Dressed in Fame I

Just gotta put this snake skull in the north-east, and this ruby over here and...

Yup! Just like it says in the grimoire! Perfect!

I can't believe it! Finally! The door to the netherworld! OPEN O' DARK DOOR, AND REVEAL THE WORLD OF SHADOW!

...REVEAL THE WORLD! OF SHADOW? OH, C'MON!

...I thought I had it for sure this time!

Well, I guess this means the world's not ready to be enveloped in complete darkness just yet!

Uh... What is that?

WAH!

Oof! Hey, you okay Nicola?

Yeah, how about you Tithi?

I'm fine...I think? So, uhm, where are we exactly?

No clue. Never seen anything like this before... Where's everyone else?

Umm! UHMMMM?!

Hm?

Hey there, you...okay?

OH. MY. NO. WAY! I...summoned...you? From...THE DARKNESS? IS IT FINALLY HAPPENING?!

I'm sorry, you did what?

Route 99, eh? Why did I get sent here?

AHHH! ANOTHER ONE! Such old looking clothes...wait a second. Something about you seems strangely familiar...

AHHH! ANOTHER ONE! And such ancient looking clothes...

So are you from the netherworld, too?

Huh? We don't know this guy...or do we?

Huh? Oh, uh...

More importantly, what's the netherworld?

Oh wow, here' comes ano... Oh. It's just Aldo.

Suzette? Hmm... So he sent me to Route 99 this time... What in the world could be going on here...

All I know is that you were interrupting my whole ritual thing I was doing! Let me guess, these two aren't from the netherworld at all and are just friends of yours?

I'm afraid I don't know who they are, actually.

So...maybe they DID get summoned from the netherworld?!

What in the world is this "natherworld", anyway? I've never heard of a natherworld before.

Heh. I think someone is a little confused.

Can you just tell us where we are? It's quite a change of scenery compared to the Frostlands.

Frostie lands, you say? Well, you're just outside of Elzion in a place called Route 99.

El Zeon?

Never heard of it... How about this, have you ever heard of a place called Orsterra?

Nope never heard of it, but wait, don't tell me! It's in the netherworld!

Well seeing as we've never heard of this netherworld, I'm going to say no.

Oh...

Hm. I've never heard of Orsterra either, at least not in any time period I've been to...

So...what do you think this all means? We just kinda showed up here out of nowhere, and have no idea where we are.

Are you two from around here?

Sure! Elzion is like a second home to me!

I'm not from here, but well, let's just say I'm no stranger to the area.

Say, do you two mind showing us around a little? We might be able to figure out a little more if we can get our bearings a little bit. There's also a chance our other companions got sent here, so if possible we'd like to try and find them...

Yeah, we can do that.

Of course! I'd like to talk a little more with the both of you anyway!

Thanks! Then I guess we should properly introduce ourselves, huh?

I'm a dancer, but you can call me Tithi! I go around from town to town performing, but recently ran into my friend here and we've been traveling together ever since!

My name's Nicola. I'm a traveler in search of the legendary Red Hat.

Red hat?

Curious? Well, I can tell you all about him, but perhaps you could tell us your names first?

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman.

And I am the Princess of Darkness herself! Suzette!

Princess...of Darkness?

Hehe. Pretty interesting title you have. Let's start walking and you can tell us all how you got it!

Oh, I definitely want to hear that story!

Hah! You leave me no choice! I'll even throw in the story about my evil eye, and my destiny of despair!

...Evil eye?

...Just try not to take it too seriously.

Let's get going! To Elzion!

And so that's pretty much Elzion in a nutshell.

That was so much fun! There was something new lurking around every corner.

La Vie En Rose was outstanding! I'd love to go back there someday!

RIGHT?! The cakes are out of this world!

Speaking of out of this world... I think I've got our situation figured out here... We don't know anything about this place because, as Suzette put it, we are from out of this world.

And on top of that, there wasn't even so much as a trace of our companions, so it looks like might just be the two of us here.

So, what do you two plan to do from here? There's gotta be a way to get you back...

