500 Preparing for the Journey

[BONUS]

Ren's attention then shifted to the news while his head was recalling what information he could about the Fey Realm.

"The Fey Realm is a mythical and mysterious place that is said to be inhabited by fairies and other magical creatures. Legends speak of enchanted forests, shimmering waterfalls, and meadows filled with vibrant flowers. Many believe that visiting the Fey Realm would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with wonder and enchantment," the news anchor said.

"The ticket to the Fey Realm is very expensive. Starting price starts at five million per slot! With only a limited number available for purchase. Those who manage to secure a ticket are hailed as lucky and revered by others who were not so fortunate!"

As the news spread, people from all walks of life were caught up in the excitement. Larger guilds and corporations were among the first to announce their interest in obtaining the ticket, while celebrities and influencers posted about it on social media and sparking even more interest.

Social media was filled with posts and memes about the ticket, with people discussing the rumored wonders of the Fey Realm and speculating about what they might encounter if they managed to make the journey.

The hype around the ticket reached a fever pitch, with some even willing to pay exorbitant sums of money to secure their chance to visit the Fey Realm. As the frenzy continued, the ticket was sold out, and those who couldn't secure the ticket could only curse their empty pockets.

"Why do you think that players wanted to go so badly into the land of Fairies, Dorothy?"

The news continued.

"Well, George, the Fey Realm is a mystical and magical realm in mythology and fantasy literature. It is often depicted as a parallel dimension or plane of existence that is inhabited by the fae, a race of otherworldly beings with supernatural powers and abilities.

"The Fey Realm is often described as a place of enchantment, wonder, and danger, where time and space work differently than in the mortal world. Who doesn't love a fairy tale, right? Now imagine going into one yourself!"

"I heard that most who bought the tickers were big corporations and guilds that have a strong backing, not little boys and girls."

"We'll, as we all know, COVENANT isn't just a game anymore. This game involves a lot of bets . . . a lot of money. Players might want to go to the Fey Realm for several reasons, such as, for the adventure: The Fey Realm is a place of mystery and intrigue, with many secrets waiting to be uncovered. Exploring the realm can lead to exciting discoveries and encounters with magical creatures.

"Most wanted the treasures: The Fey Realm is said to be home to many valuable treasures, such as enchanted objects, rare materials, and magical Artifacts.

"While most were in it for the Magic and firstbloods. We all knew those guilds wanted that spot on the leaderboard. Those rankings meant more investors and players. And what's the fastest way to up your ranking than doing some firstbloods, right?

"The Fey Realm is steeped in Magic and is a prime location for players to learn new spells, abilities, and other magical skills, after all.

"And the last reason we have the quests. A new area meant new quests. As simple as that."

While the news was resounding in the background, Ren tried to recall the bits and pieces of how to clear the Fey Realm, and all of it lies in the Queen of Fairies.

There were four queens of Fairies, and each represented a season. Queen Aurora should have represented the fall, but now her daughter has taken over that upon her death.

Besides from the four, there were two important Fairies in the Fey Realm. The White Queen and the Queen of Air and Darkness. There are also two courts in the realm, the Seelie, led by Queen Titania, and the Unseelie, led by Maeve, the Queen of Air and Darkness.

The journey to the Fey Realm was not going to be an easy one, as it required passing through various magical barriers and obstacles. Typically, players must find a way to open a portal or gateway to the realm, which may involve completing a series of tasks, solving puzzles, or obtaining specific items.

Ren already had that covered.

Once in the Fey Realm, players must navigate its many hazards, including treacherous terrain, powerful magical creatures, and mischievous faeries. However, the rewards and experiences that await in the Fey Realm would make the journey well worth it for those brave enough to venture there.

Ren closed the TV when he heard Leonel knock on the other side of his door.

"Ren! Breakfast is ready! I cooked your favorite poach egg, bacons, and salmon. Are you already up?"

Ren swore that Leonel was getting too serious with his new role of being his guardian.

"Yeah. Just give me a sec."

"You better not skip school."

Ren rolled his eyes. "I've already taken a bath and changed my clothes."

"Good. Good."

A few minutes later, Ren went out of his room and took a seat next to Leonel at the dining table.

Ren took a sip of his coffee and looked up at Leonel when he kept staring at him.

"What?"

"Have you ever heard of the Fey Realm?" Leonel asked.

Ren shrugged. "Yeah. I was the one who auctioned the ticket."

At this point, Leonel wasn't even surprised. "I thought so. Did you auction all the slots? You're not planning on bringing us?"

"I need the money, remember?"

"Still . . ."

"And you have a lot of missions left here. World Conqueror doesn't need to compete with the other guilds for firstblood."

"That . . ."

"Don't worry. Once I clear the quest, the Fey Realm will be open, and you guys could venture in there whenever you like."

"It's not that." Leonel sighed, raffling his fringe. "It's just I'm worried that you're alone in there with these other guilds with you."

". . ." Ren paused before the tight line on his face disappeared.

"Don't worry about me. I have already planned what I will do and had already prepared for the journey."

Leonel's lips puckered out as he drank his juice. "Heh . . . if you get bullied, then don't cry back to me, alright?"

"Are you talking about that time when you got bullied and came crying to me to avenge you?"

"That only happened one time!"

As the two bickered, Ren realized that having Leonel around was what he needed right now. Without him, he might have succumbed to depression already. It was nice knowing that there was still someone he could lean on in this hard times.