Reunion in the Unknown

Verona's senses sharpened as he delved deeper into the dense Belnaros Forest. He scanned his surroundings, ensuring he wouldn't lose his way. His virtual interface was still open, as he feared he wouldn't be able to make it appear again if he closed it, even if it hindered his vision by doing so.

He moved with inhuman speed, the howling wind rushing in his ears like a tempest. His body blurred as he zipped past tree after tree, stretching endlessly on the horizon. Not a drop of sweat formed on his brows, and his breath remained steady.

It amazed him, especially when he could do that seamlessly for the first time.

Yet, it was hardly surprising enough.

This world had become his reality, and he was not an ordinary person here. He was one of the scions–superhuman. Such feats were already expected.

Several minutes had elapsed since he had successfully contacted Maya. By sheer luck, she too happened to be in the forest–of all people. After a quick discussion, they agreed to meet each other.

A surge of anticipation urged him forward, intensifying with each step. They stayed in touch, but their conversations were limited to updating their positions. Their circumstances left little room for small talk.

“I’m already here… near the flowers,” Maya reported.

“Wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”

He quickened his pace. Several minutes more passed, and then, there it was—the colossal Phelmane tree, standing tall and proud, its ancient trunk reaching for the heavens.

The decided meeting point.

The sheer magnitude of the tree stole Verona's breath. It exuded a powerful and mysterious aura, its branches stretching out like welcoming arms to daring seekers. Dominating the forest, it cast a majestic shadow over the surrounding foliage, dwarfing neighbouring trees into insignificance.

As Verona approached the Phelmane tree, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He paused for a moment, gazing up at the towering trunk that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. It was a sight that demanded respect, inspiring reverence and awe.

It had been one of the most recognisable landmarks in the forest and was famously known by many Regnalia players. A famous hangout spot where crowds gathered. Now, it was only him and the tree alone, giving him a sense of emptiness inside.

He walked around the trunk, carefully navigating the thick roots and plants, maintaining balance with each skip and jump.

And then, a sprawling field of violet Flumia flowers carpeted the ground. Amidst the flowers, he finally spotted Maya's figure. The world affirmed her identity by displaying her profile along with her HP and SP bar–a bit above her head.

[Fulcrum] Maya
Thundergod’s Chosen
Lv. 100
Warlord

Her dark-blue hair flowed down her slender back, reminiscent of the night sky. Her blue kimono fluttered gently with the wind. An orange sash wrapped around her waist, providing a vibrant contrast to her appearance. Her dual katanas, Ikazuchi and Inazuma, were holstered at her side–sheathed.

A resonance of beauty, grace, and strength.

“Maya!” Verona called out, his voice echoing through the forest.

She turned towards him, their eyes locking. Verona's stride faltered as she rushed forward, closing the distance between them. His voice caught in his throat, words eluding him.

She enveloped him in a tight, warm embrace. Her head rested against his chest.

Caught off guard, Verona found himself at a loss. He hesitated for a moment before he returned the embrace, holding her close. A sweet fragrance entered his nose, easing the tension.

Time seemed to stand still, freezing that moment in eternity.

They stayed in each other's embrace for a while.

After several seconds, Maya released the enchantment by releasing her arms and putting a distance between them. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief.

The two finally broke apart, and their eyes met once more.

"I-I'm sorry. It's just... I'm so glad to see you. I don't know what to do if you’re not here," she said with a smile.

“It’s okay. I understand.” Verona said with a sincere voice. “I also feel the same way.”

He could not let his gaze off her. The heart-shaped face, hazel eyes, and luscious lips held him captive. He never expected Maya to possess such striking features.

“Is there something wrong with my face?” she said.

“No.” He shook his head, hiding his surprise. “It’s my first time seeing you, after all.”

“I-I see.”

Despite their close bond in-game, he never met Maya in real life. Not even once. Other than in Regnalia, their interactions happened mostly in LIME and Discode apps when they discussed the game and related topics. She still had her soft voice, but he knew her visage was also changed to reflect her real-life appearance–just like himself.

“Have you encountered any other players besides us?” he inquired.

“No, just you.”

“What about your friend list? Have you tried contacting the others?”

“I was too anxious to do anything until you called me. You can't imagine how relieved I was to hear your voice.”

Verona smiled, reassurance in his eyes.

“And what about you? Have you reached out to anyone else?” Maya asked.

“I've checked several names, but I haven't been able to establish contact with them.”

“Why?”

“They’re too far away from us.” Verona cupped his chin. “The chat feature has limited range.”

“How far?”

“Can’t be sure.”

Maya fell into silence for a few seconds. “What else do you know?”

Verona lowered his voice. “For now, I don't think there's a way for us to return to Japan.”

He noticed her expression had become more serious. Her eyes lost their focus. He remembered having a similar reaction when he first arrived in this world. However, Maya appeared to be particularly affected by this.

“Are you okay, Maya?” Verona asked with a concerned voice.

“I-I’m fine. There’s nothing we can do about it…”

Verona put a deep look towards her. She met his eyes but soon looked away, compelling him to not say anything.

“I can't believe it.” Maya’s gaze darted anxiously. “I don't understand how we ended up here. It feels like a dream, and yet… it’s so real.”

“...We can blame the expansion pack for this nightmare.”

“But why us? Why now?”

“I wish I knew.”

“What about Celestial Arts? Don’t you think they have something to do with this?” Maya mentioned the name of the company that developed the game.

“I don't know. The existence of this world itself surpasses our understanding. Thinking about those things seems futile for now.”

Maya fell into silence. She hung her head before looking at him again.

“Then, what should we do…?”

Verona closed his eyes and sighed. "First, we must find a good place to sit.”