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

The hydroponic farm had always been one of the more tranquil spaces within the Landship, its carefully regulated environment fostering a stillness that contrasted with the constant movement elsewhere.

It was the perfect place for growth, both literal and figurative, and now it was my favorite place, only second to the kitchen.

I love the kitchen as much as I love Charis and Carlotta.

If anything happens to my kitchen…

Ehem.

Carlotta was settled comfortably in her massive pot, her luminous hair cascading over her shoulders as she watched with a beaming expression.

She couldn't move much, rooted as she was, but she didn't need to—her presence alone was enough.

"Okay," I said, rolling up my sleeves as I set the final tray of Vitae Arboris seeds down beside her. "Let's make sure your first plant friends get the best possible start."

Carlotta hummed in delight, her hands clasped together in front of her chest. "Mhm! I'll cheer them on while they grow!"

The new section of the hydroponic farm had been prepared specifically for these seeds, the soil enriched with carefully synthesized nutrients, the light above calibrated to mimic the subtle, shifting radiance of the Vitae Arboris itself.

Each seed, cradled in my palm, pulsed faintly—tiny cores of potential waiting to take root.

One by one, I placed them in the soil, pressing them gently beneath the surface.

The neuromorphic network of the Landship was already interfacing with them, tracking their composition, their internal state, and even the minute fluctuations in their energy signatures.

They weren't just seeds in their literal sense after all—they were Cognitive Engine's processors in their infancy, newborn extensions of a network that would grow and evolve along with their semi-biological physical forms.

Carlotta watched with fascination as each one disappeared into the earth, her bright eyes glowing softly. "They're so warm," she murmured. "They're happy to be here."

"I'd be concerned if they weren't," I mused, brushing the soil over the last of them. "Now we leave the rest to Vitae Arboris."

At the mention of its name, the original Vitae Arboris at the heart of the farm pulsed in response. Its radiant core flickered, a low, melodic hum reverberating through the space.

The connection had already been formed—the seeds were now part of the system, their development overseen not just by the farm itself, but by the entire neuromorphic network.

This means that they would perform the most efficient choice according to their foundational guidance and rule that I enacted, not just merely on the equipment of the hydroponic farm, but also on the seeds itself.

Carlotta let out a small giggle. "It says it'll take good care of them! It's really exciting to see them grow."

"I'm glad to hear that then~"

I dusted off my hands, satisfied with the progress.

With this, the future of food production, logistic, and possible variants was secured to a great extent.

Thirty new Vitae Arboris would soon take root, strengthening the bastion's economy and supply in a way that was not a mere vertical increase in terms of investment. Since the Vitae Arboris have the ability to be able to get instructed on the needed product variant that we wanted it to make.

And most importantly, I finally had nothing left to do.

My responsibilities, my workload—all of it had been neatly delegated, managed by the right people and systems.

Freedom.

"You look so happy, father."

"And you are on of those reason, my dear~"

"Ehehe."

The realization was so profound that I had to take a moment to savor it.

And what better way to celebrate my newfound liberation than indulging in the one thing I truly enjoyed?

Cooking.

Leaving the farm in the capable hands of Carlotta and the Vitae Arboris, I made my way back to my favorite place on the Landship.

The kitchen.

As the doors slid open, I was greeted by the comforting hum of the cooking implements, the pristine counters gleaming under the warm amber lighting. The universal MSU had already prepared itself, offering up an array of ingredients, some of which I barely recognized—no doubt a result of Kuzunoha's constant habit of slipping in new things during our restocking sessions back then.

A grin tugged at my lips.

Time to go wild.

The hours blurred together in a whirlwind of slicing, searing, and seasoning, and processing the ingredients into their cooked state with all sorts of utilities and medium available in this luxurious kitchen.

From one dish to the next, I lost myself in the rhythm of creation, my hands moving instinctively as I combined flavors, textures, and techniques from across countless cultures, while also adding my own touch of otherworldly interaction that was borderline absurd within the comprehension of a normal mind.

For Verina and Lupina, I prepared a selection of smoked and savory meats and grilled vegetables, each piece marinated in a blend of deep umami-rich seasonings that would complement her straightforward tastes.

Ah, they are also flash-marinated in a compressed vacuum of space with many of its molecular structures tinkered to fit my intended taste and experience.

Viviane's dish was a balance of contrasts—sweet, spicy, with a hint of sourness woven into a tangy broth, designed to be both bold and comforting. I basically referenced her personalized dish from a certain dish recipe called sayur asem.

