The world looked like a heavenly painting crafted by a god's own hand. A paradise that delighted the eyes, stretching endlessly from west to east. Layers of green meadows welcomed the gentle breeze, reflecting sunlight so they appeared like a vast emerald ocean, softly rippling. The bright blue sky formed a flawless dome, decorated only by faint white clouds that looked as if they were brushed on with delicate strokes.
In the distance, clusters of white buildings stood close together, forming a grand city with architecture reminiscent of sacred temples. Tall ivory pillars supported golden domes that reflected sunlight, sending warm glimmers across the entire city. The stone pathways were neatly arranged, clean, and lined with blue flowers that grew on both sides—native Avelheim plants that released a calming fragrance.
This city was Avelheim. The place known as the "Upper Land," where holy races and novice nobles gathered. It was said that Avelheim was the safest starting zone for players when they first entered the world. But now, after the major incident where every player became trapped with no way out, the boundary between safety and danger had grown thin.
Inside one of the tall marble-walled buildings, a long blond-haired man sat at a wooden desk. His hair fell neatly over his shoulders, catching the sunlight that streamed in through the large window behind him. The white armor he wore was intricately carved, with touches of gold along the edges of the ornaments, making him look like a holy knight from ancient legends.
His name was Andreas.
He held a quill pen, dipped it into black ink, and began writing in an old-looking leather-bound book. His movements were calm, steady, and deliberate.
"It's been more than twelve days since the incident that trapped all players in this game…" he murmured while writing. "Nothing unusual besides the panic of other players, but some are adapting far quicker than expected."
Andreas frowned, writing again faster this time.
"But something still feels off. This world is too stable. Too orderly. As if… it was designed to be lived in permanently."
He paused, lifting his gaze toward the window. His clear blue eyes reflected the sunlight. Below, he watched other players walking around, chatting, or shopping. Some looked happy, some despairing, but most were simply trying to distract themselves with activities like living a normal life.
Andreas closed his eyes briefly.
"If they've started getting used to living here… does that mean they've already given up?"
He didn't get to finish the thought.
Suddenly—BANG!!
The door burst open, shaking the entire room.
"Andreas! How long are you going to lock yourself in here?!"
The sharp voice of a woman made Andreas jolt. His hand swerved, ink smearing across the page. He hissed softly, rolling his shoulders to ease the sudden shock.
"Ah… Celestina." He sighed in defeat.
He quickly shut the book and slipped it into his digital inventory a small blue light where it vanished instantly.
With reluctant steps, Andreas stood and walked toward the door.
In front of his room stood a woman with long, blazing red hair cascading down her back. Her hair shimmered like fire under the light, and her bright yellow eyes glowed like liquid gold. The light armor she wore hugged her form tightly, giving the impression that she was ready to fight at any moment.
Celestina his party member since the very beginning of the game. Or more accurately… the partner who never let him drown in seriousness.
"Mooooh! How long do you plan to
hide in your room?" Celestina complained, crossing her arms under her chest. Her cheeks puffed slightly like a child denied candy.
Andreas could only sigh. "I was working on something important."
Celestina rolled her eyes dramatically. "Sure, sure, but if we don't take a quest soon, we're getting kicked out of this inn! You know the receptionist is basically a god-tier tyrant, right?"
Andreas raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand why we need to take quests every day. Don't we already have enough points?"
Celestina stepped closer, giving him an "are you dumb?" look.
"Andreas… we're not players who can log out and sleep in comfy real-world beds anymore. We live here. Here. Really. If we don't work, we can't eat or have a place to stay. Instead of gaining EXP, we'll gain trouble."
Andreas fell silent. He knew she was right, but something else bothered him. Something he had sensed since the moment they got trapped. Something the other players hadn't noticed.
Celestina tapped his shoulder armor. "Hellooo? You listening?"
"I hear you," Andreas replied, slightly annoyed. "It's just… something big might happen, and I'm trying to find the pattern."
Celestina leaned in, face very close. "Something big? You're talking like a prophet."
Andreas pulled back slightly, uncomfortable with the closeness. "I just have a feeling that this incident is not as simple as we think—"
WHACK!
Celestina slapped his shoulder hard, cutting him off. "Feelings, schmfeelings! What matters now is eating first, working first, upgrading gear—then you can think."
Andreas felt a headache forming. "Could you stop yelling in the morning?"
"It's already noon, Andreas." Celestina pointed at the window. "The sun's right in the middle. Look."
Andreas glanced outside. She was right. He had been writing far too long without noticing.
"…Fine," he finally said. "I'll come."
Celestina smiled triumphantly. "Good! Let's get to the guild before all the good quests are taken!"
They descended the gleaming marble staircase. Each step echoed gently through the grand hall. Tall white pillars decorated with carvings of Avelheim's fictional deities towered over them. A red carpet stretched through the hall like a river.
Upon entering the main room, sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows scattered colorful patterns across the floor. Andreas paused to admire it—he always liked sights like that.
But Celestina yanked his arm mercilessly.
"Stop daydreaming!"
"You are unbelievably impatient…" Andreas muttered.
They stepped outside and walked along Avelheim's main street. The city was so beautiful it was hard to believe it was merely virtual. NPC children ran around laughing, the marketplace buzzed with haggling voices, the smell of baked bread filled the air, and merchants displayed glowing magical items.
But something felt strange: players were starting to settle in. Too well.
Some players became actual merchants.
Some ran inns.
Some worked as guards.
As if… they were forgetting the real world entirely.
Celestina waved to a familiar NPC. "Morning, Uncle Arel! Still got honey bread?"
The NPC responded warmly. "For you, always, Miss Celestina!"
Andreas frowned. "You're getting too close to NPCs."
Celestina replied casually, "If you want to live comfortably, you have to socialize. Besides, they act more human than some players who are going crazy."
Andreas fell quiet again.
Celestina looked at him. "See? This world is getting into people's heads."
They finally reached a large building marked with the symbol of crossed swords and golden wings.
The Guild.
The building bustled with players of all races: elves, dwarves, humans, beastmen. The atmosphere was lively—not the panicked chaos of the early days. Now they resembled a functioning society preparing for a day's work.
Andreas swallowed. "If you think about it… this feels like the beginning of a classic fantasy story."
Celestina laughed. "Yeah. Except we can't turn this game off. So welcome to our new world!"
Andreas didn't laugh.
Celestina nudged him gently. "Hey. You look worried."
"I'm… just thinking," Andreas said softly. "If this world is stable enough to feel real… then how long will we be here?"
Celestina fell silent this time. Her smile faded, replaced by a rare expression of seriousness.
"…Andreas," she said quietly, "if we really have to live here forever… then we face it together. That's all."
Andreas turned to her.
For the first time since the incident, he saw the same fear in Celestina's eyes.
But he smiled faintly.
"Alright."
"Then… let's take a quest."
Celestina nodded firmly. "Agreed!"
And together, they entered the guild ready to face the world that had become their home, whether they liked it or not.