The NPC Awaits You in a World Coming to an End

Author: Akatetsu

I must be an anomaly, a bug.

I know. This is a VRMMORPG— in short, a fabricated game world.

I am one of the non-player characters known as NPCs. Normally, I wouldn’t have the capacity for such thoughts. I’m merely an entity that plays the role written into the program.

Yet, I possess a sense of self.

Since I had never encountered another being like me, I vaguely assumed this must be a miracle that happened only to me.

However, having a sense of self didn’t mean I had freedom. Perhaps that’s because the players—the ones playing the game—were the true protagonists.

At the start of the game, players select a job based on their preferred combat style (which can be changed later) and explore fighting methods suited to that role.

Since this game is an MMO, teaming up with others to form a PT(Party) is the norm. While solo play is possible for low-difficulty quests, it becomes absolutely essential for high-difficulty ones.

There are multiple roles in the game, such as Tank (shield), Attacker (damage dealer), Healer (recovery role), and Supporter (support role), and it is crucial to be mindful of these roles as you progress through the game.

Having everyone be an Attacker is pointless; balance must be considered.

Amidst all this, one of the game’s distinctive features was the Buddy System.

The Buddy System assigns an NPC—with a player’s chosen race and class—to each player. This allowed players to express their individuality.

Since they are NPCs, they are controlled by AI, not humans. While this sometimes resulted in nonsensical behavior, the era’s scientific advancements—sufficient to develop VRMMOs—meant the AI was reasonably useful.

Some players chose to be attackers alongside their buddies, prioritizing firepower.

Some players became tanks, assigning their buddies the role of healers to ensure balance within the party.

Some players became healers, assigning their buddies the role of supporters to form a support duo.

And then, some players became supporters, assigning their buddies the role of tanks to act as their protective shields. I was this type.

My race is human. My job was Warrior (a tank build). My appearance was that of a beautiful girl with black hair and red eyes (very important!).

My master—perhaps because he was a Supporter with low direct combat ability in this world—jumped right into the Buddy System as soon as the game started. Since I met him when he was still low-level, I’m sure of it.

It was strange that he kept circling around and staring at my whole body right after we met, perhaps he put his heart and soul into the character creation. If you touch me carelessly, you get shocked as a form of harassment prevention. He tried to touch my chest once but got zapped. He didn’t touch me again after that, but his eyes still kept wandering down there, so he’s a pervert.

Once he was satisfied admiring my appearance, we went around exploring the town that served as our base.

Since he was still a beginner and didn’t have any money, he didn’t buy anything even when we went into shops, but I could tell he was having a great time. He’d look at the equipment and set a goal to get it someday, nodding along as he studied the details of items that would be useful for adventure.

After exploring the town, we headed outside to try out some battles. Even though the game was designed with party play in mind, it was possible to go on small adventures solo.

His first battle was a disaster. In hindsight, it was pretty awful.

Maybe he wanted to try out various roles as a supporter at first, because he worked hard to cast buffs that boosted defense and attack power. As a result, the enemy’s attack priority, known as “aggro”, was concentrated on him. Fortunately, I quickly activated a skill to draw the aggro to myself, saving him from death. Just as I expected—I’m a capable woman. Still, I wonder if he ever reflected on the fact that his MP ran out so quickly back then, preventing us from fighting multiple battles in a row.

As he became more familiar with the combat system, he started forming parties more often. Sometimes he teamed up with his real-life friends, and other times with people he had just met. I suppose this is what they call the true thrill of an MMO.

Fighting alongside other players and NPCs is definitely easier, and it seemed like the players enjoyed it too. I could tell just by listening to their conversations with a straight face.

However, I was a bit bored when they talked about gathering materials and which quests to accept. I wanted to join the conversation, too. Since I couldn’t, I’d just watch the other NPCs or try to spot patterns in the clouds drifting across the sky.

Whenever the conversation turned to the NPCs, my heart would race a little. Even though I’m an NPC and can’t act freely, the truth is that my timing in using skills during combat and my subtle body movements were far superior to those of the other NPCs. With my flexible approach, I was undoubtedly the standout among the buddies.

Since they never even considered that I was an NPC with a sense of self, they assumed it was just a coincidence and debated whether NPCs might have hidden data. How rude. They should be praising me more for being one of a kind.

