Chapter 0016 – The First Quest

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As soon as this theory appeared in Xylen's mind, he became convinced, his eyes almost lighting up in excitement, relief, and gratification.

But still, he had no idea what this quest was about, so he focused his gaze back on Lilith, who was presently staring at him with a mix of concern and curiosity, assuming Xylen was straining his brain, trying to recall her identity.

Having no idea about this, Xylen cleared his throat after a moment, masking his thoughts.

"My mind feels completely blank. I can't recall anything," he confessed in response to her question, massaging his temples for dramatic effect, having no idea he didn't need this, neither was he expecting what was coming.

Following his action, Lilith, having already anticipated his response nodded her head gently, her expression softening further.

"It's unsurprising. You've been in a coma for what feels like an eternity after all," she said with a heavy sigh.

Xylen blinked, utterly perplexed.

'A coma? How could that be? Isn't my character just created?!' Several thoughts appeared in his mind.

Eventually, however, he reasoned it was part of the quest's narrative and calmed down, deciding to go along with it.

Just then;

"I shouldn't burden you with the past right now, but…" Lilith, oblivious to Xylen's assumption, hesitated, her gaze reflecting a momentary inner conflict before she pressed forward.

"You were born twenty years ago into the illustrious demon lineage of Asthorn," she began. But the moment Xylen heard her, his eyes widened in astonishment.

'Asthorn? Isn't that my surname in the real world!' he exclaimed internally, completely stunned.

Unaware of his inner turmoil, however, Lilith continued, her tone laced with melancholy.

"Your family, the finest baronial house that likely ever existed, ruled over Ravenwood with benevolence and equity, treating every citizen as kin. But…" Her voice faltered as her hands balled into trembling fists.

"A calamity struck shortly after your second birthday. Members of that cursed Celestial race launched an assault. Your parents were slain, homes were scorched, and countless lives were extinguished, leaving our serene and thriving city in ruins."

Lilith's voice wavered as she recounted the tale, and then she glanced at Xylen, hoping for a reaction.

Seeing him only listening attentively without displaying any visible emotion, however, deeply startled her.

'Why isn't my lord distraught or furious?' she wondered in a stupor before dismissing the thought.

"You were gravely injured during that unexpected attack, but by some miracle, you survived. Yet ever since, you've been in a coma," she concluded.

Xylen's thoughts raced, caught between skepticism and curiosity as he processed her story.

'What an intricate backstory,' he finally concluded, his eyes glinting with interest before turning his focus back to Lilith.

"So… what prompted this attack? Did the city provoke the Celestial race?" he inquired.

As soon as he voiced the question, Lilith's expression darkened, her eyes blazing with hatred.

"Those self-righteous, deceitful hypocrites!" she hissed. "Have they ever needed justification for their evil act? They've always cloaked themselves in their pretense of righteousness to eradicate our kind since time immemorial."

'This is…' Xylen's chest tightened.

'Rex Corps, why on earth did your glitch have to assign me to this cursed race despised by all others?'

Seeing his distressed look, Lilith misinterpreted it as him finally reacting to her tale.

"My Lord, please don't dwell on bygone sorrows. Focus on the present. We can avenge your parents and the city," she said soothingly.

Xylen was caught off guard by her words, uncertain about their meaning, but then he understood and had no idea whether to laugh or cry.

'Why would I dwell on any sorrows that have nothing to do with me?' he thought speechlessly, but he shook his head to dismiss it.

"Just now…" he began abruptly, "I heard you crying when I woke up, murmuring something about this being my last chance of waking up. What did you mean by that?"

At his question, Lilith finally recalled the important issue she had forgotten.

In the next second, her face turned ashen, anxiety swelling within her.

Lilith panicked almost instantly, then not waiting for Xylen to react to her sudden change, she lunged toward him and yanked at his arm with such force that he nearly stumbled out of bed.

"We have to go now!" she cried out, her voice trembling. Her eyes then darted toward the door, as if expecting it to burst open at any moment.

"You must flee immediately, my Lord!" she urged, her voice trembling with urgency.

Xylen was stunned. "Why? What's happening?" he asked, but Lilith frantically shook her head.

"There's no time to explain, my lord," she responded, but after a slight hesitating, added." That… that vile uncle of yours is determined to take your life today so he can officially seize the baron's title for himself!" she half-sobbed, her entire being radiating outrage.

Xylen instantly froze, then swallowed hard.

'What kind of mission is this?' he wondered. But just then—

[ Ding! A quest has been assigned to player Xylenia: Defend Ironclad Town at all costs from your uncle's rebellion, or the city will fall. ] A sudden monotonous voice echoed in his mind, badly startling him. But before he could react:

[ Failure to complete this quest will result in the player character's death, and player Xylenia will be permanently blacklisted and barred from ever participating in Fallen Realm Online in the future. You have just 24 hours to complete this quest, and your time starts now. ] The voice added, and in the following second, Xylen froze as though time and space had stopped for him.