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[ You have entered the main stage of current trial ]

[ You have received a quest ]

[ Trial 01 ]

[ A civil war is preparing inside of the castle ]

[ Resolve the situation ]

Of course, this message wasn't all that new to me, but still, it was something.

With Tim, we continued into the city. This time, I really needed a place to stay, so I did the usual.

"I think I'll leave you there. Thanks for the ride ! Let's see each other again.".

I said this without much conviction - which might be misinterpreted - but Tim had an understanding look and just waved goodbye.

I'm positive we'll see each other again. I'll make sure of it.

I headed in a direction different from Tim's, and took a moment to appreciate the scenery. This wasn't your typical castle - it was a castle within a fortress. The outer ramparts we passed earlier with Tim encircled the lower grounds, the city, while a second, taller set of walls surrounded the castle itself. Built on a small mountain, the entire structure loomed above, with the castle crowning it all. Looking up, the sheer scale of it was awe-inspiring.

As I walked, I realized. Wow, it actually feels nice to be here.

When I was transported, I didn't think I would've ever been able to feel nice, but the last few days proved me otherwise. The village, and now here, this world was not that badly constructed. 

My lips formed a bittersweet smile. That's not going to last long.

I was currently walking to the outskirts of the castle. More precisely to the slums. Seeing I didn't have any money to spare, and the need to advance on the quest, I decided to kill two birds with one stone. 

Upon my arrival in the slums, I quickened my pace. It was part impatience, and part a wish of not getting bagged my only sword - my only source of damage right now.

The slums had its own charm while playing, because you could feel the reality of the world. I thought it was a quite unique zone that well transcribed our reality. Now that it's become my reality, I feel kind of dumb for thinking that.

Soon, I spotted the place I had been searching for. It was your typical run-down, shady back-alley inn, albeit taller. Spider webs clung to the front, and paint peeled off the sides. No, that wouldn't be a place anyone would wish to enter, nor even see. And that was precisely what I had thought the first time I passed by here. 

I opened the door, and discovered a tavern full of tall, muscular men drinking.

When I stepped foot inside, everybody looked at me strangely. Seems like my appearance was just as weak-looking as the original; thanks, game!

I went to the bar and ordered a beer. The barman came to me, and, before he was gone, I quickly tapped thrice on the counter. He looked at me in an interesting fashion, as if not understanding. As if.

Locking him in the eye, I started to run my mouth. "I know you're an informant for the Duke.". Sensing his thriving bloodlust, I quickly continued. "In exchange of a free stay, I can give you an information that the Duke desperately wants.". 

The bloodlust diminished, and the eyes of the barman gained a newfound spark. He was definitely interested. 

"I know how to open the way to the King's vault".

The King's vault. The only thing that blocked the Duke from openly opposing the King. The key to opening the treasure is known by the King and the King only, meaning if he dies or disappears the Kingdom's greatest assets would also vanish. 

"Are you mocking me?". His murderous intent returned.

"Why would I? You could kill me in a microsecond if you wanted to.". I gestured towards all the men that were looking at me.

His calm somewhat returned. "Go on then.". 

"Nu-uh.". I said, in a very provocative manner. "I want my stay first.". His anger was starting to boil up, but I knew now that I wasn't risking anything. He simply couldn't pass by an opportunity this big. 

"And don't try to play the trope 'We don't have any rooms' on me. I know very well that you have more than one room to spare. On the topic, could I have a luxury suite? Not feeling like the small bedroom.".

For a second, I thought I was seriously going to die. But no, just like last time, everything went well. Sort of. 

He sighed to cope with the anger. "Fine.".

He gave me a fancy-looking key, and said "Room 993". Ninth floor.

That was quite a toll on the legs, but I could bear with it. After all, I could do a lot of things for a nice bath right now. I was sort of anxious, but no matter.

Panting, I unlocked the door of the suite. Don't expect anything fancy, because we are still in a shady back-alley inn, but it was a duplex. It even had a small kitchen, and a nice bath - bath that even used magic to get water, which was still rare here.

While playing the game, I wondered why such a bizarre inn would have those installations, but at the time I thought it was a developer's easter egg. Now, I'm wondering on who the developers of this game are. Because, to be transporting you inside of their game, I'm not sure if we can call them normal developers anymore. 

In the bedroom, there was a nice king-sized bed, and a desk right in front of it. I placed my sword right on top of it, and jumped on the bed. 

All my muscles relaxed, and I took time to reflect. I was really here. I was really transported inside of this game I played. I thought it was only a thing of fiction, but no, here I am. The Mental stat probably helps me cope with it, but it still felt weird.

At the same time, it was good to finally be able to rest, because the past few days have been, let's just say, hectic. 

I rested for an hour before going to take a bath. Magical baths in this game were very easy to use, and now in reality it was as simple. You just wished for it, and hot water at just the right temperature, and just in the right amount, fell out. I undressed and jumped in as quickly as possible, like I was possessed.

It felt good. Really good. All my stress went down, and all my thoughts blanked. I just wanted to stay in here. 

After a while, sleepiness started to come. A big, heavy sleepiness. My body suddenly acted on it, and, barely dried from a towel and with clothes quickly tied up, made me jump in my bed. 

In less than a minute, I was already well inside Morpheus' arms.

And a few hours later, I was abruptly woken up by sudden shaking.