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

The hydroponic farm had grown quieter, save for the occasional laughter and chatter from Charis and Carlotta echoing faintly through the metallic halls.

I watched them briefly through a surveillance feed, Charis explaining numerous knowledge that I gave her with enthusiasm that seemed to amuse Carlotta, whose vine-like hair bobbed in curiosity.

"Awww, so cute."

At first, I was quite conflicted of having what was essentially another daughter, wondering what kind of Charis' reaction to that fact.

But now, it felt comforting after knowing that the two of them were quite compatible with one another.

The only complication that I see right now was the fact that Carlotta couldn't roam freelin in the Landship.

She was more of a plant than a mammal, or any kind of classification of living being. Thus, she was only able to stay at one place unless helped by others to move around from her position.

I was thinking of making some sort of a bio-attachments of a Cognitive Engine that allowed her to move her location on her own accord like we do, but I'm still not as deep in knowledge and experience when it comes to bioengineering a plant other than modifying something that had already existed or established.

It was quite shameful, since I could perform a surgery that turned a normal person into what was essentially a super-human, but couldn't do the same with plants and other creatures.

Speaking of my daughters, Lupina's absence had not gone unnoticed, either. Instead of accompanying Charis like she used to, she is currently undergoing a thorough checkup with Kuzunoha, Viviane, and Verina in preparation for her potential vessel transfer.

Kuzunoha already had her share dealing with Theotech Vessel in the past, so she should be able to ensure that the soul and mind transfer would go perfectly without a hitch. But there was still a great chance that things might go south, since Lupina's disembodied state was the first case that Kuzunoha had ever encountered.

Of course, once again, this was all assuming that we even found one within the expedition.

So far, the data that was acquired from sending the Assault Drones as scouting groups was quite useful and reliable, but there was still no sign of any kind of Theotech Vessel since I ordered none of them to not brute force their way into the interior of the vault and carelessly activated the defensive mechanism there.

They might be smart and ever-evolving, but that doesn't mean that they weren't prone on making mistakes for something that they hadn't interacted much before.

"Ah, everyone is busy."

For once, I was left to my own devices. The haunting whispers of the Daffodils in my mind had grown louder in the silence. Every now and then, their accusatory cries seeped into my thoughts, scratching and pulling at my composure.

My fingers curled around the edge of the desk where I had been sitting, the cold surface grounding me.

Sometimes, they would intensify for no reason at all

"I need something… anything," I murmured to myself. "A distraction."

My gaze wandered to the schematic screen of the workshop. For too long, my creations had been dedicated to the bastioneers and the Landship. The last time I had focused on myself was... Enjoy new tales from empire

I frowned. It had been when Kuzunoha gave me her clothing after the Mirroring Well debacle. Even now, I was still wearing some semblance of her designs—a borrowed clothing I'd grown increasingly aware of.

It wasn't bad, per se, but it wasn't mine.

It felt different than the Soulthread Aegis that I weaved into creation, the one that I wore proudly because I knew it so well that I was the one who made it.

"... I guess I can try making a new clothing set again."

I needed something that matched my role: a divine leader, a demigod, and the face of my faction.

This wasn't vanity; it was practicality. The impression I left would define not just myself but my bastion and all that I commanded.

Foreign civilizations, unknown entities—just one glance at me, and they should understand the depth of our power and technological prowess.

Seated at the workstation, I began pulling up neural schematics. My fingers brushed across the tactile interface, sketching the rough silhouette.

A regal and dominating presence, balanced with functionality for ease of movement.

A high-collared coat that exuded authority, extending slightly past the thighs for a dramatic, flowing effect.

Form-fitting pants tailored for movement, emphasizing both agility and elegance. A layered upper design that conveyed sophistication, incorporating intricate Calamity Object materials for both aesthetic and symbolic resonance.

Accents and trims of glowing Neural Alloy Threads woven subtly into the fabric, their faint luminescence hinting at the technological superiority of my bastion.

"As for the colors…"

Midnight black as the primary shade, conveying mystery and authority. Accents of gold, woven into the trim and threading, highlighting my divine status. Deep crimson elements around the coat's inner lining, adding an element of boldness and power.

"And now for the details…"

The coat's shoulder areas would feature angular designs, slightly raised and reinforced to symbolize the wearer's strength and physical role instead of a mere politician.

