A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

This is my first story let me know what you think!
The group prepares to find a lost ally.

Chapter 4

As my eyes slowly open, I feel a surprising sense of calm. For the first time since arriving in this strange world, I feel truly rested. The weight of yesterday still lingers, but it doesn’t press as heavily on me now.

I glance to the side, seeing Kaida still curled up on her bed, her staff leaning against the wall nearby. Her breathing is soft and steady, her fiery red hair slightly messy but framing her face in a way that makes her look younger, more vulnerable. She seems barely old enough to be in college—just like me, I realize.

I let my gaze linger for a moment longer, noting her features. She’s undeniably attractive. There’s a softness to her, a natural beauty that would have caught my attention immediately back in the real world. But now…

I furrow my brow, trying to make sense of the lack of reaction. It’s not that I don’t notice her beauty—I do—but it feels distant, detached. Before, I might have felt nervous, self-conscious, or even drawn to her. But now? There’s… nothing.

I close my eyes again, letting out a slow breath. Is it the stress of this world? The constant danger? Or… is it something else? Something about this body?

The thought twists in my mind, a strange mix of confusion and discomfort. I’ve been so focused on survival and leading the group that I haven’t really stopped to think about how much this transformation has changed me—who I am now.

Shaking the thought away, I glance back at Kaida. She stirs slightly, mumbling something in her sleep, and I feel a faint smile tug at my lips. Whatever’s changed inside me, I still care about her, about all of them. That much hasn’t changed.

I sit up, leaning back against the headboard as I raise my hand. With a familiar soft chime, the translucent menu reappears, hovering in the air before me. The glowing tabs flicker briefly, and I navigate back to the Party section.

Kaida’s name is still there, her profile glowing softly. I glance at her sleeping form again briefly before letting my focus shift to the others. One by one, I open their profiles, studying them as I did hers.

Hrothgar (Warrior)

His profile displays a 3D model of his hulking form, his massive axe slung over his back. Thinking back to his blunt honesty the way he seemed ready to step into danger without hesitation. He’s gruff, sure, but I know we can count on him in a fight no matter what.

Yet, there’s something about him that makes me wonder. The way he looks at the group sometimes, like he’s weighing everything—everyone.

Lorien (Spearman)

When I tap on his name, a slightly smaller model appears, his spear gleaming in the display. I linger on his profile for a moment longer than I mean to, remembering the way he glanced at me yesterday.

He’s quiet, unsure of himself, but I can tell he wants to prove his worth. There’s an awkward earnestness to him that makes him hard to dislike, even if it’s… complicated now. The way he looks at me—feels about me—is something I can’t avoid forever. (Unless I have anything to say about it) But for now, I push the thought away.

Veyron (Rogue)

His silhouette is lean and sharp, the dagger in his hand almost glowing against his dark clothing. I can see the faint outline of his Shadow Veil ability, marked with a cooldown timer.

Veyron is exactly what you’d expect from a rogue character —cocky, clever, and a little too reckless. But he’s good at what he does, and despite his sharp tongue, he hasn’t let us down yet. Still, I wonder what drives him. Is it just survival? Or is there something more beneath his sly smirk?

Finally, my gaze falls to the last name on the list: Lyra (Cleric).

Her model is faint, grayed out compared to the others. Her status remains the same:
Location: Unknown.
Status: Captive.
Condition: Stable.

I let out a slow breath, my chest tightening as I stare at her profile. I don’t know much about her, but the fact that she’s still here, still connected to us, gives me hope. Whatever it takes, we’ll find her.

The menu flickers softly as I close the Party tab, leaving me with a strange mix of emotions. This group isn’t just a collection of strangers anymore—they’re my responsibility now they trust me…

I glance back at Kaida, who stirs slightly in her sleep. The faint chime disappearing into the stillness of the room. As I sit there, I can’t shake the thought that’s been nagging at me since this all began: Why us?

Out of everyone who could have been pulled into this world, it’s us—six people who didn’t know each other until yesterday. There has to be a reason, something tying us together.

Maybe understanding who we all were before this—what we were doing, where we were in our lives—will give us some clue. If nothing else, knowing more about each other will help us work together.

I glance at Kaida again. As she stirs, her eyes fluttering open as the soft morning light spills into the room. She blinks a few times, groaning softly as she sits up.

“Morning,” she mumbles, rubbing her eyes. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Yeah,” I reply, offering a faint smile. “And you?”

She nods, yawning as she stretches. “Better than I thought I would. What time is it?”

“Still early I think,” I say, standing up and stretching myself. “But we’ll need to get everyone together soon. There’s… a lot we need to talk about.”

Kaida tilts her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. “What kind of talk?”

“I’ll explain everything when we’re all together,” I say, reaching for my bow and slinging it over my shoulder. “For now, let’s get the others.”

