===
Attention, Players: Scheduled Server Maintenance will begin in 30 minutes.
Reminder: Logging out does **not** automatically transfer your avatar into an "AFK farming" mode.
Please find a safe location to meditate, lie down, or commune with a stone frog. Your choice.
Also… drink water.
Please.
===
You know a game is good when you don't even want to log out.
"So… you calling it quits for the day?"
A familiar voice, low and smooth.
Platinum hair caught the fading light, and bronze skin glinted beneath.
"I've got nothing better to do," I sighed. "But yeah… probably should log out. The restaurant's not going to run itself, after all."
"That reminds me—should probably book a table again. Catch up... y'know, for old times' sake. Not because I miss you or anything."
yeah sure
"HEY! What's with that knowing smirk—?! EH?! YOU TOO, MARIA!?"
and then she humps and stomps loudly and i can see a tinge of redness on her face
"I'LL GET WHAT I WANT, NO MATTER THE OBSTACLE! YOU HEAR ME!?"
But just as my finger hovered over the logout button…
**Ping.**
Another system notification lit up.
===
Maintenance will last approximately 5 hours.
New wave of 2,000 players joining.
New frontier region unlocked – monsters, events, loot... and mysteries.
**BUILDING MODE UNLOCKED**
Create your dream settlement!
Note: No tutorial will be provided. You're on your own, builders.
Only minimum requirements enforced. Good luck.
===
"OH FINALLY! PLAYER HOUSING!"
"I'M BUILDING A CASTLE FOR THE DEMON KING!"
"IT'S GOTTA BE MASSIVE. DARK. EDGE-LORD ARCHITECTURE."
"SCREW YOUR DEMON KING CASTLE! I'M MAKING A UTOPIA YOUR DEMONIC SCUM CAN'T TOUCH!"
"OH YEAH? WE'LL MAKE THE TALLEST TOWER IN THE WORLD JUST TO FLEX!"
"AND WE'LL FILL IT WITH—"
The competition? Escalated in **seconds**.
Declarations flew. Tempers flared.
And me?
I didn't need a tower.
Didn't need a castle.
Just a kitchen. A garden. A quiet space.
I opened my mouth to say it…
But then I saw their eyes.
Lit with fire. Purpose. Dreams.
I swallowed my words.
**Go team.**
Fighting.
---
Waking up on my bed. feels like a lifetime ago.
hmmm 6.00...
[[ book 0 ends ]]
---
Don't wait for me, I'm not a guy to write something consistently, with work + social life + hobbies, it took all my time. I hope i did give you a **mental shutdown** reading my work that's all over the place.
but i hope it gives you a bit respite in these trying times.
remember to drink water, and keep moving forward 1% everyday.