I looked back at the creature once again.
The soldiers—or rather, knights—were running behind what seemed to be their leader, circling the creature as they held their swords toward its center, slashing its arms and body again and again.
ZEKKEKEK—
The creature bled heavily, struggling to survive against the knights.
As I watched this scene, I felt something rising inside me.
Goosebumps spread across my skin.My blood felt like it was heating up.
It was as if the torch inside my heart had finally been lit again.
…This looks like fun.
"Hey, Malvek!"
Zareth shouted, grabbing my shoulder.
"We need to hurry."
I nodded, and we ran toward the city gates, leaving the sight of the knights fighting the creature behind us.
We finally reached the huge stone gates of the city—but we weren't the only ones.
There were already many people at the front.
A few knights were guiding those at the front, speaking to them and organizing the flow.
One knight approached us.
"Hey—you two. You were with that person, right?" he said, breathing heavily.
It was the same knight who had taken Draven earlier.
"Yes, that's us," Zareth answered.
"Good…" the knight said, calming his breathing."First of all, let me welcome you to the capital. Now, please follow me."
We nodded and quietly followed him.
As we entered the city—or rather, the capital—I took in the view.
It was… beautiful.
Countless houses built in an old style.Streets wide enough for horse carriages.People dressed in old-fashioned clothes—coats, boots, and hats.
And as we walked in—
Everyone was staring at us.
The knight turned back.
"Please ignore them. They're just curious."
Zareth shook his head.
"Don't worry. We understand."
We continued walking as the knight led us deeper into the city, eventually stopping in front of a large wooden building.
It looked like some kind of hospital.
At the entrance, his horse was tied up—the same one he used earlier—along with many others.
So they're bringing the injured here…
At the entrance, the knight turned to us.
"Please excuse me. The nurses are treating your friend inside. But I have to go back and help the others."
I stepped closer and placed my hand on his armored shoulder.
"Go. The people outside need you more than we do. And… thank you."
He didn't hesitate.
He rushed to his horse and rode off toward the city gates.
We weren't allowed inside unless we were injured.
Too many people would only hinder progress.
So Zareth and I waited outside.
I raised my left arm and looked at the small dark metal bracelet.
I tried to take it off.
It wouldn't move.
It felt like it was fused to my skin.
Zareth glanced at me.
"Don't bother. While that red thing was talking earlier, I tried everything to remove it. Nothing worked."
He paused, then added:
"Also… when that green creature was killing people… I noticed something. Every time someone died, their bracelet disappeared."
…Disappeared?He noticed that even in that situation… who exactly is this person…?
"Well…" I said slowly, "now that we're trapped in the game we were playing… doesn't that mean this bracelet might be something important? Like… unlocking powers? Magic, maybe?"
Zareth looked at his bracelet.
"Hmm… maybe you're right. But still… this city, this world… none of it feels like the game we played."
I nodded.
"Yeah… it doesn't. The Vera Game's world is completely different."
I paused.
"…Or maybe…"
Zareth looked at me.
"Maybe what?"
"Maybe the game we played was just one part of this world… and we never unlocked the rest yet."
He placed his hand on his chin.
"Hmm… you might be right again."
Good build… confident… steady.Why is someone like him wasting time on games…?Or maybe… he's just like me—looking for something fun.
"Here you are, Malvek."
A familiar voice came from behind us.
I turned.
It was Draven.
He looked utterly exhausted, barely able to stand, one hand holding his head.
"So… you're awake from your nap, huh?" I said with a slight smile.
He smiled weakly and walked toward us.
"Sorry… you had to see me like that again… haha…"
I placed my hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry about it."
Draven glanced at Zareth, then back at me.
"Oh—right. Draven, this is Zareth. He helped me carry you. He also waited here with me."
Draven immediately turned to Zareth and grabbed his hands.
"OH—my God, I'm so sorry—!"He bowed.
"Thank you so much for helping me!"
…I feel like I've seen this before.
Zareth smiled genuinely.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
Suddenly—
The same knight from before approached us again on his horse.
He got down and looked at Draven.
"Good to see you back on your feet."
Then his expression turned serious.
"Now… please follow me. All three of you."