Dream Avenue's fans spread through the public area of the gaming house, exploring excitedly. A large group stopped in front of a luxurious display case at the centre of the area.
"Look, so many trophies. It must be those issued by the government."
"Yes, I heard about that. The government recognizes various achievements from the game and hands out prices for that."
"First unique quest, first dungeon clear, first place in the tournament's single combat. Our Dream Avenue is simply amazing."
"Of course! But it seems like the central spot is still unoccupied."
"No look, there is a card. 'Reserved for first place in federation tournament, guild contest'."
"Haha, that's the confidence we need!"
"Sounds like something Cyclone would do!"
Despite their laughter, the fans felt a fire burning in their hearts. They were also eager to witness their favourite guild winning the federation tournament. At that time, they would be there to cheer them on, to be part of such a monumental occasion!
Elsewhere some fans had discovered the gaming house's theatre. A short documentation about Dream Avenue's journey so far was playing on loop including some interviews with the players. However, to prevent this documentation from simply being some heartless PR stuff, Dream Avenue used a clever trick. They included some mostly unknown information about quests, secrets, and world bosses in the movie. If the fans were perceptive enough to capture the information, it would be a boon for their own gaming experience.
Of course, Dream Avenue's sponsors wouldn't miss the event. They had prepared their own booth, giving out free stuff, advertising their services, or looking for potential employees.
Although the fans scattered through the guild house, most of them still crowded the meet and greet area. Liam and his friends, as well as some other guild members were interacting with fans tirelessly, giving signatures and taking pictures.
It was quite an amazing experience for them. Many of the hardcore fans even went so far as to cosplay as the ingame characters of their idols, wearing the clothes of a stealthy assassin, or a warrior with two swords and black and white wings.
Especially those guild members who experienced something like this for the first time were quite excited, infected by the energy of the crowd, interacting with their fans without rest.
Hours passed like this. Some fans left but there was still a crowd waiting outside. Managed by the security Dream Avenue made sure not to allow everyone entry at once. This might lead to some dissatisfaction and impatience, but safety came first. And, knowing that the people outside were anxious, Dream Avenue's members ignored the gradually building fatigue and remained in the meet and greet area to give everyone a chance.
At some point there was a low 'ding' and the elevator opened. It had to be said that outsiders couldn't take the elevator. Thus, everyone watched curiously as an unfamiliar older man stepped out.
There had already been occasions before where people arrived through the elevator. These were all invited guests. After some speculation the fans roughly figured out their identities. They were mainly Merida and the families of the other guild members. Silva's mother, Mel's father, even Cynthia's parents showed up in an attempt to mend their relationship – although it remained unknown whether their desire to do so was genuine or stemmed from learning about their daughter's success.
However, the older man's identity remained a mystery. Some fans couldn't curb their curiosity and searched online, guessing that the man might be a manager of one of Dream Avenue's sponsors, but they still came up empty. Thus, the curious fans followed the man with their eyes as he stepped to the side and overlooked the bustling crowd with a stern gaze.
Suddenly Liam seemed to feel something. He looked around and spotted a lean old man with white long hair. Seeing him in those unfamiliar clothes even Liam had to ponder for a second before recognizing him. Immediately a smile formed on his lips as he waved his hand:
"Master Baker! Welcome! Haha, I didn't expect you to come!"
Liam was really surprised to see Master Baker. After the old man's dojo had been attacked by two people corrupted by void energy Liam hadn't heard of his martial arts master again. He didn't know where the old man had gone. Who would have thought that he would suddenly reappear at this point?
Thinking about something Liam looked towards Silva, who should be his senior sister learning under Master Baker. Just as expected, there was not much surprise on her face. It seems she had already known about Master Baker's return.
Noticing Liam waving him over, Master Baker approached the area. The fans were forced to wait for a moment as Master Baker was allowed into the meet and greet area. Liam welcomed him gladly, but the old man felt somewhat embarrassed feeling the stares of the fans on his body. Thus, he only talked for a minute or two before saying goodbye:
"Ok, don't let all these people wait. We will be able to catch up later. After all, I will be coming here more often from now on."
Watching Master Baker leave, Liam was puzzled. He turned towards Silva and Cynthia, who had joined him in welcoming Master Baker, asking what the old starlight master meant by his last sentence. Cynthia chuckled and explained that with Silva's help she managed to convince Master Baker to come twice a week to train the guild members.
Liam opened his eyes wide in surprise. Those were really great news. Although Liam was a martial artist in his previous life, something like starlight energy didn't exist and martial arts weren't as developed as in this life. Thus, he would never underestimate someone like Master Baker who was a genuine starlight master. Even he could learn from the old man, let alone others. And now that the players were rushing past level 50 and the monsters in the game would show some combat skills, learning from a master was invaluable. This move from Cynthia was as unexpected as it was smart.
Knowing that her surprise was successful, Cynthia smiled brightly and went back to tending to the fans.
Some more time passed and another 'ding' sounded through the lobby. A handsome young man with short black hair and baggy clothes came out together with a woman pulling two suitcases. This time the fans didn't need to search online as they recognized him immediately.
"It's Final Fend!"
"Final Fend has come! Finally!"
"Final Fend! Here, look here!"
"Ahh, he smiled at me!"
The fans instantly went crazy. Many female fans pushed through the crowd, trying to get a good look at their favourite idol. A single smile made their hearts beat faster.
"Haha, don't worry, I won't run away. Slow down, slow down."
Final Fend, or rather Felix Colville, grinned brightly and enjoyed the attention. He shook hands, gave autographs, and took pictures. However, his fun was short lived as a team of four security guards immediately pushed through the crowd, approaching Felix.
"Sir, please come with us to the meet and greet area. The crowd is blocking the door. This is a great security risk."
"Yes, of course. One moment. Let me just…"
"Felix…"
Suddenly Felix flinched as Silva's annoyed shout echoed through the air. Many of the fans giggled being reminded of their own older siblings. Felix let out a sigh, nodded at his maid Daphne pulling the two suitcases, and went to the meet and greet area together with the security. Once there he was welcomed by a bear hug from Braag. Meanwhile Silva suspiciously eyes Daphne and the two suitcases.
"Felix, what's up with that?"
"Eh, well… I wanted to ask if I could move into the gaming house."
"It's a bit sudden, but of course you can. The more the merrier!"
Mel accepted with a giggle and Felix inwardly let out a sigh of relief. He just ignored the chuckle of his sister.
Silva was shaking her head. She knew her brother quite well and had already anticipated this day. Originally happy about the fact that he would have the apartment all for himself, but how could the attention-loving, excitement-seeking Felix endure the silence at home? Silva had already expected that Felix would get bored. She guessed that he would first come to the guild house a few times to hang out before moving in, but now it seemed the boredom was even worse than expected.
With Felix's appearance the meet and greet area turned lively again. Even those who had previously left returned, glad that they didn't exit the building yet. At this moment everyone realised that Felix was quite popular, even subtly reaching the level of Hotpot, surpassing them in the eyes of some. After all, other than Hotpot who were usually quite busy and rarely appeared in public, Felix never shied from any interview. He often appeared in various show, magazines, forums etc. And he even had his own band, good looks, and a nice voice. His online following was substantial. Even without the game Felix could probably live a good life as media personality.
Thus, the guild members were hit with even more work. They interacted with their fans until the sun disappeared behind the horizon and the last fan finally left the building. Afterwards no one had the mind to care about cleaning up or anything. Cynthia and Mel thanked all the employees and security before sending them home. The guild members scattered through the house, sitting or lying down, not saying anything, enjoying the silence.