After Elon Musk's massive projection vanished from the sky and panic spread through the city like fire through dry straw, Ethan and Elenya remained frozen for several minutes, trying to accept that the world had broken around them.
But the sun was already beginning to sink on the digital horizon.
Mana lanterns lit up along the streets.
NPCs dismantled their stalls.
Players rushed into buildings in search of shelter — some crying, others screaming, some simply collapsing to the ground.
Elenya took a deep breath.
"Ethan… wandering around now won't help. We need to rest. Think clearly."
He nodded.
"Yeah. Night will only make things worse if we stay outside."
They walked through streets bathed in the golden glow of mana lamps until they found a wide building made of light wood, marked by a simple sign:
LEAFGLEAM INN
The interior felt welcoming. A bluish mana fireplace warmed the room, rustic tables filled the hall, and NPCs served players with tired, desperate expressions.
The attendant, a purple icon hovering above her head, offered a gentle smile.
"Welcome. Single room or double?"
Ethan and Elenya exchanged glances.
"Double," Elenya said. "No reason to waste more."
"Ten silver coins per night," the attendant replied, consulting a large golden ledger.
Ethan froze.
"We… don't have any money."
The NPC tilted her head, curious.
"You're hunters, correct?"
"Technically… yes," Elenya answered.
"The Adventurers' Guild purchases materials from defeated monsters," the attendant explained. "But you'll need to register first."
"And where's the guild?" Ethan asked.
"Follow the main avenue to the great central tree. The building with the silver crest."
She wrote something in the ledger.
"The first night will be free. The system grants initial shelter to new players."
Ethan exhaled in relief.
"Thank you… truly."
The room was simple: two beds, wide windows, and soft lighting resembling candlelight.
"Tomorrow, we really begin," Elenya said, dropping onto the bed.
"Tomorrow," Ethan replied.
And he slept.
When the sun rose, simulating dawn with flawless precision, noise already filled the city.
Ethan opened the window.
Players argued in the streets.
Some cried.
Others shouted that it was impossible.
Many tried to break walls or attack NPCs, only to have their strikes blocked by bursts of blue sparks.
NPCs continued their routines as if nothing were wrong, indifferent to the human chaos.
Elenya adjusted her hair and grabbed her bow.
"Come on, Ethan. We won't survive by crying. We need to get stronger."
He nodded.
"If we can't wake up… then we fight."
Just outside the city, they found areas filled with weak monsters.
Translucent slimes bounced slowly, like living jelly.
"Okay… these I can handle," Ethan said.
And he did.
He used small bursts of fire, now more controlled. Weak, but precise.
Then came wild birds, the size of large chickens, with sharp beaks.
Ethan dodged better, guided by Elenya's instructions.
Finally, small boars appeared in groups.
Even then, his heart still raced.
But he won.
With each defeated monster, windows appeared:
Obtained: Minor Mana Core
Obtained: Wild Bird Feather
Obtained: Boar Meat
Obtained: Gelatin Fragment
Elenya smiled.
"All of that sells. Let's go to the guild."
The building was imposing, with tall windows and decorative shields lining the walls.
Players came and went constantly.
A massive panel displayed:
ADVENTURER RANKS
F → E → D → C → B → A → S → SS
An NPC attendant greeted them.
"Welcome to the Grovefall Adventurers' Guild. Would you like to register?"
"Yes," Ethan replied. "We're completely new to this."
"No problem. Please, extend your hands."
They touched a floating crystal.
Green light.
Registration Complete: Ethan — Rank F
Registration Complete: Elenya — Rank F
She handed them two silver medallions.
"These emblems identify you as official adventurers."
"That's amazing," Elenya murmured.
"Do you have anything to sell?" the NPC asked.
They handed over the collected materials.
After a few seconds:
34 Silver Coins
4 Copper Coins
Ethan laughed.
"Finally… money."
Elenya gave him a light shove.
"Now we can start living in this place."
And for the first time since they were trapped in Elysium…
The two felt something dangerously out of place in that world.
Hope.
End of the chapter.
Thank you for reading.
See you tomorrow.