The familiar expanse of white stretched endlessly before Velkharion as he stepped through the golden portal. He found himself once again in the developer's realm—a featureless void save for a polished table and chairs in the center. This time, however, he was not alone. Scattered around the room were the World Champion Winners from each arena, their presences commanding attention as they exchanged words and waited for the developers to arrive.
Velkharion adjusted Crimson Fang on his back, his fiery eyes scanning the room. Most of the champions were strangers, their armor and auras marking them as formidable in their own right, but one familiar figure stood out amongst the crowd. A man clad in shimmering silver armor, his shield bearing the emblem of justice, and his longsword resting elegantly at his side—it was Touch Me.
Velkharion's lips curved into a grin as he approached. "Touch Me! Long time no see."
The silver-armored warrior turned, his noble demeanor shifting slightly as he smiled warmly. "Velkharion! It's been a while. I heard about your exploits in Asgard. I guess you've made quite the name for yourself."
"And you?" Velkharion said, shaking his hand. "I don't need to hear; everyone knows you're a legend. How's the guild? I assume Ainz Ooal Gown is as strong as ever."
Touch Me chuckled modestly, gesturing toward the table where some other champions were deep in conversation. "They're doing well. Momonga has been managing things wonderfully. I'm surprised you've heard of us—have we crossed paths before?"
Velkharion shook his head. "Not directly, but I've always kept an eye on the big names. I've been meaning to head to Nephilheim for some time now. Maybe when I do, I could meet the rest of the guild. Who knows, we might even work together someday."
Touch Me's eyes gleamed with interest. "You're always welcome. If you're heading to Nephilheim, let us know. It's a place full of opportunity—and danger."
The two continued to chat, exchanging stories of their adventures and the challenges they had faced in the tournament. Touch Me's calm and noble presence made for easy conversation, and Velkharion found himself genuinely looking forward to meeting the rest of Ainz Ooal Gown someday.
A golden light engulfed the room, silencing the chatter as the developers arrived. Figures clad in professional yet somewhat relaxed attire appeared around the table, their presence radiating both authority and expertise. The champions straightened, their expressions ranging from anticipation to excitement as the developers began calling them one by one into separate private rooms.
When Velkharion's turn came, he stepped through another golden doorway and found himself back in the same private meeting room where he had made his first request. And there, sitting at the table, was none other than **Kiruna**, her sharp blue eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized him.
"You again," Kiruna said flatly, her tone carrying a mix of exasperation and resignation.
Velkharion grinned, leaning casually on Crimson Fang. "What can I say? I seem to have a knack for making your job interesting."
Kiruna sighed, rubbing her temples. "Let's just get this over with. What is it this time? Another impossibly ambitious request, I assume?"
Velkharion chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing too crazy this time. I just want an item that reduces the casting time for long spells."
Kiruna raised an eyebrow. "We already have that. You're talking about the Small Hourglass of Temporal Acceleration. It's a single-use item that—"
Velkharion interrupted, shaking his head. "I know about the hourglass, but that's not what I want. I'm talking about a multiple-use item. Something that consumes mana to reduce casting time instead of being single-use."
Kiruna's expression darkened slightly as she leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "A multiple-use item that reduces casting time? Do you have any idea how broken that would be in the wrong hands?"
Velkharion grinned. "Of course. That's why I'm requesting it."
Kiruna rolled her eyes, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like a curse under her breath. "Fine. Let's say we approve this absurd request. There will have to be some serious limitations on it to keep it from breaking the game."
She pulled up a holographic interface, typing furiously as she outlined the parameters of the item. "Here's what we'll do: The item will have a hefty mana cost per use, and it will come with a cooldown period of five minutes to prevent spamming. Additionally, the reduction in casting time will be capped at 50%, no matter how powerful the spell is. Are we clear?"
Velkharion nodded, his smirk unwavering. "Sounds fair to me. What are we calling it?"
Kiruna sighed, glancing at her interface. "We'll call it the Chronos Amulet. Congratulations, Velkharion. You've just created one of the most controversial items in Yggdrasil."
With the request finalized, Velkharion stood to leave, his fiery eyes gleaming with satisfaction. As he turned toward the doorway, he glanced back at Kiruna, his grin widening. "You know, I think we make a pretty good team."
Kiruna gave him a look that could wilt a forest. "Just go."
Laughing to himself, Velkharion stepped through the golden portal, returning to the world of Yggdrasil.
Back in the frozen expanse of Nephilheim, Velkharion stood atop a jagged peak, gazing out across the endless tundra. The Chronos Amulet rested against his chest, its faint glow a reminder of the journey that had brought him here. With his level now maxed out at Level 100, and his reputation as a World Champion solidified, the possibilities before him felt limitless.
He smirked, gripping Crimson Fang tightly as the icy winds whipped around him. "Time to see what Nephilheim has to offer."
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