Plans in Motion

After a lengthy discussion about the turning point in recent events, the team began piecing together a troubling theory. Dr. Asano, whose loyalty they had previously trusted, now seemed more likely to be aligned with Nakamura's vision than they had initially thought. The realization hung heavily over them, each member absorbing the implications in silence.

Just then, King Thorian, who had been watching them closely, turned to face the group, his expression one of calm resolve. His gaze swept across each of their faces, a subtle yet unmistakable ease evident in his demeanor, as if he had anticipated their doubts and understood the turmoil churning within them.

"Well, my dear fellow guests," King Thorian said, his voice resonant and confident, "let's continue this in the dining hall. We need to discuss more about your mission and outline your plans. This world is not as simple as it seems; in order to survive, you all must adapt and level up. I'll provide more details once we're there. Now, let's go."

The ten elite fighters nodded in unison. King Thorian, alongside his loyal General Kenji, led the way out of the throne room. They passed through the grand double doors and stepped into a corridor lit by torches flickering on the stone walls, casting shadows that danced along the hall. The scent of old wood and faint incense filled the air, adding an air of age and mystery to the castle.

At the first intersection, they paused. Ahead lay the exit, a path leading out to the kingdom's bustling courtyard. To the left, they glimpsed the corridor branching toward the barracks, the armory, and other critical chambers. But to the right was their destination: the dining hall.

Following Thorian's lead, the group turned right. They walked in a loose formation, instinctively finding a place among themselves. Riley walked ahead with Rei on his right side, Joaquin and Ethan to his left, while the rest trailed closely behind.

After a moment, Riley glanced at King Thorian and spoke up. "May I ask you something, Your Highness?"

"Of course," Thorian replied without breaking stride. "Ask freely."

Holding his sword with a steady hand, Riley continued, "Are you the only player who has managed to reach a position of royalty? Are there others who have also risen to be crowned as king or queen?"

A faint smile crossed Thorian's face. "A good question. As it stands, I am the only player to have established myself as a king. Other kingdoms may have rulers, but they are led by NPCs. In truth, the players here were fortunate. When we arrived, the Kingdom of Auroria had no monarch, only a 'Regent'."

"Regent?" Joaquin asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

"Yes," Thorian confirmed, "his name was Marxist. A regent is someone who governs in the absence of a true king. When I first came to Auroria, there was no one on the throne. After some time—and with the support of roughly 30,000 players and a number of NPCs—I was elected as king in an event known as the Elective Monarchy. It happened three years ago, and I won against three other candidates. In this world, even ceremonies like that can hold real weight."

"Fascinating," Soo-jin murmured under her breath. "So even here in this game, players can participate in political systems..."

Thorian nodded, leading them down a broad, ornately carpeted corridor. "Yes. That's how the idea of the Lion's Heart Guild was born. I wanted to create an organization that could offer guidance and protection, not just for myself, but for all players in Auroria. It has helped us survive and maintain order. However," he added, a shadow crossing his expression, "my power is limited to the borders of this kingdom."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Limited? What do you mean?"

Thorian sighed. "Though I hold authority within Auroria, it only extends to the players who reside here. The other kingdoms, ruled by NPCs, have no interest in my laws or in offering protections to players. These NPCs may act convincingly human, but they cannot understand the crisis we face. They lack the empathy to see us as anything but participants in a game. Here, in Auroria, my laws protect players from unnecessary risks. As a result, our death rate has dropped significantly—down to 10,000 in just three years. But beyond these borders, I have no control."

The weight of Thorian's words settled over the group. They could feel the magnitude of his struggle to bring order and hope in a world where survival was a daily battle. A brief silence passed as they walked, each of them considering the harsh reality faced by those trapped within the game. The players were still fighting, hoping, and struggling to survive—waiting for a savior who might never come. And as long as Nakamura remained hidden, they were all bound to this digital prison.

At last, they arrived at the dining hall, where two guards in polished armor opened the ornately carved doors, revealing an elegant room inside. The dining table stretched the length of the hall, covered by a pristine white tablecloth bordered in gold. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, casting a warm, gentle light that reflected off the silverware and porcelain dishes arranged meticulously on the table.

At the center of the long, polished dining table, an array of silverware gleamed under the chandeliers: plates, spoons, forks, and knives, each arranged meticulously. There were thirty settings in all, fourteen on each side, with one at the northern head reserved for King Thorian, and an equally grand chair at the southern end for his honored guest. This seat of honor, facing the king, awaited only the most distinguished company.

As they entered, King Thorian gestured toward their seats. He took his own chair at the head of the table, with his General, Kenji, seated to his right and Riley to his left. Rei, Ethan, and Joaquin sat to Kenji's side, while Liang, Soo-jin, Naruya, Amirah, Naomi, and Harinder took their places beside Riley. Each had a clear view of one another, fostering a sense of unity around the massive table.

