《On Vacation in an VRMMORPG: A LITRPG Adventure》 Chapter 1: Source Code After a long day spent among piles of dusty books and distracted university students, the librarian returned home. His small apartment was neat and simple, almost a reflection of his calm personality. He set his bag down on a chair, then glanced at the gift box left on the table: the VR headset and the mysterious metallic sphere gifted to him earlier that morning by the student. ¡°I¡¯ve never really been a fan of video games¡­¡± he muttered to himself, picking up the sphere. It was light and smooth, with a small power button on its side. The headset, lying beside it, looked more familiar¡ªsimilar to the ones he¡¯d seen advertised in tech stores. He sank into the armchair, examining the gift with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. ¡°Well, I suppose it doesn¡¯t hurt to try,¡± he said with a sigh. He followed the brief instructions included in the box: ¡°Press the power button on the sphere.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± he thought, finding it odd there weren¡¯t more instructions. Nevertheless, he pressed the button. Suddenly, the sphere began to glow with a bright white light. He flinched, startled, as the metallic surface slowly opened, like the petals of a blooming flower. ¡°What the...?¡± At the center of the robotic flower, a tiny figure emerged: a mechanical fairy, perfectly sculpted, with translucent wings that pulsed faintly with green light. Its body was a combination of polished metal and opalescent materials. The fairy raised her head and began to speak, her voice melodic and crystalline. ¡°Greetings, it¡¯s a pleasure to meet you! I¡¯ll be your guide for Source Code.¡± The librarian stared at her, his mouth slightly agape. ¡°Wait, wait¡­ You can talk?¡± he asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s... quite the gimmick.¡± The fairy nodded, hovering lightly above the robotic flower, which now floated gently in the air. ¡°Oh, of course I can talk! I¡¯ll be by your side for the entirety of your experience. Before we begin, why don¡¯t we introduce ourselves? What¡¯s your name?¡± The librarian hesitated for a moment before answering. ¡°Leonardo. Like Leonardo da Vinci.¡± The fairy twirled gracefully in the air. ¡°What a wonderful name! It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Leonardo. I, however, don¡¯t have a name... But if you¡¯d like, you can give me one.¡± Leonardo stroked his chin thoughtfully. After a moment, he said, ¡°How about¡­ Gelsomina? It feels fitting for a fairy that lives on a flower.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The fairy¡¯s luminous eyes glowed even brighter. ¡°Gelsomina¡­ I love it! From now on, my name will be Gelsomina. Thank you, Leonardo!¡± Leonardo allowed himself a smile. ¡°Alright, Gelsomina. So, what do I do now?¡± ¡°First, I need to scan your body,¡± Gelsomina explained. ¡°Your avatar will look like your real self, though you¡¯ll have the option to choose a different race. Shall I proceed?¡± Leonardo nodded, still a bit hesitant. The fairy gestured with her tiny hand, and the flower emitted a beam of light that enveloped him from head to toe. After a few seconds, Gelsomina announced, ¡°Perfect! Now you can put on the VR headset and lie down on your bed.¡± Leonardo followed the instructions, settling onto his bed and putting on the headset. "And now?" he asked. "Now close your eyes and repeat after me your Source Code, the access key to your account," Gelsomina said gently. Leonardo closed his eyes. He felt his heart beat a little faster. He repeated the fairy''s words, a string of letters and numbers that seemed random but sounded curiously harmonious. Then came darkness. A sensation of falling into a void enveloped him, leaving him breathless. For a moment, he thought he had fallen asleep, but Gelsomina''s voice broke the silence. "Welcome to Source Code, Leonardo!" When he opened his eyes again, Leonardo found himself standing in a white room that seemed to have no end. The environment was strangely calm, almost unreal. Gelsomina''s crystal-clear voice caught his attention once more. "Look up, Leonardo!" she said cheerfully. Leonardo lifted his gaze but saw nothing. Before he could ask anything, he felt a light pressure on his head. Confused, he reached a hand to his hair, but before he could touch it, Gelsomina leapt off, landing in front of him with an elegant pirouette. "Just kidding!" she said with a laugh, her face glowing with a mischievous smile. Leonardo stared at her for a moment, unsure whether to be amused or annoyed, but he ended up smiling. "A very mature guide, I must say..." he commented with a hint of irony. Gelsomina was unfazed. "No time to waste! It''s time to create your game avatar." Leonardo looked at her the way one looks at a cheerful, slightly mischievous child. With a sigh, he agreed. "Alright, let''s get started." With a smooth motion, Gelsomina flew down from her floating flower, grabbed it as if it were a torch, and pointed it toward Leonardo. From the flower, a bright light emerged, projecting a semi-transparent screen in front of him, framed by a floral design perfectly fitting the fairy''s style. The screen read: Name: Leonardo looked at the screen, then turned to Gelsomina. "Can I use my real name, or do I need to come up with a new one just for the game?" "You can use whatever name you like," the fairy replied. "If it¡¯s unavailable or not allowed, the screen will let you know." Leonardo pondered. Using his real name felt too mundane, and there was the risk of someone recognizing him. He already had to use his real appearance; at least he could pick a different name. After a moment of hesitation, he looked at Gelsomina. "Why don''t you help me choose?" The fairy shook her head. "No, it has to be your choice. I can''t guide you on creating your avatar," she said with a smile. Then she added, "But... you do look as graceful as an elf. Where I come from, there are legends about an elf who defeated a dragon and saved his homeland. His name was Aster." "Aster..." Leonardo repeated, savoring the sound of the name. After a few moments, he nodded. "I like it. I''ll be Aster." Gelsomina clapped her tiny hands, delighted. "Excellent choice!" Chapter 2: Botanical Guardian of the Woods The screen updated, displaying a new option: Species or Interspecies? Aster frowned. ¡°What does that mean?¡± he asked. ¡°Ask the screen,¡± Gelsomina suggested. ¡°It¡¯s definitely more knowledgeable on the subject than I am.¡± Now fully adopting his new identity, Aster turned to the screen. Immediately, it split into three sections: Confused, Aster asked for further explanations. Four additional screens appeared, each corresponding to one of the two species or interspecies. The first screen explained: Adeva: Available races: Elf, Human, Dwarf, or Adeva Hybrid. As soon as Aster saw "Elf," he stopped reading the other options and chose Adeva Species without hesitation. The next screen led him to select a race. Naturally, he chose the elven race. Diploma: A new list appeared: Aster paused to consider. Since his goal was to enjoy a vacation, he chose what he thought would be most useful: Magic Arts. Gelsomina congratulated him but added, ¡°The elven hero Aster, on the other hand, had a diploma in Nature Arts.¡± Hearing this, Aster reconsidered. ¡°Can I change my choice?¡± he asked the screen. The screen went back, allowing him to modify his decision. This time, Aster opted for a Diploma in Nature Arts. ¡°Excellent choice!¡± Gelsomina exclaimed. ¡°Now, there¡¯s just one last thing before we take you to Encrypted, the world of Source Code.¡± Aster nodded and looked at the final screen. At the top, it read: Degree: ... Aster read through the available degrees one by one. They were all related to nature: Rare Species Conservator, Beast Caller, Ecosystem Architect, and many more, totaling twelve in all. They seemed like specializations of his diploma, so he took a moment to evaluate them carefully.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. He focused particularly on those that might prove useful for a relaxing vacation. After much thought¡ªand after consulting each informational screen that popped up and disappeared before him¡ªone degree name stood out as particularly fascinating: Botanical Guardian of the Woods. It seemed like the perfect choice for someone who wanted to explore and enjoy an enchanted world without too many worries. Gelsomina watched curiously as Aster made his decision. ¡°Well?