The quiet hum of nature that had accompanied Evander, Lily, and Joy during their hunt was abruptly replaced by the low growl of engines and the muted clamor of human activity as they approached the cave’s entrance. The open space, previously occupied by their handful of vehicles, was now teeming with machinery, and not just any machinery – these were specialized, militaristic, designed for survival and protection.
Evander's eyes widened as he took in the scene. Monstrous land trucks were lined up, each linked to the other, resembling a mechanical centipede. The trucks were interspersed with what looked like RVs, but these were not the comfortable holiday vehicles one would expect. They were armored fortresses on wheels, bristling with weapon mounts and shielded viewports. They looked as if they were prepared for an apocalypse, designed to survive whatever the world threw at them.
He turned to Lily, who clung to him even tighter now. Her proximity was both a source of comfort and curiosity for him. Her eyes darted from one vehicle to the next, from one unfamiliar face to another, a mixture of caution and disdain evident in her gaze. "That's... quite a convoy," Evander muttered, trying to keep the surprise from his voice.
Lily, her voice a soft whisper, responded, "They're from a single family, believe it or not. But it's not their numbers that we should be wary of; it's their reputation and resources."
Evander noticed the women from the convoy moving around their vehicles, their motions swift and purposeful. They adjusted equipment, checked weapons, and communicated in muted tones with each other. And yet, amidst their tasks, they frequently cast glances his way, their eyes widening in surprise. It wasn’t every day they saw a man in full armor, fresh from a hunt.
The women from the convoy, though distinct in their features, shared a youthful radiance reminiscent of Evander's family. Their attire was stylish yet functional, accentuating their poised figures. Silken locks flowed gracefully, occasionally caught in delicate braids or playful ponytails. Even with the faint smudges of travel on their luminous faces, there was an undeniable allure about them. Each held weapons not just as tools, but as extensions of themselves, their proficiency evident in every graceful movement. They exuded a vibrant energy, combining beauty with a fierce readiness for the adventures ahead.
The sense of being an outsider, of being assessed and measured by these unknown women, weighed heavily on him.
Lily seemed to sense his discomfort. "Stay close," she whispered, her fingers tightening around his arm.
The sun was low, casting an orange-gold hue over the campsite. Vehicles sat idly, their engines cooled and shadows stretching across the terrain. The hum of preparations echoed in the air, the harmony of metal, wheels, and whispered conversations.
Evander, along with Lily and Joy, made his way back to the convoy. His armor, stained with the remnants of his hunting expedition, contrasted with the polished surfaces of the nearby vehicles. The clinking of their armored steps announced their return.
Emma approached them briskly, her light blue eyes darting around with evident concern. As she reached Evander, she involuntarily shifted closer to him, a subtle protective gesture.
"They got here quicker than anticipated," Emma said in a hushed voice, her gaze fixed on the newly arrived group. "Artur and his party are almost ready to leave."
Evander, adjusting the strap of his rail gun, replied, "I'd like to speak to Artur. See how things are."
Before Emma could respond, Evander, driven by his inherent desire to establish rapport, approached one of the women from Artur's family. Her raven-black hair shimmered in the waning sunlight, and her olive skin, flawless and radiant, made her stand out. But as he neared, a flash of alarm crossed her features, her eyes widening in sheer horror. It was as if his very approach was a trespass of some unspoken boundary.
Did I miss something? Evander wondered, his brow furrowing.
Reacting with lightning speed, Lily and Joy positioned themselves between the bewildered Evander and the alarmed woman. Their movements were fluid, precise, a dance of guardianship, shielding both parties from a cultural faux pas.
"Evander!" Lily hissed, tugging at his armored elbow. "You can't just approach them like that!"
Joy, her golden eyes glaring reproachfully, added, "You need to communicate through us. It's not deemed appropriate for a man, especially one like you, to directly converse with women who are associated with other men."
Nodding slowly, he said, "Alright, got it. But I need to speak with Artur. Can we arrange that?"