The two of us head downstairs, the faint buzz of morning activity in the inn growing louder as we approach the common room. The others are already awake, gathered at a table near the hearth. Hrothgar nurses a mug of something steaming, while Lorien and Veyron exchange quiet words.

“Morning,” I say as we approach, drawing their attention.

“About time,” Veyron says with a smirk. “We were starting to think you two had vanished.”

I roll my eyes and sit down, motioning for Kaida to join me. “Alright,” I say, glancing at each of them. “Before we do anything else, we need to talk. About us.”

Hrothgar raises an eyebrow. “Us?”

“Who we were,” I clarify. “Before all of this. Back in the real world. I think if we understand more about each other—where we came from, how we ended up here—it might give us some idea of why this happened to us.”

The group falls silent, exchanging uneasy glances. Finally, Lorien speaks up, his voice hesitant. “That… makes sense, I guess. But… how do we start?”

“Let’s just start with the basics,” I say. “How old are you? What were you doing before this? Anything that might stand out.”

Hrothgar shrugs, leaning back in his chair. “I’m 27. Worked construction like I said before, married with one kid on the way. Played games to blow off steam. Never thought I’d end up in one.”

Lorien shifts awkwardly. “I’m… 19,” he says, avoiding eye contact. “College freshman. I was studying engineering, but… I wasn’t doing great. Spent more time gaming than studying.”

Kaida glances at me before speaking. “I’m 18,” she says quietly. “I was working a part-time retail job, while trying to get through college. I played this game to escape… everything.”

Veyron smirks, leaning back with his arms crossed. “21. IT specialist. Spent most of my time online—either gaming or hacking stuff.”

All eyes turn to me, and I pause before speaking. “I’m 20. College sophomore. I didn’t really have a plan—I was just… coasting. Logged into the game out of curiosity, and then… this.”

The group stares at me, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity. Hrothgar raises an eyebrow, setting his mug down heavily. “Alright, Artemis,” he rumbles. “Care to explain why we’re suddenly digging into each other’s lives? What has changed since yesterday?”

Veyron leans back in his chair, smirking faintly. “Yeah, you’ve got our attention, but you might want to fill in the blanks before we all continue spilling our life stories.”

I glance at Kaida, who looks at me with quiet understanding but doesn’t speak up. She knows where I’m coming from, but I can’t expect her to explain for me. I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts.

“You’re right,” I say finally, meeting their eyes. “I should’ve started with this. Something happened last night, and it got me thinking about… why we’re here. Why us.”

I sit forward, my voice steady but low. “I opened a menu accidentally by clicking a button on the nightstand and I found a Party tab. It lists all of us, including Lyra.”

That gets their attention. Hrothgar frowns, and Lorien leans in slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Lyra?” Lorien asks. “The other girl? She’s still on the list?”

“Yeah,” I say, nodding. “Her name is still there, but it says her location is unknown and her status is… ‘captive.’”

The room falls silent as the weight of my words settles over the group.

“Captive?” Veyron repeats, his smirk gone. “So what, she’s alive?”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “At least for now. The menu says her condition is stable, but there’s a mission tied to her—something about rescuing her before it’s too late. It says the difficulty is high, but if we don’t act…” I trail off, letting the unspoken words hang in the air.

Hrothgar exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Damn. I thought she was gone for good.”

Kaida nods, her voice soft but resolute. “We have to save her. If she’s alive, we can’t just leave her out there.”

Veyron folds his arms, his expression unreadable. “And how exactly do we do that, huh? You said the mission’s high difficulty. If we rush into this unprepared, we could all end up like her—or worse.”

Lorien looks at me, his voice quiet unsure. “Do you really think we can do it, Artemis? Save her?”

I look around the group, their faces filled with uncertainty, fear, and flickers of determination. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But I do know that if we don’t try, we’re abandoning someone who’s counting on us. We have to help her.”

The room is silent for a moment before Hrothgar nods. “Alright,” he says gruffly. “We’ll do it. But we’ll do it smart. We need to gear up and figure out a plan first.”

Kaida smiles faintly, her grip on her staff tightening. “I’m in.”

Lorien swallows but nods as well. “Me too. I’m not going to let someone die if we can stop it.”

Veyron shrugs, his smirk returning faintly. “Guess I’m in. Wouldn’t want to ruin my perfect survival streak by sitting this one out.”

Before I can speak, Lorien clears his throat, his voice hesitant but clear. “If we’re going to do this, we need to be prepared. I think the first step is supplies. A shop, maybe… and a map. If her location is unknown, we’ll need to figure out where we’re even going.”

The group turns to him, surprised by his sudden input, but I can see the logic in what he’s saying.

“He’s got a point,” Hrothgar says, nodding. “Can’t do much without gear and supplies. If we’re wandering blind, it’s a death sentence for her and possibly us.”

