank card number. The first thing he did upon coming back online was check his possessions, and he became petrified in the first moment.

Level? Skill? Gold? These were not things that Silver Moon placed the most importance on. The first thing he valued was a single item: King’s Blade. And when he got online, the first thing he checked was that weapon he had placed into his dimensional pocket.

It was gone! The slot he had placed his King’s Blade in was clearly empty. Silver Moon had not lost hope, and checked all the inventory slots in his dimensional pocket once over, wishing he could just pour everything out to do the searching, but he still saw no signs of the weapon anywhere on himself in the end.

Silver Moon’s face ashened as he sat down heavily on the ground.

This was definitely a devastating loss to him. Silver Moon was already in a state of ruin, and was someone who was the subject of backbiting no matter where he went. But because he knew just how insanely powerful his King’s Blade was, he believed that as long as that weapon was in his possession, there would surely be a team or organization out there that would accept him thanks to the sword. Perhaps they only wish to utilize the weapon itself, but Silver Moon always believed that given his own abilities, as long as he was given a chance to peacefully interact with others, he would have the means to change people’s hearts and minds about him. But who would have guessed… The first time he forcefully logged out actually had him losing his King’s Blade. Silver Moon would have rather exchange all his equipment, levels, and skills just to get the King’s Blade back in his hands, but unfortunately for him, there was no one who would give him such an opportunity.

The crowd momentarily had no idea how to react when they saw Silver Moon’s unusual action. Just as they were all quiet, someone suddenly bellowed, “What are you pretending to do there, quick get out here and die already!!!”

Silver Moon lifted his head, yet he was not looking at anyone in particular. Staring at the lone crystal adornment on top of the Trade Exchange, the man was looking utterly desolated. The King’s Blade was the only spiritual support he had in this game, and it was the only source of all his confidence. Now that it was gone, Silver Moon finally lost any drive to remain resolute.

The crowd continued to berate and curse him. Silver Moon had already heard all this plenty of times over, but this time, perhaps he no longer wished to hear any more of it. In a flash of white light, Silver Moon disappeared once again.

Everybody was surprised, and someone pulled out his Friends’ list and checked, “It’s another forceful logout. Just what in the world is that guy doing?”

Gu Fei had been silently watching from the side throughout all this, and he had not blindly joined in on the tongue lashing. He had seen Silver Moon change of expression when he first came online, from shock, to fear, then anxiety, before finally despair.

Especially since Silver Moon was fumbling with his hands a little when he had stuck it down his dimensional pocket, visibly searching through it. This more or less confirmed Gu Fei’s observation, that he had lost something extremely important to him when he forcefully logged out.

For this to have caused such a degree of misery on Silver Moon, Gu Fei could already guess what he had lost…

This time, perhaps this would really be the last time I ever see that man again, Gu Fei thought to himself. The color on Silver Moon’s face had yet to return when he logged out that last time, and that expression of despair he showed lingered.

It was unfortunate that Silver Moon only had himself to blame for everything, as it was his step by step actions that led him to such an outcome, as there was nothing in this world that happened without reason.

It was not that he had no chance, for if he had faced all these people hunting him head-on, he just might have received a different aftermath.

But he had placed too much importance on himself, attaching too much value to the King’s Blade he had in his possession, putting too much weight on the feeling of being a king.

In the end, once that feeling was gone, and his sword vanished, he ultimately lost himself as well.

The moment he learnt he could no longer gain any enjoyment from the game, he had no choice but to drop out of the game as a result. This was the only thing that Gu Fei sympathized with, that he felt sorry for. He did not really have to drop out; all he had to do was retreat, perhaps retreat back several steps over, but at least he would still be able to play the game, and would still be able to have fun.

Gu Fei sighed. He turned back and saw Vast Lushness. She was standing beside him, staring in the direction of the disappeared Silver Moon too. She had seen what Gu Fei saw as well, and had also shared the same thoughts Gu Fei had. In the end, all she could do was heave a long sigh as well.

“Silver Moon, that b*st*rd. Is he coming back or not?” Gu Fei heard someone still rebuking the man from within the crowd.