Yes, I assume there probably is, but I don't think we have to rush home just yet. Think about it, as adventurers how often do you get to explore a completely new world? Obviously we'll want to go back eventually, but I think we should take it slow.

You sure that's okay, though? Tithi, don't you...

Uh, I think that's her over there with the huge crowd of people watching her dance?

Now that didn't take long at all, did it?

Wow, she's been here like, what, a couple of hours and she's already blending right in? That's really impressive. ...Oh hey, looks like she's done.

...And she's bringing someone back with her?

Sorry, everybody! I just got so excited I...

Hey, as long as you're having fun! So, who's your new friend there?

Oh yeah! He came up to me saying he had an offer he thought I'd might be interested in...

What?! Did you get hit by a talent scout ALREADY?! It hasn't even been a whole day!

Not...exactly. I have nothing to do with any kind of talent "agency" so to speak, but I am in search of unique talents. And when I saw your friend here...

......

Yes, well you are all definitely quite unique, that much is clear...

Suzette I can understand, but me?

Uh, hello? Aldo? You are definitely unique! Do you see anyone else wandering around Elzion wearing clothes like that?!

Oh. Yeah, I guess you've got a point...

Right, well then. I have a proposal for you all. No commitment necessary, just hear me out and you can decide what to do after, okay?

Sure! Might as well!

It might help us learn more about where we are, so sure.

Thank you. Then if you don't mind, follow me and I can tell you all about it.

I'll be waiting over by the cargo terminal, let me know when you're ready to go.

Well then, after you.

Where does this thing go, anyway?

I will tell you all about it once we get there, now please, get in.

Here we are, then.

That...was quite the long ride.

I was so excited at first, but after a while I just kinda, fell asleep...

Same...

Yeah, with all that shaking it felt like I was being rocked to sleep or something.

This looks like the Gamma District, but it's different somehow...

This is the Sigma District, the experimental area of Elzion.

Sigma? Never heard of a Sigma district. How about you, Suzette?

Nope, never heard of it. Never heard of an experimental area either!

Yes, we don't really advertise it, so it doesn't surprise me if you haven't. This area is used to create the future of Elzion society. To test new ideas before bringing them to the rest of our citizens.

Huh. So what kind of experiments are you running here now?

Well, as a result of the popularity of social media in our society... We've created a societal hierarchy based on the influence of social media personalities. We've made the term "influencer" into something with actual weight. Normally, things like education, money, political power govern where someone falls within the social hierarchy, but here... Your social media reach is all that matters.

Okay. Wow. That was a lot of words I do not know. You think you could summarize it for us?

Apologies. Well, it won't be the most nuanced explanation, but... The more popular you are, the more people have to do what you say.

HEY! Out of the way losers.

Excuse me?

Yeah, I'm talking to you. You just gonna stand there like an idiot, or what?

I'm walkin' here. So get out of my way.

What is with this guy?

Huh? You sayin' you don't know me? One of the biggest influencers here, E-Jun?

I don't, actually. Am I supposed to?

Yeah, and I mean there's plenty of road here for you to walk around us, okay?

Oh, I see, we got some trolls here today. Let me put it this way, if you don't move, I'm gonna call the staff and have them move you for me.

Nonono, no need to do that! I'm sorry, these people just arrived here in the Sigma District and don't really know how things work here yet.

Are you seriously apologizing to this guy?

I understand how you feel, but... I know this may not make a lot of sense, but would you please just do as I say?

But he...

We have more important things to do than make this guy mad, right Tithi? If all it takes is to move a little out of the way, let's just move and be on our merry way, yeah?

...I guess.

Yeah, Suzette, let's just move, okay?

Hmph! Shoulda moved before I even said anything.

Oh my gosh, what a JERK!

He's one of the fastest rising stars of the district, you know. Now, I said popularity is power, but manners are another thing, indeed.

And when he talked about calling the staff, he was not joking. If he had called them, you all would be the ones getting taken away, not him.

Wow...

I know it sounds ridiculous, but that is how this district works. The more influence you have, the better you are treated, including access to food, clothes and shelter. You get a nicer apartment, all you can eat buffet at La Vie En Rose for free...