Lily and Joy exchanged glances. The air thickened with tension, a silent debate ensuing between the two women. Evander could practically hear the wheels turning in their heads.
Joy finally said, "Fine, but we'll accompany you." Evander smiled, a genuine expression of gratitude. "Thank you," he murmured.
Golden rays from the setting sun bathed the campsite in a warm, amber light, casting long, dancing shadows as the evening breeze played with the tall grass. The vehicles, an array of armored carriers and transport machines, stood tall and dominant, their mechanical prowess evident in every inch of their make.
However, before Evander could make his way to Artur's RV, a voice called out. It was one of the members of Artur's party. "No armor. No weapons," she declared firmly, her gaze fixed intently on Evander's heavily fortified exterior.
Understanding the need for diplomacy, Evander finally gave a resigned nod as he noticed the woman was directing her word to the women around him. With Lily and Joy's assistance, he began the process of shedding his protective layers. The weight of the armor leaving him felt like he was parting with an extension of himself, his second skin.
The girls, however, seemed to find great amusement in his mild discomfort. As he struggled with a particularly stubborn buckle, Joy playfully nudged Lily, a cheeky grin forming on her lips. "See? Not so fierce without all that metal, is he?"
Lily's melodic laughter echoed in response, her green eyes twinkling with mischief. "Indeed. Almost seems... human."
Evander tried to object, to tell them he didn't need their hovering as he changed. "I can manage on my own, you know," he grumbled, his cheeks flushing a faint shade of red. But the two women merely exchanged another amused glance, their chuckles a gentle tease.
Once attired in his wilderness clothes - a comfortable ensemble of leather pants, a loose cotton shirt, and sturdy boots, Evander felt both exposed and agile. The heaviness of the armor was gone, replaced by the lightness of his regular attire.
Lily and Joy, serving as his guides, led him toward the largest of the RV-like vehicles. Evander could hardly believe his eyes as they approached. It wasn’t just a vehicle, it was a marvel. Sleek, metallic surfaces blended seamlessly with intricate wooden carvings, and patterns of glowing runes etched into the exterior hinted at the magical enhancements within.
As they entered, the opulence was undeniable. The interior was a perfect blend of magic and mechanics. Soft, luminescent orbs floated near the ceiling, bathing the space in a gentle, ethereal light. The plush furnishings looked inviting, adorned with cushions that shimmered with enchantments. Every corner of the RV boasted gadgets and gizmos that seemed years ahead of what Evander had seen at their home.
Joy, observing his wide-eyed wonder, whispered, "Impressive, isn't it?"
The caravan of vehicles stood like an incongruous mirage amidst the untamed vastness of the wilderness. Towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind, framed the site, while chirping crickets set a rhythmic background score. It was an environment Evander felt at home in, an environment he loved. Yet the stark contrast between the untamed land and the lavishly adorned women from the other family felt almost surreal.
These women moved gracefully, their dresses flowing elegantly as they walked, their fabrics catching the evening's golden light. It seemed as though they had walked straight out of a ballroom, their refined air clashing vividly with the wild backdrop of their surroundings. Evander couldn't help but feel out of place amidst their cultured elegance. How do they maintain such poise out here?
Evander's steps were methodical, echoing softly as he neared the back of the luxurious vehicle. Before him stood an imposing door. Intricate inscriptions, seemingly ancient yet clearly magical, decorated its surface. A soft, ethereal glow emanated from them, moving, pulsating, creating intricate patterns that seemed to tell tales of ages past. These were not just any inscriptions; they were protective runes.
As the door closed behind him with a muffled thud, Evander was greeted by a sight that seemed out of place even in this unusual setting. The room was richly adorned, every inch speaking of luxury and wealth. Plush velvet cushions, ornate chandeliers with luminescent crystals, and walls decked with intricate murals painted in gold leaf - it was opulence in every sense of the word.
In the midst of this grandeur, on an oversized bed with drapes that seemed to be made of woven moonlight, lay a man. Artur. He looked disinterested, almost bored, as he nonchalantly tossed an object - a jeweled orb of some sort - up and down in the air. The motion was hypnotic, the orb capturing and reflecting light in dazzling patterns with each toss.
