A Tense Beginning      

"Not to worry, Grey Smoke. I only hope that you and your group don't drag us down."

 

Xin elbowed Hilda, attempting to diffuse any tension, but Victor responded with a hearty laugh. 

 

"Let's go and meet the others. I already saw them over there." Victor pointed towards a gathering of players.

 

As Xin squinted his eyes to get a better look, he noticed they were a group of solo players, as indicated by the empty emblems on the side of their names. 

 

However, amidst the unfamiliar faces, a surprising recognition dawned upon him. 

 

Among them was Skylark, the lively and exuberant girl he had first encountered in the Abundant Shore on the Newbie Island.

 

Skylark remained the same vibrant and boisterous character he had known, but currently, she seemed oblivious to Xin's presence.

 

As expected, Skylark didn't recognize him after concealing identity with a cloak and a name change.