《On Vacation in a 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.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    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:


    <ul>


    <li>In the center: Species or Interspecies:</li>


    <li>On the left: Adeva Species or Adith Species?</li>


    <li>On the right: Adevaith Interspecies or Aditheva Interspecies?</li>


    </ul>


    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:


    <ul>


    <li>Weapon Arts</li>


    <li>Nature Arts</li>


    <li>Divine Arts</li>


    <li>Magic Arts</li>


    <li>Martial Arts</li>


    <li>Fine Arts</li>


    </ul>


    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.


    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.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    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.¡±


    "Alright, here we go!" Gelsomina exclaimed enthusiastically, nimbly hopping onto Aster¡¯s head as her personal vantage point. "Come on, press Log In on the screen!" she added, eager to begin.


    Aster stared at the screen in front of him, then frowned. "I don¡¯t see ''Log In'' written anywhere."


    Gelsomina blinked in surprise. "What do you mean you don¡¯t see it? Wait..." She looked at the screen as well, but couldn¡¯t find the words "Log In" anywhere.


    After a few seconds of silence, she crossed her arms and huffed. "Ugh, how annoying! Tell the screen to fix itself."


    Aster hesitated for a moment, then, without much confidence, said to the screen, "Uh... fix yourself?"


    Immediately, the other windows disappeared, and in their place, a new, larger, and more luminous one appeared, with "Log In" clearly displayed at the center.


    Gelsomina smacked her forehead. "Sometimes I think Source Code is just messing with us..." Then she smiled again. "But whatever! Now press Log In, and let¡¯s get started for real!"


    Aster nodded and, without further hesitation, reached out toward the text. As soon as his finger touched it, 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.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    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 narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    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.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.¡°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 Freshmen Peninsula, 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 freshmanr?¡±


    Aster nodded, even though he knew Valantz couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a freshman,¡± he admitted. The guides he had read, with titles like ¡°The Perfect Handbook for New Adventurers: A Complete Guide for Freshmen 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.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    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.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "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?"This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    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?"If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "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.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. 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.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    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.¡±

 Chapter 12: Mission Failed

    The Shyvrakth writhed on the dusty ground, a broken colossus yet unbowed. Its body was a monument to ruin: black feathers, dark as the void, torn and dripping with thick blood, jutted out from deep wounds. Its right wing was twisted unnaturally, shattered in multiple places, with bones exposed like shards of fractured ivory. Its beak, already cracked from Valantz¡¯s devastating blow, was now a gaping chasm of fractures and bloodied splinters. Yet, despite everything, its eyes still burned with pure hatred.


    With a tremendous effort, the beast pushed itself up onto its clawed legs, its breath ragged with furious gasps. Then, in a desperate and ferocious surge, it hurled itself forward, limping but unstoppable, charging at full speed toward Valantz and Nyxial, who watched it with lethal calm.


    Not a hint of hesitation in their movements. No fear. No doubt.


    They were hunters, certain of their victory.


    And that drove it mad.


    The Shyvrakth let out a horrifying scream, a broken cry that was a mix between the shriek of an eagle in agony and a cavernous roar. A sound that tore through the air, vibrating in the bones, shaking the ground beneath Aster¡¯s feet.


    Then it spread its wings.


    The tattered feathers stirred in the wind, some breaking free and drifting like black blades in the sky. The shattered bones creaked like old wood under the strain of movement, but the beast ignored the pain. With a violent, self-destructive strike, it launched itself, unleashing a storm of pure devastation.


    The wind exploded in every direction like a lash of primordial power. The sky darkened for an instant as the storm of dust and debris rose like an oppressive wall. The roar of air being torn apart was deafening, rocks were lifted like bullets, crashing everywhere. Aster shielded his face as he was nearly thrown back by the fury of the attack.


    But Valantz and Nyxial remained untouched.


    Like shadows in the storm, they advanced without flinching.


    Valantz drew his sword.