WHAT'D YOU JUST SAY?!

Once you reach the top echelons of society, you receive sponsorships from businesses in the Sigma district. That means all sorts of gifts and special treatment. With the proper support, there's no dream too far out of grasp.

Ah, and the current top is the woman you see on that screen over there.

Hey guuuys! Hope all my rays of light are feelin' the sunshine today cause ya girl Sunny is live and feelin' alive!

Today I got something that's gonna make you FREAK OUT. I know I am. I'll give you a hint. A certain game gave a certain streamer a super Sunny sponsorship! Can you believe it?!

Her name is Sunny and she sits at the top of our influencer pyramid.

SUNNY?! She's like...the queen of social media! There's not a day where I don't see something about her. I'm a HUGE fan!

Yes, well everyone else here in the Sigma District is vying for her seat at the top.

So what you're saying is that the stronger your personality, the bigger your influence is in this district? And you brought us here, told us this whole spiel because...

I am in search of people who might participate in this social experiment we're having. And I believe each one of you has what it takes to make it to the top. All you need to do is take that uniqueness, stand out on social media, go viral, get popular and climb your way to the top! So, what do you say?

Yeah, it's just I don't really know much about this whole "social meteo" thing?

I think you mean "Social Media." I have no idea what it is either, but I dunno, it could be fun?

Yes, if we could get to the top, then with all the sponsorships we receive we might be able to find something that could take us home. And if we get to have fun while doing it, why not?

Oh, I'm totally in! I don't know about all the other stuff, but if all I need to do is stand out, that's what I do best!

...And besides, we can't let that jerk win, right?

Yeah, for sure... So Suzette, how about you? You in?

You bet your butt I am! They had me at free buffets at La Vie En Rose! Er. I mean... As the Princess of Darkness it seems only fitting that I stand on top of the social media mountain!

Well, if everyone else is in, I guess I am too.

Wonderful! Then let me show you to your new living quarters.

This building is the center of Sigma District society, and where you all will be living.

It's called Sigma Tower.

Wow, it just keeps going up and up...

It's quite impressive when you look at it up close like this...

All of the other influencers, creators etc. live here in the Sigma tower. Why don't we go and take a look inside?

This is your room. Since you're just starting out you only get a small place on the first floor. But I'm sure with your talent you'll be in one of the top floor suites in no time.

Oh, and this is for you.

A drone?

Yes, well, it's a drone built specifically for use in the Sigma District. Use it to place phone calls, post things to your social media, record videos... It's the most important device you will own here.

Wow! I dunno why, but I'm impressed!

Now, I believe that's everything in order, so I will take my leave. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact me via drone. I can't wait to see how you...shake things up, so to speak.

So...what should we do? Where do we start?

So...you didn't have any ideas in mind? I had a feeling this was going to happen.

Heh. If I'm being honest, I only understood about half of the words that were coming out of his mouth just now.

I didn't understand a thing!

Me too, actually...but didn't you just say it sounded like fun?

It wouldn't be an adventure if we didn't dive head-first into the unknown, right? If I'm ever to find the Red Hat, I need be comfortable with the uncomfortable, be unafraid to see what is unseen. So if you don't mind telling us what he just said, I'd appreciate it!

Hmmm... Yeah, I think I'm in the same boat as you two. No idea what I'm doing here.

I guess that just leaves...Suzette?

Me? You want me to explain all that?

Yeah, so what's a social media anyway? And what's an influencer? Is it like a necromancer?

Oh, and what's a video?! Do streamers hang out by rivers?

Oh boy...

Ahem. An influencer is someone who through many trials and tribulations amasses...

Sorry, Suzette, I gotta stop you there. We're gonna need it to be a lot more simple than that.

That was already too many new words.

Ah, I guess netherworld comparisons are a little too advanced for outer-worlders...

Well, um... Influencers, you see... They got a lot of followers, and uh...

Aand uhhh... Um... Yeah, that's all I got.

I see, so if we want to become famous influencers we just have to post videos on this "SigmaTube" and wait for them to... Get a virus?

"Go viral."

