Len walked through the winding streets of Willowreach Village, the afternoon sun casting warm patches of light over the cobblestones. Wooden buildings with thatched roofs swayed gently in the breeze, and the faint scent of baked bread and fresh herbs drifted from open windows. Villagers moved about their daily routines, carrying baskets, tending gardens, or calling greetings to one another, their chatter blending with the distant murmur of the river.
The village hall appeared ahead, its wooden beams glowing gold in the sun. Len slowed his pace, the faint scent of pine and parchment drifting from the slightly open door. He pushed it open carefully; the hinges creaked softly.
Sunlight spilled into the hall, dust motes dancing lazily in the warm rays. The chief looked up from a pile of scrolls, eyes sharp beneath furrowed brows.
"You're back," the chief said, voice steady. "Did you complete the task Elder Wren assigned?"
Len nodded. "Yes. I've done what she asked me to."
The chief's lips curved faintly. Without another word, he reached under the desk and produced a small, wrapped bundle, placing it on the table with a soft thud. Len's fingers hovered over it before carefully unwrapping the cloth.
Inside lay a sword. The blade shimmered faintly in the light, a clean katana, its steel almost humming. The hilt was simple, yet a small orb glimmered inside an engraved sigil. Thin, green vines curled around the grip, moving subtly as if alive, forming a protective cage for the hand.
Len's eyes widened.A chime echoed in his ears, and the familiar mechanical text appeared:
[Quest item obtained!]
[Control Sword] (Growth Type)
Type: Katana
Damage: +14
Skill: Timed Attack
Effect: If you parry or interrupt an enemy's attack before it fully connects, you deal double the damage you would normally inflict.
Len lifted the sword, feeling the subtle tug of the vines as they adjusted to his grip. The weight was perfectly balanced, almost responding to his movements before he acted. He flexed his fingers; the vines tightened slightly, then relaxed as he shifted his hand.
The chief's gaze lingered for a moment before returning to his scrolls, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Len stepped back, shoulders relaxing, the new weapon snug at his side.
As he turned toward the door, the chief called out, "Oh, wait a moment—before I forget." He reached under the desk and placed a small pouch in front of Len. "Take this. One hundred gold coins. Use them wisely."
Len blinked, surprised, then opened his inventory and stored the pouch carefully. "Thank you," he said.
Len stepped outside the village chief's building, adjusting the grip on his sword. He paused for a moment, curiosity nudging him to check the AI interface.
A new icon blinked faintly in the corner:
[New AI Skill Unlocked: AFK Mode]
He tapped it, and the interface smoothly transitioned, showing a simulation of his own character moving autonomously.
[AFK Mode Activated]
[Player Body Under AI Control: All actions optimized for efficiency]
[Viewing in Third-Person Perspective]
The AI's calm mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
[Quests Selected for Optimal Progression:
Kill 10 Skeletons — Reward: 100 EXP, 1 Gold
Kill 30 Goblins — Reward: 300 EXP, 10 Gold
Collect 15 Nervan Herbs in Willowreach Forest — Reward: Alchemy Basics Book, 20 Gold]
The AI had already calculated the optimal path for the three quests, and the markers appeared subtly in Len's interface. Without hesitation, his character moved toward the first quest giver.
At each NPC, the AI handled the conversation flawlessly, accepting the tasks with the precise wording needed to trigger quest recognition.
Once the quests were accepted, the AI guided him efficiently toward the objectives. First, the village tomb—silent, solemn, and overgrown with moss. Shadows clung to the cracked stone walls, and the air smelled faintly of damp earth. Skeletons rose automatically as the AI engaged them, every strike calculated to minimize risk and maximize reward.
[Ding!] 1/10 Skeletons Eliminated
[Ding!] 5/10 Skeletons Eliminated
[Ding!] 10/10 Skeletons Eliminated
Next, the AI led him to the small cave in the Willowreach Forest. The goblins' lair was dim and crowded, but every step was precise. Len's character moved with uncanny speed, each attack timed perfectly, vines on the katana hilt twisting subtly as if alive, catching the dim light.
[Ding!] 10/30 Goblins Slain
[Ding!] 30/30 Goblins Slain
Finally, the AI guided him deeper into the forest to locate the Nervan Herbs. The leaves glimmered faintly among the roots and underbrush, and Len's character collected them with exact care, never missing a single one.
[Ding!] 5/15 Herbs Collected
[Ding!] 15/15 Herbs Collected
Once all objectives were complete, the AI didn't stop. It redirected Len's body through the forest paths and back toward the village.
