We got nice clothes without buying them.

Alex's heart hammered against his ribs as he stared at the window. God Race. The words echoed in his mind, a forbidden whisper promising immense power and an uncertain future. He glanced at Baldor, diligently writing, then back at the prompt: [Would you like to claim your reward?]

There were no buttons, no clear options. But the weight of the choice pressed down on him, demanding an answer. Was this a test, a trap, or a genuine offer? His mind raced, grappling with the consequences of either choice.

With a dry mouth, he took a deep breath and forced out a single word, his voice barely a whisper.

"Yes," he rasped, the word hanging heavy in the air.

The moment the word left his lips, the translucent window shimmered and then vanished from his view. Alex braced himself, expecting a surge of power, a transformation, anything. But nothing happened. He blinked, confusion washing over him. Had it been a cruel trick, a figment of his imagination?

He looked back at Baldor, who was now staring at him, a deep frown etching his brow.

"Yes, to what, Alex?" Baldor rumbled, his voice thick with suspicion.

Alex blinked, feeling foolish. The window, the options—they were gone. All that remained was the lingering echo of his impulsive decision and Baldor's questioning gaze.

"Uh… I, uh…" Alex stammered, his mind scrambling for an explanation. Maybe the reward wasn't immediate, or perhaps it manifested subtly. He settled for the most believable option.

"Yes, to the armor, of course! It looks fantastic, Baldor. Top-notch craftsmanship, as always."

Baldor's frown deepened, his gaze lingering on Alex for a long moment. Finally, with a snort that sounded suspiciously like amusement, he shook his head.

"Top-notch craftsmanship, you say? You sound like you've been around these parts a while, stranger. Yet you arrive with strange words and even stranger reactions."

Alex forced a smile, his cheeks burning. The comment about strange words sent a shiver down his spine. Had the window revealed itself to Baldor somehow? He needed to tread carefully.

"Just… excited to get back out there, you know?" he stammered. "New gear, new adventures. Can't wait to test it out."

Baldor studied him for another beat, then grunted in acknowledgment. "Well, new gear it is then. Here," he said, pushing the completed parchment towards Alex. "You can come back in two days for the Sage Box, and happy adventuring, Alex."

***

Alex emerged from Baldor's forge feeling like a different person. The weight of the gleaming steel armor settled comfortably on his shoulders, replacing the flimsy leather with a sense of security. Each step felt more purposeful, his movements echoing with a newfound confidence.

He wandered out into the bustling Elara Square, the familiar sights and sounds taking on a new dimension. The chatter of the villagers seemed clearer, and the scent of freshly baked bread was stronger. Perhaps it was the armor itself, amplifying his senses, or maybe it was the thrill of a new beginning.

He stopped by the fountain, catching his reflection in the shimmering water. The polished steel gleamed in the afternoon sun, the intricate engravings catching the light like a secret language. He looked... different. Perhaps older, perhaps, his features were hardened by a newfound seriousness. Yet, a spark of determination flickered in his eyes, a spark that hadn't been there before.

"I Think... it because I always play games, huh… I guess."

A wry smile played on Alex's lips as he caught his reflection in the fountain. He looked every bit the part of a seasoned warrior, a far cry from the scrawny nobody he'd been just hours ago. Yet, a nagging feeling gnawed at him.

Instinctively, his fingers reached for his hip, searching for the familiar sensation of the game's interface button. The one that would bring up his inventory, allowing him to customize his appearance. He could picture it now - the sleek menu, the rows of armor pieces, the option to toggle the helmet on or off for a more casual look.

Disappointment washed over him as his hand met only empty leather. Panic flickered in his chest. Was that function gone too? Trapped in this world, did he have to suffer the indignity of looking like a knight who just stumbled out of a costume shop?

He glanced around Elara Square, hoping to spot a reflection in a shop window or a puddle. Maybe a different perspective would help him assess the situation. But the villagers bustled about their daily routines, oblivious to his silent struggle.

Just then, a young boy, no older than ten, skipped past him, eyes wide with admiration.

"Wow, mister! You look like a real knight!" he exclaimed, pointing at the gleaming armor.

Alex forced a smile. "Thanks, kid. Just trying to look at the part."