On noticing Evander, Artur paused, the orb hovering in mid-air as if suspended by an invisible force. "Oh, it's you," he said, his voice dripping with a mix of indifference and mild curiosity. He slowly sat up, the bed's drapes shifting around him like ethereal wraiths. "My women tell me I'm supposed to be rather grateful to you for...whatever it is you did." He tilted his head, studying Evander with a kind of detached intrigue.
He remembered saving Artur; remembered the danger, the adrenaline. Yet here was the man, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of his own predicament.
"They believe we need to flee our city for some time," Artur continued with a dramatic sigh, "claiming it's too perilous for my well-being. Can you imagine? And the worst part? The abysmal gaming connection on these travels. It's insufferably slow." He waved a dismissive hand, the jeweled orb dancing in the air beside him. "Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is about."
Evander blinked in disbelief. He remembered the Artur he'd rescued - equally aloof, equally unperturbed.
Evander, trying to build a rapport, smiled with genuine interest. "You mentioned a game? Sounds fascinating," he remarked, observing the sparkle in Artur's usually aloof eyes.
Artur's face lit up, his demeanor changing from languid indifference to animated enthusiasm. "Ah, games," he exclaimed, rising from the opulent bed, the drapes flowing behind him like a phantom's trail. Within moments, he reached a side drawer and began to rummage through it, pulling out a sophisticated piece of equipment. The device shimmered with a unique luminescence, intertwining magic and technology in a seamless dance.
"This," Artur began, holding up the gear, "is a magical augmented virtual environment set. It's one of the finest in the realm. Can transport your consciousness into any world, any scenario."
Evander, intrigued by the concept and the potential connection he could establish with Artur, responded with evident excitement. "Sounds incredible. It would be an honor to experience it." His primary intention was to understand the male perspective in this realm, and this seemed like a golden opportunity.
Artur's eyes darted around, searching, until he located another set, slightly worn but still pulsating with magical energy. "This one isn't as advanced, but it'll do," he stated as he handed it over. With meticulous care, he guided Evander, helping him adjust the device on his head. Evander felt a tingling sensation, cool and electrifying, as if tendrils of magic were intertwining with his neural pathways.
"Get comfortable," Artur instructed. "Once you're in the virtual world, your physical body remains static. You don’t want to strain yourself."
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
Evander nodded and settled himself onto the plush bed. The silk beneath him felt cool and inviting. This feels surreal, he thought, as he reclined next to Artur.
The last thing he heard before the transition was Artur's voice, slightly echoing, "I'll connect us. Prepare yourself."
Suddenly, Evander's surroundings shifted. His senses were overwhelmed by a blank expanse, an infinite space of pure, untainted white. There was no ceiling, no floor, just an endless void. But within this emptiness stood two figures: himself and Artur.
Artur, looking much the same but with an glow about him, turned to face Evander. "Welcome to the portal," he said, his voice echoing slightly in the vastness. "From here, we can choose any realm, any game. The world is our oyster."
Evander took a moment, steadying himself in this overwhelming environment. This is beyond anything I've ever experienced, he thought. With a deep breath, he responded, "Lead the way, Artur. I'm ready."
Evander and Artur stood within the vast expanse of the portal, a stark realm between realities. Around them, an endless cascade of virtual stars shimmered, creating an ethereal ambiance that invoked a sense of infinite possibilities.
Artur began to speak, his voice echoing slightly in the digital space. "There are countless domains in this server. Each game is a universe unto itself, governed by its own rules, characters, and scenarios."
Evander absorbed the information, intrigue apparent on his face. So much more intricate than I anticipated.
With a smirk, Artur continued, "I convinced 'my women' to grant me access to the general server. Normally, males like us are restricted to a male-specific server, but here, you get to explore more diverse worlds. However," he paused, looking pointedly at Evander, "there's one non-negotiable rule: anonymity. You can't reveal your identity as a male."
