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

"Is there a reason why you want to meet Kuzunoha?" I said, while the reality was transforming.

"There is important information that I want to share," she said with a weighted smile. "But it is better to have someone you trust the most in the vicinity of what I'm about to tell—someone capable of handling the truth and how to act upon it." Your journey continues with empire

The swirling expanse of reality unfolded around us, a maelstrom of colors and forms defying natural comprehension.

Before I knew it, Eve already brought me to a foreign dimension.

This place felt alive yet alien, with threads of existence intertwining and unraveling like celestial strings in constant flux. It felt as if this place was connected with many things, concepts, aspects, and maybe existence itself.

At its center above the swirling formation of primordial essences, a figure loomed—a magnificent, crimson-furred fox of impossible scale. Its fur shimmered like fresh blood under the glow of an unseen sun, each strand a conduit for power that surged through the dimension.

Perched upon the fox's back was a shrine of undeniable majesty, complete with arched torii gates that framed the sacred structure. The shrine's presence radiated reverence, its design a harmonious blend of otherworldly craftsmanship and ancient sanctity.

Witnessing this being in my sight alone was enough to tell me that I'm nothing but a mere mortal below a powerful deity.

At this point, I started to wonder if this fox was truly the person that I had in my mind.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Near the fox's immense paws, a familiar figure stood—the Drowned Revenant. Her detached stance and hollow gaze betrayed no hostility, only a silent vigil. As we approached, she inclined her head in a bow, acknowledging me without a word.

After that, the fox-like deity glanced at me.

Despite the awe-inspiring scene, my first instinct was trepidation. The sheer size and presence of the fox were daunting, and its piercing gaze swept over me with an unsettling weight. My body tensed, my mind racing to make sense of this overwhelming spectacle.

Then, a voice—a voice I knew so well—broke the tension.

"Well, well," Kuzunoha's unmistakable tone rang out, brimming with haughty amusement. "You've managed to tame the Holy Witch herself, Narcissus. I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified."

The sharp sarcasm and playful edge in her voice dispelled the suffocating dread almost immediately. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and smiled wryly. "It's all thanks to my charm and beauty, of course."

"Of course," Kuzunoha drawled, her tone laced with mock seriousness. "Who could resist the irresistible Narcissus?"

Eve, standing beside me, chuckled softly, her floating hands curling with faint amusement. "It seems like I need to introduce myself," she said, her regal tone laced with warmth, before giving a theatrical curtsy with two floating hands tugging her skirt, and two others completing the bowing gesture, one that was stoic yet playfully commanding. "My name is Eve, the one and only Carcosa's banished Holy Witch. It is a pleasure to meet you, Collector~"

"Likewise, mine is Kuzunoha." Kuzunoha's massive form shifted slightly, her glowing crimson fur rippling like molten silk. "You've certainly changed, Holy Witch," she remarked, her voice thoughtful now. "I expected the unstable, chaos incarnate, but here you are—graceful, composed... even noble. It's absurd, honestly."

Eve inclined her head slightly, her movements elegant and deliberate. "The absurdity of my existence has always been my defining trait," she replied smoothly. "But I thank you for your observation, Kuzunoha. I trust my current state will not disrupt your efforts."

"On the contrary," Kuzunoha said, her floating form leaning closer, her enormous fox eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I appreciate the civility amidst this tedious process. It's refreshing."

I stepped forward, my curiosity piqued by Kuzunoha's current form. "This... transformation of yours, or form," I began, gesturing to her immense figure. "Is this what you really are?"

A deep, almost melodic hum escaped Kuzunoha's throat, her tail flicking lazily. "Not exactly," she admitted. "This is my ascended state—an elevated form that connects me directly to Carcosa's arcane ley lines. It allows me to manipulate time and space on a scale that matches the magnitude of the current crisis. Think of it as a temporary state of godhood."

"Temporary?" I echoed, tilting my head.

"It's not without its limits," she said, her tone tinged with mild irritation. "It's taxing on the soul, and Carcosa itself will impose restrictions—or outright banishment—if I maintain this form for too long. There are ways to mitigate that, of course, but they require an effort I'm frankly too lazy to invest in."

I smirked. "So, the red-haired, huge-boobed fox lady I know and love is your true form?"

Kuzunoha's laugh resonated through the dimension, warm and full of mirth. "That's the one. It is also my favorite form to take in my personal time too. You can already guess that with how my mansion is structured.

"This current form of mine may be grand, but it's hardly comfortable." Kuzunoha slightly leaned her fox head to the side, showing a vivid expression of discomfort as she sighed. "I prefer my usual self for... practical reasons."

"Practical reasons, huh?" I teased. "Like tormenting others with your snark."

"Not precisely, but it is definitely part of the portfolio," she quipped, her tone dripping with mock smugness. "Now, enough about me. What brings you and the Holy Witch to my domain?"

I took a deep breath and explained Eve's circumstances, recounting everything from her tragic origin to her decision to bestow a final gift.

Kuzunoha listened intently, her immense presence exuding an uncharacteristic solemnity. She also showcased a great level of attentiveness, probably because the subject matter involves a unique and powerful being such as the Holy Witch.

I also won't be surprised if Kuzunoha had already known about the event of the Holy Saint and her imminent downfall. After all, she seemed to be dabbling with histories that were already consumed by the All-Dreaming Beast.

When I finished, Kuzunoha's voice was softer, more measured, and kind. "I see. It's a cruel twist of fate—to forge a bond only to be forced apart. My condolences, Narcissus. And to you, Eve."

Eve inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Thank you."

"That's why we're here," I continued. "Eve has something to offer me before she departs. And she also has information to share with someone I trust—someone capable of handling it."

Kuzunoha's massive fox eyes narrowed slightly, the edge of her mouth curling into a faint smile. "I suppose that's me, then?"

"It's you," Eve confirmed, her floating hands folding gracefully. "Your reputation precedes you, and from what I've seen from Narcissus' memory, you are someone Narcissus relies on deeply."

"Careful," I said dryly, crossing my arms. "You're going to make her even more stuck-up and prideful."

"Too late," Kuzunoha said with a smug laugh. "I've already taken it that way."

Eve chuckled, the sound light and melodic. "Good. That makes this easier."

Before Kuzunoha could respond, Eve turned her attention back to me, her expression softening. "But before we proceed further, Narcissus, let's revisit your wish. You asked for a haven—a place, a thing, or someone you can trust when you have nothing left. Do you remember?"

I nodded, my heart tightening as I recalled the weight of those words. "I remember."

Eve stepped closer, her floating hands reaching out to cup my face gently. Her presence enveloped me, her voice a low murmur. "Narcissus, do you understand how souls are born?"

I hesitated, the question catching me off guard. "I... have a vague idea."

Eve smiled faintly, her face inches from mine. "Allow me to demonstrate."

Before I could respond, she leaned in, her lips capturing mine in a deep, passionate kiss. The world seemed to fall away, leaving only the warmth of her touch and the overwhelming sensation of her essence mingling with mine.