The boy's innocent praise sparked a realization within Alex. Perhaps the real key to looking at the part wasn't some digital menu, but something more fundamental. He straightened his posture, feeling the weight of the armor settle comfortably on his shoulders. He adjusted the straps on his greaves, the metal clinking with a satisfying rhythm.

Alex strode purposefully away from the fountain, the weight of the steel armor a grounding presence against the newfound confidence that thrummed in his veins. He cast a sidelong glance at the reflection in a passing shop window. The image staring back was no longer the scrawny nobody he remembered. This man held his head high, his shoulders squared, the picture of a seasoned adventurer. But a phantom itch lingered in his mind, a yearning for the familiar comfort of the game's interface.

His fingers, as if by muscle memory, reached for his hip, brushing against the empty leather there. A small sigh escaped his lips. No sleek menu would materialize here, and there is no den of virtual inventory to rummage through. He glanced around Elara Square, a sliver of hope flickering within him. Maybe, just maybe, there was another way.

Hesitantly, Alex reached out and touched his armored chestplate. He focused, concentrating on the sense of security the steel conveyed, willing a response, a spark of recognition from this world. To his complete surprise, a faint shimmer came from the point of contact, and a transparent window appeared in front of him along with a soft chime that resounded deep inside his chest.

[Inventory]

The familiar word blazed in the center, a beacon of comfort in this strange new world. Relief washed over Alex, a wave so intense it almost made him lightheaded. It wasn't the same as the in-game interface, but it was functionality nonetheless. A thrill of excitement coursed through him. Perhaps adapting wouldn't be so passive after all.

With trembling fingers, Alex reached out and tentatively touched the inventory window. It shimmered in response, then dissolved into a cascade of motes of light that sank into his chestplate. The window vanished, leaving only the faint echo of its presence and a warmth radiating from the engraved sigils on his armor.

He focused again, this time willing the inventory to reappear. It materialized before him, not a digital construct, but an ethereal projection emanating from the engraved sigils on his chestplate.

[Inventory]

[Steel Armor Set (Equipped): Offers solid protection against physical attacks.]

[Void Shards (15) rare and potent crafting material.]

[Chest of Apparel (1): A curious container promising hidden treasures.]

Alex's gaze lingered on the "Chest of Apparel." Curiosity gnawed at him. With a thought, he willed the chest to open. The window shimmered and transformed, displaying a finely crafted leather jerkin adorned with intricate stitching. Under the image, words materialized:

Heirloom Jerkin

(+15% Regeneration if health bar is low, +5 Strength)

A mischievous grin spread across Alex's face. This new system had possibilities. With a thought, he focused on the image of the Heirloom Jerkin within the inventory window. A tingling sensation ran through his fingertips as the ethereal projection pulsed with light. Then, in a flash, the supple leather jerkin appeared to replace the steel armor.

He flexed his arms, the lighter armor offering a newfound ease of movement that felt liberating. He strolled past a nearby shop window, catching a glimpse of his reflection. Gone was the imposing knight – in his place stood a charismatic adventurer. The jerkin, a deep brown adorned with intricate red stitching, hugged his form comfortably. A crimson cloak, seemingly conjured from thin air, billowed dramatically behind him, completing the transformation.

Alex wasn't sure where the cloak came from, but it added a touch of flair he couldn't resist. He ran a hand through his hair, a hint of self-consciousness creeping in. Maybe this world wasn't so different from the game after all, at least in terms of allowing him to express his personal style.

However, a quick glance at the inventory window confirmed his suspicions. The Steel Armor Set remained firmly listed, its description unchanged. This world, it seemed, wasn't interested in superficial aesthetics. It cared about protection, with the appearance a mere illusion.

"Well, at least I don't look like a newbie in shining steel anymore," he muttered to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Looks good too, wouldn't mind keeping this up for a while."

Alex, still reveling in his newfound control over his armor, strolled purposefully through Elara Square. The weight of the steel, now disguised beneath the supple leather, felt like a comforting secret. He glanced down at his reflection in a shop window once more, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. This new system was far more intriguing than a simple game menu.

A playful thought struck him. Back in the game, accessing his inventory often triggered a notification about unread emails. With a raised eyebrow, he focused his will on the inventory window, half-expecting it to be a dead end.

