Quest

Sebastian was laying in the bedroom as the sun peaked through the curtains. He was content and was not dressed. As the sun rose, I was peacefully daydreaming without any concerns or defenses. He rushed to wake up since the sunshine was burning his head. His stunning dark brown eyes were visible behind a black eyelash as he gently flitted his eyes, staring at the ceiling.

"Still having trouble believing it's not a dream, I'm still constrained by this virtual game. Oh my goodness, there isn't time for such thoughts; I had move quickly to leave this game before I end up like the others. Like the other people who have given up and chosen to base their entire existence on this game."

In order to avoid leaving the bed in a disorderly state after seeming to have woken up there, I got dressed. I exited the room after grabbing my bag, stuffing it with my blanket. The inn was still as crowded as it was last night, and the floor creaked as I made my way down the stairs. I couldn't help but want to go back to the chamber where I felt secure since they all still had that weird murder atmosphere. But I was aware that because my future self hadn't contacted me, I would have to look elsewhere for methods to exit this game level.

"Thank you for allowing me remain in your room, please excuse me. I'll make certain to pay you back. But I was curious whether you were aware of the start time for the actual game on this floor. Or is the entire stage the game, and if so, how can I win?" Since I didn't really know anybody else, I asked the bartender if I could sleep in his room. Nevertheless, as soon as I asked, I immediately regretted it. Everyone appeared to be staring at me strangely, as if I had said something foolish. I was pushed aside by the inn's bartender as he started to explain.

"I didn't realize you were brand-new. We try not to bring this up too much because not all gamers are as fortunate as we are to be able to return to the present day. Since there are no guidelines or time restrictions, this game level is unlike any other, but it's also obviously a trap. After a while, you'll give up trying to get back to contemporary Earth and simply settle with acting like a regular citizen. I'm not sure how to leave this level, although there have been reports of people leaving, including the royal family players, nearly all of whom were knights when they started."

"Ah, I see. Then I'll get going to explore more on the village, maybe I'll run into some knights to help me know how I could get out of this game stage. Thanks again."

*Village*

The settlement was populated by a diverse range of individuals, which surprised me. Instead of merely selecting participants from one location, it appeared to be a global event. Nothing was contemporary, and the sky were a similar blue as that of the earth with clouds covering portion of it. I believe it was because there were no environmental concerns here, unlike on modern Earth, that the air felt healthier to breathe. No overheating or escalation as we experienced on Earth in the present era. There was a sweet floral scent permeating the air.

Though yesterday night was full with knights, I couldn't manage to find any today. I suppose they may be engaged in combat prevention or combat training. Being just 5'2 and finding it difficult to navigate the crowds didn't help that I detested people. I kept moving through the hamlet in the direction of what appeared to be the main palace, where I could see two knights guarding the gates against anybody approaching too closely. It surprised me that this area had monarchy, but I imagine that in the end, those who had given up on leaving made it all up. The knights turned to gaze at me and appeared irritated by my presence. Yet before I approached them my phone vibrated.

*Buzz, Buzz*

"You seem to be able to wait for my response, huh? In any case, I wouldn't attempt to join the knights' order; they are nothing more than a con and shouldn't be trusted."

"However, I was informed that the majority of those who join the knight order get to go to the next game stage."

"Don't be duped like they were; I did warn you not to put your confidence in anyone, didn't I? The knight order is nothing more than a masquerade used to force others to carry out their will, and after those people have served their purpose, they are expelled. People assume they have moved on to the subsequent game stages, but this is untrue; it is all fantasy. There is only one method to finish this game stage, which requires you to accept a task."

"How could someone kill other incense players who merely wanted to flee and go home is revolting. But it's probably true that I should cease placing my reliance in others. What exactly is this mission, and how do I complete it?"

"After speaking with the tower of wizards' mage, the task is granted. It doesn't require travel to reach. To get to his towers, you'll need to trek for days, and even then, it will be difficult to convince him to unlock the entrance. Since you may hunt for goods and improve your killing skills for the following level, I think it's preferable to walk there rather than pay for a cart to drive you there. Keep in mind not to trust anyone and to avoid social situations."

Instantaneously, I was left with no further explanations. I should probably leave the settlement and head for the tower, it appeared. I really hope there are no monsters out there. There may not be any monsters because my future self didn't mention them. The idea that I would have to fight for my life outside the gates made me uncontrollably frightened. But I had to get out of here as quickly as I could. I moved in the direction of the huge gates that I had previously entered but was now exiting to begin my adventure.

*Swoosh*

My hair was blown away from my face by the gusts, revealing the beautiful surroundings. Everything was so clean and lush, and because I had taken off my shoes, the grass was comfortable for my feet. In the trees, I didn't have to be concerned about tripping on sharp glass fragments or nails. I was given a stunning map, which appeared to represent every kingdom and location in the world, before I left. It was somewhat brittle and ancient, but at least it was free. I continued walking for what felt like hours before stopping to rest and munch on some wildberries I had spotted on an overgrown wildeberry shrub. I was shocked that I didn't end up dying or being harassed. But I was aware that the moment had come.

I started putting my tree together and looked for the ideal spot to sleep. In order to prevent falling whenever I shifted while sleeping, which happened frequently, I tied myself to the tree branch. I looked at the sky, which was suddenly crowded with stars and planets that I had never imagined being so near to. As my eyelids closed, the act of staring made me drowsy. I lost myself in sleep.