Kaida glances at me. “Do you think the shops here will have what we need?”

“They should,” Veyron cuts in, his tone sharp. “This city’s a hub for players, right? There’s bound to be someone selling maps or at least information.”

I nod, glancing between them. “Alright. Lorien’s right—we start with the shops. We’ll look for supplies, information, and definitely a map. Even if we don’t find her exact location, it’s a start.”

The group murmurs in agreement, and I push my chair back, standing. “Let’s stick together for now. It’s safer we don’t know for sure the city is safe.”

We gather our things and step outside, the early morning light casting a soft glow over Aeloria. The city is already bustling with activity.
The air is filled with the sound of merchants calling out their wares:

“Potions! Food! everything you need for your next quest!”

“Armor and weapons! Best quality in the Nexus!”

“You there in need of information? Want to know where you’re going before you step outside the walls”

“That’s a good start,” I say, motioning toward the stall. “Let’s check there first.”

As we approach, the merchant—a wiry man with sharp eyes—greets us with a wide smile. “Ah, travelers! Looking to make your way through the Nexus? Want to quest to the Forgotten Woods to the Blighted Wastes. What’ll it be?”

I step forward, meeting the merchant’s sharp gaze. “We’re looking for a specific kind of map,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Something that can track a lost party member. Someone who’s been taken.”

The merchant raises an eyebrow, his expression shifting from cheerful to intrigued. “Ah, so you’ve got someone missing? That’s a tough one,” he says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “The standard maps won’t help you there—they’ll show you the regions, points of interest, safe zones, and all that. But tracking someone who’s been captured… that’s more specialized.”

“Specialized how?” Veyron cuts in, his tone sharp.

The merchant leans closer, lowering his voice. “You’re talking about a locator map. They’re rare, expensive, and usually created by powerful magic energies. But if your missing party member is still alive and still linked to your group, a good locator map could help you pinpoint where they’re being held.”

“That’s exactly what we need,” I say, feeling a flicker of hope. “Do you have one?”

He hesitates, then shakes his head. “Not here. Locator maps aren’t something you’ll find at a simple market stall. But… I’ve heard of someone who might have what you’re looking for.”

I lean forward, my voice urgent. “Who? Where can we find them?”

The merchant glances around, as if making sure no one is eavesdropping, then lowers his voice even further. “There’s a cartographer named Selric. He’s one of the best, or so I’ve heard, he’s not exactly… easy to find. Last I heard, he set up shop deep in the eastern part of the city. You’ll have to look for a place called the Shifting Quill—a little hidden, but you’ll know it when you see it.”

Hrothgar crosses his arms, frowning. “And why exactly is he hiding out?”

The merchant smirks faintly. “Selric’s not exactly a law-abiding citizen, if you catch my drift. He deals in rare and forbidden cartography—locator maps, enchanted maps, even maps to places that don’t officially exist. If you’re looking for something special, he’s your guy. But… he doesn’t work cheap.”

Kaida bites her lip nervously. “Do you think we can trust him?”

Veyron shrugs. “If he’s in the business of rare maps, I doubt he’ll care about anything other than gold. As long as we pay, he’ll deliver.”

I glance back at the merchant. “How do we get there?”

He pulls out a small scrap of paper, quickly sketching a rough outline of the eastern district. “Here,” he says, handing it to me. “This will get you close. Just look for the symbol of a quill with wings above the door.”

I tuck the paper into my satchel, nodding to the merchant. “Thanks for the tip.”

“Good luck,” he says, his smirk returning. “You’ll need it.”

The group regathers a few paces away, the weight of the task ahead settling over us.

“So,” Hrothgar says, his voice low, “are we heading straight there? Or are we stocking up on supplies first?”

Before I can respond, Hrothgar raises a hand, answering his own question. “Actually, I think I’ve got it,” he says, his deep voice decisive. “Me and Veyron will stock up on supplies—food, potions, anything we’ll need for the trip out of the city. Meanwhile, you three”—he nods at me, Kaida, and Lorien—“go after that map. It sounds like it’s going to take some convincing to get it, and Selric might not be the trusting type. Better if we split up to save time.”

Veyron smirks, tossing his dagger into the air and catching it lazily. “Fine by me. Less chance of someone accidentally haggling us out of our coin,” he says, shooting a pointed look at Lorien, who stiffens slightly.

Lorien frowns, crossing his arms. “I can haggle just fine,” he mutters, but it’s clear he doesn’t want to argue.

Kaida looks between me and Hrothgar. “Are we sure splitting up is a good idea? What if something happens?”

Hrothgar shrugs. “We’re staying in the city. Nothing’s going to happen as long as everyone keeps their head on straight.”