To his surprise, the window shimmered and expanded, revealing a series of additional options nestled beneath the familiar "Inventory" tab. There was "Central Shop," undoubtedly a place to acquire new equipment and supplies. "Coin Shop" likely dealt with in-game currency, while "Event" hinted at temporary challenges or opportunities. "Rewards" piqued his curiosity—were these pre-determined rewards for completing tasks, or something more dynamic? "Mission" seemed straightforward enough, likely displaying a list of objectives to guide his progress.

But the button that truly surprised him was "Email." Could it be...?

With a hesitant finger, Alex tapped the "Email" icon. The window pulsed momentarily, then reformed to display a familiar interface—a list of unread messages with cryptic senders like "System Notifications" and "Welcome Package." A sliver of hope flickered within him. Maybe, just maybe, a connection to his old life still existed in this strange new world.

A nervous tremor ran through Alex's finger as he tapped on the "Welcome Package" message. The window shimmered, then split into two sections. On the left, a message box displayed warm, inviting text:

Subject: Welcome to The Old Quest, Alex!

Body:

Greetings, adventurer! We're thrilled to welcome you to the vibrant world of The Old Quest. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced newcomer, countless adventures await! This Welcome Package is a token of our appreciation, a small boost to get you started on your journey. May your path be filled with valor, camaraderie, and legendary loot!

- The Old Quest Development Team

A wave of relief washed over Alex. A connection, however tenuous, to the world he knew. He glanced at the right side of the window, his heart pounding with anticipation. There, displayed in shimmering light, were the rewards:

Welcome Package Contents:

Novice Adventurer's Satchel: (A sturdy backpack that expands to hold a surprising amount of loot.)

Traveler's Ration Pack (x5): (Provides a burst of energy and restores a small amount of health.)

Town Portal Scroll: (Teleports you to the nearest major town.)

Beginner's Luck Buff (7 Days): (Slightly increases the chance of finding rarer items from monsters and chests.)

Choice Weapon Pack: (Select one of the following starting weapons:

Shining Steel Sword: (A well-balanced blade for versatile combat.)

Hunter's Longbow: (A reliable weapon for ranged attacks.)

War Mage Staff: (An enchanted staff for channeling magical energies.)

A surge of excitement coursed through Alex. This was a real starter kit, a tangible aid to his survival in this new world. He scanned the weapon options, a strategic glint entering his eyes. The sword offered reliability, the bow promised tactical advantage, and the staff held the allure of magic. Each weapon represented a different path, a different playstyle.

His finger hovered over the shimmering claim button next to the Welcome Package contents. But a flicker of disappointment washed over him as he realized it remained stubbornly greyed out. This wasn't how it worked in the game. Starter packs were supposed to be readily available, a helping hand for new players. Confusion clouded his mind. Was there a hidden requirement? Did he need to complete some unseen task before claiming his basic gear?

He tried hovering his finger over the greyed-out button, hoping for a tooltip or some explanation. But the window remained frustratingly silent. A frown creased his brow. This new world seemed to have its own set of rules, and apparently, free lunches (or starter packs) weren't on the menu.

He glanced back at the message from the development team, their words ringing hollow in his ears: "This Welcome Package is a token of our appreciation, a small boost to get you started on your journey." However, there he was, stranded without even the most basic tools, with a seemingly arbitrary obstacle blocking the way to his purported "journey."

"Is this a bug?"

Alex muttered under his breath, staring at the stubbornly greyed-out claim button. This starter pack situation felt more like a cruel developer prank than a thoughtful welcome. With a sigh, he resigned himself to figuring out the new rules of this world.

He switched tabs, his finger hovering over the "Mission" button. Maybe there was a hidden quest, some initiation challenge he needed to complete before claiming his gear. The window shimmered open, revealing a list of objectives. At the top, a single mission stood out, its title a testament to the world's apparent lack of polish:

[Level 1. Wipe Out Goblins Threatening Elara Village (Nightly)]

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Threatening" sounded a little dramatic for some nighttime goblin raids. Maybe the developers here hadn't gotten around to proper localization yet. Still, a goblin raid was a goblin raid. With a newfound purpose, he closed the mission window. It looks like his free gear came with a price tag – a goblin-sized price tag.