    It was a long, razor-sharp blade, with a dark and menacing hilt, adorned with gothic engravings resembling claws clutching the grip. It seemed alive, as if darkness itself lurked within the metal. Blood-red veins ran along its surface like pulsing arteries, and with each step Valantz took, they glowed brighter, responding to the sword¡¯s hunger for battle.


    Nyxial, for his part, moved swiftly like a shadow, circling the monster from one side while Valantz attacked from the other.


    The battle erupted with unimaginable violence.


    Valantz lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air with a menacing hiss, striking the Shyvrakth¡¯s side, tearing away feathers and flesh in a single blow. The beast screeched in pain and turned to claw at its attacker, but in that instant, Nyxial pounced from the other side, sinking his teeth into the raptor¡¯s neck with brutal force.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The Shyvrakth¡¯s hatred turned into pure terror.


    It realized it could not win.


    But it would not surrender.


    Aster, watching breathlessly, couldn¡¯t help but whisper, "It¡¯s incredible¡­ it¡¯s like they¡¯re dancing in death."


    Valantz and Nyxial continued their assault with flawless rhythm, without hesitation, without mistakes. Valantz¡¯s sword glowed brighter with every strike, pulsing like a heart starved for blood. It was as if it fed on the monster¡¯s very life.


    The Shyvrakth was on its knees, panting, its feathers reduced to shreds, its body covered in bleeding wounds. Its claws scraped against the ground as it desperately sought one last grasp at victory.


    Then, with a final, desperate roar, it played its last card.


    Its chest swelled unnaturally, bones creaking as it pulled its broken wings back as far as it could. The pressure built up, making the air around it vibrate. Then, with one last wingbeat, it unleashed its final attack.


    An explosion of feathers as sharp as swords.


    Hundreds of black blades shot in every direction at supersonic speed, slicing through the air like darts of death.


    Valantz and Nyxial reacted instantly.


    Nyxial beat his wings violently, creating a vortex of shadows that deflected most of the feathers. Valantz spun his sword with superhuman skill, parrying those that managed to pierce through the pegasus¡¯s barrier.


    But it wasn¡¯t enough.


    One feather, black as night and sharp as a spear, tore through the storm and struck Aster square in the chest.


    The force of the impact sent him flying backward, hurling him several meters before he crashed to the ground with a heavy thud.


    His mind blurred with pain. But before darkness swallowed him completely, he saw Gelsomina.


    She had been struck too.


    The feather had pierced her mercilessly, and her body, fragile as a petal, disintegrated into a dance of light and fading particles.


    Aster tried to scream, but no breath came. He stared in horror at his own wound: the feather had impaled him clean through. Then, with wide eyes, he saw his life bar.


    The blood within it drained in an instant.


    Zero.


    Darkness.


    And then¡­


    That dark room.


    Once again.


    Before him, the familiar screen illuminated the void with its glow:


    Time until respawn: 23:59:53


    And just below it:


    Log Out


    Aster remained motionless, his eyes fixed on the floral screen in front of him, yet his gaze empty.


    In his mind, the scene kept replaying endlessly. The moment of impact. The searing pain. The black feather piercing him. And then Gelsomina¡­ her small body, reduced to fragments of light, dissolving before his eyes.


    He had lost her.


    Again.


    Despite everything, despite his efforts, despite risking his life to protect her.


    He had saved her.


    And yet, he had lost her again.


    And this time¡­ forever.


    A cold emptiness spread inside him. He felt no anger, no physical pain, only an infinite, crushing exhaustion. Like when you put every last ounce of energy into something¡­ and fail anyway.


    This time, he didn¡¯t waste time searching for a way back, a loophole, a means to return to Encrypted. It was pointless. Gelsomina was gone.


    There was nothing left to do.


    With a slow, almost mechanical motion, he pressed "Log Out."


    And, as if waking from a dream vanished into nothingness, he returned to the real world.