I take a breath, nodding. “Alright. That makes sense. But we’ll meet back here in the inn once we’re done. Don’t take too long—we don’t want to waste daylight.”

The group splits off, Hrothgar and Veyron heading toward the bustling marketplace while the rest of us turn eastward. As we walk, I pull out the scrap of paper the merchant gave me, studying the rough map of the eastern district.

Lorien adjusts his grip on his spear, his jaw set. “Let’s just find this Selric guy and get out of there.”

The streets grow narrower and quieter as we move deeper into the eastern district. The colorful stalls and cheerful merchants of the main market are replaced by shadowed alleyways and rundown buildings. The air feels heavier here, and I can feel the tension in Lorien and Kaida as they walk beside me.

After a while, we come to a small street lined with crooked signs. Most are faded and illegible, but one catches my eye—a weathered wooden plank with the symbol of a quill with wings etched into it.

“There,” I say, pointing to the door below the sign.

The building is small and unassuming, with heavy wooden shutters closed over the windows. I step forward and knock firmly on the door.

For a moment, there’s no response. Then, a muffled voice calls out from inside. “Who’s there? And what do you want?”

“We’re looking for Selric,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “We were told you could help us with… a specific kind of map.”

There’s a pause, then the sound of several locks being undone. The door creaks open just enough to reveal a narrow face with sharp, darting eyes. “Depends on what kind of map you’re after,” the man says, his voice low and suspicious.

“A locator map,” I say quickly. “To track a missing party member.”

His eyes narrow, and he glances behind me at Kaida and Lorien before focusing back on me. “That’s dangerous work,” he says. “And it doesn’t come cheap.”

I meet Selric’s sharp gaze, keeping my voice calm but honest. “How much? We don’t have much, but this is important. Someone’s life depends on it.”

He studies me for a long moment, his eyes flickering between the three of us. The narrow slit of the door stays firmly in place, as though he’s sizing us up for a con—or to see if we’re worth his time.

“Locator maps aren’t your everyday parchment,” he says finally, his voice smooth but guarded. “They’re custom-made. Require rare materials, and a fair bit of skill to weave the magic into them. For a job like this…” He pauses, tapping his chin. “You’re looking at fifty gold, minimum.”

Kaida gasps softly. “Fifty? We don’t even have half that…”

Lorien grips his spear tightly, his jaw clenching. “We can’t just walk away. Isn’t there anything we can do to lower the price? Some kind of trade?”

Selric raises an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.” He pauses, then leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “Alright, I’ll tell you what. I might be willing to cut that price down—if you’re willing to do me a favor in return.”

My stomach tightens, but I keep my expression neutral. “What kind of favor?”

He glances around, his eyes darting to the shadows of the street as if to make sure no one is listening. “There’s an old vault in the ruins beneath the city,” he says. “A little-known place that’s been forgotten by most. Inside, there’s an artifact I’ve been after for some time—a crystal shard, about the size of your hand. Bring it to me, and I’ll knock your price down to… twenty gold.”

Kaida frowns, her grip on her staff tightening. “The ruins? That sounds dangerous.”

Selric shrugs, his smirk returning. “Most valuable things are.”

I glance back at Lorien and Kaida, their expressions a mix of worry and determination. Then I turn back to Selric.

“Twenty gold and we retrieve the shard,” I say. “That’s your final offer?”

“Final offer,” he replies, his eyes gleaming. “Take it or leave it.”

As I weigh Selric’s offer, I feel a light tug on my arm. I glance back to see Kaida, her expression tense, pulling me aside. Lorien looks confused but doesn’t intervene as she leans in, speaking in a low, hurried whisper.

“I don’t trust this guy,” she says, glancing nervously at Selric, who’s waiting impatiently by the door. “He’s creepy, and the way he’s acting—it’s like he’s hiding something. What if this ‘shard’ he’s talking about isn’t what he says it is? What if it’s a trap or… worse?”

I nod slightly, my own suspicions bubbling under the surface. “You think he’s lying?”

Kaida hesitates, then grips her staff tightly. “I can’t say for sure. But I… I think I can use a truth spell. It’s something basic—I saw it in my menu, but I haven’t used it yet. It’s supposed to make people tell the truth for a short time. Should I try it on him?”

I glance back at Selric, who’s leaning against the doorframe, drumming his fingers impatiently. There’s definitely something off about him—the way he avoided giving details about the ruins, the way he keeps looking over his shoulder like someone might catch him. But using magic on him could be risky—if he catches on, it could make things worse.

I nod to Kaida, leaning in to whisper, “Alright. I’ll keep him distracted. You work quickly and make it subtle—if he realizes what’s happening, this could get ugly.”

Kaida swallows hard but nods, gripping her staff tightly. “Okay. Just… keep him talking.”

Turning back to Selric, I step forward with a confident stride, catching his attention. His sharp eyes flick to me, narrowing slightly as he straightens up.