And going viral is key to becoming more popular?

Uh huh. Yup.

(She's so exhausted from explaining she's forgotten her whole dark princess persona.)

SigmaTuber, eh...

Well, nothing to it but to do it, I say! Why don't the four of us try making a video?

Yeah, might as well give it a try!

......

......

......

...A video of what, though?

Hm?

What?

Huh?

Me? Again?!

Well, with this being our first time and all, it's not like I have any idea of what to do... You think you could lead the way for us, Suzette?

Gotta do everything around here, huh?!

Sooo...Suzette...what kind of video do people usually make first?

I guess...they make a video about who they are and stuff? Like an intro.

Like our names and hobbies?

Well...I suppose first you...you need a good catchphrase! You need something fun to say at the start of all your videos, so SigmaTubers usually come up with some kind of catchy intro line. You're not a real SigmaTuber until you have an original intro.

Really? What's yours, Suzette?

Thought you'd never ask... I never actually followed through, but there was a time where I wanted to be a SigmaTuber...

Ahem.

Gather around, my Netherithian horrors and ghouls!

Tis I! The lord of shadow reborn. The Princess of Darkness herself, Suzette!

Hey! I have no idea what you just said, but it sounded like a thing!

I think I get it...

(...But that's just her normal intro?)

All right! Check out my intro!

GAHNAG! It's Tithi!

Gahnag?

Yeah I just took the first letters out of "Gather around, my Netherithian horrors and ghouls!"

But...my schtick...

It's weird sounding, but in a way that makes you wanna say it cause it's fun to say!

Indeed. Let's all give it a shot, shall we?

Uh? UMMMM?

Ummm... HEY THERE PEOPLE! Allow us to introduce ourselves!

GAHNAG! It's Tithi!

GAHNAG! Hey. I'm Nicola.

GAHNAG! The name's Aldo.

Ugh...

C'mon Suzette, it's your turn!

G-GAHNAG? Tis I! Suzette!

Hey, that wasn't bad!

I think I'm starting to get used to this whole SigmaTubing thing!

Whatever, I guess... (I wasted three whole notebooks coming up with the perfect intro line and they turned it into a stupid acronym! UGH!)

Hehe, wouldn't it be great if this video went viral?

Well, it's been a few days, how are our numbers?

Let's see, uhh... 90 views and... 8...likes.

That's...not good is it?

Yeah, well, most of the people here get over 100,000 views a day, apparently, so not the best, no.

Well, we're gonna just have to try something else then, huh?

I don't understand. We had a good intro, the exploding soda experiment we did was really funny...

Yeah, it's just everyone's kinda done that already.

Okay, well then what should we do? What do people usually do to go viral?

Well, there's two things I can think of... First would be to rethink the content of our videos, and second would be to think about ways to increase our exposure.

Exposure, huh? Kinda like how you'll get a much bigger crowd on a busy street than you would dancing in a tavern?

How do you go about increasing your exposure?

Heh. My evil eye has already seen the path ahead for us, and it's as clear as day!

We must perform...A COLLABORATION!

What's that?

To put it simply, we find a SigmaTuber more popular than us, and do a video with them! That way their fans see us, and more people know who we are. Then those people come and watch our videos!

Huh. Didn't know people did that.

It'd be a good chance to see how the top SigmaTubers make their videos, too!

You think more popular SigmaTubers would wanna help us out? They have to get something out of it too, right?

Uhh...

Then how about I just offer to do a dance for their channel?

I mean, you did draw a crowd, after all...

Dancing is probably the most popular type of short video, so I think you might be on to something!

Then let's find some SigmaTubers and dance our way into views!

All right, let's go make some collaborations!

Actually, while you guys do that. I'm gonna do some research on my own.

You're not coming with us?

Tithi's all you need I think. I've got other skills that can be put to use, so I'm gonna do some research on other STs, find out what makes them so popular.

Research, eh? Well, just be careful, okay?

You do not have to worry about me. Along my travels searching for the legendary Red Hat, I've had to sneak in all sorts of places undetected. And those were places much more dangerous than here. This will be a cakewalk.

