If you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried .1

"Where is Neon and Mio?" Mimic inquired, walking alongside Aiken, who appeared to be trudging like a zombie. Aiken's recent act of tossing the letter outside his window had unintended consequences, as an old lady stumbled upon it and promptly barged into Aiken's room, compelling him to do community service. The elderly lady's uncanny knowledge of the letter's origin was no accident; Sco had foreseen Cziell's typical dismissive response and had included Aiken's room number to ensure its delivery.

Aiken and Mimic found themselves aiding the game's non-player characters in cleaning up the virtual environment. Aiken's frustration was palpable, fueled by the realization that the letter had been a cunning trap. Yet, with each repeated movement, Aiken's body seemed to grow swifter, adapting to the task at hand and making his motions more fluid.

"They have to attend school, they'll log in and return later!" Sco's voice echoed from atop a tree in the town's center. Aiken's simmering anger erupted as he seized a massive rock and hurled it toward Aico with a surge of kinetic energy. Sensing Cziell's intent, Aico instinctively dodged the incoming projectile. Magic was off the table for both combatants for now, and Sco mentioned that Neon's sub-class as a tracker would assist in locating Myrpho once school commitments were fulfilled – a statement delivered with a hint of playful rebellion from someone who frequently evaded academic responsibilities.

"Here," Sco placed a glowing crystal beside Aiken, who was resting beneath the shade of a tree. The crystal emitted an otherworldly light, casting an ethereal glow on the surroundings. Aiken, munching on bread given to him by the NPCs in gratitude for his assistance, looked curiously at the crystal. "Teleport Crystal," Sco explained, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity.

Aiken's eyes widened, disbelief registering on his face. 'Could it really be?' he wondered. Cziell's sudden pause indicated he shared the same incredulity. "You mean..." Aiken's voice trailed off, unable to articulate his astonishment.

"Yeah," Sco affirmed. "We don't have many options at this point. We've become a liability to them. Sometimes it's wiser to retreat when the odds are against us, especially when we can foresee that stubbornly remaining will only lead to a worse outcome."

Aiken's fist clenched, his determination renewed by Sco's words. He understood that their current circumstances were far from favorable, and continuing to be obstinate could cost them their lives. "So, here," Sco continued, his voice softening, "you already know how to use this, right?"

Aiken gazed at Aico with a mix of determination and apprehension. The teleport crystal held the promise of escape, but it was a decision that would shape the course of their journey and perhaps their very lives.

"..." Aiken stared at the teleport crystal in his hand, his expression a mixture of surprise, embarrassment, and realization. "Don't tell me you... Pfffft! You've been traveling by foot! Without knowing that TPs are only 100 Gills (Game currency) at the market?!" Aico couldn't help but chuckle at Aiken's dumbfounded reaction. Aiken continued to look at the crystal, feeling a bit foolish for not knowing about such a basic convenience.

However, a mischievous glint entered Aiken's eyes as he thought about the potential of the teleport crystal. Aico could practically see the gears turning in Aiken's mind. But before Aiken could delve too deeply into his daydreams, Aico intervened, his tone turning more serious. Aiken's smile began to fade as he turned his attention to Sco.

"First of all," Aico began, adopting a professorial tone as he stood amidst the curious onlookers, his youthful appearance drawing some amused reactions from nearby players. "Every TP [Teleport] crystal is bound to a specific town, and you can only purchase the crystal in that particular town."

Aico's explanation brought a dose of reality crashing down on Aiken's earlier excitement. His devious smile slowly waned as the implications of Aico's words sank in. "Allow me to elaborate for further clarification. If you want to buy a TP to ORION, you must buy the crystal in ORION itself! That's why beginners must travel through the towns and cities of Letheon before they can freely use the TPs."

Aiken felt a sense of frustration and realization wash over him. He had been harboring fantasies of easily teleporting to Orion, only to have his hopes dashed by the limitations of teleportation. It was a hard lesson in the practicalities of the game world, and Aico's revelation had served as a reminder that they were still subject to its rules and mechanics.

"Well anyway, it's time," Aico declared, prompting a change in Aiken's expression. The anticipation was palpable as the group gathered, with Mimic, Aiken, Neon, and Mio all present. Aico's statement seemed to set things in motion.