One by one, it approached each quest giver again—presenting the proof with calm efficiency. Cracked bones from the tomb, goblin teeth from the cave, and the glowing Nervan Herbs were each shown in turn.
The NPCs examined the items carefully, nodding in approval before granting the rewards. A shimmer of light surrounded his avatar with every confirmation.
[Ding!] Quest "Skeleton Hunt" Completed
[Ding!] Quest "Goblin Hunt" Completed
[Ding!] Quest "Nervan Herb Collection" Completed
[All AFK Quests Completed]
[Rewards Claimed]
Skeleton Hunt — 100 EXP, 1 Gold
Goblin Hunt — 300 EXP, 10 Gold
Nervan Herb Collection — Alchemy Basics Book, 20 Gold
Len's avatar paused briefly as the rewards were logged, the forest quiet except for the rustle of leaves and distant birdcalls. Nearby players lingered, murmuring among themselves, eyes still fixed on the gleaming sword and ring.
Len leaned back slightly, letting the AI continue managing his cultivation and monitoring the surrounding area. "Okay… that's actually insane," he muttered.
—----
"Alright," he muttered, leaning back. Without needing to touch anything—the AI had already activated AFK Mode—he simply removed the VR headset.
The forest, the avatar, the ongoing cultivation… all continued seamlessly. His character paused briefly, then resumed moving under the AI's full control, executing every action perfectly while he stepped into the real world.
He went downstairs grabbed a plate of food
Sat on one of the chairs and started eating.The omelet was golden-brown and soft, with a gentle scallion aroma, its edges slightly crisp. Tender grilled chicken glazed in a honey-soy sauce rested beside it, and the sautéed vegetables—green beans, carrots, and red peppers—added a fresh crunch. The smell of garlic and sesame oil filled the air, comforting and familiar.
As he took a bite, savoring the textures and warmth, he opened the Saline // Online Forum on his laptop. Even though the game had only been out for fifty minutes, the posts were already buzzing.
"Just started—anyone found hidden classes yet?"
"How do you check your stats… guys I'm lost"
Opening the Saline // Online Forum, he scrolled through the early chatter. The game had only been live for fifty minutes, yet the threads were already full of questions, tips, and wild speculation.
"Just started! Does anyone know if there are hidden classes?"
"ShadowReign already cleared a small dungeon solo. Timing looks insane for new players."
"Military-backed guilds spotted in the early regions, seems like competitive testing"
"Imagine if this was like one of those novels where its a invasion"
Len's eyes flicked across posts where players shared early strategies, minor loot tips, and speculations about hidden classes or rare resources.
Discussions were scattered—some argued about leveling, others about crafting, a few debated the likelihood of special quests appearing
"New players, beware of Crabions—they hit harder than expected in groups."
He paused, letting the forum chatter scroll past.
Corporations, guilds, and early top players were all mentioned, some just sharing observations, some making plans for cooperation or competition.
Even governments and private organizations were hinted at, joining in early exploration and testing.Len sipped water and leaned back, the warmth of the food settling in his stomach. His avatar continued in AFK Mode, quietly executing its tasks while he observed the growing chaos of discussion.
The world was just opening up, and already the excitement and speculation were buzzing everywhere.
Len leaned back in his chair,picked up his phone and scrolled through YouTube, watching early videos on Saline // Online.
Most clips focused on early gameplay—basic combat tips, leveling guides, and item farming strategies. A few players showed off their gear and skills, but nothing unusual stood out.
Len was just about to put his phone down when it buzzed loudly. The screen flashed with Ken's name.His best friend.
"Yo! Len, you there?" Ken's voice came through, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Hey… yeah, what's up?" Len said, raising an eyebrow.
"Dude! I just tried Saline // Online! You've got to hear this—I got this insane secret class called Wind Breaker. And yeah, I'm level 1 too!" Ken practically shouted.
Len chuckled. "Level 1, huh? That's… something."
"Bro, listen—I'm telling you, this class is nuts. Wind attacks, crazy mobility, all that. I'm gonna help you grind so you can catch up, alright?"
Ken said, his enthusiasm infectious.
Len grinned faintly. "Alright bro im gonna try the game in the evening."
"Yeah, yeah! But uh…" Ken paused, then sighed. "I gotta get back to grinding. Can't waste time—you know how it is. But seriously, we're gonna wreck this game together once you're in."
"Alright," Len said, putting his phone down. "Good luck with your grind."
"Later, man!" Ken's voice faded as the call ended.