Moments later, a parade of maids entered the room, followed by a chef dressed in a crisp white uniform and a traditional toque. They bore gold-plated serving dishes, setting down a lavish spread: platters of seafood, tender poultry, perfectly roasted pork, and other exotic delicacies. Though they were within a virtual world, the aromas were rich and mouthwatering, evoking memories of the real world. Each dish had a unique, almost otherworldly appearance that reflected the fantastical nature of the game, yet the flavors and textures mirrored reality.

The group was transfixed, but no one's reaction was as animated as Amirah's. Her eyes widened, practically shining with excitement. She could barely contain her delight, nearly tearing up at the sight of the feast before her. She bit her lip, hands clasped tightly, barely able to resist diving in.

Seeing the reactions, King Thorian smiled warmly. "Well, players," he began, his voice filled with sincerity, "I've had this meal prepared especially for you. After all, you are our only hope in this world. I hope you enjoy the food, crafted by one of the top five chefs in the world—Chef Raimi."

The chef stepped forward and bowed. He was a tall, lean man in his thirties, with piercing gray eyes and short, gray hair. His physique, defined and muscular, hinted at a past in combat, but his hands moved with the practiced precision of a master chef. Overall, he's a player, too.

"It's an honor to serve you all," Raimi said with a respectful nod. "Please, enjoy the meal. A hero's journey deserves a hero's feast."

Amirah's eyes sparkled as she took in both the chef and his culinary masterpieces. Her heart fluttered, and she almost blushed. "This looks incredible," she murmured, clearly smitten. To her, Chef Raimi was as much an artist as any fighter in the game.

Noticing her lovestruck expression, Naruya gave her a playful nudge. "Hey, Amirah, you're drooling," she teased with a smirk.

Amirah snapped out of her trance, cheeks turning pink. "Naruya, don't ruin the moment!" she hissed, looking both embarrassed and indignant.

Naruya raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh? And what moment would that be? Are we talking about the food or the chef?"

Amirah clenched her fists in mock rage. "You really want to start something, don't you?"

"Bring it on, princess," Naruya taunted, the corner of her mouth lifting in a mischievous grin.

The two glared at each other, but it was all in good fun. Their exchange lightened the mood, and a ripple of laughter passed through the room. Even King Thorian chuckled, his laughter deep and hearty, a sound rarely heard in recent years. For a brief moment, the weight of the world lifted from his shoulders.

"Alright, everyone," Riley interjected, a humorous but stern expression on his face as he looked at Amirah and Naruya. "Before the food gets cold, let's dig in. We've got plans to discuss, and I don't want any more duels breaking out over dinner."

The two troublemakers quickly quieted down, stealing sheepish glances at Riley's slightly menacing smile.

"He's got that look..." Naruya whispered to herself. "Almost like a villain from a game."

"Yeah, creepy..." Amirah muttered, nodding.

With the minor commotion settled, the group relaxed and began to serve themselves. As they sampled the dishes, they were amazed at the flavors. Though they knew they were still in a game, the food tasted as vivid and delightful as anything they remembered from the real world. For now, at least, they could savor a moment of comfort amidst their harsh reality.

As they continued their meal, King Thorian leaned forward, his gaze piercing and unyielding as he looked at the group. "Now that you're here," he began, "you must be aware of the true nature of your mission. To seek out and stop Nakamura, yes?"

Riley gave a slight nod, glancing at his teammates before responding. "That's exactly it, Your Highness. Our objective is to track Nakamura down, but from what we know… he could be anywhere in this world. And, most concerning, he may not even appear as a typical player."

Soo-jin, who had been silently contemplating their task, broke her silence. "There's a strong possibility Nakamura could be blending in, hiding as one of the players to avoid detection. But he might also have chosen another form entirely, manipulating the game from behind a facade. He could be posing as a powerful NPC, a creature, a beast, or even an avatar of one of the boss monsters. Anything that lets him control this world while remaining hidden."

King Thorian listened intently, absorbing each theory. "So, how do you intend to find him within such a vast world? Even with the ten of you, there are countless lands, creatures, and players to sift through. The task is daunting."

Riley exchanged glances with his team before answering. "Our approach is twofold," he said with quiet confidence. "We'll split into two teams of five. Each group will cover different territories, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity, players, or abnormal events. Nakamura may think he's outsmarted us, but sooner or later, our presence will tip him off. And as soon as he realizes we're actively hunting him down, he's bound to make a move. In other words," Riley continued, his tone hardening, "we'll force the rat out of its hole."