¡± she asked with an amused smile. ¡°Have you made your choice?¡± ¡°I¡¯m making it now,¡± Aster replied, then turned to the screen and declared decisively, ¡°Botanical Guardian of the Woods.¡± As soon as he spoke those words, the floral screen glowed, surrounding him in a warm, pulsating light. Within moments, Aster felt a slight pressure in his ears. Looking at his reflection in the screen¡ªnow serving as a mirror¡ªhe noticed the change: his ears had become long and pointed, a defining trait of elves. ¡°Well, here we go. Now I¡¯m an elf,¡± he said in a tone somewhere between irony and fascination with his transformation. ¡°Although¡­ I look pretty much the same, except for these ears.¡± Gelsomina giggled. ¡°They suit you perfectly. You look even more... elf-like!¡± Then, with a pirouette, she floated back up onto her flower. ¡°But now we can¡¯t waste any more time! Are you ready to go to Encrypted?¡± Aster took a deep breath, trying to prepare himself for what lay ahead. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ready.¡± ¡°Then off we go!¡± Gelsomina exclaimed excitedly, leaping onto Aster¡¯s head as her personal vantage point. All around them, the endless white void began to shift. A cascade of numbers, symbols, and lines of code came to life, dancing in the air like a rain of colorful lights. The world seemed to dematerialize, dissolving into a spiral of data that reconstructed itself into something new. Within moments, Aster found himself in the middle of a city straight out of a fairy tale. The buildings were a fusion of elven elegance and dwarven sturdiness: slender towers made of crystal and living wood stood side by side with solid stone structures engraved with glowing runes. Majestic trees grew directly through some houses, intertwining with suspended bridges and balconies. The streets bustled with people of every imaginable race: elves, dwarves, humans, creatures with horns or wings, and even figures that were half-animal, half-human. The shops were just as diverse: market stalls selling glowing potions, armories filled with shimmering weapons, and dusty bookstores overflowing with ancient tomes. Aster was left speechless, his eyes widening in awe as he took in the vibrant world around him. ¡°Wow¡­¡± he whispered, unable to contain his amazement. He was so mesmerized by the scenery that he didn¡¯t immediately respond to Gelsomina¡¯s welcome to Encrypted. He admired every detail of the city: the storefronts gleamed under the light of two suns, people of all races chatted animatedly along the streets, and even the air itself carried a scent of magic. It was only when Gelsomina spoke again, her tone playful and teasing, that he snapped back to reality. ¡°Hey, did you disconnect or something?¡± the fairy asked, flying right in front of his face. ¡°Sorry,¡± Aster replied with a smile, still enchanted. ¡°It¡¯s all so... beautiful.¡± Then, he looked up at the sky and noticed the two suns intertwining as if dancing. ¡°Even the sky is breathtaking.¡± As he observed the suns, something momentarily blocked his view: Gelsomina had flown down from his head, now sitting on her floating flower. But something had changed. She and the flower were no longer metallic¡ªthey no longer looked like artificial constructs. Now, they were alive. Gelsomina¡¯s long violet hair, shaped like flower petals, swayed gently. Her skin was a luminous pale green, and her transparent wings shimmered like glass, refracting light in dazzling colors. The flower she sat on no longer had a robotic appearance but was now a living sunflower, its golden petals emitting a delicate fragrance that Aster could sense even from a distance. Aster¡¯s jaw dropped in surprise. ¡°Wow, you¡­ you look way cuter like this!¡± Chapter 3: 0.01% Chance Gelsomina blushed slightly, but her playful nature quickly took over. She did a somersault in the air, then gently landed back on her flower. ¡°Thank you! This is my true form.¡± Aster also noticed the fairy''s dress: a gown made of intertwined leaves and violet petals, moving as if it were part of her. Curious, he lowered his gaze toward himself. His clothes had changed. Now he was wearing a long, dark green tunic with golden floral patterns decorating the sleeves and hem. A braided leather belt with small ornamental leaves encircled his waist, while a light moss-colored cloak draped over his shoulders. Sturdy yet elegant boots, perfect for walking in the woods, completed his attire. ¡°Not bad,¡± he murmured to himself, observing the details of his outfit. Then, he checked for other changes: his pointed ears were still there, but nothing else seemed out of place. Suddenly, however, he felt several eyes fixed on him. He turned around and realized that many people¡ªboth players and NPCs¡ªwere staring at him. But those gazes were not directed at him; everyone was looking at Gelsomina, still seated on the flower, watching him with an amused smile. The crowd around them grew larger, and soon whispers began to spread. ¡°Is that¡­ a nymph?¡± someone murmured. ¡°Aren¡¯t they supposed to live in the Eternal Wood? What is she doing here?¡± another replied. ¡°I heard there¡¯s only a 0.01% chance of finding a nymph in the Egg of the Guide!¡± Curious glances soon turned into general admiration and surprise, and the crowd kept growing. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when a rough, commanding voice cut through the chatter. ¡°Hey! Move aside, make way!¡± A massive orc with green skin, towering over two meters tall, appeared before Aster and Gelsomina. Two large tusks protruded from his mouth, and he carried a menacing air. He wore heavy, rusted armor, covered in scratches and dents, evidence of countless battles. At his waist hung an enormous sword, nearly the size of Aster himself. The crowd murmured again, but this time with apprehension. ¡°That¡¯s Prunto¡­¡± ¡°What is that brute doing here?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope there¡¯s no trouble.¡± Prunto stopped a few steps away from Aster, scrutinizing him with a sly look, then abruptly pointed at Gelsomina. ¡°Sell her to me,¡± he said bluntly. ¡°That nymph. I want her. I¡¯ll pay you well.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Aster stared at him, confused. ¡°Sell her to you...? But she¡¯s not for sale. And besides, she¡¯s not an object.¡± The orc chuckled, but it was a joyless laugh. ¡°Maybe you didn¡¯t understand, human. That wasn¡¯t a request. If you don¡¯t give her to me, my clan will make your life here a living hell.¡± Gelsomina hid in Aster¡¯s hair, trembling. ¡°Please,¡± she whispered, her voice shaking. ¡°Don¡¯t let him take me. I don¡¯t want to go with him!¡± Aster gently placed a reassuring hand on her head. ¡°I won¡¯t sell you, don¡¯t worry.¡± Then, he turned to Prunto. ¡°You already have my answer. It¡¯s never going to happen.¡± The orc snorted, furious. ¡°Then you¡¯re an idiot.¡± He drew his sword, which gleamed menacingly under the light of the twin suns. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you change your mind when you¡¯re in pieces!¡± Before Aster could react, Prunto lunged at him with surprising speed. His strike was so fast and powerful that Aster barely managed to move¡ªbut not enough. The sword slashed through him, cutting him clean in two. Aster collapsed to the ground, his lower half dissolving into a swirl of data. Lying there, he felt a dull pain¡ªnot as intense as real pain, but still unsettling. With his gaze turned toward the sky, Aster saw Gelsomina being grabbed by the orc. ¡°Goodnight, idiot,¡± Prunto sneered cruelly before vanishing into the crowd with the nymph, who was sobbing desperately. Then, everything went black. A floral screen appeared before Aster¡¯s eyes, displaying the words: Time to Respawn: 23:59:48 Aster slammed his fists against the screen, cursing. ¡°Respawn time?! And why so long?!¡± Frustration and panic surged through him, but then he realized his legs were back. He looked around in the endless darkness. There was nothing¡ªjust the glowing message in front of him: Time to Respawn: 23:57:02 And below it, a small option: Log Out He couldn¡¯t think about anything except Gelsomina, kidnapped by that orc. He had to find her, to save her. But around him was only a black void, as infinite as the white he had seen before entering Encrypted. Aster started running in every direction, desperately searching for a door, a portal¡ªanything that could take him back. ¡°Let me back into the game! I have to save her!