Edea: Hero Summoning Conspiracy

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As the time for the marksman competition neared, Kazuya spent more time in the Kurogane residence. Despite Tenma and Shishio's hopes that Kazuya was preferring his identity as a Kurogane rather than being a Kouzuki, Kazuya had other reasons for staying in the residence.

Kazuya spent his time training his skills and practicing with the different types of guns that were involved in the competition. This made the Kuroganes satisfied as they were unaware that they were under being observed by Kazuya despite their eyes being on him.

His routine would be composed of training. The people who were still unconvinced about Kazuya observed him to find anything suspicious. This made Kazuya spend a lot of time in the familiar game which he slowly had little time of over the years. It was only when the people keeping an eye on him saw Kazuya playing a game like a regular person, they were relieved.

"(This enigma had something he did that matched his age.)" they all thought.

Kazuya of course didn't spend most of his free time playing his online game without a reason. His access to the network enabled Ika to freely get whatever information he could on the network. This was Kazuya's primary reason for staying in the Kurogane residence for the time being. Though he already knew that Shishio and Tenma were up to something, Kazuya had no idea what it was.

There had only been a few movements made by them recently. Surprisingly, suspicious actions have been made by Kurogane Shishio himself. According to Ika's observations, Kurogane Shishio had been very keen on sending gifts to Kouzuki Kyouko for the past few weeks without even trying to hide this fact.

"[Do You think that Kurogane Shishio wants to get back together with his ex now that his wife is dead?]" Ika's message made Kazuya's eyebrow twitch.

Unaware of Kazuya's true identity, Ika respected his boss for being able to infiltrate the enemy fortress. He was quite worried the first time Kazuya informed him that he would have the opportunity to dig deeper as he was going to access the network himself. It did not occur to Ika that Kazuya was an inside employee because the only people that were allowed to stay in the main house of the Kurogane clan were the trusted and loyal branch members of the family.

"[That's just an excuse so he wouldn't be suspected. With how Kurogane Shishio is, I doubt that their plan is something so simple.]" Kazuya didn't like the idea of Shishio coming onto his mother but there was nothing he could do at the moment. He would risk his current good relations with the Kuroganes if he had shown his rejection towards the idea of his parents getting back together.

"[I can't find anything regarding to any kind of plan against her. All I can see are different kinds of arrangements that Kouzuki Kyouko seem to have a liking to.]" Ika reported.

"[Same here. Just keep an eye out.]" Kazuya ended the conversation and unlocked the function on his character to block all incoming messages.

[Void Android: Boss! You're finally done lurking?]

Kazuya immediately got a message from the acting leader of the group since he stepped down from most of the matters regarding the game.

[Winter Fog: I'm surprised you've been paying attention to the game. Don't you have work to do?]

[Void Android: Whose fault is it to be almost unreachable in person? This is the only place where most of us get to see your shadow.]

[Winter Fog: Is there anything I particular you need me for?]

[Void Android: Mist has been looking for you for a while. You would be away when she tries to talk or you'd just block all messages.]

[Winter Fog: Is there anything important?]

Autumn Mist had been in charge of some matters regarding their guild since she was one of the few people that weren't employed by him. There were other family members of the trusted employees that were allowed to enter the guild so they looked to Autumn when most of the employees of Kazuno Tech were too busy to play the game.

With Autumn's presence, most of the activities and other guild related matters became her responsibility. Kazuya was already aware that she was capable of such things because he knew her from his previous life even when Autumn couldn't believe the amount of responsibility and trust given to her. She knew that Winter Fog was younger than her in real life so she took up the challenge to lead their group while most of the main members had become too busy with their jobs.

[Void Android: She said that there was someone who wanted to talk to you personally before joining the guild. It peaked my interest when she said that it was someone you had your eye on when we were still forming the guild so I discussed a few things with him.]

Kazuya was a little surprised. He always thought that he would have to approach SummerBreeze first. It looked like the seed he planted when started bearing fruit. If there hadn't been any effect on his interference in the past, Summer Breeze would have already taken the path to inventing many things that would revolutionize the technology of the next few years.

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[Winter Fog: What do you think of him?]

Kazuya's grinned. Void Android and Summer Breeze were the two people he wanted to collaborate with the most. With these two working together, he would finally be able to step down from interfering too much with the future of the company. As long as things went smoothly with these two, The future of Mei and Kyouko's companies would be unshakable.

[Void Android: He's a genius! His research even compliments most of the incomplete work you've presented for the past few years! It was like they were waiting for this person to complete them! I don't' really know why you've waited until now to recruit this person to our company!]

Kazuya couldn't help but give a dry laugh as he could feel this passionate scientist's excitement through his typing. What Void didn't know was that it was his boss that was more excited about this than anyone. The two people he looked up to the most in his previous life working together was a dream that he never knew would work out even in this life. Kazuya was truly happy that everything was going in the right direction.