“Still thinking it over?” he asks, his tone laced with impatience.

“Something like that,” I say casually, keeping my tone light. “But before we agree, I need to know more about this shard you’re after. If we’re risking our necks for you, we deserve to know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

Selric’s smirk falters just a bit, but he shrugs. “It’s a simple artifact,” he says, his voice smooth but practiced. “A fragment of some old magic, left behind in the ruins. Worthless to most, but valuable to me as a collector. Nothing dangerous about it, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I raise an eyebrow, folding my arms. “And these ruins? What’s the risk? Monsters? Traps? Or are you just sending us blind into a death trap?”

He laughs dryly. “If I wanted you dead, there are easier ways than wasting your time in the ruins.”

As I keep pressing him, I notice Kaida out of the corner of my eye. She raises her free hand, her fingers trembling slightly as she whispers under her breath. A faint shimmer of light forms around her hand, glowing softly for a moment before fading into nothing.

Selric doesn’t seem to notice, his attention locked on me as he answers my questions.

“Alright,” I say, holding his gaze. “Let’s say we do this. What’s stopping you from taking the shard and leaving us without a map? How do we know we can trust you?”

His smirk widens, but just as he opens his mouth to respond, his expression changes—his eyes flicker, and he looks disoriented for a moment. Kaida’s spell must have taken hold.

“What’s the shard really for?” I ask quickly, my tone sharp.

Selric’s mouth twitches, as though he’s trying to stop himself from speaking, but the words spill out in a rush. “It’s not just a shard—it’s a key. A key to an old vault full of a powerful artifact. I’ve been trying to get my hands on it for years, but the ruins are too dangerous for me to go alone.”

Kaida gasps softly behind me, and Lorien’s grip on his spear tightens.

I step closer, my eyes narrowing. “So you’re sending us to do your dirty work.”

His face twists in frustration as he struggles against the spell. “Call it… a mutually beneficial arrangement. You want a map, I want the key. Everyone wins. Unless you’re too scared to take the risk.”

I glance back at Kaida and Lorien, both of them looking tense but ready. The truth spell confirmed my suspicions—Selric has his own agenda, but he wasn’t lying about the shard’s existence or the danger of the ruins.

I narrow my eyes at Selric, stepping closer as his frustration from the truth spell flickers across his face. “If this shard is so dangerous to retrieve,” I say, my tone sharp, “what’s its real value? You called it a key, not just an artifact. What’s it worth to you, and why do you need it so badly?”

He grits his teeth, clearly struggling against the spell, but the words spill out, unfiltered. “The shard is priceless,” he admits, his voice strained. “It’s the key to nexus-era magic, tied to an ancient vault hidden deep in the ruins. That vault contains things that could tip the balance of power in this entire world. The shard is the only way to open it.”

Lorien’s eyes widen. “You’re trying to get us to unlock a vault full of… powerful artifacts? For you?”

Selric glares at him, his mouth twitching as he struggles for control. “I’m offering you a chance to be part of something bigger,” he snaps, the words spilling out in frustration. “You don’t even know what you’re walking into, do you? This world—it’s not just survival. It’s control. Whoever holds the relics in that vault doesn’t just survive—they rule.”

Kaida steps closer, her voice trembling but resolute. “So you were never going to just give us the map, were you? You’d use us to get what you wanted, and then… what? Leave us with nothing?”

Selric’s smirk returns, faint but defiant. “You’d get your map,” he says, though the spell forces him to add, “but you wouldn’t leave with anything else. I can’t have competition, can I?”

I feel anger rising in my chest, but I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Selric,” I say quietly. “If this shard is as powerful as you say, why shouldn’t we just take it for ourselves once we retrieve it?”

His eyes flash with irritation, but the spell prevents him from hiding the truth. “You could try,” he says through clenched teeth. “But the vault doesn’t just open for anyone. It only allows— certain people in. Thoughts with certain proficiencies”

I glance back at Kaida and Lorien, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. The stakes are higher than I realized, and Selric’s motives are clear now: he’s looking for power.

Before I can respond, Lorien steps forward, his grip on his spear firm but his voice calm and measured. “Alright, Selric,” he says, his tone sharper and more confident than I’ve heard before. “Here’s the deal: you give us the locator map now so we can save our friend. In return, we’ll retrieve your key—and not just that. We’ll escort you to the vault personally to make sure you get what you want.”

Selric’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I can see him weighing the offer. He opens his mouth to argue, but the truth spell forces him to pause. His gaze darts between Lorien, Kaida, and me, clearly calculating his options.

“That’s a bold offer,” he says finally, his voice laced with suspicion. “What’s stopping you from taking the shard for yourselves once you have it?”

