Overlord: The Multiverse

Chapter 24: World Championship

Time Skip

As I slashed through monsters in YGGDRASILL, a notification popped up, and I eagerly checked it out.

"Notification +1? What's this?" I muttered, intrigued.

As I read through the message, a grin spread across my face. "Oh, holy crap! Finally!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

The contents revealed something beyond my wildest expectations. It wasn't just another event or quest; it was the news I'd been waiting for since forever.

"After all this time, you're finally showing up," I muttered, my eyes glued to one particular section of the lengthy message.

{World Championship announcement}

I couldn't help but laugh. It looks like it's time to put my monster-slaying skills to the ultimate test!

•••

The day of the World Championship Tournament had finally rocked up like a surprise party no one wanted to miss, one month after the big announcement sent shockwaves through YGGDRASIL. It was like the entire player base collectively chugged a barrel of caffeinated potions, hyped up beyond belief.

While a few slackers were still loitering around, probably stuck in some low-level dungeon or too busy trying to figure out which end of the sword to hold, the rest of us were gearing up for the showdown of the century. It was like a virtual Olympics, but with more dragons and fewer wardrobe malfunctions.

And let me tell you, the stakes were higher than a giant's bong hits. We're talking about unique job classes and exclusive gear that even the game developers were drooling over. If that doesn't get your potion brewing, I don't know what will.

So there we were, a motley crew of warriors, mages, and probably a few confused NPCs thrown in for good measure, all itching for a piece of that sweet, sweet championship pie.

From the battle-hardened veterans to the fresh-faced noobs who probably still had the tutorial quest in their quest log, everyone was out to prove themselves.

And me? Well, despite months of planning and strategizing, I couldn't help but join in the madness. Because, let's face it, when the stakes are this high, even the most prepared player starts second-guessing their inventory.

So there I was, frantically double-checking my gear and muttering prayers to RPGesus, hoping for a critical hit on my luck stat. Because in a game where one wrong move could mean respawning at the nearest checkpoint, you bet your virtual butt I wasn't taking any chances.

But unlike the rest of the lot who went into panic mode the moment the announcement hit, I had a bit of a cheat code up my sleeve—reincarnation perks, baby! Thanks to my past life memory dump, I had a year worth time to prepare.

Because of this, my preparation simply involves double-checking, no, triple-checking my supplies and other things.

Sure, I did the whole gathering materials and grinding thing, but let's face it—that's just my bread and butter. It's like when you go to a party and end up spending more time raiding the snack table than actually mingling with people. Snacks are life, am I right?

But one thing I didn't slack off on was studying up for the Championship. I mean, I practically memorized every instruction posted on the YGGDRASILL official website word for word. It was like cramming for a final exam, except instead of textbooks, I was pouring over virtual rulebooks. Hey, gotta know the lay of the land if you want to come out on top, right?

Now that the big day is finally here, all the prep work and strategizing seem like ancient history. It's showtime in YGGDRASILL, and everyone's eyes are on the prize—including mine.

Whatever happens today is going to have a ripple effect on my future plans. I mean, winning this thing could totally change the game for me. But even if things don't go exactly as planned, you can bet your virtual gold I'm not going down without a fight.

Win or lose, this event is going to be a game-changer. And as for me? Well, let's just say I've got my eyes on the prize, and I'm not backing down anytime soon. Bring it on, YGGDRASILL. I'm ready for whatever you've got.

•••

Here I am, smack dab in the middle of the 'Waiting Room' in YGGDRASIL.

"Time to make a name for myself," I mutter under my breath, trying to psych myself up for what's to come.

Amidst the murmurs and shuffling of players around me, I take a quick scan of the room. Some are huddled together in groups, chatting animatedly, while others seem lost in their own thoughts. And then there are those who are just chilling, probably too cool to show any signs of nerves.

But before I can get too comfortable, a sudden noise cuts through the air like a sword through butter. It's a notification, and it's got everyone's attention faster.

{The World Championship will start in a few moments.}

{To all Players that wish to participate, please navigate your Console to pick a Base World you wish to join.}

"Well, look who's finally rolling out the red carpet for us," I quip to myself, feeling like I just scored a front-row seat at the virtual Super Bowl.

Following the instructions like a pro gamer, I zip through my console to select HELHEIM as my battleground. With a few taps and a little bit of virtual elbow grease, I load up on all the gear and gadgets I'll need to kick some serious digital butt.

But of course, no epic quest is complete without a quick inventory check and a few last-minute tweaks. I mean, you never know when you might need an emergency stash of healing potions or a spare pair of enchanted socks, right?

"Alright, time to show these pixels what I'm made of," I declare to the empty air, channeling my inner hero.

With a dramatic flourish, I hit the {Enter} button like it's the big red launch button on a rocket ship, disappearing in a flash of light and a puff of virtual smoke. And just like that, I'm off on the adventure of a lifetime, ready to take on whatever challenges the World Championship throws my way.

~~~