[Winter Fog: Is he with Autumn?]

[Void Android: I still haven't informed the miss that you've opened your communications. They are currently in a dungeon right now.]

[Winter Fog: Wait for them to finish before telling her. You know how Autumn gets when she gets distracted.]

Kazuya moved his character towards the markets to buy some supplies so he could craft a few things while he waited.

While their guild had caused quite the storm when New Gods Online first got released. They were eventually surpassed by the competitive and professionals that focused on nothing but the game. The guild Winter Fog established was among the guilds that were legendary, but they slowly faded from the spotlight as the main members focused on their jobs.

[Void Android: I don't know if I should tell you about this or not but there has been an issue that's been a little troublesome. This is a matter that has nothing to do with our jobs but rather the game.]

[Winter Fog: A game related matter?]

Kazuya was a little curious because it wasn't like Void to try and talk to him about an issue like this. He would just resolve it as he saw fit so opening up something like this meant that this genius was troubled by this concern.

[Void Android: Are you familiar with the 'Yamata no Orochi' guild?]

Who wouldn't be familiar with this guild? Even in Kazuya's previous life, the casual adventuring group Kazuya had been in heard tales of these people. The guild itself was named after a legendary serpent that was said to be a dragon.

The most interesting part about this guild was that they were made up of different types of people that originally had no relation with each other. There was only one thing that gathered them all in one guild; they all had troublesome personalities.

[Winter Fog: What about them?]

[Void Android: They have been harassing the little miss and the group of players she plays with when we are not around. Autumn Mist didn't want to let us know but I was in their party recently when they tried to harass her so I found out that it had been going on for a while.]

Kazuya was a little troubled. Why would that guild take actions against the players from their guild? They have been falling farther away from the spotlight as they were no longer as active in the game as they used to be because of their schedules.

[Winter Fog: Let me guess, Autumn didn't want me finding out about it?]

[Void Android: Right.I also didn't want to involve you but I don't think it can be resolved without you making a move yourself.]

[Winter Fog: Me?]

[Void Android: They are harassing the little miss because they want to get to you. Looks like they're planning on making your and the guild's reputation as a stepping stone.]

[Winter Fog: I see…]

The guild 'Midnight Wanderers' was synonymous to the name 'Winter Fog' because at the start of NGO, they pioneered the most challenging parts of the game. Winter Fog had been someone who was known in the past as an invincible player whose parties knew no failures. The most incredible part about all of it was that aside from Winter Fog himself who was a relatively unknown player in the first place, every person of his guild was known as either a casual player or an average player that had no past achievements.

Kazuya immediately understood the intentions of the Yamata no Orochi guild. The Midnight Wanderers were still relatively famous even as they were slowly getting left behind. Before they completely lost their fame, the individual players who were known to be troublesome wanted to make use of Winter Fog's reputation to put them on par with the current leading guilds.

[Void Android: Do you know how we can stop them from bothering our members?]

Though Void android had been busy and focused on his responsibilities at work, he still valued the game because this was the place where his and the original staff members' fates changed. They all had the game somewhere in their hearts so this was where they would spend most of their free time.

[Winter Fog: What else? I'll just give them what they're looking for (・｀ω´・) ]

Matsumoto Kippei who was behind the screen couldn't help but tremble after reading Kazuya's message. He felt a little sorry for the guild that only wanted to compete against the leading players. Kazuya personally making a move was like an assurance that those against them would only end up regretting on choosing their guild as a stepping stone. This was how much confidence Void Android had towards his boss.

Though they still haven't met in person after all the time they've known each other, Kippei was glad that he took the risk and trusted this mysterious boss of his. Throughout their years of knowing each other, Kazuya had given him the trust and respect that he never got but always sought from his peers.

Many people wanted to meet Kazuya but they all assumed that he was reluctant to appear before them because Kazuya was much younger than them. After all, he openly told everyone that he was still a student.

[Void Android: I'll go and see if I can find out where they are right now…]

As Kazuya finished spending more than he expected on the player markets, he immediately started crafting equipment that he could use to battle on his current level. Kazuya had been used to wearing his casual crafting gear so he never thought about making himself another set of equipment until it was time for one of their guild events.

"With this patch, I guess I'll go with the drake bone armor at my level." Kazuya quickly set the ingredients the equipment set which no crafter has been able to discover via independent crafting yet.

While it was true that a single individual like Winter Fog had yet to leave the names of famous people in the game, what people did not know was that this was not because of his previous records or achievements. This was mainly because of his current achievements as one of the highest sought after crafters in the game.