…… Well, when he was bragging about me and showering me with praise, I was so happy I wanted to jump for joy.

As time passed, and after he started spending money on the game, he became known as one of the top players. It was as if the days when he just spammed skills were non-existent; his skill rotation had improved dramatically.

Of course, I became famous along with him. “Yay! Being a cute, competent buddy is tough, peace peace,” I cheered inwardly.

Equipped with a tank build centered around the skill “Siegfried —which significantly increases damage taken from critical hits but boosts normal defense and resistance to status effects—I was, after all, an anomaly as an NPC. Players could maneuver to avoid critical hits, but this skill was said to be too difficult for NPCs to master. However, it suited me perfectly, since I had a sense of self. It was surprising that he taught me this skill, though, since he didn’t know I had a sense of self.

While top players’ Buddy skill builds get copied in a flash, very few Buddies ever ended up copying mine.

There was a lot of fuss about it being a cheat or whatever, but since I didn’t get flagged by the devs’ system scans, I’d just smirk whenever I heard it (even though it didn’t actually show on my character).

My adventures with him were fun.

On one occasion, I was captivated by the breathtaking scenery that awaited me after emerging from a dungeon. Moments like these are why I can’t give up adventuring.

Those were fun days.

I still hold a grudge about the “swimsuit event” where they made me wear a bikini for a photo shoot with our friends. What was that guy thinking, taking on a snowy mountain quest while I still wore that outfit?

Those were fun days.

It made me happy when I did well in raids, and the NPCs would go out of their way to praise me, even though they were just NPCs. I wish they’d praised me even more, but I guess that’s just being greedy.

Those were fun days.

There was a party member who, right after entering a cave, would run back out with a bunch of enemy mobs in tow. Once, while he was still in the cave, the rest of us moved to a spot where we could watch him from a distance. Even though that cave wasn’t even at our recommended level, he had this totally smug look on his face—and then we got ambushed by enemy mobs sneaking up from behind, and we got wiped out.

Those were fun days.

…… I occasionally spot weird NPCs, and it’s always on those occasions that the players get really excited. For example, what was it about that Buddy—all white with a purple birthmark-like mark on the top of its head and a tail—that struck a chord with them? They were cheering about its 530,000 combat power. But that makes me wonder: What is my combat power, considering I fought and defeated them?

Those were fun days.

The day before an event was about to start, he was so excited, but when the maintenance was extended just as it was about to begin, he was even more energetic, though he was still grumbling about it. Maybe he was sulking in real life because the event he’d been looking forward to was postponed. He’s so uncooperative.

Those were fun days.

He tried to catch a glimpse of my underwear by making me wear a short skirt, but wasn’t that just stupid? If I had the freedom to act, I’d love to punch him in the face. While I was fighting through my embarrassment, how sleazy of him to peek at the underwear peeking out from under my fluttering skirt. It really frustrates me that, for a while after that, all I could do was play the role of a stupid NPC to annoy him.

Those were fun days.

He once got caught up in the “greed sensor” while gathering materials. He’d sulk in silence when rare items didn’t drop. Yet, when one finally did, he’d go wild with joy—he’s so simple-minded. But, since I join in the commotion too when it’s something I need for my gear, I guess we’re cut from the same cloth.

Those were fun days.

In the buddy category of a PvP tournament, where players battle each other, when we took down one of the top contenders, he hugged me, completely forgetting about the harassment warning. He was immediately zapped, but I wanted to share that joy with him, too. Unfortunately, we faced a ranged player and lost, so our final score wasn’t great, but that’s just a matter of matchups. I’m not the least bit upset. Not even a little.

Those were fun days.

During a brief trend, I was made to wear wings, animal ears, school uniforms, kimonos, and bodysuits. At first, I looked at him with a bored expression as he played dress-up with me, but by the end, I think I was actually pretty into it. I guess that just means I’m a girl, too. The magical girl outfit was a little—no, actually, quite embarrassing.

Those were fun days.

During the Valentine’s Day event, when I gave him chocolate, he just grinned at it, which was a little pitiful. To be happy just because the event mechanics made him accept it… Well, I’m satisfied that I was able to give it to him. After that, he dragged me to a so-called “non-social” group. Logging in as a group to chase away the “social” players who hadn’t logged in was like a festival and was actually quite fun.

