3 City of Thanatos

The sun was already high in the sky when I arrived at the end of the forest. I was greeted by the sight of a vast plain covered with long golden brown grasses which produced a mystic glow because of the sun. It also made a very beautiful scene as the wind breezed through the grass making a unified swaying motion.

Really, who ever made this game made effort putting such details in everything. I have never really traveled much but I know that this kind of scenery will make anyone become mesmerized.

This kind of scenery is just one of the many that I will encounter in this world, I felt. Excitement stirred within me as I thought of the numerous adventures waiting for me. I might have not been adventurous in the real world but it was not too late to start now.

I roam my eyes on the view a little longer and since the forest was in an elevated area I saw the big city clearly than how I saw it at the top of the ruin. I noticed the main highway which not too far from my location. It happened that the road I was walking on is connected towards a bigger highway.

After savoring this beautiful scenery I continued to walk down the elevated slope. As I neared the crossroad, I noticed that there were many travelers coming from other direction. It seems like the road I was walking on was not usually used since it only goes towards the forest where the ancient ruin was however the other roads were used by travelers from other location.

There were many travelers I noticed as I arrived at the main highway, as well as a large amount of carts and wagons drawn by horses. The horses were bigger than the normal horses in real life. Some travelers were also riding different beasts one example was a beast which looked like an overgrown wolf.

Arriving at the main highway I stood at the side of the road and observed the coming and going of the people however I started to fell conscious since every traveler that pass by me looked at me. Having enough of being a spectacle myself I started to walk towards the city.

City of Thanatos

The City of Thanatos is bigger that I imagined it. The dimension of the city was big and the ramparts surrounding the city were also about ten meters thick and three stories high. From outside of the wall I cannot see the roof of the houses inside.

As I neared the opened gate, I saw a number people stopped in line as they waited for their turn for inspection. It seems like it will take some time before I can finally enter the city.

I continued to assess my situation while I was waiting in line. Seeing these people and how they interact with one another I started to think that treating them as NPC is not going to work. The NPCs here were conscious, they have personality and because of this I decided to treat NPC like humans and not just data.

But for WORLD to create a VR game which houses AI that was passable like humans were very astonishing and terrifying at the same time. Who ever made this game was really a genius or a madman with a deep desire to create a world he can control.

The thoughts running wild in my mind made me laugh. I think the ideas from countless novels I have read was starting to affect me.

I was pulled out from my thoughts when I heard the people started to murmur with one another. Since I was too curious I moved to the side to see what the commotion was about and from my location I saw someone arguing with the guards at the gate.

"Umm… seems like another Dythr is causing some problem again." A man behind me said with a displeased expression.

"Again?" I can't help but say as I heard what the man said.

"Aye, recently more and more Dythr has been coming and most of them acts high and mighty." Another traveler joined in the conversation.

"Thought I understand that they are stronger and may help solving some problems they don't know how to coexist with us." Another added.

"They don't even try to follow rules and think that they are a special exception. Look, that young lad skipped the line and thought of going straight inside the city." The man behind me said again as he looked at the drifter arguing with the guard.

It can't be helped since the gamers thinks that everyone besides other players are only decoration. I thought as I continued to watch what was happening. But I believe after staying here longer they would surely understand and act with care.

The commotion stopped as the guards just let the player enter since trying to talk sense with the person will just consume time and obstruct the other people waiting.

10 minuets later it was already my turn and a guard come to me.

"Welcome traveler, I am Roy the head guard here. Since the security is tight right now I ask for your cooperation to hasten the procedure." Roy said as he looked at me and pulled out a pen-like item and board with paper attached to it. It seems like he will be taking down information I will be providing.

Curiously looking at the pen he was holding I answered, "I understand."

"Let's first start with your name."

"Zeift"

"Good, So Zeift, I want to know if you have any companions with you."

"Actually I am alone."

"Ok." Roy said and started to writing on the paper. "What is your reason for traveling here?"