Gu Fei did not stop them, for this was also an avenue of enjoyment for these people in the game. Except, it was unknown what sort of feelings they would have the moment they realized Silver Moon would not be coming back any longer.

Gu Fei left, and Vast Lushness departed as well. Sakurazaka Moony was not really interested in Silver Moon, so when he saw Vast Lushness leaving, he hurried along after her. Dommu had already added Gu Fei as a friend, so he expressed his wish to interview and get sound bites from these players who came to hunt down Silver Moon before he arranged for another interview with Gu Fei at a later date.

Walking along, Gu Fei suddenly recalled something and turned to ask Vast Lushness, “The Utopian Magic Staff. Did you know that no one ended up retrieving?”

“No one retrieved it? Do you mean to say that there had been no one picked it up from the distribution NPC?” Vast Lushness was astonished.

“Southern Lone Blade and his men were keeping watch the whole time, so that seems to be the case,” Gu Fei said.

“Someone buying the item yet not wanting it? How strange. Could it be that someone had sneakily retrieved the item without them realizing it?” Vast Lushness said.

“That’s a possibility, and that’s what they are suspecting now too…” Gu Fei said.

“Oh yes, I saw on the forums that you guys have set up a workshop, and are now working with Southern Lone Blade?” Vast Lushness asked.

“That’s right, they’ve turned over a new leaf,” Gu Fei chuckled.

“That efficient monster grinding routine, how efficient is it really?” Vast Lushness asked, even as Sakurazaka Moony and his comrades were gazing at Gu Fei with an eager sparkle in their eyes; This was actually the more major event that was going on in the game right now, hundreds of times more so than No Smile’s appearance, and they have been wanting to inquire after Gu Fei about it.

Gu Fei could only chuckle, slightly rueful, “It’s a little tough for Priests and Archers to utilize it.” With that, he thought about it from a different perspective and remarked, “Wait. You’re a Dark Priest, so that might be different.”

“You’ll need to use your own damage to fight the monsters, I take?” Vast Lushness asked.

“That’s right, individual melee damage output. That is why Archers would not be able to bring the routine to bear, and because of the issues with proficiency and applicable skills that are weapon dependent, usage of other weapons would result in low damage output, making it really difficult to deal with,” Gu Fei answered.

“Then aren’t we miserable? Our leveling won’t be as quick as the other job classes in the future?” The whole lot of Hunters were exchanging glances with one another. Even though they were no longer specialized in range after their job advancement, their job class characteristic remained unchanged; they were still dependent on their bows for their damage output, so unless they were able to learn some passive mastery skills when they get to higher levels, they were still considered to be Archers at the moment.

“This… With more points toward Strength, and another weapon, your efficiency would increase,” Gu Fei said.

“It’s over man. Looks like all we can do in this game is flirt with girls,” A lot of them lamented painfully.

“It would still be fine if we can flirt around, but after playing the game for so long, I haven’t even gotten the chance to hold hands with someone,” Another moaned.

“If even a pig like you want to get someone, you’re better off dreaming on your own!” Someone else quickly denigrated.

Gu Fei could not help but burst into laughter, when he suddenly heard Vast Lushness softly say, “If Silver Moon had their mentality, perhaps he wouldn’t have such an ending here…”

Gu Fei jolted, and saw the truth in her words. These men from Forever in Flowers were utterly reprehensible in every sense, but their attitude toward the game was amazingly positive. Be it losing equipment, levels, or anything of the like, they would obviously complain about what happened, but they would never take it to heart, and would quickly turn around and put their effort into searching for a lady. Actually, what they are looking for were not ladies, but pleasure.

While thinking about this, Sakurazaka Moony had slid up right beside Gu Fei and tugged at his sleeves. Gu Fei took the hint and slowed down a few steps, and walked in step with the man. Sakurazaka Moony quietly asked, “Drunk bro, do you have any man and woman, couple duo, efficient monster grinding routines?”

“Scram, no!” Gu Fei was angered.

“You should consider developing such a duet method, it’s sure to be very popular,” Sakurazaka Moony said.

