Mythos Of Narcissus: Reborn As An NPC In A Horror VRMMO

I stepped forward, gesturing for the bastioneers to lower their guard—even though their guards were already down for quite a while.

I might need to strengthen my indoctrination—I mean, training.

"Welcome to our bastion, Dame Theresa, Dame Lubaris," I greeted them with a nod, infusing as much authority as I could into my tone. "I am Narcissus, the leader here. Or as some of my bastioneers would say—the local fae with an odd tolerance for humanity's antics."

Theresa's golden eyes sparkled with what looked like amusement, a gentle smile curving her lips. "It is an honor, Lady Narcissus," she replied, bowing deeply. "It is always a joyful occasion to have a fairy with no malicious intent against humans!"

It seemed like the fae reputation in this world was not as peaceful as I thought.

"I hope that your experience with my kin won't make you feel uncomfortable with my presence." I replied with a wry smile, glancing sidelong at the rest of my closest confidantes, who had gathered to meet the newcomers.

"Oh no, not at all!" Theresa assured. "In fact, it is a delight I'm experiencing right now!"

How bad did her encounter with a fairy go for her to be brimming with joy right now!?

Dame Lubaris adjusted her glasses, her gaze lingering on each of them with what I could only interpret as a scrutinizing stare. "The fae-kin rarely interact with humans due to their innate scrutiny against a being of language." she said smoothly, her tone as formal as her companion's, though laced with an undertone of curiosity. "Prideful and haughty as they might be, it is indeed a discovery to encounter a human-like fairy who doesn't scheme and speak ill of our kind like they are the superior race.

"I also found a welcoming and well-socialized fairy to be joy-inducing, as it means that we don't need to tolerate any of their dangerous and high-risk antics."

"And speaking of well-socialized," I continued, stepping back slightly to shut her speech and introduce the others to them, "These are my trusted comrades."

Verina, her musket resting over her shoulder, dipped into a half-mocking bow, a judgemental gaze locked forward. "I'm Verina—a kilnalan and lover of all things explosive," she announced, her purple eyes gleaming with scrutiny toward the black-haired maid knight. "You might say I'm the bastion's unofficial defense system." She raised her musket slightly, as if to emphasize the point. "A pleasure to meet two such noble knights."

"A pleasure to meet you, Verina!" Theresa's eyes sparkled with approval, and she inclined her head. "You must be one of the reasons why this bastion managed to uphold its defenses. I saw your prowess when you singlehandedly obliterated that pack of Bloodhounds!

"I hope that we can establish a good relationship with one another while we stay here!"

Lubaris merely nodded.

Though, their gazes were against one another, as if they wanted to drill the other with their line of sight.

I then gestured to the gothic, enigmatic fox woman beside me, who regarded the newcomers with a knowing smile and her usual air of mystery. "This is Kuzunoha, our resident arcane expert and, in many ways, the brains behind much of our operation."

While it might sound like I undermine myself, I didn't want too much attention from these two knights.

Kuzunoha smirked, inclining her head with a flourish. "Charmed," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "I suppose if Narcissus is our leader, I'm the bastion's humble advisor on all things… mystical, I see~ You might say I prefer seeing things from all perspectives—even those that are invisible.

"Irregardless~ I hope that we can peacefully exist within the distance of one another." Kuzunoha smiled. "Just you know that unlike our leader, I'm not really fond of you two, so make sure that our intention don't clash with one another too often in your time staying here~"

Theresa and Lubaris exchanged an intrigued glance. "A wise approach," Theresa said, nodding, though Lubaris watched Kuzunoha closely with a glint of suspicion.

Those two seemed to know that Kuzunoha meant well in her words of disapproval, and they respected it by not fueling the small spark of distrust that had already knotted between them.

Finally, I gestured to the small, defiant head resting securely in Verina's grasp. "And this," I said, stifling a grin, "Is Lupina—though we'll call her 'our head of counsel,' given her current state."

Lupina gave a dramatic sigh, rolling her eyes. "Yes, yes, laugh it up. You may call me the 'disembodied strategist'—a 'head of the state' and in every sense of the word." She shot me a playful glare, adding, "Though my current… state was never in my job description, I 'head' you, I'm still an important member of this bastion!"

I noticed that both Kuzunoha and Verina tried their best to not burst into laughter.

Theresa stifled an understanding laugh, though her eyes softened. "It's a privilege to meet you all, and a relief to know that such strong bonds exist within these walls. A true bastion is made not just of defenses but of the people who stand with one another." She looked at each of us in turn, her gaze settling on Lupina with a touch of sympathy. "It's evident that each of you has strength beyond mere skill. It's a privilege to join you."

"Likewise~"

We then proceeded to escort them into our humble abode within the apocalyptic land surrounding us.

The bastioneers buzzed with curiosity as Dame Theresa and Dame Lubaris entered through the gates.

Still, their presence was almost surreal—two menacing yet hope-inducing knights radiating an otherworldly devotion and strength, with Dame Theresa still exuding a palpable warmth that seemed to settle the nerves of everyone around her.

If I were to dig into bastioneers' perspective: The Sisters of Aegis were more than just coincidental reinforcements; their presence was like a beacon of faith in a world where faith often meant little.

To make it even matter, the armored gray-haired knight was also taller than everyone in the bastion with a possible height of 190 cm in her presence. I even needed to look up to gaze at her face when I stood in front of her in this fairy form.