Metatron leaned back on the apartment bed, the room's cyan lights reflecting softly off his visor. He opened his interface and selected Log Out.
The world dissolved into particles of light, and a faint hum filled his ears as his vision faded. Moments later, he opened his eyes inside his pod in the real world. The familiar ceiling of his small apartment came into view, dimly lit by the city's glow outside.
He exhaled deeply, stretching his arms before stepping out of the pod. The day had already faded into evening; time inside the game had passed faster than expected.
In his modest kitchen, Blade prepared dinner—simple but warm. Rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a cup of tea. The smell filled the air, grounding him after hours of digital immersion. He ate quietly, his mind replaying scenes of the Empire Gatefront and the apartment he had just claimed in StoneDragon.
After washing the dishes, he stepped into the shower, the water's warmth chasing away the stiffness from sitting too long in the pod. Clean and relaxed, he pulled on a dark hoodie and sank into bed. Within minutes, sleep took him, and for once, there were no battles—just the silence of rest.
Morning came with a soft glow filtering through the window. Blade rose, stretched, and made breakfast—eggs and toast again, with a side of sliced fruit. He ate methodically, the rhythm of routine soothing in its simplicity. After cleaning up, he took a quick shower, dressed in his usual casual wear, and turned toward the pod.
The sleek machine waited silently, its surface reflecting the morning light. Blade touched its interface, and the system responded instantly.
> [Neural Sync Online]
[Welcome Back, Metatron.]
Light surrounded him once more, and when it cleared, he stood inside his apartment in the StoneDragon Empire. The world of Ascender Online felt alive as ever—the distant hum of airships, NPC chatter echoing through the streets, and the faint resonance of the empire's main tower pulsing through the ground.
He stepped outside, visor activating automatically, and began walking through the Outer District. Markets buzzed with trade, forges blazed in rhythm, and player chatter filled the air. Every corner overflowed with life—craftsmen, adventurers, and curious newcomers drawn to the empire's promise.
Metatron moved through it all calmly, eyes scanning every detail. This was the heart of the empire, and he intended to learn its every secret—starting from the outer walls and working his way in.