Looking around, the environment surrounding Nazarick had indeed changed drastically. In place of the desolate land of eternal night was an endless grassland, with a clear sky adorned with twinkling stars.
Sigris's eyes widened slightly. Such a scene was rarely seen, neither in the game nor in the modern era he had once lived in, let alone in a place where one had to wear a gas mask just to go outside.
He lifted his helmet, took a deep breath of fresh air, and could smell the mingled scents of earth and grass, a sensation full of reality.
It would be foolish to still dwell on whether he had transmigrated; this was beyond what a game could achieve. However, he was curious how Flying Squirrel's skeletal body functioned.
"Hello, hello, can you hear me?"
"What's wrong, Flying Squirrel?"
"Ah, it actually connected. You're Sig, right?"
"It's me. I'm sorry I'm not the GM."
"This is no time for jokes. What's the situation around Nazarick?"
Sigris closed one eye. A black spherical object, floating in the air with an eye-shaped pattern on it, appeared beside Flying Squirrel.
"Vision Share."
"There's a bit of a big problem. See for yourself."
The sight before him plunged Flying Squirrel into silence. He truly wanted to believe everything he saw was an illusion, but he knew it was very likely real, and he truly wanted to escape reality.
Sigris gave Flying Squirrel time to process the information, without a word of complaint. After ending the communication, he stayed there quietly by himself for a while, enjoying the scenery.
It wasn't until a slight rustle came from behind him that his sharp ears twitched, detecting a clear abnormality.
He figured that with an NPC's strength, they wouldn't make such a blatant mistake. It was likely intentional, meant for him to know. So, he would play along.
"Who's there?"
"As expected of Sigris-sama, you easily saw through my concealment."
Sigris was momentarily puzzled, but he didn't show it.
Blame this body for being too sensitive; all five senses were overly powerful.
Sebas, dressed in a modified tuxedo, emerged from the shadows, half his face covered by shadow. "Albedo sent this subordinate to guard your safety. Please forgive me for following without your permission."
Was he being so cautious because he feared he would run away? But then he thought of Albedo's affection for Flying Squirrel, and it might be more about establishing authority. However, Sigris no longer cared, treating it as childish play.
Aside from Rubedo, he was currently the strongest in Nazarick in terms of overall power. These little antics would add a lot of fun to his otherwise dull life of idleness.
Sigris said indifferently, "I forgive you."
Sebas bowed slightly, saying in a steady and firm voice, "Thank you very much!"
"Sebas, I remember you are also a Dragonkin. You control your human form very well."
The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it to heart.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Sebas's forehead. He appeared composed but was somewhat flustered internally, experiencing a brainstorm in just a few seconds.
"Sigris-sama, everything this subordinate has was bestowed by the Supreme Beings. Your form is the most perfect!"
"No, I was complimenting you."
He was too honest, even simpler than Touch Me.
An NPC's karma value had a greater influence on their personality. Fortunately, players themselves weren't too affected.
Sigris's karma value barely reached a positive number, falling within the neutral range, which was also considered normal.
If he were to completely lose it and become an emotionless being, that would be very troublesome.
Sigris turned around and murmured, his tone somewhat disappointed, "Never mind. I was going to ask you for your secret, but I didn't expect Touch Me to have set it up this way. It's really simple and crude."
Under the moonlight, an inhuman face was revealed: dark skin covered in fine scales, beast-like golden vertical pupils, and eyes with entirely black sclera. Not to mention the two pairs of horns deeply embedded in his silver-gray hair.
Sebas said in surprise, "Your current appearance is?"
Some heteromorphic races possess different forms, and Dragonkin are one of them. Their human and demi-human forms are somewhat weakened, while their full heteromorphic transformation grants enhancement.
In Sebas's impression, Sigris had always been in armor, even after combat. He had naturally assumed Sigris, like other Supreme Beings, always maintained his Dragonkin appearance.
"It's a demi-human form. I intentionally suppressed my power. The reasons, well, there are many."
Sigris tentatively moved his scaly tail, the tip swaying slightly. Being able to control it brought him much relief.
The Dragonkin's racial abilities were formidable, possessing almost comprehensive resistances, and there were no restrictions on professions. The only drawback was the limited equipment slots, which was the most frustrating racial penalty.
Although one could expand equipment slots by reducing their own strength, it was difficult to perfectly maintain a human form.
If he unleashed his power and transformed into a Dragonkin, he could barely equip any weapons. Therefore, maintaining a half-baked state was the optimal choice.
Sebas followed the path of a monk, so he didn't have to worry about this. In fact, most Dragonkin players were like this, but to become top players, and also to balance Dragon Slayer and PVP, one had to consider many aspects.