Evander pondered the implications for a moment. In a world where gender roles seem so strictly delineated, this could be a safety measure. He nodded in understanding, "Understood."
As if answering an invisible prompt, their avatars underwent a transformation. Evander's form shifted, becoming a neutral human figure, indistinct in gender and devoid of recognizable features. His ethereal silhouette seemed to shimmer in the digital twilight, rendering him as a specter of pure potential. Artur's avatar, by contrast, was even simpler: a smooth, translucent figure, its essence evident yet intangible.
With a sweeping motion of Artur's hand, a flurry of game icons emerged from the horizon, racing towards them like a swarm of colorful butterflies. They hovered, surrounding the pair in a dazzling display of virtual artistry.
After a moment of contemplation, Artur reached out and tapped one of the icons. "You might find this choice peculiar," he began, with a touch of sheepishness in his tone, "but I have an affinity for a certain monster-hunting game set in a wilderness environment. It's been designed as a training tool for real-life hunters."
Evander raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Of all the virtual realms to choose from, he prefers a simulation close to reality? Before he could comment, the surroundings began to warp and twist.
The vast emptiness of the portal faded, replaced by the bustling ambiance of a sprawling metropolis. Towering buildings crafted of steel, glass, and some unknown materials stretched skyward. The distant hum of airships and the nearby chatter of NPCs filled the air. They stood at the edge of the city, where the urban jungle met the actual wilderness. A massive billboard nearby advertised a hunting expedition, with digital NPCs fervently organizing supplies, pairing up into teams, and discussing strategies.
Directly in front of them was a grand archway, leading to the untamed lands beyond. Statues of renowned hunters adorned the entrance, their stone faces exuding determination and bravery. The horizon beyond hinted at dense forests, towering mountains, and mysterious caverns.
Artur glanced at Evander, excitement evident in his virtual eyes. "Ready for an adventure?" Evander smirked and nodded.
The sun was low in the virtual horizon, casting elongated shadows across the terrain. In this digital world, the rules were different, but the thrill of the hunt remained intact. Evander and Artur found themselves in a large camp filled with other adventurers, their avatars showcasing the diversity of the server's users: from warriors and rangers to magical beings.
Evander, even in his neutral avatar, moved with the grace of a seasoned hunter, observing and absorbing every detail. This is astonishing. The level of immersion is beyond anything I've ever experienced. The slight disconnect from the genuine peril of reality made it an exciting venture without the ever-present danger.
By contrast, Artur, whom Evander had known as more reserved in reality, thrived in the virtual setting. The game had clearly provided him with an environment where he could be his most confident self. Every time a hunting strategy was discussed or a creature was sighted, Artur was at the forefront, giving orders, drawing on vast reservoirs of in-game knowledge, and leading teams to victory.
"I think the trick here," Artur began, animatedly explaining to a group of fellow players, "is to anticipate the creature's movements based on its behavior patterns. And never approach it directly from the front!"
His assertiveness was surprising, to say the least. It was as though the game had tapped into a dormant part of his personality, bringing to the fore a commanding leader.
Throughout their expeditions, Evander learned the intricate rules that governed this virtual hunting world. There were protocols for tracking, engagement strategies, and guidelines on loot distribution. These systems provided a structured and safer approach to hunting, in stark contrast to the unpredictable and often dangerous methods Evander was accustomed to in the real world. It's more controlled here. I see the appeal, especially for those who'd want to experience the thrill without the actual threat.
However, this safety net came at a cost. The rewards were significantly diminished compared to the high-risk, high-reward scenarios in reality. The beasts they hunted were more predictable, and while they presented challenges, the genuine unpredictability and spontaneity of real-life hunting were absent.
After numerous in-game hours, the duo found themselves atop a hill, overlooking the vast wilderness they had traversed. The orange and pink hues of the setting sun painted the horizon, casting the digital world in a soft glow. The symphony of creatures in the distance was a testament to their virtual adventures.
"That was something, wasn't it?" Artur exclaimed, his avatar beaming with pride. "Feels just like the real thing, minus the genuine danger, of course."
