MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 247: Sneaking into the Castle

Logging in, Xin teleported to where the event was happening and he found himself standing on a cobblestone path, surrounded by a massive gathering of players.

The air buzzed with excitement, and the hum of conversation created a vibrant backdrop to the anticipation that filled the atmosphere.

This was where the designated area for all participants in the Castle of Doom expedition, marked by a grandiose arch adorned with mystical runes.

This location was also home to the sole Teleportation Arch designed to transport players directly into the heart of the Castle of Doom.

As Xin materialized, he took in the impressive sight. The arch glowed with ethereal energy, and players from various races and classes milled about, each clad in distinctive armor and wielding an array of weapons.

Reporters, equipped with enchanted recording devices, moved through the crowd, capturing snippets of conversations, interviewing guild leaders, and documenting the pre-expedition fervor.

The air was filled with the flashes of magical cameras and the murmur of excited voices.

Amid the bustling crowd, Xin navigated through the sea of players, his keen eyes scanning for a familiar face.

The leaders and core members of the top guilds took center stage, their elaborate armor and insignias marking them as the focal points of attention.

However, Xin’s destination was not among the prestigious figures dominating the spotlight.

Behind a massive, gnarled tree on the outskirts of the gathering, he spotted Hilda. The tree provided a temporary refuge from the chaotic scene, its broad branches offering a semblance of privacy amidst the crowd.

As Xin approached, Hilda looked up from inspecting her gear, her eyes meeting his with a nod of recognition.

"Lord Schrodinger! I’m so glad that you’re finally here!" she exclaimed.

The noise of the crowd seemed to fade as they exchanged a brief greeting.

Xin then stared at the two unconscious players on the shade like they were only sleeping. The rustling leaves overhead provided a natural canopy, shielding them from prying eyes and eager reporters.

"I’ve see you’ve got our two players," Xin remarked as he gently prodded the slumbering figures. They lay unconscious, showing no signs of waking up anytime soon.

Hilda beamed with pride. "It wasn’t a challenge. Everyone’s attention is fixed on that group, so no one even realized I snatched two of their players."

"Excellent work. Did you manage to forge the items?" Xin inquired. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"Indeed. Here they are. Crafting these was no easy feat, but with the materials you’ve gathered in the Abandoned Fortress, it became a reality."

[ACQUIRED! Mirage Mimicry Elixir]

ǁ Mirage Mimicry Elixir ǁ

The Mirage Mimicry Elixir is a rare and potent concoction that grants its user the ability to replicate the appearance, facial features, and armor of any targeted player for a duration of 24 hours.

When consumed, the elixir weaves a magical illusion around the drinker, perfectly mirroring the chosen individual’s visage and attire.

However, stat, race, and class remained the same.

The elixir’s effects are so convincing that it not only mimics the external appearance but also provides a temporary emulation of the targeted player’s unique aura and presence.

This makes it an invaluable tool for espionage, infiltration, or strategic diversions within the gaming world.

Crafted through a meticulous alchemical process, the Mirage Mimicry Elixir requires rare and elusive ingredients, often found in the depths of treacherous dungeons or guarded by mystical creatures.

Its limited duration ensures that players must use it judiciously, adding an element of strategy to its deployment in the ever-evolving landscapes of virtual adventures.

WARNING!

Race, Class, STAT, and Gear Score remains the same.

ǁ E N D ǁ

Xin was aware that time within the Castle of Doom passed at an accelerated rate.

However, after spending 24 hours inside that chaos meant that the distinction between individuals and their identities would become blurred.

The real challenge, though, lay in gaining entry.

Xin and Hilda delicately unsealed the vials, each containing the precious [Mirage Mimicry Elixir]. A single drop of blood from the targeted players was the key ingredient needed for the potion’s transformative magic.

The elixirs glowed ethereally as they lifted the vials to their lips, savoring the potent liquid within. The elixir’s enchanting effects surged through their veins, instigating a gradual metamorphosis.

Xin’s features seamlessly adopted the chosen player’s facial nuances and armor, while Hilda’s appearance underwent a mirrored replication to his chosen target.

A magical aura enveloped them, ensuring their disguises were flawless, leaving no discernible difference from the original players.

In a strategic move, they opted to conceal their levels within the game setting, eliminating any potential doubts that might arise.

"Now, for the final touches," Xin announced as he retrieved a card from his inventory –– a [Name Replacement] card allowing the players to change their name once a month.

Despite the game’s restriction on identical names, Xin could make subtle alterations, such as adding a dot or underscore, confident that others wouldn’t notice the minor addition.

Xin changed his name to [John.] and then turned to Hilda.

"Can you use this card to change your name to his?" he inquired.

Hilda shook her head. "Only players can use that card."

"Then . . ."

"But don’t worry. NPCs can change their names."

"Really?" Xin was taken aback; he wasn’t aware of that. He had assumed that NPCs names were permanent.

Hilda nodded. "Yeah, there’s not really any restriction about changing our names. We just never had the need to change them, so . . ."

With a snap of her fingers, Hilda’s name transformed into [Brody].

The system didn’t even restricted her to change her name exactly like the player.

Xin marvelled at the revelation. Could it be that the developers hadn’t initially considered this detail? It seemed like a minor aspect, easily overlooked.

Perhaps, as Hilda suggested, NPCs didn’t feel the need to change their names. It might have been a matter of will.

Come to think of it, Xin glanced over at Hilda. The player she had mimicked was an ogre, robust in build. The chosen character had a bald head with a ponytail, and a lengthy, bushy beard tied with a bone.

"You could have chosen a girl," Xin remarked.

Hilda beamed and playfully twirled her lengthy beard. "We’ll be together most of the time, right? For seven days. I don’t want you to see me with the face of another girl."

". . ." Xin remained silent, choosing not to comment.