All right, if you say so.

Okay, you guys ready? Let's GO!

Let's find some SigmaTubers to collaborate with. Just need to get 'em to watch Tithi dance...

I think we've got a handle on this whole video thing. Let's head back to the room and see what we can do!

What do you think of this thumbnail?

It's great! Really catches the eye and makes you want to see what the video's about!

I think these are our best videos yet, hopefully it translates into views...

Okay! Posting...now!

And would you look at that, views are going up!

Yeah, thanks to all the advice we got from other SigmaTubers on how to shoot our videos and streams.

All the videos Nicola found were a huge help, too.

Just happy that the skills I've honed searching for the legendary Red Hat find use in this world. But, compared to the people at the top, we've got quite the long road ahead of us, it seems...

I had a feeling you'd say that. I've got a little present for everyone.

A present?! Ooh! I love presents!

Yeah. I got information here that's going to send our numbers through the roof! Remember that jerk we met when we first got here? E-Jun?

How could I forget?!

Well, I was looking into him and I found out that he's been pumping his numbers. His views AND his likes.

WHAT?!

Pumping his numbers? You mean like faking them?

Oh, wow. That makes it even worse! Not only is he a jerk, he's a cheating jerk!

He dares sully the sanctity of SigmaTube with such sinister and unsanctioned skulduggery?! What should we do? Perhaps...summon the ancient cybergods of the interconnected data gridscape to be judged in hypertrial?! Or...maybe just report him to the SigmaTube staff?

No, that would be a waste...

A waste? What do you mean? You said this was a present, right?

It is! This info is our ticket to the top! So how's about we ask our friend E-Jun to do a little collab with us? I have an idea.

Collab? With us? You think he'd do that?

Yeah, I think he will. He's got too much pride to say no. Think about it, we disrespected him, and now we're about to beg for his help? He's going to love that. Besides, he's been getting all sorts of bad press for some questionable content decisions and generally being a jerk to people online... He HAS to be looking something to get his reputation out of the gutter.

A collab where he helps out some fresh faces is probably just the thing he's looking for.

What?! I'm not apologizing to that jerk. No way!

Trust me, I don't like it any more than you, but just wait till it's all over, you're gonna say it was worth it!

Really?

Well Nicola went through all the trouble to get this info, what do you think Suzette? You in?

As an agent of chaos, I fully approve!

Well, if everyone else is on board...

Thanks Tithi. I'm pretty sure he's somewhere here in the tower. I'll explain the plan on the way there. Just remember to be on your best behavior when we find him, okay?

Thank you for agreeing to hear us out...

Begging for views, heh. The life of a budding SigmaTuber sure sounds rough. Well, I suppose there are worse ways to bring up my favorables. Fine. I'll help. Whatever.

Th-Thanks for helping us out.

And I DO like watching losers bend the knee, after all!

Urgh...

Tithi, remember what we talked about!

Eh, I'm not bothered. So, what's the video?

We were thinking something like... "Top SigmaTuber E-Jun Room Tour! You won't believe what we found!"

Feel like I've seen that kind of video millions of times. Can't you guys think of something original?

Heh, right. So unoriginal... Sooo...uh, so about release timing... And umm....

How about a week from now? That'll give me enough time to hype it up on my feed.

That'd be....great!

Now, could you please get this over with? I've got things to do.

Okay! Roll camera!

Gather around, my Netherithian horrors and ghouls!

Tis I! The lord of shadow reborn. The Princess of Darkness herself, Suzette!

GAHNAG! It's Tithi!

GAHNAG! Hey. I'm Nicola.

GAHNAG! The name's Aldo.

Today we're hanging out with the one and only E-Jun! Wooo! E-Jun!

Hey.

He's agreed to give us a FULL tour of his AMAZING room!

Let's see if I can spy with my evil eye the secret behind his popularity!

Nothing gets past the evil eye, I bet heh.

Why don't we start with this amazing entrance space? And then...

Wow, who knew you could put that much thought into designing a kitchen!

Next we have... Oh!

Would you look at this expensive looking machine! I bet if we look inside we might find the secret behind E-Jun's massive popularity!