When Winter Fog stepped away from the battle stage, his levels were gained through the assiduous process of crafting. With his advanced knowledge about the game, combined with his casual and general playstyle in the past, Winter Fog was able to make use of what he learned about the game in his past life. The person who was once known as the main pioneer of the unexplored regions now became a pioneer for the underestimated crafting professions.

[Void Android: Boss… I found some of their main members.]

A message came through as Kazuya checked his parameters after equipping the nostalgic set that his character used to wear. Though his character basically looked the same as he did in his past life, the parameters were vastly different as he had gained a lot of advantages because of the knowledge he brought with him.

[Winter Fog: Where?]

[Void Android: They somehow learned which dungeon the little miss is doing so they are waiting for her.]

Void took a few moments before deciding to input send his message. If there was one thing he learned about Kazuya, it was that he was extremely overprotective of the people that were on his side. While he might have been careful to the point that they didn't know how to get his trust, once they were considered under his wing, Kazuya would do what he can to protect them.

This was especially shown back when the employees were targeted a few years ago. They all heard from the CEO that their added security was an order from the only one she answered to. Even while he had them sign, what they referred to as the 'devil's contract', they could all still feel the concern that this big boss showed towards the people of the company.

[Winter Fog: I'm on my way. How is Autumn's progress on the dungeon?]

[Void Android: They said that they were at the last part. They should be done by the time we get there]

[Winter Fog: Why are you going as well? Don't you have more work to do?]

[Void Android: Their leader isn't present so maybe I can diffuse the situation. They're still a relatively big guild so we have to come up with a solution since we won't be able to protect the little miss and her friends 24/7!]

Kazuya paused after he heard that. Kippei's reminder made sense because Winter Fog himself and the main force could take care of most of these harassers but they didn't have as much time as the players who did this for a living. He calmed himself and smiled bitterly. Kazuya scolded himself for letting his temper get the best of him just because he knew he could take care of these people.

Though Kazuya had the confidence to crush them, this was a game and they could respawn after all. He knew that this was most likely the reason why his help was needed. Simply killing these fools would just make them come back for more.

"A way to make cockroaches like them who never disappear not come near the guild members…." Kazuya smiled bitterly because simply killing them in the fantasy-like world in the game was not enough.

[Winter Fog: Don't worry. I know what you mean.]

Kazuya sent the message as soon as they met up at the forest near the dungeon where Autumn Mist, SummerBreeze and his party just completed. They were a little late in their arrival as they saw Autumn Mist already losing her temper in front of the men who were surrounding the dungeon they just completed.

This was a dungeon they cleared for SummerBreeze. He had been away from the game for too long that he had a lot of catching up to do. Autumn Mist and SummerBreeze got along relatively well so it wasn't a problem for her to reconnect with this returning friend and taking him along the other players who have joined their guild. She remembered Winter Fog telling her that the time for him to be recruited will be once he came back. To her surprise, SummerBreeze made the first move and contacted her so that she could arrange for Winter and him to meet up.

[Void Android: I'll talk to them first boss]

Looking at the situation, Void Android moved before sending the message to his boss. He was afraid that Kazuya would start slaughtering them after he saw the agitated messages Autumn were sending in public chat. Kazuya used a cloak skill that was granted to him by an accessory and hid himself so that he could observe the situation.

Seeing Void Android coming closer didn't agitate the members of Yamata no Orochi. Rather, they were glad that this person who was known to be Winter Fog's right hand man had appeared because of Autumn Mist. They immediately sent word to their guild master that their mission had progressed.

[Autumn Mist: What are you doing here Void?]

[Void Android: I came to pick you up. 'He' is currently available and I told him about meeting with SummerBreeze-san over here.]

[Autumn Mist: Really!? That annoying guy! He should have just told me himself! (¬_¬) ]

[Void Android: Boss didn't want to distract you from leading the party.]

[Autumn Mist: That's not making me feel any better!]

Autumn Mist was probably a big reason why SummerBreeze had no problem asking to meet with Kazuya. This girl was as honest and straightforward when they met a few years ago. It surprised SummerBreeze when he was told that Winter had taken an interest in him but judged that it was not time for him to be recruited by them just yet.

[Atroxxaz: It looks like you people don't know the situation you're in.]

One of the armored members surrounding the group took a step forward.

[Mercury Overlord: Why don't you just call your guild master and hand us the girl?]

[NaTuRaL Muscle: want to see me flex my muscle girly? Come let me steal you from your boss]

[Blackie-chan: Settle down guys and remember the mission…]

[Kaki-K: Tsk! Screw you little black! You just don't want her because she isn't a little girl!]

The five captains of the Yamata no Orochi guild were known for their rowdiness whenever they were together. Though they were skilled, they were very much infamous for their troublesome and unique personalities.

[Void Android: Do you really have to do this? There are other and better ways of doing things that will be better for your guild.]

