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

After the grueling first exercise, I finally started handing out the Script to the respective recruits.

And as they were given their rightful tome of guidance, I stood poised in front with my heart on a speech.

"Each of you might wonder that you're merely handing out your own leash to a different owner, migrating to a firmer nest on a taller tree, or feeling like your future has been robbed by the hands of an enigmatic fairy in an unknown land.

"But none of these matter if your cold hand reaches the knob of your death door first." My voice echoed throughout the bastion with an unprecedented urge to command, lead, and tell the forbidden fruit, something that would never happen if this Bastion only consisted of me, Verina, and Kuzunoha.

"Unlike many in this world, my existence will be the catalyst of everything that your life is going to offer. .net

"Even if one of you somehow escaped from my ordination, you will still be binded to me the moment you lurched a single glance into the content of the book I gave all of you."

Back then, I pondered if I should introduce these books as a mere book of guidance or with the name that was already designated by Carcosa itself, but now, I was sure of my own answer.

"The books in your hands are sacred, and they are not a mere vessel for knowledge," I continued with a smile after I saw my bumbling recruits were listening to this sermon-like speech with attentious expression. "Those are the King In Yellow's Scripts, scriptures of souls, allowing you to glimpse into your future-self, if you consume and follow its words with devoted hearts.

"Their contents are tailored to every individual in front of me, so it is imperative to know that each individual is different from one another. And so is the fertility of their potential and method of self-cultivation.

"From now on, those Scripts are yours to own. Meaning, you must take care of the Scripts, maintain them, protect them, and cherish them yourself.

"I will care nary of the thing that happened to the Scripts from this moment and onward, since now it already found itself in the possession of others. I won't give any of you a replacement for the Script either, so think carefully about how you want to approach your own path.

"Now, I will dismiss everyone into break, and I want everyone to gather here again in 40 minutes." I finished it off with a gentle closed-eyes smile, sealing this deal with a proof of trust none of them would shoot their crossbow at me when my sight was null. "Have a safe and amicable time."

As the recruits slowly dispersed, clutching their newly bestowed Scripts, I took a lazy deep breath, fixing my 'mask' as they retreated.

The silence that followed my speech lingered in the air, thick with the tension of uncertainty and the faint crackle of arcane energy hovering around the Scripts.

As I turned back towards my cabin, I caught a glimpse of Verina leaning casually against the wooden post by the entrance, arms folded, her violet eyes watching me with an amused glint.

Kuzunoha stood beside her, one hand resting on the hilt of her parasol, her expression was something akin to an owner of a casino that knows she will win regardless of the things unfolding.

"They're taking it well," Verina commented, pushing herself off the post as I approached. "Though I do wonder how long before they start to question the true nature of those Scripts."

"Let them question," I replied, waving a hand dismissively. "It's part of the process. Doubt, curiosity, belief—it all feeds into what I'm building."

Kuzunoha gave a soft chuckle, twirling her parasol lazily. "Oh, darling, you've outdone yourself this time. The King In Yellow's Scripts." She let out an exaggerated sigh. "How very dramatic. I could almost see the recruits' souls trembling as you spoke."

Verina glanced at her, trying to arc a brow. "I think they were more confused than trembling. But they'll figure it out eventually."

"Confusion is the first step towards enlightenment," I said, amused by the fact that my two friends were more skeptical of the Script than those I gave it to. "They'll come to understand their roles in due time.

Kuzunoha leaned in slightly, her closed parasol tapping the ground softly. "And you, Verina? You never told me if you wanted a Script of your own." Her tone was playful, but I could hear the underlying challenge in it.

Verina's expression was indifferent, deadpan as usual, though I could tell she was mildly intrigued. "I don't need a Script. I already know my purpose."

"And yet," Kuzunoha continued, her voice dripping with amusement, "you're still curious. I can see it in your eyes."

Verina rolled those very eyes, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. She turned to me, one finger raised. "You're really going to let me read one of those King In Yellow's Scripts, aren't you?"

I smiled, reaching into my waist pouch and pulling out a single, untouched volume. It was a copy of one that was meant for Amelia. "This one's for you to take a look at. But firstly, let's go inside."

Verina's eyes narrowed slightly, but she reached out and took the Script, her fingers brushing the embossed cover.

We entered my cabin and continued our small meeting inside the dining hall, in which Verina started to appraise the content within the Script that I produced.

She flipped it open to the first page, scanning the text quickly. As her eyes moved over the words, her expression shifted—subtly at first, then more pronounced.

She also seemed to notice the arcane influence that was concocted by Kuzunoha, giving her the big picture of what the Script was meant to be.