¡± he shouted, but the screen remained motionless, indifferent to his pleas. He even tried touching the letters, praying for a chance, but nothing happened. Eventually, exhausted and defeated, he resigned himself. ¡°I have no other choice¡­¡± he sighed, staring at the Log Out option. With one last frustrated glance, he tapped it. A moment later, Leonardo found himself lying on his bed, the VR headset still strapped to his head. The sensation of waking up hit him like emerging from a deep sleep, returning to reality with a dazed sense of confusion. His heart was pounding, his body was sweaty, and the bed felt stiffer than he remembered. He remained still for long minutes, trying to piece together what had happened. Then, the sound of his smartphone pulled him fully back into reality. It rang insistently, casting a soft glow across the dimly lit room. Leonardo sighed, took off the headset, and answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡± he said, his voice tired. It was his mother. ¡°Leonardo, have you had dinner?¡± she asked with her usual caring tone. She always called to check if he had eaten¡ªa small daily routine that reminded him how much she cared, even if it sometimes felt excessive. ¡°No, not yet,¡± he replied, rubbing his forehead. ¡°I was¡­ I was lost in a book.¡± Chapter 4: Laura His mother sighed, with that tone that mixed reproach and affection. ¡°It¡¯s ten in the evening, you know? You need to eat something.¡± Aster looked at his phone screen and realized she was right. ¡°Alright, Mom,¡± he said, returning to the conversation. ¡°I¡¯ll go prepare something right away, I promise.¡± After ending the call, Leonardo got up from his bed and prepared a quick dinner, eating in silence while his thoughts swirled in his mind. He couldn¡¯t get Gelsomina¡¯s tears and the orc¡¯s cruel grin out of his head. Later, lying in bed, he picked up one of his favorite fantasy novels. But no matter how hard he tried to immerse himself in the story, the words seemed to slip past his eyes without imprinting on his mind. He kept thinking about Gelsomina, about how the orc had torn her away from him, and how she had trusted him, only to be betrayed by his inability to protect her. Clutching the book in his hands, Leonardo made a decision. ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to save her. I have to. This is my story, and it won¡¯t end like this.¡± The next morning, Leonardo woke up with a single thought in his mind: finding a way to save Gelsomina. It was Friday, and like every Friday, he got ready to go to work at the library. However, this morning was different. Usually, his first thought was how long and boring the day would be, but this time, he couldn¡¯t think of anything other than his mission. Upon arriving at the library, Leonardo immersed himself in his tasks, but whenever he had a free moment, he sat at the computer and searched online for beginner guides and tutorials on Source Code. Despite his enthusiasm, he quickly realized that even the simplest guides seemed to be written in an unknown language. He had never been a gaming enthusiast, and aside from a few apps on his smartphone, he had no experience with virtual worlds or advanced game mechanics. ¡°I don¡¯t understand anything¡­¡± he thought, but he refused to be discouraged. He kept reading guide after guide, even though the words seemed like an incomprehensible tangle of codes and rules. Despite the difficulty, his desire to save Gelsomina pushed him forward. In the afternoon, while organizing books on the shelves, he saw the student who had given him her copy of Source Code walk in. His eyes lit up with hope. Maybe she could help him. ¡°Hi, Laura,¡± he greeted her with a smile.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Laura, a young university student with brown hair tied in a ponytail and a consistently friendly demeanor, greeted him back, surprised that Leonardo had addressed her. It wasn¡¯t something that happened often. ¡°Hi, Leonardo! Everything okay?¡± she asked, placing a couple of books on the counter. ¡°I¡¯m fine, yes¡­ but I wanted to ask you something. Would you mind talking for a moment in private?¡± Laura looked at him curiously but agreed. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go between the shelves.¡± Once they were out of sight and earshot, Leonardo wasted no time and told her everything: about his experience in Encrypted, the Egg of the Guide that had hatched into a nymph, and how an orc had kidnapped her. Laura listened attentively, without showing any sign of surprise when Aster mentioned the nymph. This detail struck Aster, who found her calm reaction rather odd. But with all the worries in his mind, he didn¡¯t dwell on it too much. ¡°You¡¯re not surprised that my Egg of the Guide hatched into a nymph?¡± he asked anyway, out of curiosity. Laura smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve heard of it before. It¡¯s rare, but not impossible. You¡¯re lucky, you know? A nymph isn¡¯t just any Guide of the Egg.¡± ¡°Not so lucky, I¡¯d say¡­¡± Leonardo murmured. ¡°I lost her.¡± Laura thought for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯d love to help you personally, but I¡¯m on a mission with my clan. However, there¡¯s someone who might be able to lend you a hand.¡± ¡°Who?¡± Leonardo asked eagerly. ¡°A friend of mine, his name is Valantz. He¡¯s an experienced and highly skilled player. If you tell him I sent you, he¡¯ll definitely help you.¡± ¡°Really? Thanks, Laura! I owe you a huge favor,¡± Leonardo said gratefully. Laura smiled, pleased with his reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, Leonardo. Good luck with your rescue, and say hi to Valantz for me.¡± Back home, Leonardo waited impatiently for the Time to Respawn to expire. He tried to distract himself by reading a novel, but once again, the words on the pages felt empty. His thoughts were fixed on Source Code and Gelsomina. He kept picturing the playful smile of the little nymph and her radiant presence as she flew on her flower. He glanced at the clock, counting the minutes. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to go back. Wait for me, Gelsomina. I¡¯ll find you, wherever you are.¡± When Aster opened his eyes again, he was still surrounded by the same darkness that had welcomed him at the moment of his virtual death. In front of him, the familiar floral screen glowed, displaying: Time to Respawn: 00:03:24 He sighed impatiently. ¡°Three more minutes¡­¡± he murmured, his eagerness to return to the game making him restless. Unable to stay still, he began to explore that endless darkness, walking in all directions. But, just like the first time, he found nothing. Only that oppressive silence and an emptiness that seemed to stretch endlessly. ¡°No matter how much I run¡­¡± he thought to himself. ¡°It¡¯s like trying to find the edge of a dream.¡± When the countdown finally reached zero, the darkness began to shift. The shadows around him shattered like glass, and in their place, a pure white light expanded, enveloping him completely. The floral screen changed, replacing the Time to Respawn with a new message: Log In. Chapter 5: Lirisfont Without hesitation, Aster pressed Log In. Around him, the white began to fragment, dissolving into a whirlwind of numbers, data, and symbols dancing in the air like phosphorescent lights. Every digit and every letter transformed into a fragment of something greater: wooden walls, stone floors, stained-glass windows. The white gradually gave way to warm colors, and the digital chaos turned into order. In the end, he found himself in a small rustic-looking room, clearly an inn. The walls were made of rough wood, with sturdy beams supporting the ceiling. On one side, a square window framed a glimpse of morning light, filtered through linen curtains embroidered with floral patterns. A simple yet comfortable bed, with woven wool blankets and a feather-stuffed pillow, occupied the center of the room. A small bedside table held a nearly burnt-out candle, next to a glass of water and a worn-out book. On the floor, a rug decorated with geometric symbols added a touch of color. Aster got up from the bed, stretching. ¡°So this is where you end up when you respawn¡­¡± he thought as he approached the window. He pulled the curtains aside with one hand, letting the