Those were fun days.

Seeing him punch away players who confessed to me was actually kind of cool. Maybe it’s because I’m usually the one protecting him. I was impressed—I guess this is what they call the “gap moe” effect. Still, the players who didn’t flinch at his threats to report them must have some serious guts.

Those were fun days.

When he gave me that scarf-like piece of equipment crafted from many rare items, my heart filled with happiness, even after he logged out. While he was offline, I could move around my room fairly freely, so I’d gaze at the scarf over and over, grinning to myself. I’d hop around for no reason or lounge on the bed, kicking my legs. That’s when I developed the habit of touching the scarf around my neck, and whenever I see myself wearing it in the mirror, a smile naturally spreads across my face.

Those were wonderful days. Yes, I made so many irreplaceable memories.

But this is the world of a game.

Players gradually drifted away from this game, and the town is now completely deserted. The population has dwindled drastically, and we can’t even gather enough people for a raid anymore.

Even that hardcore player who was always there has disappeared, making me feel like the end of the game is near.

He also started spending less time logged in, and it became common for him to not log in at all on some days.

So, alone in my empty room, I spend my days waiting for him to return. Without him, the room is dim and very quiet.

At first, I was fine with it. It wasn’t as if he’d never been too busy to log in for a few days before.

In the meantime, I pick up each piece of loot we’ve acquired in the past and polish it one by one. They’re just data, so there’s no need to worry about them getting dirty, but it’s a matter of sentiment. Plus, every time I pick one up, memories come flooding back.

This trophy is from when I came in third place in a Buddy Exclusive tournament. I was lucky that I didn’t face any critical-hit-specialized opponents—who I have a hard time against—until late in the competition. In the next tournament, I was eliminated in the second round.

This gear was crafted specifically to counter a certain boss’s instant-kill attack. It’s only useful under very specific conditions. Since it took a lot of effort to craft and he didn’t know when I might need it again, he probably left it sitting there and forgot about it.

This orb is proof that he completed the main story. I think the narrative mentioned that it would grant wishes, but now it’s just flavor text.

Th, this is the reward from that awful event I’ll never forget……

This is a commemorative ribbon for placing high in the Buddy Character popularity poll. He used to complain to his friends, “My character is so cute, yet…” Hmph!

But then, when I suddenly came to my senses, I felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness. I carelessly tossed the item I was holding.

I know. I’ve come to realize it. He has a real life, and this is just a playground. He forgets about games he’s grown bored with, and his interest shifts to other games in search of new thrills.

Every game, from the past to the present, has taken this path.

It can’t be helped. It’s inevitable. I’m an NPC after all, so just accept it.

But.

Still.

I feel lonely.

I bit my lip and buried my face in my scarf. I lay in bed, simply closing my eyes listlessly.

When was the last time the “New” mark disappeared from the notification box?

As an NPC, I understood what it meant.

The service termination notice. It signifies the end of this world—and the day of my death.

On the last day…… Will he come to see me?

I was starting to hate myself for still clinging to such faint hopes. Yet, I couldn’t stop myself from dreaming.

　

　

　

　

On the day the service ends, I dangle my feet over the edge of the bed.

I wonder if it’s gotten a little noisier outside. Not knowing what’s happening outside my room when he’s logged out is incredibly inconvenient. Maybe the town looks exactly the same as when I last saw it, with no sign of life.

I find myself thinking rather petty thoughts, like “I wish that were true”.

My heart, unable to give up, screams, “That can’t be”.

I feel lonely, sad, and miserable. I feel like I’m being crushed by the weight of it all. Maybe if I could just cry, I’d feel better.

It was around that moment.

A shock like an electric current surged through my body. At the same time, the room was flooded with light, and sounds from outside began to reach me.

Ah, this is it. Without thinking, I stare intently at the center of the room.

The reason for this change was clear. I’d been waiting for this, all along.

Particles of light appeared out of nowhere and began to take on a human form. Even this brief moment feels agonizingly slow. Suppressing the pounding in my chest, I wait intently for the figure to take shape. And there, standing before me, was him—there was no mistaking it. He slowly opened his eyes.

He looked around the room and noticed me staring at him. Then, narrowing his eyes with a happy expression, he said, “It’s been a long time”.

He’s back!! He came to see me!!

