A Strange Discovery!

Sterl didn't make a move. Instead, the creature spoke in a garbled voice, "Are you a player who has become a professional?"

"I am the caretaker of this seed base, classified as sequence D. Is there anything you need?"

The "monster" spoke weakly.

"If this is your first time entering reality, you can take a look at the books on that shelf over there."

"There are also maps of the base and introductions to nearby landmarks, but we haven't explored the surface in a long time, so the information might be inaccurate."

"I will be nearby. Just call me if you need anything."

"But I am heavily irradiated, so I won't stand too close to you."

This "monster" was one of those who didn't enter the game but watched over the game pods. It was thanks to their presence that countless players could live peacefully in Transcendence.