Gu Fei was about to castigate the man when he realized Sakurazaka Moony’s words had a kernel of truth to it if he were to think about this from a different perspective. There are plenty of couples in the game, so they might not be willing to split up and each take up a grinding spot by themselves. If there was an efficient model for two players to share a monster, it would surely be very well received by such a crowd. As for those who were still single, they could still learn it too! Taking a lady to level was an efficient way to pursue someone, so how would they chase after skirts if they don’t know the duet grinding routine? There indeed seem to be value in developing a duet grinding routine…

“Your suggestion isn’t too bad,” Gu Fei nodded.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying!” Sakurazaka Moony wrung his hands in excitement. “So Drunk bro, you should hurry up and develop such a routine. I’ll be the first to register and learn from you once it’s out.”

“Seeing how close we are, why is there even a need to register. I’ll be sure to teach it to you all for free when the time comes,” Gu Fei said.

“Nononono!” Sakurazaka Moony hurriedly stopped him. “Just me alone will do.”

“Ugh, reprehensible. Utterly deplorable!” Gu Fei truly could not stand it.

“Hehe…” Sakurazaka Moony laughed dryly before changing the subject, “Drunk bro, what are you doing next?”

“Next—” Gu Fei paused. He looked at the time, and then looked at his Friends’ list. Many of his students were still online, and he was incensed. He sent a group message over to the lot,

“Why are you all still playing?”

“We’re logging off…” The students each answered, even as they complained with great vigor on their end, entirely different from the attitude they had shown when getting equipment and learning routines from Gu Fei. In this day and age, even the kids were all so practical.

Gu Fei continued to nag on his students, as he asked July, “Have you located No Smile?”

“Nope,” July replied with great remorse.

“That’s a real pity,” Gu Fei was feeling sorry as well. No Smile was a lot more fortunate than Silver Moon today.

“Do you know someone by the name of Fleeting Smile?” Gu Fei asked out of nowhere. He still could not understand why Fleeting Smile would seek to dupe the two men; The only one who had past grievances with No Smile was July, so Gu Fei wanted to see if perhaps he was acquainted with July, and if he had decided to help avenge her.

“I don’t know that person,” was the answer he got.

“Then what about that Prophetic Emperor from the forums?” Gu Fei asked again.

“I don’t know him either. But we did see his post, that’s why we came running over. Who is he? Why would he have knowledge of No Smile’s tracks? And then there’s Silver Moon, why were they together?” July queried back.

“I’m wondering as well…” Gu Fei said.

“Oh yeah, there’s something we’ve come over for as well,” July said.

“Oh? What is it?” Gu Fei asked.

“Your efficient monster grinding routine. Let us experience it for ourselves!” July requested.

“Oh, for sure. Once I’m free,” Gu Fei answered.

“Great!”

After he replied to July, Vast Lushness had also suddenly blurted out, “Oh yeah, Blue Ease and the others were also interested in registering for your efficient monster grinding routine.

“Ah?” Gu Fei was taken aback. Why were they talking about this again.

But before he could even respond to her, a message flashed and Gu Fei opened it to find Dusky Cloud, “Haha, Miles bro. Why didn’t you inform your brother here beforehand about something as momentous as you opening a workshop!”

“Oh, it was just an idea that suddenly came to us,” Gu Fei hurriedly replied.

“The four thousand strong comrades here are prepared to register for your thing…” Dusky Cloud said.

“Ah?” Gu Fei was really shocked now. Another message pinged, and he saw that it was not Dusky Cloud this time, but Yunduan City’s Oathless Sword, “I say, Miles bro, since your workshop’s doing this tutoring thing, why are you doing it at Baishi City? When are you guys coming back to Yunduan City?”

“Yunduan City… Uh, we’ll do our research!”

“We’ve sent a few of our brother-in-arms over to Baishi City, ready to first learn from you guys,” Ever since Oathless Sword had completed his guild quest alongside with Gu Fei, they had essentially transformed from enemies to friends, and he no longer treated Gu Fei as an outsider, so he was plain and straightforward with his words.

“Is that so, how many will that be?”

“300 men!”

“Ah….”

“Miles bro, you guys have yet to make it back ever since you left for the mission huh? When are you coming back to Yunduan City?”

“Eh?” Gu Fei was nonplussed. Did he not talk about this already? Carefully checking out the name of the sender, he saw that the sender this time was not Oathless Sword, but it was now Brave Surge.