Yes, this setup does look quite complicated! What happens if I press this little button thing here...

Hey! I didn't say you could touch that!

Hey! Turn that camera off! This is private information!

What's this? It looks like he's hacking SigmaTube to boost his numbers! Wow!

He...what?! But that's cheating!

Could your acting be any faker? Do you realize what you've done?! Stop filming this instant!

Sorry! Censorship goes against everything our channel is about!

Oh shut UP! I want you to cut that part of the video...no! You're gonna delete everything you shot and you're gonna do it right in front of me, got it?!

Why so upset? Mad that people found out you're faking your views?

Faking views? I never said anything of the sort. All I said was delete the footage. Stop trying to make something out of nothing!

Do you mind if we just ran this footage by the SigmaTube staff first? Cause I mean, if there's one way to prove your innocence... Unless you just want us to call the guards?

Damn't, fine! Okay, what do you want from me?

All we "want" is an explanation.

What? You serious with this crap?

You know how this place works. People with unique talents rise to the top. Well, my talent is hacking, so I just did what I'm best at. What's wrong with that?

What's wrong with that?! You're lying to your viewers!

Eh, you know what? I bet I could bury this story, too. A bunch of no-name losers out here looking for cheap views make up a video trying to frame the great E-Jun with cheap special effects. Who do you think people are going to believe? You? Or ME!

That's a great point, and is precisely why we chose to stream this whole thing instead.

What? You said this was for...a video?!

Well, it's not! We're live!

WHAT?!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Wow, our views are through the roof!

Yeah, look! 9,000... 10,000... This is incredible!

Oh I bet you think you've just thought of everything, huh?!

Hey! Guards! Arrest these intruders!

Oh, so now you're using force to silence the voice of the people, huh?! You really are a jerk, you know that?!

Spare the goodie two-shows talk. My viewers are HERE to see extreme content. So your little performance should only BOOST my numbers. Besides, I'M more popular than you, which means everyone will take MY side! Right, everybody?! These losers are trying to take E-Jun the great down! But the E-JuNation ain't gonna let 'em are ya?! I'm gonna flip the script. Change the subject. The video is now called... "TROLLS BROKE IN AND I FOUGHT THEM OFF WITH *THIS* (almost died...)"!

...And not a lick of introspection to be found.

Didn't want to have to do this...

Yeah, but he's not leaving us much of a choice! Let's do this!

What the... Who ARE you people?! You might be strong, but I'm not giving up without a fight! Guess I just have to increase the numbers!

That's enough.

Well, look who finally decided to show up! It's too late, these goons have already done irreparable damage to my image! Or are you just here to tell me how "disappointed" you are?!

I'm here because management heard what you said about hacking being your talent.

Then, there you go! Nothing. Changes. You lose, I win. Now if you could help me take care of these good for nothing...

Nothing changes? I wouldn't be so sure about that.

What?

Why don't you go and check your subscriber numbers.

Huh?

What? Where'd they all go?!

Your subscribers are leaving you en masse because of this stream. And I doubt you could fake enough subscriptions to make up for your losses. Which means... You no longer have enough social pull to get special treatment. I'm afraid your viewers simply don't trust you anymore.

Damn't!

You know, I don't know a lot about this whole streaming thing, but I do know dancing, and dancing is all about entertaining your audience! No one's gonna follow along if you're only doing it to entertain yourself, you know?

Maybe that's why you lost so many subscribers? Got your nose turned up so high you can't smell your own stink?

SHUT UP!

So, go ahead and take this time to collect your things and get ready to leave.

DAMN'T! DAMN YOU ALL! You think what I did was WRONG? No, no, no. THEY'RE wrong. NOT ME!

There's no telling what else E-Jun might do here, so I recommend you all leave before things get even uglier. Please, end your stream and go back to your rooms.

Okay. We did what we came here to do, so let's do what he says and head back.

UNHOLY CRAP!

What's the matter, Suzette?!

Our subscriber numbers are... they're going up so fast I can't... Our other social media is going crazy, too!