morning light flood in, and what he saw took his breath away. Before him stretched a majestic and lively city, a masterpiece of architecture. The streets, paved with white stone, wound in harmonious curves among buildings of all shapes and sizes. Houses with sloping roofs and balconies overflowing with colorful flowers alternated with towering spires whose pinnacles reflected the sunlight. Everywhere, fantastic details caught the eye: statues of mythical creatures, shimmering fountains gushing crystal-clear water, and open-air markets teeming with merchants and adventurers. The city was alive with vibrant energy. Carriages drawn by horses with golden manes moved along the main streets, while groups of children played, chasing each other through the alleys. In the distance, the song of a bard accompanied by the sound of a lute could be heard. Stalls of all kinds displayed exotic goods: magical stones glowing with their own light, scrolls engraved with mysterious runes, and weapons adorned with gems. But what caught his attention the most was a structure that towered above everything else. A colossal tower, so high that its peak disappeared into the clouds. It was an engineering marvel: built from a silvery stone that seemed to pulse with its own light, the tower was adorned with intertwined arches and circular windows that reflected the sun like mirrors. Golden inlays ran along its entire surface, forming intricate patterns that seemed to tell ancient stories. Aster stood there, mouth agape, fascinated by the majesty of the structure. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it¡°That must be the Tower of the Celestial Veil¡­¡± he murmured, vaguely recalling having read something about it in the guides. That tower was not just a symbol of power and knowledge; it was also a landmark indicating his position. ¡°I¡¯m in Lirisfont.¡± Lirisfont, one of the twelve chief towns of the Farindale Peninsula, also known as the Peninsula of Beginners, because that¡¯s where all new players started. However, Aster had no intention of staying at the inn for long. His only thought was finding Gelsomina. With his heart filled with determination, he turned away from the window and began preparing for what he knew would be a long and arduous search. As soon as Aster stepped out of the inn, he found himself immersed in the bustling streets of Lirisfont. Every corner was filled with people and creatures of all kinds: merchants shouting special offers, bards playing enchanting melodies, and adventurers laden with equipment. Aster decided to ask for directions, and his eyes fell on an elderly elf seated on a carved bench beside a shimmering fountain. The elf had a majestic presence despite his advanced age. His long white hair, tied back in a braided ponytail, gleamed under the sunlight, and his amber-colored eyes radiated ancient wisdom. He wore a linen tunic adorned with golden embroidery that told stories of past eras, and in his hand, he held a wooden staff entwined with small embedded crystals. He was not a player but rather an NPC, as indicated by the label "NPC" floating above his head¡ªone of those characters who populated the world of Encrypted with their stories and knowledge. Aster approached, inclining his head slightly in a sign of respect. ¡°Good morning, sir. Could you tell me where to find a¡­ um¡­ ¡®crystal booth¡¯? I need to contact someone urgently.¡± The elf lifted his gaze, studying Aster for a moment, then replied in a deep and melodious voice: ¡°A crystal booth, you say? There¡¯s one not far from here. Follow the main road until you reach the Twin Dragon Fountain, then turn left. You¡¯ll see a transparent cylindrical structure that glows in the sunlight. You can¡¯t miss it.¡± ¡°Thank you very much!¡± Aster replied, smiling as he bid farewell. Following the directions, he quickly reached the crystal booth. It was a fascinating structure: a transparent crystal column, at least two meters tall, with golden runes etched along its entire surface. At its center, a smaller crystal pulsed slowly with a blue light, almost as if it were alive. Aster stepped into the booth and found himself facing a floating panel with glowing symbols. With an uncertain hand, he entered Valantz¡¯s Player ID¡ªthe equivalent of a phone number in the world of Encrypted¡ªwhich Laura had given him. He pressed the central symbol to initiate the call, and the crystal began pulsing faster. After a few moments, however, there was no response. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s busy¡­¡± he murmured to himself and tried again. Then once more. Finally, a deep male voice answered on the other end: ¡°Hello?¡± Aster cleared his throat, both excited and nervous. ¡°Hi, sorry to bother you. My name is Aster; I¡¯m a friend of Laura¡¯s. She told me you might be able to help me.¡± ¡°Laura?¡± There was a brief silence on the other side, then Valantz¡¯s tone became more relaxed: ¡°Ah, Laura¡­ Yes, I can help you. What do you need?¡± Chapter 6: Valantz Aster briefly told him what had happened: the orc who had kidnapped Gelsomina and his urgency to save her. When he mentioned the nymph, Valantz seemed surprised. ¡°A nymph, you say? Wait a moment... are you telling me you''re accompanied by a nymph?!¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Aster confirmed. ¡°She emerged from the Egg of the Guide.¡± On the other end, there was an exclamation of pure surprise: ¡°Are you serious?! I don¡¯t believe it! That¡¯s a one-in-a-million chance, or rather, 0.01%! A nymph from the Egg of the Guide... You are incredibly lucky!¡± Valantz''s surprise soon turned into excitement. ¡°All right, tell me where you are right now. I¡¯ll come to you immediately!¡± ¡°I¡¯m in Lirisfont,¡± Aster replied. ¡°Got it. So you''re a beginner?¡± Aster nodded, even though he knew Valantz couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a beginner,¡± he admitted. The guides he had read, with titles like ¡°The Perfect Handbook for New Adventurers: A Complete Guide for Beginners of Source Code¡±, had already made him understand that this term was used for beginner players. Valantz chuckled. ¡°Perfect, wait for me in front of the entrance to the Celestial Veil Tower. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± Aster thanked him and ended the call. He headed toward the tower, where he waited eagerly. After a few minutes, a figure emerged from the crowd. Even though Lirisfont was teeming with adventurers, Aster had no doubt who Valantz was. Valantz was impossible to miss. He was a vampire with a majestic and magnetic appearance, long silver hair cascading smoothly over his shoulders, and vivid red eyes that gleamed like rubies under the sun. He wore an incredibly elaborate golden armor, which seemed more like a work of art than battle protection. The armor consisted of thin, lightweight plates that fit perfectly to Valantz¡¯s body, allowing him complete freedom of movement. Each plate was adorned with intricate engravings, depicting intertwined dragons and magical runes that pulsed with a soft glow. The pauldrons were shaped like bat wings, while the breastplate had a central symbol resembling a luminous gem, radiating an almost tangible energy. The leg guards and bracers, thin yet sturdy, were covered by a veil of black fabric that fluttered in the wind, giving him a regal and fearsome aura. Aster saw him from afar and recognized him immediately. With a relieved smile, he ran toward him. ¡°Valantz!¡± he called out.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The vampire saw him as well and, with a friendly expression, approached. ¡°Aster, right?¡± he said, extending his hand. The two shook hands, and at that moment, Aster realized he had found a valuable ally. Aster and Valantz sat at an outdoor table in a bustling caf¨¦, located right in Lirisfont¡¯s main square. The tables were made of solid wood with refined inlays depicting mythical creatures, while the chairs, simple yet sturdy, offered unexpected comfort. Under the intense light of the two suns shining in the sky, players and NPCs blended into a lively and noisy atmosphere. Some were eating steaming soups served in polished stone bowls, others were enjoying glasses of shimmering wine that changed color with each sip. Bards improvised melodies with instruments that seemed enchanted, and an intoxicating scent of spices and freshly baked bread filled the air. A feral girl walked among the tables. She was clearly a waitress at the establishment, wearing a white linen apron that contrasted with her thick honey-colored fur. She had feline features: large golden eyes that sparkled like topaz, triangular ears peeking from her short hair, and a tail that swayed elegantly behind her. Valantz, who had just decided what to order, raised his hand to call her over. ¡°I¡¯ll have a slice of miralume fruit cake, please,¡± he said in his confident yet gentle tone. The waitress nodded with a smile and then turned to Aster. ¡°And for you?