Amlie rushed around her fields while Aegis, the Night Hunters, and many others gathered in front of the fences that surrounded her crops. A section of the crops looked generic, primarily cotton, to supply the crafters of Rene. However, the back half of her fields was filled with wild, fantastical plants. Some of them, Aegis recognized from his venture to the Wildwood tree with Amlie when Rene was in its early days. Others, he had no clue how she’d manage to procure or grow them.

Serenity stepped through the gate and began directing Amlie on where to put the plants while Amlie used her farming class skills to replant them in clay pots in an open pathway that led through the center of the fields.

The others watched patiently, Taeyal leaning against the fence with an eager expression that said she wanted to join in but held back.

“Hm, that looks a bit like an orchestra, right?” Captain Leonard commented, motioning to how the pots were being set up. Serenity, who’d heard him say this, turned back to respond.

“Yes, based on these sheets, it looks like that is what Rakkan’s grandfather was aiming for.” She confirmed, flipping through the parchments in her hands. She paused to scratch her chin a few times, struggling to manage specific plant placements. It took nearly 20 minutes to get them all set up to her liking, but all the spectators were patient.

Aegis found himself repeatedly looking at Rakkan to check on him, not yet completely confident in his decision to bring back Taeyal. Rakkan watched with no expression but never took his eyes off the parchment in Serenity’s hands.

“Okay.” Serenity turned to the onlookers, giving a nod to Rakkan before looking over the crowd. “I’ve never played music in this way before, but the instructions on these sheets are very exact, so I hope I’ll be able to follow them correctly.” She glanced at the sheets once more before turning to Rakkan. “Are you ready?”

Rakkan silently nodded back at her, and Aegis watched Serenity get a nervous shiver. Her livestreaming numbers were high but no longer in the top 10 or anywhere near Aegis’, and he saw her shiver directed at the icon above his head.

She took five small metal rings from her inventory and hovered them out towards the plants while Amlie shifted out of the way. The rings gave off a faint pink magical glow, indicating that Serenity controlled them. She waved her hands and fingers around as a conductor would, positioning the rings at various angles around the assortment of plants.

She cleared her throat, and with one final wave of her hands, wind magic began to emit from the rings. The intervals, wind direction, and force changed repeatedly, hitting different groups of plants.

The wind triggered the plants to coil, uncoil, bloom, unbloom, shimmy, and wiggle. Their variety and nature were truly incredible sights to behold. Aegis found the most interesting one to be a flytrap-looking plant that snapped open and shut, making the sound of a drum.

The song started slow and familiar, mimicking Beethoven’s 5th Symphony almost perfectly. It reminded Rakkan of what his grandfather had shown him in Taeyal’s garden, the first time he’d learned to use the plants.

Very abruptly, though, the music's tempo shifted. It picked up drastically, and several other exotic plant sounds mixed in. A baseline kicked in from an oddly shaped bright red bellflower that matched the snapping flytraps.

The transition was so jarring that Several glances were made toward Serenity as if she’d made a mistake, but she didn’t flinch or take her focus off of what she was doing. She confidently followed the music sheets she’d caused to float in front of her eyes with her bardic magic, leaving her fingers free to orchestrate.

The sound of the plants carried through the air, reaching not only the ears of those in front of Amlie’s farm or watching Aegis’ and Serenity’s live-streams. The melody flowed through the streets of Rene, into Erikson’s tavern, and the many residential homes lived in by players and NPCs alike, causing them to step outside and gather around the edges of Amlie’s fields to see what was happening.

The music settled into its new tempo, with an upbeat tune that still carried hints of the 5th symphony, causing several Night Hunters to tap their feet and nod along. Aegis became so captivated by the beauty of the moving plants and their sounds that he’d almost forgotten who the song was meant for. He turned to Rakkan and saw tears flowing down his cheeks, with a wide smile growing.

