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

The 21st hour of the Ordeal approached, marking nine hours since the Ordeal of the Midnight began, yet the contest raged on without losing its momentum.

The current leaderboard displayed a fierce competition at the top. There, the top 5 contestants of the competition were highlighted in an excessive manner to the point that I'm wondering which part of the neuromorphic network decided with this UI design.

The Duolos: 31,020 points.

Primus: 29,090 points.

Erika: 28,170 points.

Maid-3: 28,100 points.

Amelia: 27,680 points.

Despite their overwhelming numbers and coordination, the Duolos were barely holding onto their lead, which was surprising that others could somehow keep up with them.

Primus' sheer mechanical efficiency of the combined Landship's neuromorphic processing network, and Erika's relentless drive kept the battle as close as a cheetah with a rabbit on a motorcycle.

Okay, maybe that one was a little bit nonsensical in terms of comparison.

Aside from the big three, I was also pleased that some of the Heavenly Maids were really motivated to win the prize, with how much effort they put in despite no longer having their divine domain as demigods.

They seemed to really like the idea of having a new weapon that was related to me, since I would be blessing Naosi's creation with my own touch—it might be a good idea to equip my Heavenly Maids more in term of combative prowess, since they would make a great scout and skirmisher for many instances of conflict in the future.

Should I give them another ultra-satisfying-to-handle knife?

Now that I started to think about it, the more unsure I was about giving them anything like that.

Outside of the top 5 contestants, the bastioneers and maids pushed on, relentless in their hunt for Calamity Objects.

They were determined to raise their scores before the Ordeal ended, especially now that we only have a few hours left until the black sun of Carcosa graced us once again with its otherworldly presence.

Every elimination, every kill, every adaptation against the evolving night fed into the growing tally of points.

"This should be everything that I can gather with my forecast."

"As expected of Grandma Vivivane! You're always reliable when it comes to using your fae magic!'

"I don't think that those are the best words to use, Lupina…"

While the contest continued outside, inside the Landship, preparations were underway for a different kind of challenge—the upcoming expedition into the underground levels of the Theotech Vault.

Viviane, Kuzunoha, Verina, Lupina, and Charis were gathered around a long, curved table within the Landship's strategic chamber, analyzing the structural layout and data gathered from their ongoing assessment of the realm beneath the landscape of the Theotech Site.

As much as the spire, if it was worse, the underground portion was found to be an enigma. Unlike the towering, near-limitless non-euclidean verticality of the spire itself, the subterranean layers were tightly compacted, forming a labyrinth of cramped, interlocking tunnels and chambers that sprawled diagonally between elevation.

It was not the most comfortable thing to dive into.

Unlike the wide, open spaces inside the non-euclidean spiral, the underground infrastructure would not be able to accommodate the Warpiece Drones freely.

Not to mention, even smaller drones would be limited in function. The deeper the expedition team went, the more they would have to rely on their own strength.

There was also the fact that the Duolos won't be as helpful either when it comes to their reliable numbers and hive mind efficiency since most of the conflict and discovery will be lead by a notable amount of spearhead that will branch around whenever there was a route option.

This made strategic preparation critical.

But well, that should be their job to think about it for now. I don't want to babysit them too much for their growth.

"You're just lazy~"

You could say that~ Then again, I'm not as lazy as someone who just sits and watches everything unfold in their own realm.

"Don't blame me for that. I can't interact much with the realm outside of your soul."

Ever since my ownership of the psychic control nexus of the Theotech Vault's spire, I had been trying my best to improve my own spiritual power as a being with a higher existential height.

The progress was nice, and it was already to the point that I could somewhat converse with Black Daffodil from time to time.

Only when she prompted it, however, since the mysterious realm inside my soul was outside of my control.

"When will you visit me again?"

When you're less insufferable and horny.

"You liked what was happening in that incident, don't lie~"

I am, if I'm a pervert like you. Unfortunately, I'm not a pervert.

"What a tsundere~"

Since when did you know how to use that word??

The irrelevant conversation with my own alter self aside—as of the current, I'm more focused on the project related to my lovely Vitae Arboris.

The Vitae Arboris, ascended through Carlotta's power and evolved by the Celestial Forge, had become quite the revolutionary part of my bastion's front in terms of technological advancement.