Alex closed the mission window, a determined glint replacing the confusion in his eyes. It looks like his fancy starter pack came with a condition – some goblin-sized pest control. He scanned the "Mission" tab one last time, searching for any additional information. Maybe a location hint, or a recommended party size for tackling these nightly nuisances. But the mission description remained stubbornly bare-bones.

With a shrug, Alex tapped the "Navigate" button next to the mission title. A faint white light materialized in the air, hovering a few inches off the ground. It pulsed gently, beckoning him forward. Intrigued, he adjusted the straps on his new leather jerkin and followed the spectral guide.

Elara Square bustled around him, oblivious to his invisible companion. Shopkeepers hawked their wares, children chased each other, and a group of adventurers, clad in well-worn leather armor, compared scars over tankards of ale. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone streets, painting the scene in a warm, golden light.

Despite the idyllic atmosphere, Alex couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. Goblins weren't exactly known for their punctuality, and who knew how quickly nightfall descended in this strange new world. He quickened his pace, following the white light as it weaved through the throngs of people.

The light led him out of the bustling square and down a winding path that snaked through a dense forest bordering Elara. The air grew cooler, the sunlight filtering through a thick canopy of leaves. The chirping of birds replaced the city sounds, and a sense of quiet anticipation settled over Alex. Here, amidst the rustling leaves and dappled shadows, the threat of goblins felt more real, and immediate.

He reached the edge of the forest, where the path opened up into a small clearing. The white light hovered in the center, pulsating more rapidly now. Alex cautiously approached, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of a weapon he didn't have. But what awaited him in the clearing wasn't a band of ferocious goblins. It was something far more unexpected.

Alex emerged from the forest, the white light from the mission marker hovering expectantly in the clearing ahead. But goblins weren't waiting for him. Instead, a group of five figures stood huddled together, their backs to him. Relief flooded Alex—surely, these must be other players!

"Hey!" he called out, a wide grin splitting his face. "Are you guys The Old Quest players too?"

The figures turned at the sound of his voice, their expressions a mix of surprise and confusion. A woman with fiery red hair stepped forward, her armor gleaming in the dappled sunlight.

"The Old Quest players?" She echoed, a frown creasing her brow. "We're the Elara Knights, on patrol duty. What brings you here?"

Disappointment washed over Alex as the woman's words sunk in. Not players. Just regular knights. The glimmer of camaraderie he'd felt moments ago evaporated.

"Uh... right," he stammered, forcing a smile. "I just saw the mission about some goblins and thought, you know, maybe some help..." His voice trailed off, his cheeks burning with a sudden flush of self-consciousness.

A man with a thick beard chuckled, the sound rumbling like distant thunder. "Goblins, huh? You look a bit green around the gills, lad. First time on patrol?"

Alex shifted uncomfortably. "Something like that," he mumbled, avoiding their gazes. He couldn't explain the game, the starter pack, or the glowing mission marker. They'd think he was crazy.

The redheaded woman, however, seemed to sense his predicament. "Listen," she said, her voice softening. "Goblins can be a nuisance, especially for newcomers. We're heading out to their usual hideout at dusk. You're welcome to join us if you'd like."

 Alex's heart skipped a beat. Here was an opportunity—a chance to learn the ropes, maybe even snag some loot (if this world functioned like the game, that is). He straightened his posture, a newfound determination replacing his initial awkwardness.

"I'd appreciate that," he said, meeting her gaze. "Thanks. I'm Alex, by the way."

"Elara Knights, at your service," the woman replied, extending a hand. "I'm Captain Amelia. And this is…" she gestured to the others

Alex shook Captain Amelia's firm hand, her grip a testament to years of wielding a sword. As Amelia introduced the other Elara Knights, Alex tried to memorize their names and appearances.

"This is Gregor," Amelia continued, gesturing towards the man who had chuckled earlier. His beard, the color of sun-baked earth, framed a face etched with experience. A pair of throwing axes hung from his belt, their leather sheaths worn smooth from use.

"At your service," Gregor boomed, his voice still tinged with amusement. "Don't let the beard fool you, lad. I can still move faster than most youngsters."