Again, a drastic shift in tempo transformed the music into a calming, slow, adventurous tune, as if expressing something struggling with many difficulties and then moving onto freedom and release. It wasn’t sad, though—the music continued with its upbeat sound. The plants continued to wriggle joyously to Serenity’s movements, slowing and coming to a calm, ending with a final few notes from the 5th symphony once more. When the song ended, silence fell over Rene.

“That is it. It was lovely.” Serenity turned to Rakkan, revealing that she, too, had tears swelling in her eyes. It wasn’t just them, but Pyri, Taeyal, Amlie, and many others. The crowds around Amlie’s field erupted in loud cheers for the performance.

Aegis walked over to Rakkan with Darkshot, Lina, and Pyri close behind him, forming a circle with Amlie.

“You alright?” Aegis asked him.

“Yeah.” Rakkan wiped the tears away with his hands. “Yeah, I’m alright now. Thanks, Aegis. All of you guys. Thanks for everything.” Rakkan leaned into Aegis and pulled him in for a big hug, catching Aegis off guard. Aegis looked around awkwardly, unsure whether he should hug back. However, before he could decide, Darkshot joined in on the hug, followed by Lina, Amlie, and Pyri. The cheering continued for a bit longer, but once it died down, Herilon stepped forward.

“Let’s get some drinks, eh?! A celebration of Kalmoore and its heroes!” Herilon shouted to the crowd.

“Yeah!!!” The crowds joined in.

Celebration erupted across Rene. Drinks were provided thanks to Chax, who managed the overflowing Rene treasury. Food and pastries were served, magical fireworks and illusions danced in the sky, and the performance began on a hastily constructed stage in Rene’s town square by Tullan.

Serenity played whatever song she wanted, free from any contract obligations with VGN. Her dancers, drummer, and Kenji assisted in the performance, turning the square into a dancefloor where all manner of players and NPCs participated. A mix of Dark Elves, Plashrim, Arallians, and Kalmoorians were all getting along together.

Aegis and the Night Hunters had made their way into the dining hall of Aegis’ recently constructed keep, enjoying festivities that ranged from drinking games to gambling, with an occasional exciting adventure story being told by Herilon to a captivated audience of low-level players.

Aegis, Lina, Darkshot, Rakkan, and Pyri had their table, joined by Amlie and Sherry. Unlike last time, they weren’t mingling as much and instead opted to stick together. Ren made his way over to their table with Quinn trailing behind him when the hour got late, Quinn looking intoxicated.

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“Ask them!” Ren jumped up and down excitedly, yanking Quinn over. “Ask ‘em, ask 'em!” He urged her.

“Yeah, yeah,” Quinn rolled her eyes at her little brother. “Ren wants to know what we’re going to do next. He wants to join in this time.” Quinn crossed her arms, looking over Aegis and his party.

All eyes fell on Aegis, and his reluctance to answer was visible on his face.

“Well…” He leaned forward and tapped his fingers on the wooden table briefly. “We set out to stop Seraxus and get revenge for Rakkan, and we did that. My bet with Makaroth is over, I won. Kalmoore is safe, so… there’s not much else left to do, right?” Aegis shrugged.

“Huh? What about Bihi?” Ren asked with disappointment in his eyes.

“Ah, yeah. Maybe we’ll do that quest. It could be fun.” Aegis smiled, turning to Pyri, which she took as her cue.

“It’ll be a while before I can go on high-level adventures again. I’ve decided I’ll be rerolling my character.” She announced to the others, causing several gasps and looks of shock.

“Heh? Why?” Darkshot asked.

“You’re going to leave us?” Lina looked worried.

“Mhm. It’s time I let my son play on his own. Besides, I’m kinda interested in trying out Bard.” Pyri smiled back at them while ruffling Aegis’ hair.

“But you’re the best wizard player in the game!” Amlie commented.

Pyri shook her head dismissively. “I doubt that.”

“That’s a shame. We’re going to miss you.” Quinn commented.