In the next moment, Linyin City’s Deep Waters came knocking as well, “Why are you the only one online? Just what sort of undertaking is this efficient monster grinding routine of yours? When is it beginning? I sent a few of my bros over to check things out.”

Over from Xiawu City, the sisters Yan Xiaozhu and Slyris messaged him too, “Efficient monster grinding routine? What’s that about?”

Out of nowhere came Drifting, “A workshop, you’re having quite a fun time huh!”

Fool’s Savior, whom he had not contacted for a long time, “Master! What is this efficient monster grinding routine? Is this a kungfu you created by yourself? Teach me!!!”

Beside him, Vast Lushness continued to ask, “Hey, speak already. What’s the registration method?”

July’s message, “Where do we go to wait for you?”

Dusky Cloud’s message, “Miles bro, when are you starting? The whole lot of us are about to march on over, hahahaha!”

Oathless Sword’s message, “Is 300 men too little? Shall I send over 500 men? Pretty brotherly of me to support Miles bro’s business huh!”

Brave Surge’s message, “Miles bro, are you busy? Is it inconvenient for you to speak?”

Slyris and Yan Xiaozhu as well, “Hey, why aren’t you speak? Are you ignoring us???”

Drifting’s message, “What? Have we really became adversaries? Not even gonna reply to my message?”

Fool’s Savior, “Master, How do I get to Baishi City? Quick tell me.”

“Drunk bro! Drunk bro!!” The men from Forever in Flowers had all called out in unison, rushing over to his side, “Quick, Drunk bro’s about to faint!!!!”

Being bombarded with messages had really caused Gu Fei to feel a strong wave of dizziness wash over him; looking at the time, it was around the time for those late night experts to get online. Sword Demon, RGC, and the others coming online one after another was the best proof of this.

“I’m about to go insane!” Gu Fei shouted into the mercenary channel.

“What happened?” Everyone was in a panic. To cause Gu Fei to lose his composure to such a degree, could his PK value have broke through 1,000, and that had caused all the City Lords from every city to pursue him personally?

“Everyone I know is trying to ask me about the efficient monster grinding routine thing,” Gu Fei said.

The entire channel was silent.

“What’s the matter, where’s everyone?” Gu Fei yelled.

In the end, it was only Sword Demon who weakly called out, “F*ck, it’s the same for us too…”

All of them had their names associated with the workshop as well, and they were all inundated with the endless chime of messages the moment they got online. They had far more friends than Gu Fei, so everything was collapsing all the more rapidly upon them, and they could not be bothered to care about Gu Fei any longer.

Worse was the fact that there were several who repeatedly sent them messages. Players like Oathless Sword, Dusky Cloud, and Coco, they were all people who knew every member of Young Master’s Elite, so the moment Gu Fei did not reply to them within the minute, they instantly sought out Sword Demon, and when Sword Demon could not respond in time, they searched for another member, causing all of them to be instantly overwhelmed. It was the same question, but the answers were all different, causing these people inquiring to be all the more confused, and they became all the more rabid with their questioning.

“Hehe!” In the mercenary channel, Young Master Han typed this word out lightly, and everyone felt that wave of disdain that came from him.

“Was your name not included?” Everybody asked in astonishment.

“How is it possible, yours truly is your mercenary leader after all,” Young Master Han scoffed.

“Then how did you handle all the replies?” Everybody could tell that Young Master Han did not even seem to be in the least bit busy.

“D*mb*ss*s, just close your messaging and set an automated reply!” Young Master Han said.

Everyone saw the genius in this method, but when they saw the various questions that were sent their way, none of them could think of a single answer that could handle give a proper account.

“What did you set?” Royal God Call asked.

“Ask Brother Assist,” Young Master han said.

“Ask Brother Assist… But Brother Assist isn’t here!!” Royal God Call flared. Brother Assist had a long night yesterday, and was late to rest up, which was why he had yet to log on.

“You idiot, the message I set for automated reply is ‘Ask Brother Assist’,” Young Master Han sneered.

“Oh!” Everyone exclaimed. “That’s so despicable,” Everybody commented, even as they each set their own automated reply to ‘Ask Brother Assist’.