"Absolutely not! We do not know how dangerous those things are outside. You need to assess the situation at hand, Your Highness.", Mueller immediately retorted. "And I will remain here to make sure you don't."
"Aha, Mueller. Now that is where you are mistaken.", Prince Olivert said, only to walk up to me and smile again. "From what I could understand of this "Party", and with what you have said Naoto, you can bring in a total of five other people, excluding yourself. There's Aurelia, Miss Ein, myself, and you. If we include the miss Witch here, that leaves one spot open, does it not? More room the merrier as one would say~"
Hearing that, Mueller frowned.
"I mean, you aren't wrong...Are you suggesting I partake in this...battle, was it? What in Aidios's name are we even battling here?", Mueller responded, still showing worry in his eyes.
"Isn't it obvious?", I answered, only to turn back toward the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dreichel's Plaza once again came into view. "We're fighting those things.", I continued, and raised my hand, only to point toward the three inactive Magic Knights that were currently knelt down in front of the statue of Emperor Dreichels. Nearby was a complex magic-like circle which was where the trials themselves likely awaited me. Where Phase 1 and onward began.
Right now, it was only the prelude. Phase 0. Nonetheless, I was growing excited. I was about to face my first boss battle inside Zemuria, and I won't be alone to do it. I'll have allies, just like the game. Moreso, it's a full-blown Party!
"Hehe, if that's the case then I so want in on this.", Aurelia replied, smiling while her eyes landed on what rested in the distance. It was then I heard a third Gamer Notification, causing me to inwardly smile.
[Ding! The sole daughter of Count Le Guin, Aurelia Le Guin, has expressed a desire to form a Party with Gamer Naoto. Would you like to form a Party with the Demon of Thors?]
"You too, Lady Aurelia?", Mueller retorted. I disregarded the Gamer Notification for now, as that wasn't likely the end. And sure enough, I soon heard another one.
"Umu. I shall join in.", Roselia suddenly declared. As if responding to her will, Roselia's Crimson Staff materialized into existence when she did a grasping motion. Those who weren't used to seeing her like this, they became shocked. Giliath simply smiled. I'm sure he was quick to connect the dots.
"I knew it. You were with Naoto earlier.", Emperor Eugent said, observing Roselia for a moment. She cracked open a smile hearing that.
"It is about time you put two and two together. It is as the General said. Everything that took place here is for a reason.", Roselia explained, only for me to hear a fourth Gamer Notification.
[Ding! The Crimson Roselia has expressed a desire to form a Party with Gamer Naoto. Would you like to form a Party with the Crimson Roselia?]
As if responding to these notifications directly, I saw Prince Olivert smile again, only to look back at Mueller.
"Well Mueller my boy, it's five against one. You aren't going to go against the words of the Imperial Family now, are you?", Prince Olivert said. His smile turned into a grin this time.
Seeing the inevitability, Mueller could only sigh.
"Hah...", Mueller replied, rubbing his forehead. "If it is as you say and five people can join in, then I certainly fit the bill as the last candidate. It's not like I can go against your words either, Your Highness. Just stay close to me, alright? You can leave the vanguard to me.", Mueller said, accepting his fate.
"Leave the vanguard to me as well. I'm quite confident in attacking up close and personal.", Aurelia said, puffing her chest out in pride. I mean, I won't doubt her. She actually holds the strength to back up to those words. She's even learning multiple sword styles at once! And on top of that Aurelia can now use Magic!
"Haha, I appreciate all of your enthusiasm. Let's hold off on any formations until the Party is formed.", I said, wanting to make sure no one else gets distracted. In response to that, I looked toward Father.
"It looks like everything has been decided then.", Giliath stated, and proceeded to look back at me. "Naoto, while you may not have officially begun your training, do not deter this chance to grow stronger. Rely on your allies. Just know you aren't alone to tackle this so-called trial.", Giliath continued.
"Are you really going to let such a young child participate in this? I know Naoto is the trigger, but I just can't help but worry, General Osborne. From the way you've spoken just now, he has yet to even wield a blade.", Empress Priscilla said, still showing a look of worry in her eyes.
"Your worry is sound, Your Majesty. But fret not, Naoto's foundational training has already begun. He was even rewarded with his weapon just recently too. Why don't you show it, Naoto?", Giliath asked. It was only then his eyes landed on the hilt at my waist.
"I almost forgot you had a blade at your side. It's quite thin.", Aurelia mused, seeing the sleek scabbard. It had violet gems embedded at the opposite end.
"I did. It is still with me, Father.", I answered. Reaching toward my side, I grabbed a hold of my scabbard, albeit it was still unbalanced. With a bit of difficulty, I managed to pull Glistening Moonlight out of its scabbard. A glint of light streaked across our eyes once it did.
"It is even more exquisite up close like this. The Thunder God praised it earlier, and I can feel great strength within it. Take care of this blade as if it was one of your own, Naoto.", Emperor Eugent said, praising Glistening Moonlight.
"I shall, Your Majesty.", I happily replied. Following that, after Mueller finished sighing, he showed his intent to join the Party, and with that, I heard a fifth Gamer Notification.
[The swordsman of the Vander School, Mueller Vander, has expressed a desire to form a Party with Gamer Naoto. Would you like to form a Party with Mueller Vander?]
Seeing this, I smiled. The Gamer Notifications didn't stop there, and I saw a new one show up.
[Ding! Five people have expressed their desire to form a Party with Gamer Naoto. This is within the current limit. If Gamer Naoto wants to form a Party, an invitation will be delivered to each individual. Please note, once the decision has been made, they will be able to see the Gamer Window, and likewise, their Status Window will become available. Would you like to proceed?]