“I’ll still be around, just a bit weaker for a while.” Pyri winked.

“Aw man, that’s not the news I was hopin’ to hear.” Ren pouted.

“It’s not just my mom,” Aegis opened his mouth, but Quinn stared daggers at him before he could finish.

“Don’t you even think about rerolling,” she hissed, causing others to chuckle.

“I’m not. I promise, not after all I put you through.” Aegis smiled, seeing her relief. “But, I’ll be playing less. I will start university classes soon now that my tuition is more than paid in full. Probably take a break from streaming,” He pointed at the livestreaming icon above his head.

“Noooo! Ren groaned.

“What?!” Darkshot sighed. “What’re the rest of us supposed to do then?” he sighed.

“Whatever you want.” Aegis shrugged. “Why don’t you start streaming?”

Darkshot looked at him curiously. “Me? Really?”

“Yeah. You’ve got fans now from your PvP performance.”

“Hmm. Maybe… maybe I should. I am pretty badass now, right?” Darkshot turned to Sherry for confirmation, and she gave an exaggerated nod. “Alright. I’ll be the streamer. We can keep doing PvP and stuff, right guys?” Darkshot turned to Rakkan and Lina.

“Eh, I think I’m done with PvP. I’ve had enough of it for a lifetime. I want to explore more ruins and find ancient lore.” Rakkan grinned excitedly.

Darkshot groaned. “Seriously?”

“I’ll come with you!” Amlie cheered.

“You’re a farmer class, though, right? It’s gonna be dangerous in ancient ruins…” Rakkan replied apprehensively.

Amlie crossed her arms. “So? You’ll just have to protect me.”

“Bah, alright. It’s just you and me, Lina.” Darkshot turned to her.

“I.. uhm…” Lina turned to Aegis. “I want to stay with Aegis so we can be together whenever he logs in.”

“What? That sounds so lame!” Darkshot replied, but Sherry nudged him with his elbow and gave him a look. “Ahem. I mean. That sounds very romantic. I am happy for the two of you.” Darkshot corrected himself awkwardly. Lina and Aegis glanced at each other and smiled at one another.

“Who am I supposed to PvP with on my new badass PvP stream?” Darkshot slumped back into his chair.

“Oh, I know. I know!” Ren hopped up and down excitedly. “Me! Pick me! I’ll join your PvP team!” Seeing his upbeat attitude, Darkshot recomposed himself and leaned forward, trying to look as cool as possible.

“Hm. Are you sure you have what it takes? To go for the top? ‘Cause that’s where Darkshot’s arrows go.”

“Oh yeah! Yeah, I have what it takes!” Ren continued hopping, totally eating it up.

“Someone said somethin’ about forming a PvP team?” Herilon stumbled over to their table from behind Quinn, Sapphire barely holding him under her shoulder. “I’m PvP.”

“Oh, hell yeah. Now we’re talking.” Darkshot grinned ear to ear.

“There ya go, all is well.” Aegis patted Darkshot on the shoulder encouragingly. “I guess this is it, then. The last adventure for Aegis’ party has come to its end.” Aegis declared, causing all to turn to him while he lifted his drink for a toast. “Thank you guys, all of you,” Aegis nodded to Herilon, Sapphire, and Quinn, “For putting up with me as I selfishly chased my goals in this game world. I couldn’t have done it without any of you.”

“Thanks for making things interesting.” Quinn clinked a glass with Aegis’s.

“Bringin’ some PvP to this peaceful, boring island,” Herilon clinked.

“Keeping my big sister happy!” Ren grabbed an empty cup from the table to join in.

“For showing me how to have fun again,” Pyri smiled at Aegis.

“Everything,” Rakkan said, adding his cup. Amlie, Sherry, Lina, and Darkshot followed with theirs.

“For being an awesome best friend,” Darkshot said, to which they exchanged nods. They pulled their cups back and threw their drinks into their mouths. Except for Ren, his cup was empty.