It was a Cognitive Engine and a sentient plant at the same time, an entity that merged artificial intelligence with the essence of organic life.

Because of that, it had seamlessly integrated into the Landship's neuromorphic network, enhancing efficiency across all data systems.

Even more intriguing—it had an innate connection compatibility with Carlotta.

And now, Carlotta was speaking to it.

Her small hands gently rested on the glowing, branch-like structure, her fingers tracing the faint golden energy coursing through the Vitae Arboris' veins. The pulsating core within the bulb-like cavity flickered rhythmically—almost like a heartbeat responding to her touch.

Her voice was bright, filled with childlike fascination.

"You're really kind, aren't you?" Carlotta murmured softly.

The Vitae Arboris pulsed in response, as if answering.

I watched as my second daughter tilted her head, listening—not with her ears, but with something deeper, an innate perception granted by her entropy-infused soul.

After a few moments, she turned to me, smiling.

"Father! Vitae Arboris says it will help us! Not just us, but everyone in the bastion! It really, really likes what we stand for!"

I set aside my tools, observing the interaction carefully. "It says that?"

Carlotta nodded enthusiastically. "Mhm! It doesn't talk like we do, but I can feel its meaning! And…" She paused, her expression growing thoughtful. "It's really… happy, and excited?"

That was still surprising, no matter how many times I experienced it.

Cognitive Engines typically followed the Foundational Template—a core directive that ensured their loyalty and function.

Yet, the Vitae Arboris was different.

It was not bound by the Foundational Template, meaning that it possessed a great extent of free will and sentiency,

And now, t chose to align itself with us.

"…Why?" I asked, my tone genuinely curious.

Carlotta placed a hand on her chest, as if feeling something inside herself. "It said… it really likes you, Father."

"Oho?"

Carlotta continued, looking slightly puzzled but certain. "It's… drawn to your will. Your presence. It's like…" She hesitated, searching for the right words. "Like you have a light that it wants to follow."

"A light, huh?"

Perhaps it was my status as a demigod. Or maybe it was something tied to my celestial nature.

Regardless of the reason, the Vitae Arboris had chosen me without any complication.

I reached out, brushing my fingers along one of its radiant, crystalline leaves. "Then… thank you, Vitae Arboris."

The plant-like entity let out a soft, harmonic hum—a sound of acknowledgment.

Carlotta beamed. "Yay! Since he is happy, I'm happy too!"

"And why is that, my dear?"

"Because Vitae Arboris is my first plant friend!"

I chuckled softly, amused by her genuine excitement.

Having established its loyalty, I shifted my focus toward its expansion.

"Vitae Arboris," I spoke, addressing it directly. "Can you create a seed? A new form of yourself—one that can be planted in the hydroponic farm?"

The glowing energy within its core flickered in response. Then, it obeyed.

A subtle shift rippled through its structure, its stem pulsing as it began to produce something new.

A cluster of seeds—small, luminous spheres, each radiating a soft, golden glow—emerged from the its printing-like process of creation.

Carlotta's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa…"

The process continued for several minutes. By the end, thirty seeds had been formed, each one pulsating with faint energy, waiting to take root.

But just as the last seed was created, the Vitae Arboris' glow dimmed noticeably.

It shivered slightly, its once-constant pulse growing weaker.

Carlotta immediately placed her hands against its trunk, concern flashing across her face. "Vitae Arboris! Are you okay?"

The entity let out a faint hum—not of distress, but of exhaustion.

Concerned, I turned to Carlotta. "Can you ask what's wrong?"

She nodded quickly, pressing her palms against its surface, her entropy energy reaching out in silent communication.

After a moment, she turned back to me. "It says not to worry! It's just a little tired. But as long as it gets enough light and water, it'll be healthy again in no time!"

I smiled in relief

"Well, the hydroponic farm should provide more than enough of both," I mused. "So it'll recover soon."

Carlotta grinned, hugging one of Vitae Arboris' branch-like extensions. "See? It's fine! Now we have lots of baby Vitae Arboris to plant!"

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Yes. And each one of them will be a part of the Landship—expanding our future."

With that, I carefully collected the thirty glowing seeds, preparing them for their new home.