"I am here to go to the Dythr settlement located here."

" Dythr Settlement… Why do you what to go there?" He said as he continued to write without looking at me.

"Well, Astard said that I have to go there."

"Astard…" The man started to raise his head and looked at me. "Are you a Dythr?"

"Yes I am."

"And you waited in line?"

"Yes I did."

"Why?"

"Do I have to really answer that?" with a frown I looked at the man who introduced himself as Roy. My frown deepened as the man started to laugh loud enough for the others who where also being interviewed to look at us.

"Sorry, sorry. I did not intend to laugh at you. You are right. You don't have to answer that question." He smiled as he said this.

"You said you will be going to the settlement right?"

"Yes" He nodded as I answered. "Wait here" he added as he looked at one of the guards standing at the side and called. "Jack, come over here!"

Looking back at me the man smiled again. "Jack will accompany you to the settlement."

"No, you don't have to assign someone to accompany me. You can just tell me the direction."

I tried to make him change his mind but since he was too stubborn to give up I decide to concede defeat and let Jack accompany me to the settlement. Before I left, Roy grinned and said "After registering at the settlement if you have problem just look for me ok?"

"Sure. I'll take you up with that offer."

With that I and my new companion Jack entered the city wall.

As I entered the city I found myself in the middle of a crowd. People of different races can be seen walking here and there. Voices of people and peddlers, running children's shout and laughter and sounds of wagons and animals that passed created a frenzied rhythm.

Jack continued to guide me through the crowd. Everywhere I look despite the humidity people where full of energy and was engaged in whatever they are doing. Somehow I really feel I was in the middle of the market somewhere in earth instead of the game.

"Are you alright?" Jack shouted in front of me as he cut trough the swarm of people.

"Yeah I am but I'm really shocked with the number of people here." I shouted back. It was really hard talking in a place like this.

"Well, it can't be helped since this is the commerce area here in the city." He answered as he guided me further away from the place. "Not all parts of the city are really that crowded."

"I really hope so."

20 minuets later we finally arrived at a wide street which was the entrance to the settlement. It was a district within the west area of the city. As we continued on we arrived in a small plaza where a fountain was located. The area still had a lot of people moving about but it was not as crowded as the market place. Thought it was hard to know if those who where in the plaza are player.

The plaza is surrounded by different buildings but the eye catching among them was the 3 story stone building located at the right side of the fountain.

Jack pointed at the stone building and said. "That is the administrative building for the Framiz Settlement here in the city. You just have to register to get started."

"Thanks for guiding me here. I did say I was ok without any guide but I might have gotten lost if you have not been with me."

"No problem. Anyway I have to go. See you around Zeift."

"Yeah, see you"

Saying my goodbye to Jack I turned and walked towards the building he pointed. As I entered I was greeted by a lobby packed with people from different races.

As I walked towards the front desk I became really conscious because of the way everyone was looking at me. Despite my predicament I walked coolly and calmly. I was even shocked by my calm composure because normally in this kind of event I would have been too rattled to walk.

It took a while to arrive at the front desk. "I am here to register." I said to the woman in the front desk as I tuned out the other people inside the lobby.

The woman stared at me first before she nodded and with a smile she gestured her hands at the left side of the lobby where small cubicles were located. "Please go to the registration booth over there to register."

With a nod, I walked towards the booth. As I entered a vacant booth, I saw another woman with glasses and she then looked up from the papers in front of her when she felt my presence.

"Well hello warrior, please have a sit." She said as she waved her hand at the seat in front to her table.

"Thanks." I mumbled as I sat down.

"I am Kite and I will be assisting you through the registration process."

"I am Zeift"

"So Zeift~tyr as you know the Kingdom of Frozith gives assistance to drifters like you. To do this we ask several questions to make sure that those who came here are without a doubt drifters. And after the interview we will be giving you the assistance package that is given to all Dythr."

"Ok I understand."

"So are you ready, Zeift~tyr?"