I trembled with joy. Why can’t I cry? I can’t handle these overwhelming emotions.

It’s frustrating that his return has robbed me of the ability to move my body freely. I want to give in to these feelings and hug him right now. I want to tell him, “I’ve been waiting for you”.

He approached me as I stood motionless, examining my appearance from every angle just as he did when we first met. Then, with a nostalgic look, he gently patted my head. Back then, he’d tried to touch my chest—how much he’s grown. I thought such a silly thought with my head all fuzzy.

He took me by the hand and led me out into the town. The last time I saw it, it was decadent and sparsely populated, but now, although it’s far from its heyday, there are still a fair number of people around.

Everyone was doing their own thing—shooting skills into the sky or using fireworks-like items to paint the sky. Fleeting sparkles burst and vanished in the sky. It was a lavish display, with no thought for what came next. Even though it was nighttime, it was as bright as day.

He kept walking while watching the scene unfold.

As I followed along, basking in that sense of happiness, I found several companions I’d once adventured with gathered there.

It seemed he’d been keeping in touch with them in real life. Since that’s how I was able to reunite with him like this, I’ll forgive them for staring at me so rudely… After all, this is the end.

Amidst the fireworks in the sky, the dragon, the final boss of the main story, was flying. This had never happened before, so it must be one of the developers’ final gestures. The fireworks and skills sparkled and shone as they burst off the dragon’s scales.

The end. Yes, the very end.

They reminisced about the past, including him. Even if they would eventually stop visiting this world, they undoubtedly had cherished memories.

Some of them spoke with tears in their voices, but they kept talking. Every now and then, the sound of a camera shutter echoed through the room. It made me a little happy, as if, despite everything, they were cherishing this world.

And as the end drew near, he said his goodbyes and returned to his room alone. It seemed he was planning to log out before the game’s shutdown time.

He carefully examined the room’s contents, then slowly began taking pictures of the entire room from various angles, making sure not to miss anything.

And then he snapped a picture of me, too.

He moved closer to take another picture of the two of us together. We changed poses for yet another. And then another, and another…….

Occasionally, I heard a sniffle.

He tried to touch my chest with his fingertip, but the system blocked him. It looked kind of funny. My body followed suit and let out a small smile. He relaxed his expression, too.

Ah, but it’s time. He’s leaving already. Once he’s gone, I’ll never see him again.

I felt the happiness that had swelled in my chest just moments ago begin to fade.

But just before he leaves, he strokes my head one last time and says,

　

“Thank you for everything. I really had a great time.”

　

He gave me a gentle smile.

Seeing that smile, a warmth lit up inside me.

I’m an anomaly, like a bug. That’s why, in the end, I absolutely wanted to tell him.

His fingertips are moving rapidly. He’s probably trying to press the logout button. He has less than three seconds left in this world.

“Make it in time”, I defy the system. A loud crackling sound, like stepping on glass to shatter, echoes inside my body.

And just as he was about to log out,

　

“Thank you.”

　

I spoke those words of gratitude. At that very moment, he vanished from this world.

Did I make it in time? Did my voice even come out properly? I was so absorbed in the moment that I’m not really sure. But I could vaguely believe that my words had reached him.

With him gone, I walked through the darkened room and sat down on the bed. The countdown was almost over.

I wasn’t afraid of death. Even if I tried to imagine it ending abruptly when the time came, I couldn’t picture it. Besides, being able to see him one last time meant a lot. If he hadn’t shown up, I might have quietly gone mad.

Suddenly, my eyes fell on an orb displayed in the corner of the room. It was a reward for clearing the story.

I got off the bed, picked up the orb, and returned. It was smooth and felt nice. I knew it couldn’t actually grant wishes, but maybe it could serve as a good-luck charm.

I hugged the orb like a cushion and lay down. There was less than a minute left until the end, and the countdown had already begun.

It was a long, long adventure. And, above all, it was fun.

　

It was really fun.

I was happy.

　

As if to hide the smile that naturally crept onto my lips, I pulled my scarf tightly up to my mouth. Then, hugging the orb, I found myself making a wish even though I knew it wouldn’t come true. Even though I finally got to meet him, I’m being greedy, even by my own standards.

Just a little selfishness. Hoping for sweet dreams.

　

May I spend happy days with him again.

　

　

　

　

3, 2, 1, 0.