Lorien doesn’t flinch. “Because if you don’t give us the map now, none of this happens,” he says plainly. “No map, no key, no vault. You’ve been waiting years to get this, haven’t you? Are you really going to throw it all away over mistrust?”

Selric scowls, clearly frustrated, but the truth of Lorien’s words is undeniable. The truth spell forces him to respond honestly. “You drive a hard bargain,” he admits grudgingly. “But— I need you. Fine. I’ll give you the locator map now. But if you don’t hold up your end of the deal, don’t expect to leave this city without consequences.”

Lorien nods, his expression steady. “Fair enough. Let’s see the map.”

Selric steps back into his shop, muttering under his breath as he retrieves a rolled-up parchment from a hidden compartment. He returns a moment later, holding it out to Lorien with a sharp glare. “Here,” he says. “The map will guide you to your missing friend—assuming she’s still alive. It’s linked to your party through the Nexus’s magic. Focus on her, and the map will lock on and display her approximate location.”

Lorien takes the map and unrolls it, revealing a faintly glowing surface with intricate lines and symbols that shift as he moves it. “It works,” he says, glancing at me with a faint smile.

I let out a slow breath, impressed by Lorien’s quick thinking. “Thanks, Lorien,” I say, meeting his gaze. “That was… smart.”

Kaida smiles faintly, relief in her eyes. “Now we can find Lyra.”

Selric folds his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “Remember the deal,” he says, his tone sharp. “The shard and the vault—don’t forget it.”

“We won’t,” Lorien replies, his voice firm.

As we turn to leave, I glance back at Selric, feeling a strange mix of unease and curiosity. His motives are clear, but this key—and the vault it unlocks—feels like it’s only the beginning of something much bigger.

The three of us make our way back toward the inn, the locator map safely tucked away in Lorien’s satchel.

As we make our way back to the inn, I let my eyes wander, taking in the bustling streets around us. The eastern district may have been shadowed and quiet, but here, the city is alive with activity. Shops line the brick roads, their displays packed with potions, weapons, enchanted trinkets, and strange glowing artifacts.

For a moment, it feels almost… normal, like a busy marketplace in the real world. But the longer I watch, the more out of place I feel.

I glance at the people moving through the streets. Many are dressed in gear similar to ours—simple clothing. Others wear more elaborate outfits, are they players too? Their faces are focused, determined, or wary, but it’s impossible to tell who is a player and who isn’t.

Are they all like us? Or are we the only ones?

The thought sends a strange chill down my spine. If there are other players here, why haven’t we spoken to any of them yet? Shouldn’t we have seen someone else looking just as lost or confused as we were when this all started? Or is this city filled mostly with NPCs—people who look like us but aren’t real?

Kaida’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Do you think… we’re the only players here?” she asks quietly, as if she’d read my mind.

“I don’t know,” I admit, my eyes scanning the crowd again. “If there are others, they’re blending in well. But maybe… maybe that’s the point. If the game is designed to make this feel real, they wouldn’t make it easy to tell.”

Lorien frowns, his expression thoughtful. “Or maybe… we are the only ones. What if this city is just for us? Like, part of the game’s design?”

The idea makes my stomach twist. If we’re the only ones, then everything we do—every choice we make—is being watched. Controlled.

I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. “Let’s just focus on getting back to the inn,” I say. “We’ll regroup with Hrothgar and Veyron, figure out what’s next. We’ve got enough to worry about without overthinking this.”

Kaida and Lorien nod, but I can tell the same thoughts are running through their minds.

As we walk, I catch glimpses of the world around me that feel both fascinating and unnerving: a shopkeeper demonstrating an enchanted blade that hums with energy; a group of what looks like guards arguing near a stall with a thief; a child with glowing eyes running through the streets, his laughter echoing strangely.

The more I see, the more I realize how little I understand this world. And yet, it feels alive—dangerously alive.

When we finally reach the inn, I push open the door, the warmth of the hearth and the quiet murmur of voices inside pulling me back to the moment. “Let’s find the others,” I say, glancing back at Kaida and Lorien.

As we continue into the inn’s common room, the familiar warmth and chatter wash over us, but the moment we spot the others, the tension in the air shifts. Hrothgar sits calmly at the table, a steaming mug in one hand and a sack of supplies at his feet. But Veyron is standing, his sharp eyes locking onto me the second I walk in.

He doesn’t waste a second. “Where’s the orb?” he demands, his voice low but biting.

I freeze, caught off guard by the accusation in his tone. Kaida and Lorien glance at me, their confusion mirroring my own.

“What are you talking about?” I say carefully, my hand tightening around the strap of my bow.

“You know what I’m talking about,” Veyron snaps, taking a step closer. “The orb you took from the chest. The one you conveniently didn’t give to the group. Don’t act like I didn’t notice.”

Hrothgar looks up, his expression darkening slightly. “Is this true, Artemis? What happened to it?”