¡± she asked. ¡°Nothing for me, thanks,¡± Aster replied politely. The feral girl walked away into the caf¨¦, and after a few minutes, she returned with the cake slice. The miralume fruit cake, made from a fruit with a bright red shell and iridescent green pulp, emitted a sweet, floral fragrance that made Aster¡¯s mouth water. ¡°It looks incredibly real,¡± Aster observed, inhaling the cake¡¯s aroma. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look real,¡± Valantz replied with a smile. ¡°It is real. In fact, I¡¯ll tell you more...¡± He picked up a fork and took a bite of the cake, chewing slowly to savor every morsel. After swallowing, he let out a satisfied exclamation: ¡°It¡¯s even better than a cake in the real world!¡± Aster raised an eyebrow, skeptical. ¡°Seriously? Even the taste is that accurate?¡± Valantz nodded and explained: ¡°Absolutely. On Encrypted, the five senses are essential, and not just for immersion. They are actual game stats. For example, taste and smell aren¡¯t just for enjoying food; a refined sense of taste allows you to identify rare ingredients or otherwise poisonous potions. Hearing helps you detect hidden enemies, and touch influences how precisely you handle certain weapons or delicate objects. Even vision is crucial for analyzing enemy weaknesses, and smell can reveal invisible traps.¡± Aster was fascinated and wanted to learn more. ¡°And how do you improve them? I mean, are there specific quests or...¡± Valantz cut him off with a wave of his hand. ¡°Not now. I¡¯ll explain everything later. First, we need to focus on rescuing Gelsomina. So, tell me what you know about the kidnapping.¡± Aster explained everything, though he admitted he knew very little. He didn¡¯t know the orc¡¯s name, nor did he remember in which of the chief towns of the Farindale Peninsula she had been kidnapped. He wasn¡¯t even sure if the place was Lirisfont or another of the twelve chief towns. Valantz, however, didn¡¯t seem the least bit worried. ¡°That¡¯s not a problem,¡± he said with a reassuring smile. ¡°I have something that will help us.¡± Chapter7: Nyxial From a small pouch woven with silver threads and runic symbols at his belt, Valantz pulled out an extraordinary object: the Horn of Yvrathis, a relic with a divine appearance. It was made of gleaming gold, with elaborate engravings depicting epic battles and galloping valkyries. At the base of the horn, there was an azure gem that seemed to contain a stormy sky, and small plumes of black feathers sprouted from its ends, as if they belonged to a legendary eagle. "This is the Horn of Yvrathis, the goddess of war and the valkyries," Valantz explained. "It is a very rare relic, and it works perfectly in these situations. You just need to enter the Player ID and blow into it, and the horn will emit a trail of magical notes. These notes, visible only to the one who played it, will guide you to the Guide of the Egg you are looking for." Valantz entered Aster''s Player ID, which was shared with Gelsomina, then brought the horn to his lips. He blew forcefully, and the sound that emerged was imposing¡ªa war call that made the air tremble. It sounded like the roar of a thousand armies ready to fight, so much so that everyone in the tavern turned, startled, throwing annoyed glances at him. From the horn emerged a trail of luminous, vibrating notes, floating in the air like miniature warriors made of golden energy. Each note resembled a tiny armed spirit, with shining helmets and swords, moving in a fluid and aggressive motion. The trail ascended into the sky, then arched toward the horizon, clearly pointing in a direction. "There we go," Valantz said, smiling despite the irritated looks from the tavern¡¯s patrons. "Now we know where to go." He stood up, left a few gold coins on the table to pay for the cake, and gestured for Aster to follow him. "Let''s go, Gelsomina is waiting for us." Aster rose, followed him, and together they set off into the unknown, with a golden trail guiding them toward their mission. Valantz, walking with a determined stride, led Aster through the city''s bustling streets but stopped in front of a shop with the sign "The Phial of Mithrath," written in green letters that shimmered slightly, as if the shop itself were infused with magic. The display windows showcased potions of vivid colors, each enclosed in intricately shaped bottles with labels written in runes that glowed at a touch. Upon entering, Aster was amazed: towering shelves stretched toward the ceiling, filled with flasks and alembics. Some potions seemed to contain tiny trapped lightning bolts, others shimmered with an ethereal green liquid that moved like living essence, while yet others appeared to hold fragments of rainbows or small floating crystals. Valantz approached the counter, behind which an elderly goblin with a beard braided with gray threads scrutinized them with wise, keen eyes.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Need something powerful, young vampire?" the goblin asked in a raspy voice. Valantz pointed at three potions: one vial containing a deep blue liquid speckled with bright stars like the night sky, a red one that seemed to pulse as if alive, and a yellow one emitting a faint electric hum. "These. But no tricks, Galnock," Valantz said with a slight smile. "Tricks? Me? Would that even be possible?" the goblin chuckled, pocketing the gold coins Valantz handed him. After storing the potions in his pouch, Valantz left the shop, and with Aster following, he stopped shortly after in front of an elegant and inviting building. The sign, engraved on a slab of shimmering marble, read "The Embrace of Lune," a high-end massage center. The entrance door was made of dark, polished wood, framed by a soft glow that shifted in shades of blue and violet. When Aster entered, he was left speechless. The interior was bathed in warm, relaxing light, with delicate scented vapors rising from incense sticks placed on silver holders. The walls were adorned with frescoes depicting lunar landscapes and mythological creatures. In various salons, masseurs and masseuses of all races moved with grace: a tall, elegant elf massaged the shoulders of a powerful minotaur, a peaceful-looking orc carefully placed hot stones on a human¡¯s back, while a dwarf worked on the tail of a feral. Players blended in with NPCs, distinguishable only by the discreet "NPC" marker above their heads. Valantz led Aster down a hallway with walls decorated with pearl mosaics until he stopped in front of a room. He opened the door and motioned for Aster to follow him. Inside the room, on a plush velvet bed of deep blue with silver embroidery, lay a small black pegasus, its coat gleaming and its eyes red as rubies. Its wings, though small compared to its body, were perfectly symmetrical and adorned with feathers that seemed to be made of silk. A she-human masseuse with long brown hair was working with extreme delicacy on its wings, applying a golden oil that emitted a faint glow. Valantz approached, nodded a greeting to the masseuse, and then spoke in a firm yet affectionate voice: "Nyxial, that¡¯s enough massage for today. We need to go." The small pegasus lifted its head with a regal air and replied in a high but sweet masculine voice: "A few more minutes, Valantz." Valantz smiled, but without waiting, he bent down and picked up the pegasus effortlessly. "We don¡¯t have time. My friend Aster needs our help. His Guide of the Egg has been kidnapped." Nyxial, the pegasus, allowed himself to be carried away without much fuss, but as they exited the massage center, he cast a wary glance at Aster, scrutinizing him from head to toe. "An elf, huh?" he said with a displeased tone. "I don¡¯t like elves. They always prefer unicorns over us pegasi." Aster, caught off guard, stammered something, but then, trying to win over the pegasus, he said with conviction: "Not me! I much prefer pegasi over