Random Enemy Encounter? (REWRITTEN MARCH 25)

As they exited the restaurant, the sun had already disappeared beyond the horizon of the Beginner's Area. Alan was striding with clenching his fists, frustration boiling inside him. "I can't believe I lost all that gold," he muttered, shaking his head.

The petite girl walking beside him reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "But we made it out of that situation without compromising our mission. Consider the lost money as just a setback."

"Just a setback?" He shot back before shutting his eyes and exhaling, his shoulders drooping. "You're right. Getting this worked up won't help."

They walked in silence for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened that day pressing down on them.

The streets of Novus were still busy. Colorful signs called them to dine and have a great time, but he just had enough of the town. Of the bustling sound of the people, of the NPCs advertising their establishments, and of the furtive glances of the locals. 

I don't know what's causing my level to show incorrectly, but at least it's helping me avoid any more problems. It seems as if everyone is trying to stay out of our way. 

"What is our next objective?" Ashley asked, and for a moment, Alan wished she could forget about their mission for the rest of the day.

She's not in the same situation as me. Her high level is the real deal. The memory of her, easily taking the Weasenox down in seconds came to mind.

"Londorus," he replied roughly, his hands inside his pockets. "That's what my Guild menu says the Shooting Stars HQ is located at… Londorus, eh. Sounds quite similar to 'London', don't you think? And why isn't it named New Londorus anyway? If the Devs were inspired by the real thing, they should do it right."

"Should we find a place to stay the night before going there?"

Alan huffed loudly. "No. Let's keep moving. The night is still young and we have our bellies full. Besides, I won't be able to rest until we get there."

"If you're okay with continuing, it is fine with me too."

Hearing her kind words made him get self-conscious of his bitter mood. She's your ally, Alan. It may not be a real human, but treat her well.

"Thanks, Ashley."

"What for?"

"For being here with me. I appreciate--" When he glanced at her, he got speechless for a moment, realizing she now moved in a graceful, feminine way. That caused him to smile ear to ear. "Ashley, look at you! You're blending in perfectly with the other users now!"

"Thank you, Alan. Did observing and learning from the waitresses' movements, mannerisms, and manner of speaking prove beneficial?"

"Yes, it definitely did! Great job!"

Is it wrong that I taught an advanced AI how to catwalk? Nah! Just look at her! It suits her perfectly!

Alan's grin gradually faded as he recognized the surroundings. Although Unus Town had grown considerably, the path to downtown remained the same as when he used to traverse it with Astrid. The gray, paved ground, the green lamp posts, the red benches, and the sound of water falling from a nearby fountain, all felt familiar.

Inadvertently, he hurried his steps, leaving Ashley behind until he stood in front of the Town Hall, the last place he had been seen a long time ago.

"What did you expect, stupid?" he murmured to himself, shutting his eyes. "Did you actually believe Astrid would be casually sitting here, waiting for you after all this time?"

"Alan?" Ashley called softly, catching up to him. "Are you okay?"

"J-Just give me a moment, please?"

Ashley nodded and stepped back, as he stared at the building in solemn silence, before nodding to herself. "Wait for me here, Alan. I will be right back."

It was only after he saw her stride away that Alan realized that he gained nothing from holding too much unto the past. Even if I can't ever see Astrid again, I should focus on the present, for my new mission is more important than anything right now.

He wiped his face with the back of his hand and waited for Ashley's return. Although from time to time, he consulted his User Interface in case he received a new notification. The message he had sent to Astrid hours ago now showed a 'Read' icon, but nothing else.

That only made his chest ache, followed by an overwhelming feeling of falling down into a cold pit.

Ashley came back five minutes later, something that felt like an eternity, and grasped Alan's hand tight. "Come. I had found a way to go to Londorus."

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The pair officially left Unus Town as the green hills filled the horizon. From his window, Alan watched in awe, taking in the countryside he had not been able to explore eight months ago. White windmills gradually gave way to ruined castles in the distance. Probably dungeons.

The train car shook intermittently, and it took Alan some time to get used to the constant rattling, but it did not dull his wonder. I can't believe a vehicle like this connects the Beginner's Town to the rest of the world. Another sign that the Novus I left behind is long gone.

"Have you ever ridden a train before, Alan?" Ashley suddenly asked, and he could not tell if she was genuinely interested or just programmed to make small talk while in standby mode.

When I struggled with The Santa María's many tasks or hit a stress peak, she'd start random conversations. Forgetting for a moment that she monitored me 24/7, the fact that she looked after me all the time was kind of endearing, actually.

"Isabella..."

"Please, Alan, remember to call me Ashley in public."

Alan glanced around. The only three other passengers in the car had moved to a different section after glancing at his supposed high level.

"If I ever forget about the mission..."

"You will not," she responded immediately. "After watching you for eight straight months, I trust you."

"Whoa, didn't expect that. But thanks—I mean, hear me out. If that ever happens... Knock some sense into me, okay?"

"That is why I'm here," she said softly, meeting his eyes. "You will not escape so easily, Mr. Warden."

Alan stared at her mild smile before gulping. IAs like her don't joke. Don't forget that.

He grinned back as an NPC in a navy-blue uniform announced, "We'll be arriving in Flymouth in thirty minutes. Thank you for riding with us tonight."

"Huh? Flymouth? Is that a station or something?"

"Sorry, Alan. I did not explain myself properly. There is no direct way to reach Londorus from Unus Town, so we will arrive at Flymouth and take a blimp first thing in the morning." 

"Ah, I see. Gotcha."

The train entered a tunnel, plunging everything into pitch-black darkness for a solid minute before Ashley blurted out, "A Dark Element spell has been cast."

Alan never imagined those words coming from her. "W-What does that mean?"

He glanced at her but could not even make out her silhouette. When the train finally emerged from the tunnel, Alan spotted the NPC from earlier, standing by the car's door with his hands raised, holding something. Next to him was a figure of the same height that dissolved into fading pixels. The NPC then turned, staring blankly at them.

The man, once an NPC with horse ears, had lost all distinguishable features. Even the colors of his clothing looked as if they had permanently absorbed the darkness of that tunnel.

Ashley rose slowly, keeping a hand near her belt. "Hi. Do you need something?" she asked aloud. The NPC did not respond but began walking toward them with heavy, dragging steps.

"Ashley?" Alan's voice wavered.

"Be on guard, Alan," she said a second before the former train employee lunged. She sidestepped, drew her dagger, and severed the NPC's right hand with a swift motion before stabbing him in the chest.

"Ashley! What are you doing?!"

"The System has identified him as an enemy," she replied calmly. The NPC, still alive, tried to grab her throat with his remaining hand, but she kicked him away. "Go to the next car, now."

Alan, noticing there was no blood on Ashley's dagger or the floor, nodded and rushed to the back. But as he entered the adjacent car, he witnessed a scene of carnage. Three shadowy figures were attacking what appeared to be their originals. One user was stabbed with a copy of his own knife, another was suffocated to death, and the third had his head crushed under a pitch-black foot. The victims' bodies disintegrated into pixels, leaving only their sinister copies behind.

"No way," Alan muttered as level numbers, 32, 35, and 37, appeared above their heads. They turned toward him with faceless heads.