I take a deep breath, glancing between them. “The orb… it’s gone,” I admit, keeping my voice steady. “But it’s not what you think. Something happened—last night.”

“What do you mean ‘gone’?” Veyron growls. “Artifacts don’t just disappear, Artemis. They get stolen, sold, or hidden. So, which is it?”

I shake my head. “None of those. It… merged with me. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s like the orb became part of me. I didn’t choose it, and I don’t know why it happened.”

Kaida steps forward quickly, her voice calm but firm. “It’s true,” she says. “I saw it. It wasn’t something she could control.”

Veyron’s eyes narrow, suspicion and frustration clear on his face. “And now what? You’re just walking around with some magical artifact fused into you? And we’re supposed to trust that you’re not hiding anything else from us?”

“Enough,” Hrothgar rumbles, his voice cutting through the tension. He looks at me directly, his gaze steady. “Is it dangerous? Whatever’s inside you—does it put the rest of us at risk?”

“No,” I say firmly, meeting his gaze. “If anything, it’s… given me something. A new ability. I didn’t ask for it, but if it can help us survive, then maybe it’s a good thing.”

Lorien steps forward, frowning at Veyron. “She hasn’t done anything to lose our trust. The orb chose her—maybe it was meant to.”

Veyron crosses his arms, his smirk returning faintly but without humor. “Fine. But if you’re hiding anything else, Artemis, I’m going to find out. Trust only goes so far in this place.”

Hrothgar lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “We’ve got bigger things to worry about than who’s holding onto what artifact. Did you find a map?”

I nod, pulling it from Lorien’s satchel and unrolling it onto the table. “We did. And it should lead us to Lyra.”

The room falls quiet as the group gathers around the map, their focus shifting back to the mission at hand. I feel the weight of Veyron’s glare linger on me, but I push it aside. There’s no time for mistrust now—not when Lyra is still out there.

As the others lean over the map, discussing potential routes and strategies for the rescue, I feel Kaida’s hand wrap gently around mine. She tugs me aside, her expression a mix of worry and quiet determination.

Once we’re out of earshot, she turns to me, her voice low but insistent. “Artemis… I need to know. Were you telling the truth back there?”

I blink, caught off guard by her directness. “About the orb?”

She nods, her grip tightening slightly. “I didn’t actually see what happened last night. I… I backed you up because I trust you. But I need to hear it from you. Did it really merge with you, or is there something else going on?”

Her words hit me harder than I expect. Kaida’s always been the quiet one in the group, but her loyalty has been unwavering. The fact that she’s even asking this means she’s scared, uncertain—and she has every right to be.

I take a deep breath, meeting her gaze. “I swear, Kaida, I was telling the truth. I don’t know why it happened, but it did. The orb started glowing, and then… it just sank into me. It felt like it became part of me—like it unlocked something inside me.”

Kaida searches my face for a long moment, her eyes filled with doubt but also hope. “And you’re not hiding anything?”

“No,” I say firmly. “I wouldn’t do that to you—or to the group.”

She exhales slowly, nodding as her grip on my hand loosens. “Okay,” she says quietly. “I believe you. I just… I needed to hear it.”

“I get it,” I say softly. “This whole thing is terrifying. None of us really knows what we’re doing, and the last thing we need is secrets or lies between us.”

Kaida smiles faintly, her shoulders relaxing a little. “Thanks, Artemis. For being honest. And… for leading us, even though I know you didn’t ask for this.”

I squeeze her hand gently before letting go. “Thanks for backing me up. It means a lot.”

We share a brief moment of understanding before turning back to the group. The others are still deep in discussion, their voices low but urgent.

Kaida leans in close as we rejoin them, her voice barely above a whisper. “If you ever need someone to talk to about… any of this, I’m here, okay?”

I nod, giving her a small, grateful smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As I glance at Kaida, standing beside me with her quiet but unwavering support, I feel a warmth I haven’t felt in a long time. Back in the real world, friendships always felt… shallow. Casual. Sure, I had people to talk to, to game with, to hang out with—but no one who made me feel truly understood. No one who’d pull me aside and ask if I was okay, and actually mean it.

But Kaida… she’s different.

She didn’t hesitate to back me up, even when she wasn’t sure if I was telling the truth. And now, after everything, she’s standing here, ready to believe in me, to trust me completely. It’s strange, and it’s comforting in a way I can’t quite put into words.

I glance at her again, catching the faint smile on her lips as she listens to the others talk about routes and strategies. She feels like someone I could trust with anything. My fears, my doubts, everything about this strange new life.

For a moment, I wonder if she feels the same about me.

The thought lingers in my mind as I turn back to the group maybe I don’t have to carry all of this alone.

As I lean back against the wall, listening to the others debate the best route to take for Lyra’s rescue, a new presence suddenly catches my attention.