unicorns." Nyxial¡¯s eyes lit up with joy, glowing with a bright red light. With a sudden change in attitude, he said: "Then I like you, elf! I will help you, but only because you¡¯re an elf with good taste." Outside the massage center, Valantz set Nyxial down and spoke in a decisive tone: "Ascend, Nyxial. We need your other form." Chapter 8: Valantz, the Blood Sommelier & Nyxial of the Burning Shadows Nyxial sighed, stretching with exasperating slowness. Then, with one last yawn, he was enveloped by a black luminous sphere, pulsing like a heartbeat. The sphere grew in size until it reached nearly two meters in height. When it cracked open like an egg, what emerged left Aster speechless. Nyxial was now a majestic black pegasus. His wings, immense and imposing, were as dark as the night, but their tips glowed with a crimson light, as if they were dipped in a perpetual sunset. His mane and tail flowed like flames of shadow, dense and almost liquid, while his eyes, still red, radiated ancient wisdom. On his chest, he bore a small golden plate engraved with a mysterious symbol. With an elegant motion, Nyxial folded his mighty wings, bowed his head toward Aster, and spoke in a deep yet friendly voice: "Climb on, elf of good taste. We will find your guide." Aster''s eyes widened, and his breath caught in his throat. The majestic pegasus, with his night-dark coat and wings shimmering with crimson glimmers, seemed like a vision from a dream. Even the way his mane moved, like black flames dancing in the wind, seemed to defy all natural laws. Aster ran a hand through his hair, as if to ensure he wasn''t the victim of an illusion. Before he could mount, he heard a rising murmur around him. A crowd had gathered in front of the massage center, their faces filled with disbelief and fascination. A young man, holding a flask, pointed at Valantz and said, "But that¡¯s Valantz, the Blood Sommelier!" Another replied, his voice tinged with reverence, "And that is his Guide of the Egg, Nyxial of the Burning Shadows!" The words sent a ripple through the air, a mix of respect and fear. Aster felt all eyes on him, just like that time with Gelsomina. Despite his discomfort, he took a deep breath and nimbly leapt onto Nyxial¡¯s back. Once seated behind Valantz, who sat with the ease of someone who had done it a thousand times, Aster watched as Valantz grasped the pegasus¡¯s mane. In that moment, the mane itself began to change. The black flames intertwined, forming sinuous lines that solidified into reins made of pure shadow and fire, pulsing like a living heart. Their energy radiated power, so much so that even Aster, without touching them, could feel their heat. "You¡¯d better hold on tight," Valantz said with a smirk, casting a challenging glance at the young elf. Still mesmerized by the reins and Nyxial¡¯s aura, Aster hesitated. "Why? Is he that fast?"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Valantz let out a short, confident laugh. "Trust me," he replied, gripping the reins. "If you don¡¯t hold on, you¡¯ll fall." Not eager to test that theory, Aster clung tightly to Valantz, wrapping his arms around his waist. With all eyes still on them, Nyxial spread his massive wings. As Nyxial gave his first powerful wingbeat, a burst of flames and darkness erupted around him. The gathered spectators recoiled, some shielding their faces with their hands from the sudden heat, others murmuring words of awe. Aster, on the other hand, felt an intense wave of warmth that nearly stole his breath, as if he were standing next to a blazing fire. With another powerful flap, Nyxial lifted off the ground and took flight, leaving behind a luminous trail of shadows and crimson sparks. In mere moments, they were in the sky, the crowd below shrinking into tiny dots. The cool air whipped against his face, but just as Aster tried to take in the breathtaking view, the unexpected happened. A scream tore through the wind. "AAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Valantz and Nyxial turned sharply, seeing Aster plummeting toward the ground, his face contorted in fear and his hair tossed wildly by the rushing air. Nyxial didn¡¯t wait for a command. Instantly, he folded his wings and dove. The wind whistled louder as the pegasus accelerated, his wings cutting through the air with deadly precision. Valantz, one hand firm on the reins, leaned forward, extending the other toward Aster. The elf¡¯s heart pounded wildly as the ground approached at an alarming speed. But just a moment before it was too late, Valantz seized his arm with a strong grip, pulling him up in one fluid, decisive motion. Once back behind him, Valantz gave him a look of both concern and reproach. "I told you to hold on tight," he said, shaking his head. Aster, pale as a sheet, clung to Valantz with all the strength he had. "Okay, message received," he stammered, still trembling. To ease the tension, Aster took a deep breath and, with a forced smile, said to Nyxial, "Compliments on the speed. Really impressive." Nyxial slightly turned his head, casting a glance over his shoulder. "Thank you," he said in a regal tone, though a faint glow in his eyes betrayed a hint of pleasure at the compliment. With an elegant wingbeat, Nyxial resumed his graceful flight, his body enveloped in an aura of majesty and power. Within seconds, he accelerated again, vanishing into the horizon like a shadow between the twin suns. As they flew, Aster, still holding onto Valantz¡¯s waist for safety, asked, "How much longer until the end of this trail?" His eyes scanned the sky ahead, but to him, it was empty. The trail of notes coming from the Horn of Yvrathis was invisible to him, and having to rely entirely on Valantz made him uneasy. Valantz, his gaze fixed on the horizon, replied calmly, "The end is not yet in sight, Aster. Be patient. That orc could be anywhere, and we have no way of knowing how much longer it will take." Aster sighed, lowering his head slightly. "Alright..." he murmured, but his tone betrayed a growing frustration. It wasn¡¯t an outburst of anger or despair, but that kind of silent exasperation that builds up, the weight of uncertainty creeping in like a fog. Gelsomina, his Guide of the Egg, was in the hands of an orc, and he felt powerless, dragged along by events beyond his control. The endless sky around them seemed to reflect the distance between him and any tangible hope. Chapter 9: Shyvrakth Valantz, sensing the change in mood, decided to break it. "Look on the bright side, Aster. There''s also a chance that Gelsomina managed to escape on her own." The words, simple yet filled with optimism, had the desired effect. Aster snapped out of his thoughts and lifted his head slightly. A faint spark of hope lit up his eyes, and he gave a small smile. "That''s true... she might have escaped." But the consolation didn¡¯t last long. Nyxial cut in bluntly. "Even if she escaped, she might still be in danger. Nymphs don''t know how to fight. Not like us Pegasi¡ªwe are born to fight." Those words hit like an arrow striking its target. Aster lowered his gaze again, biting his lower lip. His thoughts returned to Gelsomina, picturing her lost and vulnerable, with no one to protect her. Valantz, perhaps to change the subject or out of necessity, reached for the pouch at his belt, pulling out a small potion. The liquid inside shimmered blue, with delicate silver veins that floated like liquid smoke. He let Nyxial drink the potion. Aster, curious, asked the Pegasus, "Are you thirsty?" But Valantz answered in his place. "Nyxial isn¡¯t thirsty, but this potion helps him maintain his ascension. He can stay like this, in his ascended form, for an hour. After that, he¡¯ll return to his normal size." Aster nodded, gazing at the mighty Pegasus with a mix of admiration and curiosity. The sky around them remained vast and endless, and the trail¡¯s end seemed as distant as ever. After a long silence, Valantz spoke again. "You know, Aster, you did well to ask Laura for help instead of the Pink Sentinels." "Pink Sentinels?" Aster asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Valantz burst out laughing, shaking his head slightly. "You don¡¯t know what they are? The Pink Sentinels are the law enforcement of the Farindale Peninsula." Aster scratched his head, trying to recall. "The law enforcement of the Farindale Peninsula? But¡­ aren¡¯t they those pink plush toys? I thought they were mascots or something like that." Valantz laughed heartily, his body shaking with amusement as he held Nyxial¡¯s reins firmly. Then, turning serious again, he explained, "Those ''plush toys,'' as you call them, may not be intelligent, but I assure you, they¡¯re incredibly strong. Especially when they act as a group. Once, there was a riot of a thousand players in the city of Valtharion¡­ Well, guess who put it down?" Aster¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "The Pink Sentinels?"Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. "Exactly," Valantz confirmed with a sly smile. "I promise you, by the time they were done, not a single person was left standing. They may look adorable, but I strongly advise you never to underestimate them." Aster was left speechless, unable to imagine those pink plush toys¡ªresembling children''s playthings¡ªas a formidable force of law and order. But in his heart, that story added yet another layer of strangeness to this world, making it even more mysterious and unpredictable. After another hour of relentless flight, accompanied by yet another potion for Nyxial, Valantz suddenly tightened the reins of shadow and fire, his eyes gleaming with a rare excitement. "The end of the trail¡­ I see it!" he exclaimed, his voice charged with energy. At those words, Aster felt his heart race. For a moment, he forgot everything else: the exhaustion, the anxiety, the pain. His face lit up as never before, a wide and genuine smile spreading across his lips, transforming his usual worried expression into one of radiant joy. His eyes sparkled with hope, as if the infinite sky around them mirrored the happiness he felt. He straightened slightly, filling his chest with fresh air, almost as if he wanted to shout to the world that they had made it. But that joy was short-lived. Focus took hold of him again, and his smile grew more serious. Gelsomina was out there, in danger, and he would stop at nothing to save her. With a firm voice, full of determination, he said to Valantz, "No matter what we find. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to save Gelsomina." Valantz glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, giving a small smirk. "We won¡¯t need to fight that orc," he replied, pointing at something ahead of them. "Look over there." Aster followed his gesture and widened his eyes. A tower loomed in the middle of a vast, desolate plain, shrouded in an aura of unease. It was towering, so imposing it seemed to challenge the very sky. Its walls were cracked and blackened, as if time and battles had left deep scars. Yet, despite its decayed appearance, it emanated a terrifying majesty¡ªa presence that seemed to oppress anyone who gazed upon it. It was abandoned, yet every stone seemed to whisper stories of suffering and danger. "The trail leads to the top of that tower," Valantz continued. "If the trail is still visible, it means Gelsomina is alive. But she¡¯s also in more danger than ever." "Why?" Aster asked, his heart tightening. "That tower¡­" Valantz took a deep breath. "It¡¯s the nest of a Shyvrakth¡ªa creature you never want to encounter." Aster stared at him, confused. "A Shyvrakth? What is that?" Valantz explained in a grave tone. "A predator of darkness. Gigantic, ferocious, and bloodthirsty. Its feathers are black as night, so thick they resemble armored plates. Its wings can summon storms, and its beak¡­ well, it¡¯s as sharp as a thousand swords, capable of shattering even stone. It doesn¡¯t fight to defend itself. It fights for the pleasure of killing." Aster felt a shiver run down his spine, as if the air around him had suddenly grown colder. Fear crept into his thoughts, making him tremble. "Are you¡­ are you saying it could attack us at any moment?" he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper. He didn¡¯t need an answer. A shrill, nightmarish screech tore through the air, shaking every fiber of his being. It was a sound both piercing and guttural, like the wail of a damned soul, accompanied by an echo that seemed to rise from the depths of the earth. That screech oozed death and malice, making even Nyxial shudder. All three of them turned toward the source of the sound. In the distance, a massive shadow loomed against the bright midday sky. The Shyvrakth¡¯s wings spread wide, covering nearly half the horizon as its form became clearer. Its eyes gleamed a deep midnight blue, cold and unrelenting. Chapter 10: Valantz & Nyxyal Vs the Shyvrakth Valantz, instead of succumbing to fear, smiled defiantly. "Nyxial, aim at it." Nyxial neighed, the sound deep and powerful, releasing dense shadows from its nostrils and twilight flames from its mouth. Without hesitation, it accelerated, launching toward the creature at an impressive speed. The Shyvrakth, in turn, dove toward them, its terrifying beak wide open¡ªlong and sharp like a serrated blade, its edges coated in a disturbing black liquid that dripped like tar. Just before impact, Valantz raised a hand to the sky and shouted, "Thalmyr!" A lightning bolt tore through the clouds above them, illuminating the sky for an instant. The surge struck Valantz''s hand, and as if by magic, he found himself gripping a hammer. The weapon was massive, its head gleaming, adorned with ancient runes that pulsed with a radiant blue light. The handle seemed to be made of a silver and obsidian alloy, and the energy it emanated was almost tangible, as if it were an extension of a god¡¯s fury. With a battle cry, Valantz struck with all his might. The hammer crashed down onto the Shyvrakth¡¯s beak, which in itself seemed like a deadly weapon. It was black, streaked with red veins, and its surface was so sharp it sent shivers down the spine of anyone who looked at it. The impact was devastating: the beak shattered with a chilling sound, like the crackling of breaking bones. The creature let out a heart-wrenching scream, then lost consciousness and plummeted to the ground like a stone. Still satisfied with his strike, Valantz looked down to watch the monster fall, but that was when his smile turned to shock. Just below him, Aster was tumbling through the air, screaming in panic. "Again?!" Valantz blurted out, exasperated. Nyxial snorted, releasing a wave of irritated shadows. "Elves just can''t be trusted," it remarked sarcastically. Without waiting for orders, the pegasus dived. With agility and quick reflexes, Valantz caught Aster just in time, hoisting him back onto Nyxial¡¯s back. Aster, pale as a vampire, looked on the verge of vomiting, but with a weak voice, he managed to say: "Thank you... Thank you both..." They finally landed atop the tower, where an immense nest awaited them. Made of intertwined branches and broken bones, it looked like a trap, ready to ensnare anyone daring to approach. The nest loomed over them like a spectral fortress, even taller than Nyxial, the most imposing of the three. Gnarled branches and fractured bones intertwined to form a natural barrier, jagged like a wall of spears¡ªan insidious obstacle that prevented Nyxial from landing without risking injury to its wings.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Aster turned to Valantz, his voice filled with both hope and anxiety. "Are you sure she''s in there?" Valantz nodded firmly. "Yes, the trail of notes doesn''t lie. Gelsomina is here." Aster wasted no more time. He approached the nest and began to climb, gripping the branches and bones that made up that monstrous structure. Every foothold was treacherous, every grip threatened to give way under his weight. And indeed, one misstep was enough¡ªa branch suddenly snapped beneath his foot, sending him sliding backward. With a desperate reflex, he grabbed onto an enormous bone, larger than himself. A mistake. The bone, serrated and sharp like a blade of stone, slashed his palm with a deep cut. Aster stifled a cry and yanked his wounded hand away, blood gushing freely... and in that moment, something appeared before his eyes. A crimson bar. It slowly drained¡ªjust a little, but enough to make him shudder. "This again..." he whispered. It was the second time he had seen it, but the first had vanished too quickly for him to understand it. Now, however, he could observe it better: no numbers, no precise indicators, just a blood-filled bar with a single word to its left. Life Aster gritted his teeth and ignored the pain. The blood dripping from his hand dissolved into the air in a cascade of shimmering numbers and data before