MMORPG: Rebirth as an Alchemist

As the group continued to explore the city, they encountered more wonders at every turn. From towering spires adorned with intricate carvings to lush gardens teeming with exotic flora and fauna, the celestial city was a sight to behold.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city streets, Ren, Evie and Elena found themselves drawn to a serene park nestled in the heart of the city. Here, they found souls and angels alike lounging on benches, basking in the gentle glow of the sun as they shared stories and laughter with one another.

"Everyone seems to be getting along here," Elena observed, her brow furrowing with a sense of unease that she couldn't quite shake.

"It feels unnatural?" Ren interjected, finishing her thought.

Elena nodded vigorously. "Exactly! It's just not right. How can everyone be so friendly, even with strangers?"

Evie sensed their shared discomfort, and proposed a course of action. "Let's see if anyone knows about Lorelai."

The trio approached a group of angels, their faces glowing with serene smiles that seemed almost too perfect.

"Excuse us, could we ask you something?" Elena started.

The angels paused their conversation, turning their attention to Ren and the others with a welcoming demeanor.

"Of course, feel free to ask anything," one of them replied kindly.

Ren got straight to the point. "Have you ever heard of a half-angel, half-human named Lorelai?"

The angels exchanged a meaningful glance before shaking their heads in unison. "No, we're not familiar with anyone by that name."

"Though, aren't half-angels quite rare?" one of them said to the others.

"That's correct. It's considered taboo for Gods and Goddesses to engage with mortals in such a manner," another angel explained.

"But that doesn't necessarily stop them, does it?" the other quipped, and they giggled to themselves.

Suddenly, Ren found himself pondering Lorelai's origins. Was her other parent a God or Goddess? The thought lingered in his mind, unresolved.

"So, you don't have any clue about her?" Evie inquired, her tone tinged with disappointment.

The trio of angels shook their heads in unison, one of them suggesting, "If you're seeking answers, perhaps the Goddess of Gossip can help."

"Yes, she seems to know everything," another angel chimed in, their voices filled with a hint of mystery.

The angels shared a moment of laughter amongst themselves before returning to their conversation, seemingly carefree and oblivious to the weight of their words.

"A goddess of gossip?" Elena repeated, her brow furrowing. "There's a goddess of gossip?"

The angels paused, acknowledging the newcomers with a knowing smile. "Ah, you must be new here," one of them remarked.

"That's correct. With the expanding universe, there's been an influx of gods and goddesses," another angel elaborated.

Ren listened attentively as they spoke of various deities, including the intriguing mention of a god of whispers, a god of emotion, and even goddesses of seemingly mundane things like fish, toads, and butterflies.

Overwhelmed by the influx of information, Ren interjected, "Where can we find this Goddess of Gossip?"

"In Whisper Peak," one of the angels replied, their expression growing serious.

"But approaching her may prove to be challenging," another angel cautioned. "She's been banished there by the other deities because of her extensive knowledge. They've unanimously agreed that no one should interact with her."

Ren and his companions exchanged glances, processing the newfound information. Expressing their gratitude, they bid farewell to the angels and resumed their journey.

"It's ironic," Elena remarked bitterly. "They preach niceness until it becomes inconvenient for them. Heck, they wouldn't even think twice of banishing one of their own and locked her up forever in some mountain."

Evie couldn't help but agree, muttering, "With so many gods and goddesses around, finding Lorelai might indeed be difficult."

Ren nodded. "Our best bet is to seek out this Goddess of Gossip. Let's go and ask around some more."

Meanwhile, Desira found herself immersed in the joy of trying on new dresses. Each garment was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, intricate and breathtakingly beautiful. However, her excitement was dampened by a nagging dissatisfaction with the color palette — too much white and pastel, not her style at all. Disheartened, she left the store empty-handed, her lack of funds further adding to her frustration. She forgot about exchanging her gil with Angelic Feathers in the bank. Despite her urge to cause a scene, Ren's words echoed in her mind: "Don't make any commotion." With a dismissive spat towards the store, Desira moved on to her next venture.

Elsewhere, Iraelyn found herself caught up in the excitement of the coliseum. Instead of focusing on the search for Lorelai, she engaged in spirited betting with fellow spectators, eager to predict the outcomes of the arena battles.

Meanwhile, Malifira delved into the celestial shops, acquiring rare ingredients and tools exclusive to the Heavenly Realm. Currency posed no obstacle, as she had wisely converted some of her gil into Angelic Feathers, ensuring she had ample resources for her purchases.

In contrast, Vivi indulged in the simple pleasures of life, relishing in the array of sweets and delicacies available. Lost in the delight of sampling various treats in Heaven, she momentarily forgot about their mission.

As for Azazel, his reckless behavior landed him in trouble as he failed to settle his debts for the goods he consumed. Before he knew it, he found himself pursued by guards through the bustling streets.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Ren, Evie, and Elena waited patiently for their companions in the plaza, as agreed upon earlier.

Desira and Malifira arrived together, their demeanor in stark contrast. Desira grumbled discontentedly while Malifira gleefully inspected her purchases.

Following closely behind were Vivi and Iraelyn. Vivi's face lit up with joy as she savored the various delicacies she had acquired, while Iraelyn's expression was clouded with frustration and lamentations about her losses.

"Where's Azazel?" Ren inquired, noticing his absence.

Desira and the others exchanged concerned glances, prompting Desira to ask, "Where is Lord Azazel?"

"Wasn't he with you?" one of them questioned, gesturing towards each other.

Ren felt a headache coming on. "Don't tell me . . ."

As if on cue, the sound of Azazel's shouts, accompanied by the blaring of sirens and the fluttering of wings, reached their ears.