    He found himself lying on his bed, his breath heavy. The air in the room was still, impalpable, indifferent to everything that had just happened.


    Then¡­

 Chapter 13: Dying is painful

    A cheerful, high-pitched voice broke the silence.


    ¡°So, you died too.¡±


    Leonardo¡¯s eyes flew open.


    That voice.


    The VR headset slipped from his hands as he shot upright. His heart pounded in his chest as he frantically looked around, searching for her.


    And then¡­ he saw her.


    Gelsomina.


    She was there, hovering in the air, her small mechanical body and translucent wings trembling slightly as she floated near him. Her artificial eyes¡ªyet incredibly expressive¡ªgazed at him with a bright, playful light.


    Leonardo grasped her gently but with overwhelming joy, as if afraid she might vanish again. His hands trembled slightly as he held her¡ªnot too tightly, but with the tenderness one reserves for something precious, irreplaceable.


    Gelsomina tilted her head, then grinned mischievously.


    ¡°You thought I was really dead?¡±


    Leonardo nodded, still in shock.


    ¡°Yes. I thought I¡¯d lost you forever.¡±


    She giggled, but her smile was more tender than amused.


    ¡°As long as I have a body in this world,¡± she explained, fluttering her wings with a soft rustle, ¡°every time I die in Source Code¡­ I can be reborn. Just like you.¡±


    Leonardo stared at her for a long moment, then asked, almost hesitantly,


    ¡°Then¡­ why didn¡¯t you just kill yourself? You would¡¯ve come back to me right away.¡±


    Gelsomina hesitated. Her smile faded slightly. She lowered her gaze as if suddenly uncomfortable.


    ¡°Because I had never died before¡­¡± she murmured softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what it would feel like.¡±


    A small silence fell between them.


    Then she looked at him again, and for the first time, something different showed on her mechanical face.


    A faint shadow.


    An imperceptible tremor in her wings.


    As if she were afraid to remember.


    ¡°It was¡­ painful.¡±


    It was barely a whisper, but Leonardo felt it like a dagger to the chest.


    She was just a robot, right? An advanced artificial intelligence.


    And yet¡­


    The way she said it, the tone of her voice¡­ it was the same as someone who had experienced trauma.


    He didn¡¯t have time to respond.


    Gelsomina slipped gently from his hands and returned to her floating robotic flower, landing gracefully. Then, suddenly, she smiled again.


    But this time, there was more than just cheerfulness in that smile.


    There was a promise.


    ¡°Next time¡­ it will be different.¡±


    Leonardo gazed at her for a long moment, then, slowly, he smiled too.


    ¡°Yes. Next time¡­ our vacation will truly begin.¡±


    As those words echoed in his mind, Leonardo reached for his nightstand and picked up his smartphone. Almost 1 AM.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    It wasn¡¯t so much the time that surprised him, but rather the number of missed calls from his mother. He swallowed.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to scold me like crazy tomorrow¡­¡± he thought, already resigned.


    At least it was Saturday. No work.


    With a sigh, he turned off his phone and got out of bed, heading to the kitchen. Gelsomina floated after him, her soft glow barely illuminating the room as Leonardo prepared something to eat.


    While he was eating, he turned to her with a playful smile.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry? If you want, I can fix you up a nice lithium battery for dinner.¡±


    Gelsomina, comfortably seated on her floating flower, crossed her arms in an almost offended manner.


    ¡°Tsk! I don¡¯t run on batteries,¡± she replied proudly. ¡°I recharge with the VR headset charger.¡±


    Leonardo raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh yeah? I never thought about that¡­¡±


    Now that he thought about it, the Source Code package Laura had given him included only one charger, which he had never used.


    After dinner, driven by curiosity, he checked the charge level of his VR headset¡ªit was still full.


    ¡°And you? Do you need to recharge?¡± he asked, turning to Gelsomina.


    She shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    After cleaning up, Leonardo took a quick shower and went back to bed. But sleep was slow to come.