Evander turned to him, a contemplative look on his avatar's face. "It was quite an experience. But Artur, while this virtual world offers safety and structure, it lacks the raw essence of real-world hunting. The unpredictability, the tangible risk... they make the rewards all the more satisfying."
Artur looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. "Maybe, but why risk it when you can get a similar experience here without the actual peril?"
Evander inhaled deeply, searching for the right words. "Because, Artur, there's a difference between living and merely existing. The real world, with all its unpredictabilities, is where we truly feel alive. And as men, we have a role in that world. We have skills, strength, and a perspective that's unique. We shouldn't confine ourselves to virtual realities when we can make a tangible difference outside."
Artur stared at the horizon, mulling over Evander's words. The weight of the decision was evident on his virtual face. After a prolonged silence, he finally said, "I'll think about it. But for now, let's head back to camp. Another expedition awaits."
Evander nodded, understanding that he had planted a seed of thought in Artur's mind. Only time would tell if it would bear fruit. For now, they would continue to revel in the virtual wilderness, all the while drawing comparisons to the real world they belonged to.
Emerging from the lavishly decorated room, saw Lily and Joy, still in their functional and yet uniquely graceful outfits, were seated on an elegant tufted couch, surrounded by a group of women who appeared to have stepped straight out of a high-fashion magazine.
These must be women from Artur's family.
The women exuded an air of sophistication. Gowns of flowing silk, embroidered with intricate patterns of gold and silver, cascaded down their figures. Their hair, whether up in elaborate braids or cascading in glossy waves, gleamed under the ambient lighting. Expensive jewelry adorned their necks, wrists, and fingers, catching light and reflecting it in myriad colors. Faces painted with subtle makeup highlighted their beauty without overshadowing it.
Despite their undeniable beauty and elegance, what captured Evander's attention was the palpable undercurrent of tension in the room. Competition seemed to linger in the air, an unspoken challenge that was evident in their posture and glances.
Lily's delicate features appeared slightly tense. She seemed to shrink a bit amidst the opulence, her usual confidence shadowed by a hint of shyness. Joy, on the other hand, appeared more in her element. Her laughter resonated in the room, a stark contrast to Lily's reserved demeanor. Evander could sense the competition brewing, the silent tug-of-war for attention and dominance.
Perhaps I can shift the balance.
With a plan forming in his mind, he made his way towards the two women, his stride confident. Before either Lily or Joy could react, Evander leaned down, capturing their lips in quick, affectionate kisses. "I'm so sorry for the wait," he murmured, his voice laden with genuine warmth. Lily and Joy's faces lit up with surprise, followed by a rush of pleasure. Their eyes sparkled, and their previously reserved postures straightened, basking in the attention and the undeniable mark of Evander's affection.
The reaction from Artur's women was instantaneous. Whispers broke out, faces flush with a mix of surprise, disapproval, and unmistakable jealousy. The atmosphere grew even more charged, the undercurrents now as visible as ripples on water.
Amidst the well-dressed ladies, one particularly striking woman with raven-black hair and a diamond tiara quickly excused herself. Her long, flowing gown trailed behind her as she headed towards the room Evander had just exited.
With a slightly raised chin and an aura of authority, she seemed to be on a mission. Evander watched her with curiosity. I wonder if she's going to check on Artur.
He was about to make his exit, eager to reunite with his family, when something caught his attention.
Pausing, he squinted through a slim opening in the heavily armored window. The landscape outside rushed by in a blur of greens and browns — the unmistakable ruggedness of the wilderness. Towering trees, wild shrubs, and the undulating ground raced past.
We're moving.
With a mixture of surprise and unease, he turned to Lily and Joy. "Seems I lost track of time. We're on the move," he commented, his voice carrying a note of chagrin. They must've thought he'd be alright with leaving while preoccupied with Artur.
Lily, her face etched with worry, replied, "It seems so. The convoy probably didn't want to wait too long in one spot. It's safer to keep moving." She chewed her bottom lip nervously, something she did whenever she was anxious.
