Sanctuary

Some later, Verona and Maya–together with the entourage of NPCs led by Captain Alaric–finally approached the southern gates of Delphiron. They were at the front of the van with the captain himself.

Their eyes roamed over the surface of the impressive walls with detailed motifs, a symbol of strength and grace, giving a sense of the city’s rich lore and culture. Looking above, countless banners and flags stood on the parapet, waving the colours and insignia of Delphiron–a blue field with two red chevrons, with the heraldic symbol of the tower of Alcidon in the centre.

Verona couldn't help but comment, "Nothing's changed from the game, but seeing it with my own eyes feels so different."

“I feel the same way.” Maya nodded.

“I wonder what it’ll become once we see the tower.”

Their thoughts were interrupted by soft weeping from some NPCs behind them. The emotions displayed on their faces were a mix of happiness, gratitude, relief, and sorrow–a testament to the hardships they had endured.

“Captain Alaric!” A gate guard approached Captain Alaric with haste and saluted. “We’ve been expecting you, Sir!”

"Take care of these people, will you?" Captain Alaric instructed with concern in his voice.

"With respect, Sir. Are those people from…"

"Alberta, yes. The town's been overrun," Captain Alaric replied solemnly. "I have to report to the duke at once. They need all the help they can get."

"Yes, Sir," the guard acknowledged.

Captain Alaric turned towards Verona and Maya, “Thank you for the assistance, Milord Verona, Milady Maya, but I’ll have my leave.”

“Likewise,” Verona replied. He and Maya bowed, a gesture returned by Captain Alaric, though awkwardly, as he seemed unused to such customs.

With Captain Alaric continuing on his way, Verona, Maya, and the other NPCs finally entered the bustling city. Some soldiers approached the entourage and offered to lead the way. Verona and Maya politely split up with the group, wanting to explore the city on their own.

The main roads were alive–merchants hawking their wares, townsfolk engaged in loud conversations, and children joyfully playing games on the side. The buildings’ architecture seamlessly blended the charm of a medieval city with details familiar to contemporary eyes, like Verona and Maya's.

Verona's gaze followed the road until it led to the towering white structure of Alcidon. It looked massive, its white colour standing in contrast to the grey stone of Delphiron Castle. Its height might rival that of Tokyo Tower or even surpass it.

Verona and Maya stood in silence for a moment, looking at the giant spire in front of them–the pride, strength, and the foundation of the city. The famed arcane tower which had been the city's protector for more than a millennia.

It took some time before Maya broke the silence between them.

"What now?" Maya asked.

Verona thought momentarily before responding, "There are many things we need to sort out–Momo, finding other players, and uncovering the truth of this world."

"The quest," Maya added.

"Yes, that too.”

"First things first, we need to find a suitable place to leave Momo. Carrying her around while attracting attention isn't ideal."

"But where should we take her?"

"Don't we have a house in this city?" Verona questioned.

"True, but can we use it?"

"The key should be in our inventories. Let's check."

After a quick inspection, Maya confirmed, "Yes, it's here."

"Then let's take Momo there. After that, we’ll start exploring. Not to mention, we might find other players there."

Maya looked surprised before replying with a nod.

She and Verona made their way through the bustling streets. They headed for the residential area on the eastern side of the city.

The world felt so vivid and alive, even more so than the game they had played. People began to whisper as Verona and Maya went by. Some locals offered a respectful gesture. Others were curious and wary–dodging their gazes.

After some time, Maya tugged Verona’s arm and lightly gripped it, to his surprise. “The more I look at them, the more I think they’re real.”

“Real?”

“Real, as in normal humans, like us,” Maya clarified.

“I think so as well.”

“Do you think they’re scared of us?”

“Possibly,” Verona replied. “In this world, we’re more than humans after all.”

“Scions of the Stars, huh?”

“Exactly. We’re the world's protectors, according to the lore at least. Their reaction is kind of expected,” Verona explained. “Whatever we do, it’s best to act friendly to them. We might need their help later on.”

Maya nodded, and from that point on, they acted as friendly and approachable as they could be–offering smiles, paying respectful gestures. To their relief, the people of Delphiron also responded in kind.

As Verona and Maya continued walking through the city's eastern side, they were welcomed with familiar sights of colourful market stalls lining the streets, displaying various goods and items for sale. The usual spot to buy potions, materials, and basic equipment. The place was crowded with people.

Verona’s mind was already floating around the house. He planned things that he wanted to do after he dropped Momo. However, it did not let down his awareness as he scanned around before his sights halted at a figure with simple clothes.

There was something oddly familiar about him, and Verona couldn't shake the feeling that he had encountered this man before.

“Wait, Maya.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Look at that guy beside the potion shop, the middle-aged man with a white shirt and trousers. Black hair.”

Maya squinted, and her brow furrowed. She seemed perplexed. "Who is he? I can't see his status. Everything is just question marks."

“You can’t?”

“What do you see?” Maya inquired, curious.

“He’s a player.”

“What?! Are you sure?”

???
Saviour of the Cosmos
Lv. 90
???

After looking at his status, Verona ignored Maya and walked towards the guy.

He shouted, “Hey, Mister!”

Verona's voice captured the attention of everyone around, including the man he referred to. “I’m a player as well.”

The man turned to face Verona, surprise flickering in his eyes as their gazes met. The man's expression lit up not long after, and he walked towards them in a hurry.

"Are you players as well?" he asked eagerly.

"Yeah, we are," Verona replied.

Silence suddenly controlled their voices. Verona looked at Maya, and they exchanged glances, confirming they had thought the same thing.

They had heard the man’s voice somewhere.

"Mr. Taku?" Maya questioned, a mix of disbelief and delight in his voice.

“...Maya?” The man’s eyes widened, and his tone became deep. “Don’t tell me…”

“It is!” Maya exclaimed. “It’s me, Maya!”

The man then looked towards Verona, who also put the same surprised look. He was speechless. It could not be, he thought.

He met his in-game senior again two years after he retired from the game.

Taku
Saviour of the Cosmos
Lv. 90
Sage