My smile remained once I saw this prompt. Since Roselia had cut her feed off within my mindscape, she couldn't see this window. But she observed me and saw it was clear she saw that I was looking at something.
"You're about to do something, aren't you, Naoto?", Roselia asked me.
"You know it, Master.", I stated, drawing everyone's attention to me. Well, Father, Emperor Eugent, and Empress Priscilla won't be able to see what will happen next, but Prince Olivert, Aurelia, Roselia, Ein, and Mueller and myself will. I willed my Gamer System, and prompted [Yes].
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has created a Party. Participants have met the criteria. Now sending out invitations...]
All of a sudden, the room stirred. It wasn't one or two, but five Gamer Notifications appeared at once to the related parties.
"What the...", Mueller responded, being the first one to do so the moment he saw a blue screen appear out of nowhere, hovering before him. On it, it read: [You have been invited by Gamer Naoto to join a Party. Would you like to join?].
And the same notification could be seen in front of the five people, now waiting to join the Party. Ein smiled, quick to gain interest at something she hadn't seen before.
"Interesting. So you have an ability to influence the atmosphere around us. I'd love to hear more about it later~", Ein said, grinning at me. I simply rolled my eyes. I'm sure the Septian Church would love to learn all about the Gamer System, but that'd take ages.
"We can play twenty questions as to why I can do this, but that'd take all day, and we don't have that luxury.", I retorted.
"It is as my disciple says. Just shut up and let the process do its thing, girly. I do not care if you hail from the Church or not. It is not like you can interfere in the ongoing process anyway.", Roselia said, snorting.
"Fair enough.", Ein replied, shrugging her shoulders.
Seeing as no one had any desire to fight against the Gamer System, Roselia was the first to take action. And once the other four saw what Roselia did, they proceeded to do the same, and actually managed to tap the screen before them.
This isn't like other stories where main characters try to hide their System. This is the specialty of the Gamer System. You can invite people to fight alongside you, making everything around you turn into a game~
Showing excitement in my eyes, I soon heard a flurry of Gamer Notifications. At the same time everyone became shocked once again...
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has successfully formed a Party.]
[Ding! The Crimson Roselia has joined the Party.]
[Ding! Crown Prince Olivert Reise Arnor has joined the Party.]
[Ding! Leader of the Gralsritter Ein Selnate has joined the Party.]
[Ding! The Demon of Thors Aurelia Le Guin has joined the Party.]
[Ding! The swordsman of the Vander School, Mueller Vander has joined the Party.]
[Ding! All available Party slots have been filled. Current Party: 6/6]
'And one more thing.', I thought to myself, which prompted the Friend of the Vermillion Knight Title to be unequipped. I felt my HP and STR decrease at a visible rate, but that only lasted temporarily.
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has removed Title: Friend of the Vermillion Knight. Title bonuses have been removed: -100% HP, -35% STR.]
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has equipped Title: True Harem Seeker.]
[Ding! The Gamer System has detected four girls in Gamer Naoto's Party. True Harem Seeker has been activated.]
[Ding! All Stats except for SPD and DEX have been strengthened by 90%. Adjusted Status Window is now available to view. Would you like to view your Stats?]
'I'll hold off on Stats viewing for now. Knowing I'm just a little kid right now, I'm sure these Vermillion Trials will attempt to do something to regulate it. I will review everything then.', I continued to think, and opted not to view my Stats for now.
They're only here to participate in the Vermillion Trials, and I do believe the Level requirement says it's Level 100. I'm only Level 15, and it additionally mentioned that it would do an adjustment of sorts. If I had to take a guess, the Gamer System is going to adjust everyone's strength to be at the same Level.
While thinking that, I heard Prince Olivert speak up, showing both interest and shock in his eyes. His expression was pretty funny.
"So this is what you can do, Naoto. I can see everyone now inside this "Party" as you stated. This is a weird feeling. It's like all of us are connected", Prince Olivert mused as he observed the Gamer System before him.
"And I'm feeling the same. We shouldn't deter Their Majesties any longer so let's get this show on the road. I'm ready for a good warm-up.", Aurelia said, and smacked her two fists together in vigor.
"Yes, let's.", Ein said, nodding her head. "Unless anyone has any objection?"
Hearing that, the room we were all in turned quiet. No one said anything. All of us were in agreement. Just seeing this alone caused Giliath to smile.
"May Aidios be with you all. My son, you will have a long road ahead of you.", Giliath declared, causing me to smile as well.
"Yes. Please stay safe. Your safety is of utmost importance to us. If it gets out of hand, do not be afraid to retreat and try again at a later time.", Empress Priscilla said, still showing worry.
"Fret not my love. For now, we can only place our trust in their hands. May you have the blessings of our proud nation and Aidios be with you all.", Emperor Eugent also declared, wishing us good luck.
With everyone in agreement, I nodded my head and approached the window. One Gamer Notification followed suit.
[Ding! You are about to enter the Vermillion Trials: Phase 0 with your Party. Would you like to proceed?]
All I saw was a single Yes or No prompt. Without hesitation, I pressed [Yes].
Before anyone could do anything, we all suddenly warped out of the guest room, and headed straight into Dreichel's Plaza. Those who remained behind were full of shock, only to realize it was now just them in the guest room...
"Truly unfathomable.", Giliath said, smiling again. "And for the better, it would be best not to question this. Some things are bound to happen that are not within our knowledge to know. Shall we head back to the dining hall and await the good news, Your Majesty?", Giliath asked Emperor Eugent.
"Yes. That will be for the best. Let us go."
Just like that, the three departed the guest room, returning to where they once came...