Last Night

My name is Marcus. In another life, I was just a regular otaku—a nerd who spent endless hours reading manga, watching anime, and living in fantasy worlds far more exciting than reality could ever be. That was my escape, my way of making sense of the world. But there's a twist to my story. I didn't stay there.

In that past life, I died young—an accident involving an overworked delivery driver and me trying to cross a street while glued to my phone. It wasn't glamorous, but death rarely is. And then came the twist: I was granted a wish, one wish. It wasn't some cosmic lottery; it felt more like a trade. I wanted to live in another world, and I got my wish.

Now here I am in the world I could only dream of living, a world of advanced technology, and impossibilities made real. Here, I played something that reshaped my entire existence—a game called Yggdrasil.

Yggdrasil was more than just a game. It was a universe, a playground for the ambitious and the imaginative. For twelve years Yggdrasil launched in 2126 and ran until its servers would shut down in 2138, it became my life's work, my obsession. I poured everything into it, crafting my character into the pinnacle of precision and power. It wasn't just about stats or gear—it was about creating something enduring, something that reflected the depth of my vision.

That's how Velkharion was born—the Kijin slayer, the master of the Eternal Dominion, the World Enemy Emissary Slayer, the player who stood at the apex of Yggdrasil. My castle, my NPCs, my battles—they were all milestones of my journey. And now, here I am, standing on the edge of history. In just a few days, Yggdrasil will shut down forever, and those logged in when it does… they'll go somewhere else entirely. A new world, a real one.

Of course, there's real life, too. In the real world, I'm Marcus—more than just Velkharion, more than just a famous the gamer. And that's what brings me here tonight, sitting at a restaurant table surrounded by people from my old life, people who remind me I'm still human.

Across the table is Kiruna—my ex. A story in itself, really. She's married now, happy and settled, and we stayed friends despite it all. It wasn't her fault we drifted; it wasn't mine, either, if I'm honest. The truth is, Yggdrasil was my world, and I gave it everything. Too much, maybe. But even now, as her laughter fills the air while she chats with her husband, I can't find a trace of bitterness.

Beside her is Kian, one of my oldest friends, He's the type who calls me out when I get too far into my own head. The restaurant buzzes with chatter, the clinking of plates and silverware mixing with the hum of conversations. Tonight's dinner is my treat. After all, it's not every day you sit on the brink of leaving your world behind.

"So, Marcus," Kian says, leaning back in his chair, his grin wide. "You drained Yggdrasil dry yet? Or still hoarding treasures like a dragon?"

I smirk, taking a sip from my glass. "What's left to drain? The store's practically barren these days. Every day, it feels more empty—players dropping off one by one, shops not carrying anything new. Still, I make sure to grab whatever scraps are left. No sense leaving gold on the table."

Kiruna chuckles softly. "You know even in real life he's a big spender. And your castle? Still standing tall?"

"Untouched," I reply, my tone shifting slightly. "There were raids—attempts to break through. Some were big, coordinated. But none of them succeeded. The Eternal Dominion is impenetrable."

Sean raises an eyebrow. "Even against other guilds?"

I shake my head. "There were no serious rivalries, but I did join Ainz Ooal Gown for a few raids. We worked well together, tackled some high-tier dungeons. If anything, it strengthened the relationship between our us. But now… the game's quiet. Barely any players left, and the guilds that remain are preparing for the end in their own way."

The conversation shifts, laughter filling the air as old stories resurface—memories of our shared history, moments of triumph and hilarity. It's bittersweet, knowing this chapter is closing. For me, the game has been more than an escape; it's been a purpose, a reflection of who I wanted to be.

"So, Marcus," Kiruna says, her voice softening as the laughter dies down. "What happens next? After Yggdrasil shuts down?"

I pause, the question lingering in the air. "After it shuts down…" I trail off, my fiery eyes flickering with thought. "I'm thinking of traveling."

Her expression shifts slightly, a mix of curiosity and concern. "Are you sure you're ready for that? Leaving everything else behind?"

I meet her gaze, my voice steady. "I've been preparing for a while now. I'm really looking forward to it"

As the dinner wraps up, the group begins to disperse, lingering in conversations before heading their separate ways. Kian slaps my shoulder as he leaves, his grin unwavering. "Don't forget to send a postcard from wherever you end up, eh?"

Kiruna and her husband offer quiet farewells, her smile carrying a warmth that feels like closure. And then it's just me, stepping into the cool night air, the streets illuminated by dim streetlights.

I walk home slowly, the sounds of the city fading into the background as my thoughts drift. The countdown to Yggdrasil's end looms larger with each passing day, yet the calm that settles over me is undeniable. This world—the one I stand in now—has been my home for years, but it feels distant, as though I've already begun to step away from it.

Back in my apartment, I glance at the headset resting on the desk, the gateway to the game that has defined my life. I don't pick it up, though. Tonight, I won't log in. Tonight is about reflection, about understanding the weight of what lies ahead.

Standing by the window, I look out at the cityscape, the glow of streetlights casting faint shadows across the room. In a few days, this chapter will close, and another will begin. The unknown beckons, and though uncertainty lingers, I feel ready.

"My name is Marcus," I murmur to myself, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "An otaku in my past life, a gamer in this one. And soon… something more."

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