Well, to be honest, Viviane was just like your typical grandma who prefers a weirder taste instead of the usual palate. To make it even more disturbing, she

Charis, of course, was given an array of sweet treats, delicate confections that melted in the mouth, their flavors rich without being overwhelming, just like what she performed throughout all sorts of treats that I made for her.

Each bastioneer had something tailored just for them, their preferences carefully accounted for.

And for everyone else—an extravagant feast.

Dishes from every imaginable background filled the counters, each plate a work of art, the sheer variety ensuring that no one would go unsatisfied.

And just like that, time slipped away.

"Aahh~ that is refreshing~!"

The moment the final dish was set onto the grand banquet table, the black sun of Carcosa began its slow ascent, casting its eerie, shimmering glow over the landscape.

The Ordeal had ended before I knew it.

And there was not a moment where I even needed to take the reign on the defense of my bastion, nor was there any moment where I was inconvenienced by the slightest.

This night's Ordeal was one of the most comforting yet.

To me, at least.

And with it, the contest reached its conclusion.

The announcement took place on the deck, with the entire bastion gathered.

Only a small number of Duolos stood in representation of their collective, their presence a mere fraction of their overwhelming numbers.

The final scores flickered to life, projected across the open deck of the Landship. The gathered bastioneers, Heavenly Maids, and Duolos stood in eager anticipation, the weight of the Ordeal finally lifted.

The contest had reached its conclusion.

Primus had secured first place with an overwhelming 60,890 points.

The Duolos followed closely, their hive-mind precision earning them 59,220 points.

And in third place, the unexpected yet well-deserved contender—Maid-3, with 58,970 points.

A murmur of excitement rippled through the gathered warriors. The Duolos had been expected to dominate, but Primus had surpassed them in the final stretch. And Maid-3's placement among the best only solidified the Heavenly Maids' growing reputation as relentless forces of war.

As the cheers subsided, I stepped forward, the three swords resting on an elevated altar beside me. Their crafted forms gleamed under the black sun's eerie glow, awaiting their destined wielders.

Charis stood at my side, hands clasped around a ceremonial sash, prepared to present each blade.

Lupina, still bitter from her inability to compete, stood near the edge of the deck, puffing her cheeks. "I should've been out there too! I'd have crushed all of you!"

Verina shot her a deadpan look. "You would've crash-landed face-first into the first Calamity Object you saw."

Lupina twitched, turning away with an exaggerated huff. "That's not true… probably."

Ignoring their bickering, I reached for the first blade. The steel hummed in my grasp, eager for the hands of its rightful owner.

First place, Primus.

The sword meant for Primus was unlike any of the others—sleek, with an intricate lattice of glowing filaments running along its length, its edge honed to impossible sharpness. It was designed for precision, for efficiency—an extension of the neuromorphic network she embodied.

Primus approached, her synthetic form moving with mechanical elegance.

I lifted the blade, pressing my palm against its flat side as I focused my divine energy. A raw wave of existential force surged from my touch, sinking deep into the sword's essence. It trembled as reality itself acknowledged its existence in a way beyond ordinary weaponry.

It wasn't much, considering my overall divine prowess, but at least it is something.

And now this sword had become some sort of divine relic related to me, essentially.

I pulled my hand away, nodding at Kuzunoha.

With a flick of her wrist, she traced an intricate sigil in the air, arcane light weaving around the sword. "A blade is only as powerful as the will of its wielder," she mused, her fox-like grin appearing. "But let's make sure this one surpasses even that."

A faint shimmer cascaded across the steel as the arcane binding settled in.

Finally, Viviane stepped forward, her orange eyes glowing as she extended a single fingertip toward the blade. The moment her magic touched it, the sword resonated—a ripple of ethereal energy washing over its frame.

"I elevate this weapon to a higher legend," she murmured. "Let it carry the weight of your battles and the promise of victory."

The blade's glow intensified, its very nature shifting under her fae enchantment. The status of the sword was no longer mere Theotech—it had become something far greater.

Charis stepped forward, lifting the sword reverently as she presented it to Primus.

With precise, calculated movements, Primus reached for the blade, her fingers wrapping around its hilt. For a moment, the neuromorphic network flickered with a surge of information—acknowledgment, recognition, synchronization.

A perfect fit.

"This unit expresses gratitude," Primus said, dipping her head slightly.

I smiled. "It's yours now. Wield it well."

Second Place, the Duolos.

The Duolos had no singular entity to claim the second sword, so instead, a single representative stepped forward—commanding in the way an individual might be, since their appearances are cute, but rather as an extension of the collective.

Their blade was more brutal in design—designed for adaptability, its core housing modular capabilities that could shift in response to battlefield data. A weapon of relentless efficiency, just like its wielders.