"Yes"

"Let's start"

15 minuets later…

"Let me review the answers you have given me. Name is Zeift, Race is Azarin and the trans-seal you came from is found in the Sleeping Forest. Am I correct?"

"Well I am not sure if the location you said is really the one I know."

"But you said the one who guided you is Enid Astard right? So since Enid Astard only guards one trans-seal then I am definitely right."

"Ok…"

Looking at the paper Kite was writing on she continued, "and your current level is two."

"Yes…"

"That's odd… we have putted enchantments at the road sides to make sure the roads are safe…" She mumbled and she lifted her eyes from the paper she was writing. "May I ask if you where attacked by a monster on the way here? We have to put guards there if that is so because we can't afford a drifter dying before they can bind at the Cathedral."

"Um… Actually I was not attacked on the road. I kind of encountered it when I was gathering some items."

"Oh… I see, so you saw a monster and decided to attack then."

"Yes, I was curious so I decided to try and fight."

Kite stop from writing and looked at me with a disapproving look. "I know I have no right to say this since it was already done with but I ask you to be more careful. If you have died without binding in any Cathedral you would have been penalized by a decrease of 5 attribute points. That is why we make sure drifters are protected while they are not yet bounded to a revive point."

Wow, good thing I have not died then. I thought as I heard what she said.

After a minute of silence she gave a loud sigh and looked at me in the eye. "That being said I am still impressed that you stood a chance against a monster without any items with you."

Hearing this I can't help a grin from appearing. "Wipe that grin from your face. Thought I did praise you, I still want you to be more cautious from now on." She said as she threw me a glare.

I really like Kite, she was a woman who can stand on her own and can openly say what she feels without being embarrassed. I want to become like her, I silently hoped.

"I'll leave you for a while to get your assistance package." She stood up and left the cubicle leaving me behind as I planned my next move after here.

"Hi!" Hearing a voice behind me I turned and I saw a man leaning at the entrance of the cubicle.

Outside I had a mask of indifference but inside my mind I secretly gasped at how handsome the man was. The man was tall, with blond hair and deep blue eyes that seems to shine with a playful glint. His mouth was also tilted upwards with a small grin.

The man was already wearing an adventurer's attire which was really different from the rags I was using. He was using a leather sleeveless vest which was closed halfway to his chest. Inside the vest you can see a black fitting shirt. He was also wearing leather pants which pairs perfectly with his vest. In addition he was equipped with black fingerless gloves and black shoes. Over all he was the image of a drop dead gorgeous hunk from a boy band somewhere.

After profiling the person I concluded that he was someone who was good in planning mischief. And seeing a person like that approach me only means that I was the target of the evil plan or I was about to be recruited to join the plan. But I highly believe that I will most likely be allocated to the latter which I would like to avoid as much as possible.

With a cold voice, cold enough to convey my dislike of his presence I spoke. "What do you want?"

The mans' grin widen more and the sparkle in his eyes brighten even more as he looked at me up and down. Somehow I felt naked and the alarm in my mind was blinking red. I really don't like how this man looks at me.

I was about to say something again when I heard Kite call my name. It seems like she just arrived with a box in her hand. I looked back to where the man was but saw that he already left. With that I gave of a relieved sigh which was gone unnoticed by Kite.

"Are you ok?"

"Yes, I am…" I answered with a smile which was returned by the woman. I decided to forget the encounter with that man and hope I will never cross path with him again.

"So here is your assistance package. I added something as a congratulatory gift for make it to level 2 without any help." She added as she winked at me that made me laugh.

"Thanks for the bonus."

"No big deal, since you own me one now I can make sure you do a favor for me in the future."

"Well, From now on I'll make sure to hide from you."

"Let's see if you can" She retorted playfully. "Anyway, off you go now. I have other Dythr to cover."

"Nice meeting you Kite."

"Yah, Nice meeting you to Zeift~tyr."