It's not just about how we uncovered E-Jun's secret. People are talking about how cool we were fighting his guards.

You're amazing Nicola! Who knew this many people would be interested in internet drama!

The thing is, this technology is so advanced, there's no way I'd be able to prove how he was doing it. So we just had to pretend to find something and I knew he'd handle the rest. The key was making sure he couldn't see what we were looking at. I'm still kinda shocked it went as well as it did!

Well, it was amazing either way!

It was all possible because you held back and made it look like you were sorry, Tithi!

There's no way he would have let us go through all his stuff otherwise.

Yeah, well I still hated it while I was doing it. Buuut, it was worth it, for sure.

I am sorry that we had to use such...underhanded measures though. I can't imagine you all were comfortable doing that.

Yeah, I mean... I wasn't thrilled about it.

Sorry about what happened back there.

No problem. If anything, we should be thanking you. That was perfect timing.

Well, about that. We actually want to thank you for what you did. E-Jun has been a thorn in our side for quite a while...

Heh, that makes me feel a little better, I guess.

Yes, anyways, I'm actually here because I have news for you.

What kind of news?

Because your stream did so well, and because your overall numbers are high...

We have decided that you have sufficiently increased your influence here in the Sigma District. So, we are pleased to inform you that you have officially gone up in grade.

Seriously?!

We've already prepared you a room much... much bigger than this, so why don't we go ahead and take a look?

Huzzah! One step closer to world domination!

Oh, you still have a ways yet, though! Those viewers you've so quickly earned can leave you just as fast! You may feel uneasy about what you've done to get them, but remember everything you do here affects your influence in this district. If you want to reach the top, you're going to have to keep thinking bigger and bigger! This is where the real work begins.

He's right. This is where we get to show the world who we are!

Yeah, and I think we're ready for it!

Now's the time where we put to use all the stuff we've learned through our collabs.

FEH! Easy peasy. The Princess of Darkness is ready to take cyber-world by storm!

Let's see...what comments haven't I read yet? "That's some tall building you're in!" Yeah, I'd say it's definitely one of the taller ones!

Would you look at that? Lunch time already! Okay, well, thanks for watching my stream, and see you all next time!

Whew...

Busy, I see?

It hasn't even been a month since the whole E-Jun thing, and it feels like I'm living a completely different life.

Well, you have! And it's made possible by how well you all have been doing.

Gather around, my Netherithian horrors and ghouls!

'Tis I! The lord of shadow reborn. The Princess of Darkness herself, Suzette! ...Use the short one? But I like the long one!

Okay, fiiiiiine.

GAHNAG! There. Ya happy now?! Today we're haunting one of my FAV dessert spots, La Vie En Rose, to try out their new seasonal menu!

The Princess of Darkness... She calls herself that, but everything about her says the opposite. It's that little bit of imperfection that keeps people tuned in to her videos day after day.

Everyone loves her, especially fans of La Vie En Rose.

Hope you're all having a good day, cause ready or not, it's Tithi Time!

I've got another dance for you today, so get on your dancin' shoes and join the Tithi Day Parade!

And here we have Tithi, her original dances have brought her to the top of the short video world.

Feels like everyone is copying her moves these days, huh?

Welcome fellow wanderers, you have arrived at Nicola's Stop for the Weary.

Have you been visited by the legendary Red Hat, or are you still waiting for his blessing?

Today I'm going to tell you the top five reasons the Red Hat is actually real. I've looked into all the local legends so YOU don't have to. Now let's get started...

There's just something so exciting about Nicola's videos...

Essay style videos are very popular these days. Her fans are not only fans, but true believers. A strong combination.

Umm... Okay. Can you see me? Is this thing on?

I'm Aldo, a traveling swordsman. Thanks for stopping by!

So I just read the comment and stuff, right? Okay, well, here goes nothing!

And you have grown to be one of our most popular chat streamers...

If I'm being honest, I have no idea why. I just sit there and talk?

People just find you so charming, Aldo. You provide this positive and kind perspective that people desperately need. Your threads on social media are just as popular!

It's only a matter of time before you go up another grade. I can't wait to see what you all do next.