"Next is Lyra," Amelia pointed to a young woman with nimble fingers adjusting the fletching on an arrow. Her elven features were sharp and focused, and her eyes were the color of a summer sky. A quiver of arrows and a finely crafted longbow hung across her back.

Lyra gave him a curt nod, her expression serious but not unfriendly. "Welcome," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

"And these two are twins," Amelia finished, gesturing to a pair of identical men standing side-by-side. "Try telling them apart if you dare. This is Gareth," she said, tapping the one with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "And that's Garath," she added, pointing to the other, who mirrored his brother's grin.

Both men wore identical leather armor, adorned with intricate silver runes. Each wielded a shortsword and a buckler, their movements were practiced and fluid.

"Nice to meet you," Gareth (or maybe it was Garath) said, offering a playful wink. "Always good to have some fresh blood on patrol."

Alex found himself returning their smiles, a wave of relief washing over him. This group, despite their initial confusion, seemed surprisingly welcoming. Perhaps this world wasn't so different from the camaraderie he found in online guilds after all.

"Thanks," he replied, a genuine smile playing on his lips. "I appreciate you letting me tag along."

Captain Amelia surveyed the group, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Alright then, team. Let's get moving. Dusk approaches, and goblins are creatures of habit."

With newfound purpose, the group of six—five seasoned knights and a newcomer with nothing but a mysterious interface and a whole lot of hope—stepped into the deepening shadows of the forest, ready to face what awaited them.

Alex fell into step beside Lyra, the Elven archer. He couldn't help but glance back at the clearing they'd just left. A disquieting feeling gnawed at him. Despite Amelia's reassurance, something felt off.

Suddenly, a translucent window materialized in front of him, visible only to his eyes. Blazing across it in red text was a chilling message:

[Nightmare Goblin Spawning in 5 seconds]

Alex's blood ran cold. He skidded to a halt, nearly tripping over a gnarled root. "Hey, are you guys sure you already killed the goblins?" he blurted out, his voice a touch higher than usual.

The Elara Knights stopped, their brows furrowing in confusion. Captain Amelia turned back, her eyes narrowing.

"Quite sure," she said, her voice firm. "We flushed them out of their usual hideout this very evening. Look, there are bodies on the ground."

She gestured towards a pile of twitching goblin corpses, their pallid skin and grotesque features unmistakable in the fading light. Alex's gaze darted between the bodies and the persistent message hovering in front of him, a cold sweat forming on his brow.

The window flickered again, the countdown reaching its final terrifying beat:

[Nightmare Goblin Spawning Now]

A primal growl echoed from behind the pile of bodies, sending shivers down Alex's spine. The "dead" goblins twitched violently, their limbs contorting at unnatural angles. Then, with a sickening crack, one of the bodies split open, revealing a creature unlike any goblin Alex had ever seen in the game.

This Nightmare Goblin was a hulking monstrosity, its muscles bulging beneath its leathery green hide. Razor-sharp claws tipped its elongated fingers, and its eyes glowed with an unnatural red light. Its maw stretched into a horrifying grin, revealing rows of jagged teeth.

Before the Elara Knights could react, the Nightmare Goblin lunged from its makeshift birthing ground, its guttural roar splitting the air. Time seemed to slow for Alex. He knew what he had to do. This wasn't a regular goblin; this was a boss-level enemy, the kind he'd spent countless hours strategizing against in the game. The knights were unprepared, but with his knowledge and the mysterious interface, he might just be able to save them.

A surge of adrenaline coursed through him. This wasn't just a game anymore. This was real. And for the first time, a terrifying thrill mingled with the fear in his heart.

With a burst of nervous energy, Alex charged towards the grotesque creature, drawing imaginary lines in the air with his empty hand. "Well, you guys are lucky I'm here at the right time!" he yelled, his voice strained. "Seems these dead goblins decided to become mini boss!"

Amelia's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mini boss!?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with a mixture of confusion and dawning horror.

Lyra, ever the pragmatist, remained focused on the approaching monstrosity. "It never happened before!" she shouted, her hand instinctively reaching for the arrows nocked on her bowstring.

The Nightmare Goblin screeched, its gaze locking onto Alex, the lone figure charging towards it. The forest fell silent, the only sound being the pounding of Alex's heart and the approaching beast's guttural growl.

< Chapter 3 > Fin.