* ~ * ~ *

Later I sat at one of the benches located at the plaza outside of the registration building checking the items given to me by Kite. I took the box from my inventory and selected the icon then a window asking if I would like to open the assistance box materialized. I clicked <yes> and another window pop-up.

You have opened Assistance Box No. 3

You receive <Water Flask>

You receive 10 <Riceball>

You receive 100 gold nuts

You receive <Short Sword>

Looking at the items I received I was not sure which was the gift Kite gave me. Nevertheless, I was happy receiving these Items.

I checked the description of each item.

<Water Flask> (Unsellable, Untradeable)

Description: Used to hold water

Water Status: currently holds no water.

Durability: 50/50

Hmmm… It seems like it was an item to hold drinkable water. Thinking of this I looked at the fountain. Was the water there drinkable? Deciding to check it out later I check the other items.

<Riceball> (Unsellable, Untradeable)

Description: Rice shaped in a ball, consumable item by the kingdom.

Effect: Increases satiety level and restores small energy

Ok, this item will be useful for keeping my energy in check, going through the last item.

<Short Sword> (Sellable & Tradable)

Description: a short sword made of iron, a gift from Kite.

Type: Ordinary

Class: Common

Rank: D

Durability: 120/120

Effect: + 5 to attack

Requirement: Level 1

Hoh, so this is the bonus that Kite added to the box. With a smile I equipped the sword. The sword appeared at my waist just like any other swordsman. As I looked at the sword I suddenly though if becoming a swordsman a good profession however I suddenly remembered that I have no Idea of my race.

Thinking about the last item which was the <100 gold nuts>, It seems like my suspicion was correct. Nuts were the currency of this world. However I have to get additional information so I can establish a fact.

Thinking of my next move I saw the time in-game was already past noon. So I determined it was already time to eat here. Standing up I looked at the establishment surrounding the fountain and found a restaurant.

Excited to try the experience of eating here inside the game I entered the place. The place was already crowded by people as I walked towards one of the waitress to ask if they still have an available table. However it seems like every table was already occupied. Sighing I resigned myself to look for another restaurant when I heard someone call my name.

I looked around and saw someone from the far corner of the room waving at me. Looking closer a person was sitting at a table for two person and the other chair was vacant. I moved closer to the person waving, as I was close enough to observe the man I stopped from walking and I cursed silently when I found out that it was the man I encountered at the registration building.

Because man was already looking at me and the waitress was also following behind I had no escape route, I heave a sigh and walked towards the grinning man.

As I sat down the waitress gave me the menu. As I checked the menu, the man was strangely silent but I can feel him looking at me which I ignored as I chose my food.

A minute later I gave my order to the woman and she left leaving me together with this blond man. I didn't bother asking him of his order since he already has his food in front of him.

"So… " I started to break the strange atmosphere. " You know my name but I have no idea of your name."

"Sorry, where are my manners. My name is Flare and I learned your name when the representative assisting you at the registration called your name."

Silence settled between us again as the waitress appeared and brought my order. "And why do I have a feeling that you have something to say." Not looking at the Flare I said and started to eat.

Hmmm… the food was delicious and it really feels like the same as eating in the real world. I continued to eat when a pop-up window appeared.

"Eating food does not only recover energy and increase satiety level. It also adds special effects. Thought it varies from the food you eat." Flare said as if he knows what I was thinking.

"I see."

"You are new to this game, aren't you?"

"This game is new"

Smirking he said, "Well let me rephrase what I said. You have not played this game during the beta test."

"That's not really a question but a statement."

"But I am right."

"And if you are right what of it?"

"Actually I was looking for someone to create a party with and then I saw you at the plaza. When I saw you I thought 'Ah, that guy is exactly what I was looking for' and after that I when to talk with you. After that encounter I thought you were perfect as my party member. "

"Look I have no idea what the hell you are talking about."

"Hmmm… How should I explain it?" Flare said as he started to think. "Well, you are perfect because you look handsome. Serious and cold, the kind of man that woman likes."

