Three hours before the anniversary celebration officially began, the island region outside Bibo Town was already lively as could be. The bonfire party that had been going on for days was still in full swing.
Huge bonfires had been lit and left burning. Players who came to have fun only needed to bring their own ingredients and seasonings to throw a thoroughly enjoyable, skill-testing barbecue party. If they didn't have anything to grill, there were plenty of anglers on the island happy to give their day's catch away to their fellow players for free.
Of course, sea fish needed a little preparation to taste good, but there were always lazy slobs who couldn't be bothered with that step. They'd shut their eyes and swallow food cooked until it looked like charcoal. As long as it wasn't poisonous, it still filled their stomachs.
The more discerning adventurers would do as players did in that certain Sharp-Edged Dragon-Rising Swordfish game, making some strange "pirate cuisine" to catch people's attention and treat their poor, pitiful stomachs.
Members of the major guilds didn't need to worry about any of that. Established guilds had dedicated chef players to cook for them, so their bonfire gatherings looked like enormous buffet banquets. Some people got drunk or, caught up in the mood, performed all sorts of acts beside the flames. The festivities even drew a few daring mermaid girls, who came to join in, experience the land-dwellers' way of having fun, and try the sweet-and-sour land drinks that packed quite a punch.
Nearly ten thousand players had gathered in Bibo Town. That was far beyond the capacity of this little town the merfolk used as a "vacation" spot. But players always found a way. The more fastidious ones pitched all sorts of gray tents in the plentiful