It had gotten so crowded already, seemingly a group of random people just coming together for no good reason.  Or well... there could be a reason, as all around them, everyone else had done the same.  Groups of up to ten players had formed, with some as small as three.  But no one wanted to be left out, for the rumors grew that it was impossible to solo this game, as any good mmorpg should.  Just that some people didn't exactly get along, and more and more similarities and differences were showing.  So to say they were unique... well... this group did have some rather particular characters that didn't seem to appear in any of the more traditional nor more mundane groups.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(251, 160, 38)">When she finally broke away from the bunny girl, Kimitsu growled back at the innocent looking one as she seemed to want to repay her in some weird way.  "No I don't to touch your ears!  Stay away from my tail!" she complained, flashing her cute little sharp teeth with an obvious blush on her face.  The graphics were certainly something to admire, if they could capture this level of emotion.  </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(251, 160, 38)">Though she couldn't just concentrate on this annoying little runt, as several of the others pointed out.  Looking around her, it appeared that an entire party had formed.  "W-what... when did this..."  Kimitsu wasn't the type to team up, ever, but seeing as there was literally no group of single individuals, the fox girl folded her arms and grunted.  "Hmph… fine fine, whatever, we can form a group..." she growled under her breath, though her whisper would still show up in the chat log.  </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(251, 160, 38)">Speaking of which, she narrowed her eyes on that previous OTHER annoying girl and poked her right in the side.  "Well since this lumbering butt head probably doesn't know... and seems to be a bit distracted... literally just think the word 'Menu' in your mind and you'll see it."  As she explained it, her menu popped up, though only she could see it.  It clouded her vision in certain spots, along the bottom it showed her abilities, and on the left, the system menu, while on the right, there was the inventory and the interaction menu.  "Oh right, don't forget to think 'Close Menu' when you're done," she added, thinking Felicia wouldn't be smart enough to figure it out.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">As the group seemed to come together, with the obvious samurai, the curious cat-girl, the irritated vixen, the perky bunny-girl, the seductive dragoness, the awkward druid... er… the lustful demoness?  That... was odd.  Didn't seem normal, but then there was also the laid back werewolf so maybe that could've been a thing.  In any case, a minute passed by quite quickly before that same deafening gong sound rang out.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">"ATTENTION ALL PLAYERS" boomed that same voice again.  </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">Above the front gate of the plaza, right where everyone, regardless of where they stood, could see it, sprawled a huge screen, which showed a rather disheveled older woman, probably in her late 30s or early 40s, dressed in a bit of a sloppy brown coat and a wrinkled white blouse, her glasses thoroughly smeared as the reflection of whatever screen she was using showed.  Despite this, she looked excited for sure, and her large, amber eyes had a glint of amusement in them.  Then, she spoke, her voice not loud and yet seemingly reaching all of the players.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">"Greetings everyone!  I'm so glad you could make it!  Welcome to Eternal Riders Ascension!  Oh we're going to have so much fun together!"  That part of her intro was a bit odd for sure.  "I'm <a class="link link--external" href="https://imgur.com/7071S89" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Dr. Elizabeth Shue</a> and I created this very game you're in, right now!  Well it was certainly my idea but I had some help..."  An inaudible whisper sounded in the background of the broadcast and she rolled her eyes a bit.  "Right of course!  So as you all should know, you 2,000 players were invited to not only be the first to play the game outside of beta testing, but to also participate in our amazing contest!  $100,000 can be yours, and all you have to do is beat the final boss!  Simple, right?  Well..."</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">The woman's eyes seemed to gaze about the plaza along with her grin.  "I see you've all taken the first step, for the journey ahead of you will be perilous!  You will certainly need each other!"  Clearing her throat for a moment, she got really excited for this next part.  "For you see, while you're welcome to use any methods you'd like within the game, to achieve victory, you won't have unlimited tries.  For you see... if your HP every hits 0, you will be eliminated from the game AND the contest.  I'm sure your party members wouldn't like being a man down... or several... so do your best not to die!"  After a short chuckle, she heard another whisper and rolled her eyes harder.  "Or if it's just too much for you, feel free to log out.  But... you'll be eliminated as well."</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">As she gazed over the various assembled groups, this group in particular couldn't help but feel her gaze center on them somewhat longer.  "I'm sure you all bring some particularly special skills to the table, and I'm sure you'd love to use them for the benefit of your party.  In any case, happy hunting!"  With that, fireworks erupted high above the plaza as the screen faded to nothingness.  Every gate opened all at once, and most groups didn't hesitate to immediately run out through them.</span>