As Flare said this I started to cough because I did not expect him to say such thing. "Handsome? Woman likes? Are you insane?"

Laughing at my shocked expression, "Why are you so shocked? You are indeed handsome. Have you ever felt like everyone was looking at you?"

Yes, in fact I have been receiving that feeling since I arrived at the main highway from the forest. Thought I never suspected that the reason everyone was looking was because I look handsome however it was true that I have never seen what I looked like now.

My priority changed as I thought carefully what Flare said. "Excuse me… I remembered I have to do something." I said and hurriedly stood up.

I was few steps away from the table Flare was sitting when he called out. "Hey if you are looking for a party member, don't forget to call me okay?"

I looked back at him and gave a stiff nod and went to pay my meal. I was about to leave when I suddenly backtracked and spoke to one of the waitress.

"Do you have any mirror here?"

"Mirror ?"

"Yes…"

"Oh, you can go to the second floor where the inn is located. I think they might have what you are looking for."

Giving my thanks I walked towards the second floor. Ascending, I saw the young inn keeper and asked if they had a mirror.

"Yep, we have mirrors in the bathroom of each room but you have to check in to use it."

Sighing I was thinking if I really have to see myself enough to spend money. A minute of indecision I asked, "How much is one room?"

"One room is one silver and it will be for 24 hours after you get your key."

At least I can use the room until tomorrow then. "Ok, I'll get a room. Make sure there is a large mirror ok."

"Aye' aye sire!" The young man said as he smiled. "I'll make sure you have the room with the biggest mirror."

Somehow I don't know if he was making fun of me or something else. I just grunted as he said that.

"Please sign your name here" The inn keeper said as he showed a logbook where names and room number were written. After writing my name I gave the logbook back.

Looking at the name, "Zeeft?" he pronounced uncertainly and looked at me as if asking if he was right.

"No, it's Zeift"

"Oh… Zeift" Cough, "So Zeift~tyr by the way my name is Karl. I am the son of the owner of the inn and restaurant below." He continued as he took one of the key from a drawer.

"Well, it's nice to meet you then Karl. I'll be staying here for a while so we will be meeting regularly."

"K', Here is you key. Room 150, It is the room at the 4th floor at the very end of the hallway."

"Here is the payment", I said as I gave a gold nut I got from my inventory.

"Thanks…" He said as he received the money. After giving me the change I can't help but ask him a question that was in my mind since I received the money from the assistance package.

"Um… Is it OK if I ask you something?"

"Hm? No, it's OK. Fire away Zeift~tyr"

"Actually I was curious how money here in this place is used."

The young man looked at me with confused eyes but suddenly it lit up like a star. "Could… Umm… are you a Dythr?"

"Yes I am…" As I answered in affirmative the boy looked at me with amazement and I can see the excitement radiating from his body. It seems like it took a lot of self control for the young man to stop himself from firing a series of questions overflowing in his mind.

Instead of asking questions he diligently answered my question. After talking for quite a while I finally understand more about the money system in this world.

"Thanks for the information you have given me." I said with a smile as I looked at the boy who with his limited knowledge shared me what he understands about money.

"No, actually I am really sorry for being unable to give you enough information." Karl said with a sad smile.

"No, actually I appreciate your effort and the information you gave is enough to let me know the basics." I said with as smile and patted his head. "Here this is your reward." I said as I gave him a silver coin from the change he gave me for the in the inn.

Karl's eye widen as he looked at the coin I gave him. "This… this…" He said as he tried to speak.

With a small laugh I patted him some more. He was a good kid.

"I'll make sure to give you important information next time!" The kid said with a determined look as he stared at me.

"Well I'm looking forward to it but next time I'm afraid my compensation to you will be stories about adventure." I said, just to make it clear that the kid will not receive another silver coin. Thought I gave him silver, I am still far from rich. Once I used up the money given by the kingdom I won't receive anything anymore. Basically I'm on my one. So I have to be thrifty.