A waitress approaches our table, her outfit leaving very little to the imagination. Her short skirt sways as she walks, and her low-cut blouse reveals more than I expect for a place like this. Her movements are confident, and the air around her seems charged—almost as though she’s used to having all eyes on her.

“Good morning,” she says sweetly, her voice carrying a playful lilt as she stops beside our table. She places her hands on her hips, giving us a once-over with an amused smile. “You all look like you’ve had quite the adventure already. Can I get you anything? Food? Drinks? Or maybe… information?”

The others glance at each other, momentarily distracted. Veyron’s smirk returns almost instantly, his sharp eyes flicking to the waitress. “Information, huh? Now that’s an intriguing offer. What kind are we talking about?”

The waitress leans closer, resting a hand on the table as she fixes him with a sly grin. “Depends on what you’re willing to pay,” she says. “I hear things, see things. And you lot look like the type who could use a little… guidance.”

Kaida shifts uncomfortably beside me, her expression uneasy. Hrothgar just grunts, not even bothering to look up from the map.

I frown slightly, unsure whether to trust her. She could just be trying to sell us something—or she could actually know something useful. Either way, her sudden appearance feels… off, like she was waiting for the right moment to interrupt us.

I step forward slightly, speaking up before Veyron can say anything more. “Just a meal for us,” I say, keeping my tone polite but firm. “We’ve already got what we need, and we can’t afford to spend what little gold we have left on anything but food.”

The waitress raises an eyebrow, her playful grin fading into a faint look of disappointment. “Suit yourselves,” she says with a slight shrug. “I’ll bring out some plates in a moment. You’ll want to enjoy a good meal before heading back out there—it’s rough outside the walls.”

She glances at Veyron one more time, her grin returning faintly before she turns and walks away, her skirt swaying as she disappears into the inn’s kitchen.

The table falls quiet for a moment before Hrothgar finally speaks, his tone gruff. “Smart call. No sense wasting money on rumors when we’ve got everything we need right here.” He taps the map with a thick finger, emphasizing his point.

Veyron leans back in his chair, letting out a faint chuckle. “You’re no fun, you know that?” he says, frowning at me. “But fine. Let’s stick to the essentials. Not like we’re sitting on piles of gold anyway.”

“We’ll have plenty of time to gather more later,” I reply, my voice steady. “Right now, we eat, we plan, and we move. Lyra doesn’t have forever.”

The others nod, the sense of urgency settling over us again. As we wait for the meal, I glance at the map, running through everything we’ll need to do before heading out. The rescue feels more real now than ever, and every second feels like it matters.

The waitress returns shortly after with simple plates of bread, cheese, and stew. It’s not much, but it’s enough to keep us going for what lies ahead.

As the waitress walks off, Hrothgar leans forward, his deep voice cutting through the quiet. “That’s it,” he says, gesturing at the food. “The last of our gold. Hopefully, the supplies we’ve got will last us until we reach wherever Lyra is.”

The weight of his words settles over the table. Everyone exchanges uneasy glances, the reality of our situation hitting harder than ever. We’re broke, relying on whatever we’ve scavenged or brought with us. The mission ahead isn’t just dangerous—it’s a gamble, and if we fail, it could mean losing everything.

“Well, no pressure,” Veyron mutters, picking at his plate. “Guess that means we’d better not screw this up.”

Kaida looks down at her food, her expression tense. “Do you think it’ll be enough? What if… what if it takes longer than we expect?”

Hrothgar shakes his head. “Then we ration. Make it last.” He glances at me, his gaze steady. “Artemis, you’ve got the map. Any idea how far this is going to take us?”

I nod, unrolling the locator map again and focusing on Lyra’s name. The glowing lines shift and rearrange as it’s unrolled, forming a path that stretches out of the city and into what looks like another forested area—not the Forgotten Woods, but somewhere further and darker.

“It’s a few hours’ journey at least,” I say, tracing the path with my finger. “If we move quickly, we should be able to reach her by nightfall. But… if anything slows us down, we’ll have to camp out.”

Kaida shivers slightly. “Camping outside the city… that’s not exactly comforting.”

“Comfort’s not part of the deal,” Hrothgar grunts. “Survival is.”

Lorien glances at me, his voice quiet but determined. “If it means getting Lyra back, we’ll do whatever it takes. We’ve come this far already—we can handle this.”

I nod, feeling the weight of their trust. “We’ll make it,” I say firmly. “We have to.”

The group falls silent as finish eating, the tension lingering but tempered by the faint hope that the locator map provides. When the last scraps of food are gone, Hrothgar pushes back his chair, standing with a heavy sigh.

“Alright,” he says. “Let’s move before we waste more daylight. The longer we sit here, the harder this is going to get.”

End of chapter 4