"This…" she murmured, her voice trailing off as she flipped through more of the pages. "The writing is clear, yet hinting at many different things… The layers of deception in this… it's incredible." She glanced up at me, her expression unreadable. "Even without the arcane influence, this is masterful writing!"

I smirked. "Glad you appreciate it. It's designed to guide, subtly persuade, and bind the reader to the ideals within. The arcane enhancements just amplify what's already there."

Kuzunoha stepped closer, peering over Verina's shoulder at the Script. It seemed that she hadn't checked much of the Script that was written for Amelia. "Oh, darling, you've really outdone yourself. I can feel the pull just standing near it." She paused, her tone turning sarcastic. "Remind me to never let you write my fake biography. I might start believing it."

Verina snapped the book shut, her expression became more thoughtful. "It's dangerous," she said quietly. "In the hands of someone more susceptible, this could twist their very perception of reality.

"Even then, I can see that it's paced out to be read like a snack between activities. You write it as if you're telling a story of each of the recruits.

"Even without the arcane influence, this alone should be enough to shake the foundation of what this book can truly mean to them."

"That's the point," I replied with a grin. I couldn't help but feel proud to see that my adorable Verina understood everything that I want to achieve with the Script. "They need to believe. Not just in me, but in the world I'm building for them. The Scripts are a tool to ensure that belief stays strong."

Kuzunoha let out a soft laugh, her parasol spinning lazily in her hand. We were inside, why does she always have the urge to play with her umbrella? "How very benevolent of you. Binding your followers' minds to your will with such… grace."

I shot her a glance, half-amused. "It's not about control, Kuzunoha. It's about guidance. They need something strong and important to them to follow, and I'm giving them the direction they've lacked."

Verina, still holding the Script, glanced between us. "And here I thought Kuzunoha was the manipulative one."

"Oh, I am," Kuzunoha said with a teasing grin. "But our darling here is playing on a whole different level!"

I chuckled, leaning back against my seat. "I'm just doing what needs to be done."

The atmosphere around the table was light, despite the weighty conversation. It was always like this with the three of us—sharp words, playful jabs, but an unspoken understanding that we were all ironically working towards the same goal.

Despite the sarcasm and sass, there was trust here, surprisingly—an odd camaraderie forged through mutual respect for each other's abilities, and my existence as the anchor for their interest to stay beside me, heh.

It was amazing how being utterly awe-striking and adorable managed me to ensnare two of the most potential-filled individuals I've met in this world.

I remember that I was quite the handsome individual back then when I was still a man with the name of Lothair, but my charm had never landed me something that was close to this opportune development with Verina and Kuzunoha.

And in the future, Lupina, since we planned to hunt for a Theotech Vessel for her, and also chain her to us in the process of procuring yet another powerful individual to our bastion.

Hmm, I feel a little bad for Lupina, since she missed some of the interesting things that happen without her conscious presence here.

Verina finally set the Script down on the table, her violet eyes meeting mine. "I'll admit, I'm impressed. You went far and beyond to ensure that those new guys will be chained to us.

"Though, if I were in your shoes, I would prefer more… direct approach."

Kuzunoha chuckled, her closed parasol now resting against her shoulder. "Of course you do. You always were a bit of a blunt instrument."

Verina shot her a glare, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes, not the same kind of animosity that she emitted on their first meeting. "And you're a walking contradiction."

"Oh, dearie, we've established that already," Kuzunoha said with a wave of her hand. "But sarcasm aside, this little project of Narcissus' is fascinating. I'm almost tempted to take one of these Scripts myself and put hours upon hours of analysts on how her fascinating consciousness work~"

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were more into chaos than structure."

Kuzunoha gave me a coy smile. "Oh, I am. But sometimes, watching the strings being pulled is just as entertaining as cutting them~"

Verina chuckled. "I suppose we'll see how well the new folks handle their newfound responsibilities. Or if they even realize the depths of the manipulation at play."

"They won't," I said, my tone matter-of-fact. "Not yet, at least. But they'll follow. And that's all that matters."

Kuzunoha gave a mock sigh of admiration. "Such a benevolent dictator you are, Narcissus~ Truly, the one and only woman who had already plan the career and achievement of someone 50 years ahead~"

I playfully sneered. "I prefer the term 'visionary'."

Verina shook her head, chuckling softly. "Call it whatever you like. Just don't forget that sometimes, even the most carefully laid plans can unravel."

"That's half the fun, isn't it?" Kuzunoha dismissed Verina's point with a wave of a hand.

There was also another reason why I meticulously prepared these Scripts for these recruits.

My pride couldn't handle me losing anyone who fought under my order.