it could even touch the ground. Ignoring the phenomenon, he got back up and pressed forward, determined, until he finally overcame the lethal barrier of the nest. But Gelsomina was not there. Or at least, he couldn''t see her. The nest was a horrifying expanse of rotting carcasses and skeletons of all shapes and sizes. Bleached skulls¡ªsome human, others belonging to unknown creatures¡ªwere embedded within the nest¡¯s structure, like trophies from a merciless hunt. Old armor, corroded by rust and shattered by the blows of a stronger predator, lay scattered among the black feathers of the Shyvrakth. Broken swords, dented shields, and chipped daggers hinted at warriors who had gambled against the monster... and lost. The stench was unbearable. A miasma of decayed flesh and dried blood, mixed with that acrid, suffocating stench typical of carrion feeders, saturated the air. Every breath was torment, an assault on the senses. Aster had to cover his nose with his still-bleeding hand as his stomach twisted in revulsion. With his heart pounding, he began digging through the remains, furiously tossing aside filthy feathers and shattered bones. "Gelsomina!" he called out multiple times, but no response came. Anxiety slithered into his mind like poison. He knew she was alive... but in what condition? What if she was on the brink of death? What if he couldn¡¯t find her in time? The thought spurred him to search even faster through that wasteland of death. That was when his fingers touched something unexpected. Not bones, not feathers, not remnants of battle. A medallion. He carefully pulled it out, and what he saw made his blood run cold. It was a talisman with a grotesque shape: a face carved from a dark, glossy material resembling obsidian, with wide, hollow eyes and a mouth stretched into a twisted grin that seemed to waver between mocking and malevolent. Gold inlays adorned its edges, giving it an air of value... and at the same time, a sense of a curse. It seemed to be laughing at him, as if it contained a trapped soul. Without thinking too much, Aster slipped it into his pocket and turned back to continue his search. Chapter 11: Gelsomina A faint cough. He jolted. The sound was so weak that it was almost drowned out by the horror surrounding him, but clear enough to make his heart stop. He turned sharply to the left, throwing himself against a pile of debris. He pushed aside a large feather encrusted with blood, and there, curled up inside a rusted suit of armor, he saw Gelsomina. Dirty, covered in scratches and blood, but alive. ¡°Gelsomina!¡± Aster hastily picked her up, yet with extreme gentleness, holding her in his hands like the most precious treasure. There was no time to lose. Carefully, calculating every step to avoid new dangers, he left the nest as quickly as possible and returned to Valantz. As soon as the vampire saw the nymph in that state, he did not hesitate. He opened the sack and quickly took out a vial, pouring a few drops onto the creature¡¯s wounds. For a few seconds, nothing happened. Then, slowly, Gelsomina opened her eyes. She rubbed them, confused and tired. Her gaze settled on Aster¡­ and she saw his face, streaked with tears of joy. Despite her exhaustion, she found the strength to smile at him. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± she whispered weakly. ¡°Thank you for saving me.¡± Aster held her gently, unable to say anything. Words were not needed. In that moment, all that mattered was that Gelsomina was alive. But the moment of respite was short-lived. Valantz stretched his shoulders, making his armor creak, and turned to Aster with a resolute expression. ¡°If we¡¯re done here, we might as well leave. I still have unfinished business to settle.¡± Aster, still holding Gelsomina, who was sleeping deeply in his hands, raised his gaze toward him, curious. ¡°Unfinished business?¡± he asked. ¡°If I can help you in any way¡­ I want to repay you.¡± Valantz smiled. But it was not a friendly smile, nor one of gratitude. It was the confident smile of someone who does not ask for help, who is used to solving things alone and does not want interference. A firm smile, with a slight hint of challenge, as if any intrusion in his affairs was unnecessary, even annoying. ¡°I appreciate the thought,¡± he replied firmly. ¡°But Nyxial and I don¡¯t need help, do we?¡± At the sound of his name, Nyxial neighed. But it was not an ordinary neigh.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. From his nostrils, shadows emerged, swirling like thick, living smoke, writhing in the air before dissolving into nothingness. At the same time, from the cracks of his open mouth, tongues of twilight fire emerged, dancing like ghostly flames in the wind. The sound that accompanied that gesture was a deep, guttural growl, which transformed into a hoarse and menacing neigh, similar to distant thunder announcing a dark storm. ¡°I¡¯d say we agree,¡± Valantz concluded with an amused smile. Then he approached Aster and lowered his gaze to Gelsomina, who rested in his hands, her breathing slow and barely perceptible. He observed her for a moment, then, in an almost playful tone, said: ¡°She¡¯s cute.¡± Aster turned toward him, surprised. Valantz, however, without waiting for a response, turned to Nyxial with a smirk. ¡°Come on, come see how cute she is.¡± Nyxial snorted in displeasure and, along with the hot air of his breath, small incandescent flames erupted from his nostrils. ¡°I don¡¯t like cute things,¡± he grumbled, his deep voice resonating in the minds of those present like a distant echo. Valantz laughed and ran a hand affectionately through the pegasus¡¯s mane. ¡°Then you don¡¯t even like yourself,¡± he remarked mockingly. ¡°Because in your original form, you¡¯re cute too.¡± Nyxial instantly stiffened and stood still for a moment. Then, despite being a dark and majestic being, with his coat as black as a starless night, he seemed to blush. His fur, thick and velvety, had no reflections: it absorbed light like a bottomless abyss, deep and unfathomable. Every movement of his body made his mane sway, dense like living shadows, seeming to shift shape with the wind. Even his wings, powerful and sculpted from the night itself, shuddered slightly, as if trying to shake off the embarrassment. Aster observed the scene and smiled. But not to mock them, not because he was laughing at them. He smiled because he found them close. Two beings so different, yet bound by a deep and genuine bond. Nyxial noticed and stared at him with his cold, glowing eyes. ¡°And what are you laughing at?¡± he asked in a low, almost menacing voice. Aster felt a shiver run down his spine, but he found the courage to respond with a shy smile. ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­ being with you is nice,¡± he said quickly. ¡°And¡­ you put me in a good mood.¡± Valantz burst into laughter and clapped him on the shoulder. Too hard. Aster, caught off guard, lost his balance and nearly fell, almost dropping Gelsomina from his hands. He straightened just in time and shot Valantz an irritated look. ¡°If I had fallen, Gelsomina would have gotten hurt,¡± he scolded with a glare. Valantz raised his hands in surrender. ¡°You¡¯re right, my fault,¡± he admitted with a half-smile. After carefully placing Yvrathis¡¯s horn back into his sack, Valantz mounted Nyxial with his usual ease. Then, he extended a hand to Aster to help him up. Nyxial took off with a powerful beat of his wings. The wind whistled around them as they rose above the tower, but the flight did not last long. After just a few moments, the pegasus glided gracefully and landed not far from the base of the tower. In front of them, among the rocks and dust, lay the colossal body of the Shyvrakth. As Valantz had suspected, the monster was not dead. It was still alive. But on the brink of death. The gigantic, cursed raptor was slumped on one side, its breathing labored and uneven. Its beak, shattered by the impact of Valantz¡¯s hammer, was reduced to a horrible mess of splintered bone and dried blood. Its black plumage, once imposing and menacing, was now dirty with dust and torn in several places. One wing lay bent at an unnatural angle, proof that the fall had broken more than one bone. But its eyes were still burning. Not with fear. Not with plea. But with a fierce and indomitable hatred. Valantz dismounted from Nyxial with a cold and calculating smile. ¡°Now, let¡¯s settle the score.¡±