Entity

"Hostile entity detected. Prepare for conflict.", the System's calm, mechanical voice suddenly interrupted her venting session.

"What the-?", Laila muttered, spinning around. From a nearby Utyi tree, a hunched figure dropped, wrapped in tattered, grimy robes. The figure moved slowly, leaning heavily on a cane.

"Spare some lumens, o' kind soul..." the figure rasped, their voice trembling like an old man's. "Just a few for an old man who's seen better days..."

Laila blinked, unsure how to respond. Her hand instinctively went around her thighs, but there were no pockets for cash to be kept in. She sighed, awkwardly playing with the hem of her green blouse as her eyes flicked toward the figure. He looked pitiful, his face hidden beneath a ragged hood, teeth messed up as the sun shone faintly on his face.

She took a cautious step back, her fingers reaching her bow. Something about the situation felt off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

"Uh... I don't have any money," she said hesitantly, her voice a mix of sympathy and unease.

"No lumen?", he muttered. Then, his tone shifted—sharp, cold, and far younger than it had sounded before.

"Then perhaps you've got something else I can take."

-x-

Laila's stomach dropped as the figure dashed forward with speed that was impossible for a man at his old age, tossing aside the crooked staff. Beneath the robes, he had a dagger glinting demonically in his free hand. His distorted face had evil written all over it.

"Threat level: Low. Hostile intent confirmed.", the System chimed in as Laila dashed backwards, with its usual commanding tone.

"You've got to be kidding me!", Laila exclaimed, stumbling backward. "A beggar? Seriously?!"

The thief smirked, pulling back his hood to reveal an aged man with a cruel grin.

"You got some reflexes, huh, babe. I'll give ya that! Most newbies usually give me their money. Poor beings, really. They have no idea how high the blood of newbies go for sale these days! ~"

Laila's heart clenched hearing that last part. The mans hunched frame straightened, and his frail demeanor melted away, replaced by a predatory aura. The ragged cloak fell down to the ground, the blades jagged edges glinting in the sunlight.

"Blood...? What do you mean...?", she asked through gritting teeth, hoping she misheard him.

The man laughed, a harsh, guttural sound that sent chills racing down her spine.

"Listen here, living in a REALM is not easy, 'kay? I find it far more profitable to prey on little adventurers like you. A newbie's blood can fetch quite the price in the underground markets. Some buyers even say it's got a certain... vitality to it. And you? You smell fresh."

Laila's stomach churned at his words. Her real-world self, 'Laila', would probably piss her pants and maybe faint out in the street if she got confronted by criminals. But here? She was a different person entirely. A new body. A new personality. A fierce one at that too, of a brave warrior. All those 1v1's, all those quests, battles she'd gone to, she'd honed her experience.

And she was NOT about to let this small fry do her this easily.