“You okay with this?” Tommy asked Shinji. The two stood together in an office simulation, watching the toast unfold on Aegis’ Livestream. Shinji was taking a break because minimal editing was required for the celebrations.

“Yeah.” Shinji shrugged. “I got my helms deep. No Minas Tirith, but a big bad showdown for the finale ain’t so bad.”

“Darkshot should be good content. You up for editing him?”

“Yeah, of course.” Shinji nodded back. “Make sure to get him to sign with us.”

“Obviously,” Tommy replied. “Good call on that kid. We’re finally the big network we always wanted to be.”

Shinji winked. “Told you so.”

“Not as big as VGN, but, you know.”

“I can’t work miracles.” Shinji chuckled.

“Hell no!” Hae-won materialized inside their office simulation in her usual V-neck dress. “No way you let that kid quit now!” She stomped over to them.

“What's up with you?” Tommy looked at her twitching eyes. Hae-won replied by waving her hands around to pull up a live streaming broadcast of VGN’s news network, announcing their newest broadcaster and musical performer to replace Serenity.

A young asian woman was sitting the broadcasting studio simulation, sitting across from a VGN interviewer. The prompt scrolling across the bottom of the screen read ‘VGN Welcomes it’s newest member: Iseul Jeong.’

“Many people are surprised by your decision to bring your musical talents into Shattered World, given all of your current hits topping the chart. What made you to decide to make the move?” The interviewer asked.

“Ah, well,” Iseul smiled to the camera. “My little sister was making it look so much fun!” Iseul winked.

“Jeong. Isn’t that your last name, Hae-won?” Tommy turned from the screen to look at Hae-won, seething with rage.

“That bitch.” Hae-won clenched her fists angrily. “Get Aegis in here right now, tell him he’s not allowed to stop streaming, ever,” Hae-won demanded.

“Hey now, he’s not contractually obligated to keep streaming. He’s done enough for us, hasn’t he? Let’s let him rest.” Shinji jumped in.

“Heh? But she’s challenging me. Did you see that wink?! She’s mad that I got a little bit of fame. Big Iseul can’t handle sharing the spotlight. I wanna crush her!” Hae-won roared back at him as if it were Shinji’s fault.

“Calm down. We’ve got Darkshot and Serenity. That should be enough, right? Serenity?” Tommy reiterated. Hae-won took a deep breath and huffed angrily. “Right. They better be.” She stormed off, leaving the office simulation. Once she’d entirely disintegrated, Tommy and Shinji exchanged an apprehensive look with one another.

“Makaroth was right.” Calikgos stood in the office simulation, his black silhouette as he sat behind his desk, waving his hands to manipulate several floating live-stream broadcasts.

“So it would seem. Good. We can finally get things back under control. All we’re missing is a PvP streamer. Have you tried talking with Seraxus about signing with us again?” The silhouette replied.

“He tried to kill me when I went to speak with them.” Calikgos shrugged. “What about Skar or Feng’s guys?”

“Skar’s got no appeal, and Feng is returning to focusing on PvE.” He shrugged, leaning back in his chair with a sigh. “Got anyone else?”

“Maybe.” Calikgos hesitated. “It’s a bit of a wildcard, though. He makes Seraxus look like a saint.” From this, the silhouette leaned forward over his desk.

“Controversy and edginess are exactly what we want from a PvP streamer. Who is it?”

“He goes by the name of Ubiytsa,” Calikgos replied.

“Heh… not bad, but I’ve never heard of him.” The silhouette replied, waving his hands as he ran several searches. “No livestreams of him either. He’s a nobody?”

“Not exactly. He’s a reroll.” Calikgos replied while watching patiently as the silhouette continued to work. “He’s leveled faster than anyone else in the game world, using knowledge from his previous character.”

“Class?”

“Wizard.”

“What was his previous character’s name?”

“Simon,” Calikgos replied.

“Sign him.”

End of Book 3

The story will continue next week!