    Ever since he started working as a librarian at the university, he had lived alone¡­ yet that night, he didn¡¯t mind having company at all.


    He turned toward Gelsomina, who was floating beside him, and gave her a glance.


    ¡°Do you feel like talking about Source Code?¡±


    She lit up slightly, excited.


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°How do I get stronger?¡± Leonardo asked bluntly.


    From the guides he had read, he knew that leveling up required completing quests, hunting monsters, and gaining experience¡­ but he still didn¡¯t understand how to learn skills and techniques.


    Gelsomina tilted her head.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about that, but¡ª¡±


    Leonardo cut her off with an incredulous expression.


    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®you don¡¯t know much about that¡¯?! You¡¯re my Guide of the Egg! Aren¡¯t you supposed to be my mentor?¡±


    Gelsomina huffed, crossing her arms.


    ¡°If you¡¯d let me finish, I was about to tell you that I know what you need to do to learn your first technique and allocate your Sense Points and Stat Points.¡±


    Leonardo stared at her, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Oh yeah? And that would be¡­?¡±


    She turned to the side, crossing her legs in a slightly embarrassed manner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain it to you on Encrypted. Without the interface in front of me, it¡¯s hard to talk about.¡±


    Leonardo frowned.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Gelsomina¡¯s eyes widened as if caught off guard. Her gaze suddenly became evasive, and after a moment of hesitation, she quickly answered, almost annoyed:


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡±


    Leonardo chuckled quietly but didn¡¯t press the issue.


    They kept chatting about less serious things until sleep finally took over.


    ¡°Goodnight, Gelsomina.¡±


    She watched him for a moment, then settled on her flower and powered down, remaining still on the nightstand beside his bed.


    The next morning, Leonardo was woken by a cheerful, ringing sound.


    ¡°Good morning, sleepyhead!¡±


    Gelsomina floated above him, spinning in circles like a hyperactive dragonfly. Her mechanical body gleamed slightly in the morning light, and every movement of hers seemed to radiate an infectious energy.


    Leonardo yawned, stretching.


    ¡°You¡¯re way too energetic for this hour¡­¡±


    But his smile betrayed his happiness.


    After a quick breakfast, he put on the VR headset again.


    ¡°See you on the other side.¡±


    Gelsomina, resting on her flower right next to his pillow, looked at him with amusement.


    ¡°Try not to die right away.¡±


    Leonardo chuckled too, then closed his eyes.


    The world around him faded.


    But when he opened them again¡­


    He was in the black room.


    The floral screen in front of him displayed:


    Time Until Respown: 14:22:45


    Below, the only option: Log Out


    Aster sighed, wearing the expression of someone who had just done something incredibly stupid and only now realized it.


    ¡°Of course¡­ I should¡¯ve expected this.¡±


    He pressed ¡°Log Out¡± and found himself back in his room.


    Gelsomina was sitting on her floating flower, her back turned to him.


    Leonardo got up, stretching.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t log in either?¡±


    She barely turned, looking annoyed.


    ¡°I can only go back in fourteen hours.¡±


    Leonardo groaned.


    ¡°Same.¡±


    Realizing they wouldn¡¯t be able to play that day, Leonardo decided to spend the whole day with Gelsomina.


    He read her one of his favorite fantasy novels, and to his surprise, Gelsomina was captivated.


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing! I never thought books could be so¡­ thrilling!¡±


    Leonardo smiled, pleased.


    ¡°I¡¯ll read you more, then.¡±


    And so, the day passed quickly.


    At almost 1 AM, Leonardo lay down, put on the VR headset, and closed his eyes.


    This time, he wasn¡¯t greeted by the black room.


    But the white room.


    In front of him, the floral screen displayed a single message:


    Log In


    Aster sighed. But this time¡­ it wasn¡¯t a sigh of frustration.


    It was the sigh of someone ready to embark on a new adventure.


    Of someone who had left the past behind.


    Of someone whose journey was about to truly begin.