Kazuki_Hayashi

Kaito, an ordinary young man, is thrilled to enter the world of Eternal Realm Online, the most immersive VR fantasy game ever created. With advanced technology that places players into capsules for an incredibly lifelike experience, the game promises endless adventure in a vast, magical world. Players choose their class, race, and name—starting fresh to build their power and carve their legacy. However, something goes wrong when Kaito logs in. A malfunction causes his race selection to be overridden, and instead of the human form he chose, Kaito is forced into the hidden race of the Dragon. Starting in human form with black horns and no wings, he is unable to return to the real world. What’s worse, he feels all the pain like it’s real—and he can’t respawn. Trapped in a world where every fight could be his last, Kaito’s journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and a quest for the truth—will he ever escape, or will he embrace his fate in Eternal Realm Online?

No Respawn, No Escape

Kaito stood still, staring at the message in front of him.

No matter how many times he tapped the logout button, nothing happened. It wasn't a bug or a connection issue—the game simply wouldn't let him leave.

Most people would panic, but Kaito wasn't most people. He was calm, always thinking ahead. If there was a problem, there had to be a solution. Until he found it, there was no point in stressing over it.

Lumis City was full of players and NPCs. Shops, blacksmiths, and guild buildings lined the streets. NPCs walked around, talking like real people. Some players were running to complete quests, while others were trading or testing their skills.

Kaito glanced at his status screen again. He still had his starting equipment, and his Dragon race was listed instead of Human. His Lightning Element was there too, but he didn't feel any power from it yet. He'd have to unlock abilities through the skill tree.

"First, I need money," he muttered.

He wasn't sure how long he'd be stuck here, but if this world followed RPG rules, he'd need coins to buy gear, food, and supplies. The best way to get some? Quests.

Kaito spotted a quest board near the town center. A group of players crowded around it, picking up tasks. He walked up and scanned the available quests.

•	[Herb Collection]: Gather 10 Healing Herbs. (Reward: 5 Silver)

•	[Lost Dog]: Find the missing dog. (Reward: 3 Silver)

•	[Goblin Hunt]: Kill 5 Goblins outside the city. (Reward: 8 Silver)

Kaito didn't hesitate. He took the Goblin Hunt quest. It paid the most and would let him test his combat skills.

He turned away from the board and started walking. It was time to fight.

The Eastern Plains were just outside Lumis City. The moment Kaito stepped through the city gates, the noise of the town faded, replaced by open fields and scattered trees.

In the distance, he saw a small group of Goblins—short, green creatures with wooden clubs. They were standing near some rocks, chatting in strange voices.

Kaito gripped his sword. Even though this was a game, the pain was real. If he got hit, it would hurt.

He narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The first goblin noticed him too late.

Kaito swung his sword fast, slicing across its chest. The goblin shrieked and staggered back. A red damage number appeared above its head.

The goblin growled and swung its club. Kaito reacted instantly, stepping to the side to dodge. The club whooshed past him, hitting nothing but air.

He countered with a quick stab to the neck.

The goblin collapsed and disappeared into particles.

Kaito exhaled. That was easier than expected. But as he turned, the other goblins were already charging toward him.

"Guess I'll have to deal with all of you."

He gripped his sword tighter and prepared for the next fight.

No Way Out