Joy, ever the optimist, chuckled lightly, her hand brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, at least we know you're not lost to the allure of virtual games for days on end. We might've had to mount a rescue mission in the digital realm!"
Evander smirked at the jest. "Would've been quite the adventure, wouldn't it?"
The playful banter was a welcome distraction, but the reality remained: Evander needed to get back to his family's vehicle. Their RV might not have been as grand as this palace on wheels, but it was home.
"How do we manage a transfer mid-journey?" he mused aloud.
Joy, who had been scanning the interiors of the RV, pointed to an intercom system by the exit door. "We could use this to communicate with the drivers or the convoy leader."
Evander nodded, moving toward the intercom. After a brief conversation, explaining his need to be transferred to his own vehicle, there was a pause before the voice on the other end replied, "Understood. We'll slow down and signal your family's RV to move closer for the transfer."
The entire process required a meticulous choreography of precision. Evander could feel the RV decelerating, the once smooth ride now punctuated with the slightest judders. He glanced out of the window once again, noting their decreased speed and the nearby positioning of his family's vehicle — smaller, simpler.
It's almost like a dance, two massive vehicles trying to align in this unpredictable terrain.
Lily and Joy stood close, their hands clasped together in anticipation. A gust of wind swept into the RV as the exit door slid open. Evander could see a makeshift plank being extended from his family's vehicle to the one he was on. A bridge between two moving worlds.
Taking a deep breath, Evander began his precarious walk. The plank was stable, but the swaying of the vehicles and the rushing wilderness below was disorienting.
Lily and Joy followed closely behind, their graceful agility evident with each step they took. The three of them made it safely across.
The door slid shut behind them, sealing off the luxurious world they had left behind. The interiors of this RV were modest in comparison — functional furniture, and minimal décor.
In the dimly lit confines of the smaller RV, a world of familiarity and familial warmth enveloped Evander. The steady hum of the vehicle's engine, the familiar scents and sounds of his family's activities, and the occasional bump from the uneven wilderness terrain outside brought him a comfort that the opulence of the grand RV couldn't provide. But as he settled in, it was clear that Lily and Joy were brimming with questions.
"Why did it take you so long? What were you doing in there?" Lily queried, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Joy, with a teasing lilt, added, "Did you get lost in the luxury?"
Evander, with a sheepish grin, admitted, "I was playing an augmented virtual reality game with Artur. It felt like only minutes, but I guess time flew."
Amara, absorbed in something on a compact device, looked up, her eyes twinkling. "A virtual game, you say? If you're interested, I might be able to get you a set." Her hopeful smile was infectious, as though she'd just proposed an exciting adventure.
Evander chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Thanks, but I prefer the tangible thrills of real life."
Amara paused, tilting her head thoughtfully, studying him. She seemed on the verge of countering with the myriad possibilities of the virtual world. But instead, her smile deepened, warm and genuine, as she said, "I like you just the way you are."
Evander raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion evident. What does she mean by that?
Before he could ponder further, Emma, busy with a digital map display, called out. "Evander, any specific requests for our route?”
He straightened up, meeting her gaze. "Actually, if it's not too much trouble, I'd prefer we schedule stops near monster nests. I'd like to gain some more real-world experience."
Amara, catching on quickly, commented, "When we get back, I'll delve into some old records. Might give us a better understanding of what you're chasing after."
Evander flashed her a smile as she knew she wanted to know why he was so keen on battling the monsters and how he was gaining skills.
The atmosphere in the RV shifted to one of preparation and anticipation. They pored over maps and data, deliberating on the best approach. After a thorough examination, Emma, with a confident nod, announced, "There's a forest nest roughly a day's travel from here. We can make our stop there."
A thrill ran through Evander. The promise of real adventure, the raw unpredictability of nature and its beasts, was what truly invigorated him. The digital realm had its allure, but nothing could replace the tangible world's raw and unscripted moments.
Lily, sensing his excitement, gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Just promise to be careful, okay?"
He nodded, wrapping an arm around her. "Always."