The forest shifted with each step. Branches creaked softly overhead, and patches of sun spilled like coins onto the moss-covered ground. Birds flitted through the canopy, their calls weaving between the leaves as Leo adjusted the straps of his satchel and brought up his quest log.
A transparent screen blinked into view, listing objectives in pale blue text.
"Alright," he muttered, eyes scanning the screen. "We've cleared the slime dungeon and the wolf packs in that ruined keep. That's two off the list. Only thing left is submitting the guild quests and finishing one more non-VIP dungeon."
He flicked the log away with a casual swipe.
Ai, hovering to his left, nodded without looking up from her own screen. "You already completed a non-VIP dungeon after the Orc Lord. You only need one more to finish your weekly quest."
Roxanne stepped forward, her feet barely making a sound in the undergrowth. "There's one north of Brokrun village."
Leo turned to her.
"I sensed it when I was hiding out near there."
"The magic inside… it felt old. Unsettled."
Her voice drifted as she spoke, distant but sure.
Roxanne's gaze dropped. "It reminded me of when I found a puppy once. It was hiding in that same cave. Shaking. Couldn't even bark. I wrapped it in my cloak and waited for the rain to stop." She paused, her smile faint. "That cave always felt strange, even then. Like something was watching."
"How far is this dungeon from here?"
"Four hours to Brokrun on foot," she answered. "Then another two to the north. It's a bit of a walk."
Her gaze flicked to Ai, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Leo looked to Ai. "Can you?"
Ai's fingers moved before she answered. A map shimmered mid-air, her gestures smooth and practiced. "Yes. Brokrun is registered as a safe zone. We can move there directly."
She tapped the map. A soft tone chimed.
[System Notification] Move to Brokrun Village?
She hit confirm.
The forest fell away in a rush of wind and light. Roxanne gasped, grabbing instinctively at her skirt as the ground dissolved beneath her. The teleportation cocoon shimmered around them. Bright and warm. Impossibly fast.
Then, it was gone.
They landed in the heart of Brokrun Village.
Cobble and dirt streets stretched in every direction. Children darted past with wooden swords, laughter echoing under the shade of patchy awnings. A low, steady murmur hung in the air. Vendors calling, animals braying from hidden pens, water splashing gently in the central fountain.
Leo took in the scene. There was warmth there. Life.
But something else, too.
He looked closer.
Stalls were half-stocked. Meat hung in sparse rows. Leather goods were few and stretched thin, signs of overuse and patchwork repair. The air, where it should have been rich with spice and woodsmoke, carried only a thin aroma.
Leo's ears caught a nearby conversation.
"I heard the monster eating our livestock is dead," one man whispered, barely able to contain his relief.
"Thank the gods," the other replied. "If we can just start processing again…"
Roxanne's eyes wandered over the streets, her posture relaxed but alert. "I used to sleep in that building." She said, pointing to a crumbling roof.
She walked ahead without waiting.
"We should head north," she said, glancing back. "Two hours. The forest's dense, but not dangerous if we stay alert."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "So... just north of here?"
"Mhmm," Roxanne replied with a nod. "Not too far. But the path curves near a ravine. We'll want to keep left."
They moved through the village.
People watched them pass, curious, but not suspicious. Roxanne offered polite nods. Leo let his eyes sweep the buildings. There was stillness underneath the movement here. A quiet resilience.
Then something hit inside him.
His step faltered.
A sharp pulse shot through his head like a flash of heat behind his eyes. His balance slipped, and he staggered, one hand catching a nearby post.
Notification rained.
[System Notification] Forced system update has been initiated.
[System Notification] Entering system update mode in 3…
"Leo?" Ai turned toward him, her voice tight. "Leo, what's wrong?"
He couldn't answer.
[System Notification] 2…
The world tilted sideways. His knees buckled.
[System Notification] 1…
Everything slowed.
Ai's face shifted—sharp. Her gaze locked onto his. Her lips parted, but no sound followed.
Then, she was gone.
The screen vanished.
And Leo collapsed.
Roxanne dropped beside him, eyes wide with panic. "Leo! Hey—hey!" Her hands hovered over his shoulders, trembling, unsure where to touch.
The two white cats rushed in, fur bristling, letting out sharp cries as they pawed at his chest. Leo didn't move.
"Come on, don't do this now. Don't do this," Roxanne's voice broke. "Ai!" she shouted, spinning. But there was nothing.
Silence.
She looked back at Leo, his face pale, breath shallow. Her hands pressed gently to his cheek. "I can't lose you. Not after everything."
The world around her blurred. The sounds of the village dulled. Her pulse thudded in her ears.
But Leo didn't stir.