5. Love in those Eyes?

Zephyr observed the unfolding scene with shock, taken aback by the sheer brutality. Never in his life had he killed even a rat, yet today he bore witness to a murder.

This game was peculiar, unlike any he had played before, boasting wild aesthetics and an unsettling sense of realism. Such a surreal experience was unheard of.

"What the hell was that?" Zephyr had an abundance of questions, but not a single one received an answer.

The nature of this game eluded him completely. Why was there no clarity about its essence? Why did he feel an agonizing pain in a Virtual Reality game? What was that Memory fragment of Mordret? If Mordret was the nine-year-old character, then what could possibly drive a child to commit such a brutal act without hesitation? Who was the old lady at the end? Countless questions swirled in his mind.

The lack of knowledge about the game's world, especially during the supposed tutorial phase, left him bewildered. How was he expected to deduce anything from the rapidly unfolding events?

"I need a break," he thought, but fate didn't grant him that luxury.

His vision trembled slightly, yet amid that brief moment of calm, something cold and gentle caressed his cheek, taking him by surprise.

The touch was delicate, a gesture that only someone who cared deeply for him would make. His body reacted with shock to the sensation, but the hand didn't withdraw; it continued to stroke his face. The fingers were tender, the palm soft—a feminine hand. "Calm down… My Lord, it's me, Eliza," a soothing voice assured him, like nothing he had ever heard before, even in his wildest dreams.

The voice carried a sense of calm, yet an unmistakable worry lay beneath. Zephyr had never experienced someone expressing genuine concern for him, making it a foreign feeling to comprehend.

"Did she say, Eliza?" Zephyr attempted to open his eyes, and to his surprise, he succeeded! Unlike before, there was no darkness impeding his vision. Everything became clearer, albeit slightly blurry at first.

As he settled down, a mesmerizing sight greeted him. Zephyr's keen eyes scanned the room, absorbing every detail of the medieval Roman-style interior design.

The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes from ancient myths and legends, while the lustrous white ceiling reflected the soft glow of a chandelier, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Wood was prominently featured in the furnishings, adding rustic charm to the otherwise opulent setting. Elegantly crafted furniture showcased the highest level of craftsmanship, including wooden cabinets displaying ancient artifacts and books. Chairs and tables boasted intricate designs, exuding a sense of grandeur.

In one corner, a peculiar pillar drew his attention; unlike the others, it bore mystic runes carved into its surface, their meaning beyond his immediate comprehension, yet radiating an air of ancient wisdom and mystique.

The room's spaciousness was adorned with decorative rugs, some displaying patterns reminiscent of forgotten civilizations, adding an aura of mystery to the atmosphere.

Zephyr found himself drawn to a massive fireplace at the far end, adorned with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and legendary heroes. It appeared capable of holding a blazing fire, essential during colder days.

Bookshelves lined with old tomes caught his eye, their spines worn with time, holding vast knowledge accumulated through the ages. The scent of old parchment and leather filled the air, hinting at the wisdom contained within those pages.

The room exuded an aura of history as if it were a sanctuary for knowledge and ancient secrets. Zephyr couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and curiosity as he explored this beautiful and enigmatic setting. It was as if he had stepped into a time capsule, providing a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience the wonders of a bygone era.

'Marvelous!' He exclaimed in his mind, trying to take in the entire room at once, but his peculiar action worried the woman with the angelic voice even more.

"My Lord! Please, do not move." Just before Zephyr could respond, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen appeared before him.

Zephyr's eyes widened in awe as he beheld the angelic beauty before him. Eliza appeared to be a young woman in her twenties, with short black hair and a pale complexion that beautifully contrasted her hair color. Her slender figure complemented the Victorian-style maid gown that gracefully flowed down to her feet. The only accessories she wore were a pendant of a blue butterfly and a choker.

Her oval face and uniquely styled hair captured Zephyr's attention, while her lips had a rosy hue that hinted at their softness. Eliza was like a rare flower, blooming only once in a millennium. But what truly captivated Zephyr were her deep blue eyes, unlike any he had ever seen before. They seemed to draw him in, and he couldn't help but get lost in their beauty. How could someone possess such exquisitely clear and captivating eyes?

Coupled with her angelic voice, Eliza seemed almost too good to be true. As if her beauty wasn't enough, she approached Zephyr and gently pressed her palm against his forehead, speaking words he couldn't comprehend.

"My Lord, you can relax now. The raid has ended thanks to your mercy," her voice conveyed a warmth that Zephyr couldn't fully grasp.

What was she referring to? Zephyr couldn't comprehend, but one thing was certain. She referred to Zephyr as her Lord, or rather, as Mordret Valorborn.

At that moment, the runes that had brought him into this extraordinary world shimmered once more.

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[Mordret Valorborn has slain the Vile Beast (Rank 2): Karakir Tentacle, thus ending the Beast Raid.]

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[The tutorial has ended, and Player003 has been wished luck for what lies ahead.]

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[The Lord's right hand may be suspicious of Player003; please maintain Mordret Valorborn's character.]

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[Eliza Silverstone: The Lord's right hand and his most devoted follower. Born in the Fallen Silverstone clan, she was bestowed upon the Lord as a parting gift, her sole purpose is to serve him. Eliza Silverstone seeks reassurance that the Lord is well.]

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[Please maintain the Lord's character and earn the reputation necessary to fulfill the Lord's desires.]

'What the hell?! How am I supposed to play the role of Mordret if I know nothing about him apart from him being cold and aloof? There must be things he does, things he doesn't, things he likes, things he doesn't like! How am I supposed to learn all of that?' Zephyr exclaimed in frustration.

'System!' he called out, and a window appeared before him.

...

Status.

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Health.

...

Character Emergence.

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Reputation.

...

Logout? (Unavailable at the moment.)

...

Zephyr saw four available options but was shocked to find that the Logout option was currently unavailable.

'Ha!' He sighed and submitted, turning his head aside in resignation. What was he supposed to do? He had no idea.

However, his actions were misinterpreted by someone he had failed to take notice of.

"M-My L-Lord?" Eliza stuttered, her eyes widening as if she had seen a ghost.

"What?" Zephyr unintentionally replied with annoyance, venting his frustrations about the system on Eliza.

"S-So you haven't forgotten everything, right, My Lord?" Eliza's eyes welled up with tears.

For the first time, Zephyr noticed something in someone's eyes—a feeling he wished to forget forever. It was affection.

'Is that love in her eyes?' he pondered, caught off guard by the depth of emotion he saw in Eliza's gaze.

***

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