Mythos Of Narcissus: Reborn As An NPC In A Horror VRMMO

With all of this vivid emotion exuded, it seemed that everyone was already informed and even affirmed with the appropriate knowledge to know how big of a deal Qliphoth Object was.

And seeing how they were this convinced, I also assumed that Kuzunoha did something that proved my victory, instead of a mere proclamation. Though, since they were uniformed of my Valtherion form, the truth might be more muddled than I expected.

Regardless, it was a wave of positive reinforcement.

Even Amelia, normally reserved, offered a nod and a brief, genuine smile. "You've given us a leader we can trust in, Lady Narcissus. We'll follow your direction as long as it takes."

Behind her, Lydia leaned against one of the barricades, her sharp gray eyes shining with approval. "Our future's looking brighter than it ever did with the old crew," she commented, a rare look of genuine optimism in her gaze.

As the sun rose higher, the atmosphere lightened even more. It wasn't long before someone began a celebratory chant, and within minutes, our whole crew—Verina included, though with her usual deadpan expression—was swept up in the sound of unity.

Watching them all, I felt an unfamiliar sensation. Pride. These were only with me for two-days equivalent to real world time, but they had become my people, and I, their golden guide through the shadows of Carcosa—brought upon their spirit with warmth.

And maybe the Scripts I gave to them contribute greatly to this very scene.

Still, I'm quite glad that I'm not as lonely as I thought I would be.

"... This moment truly warrants a proper celebration."

The celebration quickly gathered momentum, and I found myself drawn toward the heart of the bastion. Seeing the light in their eyes and the unified energy radiating through our camp, I couldn't let the moment slip by without properly acknowledging it.

It called for a feast, however modest—something to cement our camaraderie and reinforce our shared spirit. And fortunately, I knew exactly how to turn the limited, foraged ingredients into something they'd remember for a lifetime.

I shall be in Sir Aethernet's favor once again for this occasion.

"Verina, I'll need the heat," I called, inspecting the collection of meat from hunted beasts, gathered herbs, mushrooms, and edible roots we'd amassed—and some surprising edible parts from the Calamity Object we defeated.

"Fire shall there be," Verina said as she set the numerous stove ablaze.

The foraged offerings weren't exactly luxurious, but that had never stopped me before. A combination of basic ingredients and skill could make anything enjoyable.

Within moments, the campfire blazed under their careful watch, and I moved quickly to prepare each ingredient, my hands working with the familiar dexterity that always filled me with calm. Erika passed me a bundle of wild rosemary and thyme, and I set to work crushing the herbs with a mixture of salt and wild garlic, creating a fragrant rub for the meat.

While some of the crew were preparing the feasting location, some went on to hunt for more ingredients.

"Looks like we're in for a real treat again!" Yora grinned, nudging Erika, who was practically sparkling with anticipation.

Amelia leaned in, watching my movements with analytical interest. "Honestly, you could charge a citadel lord a good ransom for your cooking," she remarked. "I still remember the first incredible meal I ever had in the bastion under your command."

With a small smile, I took up a piece of game meat, seasoned it, and set it over the fire to sear. "If it were only about bloodies, perhaps. But there's something to be said for sharing this with people who'll genuinely enjoy it."

While the meat cooked to a perfect char on the outside, I made quick work of dicing roots and mushrooms, adding them to a simmering broth with a handful of herbs for flavor.

Verina suddenly came by with a wild tangle of mushrooms she'd gathered earlier, and I nodded appreciatively, incorporating them into a side dish that could only be described as a rustic stew with wild onions and garlic for warmth.

Seeing Verina getting worked up when I was cooking on a large scale like this made me remember why I often saw her as an energetic puppy from time to time.

"Don't suppose you'd consider making this an everyday occurrence?" Naosi joked, eyeing the spread with growing enthusiasm.

"Only if you can keep up with the hunting and gathering," I replied, laughing. "Though we'll have to ration the leftovers."

The fragrant aroma wafted through the camp as each dish came together, and by the time I arranged everything in grandiose proportion, the looks on their faces were nearly as satisfying as the food itself.

They dived in, relishing every bite. There was no ceremony, just hearty laughter, cheers, and expressions of honest pleasure as they savored the flavors. It wasn't long before their usual walls broke down, and stories and memories began to spill out, each person eager to share something of themselves with the rest.

Amelia, usually reserved, laughed heartily with Lydia as they recounted an amusing, narrow escape from a particularly nasty Ordeal. Yora and Erika were deep in conversation, and Naosi was boasting, much to everyone's amusement, about her "genius" in constructing a useful makeshift trap the other day.

Then, with a look of curiosity and genuine awe, Callista leaned over, eyes shining with mischief. "Come on then, Lady Narcissus, tell us how you defeated the Drowned Revenant! That can't have been as easy as you made it sound."

I let out a small laugh. "I don't know that 'easy' is quite the word I'd use, Callista. The Revenant was as persistent as she was destructive." I paused, remembering the eerie realm I fought in and the tide of dark energy that felt so close to drowning me multiple time. "Let's just say, there were moments when it felt like facing an entire sea alone."

"Wait, 'she'?" I could hear Sera confusedly murmuring. She probably saw the Revenant's form quite clearly.

A collective hush fell over the group, each of them riveted. I continued, explaining the Revenant's tactics, her control over dark water, and how each strike was like trying to cut through an ocean's weight.

"It took more than just strength—there were times she forced me to rely on wit and, occasionally, on… a touch of improvisation," I said, smirking as I recalled some of my last-minute attempts to dodge her ruthless attacks.

And also the huge amount of time where I was a brainless brute who parried the attack of the world-splitter with my Valtherion horns.

As I reached the end of the story, I noticed Verina's intense gaze. "What happened to your Soulthread Aegis?" she asked, her voice soft yet intrigued.

I gave her a sheepish smile. "It was… utterly destroyed, I'm afraid. By the end, there was nothing left of it, and I was practically—well, let's just say I was less than fully clothed."

The group erupted in laughter, and I joined in, nodding. "Yes, Kuzunoha eventually threw a cloak over me, though not before she was finished laughing at my predicament. She even went as far as to 'lend' me one of her dresses."

"Heh, I was confused at first with how you appeared, but it seemed that Kuzunoha had been a rich noble lady in the past." Verina muttered, amused. But I could see relief, too, as she processed the reality of our encounter. The battle had clearly left its mark on her thoughts.

Kuzunoha raised the edge of lips in annoyance. "You make it seem like I was a lavish snob before I met you lots."

Wait, you were not?"

"Next time, I'll make sure to outfit myself with a spare or two," I promised, patting Verina's shoulder. "If only to save us from relying on Kuzunoha's wardrobe."

"You make it sound like the contents of my wardrobe is cursed."

"It is cursed with loan-shark sigil that will activate if there is damage done to the fabric." I snickered.

With that, we returned to the food, talking and laughing until we felt bloated.

The warmth from the feast and the fires keep the afternoon chill at bay. I watched each of them, the crew who had quickly become more than mere recruits. In every smile, every conversation, and every expression of honest awe, I saw the beginnings of a loyalty and bond that would carry us through whatever Carcosa held in store.