Again, I placed my hand on the weapon's surface, pushing a condensed force of existential blessing into its very fabric. The Duolos did not operate on faith or emotion, but they understood power. And this was power.

Kuzunoha followed, her arcane threads latching onto the sword like living veins. "You're already terrifyingly efficient in combat operation," she mused. "Let's make sure you stay that way."

The weapon's structure adjusted, its modular capabilities enhanced even further, reacting in real time to Kuzunoha's enhancements.

Finally, Viviane exhaled softly, running her fingers along its edge. "The Duolos shall not rely on legend," she said, "but a legend will form around you regardless, for you shall not fail your favor."

A subtle glow enveloped the weapon, cementing its place among artifacts that would be remembered.

Charis presented the sword, her small hands steady as she looked up at the Duolos representative.

Without hesitation, the figure reached out, taking hold of the weapon. The moment it touched his grasp, the collective flickered in acknowledgment, their neural presence resonating through the Landship's network.

"Acknowledged," the Duolos representative stated, "This blade will serve as an extension of mother's and big sister's will, for we shall evolve into a greater height."

Ah, right, I still somehow haven't fixed that.

Third Place, Maid-3.

The last sword was surprisingly the most intricate of them all, delicate yet deadly, its form crafted with a blend of elegance and lethality. It was made for speed, for agility—traits that defined the Heavenly Maids.

Maid-3 stepped forward, standing at perfect attention. Unlike the Duolos and Primus, there was no calculated precision to her stance—only the unwavering discipline of a former demigoddess ready to claim her prize.

I rested my palm against the blade, exhaling as I channeled my blessing into it. The metal gleamed, solidifying its presence in the world in a way that defied logic.

Kuzunoha followed, her magic weaving into its core. "Swift and decisive," she said. "Let's make sure your strikes never falter."

The blade's weight adjusted, perfectly balanced, as if anticipating its wielder's movements before they happened.

Viviane placed the finishing touch, her magic settling over it like a gentle rain. "A weapon worthy of those who fight with grace," she murmured. "Relentless in pursuit, you shall raise the image of your many selves."

The sword pulsed in response.

Charis handed it over, her expression glowing with admiration.

Maid-3 took it with careful hands, her grip firm. She bowed deeply. "For our Lady of the Bastion, I shall wield this with honor!"

The rest of the Heavenly Maids cheered in unison, overwhelming the rest of the crowd with how happy and excited they are for one of them to represent them on the podium.

Lupina, who had been watching with an expression of increasing frustration, suddenly let out an exaggerated wail.

"THIS IS SO UNFAIR! I WANT A COOL SWORD TOO!"

Verina barely held back a snort. "Then maybe don't be an idiot next time."

Lupina stomped her foot. "I WASN'T EVEN ALLOWED TO COMPETE! THAT DOESN'T COUNT!"

"Life is full of disappointment," Kuzunoha chimed in with a sly grin. "This is just the first of many for you, little fledgling~"

Lupina groaned, flopping onto the deck in sheer dramatics as her tears fell to the floor.

A moment of peace in Carcosa's ever-turning cycle of madness.

More interestingly, Erika was absent from the top three.

I glanced toward her, only to find her standing off to the side, looking entirely unbothered, her usual fervent energy undimmed.

"Seriously, Erika? You were at third place and you let yourself get kicked off the podium? I expected more from the Radiant One's most devoted zealot."

Erika didn't even flinch. Instead, she turned to Sera with an expression so utterly serene it bordered on unsettling.

"As long as I can see Her Radiance again," she said, her voice almost reverent, "That is enough."

Sera blinked. "…You're hopeless."

I shook my head, amused despite myself.

Still, there was the matter of why she had dropped in ranking.

Apparently, she had vanished for an hour without anyone noticing, which had given those below her just enough time to surpass her score.

When questioned, Erika had simply stated that she had been pulled into another dimension by a Calamity Object with some form of gimmick.

She had, of course, proceeded to kill it and return unharmed.

Just in case, Kuzunoha, Viviane, and the neuromorphic network had conducted a thorough checkup.

No abnormalities, thankfully.

She was still the same Erika—zealous, unwavering, and bound to me by that faint, incomprehensible divine connection.

I really don't want to be in a scenario where one of my most-zealous followed was suddenly replaced by some sort of doppelganger or anything horrifying that was within the realm of possibilities.

With that settled, there was only one thing left to do. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

The feast.

As the banquet began, the tension of the past hours melted away. Laughter and conversation filled the air, plates were piled high, and for a brief moment in Carcosa's unrelenting night, there was nothing but warmth and celebration.

A well-earned reprieve.