Sigris teased, "Touch Me once advised me not to raise my racial level too high, but I still accidentally reached level 50."
Normal players usually had a 40/60 split between racial and job levels. Players like Sigris, with a 50/50 split, were rare. It was also apt to call him a specialized race.
"Touch Me-sama…" Sebas showed a curious look. Just as he was about to press further, an angry voice coldly interrupted him.
"Sebas, what are you doing?"
Also dressed in a suit, Sebas was a noble gentleman butler, while Demiurge, as a demon, gave a completely different impression. Compared to Sebas, he seemed more like an elite professional navigating the workplace, with a typical East Asian face.
But these external appearances could not conceal his evil aura; one could feel that he was a cunning demon.
In reality, however, demons were one of the most promise-keeping races.
Demiurge immediately offered a loyal salute. "Sigris-sama, Flying Squirrel-sama is currently gathering the Guardians in the Sixth Floor Coliseum. Would you like to join them?"
Gathering meant showing loyalty, it must have been a recent order. There was nothing much to say, better not to get involved.
Sigris calmly refused, "No, I have more important things to do. I believe President Flying Squirrel can handle it alone."
"Oh, is it about that matter?"
"Hmm?"
If he hadn't reacted quickly, Sigris would have almost shown the same expression as Sebas. Wasn't investigating the surrounding environment the more important thing?
Demiurge pondered for a moment, then respectfully said, "However, given the current situation, ensuring the safety of the Supreme Beings is paramount. Please allow this subordinate to spend time clearing obstacles in this new world, so you do not have to personally act."
Sigris choked a bit. This was progressing a little too fast, wasn't it?
In the eyes of the Great Tomb's NPCs, what did he, who often disappeared, actually go to do? He was just working overtime, earning money to play games, that's all.
However, in the Guardians' eyes, it did seem like he was accomplishing great feats, similar to conquering the world.
Sigris felt he needed to confirm, "Is this your idea alone, Demiurge?"
Demiurge said neither subserviently nor arrogantly, "Yes, please do not worry. My creator, Ulbert-sama, understands you best. Sebas should also agree to this, right?"
Although Sigris-sama had never shown ambition, with his shallow wisdom, he could barely discern a thing or two.
Hearing this, Sigris relaxed slightly. Fortunately, only one Guardian thought this way.
Wait, it's precisely because it's Demiurge that it won't work! He's a true doer; if there's something to be done, he really does it.
At this thought, Sigris covered his face.
"Touch Me-sama and Sigris-sama also have a good relationship. Is it biased to say that?" Sebas frowned, a feeling akin to jealousy welling up inside him.
"Do you have a different opinion?"
"Alright, both of you, stop arguing."
Sigris was certain that Demiurge said that on purpose in front of Sebas. Their relationship perfectly inherited that of their creators; since they were both children of friends, he naturally couldn't favor one over the other. He should try to mediate.
"Yes!"
"You don't need to follow. Now is when Nazarick needs you. I'll go after I'm done. Don't make President Flying Squirrel wait too long." Sigris smiled, revealing his sharp teeth.
Although it looked a bit ferocious, in the Guardians' eyes, it was the best response they could receive, more effective than a stimulant.
Demiurge placed his hand on his chest and said with great sincerity, "Sigris-sama, thank you very much for considering your subordinates. It is our greatest honor as Guardians to be able to put our humble strength to use."
Sebas immediately echoed him.
After watching Sigris's figure disappear from their sight, Sebas finally couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you let me guard Sigris-sama's safety?"
"Sebas, do you think the Supreme Beings need you to follow them? Making the Great One comfortable is the most important thing."
Demiurge pushed up his glasses, revealing a confident smile. "Besides, didn't Sigris-sama say he would come find us?"
Sebas was somewhat puzzled and his mood soured. He hated people who spoke in riddles, especially when that person was at odds with him.
"I just feel that Sigris-sama is a bit different."
"That Great One is certainly special, but the one we must assist is Flying Squirrel-sama. You had best learn to conceal your emotions and not make Sigris-sama difficult, nor casually mention the Supreme Beings who abandoned us."
Anyone can speak words of praise, but some things must be kept hidden in one's heart.
After all, Flying Squirrel-sama is the one who leads the Supreme Beings, and he is the existence Sigris-sama acknowledges. As subordinates, they must also be cautious in their words and actions.
As an NPC created by a friend of Sigris-sama, he felt Sebas should remember this point, which is why he spoke up to remind him. Others might not receive such treatment.
Demiurge swayed his tail, elegantly turning and departing. "If you continue like this, I will not hold back."
Sebas's expression immediately turned cold. "I absolutely have no ill intentions."
"Hmph, let's hope so."