Hey Aldo, wanna leave the building and go get some lunch?

Hey, good idea. Been stuck streaming and working on videos, feels like a good time to get out. Wanna ask Suzette, too?

She's busy getting ready for her next stream, I think...

Well then, I shall be off.

Okay, then lemme just get ready to go.

They're here!

Tithi!!! Lemme get a selfie!

Sure!

Nicola! Your video yesterday changed my life!

Heh, you're welcome.

ALDO! ......

...That's it?! Nothing else to say?!

Odysso? Hey, sorry let me through!

What's wrong?

Let's follow just in case.

ALDO!

Why'd you run away like that?

Sorry, I just... I coulda swore I saw Odysso.

Odysso, that's the guy you mentioned to us when you were showing us around Elzion, right?

Yeah, that's him. I was hoping he might know something about the two of you...

Well...where is he?

He went in there, I think? Only way to know is to go in, so let's go.

Well, well...

Well, well...Enjoying the journey?

Who...are you?

That's for me to know and you to never know. I am just a stranger in a strange land.

Then at least tell me what you know about Tithi and Nicola? Why they're here...

Hm? I don't know who they are. I've only just met them. In fact, I didn't even know their names until you just said them.

What?

Now, enough questions, hm? A little bird told me you've become quite the popular influencer.

Uh...

I told you I'd send you on a journey, and this is a journey without breaks. So, now that you've gained popularity and reached your first goal, what do you do next?

Keep going 'till you reach the top?

Heh. That's not a bad idea, but surely you must have realized something by now?

Hm?

Don't you think this place is a little odd? The ideal society for influencers. It almost seems too perfect, does it not?

Huh?

Ah, what perfect timing.

Hey guys! Today I'm out here to find the baddest tavern brawlers!

Hey! You guys wouldn't happen to know how to fight, wouldja?

Don't you think it's odd those people showed up just as he was looking for someone to fight?

I mean, could just be luck?

Wait...

I'm all set up over here! Let me know when you're ready!

Huh? Don't we need to track down some synths fir...

What the?! That's...weirdly convenient.

Huh?

I thought you said nothing ever happens!

Well that's one team accounted for! Now to find three more unsuspecting victims!

Ooh! Perfect timing! I'm gonna try and convince those guys to join us, so wait for me at the back of Sigma District, 'kay?

Starting to connect the dots?

Now that I look back, yeah. But...why? What does it all mean?

Your job is to find out the truth about this place. If you feel like you've hit a road block, find me at the Spacetime Rift. I cannot provide answers, but I may be able to help give new perspective.

Hey! Wait!

Wha? Why am I in the Cargo Port? ...I was just in the Sigma District tavern...

Oooh! You guys here to buy Sunny's new merch, too?

What? No, we aren't.

Sunny...that was the influencer we saw on the screen when we first arrived, right?

Yeah, and someone as popular as she is? That merch will probably sell out in an instant.

Hm? We're pretty popular on SigmaTube, too, you know?

Hey, I know Sunny is, like, THE BEST, but Tithi's pretty cool, too right?

Tithi? Never heard of her.

She's that girl that does all the dances? On SigmaTube?

Sorry! Never heard of her!

That...kinda hurts more than I expected it to...

But hey! How about Suzette? Or Nicola?...Aldo?

Never heard of ANY of 'em!

I watch a lot of SigmaTube and I've never heard of any of those people.

Huh?!

MOM! We gotta go! The cargo train's here!

Okay, okay. Sorry, gotta get going!

...... She watches a lot of SigmaTube, yet has no idea who any of us are? How is that possible?

Well, I mean we did start kinda recently, it's totally possible she just doesn't know who we are.

Nope. This is weird! We're THE rising stars of SigmaTube! There's no way she hasn't at least heard of us!

Maybe we should ask around? Could just be that one mom or something. If no one has heard of us...then something weird is definitely going on.

Yeah, I gotta know!

Yeah...

(Wonder if Odysso knows what's going on here...) (Cause there's this, and the issue of how we magically ended up back here....) (I should go check and see if I can find him back at the Spacetime Rift...)