King Thorian narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, processing Riley's strategy. "A bold plan, indeed. But be warned—the creatures you'll face are relentless, far more dangerous than any ordinary opponent. The path to Nakamura is littered with peril. To even stand a chance against him, you'll need to become much stronger. Survival and success will demand every skill you possess, and then some. Yet, here in this realm, your potential is limitless. Your power will grow as you face each challenge, battle each enemy, and conquer each quest."

He leaned forward, his voice grave but encouraging. "Seek out the Adventurer's Guild. Take on quests, whether they come from NPCs, players, or anyone in need. This world will push you to your limits, but each victory, each trial overcome, will reveal new strengths within you. And remember, every time a boss creature falls, the world itself will evolve, transforming and expanding. As you progress, so will this realm, creating fresh opportunities—and challenges—along the way."

Soo-jin nodded, her expression resolute. "We understand, Your Highness. We're ready to face whatever lies ahead. We've waited long enough, and it's time to take action."

The rest of the team voiced their agreement, a sense of determination rippling across the table. King Thorian, satisfied with their resolve, nodded approvingly. "Then so be it. But first, enjoy the meal prepared in your honor. Once you're ready, General Kenji will escort you to your quarters, where you may rest and gather your strength."

The group shared grateful glances, the exhaustion of their journey settling upon them now that they had a chance to breathe. Naruya, barely able to contain her excitement, grinned and whispered, "I can't wait to see my room and finally get some rest!"

Beside her, Harinder chuckled, adding, "Rest sounds good, but I'll be honest… I can't wait to see what kind of equipment we've got in this place. A warrior's quarters in a fantasy kingdom? This is gonna be epic!"

The others laughed, and even Riley cracked a small smile. They were tired, yes, but the thrill of their mission—the knowledge that they were finally taking their first steps into the world where Nakamura awaited—breathed new energy into them.

With a look of approval, King Thorian raised his goblet. "To your journey," he declared, his voice resonating with the weight of an unspoken blessing. "May you find the strength you seek, and may your courage light the way."

The group raised their glasses in return, a sense of unity settling over them. For the first time since they'd entered this world, they felt like they were no longer strangers, but a team—bound by purpose and the road that lay ahead.

The moment passed in warm camaraderie as they enjoyed their meal, each bite a much-needed comfort before the arduous journey that awaited them. The dining hall filled with the gentle murmur of voices and the occasional laughter, a rare moment of reprieve that softened the weight of the mission ahead. Each member of the team seemed to unwind slightly, the tension easing from their faces as they immersed themselves in the good food and company. Even Riley, often reserved and serious, allowed himself to relax as the group shared stories and exchanged encouraging words.

As the final plates were cleared away and the meal came to an end, a lingering warmth remained, a quiet sense of unity that had been forged over this shared experience. The great hall's candlelight flickered softly, casting a comforting glow that reflected off the polished stone walls and ornate tapestries. Outside the tall, arched windows, the daylight had begun to fade, and the last traces of the sun's light dwindled into a soft, distant haze on the horizon.

But as darkness settled over the castle grounds, a change came over the night. Shadows grew long and thick, stretching across the stone walkways and battlements in unnerving shapes. Unnoticed by those within, the sky began to shift, a peculiar tension building in the air. High above, a dark mist swirled, condensing and coiling upon itself as if driven by some unseen force.

Then, without warning, a swirling, black circle appeared in the sky, suspended high above the castle. It rotated slowly, its edges rippling like waves of oil on water. The darkness within the circle seemed almost alive, a void so deep it seemed to swallow the very starlight around it. It pulsed and shimmered, sending faint, eerie flickers of shadow down across the land below. The air grew cold, a biting chill creeping through the castle grounds, chilling even the soldiers and guards stationed outside.

The circle expanded, growing larger and darker, pressing down upon the land as if it were a black storm cloud gathering to unleash a tempest. From the very heart of this dark vortex, faint flashes of light began to flicker—like lightning trapped within an abyss. A low hum started to resonate, a deep, foreboding sound that vibrated through the ground and reached the castle walls, rattling windows and sending a shiver down the spines of those who noticed it.

Inside, the group exchanged uneasy glances, a subtle shift in the air stirring something primal within them. "Do you feel that?" Naruya whispered, her eyes widening as the temperature seemed to drop, her breath now faintly visible in the chill that seeped into the room. The others nodded, feeling the ominous energy even through the stone walls of the castle.

King Thorian, who had noticed the sudden change in atmosphere, rose from his seat, his expression grim as he glanced toward the windows. "It seems," he said, his voice laden with quiet tension, "that you may not need to wait until tomorrow to encounter the trials of this world."

A ripple of dread settled over the team, their camaraderie replaced by a sharp alertness as they prepared to face whatever awaited them outside.