The pants would be sleek, adorned with subtle Neural Alloy threading at the seams for additional support. No need for any fancy display, since I want to make my upper body to be the focus.

And as for the torso, I decided to go for multi-layered parts and a pair of translucent colored sheets of fabric on the front, flowing from my collar to my chest.

"I can try with this design first. If it doesn't look good, I can just make another one."

I moved to the center of the workshop, where rows of machinery and tools gleamed under soft light.

Reaching for a set of Neural Alloy Threads, I began the first step—creating the base fabric. My All-Tampering Divine Dexterity came to life, the energy coursing through my fingertips allowing me to manipulate even the most stubborn materials with ease.

The Neural Alloy Threads were known for their near-impervious durability, often used in constructing bastioneer armor. Normally, they required high-heat molecular fusing to weave, but in my hands, they bent and flowed as though liquid, forming into fine strands of fabric under my control.

I moved rhythmically, each gesture deliberate.

The coat came first. I began with the outermost layer, weaving the Neural Alloy Threads into a tight, structured fabric.

The threads glowed faintly as I shaped them, adjusting the tensile strength until the material struck the perfect balance between flexibility and rigidity.

For the coat's high collar, I used a faint gold trim along the edges, stitching a subtle design into the fabric—an intricate, abstract pattern resembling the neural pathways of the Cognitive Engine.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The inner lining of the coat required a lighter material. For this, I selected a hybrid fabric created from Solum Vitae excess biomaterial and neural threading. Its properties allowed for natural breathability while enhancing wearer comfort.

I also just added whatever materials that I have near me, hoping that they were even usable.

"And now, the pants."

Using the same Neural Alloy Threads, I created a form-fitting design that was lightweight yet durable. The seams were reinforced with an additional layer of Calamity Object-derived material, providing resilience against potential damage while retaining a sleek appearance. Gold stitching along the sides offered subtle yet striking accents.

Then finally, the upper piece.

This was the most intricate part of the design, requiring a balance between functionality and aesthetic impact. I layered reinforced bands of fabric and many more that I prepared, right across the chest, each one seamlessly integrated into the design that I made earlier.

The material itself was imbued with faintly glowing Neural Alloy patterns that pulsed in rhythmic intervals, suggesting life and energy without overpowering the overall design.

Stepping back, I surveyed the assembled pieces. They were immaculate, but the work wasn't done.

I turned toward the accessory station and selected several small Theotech components. These would serve dual purposes: enhancing the outfit's structural integrity and showcasing the technological prowess of my bastion.

Micro-filament threading along the coat's hem, allowing it to shimmer faintly under light.

Discreet, near-invisible Theotech nodes woven into the shoulder pads, subtly amplifying my presence when activated.

A neural-reactive clasp at the front of the coat, both functional and decorative, pulsing faintly when in use.

The finishing touch came in the form of the crimson inner lining. I adjusted the fabric one final time, ensuring the folds fell naturally while preserving the coat's regal silhouette.

"... I hope that I didn't go too far for mere clothing."

Once everything was assembled, I carried the outfit to my personal chambers. The light there was softer, more intimate, casting a warm glow across the polished surfaces.

I changed into the new attire, feeling the weight and texture of the fabric against my skin. Despite its structured appearance, the outfit moved effortlessly with me, each piece fitting as though it were an extension of myself.

Turning toward the full-length mirror, I took in the final result.

The high-collared coat framed my form perfectly, the angular shoulders adding an air of authority. The glowing neural patterns along the chest and shoulders were subtle yet captivating, catching the light just enough to draw the eye without overwhelming the design.

The pants were sleek, their seamless construction complementing the overall silhouette. And the crimson lining of the coat provided a striking contrast, hinting at both boldness and sophistication.

I allowed myself a small smile, pleased with the result.

For the next hour, I admired the reflection, adjusting the folds of the coat here and there, testing its movement. The voices in my head grew quieter during this time, drowned out by the satisfaction of creation.

As expected, narcissism is a reliable solace for this problem.

But eventually, it was time to prepare for the expedition.

With a final glance at the mirror, I turned away, the echoes of my steps ringing faintly in the chamber as I headed toward the briefing room. The time for self-indulgence was over; duty called.