However it seems like the eyes of the young man brighten more when I mentioned adventure. There was a high chance the Karl liked stories about adventure more than one silver coin.

"I'll make sure that I'll give you worthwhile information" He said with enthusiasm.

"K. See you around." I said with a smile and nod.

"See you Zeift~tyr!" The young man said as he waved at me from the desk as I walked towards the stairs.

* ~ * ~ *

The room I arrived at was enough for one person to stay. Directly across the door was one bed and on the left side of the door a single window with a table and a chair lined in front of it. At the right side of the door was a one small closet, enough to put cloths and other small items. Across the window was a connecting door leading to the bathroom.

I decided to go to the closet first. As I touched the handle to open the closet a pop-up window appeared.

Would you like to put an item inside <Small closet>?

<Small closet>

Capacity: 20 items

Security: Level 1

I looked at the information provided. It seems like I can put some items here from my inventory. It also can hold 20 items. I tried to put the stick I had in the inventory inside and it was possible. It has the same function as the inventory. After learning this I thought of leaving the stick here since I already have the short sword.

However I have no idea about security. Well maybe this means how secure the items inside the closet is. Anyway no one will steal from me since I have no items worthwhile to steal.

With that I went to the bed and lay down. As I close my eyes I heard the pop-up window sound. I cracked my eyes opened and saw the window hovering above me.

Would you like to Log out?

<Yes> <No>

I selected <No> and opened called the main menu. From the main menu I can also see Log out. It looks like it was possible to log out when you lay down on a bed. Somehow I don't know the difference of logging out in the bed and logging out anywhere. What I know is that a player can log out anywhere at anytime but maybe I have to look into this just in case.

I stayed in this position for a few minuets before I sat up and stared at the door leading to the bathroom. I was really curious but at the same time nervous at the prospect of finally knowing what I look like.

Really, who would have thought that selecting default settings for my avatar will land me in this situation?

With a frustrated groan I stood up and opened the door.

To my shock, as I swung the door open I came face-to-face with the most handsome man I have seen aside from Flare.

In front of me was a full body mirror and reflected in it was the 'me' in this world.

I stared at the man and began to examine him. He was handsome at worst and breathtaking at best. He had a short silky black hair that framed the flawless face with a high brow-bridge. Looking back at me, was as a set of eyes deep and dark as the night. His complexion was fair, not to pale but not to dark. As I have suspected before, the height of this male was much taller than my original height. He seems to be around 6'2 in height. I can also see that despite wearing cloths which is noticeably worn out, a well toned body was outlined. Somehow the cloth that he was wearing was a horrible match with his appearance. However, even with the rags he used his image was not affected.

"Who the hell are you?" I was intent on studying this specimen staring intently back at me when I shivered as I became fully aware of the voice that came out of my mouth. The voice was deep, cold yet enticing.

I my mind I was gaping and was totally blanked out because I was to shock to even think. Who wouldn't be shocked? I was inside a freaking god's body!

As I came out from my shocked state I back-stepped, dashed out of the bathroom and sat on the bed.

Calm down… What the hell happened! Before I saw my avatars appearance I was already aware that I was using a male avatar. Thought it was disturbing it was easy to accept. However during that time I have no Idea how I look like. But now, the image I saw just few seconds ago was already engraved in my mind.

My god, this body is already considered mine but somehow I feel tortured. If I am honest to myself, I can say that it was like having my crush or love interest literally mine to use. I can't help but mentally blush at the thoughts running my mind.

Thinking about it this situation might become a problem or an asset however I have no way of knowing. For now I decided to let it unfold. Anyway with this, it explained the reason why many people were looking at me. Well if I also saw someone that handsome I might be breaking my neck following him with my eyes.

Looking at the time in my game interface, I noticed that I still have some time before I log out for lunch in the real world. With this I decided to accept the truth about the 'me' in this world and continue with my next plan.

Next on my priority list would be equipment then after that I'll look around the city if I can find information about my race.

As my priority was established I stood up and left the room.