[NaTuRaL Muscle: Don't tell me what to do or I'll stalk you and steal everything you want before you get it! We have our own way of doing things, so you either do it or I'll steal everything you want before you get it and I'll parade it around you and make you suffer!]

Kippei couldn't help but sigh. This person really did suit his thief job class. If they weren't a clear indication that these people belonged to a guild, anyone would label them as bandits.

[Blackie-chan: Then Void-san, can you call your guild master and ask him to come here? This is a better way of resolving this right?]

Autumn Mist and her party couldn't help but send whispers to each other as this specific captain tried to act coy. It was obvious that he was using a male character but acting all cute in his little boy avatar made them shiver. Did this guy really think that they were stupid?

Kazuya on the other hand was gathering information on the game forums. He needed to know more about these people and how to deal with them more efficiently. The more he found out about them, the more he thought about how it was amazing that such a bunch were able to form a guild that was ranked decently.

[Void Android: It looks like no amount of reasoning will convince you.]

Finally losing his patience, Void Android decided to give up on negotiation. He already saw a slithering mount coming closer and he recognized the person who was riding on it.

[Nyan-E: Just let us kill Winter Fog and it will all be over.]

Aside from the captains, the guild members stepped aside and made way for this arrogant character. Void Android felt an even bigger headache coming to him because from all the members of this guild, this was definitely the most unreasonable scumbag of the bunch.

[Autumn Mist: Beat Winter? With just you guys? (¬_¬) ]

Autumn immediately responded. This person really ticked her off the most.

[Nyan-E: If you believe in him so much then why don't you call him here? We won't have to go to all this trouble if he just shows himself.]

Autumn tried to hold back her rage. Every player who knew Winter Fog was aware that he had taken a step back from the main stage and focused on crafting. These people are shamelessly making it sound like they're looking for a fair fight. Though Autumn believed in Winter Fog, she also understood that these people wont stop messing with them until they get what they wanted.

[Autumn Mist: I'll personally ask him to take care of you bunch of scum with eighth grade syndrome!]

[Nyan-E: Call him here right now. We have time to spare]

They had no plans of letting Autumn and her party leave. Nyan-E was willing to have people guard this place if they were desperate enough to just log out to escape. Since NGO had limited the capability of teleportation items, they were currently stuck at the entrance of their dungeon.

[Autumn Mist: All of you are nothing but a bunch of sneks [NEEDSEMOJI]! Yamata no Orochi? Pu! Don't make me laugh! You're all just wanna be dragons!]

Nyan-E and the captains were obviously enraged. They named their guild after the eight headed dragon serpent that was famous. They believed that with a full party made of 8 captains, They would be able to stand amongst the strongest of the game.

[Fishounen: Boss! Check the world chat!]

Before the captains could do anything, they were reminded by their members who were paying attention to the public chats for information.

"[Winter Fog: As all of you currently watching my game stream can see, these people have been harassing my guild members so that they could challenge me, who now focused on crafting so that they could boost their reputation.]"

"[Winter Fog: I've posted a replay of this video on my game profile in the forums so everyone can see just how desperate and shameless these people are.]"

"[Winter Fog: I'll accept the challenge of this 'little snek' guild on one condition…]"

"[Winter Fog: I want him the player to stream not only his gameplay but also the person in question as they play. This way, there would be no doubt about substitutes and whatever excuse a shameless person can think of.]"

The last part was some mischief Kazuya thought of. Though he hadn't met these people in his previous life, their notoriety had reached regular players like him. There had been rumors that the guild leader of the Yamata no Orochi guild was a middle aged man who lived in a net café.

Nyan-E had been prancing around declaring that he was just an adolescent student so many people admired him because despite his troublesome behavior, he still had some degree of skill in the game. Though Kazuya cared little about whether this rumor was true or not, it would serve as something to disturb the other party's morale.

"[Winter Fog: I will give the leader of the little sneaks half an hour to prepare.]"

After sending the last message, Winter Fog appeared right in front of the six captains that were gathered in front of Autumn Mist's group. His intimidating bone armor startled the bunch as they had never seen such a terrifying looking set.

[Winter Fog: Are you guys going to make way or are you going to force me to fight all of you with all of the viewers watching? (￣ー￣) ]

Nyan-E and his group were still talking in their guild channel so they were already aware of how many people were currently watching the stream of the most mysterious expert in the game. They couldn't act recklessly right now or their much desired fame was going to turn into irreversible notoriety. The captains reluctantly stepped aside so that Winter Fog and everyone else could pass without trouble.

[Nyan-E: If you dare not show up, I'll make sure that everyone in your guild is hunted down as soon as they leave the safe zones!]

Feeling a little humiliated by making way for them, Nyan-E tried to provoke Winter Fog so that he could have the last word.

[Winter Fog: Don't worry. I'll make sure you understand the fact that snakes are not dragons.]

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